Laterally (Adverb)
Meaning 1
To or by or from the side; "such women carry in their heads kinship knowledge of six generations depth and extending laterally among consanguineal kin as far as the grandchildren of second cousin".
Examples
- The tree branches grew laterally along the fence, providing much-needed shade for the yard.
- The design of the building's foundation had to be adjusted to accommodate the lateral loads from the adjacent soil.
- Her family's genealogy was so extensive that it extended laterally, including several generations of distant relatives.
- The irrigation system was set up to water the crops laterally, using rows of pipes and sprinklers to cover the entire field.
- By studying the rock formations, geologists can see that tectonic plates have moved laterally in certain regions.
Related Words
Meaning 2
In a lateral direction or location; "the body is spindle-shaped and only slightly compressed laterally".
Examples
- The patient was asked to move her legs laterally to test her muscle strength.
- The new policy requires employees to work laterally across departments to increase productivity.
- The surgeon had to make an incision laterally to access the damaged tendon.
- When the tree was planted, its roots grew laterally under the neighboring building.
- The unique fiber optics cable transmits signals laterally to minimize interference.