preprocessor

[ pree-pros-es-er, -uh-seror, especially British, -proh-ses-er, -suh-ser ]

noun

, Computers.

1. a program that performs some type of processing, as organization of data or preliminary computation, in advance of another program that will perform most of the processing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preprocessor¹

First recorded in 1965–70; pre- + processor