1. small periodic oscillations in the axis of rotation of a spinning object, especially Earth
Usage: astronomy; physics
2. nodding or swaying movements of plant parts, especially growing tips
Usage: botany

Examples

• The Earth’s nutations cause slight variations in the position of the celestial poles.
• Astronomers must account for nutations when making precise stellar observations.
• The telescope’s software corrects for both precession and nutations.
• Plant nutations help growing shoots find optimal light conditions.
• The vine’s nutations allowed it to locate and wrap around the support pole.
• Scientists studied the nutations of sunflower stems as they tracked the sun.