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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.

Repeated composition; a combination of compounds. [Obs.] Decomposition of forces. Same as Resolution of forces, under Resolution. -- Decomposition of light, the division of light into the prismatic colors.

ed law of mortality is such that of a given large number of persons, all being now of the same age, an equal number shall die each consecutive year. (b) The decrease of life in a group of persons in which the assumed law of mortality is such that the ratio of those dying in a year to those living through the year is co…

of silver, and vessels of gold, . . . which also king David did dedicate unto the Lord. 2 Sam. viii. 10, 11. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. . . . But in a larger sense we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate,…

being performed, the deed is defeated or rendered void; or a collateral deed, made at the same time with a feoffment, or other conveyance, containing conditions, on the performance of which the estate then created may be defeated.

Same as Deficiency. Thou in thyself art perfect, and in thee Is no deficience found. Milton.

by which the number of double points on a curve is short of the maximum for curves of the same degree.

Same as Defilade.

he essential law of chemical combination that every definite compound always contains the same elements in the same proportions by weight; and, if two or more elements form more than one compound with each other, the relative proportions of each are fixed. Compare Law of multiple proportions, under Multiple.…

right line or proper course; a bending, esp. downward; deviation. The other leads to the same point, through certain deflections. Lowth.

Same as Deflour. An earthquake . . . deflowering the gardens. W. Montagu. If a man had deflowered a virgin. Milton.

Same as Deforciant. [Obs.]

Same as Deforcement, n.

Same as Decagram.

Same as Decaliter.

Same as Decameter.

Same as Decastere.

Same as Delftware.

Same as Delftware.

The mistress of Samson, who betrayed him (Judges xvi.); hence, a harlot; a temptress. Other Delilahs on a smaller scale Burns met with during his Dumfries sojourn. J. C. Shairp.