inclined plane

2 definitions found

inclined plane - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Inclined \In*clined"\, p. p. & a.
     1. Having a leaning or tendency towards, or away from, a
        thing; disposed or moved by wish, desire, or judgment; as,
        a man inclined to virtue. "Each pensively inclined."
        --Cowper.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Math.) Making an angle with some line or plane; -- said
        of a line or plane.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Bot.) Bent out of a perpendicular position, or into a
        curve with the convex side uppermost.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Inclined plane. (Mech.)
        (a) A plane that makes an oblique angle with the plane of
            the horizon; a sloping plane. When used to produce
            pressure, or as a means of moving bodies, it is one of
            the mechanical powers, so called.
        (b) (Railroad & Canal) An inclined portion of track, on
            which trains or boats are raised or lowered from one
            level to another.
            [1913 Webster]

inclined plane - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  inclined plane
      n 1: a simple machine for elevating objects; consists of plane
           surface that makes an acute angle with the horizontal