Definition:Hyperbola/Transverse Axis

Parts of Hyperbola

 * HyperbolaParts.png

Consider a hyperbola $K$ whose foci are $F_1$ and $F_2$.

The transverse axis of $K$ is the line segment joining the vertices of $K$.

In the above diagram, $V_1 V_2$ is the transverse axis of $K$.

Also known as
Many sources give this as the major axis, but at the policy is to use the latter term to mean the (infinite) straight line passing through the vertices and foci of $K$.

Also see

 * Definition:Conjugate Axis of Hyperbola