inter-

a prefix occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “between,” “among,” “in the midst of,” “mutually,” “reciprocally,” “together,” “during” (intercept; interest); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (intercom; interdepartmental).

Origin of inter-

Middle English < Latin (in some words replacing Middle English entre- < Middle French < Latin inter-), combining form of inter (preposition and adv.); see interior

Can be confusedinter- intra-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for inter-

inter-

prefix

between or amonginternational

together, mutually, or reciprocallyinterdependent; interchange

Word Origin for inter-

from Latin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for inter-

Latin inter (prep., adv.) "among, between, betwixt, in the midst of," from PIE *enter "between, among" (cf. Sanskrit antar, Old Persian antar "among, between," Greek entera (plural) "intestines," Old Irish eter, Old Welsh ithr "among, between," Gothic undar, Old English under "under"), a comparative of *en "in" (see in). Also in certain Latin phrases in English, such as inter alia "among other things." A living prefix in English from 15c. Spelled entre- in French, most words borrowed into English in that form were re-spelled 16c. to conform with Latin except entertain, enterprise.

inter- in Medicine

inter-

pref.

Between; among:interdental.

In the midst of; within:interoceptor.

inter- in Science

inter-

A prefix meaning between or among, as in interplanetary, located between planets.