orientation

orientation /ori·en·ta·tion/ (or″e-en-ta´shun)

1. awareness of one's environment with reference to time, place, and people.

2. the relative positions of atoms or groups in a chemical compound.

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o·ri·en·ta·tion (ôr-n-tshn)

n.

1. The act of orienting or the state of being oriented.

2. Location or position relative to the points of the compass.

3. The relative position of one atom with respect to another to which it is connected.

4. Sexual orientation.

5. Introductory instruction concerning a new situation.

6. Awareness of the objective world in relation to one's self.

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orientation

[ôr′ē·əntā′shən]

Etymology: L, oriens + itio, process

1 the direction of a fragment of nucleic acid inserted into a vector. The orientation of the fragment may be the same as that of the genetic map of the vector (the n orientation) or opposite (the u orientation).

2 the awareness of one's physical environment with regard to time, place, and the identity of other people. The ability to adapt to such an existing or new environment. Disorientation is usually a symptom of organic brain disease and most psychoses.

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orientation [o″re-en-ta´shun]

1. awareness of one's environment, with reference to place, time, and people.

2. attraction or tendency.

3. the relative positions of atoms or groups in chemical compounds.

4. a planned series of classes and educational experiences on patient care units to acquaint a newly employed health care provider with routines, protocols, and expectations.

reality orientation see reality orientation.

topographical orientation determination of the location of objects and settings and the route to the location.

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orientation,

n the ability to correctly place oneself in time, space, and relationship to others and one's work and environment.

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orientation

Neurology The state of being oriented; the knowledge of one's self, and present situation–eg,  awareness of one's environment with reference to time, place, and interpersonal relationships Vox populi Proclivity, tendency; mien. See Sexual orientation.