I. ˈō-və(r)-ˌchu̇r, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r noun
Etymology: Middle English, literally, opening, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin * opertura, alteration of Latin apertura — more at aperture
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : an initiative toward agreement or action : proposal
b. : something introductory : prelude
2.
a. : the orchestral introduction to a musical dramatic work
b. : an orchestral concert piece written especially as a single movement in sonata form
II. transitive verb
( -tured ; -tur·ing )
Date: circa 1650
1. : to put forward as an overture
2. : to make or present an overture to