pre·lude
ˈprel-ˌyüd
ˈprāl-;
ˈpre-ˌlüd,
ˈprā-;
sense 1 also
ˈprē-ˌlüd
1
: an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter
2
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
preluded; preluding
: to give or serve as a prelude
especially
: to play a musical introduction
preluder
noun
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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