apex

¹

[ ey-peks ]

noun

, plural a·pex·es, a·pi·ces [ey, -p, uh, -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.

APEX

²

[ ey-peks ]

noun

1. a type of international airfare offering reduced rates for extended stays that are booked in advance.

apex

¹

/ ˈeɪpɛks /

noun

1. the highest point; vertex
2. the pointed end or tip of something
3. a pinnacle or high point, as of a career, etc
4. Also calledsolar apex astronomy the point on the celestial sphere, lying in the constellation Hercules, towards which the sun appears to move at a velocity of 20 kilometres per second relative to the nearest stars

APEX

²

/ ˈeɪpɛks /

acronym for

1. Advance Purchase Excursion: a reduced airline or long-distance rail fare that must be paid a specified number of days in advance
2. (in Britain) Association of Professional, Executive, Clerical, and Computer Staff

Word History and Origins

Origin of apex¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1595–1605

Origin of apex²

First recorded in 1970–75; A(dvance) P(urchase) Ex(cursion)

Word History and Origins

Origin of apex¹

C17: from Latin: point

Related Words

• apogee
• culmination
• pinnacle