n. pl. pro·le·gom·e·na (-nə) 1. A preliminary discussion, especially a formal essay introducing a work of considerable length or complexity. 2. prolegomena (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Prefatory remarks or observations. [Greek, from neuter present passive participle of prolegein, to say beforehand : pro-, before; see PRO-2 + legein, to speak; see leg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] pro′le·gome·nous adj. |
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