rostral
|ros-tral|
🇺🇸
/ˈrɑstrəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈrɒstrəl/
toward the beak / front (anterior)
Etymology
'rostral' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'rostralis' (from 'rostrum'), where 'rostrum' meant 'beak' or 'projecting beak-like part'.
'rostral' developed via Late Latin/Neo-Latin scientific usage from Latin 'rostralis' (adjective of 'rostrum') and entered English usage in technical anatomical contexts (19th century onward).
Initially it meant 'of or relating to a beak', and over time it evolved to be used more generally in anatomy to mean 'toward the beak or anterior end' (directional use).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
located toward the rostrum or beak; toward the anterior end (in anatomy, especially of animals and neuroanatomy).
In many vertebrates the rostral end of the brain faces the nose.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
pertaining to or forming a rostrum or beak-like projection; beak-shaped or relating to a rostrum.
The crab has a pronounced rostral spine projecting from its carapace.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/05 18:46