ax

ax

ax¹ or axe [aks]

n.

pl. axes [ME < OE eax, æx < IE base * agw(e)si > Goth aqizi, Gr axinē, L ascia]

1. a tool for chopping trees and splitting wood: it has a long wooden handle and a metal head with a blade usually on only one side

2. any similar tool or weapon, as a battle-ax, headsman's ax, etc.

☆ 3. Slang a musical instrument

vt.

axed, axing

1. to trim, split, etc. with an ax

2. to cut off, remove, get rid of, etc.

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☆ get the ax Informal

1. to be executed by beheading

2. to be discharged from one's job

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☆ have an ax to grind

Informal to have an object of one's own to gain or promote

ax²

abbrev.

1. axiom

2. axis