lateral (adj.) Look up lateral at Dictionary.com
"of or pertaining to the side," early 15c., from Olde French latéral (14c.) and directly from Latin lateralis "belonging to the side," from latus (genitive lateris) "the side, flank; lateral surface" (see oblate (n.)). Specific sense "situated on either side of the median vertical longitudinal plane of the body" [Century Dictionary] is from 1722. As a noun, from 1630s, "a side part;" as a type of pass to the side in U.S. football, it is attested from 1934 (short for lateral pass). Related: Laterally.