Definition of vertex
vertices
play \ˈvər-tə-ˌsēz\ alsovertexes
1 : the top of the head
2a : the point opposite to and farthest from the base in a figureb : a point (as of an angle, polygon, polyhedron, graph, or network) that terminates a line or curve or comprises the intersection of two or more lines or curvesc : a point where an axis of an ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola intersects the curve itself
3 : a principal or highest point : summit the vertex of the hill
Read the Latest from M-W
Recent Examples of vertex from the Web
-
Since the cone has its vertex at the origin, the radius of each horizontal slice will be the x value of that function.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vertex'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of vertex
Middle English, top of the head, from Latin vertic-, vertex, vortic-, vortex whirl, whirlpool, top of the head, summit, from vertere to turn
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
VERTEX Defined for English Language Learners
vertex
playDefinition of vertex for English Language Learners
-
: a point where two lines meet to form an angle; especially : the point on a triangle that is opposite to the base
VERTEX Defined for Kids
vertex
playDefinition of vertex for Students
vertices
\ˈvər-tə-ˌsēz\ alsovertexes
1 : the point opposite to and farthest from the base of a geometrical figure
2 : the common endpoint of the sides of an angle
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about vertex
-
See words that rhyme with vertex Spanish Central: Translation of vertex Nglish: Translation of vertex for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of vertex for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vertex
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up vertex? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!