pre-operation
/ˌpriːɒpəˈreɪʃn/noun
Psychology. In Piaget's theory: an activity characteristic of the preoperational stage of a child's cognitive development, being intuitive rather than logical in nature.
adjective
Occurring or existing before an operation; (Medicine ) = preoperative.
Origin
Mid 17th century (in an earlier sense). From pre- + operation. Compare post-classical Latin praeoperatio (act of) bringing about beforehand.