adj. & n.
--adj.
1. at right angles to a horizontal plane, perpendicular.
2 in a direction from top to bottom of a picture etc.
3 of or at the vertex or highest point.
4 at, or passing through, the zenith.
5 Anat. of or relating to the crown of the head.
6 involving all the levels in an organizational hierarchy or stages in the production of a class of goods (vertical integration).
--n. a vertical line or plane.
Phrases and idioms:
out of the vertical not vertical. vertical angles Math. each pair of opposite angles made by two intersecting lines. vertical fin Zool. a dorsal, anal, or caudal fin. vertical plane a plane at right angles to the horizontal. vertical take-off the take-off of an aircraft directly upwards.
Derivatives:
verticality n. verticalize v.tr. (also -ise). vertically adv.
Etymology: F vertical or LL verticalis (as VERTEX)