depression

n. [ L. depressio: cf. F. dépression. ] 1. The act of depressing. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The state of being depressed; a sinking. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Humiliation; abasement, as of pride. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Dejection; despondency; lowness. [ 1913 Webster ]

In a great depression of spirit. Baker. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Diminution, as of trade, etc.; inactivity; dullness. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. (Astron.) The angular distance of a celestial object below the horizon. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. (Math.) The operation of reducing to a lower degree; -- said of equations. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. (Surg.) A method of operating for cataract; couching. See Couch, v. t., 8. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]