Axis

Axis is an imaginary straight line about which a body rotates, or conceived as rotating. In geometry, the line is conceived passing through the centre of a symmetrical solid. It lies in the direction of the greatest length dividing an object into equal or roughly equal halves. While measuring coordinates in mathematics, such as (x,y), an axis is the fixed reference line called x-axis, and y-axis. In a structure, it is the straight central part connecting all others. In botany, it is the central column of the growth or inflorescence, while in zoology, it is the skull and backbone of a vertebrate. Axis in anatomy, is the second cervical vertebra lying below the atlas at the top of the backbone . It must be noted here that there are seven cervical vertebrae. In politics, the core alliance of two or more countries are referred to as axis if a larger alliance is formed around it. However, the expression 'the Axis' refers to the alliance of Germany and Italy formed before and during the World War II. Japan and other countries were later included in the Axis.