axis Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a straight line through a body or figure that satisfies certain conditions
noun the main stem or central part about which plant organs or plant parts such as branches are arranged
noun in World War II the alliance of Germany and Italy in 1936 which later included Japan and other nations
- the Axis opposed the Allies in World War II
noun a group of countries in special alliance
bloc.
noun the 2nd cervical vertebra; serves as a pivot for turning the head
axis vertebra.
noun the center around which something rotates
axis of rotation.

(Zoöl.) The spotted deer (Cervus axis or Axis maculata) of India, where it is called hog deer and parrah (Moorish name).

L. axis axis, axle. See Axle.

plural Axes

A straight line, real or imaginary, passing through a body, on which it revolves, or may be supposed to revolve; a line passing through a body or system around which the parts are symmetrically arranged.
(Math.) A straight line with respect to which the different parts of a magnitude are symmetrically arranged; as, the axis of a cylinder, i. e., the axis of a cone, that is, the straight line joining the vertex and the center of the base; the axis of a circle, any straight line passing through the center.
(Bot.) The stem; the central part, or longitudinal support, on which organs or parts are arranged; the central line of any body. Gray.
(Anat.) (a) The second vertebra of the neck, or vertebra dentata. (b) Also used of the body only of the vertebra, which is prolonged anteriorly within the foramen of the first vertebra or atlas, so as to form the odontoid process or peg which serves as a pivot for the atlas and head to turn upon.
(Crystallog.) One of several imaginary lines, assumed in describing the position of the planes by which a crystal is bounded.
(Fine Arts) The primary of secondary central line of any design.