dorsal
3
4.9
- noun
- /ˈdɔrsəl/
- Specialized
:
aleta dorsal
- For instance, the dorsal proudly says GP on it.
- dorsal fin
Examples
-
Andy cocked his arm, held it for a second, then plunged the point of the harpoon into the second dorsal.
Fiction book (2002) -
In some fish species, the dorsal features bright colors that help to attract mates.
-
You tell by looking from the dorsal to the tail.
-
Six feet from the tip of the dorsal to the tip of the tail.
-
Dorsal fin, middle of the back.
-
Distinguishing features: Tick-shaped pigmentation on the right-hand side of the dorsal.
Blog text (28) -
The instructor distinguishes the regions of the spinal cord by color: cauda equina, blue; conus medullaris, yellow; dorsal rootlets, orange.
Fiction book (1997) -
The part of this Barosaurus skeleton in the National Museum consists of the last ten cervical vertebrae with ribs, three anterior dorsals, and the left scapula and humerus.
Academic text (1991) -
The swimmer admired the dorsal fin of the shark as it glided gracefully through the water.
-
The marine biologist noted the unique patterns on the dolphin's dorsal area during their research.
Synonyms
5
3.5
A fin on the back of a fish or dolphin that helps it keep balance while swimming
Compounds
- Specialized
5
3.5
A fin on the back of a fish or dolphin that helps it keep balance while swimming
- Specialized
1
7.7
A part at the back of the spinal cord that receives signals from nerves for touch and pain
- Specialized
1
8.1
A group of nerve fibers at the back of the spinal cord that carry messages about feeling into it
- Specialized
A vein beside the descending scapular artery in the shoulder that drains into the subclavian or external jugular vein
Surface Forms
Etymology
Dorsal (as a noun) also comes from the Latin dorsum, 'back', and it names the back part itself—especially a fin on a fish's back. That's why a shark's dorsal is the fin you see above the water and why it helps the animal stay balanced.