Definition of "lateral" in English

adjective

1. To the side; of or pertaining to the side.

2. (UK) Non-linear or unconventional, as in, lateral thinking.

3. (phonetics, phonology) (of a consonant, especially the English clear l) Pertaining to speech sounds generated by partially blocking the egress of the airstream with the tongue, leaving space on one or both sides of the occlusion for air passage.

noun

1. An object, such as a passage or a protrusion, that is situated on the side of something else.

2. (linguistics) A sound produced through lateral pronunciation (such as /l/ in lateral).

3. (American football) A lateral pass.

4. (business) An employee hired for a position at the same organizational level or salary as their previous position.

5. A lateral canal, a canal built alongside an existing stream.

   • […] Canal and laterals, section 4, and the first part of section 5; and Miller Canal and laterals.

verb

1. To move (oneself or something) in a lateral direction.

2. (American football) To execute a lateral pass.