"Preliminary" means something that comes before or leads up to the main or final event. It is an initial or introductory step towards a more complete or final version. Full definition
And preliminary results of a national survey in 1996 suggest that the exclusive breastfeeding rate for the first six months is now about 40 per cent. (unicef.org)
As encouraging as the research is, these agents are still in preliminary stages of study and will need to be investigated further. (sciencedaily.com)
Decisions on preliminary injunction motions (including the related appeals) are made on the fast track, and final decisions are made at the end of full - blown main proceedings. (fosspatents.com)