The word "coordinates" is often misspelled as "co-ordinates" due to a misconception that the word contains a prefix "co-". However, in fact, "coordinates" is a compound word made up of "co-" meaning "together" and "ordinates" meaning "measures", reflected in its IPA phonetic transcription, [koʊˈɔːrdənɪts]. The correct spelling of "coordinates" can be remembered by breaking it down into two distinct parts and remembering that there is no hyphen between them.
Coordinates are sets of numbers or values that are used to represent the specific location or position of a point in a defined space or system. These numerical values are treated as references or indicators to identify and locate a particular point or object accurately. Coordinates are most commonly used in the context of mathematics, geography, cartography, and various scientific disciplines.
In mathematics, coordinates are typically expressed in terms of two or more variables or axes. These axes can be horizontal (x-axis) and vertical (y-axis) in a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, while they can be extended to include a third-directional axis (z-axis) in a three-dimensional coordinate system. These numerical values, also known as coordinates, provide a precise way to determine the position of a specific point in space or on a graph or map.
In geographical terms, coordinates serve as a method of identifying any spot on the Earth's surface. Latitude and longitude are the most commonly used coordinate system to pinpoint locations on the globe. Latitude denotes the distance north or south of the Equator, while longitude measures the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. By providing these numerical coordinates, any location on Earth can be specifically identified and located.
Overall, coordinates are mathematical representations or values used to precisely determine the position or location of an object or point within a given system or space. They play a crucial role in various fields to enable accurate measurements, determinations, and navigations.
In geom., lines or other elements of reference, by means of which the position of any point, as of a curve, is defined with respect to certain fixed lines or planes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "coordinates" comes from the Latin word "coordinare", which is a combination of "co-" meaning "together" and "ordinare" meaning "to arrange". Hence, "coordinates" refers to arranging or organizing something together, in the context of determining the position of a point in a system or a particular order of elements.