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 matter2 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