lateral

¹lat·er·al

adj \ˈla-tə-rəl also ˈla-trəl\

Definition of LATERAL

1

: of or relating to the side

2

: situated on, directed toward, or coming from the side

3

: extending from side to side <the lateral axis of an airplane>

4

: produced with passage of breath around the side of a constriction formed with the tongue <\l\ is lateral>

— lat·er·al·ly adverb

Examples of LATERAL

1. the lateral force of an earthquake
2. <from the lateral view you can see how thick the wall really is>

Origin of LATERAL

Middle English laterale, from Latin lateralis, from later-, latus side

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to LATERAL

Synonyms: side

Related Words: left, right; one-sided

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Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral