lateralization

noun

lat·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌla-tə-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce lateralization (audio)
ˌla-trə-
: localization of function or activity on one side of the body in preference to the other
lateralize
ˈla-tə-rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce lateralization (audio)
ˈla-trə-
transitive verb

Examples of lateralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your coworkers can thank your brain’s remarkable lateralization for that. — Sharon Moalem, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2014 This network covered various frontal, higher-order parietal and subcortical regions, mainly precuneus, angular gyrus, cingulate gyrus and frontal pole with right hemispheric lateralization bias. — Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lateralization was in 1820

Rhymes for lateralization

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Browse Nearby Words

lateral fin
lateralization
lateral line
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Cite this Entry

“Lateralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lateralization. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

lateralization

noun
lat·​er·​al·​iza·​tion
variants also British lateralisation
ˌlat-ə-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌla-trə-lə- How to pronounce lateralization (audio)
: localization of function or activity (as of verbal processes in the brain) on one side of the body in preference to the other
lateralize transitive verb
also British lateralise
ˈlat-ə-rə-ˌlīz, ˈla-trə-ˌlīz How to pronounce lateralization (audio)
lateralized also British lateralised; lateralizing also British lateralising
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