1. [NA]. In human anatomy, denoting the front surface of the body; often used to indicate the position of one structure relative to another, i.e., situated nearer the front part of the body. Syn: ventral(2).
2. Near the head or rostral end of certain embryos.
3. Undesirable and confusing substitute for cranial in quadrupeds. In veterinary anatomy, anterior is restricted to parts of the eye and inner ear.
4. Before, in relation to time or space.
Origin
[L.]