1. one-sided preferences, such as handedness, eye dominance, and footedness. Observed more frequently in humans than in other primates, lateralization is manifested in the way tasks are performed and can also be inferred from the effects of localized brain damage. Directional confusion and dyslexia may be diagnosed through lateralization tests. See also hemispheric lateralization; speech lateralization.

2. in audition, see auditory localization.