DEXTER Meaning and
Definition
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Dexter is primarily an adjective, though it can also function as a noun. As an adjective, dexter is used to describe something or someone as being skillful, clever, or adroit in the use of their hands or generally physically agile. It often specifically refers to someone who is right-handed, as the word derives from the Latin word "dexter," meaning "on the right-hand side." In this context, dexter signifies an ability or preference to perform tasks more effectively with the right hand.
When used as a noun, dexter refers to the right-handed side or direction. In the field of heraldry, dexter is a term employed to describe the right side of a coat of arms, specifically when viewing it from the perspective of the bearer of the arms. As such, it is used to indicate the side that is regarded as more honorable or esteemed.
In modern usage, dexter may also be seen in a broader sense, metaphorically signifying skillfulness or aptitude in a particular area. For instance, a person can be described as having dexter in mathematics if they possess great proficiency or ability in the subject. It encompasses the idea of being deft, adept, or talented in any given pursuit, although its connotations are often associated with physical nimbleness or hand-eye coordination.
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Right (abbreviation, D.).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In her., the right side of a shield or coat of arms.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DEXTER
Etymology of DEXTER
The word "dexter" comes from the Latin word "dexter" meaning "on the right side". It is ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*deḱs-", which also gave rise to the Sanskrit word "dakṣiṇa" meaning "right" or "southern". In Latin, "dexter" was used to refer to the right hand or right side, and it also took on the figurative meaning of being skillful, favorable, or fortunate. The English word "dexter" is primarily used in legal contexts to refer to the right side, particularly in phrases such as "dexter hand" (right hand) or "dexter corner" (top right corner).
Similar spelling words for DEXTER
- dextral,
- destroyer,
- TEXTIR,
- Dextra,
- Dekastere,
- dextro-F,
- Dicastery,
- Textuary,
- Dextro-glucose,
- Mento-dextro-anterior,
- Dextro-rotary,
- Desiderio,
- dexterity,
- Dextro-tartaric,
- decoder,
- Dextro-,
- dextre,
- destroy,
- taxotere,
- decoster,
- DEGASTER,
- dykstra,
- jester,
- Dextera,
- Textury,
- exert,
- dextr,
- TXTRR,
- Occipito-dextro-anterior,
- dextro-galactose,
- texture,
- dijkstra,
- dogsitter,
- text,
- decastro,
- dextro-M,
- Scapulo-dextro-posterior,
- Decastere,
- TEXTOR,
- dextro,
- texter,
- dextr-,
- twixter,
- dextrorse,
- Daxtra,
- destroyed,
- TEXTRA,
- Mento-dextro-posterior,
- desert,
- dextrose,
- dextrous,
- dogstar,
- Scapulo-dextro-anterior,
- Occipito-dextro-posterior,
- Dextro-gyrate,
- destress,
- deter,
- textura,
- daxter,
- dexterous,
- dextro-G,
- destruct.
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