Main Entry: ¹pro·phy·lac·tic

Pronunciation: \ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik also ˌprä-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Greek prophylaktikos, from prophylassein to be on guard, from pro- before + phylassein to guard, from phylak-, phylax guard

Date: 1574

1 : guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease or infection
2 : tending to prevent or ward off : preventive

— pro·phy·lac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb