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dorsum

noun
dor·​sum | \ ˈdȯr-səm How to pronounce dorsum (audio) \
plural dorsa\ ˈdȯr-​sə How to pronounce dorsa (audio) \

Definition of dorsum

1 : the upper surface of an appendage or part
2 : back especially : the entire dorsal surface of an animal

Examples of dorsum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 To make his mate more receptive in between bouts, a male N. pilipes will spread silk over her dorsum, or back, in massage-like motions known as mate binding. — National Geographic, "Bondage, Cannibalism, and Castration—Spiders' Wild Sex Lives," 14 Feb. 2017

First Known Use of dorsum

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for dorsum

Latin

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More Definitions for dorsum

dorsum

noun
dor·​sum | \ ˈdȯr-səm How to pronounce dorsum (audio) \
plural dorsa\ -​sə How to pronounce dorsa (audio) \

Medical Definition of dorsum

1 : the upper surface of an appendage or part
2 : back sense 1a especially : the entire dorsal surface of an animal

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