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[1] 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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