prophylactic

pro·phy·lac·tic  (prf-lktk, prf-)

adj.

Acting to defend against or prevent something, especially disease; protective.

n.

1. A prophylactic agent, device, or measure, such as a vaccine or drug.

2. A contraceptive device, especially a condom.

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[French prophylactique, from Greek prophulaktikos, from prophulassein, to take precautions against : pro-, before; see pro-² + phulassein, to protect (from phulax, guard).]

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prophy·lacti·cal·ly adv.

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prophylactic

Adjective

preventing disease

Noun

1. a drug or device that prevents disease

2. Chiefly US a condom [Greek prophulassein to guard by taking advance measures]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	prophylactic - remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease; "the doctor recommended several preventatives" preventative, preventive curative, cure, therapeutic, remedy - a medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain
	2.	prophylactic - contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse condom, safe, rubber, safety birth control device, contraceptive, contraceptive device, prophylactic device, preventative, preventive - an agent or device intended to prevent conception
Adj.	1.	prophylactic - capable of preventing conception or impregnation; "contraceptive devices and medications" antifertility, contraceptive protective - intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind; "a protective covering"; "the use of protective masks and equipment"; "protective coatings"; "kept the drunken sailor in protective custody"; "animals with protective coloring"; "protective tariffs"
	2.	prophylactic - warding off; "the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze cautionary protective - intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind; "a protective covering"; "the use of protective masks and equipment"; "protective coatings"; "kept the drunken sailor in protective custody"; "animals with protective coloring"; "protective tariffs"
	3.	prophylactic - preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease; "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug" preventive, preventative healthful - conducive to good health of body or mind; "a healthful climate"; "a healthful environment"; "healthful nutrition"; "healthful sleep"; "Dickens's relatively healthful exuberance"