I. prēˈpa(a)rəd.iv, -ˈper-, -rətiv noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English preparatif, from Middle French, from Latin praeparatus (past participle of praeparare to prepare) + Middle French -if -ive (n. suffix)
1.
a. : something that prepares the way for or serves as a preliminary to something else : preparation
the best preparative in the world … for thoughtless, unburdened sleep — H.R.Steeves
b. archaic : something administered to a person to prepare him for a particular medication or course of treatment
2. : a military or naval signal to make ready
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle French preparatif, from Medieval Latin praeparativus, from Latin praeparatus (past participle of praeparare to prepare) + -ivus -ive (adjective suffix)
: preparatory
III. adverb
: preparatively