An axis is an imaginary line through the middle of something.
2. countable noun
An axis of a graph is one of the two lines on which the scales of measurement are marked.
More Synonyms of axis
axis in British English1
(ˈæksɪs)
nounWord forms: pluralaxes (ˈæksiːz)
1.
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
2.
one of two or three reference lines used in coordinate geometry to locate a point in a plane or in space
3. anatomy
the second cervical vertebra
Compare atlas (sense 3)
4. botany
the main central part of a plant, typically consisting of the stem and root, from which secondary branches and other parts develop
5.
an alliance between a number of states to coordinate their foreign policy
6. Also called: principal axis optics
the line of symmetry of an optical system, such as the line passing through the centre of a lens
7. geology
an imaginary line along the crest of an anticline or the trough of a syncline
8. 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 axis
axis in British English2
(ˈæksɪs)
nounWord forms: pluralaxises
any of several S Asian deer of the genus Axis, esp A. axis. They typically have a reddish-brown white-spotted coat and slender antlers
Word origin
C18: from Latin: Indian wild animal, of uncertain identity
Axis in British English
(ˈæksɪs)
noun
the Axis
axis in American English1
(ˈæksɪs)
nounWord forms: pluralˈaxes (ˈækˌsiz)
1.
a real or imaginary straight line on which an object rotates or is regarded as rotating
the axis of a planet
2.
a real or imaginary straight line around which the parts of a thing, system, etc.are symmetrically or evenly arranged or composed
the axis of a picture
3.
a main line of motion, development, etc.
4.
an alignment between countries, groups, etc. for promoting their purposes
5. Aeronautics
any of the three straight lines, perpendicular to each other, passing through the center of gravity of an aircraft, namely the longitudinal axis from nose to tail, the lateral axis from side to side, and the vertical axis from above to below
6. Anatomy
a.
the second cervical vertebra
b.
any of various axial or central parts
7. Botany
a.
the main stem of a plant
b.
the central system of a cluster
8. Geometry
a.
a straight line through the center of a plane figure or solid, esp. one around which the parts are symmetrically arranged
b.
a straight line for measurement or reference, as in a graph
9. Optics
a.
a straight line through the centers of both surfaces of a lens
b.
a straight line from the object of vision to the fovea of the eye
Idioms:
the Axis
Word origin
L, axle, axis < IE *aks- < base *aĝ- (see act1) > OE eax, ON ǫxull, Gr axōn, L axilla
axis in American English2
(ˈæksɪs)
noun
any of a genus (Axis) of small deer of India and S Asia, with slender, sparsely branched antlers
Word origin
ModL < L
Examples of 'axis' in a sentence
axis
The main axis of stratification in capitalist societies is the struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
Sanderson, Stephen K. Macrosociology: An Introduction to Human Societies (1995)
This lines one side of a path leading on a central axis from the house.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
We are able to plot graphs with the number of points gained on one axis and the salary bill on the other.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
When both are passed over for the top job, they join forces to form an axis of evil.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Looking down the main axis to the bottom of the garden, there is a dip in the field hedge.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
With points on one axis and the wage bill on the other, it is possible to place all the teams on a chart.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Everything from the axis of the earth, to the 23rd psalm comes into it.
The Sun (2007)
By that time the Axis forces in Tunisia had surrendered.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
If commanders failed to identify the main Soviet axis of advance correctly, the whole defence might be scuppered.
McInnes, Colin NATO's Changing Strategic Agenda (1990)
Word lists with
axis
terms used in botany
In other languages
axis
British English: axis NOUN
An axis is an imaginary line through the middle of something.
...the tilt of the Earth's axis.
American English: axis
Brazilian Portuguese: eixo
Chinese: 轴
European Spanish: eje
French: axe
German: Achse
Italian: asse
Japanese: 軸
Korean: 축
European Portuguese: eixo
Latin American Spanish: eje
All related terms of 'axis'
x-axis
a reference axis , usually horizontal , of a graph or two- or three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system along which the x- coordinate is measured
y-axis
a reference axis , usually vertical , of a graph or two- or three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system along which the y- coordinate is measured
z-axis
a reference axis of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system along which the z- coordinate is measured
axis deer
an Asian deer , Cervus ( Axis ) axis , of India and Sri Lanka, having a reddish-brown coat spotted with white
the Axis
the alliance of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Japan , established in 1936 and lasting until their defeat in World War II
major axis
the longer or longest axis of an ellipse or ellipsoid
minor axis
the shorter or shortest axis of an ellipse or ellipsoid
optic axis
the direction in a uniaxial crystal or one of the two directions in a biaxial crystal along which a ray of unpolarized light may pass without undergoing double refraction
polar axis
the fixed line in a system of polar coordinates from which the polar angle , θ, is measured anticlockwise
magnetic axis
the straight line joining the two poles of a magnet , as the poles of the earth
neutral axis
the line or plane through the section of a beam or plate which does not suffer extension or compression when the beam or plate bends
radical axis
a line from any point of which tangents to two given circles are of equal length . It is the line joining the points of intersection of two circles
axis of evil
North Korea , Iraq , and Iran when considered together as a perceived threat to world stability
conjugate axis
the axis of a hyperbola perpendicular to the transverse axis at a point equidistant from the foci
principal axis
the line passing through the optical centre and centres of curvature of the faces of a lens or a curved mirror
semimajor axis
one half of the longer axis of an elliptical orbit
semiminor axis
one half of the shorter axis of an elliptical orbit
axis of diesel
a name given to a bloc of countries ( Russia , Iran , and Venezuela ) whose reserves of oil enhance their political importance
(noun)
Definition
a real or imaginary line about which a body can rotate or about which an object or geometrical construction is symmetrical
the axis of the Earth
Synonyms
pivot
The pedal had sheared off at the pivot.
shaft
axle
The engine, gearbox and black axle needed to be replaced.
spindle
Magnetic fields pull and push the spindle of the motor.
centre line
Additional synonyms
in the sense of axle
Definition
a shaft on which a wheel or pair of wheels revolves
The engine, gearbox and black axle needed to be replaced.
Synonyms
shaft,
pin,
rod,
axis,
pivot,
spindle,
arbor,
mandrel
in the sense of spindle
Definition
a rotating rod that acts as an axle
Magnetic fields pull and push the spindle of the motor.