What it means
The beginning of words for what comes after in time or lies behind in place. postoperativepohst-OP-er-uh-tivDescribing the time after surgery, from the end of the operation until recovery.post- afteroperat/o operation, surgery-ive having the nature ofFull entry means after surgery, postpartumpohst-PAR-tumThe time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.post- afterpart/o birth, laborFull entry means after birth, postprandial means after a meal, and posterior means toward the back. Its opposite is pre-, before.
Related terms
postoperative
Describing the time after surgery, from the end of the operation until recovery.
ante-
A word beginning that means before, in time or in place.
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
pre-
A word beginning that means before or in front of.