ENGLISH
REFERENCE

axis

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈæksəs// UK //ˈæksɪs// ax·is

n. an imaginary line that goes through the center of an object, like the Earth, which it spins around. It can also be a fixed line on a graph used to show where points are located.

n. a real or imaginary line about which a body rotates, or a fixed reference line for the measurement of coordinates. In anatomical contexts, it refers to the second cervical vertebra or the central line of the body or a limb.


SIMPLE

The Earth rotates on its axis once every twenty-four hours.

CONTEXTUAL

The math teacher asked the students to plot the data points along the horizontal x-axis.

Synonyms
Usage

The plural form is 'axes', pronounced with a long 'e' sound (/ˈæksiːz/), unlike the plural of the tool 'axe'.

Pitfall

The earth spins on it's axes.The earth spins on its axis.Learners often confuse the singular 'axis' with the plural 'axes' or use the possessive 'it's' instead of 'its'.

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