axis

/ˈæksɪs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: axes · axiis · axises

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An imaginary line around which an object spins (an axis of rotation) or is symmetrically arranged (an axis of symmetry).

Noun

Examples

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

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)

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A deer native to Asia, of species Axis axis.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Of or pertaining to this alliance.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “axis” mean?

An imaginary line around which an object spins (an axis of rotation) or is symmetrically arranged (an axis of symmetry).

Is “axis” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.