anterior

adj

1. (not-comparable)Nearer the forward end, especially in the front of the body; nearer the head or forepart of an animal.

   “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.”

   “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.”

2. (not-comparable)Nearer the forward end, especially in the front of the body; nearer the head or forepart of an animal.
3. (not-comparable)Nearer the forward end, especially in the front of the body; nearer the head or forepart of an animal.
4. (formal, not-comparable)Coming 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.”