n. (pl. axes) 1 a an imaginary line about which a body rotates or about which a plane figure is conceived as generating a solid. b a line which divides a regular figure symmetrically. 2 Math. a fixed reference line for the measurement of coordinates etc. 3 Bot. the central column of an inflorescence or other growth. 4 Anat. the second cervical vertebra. 5 Physiol. the central part of an organ or organism. 6 a an agreement or alliance between two or more countries forming a centre for an eventual larger grouping of nations sharing an ideal or objective. b (the Axis) the alliance of Germany and Italy formed before and during the war of 1939-45, later extended to include Japan and other countries; these countries as a group.
[ L, = axle, pivot ]