der Apex
apex
In technical language, especially anatomy and botany, the tip of an organ or part of a plant.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt hörte den Apex der Lunge ab.
The doctor listened to the apex of the lung.
der Apex
apex
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Apex
apex
In motorsport, the apex of a curve, that is, the innermost point a racing driver aims for in order to take the curve optimally.
EXAMPLE
Für eine schnelle Rundenzeit ist es entscheidend, den Apex jeder Kurve perfekt zu treffen.
For a fast lap time, it is crucial to hit the apex of every corner perfectly.
der Apex
apex
In astronomy, the point in the sky toward which the sun, or another celestial object, is moving in relation to its surroundings.
EXAMPLE
Der Apex der Sonnenbewegung liegt im Sternbild Herkules.
The apex of the sun's motion lies in the constellation Hercules.
der Apex
peak / apex
In a figurative, educated-register sense, the peak or high point of a development or process.
EXAMPLE
Mit diesem Werk erreichte der Künstler den Apex seines Schaffens.
With this work, the artist reached the apex of his creative output.
Usage tips
Origin from Latin
'Apex' comes from Latin and means 'tip' or 'summit'. This basic meaning helps you understand the different uses in technical language, since it is always about the highest, foremost, or most important point.
EXAMPLE
In der Biologie bezeichnet man die Wurzelspitze als Apex.
In biology, the tip of the root is called the apex.
Technical and educated language
The word 'Apex' (apex) is used almost exclusively in technical fields, such as medicine, motorsport, or astronomy, or in very educated language. It is uncommon in normal everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Der Kommentator erklärte, dass der Fahrer den Apex der Kurve zu früh angesteuert hat.
The commentator explained that the driver aimed for the apex of the corner too early.
Context clues
You can always recognize the exact meaning of 'Apex' (apex) from the context. Terms like 'Lunge' (lung) or 'Herz' (heart) point to medicine, words like 'Kurve' (curve/corner) or 'Rennfahrer' (racing driver) point to motorsport, and 'Entwicklung' (development) or 'Schaffen' (creative work) point to the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Rennfahrer muss den Apex der Kurve genau treffen.
The racing driver has to hit the apex of the corner precisely.
Typical collocations
In a motorsport context, the most common verbs used with 'Apex' (apex) are: 'den Apex treffen' (to hit the apex), 'den Apex erwischen' (to catch the apex), or 'den Apex verpassen' (to miss the apex).
EXAMPLE
Um schnell zu sein, muss man den Apex jeder Kurve perfekt treffen.
To be fast, you have to hit the apex of every corner perfectly.
Compare with
Apex vs Spitze
tip / top / lace
Spitze is the general term for a pointed, narrow end. Apex is a technical term specifically referring to the tip of an organ or part of a plant. Spitze is therefore appropriate in an everyday description of a shape, while Apex fits a technical anatomical or botanical text.
Apex
Im botanischen Bericht wird der schmale Apex des Blattes genau beschrieben.
The narrow apex of the leaf is described in detail in the botanical report.
Spitze
Die Spitze des Blattes ist schmal und leicht gebogen.
The tip of the leaf is narrow and slightly curved.
In real life
Loading video examples...