axial
Definition
Axial means "related to an axis." An axis is a straight line that passes through the centre of an object and around which the object rotates. In physics, the term "axial" is often used to describe the rotation of an object around its own axis.
For example, the Earth has an axial tilt of 23.5 degrees. This means that the Earth's axis is not perpendicular to the plane of its orbit around the sun. This tilt is what causes the seasons.
Another example of something axial is a spinning top. The top's axis is the line that goes through the centre of the top and around which it spins.
How can the word be used?
The axial skeleton is the part of the skeleton that forms the axis of the body.
Different forms of the word
Adjective: axial.
Adverb: axially.
Noun: axis.
Synonyms: central, pivotal, main, principal.
Antonyms: peripheral, marginal, secondary.
Etymology
The word "axial" comes from the Latin word axis, which means "axis" or "axle." The Latin word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root ak-, which means "to point.".
Question
In physics what is the word axial often used to describe?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
What is axial tilt and how does it affect the Earth's seasons?
Answer:
Axial tilt is the angle between the Earth's axis of rotation and the plane of its orbit around the sun. The Earth's axis of rotation is an imaginary line that goes through the centre of the Earth and is perpendicular to its surface. The plane of the Earth's orbit is the imaginary plane that the Earth travels around the sun in.