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.