I. ˈlad.ərəl, -atərəl, -a.trəl adjective
Etymology: Latin lateralis, from later-, latus side + -alis -al; probably akin to Latin latus wide — more at latitude
1.
a. : of or relating to the side : situated on, directed toward, or coming from the side
the lateral branches of a tree
a lateral view
b. obsolete
(1) : being, acting, or moving side by side
(2) of winds : blowing from the same general direction
c. : being to the right or left of a true course
lateral deviation
2.
a.
(1) of a body part : lying at or extending toward the right or left side : lying away from the median axis of the body
the lungs are lateral to the heart
(2) : being a body part so situated
the lateral branch of the axillary artery
b. botany : relating to, characteristic of, or borne upon the side of any organ or of the axis
a lateral bud
— compare basilar , median , terminal
c.
(1) : situated to one side of and parallel to a main vein or mine working
a lateral vein or drift
(2) : being or relating to any horizontal underground workings as contrasted with shafts, raises, and winzes
lateral development
3. : having or characterized by a stocky thickset body-build and a short broad face
babies of the lateral type
— opposed to linear
4. : produced with the tongue forming an occlusion at some point along its longitudinally middle line but with an opening at one or both sides
l and l y are lateral
II. noun
( -s )
: something having a lateral situation, growth, or extension: as
a. : a side ditch or conduit (as in an irrigation, drainage, sewer, gas, or water system) — compare main
b. : a side branch from an electrical wiring or conduit system
c. : a drift to one side of and parallel to a main drift or haulage way
d. : a lateral pass in football
e. : a lateral tooth, scale, or other body part
f. : a lateral sound
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: lateral (II)
intransitive verb
: to throw a lateral pass
transitive verb
: to throw laterally