variant of dossal
: an ornamental cloth hung behind and above an altar
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Definition of dorsal
1 : relating to or situated near or on the back especially of an animal or of one of its parts
2 : abaxial
Origin and Etymology of dorsal
Late Latin dorsalis, from Latin dorsum back
First Known Use: 1727
Other Anatomy Terms
dorsal
Definition of dorsal
: a dorsally located part; especially : a thoracic vertebra
1834
First Known Use of dorsal
1834
Other Anatomy Terms
DORSAL Defined for Kids
dorsal
playDefinition of dorsal for Students
: relating to or being on or near the surface of the body that in humans is the back but in most animals is the upper surface a fish's dorsal fin
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of dorsal
1a: being or located near, on, or toward the upper surface of an animal (as a quadruped) opposite the lower or ventral surfaceb: being or located near, on, or toward the back or posterior part of the human body
2chiefly British : thoracic
dorsal
Medical Definition of dorsal
: a dorsally located part; especially : a thoracic vertebra
Learn More about dorsal
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Spanish Central: Translation of dorsal Nglish: Translation of dorsal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dorsal for Arabic speakers
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