En- (?).

1. [F. en-, L. in.]

A prefix signifying in or into, used in many English words, chiefly those borrowed from the French. Some English words are written indifferently with en- or in-. For ease of pronunciation it is commonly changed to em- before p, b, and m, as in employ, embody, emmew. It is sometimes used to give a causal force, as in enable, enfeeble, to cause to be, or to make, able, or feeble; and sometimes merely gives an intensive force, as in enchasten. See In-.

2.

A prefix from Gr. in, meaning in; as, encephalon, entomology. See In-.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.