Webster's English Dictionary

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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