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By way of introduction.

The introduction of a tube into an organ to keep it open, as into the larynx in croup.

An introduction. [Obs.] Harris.

ing or review of troops, as for parade, verification of numbers, inspection, exercise, or introduction into service. The hurried muster of the soldiers of liberty. Hawthorne. See how in warlike muster they appear, In rhombs, and wedges, and half-moons, and wings. Milton.

The introduction of new words, or the use of old words in a new sense. Mrs. Browning.

The introduction of a new word, or of words or significations, into a language; as, the present nomenclature of chemistry is a remarkable instance of neology.

Of recent origin or introduction; not ancient; new; hence, out of the ordinary course; unusual; strange; surprising.

The quality or state of being novel; newness; freshness; recentness of origin or introduction. Novelty is the great parent of pleasure. South.

A composition, for a full orchestra, designed as an introduction to an oratorio, opera, or ballet, or as an independent piece; -- called in the latter case a concert overture.

A high and narrow tank, with a central cylinder for the introduction of compressed air, used in the agitation and settling of pulp (pulverized ore and water) during treatment by the cyanide process; -- so named because, though originally devised in New Zealand, it was first practically introduced in Pachuca, Mexico.…

A medicinal substance in the form of a bolus or mass, designed for introduction into the vagina; a vaginal suppository.

for antibiotic resistance; they are exploited in genetic engineering as the vehicles for introduction of extraneous DNA into cells, to alter the genetic makeup of the cell. The cells thus altered may produce desirable proteins which are extracted and used; in the case of genetically altered plant cells, the altered ce…

A introductory portion; an introduction or preface, as to a book, document, etc.; specifically, the introductory part of a statute, which states the reasons and intent of the law.

An introduction. [Obs.]

s introductory to a discourse, or written as introductory to a book or essay; a proem; an introduction, or series of preliminary remarks. This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. Shak. Heaven's high behest no preface needs. Milton.

To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude. The musicians preluded on their instruments. Sir. W. Scott. We are preluding too largely, and must come at once to the point. Jeffrey.

Preface; introduction; preliminary observations; prelude. Thus much may serve by way of proem. Swift.

The preface or introduction to a discourse, poem, or performance; as, the prologue of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales;" esp., a discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance

The first part of a drama, of a poem, or the like; the introduction; opposed to epitasis. B. Jonson.

Modification by a reference to quantity; the introduction of the element of quantity. The quantification of the predicate belongs in part to Sir William Hamilton; viz., in its extension to negative propositions. De Quincey.