Axis vs. Generatrix — What's the Difference?

A straight line about which a body or geometric object rotates or may be conceived to rotate.

In geometry, a generatrix () or describent is a point, curve or surface that, when moved along a given path, generates a new shape. The path directing the motion of the generatrix motion is called a directrix or dirigent.

An unlimited line, half-line, or line segment serving to orient a space or a geometric object, especially a line about which the object is symmetric.

A geometric element that generates a geometric figure, especially a straight line that generates a surface by moving in a specified fashion. Also called generator.

A reference line from which distances or angles are measured in a coordinate system.

(geometry) A curve that, when rotated about an axis, produces a solid figure.

A center line to which parts of a structure or body may be referred.

That which generates; the point, or the mathematical magnitude, which, by its motion, generates another magnitude, as a line, surface, or solid; - called also describent.

An imaginary line to which elements of a work of art, such as a picture, are referred for measurement or symmetry.

The second cervical vertebra on which the head turns.

Any of various central structures, such as the spinal column, or standard abstract lines used as a positional referent.

(Botany) The main stem or central part about which organs or plant parts such as branches are arranged.

One of three mutually perpendicular lines that define the orientation of an aircraft, with one being along its direction of travel and the other two being perpendicular to the direction of travel.

A line through the optical center of a lens that is perpendicular to both its surfaces.

One of three or four imaginary lines used to define the faces of a crystal and the position of its atoms.

An alliance of powers, such as nations, to promote mutual interests and policies.

Axis The alliance of Germany and Italy in 1936, later including Japan and other nations, that opposed the Allies in World War II.

(geometry) An imaginary line around which an object spins (an axis of rotation) or is symmetrically arranged (an axis of symmetry).

(mathematics) A fixed one-dimensional figure, such as a line or arc, with an origin and orientation and such that its points are in one-to-one correspondence with a set of numbers; an axis forms part of the basis of a space or is used to position and locate data in a graph (a coordinate axis)

(skeleton) The second cervical vertebra of the spine

(anatomy) An imaginary, visualized plane separating two morphologically similar parts of an organism

(psychiatry) A form of classification and descriptions of mental disorders or disabilities used in manuals such as the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

(botany) The main stem or central part about which organs or plant parts such as branches are arranged

(military) An alliance or coalition.

A deer native to Asia, of species Axis axis.

The spotted deer (Cervus axis or Axis maculata) of India, where it is called hog deer and parrah (Moorish name).

A straight line, real or imaginary, passing through a body, on which it revolves, or may be supposed to revolve; a line passing through a body or system around which the parts are symmetrically arranged.

A straight line with respect to which the different parts of a magnitude are symmetrically arranged; as, the axis of a cylinder, i. e., the axis of a cone, that is, the straight line joining the vertex and the center of the base; the axis of a circle, any straight line passing through the center.

The stem; the central part, or longitudinal support, on which organs or parts are arranged; the central line of any body.

The second vertebra of the neck, or vertebra dentata.

One of several imaginary lines, assumed in describing the position of the planes by which a crystal is bounded.

The primary or secondary central line of any design.

A straight line through a body or figure that satisfies certain conditions

The center around which something rotates

The main stem or central part about which plant organs or plant parts such as branches are arranged

In World War II the alliance of Germany and Italy in 1936 which later included Japan and other nations;

A group of countries in special alliance

The 2nd cervical vertebra; serves as a pivot for turning the head