axis

1
[ ak-sis ]
/ ˈæk sɪs /

noun, plural ax·es [ak-seez] /ˈæk siz/.

Origin of axis

1
First recorded in 1540–50, axis is from the Latin word axis an axletree, axle, axis. See axi-

OTHER WORDS FROM axis

ax·ised [ak-sist] /ˈæk sɪst/, adjective un·ax·ised, adjective

Definition for axis (2 of 2)

axis 2
[ ak-sis ]
/ ˈæk sɪs /

noun, plural ax·is·es.

Origin of axis

2
First recorded in 1595–1605, axis is from the Latin word axis a wild animal of India (Pliny)

Example sentences from the Web for axis

British Dictionary definitions for axis (1 of 3)

axis 1
/ (ˈæksɪs) /

noun plural axes (ˈæksiːz)

Word Origin for axis

C14: from Latin: axletree, earth's axis; related to Greek axōn axis

British Dictionary definitions for axis (2 of 3)

axis 2
/ (ˈæksɪs) /

noun plural axises

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 for axis

C18: from Latin: Indian wild animal, of uncertain identity

British Dictionary definitions for axis (3 of 3)

Axis
/ (ˈæksɪs) /

noun

  1. the Axis the alliance of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Japan, established in 1936 and lasting until their defeat in World War II
  2. (as modifier)the Axis powers

Medical definitions for axis

axis
[ ăksĭs ]

n. pl. ax•es (ăksēz′)

A real or imaginary straight line about which a body or geometric object rotates or may be conceived to rotate.
A center line to which parts of a structure or body may be referred.
The second cervical vertebra. epistropheus vertebra dentata
An artery that divides into many branches at its origin.

Scientific definitions for axis

axis
[ ăksĭs ]

Plural axes (ăksēz′)

An imaginary line around which an object rotates. In a rotating sphere, such as the Earth and other planets, the two ends of the axis are called poles. The 23.45° tilt of the Earth's axis with respect to the plane of its orbit around the Sun causes the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to point toward and away from the Sun at different times of the year, creating seasonal patterns of weather and climate. Other planets in the solar system have widely varying tilts to their axes, ranging from near 0° for Mercury to 177° for Venus.
Mathematics
  1. A line, ray, or line segment with respect to which a figure or object is symmetrical.
  2. A reference line from which distances or angles are measured in a coordinate system, such as the x-axis and y-axis in the Cartesian coordinate system.
Anatomy The second cervical vertebra, which serves as a pivot for the head.
Botany The main stem or central part of a plant or plant part, about which other plant parts, such as branches or leaflets, are arranged.

Other words from axis

axial adjective

Cultural definitions for axis (1 of 2)

axis

An imaginary straight line passing through the North Pole, the center of the Earth, and the South Pole. The Earth rotates around this axis.

Cultural definitions for axis (2 of 2)

axis

In geometry, a straight line about which an object may rotate or that divides an object into symmetrical halves.

notes for axis

The axis of the Earth is an imaginary line drawn through the North Pole and the South Pole.