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