preoperative

[ pree-op-er-uh-tiv, -uh-rey-tiv, -op-ruh-tiv ]
/ priˈɒp ər ə tɪv, -əˌreɪ tɪv, -ˈɒp rə tɪv /

adjective

occurring or related to the period or preparations before a surgical operation.

Origin of preoperative

First recorded in 1900–05; pre- + operative

OTHER WORDS FROM preoperative

pre·op·er·a·tive·ly, adverb

Words nearby preoperative

preoccupancy, preoccupation, preoccupied, preoccupy, preop, preoperative, preoral, preordain, preosteoblast, preowned, preoxygenation

Medical definitions for preoperative

preoperative
[ prē-ŏp′ər-ə-tĭv, -ŏp′rə-, -ŏp′ə-rā′- ]

adj.

Preceding a surgical operation.