What part of speech is the word prior?

The word "prior" can be two different parts of speech, depending on how it's used:

* Adjective: When it describes a noun, it means "coming before something else in time or order."

* Example: "The prior owner of the house made many improvements."

* Noun: When it refers to a person or thing that came before, it's a noun.

* Example: "The prior of the monastery was a wise and respected man."

So, the part of speech for "prior" depends on its function in the sentence.