prophylactic device
1
6.4
- noun
- /ˌproʊfɪˈlæktɪk dɪˈvaɪs/
- NSFW
:
dispositivo anticonceptivo
- Many young people use a prophylactic device to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Examples
-
She always carries a prophylactic device to ensure safe intimacy.
-
Prophylactic devices, such as condoms, may either be unavailable or improperly promoted.
Academic text (1990) -
Doctors recommend using a prophylactic device for effective birth control.
Synonyms
442
2.8
A thin rubber cover that you wear on the penis during sex to prevent pregnancy and infections
37
4.4
Something used to stop a woman from becoming pregnant, like a pill or condom
15
7.0
A soft cup placed over the womb opening inside a woman's body to stop sperm reaching an egg
9
4.1
A small T-shaped plastic or metal device placed in the womb to stop pregnancy
2
8.2
A thin rubber cover worn during sex to prevent pregnancy or disease
1
3.2
Something that stops a person from becoming pregnant
1
4.5
A thing that stops pregnancy, for example a pill or condom
1
6.8
A small cup-shaped device that fits over the cervix to prevent pregnancy
1
3.9
A small device put inside the womb to prevent pregnancy
1
9.9
A soft cup you put over the opening of the womb to block sperm and help prevent pregnancy
1
8.3
A thin rubber cover worn on the penis during sex to prevent pregnancy and infections
A flexible cup inserted into the vagina to cover the opening to the womb and stop sperm entering
A thing people use to stop pregnancy
How Effective
- Specialized
22
4.9
- Specialized
9
4.1
- NSFW
1
6.4
- NSFW
442
2.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally predictable: 'prophylactic' means preventive (against conception or infection) and 'device' means an instrument, so a 'prophylactic device' is readily interpreted as a device that prevents conception or disease. This follows a regular modifier+noun pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.
Etymology
The term prophylactic device comes from the idea of a 'guard before'. Prophylactic means 'guard before' and device means a tool, so imagine a small tool placed like a shield to stop sperm reaching an egg. That's why it means 'to prevent pregnancy'.