'preprandial' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'prandium,' where 'pre-' meant 'before' and 'prandium' meant 'meal.'

'prandium' transformed into the English word 'prandial,' and eventually became the modern English word 'preprandial' through the addition of the prefix 'pre-'.

Initially, it meant 'before a meal,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.