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distal

[ dis-tl ]

adjective

  1. situated away from the point of origin or attachment, as of a limb or bone; terminal. Compare proximal.
  2. Dentistry. directed away from the sagittal plane or midline of the face, along the dental arch. Compare buccal ( def 3 ), mesial ( def 2 ).


distal

/ ˈdɪstəl /

adjective

  1. anatomy (of a muscle, bone, limb, etc) situated farthest from the centre, median line, or point of attachment or origin Compare proximal


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Derived Forms

  • ˈdistally, adverb

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Other Words From

  • distal·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of distal1

First recorded in 1800–10; dist(ant) + -al 1

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Word History and Origins

Origin of distal1

C19: from distant + -al 1

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Compare Meanings

How does distal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

The distal aspect of her left humerus was sticking out of the front of her arm.

The distal muscles, those further away like the hands and feet, are less likely to be less affected.

The intermediate and distal phalanges of the index finger show contraction, as if the Palestinian Arab were squeezing something.

The distal one third of the baculum curves sharply but smoothly upwards (see fig. 9).

Thus the radii of such a circle unite in a single centre by extremities similar to the distal and originating (extremities).

Cleanse the skin of the distal phalanx of the second finger of the left hand above the root of the nail with lint and ether.

This investment completely surrounds the proximal portion of the posterior root, but vanishes near its distal extremity.

The blade shape is excurvate but may be almost straight with an acute distal end.

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distaindistance