caudal

American  

[kawd-l] / ˈkɔd l /

adjective

1. Anatomy, Zoology. of, at, or near the tail or the posterior end of the body.

2. Zoology. taillike.

   caudal appendages.

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noun

1. Medicine/Medical. a caudal anesthetic

caudal British  

/ ˈkɔːdəl /

adjective

1. anatomy of or towards the posterior part of the body

2. zoology relating to, resembling, or in the position of the tail

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caudal Scientific  

/ kôd′l /

1. Relating to or near the tail or hind parts of an animal.

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Other Word Forms

• caudally adverb
• postcaudal adjective
• precaudal adjective

Etymology

Origin of caudal

1655–65; < New Latin caudālis, equivalent to Latin caud ( a ) tail + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

It has a caudal synarcual, or a specialized adaptation of the ray’s skeletal near the back, which keeps the tail stiff and thereby minimizes the sound of water as it goes about sensing its surroundings.

From Salon • Feb. 10, 2025

They primarily rely on their dorsal fin, whereas strong swimmers use their caudal fin or back tail, Paig-Tran said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2024

The scientists found that giving this molecule to mice activated the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract, or cNST, which is tucked inside the brainstem.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2024

“It’s sort of unreal, when you come around the corner,” he said, looking skyward toward the caudal fin.

From The New Yorker • May 5, 2019

I gave it a strong caudal fin—a tail—to allow the shark to swim side to side and propel it forward.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen