diphtheria-preventive
|diph-the-ri-a-pre-ven-tive|
/ˌdɪfˈθɪəriə prɪˈvɛntɪv/
prevents diphtheria
Etymology
'diphtheria-preventive' is a compound formed from 'diphtheria' + 'preventive'. 'Diphtheria' originates from Greek 'diphthera' meaning 'leather' (referring to the membrane formed in the throat), and 'preventive' comes from Latin 'praeventivus' via Old French/Latin meaning 'that which prevents'.
'diphtheria' entered English in the 19th century from New Latin 'diphtheria', from Greek 'diphthera' ('leather'); 'preventive' comes from Latin 'praevenire' (to come before) → Medieval/Old French forms → English 'preventive'. The compound 'diphtheria-preventive' is a modern English formation combining the disease name with 'preventive'.
Individually, 'diphtheria' referred to the disease (named for the leather-like membrane) and 'preventive' meant 'intended to prevent'; combined, the compound specifically denotes something intended to prevent diphtheria (a more specialized, medical sense).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a measure, agent, or treatment (often a vaccine) that prevents diphtheria; a diphtheria prophylactic.
Public clinics distributed the diphtheria-preventive to at-risk populations.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
serving to prevent diphtheria; intended to provide immunity or protection against the disease diphtheria (e.g., a vaccine or measure).
The health department launched a diphtheria-preventive vaccination program for children.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/24 23:51