prophylactic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease
    preventive; preventative.
    • the doctor recommended several preventatives
  2. noun contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse
    rubber; safe; safety; condom.
  3. adjective satellite capable of preventing conception or impregnation
    contraceptive; antifertility.
    • contraceptive devices and medications
  4. adjective satellite warding off
    cautionary.
    • the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze
  5. adjective satellite preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease
    preventive; preventative.
    • preventive medicine
    • vaccines are prophylactic
    • a prophylactic drug

WordNet

Proph`y*lac"tic noun
Etymology
Cf. F. prophylactique.
Definitions
  1. (Med.) A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive.
Proph`y*lac"tic, Proph`y*lac"tic*al adjective (Also<
  • Prophylactic
  • Prophylactical
)
Etymology
Gr. , fr. to guard against; before + to guard: cf. F. prophylactique.
Definitions
  1. (Med.) Defending or preserving from disease; preventive. Coxe.

Webster 1913