Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LAT'ER-AL, a. [Fr. from L. lateralis, from latus, a side, and broad, Gr. πλατυς; coinciding with W. llêd, llyd, breadth, and probably with Eng. flat, W. plad or llez, or both. The primary sense of these words is to extend, as in late, let.]

1. Pertaining to the side; as, the lateral view of an object.
2. Proceeding from the side; as, the lateral branches of a tree; lateral shoots.