Axis
/ˈæksɪs/
nounIntermediate📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
An imaginary line around which a body rotates or a figure is symmetrical.
/ˈæksɪs/
nounneutralIntermediate
General
A line around which something rotates.
The Earth's axis is tilted.
💡 Simply: The line something spins around.
More Examples
2
The symmetry of the design is based on a vertical axis.
How It's Used
Mathematics
"The Earth rotates on its axis."
Physics
"The wheel spins around its central axis."
2
A central point or principle around which other things are organized or revolve.
/ˈæksɪs/
nounneutralIntermediate
General
A central or principal line around which something revolves.
The economy was the main axis of the political debate.
💡 Simply: The main point or idea around which things turn.
How It's Used
Politics
"The conflict became a major axis of international relations."
Tip:Think of the central point of power or influence.
From Latin axis, from Greek ἀξών (axōn), "axle".
The word 'axis' has been used in its geometric sense since ancient Greece.
Memory tip
Think of the axle of a wheel – that's an axis.
Word Origin
LanguageGreek
Original meaning
"axle"
Base: axis
coordinate axisrotational axissymmetry axis
Common misspellings
axeisaxiss
Practice
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written