contraceptive

American  

[kon-truh-sep-tiv] / ˌkɒn trəˈsɛp tɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to prevent conception or impregnation.

2. pertaining to contraception.

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noun

1. a contraceptive device, drug, foam, etc.

contraceptive British  

/ ˌkɒntrəˈsɛptɪv /

adjective

1. relating to or used for contraception; able or tending to prevent impregnation

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noun

1. any device that prevents or tends to prevent conception

contraceptive Scientific  

/ kŏn′trə-sĕp′tĭv /

1. A substance or device capable of preventing pregnancy.

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Etymology

Origin of contraceptive

First recorded in 1890–95; contra- ¹ ( def. ) + (con)ceptive ( def. )

Example Sentences

Chinese people will pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt, as the world's second-largest economy tries to boost birth rates.

From BBC

Some animal rights organisations that oppose deer hunting instead advocate non-lethal methods of management, including darting deer with contraceptives, or building more or better fencing.

From BBC

The justices have already dealt with the contraceptive mandate and the Little Sisters twice, and this latest challenge seems designed to irritate them.

From The Wall Street Journal

She cited aspirin drawing on formulations using willow tree bark, contraceptive pills developed from yam plant roots and child cancer treatments based on Madagascar's rosy periwinkle flower.

From Barron's

But a later on-the-ground report revealed that wasn’t the case and that all those contraceptives were still in a warehouse — and that the U.S. government was still refusing to distribute them or give them away.

From Salon

Related Words

• condom
• diaphragm
• hormone
• pill