Definition

Relating to or occurring before death.

Example

The doctors conducted an antemortem examination to determine the cause of the patient's condition.

Conversation

Have you heard about the term antemortem?

Yeah, I think it refers to things that happen before death, right?

Exactly, like an antemortem examination in medicine.

That makes sense; it's interesting how they study conditions before someone passes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antemortem is formed from "ante-" (meaning before) and "mortem" (from Latin "mors", meaning death). The word refers to events or conditions that occur before death.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ante-' meaning 'before' and 'mortem' relating to 'death' — this helps you remember that 'antemortem' refers to something that happens before death.

Visually Confused Words