lateral

//ˈlæt.ər.əl//
B2Frequency Level 10Formal
Visual representation of lateral

Adjective

lateralCanonical form
1

Relating to, situated at, or extending toward the side.

The doctor examined the lateral side of the patient's knee.

2

Involving movement or thinking in an indirect or unconventional way.

Lateral thinking helped her find a creative solution to the problem.

Noun

lateralSingular
lateralsPlural
1

A side part or extension, especially a lateral branch or shoot of a plant.

The gardener pruned the laterals to encourage the main stem to grow stronger.

2

A lateral pass in American football.

The quarterback threw a lateral to the running back.