My new word - ipsilateral

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MyLotter @xFiacre seems keen on using obscure words from time to time. Some of the most recent examples used are: mollitious, absquatulate, and tittynopes. Now, I have found a new word of my own which some of you may not know. It is ipsilateral, which means ‘on the same side’. I found it when researching ‘how kangaroos swim’, of which more in the next discussion. Pacing horses, camels and swimming kangaroos use ipsilateral movement of the legs. The two right legs move forward together followed by the two left legs. Most horses, when they trot, move the legs in a lateral motion. Left front and right hind legs hit the ground together followed by the right front and left hind. However, if they are pacing, then the legs move ipsilaterally. You can see this ipsilateral movement in the photo. The horse has been retired from a pacing career but when he is excited, he still paces. But isn’t ipsilateral a great word?