prolegomenon

From the Ancient Greek neuter noun: προλεγόμενον (prolegómenon, “that which is said beforehand,”) [plural: προλεγόμενα (prolegómena), from the verb: προλέγω (prolégō, “I say before[hand]”)] referring to an introduction.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌpɹəʊlɪˈɡɒmɪnɒn/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌpɹoʊlɪˈɡɑmənɑn/

prolegomenon (plural prolegomena)

1. (usually in the plural) A prefatory discussion; a formal essay or critical discussion serving to introduce and interpret an extended work.
   • 1990 April 28, Patricia Roth Schwartz, “The Odd Couple”, in Gay Community News, page 7:

     Frye here is not rewriting myth as some assume. Her prolegomenon is intended to be read as fiction not autobiography.

• prolegomenal
• prolegomenous