How Do You Spell PROPHYLACTICAL?

Pronunciation: [pɹˌɒfɪlˈaktɪkə͡l] (IPA)

Prophylactical is a word that describes something that is preventative or aimed at warding off disease or infection. The spelling of this word can be explained phonetically through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˌprɒfɪˈlæktɪkəl/. This phonetic transcription shows that the word is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, with the 'a' in the second syllable pronounced like 'ah' and the final syllable ending in the sound of 'kəl'. Despite its tricky spelling, prophylactical is an important word in the realm of healthcare and medicine.

PROPHYLACTICAL Meaning and Definition

1. Prophylactical, often spelled as "prophylactic," is an adjective that refers to something which serves to prevent or protect against a disease or an unwanted condition. It is derived from the noun "prophylaxis," which means preventative treatment or measures taken to ward off diseases or other negative outcomes.

   When used in medical contexts, the term "prophylactical" refers to actions, medications, or substances that are designed to prevent the occurrence or spread of diseases. For example, vaccines and immunizations are prophylactic measures as they trigger the immune system to create a defense against specific diseases, thus preventing their development. In addition, some medications may have prophylactic uses, such as antibiotics that are administered prior to certain surgeries to prevent potential infections.

   Beyond the medical field, "prophylactical" can also describe practices or actions taken to prevent other unwanted conditions or outcomes. For instance, wearing a seatbelt while driving is a prophylactic behavior as it aims to reduce the risk of severe injury in the event of an accident. Similarly, using insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites and the potential transmission of diseases like malaria or dengue fever can be considered a prophylactical measure.

   In summary, "prophylactical" refers to anything that acts to prevent or protect against diseases, conditions, or negative outcomes. Whether in medicine or other contexts, it involves preemptive measures taken to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and populations.

2. Same as the adj. prophylactic.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PROPHYLACTICAL

• orophylactical
• lrophylactical
• -rophylactical
• 0rophylactical
• peophylactical
• pdophylactical
• pfophylactical
• ptophylactical
• p5ophylactical
• p4ophylactical
• priphylactical
• prkphylactical
• prlphylactical
• prpphylactical
• pr0phylactical
• pr9phylactical
• proohylactical
• prolhylactical
• pro-hylactical
• pro0hylactical

Etymology of PROPHYLACTICAL

The word "prophylactical" is derived from the Greek word "prophylaktikos", which means "guarding, preventing". It is formed by combining "pro" (meaning "before" or "in front of") and "phylassein" (meaning "to guard" or "to protect"). The Greek term was subsequently adapted into Late Latin as "prophylacticus" and then entered English as "prophylactical" later on.