Etymology Partly inherited from Middle English ordinat(e) (adjective and participle), partly directly borrowed from Latin ōrdinātus, perfect passive participle of ōrdinō, see -ate (etymology 1, 2 and 3). Doublet of ordain. Sense 5 of the verb is from a back-formation from ordination.
1
Geometry, Mathematics, Sciences The second of the two terms by which a point is referred to, in a system of fixed rectilinear coordinate (Cartesian coordinate) axes.
Coordinate term: abscissa
The point (3,2) has 3 as its abscissa and 2 as its ordinate.
2
Geometry, Mathematics, Sciences The vertical line representing an axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, on which the ordinate (sense above) is shown.
ordinate
verb
/ˈɔː(ɹ)dɪneɪt/
Etymology Partly inherited from Middle English ordinat(e) (adjective and participle), partly directly borrowed from Latin ōrdinātus, perfect passive participle of ōrdinō, see -ate (etymology 1, 2 and 3). Doublet of ordain. Sense 5 of the verb is from a back-formation from ordination.
1
To align a series of objects.
2
Uncommon To ordain a priest, or consecrate a bishop.
3
Archaic To order or regulate; to control, govern, or direct.
4
Obsolete To institute, establish; to ordain; to predestine.
Etymology Partly inherited from Middle English ordinat(e) (adjective and participle), partly directly borrowed from Latin ōrdinātus, perfect passive participle of ōrdinō, see -ate (etymology 1, 2 and 3). Doublet of ordain. Sense 5 of the verb is from a back-formation from ordination.
1
Rare, Of someone Observant of order, keeping within set limits; moderate, temperate
After the 17th c.
2
Obsolete, Of things Conforming to order or rule, ordered, regulated, regular, orderly.