axis

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   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.

2. 2
   noun

   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.

3. 3
   noun

   the center around which something rotates

4. 4
   noun

   the 2nd cervical vertebra

5. 5
   noun

   a straight line through a body or figure that satisfies certain conditions

6. 6
   noun

   a group of countries in special alliance

7. 7
   noun

   the main stem or central part about which plant organs or plant parts such as branches are arranged

8. 8
   noun

   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)

Etymology

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.