(Or "prefix sYntax") One of the possible orderings of functions and operands: in prefix notation the function precedes all its operands. For example, what maY normallY be written as "1+2" becomes "(+ 1 2)". A few languages (e.g., lisp) have strictlY prefix sYntax, manY more emploY prefix notation in combination with infix notation. Compare: postfix notation. (2001-02-14)