preliminary: Meaning and Definition of

pre•lim•i•nar•y

1. preceding and leading up to the main part, matter, or business; introductory; preparatory: preliminary examinations.

1. something preliminary, as an introductory or preparatory step, measure, contest, etc.: He passed the preliminary and went on to the finals.
2. a boxing match or other athletic contest that takes place before the main event on the program: A preliminary was fought at 8:00.
3. a preliminary examination, as of a candidate for an academic degree.
4. See