adj. 1. Being in a vertical, upright position: an erect lily stalk; an erect posture. 2. Being in a stiff, rigid physiological condition, especially as the result of sexual stimulation. tr.v. e·rect·ed, e·rect·ing, e·rects 1. To construct by assembling: erect a skyscraper. 2. To raise to a rigid or upright condition. 3. To fix in an upright position. 4. To set up; establish: erect a dynasty. 5. Mathematics To construct (a perpendicular, for example) from or on a given base. [Middle English, from Latin ērēctus, past participle of ērigere, to set up : ē-, ex-, ex- + regere, to guide; see reg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] e·recta·ble adj. e·rectly adv. e·rectness n. |
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