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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)



631 words match “PLANE”

DECIL; DECILE n.
An aspect or position of two planets, when they are distant from each other a tenth part of the zodiac, or 36º.
DECLINATION n. 2 definitions
The arc of the horizon, contained between the vertical plane and the prime vertical circle, if reckoned from the east or west, or between the meridian and the plane, reckoned from the north or south.
DECLINATOR n.
An instrument for taking the declination or angle which a plane makes with the horizontal plane.
DEPOLARIZATION n.
n; reduction to an unpolarized condition. Depolarization of light (Opt.), a change in the plane of polarization of rays, especially by a crystalline medium, such that the light which had been extinguished by the analyzer reappears as if the polarization had been anulled. The word is inappropriate, as the ray does not r…
DEPRESSION n.
Angle of depression (Geod.), one which a descending line makes with a horizontal plane. -- Depression of the dewpoint (Meteor.), the number of degreees that the dew-point is lower than the actual temperature of the atmosphere. -- Depression of the pole, its apparent sinking, as the spectator goes toward the equator.…
DESCENDING a.
; moving downwards. Descending constellations or signs (Astron.), those through which the planets descent toward the south. -- Descending node (Astron.), that point in a planet's orbit where it intersects the ecliptic in passing southward. -- Descending series (Math.), a series in which each term is numerically small…
DESCRIPTIVE a.
c solution of problems involving three dimensions, by means of projections upon auxiliary planes. Davies & Peck (Math. Dict. ) -- De*scrip"tive*ly, adv. -- De*scrip"tive*ness, n.
DEVELOP v.
ents; to bring to view. To develop a curved surface on a place (Geom.), to produce on the plane an equivalent surface, as if by rolling the curved surface so that all parts shall successively touch the plane.
DEVELOPABLE a.
sitions of the generator intersect each other. Hence, the surface can be developed into a plane.
DEXTRIN n.
hange easily to their respective varieties of sugar. It is so named from its rotating the plane of polarization to the right; -- called also British gum, Alsace gum, gommelin, leiocome, etc. See Achroödextrin, and Erythrodextrin.
DEXTRO- n.
having the property of turning the plane of polarized light to the right; as, dextrotartaric acid.
DEXTROROTATORY a.
Turning, or causing to turn, toward the right hand; esp., turning the plane of polarization of luminous rays toward the right hand; as, dextrorotatory crystals, sugars, etc. Cf. Levorotatory.
DEXTROSE n.
A sirupy, or white crystalline, variety of sugar, C6H12O6 (so called from turning the plane of polarization to the right), occurring in many ripe fruits. Dextrose and levulose are obtained by the inversion of cane sugar or sucrose, and hence called invert sugar. Dextrose is chiefly obtained by the action of heat and ac…
DIAL n.
adjusted in a certain determined way before the lock can be operated. -- Dial plate, the plane or disk of a dial or timepiece on which lines and figures for indicating the time are placed.
DIAMETER n.
A diametral plane.
DIAMETRAL a.
face which bisects a system of parallel chords drawn in a curve or surface. -- Diametral planes (Crystal.), planes in which two of the axes lie.
DIGRESSION n.
The elongation, or angular distance from the sun; -- said chiefly of the inferior planets. [R.]
DIHEDRAL a.
Having two plane faces; as, the dihedral summit of a crystal. Dihedral angle, the angular space contained between planes which intersect. It is measured by the angle made by any two lines at right angles to the two planes.
DIMENSION n.
-- Space of two dimensions, extension which has length and breadth, but no thickness; a plane or curved surface. -- Space of three dimensions, extension which has length, breadth, and thickness; a solid. -- Space of four dimensions, as imaginary kind of extension, which is assumed to have length, breadth, thickness…
DIP v. 2 definitions
To incline downward from the plane of the horizon; as, strata of rock dip.
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