Etymology Map
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Axis

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an imaginary line about which a body rotates

Where does the word "axis" come from? It comes from Latin axis, adopted directly into English (1540s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
axis
Latin · ancient
"axle"
related to Greek 'axōn'
2
Stage 2 of 2
axis
English · 1540s
"axis"
the 'Axis powers' of World War II date from 1936
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Read the full story

Axis’s story begins in Latin: axis meant “axle.” Related to Greek 'axōn'. It reached English by 1540s as axis. The 'Axis powers' of World War II date from 1936. Today, axis means an imaginary line about which a body rotates.