lat ‧ e ‧ ral /ˈlæt ə rəl/ BrE AmE adjective formal
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: lateralis , from latus 'side' ]
1 . relating to the sides of something, or movement to the side:
The wall is weak and requires lateral support.
2 . relating to positions, jobs, relationships etc that are at the same level or rank:
Employees can expect lateral moves to different departments, to gain experience.
—laterally adverb