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definitions

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).

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Nearby words

  1. inter alia,
  2. inter alios,
  3. inter nos,
  4. inter se,
  5. inter vivos,
  6. inter-allied,
  7. inter-american,
  8. inter-war,
  9. inter.,
  10. interabang

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-

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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for inter-

inter-

pref.

Between; among:interdental.
In the midst of; within:interoceptor.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for inter-

inter-

A prefix meaning “between” or “among,” as in interplanetary, located between planets.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.