dɪˈklɛn.ʃən ˌdɛklɪˈneɪʃən dɪˈklaɪn dɪˈklɪvɪti dɪˈsɛnt fɔːl fɔl fɑl a polite refusal of an invitation (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 a downward slope or bend a condition inferior to an earlier condition; a gradual falling off from a better state; decline