English Reference
adjective · noun

dexter

adj. · n.
US /ˈdɛkstɝ/ UK /dˈɛkstɐ/ dex·ter

  1. 01 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal Law

    adj.located on the right-hand side of something.

    adj.situated on or relating to the right-hand side. In heraldry, this specifically refers to the right side from the perspective of the person carrying the shield, which appears as the left side to the viewer.

    Simple

    The artist placed a small gold star in the dexter corner of the shield.

    In context

    The heraldic description specified a lion rampant in the dexter chief, contrasting with the floral patterns on the sinister side.

    Usage

    In heraldry, it is the opposite of 'sinister'.

    rightright hand
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.a small, strong type of cow that comes from Ireland.

    n.a member of a small, hardy breed of cattle originating in Ireland, valued for both milk and beef production.

    Simple

    The farmer decided to raise Dexter cattle because they are easy to manage on small fields.

    In context

    The estate's livestock program focuses on heritage breeds, including a prize-winning herd of black Dexter cattle.

    Usage

    Usually capitalized when referring to the specific breed.


Variant of Dyster.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Frequent
Updated