First Known Use: 1601
Dictionary
apex
noun \ˈā-ˌpeks\
: the top or highest point of something
plural apex·es or api·ces\ˈā-pə-ˌsēz, ˈa-\
Full Definition of APEX
1
2
: the highest or culminating point <the apex of his career>
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Origin of APEX
Latin
Related to APEX
Synonym Discussion of APEX
summit, peak, pinnacle, climax, apex, acme, culmination mean the highest point attained or attainable. summit implies the topmost level attainable <at the summit of the Victorian social scene>. peak suggests the highest among other high points <an artist working at the peak of her powers>. pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height <the pinnacle of worldly success>. climax implies the highest point in an ascending series <the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions>. apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge <the apex of Dutch culture>. acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing <a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty>. culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective <the culmination of years of effort>.
Rhymes with APEX
APEX Defined for Kids
apex
noun \ˈā-ˌpeks\
plural apex·es or api·ces \ˈā-pə-ˌsēz\
Definition of APEX for Kids
1
: the highest point : peak <“She's on top of the roof, walking with a foot either side of the apex …” — Brian Jacques, Redwall>
2
: the most successful time <He was at the apex of his career.>
Medical Dictionary
apex
noun \ˈā-ˌpeks\
plural apex·es or api·ces \ˈā-pə-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of APEX
: a narrowed or pointed end of an anatomical structure: as a : the narrow somewhat conical upper part of a lung extending into the root b : the lower pointed end of the heart situated in humans opposite the space between the cartilages of the fifth and sixth ribs on the left side c : the extremity of the root of a tooth
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