Dec (Noun)

Meaning ¹

(astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial body north or to the south of the celestial equator; expressed in degrees; used with right ascension to specify positions on the celestial sphere.

Classification

Nouns denoting spatial position.

Examples

• The coordinates of the star included a declination of 30 degrees north of the celestial equator.
• The planet's position was determined by its right ascension and declination relative to the vernal equinox.
• Astronomers use declination and right ascension to locate objects in the night sky.
• The telescope was adjusted to point at a declination of -45 degrees to observe the southern celestial pole.
• The celestial map showed the declination of each planet and star in degrees north or south of the celestial equator.

Synonyms

• Declination
• Celestial Latitude

Hypernyms

• Angular Distance

Meaning ²

The last (12th) month of the year.

Classification

Nouns denoting time and temporal relations.

Synonyms

• December

Hypernyms

• Gregorian Calendar Month