sagittal

adjective

sag·​it·​tal ˈsa-jə-tᵊl How to pronounce sagittal (audio)
1
: of or relating to the suture between the parietal bones of the skull
2
: of, relating to, situated in, or being the median plane of the body or any plane parallel to it
sagittally adverb

Examples of sagittal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lots of traditional gym staples (like squats, lunges, or presses) involve the sagittal plane, or forward and backward motion. Jenny McCoy, SELF, 2 May 2025 Practice lateral lunges with control and balance Most people train in the sagittal plane (forward and back) but neglect lateral movement (side to side), which is a key to functional hip mobility. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025 Just like everyday movement patterns, exercises should be performed in all three planes of motion: sagittal (forward and backward), frontal (side to side) and transverse (rotational). Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025 His results show crisp stars with little evidence of sagittal coma, even for those at the edge of the frame. PCMAG, 20 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for sagittal

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sagittale, from Medieval Latin sagittalis, from Latin sagitta arrow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sagittal was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sagittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sagittal. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

sagittal

adjective
sag·​it·​tal ˈsaj-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce sagittal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being the sagittal suture of the skull
2
: of, relating to, situated in, or being the median plane of the body or any plane parallel to it
a sagittal section dividing the body into unequal right and left parts
sagittally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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