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DictionaryRoot: -alis
Latin

-alis

of, relating to

Forms

  • -alis
  • -aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
  • -al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
  • -ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

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adjective

ventral

VEN-trul/ˈventrəl/

Relating to the belly or underside of the body.

The frog's pale ventral surface covers its underside.

A realistic frog from underneath showing the pale belly side, limbs positioned naturally, no text.
Etymology
ventrLatinbelly
+alLatinof, relating to

The belly root makes ventral a directional anatomical term: it identifies the body's belly side, opposite the back, rather than only the belly itself.

In context

Real Science10:23
on the other hand the middle and lower or ventral parts of their eye are sensitive to a wider range of wavelengths
The Insane Biology of: The Dragonfly

More examples

  • The snake's ventral scales help it grip the ground.
  • In humans, the navel lies on the ventral side.
  • The ray's mouth sits on its ventral surface.

Forms

ventrally adverb — On or toward the belly side.

Similar words

abdominal
Abdominal refers specifically to the abdomen, not any underside.
anterior
Anterior means toward the front; it overlaps ventral in humans.