noun

apex

AY-peks/ˈeɪpeks/

The highest point or most advanced stage of something.

The two ridgelines rise toward the mountain's sharply defined apex.

A single sharply defined mountain summit, with both ridgelines rising toward one unmistakable highest point.

Etymology

Latin apex meant a physical tip or summit. Applied to achievement or development, that image makes the most successful stage the highest point reached.

In context

Jeff Foxworthy1:30

I'm 67 and Sam's 82 years old. So maybe I need to moisturize or something. But uh no, we both probably passed the apex of our splendor, but uh still hanging in there

Getting Older Ain’t for Sissies | Jeff Foxworthy

More examples

Her discovery represented the apex of her career.
The triangle's apex points toward the ceiling.
The graph has two distinct apices.

Forms

apex · apexes · apices

Similar words

summit: Usually the top of a mountain or a high-level meeting.
pinnacle: Often suggests an especially impressive peak of achievement.