Prophylactic

adj. preventative of disease

n. means of prevention

Prophylaxis (Greek "προφύλαξις" to guard or prevent beforehand) is any medical or public health procedure whose purpose is to prevent, rather than treat or cure, disease. Roughly, prophylactic measures are divided between primary prophylaxis (to prevent the development of a disease) and secondary prophylaxis (whereby the disease has already developed and the patient is protected against worsening of this process).
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Prophylactic /pro·phy·lac·tic/ 1. tending to ward off disease; pertaining to prophylaxis. 2. an agent that tends to ward off disease. [more]Prophylactic - Community and Resources

Noun
1. remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease; "the doctor recommended several preventatives"
(synonym) preventive, preventative
(hypernym) remedy, curative, cure
2. contraceptive device consisting of a thin rubber or latex sheath worn over the penis during intercourse
(synonym) condom, rubber, safety, safe
(hypernym) contraceptive, preventive, preventative, contraceptive device, prophylactic device, birth control device
Adjective
1. capable of preventing conception or impregnation; "contraceptive devices and medications"
(synonym) contraceptive, antifertility
(similar) protective
2. tending to ward off; "the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze
(synonym) cautionary, preventive
(similar) protective
3. preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease; "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug"
(synonym) preventive, preventative
(similar) healthful

(n.)
A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive.
  

(a.)
Alt. of Prophylactical