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ordinate

[ awr-dn-it, -eyt ]
/ ˈɔr dnˌɪt, -ˌeɪt /
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noun
Mathematics. (in plane Cartesian coordinates) the y-coordinate of a point: its distance from the x-axis measured parallel to the y-axis.

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Origin of ordinate

1670–80; extracted from New Latin (līnea) ordināte (applicāta) (line applied) in order; ordināte (adv.), derivative of Latin ordinātus arranged. See ordination
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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British Dictionary definitions for ordinate

ordinate
/ (ˈɔːdɪnɪt) /

noun
the vertical or y -coordinate of a point in a two-dimensional system of Cartesian coordinatesCompare abscissa See also Cartesian coordinates

Word Origin for ordinate

C16: from New Latin phrase (linea) ordināte (applicāta) (line applied) in an orderly manner, from ordināre to arrange in order
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for ordinate

ordinate
[ ôrdn-ĭt ]

The distance of a point from the x-axis on a graph in the Cartesian coordinate system. It is measured parallel to the y-axis. For example, a point having coordinates (2,3) has 3 as its ordinate. Compare abscissa.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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