Definition of preface

< prefabricate

prefaded >

pref·ace    (prfs) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. A preliminary statement or essay introducing a book that explains its scope, intention, or background and is usually written by the author.
   2. An introductory section, as of a speech.
2. Something introductory; a preliminary: An informal brunch served as a preface to the three-day conference.
3. often Preface The words introducing the central part of the Eucharist in several Christian churches.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
pref·aced, pref·ac·ing, pref·ac·es

1. To introduce by or provide with a preliminary statement or essay.
2. To serve as an introduction to.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praefti, praeftin-, from praeftus, past participle of praefr, to say before : prae-, pre- + fr, to speak; see bh-² in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
prefac·er(Noun)