abscissa

Meaning

Noun

• The first of the two terms by which a point is referred to, in a system of fixed rectilinear coordinate (Cartesian coordinate) axes.
• The horizontal line representing an axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, on which the abscissa (sense above) is shown.

Related

Similar words

• absciss

Broader meaning words

• coordinate
• axis

Origin

• By ellipsis from Latin [linea] abscissa, feminine of abscissus, perfect passive participle of abscindō. See abscind.