/ prɪˈpærətri; NAmE -tɔːri/ adjective
( formal ) done in order to prepare for sth :
preparatory meetings
Security checks had been carried out preparatory to (= to prepare for) the President's visit.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from late Latin praeparatorius , from praeparat- made ready beforehand, from the verb praeparare , from prae before + parare make ready.