Definition of "contraceptive"

contraceptive

/ˈkɒn.tɹəˌsɛp.tɪv/

adjective
comparative more contraceptive, superlative most contraceptive
1. That acts to prevent conception as a result of sexual intercourse.
  Quotations
  This has led to the selection of 4-guanidinobenzoates with either acetamenophen or ethylparaben as the phenol moiety for clinical evaluation, because they are orders of magnitude more contraceptive than nonoxynol-9 and less irritating to the vagina.
  1994, P. F. A. Van Look, Gregorio Pérez-Palacios, World Health Organization, Contraceptive Research and Development, 1984-1994: The Road from Mexico City to Cairo and Beyond
noun
plural contraceptives
1. A mechanism or means by which conception as a result of sexual intercourse can be prevented or made less likely.
  Quotations
  The document covers the following family planning methods: combined oral contraceptives (COCs), combined injectable contraceptives (CICs), progestogen-only pills (POPs), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), norethisterone enantate (NET-EN), levonorgestrel implants, emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), copper-bearing interuterine devices, levonorgestrel-releasing interuterine devices (LNG IUDs), fertility awareness-based methods, and sterilization.
  2004, Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2nd edition, World Health Organization