dictionary help| preface | medical dictionary |
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.
<engineering> Proper preface, a portion of the communion service, preceding the prayer of consecration, appointed for certain seasons.
Synonyms: 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.
(01 Mar 1998)
preexcitation syndrome, pre-excitation syndromes, preextraction record < Prev | Next > prefect, prefecundation, preferred direction
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