plural dorsa
ˈdȯr-sə 
Examples of dorsum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
For example, that includes a thin dorsum, and a rotated and narrow tip.
—Essence, 3 Nov. 2023
Analyses of fur color and background environments suggest that the giant panda’s white face, nape, dorsum, flank, belly, and rump are adapted for crypsis against a snowy background, whereas its black shoulders and legs are adapted for crypsis in shade.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2017
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
To make his mate more receptive in between bouts, a male N. pilipes will spread silk over her dorsum, or back, in massage-like motions known as mate binding.
—National Geographic, 14 Feb. 2017
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Geoff Dyer, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
For example, that includes a thin dorsum, and a rotated and narrow tip.
—Essence, 3 Nov. 2023
Analyses of fur color and background environments suggest that the giant panda’s white face, nape, dorsum, flank, belly, and rump are adapted for crypsis against a snowy background, whereas its black shoulders and legs are adapted for crypsis in shade.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2017
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
To make his mate more receptive in between bouts, a male N. pilipes will spread silk over her dorsum, or back, in massage-like motions known as mate binding.
—National Geographic, 14 Feb. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Dorsum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dorsum. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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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