Correct spelling, explanation: the word preform has an etymology that is distinct from the word perform. While the two words share the -form part, their meanings and origins are unrelated. The term preform comes from the combination of pre- (meaning before or in advance) and form (referring to shape or structure). It originated from the field of material science and manufacturing, specifically to describe a preliminary or partially shaped form of a material that will undergo further processing to create a final product.

Definition of preform:
verb, to form or shape beforehand
The aerospace industry uses carbon fiber preforms as the initial shaped structures for building lightweight aircraft components.
Before injection molding, the plastic material is heated and molded into a preform shape that will later be formed into the final product.

Collocations with preform:
Some most commonly used collocations include:
1. Preform material: refers to the specific type of material used to create the initial shaped structure before further processing.
The company is researching new preform materials to enhance the durability of their products.
2. Fiber preform: in the context of composites and materials science, a fiber preform is the preliminary arrangement of fibers before they are transformed into a composite material.
The engineers worked on optimizing the fiber preform for the aircraft’s wing components.
3. Preform production: refers to the process of creating the preliminary shaped structures, or preforms, before they are turned into final products.
The factory invested in automated machinery to streamline preform production.
4. Preform technology: refers to advancements, techniques, and methodologies related to creating preforms for various applications.
New preform technology has enabled faster and more accurate production processes.

Correct spelling, explanation: the word perform comes from the Latin word performare, which is a combination of per (thoroughly) and formare (to form or shape). In Middle English, performen meant to carry out or to accomplish. Over time, the word evolved to its current meaning of carrying out an action, task, or activity. Preform, on the other hand, has a different origin and meaning. It comes from the combination of pre- (before) and form.