[prep.a.ra.tion] n [ME preparacion, fr. MF preparation, fr. L praeparation-, praeparatio, fr. praeparare to prepare] (14c) 1: the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty
2: a state of being prepared: readiness
3: a preparatory act or measure
4: something that is prepared; specif: a medicinal substance made ready for use "a ~ for colds"