online medical dictionary | definition of erect

1. Upright, or having a vertical position; not inverted; not leaning or bent; not prone; as, to stand erect. "Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall." (Milton) "Among the Greek colonies and churches of Asia, Philadelphia is still erect a column of ruins." (Gibbon)

2. Directed upward; raised; uplifted. "His piercing eyes, erect, appear to view Superior worlds, and look all nature through." (Pope)

3. Bold; confident; free from depression; undismayed. "But who is he, by years Bowed, but erect in heart?" (Keble)

4. Watchful; alert. "Vigilant and erect attention of mind." (Hooker)

5. <botany> Standing upright, with reference to the earth's surface, or to the surface to which it is attached.

6. Elevated, as the tips of wings, heads of serpents, etc.

Origin: L. Erectus, p. P. Of erigere to erect; e out + regere to lead straight. See Right, and cf. Alert.

(01 Mar 1998)