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adj. Acting to defend against or prevent something, especially disease; protective. n. 1. A prophylactic agent, device, or measure, such as a vaccine or drug. 2. A contraceptive device, especially a condom. [French prophylactique, from Greek prophulaktikos, from prophulassein, to take precautions against : pro-, before; see PRO-2 + phulassein, to protect (from phulax, guard).] pro′phy·lacti·cal·ly adv. |
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