prefix notation

n : a parenthesis-free notation for forming mathematical

expressions in which each operator precedes its operands

[syn: {Lukasiewicz notation}, {Polish notation}]

prefix notation

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}.

(1997-01-17)