Distal Meaning and Definition
Distal
Pronunciation
/ˈdɪstəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Located farthest from the point of attachment or origin; situated away from the center or main body.
Examples
- The distal end of the bone was fractured.
- The doctor examined the distal part of the limb.
Synonyms
- Remote
- Farthest
Antonyms
- Proximal
- Central
Additional Information
The term “distal” is commonly used in anatomy to describe the location of a body part in relation to the point of attachment or origin. For example, the distal end of a limb is the end farthest from the body. In medicine, distal refers to a location farthest from the center of the body.
In other fields, such as engineering and physics, distal can refer to a location farthest from the point of origin or attachment of a structure or system.
Etymology
The word “distal” comes from the Latin “distare,” meaning “to stand apart” or “to be distant.”
Usage Notes
When using “distal” in a sentence, make sure to specify the point of reference or origin to avoid confusion.
Cultural References
In medical dramas, the term “distal” is often used to describe the location of an injury or condition.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Distal to the point of origin
Related Words or Phrases
- Proximal
- Central
- Peripheral
Collocations
- Distal end
- Distal part
- Distal region
Frequency of Use
The word “distal” is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts, but less frequently in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Dystal
- Distil