Caudal

/ˈkɔːdəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Relating to the tail or the posterior part of an organism.

The caudal end of the fish is where the tail fin is located.

Pertaining to the lower part of the body or the tail region in animals.

The caudal vertebrae are important for the movement of the tail in some mammals.

In anatomical terms, describing the direction towards the tail or rear.

The surgeon made an incision in the caudal region of the abdomen.

Late Latin 'caudalis', from 'cauda' meaning 'tail'.

caudal fin

The tail fin of a fish, responsible for propulsion in water.

caudal vertebrae

The vertebrae at the tail end of the spine, typically found in vertebrates.

cranial

Relating to the skull or head, opposite of caudal.

posterior

Situated at or directed toward the back or rear, often used as a synonym for caudal.

dorsal

Referring to the back, in contrast to the caudal end, which refers to the tail or lower part.

Used humorously to describe someone who is always at the back or last in a group.

He’s the caudal of the team, always bringing up the rear.

Used figuratively to describe something that is less important or secondary.

That’s just the caudal part of the project, not the main focus.