lateral — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. To the side; of or pertaining to the side. Situated on one side or other of the body or of an organ, especially in the region furthest from the median plane.

   Antonyms

   medial

   Examples

   The medial side of the knee faces the other knee, while the outer side of the knee is lateral.

   A fish senses changes in hydrodynamic pressure with its lateral line.

2. To the side; of or pertaining to the side. Affecting the side or sides of the body, or confined to one side of the body.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   The “Euphoria” and “Grey’s Anatomy” actor announced on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

3. To the side; of or pertaining to the side. Acting or placed at right angles to a line of motion or strain.

4. To the side; of or pertaining to the side. At the same level in hierarchy or rank, especially pertaining to a movement that does not involve a change in rank, status, or level.

   Examples

   Instead of a promotion, I opted for a lateral move to a similar position in the marketing department.

   lateral hiring

   More examples (1)

   a lateral transfer

5. Non-linear or unconventional, as in, lateral thinking; outside the box.

   Usage

   • UK usage

6. (of a consonant, especially the English clear l) Pertaining to speech sounds generated by partially blocking the egress of the airstream with the tongue, leaving space on one or both sides of the occlusion for air passage.

Noun

1. An object, such as a passage or a protrusion, that is situated on the side of something else.

2. A sound produced through lateral pronunciation (such as /l/ in lateral).

3. A lateral pass.

4. An employee hired for a position at the same organizational level or salary as their previous position.

5. A lateral canal, a canal built alongside an existing stream.

   Examples

   […] Canal and laterals, section 4, and the first part of section 5; and Miller Canal and laterals.

   More examples (1)

   Two-thirds of the drownings, or 103, occurred along the back of the canal or lateral. […] 4 drownings per year occurred in reaches of canals or laterals protected by fencing.

Verb

1. To move (oneself or something) in a lateral direction.

2. To execute a lateral pass.

Adjective

1. situated at or extending to the side

   Synonyms

   sidelong

   Examples

   the lateral branches of a tree

2. lying away from the median and sagittal plane of a body

   Examples

   lateral lemniscus

Noun

1. a pass to a receiver upfield from the passer

   Synonyms

   lateral pass

   Broader terms

   passpassing playpassing gamepassing