prefix notation

language (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)