Definition of the word vertical

The word "vertical" originates from the Latin word "verticalis," which means "standing upright." This Latin word is a combination of "vertere," meaning "to turn," and the suffix "-alis," indicating a relation to something. In the 14th century, the word "vertical" was borrowed into Middle English from Old French, where it was spelled "verticale." Initially, the word referred to something standing upright or perpendicular to the horizon. Over time, the meaning of "vertical" expanded to include senses such as "straight up and down" or "perpendicular to the horizontal." Today, the word is used in various contexts, including architecture, engineering, and everyday language.