noun

vertex

VUR-teks

Vertex (noun) means a point where two or more lines, edges or curves meet; a corner of a shape or angle. Example: “A cube has eight vertices and twelve edges.”

noun

A point where two or more lines, edges or curves meet; a corner of a shape or angle.

"A cube has eight vertices and twelve edges."

"Label the vertex where the two sides of the angle meet."

technical The highest point of a curve, especially the turning point of a parabola.

"The vertex of the parabola sits at (2, -3)."

technical In 3D graphics, a data point defining a corner of a polygon, carrying its position and often colour, texture and normal information.

"The model was optimised down to under ten thousand vertices."

How to use vertex

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe corner point where lines or edges meet.

When to use it

Technical, standard in geometry, graph theory and computer graphics.

Memory tip

In graph theory, 'vertex' and 'node' mean the same thing; mathematicians tend to prefer vertex and computer scientists node.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

vortex → apex → node →

Common pairings

vertex of a parabola vertices and edges vertex shader opposite vertex

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Test yourself on “vertex” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Label the _____ where the two sides of the angle meet.

Etymology

From Latin vertex 'whirl, crown of the head, highest point', from vertere 'to turn'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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corner node point apex

Related words

point head top line level position issue stage

Frequently asked questions

What is the plural of vertex?

Both 'vertices' and 'vertexes' are accepted, but 'vertices' is by far the more common and is standard in mathematics and computing.

What is the difference between a vertex and an edge?

A vertex is a corner point, and an edge is the line segment joining two vertices. A triangle has three vertices and three edges; a cube has eight vertices and twelve edges.

What is the difference between a vertex and a vortex?

They are unrelated despite the similar spelling. A vertex is a corner or highest point of a shape, while a vortex is a whirling mass of fluid or air, such as a whirlpool or tornado.

What is the meaning of vertex?

"vertex" (noun) means a point where two or more lines, edges or curves meet; a corner of a shape or angle.

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