Definition

A process or treatment that is done before another treatment or procedure.

Example

The water undergoes a pretreatment to remove impurities before it is purified.

Conversation

Have you heard about the pretreatment they recommend for that skin condition?

Yeah, I read it helps improve the results significantly.

I’m thinking about trying it before my next appointment.

That sounds like a smart move; it might make a big difference!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pretreatment → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "treatment" (from Old French *traitement*, meaning the act of handling or dealing with). The word "pretreatment" refers to the act of handling or dealing with something before the main treatment occurs.

Memory Tip

Think of doing something 'before' ('pre-') the main 'handling' ('traitement') — that's why pretreatment means preparing before the main treatment.

Visually Confused Words