dorsal

The definition of dorsal is something related to the back or the upper side of a plant or animal.

(adjective)

The fin on a shark's back is an example of something that would be described as dorsal.

See dorsal in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

of, on, or near the back
Bot.
1. of or relating to the side of a leaf or other structure away from the axis; abaxial
2. of or relating to the upper side of a thallus, as in liverworts or lichens

Origin: ME < ML dorsalis < L dorsualis < dorsum, the back

Related Forms:

noun

dossal

See dorsal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Anatomy Of, toward, on, in, or near the back or upper surface of an organ, part, or organism.
Botany Of or on the outer surface, underside, or back of an organ.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Late Latin dorsālis

Origin: , from Latin dorsuālis

Origin: , from dorsum, back

Related Forms: