What does the prefix word AN mean?

The prefix "AN" is usually a variant of the prefix "A", which means "not" or "without". It's often used before words starting with a vowel sound to create a smoother pronunciation.

Here are some examples:

* Atypical: Not typical

* Anarchist: Someone who believes in no government

* Apolitical: Not interested in politics

* Anhydrous: Without water

* Anomaly: Something that deviates from what is standard or expected

However, there are some words where "AN" is not simply a variant of "A". In these cases, it has a specific meaning:

* Anesthesia: Loss of sensation, often induced for medical procedures.

* Anatomy: The study of the structure of living organisms.

It's important to pay attention to context and the specific word when trying to understand the meaning of "AN".