coordinates

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of coordinate.

   The pilot read out the coordinates of the landing zone over the radio.

   Each point on the grid is described by two coordinates.

   Note

   One coordinate fixes a position along a single line or arc, so locating a point on a grid or a map takes several. That is why the plural is the form most often met. The plural also has a humorous fashion use: coordinates are clothes chosen to go together. The same spelling serves as the verb form (she coordinates the schedule), and an article or a number usually marks the noun.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present indicative of coordinate.

   The committee coordinates events across the entire campus.

   A central office coordinates shipments between the warehouses.

   Note

   It makes a full sentence with or without an object. A central office coordinates shipments, taking a direct object, while a scarf that coordinates with a coat simply matches it and needs none. That matching meaning is the one behind the noun's fashion use. With a plural subject the ending drops: the offices coordinate, the colors coordinate.

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