axial

adjective

ax·​i·​al ˈak-sē-əl 

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis

2

a

: situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis

b

: extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of a cyclic structure (as of cyclohexane)

axial hydrogens

compare equatorial

axiality

ˌak-sē-ˈa-lə-tē 

noun

axially

ˈak-sē-ə-lē 

adverb

Examples of axial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Of course, the one thing missing is the clever mechanics tracing the sun’s journey across the Earth, in sync with the planet’s 23.4-degree axial tilt against the star. —Ryan Craggs, WIRED, 24 Oct. 2024

The amount of sunlight Boise receives each day after won’t be drastically less — the Earth’s axial tilt points the northern hemisphere toward the sun at its most dramatic point around the solstice, resulting in the slightest changes in daylight. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2024

This phenomenon results from the Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun, according to Space.com. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 15 June 2024

Celeste adds that strong axial alignments bring a sense of order and ground the living spaces within the open floor plan. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 29 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

axis + -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing axial

• axial skeleton

Kids Definition

axial

adjective

ax·​i·​al ˈak-sē-əl 

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis

2

: situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis

axial flowers

axially

-sē-ə-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

axial

adjective

ax·​i·​al ˈak-sē-əl 

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis

2

a

: situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis

b

: extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of a cyclic structure (as of cyclohexane)

axial hydrogens

compare equatorial