Cs, 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)
