pre ‧ fect /ˈpriːfekt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: Latin praefectus , from praeficere 'to put in front' ]
1 . an older student in some British schools, who has special duties and helps to control younger students
2 . a public official in some countries etc who is responsible for a particular area