prolusion

noun

pro·​lu·​sion prō-ˈlü-zhən How to pronounce prolusion (audio)
1
: a preliminary trial or exercise : prelude
2
: an introductory and often tentative discourse
prolusory
prō-ˈlü-sə-rē How to pronounce prolusion (audio)
-zə-;
-ˈlüz-rē
-ˈlüz-
adjective

Examples of prolusion in a Sentence

in her prolusion she sketches the religious, cultural and political milieu in which gnosticism developed
Recent Examples on the Web This poem seems positioned as a prolusion — his word — or prelude to set a mood of contemplation, to encourage a softness or stillness, a long view, for entering what follows. Nancy Lord, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prolusion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin prolusion-, prolusio, from proludere to play beforehand, from pro- before + ludere to play — more at ludicrous

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prolusion was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near prolusion

Cite this Entry

“Prolusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prolusion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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