LATERAL Meaning and
Definition
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Lateral is an adjective that is commonly used to describe something situated or positioned on the side or to the side of a particular object, structure, or area. The term is often employed to indicate a direction or placement that is away from the center or the main axis of something.
In terms of anatomy, lateral refers to the outer or side area of the body or an organ. This can include body parts such as the arms, legs, or sides of the torso. Similarly, in botany, lateral can describe the side branches or stems growing out from the main axis.
In the context of sports, particularly team sports like soccer or American football, lateral implies a pass or movement of the ball sideways or parallel to the playing field, rather than forwards or backwards towards the opponent's goal.
In a broader sense, lateral can also be used to describe a method or approach that involves thinking creatively or laterally rather than employing conventional or linear thinking patterns. This connotation suggests a mindset that explores unconventional solutions or alternative perspectives to problem-solving or decision-making.
Overall, lateral generally implies a side-oriented or sideways position, direction, or movement, whether it is related to physical placement, anatomical structures, sports strategies, or mental processes.
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On the side; on the outer side, as distinguished from medial.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Proceeding from the side, or inclined to it; on, in, or of the side.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for LATERAL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LATERAL
Etymology of LATERAL
The word "lateral" is derived from the Latin word "lateralis", which means "belonging to the side". It comes from the Latin noun "latus", which translates to "side". The usage of "lateral" in English first appeared in the mid-17th century with the same meaning it holds today – relating to or situated at the side.
Similar spelling words for LATERAL
- laterality,
- tri-lateral,
- postero-lateral,
- ventro-lateral,
- literal,
- letteral,
- Dorso-lateral,
- literalism,
- non-literal,
- posterior-lateral,
- luttrull,
- uni-lateral,
- Intermedio-lateral,
- latterly,
- lightrail,
- literal-minded,
- literalize,
- lateralia,
- literalise,
- Latrell,
- laterale,
- lateral-thinking,
- Litteral,
- "lateral,
- let rul,
- laterally,
- Medio-lateral,
- littrell,
- bi-lateral,
- literally,
- litoral,
- luttrell,
- Pyramido-lateral,
- -lateral,
- literal-mindedness,
- lateralize,
- lauderhill,
- littoral,
- medial-lateral,
- right-lateral,
- left-lateral,
- Latrelle,
- LOTRLE,
- multi-lateral,
- Metatarso-phalagienlateral-lateral,
- sub-littoral,
- LATRL,
- rate-lateral,
- laetrile,
- antero-lateral.
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