Origin of lateral

1590–1600; < Latin laterālis of the side, equivalent to later- (stem of latus) side + -ālis -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM lateral

lat·er·al·ly, adverb pseu·do·lat·er·al, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for lateral

British Dictionary definitions for lateral

lateral
/ (ˈlætərəl) /

adjective

of or relating to the side or sides a lateral blow
phonetics (of a speech sound like l) pronounced with the tip of the tongue touching the centre of the alveolar ridge, leaving space on one or both sides for the passage of the airstream

noun

a lateral object, part, passage, or movement
phonetics a lateral speech sound
botany a branch, leaf, or bud that grows out from the side of a stem or trunk

Derived forms of lateral

laterally, adverb

Word Origin for lateral

C17: from Latin laterālis, from latus side

Medical definitions for lateral

lateral
[ lătər-əl ]

adj.

Relating to or situated at or on the side.
Situated or extending away from the median plane of the body.
Relating to the left or right lateral region of the abdomen.

n.

A lateral part, position, or appendage.

Other words from lateral

later•al•ly adv.