adjective / noun
collateral
Extending alongside a main line rather than directly within it.
The factory shutdown causes collateral damage to nearby small businesses.
Etymology
Latin con- and latus combine the ideas of togetherness and side. Collateral describes something running beside the main line, including a related branch that does not lie directly within it.
More examples
- Cousins are collateral relatives, not direct ancestors or descendants.
- Cleaner air is a collateral benefit of reduced traffic.
- Small collaterals carry blood around the blocked artery.
Forms
collateral · collaterals
Similar words
- secondary
- Emphasizes lower importance or rank, not a parallel relationship.
- accompanying
- Means present alongside something, without implying a side effect.
- lateral
- Describes sideways position or movement, not necessarily secondary status.