adj.
Pronunciation: i- ' rekt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin erectus, past participle of erigere to erect, from e- + regere to lead straight, guide ― more at RIGHT
Date: 14th century
1 a : vertical in position also : not spread out or decumbent <an erect plant stem> <columns still erect in the ruins> b : standing up or out from the body < erect hairs> c : characterized by firm or rigid straightness in bodily posture <an erect bearing>
2 archaic : directed upward
3 obsolete : ALERT , WATCHFUL
4 : being in a state of physiological erection
– erect · ly \ - ' rek-(t)l ē \ adverb
– erect · ness \ - ' rek(t)-n ə s \ noun