distal

adjective

dis·​tal ˈdi-stᵊl How to pronounce distal (audio)
1
anatomy : situated away from the point of attachment or origin or a central point especially of the body compare proximal
the distal ends of the tibia and fibula
2
dentistry : of, relating to, or being the surface of a tooth that is next to the tooth behind it or that is farthest from the middle of the front of the jaw compare mesial sense 2
distally adverb

Examples of distal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Healed amputation of middle right finger, the distal end, noted. Erik Hedegaard, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2024 Logos on distal parts (hands, feet, ankles, wrists) are the most visible, but companies brand other parts of a limb, too: tightening knobs, silicone liners, socks, and running blades. Chloé Valentine Toscano, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2024 It had been severed at the distal interphalangeal joint, which is right above the knuckle near the tip of the finger, just before the nail begins, per Law & Crime. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2024 To put it in perspective, the most severe type of injury in this area would be a distal tendon avulsion (the hamstring coming unattached by the knee area). Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for distal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

distant + -al

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distal was in 1803

Dictionary Entries Near distal

Cite this Entry

“Distal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distal. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

distal

adjective
dis·​tal ˈdis-tᵊl How to pronounce distal (audio)
1
: situated away from the point of attachment or origin or a central point: as
a
: located away from the center of the body
the distal end of a bone
compare proximal sense 1a
b
: located away from the mesial plane of the body compare mesial sense 2
c
: of, relating to, or being the surface of a tooth that is next to the following tooth counting from the middle of the front of the upper or lower jaw or that faces the back of the mouth in the case of the last tooth on each side compare mesial sense 3, proximal sense 1b
2
: physical or social rather than sensory compare proximal sense 2
distally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on distal

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