I. ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik also ˌprä- 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
II. noun
Date: 1642
: something prophylactic ; especially : a device and especially a condom for preventing venereal infection or conception