anterior Definition
- 1situated before or at the front of; fore (opposed to posterior)
- 2going before in time or sequence; preceding; earlier
- 3coming before in position or in a series
Using anterior: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "anterior" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The anterior part of the brain is responsible for cognitive functions.
Example
The anterior teeth are used for biting and cutting food.
Example
The anterior chamber of the eye is filled with aqueous humor.
Example
The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland secretes several hormones.
anterior Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with anterior
a ligament in the knee that connects the femur to the tibia and helps stabilize the joint
Example
He tore his anterior cruciate ligament while playing soccer.
a membrane-covered opening between the bones at the top of a baby's skull, which usually closes by the age of two
Example
The doctor checked the baby's anterior fontanelle during the examination.
the front part of the pituitary gland, which produces and secretes several hormones that regulate various bodily functions
Example
The anterior pituitary gland secretes growth hormone, prolactin, and other hormones.
Origins of anterior
from Latin 'anterior', comparative of 'ante', meaning 'before'
Summary: anterior in Brief
'Anterior' [ænˈtɪə.ri.ər] refers to something situated before or at the front of, or going before in time or sequence. It is often used in medical contexts to describe body parts, such as 'anterior teeth' and 'anterior chamber of the eye.' 'Anterior' also appears in phrases like 'anterior cruciate ligament,' which stabilizes the knee joint, and 'anterior pituitary gland,' which secretes hormones regulating bodily functions.