(ˈ)an|tirēə(r), -tēr-, (ˈ)aan- adjective
Etymology: Latin, comp. of ante before — more at ante-
1.
a. : situated toward the front : before in place — opposed to posterior
b. : relating to or situated near or toward the head or in headless animals the end most nearly corresponding
c. botany : abaxial , inferior
2.
a. : before in time : antecedent
b. : logically prior or antecedent
3. anatomy : ventral — used in ref. to man because of his upright position
• an·te·ri·or·ly adverb