axial

[ ak-see-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or forming an axis:

   an axial relationship.

2. situated in or on an axis.

axial

/ ˈæksɪəl /

adjective

1. relating to, forming, or characteristic of an axis
2. situated in, on, or along an axis

Derived Forms

• ˈaxially, adverb
• ˌaxiˈality, noun

Other Words From

• axi·ali·ty noun
• axi·al·ly adverb
• inter·axi·al adjective
• multi·axi·al adjective
• multi·axi·al·ly adverb
• sub·axi·al adjective
• sub·axi·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of axial¹

First recorded in 1840–50; axi- + -al ¹

Example Sentences

According to NASA, every planet in our solar system has an axial tilt, but some are more pronounced than others.

From New York Times

This finding may be especially important given that axial symptoms, such as gait or postural stability problems, typically do not respond well to DBS and existing dopaminergic therapies, such as levodopa.

From Science Daily

"The female has a proportionally longer axial skeleton -- a longer neck and trunk -- and are more sloped in appearance, while the males are more vertical."

From Science Daily

The researchers explained that, unlike our own hips where our bones fit tightly together, the connection between the pelvis and axial skeleton of Tiktaalik was likely a soft-tissue connection made of ligaments.

From Science Daily

“How odd of God to choose the Jews,” quipped William Norman Ewer a century ago, capturing the mix of antipathy and admiration they have provoked ever since Judaism prompted its “axial” break in Western consciousness.

From Salon

Related Words

• basic
• essential
• fundamental
• important
• key
• paramount
• pivotal
• significant