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DictionaryRoot: phylassein
Greek

phylassein

to watch over, guard

2 / 2
A woman secures an intact mosquito bed net around her sleeping space while mosquitoes remain outside the mesh, visibly demonstrating a physical measure that prevents exposure to disease-carrying insects.
noun

prophylaxis

proh-fuh-LAK-sis/ˌprəʊfəˈlæksɪs/

Treatment or care to prevent disease or infection.

Etymology
proGreekbefore, forward, or in front
+phylaxisGreekto watch over, guard

The combination of “before” and “guard” presents prevention as standing watch before disease attacks. The noun names the preventive treatment or measures that perform this protective role.

Full entry

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