nutation
Spinning axis wobble
Nutation is a slight wobbling or nodding motion superimposed on a larger rotation.
In astronomy, it describes the small oscillation in Earth's axis as it precesses, caused by gravitational influences from the moon and sun.
In botany, nutation refers to the circular or spiral movement of growing plant tips as they seek light or support: The vine's nutation helps it find something to climb.
Rotating axis gradually reorients
- axialAlong a rotation line
- wobbleUnsteady side-to-side motion
- axisRotation reference line
- torqueRotational force measurement
gyroscope · rotation · celestial · equinoxes · obliquity · declination · perturbation · earth
Unsteady side-to-side motion
- noddingMoving head affirmatively
- bobbingRhythmic vertical movement
- swayRock back and forth
- gyrationCircular or spiral movement
vibration · undulation · rocking · periodic · fluctuation · pitch · roll · tilt
Stimulus-directed movement
- tendrilCoiling plant appendage
- twiningWrapping around spirally
- stemPlant's central axis
- apicalAt the highest point
auxin · phototropism · gravitropism · heliotropism · curvature · growth · climbing · vine
precession
Rotating axis gradually reorients
torque · gyroscope · rotation · celestial · equinoxes · obliquity · declination · perturbation · earth · lunar
wobble
Unsteady side-to-side motion
gyration · vibration · undulation · rocking · periodic · fluctuation · pitch · roll · tilt · quiver
tropism
Stimulus-directed movement
apical · auxin · phototropism · gravitropism · heliotropism · curvature · growth · climbing · vine · seedling
nutationstability
Resistance to displacement
steadiness · stillness · rigidity · invariance · immobility