Definition:Lateral

Definition

The word lateral is a term denoting or concerning a face or edge of a $3$-dimensional figure that is regarded as its side, as opposed to its base.

Let $K$ be a cone.

The curved area of $K$ is known as the lateral surface of $K$.

The lateral surface of a cylinder is the curved surface between the bases

In the above diagram, the faces $ABGF, BCHG, CDIH, DEJI$ and $EAFJ$ are the lateral faces of the prism.

The lateral edges of a prism are the edges which join the vertices of the lateral faces.

In the above diagram, the edges $AF, BG, CH, DI$ and $EJ$ are the lateral edges of the prism.

The triangular faces of a pyramid which lead to the apex are called the lateral faces of the pyramid.

In the above diagram, $ABQ$ and $DEQ$, for example, form two of the $5$ lateral faces of the pyramid $ABCDEQ$.

The lateral edges of a pyramid are the edges which join the vertices of the lateral faces.

In the above diagram, the edges $AQ, BQ, CQ, DQ$ and $EQ$ are the lateral edges of the pyramid.