overture

English

/ˈəʊvətjʊə/, /ˈoʊvəɹtʃəɹ/

noun
Definitions
  • (obsolete) An opening; a recess or chamber.
  • (obsolete) Disclosure; discovery; revelation.
  • (often in plural) An approach or proposal made to initiate communication, establish a relationship etc.
  • (Scotland) A motion placed before a legislative body, such as the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
  • (music) A musical introduction to a piece of music.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French overture derived from Old French overture.

Origin

Old French

overture

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms