axis
/ˈæksɪs/ noun B2- An imaginary line around which an object spins (an axis of rotation) or is symmetrically arranged (an axis of symmetry). · The Earth rotates once a day on its axis
- 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)
- The second cervical vertebra of the spine
- An imaginary, visualized plane separating two morphologically similar parts of an organism
- 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)
- The main stem or central part about which organs or plant parts such as branches are arranged
- An alliance or coalition.
- The centre of attention within a process (e.g. the axis of investigation)
Plural axes
From the library
A FIR-TREE said boastingly to the Bramble, “You are useful for nothing at all; while I am everywhere used for roofs and houses.” The Bramble answered: “You poor creature, if you would only call to mind the axes and saws which are about to hew you down, you would have reason to wish that you had grown up a Bramble, not a Fir-Tree.”
You see the earth takes twenty-four hours to turn round on its axis—”
“Talking of axes,” said the Duchess, “chop off her head!”
On the walls, over the doors, on the ceiling, were swords, daggers, Malay creeses, maces, battle-axes; gilded, damasked, and inlaid suits of armor; dried plants, minerals, and stuffed birds, their flame-colored wings outspread in motionless flight, and their beaks forever open.
Other matches
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