laterality

[ lat-uh-ral-i-tee ]

noun

1. the use of one hand in preference to the other. Compare handedness.
2. the dominance or superior development of one side of the body or brain.

laterality

/ ˌlætəˈrælɪtɪ /

noun

1. psychol the difference in the mental functions controlled by the left and right cerebral hemispheres of the brain

Word History and Origins

Origin of laterality¹

First recorded in 1640–50; lateral + -ity

Example Sentences

Further study is needed to understand the relationship between laterality and cognitive performance in mammals, Leaver added.

From Fox News

In dogs, paw laterality — or paw preference — is explored not with forks or pencils, but with more dog-appropriate motor tasks.

From Scientific American

Despite all these examples of laterality, it still came as a surprise last November when a study found that some bees exhibited handedness when they had to run an obstacle course.

From Scientific American

The finding could contribute to a greater understanding of how the left and right brain hemispheres control laterality, and lead to the discovery of new brain pathways in marsupials.

From The Guardian

"As one of our reviewers pointed out, laterality is also obvious in how parrots hold their food or how your dog shakes hands," Ms Ingram said.

From BBC