lado

Lado is a Spanish noun meaning side or edge of an object. It is used to indicate physical orientation, as in el lado derecho or el lado izquierdo. The term also occurs in set phrases such as de un lado a otro and lado a lado, meaning from one side to the other and side by side, respectively. In figurative use, it can refer to aspects or perspectives of a topic, as in un lado de la historia.

Etymology: Lado comes from Latin latus, the word for side or flank. It is cognate with other Romance languages, including Portuguese lado and Italian lato, which share the same origin and meaning. In many contexts, the Spanish form reflects the common development of latus to -ado in this branch of the Romance family.

Beyond ordinary usage, Lado appears as a surname in some cultures and, less commonly, as a given name. It also occurs in geographic names in various regions, reflecting its integration into local toponymy. In lexicography, it is treated as a basic spatial term with numerous collocations and set expressions.