magnetic declination

noun, Navigation
1.
variation (def 8).
British Dictionary definitions for magnetic declination

magnetic declination

noun
1.
the angle that a compass needle makes with the direction of the geographical north pole at any given point on the earth's surface Also called declination, magnetic variation
magnetic declination in Science
magnetic declination  
The horizontal angle between the true geographic North Pole and the magnetic north pole, as figured from a specific point on the Earth. Compare magnetic inclination.