orientation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of orienting
  2. noun an integrated set of attitudes and beliefs
  3. noun position or alignment relative to points of the compass or other specific directions
  4. noun a predisposition in favor of something
    predilection; preference.
    • a predilection for expensive cars
    • his sexual preferences
    • showed a Marxist orientation
  5. noun a person's awareness of self with regard to position and time and place and personal relationships
  6. noun a course introducing a new situation or environment
    orientation course.

WordNet

O`ri*en*ta"tion noun
Etymology
Cf. F. orientation.
Definitions
  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