n. | 1. | (Med.) A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive. |
a. | 1. | (Med.) Defending or preserving from disease; preventive. |
Noun | 1. | prophylactic - remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease; "the doctor recommended several preventatives" Synonyms: preventative, preventive |
2. | prophylactic - contraceptive device consisting of a thin rubber or latex sheath worn over the penis during intercourse | |
Adj. | 1. | prophylactic - capable of preventing conception or impregnation; "contraceptive devices and medications" Synonyms: antifertility, contraceptive |
2. | prophylactic - tending to ward off; "the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze Synonyms: cautionary, preventive | |
3. | prophylactic - preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease; "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug" Synonyms: preventive, preventative |