ordinate

(ôr'dn-ĭt, -āt')
adj.
Arranged in regular rows, as the spots on the wings of an insect.

n.
(Symbol y) The plane Cartesian coordinate representing the distance from a specified point to the x-axis, measured parallel to the y-axis.

[Middle English, properly ordered, from Latin ōrdinātus, past participle of ōrdināre, to set in order, from ōrdō, ōrdin-, order.]

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The vertical or y-co-ordinate on a graph.

1. Of a figure, having all its sides and angles equal (e.g. equilateral triangle).

2. Any one of a series of parallel chords of a conic section, in relation to the diameter that bisects each. It may be used to form an ellipse, so can be applied to the design of vaults.

the vertical, or y, coordinate in a plane rectangular (Cartesian) coordinate system. Compare abscissa.

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The vertical line in a graph along which is plotted one of the factors considered in the study, as temperature in a time–temperature study. The other line is called the abscissa.

For a list of words related to ordinate, see:

• Quantities, Relationships, and Operations - ordinate: vertical coordinate of two-dimensional coordinate system in Cartesian plane; y-axis

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