Posterior, a.
Etymology: [L. posterior, compar. of posterus coming after, from post after. See Post-.]
1. Later in time; hence, later in the order of proceeding or moving; coming after; -- opposed to prior. Hesiod was posterior to Homer. Broome.
2. Situated behind; hinder; -- opposed to anterior.
3. (Anat.)
At or toward the caudal extremity; caudal; -- in human anatomy often used for dorsal.
2 more senses
4. (Bot.)
On the side next the axis of inflorescence; -- said of an axillary flower. Gray.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists posterior only as an antonym, under previous.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given