ordinate

noun

or·di·nate ˈȯr-də-nət

ˈȯrd-nət,

-ˌnāt

: the Cartesian coordinate obtained by measuring parallel to the y-axis compare abscissa

Word History

Etymology

New Latin (linea) ordinate (applicata), literally, line applied in an orderly manner

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ordinate was in 1706

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordinate. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ordinate

noun

or·di·nate ˈȯrd-nət

-ᵊn-ət,

-ᵊn-ˌāt

: the number in an ordered pair of numbers (as y in (x, y)) that gives the location of a point along the y-axis

called also y-coordinate

compare abscissa

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