a. [ L. lateralis, fr. latus, lateris, side: cf. F. latéral. ] 1. Of or pertaining to the sides; as, the lateral walls of a house; the lateral branches of a tree. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Anat.) Lying at, or extending toward, the side; away from the mesial plane; external; -- opposed to mesial. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Directed to the side; as, a lateral view of a thing. [ 1913 Webster ]

Lateral cleavage (Crystallog.), cleavage parallel to the lateral planes. --
Lateral equation (Math.), an equation of the first degree. [ Obs. ] --
Lateral line (Anat.), in fishes, a line of sensory organs along either side of the body, often marked by a distinct line of color. --
Lateral pressure or
stress (Mech.), a pressure or stress at right angles to the length, as of a beam or bridge; -- distinguished from longitudinal pressure or stress. --
Lateral strength (Mech.), strength which resists a tendency to fracture arising from lateral pressure. --
Lateral system (Bridge Building), the system of horizontal braces (as between two vertical trusses) by which lateral stiffness is secured. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. & i. (Football) To pass the footbal to a receiver who is behind the passer; to make a lateral pass; as, the ball was lateraled to the fullback, who ran it for a touchdown. [ PJC ]

n. The state or condition of being lateral. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. By the side; sidewise; toward, or from, the side. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Football) 1. A short pass to a receiver who is upfield from the passer, i.e. is behind the passer relative to the direction of the passer's goal. [ PJC ]

2. A part or extension of something that points sideways, as a drift in a mine that goes to the side from the main one. [ PJC ]