lateral

Everyday

1. Lateral means to do with the side or sides; moving sideways. tree →
2. Lateral thinking means solving problems in a new, clever way instead of the usual step-by-step way. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, the lateral faces of a prism or pyramid are the side faces (not the bases). In science and PE, lateral movement is sideways. Puzzles in class may need lateral thinking. Phrases: «lateral thinking», «lateral movement», «lateral faces».

Examples

• A square pyramid has four lateral faces. tree →
• Crabs move with a lateral walk. tree →
• This riddle needs lateral thinking. tree →
• Find the lateral surface area of the cylinder. tree →
• The fish has a lateral line along its side to sense movement. tree →
• The goalkeeper made a quick lateral dive. tree →

Note

Formal/technical; everyday: «sideways». Lateral faces are the side faces only; total surface area adds the bases.