apical

adjective

api·​cal ˈā-pi-kəl How to pronounce apical (audio)
also
ˈa-pi- How to pronounce apical (audio)
Synonyms of apicalnext
1
: of, relating to, or situated at an apex
2
: of, relating to, or formed with the tip of the tongue
n, l, and r are apical consonants
apically
ˈā-pi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce apical (audio)
also ˈa-pi-
adverb

Examples of apical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Within hours, the wound epidermis becomes innervated by nearby nerve fibers, forming what biologists call the apical epidermal cap. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026 Connections made via apical synapses seemed to be strengthened by movement information more than those made via basal synapses. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, the opposite was happening in the apical dendrites: The difference in their response to unexpected stimuli increased over time. Quanta Magazine, 15 Nov. 2021 Our dexterous thumb and fingers, with their unique proportions and opposability, place the world at our pulpy fingertips—along with millions of microbes collected by our noteworthy nails and fleshy apical pads. Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2021 In a statement, Furla said 80 percent of its employees are women from 80 nationalities, and 53 percent hold apical positions, including C-level roles. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 All the fractured parts in each group were bonded to their relevant apical parts by an etch and rinse bonding system and a flowable composite resin. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 2 Dec. 2013

Word History

Etymology

probably from New Latin apicalis, from Latin apic-, apex

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of apical was in 1806

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apical. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

apical

adjective
api·​cal
ˈā-pi-kəl also ˈap-i-
: of, relating to, or situated at an apex
apically adverb

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