orientation

 
Pronunciation: /ˌɔːrɪənˈteɪʃ(ə)n, ˌɒr-/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the action of orienting someone or something relative to the points of a compass or other specified positions: studies of locational awareness and orientation in young children
  • [count noun] the relative position or direction of something: using the orientation of a building to capture energy from the sun
  • Zoology the faculty by which birds and other animals find their way back to a place after going or being taken to a place distant from it: recent research in animal orientation
  • 2a person’s basic attitude, beliefs, or feelings in relation to a particular subject or issue: his book is well worth reading, regardless of your political orientation
  • 3familiarization with something: many judges give instructions to assist jury orientation
  • (also orientation course) chiefly North American a course giving information to newcomers to a university or other institution.

Derivatives

orientational

adjective

Origin:

mid 19th century: apparently from orient