an orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera, suite, play, oratorio, or other extended composition (歌剧、组曲、戏剧等的)序曲 ■an independent orchestral composition in one movement (乐章内的)独立乐段 ■an introduction to something more substantial 序曲,序幕 the talks were no more than an overture to a long debate. 对话只不过是一场长时间辩论的序幕。 ■(一般作 overtures)an approach or proposal made to someone with the aim of opening negotiations or establishing a relationship (为开始谈判、建立关系而作出的)主动表态,姿态;建议 Coleen listened to his overtures of love. 科丽恩听着他求爱的表白。
语源
late Middle English (in the sense aperture): from Old French, from Latin apertura 'aperture'