Etymology

axis

ax·is
A1X8I1S1

Today it means: An imaginary line around which an object spins (an axis of rotation) or is symmetrically arranged (an axis of symmetry). Full definition →

Latin axis ← Proto-Italic *aksis ← Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱs-
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axis · noun1

  1. Proto-Indo-European*h₂eǵ-?
  2. Proto-Indo-European*h₂eḱs-
  3. Proto-Italic*aksis
  4. Latinaxis
  5. English todayaxis

Borrowed from Latin axis (“axle, axis”) in the 16th century. Via Latin cognate with ala, aisle, atelier. Via Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱs- cognate with inherited English axle and borrowed axo-, axon.

axis · noun2

From Latin, name of an Indian animal mentioned by the Roman senator Pliny.

Axis · proper noun3

From Mussolini's idea of "an axis around which nations could assemble".

Words from the same roots

Latinaxis all →

axeaxi-

Proto-Indo-European*h₂eḱs- all →

atelieraxonoxter

First known use, by meaning

  • 20th c. The alliance (in effect before and during World War II) of Germany, Italy, Japan, and several minor allied countries, which opposed the Allies.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.