释义 |
in·cline I. \ə̇nˈklīn\ verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Middle English inclinen, enclinen, from Middle French encliner, incliner, from Latin inclinare, from in- in- (II) + clinare to bend — more at lean intransitive verb 1. : to bend the head or body forward : bow < inclining toward the speaker to hear more clearly > 2. : to lean, tend, or become drawn especially toward an opinion or course of conduct : favor an opinion, a course of conduct, or a person < incline as we grow older more and more to traditional ways > < his heart inclined to the child > 3. : to deviate from a line, direction, or course : lean < converging lines incline toward each other > specifically : to deviate from the vertical or horizontal < the shaft inclines almost 30 degrees > < snow-laden birches inclining over the road > 4. of a military formation : to march or move obliquely to the front so as to gain ground on the flank as well as forward transitive verb 1. : to cause to stoop or bow : bend < inclining her head in greeting > 2. : to orient in the direction of : impart a trend toward, liking for, or interest in : influence in favor of something (as a course, interest, view) < increasing knowledge inclines one to further study > < tried to incline him to help > 3. : to cause to deviate physically especially from the horizontal or vertical : arrange in a slanting position : give a bend, slope, or slant to < rays of light are inclined in passing through a medium of high refractive index > < inclining the rake against the fence > 4. : to heel (a ship) experimentally to determine stability or center of gravity • - incline one's ear II. \ˈinˌklīn, ə̇nˈk-\ noun (-s) : an ascending or descending inclined plane : grade, gradient, slope: as a. : an inclined mine shaft or inclined portion of an otherwise vertical shaft — compare adit b. (1) : a railway track and supporting structure on a grade extending from an adjustable apron or bridge at a transfer slip (2) : a railway built on a slope on which cars are raised and lowered by means of a mechanically operated cable |