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Definition of: nutation
(n
·tā′shən, ny-) noun
1. Astron. The periodic inequalities in the motion of the axis and pole of the earth around the pole of the ecliptic as a center.
2. Bot. A spontaneous rotatory movement, as of young growing parts of plants.
3. The act of nodding the head. [<L nutatio, -onis <nutare nod]
—nu·ta′tion·al adjective
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