collateral

adj. secondary to something else. For example, a collateral fiber is a nerve fiber that branches off the main axon of a neuron, and collateral circulation is an alternative route for blood when the primary vessel is obstructed (see anastomosis). —collaterally adv.

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Psychology term of the day

February 11th 2025

cognitive complexity

the state or quality of a thought process that involves numerous constructs, with many interrelationships among them. Such processing is often experienced as difficult or effortful. See also conceptual complexity.