Word Frequency
axis1 (ˈæksɪs
)
Definitions
noun
Word forms: plural axes (ˈæksiːz
)
) - a real or imaginary line about which a body, such as an aircraft, can rotate or about which an object, form, composition, or geometrical construction is symmetrical
- one of two or three reference lines used in coordinate geometry to locate a point in a plane or in space
- (anatomy) the second cervical vertebra Compare atlas (sense 3)
- (botany) the main central part of a plant, typically consisting of the stem and root, from which secondary branches and other parts develop
- an alliance between a number of states to coordinate their foreign policy
- Also called: principal axis (optics) the line of symmetry of an optical system, such as the line passing through the centre of a lens
- (geology) an imaginary line along the crest of an anticline or the trough of a syncline
- (crystallography) one of three lines passing through the centre of a crystal and used to characterize its symmetry
Word Origin
C14: from Latin: axletree, earth's axis; related to Greek axōn axisTranslations for 'axis'
Example Sentences Including 'axis'
In digging the foundations for a new building on the spot they discovered traces of a much earlier church on a slightly different axis.Times, Sunday Times (2001)
In principle, it is possible to measure it by monitoring the spin axis of a gyroscope orbiting the Earth.New Scientist (2004)
Its average radius was 35 millimetres (major axis , 72 millimetres; minor axis, 68 millimetres).The Complete Stories Volume 2
Its average radius was 35 millimetres (major axis, 72 millimetres; minor axis , 68 millimetres).The Complete Stories Volume 2
President George W. Bush has identified Iran as part of an " axis of evil," along with North Korea and the former Iraqi regime.canada.com (2004)
The U. S. has accused Iran, which President Bush has called part of an " axis of evil", of developing nuclear weapons.CBC (2004)
The difficulty in observing Mercury led to a long-standing mistake concerning the time it takes to rotate on its axis.Stars and Planets
The road, the main Corps axis of advance, ran along a broad, shallow valley.In Love and War
When Ayatollahs in the White House start screaming about the axis of evil, we're all in trouble.Belfast Telegraph (2004)
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