dextral

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Word: Dextral

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: The word "dextral" refers to someone or something that prefers or is associated with the right side, especially when it comes to using the right hand, foot, or eye. For example, a person who is right-handed is considered dextral because they primarily use their right hand for tasks like writing or eating.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "dextral" when describing individuals who favor their right side or when talking about objects that have a right-sided orientation.

Examples:

1. "Most people are dextral, meaning they use their right hand more often than their left."
2. "In a dextral flatfish, the right eye is positioned on top when the fish is lying on the ocean floor."

Advanced Usage:

• "Dextral" can also apply to specific contexts in science or biology. For instance, in zoology, when describing certain types of shells or creatures, "dextral" indicates the direction of the spiral or the position of features.

Word Variants:

• Dexterity: This noun refers to skill or agility in using the hands or body. Often associated with being dextral.
• Sinistral: This term is the opposite of dextral, referring to left-handedness or objects oriented to the left.

Different Meanings:

• In a broader sense, "dextral" can refer to the right side in various contexts, such as measurement or orientation in maps and diagrams.

Synonyms:

• Right-handed
• Right-sided
• Rightward

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

Since "dextral" is a specific term, it doesn’t have direct idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it. However, you may encounter phrases like "right as rain" (meaning perfectly fine) which can relate conceptually to the idea of being right-sided.

Summary:

"Dextral" is an adjective used primarily in contexts involving handedness or orientation, specifically favoring the right side.

Academic

Adjective

1. preferring to use right foot or hand or eye
   • dextral individuals exhibit dominance of the right hand and eye
2. of or on the right
   • a dextral gastropod shell with the apex upward has its opening on the right when facing the observer
   • a dextral flatfish lies with the right eye uppermost