plural dorsa
ˈdȯr-sə 
Examples of dorsum in a Sentence
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The hairy mole was excised over an area extending from the base of the fingers and the dorsum of the thumb, around the margin of the thenar and hypothenar eminences, and the entire circumference of the forearm up to just below the elbow.
—
Geoff Dyer,
Harpers Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
Experiment 4 showed that holes of intermediate size are perceived to be larger with the tongue's tip than with its dorsum.
—
Seriously Science,
Discover Magazine,
18 Oct. 2017
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Geoff Dyer,
Harpers Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
Experiment 4 showed that holes of intermediate size are perceived to be larger with the tongue's tip than with its dorsum.
—
Seriously Science,
Discover Magazine,
18 Oct. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Dorsum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dorsum. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dorsum
noun
dor·sum
ˈdȯr-səm
plural dorsa
-sə
1
: the upper surface of an appendage or part
2
: back sense 1a
especially
: the entire dorsal surface of an animal
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