major axis

noun

, Mathematics.

1. the axis of an ellipse that passes through the two foci.

major axis

noun

1. the longer or longest axis of an ellipse or ellipsoid

Word History and Origins

Origin of major axis¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Its east—west major axis permitted many inventions adopted in one part of Eurasia to spread relatively rapidly to societies at similar latitudes and climates elsewhere in Eurasia.

From Literature

"Restoring France's sovereignty will be the major axis of our campaign," Jean Messiha, who has overseen the drafting of Le Pen's manifesto, told Reuters.

From Reuters

“The targeted orbit was circular, inclined at 55 degrees with a semi major axis of 29,900 kilometers,” the company said in a statement.

From Forbes

The number of the craters is seven; of these five form a vast elliptical enclosure, the major axis of which is directed toward the north-east.

From Project Gutenberg

The two axes of the ellipse are the major axis and the minor axis, and the two axes of the hyperbola are the transverse axis and the conjugate axis.

From Project Gutenberg