preexisting adj 1: existing previously or before something; "variations on pre-existent musical themes" [syn: {preexistent}, {pre- existent}, {preexisting}, {pre-existing}]
Preexist \Pre`["e]x*ist"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Pre["e]xisted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Pre["e]xisting}.] To exist previously; to exist before something else; to exist before the current activity commenced; as, preexisting illnesses are not covered by this insurance policy. [Also spelled {pre-exist}.] [1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 + PJC]