Definition

Relating to the tip or highest point of something, especially in linguistics where it refers to sounds made with the tip of the tongue.

Example

In linguistics, the sounds produced by the tip of the tongue are called apical sounds.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about apical sounds in linguistics?

Yeah, those are the sounds made with the tip of the tongue, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how they affect pronunciation.

Totally! I never realized how much detail goes into speech.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Apical is formed from "apex" (from Latin "apicem", meaning tip or summit) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "apical" refers to something that is related to or situated at the tip or summit of something.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'tip' ('apex') of something, and remember that 'apical' means related to that tip.

Visually Confused Words