Nonfast

Nonfast is a seldom-used English term that can function as an adjective or a noun to indicate a state of not fasting. It is primarily seen as an informal shortening of nonfasting and is not part of standard medical or scientific terminology.

Etymology and forms: The word combines the prefix non- with fast, referring to abstention from eating. The more formal and widely accepted term is nonfasting; nonfast appears mainly in note-taking, data labels, or casual writing where space is limited.

Contexts and usage: In medical or nutrition contexts, nonfast is typically shorthand for a nonfasting state—for example, samples collected without prior fasting. Because of its informality, nonfast is often replaced by nonfasting in formal documentation and research publications.

Limitations and interpretation: The term can be ambiguous without explicit definition, since 'fast' and 'fasting' carry multiple senses, including fasting for medical tests or religious fasting. Writers should define 'nonfast' at first use or prefer 'nonfasting' for clarity.

See also: fasting, nonfasting, postprandial.