1. occurring or existing before a surgical operation
Usage: medical
2. relating to the second stage of cognitive development in children (ages 2–7), characterized by symbolic thinking but limited logical reasoning
Usage: psychology; developmental psychology; Piagetian theory

Examples

• The patient underwent preoperational blood tests to ensure she was healthy enough for surgery.
• Preoperational assessments are standard procedure before any major operation.
• In Piaget's theory, preoperational children can use language and symbols but struggle with conservation tasks.
• A preoperational child might believe that a tall, thin glass contains more water than a short, wide one, even if the amounts are equal.
• The preoperational stage is marked by egocentrism and magical thinking.