anterior

an·te·ri·or

adj \an-ˈtir-ē-ər\

Definition of ANTERIOR

1

a : situated before or toward the front b : situated near or toward the head or part most nearly corresponding to a head

2

: coming before in time or development

— an·te·ri·or·ly adverb

Examples of ANTERIOR

1. the anterior part of the brain
2. <the anterior chamber of the eye is bounded in front by the cornea>

Origin of ANTERIOR

Latin, comparative of ante before — more at ante-

First Known Use: 1541

Related to ANTERIOR

Synonyms: front, fore, forward, frontal, frontward (or frontwards)

Antonyms: aft, after, hind, hinder, hindmost, posterior, rear, rearward

Related Words: ventral

Near Antonyms: dorsal

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at preceding

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with ANTERIOR

exterior, inferior, interior, posterior, superior, ulterior