preformative

Meanings

Noun

• Chiefly in Semitic languages: a formative letter, syllable, etc., at the beginning of a word.

Adjective

• Of or pertaining to preformation.
• Of a thing: forming or affecting something that comes later.
• Chiefly in Semitic languages: of a letter, syllable, etc.: attached to the beginning of a word as a formative element.

Origin

• , modelled after Late Latin praeformativus (originally used in relation to the grammar of Semitic languages).