ordinate Definition
- 1(mathematics) a value on the vertical axis of a two-dimensional graph
- 2a straight line used as a reference in a coordinate system
Using ordinate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ordinate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The ordinate of point A is 5.
Example
The ordinate axis is also known as the y-axis.
Example
The ordinate and abscissa together form a coordinate system.
ordinate Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for ordinate
- vertical coordinate
- y-coordinate
- reference line
Phrases with ordinate
cartesian coordinates
a system that uses two or more numbers to represent a point on a plane or in space, where each number represents the distance of that point from a fixed reference point
Example
Cartesian coordinates are named after the French mathematician René Descartes.
polar coordinates
a system that uses an angle and a distance from a fixed point to represent a point on a plane
Example
Polar coordinates are often used in navigation and engineering.
rectangular coordinates
a system that uses two perpendicular lines to represent a point on a plane, where each line represents a distance from a fixed point
Example
Rectangular coordinates are also known as Cartesian coordinates.
Origins of ordinate
from Latin 'ordinare', meaning 'to arrange'
Summary: ordinate in Brief
'Ordinate' [ˈɔːdɪnət] is a mathematical term that refers to a value on the vertical axis of a two-dimensional graph or a straight line used as a reference in a coordinate system. It is often paired with the abscissa to form a coordinate system, such as Cartesian coordinates. Examples of usage include 'The ordinate of point A is 5.' and 'The ordinate axis is also known as the y-axis.'
