laterigrade

[ lat-er-i-greyd ]

adjective

1. having a sideways manner of moving, as a crab.

laterigrade

/ ˈlætərɪˌɡreɪd /

adjective

1. zoology (of some crabs) having a gait characterized by sideways movement

Word History and Origins

Origin of laterigrade¹

First recorded in 1750–60; < Latin later- (stem of latus “side, flank”) + -i- ( def ) + -grade

Example Sentences

Flattie spiders have eight laterigrade, or sideways-moving, legs positioned at different angles to cover all 360 degrees of their bodies.

From National Geographic

Junior recognized in the creature before him one of the Laterigrade Legion, a well known character.

From Project Gutenberg