Meaning & use

posterior

adjective·Advanced

Situated at or toward the back of something, especially a part of the body.

See it in a sentence

The posterior region of the skull protects the brain's balance and vision centers.

Doctors examined the posterior surface of the knee for signs of swelling.

A note on using this word

As a noun, posterior is a polite, slightly formal or humorous way of referring to the buttocks.

Words with a similar meaning

rearback

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. noun

A person's buttocks, referred to in a mild or humorous way.

He landed squarely on his posterior after slipping on the ice.

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