propaedeutic

• propædeutic, propedeutic

From the Ancient Greek προπαιδεύω (propaideúō, “I give preparatory instruction”), from πρό (pró, “before”) + παιδεύω (paideúō, “I teach”).

• IPA^(key): /ˌpɹoʊpiːˈdjuːtɪk/, /ˌpɹɑpəˈduːtik/

propaedeutic (comparative more propaedeutic, superlative most propaedeutic)

1. Providing preparatory or introductory teaching.
   • 1868, Mark Pattison, Suggestions on Academical Organisation with Especial Reference to Oxford, section VI: “Of the Studies Preliminary to the Degree”, § 4: ‘Liberal Studies (Arts) and Special Studies (Science)’, pages 261–262:

     On the other hand, the German university exhibits a system in which the university course is almost wholly special; the liberal and propædeutic studies are relegated to the grammar-school.

propaedeutic (plural propaedeutics)

1. An introductory course of instruction.