/pree'keuhn dish"euhn/ , n.
1. something that must come before or is necessary to a subsequent result; condition: a precondition for a promotion.
v.t.
2. to subject (a person or thing) to a special treatment in preparation for a subsequent experience, process, test, etc.: to precondition a surface to receive paint.
[ 1910-15; PRE- + CONDITION ]