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

Example Sentences

“You have to build connections and connect with people who are already at the apex of their careers,” he said, calling the race to get boatloads of cash “an exercise in bridge-building.”

From Slate

“I understand why someone who discovered the band early on saw them in little bars, and heard ‘Murmur,’ and internalized those early albums as the apex of their sound,” says Carlin.

From Los Angeles Times

“Everybody thought Ron DeSantis was at this powerful apex of politics that could not be torn down,” Lanza said.

From BBC

"So these dolphins are top of the food chain and the apex predator so this is a really safe, shallow protected nursery for these mothers to raise their calves and that's why their population is currently thriving so well," she added.

From BBC

Blake Treinen, 37, RP, Apex: When healthy, Treinen is as tough to hit as any reliever in baseball, mixing a frisbee-like sweeper with a mid-90s fastball.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apogee
• culmination
• pinnacle