Dorsal Meaning in English

word

US

ˈdɔɹsəɫ

DAWR-suhl

UK

dˈɔːsəl

DAW-suhl

Definition

Relating to the back or upper side of an animal, particularly used in anatomy or biology (e.g., 'dorsal fin' on a fish).

Usage & Nuances

Mainly a scientific or anatomical term, most often describing the 'dorsal fin' of fish or the back side of animals. Opposite of 'ventral' (belly side). Not typically used in casual conversation.

• Spanish: dorsal
• Portuguese (BR): dorsal
• Portuguese (PT): dorsal
• Chinese (Simplified): 背部的
• Chinese (Traditional): 背部的
• Hindi: पृष्ठीय
• Arabic: ظهري
• Bengali: পৃষ্ঠীয়
• Russian: дорсальный
• Japanese: 背側の
• Vietnamese: lưng
• Korean: 등쪽의
• Turkish: sırt
• Urdu: پشت (علمی)
• Indonesian: dorsal - punggung

Example Sentences

The shark has a large dorsal fin.

basic

The doctor examined the dorsal side of the patient's hand.

basic

Turtles have a hard dorsal shell.

basic

The whale surfaced, and its dorsal fin broke the water.

natural

Scientists studied the dorsal markings to identify individual dolphins.

natural

You can easily spot a fish by looking for its dorsal fin sticking out above the water.

natural