preliminary
1. pre.lim.i.nary \pri-'lim-*-.ner-e-\ n [F pre`liminaires, pl., fr. ML praeliminaris, adj., preliminary, f]r. L prae- pre- + limin-, limen threshold - more at LIMB : something that precedes or is introductory or preparatory : as : a preliminary scholastic examination : a minor match preceding the main event 2. preliminary aj : preceding the main discourse or business : INTRODUCTORY