vertex

Where does the word "vertex" come from? It comes from Latin vertex, and was adopted directly into English (1560s).

Vertex’s story begins in Latin: vertex meant “the highest point, a whirl.” A whirl, the highest point, from vertere (to turn). It reached English by 1560s as vertex. Latin 'whirl, crown of the head', from 'vertere', to turn. Today, vertex means the point where two or more lines or edges meet, forming an angle.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient vertex "the highest point, a whirl", a whirl, the highest point, from vertere (to turn).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1560s vertex "the point where two lines or edges of a shape meet", Latin 'whirl, crown of the head', from 'vertere', to turn.