Apical
/ˈeɪ.pɪ.kəl/noun
Relating to or situated at an apex, tip, or highest point.
Did you know?In phonetics, an apical consonant is made with the tip of the tongue, preserving the word’s ancient association with a pointed summit.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂ek-
“Sharp, pointed, or reaching a point”
Ancient Latin
Latin
apex
“A pointed summit, tip, or peak; later also a distinctive cap or mark”
Classical Latin
Latin
apicis
“Genitive form of apex, meaning “of the apex” or “of the tip””
Late Latin
Latin
apicalis
“Relating to an apex or tip”
17th Century
English
apical
“Relating to an apex or highest point”
Modern English
English
apical
“Situated at or relating to a tip, summit, or apex”