axial

adjective

ax·​i·​al ˈak-sē-əl How to pronounce axial (audio)
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 noun
axially adverb

Examples of axial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While X-rays were negative for a fracture, Rhodes has been officially diagnosed with axial compression of the cervical spine, as well as a cervical strain with spasm. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024 The phenomenon happens because of the moon’s tilted orbit and Earth’s axial tilt, which result in dramatic rise and set positions over a two-year cycle — but this is the weekend to see the most northerly full moonrise. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year due to the Earth’s axial tilt. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024 Jupiter’s 8,700-Mile-Wide Great Red Spot Keeps Shrinking Jupiter While each of the outer planets have seasons that last years, Jupiter spins and orbits the sun with only a slight axial tilt, and thus lacks the same seasonal variability that the other outer planets experience. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for axial 

Word History

Etymology

axis + -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of axial was circa 1847

Dictionary Entries Near axial

Cite this Entry

“Axial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axial. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

axial

adjective
ax·​i·​al ˈak-sē-əl How to pronounce axial (audio)
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 adverb

Medical Definition

axial

adjective
ax·​i·​al ˈak-sē-əl How to pronounce axial (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on axial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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