preventative
pree ven tuh tiv
- n remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease
the doctor recommended several preventatives - n any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
- n an agent or device intended to prevent conception
- a tending to prevent or hinder
- s preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease
- Gardasil and some vaccines in clinical trial are preventative, but drug companies such as MGI Pharma are studying therapeutic vaccines to treat those already infected with the virus.