Longitudinal vs. Lateral: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
Longitudinal refers to the direction running lengthwise, while lateral pertains to the side or width of an object.
Key Differences
The terms Longitudinal and Lateral describe orientations or directions and are particularly pertinent in fields such as engineering, biology, and geography. Longitudinal speaks to the alignment that's parallel to an object's longest direction, akin to the long axis. Lateral, on the contrary, describes a position or movement that's toward the side or away from the center.
Delving into geography, the Longitudinal lines, or meridians, on a globe or map run from the North to the South Pole, determining an area's east-west position. Lateral doesn't share the same prominence in this field, but in a broad sense, it would imply the sideward movement or location across a landscape or terrain.
In biology, particularly in the study of anatomy, Longitudinal refers to sections made lengthwise along the longest direction of an organ or organism. Lateral, in this context, would point to structures or sections that are on the side of, or peripheral to, a central structure.
Engineers, especially those in the realm of structures and mechanics, will refer to Longitudinal stability or stresses that occur along the length of a structure. Lateral forces or movements, in contrast, affect structures sideways, compelling them to have adequate lateral support to ensure safety.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Running lengthwise
Relating to the side or width
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In Geography
Refers to lines running from North to South Pole
Sideward movement or location
In Biology
Lengthwise sections of an organ or organism
Structures or sections on the side
In Engineering
Stability or stresses along the length
Forces or movements affecting structures sideways
General Movement
Movement or alignment parallel to an object's long axis
Movement toward or away from the center or side
Longitudinal and Lateral Definitions
Longitudinal
Arranged in the direction of length
The longitudinal design of the garden elongates the space.
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Lateral
A position away from the center
The lateral view of the building revealed its depth.
Longitudinal
Involving data collected over long periods
A longitudinal study observed children's growth over a decade.
Lateral
Of, relating to, or situated at or on the side.
Longitudinal
Concerning lines or paths from North to South
Longitudinal meridians determine time zones.
Lateral
Of or constituting a change within an organization or hierarchy to a position at a similar level, as in salary or responsibility, to the one being left
Made a lateral move within the company.
Longitudinal
Direction parallel to the flow in a channel
The water flows in a longitudinal direction in the river.
Lateral
(Linguistics) Of, relating to, or being a sound produced by breath passing along one or both sides of the tongue.
Longitudinal
Of or relating to longitude or length
A longitudinal reckoning by the navigator.
Made longitudinal measurements of the hull.
Lateral
A lateral part, projection, passage, or appendage.
Longitudinal
Concerned with the development of persons or groups over time
A longitudinal study of twins.
Lateral
(Football) A lateral pass.
Longitudinal
Placed or running lengthwise
Longitudinal stripes.
Lateral
(Linguistics) A lateral sound, such as (l).
Longitudinal
Relating to length, or to longitude.
Lateral
To execute a lateral pass.
Longitudinal
Running in the direction of the long axis of a body.
Lateral
To pass (the ball) sideways or backward.
Longitudinal
Forward and/or backward, relative to some defined direction.
Lateral
To the side; of or pertaining to the side.
Instead of a promotion, I opted for a lateral move to a similar position in the marketing department.
Longitudinal
Sampling data over time rather than merely once.
Longitudinal studies
Lateral
Situated on one side or other of the body or of an organ, especially in the region furthest from the median plane.
The medial side of the knee faces the other knee, while the outer side of the knee is lateral.
A fish senses changes in hydrodynamic pressure with its lateral line.
Longitudinal
Any longitudinal piece, as in shipbuilding etc.
Lateral
(disease) Affecting the side or sides of the body, or confined to one side of the body.
Longitudinal
(rail transport) A railway sleeper lying parallel with the rail.
Lateral
(physics) Acting or placed at right angles to a line of motion or strain.
Longitudinal
Of or pertaining to longitude or length; as, longitudinal distance.
Lateral
(UK) Non-linear or unconventional, as in, lateral thinking.
Longitudinal
Extending in length; in the direction of the length; running lengthwise, as distinguished from transverse; as, the longitudinal diameter of a body.
Lateral
Pertaining to speech sounds generated by partially blocking the egress of the airstream with the tongue, leaving space on one or both sides of the occlusion for air passage.
Longitudinal
A railway sleeper lying parallel with the rail.
Lateral
An object, such as a passage or a protrusion, that is situated on the side of something else.
Longitudinal
Of or relating to lines of longitude;
Longitudinal reckoning by the navigator
Lateral
(linguistics) A sound produced through lateral pronunciation (such as /l/ in lateral).
Longitudinal
Running lengthwise;
A thin longitudinal strip
Longitudinal measurements of the hull
Lateral
(American football) A lateral pass.
Longitudinal
Over an extended time;
A longitudinal study of twins
Lateral
(business) An employee hired for a position at the same organizational level or salary as their previous position.
Longitudinal
Running lengthwise
The longitudinal beams of the bridge support its weight.
Lateral
To move (oneself or something) in a lateral direction.
Lateral
(American football) To execute a lateral pass.
Lateral
Of or pertaining to the sides; as, the lateral walls of a house; the lateral branches of a tree.
Lateral
Lying at, or extending toward, the side; away from the mesial plane; external; - opposed to mesial.
Lateral
Directed to the side; as, a lateral view of a thing.
Lateral
A short pass to a receiver who is upfield from the passer, i.e. is behind the passer relative to the direction of the passer's goal.
Lateral
A part or extension of something that points sideways, as a drift in a mine that goes to the side from the main one.
Lateral
To pass the footbal to a receiver who is behind the passer; to make a lateral pass; as, the ball was lateraled to the fullback, who ran it for a touchdown.
Lateral
A pass to a receiver upfield from the passer
Lateral
Situated at or extending to the side;
The lateral branches of a tree
Shot out sidelong boughs
Lateral
Lying away from the median and sagittal plane of a body;
Lateral lemniscus
Lateral
Relating to the side
The lateral branches of the tree extended wide.
Lateral
Moving to or from the side
Lateral movements are key in many team sports.
Lateral
Concerning width or breadth
The lateral dimensions were measured for the construction.
Lateral
Sideward in direction
The earthquake caused lateral shaking, terrifying residents.
FAQs
In sports, why is lateral movement important?
It allows athletes to dodge opponents and adapt to game dynamics.
What's a longitudinal research study?
It's a study that tracks the same subjects over a period of time.
Are longitudinal lines the same as latitude lines?
No, they refer to meridians, which run from North to South Pole.
What's a lateral job move?
It's a job change without moving up or down in hierarchy.
What's the opposite of longitudinal in terms of globe lines?
Latitude lines, which run horizontally on a globe.
Is Lateral always about side movement?
Typically, but it can also mean relating to the side or width.
How does longitudinal stability matter in aviation?
It affects how an aircraft maintains its nose-to-tail balance.
How does lateral thinking differ from regular thinking?
It involves thinking outside the box or considering side possibilities.
Can Longitudinal be used outside of a geographical context?
Yes, it can relate to lengthwise direction in various fields.
Can a car have longitudinal engines?
Yes, where the engine runs lengthwise in relation to the car.
How does lateral force affect buildings?
It can cause sideways movement, risking structural integrity.
Do ships consider longitudinal stability?
Yes, to ensure they maintain balance along their length.
Does lateral have a specific meaning in medicine?
Yes, it refers to the side of the body or an organ.
What's a common lateral exercise in fitness?
Lateral lunges, focusing on side leg muscles and flexibility.
In which sport might I hear "lateral pass"?
In American football, it refers to a sideways or backward pass.
Why are lateral supports important in construction?
They prevent structures from collapsing due to sideways forces.
How are longitudinal sections useful in biology?
They offer insights into the internal lengthwise structure of organisms.
What are longitudinal waves?
Waves where particle movement is parallel to the wave direction.
Are lateral movements common in dance?
Yes, many dance forms incorporate side-to-side movements.
Why might researchers prefer longitudinal over cross-sectional studies?
They provide insights into changes and developments over time.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
