dorsal
adjective
1. belonging to or on or near the back or upper surface of an animal or organ or part
- the dorsal fin is the vertical fin on the back of a fish and certain marine mammals
2. facing away from the axis of an organ or organism
Similar word(s): abaxial
noun
1. (art) A hanging, usually of rich stuff, at the back of a throne, altar, etc.
2. In snakes, any of the longitudinal series of plates that encircle the body, excluding the ventral scales.