axis

noun

(geometry) An imaginary line around which an object spins (an axis of rotation) or is symmetrically arranged (an axis of symmetry).

(mathematics) 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)

(anatomy) The second cervical vertebra of the spine

(botany) The main stem or central part about which organs or plant parts such as branches are arranged

(psychiatry) 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)

(figurative) The centre of attention within a process (e.g. the axis of investigation)

(military) An alliance or coalition.

(anatomy) An imaginary, visualized plane separating two morphologically similar parts of an organism

A deer native to Asia, of species Axis axis.

The alliance (in effect before and during World War II) of Germany, Italy, Japan, and several minor allied countries, which opposed the Allies.

Roots

axisaxis- · Latin · axle, pivot

Synonyms for axis

pivotn axlen spindlen gimbaln perpendicularadj yawn blocn diagonaladj radiusn mandreln

Synonyms & related words for axis

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of axis — including pivot, axle, spindle, gimbal, perpendicular, yaw. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to axis

Explore words related to axis — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include monaxial, bisectrix, hemimorphic, axial, subtangent, circumvolution, axially, coaxially. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for axis

Common synonyms for axis include pivot, axle, spindle, gimbal, perpendicular, yaw, bloc, diagonal — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does axis come from?

The word axis breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root axis, from Latin axis (“axle, pivot”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.