n. [ Cf. F. prophylactique. ] (Med.) A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive. [ 1913 Webster ]
{ , a. [ Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to guard against; &unr_; before + &unr_; to guard: cf. F. prophylactique. ] (Med.) Defending or preserving from disease; preventive. Coxe. [ 1913 Webster ]