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