Dictionary:

distal

  (dĭs'təl)

1. Anatomically located far from a point of reference, such as an origin or a point of attachment.
2. Situated farthest from the middle and front of the jaw, as a tooth or tooth surface.

[DIST(ANT) + –AL¹.]

Away from the median sagittal plane of the face and following the curvature of the dental arch.

Away from the midline of the trunk (e.g. the ankle is distal to the knee). Compare proximal; see also directional terms.

Remote; farther from any point of reference. See also direction.

• d. convoluted tubule — the part of the renal tubular system interposed between the nephron loop and the arched collecting tubule. See also convoluted tubules.
• d. interphalangeal joints
• d. phalanx — third phalanx.
• d. sesamoid — navicular bone in the horse.
• d. tarsal bones — the tarsal bones adjacent to the metatarsals.