In an upright position; perpendicular to the horizon or ground. Moving or positioned straight up and down rather than horizontally.
From Latin 'verticalis' from 'vertex' meaning highest point or crown of the head. The concept relates to the top of something being directly above its base. Mathematical and architectural uses developed in the 17th century.
Humans are obsessed with vertical because we're bipedal - we conquered gravity by standing upright! Skyscrapers represent our ultimate vertical achievement, but trees were the original vertical champions, some growing over 300 feet tall to compete for sunlight.
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