prophylactic

  1. Noun.  A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive.
  2. Noun.  (US) ''Specifically'', a prophylactic condom.
  3. Noun.  (figuratively) Any device or mechanism intended to prevent harmful consequences.
  4. Adjective.  Serving to prevent or protect against an undesired effect, especially disease.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.