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pre-

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Definition of pre-

1a(1) : earlier than : prior to : before Precambrian prehistoric
(2) : preparatory or prerequisite to premedical
b : in advance : beforehand precancel prepay
2 : in front of : anterior to preaxial premolar

History and Etymology for pre-

Latin prae-, from prae in front of, before — more at for

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Cite this Entry

“Pre-.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pre-. Accessed 21 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for pre-

pre-

prefix

English Language Learners Definition of pre-

: earlier than : before
: in advance

See the full definition for pre- in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pre-

prefix

Kids Definition of pre-

1 : earlier than : before prehistoric
2 : beforehand prepay
3 : in front of : front premolar

pre-

prefix

Legal Definition of pre-

1a : earlier than : prior to : before premarital prejudgment
b : preparatory or prerequisite to prehearing
2 : in advance : beforehand prepay

More from Merriam-Webster on pre-

Nglish: Translation of pre- for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of pre- for Arabic Speakers

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