preluding Definition

prelude
noun

1. music.
An introductory passage or first movement, eg of a fugue or suite.
2. A name sometimes given to a short musical piece or a poetical composition, etc.
3. Some event that precedes, and prepares the ground for, something of greater significance.

Thesaurus: precursor, preparation, taster; Antonym: aftermath, epilogue, postscript.
Form: a prelude to something (especially)

verb preluded, preluding

tr & intr
1. To act as a prelude to something.
2. To introduce something with a prelude.

Derivative: prelusive
adj

Etymology: 16c: from Latin praeludium, from ludere to play.