Forebody

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A region situated in front of the main body of an organism or structure
2. a part that precedes or is located ahead of the central mass
3. an anatomical term describing the front section of a living being or object

Etymology: "Forebody" is a plain compound: "fore-" meaning "front," joined to "body." Middle English already had the word in forms such as "forebodi" and "forbody," so English speakers were using it in the medieval period, long before it became a term for the front part of a ship's hull or an animal's front section. The "fore-" element is the same one found in "forehead," "foremost," and "forecast," and it has long signaled position at the front. Combined with "body," it describes the part of a structure or creature that lies ahead of the main mass, a sense that is literal and easy to picture.

Synonyms: front section, forepart, bow, prow, front end

Antonyms: aftbody, rear section, stern, back end, rear part