| 释义 |
pro·phy·lac·tic
I. \|prōfə|laktik, -tēk also |präf-\ adjective
Etymology: Greek prophylaktikos, from (assumed) Greek prophylaktos (verbal of Greek prophylassein to keep guard before, take precautions against, from pro- pro- (I) + phylassein to guard, preserve, from phylak-, phylax guard) + Greek -ikos -ic
1. : guarding from disease : preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease
2. : tending to prevent or ward off : preventive, cautionary
< the swastika … a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples — Victor Schultze >
< the purpose of this volume is prophylactic rather than remedial — Knight Dunlap >
II. noun
(-s)
1. : something (as a medicinal preparation) that prevents or helps to prevent disease : preventive
2.
a. : a device (as a condom) for preventing venereal infection
b. : any of a number of devices for the prevention of conception |