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lateral

side

noun lah-teh-RAHL Less Common

Also means

flank

Usage Note

Lateral functions as both adjective ('lateral', 'side') and noun (the 'side' or 'flank' of something). In football, el lateral derecho/izquierdo is the right/left back. In anatomy and architecture it signals position to the side. As an adjective its form is the same for both genders but it does take a plural: los accesos laterales. It can also describe 'lateral thinking' (pensamiento lateral) in business contexts.

Examples

"El lateral derecho marcó un gol."

Natural Translation

The right back scored a goal.

Literal Translation

The side-position right scored a goal

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