Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fixed reference line in a coordinate system: A coordinate axis is one of the set number of lines (usually perpendicular) used to define the position of a point in a coordinate system, such as the x-axis or y-axis in a Cartesian plane.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The point (3, 5) is located 3 units along the x-coordinate axis and 5 units along the y-coordinate axis.
  • In three-dimensional space, we add a third coordinate axis, usually labeled the z-axis.

Advanced Usage

• "Principal coordinate axis": A main or primary axis in a coordinate system.
  • The principal coordinate axes in a Cartesian system are mutually perpendicular.

Variants and Related Words

• Axis (n): A straight central line around which an object rotates or is arranged. In mathematics, it is synonymous with a reference line in a coordinate system.
  • The Earth rotates on its axis.
• Coordinate (n/adj): (n) A set of numbers that determines the position of a point. (adj) Equal in rank or importance.
  • What are the GPS coordinates for this location?
• Coordinate system (n): A system that uses one or more numbers, or coordinates, to uniquely determine the position of a point.
  • The Cartesian coordinate system is fundamental to analytic geometry.

Synonyms

• Reference axis: A line used as a basis for measurement or orientation.
• Axis line: A straight line serving as a reference.

Related Phrases

• Along an axis: Moving or measured in the direction parallel to a coordinate axis.
  • The value increased steadily along the time axis.
• Perpendicular axes: Axes that intersect at a 90-degree angle.
  • The Cartesian plane is defined by two perpendicular axes.

Related Concepts

• Abscissa: The x-coordinate of a point, representing its distance from the y-axis.
  • The abscissa of the point (7, 2) is 7.
• Ordinate: The y-coordinate of a point, representing its distance from the x-axis.
  • The ordinate of the point (7, 2) is 2.

Noun

1. one of the fixed reference lines of a coordinate system