# vertex

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈvɜː.tɛks/ · frequency rank #22,262

## Definitions
1. The highest point, top or apex of something.
2. The highest point, top or apex of something.
3. An angular point of a polygon, polyhedron or higher order polytope.
4. An angular point of a polygon, polyhedron or higher order polytope.
5. A point on the curve with a local minimum or maximum of curvature.
6. One of the elements of a graph joined or not by edges to other vertices.
7. A point in 3D space, usually given in terms of its Cartesian coordinates.
8. The point where the surface of a lens crosses the optical axis.
9. An interaction point.
10. The point where the prime vertical meets the ecliptic in the western hemisphere of a natal chart.
11. A sharp downward point opposite a crotch, as in the letters "V" and "W" but not "Y".

## Etymology
Late Middle English, borrowed from Latin vertex (“whirl, eddy; top, crown, peak, summit”). Doublet of vortex.

## Easily confused with
- **verve** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/vertex-vs-verve)
- **vortex** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/vertex-vs-vortex)
- **vested** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/vertex-vs-vested)
- **Vettel** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/vertex-vs-vettel)
- **vetted** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/vertex-vs-vetted)
- **vert** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/vert-vs-vertex)
- **verse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/verse-vs-vertex)
- **verge** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/verge-vs-vertex)
- **Verde** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/verde-vs-vertex)
- **Verne** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/verne-vs-vertex)
- **verses** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/verses-vs-vertex)
- **versed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/versed-vs-vertex)

## Common misspellings (9)
`evrtex`, `veretx`, `verrtex`, `vertexx`, `verttex`, `vertxe`, `vetrex`, `vretex`, `vvertex`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/vertex