ordinate

plural ordinates

1. geometryThe second of the two terms by which a point is referred to, in a system of fixed rectilinear coordinate (Cartesian coordinate) axes.

   Coordinate term: abscissa

   1 more example

   The point (3,2) has 3 as its abscissa and 2 as its ordinate.

2. geometryThe vertical line representing an axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, on which the ordinate (sense above) is shown.

present singular third person ordinates · participle present ordinating · participle past ordinated · past ordinated

1. transitiveTo align a series of objects.
2. transitiveuncommonTo ordain a priest, or consecrate a bishop.First known use 1508

   Synonyms: ordain

3. archaictransitiveTo order or regulate; to control, govern, or direct.First known use 1595
4. obsoletetransitiveTo institute, establish; to ordain; to predestine.First known use 1555–1850
5. transitivebiologyTo subject to the mathematical operation of ordination.First known use 1962
6. obsoleteparticiplepastpast participle of ordinateFirst known use c. 1425-1649

comparative more ordinate · superlative most ordinate

1. rareObservant of order, keeping within set limits; moderate, temperateFirst known use c. 1395

   Synonyms: tidy, orderly, regular

2. obsoleteConforming to order or rule, ordered, regulated, regular, orderly.First known use c. 1398-1668

   ordinate power

3. rarebiologyArranged regularly in a row or rows.First known use 1826
4. obsoletegeometryOf a figure: having all its sides and angles equal.First known use 1590-1702
5. obsoletemathematicsRelating to an ordered series of ratios.First known use 1570-1862

   ordinate proportionality; ordinate proportion