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Prevention of disease or of a process that can lead to disease. [Mod. L. fr. G. pro-phylasso, to guard before, take precaution]
- active p. use of an antigenic (immunogenic) agent to actively stimulate the immunologic mechanism.
- chemical p. the administration of chemicals or drugs to members of a community to reduce the number of carriers of a disease and to prevent others contracting the disease.
- dental p. a series of procedures whereby calculus, stain, and other accretions are removed from the clinical crowns of the teeth, and the enamel surfaces are polished.
- passive p. use of an antiserum from another person or animal to provide temporary protection against a specific infectious or toxic agent.
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pro·phy·lax·is -'lak-səs n, pl -lax·es -'lak-.sēz measures designed to preserve health and prevent the spread of disease: protective or preventive treatment <\prophylaxis against viral diseases> <a paste containing fluorine for dental \prophylaxis>
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n.
any means taken to prevent disease, such as immunization against diphtheria or whooping cough, or fluoridation to prevent dental decay in children.
• prophylactic adj.
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pro·phy·lax·is (pro″fə-lakґsis) [Gr. prophylassein to keep guard before] intervention aimed at the prevention of disease; called also preventive treatment, prophylactic treatment, and protective therapy.Medical dictionary. 2011.