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Webster 1913 Edition
Prophylactic
Prophˊy-lac′tic
,Noun.
[Cf. F.
prophylactique
.] (Med.)
A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive.
Webster 1828 Edition
Prophylactic
PROPHYLAC'TIC
Definition 2024
prophylactic
prophylactic
English
Noun
prophylactic (plural prophylactics)
- A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive.
- (US, specifically) A prophylactic condom.
- 1977, Human Life Center, International Review of Natural Family Planning, Human Life Center, St. John's University, page 2:
- It is not clear whether such education is to be directed to homosexuals (for whom prophylactics are not a contraceptive) or to heterosexuals as well (for whom prophylactics are a contraceptive).
- 1994, Mary Louise Roberts, Civilization Without Sexes: Reconstructing Gender in Postwar France, 1917–1927, University of Chicago Press, page 96:
- Given the widespread use of coitus interruptus and male prophylactics as contraceptive practices in France […]
- 2000, Peter Parnell and John Irving, The Cider House Rules: Here in St. Cloud's, Dramatists Play Service, Inc., page 46:
- Some men put the prophylactic on just the tip of the ****: this is a mistake, because the prophylactic will come off.
- 1977, Human Life Center, International Review of Natural Family Planning, Human Life Center, St. John's University, page 2:
- (US, specifically) A prophylactic condom.
- (figuratively) Any device or mechanism intended to prevent harmful consequences.
- The securities laws are a prophylactic against stock fraud.
Translations
a preventive medicine
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device or mechanism
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Adjective
prophylactic (comparative more prophylactic, superlative most prophylactic)
Translations
Serving to prevent or protect against an undesired effect, especially disease
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