Definition of "prophylaxis" [proph•y•lax•is]

• Prevention of or protective treatment for disease. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Another beneficial prophylaxis is to take probiotic acididophilus and other lactic fermentation products daily, either in capsules or as yoghurt or in Yakult ™."
• "Newborn diagnosis enables healthcare providers to start preventive treatment (penicillin prophylaxis) and family health education before the start of symptoms."
• "In addition, the available treatments for long-term prophylaxis are associated with significant side effects."