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prefix
[ noun pree-fiks; verb pree-fiks pree-fiks ]
noun
- Grammar. an affix placed before a word, base, or another prefix to modify a term's meaning, as by making the term negative, as un- in unkind, by signaling repetition, as re- in reinvent, or by indicating support, as pro- in proabolition. Compatible prefixes can work together, as un- and re- in unrefundable.
- something prefixed, as a title before a person's name:
She uses the prefix “Ms.” rather than "Mrs."
verb (used with object)
- to fix or put before or in front:
to prefix an impressive title to one's name.
- Grammar. to add as a prefix.
- to fix, settle, or determine beforehand:
If you call a taxi, the rate to the airport will be prefixed.
- Biology. to apply the first of two fixatives to.
prefix
/ priːˈfɪks-; priːˈfɪkʃən; ˈpriːfɪksəl /
noun
- grammar an affix that precedes the stem to which it is attached, as for example un- in unhappy Compare suffix
- something coming or placed before
verb
- to put or place before
- grammar to add (a morpheme) as a prefix to the beginning of a word
prefix
- Letters placed in front of a word to form a new word: “ tri monthly,” “ semi monthly,” “ bi lingual,” “ multi lingual,” “ ad dress,” “ re dress,” “ pre date,” “ post date.” ( Compare suffix .)
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Grammar Note
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Derived Forms
- prefixion, noun
- prefixal, adjective
- ˈprefixally, adverb
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Other Words From
- pre·fixa·ble adjective
- pre·fix·al [pree, -fik-s, uh, l, pree-, fik, -], adjective
- prefix·al·ly adverb
- pre·fix·ion [pree-, fik, -sh, uh, n], noun
- un·prefix·al adjective
- un·prefix·al·ly adverb
- un·prefixed adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of prefix1
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Example Sentences
The prefix was immediately attached to Nicky Morgan, the newly appointed UK Education Secretary.
If the policies aimed at “working mothers” are as empty as the prefix, the two parties may well end up regret invoking it.
The absurdity of the prefix is immediately clear in that no-one ever speaks of “working fathers.”
The "entero" prefix denotes the fact that many have been found to cause intestinal problems—often a 24-hour "stomach flu."
Despite the “meningo-” prefix, meningococcus causes two distinct clinical diseases, each accounting for about half the illnesses.
It is that from which the former, by the addition of a prefix, which gives emphasis to the meaning, is derived.
Read amled, as in Speght; of which enameled is a lengthened form, with the prefix en-.
In directing to any one who can claim any prefix, or addition, to his proper name do not omit to put that "republican title."
A point that deserves special notice at this place is the use of the prefix Hypo- (hypo-) in the names of keys.
He had just reached the time of life at which "young" is ceasing to be the prefix of "man" in speaking of one.
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