Distal

usgb/ˈdɪstl/
adjective

Situated farthest from the center, middle, or point of reference.

The distal part of the arm is the hand.
Visual representation of "distal" - Situated farthest from the center, middle, or point of reference.

Often appears as...

  • distal end
  • distal part

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "distal"
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Spatial Position

Distal indicates a specific position, usually far from a central point, in body-related terms.

Illustration for Spatial Position
The distal joints in the finger are those farthest from the palm.
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Not Proximal

Distal is the opposite of 'proximal', which means nearest to the center or point of reference.

Illustration for Not Proximal
In a diagram, mark the proximal and distal ends.
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Medical Context

Distal is mostly used in medical or anatomical contexts, less in everyday language.

Illustration for Medical Context
The surgeon focused on the distal region of the limb.
Visual representation of the word "Distal"

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