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DictionaryRoot: con-
Latin

con-

together, with; sometimes thoroughly

Forms

  • con-
  • com- — Used before certain consonants, especially b, p, and m.
  • col- — The final consonant changed before l.
  • cor- — The final consonant changed before r.
  • co- — The final consonant was lost in some combinations.

Origin

From Latin cum, “with,” and an older form com-.

Note

Togetherness could extend to completeness. Not every word containing this prefix retains an obvious “with” meaning.

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adjective

convex

KON-veks/ˈkɑːnveks/

Curving outward like the outside of a ball.

The lens has a convex surface that bulges outward at the middle.

A polished curved lens in side view with its middle bulging outward, highlighting convex exterior.
Etymology
conLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly
+vexLatinto carry or convey

The “carry together” image may refer to vaults meeting at a roof's high point. Latin used the resulting word for “vaulted” or “arched,” leading to the outward-curving sense.

In context

wikipedia tts32:54
a gentle convex swelling to the profile of the column, which prevents an optical illusion of concavity
Ancient Greek architecture | Wikipedia audio article

More examples

  • The back of a spoon is convex.
  • This magnifying glass has two convex surfaces.
  • The watch has a convex glass cover.

Forms

convexity noun — The quality of curving or bulging outward.

Similar words

rounded
Describes a curved shape without specifying which way it curves.
bulging
Suggests a noticeable outward swelling rather than a smooth curve.