prefix Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an affix that is added in front of the word
  2. verb attach a prefix to
    • prefixed words

WordNet

Pre*fix" transitive verb
Etymology
L. praefixus, p. p. of praefigere to fix or fasten before; prae before + figere to fix: cf. F. préfix fixed beforehand, determined, préfixer to prefix. See Fix.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Prefixed ; present participle & verbal noun Prefixing
Definitions
  1. To put or fix before, or at the beginning of, another thing; as, to prefix a syllable to a word, or a condition to an agreement.
  2. To set or appoint beforehand; to settle or establish antecedently. Obs. " Prefixed bounds. " Locke.
    And now he hath to her prefixt a day. Spenser.
Pre"fix noun
Etymology
Cf. F. préfixe.
Definitions
  1. That which is prefixed; esp., one or more letters or syllables combined or united with the beginning of a word to modify its signification; as, pre- in prefix, con- in conjure.

Webster 1913