ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vertex

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈvɝˌtɛks// UK //vˈɜːtɛks// ver·tex

n. the highest point of something, or a corner where two or more lines meet.

n. the highest point or apex of a structure; in geometry, the point where two or more curves, lines, or edges meet.


SIMPLE

The vertex of the triangle is at the top of the page.

CONTEXTUAL

In computer graphics, each vertex of a 3D model must be precisely calculated to render the shape correctly.

COMPLEX

The surgeon carefully identified the vertex of the skull before beginning the procedure to ensure the incision was placed at the highest anatomical point.

Synonyms
Origin

Late Middle English, borrowed from Latin vertex (“whirl, eddy; top, crown, peak, summit”). Doublet of vortex.

Usage

The plural form is usually 'vertices' in mathematical and technical contexts, though 'vertexes' is occasionally used in general English.

Pitfall

the vertexes of the cubethe vertices of the cubeIn technical, mathematical, and scientific writing, the Latin plural 'vertices' is preferred over the standard English 'vertexes'.

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