axis

ax•is

[[t]ˈæk sɪs[/t]] n. pl. ax•es [[t]ˈæk siz[/t]]

1) geo the line about which a rotating body, such as the earth, turns

2) math. anat.

a) a central line that bisects a two-dimensional body or figure

b) a line about which a three-dimensional body or figure is symmetrical

c) math. any line used as a fixed reference for determining the position of a point or series of points, as the x- or y-axis in a system of Cartesian coordinates

3) anat.

a) a central or principal structure about which something turns or is arranged:

the skeletal axis[/ex]

b) the second cervical vertebra

4) bot Bot.

a) bot the main support of a plant; the stem and root

b) bot the main support of an inflorescence

5) fia an imaginary line, in a given formal structure, about which a form, area, or plane is organized

6) gov the Axis, (in World War II) the nations that fought against the Allies: Germany, Italy, Japan, and others

7) an alliance of two or more nations to coordinate their foreign and military policies

8) a principal line of development, movement, etc

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Etymology: 1540–50; < L axis an axletree, axle, axis; Gkáxōn, Sktákṣas