definitions

apical

[ ey-pi-kuh l, ap-i- ]
/ ˈeɪ pɪ kəl, ˈæp ɪ- /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR apical ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

of, at, or forming the apex.
Phonetics. (of a speech sound) articulated principally with the aid of the tip of the tongue, as t or d.

noun

Phonetics. an apical sound.

RELATED CONTENT

All Of These Words Are Offensive (But Only Sometimes)English is confusing. And, many words have multiple meanings (and those meanings can be both good and bad), but as long as we're all trying to use these words in the kindest and best ways we can, that's all that matters.
READ MORE
Do Dogs Actually Understand Human Language?Anyone who has ever seen their dog hop to attention when they used the word “treat” knows that dogs obviously understand the same words as humans. But is it accurate to say that animals use language? Man’s best friend is hardly the only animal capable of amazing humans with communication skills. Extensive studies using gestural communication (sign language) explore the cognitive potential in the great apes. …
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

acute, pointed, finest, dominant, preeminent, leading, primary, excellent, elite, principal, keen, salient, fine, tapering, prime, superior, head, lead, crowning

Nearby words

apiaceous, apian, apiarian, apiarist, apiary, apical, apical dental foramen, apical dominance, apical gland, apical granuloma, apical meristem

Origin of apical

1820–30; < Latin apic- (stem of apex) apex + -al1

Related forms

a·pi·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for apical

British Dictionary definitions for apical

apical

/ (ˈæpɪkəl, ˈeɪ-) /

adjective

of, at, or being the apex
of or denoting a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue, such as (t) or (d)

Derived Forms

apically, adverb

Word Origin for apical

C19: from New Latin apicālis, from Latin: apex
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for apical

apical

[ ā′pĭ-kəl, ăp′ĭ- ]

adj.

Relating to the apex of a pyramidal or pointed structure.
Situated nearer to the apex of a structure in relation to a specific reference point.

Related forms

a′pi•cal•ly adv.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.