Langimage
English

sinistral

|sin-is-tral|

C1

/ˈsɪnɪstrəl/

leftward orientation

Etymology
Etymology Information

'sinistral' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sinister,' where 'sinister' meant 'left' or 'unlucky.'

Historical Evolution

'sinister' transformed into the English word 'sinistral' to describe left-handedness or leftward orientation.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'left' or 'unlucky,' but over time it evolved to specifically refer to left-handedness or leftward orientation.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

of or pertaining to the left side; left-handed.

The sinistral snail has a shell that spirals to the left.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39