AY-peks
APEX The highest point or top of something; the pinnacle or climax.
13
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
The apex is the highest or topmost point of something, whether physical like a mountain peak or metaphorical like the peak of one's career. In geometry, it specifically refers to the vertex opposite the base of a triangle or cone.
In various fields, apex has specialized meanings: in anatomy, it's the tip of an organ like the heart's apex; in racing, it's the optimal point to clip a corner; in botany, it's the growing tip of a plant shoot. This versatility makes it valuable across disciplines.
For Scrabble players, APEX is a highly efficient 4-letter word containing the valuable X. Its common usage and straightforward spelling make it accessible, while the 13+ base points ensure good scoring even without premium squares.
The concept of apex appears throughout human experience - from architectural domes to food chains (apex predators) to business hierarchies. It represents achievement, dominance, and the culmination of effort or evolution.
The word 'apex' comes directly from Latin, where it meant 'peak, tip, summit, or cap.' Originally, it referred to the cap worn by Roman priests, which came to a point. The word entered English in the 17th century, maintaining its meaning of 'highest point.' The plural can be either 'apexes' or 'apices' (Latin).
Words with similar meaning
PEAK
Highest point
SUMMIT
Top of mountain
PINNACLE
Highest achievement
ZENITH
Celestial high point
ACME
Point of perfection
Words with opposite meaning
NADIR
Lowest point
BASE
Bottom foundation
BOTTOM
Lowest part
Plural Form
apexes/apices
Related Terms
Top of the food chain
Achieve the highest point
Peak of influence
Total base points: 13 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 2
Other high-scoring 4-letter words (Scrabble)
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"The mountaineers finally reached the apex of Mount Everest after weeks of climbing."
"At the apex of her career, she was earning millions per film."
"Playing APEX on a double word score netted a quick 26 points."
The concept of apex permeates human thinking about achievement, evolution, and hierarchy. From apex predators in nature documentaries to reaching the apex of success in business, it represents ultimate achievement. The word embodies humanity's fascination with peaks, both literal and metaphorical.
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