prefect/ˈpɹiːfɛkt/EtymologyFrom Middle English prefect and prefecte, from Old French prefect (Mod. French préfet), from Latin praefectus (“one placed in charge, overseer, director, prefect”), from praeficere (“to place in charge”).prefect means An official of Ancient Rome who controlled or superintended a particular command, charge, department, etc. Lexicurio rates it Distinctive — a strength score of 69 out of 100.nounAn official of Ancient Rome who controlled or superintended a particular command, charge, department, etc.“the prefect of the aqueducts; the prefect of a camp, of a fleet, of the city guard, or of provisions; the pretorian prefect, who was commander of the troops guarding the emperor's person”The head of a department in France.The head of a county in Albania or Romania.The head of a prefecture in Japan.A school pupil in a position of power over other pupils.A commander.