Where does “vertex” come from?

Vertex comes from Latin vertex, derived from the verb vertere meaning "to turn," which traces to the Proto-Indo-European root wer-.

vertex (English): The highest point of something; The highest...

Definitions

  1. The highest point of something; The highest...

Ancestry of “vertex”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Latinvertexwhirlpool, eddy, vortex; crown; top, peak, summit
2Latinvertōto turn, turn oneself, direct one's way, to turn about, turn around, revolve
3Proto-Italicwertōto turn
4Proto-Indo-Europeanwert-to turn, to rotate
5Proto-Indo-Europeanwer-to burn; to cover, heed, notice; squirrel

Words derived from “vertex

Every word from Proto-Indo-European wer-
vertex — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer