Located on or affecting the opposite side of the body, especially in medical or anatomical contexts.
From Latin 'contra-' (against, opposite) + 'lateralis' (relating to the side). Medical terminology coined to describe the relationship between corresponding parts on opposite sides of the body.
Your brain's right hemisphere controls the contralateral (opposite) left side of your body—this crossing pattern is why stroke on the left side causes right-side weakness. Nature's weird wiring system needed this exact word.
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