Meaning & Definition of Prefix in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.

  Example Sentence: The prefix 'un-' means 'not', as in 'unhappy'.

• Definition: In mathematics, a prefix can refer to a multiplier in a system of measurement.

  Example Sentence: The prefix 'kilo-' means a thousand.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'praefixus', past participle of 'praefigere', meaning 'to fasten in front'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• prefix code: A sequence of characters that precedes an identifier to show its category.
• prefix tree: A data structure that represents a set of strings, where keys are represented by paths in the tree.

Translations

• Spanish: prefijo

• French: préfixe

• German: Präfix

• Russian: префикс

Related Words

• suffix: A letter or group of letters added at the end of a word.

• infix: A morpheme inserted within a word.

• affix: A general term for a prefix, suffix, infix, or circumfix.

Slang Meanings of prefix

• Meaning: The 'pre' that's added to something for emphasis.

  Example Sentence: He really put a prefix on that task, making it sound impressive.

• Meaning: To give something a cool or trendy start.

  Example Sentence: She likes to prefix everything with 'super' to make it fun.