axis

A deer native to Asia, of species Axis axis.

Noun geometry, mathematics

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. - 2012 March 5, Henry...
- 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
Synonyms: epistropheus
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.
- 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. - 1936, November 1st, Benito Mussolini, Milan Speech
Synonyms: pact compact league
The centre of attention within a process (e.g. the axis of investigation)

Origin

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.