prespecify

verb

pre·​spec·​i·​fy ˌprē-ˈspe-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce prespecify (audio)
variants or pre-specify
prespecified or pre-specified; prespecifying or pre-specifying

transitive verb

: to specify (something) in advance
An analogy might be a car driving on a road. A classical non-adaptive design prespecifies the route the driver must take. There can be no detour.Richard Chin
prespecified adjective
or pre-specified
applicants who meet prespecified criteria
failed to reach the prespecified number/amount
System updates occur at prespecified times.

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prespecify was in 1640

Dictionary Entries Near prespecify

Cite this Entry

“Prespecify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prespecify. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

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