Defn: An instrument for measuring the declination of the magnetic needle.
DECLINOUS
De*clin"ous, a.
Defn: Declinate.
DECLIVITOUS; DECLIVOUS
De*cliv"i*tous, De*cli"vous, a.
Defn: Descending gradually; moderately steep; sloping; downhill.
DECLIVITY De*cliv"i*ty, n.; pl. Declivities. Etym: [L. declivitas, fr. declivis sloping, downhill; de + clivus a slope, a hill; akin to clinare to incline: cf. F. déclivité. See Decline.]
1. Deviation from a horizontal line; gradual descent of surface; inclination downward; slope; — opposed to acclivity, or ascent; the same slope, considered as descending, being a declivity, which, considered as ascending, is an acclivity.
2. A descending surface; a sloping place. Commodious declivities and channels for the passage of the waters. Derham.
DECOCT
De*coct", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decocted; p. pr. & vb. n. Decocting.]
Etym: [L. decoctus, p. p. of decoquere to boil down; de- + coquere to
cook, boil. See Cook to decoct.]
1. To prepare by boiling; to digest in hot or boiling water; to extract the strength or flavor of by boiling; to make an infusion of.