proem

 
Pronunciation: /ˈprəʊɪm/

noun

formal
  • a preface or preamble to a book or speech.

Derivatives

proemial

Pronunciation: /-ˈiːmɪəl/
adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French proeme, via Latin from Greek prooimion 'prelude', from pro 'before' + oimē 'song'