n.
   - the action or process of preparing or being prepared. ▸
(usu. preparations)
 something done to get ready for an event or undertaking. 
- a specially made up substance, especially a medicine or food.
- Music  the sounding of the discordant note in a chord in the preceding chord where it is not discordant, lessening the effect of the discord.
Etymology
  ME: via OFr. from L. praeparatio(n-), from praeparare (see prepare).