preoperational
English
Etymology
pre- + operational
Adjective
preoperational (not comparable)
- Prior to a surgical operation.
- 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.
Synonyms
- (prior to surgery): preop
- (in or relating to early stage of child's mental development): preoperatory