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   Ax·is

   /ˈaksəs/

   

   noun

   • 1. an imaginary line about which a body rotates: "the Earth revolves on its axis once every 24 hours" Similar center lineverticalhorizontal
   • ▪ an imaginary straight line passing through the center of a symmetrical solid, about which a plane figure can be conceived as rotating to generate the solid.
   • ▪ an imaginary line which divides something into equal or roughly equal halves, especially in the direction of its greatest length.
   • 2. a fixed reference line for the measurement of coordinates: "the variable that is thought of as a cause is placed on the horizontal axis, and the variable that is thought of as an effect on the vertical axis"
   • 3. a straight central part in a structure to which other parts are connected.
   • ▪ the central column of an inflorescence or other growth: "the leaflets are arranged in rows on a slender axis"
   • ▪ the skull and backbone of a vertebrate animal.
   • 4. the second cervical vertebra, below the atlas at the top of the backbone.
   • 5. an agreement or alliance between two or more countries that forms a center for an eventual larger grouping of nations: "the Anglo-American axis" Similar alliancecoalitionblocconfederationconfederacyunionleagueagreementtreatypactcompactententeconcordat
   • ▪ the alliance of Germany and Italy formed before and during World War II, later extended to include Japan and other countries: "the Axis Powers"

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Latin, ‘axle, pivot’.

   Scrabble Points: 11

   • A

     1

   • X

     8

   • I

     1

   • S

     1

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