the line about which a rotating body, such as the earth, turns.
2.
Mathematics.
a.
a central line that bisects a two-dimensional body or figure.
b.
a line about which a three-dimensional body or figure is symmetrical.
3.
Anatomy.
a.
a central or principal structure, about which something turns or is arranged: the skeletal axis.
b.
the second cervical vertebra.
4.
Botany. the longitudinal support on which organs or parts are arranged; the stem and root; the central line of any body.
5.
Analytic Geometry. any line used as a fixed reference in conjunction with one or more other references for determining the position of a point or of a series of points forming a curve or a surface. Compare x-axis, y-axis.
Aeronautics. any one of three lines defining the attitude of an airplane, one being generally determined by the direction of forward motion and the other two at right angles to it and to each other.
8.
Fine Arts. an imaginary line, in a given formal structure, about which a form, area, or plane is organized.
9.
an alliance of two or more nations to coordinate their foreign and military policies, and to draw in with them a group of dependent or supporting powers.
10.
the Axis, (in World War II) Germany, Italy, and Japan, often with Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania.
11.
a principal line of development, movement, direction, etc.
[Origin: 1540–50; < L axis an axletree, axle, axis. See axi-]
an instrument with a bladed head on a handle or helve, used for hewing, cleaving, chopping, etc.
2.
JazzSlang. any musical instrument.
3.
the ax, Informal.
a.
dismissal from employment: to get the ax.
b.
expulsion from school.
c.
rejection by a lover, friend, etc.: His girlfriend gave him the ax.
d.
any usually summary removal or curtailment.
–verb (used with object)
4.
to shape or trim with an ax.
5.
to chop, split, destroy, break open, etc., with an ax: The firemen had to ax the door to reach the fire.
6.
Informal. to dismiss, restrict, or destroy brutally, as if with an ax: The main office axed those in the field who didn't meet their quota. Congress axed the budget. Also, axe.
—Idiom
7.
have an ax to grind, to have a personal or selfish motive: His interest may be sincere, but I suspect he has an ax to grind.
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