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lateral

/'lætərəl/
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Word: Lateral

Definition:

The word "lateral" is an adjective that means "related to the side" or "lying away from the middle." It is often used to describe things that are positioned to the left or right of a central point.

Usage Instructions:
  • "Lateral" is typically used to describe physical positions, movements, or aspects that are not in the center.
  • It can also be used in a figurative sense, such as thinking laterally about a problem (considering different perspectives).
Examples:
  1. Physical Example: "The lateral branches of a tree grow out to the sides, away from the trunk."
  2. Figurative Example: "To solve this puzzle, we need to think laterally, not just focus on the obvious answers."
Advanced Usage:

In anatomy, "lateral" is used to describe locations of body parts. For example, the ears are lateral to the head (they are on the sides of the head).

Word Variants:
  • Noun form: "Lateral" can also be used as a noun, especially in sports, where it refers to a lateral pass.
  • Adverb form: "Laterally" can be used to describe something done in a lateral manner (e.g., "The car moved laterally across the road").
Different Meanings:
  • In Biology: "Lateral" can refer to features that are on the side of an organism.
  • In Business: "Lateral thinking" refers to a way of solving problems using indirect and creative approaches.
Synonyms:
  • Side
  • Sideways
  • Flank (in specific contexts)
  • External (in certain usages)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "lateral," you might encounter phrases like "lateral thinking," which refers to a creative way of problem-solving.

Summary:

"Lateral" is an important word that helps describe positions, movements, and approaches that relate to the sides rather than the center.

Adjective
  1. lying away from the median and sagittal plane of a body
    • lateral lemniscus
  2. situated at or extending to the side
    • the lateral branches of a tree
    • shot out sidelong boughs- Tennyson
Noun
  1. a pass to a receiver upfield from the passer

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