Main Entry: pro·le·gom·e·non

Pronunciation: \ˌprō-li-ˈgä-mə-ˌnän, -nən\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural pro·le·gom·e·na \-nə\

Etymology: Greek, neuter present passive participle of prolegein to say beforehand, from pro- before + legein to say — more at legend

Date: circa 1652

: prefatory remarks; specifically : a formal essay or critical discussion serving to introduce and interpret an extended work

— pro·le·gom·e·nous \-nəs\ adjective