prophylaxis
[proh-fuh-lak-sis, prof-uh-]
- Medicine/Medical.
- the preventing of disease.
- the prevention of a specific disease, as by studying the biological behavior, transmission, etc., of its causative agent and applying a series of measures against it.
- prophylactic treatment, as the cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist.
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Origin of prophylaxis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for prophylaxis
Historical Examples of prophylaxis
The prophylaxis of yellow-fever is suggested by means of static electricity.
Makers of ElectricityBrother Potamian
Only in this way is the prophylaxis of arteriosclerosis possible.
Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension:Louis Marshall Warfield
Undoubtedly the most important phase of it is in prophylaxis.
PsychotherapyJames J. Walsh
Prophylaxis of the habit is an ethical question that we can scarcely do justice to here.
PsychotherapyJames J. Walsh
In prophylaxis of the family the first indication is to stop the production of degenerates.
DegeneracyEugene S. Talbot
prophylaxis
- the prevention of disease or control of its possible spread
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for prophylaxis
"preventive treatment of disease," 1746, Modern Latin, from Greek pro (see pro-) + phylaxis "a watching, guarding" (see prophylactic).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
prophylaxis
(prō′fə-lăk′sĭs, prŏf′ə-)- Prevention of or protective treatment for disease.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.