abscissa

[ ab-sis-uh ]

noun

, Mathematics.

, plural ab·scis·sas, ab·scis·sae [ab-, sis, -ee].

1. (in plane Cartesian coordinates) the x-coordinate of a point: its distance from the y-axis measured parallel to the x-axis.

abscissa

/ æbˈsɪsə /

noun

1. the horizontal or x -coordinate of a point in a two-dimensional system of Cartesian coordinates. It is the distance from the y -axis measured parallel to the x -axis Compare ordinate

abscissa

/ ăb-sĭs′ə /

, Plural abscissas ăb-sĭs′ē

1. The distance of a point from the y-axis on a graph in the Cartesian coordinate system. It is measured parallel to the x-axis. For example, a point having coordinates (2,3) has 2 as its abscissa.
2. Compare ordinate

Word History and Origins

Origin of abscissa¹

1690–1700; feminine of Latin abscissus (past participle of abscindere to abscind )

Word History and Origins

Origin of abscissa¹

C17: New Latin, originally linea abscissa a cut-off line

Example Sentences

The lowest ERK2 concentration at which the mass signal of the compound was still observed is shown on the abscissa.

From Nature

Freak’s Dictionary A AARDVARK, a silly-looking creature that eats ants AARGH, what the aardvark says when it eats ants ABACUS, a finger-powered computer ABSCISSA, the horizontal truth "You don't have to read them all tonight," Freak says.

From Literature

Chief executive Mark Lewis said Abscissa had used two of the addresses for more than 12 years without being challenged.

From BBC

The costume store's parent company, Abscissa, was also told to give up a further six domain names used for the same purpose:

From BBC

Abscissa itself has also benefited from the dispute-resolution process, by wresting control of jokers.co.uk from a fancy-dress rival in 2007.

From BBC