BILATERAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does bilateral mean? 

• BILATERAL (adjective)
  The adjective BILATERAL has 3 senses:

1. having identical parts on each side of an axis

2. affecting or undertaken by two parties

3. having two sides or parts

  Familiarity information: BILATERAL used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BILATERAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having identical parts on each side of an axis

Synonyms:

bilateral; bilaterally symmetric; bilaterally symmetrical; isobilateral

Similar:

symmetric; symmetrical (having similarity in size, shape, and relative position of corresponding parts)

Derivation:

bilaterality (the property of being symmetrical about a vertical plane)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Affecting or undertaken by two parties

Context example:

a bilateral agreement between the United States and Japan

Similar:

mutual; reciprocal (concerning each of two or more persons or things; especially given or done in return)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Having two sides or parts

Synonyms:

bilateral; two-sided

Similar:

many-sided; multilateral (having many parts or sides)

 Context examples 

It may be associated with bilateral microcystic renal disease which may lead to renal failure.

(Jeune Syndrome, NCI Thesaurus)

It may initially affect one eye only, but eventually the central loss of vision becomes bilateral.

(Leber Hereditary Optic Atrophy, NCI Thesaurus)

A rare, persistent and bilateral enlargement of the lacrinmal and salivary glands associated with lymphocytic infiltration of the affected glands.

(Mikulicz Disease, NCI Thesaurus)

It is seen more often in females and is usually bilateral.

(Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna, NCI Thesaurus)

An inherited condition characterized by the development of kidney oncocytomas which are often bilateral and multifocal.

(Hereditary Renal Oncocytoma, NCI Thesaurus)

A very rare syndrome characterized by multiple congenital abnormalities including abnormally shaped head, mandibular hypoplasia, parrot nose, bilateral congenital cataracts, microphthalmia, dwarfism and hypotrichosis.

(Hallermann Syndrome, NCI Thesaurus)

Bilateral and extensive hemorrhage may lead to acute adrenal insufficiency, shock, and death.

(Adrenal Hemorrhage, NCI Thesaurus)

It is characterized by the development of multiple, bilateral papillary renal cell carcinomas.

(Hereditary Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma, NCI Thesaurus)

A radiation field that includes the bilateral cervical, supraclavicular, and axillary lymph nodes.

(Minimantle Radiation Field, NCI Thesaurus)

It can result in unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism, testicular regression syndrome and sterility.

(Mullerian Inhibiting Substance Deficiency, NCI Thesaurus)