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Where does the word "vertical" come from? It comes from Latin verticalis, and was adopted directly into English (1550s).
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Where does the word "vertical" come from? It comes from Latin verticalis, and was adopted directly into English (1550s).
Vertical’s story begins in Latin: verticalis meant “overhead.” From 'vertex', highest point. It reached English by 1550s as vertical. First used in astronomy for the point overhead. Today, vertical means upright.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient verticalis "overhead", from 'vertex', highest point.
- Stage 2 · English · 1550s vertical "overhead", first used in astronomy for the point overhead.