ˌprōləˈgäməˌnän, -_nən noun
( plural prolegomena -_nə ; sometimes singular in construction )
Etymology: Greek, neuter present passive participle of prolegein to say beforehand, from pro- pro- (I) + legein to say — more at legend
1. : prefatory remarks or introductory observations ; specifically : a formal essay or critical discussion serving to introduce and interpret an extended work
the prolegomena to a work on Shakespeare's dramatic structure — E.T.Sehrt
2. : a reading or group of readings or intellectual exercises leading to further understanding, development, or advance in knowledge or technique in a subject matter field : introduction
fundamental points … constitute a prolegomenon to any future philosophy of criticism — Morris Weitz
working out the prolegomena to a new technique of communication — Monthly
serves as a full-length prolegomena to a new phase in our way of thinking about the relation of science to society — Times Literary Supplement