Main Entry: in·tro·duc·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English introduccioun act of introducing, from Anglo-French introduction, from Latin introduction-, introductio, from introducere

Date: 14th century

1 : something that introduces: as a (1) : a part of a book or treatise preliminary to the main portion (2) : a preliminary treatise or course of study b : a short introductory musical passage
2 : the act or process of introducing : the state of being introduced
3 : a putting in : insertion
4 : something introduced; specifically : a new or exotic plant or animal