introduction

Etymology

From Middle English introduccioun, introduccyon, borrowed from Old French introduction, itself a borrowing from Latin intrōdūctiōnem, accusative of Latin intrōdūctiō, from intrōdūcō.

noun

1. The act or process of introducing.
   the introduction of a new product into the market
2. A means, such as a personal letter, of presenting one person to another.
   David was feeling groggy at his introduction to Sophie, and didn't remember her name.
3. An initial section of a book or article, which introduces the subject material.
   This book features a preface by a well-known botanist, and an introduction by the author's mentor at university.
4. A written or oral explanation of what constitutes the basis of an issue.