pro-, por-, pur-

(Greek > Latin: a prefix signifying before; forward, forth; for, in favor of; in front of; in place of, on behalf of; according to; as, to place before; to go before or forward, to throw forward)

problematically
In such a way as to pose a problem.
problematize
To propose problems.
problems
Things that cause difficulties or those things that are hard to deal with.
proboscis
1. Any tubular extension of the head or mouth parts; especially, one used for feeding.

An elephant's trunk, perhaps the best known example, is a long muscular elongation of the upper lip and nose. It is used for transferring food to the mouth, and for sucking up water, which is then squirted into the mouth.

The end of the trunk has a pair of nostrils and also finger-like lobes, which can pick up small objects.

2. The slender tubular feeding and sucking structure of some insects (moths or butterflies) and worms.
3. In general, a proboscis is an elongated appendage of a living organism.

The most common usage is to refer to the tubular feeding and sucking organ of certain invertebrates like insects, worms, and mollusks.

4. The term is used for primate organs as well: an elongated human nose, especially a prominent one, is sometimes called a proboscis (as a joke) and the Proboscis Monkey is named for its enormous nose.
procedure (s) (noun), procedures (pl)
1. A mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings.
2. A particular course of action intended to achieve a result; an established or correct method of doing something: "We had to follow a procedure for completing our tax form."
3. A process or series of acts; especially, of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work; any means of doing or accomplishing something.
4. Etymology: "fact" or "manner of proceeding", from French procédure, "manner of proceeding"; from Old French proceder, from Latin procedere, "to go forward, to advance"; from pro-, "forward" + cedere, "to go".
proceed (verb), proceeds; proceeded; proceeding
1. To move ahead; to travel onward in time or space.
2. To go on or forward; especially, after a stop or interruption.
3. To begin and to carry on an action or process.
4. To bring legal action against someone.
5. Etymology: from Old French proceder, from Latin procedere "to go forward, to advance; from pro-, "forward" + cedere, "to go, to leave".
proceeding
1. An act or course of action; also, a particular act or course of action.
2. The act of someone who or that which goes forward.
proceedings
1. The records or minutes of the meetings of a society, etc.
2. In law, any action instituted in a court.
3. Any of the various steps taken in a cause; such as, a proceeding by legal writ of error.
proceeds
1. The useful or material results of an action or course; also, that which comes from such action.
2. The amount derived from the disposal of goods, work, or the use of financial investments.
3. Money derived from a sale or other commercial transaction.
procephalic
1. Pertaining to, or forming, the front of the head.
2. Relating to or located on or near the front of the head or the brain; for example, of an embryo.
procerebrum
The anterior or front segment of the brain, including the cerebrum and olfactory lobes; the forebrain.
process (verb), processes; processed; processing
1. A series of continuous actions directed toward a specific objective which bring about a particular result, end, or condition."
2. A series of natural occurrences that produce change or development.
3. The entire proceedings in a lawsuit.
4. A summons or writ ordering someone to appear in court.
5. In biology, a part that naturally grows on or sticks out on an organism.
6. Etymology: "fact of being carried on"; that is "in process", from Old French proces, "journey"; from Latin processus, "process, advance, progress"; from the past participle stem of procedere, "to go forward".
procession (pruh SESH uhn) (s) (noun), processions (pl)
1. The forward movement of a group of people or vehicles as part of a celebration, commemoration, or demonstration: The funeral procession for Tony’s father, who passed away suddenly, was very small because it included only close members of his family.
2. The act of moving ahead toward a goal: The college students were in a procession to the football stadium in hopes of seeing their team win the championship.
processional (s) (noun), processionals (pl)
1. A piece of music suitable for accompanying a procession.
2. A hymn or other piece of music that accompanies the entry of the clergy into a church.
3. A book of hymns and prayers for use during a religious procession.
processioner (s) (noun), processioners (pl)
1. A manual of processions; a processional.
2. Anyone who takes part in a procession.

Related before-word units: ante-; antero-; anti-; pre-.