prelude
prelude definition
prel·ude (prel′yo̵̅o̅d′; prā′lo̵̅o̅d′, prē′-)
noun
- anything serving as the introduction to a principal event, action, performance, etc.; preliminary part; preface; opening
- Music
- an introductory instrumental composition, such as the first movement of a suite or the overture to an opera
- since the 19th cent., any short, romantic composition
Etymology: Fr prélude < ML praeludium < L praeludere, to play beforehand < prae-, pre- + ludere, to play < ludus: see ludicrous
Related Forms:
- preludial pre·lu′·dial (prē lo̵̅o̅′dē əl) adjective
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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