prophylactic

adj 1: capable of preventing conception or impregnation;

"contraceptive devices and medications" [syn: {contraceptive},

{antifertility}]

2: tending to ward off; "the swastika...a very ancient

prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor

Schultze [syn: {cautionary}, {preventive}]

3: preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease;

"preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a

prophylactic drug" [syn: {preventive}, {preventative}]

n 1: something that prevents or slows the course of an illness or

disease; "the docotr recommended several preventatives"

[syn: {preventive}, {preventative}]

2: a thin rubber or latex sheath worn over the penis during

intercourse as a contraceptive or prophylactic device

[syn: {condom}, {rubber}, {safety}, {safe}]