rostral

adjective

ros·​tral ˈrä-strəl 

also

ˈrȯ- 

1

: of or relating to a rostrum

2

: situated toward the oral or nasal region: such as

a

of a part of the spinal cord : superior sense 6a

b

of a part of the brain : anterior, ventral

rostrally

ˈrä-strə-lē 

also ˈrȯ-

adverb

Examples of rostral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sadness and fear, for example, lit up the right rostral supra sylvian gyrus—which, in humans, contributes to the processing of visual information. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

That elongated rostral appendage is the defining characteristic that separates this species from its closest relatives. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2026

With parrot-like beaks (named rostral), their teeth were vital for reaching and tearing plants lying near the ground. — Kelly Santana Banks, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023

That area is called the rostral dorsal medulla and essentially relays sensory information from the spinal cord to the brain. — Sara Lindberg, SELF, 7 Jan. 2022

Initial exams measure the fish’s rostrum and overall length, check for parasites, inspect rostral teeth to note any that are missing or damaged, and document any scars or injuries. — David A. Brown, Field & Stream, 13 Dec. 2019

Word History

Etymology

New Latin rostralis, from Latin rostrum

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rostral

• austral
• nostril

Medical Definition

rostral

adjective

ros·​tral

ˈräs-trəl also ˈrȯs-

1

: of or relating to a rostrum

2

: situated toward the oral or nasal region: as

a

of a part of the spinal cord : superior sense 1

b

of a part of the brain : anterior or ventral

the rostral pons

rostrally

-ē 

adverb