n.
Pronunciation: ˌ pre-p ə - ' r ā -sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English preparacion, from Middle French preparation, from Latin praeparation-, praeparatio, from praeparare to prepare
Date: 14th century
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 specifically : a medicinal substance made ready for use <a preparation for colds>