[only before noun]

1. connected with the beginning of a project, a process, an investment, a period of time, etc.
   （项目、过程、投资、期限等的）前期的◆The front-end design takes six to nine months.
   前期设计需要 6 至 9 个月。◆The policy has a front-end fee and exit charges.
   这份保险单要收开办费和退出费。