'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
Contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse [syn: condom, rubber, safety, safe, prophylactic]

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]

Words containing 'Prophylactic'