pole

³pole

noun

Definition of POLE

1

: either extremity of an axis of a sphere and especially of the earth's axis

2

a : either of two related opposites b : a point of guidance or attraction

3

a : either of the two terminals of an electric cell, battery, generator, or motor b : one of two or more regions in a magnetized body at which the magnetic flux density is concentrated

4

: either of two morphologically or physiologically differentiated areas at opposite ends of an axis in an organism or cell — see blastula illustration

5

a : the fixed point in a system of polar coordinates that serves as the origin b : the point of origin of two tangents to a conic section that determine a polar

— poles apart

: diametrically opposed

Origin of POLE

Middle English, from Latin polus, from Greek polos pivot, pole; akin to Greek pelesthai to become, Sanskrit carati he moves, wanders — more at wheel

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Cartography Terms

Robinson projection, benchmark, plat, projection, topography