preparative

From Middle English preperatif, from Middle French preparatif and Medieval Latin prēparātīvus.

• IPA^(key): /pɹəˈpæɹətɪv/

preparative (comparative more preparative, superlative most preparative)

1. That serves to prepare something

   preparative chromatography

2. preliminary or preparatory

   preparative discussions

• micropreparative

preparative (plural preparatives)

1. Something to be done in preparation; a preliminary
   • 1695, C[harles] A[lphonse] du Fresnoy, translated by John Dryden, De Arte Graphica. The Art of Painting, […], London: […] J[ohn] Heptinstall for W. Rogers, […], →OCLC:

     necessary preparatives for our voyage

   • 1594–1597, Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, […], London: […] Will[iam] Stansby [for Matthew Lownes], published 1611, →OCLC, (please specify the page):

     a preparative unto sermons

   • 1866, Herman Melville, Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War/The March into Virginia:

     All wars are boyish, and are fought by boys, / The champions and enthusiasts of the state: / Turbid ardors and vain joys / Not barrenly abate— / Stimulants to the power mature, / Preparatives of fate.

preparative

1. feminine plural of preparativo

• preparatevi

Borrowed from French préparatifs.

preparative f pl (plural only)

1. preparation