Sekirov Dictionary

prophylactic

/pɹɒfəˈlæktɪk/

noun 3
adjective 1
forms 3

noun3

A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive.
•
(US, euphemistic) A prophylactic condom.
- It is not clear whether such education is to be directed to homosexuals (for whom prophylactics are not a contraceptive) or to heterosexuals as well (for whom prophylactics are a contraceptive). — 1977
•
(figurative) Any device or mechanism intended to prevent harmful consequences.
- The securities laws are a prophylactic against stock fraud.

adjective1

Serving to prevent or protect against an undesired effect, especially disease or pregnancy.

forms

prophylactics · more prophylactic · most prophylactic

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