semiminor axis

noun

semi·​mi·​nor axis ˌse-mē-ˈmī-nər- How to pronounce semiminor axis (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-
: one half of the minor axis of an ellipse (such as that formed by the orbit of a planet)

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of semiminor axis was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near semiminor axis

Cite this Entry

“Semiminor axis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiminor%20axis. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on semiminor axis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!