Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dorsal'

English Word: dorsal

Key Russian Translations:

• дорсальный /dɐrˈsalʲnɨj/ - [Formal, Technical, Used in medical and scientific contexts]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in specialized fields like anatomy and biology; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1 level, as it involves technical vocabulary and understanding of Russian adjective inflections; suitable for learners with a strong background in science)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дорсальный: /dɐrˈsalʲnɨj/

Note on дорсальный: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ˈsalʲ/), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the palatalized 'l' sound (ʲ). Practice with native speakers to master the soft consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to the back or the dorsal side, especially in anatomy or biology

Translation(s) & Context:

• дорсальный - Used in formal, technical contexts such as describing anatomical structures, e.g., in medical textbooks or scientific discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В анатомии дорсальный нерв проходит вдоль спины позвоночного животного.

  In anatomy, the dorsal nerve runs along the back of the vertebrate animal.

• Дорсальный плавник акулы помогает ей сохранять равновесие в воде.

  The dorsal fin of the shark helps it maintain balance in the water.

• У этого вида рыб дорсальный регион тела покрыт чешуёй для защиты.

  In this species of fish, the dorsal region of the body is covered with scales for protection.

• В ходе операции хирург сосредоточился на дорсальном аспекте позвоночника.

  During the surgery, the surgeon focused on the dorsal aspect of the spine.

• Дорсальный мускулатурный слой обеспечивает поддержку для верхней части тела.

  The dorsal muscular layer provides support for the upper part of the body.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Дорсальный" is an adjective borrowed from Latin via English, and it follows the patterns of Russian second-declension adjectives with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It inflects based on gender, number, and case, but it remains relatively stable in scientific writing.

Note: This adjective does not have short forms like some native Russian adjectives, making it easier in formal contexts, but always check for agreement with the noun it modifies.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • спинной - More general term for "back-related," often used interchangeably in everyday anatomy.
  • тыльный - Specifically for the back of the hand or foot, with a slight difference in application.
• Antonyms:
  • вентральный - Refers to the ventral or belly side, contrasting directly in anatomical descriptions.

Related Phrases:

• Дорсальный плавник - Dorsal fin; a common phrase in marine biology, referring to the fin on the back of fish.
• Дорсальный регион - Dorsal region; used in anatomical discussions to describe back areas of the body.
• Дорсальный аспект - Dorsal aspect; a phrase in medical contexts for the back view or side of an organ.

Usage Notes:

"Дорсальный" directly corresponds to the English "dorsal" in technical fields, but it's more formal and less flexible in everyday Russian. Use it primarily in written scientific texts or professional settings; in casual conversation, Russians might prefer "спинной" for simplicity. Always ensure gender, number, and case agreement with the noun it describes, as Russian adjectives must agree. When choosing between translations, opt for "дорсальный" if the context is highly technical, but be aware it may sound overly academic.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "дорсальный" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "дорсальный женщина" instead of "дорсальная женщина" (for feminine nouns).

  Correct: Дорсальная мышца (The dorsal muscle). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case; this mistake often occurs because English adjectives don't inflect.

• Error: Confusing it with "вентральный," leading to misuse in descriptions, e.g., describing a back feature as ventral.

  Correct: Use "дорсальный" for back-related features. Explanation: These are opposites, so context is key; English learners might mix them up due to similar sounds.

Cultural Notes:

"Дорсальный" is a term rooted in scientific terminology rather than cultural idioms, reflecting Russia's strong tradition in biology and medicine. It highlights how Russian language incorporates international scientific vocabulary, often from Latin or English, without deep cultural connotations. However, in educational contexts, it underscores the emphasis on anatomy in Russian academia, influenced by historical figures like Ivan Pavlov.

Related Concepts:

• вентральный
• латеральный
• медальный