preparation
prep.a.ra.tion \.prep-*-'ra--sh*n\ n [ME preparacion, fr. MF preparation, fr. L praeparation-, ]praeparatio, fr. praeparatus, pp. of praeparare 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 fitte d for use