Posterior \Pos*te"ri*or\ (p[o^]s*t[=e]"r[i^]*[~e]r), 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)