Definition:Axis/Coordinate Axes

Definition

Consider a coordinate system.

One of the reference lines of such a system is called a coordinate axis.

Also known as

A coordinate axis is also known as a reference axis.

If the context is clear, it is often referred to as just an axis.

Also see

• Results about coordinate axes can be found here.

Linguistic Note

The plural of axis is axes, which is pronounced ax-eez not ax-iz.

Compare basis.

Sources

• 1933: D.M.Y. Sommerville: Analytical Conics (3rd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text I$. Coordinates: $1$. Coordinate Network
• 1934: D.M.Y. Sommerville: Analytical Geometry of Three Dimensions ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text I$: Cartesian Coordinate-system: $1.1$. Cartesian coordinates
• 1936: Richard Courant: Differential and Integral Calculus: Volume $\text { II }$ ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text I$: Preliminary Remarks on Analytical Geometry and Vector Analysis: $1$. Rectangular Co-ordinates and Vectors: $1$. Coordinate Axes
• 1937: Eric Temple Bell: Men of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text{III}$: Gentleman, Soldier and Mathematician
• 1958: P.J. Hilton: Differential Calculus ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Introduction to Coordinate Geometry
• 1969: C.R.J. Clapham: Introduction to Abstract Algebra ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $8$: Field Extensions: $\S 40$. Construction with Ruler and Compasses
• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): axis: 1. (reference axis)
• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Cartesian coordinate system
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): axis: 1. (reference axis)
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Cartesian coordinate system
• 2008: Ian Stewart: Taming the Infinite ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $6$: Curves and Coordinates: Descartes
• 2014: Christopher Clapham and James Nicholson: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Mathematics (5th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): axis (axes)