dorsal meaning and definition

DORSAL adjective

Definition of dorsal (adjective)

1. belonging to or on or near the back or upper surface of an animal or organ or part
   • "the dorsal fin is the vertical fin on the back of a fish and certain marine mammals"
   • antonym: ventral
2. facing away from the axis of an organ or organism
   • "the abaxial surface of a leaf is the underside or side facing away from the stem"
   • synonyms: abaxial
   • antonym: adaxial