2. (Anat.) Lying at, or extending toward, the side; away from
the mesial plane; external; -- opposed to {mesial}.
3. Directed to the side; as, a lateral view of a thing.
{Lateral cleavage} (Crystallog.), cleavage parallel to the
lateral planes.
{Lateral equation} (Math.), an equation of the first degree.
[Obs.]
{Lateral line} (Anat.), in fishes, a line of sensory organs
along either side of the body, often marked by a distinct
line of color.
{Lateral pressure} or {stress} (Mech.), a pressure or stress
at right angles to the length, as of a beam or bridge; --
distinguished from longitudinal pressure or stress.
{Lateral strength} (Mech.), strength which resists a tendency
to fracture arising from lateral pressure.
{Lateral system} (Bridge Building), the system of horizontal
braces (as between two vertical trusses) by which lateral
stiffness is secured.