# ordinate

/ˈɔːdɪnət/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ordinate
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the y-coordinate

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the second number in a pair of coordinates, which shows the vertical position on a graph.

For teachers: the vertical or y-coordinate of a point in a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, representing the distance from the x-axis.

- To plot the point (3, 5), you move three units across and find five on the ordinate.
- The student mistakenly plotted the value on the abscissa instead of the ordinate, resulting in a reflected image of the intended graph.

Usage: Usually paired with 'abscissa' (the x-coordinate) in formal mathematical descriptions.

### 2. well-ordered

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

arranged in a neat, regular, or controlled way.

For teachers: characterized by order or regularity; observant of set limits or rules.

- The monk lived an ordinate life, following the same strict schedule every day.
- His ordinate habits were a stark contrast to the chaotic environment of the merchant docks where he worked.

Teaching tip: This sense is rare in modern English; 'orderly' is the standard contemporary choice.

### 3. to align

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to put things in a straight line or a specific order.

For teachers: to arrange or align a series of objects in a systematic or regular fashion.

- The soldiers had to ordinate their equipment exactly as the commander instructed.
- The software was designed to ordinate the data points automatically before the final analysis began.

Usage: This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- The ordinate of the point is five.
- In the scatter plot, the researcher plotted the temperature on the ordinate and the time on the abscissa.
- By adjusting the scale of the ordinate, the scientist was able to highlight the subtle fluctuations in the data that were previously obscured by the linear scale.

---

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.