Pre- \\Pre-\\ [L. prae, adv. & prep., before, akin to pro, and to Pre- E. for, prep.: cf. F. pr['e]-. See Pro-, and cf. Prior.] A prefix denoting priority (of time, place, or rank); as, precede, to go before; precursor, a forerunner; prefix, to fix or place before; pre["e]minent eminent before or above others. Pre- is sometimes used intensively, as in prepotent, very potent. [Written also [[pr[ae]-]].]