First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
vertex
noun ver·tex \ˈvər-ˌteks\
: a point where two lines meet to form an angle; especially : the point on a triangle that is opposite to the base
plural ver·ti·ces \ˈvər-tə-ˌsēz\ also ver·tex·es
Full Definition of VERTEX
1
: the top of the head
2
a : the point opposite to and farthest from the base in a figure b : a point (as of an angle, polygon, polyhedron, graph, or network) that terminates a line or curve or comprises the intersection of two or more lines or curves c : a point where an axis of an ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola intersects the curve itself
3
: a principal or highest point : summit <the vertex of the hill>
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Origin of VERTEX
Middle English, top of the head, from Latin vertic-, vertex, vortic-, vortex whirl, whirlpool, top of the head, summit, from vertere to turn
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Rhymes with VERTEX
VERTEX Defined for Kids
vertex
noun ver·tex \ˈvər-ˌteks\
plural ver·ti·ces \ˈvər-tə-ˌsēz\ also ver·tex·es
Definition of VERTEX for Kids
1
: the point opposite to and farthest from the base of a geometrical figure
2
: the common endpoint of the sides of an angle
Medical Dictionary
vertex
noun ver·tex \ˈvər-ˌteks\
plural ver·ti·ces \ˈvərt-ə-ˌsēz\ also ver·tex·es
Medical Definition of VERTEX
1
: the top of the head
2
: the highest point of the skull
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