overture

The story

1. Latin · derived fromapertūra
2. Old French · derived fromoverture
3. Middle French · derived fromoverture
4. Middle English · inherited fromoverture
5. English todayoverture

From Middle English overture, from Anglo-Norman, Middle French overture, from Old French overture, from Latin apertūra. Doublet of aperture.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• 15th–19th c. An opening; a recess or chamber.
• from 15th c. An approach or proposal made to initiate communication, establish a relationship etc.
• from 16th c. A motion placed before a legislative body, such as the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
• from 17th c. A musical introduction to a longer piece of music or a dramatic work (such as a play, an opera, or a motion picture).