distal

[ dis-tl ]

/ ˈdɪs tl /

adjective

situated away from the point of origin or attachment, as of a limb or bone; terminal.Compare proximal.

Dentistry. directed away from the sagittal plane or midline of the face, along the dental arch.Compare buccal(def 3), mesial(def 2).

Nearby words

distad, distaff, distaff side, distaffer, distain, distal, distal myopathy, distally, distance, distance learning, distance medley

Origin of distal

First recorded in 1800–10; dist(ant) + -al¹

Related formsdis·tal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for distally

Proboscis as protruded short, distally expanded over proximal region.
Journal of Entomology and Zoology, Vol. 11. No. 1.|Various
Distally the surface is rounded for articulation with the radiale and perhaps the intermedium.
A New Order of Fishlike Amphibia From the Pennsylvanian of Kansas|Theodore H. Eaton
The four metacarpals are slightly expanded proximally and distally.
A New Order of Fishlike Amphibia From the Pennsylvanian of Kansas|Theodore H. Eaton
The two jaws are articulated together, and the cartilages of the two sides composing them meet each other distally.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume III (of 4)|Francis Maitland Balfour

British Dictionary definitions for distally

distal

/ (ˈdɪstəl) /

adjective

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

Derived Formsdistally, adverb

Word Origin for distal

C19: from distant + -al 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for distally

distal

adj.

1808, formed from distant + -al (1) on model of central, dorsal, ventral, etc.

Medicine definitions for distally

distal

[ dĭs′təl ]

adj.

Anatomically located far from a point of reference, such as an origin or a point of attachment.

Situated farthest from the middle and front of the jaw, as a tooth or tooth surface.