posterior

¹pos·te·ri·or

adj \pō-ˈstir-ē-ər, pä-\

Definition of POSTERIOR

1

: later in time : subsequent

2

: situated behind: as a : caudal b of the human body or its parts : dorsal

3

of a plant part : adaxial, superior

— pos·te·ri·or·ly adverb

Examples of POSTERIOR

1. the posterior part of the brain
2. <the chapel's posterior location in the church serves to make it a quiet retreat>

Origin of POSTERIOR

Latin, comparative of posterus coming after, from post after — more at post-

First Known Use: 1534

Related to POSTERIOR

Synonyms: aft, after, hind, hinder, hindmost, back, rear, rearward

Antonyms: anterior, fore, forward, front, frontal

Related Words: dorsal

Near Antonyms: ventral

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Anatomy Terms

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

Rhymes with POSTERIOR

anterior, exterior, inferior, interior, superior, ulterior