vertex
UK/'vә:teks/US
GREC1
Definitions
n.
(Geometry) a point where two or more lines, edges, or curves meet; a corner of a shape.
（几何）顶点；角点
n.
The highest point; the top or apex.
最高点，顶端
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin vertex 'whirlpool, crown of the head, highest point,' from vertere (to turn). It originally meant the point around which something turns — like the top of the head or the crown of the sky — hence 'highest point' and, in geometry, the point where edges turn and meet.
Root vers still carries 91 more wordsUsage Guide
The plural is usually 'vertices' (VER-tih-seez) in mathematics, though 'vertexes' also exists. Don't confuse with 'vortex' (a whirling mass, like a whirlpool) — they share the Latin root vertere but mean different things.
Example Sentences
- 1.
A triangle has three vertices and three sides.
- 2.
The vertex of the parabola is its lowest point here.