x-axis

eks-ak-sis

/ˈɛks ˌæk.sɪs/

Noun

Meaning

  • The x-axis is the horizontal reference line on a Cartesian coordinate system used to represent independent variables, horizontal values, or input data on a graph. It intersects the y-axis at the origin (0,0) and is essential for plotting points, functions, and data sets in mathematics, statistics, physics, and data visualization.

Examples

  • The values of time are plotted along the x-axis of the graph.
  • In a Cartesian plane, the x-axis runs horizontally from left to right.
  • The function increases as it moves along the positive x-axis.
  • Data scientists use the x-axis to display independent variables in charts.
  • The point (5, 3) lies five units to the right on the x-axis.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms Antonyms
Horizontal axis Abscissa axis X coordinate line Horizontal reference line Y-axis Vertical axis

Word Forms

  • Singular: x-axis
  • Plural: x-axes
  • Adjective form: x-axis-based (e.g., x-axis-based measurement)

Origin / Etymology

The term x-axis originates from analytic geometry, developed by René Descartes in the 17th century. The letter “x” was used as a conventional variable to represent unknown or independent values, while “axis” comes from the Latin axis, meaning “axle” or “central line.”

Grammar Information

  • Countable noun
  • Usually written with a hyphen (x-axis)
  • Capitalized as X-axis in formal academic or technical writing
  • Commonly paired with y-axis in coordinate geometry

Translations

  • Hindi: x-अक्ष
  • Telugu: x అక్షం
  • Tamil: x-அச்சு
  • Spanish: eje x
  • French: axe des x
  • German: x-Achse
  • Chinese (Simplified): x 轴
  • Japanese: x軸

Idioms & Phrases

  • Positive x-axis: The portion of the x-axis extending to the right of the origin
  • Negative x-axis: The portion extending to the left of the origin
  • Along the x-axis: Describes horizontal movement or measurement
  • Intersection with x-axis: The point where a graph crosses the x-axis (x-intercept)

Related Words

  • Y-axis
  • Z-axis
  • Cartesian plane
  • Coordinate geometry
  • Graph
  • Origin
  • Abscissa
  • Independent variable
  • Data visualization
  • Linear graph