What does preparatory mean?

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From our dictionary:

pre•par•a•to•ry

Pronunciation: (pri-par'u-tôr"E, -tOr"E, -pâr'-, prep'ur-u-), [key]
adj.
1. serving or designed to prepare: preparatory arrangements.
2. preliminary; introductory: preparatory remarks.
3. of or pertaining to training that prepares for more advanced education.

adv.
preparatory to, in advance of; before: The astronauts met with the press preparatory to lifting off.