DEXTRORSAL Meaning and
Definition
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Dextrorsal is an adjective that describes something as being oriented or positioned to the right. It is derived from the Latin words "dexter" meaning "right" and "dorsum" meaning "back". The term is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in the fields of biology, zoology, and paleontology.
In biology, dextrorsal refers to the specific orientation or arrangement of certain anatomical structures, such as the spiral of a shell. If a shell or a spiral is dextrorsal, it means that when viewed from the apex or the pointed end, it coils or spirals clockwise in a right-handed direction.
In zoology, dextrorsal can be used to describe the hierarchical arrangement or orientation of body parts or organs within an organism. For instance, dextrorsal coiling is observed in certain snails, where the shell spirals towards the right as it grows. This is in contrast to sinistral coiling, where the spiral turns to the left.
In the field of paleontology, dextrorsal is used to classify the directional growth or twists in the structures of ancient fossils, specifically ammonites and belemnites. These extinct marine animals often had shells or internal structures that exhibited dextrorsal or sinistral growth patterns, providing valuable information about their evolutionary history and ecological roles.
Overall, dextrorsal denotes a rightward orientation, twist, or arrangement, commonly observed in natural structures and organisms.
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Rising spirally from right to left.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DEXTRORSAL
- sextrorsal
- xextrorsal
- cextrorsal
- fextrorsal
- rextrorsal
- eextrorsal
- dwxtrorsal
- dsxtrorsal
- ddxtrorsal
- drxtrorsal
- d4xtrorsal
- d3xtrorsal
- deztrorsal
- dectrorsal
- dedtrorsal
- destrorsal
- dexrrorsal
- dexfrorsal
- dexgrorsal
Etymology of DEXTRORSAL
The word "dextrorsal" is formed from two Latin roots: "dextro" and "dorsal".
The Latin root "dextro" is derived from the Latin word "dexter" meaning "right" or "on the right side". It is associated with the concept of the right side or right-handedness.
The Latin root "dorsal" is derived from the Latin word "dorsum", meaning "back" or "a ridge". It refers to the back or upper part of an animal or organism.
When combined, "dextro" and "dorsal" form "dextrorsal", which can be understood as something being on the right side or positioned toward the right side of the back or upper part of an animal or organism.
Similar spelling words for DEXTRORSAL
- dextral,
- dextrorotary,
- dextrous,
- dextroglucose,
- dextrality,
- destroyer,
- dextrose,
- dextrously,
- dextrorse,
- dexterous,
- dextrocardia,
- dextrorsely.
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