'Prophylactic' definitions:
Definition of 'prophylactic'
(from WordNet)
adjective
Capable of preventing conception or impregnation; "contraceptive devices and medications" [syn: contraceptive, prophylactic, antifertility]
adjective
Warding off; "the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze [syn: cautionary, prophylactic]
adjective
Preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease; "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug" [syn: preventive, preventative, prophylactic]
noun
Remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease; "the doctor recommended several preventatives" [syn: preventive, preventative, prophylactic]
noun
Definition of 'Prophylactic'
From: GCIDE
- Prophylactic \Proph`y*lac"tic\, n. [Cf. F. prophylactique.] (Med.) A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive. [1913 Webster] Prophylactic
Definition of 'Prophylactic'
From: GCIDE
- Prophylactic \Proph`y*lac"tic\, Prophylactical \Proph`y*lac"tic*al\, a. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to guard against; ? before + ? to guard: cf. F. prophylactique.] (Med.) Defending or preserving from disease; preventive. --Coxe. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'prophylactic'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- aegis,
- antacid,
- antidote,
- antiseptic,
- arm guard,
- aseptic,
- backstop,
- bag,
- birth control device,
- boiled,
- buffer,
- bulwark,
- bumper,
- condom,
- contraceptive,
- contraceptive foam,
- copyright,
- counteractant,
- counteractive,
- counteragent,
- counterirritant,
- covering,
- crash helmet,
- cushion,
- custodial,
- dashboard,
- decontaminated,
- defensive,
- deterrent,
- deterring,
- diaphragm,
- discouraging,
- disinfected,
- dodger,
- face mask,
- fender,
- finger guard,
- foot guard,
- forbidding,
- forestalling,
- fostering,
- fuse,
- goggles,
- governor,
- guard,
- guardian,
- guarding,
- guardrail,
- hand guard,
- handrail,
- hard hat,
- helmet,
- hygienic,
- immunizing,
- insulation,
- interlock,
- intrauterine device,
- IUD,
- knee guard,
- knuckle guard,
- laminated glass,
- life preserver,
- lifeline,
- lightning conductor,
- lightning rod,
- mask,
- mudguard,
- neutralizer,
- nose guard,
- nullifier,
- offset,
- oral contraceptive,
- pad,
- padding,
- palladium,
- parental,
- pasteurized,
- patent,
- pessary,
- pilot,
- preclusive,
- preventative,
- preventive,
- prohibitive,
- protecting,
- protective,
- protective clothing,
- protective umbrella,
- remedy,
- rubber,
- safeguard,
- safeguarding,
- safety,
- safety glass,
- safety plug,
- safety rail,
- safety shoes,
- safety switch,
- safety valve,
- sanitary,
- screen,
- screening,
- seat belt,
- sheltering,
- shield,
- shielding,
- shin guard,
- skin,
- spermicidal jelly,
- spermicide,
- sterile,
- sterilized,
- sun helmet,
- the pill,
- tutelary,
- umbrella,
- uninfected,
- vigilant,
- watchful,
- windscreen,
- windshield