axis

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An imaginary line through the centre of an object, around which it turns.

   The Earth spins on its axis once a day.

2. 2
   noun

   A fixed line used to measure or position points on a graph.

   Time is shown on the horizontal axis of the chart.

3. 3
   noun

   An alliance between countries or groups working together.

   The two nations formed a powerful military axis.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Axis comes from Latin axis, meaning “axle” or “pivot.” Its geometric sense refers to an imaginary line around which a body rotates, like an invisible axle; the Second World War alliance called the Axis drew on the related image of international relations revolving around a pivot.

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵ-? Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱs-der. Proto-Italic *aksis Latin axisbor. English axis 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.

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External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary