contraceptive

[ kon-truh-sep-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending or serving to prevent conception or impregnation.
2. pertaining to contraception.

noun

1. a contraceptive device, drug, foam, etc.

contraceptive

/ ˌkɒntrəˈsɛptɪv /

adjective

1. relating to or used for contraception; able or tending to prevent impregnation

noun

1. any device that prevents or tends to prevent conception

contraceptive

/ kŏn′trə-sĕp′tĭv /

1. A substance or device capable of preventing pregnancy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of contraceptive¹

First recorded in 1890–95; contra- ¹( def ) + (con)ceptive ( def )

Example Sentences

This may mean that female athletes who take the contraceptive pill are more likely to acclimatise better and quicker in hot conditions compared with female athletes who don’t take the pill.

From No Straight News

This led to health facilities being closed, frequent contraceptive stockouts, staff layoffs and salary cuts.

From No Straight News

The 2012 policy discussed the global lack of access to contraceptives.

From ProPublica

It also means that we have to forecast female education and access to contraceptives before we can do the fertility projections.

From Nautilus

Historically, there has been a very strong relationship between the number of children per woman and education and contraceptives access.

From Nautilus

In a best-case scenario they cover the mechanics of reproduction, STD awareness, and contraceptive use.

From The Daily Beast

Inaccurate label notwithstanding, Plan B is classified by the FDA as a contraceptive.

From The Daily Beast

And women use contraceptive medicines and devices for all kinds of reasons, not just contraception.

From The Daily Beast

The four contraceptive methods at issue are abortofacients.

From The Daily Beast

This language is virtually identical to many oral contraceptive labels.

From The Daily Beast

Vitamin B complex, vitamin C—and, finally, half a dozen highly questionable contraceptive pills?

From Project Gutenberg

The notoriously "unsafe" character of the contraceptive measures has only diminished this fear, not completely allayed it.

From Project Gutenberg

That contraceptive measures have come to stay; that they are increasing in use, the declining birth rate absolutely evidences.

From Project Gutenberg

We recommend the consideration of the licensing of the importation of certain contraceptive goods.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no known contraceptive which is simple, inexpensive, and 100 per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• condom
• diaphragm
• hormone
• pill