Pos*te"ri*or (?), a. [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.

4. Bot.

On the side next the axis of inflorescence; -- said of an axillary flower.

Gray.

© Webster 1913.