ˌin.trəˈdəkshən, -rōˈd-, in rapid speech ˌin(t)ə(r)ˈd- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English introduccion action of introducing, from Middle French introduction, from Latin introduction-, introductio, from introductus (past participle of introducere to introduce) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : something that introduces: as
a. obsolete
(1) : a preliminary step : preparation
(2) : initial instruction : a first lesson : instruction in rudiments
b.
(1) : a distinguishable part (as of a book or treatise) that provides explanation, information, or comment preparatory or preliminary to the main portion or subject — compare preface , proem
(2) : a formal or elaborate preliminary treatise especially introductory to other treatises or to a course or field of study
an introduction to metaphysics
an introduction to European drama
(3) : a course or a subject matter preparatory to a particular study ; specifically capitalized : a branch of the study of the Bible that applies the contributions of literary and historical criticism to textual problems (as of date, authorship, place of origin, structure, sources, and purpose) of the books of Scripture
c. : a form especially polite and conventional used in the introduction of one person to another
d. : a series of chords or a short movement or passage preparing the listener for the main body of a musical composition
e. : an initial anticipatory, explanatory, or promotional statement or set of remarks (as in introducing a speaker, an entertainment, or a commercial product)
2. : the act or process of introducing or the state of being introduced: as
a. : a leading, bringing, conducting, or ushering in or the state of being led, brought, conducted, or ushered in especially for the first time
responsible for the introduction of aliens into the country
anticipated his introduction into the dining room
b. : a causing to take part or be involved
the introduction of crooked politicians into city government
c. : institution
the introduction of new manufacturing processes
the introduction of a newspaper to cover local events
the introduction of new rules governing behavior
d. : a making known or acquainted or a being made known or acquainted
the introduction of the two men to each other
e. : a formal presentation
the introduction of a young girl to society
the introduction of a bill into Congress
f. : a preliminary, preparatory, or initial explaining, talking up, or advertising
an introduction to the subject matter in a preface to a book
the introduction of an act by a master of ceremonies
the introduction of a new product on a TV commercial
g. : a putting in : insertion
the introduction of new matter into the recipe
the introduction of a catheter into a vein
the introduction into the stomach and esophagus of material which is opaque in appearance under the X ray — Morris Fishbein
h. : a bringing into play or adding or contributing in the course of an action or sequence or the state of being brought, added, or contributed in this way
the introduction of a spirit of bitterness into the discussion
the introduction of rude remarks into his report
3. : something introduced
resented all new introductions into his old methods of doing things
specifically : an exotic plant (as a new variety of horticultural derivation) or an animal brought into a region where it is not native