What it means
The beginning of words for something that comes earlier in time or lies in front. preoperativepree-OP-er-uh-tivDescribing the time before surgery, from the decision to operate until the client goes into the operating room.pre- beforeoperat/o operation, surgery-ive having the nature ofFull entry is before surgery, prenatal is before birth, premature is before the expected time, and preeclampsia is a condition of pregnancy named for coming before eclampsia (seizures). Its opposite is post-, after.
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.
preoperative
Describing the time before surgery, from the decision to operate until the client goes into the operating room.