[ˈprɛljuːd], (Noun)

Definitions:
- an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important
(e.g: a ceasefire had been agreed as a prelude to full peace negotiations)

- an introductory piece of music, most commonly an orchestral opening to an act of an opera, the first movement of a suite, or a piece preceding a fugue


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 16th century: from French prélude, from medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere ‘play beforehand’, from prae ‘before’ + ludere ‘to play’

[ˈprɛljuːd], (Verb)

Definitions:
- serve as a prelude or introduction to
(e.g: the bombardment preluded an all-out final attack)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 16th century: from French prélude, from medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere ‘play beforehand’, from prae ‘before’ + ludere ‘to play’