prius
adjective
(in prescriptions) before; former.
prius
1 American
[prahy-uhs]
/ ˈpraɪ əs /
adjective
Prius
2
American
[pree-uhs]
/ ˈpri əs /
noun
Trademark.
-
Prius,
plural
-
Prii
plural
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of prius1
Borrowed into English from Latin around 1890–95
Origin of Prius2
1997; from the Latin prius meaning “coming before”; also related to such English words as “prior” and “primary”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Their existence is prior to this activity: prius est esse quam agere.
From Ontology or the Theory of Being by Peter Coffey
The neighbouring Coemeterium Ostrianum was anciently known as “Fons S. Petri,” “ubi Petrus baptizavit,” “ubi Petrus prius sedit.”
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various
What could such a man know of nisi prius trials, of cross-examining or handling witnesses?
From Bardell v. Pickwick by Percy Hethrington Fitzgerald
Quos Deus vult perdere, prius dementat was never more thoroughly exemplified, and the course pursued proves incontestably that Mr. Staunton possesses a certain kind of courage which does not stick at trifles.
From The Exploits and Triumphs, in Europe, of Paul Morphy, the Chess Champion by Frederick Milnes Edge
Its relation to the world as end is just as much a logical, and not a time-relation, as its relation to the world as beginning or absolute prius.
From A Critical History of Greek Philosophy by W. T. (Walter Terence) Stace
Former Toyota head Hiroshi Okuda, credited with championing the pioneering Prius hybrid and turning the Japanese automaker into a global titan, has died aged 93, the firm said Wednesday.
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
He doesn’t own a luxury Tesla; he owns a $5,000 Prius.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 24, 2026
The cars were in the highway’s left lane, and the Prius driver was standing next to the Elantra.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 11, 2026
In the backseat of her county car – a white Toyota Prius – is a bulletproof vest, which she says she rarely uses.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 25, 2025
When I turned back, my mom was already walking to our Prius.
From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth
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