Standard Lemma guide

axil

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • UK, US: /ˈæk.sɪl/
  • UK, US: /ˈæk.səl/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -æksəl
  • homophone: axel
  • homophone: axle

1

noun

Meaning 1

The angle or point of divergence between the upper side of a branch, leaf, or petiole, and the stem or branch from which it springs.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: biology, botany, natural-sciences

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: crotch, fork

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: axilla, crotch, fork

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

the upper angle between an axis and an offshoot such as a branch or leafstalk

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: angle

History

Etymology

From Latin axilla. Doublet of axilla.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: axil·la — angle or point of divergence
  • French: aisselle — angle or point of divergence
  • German: Blattachsel — angle or point of divergence
  • Ido: axelo — angle or point of divergence
  • Irish: ascaill — angle or point of divergence
  • Korean: 잎겨드랑이 (ipgyeodeurang'i) — angle or point of divergence
  • Spanish: axila — angle or point of divergence
  • Welsh: cesail — angle or point of divergence