principal axis

noun

1. Optics.,  a line passing through the center of the surface of a lens or spherical mirror and through the centers of curvature of all segments of the lens or mirror.

2. Physics.,  one of three mutually perpendicular axes of a body about which the moment of inertia is maximum or minimum.

principal axis

noun

1. the line passing through the optical centre and centres of curvature of the faces of a lens or a curved mirror

2. any of three mutually perpendicular axes about which the moment of inertia of a body is maximum

Word History and Origins

Origin of principal axis¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

This consists of a single pair of parallel faces perpendicular to the principal axis.

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The axis which contains the foci is called the principal axis; in case of an hyperbola it is the axis which cuts the curve, because the foci lie within the conic.

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By means of clockwork the instrument is given such a motion round its principal axis that the star is kept stationary in the field of view.

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The telescope, in order that it may be pointed in any direction, must admit of two motions, one round the principal axis, and the other round an axis at right angles to it.

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Benzoic acid is pseudo-tetragonal, the principal axis being remarkably long; there is no cleavage at right angles to this axis.

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