an event which precedes or prepares for another, in particular 先发生的事;预备程序,尤指 ■a preliminary examination, especially at a university (尤指大学的)预考 ■a preliminary round in a sporting competition 预赛 the prelims of the 400-meter free relay. 400米自由泳接力赛预赛。
(prelims)the pages preceding the main text of a book, including the title, contents, and preface 前页(包括书名、目录和前言)