distal

[ dis-tl ]

adjective

1. situated away from the point of origin or attachment, as of a limb or bone; terminal. Compare proximal.
2. Dentistry. directed away from the sagittal plane or midline of the face, along the dental arch. Compare buccal ( def 3 ), mesial ( def 2 ).

distal

/ ˈdɪstəl /

adjective

1. anatomy (of a muscle, bone, limb, etc) situated farthest from the centre, median line, or point of attachment or origin Compare proximal

Derived Forms

• ˈdistally, adverb

Other Words From

• distal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of distal¹

First recorded in 1800–10; dist(ant) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of distal¹

C19: from distant + -al ¹

Example Sentences

For example, at a stage when immature cells start developing retinal cell characteristics, chromatin contact points shift from a mostly proximal-enriched state to add more distal interactions.

From Science Daily

The measurements were taken at the neurons' distal apical dendrites of the visual cortex, which receive top-down signals, and at their cell bodies, which receive bottom-up signals.

From Science Daily

Five seasons later — 163 tackles later, one scholarship later, one torn ACL later, one partial tear of his distal biceps tendon later, 16 consecutive missed games and multiple rehabs later — Ulofoshio is a leader.

From Seattle Times

Boston manager Alex Cora announced the injury before Monday night’s game at Tampa Bay, saying the center fielder has a distal left wrist fracture.

From Seattle Times

"Your hair grows out at the root end to the distal end," Labay explained.

From Salon