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Feb 10, 2010
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prel•ude



Pronunciation: (prel'yOOd, prāl'-, prā'lOOd, prē'-), [key]
—n., v., -ud•ed, -ud•ing.

—n.
1. a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.
2. any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
3. Music.
a. a relatively short, independent instrumental composition, free in form and resembling an improvisation.
b. a piece that precedes a more important movement.
c. the overture to an opera.
d. an independent piece, of moderate length, sometimes used as an introduction to a fugue.
e. music opening a church service; an introductory voluntary.

—v.t.
1. to serve as a prelude or introduction to.
2. to introduce by a prelude.
3. to play as a prelude.

—v.i.
1. to serve as a prelude.
2. to give a prelude.
3. to play a prelude.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.

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