First Known Use: 1541
Dictionary
anterior
adjective an·te·ri·or \an-ˈtir-ē-ər\
: near or toward the front of something (such as the body)
Full 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
See anterior defined for English-language learners
See anterior defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ANTERIOR
Latin, comparative of ante before — more at ante-
Related to ANTERIOR
Synonym Discussion of ANTERIOR
preceding, antecedent, foregoing, previous, prior, former, anterior mean being before. preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place <the preceding sentence>. antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation <conditions antecedent to the revolution>. foregoing applies chiefly to statements <the foregoing remarks>. previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance <a child from a previous marriage> <a prior obligation>. former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter <the former name of the company>. anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order <the anterior lobe of the brain>.
Other Anatomy Terms
Medical Dictionary
anterior
adjective an·te·ri·or \an-ˈtir-ē-ər\
Medical Definition of ANTERIOR
1
: relating to or situated near or toward the head or toward the part in headless animals most nearly corresponding to the head
2
: situated toward the front of the body : ventral—used in human anatomy because of the upright posture of humans
—an·te·ri·or·ly adverb
Learn More About ANTERIOR
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: anterior cruciate ligamentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: anteriadAll Words Near: anterior
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up anterior? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).