<p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>a bending, sloping, or moving downward.</li><li>deterioration; decline.</li><li>a swerving or deviating, as from a standard.</li><li>a polite refusal.</li><li>Astronomy: the angular distance of a heavenly body from the celestial equator, measured on the great circle passing through the celestial pole and the body.</li><li>variation (def 8).</li><li>the formal refusal by a nominee of a nomination to public office.</li></ul><p><strong>End of Response</strong></p>