anterior

[an-teer-ee-er]

adjective

1. situated before or at the front of; fore (posterior ).

2. going before in time or sequence; preceding; earlier.

   events anterior to the outbreak of war.

3. Linguistics.,  (in distinctive feature analysis) articulated in the region extending from the alveolar ridge to the lips; alveolar, dental, or labial.

4. (in animals and embryos) pertaining to or toward the head or forward end of the body.

5. (in humans) pertaining to or toward the front plane of the body, equivalent to the ventral surface of quadrupeds.

6. Botany.,  on the front side and away from the main axis, as the lower lip of a flower.

anterior

/ ænˌtɪərɪˈɒrɪtɪ, ænˈtɪərɪə /

adjective

1. situated at or towards the front

2. earlier in time

3. zoology of or near the head end

4. botany (of part of a flower or leaf) situated farthest away from the main stem

Other Word Forms

• anteriority noun
• anteriorly adverb
• nonanterior adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anterior¹

1535–45; < Latin, comparative of ante before, formed on model of posterior

Word History and Origins

Origin of anterior¹

C17: from Latin, comparative of ante before

Example Sentences

Multiple media outlets are reporting that Hill tore multiple ligaments in the knee, including his anterior cruciate ligament, and will undergo reconstructive surgery Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

The 28-year-old Arsenal forward has not played since January because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

From BBC

The goal-kicking Canada forward has been in outstanding form since returning to action following an anterior cruciate ligament injury in June 2024.

From BBC

However, the 23-year-old England international is not believed to have suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

From BBC

Sam Kerr, the Australian superstar striker, was also back in the squad for the first time in 20 months after her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

From BBC