1. Relating to the vertex, or crown of the head. 2. Perpendicular. 3. Denoting any plane or line that passes longitudinally through the body in the anatomic position. SYN: verticalis [TA].
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ver·ti·cal 'vərt-i-kəl adj relating to or being transmission (as of a disease) by genetic inheritance or by a congenital or perinatal route <\vertical transmission of the hepatitis B virus from mother to infant> compare HORIZONTAL (2)
ver·ti·cal·ly 'vərt-i-k(ə-)lē adv
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ver·ti·cal (vurґtĭ-kəl) 1. perpendicular to the plane of the horizon; see also verticalis. 2. relating to the vertex. 3. relating to or occupying different levels in a hierarchy, as the spread from one generation to another in vertical transmission.Medical dictionary. 2011.