preparative

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

• IPA^(key): /pɹəˈpæɹətɪv/

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preparative (comparative more preparative, superlative most preparative)

1. That serves to prepare something

   preparative chromatography

2. preliminary or preparatory

   preparative discussions

3. (chemistry) Pertaining to the synthesis, purification, or isolation of compounds from mixtures or raw materials.

• 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