preexist

or pre-ex·ist

[ pree-ig-zist ]
/ ˌpri ɪgˈzɪst /

verb (used without object)

to exist beforehand.
to exist in a previous state.

verb (used with object)

to exist prior to (something or someone else); precede: primitive artifacts that preexisted sophisticated tools.

Origin of preexist

First recorded in 1590–1600; pre- + exist

OTHER WORDS FROM preexist

pre·ex·ist·ence, noun pre·ex·ist·ent, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for pre-existing

British Dictionary definitions for pre-existing

pre-existing

adjective

occurring or existing previously

Derived forms of pre-existing

pre-existence, noun