Main Entry: pre·science

Pronunciation: \ˈpre-sh(ē-)ən(t)s, ˈprē-, -s(ē-)ən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin praescientia, from Latin praescient-, praesciens, present participle of praescire to know beforehand, from prae- + scire to know — more at science

Date: 14th century

: foreknowledge of events: a : divine omniscience b : human anticipation of the course of events : foresight

— pre·scient \-sh(ē-)ənt, -s(ē-)ənt\ adjective

— pre·scient·ly adverb