Definition of: preparation

(prep′ə·rā′shən) noun
1. The act, process, or operation of preparing.
2. An act or proceeding designed to bring about some event; a precaution; provision: preparations for war or for a journey.
3. The fact or state of being prepared; readiness.
4. Something made or prepared, as a compound, composition, etc.: medicinal or chemical preparations.
5. Preliminary study; training, as for college or business.
6. Music The previous introduction, as an integral part of a chord, of a note which is then continued into a following dissonance; also, the note so treated.
7. Eccl. Devotional exercises introducing an office, as that of the Eucharist. [<OF <L praeparatio, -onis]