Part 479

Predisponent causes. (Med.) See Predisposing causes, under Predispose. Dunglison.

Pre`dis*pose" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Predisposed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Predisposing.] [Pref. pre- + dispose: cf. F. prÈdisposer.] 1. To dispose or incline beforehand; to give a predisposition or bias to; as, to predispose the mind to friendship.

2. To make fit or susceptible beforehand; to give a tendency to; as, debility predisposes the body to disease.

Predisposing causes (Med.), causes which render the body liable to disease; predisponent causes.

Pre*dis`po*si"tion (?), n.[Pref. pre- + disposition: cf. F. prÈdisposition.] 1. The act of predisposing, or the state of being predisposed; previous inclination, tendency, or propensity; predilection; -- applied to the mind; as, a predisposition to anger.

2. Previous fitness or adaptation to any change, impression, or purpose; susceptibility; -- applied to material things; as, the predisposition of the body to disease.

Pre*dom"i*nance (?), n. [Cf. F. prÈdominance.] 1. The quality or state of being predominant; superiority; ascendency; prevalence; predomination.

The predominance of conscience over interest.

South.

2. (Astrol.) The superior influence of a planet. Shak.

Pre*dom"i*nan*cy (?), n. Predominance. Bacon.

Pre*dom"i*nant (?), a. [Cf. F. prÈdominant. See Predominante.] Having the ascendency over others; superior in strength, influence, or authority; prevailing; as, a predominant color; predominant excellence.

Those help . . . were predominant in the king's mind.

Bacon.

Foul subordination is predominant.

Shak.

Syn. -- Prevalent; superior; prevailing; ascendant; ruling; reigning; controlling; overruling.

Pre*dom"i*nant*ly, adv. In a predominant manner.

Pre*dom"i*nate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Predominated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Predominating.] [Pref. pre- + dominate: cf. F. prÈdominer.] To be superior in number, strength, influence, or authority; to have controlling power or influence; to prevail; to rule; to have the mastery; as, love predominated in her heart.

Sir. I. Newton.

Pre*dom"i*nate, v. t. To rule over; to overpower. [R.]

Pre*dom`i*na"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. prÈdomination.] The act or state of predominating; ascendency; predominance. W. Browne.

Pre*doom" (?), v. t. To foredoom.

Pre*dor"sal (?), a. (Anat.) Situated in front of the back; immediately in front, or on the ventral side the dorsal part of the vertebral column.

Pre"dy (?), a. [Cf. F. prÍt ready.] Cleared and ready for engagement, as a ship. Smart.

Preed"y (?), adv. With ease. [Prov. Eng.]

Preef (?), n. Proof. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Pre`Î*lect" (?), v. t. To elect beforehand.