pre·form
ˈprē-ˌfȯrm 
(ˌ)prē-ˈfȯrm
preformed; preforming; preforms
1
: to form or shape beforehand
2
: to bring to approximate preliminary shape and size
pre·form
ˈprē-ˌfȯrm
plural preforms
: any of various objects of manufacture or handicraft after preliminary shaping: such as
a
: a rough gemstone that has been cut to approximately its finished size and shape
b
: a tube produced for the purpose of being molded into a particular form (such as a bottle)
Examples of preform in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Hundreds of square silicone microchips were embedded in a polymer preform to create the fiber, and by controlling the polymer flow during manufacture, the team was able to ensure continuous electrical connection among the microchips in a fiber tens of meters long.
—Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025
Inside the facility, a rotary forge turns red-hot preform hunks of steel and alloy, using mechanical hammers to draw out precise shapes and contours.
—Hope Hodge Seck, Popular Mechanics, 21 Aug. 2023
In a nutshell, researchers placed hundreds of square silicon microscale digital chips into a preform that created a polymer fiber.
—Eric Tegler, Forbes, 17 June 2021
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Noun
In contrast, the Southampton team starts with a larger glass preform about 20 centimeters wide, with the hollow channels already built in.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Hundreds of square silicone microchips were embedded in a polymer preform to create the fiber, and by controlling the polymer flow during manufacture, the team was able to ensure continuous electrical connection among the microchips in a fiber tens of meters long.
—Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025
Inside the facility, a rotary forge turns red-hot preform hunks of steel and alloy, using mechanical hammers to draw out precise shapes and contours.
—Hope Hodge Seck, Popular Mechanics, 21 Aug. 2023
In a nutshell, researchers placed hundreds of square silicon microscale digital chips into a preform that created a polymer fiber.
—Eric Tegler, Forbes, 17 June 2021
Cite this Entry
“Preform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preform. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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