preface: значение и определения

A preliminary statement or essay introducing a book that explains its scope, intention, or background and is usually written by the author.

An introductory section, as of a speech.

Something introductory; a preliminary: An informal brunch served as a preface to the three-day conference.

The words introducing the central part of the Eucharist in several Christian churches.

To introduce by or provide with a preliminary statement or essay.

To serve as an introduction to.