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Definition of anterior 1 a : situated before or toward the front an anterior ligament b : situated near or toward the head or part most nearly corresponding to a head 2 : coming before in time or development labor problems anterior to the strike

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Other Words from anterior anteriorly adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Did You Know? Anterior generally appears in either medical or scholarly contexts. Anatomy books refer to the anterior lobe of the brain, the anterior cerebral artery, the anterior facial vein, etc. Scholar and lawyers may use anterior to mean "earlier in time or order". For example, supporters of states' rights point out that the individual states enjoyed certain rights anterior to their joining the union. And prenuptial agreements are designed to protect the assets that one or both parties acquired anterior to the marriage.

First Known Use of anterior 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for anterior Latin, comparative of ante before — more at ante-

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More Definitions for anterior anterior adjective English Language Learners Definition of anterior technical : near or toward the front of something (such as the body) See the full definition for anterior in the English Language Learners 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 situated toward the front of the body Other Words from anterior anteriorly adverb

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