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dorsal

jersey number

noun dohr-SAHL Rare

Origin: From Latin dorsalis (of the back), from dorsum (back).

Usage Note

Dorsal in sports refers to the number worn on an athlete's back (el dorsal número 10); in biology it means relating to the back or a dorsal fin (aleta dorsal). In Spanish athletics and cycling coverage the word is synonymous with the athlete's race bib or shirt number. The adjective sense (dorsal) exists but the noun sense dominates in everyday sports language.

Examples

"El corredor llevaba el dorsal número siete."

Natural Translation

The runner wore jersey number seven.

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