# abscissa

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abscissa
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the horizontal line on a graph used to show the position of a point. It is the first number in a pair of coordinates.

For teachers: the horizontal coordinate in a two-dimensional system, typically representing the independent variable or the x-axis.

## Examples

- The abscissa shows the time of day on this graph.
- To plot the data correctly, you must ensure the abscissa represents the correct range of values.
- In the Cartesian plane, the abscissa is paired with the ordinate to define the exact location of a point relative to the origin.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.