dorsum

Everyday

1. (science, anatomy) The back or upper surface of a body part, like the back of the hand or the top of the foot or tongue. tree →
2. (science) The back of an animal. tree →

In the lessons

Used in biology, medicine and anatomy diagrams; related to «dorsal» as in the dorsal fin of a shark; a pupil meets it mostly in science or in a doctor's notes; phrases: «dorsum of the hand», «dorsum of the foot».

Examples

• The doctor looked at the dorsum of my hand. tree →
• The dorsum of the foot is the top side. tree →
• The fish has a spiny dorsum. tree →
• Label the dorsum and the belly side on the diagram. tree →
• The dorsum of the tongue helps us taste food. tree →
• A frog has a green dorsum and a pale belly. tree →

Note

Plural: dorsa (Latin). Technical word; everyday word: back. Related adjective: dorsal (e.g. dorsal fin). Opposite side: ventral.