Distal

/ˈdɪstəl/ adjective

Definition

Located far from the center or point of attachment, especially in anatomy (like your fingers are distal to your wrist).

Etymology

From Latin 'distalis,' derived from 'dis-' (away) and 'stare' (to stand). Medical professionals adopted this term to describe anatomical positions from the perspective of distance from a reference point.

Kelly Says

Doctors use this word constantly to be precise about where something is in your body. Your toes are distal to your knees, and your fingertips are distal to your shoulders—it's a universal language doctors share worldwide.

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