preoperational
English
[edit]Etymology
[edit]From pre- + operational.
Adjective
[edit]preoperational (not comparable)
- Prior to a surgical operation.
- Synonyms: preoperative, preop
- Coordinate term: postoperational
- preoperational anxiety
- In or relating to a Piagetian phase of child development characterized by sparse and logically inadequate mental operations and inability to reason or work with symbols.