preparation in WordNet English dictionary

1. the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat
   "cooking can be a great art"; "people are needed who have experience in cookery"; "he left the preparation of meals to his wife"
   cooking  cookery  preparation 
   
2. a substance prepared according to a formula
   "the physician prescribed a commercial preparation of the medicine"
   formulation  preparation 
   
3. activity leading to skilled behavior
   training  preparation  grooming 
   
4. preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
   homework  prep  preparation 
   
5. the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening
   "his planning for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties"
   planning  preparation  provision 
   
6. the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
   "preparations for the ceremony had begun"
   preparation  readying 
   
7. (music) a note that produces a dissonant chord is first heard in a consonant chord
   "the resolution of one dissonance is often the preparation for another dissonance"
   preparation 
   
8. the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)
   "putting them in readiness"; "their preparation was more than adequate"
   readiness  preparedness  preparation