preparative

[pri-par-uh-tiv, -pair-]

adjective

1. preparatory.

noun

1. something that prepares.

2. a preparation.

preparative

/ prɪˈpærətɪv /

adjective

1. serving to prepare; preparatory

noun

1. something that prepares

Other Word Forms

• preparatively adverb
• nonpreparative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preparative¹

1400–50; late Middle English preparatif < Middle French < Medieval Latin praeparātīvus. See preparation, -ive

Example Sentences

These preparative mass spectrometers can be used to produce chemical compounds in a new way.

From Science Daily

In the context of her research, an “artifact” is a particular result of the preparative or investigative part of a scientific procedure — i.e., an unnatural one.

From New York Times

Because the required alkylidyne catalysts have also been greatly improved in terms of activity, functional group tolerance, and user-friendliness, this method constitutes a valuable preparative complement.

From Science Magazine

A laugh, if no argument, is a splendid preparative.

From Project Gutenberg

For philosophy, in its highest sense, as the science of ultimate truths, and therefore scientia scientiarum, this mere analysis of terms is preparative only, though as a preparative discipline indispensable.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• inaugural 
• preparatory