1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis
2
a
: situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis
b
: extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of a cyclic structure (as of cyclohexane)
axial hydrogens
compare equatorial
Examples of axial in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Earth’s seasons result from a variety of factors, including orbit and axial tilt.
—
Gongjie Li, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024
An exploded diagram of an axial flux electric motor (left) and a radial flux electric motor (right).
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 15 June 2023
Leap Day Leap Day may not seem astronomical, but it’s directly tied to Earth’s daily axial rotation and annual orbital revolution.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2024
Our planet's seasons are determined by Earth's axial tilt, however, not its proximity to the Sun.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 4 Jan. 2024
In science-speak, this is thanks to its digital motor and an axial flow impeller, which together can push out 13 liters of air per second.
—Liana Schaffner, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023
Picture a traditional motor as a loaf of bread, and axial flux motor as a thick pancake.
—Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2023
Greenworks is offering major discounts on some of their most popular items including the best-ever deal on the brand’s cordless axial leaf blower.
—Tom Price, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2023
Earth’s axial tilt also neatly explains why seasonal temperatures scarcely change around our planet’s equator because the sun’s shifting position overhead is muted at midlatitudes.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 June 2023
Gongjie Li, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024
An exploded diagram of an axial flux electric motor (left) and a radial flux electric motor (right).
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 15 June 2023
Leap Day Leap Day may not seem astronomical, but it’s directly tied to Earth’s daily axial rotation and annual orbital revolution.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2024
Our planet's seasons are determined by Earth's axial tilt, however, not its proximity to the Sun.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 4 Jan. 2024
In science-speak, this is thanks to its digital motor and an axial flow impeller, which together can push out 13 liters of air per second.
—Liana Schaffner, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023
Picture a traditional motor as a loaf of bread, and axial flux motor as a thick pancake.
—Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2023
Greenworks is offering major discounts on some of their most popular items including the best-ever deal on the brand’s cordless axial leaf blower.
—Tom Price, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2023
Earth’s axial tilt also neatly explains why seasonal temperatures scarcely change around our planet’s equator because the sun’s shifting position overhead is muted at midlatitudes.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'axial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing axial
Dictionary Entries Near axial
Cite this Entry
“Axial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axial. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
Medical Definition
axial
adjective
ax·i·al
ˈak-sē-əl 
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis
2
a
: situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis
b
: extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of a cyclic structure (as of cyclohexane)
axial hydrogens
compare equatorial
More from Merriam-Webster on axial
Britannica English: Translation of axial for Arabic Speakers
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