Coordinate
/koʊˈɔːr.də.nət/noun
A word or set of values used to locate something in relation to a system or to arrange things so they work together.
Did you know?Coordinate comes from Latin *co-* “together” + *ordinare* “to arrange in order,” and *ordinare* is tied to *ordo*—the same ancient root behind *order*, *ordinal*, and *ordain*, words long linked to organizing power and authority.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
coordinare
“to arrange together; put in proper order”
Latin
Latin
ordinare
“to arrange, set in order, appoint”
Latin
Latin
ordo
“row, rank, series, order”
14th Century
English
coordinate
“to set in proper order or relation”
20th Century
English
coordinate
“a value used with others to specify position in a system”
Explore more surprising origins