anterior

alternative obsolete anteriour

1. not comparableanatomyNearer the forward end, especially in the front of the body; nearer the head or forepart of an animal.

   Her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) are torn and Vonn has a lateral fracture of the tibial plateau, the upper end of the tibia or shin bone.

   2013 February 6, Jen Christiensen, “Vonn’s injury ‘career-delayer,’ not ‘career ender’”, in CNN

   1 more example

   Transillumination of anterior teeth, using the composite curing light placed labially to shine through the tooth and be viewed using the mouth mirror, shows up any cavities as dark interproximal shadows.

   2013, Carole Hollins, Questions and Answers for Dental Nurses, page 44

   1. not comparableanatomy(of a part of a flower or leaf) Situated further away from the mainstem.
   2. not comparableanatomyPronounced with an obstruction located in front of the palato-alveolar region of the mouth, e.g. b, p, d, t.
2. formalnot comparableComing before or earlier in time or development, prior to, preceding.

   anterior to the time when mankind have become capable of being improved by free and equal discussion.

   1859, John Stuart Mill, On Liberty