abscissa

ab·scis·sa

noun \ab-ˈsi-sə\

plural abscissas also ab·scis·sae\-ˈsi-(ˌ)sē\

Definition of ABSCISSA

: the horizontal coordinate of a point in a plane Cartesian coordinate system obtained by measuring parallel to the x-axis — compare ordinate

Illustration of ABSCISSA

Origin of ABSCISSA

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of abscissus, past participle of abscindere to cut off, from ab- + scindere to cut — more at shed

First Known Use: 1694

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

Rhymes with ABSCISSA

Larissa, mantissa, Orissa, vibrissa