axial

adjective

ax·​i·​al ˈak-sē-əl How to pronounce axial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis
2
a
: situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis
b
: extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of a cyclic structure (as of cyclohexane)
axial hydrogens
compare equatorial
axiality
ˌak-sē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce axial (audio)
noun
axially
ˈak-sē-ə-lē How to pronounce axial (audio)
adverb

Examples of axial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There should be a strong formal axial relationship betwen Miami’s main street and its front yard. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026 Permanently shadowed craters never receive direct sunlight because of the moon's low axial tilt. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 May 2026 Its architecture, in which yew hedges and pleasantly aged pink-brick walls define rooms and axial walkways, was primarily Nicolson’s work. — Amy Waldman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026 This phenomenon is due to the Earth's elliptical orbit and axial tilt, which causes a discrepancy between a solar day and our 24-hour clock. — Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for axial

Word History

Etymology

axis + -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of axial was circa 1847

Phrases Containing axial

Rhymes for axial

See All Rhymes for axial

Browse Nearby Words

axi-
axial
axial angle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Axial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

axial

adjective
ax·​i·​al ˈak-sē-əl How to pronounce axial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis
2
: situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis
axial flowers
axially
-sē-ə-lē How to pronounce axial (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

axial

adjective
ax·​i·​al ˈak-sē-əl How to pronounce axial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis
2
a
: situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis
b
: extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of a cyclic structure (as of cyclohexane)
axial hydrogens
compare equatorial
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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