Distal
/ˈdɪstəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsLocated farthest from a central point, origin, or the midline of the body.
/ˈdɪstəl/
Situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment.
The doctor examined the patient's distal limb.
💡 Simply: Imagine your arm. Your hand is the 'distal' part, because it's the furthest away from your shoulder. It's like how the end of a long stick is distal.
👶 For kids: Far away from the middle, like your toes are far away from your tummy!
More Examples
The distal end of the bone fractured during the accident.
Blood flow was restricted to the distal portions of the fingers.
How It's Used
"The distal end of the femur connects to the knee."
"The distal phalanges are the furthest from the hand's center."
Referring to a location or part further from a specific point of reference.
/ˈdɪstəl/
Located away from the point of origin, or a reference point.
The distal part of the mountain looks more dangerous.
💡 Simply: Think of a tree. If you're looking at the tree, its leaves on the top are distal as compared to its roots that are placed in the ground.
👶 For kids: Away from where something starts!
More Examples
The distal side of the beach is where the ocean's strongest currents occur.
The distal side of the stadium would get a bad signal.
How It's Used
"The distal parts of the river are usually wider."
From Latin *distāns* (being distant), the present participle of *distāre* (to stand apart).
Historically used in medical and anatomical contexts, with early appearances in the 17th century.
Memory tip
Think 'distance'. The distal end is the part that's the farthest away.