preface
1. Something spoken as introductory to a discourse, or written as introductory to a book or essay; a proem; an introduction, or series of preliminary remarks. This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. (Shak) Heaven’s high behest no preface needs. (milton)
2. The prelude or introduction to the canon of the mass.
(Science: engineering) proper preface, a portion of the communion service, preceding the prayer of consecration, appointed for certain seasons.
Synonym: Introduction, preliminary, preamble, proem, prelude, prologue.
Origin: F. Preface; cf. Sp. Prefacio, prefacion, It. Prefazio, prefazione; all fr. L. Praefatio, fr. Praefari to speak or say beforehand; prae = before – fari, fatus, to speak. See Fate.
Dictionary > Preface
You will also like...

Gene Action – Operon Hypothesis
Learn how the way genes control and determine every aspect of the body. This lesson uses lac operon as an example. ..
..

Birth Control and Contraception
Different pregnancy and birth control and contraception strategies are described. Read this tutorial to learn each of th..

Gibberellins and Gibberellic Acid
This tutorial describes the role of gibberellin family in plants. Find out the effects of gibberellin on plant growth an..

Freshwater Lentic Communities & Animals
This tutorial looks at some of the communities in freshwater lentic habitats. For instance, symbiosis occurs in a commun..

A Balanced Vitamin Diet – Vitamins A – K
A balanced diet is essential to a healthy organism. Insufficiency or too much of a particular element or compound, such ..

Early Mammals on Earth
The Earth's ecosphere was rapidly changing and throwing up a wide range of ecological niches that new adaptive organisms..