nutation

noun

nu·​ta·​tion nü-ˈtā-shən 

nyü-

1

archaic : the act of nodding the head

2

: oscillatory movement of the axis of a rotating body (such as the earth) : wobble

3

: a spontaneous usually spiral movement of a growing plant part

nutational

nü-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

nyü-

adjective

Examples of nutation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These changes are caused by wobbles in Mars’ rotation called nutations. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 2 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

Latin nutation-, nutatio, from nutare to nod, rock — more at numen

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1