De*pres"sion (?), n. [L. depressio: cf. F. dépression.]

1.

The act of depressing.

2.

The state of being depressed; a sinking.

3.

A falling in of the surface; a sinking below its true place; a cavity or hollow; as, roughness consists in little protuberances and depressions.

4.

Humiliation; abasement, as of pride.

5.

Dejection; despondency; lowness.

In a great depression of spirit.
Baker.

6.

Diminution, as of trade, etc.; inactivity; dullness.

7. (Astron.)

The angular distance of a celestial object below the horizon.

8. (Math.)

The operation of reducing to a lower degree; -- said of equations.

9. (Surg.)

A method of operating for cataract; couching. See Couch, v. t., 8.

Angle of depression (Geod.), one which a descending line makes with a horizontal plane. --
Depression of the dewpoint (Meteor.), the number of degrees that the dew-point is lower than the actual temperature of the atmosphere. --
Depression of the pole, its apparent sinking, as the spectator goes toward the equator. --
Depression of the visible horizon. (Astron.) Same as Dip of the horizon, under Dip.

Syn. -- Abasement; reduction; sinking; fall; humiliation; dejection; melancholy.

 

© Webster 1913