before-term
nounUK /bɪˈfɔː tɜːm/
US /bɪˈfɔːr tɜːrm/
A before-term is a word or name used for something before its real name is chosen.
The scientists used a before-term for the new planet until they picked an official name.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A word used earlier in a sentence or text that a later word refers back to.
In the sentence, the pronoun points back to the before-term in the first clause.
3. A school term that comes earlier than another term in the year.
Students sign up for classes in the before-term so they are ready for the main term.
4. A condition or rule that must be met before something else can happen.
Finishing your homework is a before-term for going out to play.