Added 10 October 2026
prophylactic
/pɹɒfəˈlæktɪk/ noun
Latin root: prophylacticus Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about prophylactic at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease.
the doctor recommended several preventatives
- Contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse.
adjective
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Capable of preventing conception or impregnation.
contraceptive devices and medications
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Warding off.
the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples
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Preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease.
preventive medicine
Origin
From Latin prophylacticus, from Ancient Greek προφυλακτικός (prophulaktikós, “prophylactic”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)