predefinides

Predefinides is a term that appears in a small body of mathematical and logical discussions to describe entities that are introduced prior to the core deductive apparatus of a formal system. They are treated as fixed for the purposes of reasoning, resembling primitives or constants supplied by a predefinition stage rather than by deduction within the theory.

The word seems to be a hybrid of pre- and definire, signaling a focus on pre-definition. There is no universally accepted formal definition, and usages vary by author. In some treatments, predefinides are essentially guaranteed primitives or constants that other axioms and theorems reference without requiring justification within the theory itself.

Example usages are found mainly in niche papers and seminars. In a modular specification, a theory might designate certain types or relations as predefinides—such as a fixed Node type and a fixed Edge relation—whose interpretation is provided outside the main axioms. Other symbols may then be defined in relation to these predefinides, or constrained by them.

Relation to related concepts is central to understanding predefinides. They are closely linked to primitive notions and predefined constants, but they are distinguished from defined terms or derived concepts that are established by internal definitions or theorems. Some discussions emphasize the practical role of predefinides in separating fixed inputs from derivable content in formal development.

Because the term lacks standardization, its exact meaning remains contingent on context. In rigorous work, scholars usually employ established terminology such as primitive notions or predefined constants to avoid ambiguity. See also: primitive notion, predefined constant, definitional extension, axiomatization.