/'əʊvətjʊə(r); `ovɚ,tʃur/
n
1 [C usu pl 通常作复数] ~ (to sb) (fml 文) friendly approach, proposalor offer made (to sb) with the aim of starting discussions（向某人做出的）友好表示、姿态或提议
*overtures of peace to the enemy 向敌方提议和谈
* make overtures of friendship to the new neighbours 对新邻居表示友好.
2 [C] piece of music written as an introduction to an opera, a ballet, a musical play, etc （歌剧、芭蕾舞、音乐剧等的）序曲, 前奏曲
*The audience must be in their seats before the overture. 观众务必于序曲演奏前入座.

n
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French;Origin:'opening', from Latin apertura; APERTURE]
[C]
a short piece of music written as an introduction to a long piece of music, especially an opera
overtures [plural]
an attempt to begin a friendly relationship with a person, country etc
　They began making overtures to the Irish government.
　She had rejected his overtures.
be an overture
if an event is an overture to a more important event, it happens just before it and makes you expect it