Preprocess

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The process of adapting raw information through initial modifications to facilitate later analysis or usage
2. To modify inputs or data in an initial phase to make them ready for further handling or analysis
3. The act of altering raw information to organize or clean it before it undergoes main processing

Etymology: "Preprocess" is a plain compound: the prefix "pre-", meaning "before," attached to "process," which itself traces back through Old French and Latin to the idea of moving forward. Put together, it describes handling data or material before the main operation begins, so that the later analysis or use goes more smoothly. The prefix has a long pedigree. It descends from Latin "prae," "before" or "in front of," which in turn comes from an older root that also gave English words like "former" and "fore." Through Latin it reached English as a productive element, and English speakers have attached it freely to verbs ever since, so "preprocess" follows a pattern used for "prearrange," "prepay," and "preheat."

Synonyms: prepare, process, format, edit, transform