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 corresponding value of y determines a point P in accordance with the rule that x is the abscissa and y the ordinate of P.

From Project Gutenberg

To any value of x there corresponds a point N on the axis of x, in accordance with the rule that x is the abscissa of N.

From Project Gutenberg

Curves have been prepared having pressure as an abscissa and elasticity as ordinate.

From Project Gutenberg

The curve then crosses the abscissa upwards, and the positive curvature reaches a maximum.

From Project Gutenberg

Abscissa represents duration of exposure and quantity of incident light.

From Project Gutenberg