• PROPAEDEUTIC (noun) The noun PROPAEDEUTIC has 1 sense: 1. a course that provides an introduction to an art or science (or to more advanced study generally) Familiarity information: PROPAEDEUTIC used as a noun is very rare. • PROPAEDEUTIC (adjective) The adjective PROPAEDEUTIC has 1 sense: 1. preceding and preparing for something. Familiarity information: PROPAEDEUTIC used as an adjective is very rare.