axis
/ˈæksɪs/
Frequency: 4.02 in modern English
Meaning
noun
An imaginary line around which an object spins (an axis of rotation) or is symmetrically arranged (an axis of symmetry).
noun
A fixed one-dimensional figure, such as a line or arc, with an origin and orientation and such that its points are in one-to-one correspondence with a set of numbers; an axis forms part of the basis of a space or is used to position and locate data in a graph (a coordinate axis)
noun
The second cervical vertebra of the spine
noun
An imaginary, visualized plane separating two morphologically similar parts of an organism
noun
A form of classification and descriptions of mental disorders or disabilities used in manuals such as the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
noun
The centre of attention within a process (e.g. the axis of investigation)
Example Sentences
- "A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place."
- "The Earth rotates once a day on its axis"
- "This Berlin-Madrid vertical line is not an obstacle but rather an axis around which can revolve all those European states with a will to collaboration and peace."
Etymology
Origin
- Source language: Latin
Word Breakdown
- Root: *h₂eḱs-, axis, -
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈæksɪs/
- British English: /ˈæksɪs/