prelim

English

Etymology

Clipping of preliminary.

Sense 2 ("clipping of preliminary examination") was originally Oxford University slang, now in common use.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpriːlɪm/, /prɪˈlɪm/
• (US) IPA^(key): /priˈlɪm/, /ˈprilɪm/

Adjective

prelim (not comparable)

1. (informal) Preliminary.

Noun

prelim (plural prelims)

1. (informal) Something preliminary, such as a trial, report, race, etc.
2. (informal, usually in the plural) Clipping of preliminary examination; a type of exam sat at the end of the first year of most undergraduate degrees.
3. (in the plural) The preliminary front matter of a book; all content preceding the main text or work itself.

Anagrams

• limper, per mil, rempli, rimple