Bilaterális

Bilaterális is a Hungarian adjective meaning two-sided or involving two parties or sides. In Hungarian usage it appears in biology, law, diplomacy, and medicine as a general descriptor of two-sided relations or structures. The word comes from Latin bi- "two" and latus "side," adapted into Hungarian through classical languages and modern usage.

In biology, bilaterális commonly refers to bilateral symmetry, a body plan found in most animals in which the left and right sides are mirror images and there is typically a defined head end. This organization allows directional movement and often leads to cephalization and a centralized nervous system. It contrasts with radial symmetry seen in jellyfish or starfish and with asymmetry in some organisms.

In diplomacy and law, bilateral describes relations, agreements, and negotiations between two states or parties. Bilateral relations involve direct interaction, such as bilateral trade agreements, defense arrangements, or cultural exchanges, and are distinguished from multilateral frameworks that involve three or more participants.

In medicine and anatomy, bilateral denotes involvement of both sides of the body. For example, bilateral symptoms affect two sides, and bilateral procedures are performed on corresponding structures on both sides.

Related terms include bilateral symmetry, bilateral agreement, and bilateral trade. See also bilateralism.