Premeal

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A specified period or action that takes place prior to consuming food
2. An organized event or routine occurring before a meal is eaten
3. Happening or arranged to take place prior to eating a meal

Etymology: "Premeal" is a straightforward compound: the prefix "pre-", meaning "before", attached to "meal." The prefix comes from Latin "prae", "before," and has been productive in English for centuries, so that "premeal" simply means "before a meal." Its literal construction is transparent, and the word describes things such as a premeal drink, a premeal prayer, or a premeal dose of medicine taken before food.

Synonyms: before meal, pre-dinner, ante-dining, ante-meal, pre-repast