erect (ɪˈrɛkt
)
Definitions
adjective
- upright in posture or position; not bent or leaning ⇒
an erect stance
- (of an optical image) having the same orientation as the object; not inverted
- physiology (of the penis, clitoris, or nipples) firm or rigid after swelling with blood, esp as a result of sexual excitement
- (of plant parts) growing vertically or at right angles to the parts from which they arise
verb (mainly tr)
- to put up; construct; build
- to raise to an upright position; lift up ⇒
to erect a flagpole
- to found or form; set up
- (also intr) physiology to become or cause to become firm or rigid by filling with blood
- to hold up as an ideal; exalt
- optics to change (an inverted image) to an upright position
- to draw or construct (a line, figure, etc) on a given line or figure, esp at right angles to it
Alternative Forms
eˈrectable adjective eˈrectly adverb eˈrectness noun Word Origin
C14: from Latin ērigere to set up, from regere to control, govern
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
upright,
raised,
straight,
standing,
stiff,
firm,
rigid,
vertical,
elevated,
perpendicular,
pricked-up =
build,
raise,
set up,
lift,
pitch,
mount,
stand up,
rear,
construct,
put up,
assemble,
put together,
elevate,
