The prevention of disease

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. the prevention of disease

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
In the game of chess , prophylaxis ( Greek προφυλαξις, "prophylaxis," guarding or preventing beforehand ) or a prophylactic move is a move that stops the opponent from taking action in a certain area for fear of some type of reprisal. Prophylactic moves ...

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"preventive treatment of disease," 1746, Modern Latin, from Greek pro (see pro- ) + phylaxis "a watching, guarding" (see prophylactic ).

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Prophylaxis \Proph`y*lax"is\, n. [NL. See Prophylactic .] (Med.) The art of preserving from, or of preventing, disease; the observance of the rules necessary for the preservation of health; preservative or preventive treatment.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (context medicine English) prevention of, or protective treatment for disease. 2 (context chess English) A move or strategy that frustrates an opponent's plan or tactic.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Word definitions in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
noun EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS ▪ All three patients received prophylaxis with subcutaneous heparin and compression stockings. ▪ Importantly, prophylaxis against stress ulcers with H 2 antagonists and antacids has been implicated in abnormal bacterial overgrowth ...