variation

The Sailor's Word-Book

A term applied to the deviation of the magnetic needle or compass, from the true north point towards either east or west; called also the declination. The variation of the needle is properly defined as the angle which a magnetic needle suspended at liberty makes with the meridian line on a horizontal plane; or an arc of the horizon, comprehended between the true and the magnetic meridian. (See annual variation.)

Related Words

  • Variation

    ·noun Change of termination of words, as in declension, conjugation, derivation, ·etc. II. Variatio...

    Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

  • variation of the variation

    Is the change in the declination of the needle observed at different times in the same place. ...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • annual variation

    The change produced in the right ascension or declination of a star by the precession of the equinox...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • variation chart

    The well-known chart produced by Halley, whereon a number of curved lines show the variation of the ...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • variation of the moon

    An inequality in the movement of our satellite, amounting at certain times to 37′ in longitude: it w...

    The Sailor's Word-Book