Definition of preliminary | Bee Dictionary of English

n a minor match preceding the main event
n something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
training is a necessary preliminary to employment
s denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important; designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding
a preliminary investigation

The DOJ opens a preliminary probe into whether the White House illegally unmasked a CIA operative.
In preliminary laboratory studies, ellagic acid seemed to trigger a process known as apoptosis, in which cancer cells kill themselves.

Preliminary hearing Thursday for man accused in Midtown shooting
A preliminary hearing is scheduled Thursday for a Midtown resident accused of shooting a homeless man who was causing a disturbance outside a neighborhood market last month.
June 13, 2013 - Channel 8 San Diego
Preliminary STAAR results for Longview ISD mixed
Preliminary results of the State of Texas Academic Assessment, released this week, show Longview ISD students scored as well as or better than state counterparts in math but struggled in writing and social studies.
June 13, 2013 - The Longview News-Journal
Preliminary hearing for alleged fake doctor
A preliminary hearing is scheduled Tuesday for a La Mesa man accused of posing as a doctor and promising patients he could could cure cancer and HIV.
June 11, 2013 - Channel 8 San Diego

Robert Gates in CNN International
If the preliminary reports are confirmed, such a tragic loss of life at the hands of our own forces is a cause for great and urgent concern,Gates said. "And I can assure you that it will get this department's highest priority attention."
Aung San Suu Kyi in Reuters
I expect that this phase of preliminary consultation will conclude soon, so that a meaningful and time-bound dialogue with the SPDC leadership can start as early as possible,Suu Kyi said in her statement.
Michael Dell in International Herald Tribune
In a press release issued late Wednesday, Dell said the delay was due to the "level of complexity the company is facing in the preparation of its preliminary results."