overture

(noun)

noun

1. orchestral music played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio

Definition categories: communication, music

2. something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows

- drinks were the overture to dinner

Similar word(s): preliminary, prelude

Definition categories: event, inception, origin, origination

3. a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others

Similar word(s): advance, approach, feeler

Definition categories: communication, proffer, proposition, suggestion