Cartesian coordinates

n. coordinates that give positions relative to the X and Y axes (used to determine a point)

In mathematics, the Cartesian coordinate system (also called rectangular coordinate system) is used to determine each point uniquely in a plane through two numbers, usually called the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate of the point. To define the coordinates, two perpendicular directed lines (the x-axis or , and the y-axis or ), are specified, as well as the unit length, which is marked off on the two axes (see Figure 1). Cartesian coordinate systems are also used in space (where three coordinates are used) and in higher dimensions.
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<mathematics, graphics> (After Renee Descartes, French philosopher and mathematician) A pair of numbers, (x, y), defining the position of a point in a two-dimensional space by its perpendicular projection onto two axes which are at right angles to each other. x and y are also known as the abscissa and ordinate.
The idea can be generalised to any number of independent axes.
Compare polar coordinates.
(1997-07-08)

A coordinate system in which locations of points in space are expressed by reference to three mutually perpendicular planes, called coordinate planes. The three planes intersect in three straight lines called coordinate axes. See also coordinates. 1/3/73

Système de coordonnées dans lequel le lieu d'un point dans l'espace s'exprime par référence à un trièdre formé de trois plans perpendiculaires deux à deux, appelés plans de coordonnées. Les intersections de ces trois plans forment trois droites appelées axes de coordonnées. Voir aussi coordonnées. 1/3/73

Cartesian coordinates (x, y, or x, y, z; also known as rectangular coordinates) are directed distances from two (or three) perpendicular axes.

The location of a point in space is established by the corresponding coordinates on the X-and Y-axes (or X-, Y- , and Z-axes).
See also, Polar Coordinates .