First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1prefix
verb pre·fix
: to add a letter, number, or symbol at the beginning of a word or number
Full Definition of PREFIX
transitive verb
1
\(ˌ)prē-ˈfiks\ : to fix or appoint beforehand
2
\ˈprē-ˌ, prē-ˈ\ [partly from 2prefix] : to place in front; especially : to add as a prefix <prefix a syllable to a word>
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Origin of PREFIX
Middle English, from Middle French prefixer, from Latin praefixus
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
2prefix
noun pre·fix \ˈprē-ˌfiks\
: a letter or group of letters that is added at the beginning of a word to change its meaning
: a title (such as “Mr.” or “Dr.”) that is used before a person's name
Full Definition of PREFIX
1
: an affix attached to the beginning of a word, base, or phrase and serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form — compare suffix
2
: a title used before a person's name
— pre·fix·al \ˈprē-ˌfik-səl, prē-ˈ\ adjective
See prefix defined for English-language learners
Origin of PREFIX
New Latin praefixum, from Latin, neuter of praefixus, past participle of praefigere to fasten before, from prae- + figere to fasten — more at fix
First Known Use: 1646
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
3prefix
adjective pre·fix \same as 2\
Definition of PREFIX
First Known Use of PREFIX
1971
Other Logic Terms
PREFIX Defined for Kids
prefix
noun pre·fix \ˈprē-ˌfiks\
Definition of PREFIX for Kids
: a letter or group of letters that comes at the beginning of a word and has its own meaning
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Next Word in the Dictionary: prefixation (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: prefinishAll Words Near: prefix
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