noun

abscissa

ab-SIS-uh

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Abscissa (noun) means In a system of coordinate axes, the value that fixes a point's horizontal position, usually its x-coordinate. Example: “The abscissa of the point tells you how far it sits from the vertical axis.”

noun

technical In a system of coordinate axes, the value that fixes a point's horizontal position, usually its x-coordinate.

"The abscissa of the point tells you how far it sits from the vertical axis."

"To find the coordinates, read off the abscissa before the ordinate."

"Two points can share an abscissa yet still lie at different heights on the graph."

technical The horizontal axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, along which the abscissa value is measured.

"Time was marked along the abscissa, with temperature rising up the other axis."

"She labelled the abscissa in years so the trend was easy to follow."

How to use abscissa

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is the technical name for the x-coordinate of a point on a graph.

When to use it

It is a specialist mathematical term, rarely heard outside geometry and graph work.

Memory tip

Remember that abscissa goes with the horizontal axis, while ordinate goes with the vertical one.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ordinate

Common pairings

abscissa and ordinate plot the abscissa along the abscissa value of the abscissa

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the point tells you how far it sits from the vertical axis.

Etymology

Abscissa comes from Latin, shortened from the phrase linea abscissa, meaning a cut-off line. Abscissa is the feminine form of abscissus, the past participle of the verb abscindere, meaning to cut off.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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absciss

Rhymes for abscissa

Issa Elissa Alissa Larissa melissa Marissa Carissa Clarissa Charissa

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Frequently asked questions

What does abscissa mean in maths?

It is the value that gives a point's position along the horizontal axis of a graph, commonly called the x-coordinate.

What is the difference between abscissa and ordinate?

The abscissa is the horizontal (x) coordinate of a point, while the ordinate is its vertical (y) coordinate.

Where does the word abscissa come from?

It comes from Latin, from a phrase meaning a cut-off line, based on the verb abscindere, to cut off.

What is the meaning of abscissa?

"abscissa" (noun) means in a system of coordinate axes, the value that fixes a point's horizontal position, usually its x-coordinate.