prophylaxis

English

Etymology

From Latin, from Ancient Greek πρό (pró, “before”) + φύλαξις (phúlaxis, “a watching, guarding”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /pɹɔfɪˈlæksɪs/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -æksɪs

Noun

prophylaxis (countable and uncountable, plural prophylaxes)

  1. (medicine) The prevention of, or the protective treatment for, disease.
    The role of statins in prophylaxis for cardiovascular disease is well supported by the medical literature.
    1. (sometimes specifically) The cleaning of a patient's teeth.
      Synonyms: prophy, dental (both informal)
      We did his semiannual prophylaxis today, and his teeth and gums were found to be healthy.
    2. (sometimes specifically) Protective measures against acquiring a sexually transmitted disease.
  2. (by extension) Action that works to prevent some bad outcome.
    The central bankers viewed these moves as prophylaxis against inflation.
    1. (chess) A move or strategy that frustrates an opponent's plan or tactic.

Derived terms

Translations

References

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