Main Entry: pro·lep·sis

Pronunciation: \prō-ˈlep-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural pro·lep·ses \-ˌsēz\

Etymology: Greek prolēpsis, from prolambanein to take beforehand, from pro- before + lambanein to take — more at latch

Date: 1578

: anticipation: as a : the representation or assumption of a future act or development as if presently existing or accomplished b : the application of an adjective to a noun in anticipation of the result of the action of the verb (as in “while yon slow oxen turn the furrowed plain”)

— pro·lep·tic \-ˈlep-tik\ adjective

— pro·lep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb