Synonyms for

Dorsal

Verb / ˈdɔ:rsʌl / Another word for dorsal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to the back of an animal's body

Synonyms & similar words

ventral abaxial adaxial back spinal vertebral posterior rear caudal hind tail dorsum tergal notal scapular shoulder blade lumbar sacral coccygeal sacrococcygeal interspinal intertransverse

Synonyms by register

Formal

posterior back spinal

Literary

hind rear

Antonyms

ventral anterior frontal abdominal lower inferior

Common collocations

  • dorsal fin
  • dorsal side
  • dorsal view
  • dorsal artery
  • dorsal column
  • dorsal surface
  • dorsal root

Word family

adjective dorsal

Usage note

Primarily used in biological and anatomical contexts to refer to the back or upper side of an organism or structure. It is the opposite of ventral.

Example sentences

  1. The dorsal side of a dolphin is usually gray.
  2. The dorsal fin of a whale can grow up to 6 feet tall.
  3. The dorsal ridge of a mountain can be hard to climb.
  4. The dorsal scapular nerve helps move the shoulder blade.
  5. The dorsal root ganglion contains sensory neurons.

Quotes

  • The dorsal fin of a shark is a warning sign for some, a target for others. - Tamora Pierce
  • I am a dolphin, and a portion of my dorsal fin has been bitten off by a shark. - Johnny Depp
  • The dorsal fin is to sharks what the hood ornament is to a Rolls-Royce. - David Letterman

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