Definition of the word vertex

The word "vertex" originates from the Latin word "vertex," meaning "top" or "summit." This word was used in medieval mathematics to describe the point where two curves or lines intersect, forming a corner or angle. It was adopted into English in the 16th century and was subsequently used in geometry and trigonometry to refer to the point where two curves or sides meet in a polygon or polyhedron. The usage of the term "vertex" has since expanded to other fields such as physics and chemistry, where it encompasses various definitions depending on the specific context. However, its original meaning, as rooted in the Latin word "vertex," remains closely associated with geometry and mathematics.