DEXTRAL Meaning and
Definition
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Dextral is an adjective that relates to or indicates a preference or dominance of the right side or the right-hand side. It is derived from the Latin word dexter, which means "right." In a literal sense, it refers to physical characteristics or structures that are located or favor the right side of the body.
When used in biology or zoology, dextral refers to organisms or body parts that are typically oriented or positioned on the right side. For example, it can describe the spiral direction of a seashell, with a dextral shell having a clockwise coil. In some species, dextrality is the norm, while others may exhibit a sinistral or left-sided orientation.
In the context of human behavior, dextral can relate to the preference or dominance of the right hand over the left hand in activities such as writing, painting, or throwing. Approximately 90% of individuals are considered right-handed, while the remaining 10% may exhibit left-handedness or ambidexterity.
Overall, dextral is a term that describes a preference or inclination towards the right side or right-handedness. It is commonly used in scientific and biological contexts to denote physical or behavioral aspects involving the right side of the body or right-handed dominance.
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Right, as opposed to left.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DEXTRAL
- sextral
- xextral
- cextral
- fextral
- rextral
- eextral
- dwxtral
- dsxtral
- ddxtral
- drxtral
- d4xtral
- d3xtral
- deztral
- dectral
- dedtral
- destral
- dexrral
- dexfral
- dexgral
Etymology of DEXTRAL
The word "dextral" comes from the Latin word "dexter", which means "right" or "right hand". In Latin, "dexter" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *deks- or *deḱs-, meaning "right" or "to the right". This root has cognates in various Indo-European languages, such as Sanskrit "dakṣiṇa" and Greek "dexios", which also convey the idea of "right" or "skillful". Thus, "dextral" ultimately refers to something pertaining to or favoring the right side or right-handedness.
Similar spelling words for DEXTRAL
- Textorial,
- dextrorse,
- dextrorsal,
- Dextrally,
- dexterity,
- dexterous,
- tachysterol,
- texturally,
- daucosterol,
- dicasterial,
- dexter,
- dextrose,
- Textural,
- dextrality,
- dextrously,
- dextrous.
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