Antecedent

(an-te-se'dent.) [From L. antecedens, going before.] (Gram.) The word to which a relative refers; thus, in, " She whom I love," the word she is A. to the relative whom.-(Log.) The first of the two propositions in an enthymeme.-(Math.) The first of two terms of a ratio, or that which is compared with the other; thus, in the ratio of 5 to 6, or c to d, 5 and care each A. [s. 34]