English Meaning & Definitions
To oscillate, nod, or sway, especially referring to the periodic variation in the inclination of the axis of a rotating object, such as the Earth, or the circular growth movement of a plant stem.
- โThe Earth's axis is known to nutate slightly over an 18.6-year cycle due to the gravitational influence of the moon.โ
- โClimbing plants often nutate as they grow, searching for a surface to latch onto.โ
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โnutateโ.
Derived from the Latin 'nutare', meaning 'to nod' or 'to sway'. It is the frequentative form of 'nuere' (to nod). In scientific contexts, it was adopted in the 17th century to describe the periodic oscillation or 'nodding' motion of the Earth's axis or the growth movements of plants.
Think of a 'nut' falling from a tree; as it falls, it might wobble or 'nutate' on its way down.
Frequently Asked Questions About โnutateโ
1. What is the meaning of โnutateโ in English?
In English, nutate (verb) is defined as: โTo oscillate, nod, or sway, especially referring to the periodic variation in the inclination of the axis of a rotating object, such as the Earth, or the circular growth movement of a plant stem.โ.
2. How do you use โnutateโ in a sentence?
โThe Earth's axis is known to nutate slightly over an 18.6-year cycle due to the gravitational influence of the moon.โ
3. What are English synonyms of โnutateโ?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of โnutateโ?
Derived from the Latin 'nutare', meaning 'to nod' or 'to sway'. It is the frequentative form of 'nuere' (to nod). In scientific contexts, it was adopted in the 17th century to describe the periodic oscillation or 'nodding' motion of the Earth's axis or the growth movements of plants.
๐ฌ๐งMore English Words to English
View all English words โThe base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), equal to the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom.
A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.