Pre-prandial is an adjective used to describe something that relates to the period just before a meal. Synonyms for pre-prandial include pre-dinner, pre-meal, before dinner, appetizer, and hors d'oeuvres. These words are often used in the context of events where food is being served and guests are expected to socialize before sitting down to eat. Pre-prandial can also describe a state of physical or mental preparedness for a forthcoming meal - for example, hunger pangs shortly before lunch or a mental checklist of ingredients needed for a recipe. Whatever the context, pre-prandial is a useful word for describing anything that precedes a meal.