First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1erect
adjective \i-ˈrekt\
: straight up and down
: in a state of erection because of sexual excitement : swollen and stiff
Full Definition of ERECT
1
a : vertical in position; also : not spread out or decumbent <an erect plant stem> <columns still erect in the ruins> b : standing up or out from the body <erect hairs> c : characterized by firm or rigid straightness in bodily posture <an erect bearing>
2
archaic : directed upward
4
: being in a state of physiological erection
— erect·ly \-ˈrek-(t)lē\ adverb
— erect·ness \-ˈrek(t)-nəs\ noun
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Origin of ERECT
Middle English, from Latin erectus, past participle of erigere to erect, from e- + regere to lead straight, guide — more at right
Related to ERECT
- Synonyms
- perpendicular, plumb, raised, standing, stand-up, upright, upstanding, vertical
Rhymes with ERECT
abject, advect, affect, aspect, bisect, cathect, collect, confect, connect, convect, correct, cowl-necked, defect, deflect, deject, detect, direct, Dordrecht, effect, eject, elect, ewe-necked, expect, goosenecked, infect, inflect, inject, insect, inspect, neglect, object, pandect, porrect, prefect, prelect, project, prospect, protect, refect, reflect, reject, resect, respect, ring-necked, roll-necked, select, stiff-necked, subject, suspect, traject, transect, trisect, Utrecht, V-necked
2erect
verb
: to build (something) by putting together materials
: to set or place (something) so that it stands up
Full Definition of ERECT
transitive verb
1
a (1) : to put up by the fitting together of materials or parts : build (2) : to fix in an upright position (3) : to cause to stand up or stand out b archaic : to direct upward c : to change (an image) from an inverted to a normal position
2
: to elevate in status
5
: to draw or construct (as a perpendicular or figure) upon a given base
— erect·able \-ˈrek-tə-bəl\ adjective
See erect defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ERECT
15th century
Related to ERECT
ERECTNESS Defined for Kids
1erect
adjective \i-ˈrekt\
Definition of ERECT for Kids
: straight up and down <an erect tree> <The soldiers stood erect.>
Word Root of ERECT
The Latin word rēctus, meaning “straight” or “right,” gives us the root rect. Words from the Latin rēctus have something to do with being straight or correct. Something erect stands straight up. Something correct is right. A rectangle is a shape made of four straight lines and four right angles.
2erect
verb
erect·ederect·ing
Definition of ERECT for Kids
1
: to put up by fitting together materials or parts <erect a tent>
2
: to set or place straight up <erect a flagpole>
— erec·tor \i-ˈrek-tər\ noun
Medical Dictionary
erect
adjective \i-ˈrekt\
Medical Definition of ERECT
1
: standing up or out from the body <erect hairs>
2
: being in a state of physiological erection
Learn More About ERECT
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