a proceeding, measure, or provision by which one prepares for something

preparations for a journey.

any proceeding, experience, or the like considered as a mode of preparing for the future.

an act of preparing.

the state of being prepared.

something prepared, manufactured, or compounded

a special preparation for sunbathers.

a specimen, as an animal body, prepared for scientific examination, dissection, etc.

Music .

the preparing of a dissonance, by introducing the dissonant tone as a consonant tone in the preceding chord.

the tone so introduced.

New Testament . the day before the Sabbath or a feast day.

British . work done by students in preparation for class; homework.

the Preparation, the introductory prayers of the Mass or other divine service.

noun

unreadiness , ingredient

noun

alertness , anticipation , arrangement , background , base , basis , build-up , construction , dry run * , education , establishment , evolution , expectation , fitting , foresight , formation , foundation , gestation , getting ready , groundwork , homework , incubation , lead time , making ready , manufacture , measure , plan , precaution , preparedness , preparing , provision , putting in order , qualification , readying , rehearsal , rundown , safeguard , schoolwork , study , substructure , training , tryout , workout , blend , brew , composition , compound , concoction , confection , decoction , medicine , mixture , product , tincture , readiness