dorsal
jersey number
noun dohr-SAHL Rare
Origin: From Latin dorsalis (of the back), from dorsum (back).
Usage Note
Dorsal in sports refers to the number worn on an athlete's back (el dorsal número 10); in biology it means relating to the back or a dorsal fin (aleta dorsal). In Spanish athletics and cycling coverage the word is synonymous with the athlete's race bib or shirt number. The adjective sense (dorsal) exists but the noun sense dominates in everyday sports language.
Examples
"El corredor llevaba el dorsal número siete."
Natural Translation
The runner wore jersey number seven.
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