O`ri*en*ta"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. orientation.]

1.

The act or process of orientating; determination of the points of the compass, or the east point, in taking bearings.

2.

The tendency of a revolving body, when suspended in a certain way, to bring the axis of rotation into parallelism with the earth's axis.

3.

An aspect or fronting to the east; especially Arch., the placing of a church so that the chancel, containing the altar toward which the congregation fronts in worship, will be on the east end.

4.

Fig.: A return to first principles; an orderly arrangement.

The task of orientation undertaken in this chapter. L. F. Ward.

 

© Webster 1913.