Main Entry: pre·pa·ra·to·ry

Pronunciation: \pri-ˈpa-rə-ˌtȯr-ē also ˈpre-p(ə-)rə-\

Function: adjective

Date: 15th century

: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory

— pre·pa·ra·to·ri·ly \pri-ˌpa-rə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē also ˌpre-p(ə-)rə-\ adverb