vertex

Meanings

1. 1nouncountabletechnicalmathematics

   In geometry, the point where two or more lines or edges meet, such as the corner of an angle or a shape.

   Grammar: The plural is vertices: one vertex, two vertices.

   Patterns

   • the vertex of an angle
   • a vertex of a triangle

   A triangle has three vertices.

   The vertex of the angle is where the two lines cross.

   In a square, each corner is a vertex.

2. 2nouncountableformalliterary

   The highest point or top of something, especially the top of the head or a mountain.

   Grammar: Often used in formal or literary descriptions.

   Patterns

   • the vertex of the head
   • the vertex of a mountain

   The vertex of the mountain was covered in snow.

   The crown of the head is also called the vertex.

   We reached the vertex of the hill after a long climb.

Word forms

Common combinations

vertex of a triangle

Draw a line from the vertex of the triangle to the opposite side.

vertex of an angle

The vertex of the angle is marked with a dot.

vertex of a graph

In graph theory, each point is called a vertex.

vertex of the head

The baby's soft spot is near the vertex of the head.

Synonyms and how they differ

corner

Everyday word for where two lines meet; vertex is the technical term used in mathematics.

apex

Often means the highest point, similar to vertex in the 'top' sense, but apex is not usually used for geometric corners.

Word family

vertical adjective

Going straight up and down, related to the idea of a highest point.

Commonly confused: vertex or vortex?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “vertex”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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