anterior

Everyday

1. (science) Anterior means at or near the front, especially of the body. tree →
2. (formal) Anterior means earlier in time. tree →

In the lessons

Used in biology and medicine (anterior and posterior: front and back; the anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, in the knee, often injured in sport), and very formal writing.

Examples

• The head is at the anterior end of a worm. tree →
• The footballer hurt his anterior cruciate ligament. tree →
• Fish have anterior fins near the head. tree →
• The anterior part of the brain helps us plan. tree →
• The front legs are the anterior limbs. tree →
• The event was anterior to the war (formal). tree →

Note

Science word. Opposite: «posterior» (at the back). Do not confuse with «interior» (inside).