Definition of "ordinate" in English

noun

1. (geometry) The second of the two terms by which a point is referred to, in a system of fixed rectilinear coordinate (Cartesian coordinate) axes.

   • Coordinate term: abscissa
   • The point (3,2) has 3 as its abscissa and 2 as its ordinate.

2. (geometry) The vertical line representing an axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, on which the ordinate (sense above) is shown.

verb

1. (transitive) To align a series of objects.

2. (transitive, uncommon) To ordain a priest, or consecrate a bishop.

3. (transitive, now rare) To order or regulate; to control, govern, or direct.

4. (transitive, obsolete) To institute, establish; to ordain; to predestine.

5. (transitive, statistics, ecology) To subject to the mathematical operation of ordination.

6. (obsolete) past participle of ordinate

adjective

1. (rare after the 17th c., of someone) Observant of order, keeping within set limits; moderate, temperate

2. (obsolete, of things) Conforming to order or rule, ordered, regulated, regular, orderly.

   • ordinate power

3. (entomology, rare) Arranged regularly in a row or rows.

4. (geometry, obsolete) Of a figure: having all its sides and angles equal.

5. (mathematics, obsolete, only in Euclid translations) Relating to an ordered series of ratios.

   • ordinate proportionality; ordinate proportion