dictionary help| preclude | medical dictionary |
1. To put a barrier before; hence, to shut out; to hinder; to stop; to impede. "The valves preclude the blood from entering the veins." (E. Darwin)
2. To shut out by anticipative action; to prevent or hinder by necessary consequence or implication; to deter action of, access to, employment of, etc.; to render ineffectual; to obviate by anticipation. "This much will obviate and preclude the objections." (Bentley)
Origin: L. Praecludere, praeclusum; prae = before + claudere to shut. See Close.
(01 Mar 1998)
preclinical, preclinical studies, preclinical study < Prev | Next > preclusion, precoces, precocious
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