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bilateral

bilateral

2 5.7
Having the same parts on both sides of a middle line, like a leaf or face
  • adjective
  • /ˌbaɪˈlætərəl/
: bilateral
  • Longridge and Barber previously found that 35% of patients with bilateral positional nystagmus had CNS disease.
  • bilateral amputation
  • bilateral amputee
  • bilateral symmetry

I might do some bilateral squats with my hips.

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Examples

  • The butterfly has a bilateral symmetry, with identical patterns on each side of its wings.

  • Two patients were excluded from the study due to bilateral orbital floor fractures.

    Academic text (2011)
  • For the previous 2 years, she had had bilateral macular edema.

    Academic text (1999)
  • His cranial nerve examination was normal, with normal bilateral facial nerve function.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Officials in Italy and Peru affirm that bilateral agreements with the United States have helped cool looting.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The maximal oxygen intake in subjects with bilateral lower limb amputation was less than in the control group.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The design features a bilateral layout, ensuring that both halves are mirror images of each other.

  • The athlete underwent bilateral surgery on both knees to improve performance and prevent injury.

Synonyms

symmetrical
vsbilateral
25 4.1

A shape or object that has matching parts on both sides when you cut it down the middle

is specific to identical parts around a central axis rather than general matching
bilaterally symmetrical
vsbilateral
  • Specialized
1 7.4

Having two matching halves on each side of a middle line

is used for equal involvement of both sides rather than geometric division
bilaterally symmetric
vsbilateral
  • Specialized
1 5.9

The left and right sides of a body or object match each other

is stricter and requires exactly matching parts on both sides
isobilateral
vsbilateral
  • Specialized
9.9

Having the same parts on both sides, like a leaf with the same top and bottom

is a general term meaning equal parts on both sides of a center

Antonyms

17 6.1

Having parts that are not the same size or shape

Compounds

bilateral contract
  • Specialized
1 6.3

An agreement between two people or groups where each promises something to the other

bilateral symmetry
  • Specialized
1 6.6

A shape or body with matching left and right sides

bilateral descent
  • Specialized
8.5

A system where people trace family through both their parents

How Symmetrical

bilateral
2 5.7
symmetrical
25 4.1
uneven
48 2.3
asymmetrical
17 6.1

Surface Forms

bilateral positive

Morphology

bilateral = lateral (transparent) = bi + lateral

The composition 'bi-' (two) + 'lateral' (sides) transparently gives the sense of having two matching sides.

Etymology

Bilateral comes from the parts bi- ('two') and lateral ('side'). Think of a face or a leaf with the same shape on the left and the right; that's bilateral symmetry, so something bilateral has matching parts on both sides.