What does the prefix "ante-" signify in medical terminology?

The prefix "ante-" in medical terminology signifies "before." This prefix is derived from Latin, where it means "in front of" or "before." It is commonly used in various medical terms to indicate a time or position that occurs prior to a certain event or reference point.

For example, the term "antepartum" refers to the period before childbirth, highlighting the use of "ante-" to denote something that occurs before another significant event. Understanding this prefix aids in comprehending a variety of medical terms associated with timeframes and sequences in medical contexts.