major axis

The "major axis" is a crucial concept in the study of ellipses, playing a significant role in fields like geometry, astronomy, and mathematics.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US Voice:
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Voice:

Definition

C1Geometry

(technical, academic)The longest diameter of an ellipse, passing through its center and foci.

Example

  • The major axis of an ellipse is crucial for calculating its eccentricity.

C1Astronomy

(technical, academic)The longest diameter of an elliptical orbit, connecting the farthest points.

Example

  • In the study of planetary orbits, the major axis helps determine the orbital period.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "major axis":

semimajor axispolar axisaxis of rotationoptic axis