dorsum

[ dawr-suhm ]

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

, plural dor·sa [dawr, -s, uh].

1. the back, as of the body.
2. the back or outer surface of an organ, part, etc.

dorsum

/ ˈdɔːsəm /

noun

1. See back
   a technical name for the back 1
2. any analogous surface

   the dorsum of the hand

Word History and Origins

Origin of dorsum¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1775–85

Word History and Origins

Origin of dorsum¹

C18: from Latin, literally: back

Example Sentences

In life the dorsum was rusty brown with irregular black and orange spots and streaks.

From Project Gutenberg

The belly was bluish gray with black spots laterally; the dorsum was dull brownish gray with some brownish red streaks.

From Project Gutenberg

In life the dorsum was dull brown; the chin was cream; the belly was yellow, and the underside of the tail was orange.

From Project Gutenberg

One had an olive-brown dorsum and the other, a reddish orange dorsum.

From Project Gutenberg

In life the dorsum was bright green; the lateral stripe was white, and the iris was yellowish brown.

From Project Gutenberg