Preceding+noun

  • 131subclimax — noun Date: 1916 a stage or community in an ecological succession immediately preceding a climax; especially one held in relative stability throughout by edaphic or biotic influences or by fire …

    New Collegiate Dictionary

  • 132topper — noun Date: 1688 1. one that puts on or takes off tops 2. one that is at or on the top 3. a. silk hat b. opera hat 4. something (as a joke) that caps everything preceding 5. a woman s usually short and loose fitting lightweight outer coat …

    New Collegiate Dictionary