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

In a recent email interview, he added that, “The auction will be the apex of its career. I’m eager to see what the answers will be.”

From New York Times

The frozen carcass provides a remarkable snapshot of a bygone apex predator.

From Science Magazine

“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

And that’s because the incidents in Mexico were slightly different in character, in that while in Austin Verstappen was ahead at the apex, in Mexico Norris was.

From BBC

But the two incidents were different in that this time Norris had his car slightly ahead at the apex.

From BBC

Related Words

• apogee
• culmination
• pinnacle