Main Entry: ¹pre·lude

Pronunciation: \ˈprel-ˌyüd, ˈprāl-; ˈpre-ˌlüd, ˈprā-; sense 1 also ˈprē-ˌlüd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French, from Medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere to play beforehand, from prae- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous

Date: 1561

1 : an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter
2 a : a musical section or movement introducing the theme or chief subject (as of a fugue or suite) or serving as an introduction to an opera or oratorio b : an opening voluntary c : a separate concert piece usually for piano or orchestra and based entirely on a short motif