1
: of or relating to a rostrum
2
: situated toward the oral or nasal region: such as
a
of a part of the spinal cord : superior sense 6a
b
of a part of the brain : anterior, ventral
rostrally adverb

Examples of rostral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With parrot-like beaks (named rostral), their teeth were vital for reaching and tearing plants lying near the ground. Kelly Santana Banks, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023 The authors conclude that The main finding of this study is that the hypothalamus, depending on the state of the migraine cycle, exhibits an altered functional coupling with the spinal trigeminal nuclei and the region of the dorsal rostral pons. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2016

Word History

Etymology

New Latin rostralis, from Latin rostrum

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rostral was in 1686

Dictionary Entries Near rostral

Cite this Entry

“Rostral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rostral. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

rostral

adjective
ros·​tral
ˈräs-trəl also ˈrȯs-
1
: of or relating to a rostrum
2
: situated toward the oral or nasal region: as
a
of a part of the spinal cord : superior sense 1
b
of a part of the brain : anterior or ventral
the rostral pons
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