n.
Pronunciation: ' prel- ˌ yüd, ' pr ā l-; ' pre- ˌ lüd, ' pr ā -; sense 1 also ' pr ē - ˌ lüd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere to play beforehand, from prae- + ludere to play ― more at LUDICROUS
Date: 1561
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