Contraceptive Meaning
/ˈkɒn.tɹəˌsɛp.tɪv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjThat acts to prevent conception as a result of sexual intercourse.
nounA mechanism or means by which conception as a result of sexual intercourse can be prevented or made less likely.
Sentence Examples
A possible side effect of the contraceptive pill is a loss of sex drive.
Malaysia-based contraceptive company Karex makes one in every five condoms in sold in the world.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The doctor prescribed a daily ____ pill to prevent pregnancy effectively.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A possible side effect of the ____ pill is a loss of sex drive.
Word Origin & History
Coined in the 20th century from contra- + conceptive; compare the related contraception.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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:
"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:
"The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the oral contraceptive Opill for over-the-counter use, making it the first nonprescription birth control pill in the United States, but it will be months before it’s available. […] Amies Oelschlager said in a statement that oral contraceptives that contain estrogen may cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness."
— 2023 July 21, Amanda Musa, “The FDA approved the US’ first over-the-counter birth control pill. What happens next?”, in CNN:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The doctor prescribed a daily ____ pill to prevent pregnancy effectively.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A possible side effect of the ____ pill is a loss of sex drive.