 prophylactic |
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| 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 |
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