definition of
preliminary

[1] #1 preliminary s. denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important; designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding; "a preliminary investigation". wn

[2] #2 preliminary n. [prelim] a minor match preceding the main event. wn

[3] #3 preliminary n. [overture, prelude] something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows; "training is a necessary preliminary to employment"; "drinks were the overture to dinner". wn