ax·is / ˈaksis/ • n. (pl. ax·es / ˈaksēz/ ) 1. an imaginary line about which a body rotates: the earth revolves on its axis once every 24 hours. ∎ Geom. an imaginary straight line passing through the center of a symmetrical solid, and about which a plane figure can be conceived as rotating to generate the solid. ∎  an imaginary line that divides something into equal or roughly equal halves, esp. in the direction of its greatest length. 2. Math. a fixed reference line for the measurement of coordinates: the horizontal axis. 3. a straight central part in a structure to which other parts are connected. ∎  Bot. the central column of an inflorescence or other growth. ∎  Zool. the skull and backbone of a vertebrate animal. 4. Anat. the second cervical vertebra, below the atlas at the top of the backbone. 5. an agreement or alliance between two or more countries that forms a center for an eventual larger grouping of nations: the Anglo-American axis. ∎  (the Axis) the alliance of Germany and Italy formed before and during World War II, later extended to include Japan and other countries: [as adj.] the Axis Powers.

Axis, coalition of countries headed by Germany, Italy, and Japan, 1936–45 (see World War II). The expression "Rome-Berlin axis" originated in Oct., 1936, with an accord reached by Hitler and Mussolini. The Axis was solidified by an Italo-German alliance in May, 1939. This was extended (Sept., 1940) by a military alliance among Germany, Italy, and Japan—the so-called Berlin Pact, to which Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Croatia adhered later. The related Anti-Comintern Pact (see Comintern), originally concluded between Germany and Japan in 1936, later had as adherents, besides the Berlin Pact nations, Spain, Denmark, Finland, and the puppet governments of Manchukuo and Nanjing.

axis the name the Axis denotes the alliance of Germany and Italy formed before and during the Second World War, later extended to include Japan and other countries.
axis of evil a term coined by George W. Bush in his State of the Union address of February 2002, when he said of Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, ‘States like these…constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of this world.’ The term is now used to encapsulate the political stance of the Bush government in foreign relations, as ‘the Evil Empire’ (see evil) was once used of the Reagan administration's view of the Soviet Union.

axis Imaginary straight line about which a body rotates. In mechanics, an axis runs longitudinally through the centre of an axle or rotating shaft. In geography and astronomy, it is a line through the centre of a planet or star, about which the planet or star rotates. Earth's axis between the North and South geographic poles is 12,700km (7900mi) long and is inclined at an angle of 66.5° to the plane in which the Earth orbits the Sun. A mathematical axis is a fixed line, such as the x, y or z axis, chosen for reference.

axis The second cervical vertebra, which articulates with the atlas (the first cervical vertebra, which articulates with the skull). The articulation between the axis and atlas in reptiles, birds, and mammals permits side-to-side movement of the head. The body of the axis is elongated to form a peg (the odontoid process), which extends into the ring of the atlas and acts as a pivot on which the atlas (and skull) can turn.

axis.
1. Straight line laid down as a guide on either side of which elements of the plan are symmetrically or systematically disposed. In a sphere it would run through the centre. See axial.

2. Thickness of the thinnest portion of the Ionic volute cushion, i.e. the fillet.

3. Hanging-stile of a door.

axis (aks-is) n.
1. a real or imaginary line through the centre of the body or one of its parts or a line about which the body or a part rotates.

2. the second cervical vertebra, which articulates with the atlas vertebra above and allows rotational movement of the head.

axis XIV. — L. axis axle, etc., rel. to Skr. ákṣa-, Gr. áxōn, and OE. eax, æx, OHG. ahsa (G. achse) :- Gmc. *aχsō; cf. next.

Axis

the association of the countries that formed the German/Italian/Japanese alliance in World War II.

axis (pl. axes) The main (or central) stem of a plant or infloresence.

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