major axis

noun

, Mathematics.

1. the axis of an ellipse that passes through the two foci.

major axis

noun

1. the longer or longest axis of an ellipse or ellipsoid

Word History and Origins

Origin of major axis¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The smart comes from the “captured-eye carabiners,” special screwgates with a threading eye that keep the lockers oriented vertically—with the load along their strongest, major axis.

From Outside Online

Draw the line a b, the major axis, and at a right angle to it the line c d, the minor axis of the figure.

From Project Gutenberg

In form it is elliptical, with its major axis measuring about five thousand yards, and its minor about three thousand.

From Project Gutenberg

Its form is that of an ellipsoid, with a major axis 26 millimetres in length, while the minor axis measures 11 millimetres.

From Project Gutenberg

Draw a horizontal line, A, which is in the direction of the major axis of the ellipse—that is, the longest distance across.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither is the doorway of this pylon in alignment with the other doorways on the major axis of the building.

From Project Gutenberg