declination in WordNet English dictionary

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
   declination  celestial latitude  dec 
   
2. a downward slope or bend
   descent  declivity  fall  decline  declination  declension  downslope 
   
3. a polite refusal of an invitation
   declination  regrets 
   
4. a condition inferior to an earlier condition; a gradual falling off from a better state
   decline  declination