Definition

A number that shows the position of a point on a horizontal line in a graph, measured from the vertical line (y-axis).

Example

In the Cartesian plane, the abscissa of the point (3, 4) is 3.

Conversation

Hey, do you remember what the abscissa means in math class?

Of course! It's the x-coordinate on a graph, right?

Exactly! I always mix it up with the y-coordinate sometimes.

No worries, it happens to everyone. Just keep practicing!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abscissa is derived from the Latin word "abscissa" (meaning cut off), which comes from the verb "abscindere" (meaning to cut off or away). The prefix "ab-" means away, and "scindere" means to cut. Thus, the term abscissa refers to the coordinate that is cut off from the origin along the x-axis in a Cartesian coordinate system.

Memory Tip

Think of the term 'cut off' — 'ab-' means away and 'scindere' means to cut. This helps you remember that the abscissa is the value that is 'cut off' from the origin along the x-axis.

Visually Confused Words