prolegomenon

[proh-li-gom-uh-non, -nuh n]

noun, plural pro·le·gom·e·na

[proh-li-gom-uh-nuh] /ˌproʊ lɪˈgɒm ə nə/.

a preliminary discussion; introductory essay, as prefatory matter in a book; a prologue.
Usually prolegomena. (sometimes used with a singular verb) a treatise serving as a preface or introduction to a book.

Origin of prolegomenon

1645–55; < New Latin < Greek prolegómenon, neuter of passive present participle of prolégein to say beforehand, equivalent to pro- pro-² + légein to say (akin to lógos logos)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for prolegomena

ingress, awakening, insertion, preface, primer, lead, addition, preamble, admittance, lead-in, initiation, presentation, foreword, opening, inauguration, overture, inception, installation, establishment, prelude

Examples from the Web for prolegomena

Historical Examples of prolegomena

For the full development of these views, see Wellhausen's Prolegomena.
The Expositor's Bible: The First Book of Kings
F. W. Farrar
Philology can, however, furnish no more than the prolegomena to mythology.
Studies of the Greek Poets (Vol I of 2)
John Addington Symonds
This, indeed, is how they are viewed in the earlier sections of the Prolegomena.
A Commentary to Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason'
Norman Kemp Smith
As he adds in the Prolegomena, the glove of one hand cannot be used for the other hand.
A Commentary to Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason'
Norman Kemp Smith
The author of the Prolegomena to Æsthetics recoiled from "too much temperament."
The Divine Fire
May Sinclair

British Dictionary definitions for prolegomena

prolegomenon

noun plural -na (-nə)

(often plural) a preliminary discussion, esp a formal critical introduction to a lengthy text

Derived Formsprolegomenal, adjective

Word Origin for prolegomenon

C17: from Greek, from prolegein, from pro- ² + legein to say

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for prolegomena

prolegomenon

1650s, "learned preamble to a book," from Greek prolegomenon, noun use of neuter passive present participle of prolegein "to say beforehand," from pro- "before" (see pro-) + legein "to speak" (see lecture (n.)) + suffix -menos (as in alumnus). The same sense is in preface (n.). Related: Prolegomenary; prolegomenous.