ordinate

noun

or·​di·​nate ˈȯr-də-nət How to pronounce ordinate (audio)
ˈȯrd-nət,
-ˌnāt
: the Cartesian coordinate obtained by measuring parallel to the y-axis compare abscissa

Word History

Etymology

New Latin (linea) ordinate (applicata), literally, line applied in an orderly manner

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ordinate was in 1706

Dictionary Entries Near ordinate

Cite this Entry

“Ordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordinate. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

ordinate

noun
or·​di·​nate ˈȯrd-nət How to pronounce ordinate (audio)
-ᵊn-ət,
-ᵊn-ˌāt
: the number in an ordered pair of numbers (as y in (x, y)) that gives the location of a point along the y-axis

called also y-coordinate

compare abscissa

More from Merriam-Webster on ordinate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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