ordinate

[awr-dn-it, -eyt] /ˈɔr dnˌɪt, -ˌeɪt/

noun

Mathematics. (in plane Cartesian coordinates) the y-coordinate of a point: its distance from the x-axis measured parallel to the y-axis.

Compare abscissa.

Origin

1670-80; extracted from Neo-Latin (līnea) ordināte (applicāta) (line applied) in order; ordināte (adv.), derivative of Latin ordinātus arranged. See ordination

Examples from the web for ordinate

It is important to co-ordinate these with equally magnanimous discoveries in microbiology.
The survey also contained devastating news for those publishers hoping to co-ordinate attempts to charge.
He is also taking further steps to reinforce his power to direct and co-ordinate government.
And someone has to co-ordinate the multinationals' local service-providers, be they auditors or patent lawyers.
The national security adviser is meant to co-ordinate foreign-policy making.
Mobile calls are for last-minute planning or to co-ordinate travel and meetings.
But sometimes markets cannot co-ordinate activities effectively.

British Dictionary definitions for ordinate

ordinate

/ˈɔːdɪnɪt/

noun

the vertical or y-coordinate of a point in a two-dimensional system of Cartesian coordinates Compare abscissa See also Cartesian coordinates

Word Origin

C16: from New Latin phrase (linea) ordināte (applicāta) (line applied) in an orderly manner, from ordināre to arrange in order

Word Origin and History for ordinate

adj.

late 14c., from Latin ordinatus, past participle of ordinare "arrange, set in order" (see ordain). Related: Ordinately.

1560s, from Latin ordinatus, past participle of ordinare "arrange, set in order" (see ordain). Related: Ordinated; ordinating.

ordinate in Medicine

ordinate or·di·nate (ôr'dn-ĭt, -āt')
n.
The plane Cartesian coordinate representing the distance from a specified point to the x-axis, measured parallel to the y-axis.

ordinate in Science

ordinate

(ôr'dn-ĭt)
The distance of a point from the x-axis on a graph in the Cartesian coordinate system. It is measured parallel to the y-axis. For example, a point having coordinates (2,3) has 3 as its ordinate. Compare abscissa.

ordinate in Technology

mathematics
The y-coordinate on an (x,y) graph; the output of a function plotted against its input.
x is the "abscissa".
See Cartesian coordinates.
(1997-07-08)