DEFINITIONS

prolegomenon

[ proh-li-gom-uh-non, -nuh n ]
/ ˌproʊ lɪˈgɒm əˌnɒn, -nən /

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.

Words related to prolegomenon

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

Words nearby prolegomenon

prolapsus, prolate, prolation, prole, proleg, prolegomenon, prolegomenous, prolepsis, proletarian, proletarianism, proletarianize

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for prolegomena

British Dictionary definitions for prolegomena

prolegomenon
/ (ˌprəʊlɛˈɡɒmɪnən) /

noun plural -na (-nə)

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

Derived forms of prolegomenon

prolegomenal, 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