preparation

 
Pronunciation: /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the action or process of preparing or being prepared for use or consideration: the preparation of a draft contract the project is in preparation
  • [count noun] (usually preparations) something done to get ready for an event or undertaking: she continued her preparations for the party
  • 2a substance that is specially made up, especially a medicine or food: there are several effective preparations you can buy over the counter
  • a specimen that has been prepared for scientific or medical examination: a microscope preparation
  • 3 Music (in conventional harmony) the sounding of the discordant note in a chord in the preceding chord where it is not discordant, lessening the effect of the discord.

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin praeparatio(n-), from praeparare 'make ready before' (see prepare)

Spelling help

Spell preparation with -ar- in the middle.