Meaning

To the side; of or pertaining to the side..

Definitions by Sense

1. To the side; of or pertaining to the side.
2. (UK) Non-linear or unconventional, as in, lateral thinking.
3. (phonetics, phonology) (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.
4. An object, such as a passage or a protrusion, that is situated on the side of something else.
5. (linguistics) A sound produced through lateral pronunciation (such as /l/ in lateral).
6. (American football) A lateral pass.
7. (business) An employee hired for a position at the same organizational level or salary as their previous position.
8. A lateral canal, a canal built alongside an existing stream.

Example Sentences

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

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.

Word Forms

• more lateral
• most lateral
• laterals
• lateraling
• lateralling
• lateraled
• lateralled

Synonyms for lateral

Antonyms for lateral

Related Words

When Should You Use Lateral?

Use lateral when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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