axis¹ /akˈsis/

1. A line about which a body rotates, or about which a figure is conceived to revolve
2. A straight line about which the parts of a figure, body or system are symmetrically or systematically arranged
3. A fixed line adopted for reference in co-ordinate geometry, curve-plotting, crystallography, etc
4. An axle (obsolete)
5. The second vertebra of the neck in higher vertebrates (zoology)
6. The main stem or root, or a branch in relation to its own branches and appendages (botany)
7. An alliance of powers, as if forming together an axis of rotation, esp the political alliance of Germany and Italy (1936)

axˈial adjective

Relating to, or of the nature of, an axis

axialˈity noun

axˈially adverb

axˈile /akˈsīl/ adjective (botany)

Coinciding with an axis

axˈoid noun

A curve generated by the revolution of a point round an advancing axis

axial skeleton noun

(in vertebrates) the skull, vertebral column, sternum and ribs

axial tomography noun (medicine)

A technique of tomography using a camera that rotates on an axis

axis cylinder noun (anatomy)

The excitable core of a medullated nerve-fibre

axis of incidence noun

The line passing through the point of incidence of a ray perpendicularly to the refracting surface

• out of one's own head
• out of one's senses
• out of one's skull
• out of one's tree
• out of order
• out of perspective
• out of phase
• out of place
• out of play
• out of pocket
• out-of-pocket
• out of print
• out of proportion
• out of question
• out of season
• out of service
• out of shape
• out of sight
• out of sorts
• out of spirits
• out of step
• out of stock
• out of sync
• out of synch
• out of temper