Preliminary
WordNet
adjective
(1) Designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding
"A preliminary investigation"
noun
(2) Something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
"Training is a necessary preliminary to employment"
"Drinks were the overture to dinner"
(3) A minor match preceding the main event
WiktionaryText
Adjective
- in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory
- These are just the preliminary results.
Noun
- A preparation for a main matter; an introduction
- Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists
- A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing