coaxial
UK[kəʊˈæksɪəl]US[koʊˈæksiəl]
adj
having or mounted on a common axis.
adj
(of a cable, line, or connector) consisting of two concentric conductors separated by an insulator, used for transmitting high-frequency signals with low loss.
Morpheme Breakdown
co
axial
co
together
axial
relating to an axis
Etymology
the word 'coaxial' is a modern scientific compound, formed in english from the latin-derived prefix 'co-' and the adjective 'axial'. the prefix 'co-', a variant of the latin 'com-', conveys the sense of 'together' or 'jointly'. the core element 'axial' originates from the latin noun 'axis', which referred to an axle or a line around which something rotates, a term itself with possible proto-indo-european roots relating to driving or movement. the logical construction of the word is perfectly transparent: 'coaxial' literally describes two or more elements, such as conductors or geometric figures, that share or are arranged on a single common axis. this literal meaning directly informs its technical applications in geometry and telecommunications.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + axial (relating to an axis)
co- (from latin 'com-', meaning 'together', 'with', a prefix indicating jointness or partnership); axial (from latin 'axis', meaning 'axle, pivot', combined with the english adjectival suffix '-al', meaning 'of or pertaining to').
Examples
the satellite dish uses a coaxial cable to receive the signal.
the two circles are coaxial, sharing the same center point.
for optimal video quality, ensure the coaxial connection is secure.