transitive verb

1. to fix to the beginning of a word, etc.; esp., to add as a prefix
2. Rare to fix beforehand

Etymology: ME prefyxen < MFr prefixer < L praefixus, pp. of praefigere < prae-, before (see pre-) + figere, to fix

noun

1. a syllable, group of syllables, or word joined to the beginning of another word or a base to alter its meaning or create a new word (Ex.: pre- in precool, un- in unsure)
2. a title that is placed before a person's name, as Dr.
3. an identifying letter or number placed before another number, etc.

Etymology: ModL praefixum < neut. of L praefixus: see prefixthe