prerequisite

Etymology

From pre- + requisite.

adj

1. Required as a prior condition of something else; necessary or indispensable.
   The prerequisite warm-up to the match was ignored.
   A good command of Spanish is prerequisite for enrolling in this course.

noun

1. Something that is required as necessary or indispensable, or as a prior condition of something else.
   A degree is a prerequisite for entry into this profession.
2. In education, a course or topic that must be completed before another course or topic can be started. May be colloquially referred to as a prereq.
   Algebra is typically a prerequisite for physics.