different between prophylactic vs precautionary

English

Etymology

From Latin, from Ancient Greek ??? (pró, “before”) + ??????? (phúlaxis, “a watching, guarding”).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /p??f??lækt?k/
• Hyphenation: pro?phy?lac?tic
• Rhymes: -ækt?k

Noun

prophylactic (plural prophylactics)

1. A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive.
   1. (US, specifically) A prophylactic condom.
      • 1977, Human Life Center, International Review of Natural Family Planning, Human Life Center, St. John's University, page 2:

        It is not clear whether such education is to be directed to homosexuals (for whom prophylactics are not a contraceptive) or to heterosexuals as well (for whom prophylactics are a contraceptive).

      • 1994, Mary Louise Roberts, Civilization Without Sexes: Reconstructing Gender in Postwar France, 1917–1927, University of Chicago Press, page 96:

        Given the widespread use of coitus interruptus and male prophylactics as contraceptive practices in France […]

      • 2000, Peter Parnell and John Irving, The Cider House Rules: Here in St. Cloud's, Dramatists Play Service, Inc., page 46:

        Some men put the prophylactic on just the tip of the penis: this is a mistake, because the prophylactic will come off.

2. (figuratively) Any device or mechanism intended to prevent harmful consequences.

Translations

Adjective

prophylactic (comparative more prophylactic, superlative most prophylactic)

1. Serving to prevent or protect against an undesired effect, especially disease or pregnancy

Translations

Derived terms

• prophylactically

Related terms

• prophylaxis

Interlingua

Adjective

prophylactic (not comparable)

1. prophylactic, preventive

English

Etymology

precaution +? -ary

Adjective

precautionary (comparative more precautionary, superlative most precautionary)

1. Of, pertaining to, or serving as a precaution

   The article 3.3 of the UNFCCC states the precautionary principle.

Translations

Noun

precautionary (plural precautionaries)

1. (obsolete) A precaution.
   • 1748, Samuel Richardson, Clarissa

     Thou seest, Belford, by the above precautionaries, that I forget nothing.