inter-, intero-
(Latin: between; among, mutually, together; on the inside, internal)
Although abstracted from the many compounds in which it entered English, the form inter- was not generally considered a living prefix in English until the 1400s.
During the later period of Middle English many words borrowed in the Old and Middle French forms entre-, enter- began to be consciously respelled with Latin inter-; although vestiges of the older French borrowings are found in entertain and enterprise.
The living prefix inter- is now freely added to almost any element in English to create such formations with the meaning of "between" and "among". The words formed by intra- are closely related to this inter- prefix; in fact, they both apparently came from the same Latin source.
interleaf
interlinear
interlineation
interlingual
Between or relating to two languages; interlinguality.
interlinguist
Someone who is versed in or an adherent of an interlanguage or interlanguages.
interlinguistics
The study of the relationships of two or more languages for the purpose of devising an interlanguage.
interlock
interlocution
A discussion or conversation involving two or more people; a conversation.
interlocutor
1. A participant in a discussion or conversation.
2. Someone who takes part in a conversation, often formally or officially.
3. The man in the middle of the line of performers in a minstrel troupe, who acts as the announcer and banters (lighthearted teasing or amusing remarks) with the end men.
interlocutory
1. A statement issued provisionally during a lawsuit; such as, an interlocutory decree.
2. Pronounced or decided during the course of an action, or suit, and merely temporary or provisional in nature.
3. Involving or characteristic of a conversation or a discussion.
interloper
interlude
1. A dramatic or mimic representation, usually of a light or humorous character, such as was commonly introduced between the acts of the long mystery-plays or moralities, or exhibited as part of an elaborate entertainment; hence (in ordinary about the 17-18th century use) a stage-play; especially, of a popular nature, a comedy, or a farce.
2. An interval in the performance of a play; the pause between the acts, or the means (dramatic or musical) employed to fill this pause.
3. Etymology: from Middle Latin interludium, "an interlude"; from Latin inter-, "between" + ludus, "a play". Originally, farcical episodes introduced between acts of mystery plays.
interlunar
Pertaining to the period between the old and new moon during which the moon is not visible from the earth.
interlunation
The period between the old and new moon.
intermalleolar
Between the malleoli (plural of malleolus, a rounded process, such as the protuberance on either side of the ankle joint).
Related "together" units:
com-;
greg-;
struct-.
Cross references of word families related directly, or indirectly, to: "internal organs, entrails, inside":
ent-;
enter-;
fistul-;
incret-;
intra-;
splanchn-;
viscer-.
Subscribe to this FREE Focusing on Words Newsletter