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apex

 - 7 dictionary results

a⋅pex

[ey-peks]
–noun, plural a⋅pex⋅es, a⋅pi⋅ces [ey-puh-seez, ap-uh-] .
1. the tip, point, or vertex; summit.
2. climax; peak; acme: His election to the presidency was the apex of his career.
3. Astronomy. solar apex.

Origin:
1595–1605; < L

APEX

[ey-peks]
a type of international air fare offering reduced rates for extended stays that are booked in advance.

Origin:
1970–75; A(dvance) P(urchase) Ex(cursion)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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a·pex   (ā'pěks)   
n.   pl. a·pex·es or a·pi·ces (ā'pĭ-sēz', āp'ĭ-)
  1. The highest point; the vertex: the apex of a triangle; the apex of a hill.

  2. The point of culmination. See Synonyms at summit.

  3. The usually pointed end of an object; the tip: the apex of a leaf.


[Latin.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

apex 
1601, from L. apex "summit, peak, tip" probably related to apere "to fasten, fix," hence "the tip of anything" (one of the meanings in L. was "small rod at the top of the flamen's cap"). Proper plural is apices.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: apex
Pronunciation: 'A-"peks
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural apex·es or api·ces /'A-p&-"sEz/
: 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 ofthe root of a tooth
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

apex a·pex (ā'pěks)
n. pl. a·pex·es or a·pi·ces (ā'pĭ-sēz', āp'ĭ-)
The pointed end of a conical or pyramidal structure.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Abbreviations & Acronyms
APEX
Arctic Polynya Experiment
The American Heritage® Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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