dictionary help| preventive | medical dictionary |
1. Going before; preceding. "Any previous counsel or preventive understanding." (Cudworth)
2. Tending to defeat or hinder; obviating; preventing the access of; as, a medicine preventive of disease. "Physic is either curative or preventive." (Sir T. Browne) Preventive service, the duty performed by the armed police in guarding the coast against smuggling.
Origin: Cf. F. Preventif.
That which prevents, hinders, or obstructs; that which intercepts access; in medicine, something to prevent disease; a prophylactic.
(01 Mar 1998)
preventer, prevention, prevention of significant deterioration < Prev | Next > preventive dentistry, preventive dose
Bookmark with:      | word visualiser | Go and visit our forums  |
