Main Entry: pre·form

Pronunciation: \ˈprē-ˌfȯrm, (ˌ)prē-ˈ\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Latin praeformare, from prae- + formare to form, from forma form

Date: 1601

1 : to form or shape beforehand
2 : to bring to approximate preliminary shape and size

— pre·form \ˈprē-ˌfȯrm\ noun