Definition of vertical

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< vertex

vertical angle >

ver·ti·cal    (vûrt-kl) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. Being or situated at right angles to the horizon; upright.
2. Situated at the vertex or highest point; directly overhead.
3. Anatomy Of or relating to the vertex of the head.
4. Economics Relating to or involving all stages from production to sale: vertical integration.
5. Relating to or composed of elements at different levels, as of society.

NOUN:

1. Something vertical, as a line, plane, or circle.
2. A vertical position.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin verticlis, overhead, from Latin vertex , vertic-, highest point ; see vertex

OTHER FORMS:
verti·cali·ty   (-kl-t) KEY   or verti·cal·ness   (-kl-ns) KEY  (Noun), verti·cal·ly (Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
vertical , upright , perpendicular , plumb

These adjectives mean being at or approximately at right angles to the horizon or to level ground. Vertical and upright are often used to signify contrast with what is horizontal: wallpaper with vertical stripes; an upright column. Perpendicular and plumb are generally used to specify an angle of precisely 90 degrees: a perpendicular escarpment; careful to make the doorjambs plumb.

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