# Ordinate vs. Abscissa

## Difference Between Ordinate and Abscissa

#### Ordinatenoun

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

The point $\left(3,2\right)$ has 3 as its abscissa and 2 as its ordinate.

#### Abscissanoun

(geometry) The first of the two terms by which a point is referred to, in a system of fixed rectilinear coordinate (Cartesian coordinate) axes.

The point $\left(3,2\right)$ has 3 as its abscissa and 2 as its ordinate.

#### Ordinatenoun

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

#### Abscissanoun

(geometry) The horizontal line representing an axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, on which the abscissa (sense above) is shown.

#### Ordinateverb

(transitive) to ordain a priest, or consecrate a bishop

#### Abscissanoun

the value of a coordinate on the horizontal axis

#### Ordinateverb

(transitive) to align a series of objects

arranged regularly in rows; orderly; disposed or arranged in an orderly or regular fashion.

#### Ordinatenoun

the value of a coordinate on the vertical axis

#### Ordinateverb

appoint to a clerical posts;

he was ordained in the Church

#### Ordinateverb

bring (components or parts) into proper or desirable coordination correlation;

align the wheels of my carordinate similar parts