dextral

[ dek-struhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or on the right side; right ( sinistral ).
2. right-handed.
3. Also Zoology. (of certain gastropod shells) coiling clockwise, as seen from the apex.

dextral

/ dɛkˈstrælɪtɪ; ˈdɛkstrəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or located on the right side, esp of the body; right-hand
2. of or relating to a person who prefers to use his right foot, hand, or eye; right-handed
3. (of the shells of certain gastropod molluscs) coiling in an anticlockwise direction from the apex; dextrorse

Derived Forms

• ˈdextrally, adverb
• dextrality, noun

Other Words From

• dextral·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dextral¹

1640–50; < Latin dext ( e ) r dexter + -al ¹

Example Sentences

A genus of minute land shells, resembling Vertigo, but separated because they are dextral, while Vertigo is sinistral.

From Project Gutenberg

Dextral animals, with shell coiled pseudo-sinistrally; operculum with sinistral spiral; pallial cavity dorsal.

From Project Gutenberg

Shell thin, dextral, with prominent spire and oval aperture; no inferior pallial lobe.

From Project Gutenberg

Shell bulimoid, dextral or sinistral; radular teeth, expanded at their extremities and multicuspidate.

From Project Gutenberg

Vertigo (Sphyradium) edentula is dextral and without denticles.

From Project Gutenberg