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Glite Dictionary
dextrorsal

dextrorsal

9.9
A spiral that turns upward or outward to the right, like vines and shells
  • adjective
  • /ˌdɛkstrɔrˈsæl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : dextrorsal
  • Botanists observed a dextrorsal twist in the plant's tendrils as they climbed the trellis.

Examples

  • The shell displays a clearly marked dextrorsal spiral pattern, easily distinguishable from its relatives.

  • The dextrorsal arrangement of the leaves is characteristic of this vine species.

  • The dextrorsal twist of the vine is quite unusual.

  • Many plants exhibit a dextrorsal growth pattern.

  • Botanists observed a dextrorsal twist in the plant's tendrils as they climbed the trellis.

  • The dextrorsal arrangement of the leaves is characteristic of this vine species.

  • The shell displays a clearly marked dextrorsal spiral pattern, easily distinguishable from its relatives.

Synonyms

dextrorse
vsdextrorsal
  • Specialized
9.9

Twisting upward from left to right, especially in plant stems seen from below

is neutral about viewpoint and applies to the curve generally

Surface Forms

dextrorsal positive

Morphology

dextrorsal = dextrorse (semi-transparent) = dextror + al

The suffix '-al' forms an adjective transparently, but the combining form 'dextror-' (meaning 'right') is technical and not familiar to most learners.

Etymology

The word dextrorsal comes from the Latin parts dexter 'right', a root you see in ambidextrous, and dorsal 'back'. Think of a spiral turning to the right like the hands of a clock, and you will remember that dextrorsal describes a curve or spiral that winds upward or outward from left to right.