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Prefab: meaning, definitions and examples

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prefab

 

[ ˈpriːfæb ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

construction, building

Prefab refers to components of buildings that are pre-manufactured in a factory and then transported to the construction site for assembly. These structures are often designed for efficiency and can significantly reduce construction time.

Synonyms

factory-built, modular, prefabricated

Examples of usage

  • The company specializes in prefab homes that can be assembled in weeks.
  • Prefab buildings are becoming increasingly popular due to their cost-effectiveness.
  • Many schools use prefab classrooms to accommodate growing student populations.
Context #2 | Adjective

manufactured, modular

Prefab is used to describe buildings or structures that are made in sections or panels at a factory and then put together at the final site. This method allows for greater precision and quality in construction.

Synonyms

assembled, pre-made, sectional

Examples of usage

  • They chose a prefab design for its modern aesthetic.
  • Prefab houses can be customized to fit various styles.
  • The architect presented several prefab options for the community center.

Translations

Translations of the word "prefab" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pré-fabricado

🇮🇳 प्रीफैब

🇩🇪 Fertighaus

🇮🇩 prefabrik

🇺🇦 передзаводський

🇵🇱 prefabrykowany

🇯🇵 プレファブ

🇫🇷 préfabriqué

🇪🇸 prefabricado

🇹🇷 prefabrik

🇰🇷 프리패브

🇸🇦 مُصنَّع مُسبَق

🇨🇿 prefabrikovaný

🇸🇰 prefabrikovaný

🇨🇳 预制件

🇸🇮 prefabrikovan

🇮🇸 fyrirframkvæmt

🇰🇿 прауфабрика

🇬🇪 პრე-ფაბრიკატი

🇦🇿 prefabrik

🇲🇽 prefabricado

Etymology

The term 'prefab' originates from the word 'prefabricated', which itself is a combination of the prefix 'pre-', meaning 'before', and 'fabricated', meaning 'manufactured or constructed'. The use of prefabrication in construction can be traced back to the early 20th century. It became particularly popular during World War II when there was a pressing need for quick and efficient housing solutions. The idea was to mass-produce building components that could be easily assembled on-site, saving time and resources. With advancements in technology and changes in building regulations, prefab construction has evolved significantly, allowing for a variety of designs, materials, and applications. Today, prefab construction is regarded as a sustainable and innovative approach to building, aligning with modern demands for efficiency and environmental considerations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,116, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.