Search Result for "prophylactic": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (2)

1. remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease;
- Example: "the doctor recommended several preventatives"
[syn: preventive, preventative, prophylactic]

2. 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]


ADJECTIVE (3)

1. capable of preventing conception or impregnation;
- Example: "contraceptive devices and medications"
[syn: contraceptive, prophylactic, antifertility]

2. warding off;
- Example: "the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze
[syn: cautionary, prophylactic]

3. preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease;
- Example: "preventive medicine"
- Example: "vaccines are prophylactic"
- Example: "a prophylactic drug"
[syn: preventive, preventative, prophylactic]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Prophylactic \Proph`y*lac"tic\, n. [Cf. F. prophylactique.]
   (Med.)
   A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a
   preventive.
   [1913 Webster] Prophylactic


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

prophylactic
    adj 1: capable of preventing conception or impregnation;
           "contraceptive devices and medications" [syn:
           contraceptive, prophylactic, antifertility]
    2: warding off; "the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic
       symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze [syn:
       cautionary, prophylactic]
    3: preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease;
       "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a
       prophylactic drug" [syn: preventive, preventative,
       prophylactic]
    n 1: remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or
         disease; "the doctor recommended several preventatives"
         [syn: preventive, preventative, prophylactic]
    2: 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]