What does the prefix "ante-" mean?

The prefix "ante-" is derived from Latin and translates to "before" in English. It is commonly used in various scientific, medical, and anatomical terms to indicate a position or time that comes prior to a certain point or event. For example, "antepartum" refers to the time before childbirth, and "antebrachium" refers to the forearm, literally meaning "before the arm" in terms of its anatomical location in relation to the upper arm. This prefix is important in veterinary terminology, as it helps in accurately describing conditions, procedures, and anatomical relations, establishing a clear understanding of timing or sequence in veterinary medicine.