verb
- moves in a nodding or oscillating motion; exhibits nutation
Usage: biology/astronomy: describes the movement of plant stems or celestial bodies
Examples
- The climbing plant nutates as it searches for a support structure.
- The sunflower's stem nutates throughout the day, tracking the sun's movement.
- Earth's axis nutates slightly over a 18.6-year cycle.
- Young bean plants nutation helps them navigate obstacles in their environment.
- The telescope's mount nutates to compensate for atmospheric refraction.