rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryposteriorToward the back
adjective / noun

posterior

pah-STEER-ee-er/pɑːˈstɪriər/

Located at the back of the body or another structure.

The horse's hindquarters occupy the posterior region of its body.

A side-view horse with its hindquarters and hind legs selectively emphasized, making the location toward the back immediately visible.
Etymology
posterLatincoming after
+iorLatinmore

The comparative of ‘coming after’ means ‘later’ or ‘farther behind.’ Applied to position rather than time, it describes something toward the back or behind another part.

In context

Ninja Nerd12:18
we have the posterior ramis which is going to supply a lot of the back the skin and the muscles of the back.
Anatomy of the Thoracic Wall

More examples

  • The posterior teeth do most of the chewing.
  • The diagram labels the posterior end of the fish.
  • She lands on her posterior when the chair breaks.

Forms

posterior · posteriors

posteriorly adverb — Toward or at the back.

Similar words

rear
A more everyday word for the back position.
dorsal
Specifically describes the back side, not necessarily the hind end.
buttocks
Names the body part directly, without the euphemistic tone.