prophylactic

prophylactic definition - medical

pro·phy·lac·tic (prōˌfə-lăkˈtĭk, prŏfˌə-)

noun
  1. A prophylactic agent, device, or measure, such as a vaccine or drug.
  2. A contraceptive device, especially a condom.
adjective
Acting to defend against or prevent something, especially disease; protective.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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