Word parts
later/o side-al relating to
What it means
A direction word. The ears are lateral to the eyes, and the little toe is on the lateral side of the foot. The opposite is medial, toward the middle. In positioning, a lateral position means lying on the side.
For the nurse
A client lying on the side is in the lateral (side-lying) position; pillows behind the back and between the knees keep them aligned and protect the skin.
At a glance
| Spanish | lateral |
|---|