preposition

(noun, verb)

noun

1. a function word that combines with a noun or pronoun or noun phrase to form a prepositional phrase that can have an adverbial or adjectival relation to some other word

Definition categories: communication

2. (linguistics) the placing of one linguistic element before another (as placing a modifier before the word it modifies in a sentence or placing an affix before the base to which it is attached)

Definition categories: communication, place, position

verb

1. To place in a location before some other event occurs.

- It is important to preposition the material before turning on the machine.