vertex
vertex
UK[ˈvɜːtɛks]US[ˈvɜːrtɛks]
n
The highest point; the top or apex.
n
The point opposite to and farthest from the base of a geometrical figure, such as the apex of a triangle or cone.
n
A meeting point of two lines that form an angle.
Morpheme Breakdown
vert
ex
vert
turn
ex
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'vertex' originates from the Latin vertex, meaning 'whirlpool, top, crown of the head', which itself derives from vertere, 'to turn'. The conceptual link is that the highest point, like the crown of the head or the pole of the heavens, is seen as a pivotal point around which things turn or revolve. In geometry, this evolved to denote the critical turning point or corner where lines meet. Thus, the literal sense of a turning point transformed into the abstract meanings of summit and angular point.
Analysis
Structure: vert (turn) + ex (noun suffix)
'vert' is from Latin vertere, meaning 'to turn'. 'ex' is a Latin noun-forming suffix.
Examples
The vertex of the mountain was shrouded in clouds.
In a triangle, the vertex is the point where two sides meet.
The parabola's vertex represents its minimum value.