Lateralities

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality or state of being situated at the side or the aspect of something; the tendency to deviate from a central line or reference point on either side; variations in preference or functioning associated with the left and right sides in biological systems or human activities
2. The condition relating to side positioning or directionality in relation to an object or space; occurrences of deviation or alternation from the median axis or standard; distinctions in the functioning or processing linked to both left and right hemispheres or sides
3. A characteristic pertaining to being on the side as opposed to the center or middle; instances of divergence from a primary route or direction; differences in abilities or characteristics that correspond to either the left or right side in various contexts

Etymology: "Lateralities" is simply the plural of "laterality," so it names several distinct instances of the quality rather than a separate concept. "Laterality" itself is formed from "lateral," which comes from Latin "lateralis," meaning "of the side," from "latus," side, with the suffix "-ity" added to turn the adjective into a noun of quality. The plural form usually appears when writers want to compare different kinds of sidedness, such as handedness, eye dominance, or the way certain brain functions favour one hemisphere. Each of these can be treated as its own laterality, which is why the plural is useful in scientific writing.