erect

2 entries found for erect.
To select an entry, click on it.

erect[1,adjective] erect[2,transitive verb]

Main Entry: ¹erect
Pronunciation: i-'rekt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin erectus, past participle of erigere to erect, from e- + regere to lead straight, guide -- more at RIGHT
1 a : vertical in position; also : not spread out or decumbent <an erect plant stem> <columns still erect in the ruins> b : standing up or out from the body <erect hairs> c : characterized by firm or rigid straightness in bodily posture <an erect bearing>
2 archaic : directed upward
3 obsolete : ALERT, WATCHFUL
4 : being in a state of physiological erection
- erect·ly /-'rek-(t)lE/ adverb
- erect·ness /-'rek(t)-n&s/ noun