abscissa
Pronunciation
Noun
B1 Intermediate
Quick answer
In coordinate geometry, the horizontal, or x, distance of a point from the vertical axis.
Usage notes
The paired term for the vertical distance is "ordinate"; together they give a point's coordinates.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "To plot the point, first find its _____, then move up to match the y-value."
Answer: abscissa
In your own words, what does "abscissa" mean?
In coordinate geometry, the horizontal, or x, distance of a point from the vertical axis.
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