Dictionary.net

(poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot

place one's stake

To put up (an ante).

A Latin preposition and prefix; akin to Gr. 'anti`, Skr. anti, Goth. and-, anda- (only in comp.), AS. and-, ond-, (only in comp.: cf. Answer, Along), G. ant-, ent- (in comp.). The Latin ante is generally used in the sense of before, in regard to position, order, or time, and the Gr. 'anti` in that of opposite, or in the place of.

To put up (an ante).

A Latin preposition and prefix; akin to Gr. 'anti`, Skr. anti, Goth. and-, anda- (only in comp.), AS. and-, ond-, (only in comp.: cf. Answer, Along), G. ant-, ent- (in comp.). The Latin ante is generally used in the sense of before, in regard to position, order, or time, and the Gr. 'anti` in that of opposite, or in the place of.

A bet placed in opposition to the dealer's bet in playing the game of poker-hence to ante, to bet.

Before, in time, order, or position; as, antechristian, antenatal. Compare ANTI-.

A Latin particle signifying before, which is frequently used in composition, as, antediluvian, antechamber.