distal
UK: ˈdɪst(ə)l | US: ˈdɪstəl
adj. situated away from the center or point of attachment (e.g., a body part)
adj. relating to or being the surface of a tooth or bone farthest from the midline
distal = dist<far> + al<adjective suffix>
- dist<far>: From Latin distare ("to stand apart"), derived from dis- (apart) + stare (to stand).
- al<adjective suffix>: A Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives (e.g., natural, central).
Etymology Origin:
The word distal emerged in the early 19th century in anatomical contexts, combining Latin distare (emphasizing distance) with the adjectival suffix -al. It logically contrasts with proximal (near), reflecting spatial relationships in biology and medicine.
The distal end of the femur connects to the knee joint.
In dentistry, the distal surface of a molar faces the back of the mouth.
The nerve damage affected only the distal portion of the limb.
Researchers measured growth at the distal tip of the plant root.
The fracture occurred in the distal radius, near the wrist.