Main Entry: ¹erect

Pronunciation: \i-ˈrekt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin erectus, past participle of erigere to erect, from e- + regere to lead straight, guide — more at right

Date: 14th century

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 \-ˈrek-(t)lē\ adverb

— erect·ness \-ˈrek(t)-nəs\ noun