WordWeb Online

1. Capable of preventing conception or impregnation
   "prophylactic devices and medications";
   - contraceptive, antifertility
    
2. Warding off
   "the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples";
   - cautionary
    
3. Preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease
   "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug";
   - preventive, preventative

1. Remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease
   "the doctor recommended several prophylactics";
   - preventive, preventative
    
2. Contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse
   - condom, rubber [N. Amer, informal], safety, safe, franger [Austral, informal], French letter [Brit, archaic, informal], protective, johnny [Brit, informal]

Derived forms: prophylactics

See also: healthful, protective

Type of: birth control device, contraceptive, contraceptive device, curative, cure, preventative, preventive, prophylactic device, remedy, therapeutic

Encyclopedia: Prophylactic