apex
/ˈeɪ.peks/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈepˌɛks] /ˈeɪ.peks/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈepˌɛks] /ˈā-ˌpeks/ (ame, mw)
apex — noun
- apexsingular
- apicesplural
1. the point that lies highest on a shape or structure, especially where the sides
the point that lies highest on a shape or structure, especially where the sides rise and meet in a narrow top
The climbers tied a flag near the apex of the rocky arch.
the apex of + physical structure
In art class, Sana shaded the apex of the cone last.
A small crack spread from the apex of the glass dome.
Workers fixed a light at the apex of the tent roof.
Snow stayed on the apex of the chapel roof until noon.
文法句型
the apex of + object/shape
at the apex of + structure
用法筆記
More formal than everyday 'top' or 'tip'. This sense is common in geometry, design, and descriptive writing about roofs, arches, and pointed forms.
2. the stage at which someone or something reaches its greatest success, influence,
the stage at which someone or something reaches its greatest success, influence, or strength
The singer reached the apex of her career after the world tour.
the apex of + career
By 2008, the company was at the apex of its power.
at the apex of + power
Many historians see that treaty as the apex of the empire.
Winning the science prize marked the apex of Otis's school years.
Cheap flights helped the resort reach the apex of its popularity.
文法句型
the apex of + career/power
reach the apex of + activity
用法筆記
Used for a highest point on a scale of success or power, not for a literal pointed shape. It often appears with nouns such as 'career', 'power', 'fame', or 'popularity'.
3. the narrow pointed end of a body organ, such as the heart, a lung, or a tooth ro
the narrow pointed end of a body organ, such as the heart, a lung, or a tooth root
The scan showed a shadow near the apex of the right lung.
near the apex of + organ
Pain spread from the apex of the tooth into Aya's jaw.
The surgeon checked the apex of the heart before closing the chest.
The report noted swelling at the apex of the root.
A tiny cyst had formed near the apex of the left lung.
- base
the broader attached part opposite the pointed end
文法句型
the apex of + organ
near/at the apex of + body part
用法筆記
This is an anatomy term used in medical or dental contexts. Distinguish it from sense 1: here the word names the pointed end of a body structure, not the top point of an object or shape.
apex — adjective
- apexpositive
- more apexcomparative
- most apexsuperlative
1. holding the highest authority within a connected system of organizations or offi
holding the highest authority within a connected system of organizations or official bodies
The apex court will hear the case again next week.
apex + court
An apex committee now reviews major building plans in the city.
apex + committee
The central bank is the apex financial body in the system.
Officials sent the dispute to the apex agency for a final ruling.
The ministry created an apex body to guide smaller local boards.
- top-level
less formal and broader; can describe status, meetings, or management
- highest-ranking
focuses more directly on rank within a hierarchy
- leading
can mean most important or most successful, but not always the single highest authority
- subordinate
lower in rank and under the authority of another body
- local
used for smaller lower-level bodies rather than the top one
文法句型
apex + court/body/committee/bank
用法筆記
Usually placed before institutional nouns such as 'court', 'body', 'committee', or 'bank'. Common in formal reporting about government, law, finance, or national organizations.