Vertikal

Vertikal is a German word meaning "vertical." It describes something that is oriented or moving straight up and down, perpendicular to a horizontal plane or the horizon.

The term is used in a variety of contexts, including:

• Architecture and Construction: To describe the upright elements of a building, such as walls, columns, and supporting structures.
• Geography: To refer to the perpendicular distance above or below a reference point, such as sea level. This contrasts with horizontal distance.
• Mathematics and Physics: To denote a line or direction that is at a right angle to a horizontal line or plane. Gravity acts in a generally vertical direction.
• Typography: To describe the vertical arrangement of text or graphical elements.
• Figuratively: To indicate a steep or extreme ascent or descent in any context, such as "a vertikal rise in profits."

The antonym of vertikal is horizontal. The English cognate is "vertical."