prophylactic | ||
1. | [ noun ] (medicine,pharmacology) remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease | |
Synonyms: | preventative preventive | |
Examples: | "the doctor recommended several preventatives" |
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Related terms: | remedy | |
2. | [ adjective ] (medicine) preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease | |
Synonyms: | preventive preventative | |
Examples: | "preventive medicine" "vaccines are prophylactic" "a prophylactic drug" |
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Related terms: | healthful | |
3. | [ adjective ] tending to ward off | |
Synonyms: | preventive cautionary | |
Examples: | "the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze |
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Related terms: | protective | |
4. | [ adjective ] capable of preventing conception or impregnation | |
Synonyms: | antifertility contraceptive | |
Examples: | "contraceptive devices and medications" |
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Related terms: | protective | |
5. | [ noun ] (sexuality) contraceptive device consisting of a thin rubber or latex sheath worn over the penis during intercourse | |
Synonyms: | rubber safety safe condom | |
Related terms: | contraceptive | |
Similar spelling: |
prophylaxis propellant |