Axis
adjEtymology From Mussolini's idea of "an axis around which nations could assemble".
1
Of or pertaining to this alliance.
- Synonyms
- the Axis Powers
axis
nounalso spelled AxisUK /ˈæksɪs/ · AU, CA, US /ˈæksɪs/
Etymology Borrowed from Latin axis (“axle, axis”) in the 16th century. Via Latin cognate with ala, aisle, atelier. Via Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱs- cognate with inherited English axle and borrowed axo-, axon.
8 senses
- 1An imaginary line around which an object spins (an axis…
- 2A fixed one-dimensional figure, such as a line or arc…
- 3The second cervical vertebra of the spine
- 4An imaginary, visualized plane separating two…
- 5A form of classification and descriptions of mental…
- 6The main stem or central part about which organs or…
- 7An alliance or coalition.
- 8The centre of attention within a process (e.g. the axis…
1
Geometry, Mathematics, Sciences An imaginary line around which an object spins (an axis of rotation) or is symmetrically arranged (an axis of symmetry).
- A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place.2012 March 23, Henry Petroski, “Opening Doors”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, pages 112–3:
- The Earth rotates once a day on its axis
2
Mathematics, Sciences 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)
5
Human sciences, Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychology, Sciences 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)
7
Government, Military, Politics, War An alliance or coalition.
- This Berlin-Rome vertical line is not an obstacle but rather an axis around which can revolve all those European states with a will to collaboration and peace.1936, November 1st, Benito Mussolini, Milan Speech
8
Figuratively The centre of attention within a process (e.g. the axis of investigation)
- Derived terms
47 terms
axi-, axipetal, Axis Age, axis cylinder, axised, axis mundi, axis of evil, axis of resistance, axis of rotation, axis of symmetry, axis of upheaval, Axis progression, cerebrospinal axis, coaxis, conjugate axis, co-ordinate axis, coordinate axis, eigenaxis, figure axis, gut-brain axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, imaginary axis, interaxis, major axis, minor axis, multiaxis, neural axis, neuraxis, optical axis, optic axis, ordinate axis, parallel axis theorem, perpendicular axis theorem, polar axis, pseudoaxis, radical axis, real axis, rotational axis, semiaxis, semimajor axis, semi-major axis, semiminor axis, semi-minor axis, visual axis, x-axis, y-axis, z-axis- Coordinate terms
- atlas