Meaning & use
the z-axis
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Meanings
nouncountablemathematics
The third coordinate line in three-dimensional space, usually drawn vertically, that measures height or depth at right angles to the x- and y-axes.
Grammar: Usually singular with 'the': plot the points along the z-axis.
Patterns
- along the z-axis
- rotate something about the z-axis
The height of each point is plotted on the z-axis.
Rotate the cube around the z-axis by ninety degrees.
The graph shows temperature on the z-axis.
nouncountablecomputingtechnical
In design and computer graphics, the line that decides how near or far an object seems from the viewer, controlling depth and layering.
Grammar: Used as a technical noun: move the layer along the z-axis.
Patterns
- move something on the z-axis
The artist moved the character forward along the z-axis.
CSS uses a z-index to control the z-axis stacking of elements.
Depth of field is simulated by shifting layers on the z-axis.
Word forms
| plural | z-axes |
|---|
Common combinations
- along the z-axis
- The drone moved along the z-axis to climb.
- rotate about the z-axis
- The camera rotates about the z-axis.
- plot on the z-axis
- We plot the pressure on the z-axis.
- positive z-axis
- The arrow points along the positive z-axis.
- z-axis value
- Each point has an x, y and z-axis value.
Synonyms and how they differ
- vertical axis
- In many 3D graphs this means the same line, but it is less exact because the z-axis can point elsewhere.
- depth axis
- This names the role in graphics, while z-axis is the standard mathematical name.
- third axis
- This is informal and only counts the axes, without naming which one.
- z-coordinate
- The z-coordinate is a number measured along the axis, not the axis itself.
Word family
Commonly confused: the z-axis or y-axis?
the z-axis vs y-axis
The y-axis is the vertical line on a flat graph, while the z-axis adds depth or height in a 3D graph.
Practice
On a flat two-dimensional graph there are only x- and y-axes. Which axis do you add to show a third dimension?
Choose one answer.
The third spatial axis is called the z-axis by convention. Letters such as w or t are used for other things, such as time.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the z-axis”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.