distal

adjective

dis·​tal ˈdi-stᵊl 

1

anatomy : situated away from the point of attachment or origin or a central point especially of the body compare proximal

the distal ends of the tibia and fibula

2

dentistry : of, relating to, or being the surface of a tooth that is next to the tooth behind it or that is farthest from the middle of the front of the jaw compare mesial sense 2

distally

ˈdi-stᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of distal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Due to their tiny size, they can be easily inhaled into the distal branches of the lungs, quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and even pass through organ barriers. —Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024

Healed amputation of middle right finger, the distal end, noted. —Erik Hedegaard, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2024

Logos on distal parts (hands, feet, ankles, wrists) are the most visible, but companies brand other parts of a limb, too: tightening knobs, silicone liners, socks, and running blades. —Chloé Valentine Toscano, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2024

It had been severed at the distal interphalangeal joint, which is right above the knuckle near the tip of the finger, just before the nail begins, per Law & Crime. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

distant + -al

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing distal

• distal convoluted tubule

Medical Definition

distal

adjective

dis·​tal ˈdis-tᵊl 

1

: situated away from the point of attachment or origin or a central point: as

a

: located away from the center of the body

the distal end of a bone

compare proximal sense 1a

b

: located away from the mesial plane of the body compare mesial sense 2

c

: of, relating to, or being the surface of a tooth that is next to the following tooth counting from the middle of the front of the upper or lower jaw or that faces the back of the mouth in the case of the last tooth on each side compare mesial sense 3, proximal sense 1b

2

: physical or social rather than sensory compare proximal sense 2

distally

-ē 

adverb