vertical
adjective
ver·ti·cal
ˈvər-ti-kəl 
1
a
: perpendicular to the plane of the horizon or to a primary axis : upright
b(1)
: located at right angles to the plane of a supporting surface
(2)
: lying in the direction of an axis : lengthwise
2
a
: situated at the highest point : directly overhead or in the zenith
b
of an aerial photograph
: taken with the camera pointing straight down or nearly so
3
a
: relating to, involving, or integrating economic activity from basic production to point of sale
a vertical monopoly
b
: of, relating to, or comprising persons of different status
the vertical arrangement of society
4
medical
: relating to or being transmission (as of a disease) by genetic inheritance or by a congenital or perinatal route
vertical inheritance
… decreasing the rate of vertical transmission of HIV to the fetus by two-thirds, so that the numbers of children with the condition are diminishing.—
Cynthia B. Cohen
compare horizontal sense 3
Cynthia B. Cohen
vertical
noun
Examples of vertical in a Sentence
a shirt with vertical stripes
the vertical axis of a graph
Recent Examples on the Web
The massive movement of water during El Niño can also result in vertical movement of heat throughout the ocean's layers.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
Then identify the physical feats your ascent will require (e.g. 3,000-foot ascent with a 25-pound pack, 200 vertical feet of ice climbing, three pitches of 5.8 rock climbing) and set training check points in your calendar that match these goals.
—Sean McNally, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025
These motions, known as vertical land motion, are triggered by both natural and human causes, such as tectonic plate movements or groundwater pumping.
—Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Its vertical silhouette allows easy access to your phone, while the floral design adds a seasonable twist to the crossbody.
—Melony Forcier, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vertical
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Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
Then identify the physical feats your ascent will require (e.g. 3,000-foot ascent with a 25-pound pack, 200 vertical feet of ice climbing, three pitches of 5.8 rock climbing) and set training check points in your calendar that match these goals.
—Sean McNally, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025
These motions, known as vertical land motion, are triggered by both natural and human causes, such as tectonic plate movements or groundwater pumping.
—Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Its vertical silhouette allows easy access to your phone, while the floral design adds a seasonable twist to the crossbody.
—Melony Forcier, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vertical
Cite this Entry
“Vertical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vertical. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
vertical
adjective
ver·ti·cal
ˈvərt-i-kəl
: relating to or being transmission (as of a disease) by genetic inheritance or by a congenital or perinatal route
vertical transmission of the hepatitis B virus from mother to infant
vertical inheritance
compare horizontal sense 2
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