convex
UK[ˈkɒn.veks]US[ˈkɑːn.veks]
adj
having an outline or surface curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere.
adj
(of a polygon) having all interior angles less than or equal to 180°.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
vex
con
together
vex
to agitate, to shake
Etymology
the word 'convex' entered english in the late 16th century from latin 'convexus', meaning 'vaulted, arched'. this latin term is a past participle of 'convehere', which literally means 'to carry together' or 'to bring together'. the root components are 'con-' (together) and 'vehere' (to carry). the semantic evolution is logical: the notion of surfaces being 'carried together' or 'brought together' into a rounded, arched form led to the modern geometric sense describing an outwardly curved shape. this contrasts with its counterpart 'concave', where the surface curves inward.
Analysis
Structure: con + vex
con- (latin, prefix meaning 'together' or 'completely'); -vex (latin, root from 'vexāre' meaning 'to agitate, to shake')
Examples
the convex lens focused the light rays to a single point.
the mirror had a slightly convex surface, making the reflection appear wider.
the algorithm is designed to optimize functions over a convex set.