vertex

noun

ver·​tex ˈvər-ˌteks 

plural vertices ˈvər-tə-ˌsēz  also vertexes

1

: the top of the head

2

a

: the point opposite to and farthest from the base in a figure

b

: 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 curves

c

: 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

Examples of vertex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the bottom vertex, the slope abruptly changes directions. —Solomon Adams, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2025

The edges and vertices of one graph can be compared with those of another to explore deeper relationships between the two structures—an approach that Kamata thought might help to resolve Dudeney’s dissection. —Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025

Two decades earlier, the mathematician Joel Friedman (opens a new tab) proved that most graphs — collections of vertices and edges that appear all over mathematics — have this property. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025

Continuing westward, Mars formed a different type of isosceles triangle with Pollux and Castor on Feb. 2, with Pollux marking the vertex and Mars and Castor forming the base. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vertex

• annex
• annexe
• apex
• aztecs
• carex
• codecs
• codex
• convex
• cusecs
• duplex
• execs
• fedex

Kids Definition

vertex

noun

ver·​tex ˈvər-ˌteks 

plural vertices ˈvərt-ə-ˌsēz  also vertexes

1

: the point of a figure that is opposite to and farthest from its base

the vertex of a triangle

2

: the point where the two sides of an angle meet or where three or more edges of a polyhedron (as a cube) meet

Medical Definition

vertex

noun

ver·​tex ˈvər-ˌteks 

plural vertices ˈvərt-ə-ˌsēz  also vertexes

1

: the top of the head

2

: the highest point of the skull