What is "abaxial"

Abaxial \Ab*ax"i*al\ ([a^]b*[a^]ks"[i^]*al), Abaxile \Ab*ax"ile\ ([a^]b*[a^]ks"[i^]l), a. [L. ab + axis axle.] (Bot.) Away from the axis or central line; eccentric.
--Balfour.

a. (context botany zoology English) Of a side that is face away from the axis or central line, such as the underside of a leaf; or the back of an animal. (Mid 19^th century.)(R:SOED5: page=2)

adj : facing away from the axis of an organ or organism; "the abaxial surface of a leaf is the underside or side facing away from the stem" [syn: dorsal] [ant: adaxial]