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Definition of "distal" [dis•tal]

  • Anatomically located far from a point of reference, such as an origin or a point of attachment. (adjective)
  • Situated farthest from the middle and front of the jaw, as a tooth or tooth surface. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "distal" in a sentence
  • "These so-called distal DNA elements control the expression of faraway genes."
  • "Standard treatment for ureteral cancer is surgical resection of the tumor, called a distal ureterectomy, or removal of the entire kidney, called a nephro-ureterectomy."
  • "Caveat: Sedentary work was associated with cancers of the rectum and distal colon but not the proximal colon."