Dictionary of emergency medicine

aaa an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
abdomen the region of the body of a vertebrate between the thorax and the pelvis; the cavity containing the major viscera; in mammals it is separated from the thorax by the diaphragm
abdominal aortic aneurysm an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
abdominal of or relating to or near the abdomen; the muscles of the abdomen
able (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know how or authority to do something; having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity; have the skills and qualifications to do things well; having a strong healthy body
abnormal much greater than the normal; not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm; departing from the normal in e.g. intelligence and development
abnormality behavior that breaches the rule or etiquette or custom or morality; marked strangeness as a consequence of being abnormal; retardation sufficient to fall outside the normal range of intelligence; an abnormal condition
abortion termination of pregnancy; failure of a plan
abrasion erosion by friction; an abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off; the wearing down of rock particles by friction due to water or wind or ice
abruption an instance of sudden interruption
abscess symptom consisting of a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
abuse a rude expression intended to offend or hurt; cruel or inhumane treatment; improper or excessive use; verb use wrongly or improperly or excessively; use foul or abusive language towards; change the inherent purpose or function of something; treat badly
ac an electric current that reverses direction sinusoidally; a radioactive element of the actinide series; found in uranium ores
accelerated caused to go more rapidly; speeded up, as of an academic course
accident anything that happens by chance without an apparent cause; a mishap; especially one causing injury or death
ace inhibitor antihypertensive drug that blocks the formation of angiotensin in the kidney, leading to relaxation of the arteries; promotes the excretion of salt and water by inhibiting the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme; also used to treat congestive heart failure
ace of the highest quality; a serve that the receiver is unable to reach; one of four playing cards in a deck having a single pip on its face; someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field; a major strategic headquarters of NATO; safeguards an area extending from Norway to Turkey; verb serve an ace against (someone); play (a hole) in one stroke; score an ace against; succeed at easily
acellular not made up of or divided into cells
acetabular of the cup shaped socket that receives the head of the thigh bone
acetaminophen an analgesic for mild pain; also used as an antipyretic; (Datril, Tylenol, Panadol, Phenaphen, Tempra, and Anacin III are trademarks of brands of acetaminophen tablets)
achilles a mythical Greek hero of the Iliad; a foremost Greek warrior at the siege of Troy; when he was a baby his mother tried to make him immortal by bathing him in a magical river but the heel by which she held him remained vulnerable his `Achilles' heel'
acid having the characteristics of an acid; harsh or corrosive in tone; being sour to the taste; street name for lysergic acid diethylamide; any of various water soluble compounds having a sour taste and capable of turning litmus red and reacting with a base to form a salt
acidosis abnormally high acidity (excess hydrogen ion concentration) of the blood and other body tissues
acquired gotten through environmental forces
acth a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex
actinic keratosis an overgrowth of skin layers resulting from extended exposure to the sun
actinic relating to or exhibiting actinism
activated charcoal powdered or granular carbon used for purifying by adsorption; given orally (as a slurry) it is an antidote for some kinds of poisons
activated set up and placed on active assignment; rendered active; e.g. rendered radioactive or luminescent or photosensitive or conductive; (of e.g. a molecule) made reactive or more reactive; (of sewage) treated with aeration and bacteria to aid decomposition
activation making active and effective (as a bomb); stimulation of activity in an organism or chemical; the activity of causing to have energy and be active
activator (biology) any agency bringing about activation; a molecule that increases the activity of an enzyme or a protein that increases the production of a gene product in DNA transcription
activity any specific behavior; (chemistry) the capacity of a substance to take part in a chemical reaction; the trait of being active; moving or acting rapidly and energetically; an organic process that takes place in the body; a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); the state of being active
acuity sharpness of vision; the visual ability to resolve fine detail (usually measured by a Snellen chart); a quick and penetrating intelligence
acute lymphocytic leukemia acute leukemia characterized by proliferation of immature lymphoblast like cells in bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and blood; most common in children
acute having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course; of critical importance and consequence; extremely sharp or intense; having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions; of an angle; less than 90 degrees; ending in a sharp point; a mark (') placed above a vowel to indicate pronunciation
adder small terrestrial viper common in northern Eurasia; a machine that adds numbers; a person who adds numbers
addiction (Roman law) a formal award by a magistrate of a thing or person to another person (as the award of a debtor to his creditor); a surrender to a master; an abnormally strong craving; being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)
adenitis inflammation of a gland or lymph node
adenopathy a glandular disease or enlargement of glandular tissue (especially of the lymph glands)
adenosine (biochemistry) a nucleoside that is a structural component of nucleic acids; it is present in all living cells in a combined form as a constituent of DNA and RNA and ADP and ATP and AMP
adh hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve endings in the hypothalamus; affects blood pressure by stimulating capillary muscles and reduces urine flow by affecting reabsorption of water by kidney tubules
adhesive tending to adhere; a substance that unites or bonds surfaces together
administration the act of administering medication; a method of tending to (especially business) matters; the persons (or committees or departments etc.) who make up a body for the purpose of administering something; the tenure of a president
admission the act of admitting someone to enter; an acknowledgment of the truth of something; the fee charged for admission
adrenal of or pertaining to the adrenal glands or their secretions; near the kidneys; either of a pair of complex endocrine glands situated near the kidney
adrenaline a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin); stimulates autonomic nerve action
adrenocorticotrophic stimulating or acting on the adrenal cortex
adrenocorticotropic hormone a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex
adrenocorticotropic stimulating or acting on the adrenal cortex
adsorbed accumulated on a surface of a solid
adult respiratory distress syndrome acute lung injury characterized by coughing and rales; inflammation of the lungs which become stiff and fibrous and cannot exchange oxygen; occurs among persons exposed to irritants such as corrosive chemical vapors or ammonia or chlorine etc.
adult (of animals) fully developed; any mature animal; a fully developed person from maturity onward
advanced (of societies) highly developed especially in technology or industry; far along in time; comparatively late in a course of development; ahead in development; complex or intricate; at a higher level in training or knowledge or skill; farther along in physical or mental development; ahead of the times; situated ahead or going before
adverse in an opposing direction; contrary to your interests or welfare
adversely in an adverse manner
advice a proposal for an appropriate course of action
affect the conscious subjective aspect of feeling or emotion; verb act physically on; have an effect upon; have an effect upon; have an emotional or cognitive impact upon; make believe with the intent to deceive; connect closely and often incriminatingly
affecting arousing affect
afferent of nerves and nerve impulses; conveying sensory information from the sense organs to the CNS; a nerve that passes impulses from receptors toward or to the central nervous system
after located farther aft; behind or in the rear; happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
age how long something has existed; a time in life (usually defined in years) at which some particular qualification or power arises; a late time of life; a prolonged period of time; an era of history having some distinctive feature; verb begin to seem older; get older; make older; grow old or older
aggregation the act of gathering something together; several things grouped together or considered as a whole
aggression violent action that is hostile and usually unprovoked; deliberately unfriendly behavior; the act of initiating hostilities; a disposition to behave aggressively; a feeling of hostility that arouses thoughts of attack
aggressive having or showing determination and energetic pursuit of your ends; characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight; tending to spread quickly
agitation the act of agitating something; causing it to move around (usually vigorously); disturbance usually in protest; the feeling of being agitated; not calm; a state of agitation or turbulent change or development; a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance
aid the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose; a resource; a gift of money to support a worthy person or cause; the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something; verb improve the condition of; give help or assistance; be of service
aids a serious (often fatal) disease of the immune system transmitted through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles
ail aromatic bulb used as seasoning; verb be unwell, ill, or ill disposed; cause bodily suffering to and make sick or indisposed
aircraft a vehicle that can fly
airway a commercial enterprise that provides scheduled flights for passengers; a duct that provides ventilation (as in mines); the passages through which air enters and leaves the body; a designated route followed by airplanes in flying from one airport to another
alanine a crystalline amino acid that occurs in many proteins
albumin a simple water soluble protein found in many animal tissues and liquids
alcohol a liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent; any of a series of volatile hydroxyl compounds that are made from hydrocarbons by distillation
algorithm a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem
alkali a mixture of soluble salts found in arid soils and some bodies of water; detrimental to agriculture; any of various water soluble compounds capable of turning litmus blue and reacting with an acid to form a salt and water
alkaline relating to or containing an alkali; having a pH greater than 7
alkalosis abnormally high alkalinity (low hydrogen ion concentration) of the blood and other body tissues
all completely given to or absorbed by; quantifier; used with either mass or count s to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class; to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly')
allergic having an allergy or peculiar or excessive susceptibility (especially to a specific factor); characterized by or caused by allergy
allograft tissue or organ transplanted from a donor of the same species but different genetic makeup; recipient's immune system must be suppressed to prevent rejection of the graft
als thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord; results in progressive muscle atrophy that starts in the limbs
alt angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
altered changed in form or character without becoming something else; having testicles or ovaries removed; changed in order to improve or made more fit for a particular purpose
alternating (of a current) reversing direction; occurring by turns; first one and then the other
alveolar pertaining to the tiny air sacs of the lungs; pertaining to the alveolar ridge; a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge
amanita genus of widely distributed agarics that have white spores and are poisonous with few exceptions
ambulance a vehicle that takes people to and from hospitals
amebiasis infection by a disease causing ameba
amenorrhea absence or suppression of normal menstrual flow
aminophylline a theophylline derivative that is used as a bronchodilator in the treatment of bronchial asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis
aminotransferase a class of transferases that catalyze transamination (that transfer an amino group from an amino acid to another compound)
amiodarone an antiarrhythmic drug (trade name Cordarone) that has potentially fatal side effects and is used to control serious heart rhythm problems only when safer agents have been ineffective
amnesia partial or total loss of memory
amniotic of or related to the amnion or characterized by developing an amnion
amoebiasis infection by a disease causing ameba
amphetamine a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression
ample affording an abundant supply; more than enough in size or scope or capacity; fairly large
amplification (electronics) the act of increasing voltage or power or current; addition of extra material or illustration or clarifying detail; the amount of increase in signal power or voltage or current expressed as the ratio of output to input
amplitude greatness of magnitude; the property of copious abundance; (physics) the maximum displacement of a periodic wave
amputation a surgical removal of all or part of a limb; a condition of disability resulting from the loss of one or more limbs
amylase any of a group of proteins found in saliva and pancreatic juice and parts of plants; help convert starch to sugar
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord; results in progressive muscle atrophy that starts in the limbs
an an associate degree in nursing
ana a collection of anecdotes about a person or place; mother of the ancient Irish gods; sometimes identified with Danu
anaesthesia loss of bodily sensation with or without loss of consciousness
anaesthetic characterized by insensibility; a drug that causes temporary loss of bodily sensations
anal a stage in psychosexual development when the child's interest is concentrated on the anal region; fixation at this stage is said to result in orderliness, meanness, stubbornness, compulsiveness, etc.; of or related to the anus
analgesia absence of the sense of pain without loss of consciousness
analgesic capable of relieving pain; a medicine used to relieve pain
anaphylactic shock a severe and rapid and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reaction to a substance (especially a vaccine or penicillin or shellfish or insect venom) to which the organism has become sensitized by previous exposure
anaphylactic related to the hypersensitivity known as anaphylaxis
anaphylaxis hypersensitivity reaction to the ingestion or injection of a substance (a protein or drug) resulting from prior contact with a substance
anaplasmosis a disease of cattle that is transmitted by cattle ticks; similar to Texas fever
anatomy a detailed analysis; the branch of morphology that deals with the structure of animals; alternative names for the body of a human being
anemia genus of terrestrial or lithophytic ferns having pinnatifid fronds; chiefly of tropical America; a deficiency of red blood cells; a lack of vitality
aneurysm a cardiovascular disease characterized by a saclike widening of an artery resulting from weakening of the artery wall
aneurysmal relating to or affected by an aneurysm
angina any disease of the throat or fauces marked by spasmodic attacks of intense suffocative pain; a heart condition marked by paroxysms of chest pain due to reduced oxygen to the heart
angiogram an X ray representation of blood vessels made after the injection of a radiopaque substance
angioplasty an operation to repair a damaged blood vessel or unblock a coronary artery
ani black tropical American cuckoo
animal of the nature of or characteristic of or derived from an animal or animals; marked by the appetites and passions of the body; a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
anion a negatively charged ion
ankylosing spondylitis a chronic form of spondylitis primarily in males and marked by impaired mobility of the spine; sometimes leads to ankylosis
annoyed aroused to impatience or anger; troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
anomalous deviating from the general or common order or type
anomaly (astronomy) position of a planet as defined by its angular distance from its perihelion (as observed from the sun); a person who is unusual; deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule
anorectal pertaining to the anus and rectum considered together
anorexia nervosa (psychiatry) a psychological disorder characterized by somatic delusions that you are too fat despite being emaciated
anorexia a prolonged disorder of eating due to loss of appetite
antagonist a drug that neutralizes or counteracts the effects of another drug; a muscle that relaxes while another contracts; someone who offers opposition
antecubital of or relating to the region of the arm in front of the elbow
antepartum occurring or existing before birth
anterior earlier in time; of or near the head end or toward the front plane of the body; a tooth situated at the front of the mouth
anthrax a disease of humans that is not communicable; caused by infection with Bacillus anthracis followed by septicemia; a highly infectious animal disease (especially cattle and sheep); it can be transmitted to people
anti inflammatory a medicine intended to reduce inflammation
antibiotic of or relating to antibiotic drugs; a chemical substance derivable from a mold or bacterium that kills microorganisms and cures infections
antibody any of a large variety of proteins normally present in the body or produced in response to an antigen which it neutralizes, thus producing an immune response
anticholinergic inhibiting or blocking the action of acetylcholine at a receptor site; a substance that opposes or blocks the action of acetylcholine
antidepressant any of a class of drugs used to treat depression; often have undesirable side effects
antidiuretic hormone hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve endings in the hypothalamus; affects blood pressure by stimulating capillary muscles and reduces urine flow by affecting reabsorption of water by kidney tubules
antidiuretic a drug that limits the formation of urine
antidote a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison
antiepileptic a drug used to treat or prevent convulsions (as in epilepsy)
antigen any substance (as a toxin or enzyme) that stimulates an immune response in the body (especially the production of antibodies)
antipsychotic tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired
antiserum blood serum containing antibodies against specific antigens; provides immunity to a disease
antitoxin an antibody that can neutralize a specific toxin
antivenin an antitoxin that counteracts the effects of venom from the bite of a snake or insect or other animal
anxiety a vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some (usually ill defined) misfortune; a relatively permanent state of anxiety occurring in a variety of mental disorders
aorta the large trunk artery that carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries
aortic aneurysm an aneurysm of the aorta
aortic stenosis abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve
aortic of or relating to the aorta
apnea transient cessation of respiration
apparatus equipment designed to serve a specific function; (anatomy) a group of body parts that work together to perform a given function
appendicitis inflammation of the vermiform appendix
appendix a vestigial process that extends from the lower end of the cecum and that resembles a small pouch; supplementary material that is collected and appended at the back of a book
arc a continuous portion of a circle; electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field; something curved in shape; verb form an arch or curve
ards acute lung injury characterized by coughing and rales; inflammation of the lungs which become stiff and fibrous and cannot exchange oxygen; occurs among persons exposed to irritants such as corrosive chemical vapors or ammonia or chlorine etc.
arrest the state of inactivity following an interruption; the act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal); verb hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of; take into custody; attract and fix; cause to stop
arsenic a very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms; arsenic and arsenic compounds are used as herbicides and insecticides and various alloys; found in arsenopyrite and orpiment and realgar; a white powdered poisonous trioxide of arsenic; used in manufacturing glass and as a pesticide (rat poison) and weed killer
arterial blood gases measurement of the pH level and the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in arterial blood; important in diagnosis of many respiratory diseases
arterial of or involving or contained in the arteries
arteritis inflammation of an artery
artery a major thoroughfare that bears important traffic; a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body
arthritis inflammation of a joint or joints
arthropathy a pathology or abnormality of a joint
as to the same degree (often followed by `as'); a United States territory on the eastern part of the island of Samoa; a very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms; arsenic and arsenic compounds are used as herbicides and insecticides and various alloys; found in arsenopyrite and orpiment and realgar
ascariasis infestation of the human intestine with Ascaris roundworms
ascending moving or going or growing upward; the act of changing location in an upward direction
ascites accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity
aspirate a consonant proced with aspiration; verb suck in (air); proce with aspiration; of stop sounds; remove as if by suction
aspiration pneumonia inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling or choking on vomitus; may occur during unconsciousness (anesthesia or drunkenness or seizure or cardiac arrest)
aspiration a will to succeed; a manner of articulation involving an audible release of breath; the act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing; a cherished desire
aspirin the acetylated derivative of salicylic acid; used as an analgesic anti inflammatory drug (trade names Bayer and Empirin) usually taken in tablet form; used as an antipyretic; slows clotting of the blood by poisoning platelets
assessment the market value set on assets; an amount determined as payable; the act of judging or assessing a person or situation or event; the classification of someone or something with respect to its worth
assisted having help; often used as a combining form
associated related to or accompanying; joined in some kind of relationship (as a colleague or ally or companion etc.)
asthma respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing; usually of allergic origin
astragalus large genus of annual or perennial herbs or shrubs of north temperate regions; largest genus in the family Leguminosae; the bone in the ankle that articulates with the leg bones to form the ankle joint
asystole absence of systole; failure of the ventricles of the heart to contract (usually caused by ventricular fibrillation) with consequent absence of the heart beat leading to oxygen lack and eventually to death
at 100 at equal 1 kip in Laos; a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
ataxia inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements; unsteady movements and staggering gait
athlete a person trained to compete in sports
atopic dermatitis a severe form of dermatitis characterized by atopy
atresia an abnormal condition in which a normal opening or tube in the body (as the urethra) is closed or absent
atrial fibrillation fibrillation of the muscles of the atria of the heart
atrial of or relating to a cavity or chamber in the body (especially one of the upper chambers of the heart)
atrioventricular block recurrent sudden attacks of unconsciousness caused by impaired conduction of the impulse that regulates the heartbeat
atrioventricular relating to or affecting the atria and ventricles of the heart
atrophic relating to or characterized by atrophy
atrophy any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use); a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse; verb undergo atrophy
atropine a poisonous crystalline alkaloid extracted from the nightshade family; used as an antispasmodic and to dilate the eye pupil; also administered in large amounts as an antidote for organophosphate nerve agents or organophosphate insecticides
attendance the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.); the number of people that are present; the frequency with which a person is present
atypical deviating from normal expectations; somewhat odd, strange, or abnormal; not representative of a group, class, or type
aura an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint; a sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) that precedes the onset of certain disorders such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure; a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing
auricle the externally visible cartilaginous structure of the external ear; a small conical pouch projecting from the upper anterior part of each atrium of the heart
auricular pertaining to an auricle of the heart; relating to or perceived by or shaped like the organ of hearing; of or relating to near the ear
australian of or relating to or characteristic of Australia or its inhabitants; the Austronesian languages spoken by Australian aborigines; a native or inhabitant of Australia
automated operated by automation
automatic operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control; like the unthinking functioning of a machine; without volition or conscious control; a pistol that will keep firing until the ammunition is gone or the trigger is released; light machine gun
av the eleventh month of the civil year; the fifth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in July and August)
avascular without blood vessels
avian pertaining to or characteristic of birds
aviator someone who operates an aircraft
avoidance deliberately avoiding; keeping away from or preventing from happening
axial situated on or along or in the direction of an axis; of or relating to or resembling an axis of rotation; relating to or attached to the axis
axillary of or relating to the armpit; of or relating to the axil
baby a project of personal concern to someone; a very young mammal; (slang) sometimes used as a term of address for attractive young women; the youngest member of a group (not necessarily young); a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk; an immature childish person; verb treat with excessive indulgence
bacillus aerobic rod shaped spore producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil
backwards at or to or toward the back or rear; in a manner or order or direction the reverse of normal
bacterial relating to or caused by bacteria
balanitis inflammation of the head of the penis
ballistics the science of flight dynamics; the trajectory of an object in free flight
barbiturate organic compound having powerful soporific effect; overdose can be fatal
bartholin Danish physician who discovered Bartholin's gland (1585 1629)
basal of primary importance; serving as or forming a base; especially of leaves; located at the base of a plant or stem; especially arising directly from the root or rootstock or a root like stem
basics a statement of fundamental facts or principles; principles from which other truths can be derived
bath salts a preparation that softens or scents a bath
beck a beckoning gesture
bee sting a sting inflicted by a bee
bee any of numerous hairy bodied insects including social and solitary species; a social gathering to carry out some communal task or to hold competitions
behavior manner of acting or controlling yourself; (psychology) the aggregate of the responses or reactions or movements made by an organism in any situation; the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances; (behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
behavioural of or relating to behavior
belt a band to tie or buckle around the body (usually at the waist); endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys; an elongated region where a specific condition is found; the act of hitting vigorously; a vigorous blow; a path or strip (as cut by one course of mowing); verb fasten with a belt; deliver a blow to; sing loudly and forcefully
benadryl antihistamine (trade name Benadryl) used to treat allergic reactions involving the nasal passages (hay fever) and also to treat motion sickness
benign pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence; kindness of disposition or manner; not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor)
bennett United States aviator who (with Richard E. Byrd) piloted the first flight over the North Pole (1890 1928)
benzodiazepine any of several similar lipophilic amines used as tranquilizers or sedatives or hypnotics or muscle relaxants; chronic use can lead to dependency
bereaved sorrowful through loss or deprivation; a person who has suffered the death of someone they loved
bereavement state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one
berry any of numerous small and pulpy edible fruits; used as desserts or in making jams and jellies and preserves; United States rock singer (born in 1931); a small fruit having any of various structures, e.g., simple (grape or blueberry) or aggregate (blackberry or raspberry); verb pick or gather berries
beta blocker any of various drugs used in treating hypertension or arrhythmia; decreases force and rate of heart contractions by blocking beta adrenergic receptors of the autonomic nervous system
bicarbonate a salt of carbonic acid (containing the anion HCO3) in which one hydrogen atom has been replaced; an acid carbonate
biceps any skeletal muscle having two origins (but especially the muscle that flexes the forearm)
bicipital having two heads or points of origin as a biceps
bicycle a wheeled vehicle that has two wheels and is moved by foot pedals; verb ride a bicycle
bier a stand to support a corpse or a coffin prior to burial; a coffin along with its stand
bilharzia an infestation with or a resulting infection caused by a parasite of the genus Schistosoma; common in the tropics and Far East; symptoms depend on the part of the body infected
biliary relating to the bile ducts or the gallbladder; relating to or containing bile
bilious suffering from or suggesting a liver disorder or gastric distress; relating to or containing bile; irritable as if suffering from indigestion
bilirubin an orange yellow pigment in the bile that forms as a product of hemoglobin; excess amounts in the blood produce the yellow appearance observed in jaundice
bimodal of a distribution; having or occurring with two modes
binge an occasion for excessive eating or drinking; any act of immoderate indulgence; verb overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself
binocular relating to both eyes
biologic pertaining to biology or to life and living things
biological of parents and children; related by blood; pertaining to biology or to life and living things
bipolar disorder a mental disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression
bipolar having two poles; of, pertaining to, or occurring in both polar regions; of or relating to manic depressive illness
birth the event of being born; the time when something begins (especially life); the process of giving birth; the kinship relation of an offspring to the parents; verb cause_to_be_born
bitumen any of various naturally occurring impure mixtures of hydrocarbons
black widow venomous New World spider; the female is black with an hourglass shaped red mark on the underside of the abdomen
bladder a bag that fills with air; a distensible membranous sac (usually containing liquid or gas)
blank void of expression; (of a surface) not written or printed on; not charged with a bullet; a cartridge containing an explosive charge but no bullet; a piece of material ready to be made into something; a substitute for a taboo word; a blank gap or missing part; a blank character used to separate successive words in writing or printing; verb keep the opposing (baseball) team from winning
blast a very long fly ball; an explosion (as of dynamite); intense adverse criticism; a highly pleasurable or exciting experience; a sudden very loud noise; a strong current of air; verbuse explosives on; make a strident sound; hit hard
bleed verb draw blood; drain of liquid or steam; get or extort (money or other possessions) from someone; lose blood from one's body; be diffused
bleeding flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessels
blocker a class of drugs that inhibit (block) some biological process; a football player whose responsibility is to block players attempting to stop an offensive play
blocking the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements
blood cell either of two types of cells (erythrocytes and leukocytes) and sometimes including platelets
blood pressure the pressure of the circulating blood against the walls of the blood vessels; results from the systole of the left ventricle of the heart; sometimes measured for a quick evaluation of a person's health
blood sugar glucose in the bloodstream
blood temperament or disposition; the fluid (red in vertebrates) that is pumped by the heart; people viewed as members of a group; the descendants of one individual; a dissolute man in fashionable society; verb smear with blood, as in a hunting initiation rite, where the face of a person is smeared with the blood of the kill
blow out verb melt, break, or become otherwise unusable; erupt in an uncontrolled manner; put out, as of fires, flames, or lights
bluebottle blowfly with iridescent blue body; makes a loud buzzing noise in flight; an annual Eurasian plant cultivated in North America having showy heads of blue or purple or pink or white flowers
blunt devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment; characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion; used of a knife or other blade; not sharp; having a broad or rounded end; verb make less sharp; make less intense; make less lively, intense, or vigorous; impair in vigor, force, activity, or sensation; make dull or blunt; make numb or insensitive
bolus a large pill; used especially in veterinary medicine; a small round soft mass (as of chewed food)
bone consisting of or made up of bone; a shade of white the color of bleached bones; rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates; the porous calcified substance from which bones are made; verb remove the bones from; study intensively, as before an exam
bones a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance
bony having bones especially many or prominent bones; very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold; composed of or containing bone
borrelia burgdorferi cause of Lyme disease; transmitted primarily by ticks of genus Ixodes
borrelia cause of e.g. European and African relapsing fever
botulin potent bacterial toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that causes botulism; can be used as a bioweapon
botulinum toxin any of several neurotoxins that are produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum; causes muscle paralysis
botulinum anaerobic bacterium producing botulin the toxin that causes botulism
botulism food poisoning from ingesting botulin; not infectious; affects the CNS; can be fatal if not treated promptly
bowel the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus
boxer a breed of stocky medium sized short haired dog with a brindled coat and square jawed muzzle developed in Germany; someone who fights with his fists for sport; a member of a nationalistic Chinese secret society that led an unsuccessful rebellion in 1900 against foreign interests in China; a workman employed to pack things into containers
brachial plexus a network of nerves formed by cervical and thoracic spinal nerves and supplying the arm and parts of the shoulder
brachial of or relating to an arm
bradycardia abnormally slow heartbeat
breaking (of waves) curling over and crashing into surf or spray; the act of breaking something
breast the front part of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen; either of two soft fleshy milk secreting glandular organs on the chest of a woman; meat carved from the breast of a fowl; verb reach the summit; meet at breast level; confront bodily
breath the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing; a slight movement of the air; the air that is inhaled and exhaled in respiration; a short respite; an indirect suggestion
breathing passing or able to pass air in and out of the lungs normally; sometimes used in combination; the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
breathlessness a dyspneic condition
british of or relating to or characteristic of Great Britain or its people or culture; the people of Great Britain
bromide any of the salts of hydrobromic acid; formerly used as a sedative but now generally replaced by safer drugs; a trite or obvious remark
bronchiolitis inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchioles
bronchitis inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchial tubes
bronchopneumonia pneumonia characterized by acute inflammation of the walls of the bronchioles
bronchus either of the two main branches of the trachea
brucellosis infectious bacterial disease of human beings transmitted by contact with infected animals or infected meat or milk products; characterized by fever and headache; an infectious disease of domestic animals often resulting in spontaneous abortion; transmittable to human beings
buccal toward the inside of the cheek; lying within the mouth; of or relating to or toward the cheek
bulimia pathologically insatiable hunger (especially when caused by brain lesions); a disorder of eating seen among young women who go on eating binges and then feel guilt and depression and self condemnation
bumper extraordinarily abundant; a mechanical device consisting of bars at either end of a vehicle to absorb shock and prevent serious damage; a glass filled to the brim (especially as a toast)
bundle a package of several things tied together for carrying or storing; a collection of things wrapped or boxed together; a large sum of money (especially as pay or profit); verb sleep fully clothed in the same bed with one's betrothed; make into a bundle; compress into a wad; gather or cause to gather into a cluster
buried placed in a grave
burns celebrated Scottish poet (1759 1796); United States comedian and film actor (1896 1996)
burp a reflex that expels wind noisily from the stomach through the mouth; verb expel gas from the stomach
bursitis inflammation of a bursa; frequently in the shoulder
by so as to pass a given point; in reserve; not for immediate use
bypass a road that takes traffic around the edge of a town; a surgically created shunt (usually around a damaged part); a conductor having low resistance in parallel with another device to divert a fraction of the current; verb avoid something unpleasant or laborious
cabg open heart surgery in which the rib cage is opened and a section of a blood vessel is grafted from the aorta to the coronary artery to bypass the blocked section of the coronary artery and improve the blood supply to the heart
cad someone who is morally reprehensible; software used in art and architecture and engineering and manufacturing to assist in precision drawing
calcaneal relating to the heel bone or heel
calcaneus the largest tarsal bone; forms the human heel
calcific involving or resulting from calcification
calcium chloride a deliquescent salt; used in de icing and as a drying agent
calcium a white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light; the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust; an important component of most plants and animals
calculous relating to or caused by or having a calculus or calculi
calculus the branch of mathematics that is concerned with limits and with the differentiation and integration of functions; a hard lump produced by the concretion of mineral salts; found in hollow organs or ducts of the body; an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums
calf young of domestic cattle; young of various large placental mammals e.g. whale or giraffe or elephant or buffalo; the muscular back part of the shank; fine leather from the skin of a calf
call out a challenge to a fight or duel
canal long and narrow strip of water made for boats or for irrigation; (astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion; a bodily passage or tube lined with epithelial cells and conveying a secretion or other substance; verb provide (a city) with a canal
candidiasis an infection caused by fungi of the genus Monilia or Candida (especially Candida albicans)
cannulation the insertion of a cannula or tube into a hollow body organ
carbamate a salt (or ester) of carbamic acid
carbon monoxide poisoning a toxic condition that results from inhaling and absorbing carbon monoxide gas
carbon monoxide an odorless very poisonous gas that is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon
carbon a copy made with carbon paper; an abundant nonmetallic tetravalent element occurring in three allotropic forms: amorphous carbon and graphite and diamond; occurs in all organic compounds; a thin paper coated on one side with a dark waxy substance (often containing carbon); used to transfer characters from the original to an under sheet of paper
carbuncle an infection larger than a boil and with several openings for discharge of pus; deep red cabochon garnet cut without facets
carcinoma any malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue; one of the four major types of cancer
cardiac arrest absence of systole; failure of the ventricles of the heart to contract (usually caused by ventricular fibrillation) with consequent absence of the heart beat leading to oxygen lack and eventually to death
cardiac of or relating to the heart
cardiogenic shock shock caused by cardiac arrest
cardiomyopathy a disorder (usually of unknown origin) of the heart muscle (myocardium)
cardiopulmonary resuscitation an emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac massage and artificial respiration; the first treatment for a person who has collapsed and has no pulse and has stopped breathing; attempts to restore circulation of the blood and prevent death or brain damage due to lack of oxygen
cardiopulmonary of or pertaining to or affecting both the heart and the lungs and their functions
cardiorespiratory of or pertaining to or affecting both the heart and the lungs and their functions
cardiovascular of or pertaining to or involving the heart and blood vessels
carditis inflammation of the heart
carotid of or relating to either of the two major arteries supplying blood to the head and neck
carpal tunnel syndrome a painful disorder caused by compression of a nerve in the carpal tunnel; characterized by discomfort and weakness in the hands and fingers and by sensations of tingling, burning or numbness
carpal tunnel a passageway in the wrist through which nerves and the flexor muscles of the hands pass
carpal of or relating to the wrist; any of the eight small bones of the wrist of primates
carpus a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones
cascade a succession of stages or operations or processes or units; a small waterfall or series of small waterfalls; a sudden downpour (as of tears or sparks etc) likened to a rain shower; verbarrange (open windows) on a computer desktop so that they overlap each other, with the title bars visible; rush down in big quantities, like a cascade
casualty a decrease of military personnel or equipment; someone injured or killed in an accident; someone injured or killed or captured or missing in a military engagement; an accident that causes someone to die
catheter a thin flexible tube inserted into the body to permit introduction or withdrawal of fluids or to keep the passageway open
catheterization the operation of introducing a catheter into the body
cation a positively charged ion
cauda any taillike structure
caudate having a tail or taillike appendage; of a leaf shape; tapering gradually into a long taillike tip; amphibians that resemble lizards; a tail shaped basal ganglion located in a lateral ventricle of the brain
causing the act of causing something to happen
caustic of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action; harsh or corrosive in tone; any chemical substance that burns or destroys living tissue
cavernous sinus either of a pair of large venous sinuses in the cranial cavity
cavernous being or suggesting a cavern; filled with vascular sinuses and capable of becoming distended and rigid as the result of being filled with blood
cdc a federal agency in the Department of Health and Human Services; located in Atlanta; investigates and diagnoses and tries to control or prevent diseases (especially new and unusual diseases)
cecal of or like a cecum
cellular characterized by or divided into or containing cells or compartments (the smallest organizational or structural unit of an organism or organization); relating to cells
cellulitis an inflammation of body tissue (especially that below the skin) characterized by fever and swelling and redness and pain
central in or near a center or constituting a center; the inner area; centrally located and easy to reach; used in the description of a place that in the middle of another place; serving as an essential component; a workplace that serves as a telecommunications facility where lines from telephones can be connected together to permit communication
cer an emotional response that has been acquired by conditioning
cerebellar relating to or associated with the cerebellum
cerebral aneurysm an aneurysm of the carotid artery
cerebral involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct; of or relating to the cerebrum or brain
cerebrospinal of or relating to the brain and spinal cord
cerebrovascular accident a sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain
cerebrovascular of or relating to the brain and the blood vessels that supply it
cereus genus of much branched treelike or shrubby cacti with proced ribs and rounded needlelike spines and nocturnal flowers usually white
cervical relating to or associated with the neck; of or relating to the cervix of the uterus
cesarean section the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)
cesarean relating to abdominal delivery; the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)
chalazion a small sebaceous cyst of the eyelid resulting when a Meibomian gland is blocked
chambers English architect (1723 1796)
chancre a small hard painless nodule at the site of entry of a pathogen (as syphilis)
chancroid infectious venereal ulcer
charcoal of a very dark grey; a stick of black carbon material used for drawing; a drawing made with a stick of black carbon material; a very dark grey color; a carbonaceous material obtained by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air; verb draw, trace, or represent with charcoal
chart a map designed to assist navigation by air or sea; a visual display of information; verb plan in detail; make a chart of; represent by means of a graph
chauffeur a man paid to drive a privately owned car; verbdrive someone in a vehicle
chelation the process of forming a ring by forming one or more hydrogen bonds; (medicine) the process of removing a heavy metal from the bloodstream by means of a chelate as in treating lead or mercury poisoning
chemical relating to or used in chemistry; of or made from or using substances produced by or used in reactions involving atomic or molecular changes; produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules
chickenpox an acute contagious disease caused by herpes varicella zoster virus; causes a rash of vesicles on the face and body
child a young person of either sex; a human offspring (son or daughter) of any age; an immature childish person; a member of a clan or tribe
childhood the state of a child between infancy and adolescence; the time of person's life when they are a child
chlamydial of or pertaining to the sexually transmitted infection or to the parasite
chloride any salt of hydrochloric acid (containing the chloride ion); any compound containing a chlorine atom
chlorine a common nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; best known as a heavy yellow irritating toxic gas; used to purify water and as a bleaching agent and disinfectant; occurs naturally only as a salt (as in sea water)
chloroquine an antimalarial drug used to treat malaria and amebic dysentery and systemic lupus erythematosus
choice of superior grade; appealing to refined taste; the act of choosing or selecting; the person or thing chosen or selected; one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
choking the act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe; a condition caused by blocking the airways to the lungs (as with food or swelling of the larynx)
cholangitis inflammation of the bile ducts
cholecystitis inflammation of the gall bladder
cholelithiasis the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder
cholera an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food
cholestasis a condition in which little or no bile is secreted or the flow of bile into the digestive tract is obstructed
cholesterol an animal sterol that is normally synthesized by the liver; the most abundant steroid in animal tissues
cholinergic releasing or activated by acetylcholine or a related compound
chorea any of several degenerative nervous disorders characterized by spasmodic movements of the body and limbs; chorea in dogs
chorionic of or relating to a chorion
christmas a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ; a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland; period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6; verb spend Christmas
chronic lymphocytic leukemia chronic leukemia characterized by lymphoblast like cells; more common in older men
chronic being long lasting and recurrent or characterized by long suffering
circulatory failure failure of the cardiovascular system to supply adequate amounts of blood to body tissues
circulatory relating to circulatory system or to circulation of the blood; of or relating to circulation
cirrhosis a chronic disease interfering with the normal functioning of the liver; the major cause is chronic alcoholism
cl a metric unit of volume equal to one hundredth of a liter; a common nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; best known as a heavy yellow irritating toxic gas; used to purify water and as a bleaching agent and disinfectant; occurs naturally only as a salt (as in sea water)
class elegance in dress or behavior; people having the same social or economic status; a collection of things sharing a common attribute; (biology) a taxonomic group containing one or more orders; a body of students who are taught together; a body of students who graduate together; a league ranked by quality; education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings; verb arrange or order by classes or categories
classic characteristic of the classical artistic and literary traditions; adhering to established standards and principles; a creation of the highest excellence; an artist who has created classic works
classification restriction imposed by the government on documents or weapons that are available only to certain authorized people; the basic cognitive process of arranging into classes or categories; a group of people or things arranged by class or category; the act of distributing things into classes or categories of the same type
clavicle bone linking the scapula and sternum
cleaning the act of making something clean
clenched fist a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
clonic of or relating to abnormal neuromuscular activity characterized by rapidly alternating muscle contraction and relaxation
clostridium spindle shaped bacterial cell especially one swollen at the center by an endospore
clothier a merchant who sells men's clothing
clouding the process whereby water particles become visible in the sky
clozapine an antipsychotic drug (trade name Clozaril) used as a sedative and for treatment resistant schizophrenia; know to have few side effects
cluster a grouping of a number of similar things; verb come together as in a cluster or flock; gather or cause to gather into a cluster
cmv any of a group of herpes viruses that enlarge epithelial cells and can cause birth defects; can affect humans with impaired immunological systems
cns the portion of the vertebrate nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord
coagulation the process of forming semisolid lumps in a liquid
coalescent growing together, fusing
cocaine a narcotic (alkaloid) extracted from coca leaves; used as a surface anesthetic or taken for pleasure; can become powerfully addictive
coccyx the end of the vertebral column in humans and tailless apes
cochlear of or relating to the cochlea of the ear
code a coding system used for transmitting messages requiring brevity or secrecy; (computer science) the symbolic arrangement of data or instructions in a computer program or the set of such instructions; a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones); verb attach a code to; convert ordinary language into code
codeine derivative of opium; used as an antitussive (to relieve coughing) and an analgesic (to relive pain)
cognitive of or being or relating to or involving cognition
colic acute abdominal pain (especially in infants)
colitis inflammation of the colon
collateral descended from a common ancestor but through different lines; situated or running side by side; accompany, concomitant; serving to support or corroborate; a security pledged for the repayment of a loan
coma a state of deep and often prolonged unconsciousness; usually the result of disease or injury; (astronomy) the luminous cloud of particles surrounding the frozen nucleus of a comet; forms as the comet approaches the sun and is warmed; a usually terminal tuft of hairs especially on a seed
combined made or joined or united into one; involving the joint activity of two or more
commitment the official act of consigning a person to confinement (as in a prison or mental hospital); the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action; an engagement by contract involving financial obligation; a message that makes a pledge; the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose
committee a special group delegated to consider some matter; a self constituted organization to promote something
communicating the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information
communication something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups; the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information; a connection allowing access between persons or places
compartment a partitioned section or separate room within a larger enclosed area; a small space or subdivision for storage
compensated receiving or eligible for compensation
competence the quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually
complication the act or process of complicating; a development that complicates a situation; a situation or condition that is complex or confused; any disease or disorder that occurs during the course of (or because of) another disease; puzzling complexity
compound fracture bone fracture associated with lacerated soft tissue or an open wound
compression fracture fracture in which the bone collapses (especially in short bones such as vertebrae)
compression applying pressure; encoding information while reducing the bandwidth or bits required; the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together; an increase in the density of something
compulsory required by rule
computed tomography a method of examining body organs by scanning them with X rays and using a computer to construct a series of cross sectional scans along a single axis
concealed hidden on any grounds for any motive; not accessible to view
conception the act of becoming pregnant; fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon; the creation of something in the mind; an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances; the event that occurred at the beginning of something
concussion any violent blow; injury to the brain caused by a blow; usually resulting in loss of consciousness
conductance a material's capacity to conduct electricity; measured as the reciprocal of electrical resistance
confused mentally confused; unable to think with clarity or act intelligently; lacking orderly continuity; having lost your bearings; confused as to time or place or personal identity; thrown into a state of disarray or confusion; perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment
confusion a mistake that results from taking one thing to be another; an act causing a disorderly combination of elements with identities lost and distinctions blended; a mental state characterized by a lack of clear and orderly thought and behavior; a feeling of embarrassment that leaves you confused; disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
congenital present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
congestive heart failure inability to pump enough blood to avoid congestion in the tissues
congestive relating to or affected by an abnormal collection of blood or other fluid
conjugated of an organic compound; containing two or more double bonds each separated from the other by a single bond; formed by the union of two compounds; joined together especially in a pair or pairs
conjunctiva a transparent membrane covering the eyeball and under surface of the eyelid
conjunctival of or relating to the conjunctiva
conjunctivitis inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye
conscious (followed by `of') showing realization or recognition of something; knowing and perceiving; having awareness of surroundings and sensations and thoughts; intentionally conceived
consciousness an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation; having knowledge of
consent permission to do something; verb give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to
constipation irregular and infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels; can be a symptom of intestinal obstruction or diverticulitis; the act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)
constricting (of circumstances) tending to constrict freedom; hindering freedom of movement
consumption the act of consuming something; the process of taking food into the body through the mouth (as by eating); (economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing; involving the lungs with progressive wasting of the body
contact dermatitis a delayed type of allergic reaction of the skin resulting from skin contact with a specific allergen (such as poison ivy)
continuous continuing in time or space without interruption; of a function or curve; extending without break or irregularity
contraception birth control by the use of devices (diaphragm or intrauterine device or condom) or drugs or surgery
contraceptive capable of preventing conception or impregnation; an agent or device intended to prevent conception
contractility the capability or quality of shrinking or contracting, especially by muscle fibers and even some other forms of living matter
contraction the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope; (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber); a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds; the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
contracture an abnormal and usually permanent contraction of a muscle
contusion the action of bruising; an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration
convulsive affected by involuntary jerky muscular contractions; resembling a spasm; resembling a convulsion in being sudden and violent
cooling the process of becoming cooler; a falling temperature; a mechanism for keeping something cool
coping brick that is laid sideways at the top of a wall
cor pulmonale enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart due to disease of the lungs or of the pulmonary blood vessels
coral of a strong pink to yellowish pink color; marine colonial polyp characterized by a calcareous skeleton; masses in a variety of shapes often forming reefs; a variable color averaging a deep pink; unfertilized lobster roe; reddens in cooking; used as garnish or to color sauces; the hard stony skeleton of a Mediterranean coral that has a delicate red or pink color and is used for jewelry
cord a line made of twisted fibers or threads; a cut pile fabric with vertical ribs; usually made of cotton; a light insulated conductor for household use; a unit of amount of wood cut for burning; 128 cubic feet; verb bind or tie with a cord; stack in cords
cornea transparent anterior portion of the outer covering of the eye; it covers the lens and iris and is continuous with the sclera
corneal of or related to the cornea
coronary artery the artery that branches from the aorta to supply blood to the heart
coronary surrounding like a crown (especially of the blood vessels surrounding the heart); obstruction of blood flow in a coronary artery by a blood clot (thrombus)
coroner a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes
corpus the main part of an organ or other bodily structure; a collection of writings; capital as contrasted with the income derived from it
corpuscular of or relating to corpuscles
cortical of or relating to a cortex
costochondritis inflammation at the junction of a rib and its cartilage
cot a small bed that folds up for storage or transport; baby bed with high sides made of slats; a sheath worn to protect a finger
cough the act of exhaling air suddenly with a noise; sudden expulsion of air from the lungs that clears the air passages; a common symptom of upper respiratory infection or bronchitis or pneumonia or tuberculosis; verb exhale abruptly, as when one has a chest cold or congestion
council a meeting of people for consultation; a body serving in an administrative capacity; (Christianity) an assembly or theologians and bishops and other representative of different churches or dioceses that is convened to regulate matters of discipline or doctrine
counselling something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action
count the act of counting; a nobleman (in various countries) having rank equal to a British earl; the total number counted; verbinclude as if by counting; have faith or confidence in; name or recite the numbers; determine the number or amount of; have weight; have import, carry weight; put into a group; take account of; show consideration for; take into account
cpr an emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac massage and artificial respiration; the first treatment for a person who has collapsed and has no pulse and has stopped breathing; attempts to restore circulation of the blood and prevent death or brain damage due to lack of oxygen
cpu (computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing
cradle cap a dermatitis of the scalp that is common in infants
cranial of or relating to the cranium which encloses the brain
creatine an amino acid that does not occur in proteins but is found in the muscle tissue of vertebrates both in the free form and as phosphocreatine; supplies energy for muscle contraction
crew the men who man a ship or aircraft; the team of men manning a racing shell; an organized group of workmen; an informal body of friends; verb serve as a crew member on
crisis a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something; an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty
crohn United States physician who specialized in diseases of the intestines; he was the first to describe regional ileitis which is now known as Crohn's disease (1884 1983)
croup a disease of infants and young children; harsh coughing and hoarseness and fever and difficult breathing; the part of a quadruped that corresponds to the human buttocks
crp a byproduct of inflammation; a globulin that is found in the blood in some cases of acute inflammation
cruciate shaped like a cross
cruelty a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering; the quality of being cruel and causing tension or annoyance; feelings of extreme heartlessness
crunch the sound of something crunching; a critical situation that arises because of a shortage (as a shortage of time or money or resources); the act of crushing; verb make crunching noises; chew noisily; press or grind with a crunching noise; reduce to small pieces or particles by pounding or abrading
crushed treated so as to have a permanently wrinkled appearance; subdued or brought low in condition or status
crying conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible; noisy with or as if with loud cries and shouts; demanding attention; the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
crystal a protective cover that protects the face of a watch; glassware made of quartz; a crystalline element used as a component in various electronic devices; a rock formed by the solidification of a substance; has regularly repeating internal structure; external plane faces; a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure; colorless glass made of almost pure silica
cs a soft silver white ductile metallic element (liquid at normal temperatures); the most electropositive and alkaline metal
ct a method of examining body organs by scanning them with X rays and using a computer to construct a series of cross sectional scans along a single axis; a New England state; one of the original 13 colonies
cuff the lap consisting of a turned back hem encircling the end of the sleeve or leg; shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs; verb hit with the hand; confine or restrain with or as if with manacles or handcuffs
cult a system of religious beliefs and rituals; adherents of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices; an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
curettage surgery to remove tissue or growths from a bodily cavity (as the uterus) by scraping with a curette
current occurring in or belonging to the present time; a steady flow (usually from natural causes); a flow of electricity through a conductor; dominant course (suggestive of running water) of successive events or ideas
cushing United States neurologist noted for his study of the brain and pituitary gland and who identified Cushing's syndrome (1869 1939)
cut down verb intercept (a player); cut down on; make a reduction in; cause to come or go down; cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow; cut with a blade or mower; cut with sweeping strokes; as with an ax or machete
cutaneous relating to or existing on or affecting the skin
cva a sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain
cyanide poisoning poisoning due to ingesting or inhaling cyanide; common in smoke from fires and in industrial chemicals
cyanide an extremely poisonous salt of hydrocyanic acid; any of a class of organic compounds containing the cyano radical CN
cyanogenic capable of producing cyanide
cyanosis a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes; a sign that oxygen in the blood is dangerously diminished (as in carbon monoxide poisoning)
cyclic recurring in cycles; of a compound having atoms arranged in a ring structure; botany; forming a whorl or having parts arranged in a whorl; marked by repeated cycles; conforming to the Carnot cycle
cyst a closed sac that develops abnormally in some body structure; a small anatomically normal sac or bladderlike structure (especially one containing fluid)
cystic fibrosis the most common congenital disease; the child's lungs and intestines and pancreas become clogged with thick mucus; caused by defect in a single gene; there is no cure
cystic of or relating to or resembling a cyst; of or relating to a normal cyst (as the gallbladder or urinary bladder)
cystitis inflammation of the urinary bladder and ureters
cytomegalovirus any of a group of herpes viruses that enlarge epithelial cells and can cause birth defects; can affect humans with impaired immunological systems
d the 4th letter of the Roman alphabet; a fat soluble vitamin that prevents rickets
dacryocystitis inflammation of the lacrimal sac causing obstruction of the tube draining tears into the nose
daily occurring or done each day; measured by the day or happening every day; without missing a day; gradually and progressively; a newspaper that is published every day
damage the act of damaging something or someone; loss of military equipment; the occurrence of a change for the worse; any harm or injury resulting from a violation of a legal right; the amount of money needed to purchase something; verb inflict damage upon
dashboard instrument panel on an automobile or airplane containing dials and controls; protective covering consisting of a panel to protect people from the splashing water or mud etc.
de a Mid Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
death the act of killing; the event of dying or departure from life; the personification of death; the permanent end of all life functions in an organism or part of an organism; the absence of life or state of being dead; the time at which life ends; continuing until dead; the time when something ends; a final state
debridement surgical removal of foreign material and dead tissue from a wound in order to prevent infection and promote healing
decompression relieving pressure; restoring compressed information to its normal form for use or display
defect a failing or deficiency; an imperfection in a bodily system; an imperfection in a device or machine; a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something (especially on a person's body); verb desert (a cause, a country or an army), often in order to join the opposing cause, country, or army
defibrillation treatment by stopping fibrillation of heart muscles (usually by electric shock delivered by a defibrillator)
defibrillator an electronic device that administers an electric shock of preset voltage to the heart through the chest wall in an attempt to restore the normal rhythm of the heart during ventricular fibrillation
deficiency lack of an adequate quantity or number; the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable
definition clarity of outline; a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol
definitive supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement; clearly defined or formulated; of recognized authority or excellence
deformity an affliction in which some part of the body is misshapen or malformed; an appearance that has been spoiled or is misshapen
degenerative arthritis chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints; the most common form of arthritis occurring usually after middle age
degenerative (of illness) marked by gradual deterioration of organs and cells along with loss of function
dehydrated suffering from excessive loss of water from the body; preserved by removing natural moisture
dehydration the process of extracting moisture; depletion of bodily fluids; dryness resulting from the removal of water
delayed caused to be slower or later; not as far along as normal in development
deliberate by conscious design or purpose; marked by careful consideration or reflection; with care and dignity; produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation; carefully thought out in advance; verb discuss the pros and cons of an issue; think about carefully; weigh
delirium a usually brief state of excitement and mental confusion often accompanied by hallucinations; state of violent mental agitation
delivery the act of delivering a child; the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail); the voluntary transfer of something (title or possession) from one party to another; the event of giving birth; recovery or preservation from loss or danger; (baseball) the act of throwing a baseball by a pitcher to a batter; your characteristic style or manner of expressing yourself orally
delusion the act of deluding; deception by creating illusory ideas; a mistaken or unfounded opinion or idea; (psychology) an erroneous belief that is held in the face of evidence to the contrary
dementia mental deterioration of organic or functional origin
dengue fever an infectious disease of the tropics transmitted by mosquitoes and characterized by rash and aching head and joints
dengue an infectious disease of the tropics transmitted by mosquitoes and characterized by rash and aching head and joints
density the amount per unit size; the spatial property of being crowded together
dental of or relating to the teeth; of or relating to dentistry; a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge
dentine bone (calcified tissue) surrounding the pulp cavity of a tooth; a calcareous material harder and denser than bone that comprises the bulk of a tooth
dentition the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal; the eruption through the gums of baby teeth
denture a dental appliance that artificially replaces missing teeth
department a specialized sphere of knowledge; a specialized division of a large organization; the territorial and administrative division of some countries (such as France)
dependency a geographical area politically controlled by a distant country; lack of independence or self sufficiency; being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)
depletion the act of decreasing something markedly; the state of being depleted
deposition the act of deposing someone; removing a powerful person from a position or office; (law) a pretrial interrogation of a witness; usually conducted in a lawyer's office; the natural process of laying down a deposit of something; the act of putting something somewhere
depressed having the central portion lower than the margin; lower than previously; flattened downward as if pressed from above or flattened along the dorsal and ventral surfaces; low in spirits
dermatitis inflammation of the skin; skin becomes itchy and may develop blisters
dermatological of or relating to or practicing dermatology
dermatomyositis myositis characterized by weakness of limb and neck muscles and much muscle pain and selling accompanied by skin rash affecting cheeks and eyelids and neck and chest and limbs; progression and severity vary among individuals
dermatophytosis fungal infection of the skin (especially of moist parts covered by clothing)
designation the act of designating or identifying something; the act of putting a person into a non elective position; identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others
destruction the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists; an event (or the result of an event) that completely destroys something; a final state
detachment the act of releasing from an attachment or connection; a small unit of troops of special composition; coming apart; avoiding emotional involvement; the state of being isolated or detached
detection the act of detecting something; catching sight of something; a police investigation to determine the perpetrator; the perception that something has occurred or some state exists; the detection that a signal is being received
detention a punishment in which a student must stay at school after others have gone home; a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
detoxification treatment for poisoning by neutralizing the toxic properties (normally a function of the liver); a treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol intended to remove the physiological effects of the addictive substances
developmental of or relating to or constituting development
device any clever maneuver; an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; an emblematic design (especially in heraldry); any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery); something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect
devices an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase `left to your own devices'
dextrose an isomer of glucose that is found in honey and sweet fruits
diabetes insipidus a rare form of diabetes resulting from a deficiency of vasopressin (the pituitary hormone that regulates the kidneys); characterized by the chronic excretion of large amounts of pale dilute urine which results in dehydration and extreme thirst
diabetes mellitus diabetes caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and characterized by polyuria
diabetes any of several metabolic disorders marked by excessive urination and persistent thirst
diabetic coma coma that can develop in inadequately treated cases of diabetes mellitus
diabetic suffering from diabetes; of or relating to or causing diabetes; someone who has diabetes
diagnosis identifying the nature or cause of some phenomenon
diagnostic characteristic or indicative of e.g. a disease; concerned with diagnosis; used for furthering diagnosis
diagram a drawing intended to explain how something works; a drawing showing the relation between the parts; verb make a schematic or technical drawing of that shows how things work or how they are constructed
dialysis separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
diaper dermatitis dermatitis of the thighs and buttocks of infants; supposedly caused by ammonia in the urine in the child's diapers
diaper rash dermatitis of the thighs and buttocks of infants; supposedly caused by ammonia in the urine in the child's diapers
diaper garment consisting of a folded cloth drawn up between the legs and fastened at the waist; worn by infants to catch excrement; a fabric (usually cotton or linen) with a distinctive woven pattern of small repeated figures
diaphoresis the process of the sweat glands of the skin secreting a salty fluid
diaphragm a mechanical device in a camera that controls size of aperture of the lens; electro acoustic transducer that vibrates to receive or produce sound waves; a contraceptive device consisting of a flexible dome shaped cup made of rubber or plastic; it is filled with spermicide and fitted over the uterine cervix; (anatomy) a muscular partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities; functions in respiration
diaphysis the main (mid) section of a long bone
diarrhea frequent and watery bowel movements; can be a symptom of infection or food poisoning or colitis or a gastrointestinal tumor
diarrhoea frequent and watery bowel movements; can be a symptom of infection or food poisoning or colitis or a gastrointestinal tumor
diastolic of or relating to a diastole or happening during a diastole
diazepam a tranquilizer (trade name Valium) used to relieve anxiety and relax muscles; acts by enhancing the inhibitory actions of the neurotransmitter GABA; can also be used as an anticonvulsant drug in cases of nerve agent poisoning
diffuse spread out; not concentrated in one place; lacking conciseness; (of light) transmitted from a broad light source or reflected; verb move outward; cause to become widely known; spread or diffuse through
digit a finger or toe in human beings or corresponding body part in other vertebrates; one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration; the length of breadth of a finger used as a linear measure
digital of a circuit or device that represents magnitudes in digits; relating to or performed with the fingers; displaying numbers rather than scale positions
digitalis a powerful cardiac stimulant obtained from foxglove; any of several plants of the genus Digitalis
digoxin digitalis preparation (trade name Lanoxin) used to treat congestive heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia; helps the heart beat more forcefully
dilated made wider or larger in all dimensions
dilation the act of expanding an aperture; a lengthy discussion (spoken or written) on a particular topic
diltiazem a calcium blocker (trade name Cardizem) used in treating hypertension or angina or heart failure
dioxide an oxide containing two atoms of oxygen in the molecule
diphenhydramine antihistamine (trade name Benadryl) used to treat allergic reactions involving the nasal passages (hay fever) and also to treat motion sickness
diphtheria acute contagious infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae; marked by the formation of a false membrane in the throat and other air passages causing difficulty in breathing
diplopia visual impairment in which an object is seen as two objects
disability the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness
disaster an act that has disastrous consequences; an event resulting in great loss and misfortune; a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
disc a flat circular plate; (computer science) a memory device consisting of a flat disk covered with a magnetic coating on which information is stored; sound recording consisting of a disk with a continuous groove; used to reproduce music by rotating while a phonograph needle tracks in the groove; something with a round shape like a flat circular plate
disclosure the speech act of making something evident
disease an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning
disk a flat circular plate; something with a round shape like a flat circular plate; (computer science) a memory device consisting of a flat disk covered with a magnetic coating on which information is stored; sound recording consisting of a disk with a continuous groove; used to reproduce music by rotating while a phonograph needle tracks in the groove; verb draw a harrow over (land)
dislike a feeling of aversion or antipathy; an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group; verb have or feel a dislike or distaste for
dislocation the act of disrupting an established order so it fails to continue; an event that results in a displacement or discontinuity; a displacement of a part (especially a bone) from its normal position (as in the shoulder or the vertebral column)
disorder a disturbance of the peace or of public order; condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning; a condition in which things are not in their expected places; verb bring disorder to; disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed
dissection cutting so as to separate into pieces; detailed critical analysis or examination one part at a time (as of a literary work); a minute and critical analysis
dissociation the act of removing from association; (chemistry) the temporary or reversible process in which a molecule or ion is broken down into smaller molecules or ions; a state in which some integrated part of a person's life becomes separated from the rest of the personality and functions independently
distal situated farthest from point of attachment or origin, as of a limb or bone; directed away from the midline or mesial plane of the body
distension the act of expanding by pressure from within; the state of being stretched beyond normal dimensions
distraction the act of distracting; drawing someone's attention away from something; mental turmoil; an obstacle to attention; an entertainment that provokes pleased interest and distracts you from worries and vexations
distress the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim; psychological suffering; extreme physical pain; a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need); verb cause mental pain to
distribution the act of distributing or spreading or apportioning; the commercial activity of transporting and selling goods from a producer to a consumer; the spatial property of being scattered about over an area or volume; (statistics) an arrangement of values of a variable showing their observed or theoretical frequency of occurrence
distributive shock shock caused by poor distribution of the blood flow
distributive serving to distribute or allot or disperse
disulfiram a drug (trade name Antabuse) used in the treatment of alcoholism; causes nausea and vomiting if alcohol is ingested
diverticulitis inflammation of a diverticulum in the digestive tract (especially the colon); characterized by painful abdominal cramping and fever and constipation
diverticulosis presence of multiple diverticula in the walls of the colon
diverticulum a herniation through the muscular wall of a tubular organ (especially the colon)
diving an athletic competition that involves diving into water; a headlong plunge into water
dizziness a reeling sensation; a feeling that you are about to fall
dl a metric unit of volume equal to one tenth of a liter
dm a metric unit of length equal to one tenth of a meter; diabetes caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and characterized by polyuria
dna (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
documentation documentary validation; confirmation that some fact or statement is true; program listings or technical manuals describing the operation and use of programs
dog bite a bite inflicted by a dog
domestic violence violence or physical abuse directed toward your spouse or domestic partner; usually violence by men against women
domestic produced in a particular country; of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation; of or involving the home or family; converted or adapted to domestic use; of or relating to the home; a servant who is paid to perform menial tasks around the household
donation act of giving in common with others for a common purpose especially to a charity; a voluntary gift (as of money or service or ideas) made to some worthwhile cause
dopamine a monoamine neurotransmitter found in the brain and essential for the normal functioning of the central nervous system; as a drug (trade names Dopastat and Intropin) it is used to treat shock and hypotension
dorsal belonging to or on or near the back or upper surface of an animal or organ or part; facing away from the axis of an organ or organism
dose a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time; the quantity of an active agent (substance or radiation) taken in or absorbed at any one time; street name for lysergic acid diethylamide; a communicable infection transmitted by sexual intercourse or genital contact; verb treat with an agent; add (an agent) to; administer a drug to
dot the shorter of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code; street name for lysergic acid diethylamide; the United States federal department that institutes and coordinates national transportation programs; created in 1966; a very small circular shape; verb mark with a dot; make a dot or dots; scatter or intersperse like dots or studs; distribute loosely
drain emptying something accomplished by allowing liquid to run out of it; a gradual depletion of energy or resources; a pipe through which liquid is carried away; tube inserted into a body cavity (as during surgery) to remove unwanted material; verb empty of liquid; drain the liquid from; deplete of resources; flow off gradually; make weak
driving having the power of driving or impelling; acting with vigor; the act of controlling and steering the movement of a vehicle or animal; hitting a golf ball off of a tee with a driver
drug abuse excessive use of drugs
drug of abuse a drug that is taken for nonmedicinal reasons (usually for mind altering effects); drug abuse can lead to physical and mental damage and (with some substances) dependence and addiction
drug withdrawal the termination of drug taking
drug a substance that is used as a medicine or narcotic; verbadminister a drug to; use recreational drugs
dub verb provide (movies) with a soundtrack of a foreign language; give a nickname to; raise (someone) to knighthood
due owed and payable immediately or on demand; suitable to or expected in the circumstances; scheduled to arrive; directly or exactly; straight; that which is deserved or owed; a payment that is due (e.g., as the price of membership)
duodenal in or relating to the duodenum
duration continuance in time; the property of enduring or continuing in time; the period of time during which something continues
dysfunction (medicine) any disturbance in the function of an organ or body part
dysfunctional (of a trait or condition) failing to serve an adjustive purpose; impaired in function; especially of a bodily system or organ
dysgenesis infertility between hybrids
dysphagia condition in which swallowing is difficult or painful
dyspnea difficult or labored respiration
dyspnoea difficult or labored respiration
e the 5th letter of the Roman alphabet; the base of the natural system of logarithms; approximately equal to 2.718282...; the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees; a radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons; a fat soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body
ear the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium; good hearing; attention to what is said; fruiting spike of a cereal plant especially corn; the externally visible cartilaginous structure of the external ear
earache an ache localized in the middle or inner ear
eardrum the membrane in the ear that vibrates to sound
early at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time; being or occurring at an early stage of development; of an early stage in the development of a language or literature; very young; belonging to the distant past; expected in the near future; before the usual time or the time expected; in good time; during an early stage
eas a federal warning system that is activated by FEMA; enables the President to take over the United States airwaves to warn the whole country of major catastrophic events
eating disorder a disorder of the normal eating routine
eating the act of consuming food
ebola a severe and often fatal disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys and chimpanzees) caused by the Ebola virus; characterized by high fever and severe internal bleeding; can be spread from person to person; is largely limited to Africa
ebv the herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis; associated with specific cancers in Africa and China
ecchymosis the escape of blood from ruptured blood vessels into the surrounding tissue to form a purple or black and blue spot on the skin; the purple or black and blue area resulting from a bruise
ecg a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
edema swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue
eeg a graphical record of electrical activity of the brain; produced by an electroencephalograph
efficacy capacity or power to produce a desired effect
effusion flow under pressure; an unrestrained expression of emotion
elapid any of numerous venomous fanged snakes of warmer parts of both hemispheres
elbow the joint of a mammal or bird that corresponds to the human elbow; the part of a sleeve that covers the elbow joint; a sharp bend in a road or river; a length of pipe with a sharp bend in it; hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped; verb shove one's elbow into another person's ribs; push one's way with the elbows
eld a time in life (usually defined in years) at which some particular qualification or power arises; a late time of life
elder used of the older of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a father from his son; a person who is older than you are; any of various church officers; any of numerous shrubs or small trees of temperate and subtropical northern hemisphere having white flowers and berrylike fruit
elderly advanced in years; (`aged' is proced as two syllables); people who are old collectively
electric affected by emotion as if by electricity; thrilling; (of a situation) exceptionally tense; using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity; a car that is powered by electricity
electrical relating to or concerned with electricity; using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
electrocardiogram a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
electrocution killing by electric shock; execution by electricity
electroencephalograph medical instrument that records electric currents generated by the brain
electrolyte a solution that conducts electricity
electromechanical of or relating to or involving an electrically operated mechanical device
elimination the murder of a competitor; the act of removing or getting rid of something; the act of removing an unknown mathematical quantity by combining equations; analysis of a problem into alternative possibilities followed by the systematic rejection of unacceptable alternatives; the bodily process of discharging waste matter
em a linear unit (1/6 inch) used in printing; the square of a body of any size of type
embolism occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus (a loose clot or air bubble or other particle); an insertion into a calendar
embolus an abnormal particle (e.g. an air bubble or part of a clot) circulating in the blood
emergency a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action; a state in which martial law applies; a brake operated by hand; usually operates by mechanical linkage
emesis the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
emotional of more than usual emotion; determined or actuated by emotion rather than reason; of or pertaining to emotion; (of persons) excessively affected by emotion; extravagantly demonstrative
emphysema an abnormal condition of the lungs marked by decreased respiratory function; associated with smoking or chronic bronchitis or old age
emulsion a light sensitive coating on paper or film; consists of fine grains of silver bromide suspended in a gelatin; (chemistry) a colloid in which both phases are liquids
en half the width of an em
enamel any smooth glossy coating that resembles ceramic glaze; a paint that dries to a hard glossy finish; hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth; a colored glassy compound (opaque or partially opaque) that is fused to the surface of metal or glass or pottery for decoration or protection; verb coat, inlay, or surface with enamel
encephalitis inflammation of the brain usually caused by a virus; symptoms include headache and neck pain and drowsiness and nausea and fever (`phrenitis' is no longer in scientific use)
encephalopathy any disorder or disease of the brain
endocarditis inflammation of the endocardium and heart valves
endocrine of or belonging to endocrine glands or their secretions; any of the glands of the endocrine system that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream; the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect
endometriosis the presence of endometrium elsewhere than in the lining of the uterus; causes premenstrual pain and dysmenorrhea
endometritis inflammation of the lining of the uterus (of the endometrium)
endoscopy visual examination of the interior of a hollow body organ by use of an endoscope
enema injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate evacuation; sometimes used for diagnostic purposes
energy an imaginative lively style (especially style of writing); enterprising or ambitious drive; forceful exertion; (physics) the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs; a healthy capacity for vigorous activity; the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the United States; created in 1977
enteric of or relating to the enteron; of or relating to or inside the intestines
enteritis inflammation of the intestine (especially the small intestine); usually characterized by diarrhea
entrapment a defense that claims the defendant would not have broken the law if not tricked into doing it by law enforcement officials
environmental concerned with the ecological effects of altering the environment; of or relating to the external conditions or surroundings
enzyme any of several complex proteins that are produced by cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions
epicondylitis painful inflammation of the muscles and soft tissues around an epicondyle
epidemic (especially of medicine) of disease or anything resembling a disease; attacking or affecting many individuals in a community or a population simultaneously; a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease; many people are infected at the same time
epidemiology the branch of medical science dealing with the transmission and control of disease
epidermal of or relating to a cuticle or cuticula
epidermis the outer layer of the skin covering the exterior body surface of vertebrates
epididymitis painful inflammation of the epididymis
epidural on or outside the dura mater; regional anesthesia resulting from injection of an anesthetic into the epidural space of the spinal cord; sensation is lost in the abdominal and genital and pelvic areas; used in childbirth and gynecological surgery
epigastric lying on or over the stomach; of or relating to the anterior walls of the abdomen
epiglottitis inflammation of the epiglottis; characterized by fever and a severe sore throat and difficulty in swallowing
epilepsy a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by loss of consciousness and convulsions
epinephrine a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin); stimulates autonomic nerve action
epiphyseal relating to the epiphysis of a bone
epiphysis the end of a long bone; initially separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage that eventually ossifies so the parts become fused; a small endocrine gland in the brain; situated beneath the back part of the corpus callosum; secretes melatonin
episcleritis inflammation of the sclera of the eye
episiotomy surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vagina and so facilitate delivery during childbirth
episodic limited in duration to a single episode; occurring or appearing at usually irregular intervals; of writing or narration; divided into or composed of episodes
equipment an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service
ergotamine an alkaloid derived from ergot that is less toxic than ergot; causes constriction of blood vessels and is used to treat migraine
erosion (geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it); a gradual decline of something; condition in which the earth's surface is worn away by the action of water and wind; erosion by chemical action
eruption the emergence of a tooth as it breaks through the gum; (of volcanos) pouring out fumes of lava (or a deposit so formed); symptom consisting of a breaking out and becoming visible; a sudden very loud noise; a sudden violent spontaneous occurrence (usually of some undesirable condition); the sudden occurrence of a violent discharge of steam and volcanic material
erysipelas an acute streptococcal infection characterized by deep red inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes
erythema multiforme a red rash caused by hypersensitivity to a drug or disease or other allergen
erythema nodosum skin condition characterized by tender red nodules on the shins and legs
erythema abnormal redness of the skin resulting from dilation of blood vessels (as in sunburn or inflammation)
erythematous relating to or characterized by erythema
erythrocyte a mature blood cell that contains hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the bodily tissues; a biconcave disc that has no nucleus
es a radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
escherichia coli a species of bacterium normally present in intestinal tract of humans and other animals; sometimes pathogenic; can be a threat to food safety
escherichia a genus of enteric bacteria
esophageal relating to the esophagus
esophagus the passage between the pharynx and the stomach
esr microwave spectroscopy in which there is resonant absorption of radiation by a paramagnet; the rate at which red blood cells settle out in a tube of blood under standardized conditions; a high rate usually indicates the presence of inflammation
essex a county in southeastern England on the North Sea and the Thames estuary
est standard time in the 5th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern United States
estimation a judgment of the qualities of something or somebody; an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth; the respect with which a person is held; a document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation)
estrogen a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics
ethanol the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors; used pure or denatured as a solvent or in medicines and colognes and cleaning solutions and rocket fuel; proposed as a renewable clean burning additive to gasoline
ethmoid one of the eight bones of the cranium; a small bone filled with air spaces that forms part of the eye sockets and the nasal cavity
ethyl the univalent hydrocarbon radical C2H5 derived from ethane by the removal of one hydrogen atom
ethylene glycol a sweet but poisonous syrupy liquid used as an antifreeze and solvent
ethylene a flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic
evacuation the act of evacuating; leaving a place in an orderly fashion; especially for protection; the act of removing the contents of something; the bodily process of discharging waste matter
evaluation act of ascertaining or fixing the value or worth of; an appraisal of the value of something
evans British archaeologist who excavated the palace of Knossos in Crete to find what he called Minoan civilization (1851 1941); United States anatomist who identified four pituitary hormones and discovered vitamin E (1882 1971)
event something that happens at a given place and time; a phenomenon located at a single point in space time; the fundamental observational entity in relativity theory; a special set of circumstances; a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
eversion the position of being turned outward; the act of turning inside out
examination the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes); the act of giving students or candidates a test (as by questions) to determine what they know or have learned; a set of questions or exercises evaluating skill or knowledge; a detailed inspection of your conscience (as done daily by Jesuits); formal systematic questioning
exanthem eruption on the skin occurring as a symptom of a disease
excellence the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree; an outstanding feature; something in which something or someone excels
excess more than is needed, desired, or required; immoderation as a consequence of going beyond sufficient or permitted limits; a quantity much larger than is needed; excessive indulgence; the state of being more than full
exclusion the state of being excluded; the act of forcing out someone or something; a deliberate act of omission; the state of being excommunicated
excretion the bodily process of discharging waste matter; waste matter (as urine or sweat but especially feces) discharged from the body
exercise the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit; a task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding; systematic training by multiple repetitions; (usually plural) a ceremony that involves processions and speeches; the act of using; verb do physical exercise; give a workout to; learn by repetition; put to use; carry out or practice; as of jobs and professions
exertion use of physical or mental energy; hard work
exhaustion the act of exhausting something entirely; extreme fatigue; serious weakening and loss of energy
expiratory of or relating to the breathing out phase of respiration
exploration to travel for the purpose of discovery; a careful systematic search; a systematic consideration
extensor a skeletal muscle whose contraction extends or stretches a body part
external ear the part of the ear visible externally
external happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface; purely outward or superficial; from or between other countries; coming from the outside; outward features
extrasystole a premature systole resulting in a momentary cardiac arrhythmia
extremity an external body part that projects from the body; that part of a limb that is farthest from the torso; the outermost or farthest region or point; the greatest or utmost degree; an extreme condition or state (especially of adversity or disease)
eye opener something surprising and revealing; an alcoholic drink intended to wake one up early in the morning
eye a small hole or loop (as in a needle); the organ of sight; good discernment (either visually or as if visually); attention to what is seen; an area that is approximately central within some larger region; verb look at
eyebrow the arch of hair above each eye
eyelid either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
eyes opinion or judgment
fabricated formed or conceived by the imagination
facial of or pertaining to the outside surface of an object; of or concerning the face; care for the face that usually involves cleansing and massage and the application of cosmetic creams; cranial nerve that supplies facial muscles
factitious not produced by natural forces
failed unable to meet financial obligations
failure an unexpected omission; an act that fails; an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose; a person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently; loss of ability to function normally; lack of success; inability to discharge all your debts as they come due
fallot French physician who described cardiac anomalies including Fallot's tetralogy (1850 1911)
falls the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris); a steep descent of the water of a river
false labor painless contractions of the muscles of the uterus that continue throughout pregnancy with increasing frequency
fasting abstaining from food
fatal controlled or decreed by fate; predetermined; bringing death; having momentous consequences; of decisive importance; (of events) having extremely unfortunate or dire consequences; bringing ruin
febrile of or relating to or characterized by fever
feeding the act of supplying food and nourishment; the act of consuming food
felon a purulent infection at the end of a finger or toe in the area surrounding the nail; someone who has committed (or been legally convicted of) a crime
femoral vein a vein that accompanies the femoral artery in the same sheath; a continuation of the popliteal vein; becomes the external iliac vein
femoral of or relating to or near the femur or thigh
femur the longest and thickest bone of the human skeleton; extends from the pelvis to the knee
fentanyl trade names of a narcotic analgesic that can be inhaled and that acts on the central nervous system and may become addictive; used as a veterinary anesthetic and with other drugs before, during, and after surgery; also used as a nonlethal gas to incapacitate people in hostage situations; also abused as a recreational drug
ferritin a protein containing 20% iron that is found in the intestines and liver and spleen; it is one of the chief forms in which iron is stored in the body
fetal distress an abnormal condition of a fetus; usually discovered during pregnancy and characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm
fetal of or relating to a fetus
fever intense nervous anticipation; a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection
fibrillation act or process of forming fibrils; muscular twitching involving individual muscle fibers acting without coordination
fibrosis development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ
fifth coming next after the fourth and just before the sixth in position; the musical interval between one note and another five notes away from it; a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon; position five in a countable series of things; one part in five equal parts
filtration the act of changing a fluid by passing it through a filter; the process whereby fluids pass through a filter or a filtering medium
finger one of the parts of a glove that provides covering for a finger or thumb; any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb); the length of breadth of a finger used as a linear measure; verb indicate the fingering for the playing of musical scores for keyboard instruments; feel or handle with the fingers; search for on the computer; examine by touch
first aid emergency care given before regular medical aid can be obtained
fiscal involving financial matters
fish any of various mostly cold blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills; the flesh of fish used as food; the twelfth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about February 19 to March 20; (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Pisces; verb catch or try to catch fish or shellfish; seek indirectly
fissure (anatomy) a long narrow slit or groove that divides an organ into lobes; a long narrow opening; a long narrow depression in a surface; verb break into fissures or fine cracks
fistula an abnormal passage leading from a suppurating cavity to the body surface; a chronic inflammation of the withers of a horse
fl a state in southeastern United States between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War
flail an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end; used in manual threshing; verb move like a flail; thresh about; give a thrashing to; beat hard
flavivirus animal viruses belonging to the family Flaviviridae
flexion act of bending a joint; especially a joint between the bones of a limb so that the angle between them is decreased; deviation from a straight or normal course; the state of being flexed (as of a joint)
flexor a skeletal muscle whose contraction bends a joint
flu an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease
fluid subject to change; variable; affording change (especially in social status); in cash or easily convertible to cash; characteristic of a fluid; capable of flowing and easily changing shape; smooth and unconstrained in movement; a continuous amorphous substance that tends to flow and to conform to the outline of its container: a liquid or a gas; a substance that is fluid at room temperature and pressure
fluorescein a yellow dye that is visible even when highly diluted; used as an absorption indicator when silver nitrate solution is added to sodium chloride in order to precipitate silver chloride (turns pink when no chloride ions are left in solution and negative fluorescein ions are then absorbed)
fluorosis a pathological condition resulting for an excessive intake of fluorine (usually from drinking water)
flutter abnormally rapid beating of the auricles of the heart (especially in a regular rhythm); can result in heart block; the act of moving back and forth; the motion made by flapping up and down; a disorderly outburst or tumult; verb flag the wings rapidly or fly with flapping movements; wink briefly; move back and forth very rapidly; beat rapidly; move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
focal having or localized centrally at a focus; of or relating to a focus
focused of an optical system (e.g. eye or opera glasses) adjusted to produce a clear image; (of light rays) converging on a point; being in focus or brought into focus; concentrated on or clustered around a central point or purpose
folate a B vitamin that is essential for cell growth and reproduction
follow up a subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment; an activity that continues something that has already begun or that repeats something that has already been done; a piece of work that exploits or builds on earlier work
following about to be mentioned or specified; immediately following in time or order; going or proceeding or coming after in the same direction; in the desired direction; a group of followers or enthusiasts; the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
food any substance that can be metabolized by an organism to give energy and build tissue; anything that provides mental stimulus for thinking; any solid substance (as opposed to liquid) that is used as a source of nourishment
forced made necessary by an unexpected situation or emergency; forced or compelled; produced by or subjected to forcing; lacking spontaneity; not natural
forearm the part of the superior limb between the elbow and the wrist; verb arm in advance of a confrontation
forehead the large cranial bone forming the front part of the cranium: includes the upper part of the orbits; the part of the face above the eyes
foreign relating to or originating in or characteristic of another place or part of the world; of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own); not contained in or deriving from the essential nature of something; not belonging to that in which it is contained; introduced from an outside source
forensic of, relating to, or used in courts of law or public debate or argument
foreskin a fold of skin covering the tip of the penis; a fold of skin covering the tip of the clitoris
formula a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement; a conventionalized statement expressing some fundamental principle; a representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements; a liquid food for infants; something regarded as a normative example; (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems; directions for making something
formulary of or relating to or of the nature of a formula; (pharmacology) a book containing a compilation of pharmaceutical products with their formulas and methods of preparation
fort a fortified defensive structure; a fortified military post where troops are stationed; verb station (troops) in a fort; gather in, or as if in, a fort, as for protection or defense; enclose by or as if by a fortification
fossa largest carnivore of Madagascar; intermediate in some respects between cats and civets; monotypic genus of Madagascar civets closely related to palm civets; a concavity in a surface (especially an anatomical depression)
four being one more than three; the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
fractional constituting or comprising a part or fraction of a possible whole or entirety
fracture the act of cracking something; breaking of hard tissue such as bone; (geology) a crack in the earth's crust resulting from the displacement of one side with respect to the other; verbfracture a bone of; break (a bone); become fractured; violate or abuse; break into pieces; interrupt, break, or destroy
fragmentation the scattering of bomb fragments after the bomb explodes; (computer science) the condition of a file that is broken up and stored in many different locations on a magnetic disk; the disintegration of social norms governing behavior and thought and social relationships; separating something into fine particles
friction effort expended in moving one object over another with pressure; the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another; a state of conflict between persons
frostbite destruction of tissue by freezing and characterized by tingling, blistering and possibly gangrene
frozen not convertible to cash; turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold; not thawed; absolutely still; incapable of being changed or moved or undone; e.g. "frozen prices"; (used of foods) preserved by freezing sufficiently rapidly to retain flavor and nutritional value; devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
functional designed for or capable of a particular function or use; involving or affecting function rather than physiology; designed for or adapted to a function or use; fit or ready for use or service; relating to or based on function especially as opposed to structure; (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing
fungal of or relating to fungi
funnel web a funnel shaped spider web; the funnel web spider perches in the center of the web
funny experiencing odd bodily sensations; beyond or deviating from the usual or expected; arousing or provoking laughter; not as expected; an account of an amusing incident (usually with a punch line)
furosemide commonly used diuretic (trade name Lasix) used to treat hypertension and edema
furunculosis acute skin disease characterized by the presence of many furuncles
fussy exacting especially about details; perversely irritable; overcrowded or cluttered with detail
gamekeeper a person employed to take care of game and wildlife
gangrene necrotic tissue; a mortified or gangrenous part or mass; the localized death of living cells (as from infection or the interruption of blood supply); verb undergo necrosis
gap a narrow opening; a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures; a difference (especially an unfortunate difference) between two opinions or two views or two situations; an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity; a pass between mountain peaks; an open or empty space in or between things; verbmake an opening or gap in
garden a plot of ground where plants are cultivated; a yard or lawn adjoining a house; the flowers or vegetables or fruits or herbs that are cultivated in a garden; verb work in the garden
gastric relating to or involving the stomach
gastritis inflammation of the lining of the stomach; nausea and loss of appetite and discomfort after eating
gastroenteritis inflammation of the stomach and intestines; can be caused by Salmonella enteritidis
gastroesophageal reflux reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus
gastroesophageal of or relating to or involving the stomach and esophagus
gastrointestinal tract tubular passage of mucous membrane and muscle extending about 8.3 meters from mouth to anus; functions in digestion and elimination
gastrointestinal of or relating to the stomach and intestines
gc 1,000,000,000 periods per second
gca aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar
gel a colloid in a more solid form than a sol; a thin translucent membrane used over stage lights for color effects; verb become a gel; apply a styling gel to
general practitioner a physician who is not a specialist but treats all illnesses
generalised spread throughout a body or system; not biologically differentiated or adapted to a specific function or environment
generalized spread throughout a body or system; not biologically differentiated or adapted to a specific function or environment
genetics the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms
genital of or relating to the external sex organs
geriatric of or relating to or practicing geriatrics; of or relating to the aged
german of or pertaining to or characteristic of Germany or its people or language; of a more or less German nature; somewhat German; the standard German language; developed historically from West Germanic; a person of German nationality
gestational of or relating to gestation
ghb a club drug available in liquid or powder form is taken orally (frequently combined with alcohol); used to incapacitate individuals for the commission of sexual assault and rape
gi of or relating to the stomach and intestines; a unit of magnetomotive force equal to 0.7958 ampere turns; verb clean in preparation for inspection
giardia a suspected cause of diarrhea in humans
giardiasis infection of the intestines with protozoa found in contaminated food and water; characterized by diarrhea and nausea and flatulence and abdominal discomfort
gingivitis inflammation of the gums
gland any of various organs that synthesize substances needed by the body and release it through ducts or directly into the bloodstream
glandular fever an acute disease characterized by fever and swollen lymph nodes and an abnormal increase of mononuclear leucocytes or monocytes in the bloodstream; not highly contagious; some believe it can be transmitted by kissing
glandular relating to or affecting or functioning as a gland
glasgow largest city in Scotland; a port on the Clyde in west central Scotland; one of the great shipbuilding centers of the world
glaucoma increased pressure in the eyeball due to obstruction of the outflow of aqueous humor; damages the optic disc and impairs vision (sometimes progressing to blindness)
global involving the entire earth; not limited or provincial in scope; having the shape of a sphere or ball
globe a sphere on which a map (especially of the earth) is represented; the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on; an object with a spherical shape
globulin a family of proteins found in blood and milk and muscle and in plant seed
glomerular of or relating to glomeruli
glomerulonephritis nephritis marked by inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidney; characterized by decreased production of urine and by the presence of blood and protein in the urine and by edema
glossary an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge; usually published as an appendix to a text on that field
glucagon a hormone secreted by the pancreas; stimulates increases in blood sugar levels in the blood (thus opposing the action of insulin)
glucose a monosaccharide sugar that has several forms; an important source of physiological energy
glue cement consisting of a sticky substance that is used as an adhesive; verb be fixed as if by glue; join or attach with or as if with glue
glyceryl trinitrate a heavy yellow poisonous oily explosive liquid obtained by nitrating glycerol; used in making explosives and medically as a vasodilator (trade names Nitrospan and Nitrostat)
glyceryl a trivalent radical derived from glycerol by removing the three hydroxyl radicals
glycol any of a class of alcohols having 2 hydroxyl groups in each molecule; a sweet but poisonous syrupy liquid used as an antifreeze and solvent
glycoprotein a conjugated protein having a carbohydrate component
going in full operation; advancing toward a goal; act of departing; euphemistic expressions for death
golfer someone who plays the game of golf
gonadotrophin hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and placenta; stimulates the gonads and controls reproductive activity
gonadotropin hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and placenta; stimulates the gonads and controls reproductive activity
gonorrhoea a common venereal disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae; symptoms are painful urination and pain around the urethra
gout a painful inflammation of the big toe and foot caused by defects in uric acid metabolism resulting in deposits of the acid and its salts in the blood and joints
gouty suffering from gout
gp a physician who is not a specialist but treats all illnesses
gps a navigational system involving satellites and computers that can determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by computing the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver
gradient the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the horizontal; a graded change in the magnitude of some physical quantity or dimension
grading changing the ground level to a smooth horizontal or gently sloping surface; evaluation of performance by assigning a grade or score; the act of arranging in a graduated series
graft the act of grafting something onto something else; (surgery) tissue or organ transplanted from a donor to a recipient; in some cases the patient can be both donor and recipient; the practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage; verb cause to grow together parts from different plants; place the organ of a donor into the body of a recipient
granulocytic of or relating to granulocytes
granulocytopenia an acute blood disorder (often caused by radiation or drug therapy) characterized by severe reduction in granulocytes
granulomatous relating to or characterized by granulomas
graves English writer known for his interest in mythology and in the classics (1895 1985)
gravidity technical terms for pregnancy
grease a thick fatty oil (especially one used to lubricate machinery); the state of being covered with unclean things; verblubricate with grease
great of major significance or importance; relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind; remarkable or out of the ordinary in degree or magnitude or effect; in an advanced stage of pregnancy; marked by active interest and enthusiasm; very good; uppercase; a person who has achieved distinction and honor in some field
greenstick fracture a partial fracture of a bone (usually in children); the bone is bent but broken on only one side
groin the crease at the junction of the inner part of the thigh with the trunk together with the adjacent region and often including the external genitals; a protective structure of stone or concrete; extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away; verb build with groins
group a the blood group whose red cells carry the A antigen
group any number of entities (members) considered as a unit; a set that is closed, associative, has an identity element and every element has an inverse; (chemistry) two or more atoms bound together as a single unit and forming part of a molecule; verbarrange into a group or groups; form a group or group together
gu of or related to the genital and urinary organs or their functions; the largest and southernmost island in the Marianas which is administered as a territory of the United States; it was ceded by Spain to the United States in 1898
guilty showing a sense of guilt; responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act; or marked by guilt
gunshot the act of shooting a gun
gynaecological of or relating to or practicing gynecology
gynaecology the branch of medicine that deals with the diseases and hygiene of women
haart a combination of protease inhibitors taken with reverse transcriptase inhibitors; used in treating AIDS and HIV
haematemesis vomiting blood
haematocrit a measuring instrument to determine (usually by centrifugation) the relative amounts of corpuscles and plasma in the blood; the ratio of the volume occupied by packed red blood cells to the volume of the whole blood as measured by a hematocrit
haematology the branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the blood and blood forming organs
haematoma a localized swelling filled with blood
haematuria the presence of blood in the urine; often a symptom of urinary tract disease
haemodialysis dialysis of the blood to remove toxic substances or metabolic wastes from the bloodstream; used in the case of kidney failure
haemoglobin a hemoprotein composed of globin and heme that gives red blood cells their characteristic color; function primarily to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues
haemolysis lysis of erythrocytes with the release of hemoglobin
haemolytic relating to or involving or causing hemolysis
haemophilia congenital tendency to uncontrolled bleeding; usually affects males and is transmitted from mother to son
haemoptysis coughing up blood from the respiratory tract; usually indicates a severe infection of the bronchi or lungs
haemorrhage flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessels
haemorrhagic of or relating to a hemorrhage
haemostasis surgical procedure of stopping the flow of blood (as with a hemostat)
haemothorax accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and the walls of the chest)
hallucinogen a psychoactive drug that induces hallucinations or altered sensory experiences
hallucinogenic capable of producing hallucinations
haloperidol tranquilizer (trade name Haldol) used to treat some psychotic disorders and Tourette's syndrome
halothane a nonflammable inhalation anesthetic that produces general anesthesia; used along with analgesics and muscle relaxants for many types of surgical procedures
hamate the wrist bone in line with the 4th and 5th fingers
handling the action of touching with the hands (or the skillful use of the hands) or by the use of mechanical means; manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something; the management of someone or something
handover act of relinquishing property or authority etc
hanging supported from above; a form of capital punishment; victim is suspended by the neck from a gallows or gibbet until dead; decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window; the act of suspending something (hanging it from above so it moves freely)
hangman an executioner who hangs the condemned person
hap an accidental happening; verb come to pass
harm the act of damaging something or someone; the occurrence of a change for the worse; any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.; verb cause or do harm to
harris publisher of the first newspaper printed in America (1673 1713); British marshal of the Royal Air Force; during World War II he directed mass bombing raids against German cities that resulted in heavy civilian casualties (1892 1984); Irish writer noted for his sexually explicit but unreliable autobiography (1856 1931); United States diplomat who was instrumental in opening Japan to foreign trade (1804 1878)
hazmat an abbreviation for `hazardous material' used on warning signs
hb a hemoprotein composed of globin and heme that gives red blood cells their characteristic color; function primarily to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues
hcg hormone produced early in pregnancy by the placenta; detection in the urine and serum is the basis for one kind of pregnancy test
hdl a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood; composed of a high proportion of protein and relatively little cholesterol; high levels are thought to be associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis
headache pain in the head caused by dilation of cerebral arteries or muscle contractions or a reaction to drugs; something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness
health the general condition of body and mind; a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
heart failure inability of the heart to pump enough blood to sustain normal bodily functions
heart murmur an abnormal sound of the heart; sometimes a sign of abnormal function of the heart valves
heat exhaustion a condition marked by dizziness and nausea and weakness caused by depletion of body fluids and electrolytes
height the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top; (of a standing person) the distance from head to foot; elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface; the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
helicopter an aircraft without wings that obtains its lift from the rotation of overhead blades
helping an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal
hematochezia passage of stools containing blood (as from diverticulosis or colon cancer or peptic ulcer)
hematoma a localized swelling filled with blood
hematuria the presence of blood in the urine; often a symptom of urinary tract disease
hemolysis lysis of erythrocytes with the release of hemoglobin
hemolytic relating to or involving or causing hemolysis
hemophilia congenital tendency to uncontrolled bleeding; usually affects males and is transmitted from mother to son
hemoptysis coughing up blood from the respiratory tract; usually indicates a severe infection of the bronchi or lungs
hemorrhage flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessels; verb lose blood from one's body
hemorrhagic of or relating to a hemorrhage
hemorrhoid pain caused by venous swelling at or inside the anal sphincter
hemothorax accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and the walls of the chest)
heparin a polysaccharide produced in basophils (especially in the lung and liver) and that inhibits the activity of thrombin in coagulation of the blood; it (trade names Lipo Hepin and Liquaemin) is used as an anticoagulant in the treatment of thrombosis and in heart surgery
hepatic pertaining to or affecting the liver; any of numerous small green nonvascular plants of the class Hepaticopsida growing in wet places and resembling green seaweeds or leafy mosses
hepatitis inflammation of the liver caused by a virus or a toxin
hereditary inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent; tending to occur among members of a family usually by heredity
hernia rupture in smooth muscle tissue through which a bodily structure protrudes
herniated disc a painful rupture of the fibrocartilage of the disc between spinal vertebrae; occurs most often in the lumbar region
herniation rupture in smooth muscle tissue through which a bodily structure protrudes
heroin a narcotic that is considered a hard drug; a highly addictive morphine derivative; intravenous injection provides the fastest and most intense rush
herpes simplex virus a herpes virus that affects the skin and nervous system
herpes simplex a herpes virus that affects the skin and nervous system; an infection caused by the herpes simples virus; affects the skin and nervous system; produces small temporary (but sometimes painful) blisters on the skin and mucous membranes
herpes zoster a herpes virus that causes shingles; eruptions along a nerve path often accompanied by severe neuralgia
herpes any of the animal viruses that cause painful blisters on the skin; viral diseases causing eruptions of the skin or mucous membrane
hess United States physicist (born in Austria) who was a discoverer of cosmic radiation (1883 1964); Nazi leader who in 1941 flew a solo flight to Scotland in an apparent attempt to negotiate a peace treaty with Great Britain but was imprisoned for life (1894 1987); Swiss physiologist noted for studies of the brain (1881 1973); English pianist (1890 1965)
high altitude occurring at or from a relative high altitude
high velocity operating at high speed
high voltage operating on or powered by a high voltage; vigorously energetic or forceful
highly in a high position or level or rank; to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect; at a high rate or wage
hip informed about the latest trends; either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh; the ball and socket joint between the head of the femur and the acetabulum; the fruit of a rose plant; the structure of the vertebrate skeleton supporting the lower limbs in humans and the hind limbs or corresponding parts in other vertebrates
hirschsprung Danish pediatrician (1830 1916)
histamine amine formed from histidine that stimulates gastric secretions and dilates blood vessels; released by the human immune system during allergic reactions
history the discipline that records and interprets past events involving human beings; all that is remembered of the past as preserved in writing; a body of knowledge; a record or narrative description of past events; the aggregate of past events; the continuum of events occurring in succession leading from the past to the present and even into the future
hiv infection by the human immunodeficiency virus; the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); it replicates in and kills the helper T cells
hives an itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale interiors and well defined red margins; usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs
hordeolum an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
hormone the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect
horse solid hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times; a padded gymnastic apparatus on legs; a chessman shaped to resemble the head of a horse; can move two squares horizontally and one vertically (or vice versa); a framework for holding wood that is being sawed; troops trained to fight on horseback; verb provide with a horse or horses
hospital a health facility where patients receive treatment; a medical institution where sick or injured people are given medical or surgical care
human immunodeficiency virus the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); it replicates in and kills the helper T cells
human having human form or attributes as opposed to those of animals or divine beings; characteristic of humanity; relating to a person; any living or extinct member of the family Hominidae characterized by superior intelligence, articulate speech, and erect carriage
hume Scottish philosopher whose sceptical philosophy restricted human knowledge to that which can be perceived by the senses (1711 1776)
humerus bone extending from the shoulder to the elbow
hus Czechoslovakian religious reformer who anticipated the Reformation; he questioned the infallibility of the Catholic Church was excommunicated (1409) for attacking the corruption of the clergy; he was burned at the stake (1372 1415)
hutchinson American colonist (born in England) who was banished from Boston for her religious views (1591 1643)
hydatid cyst filled with liquid; forms as a result of infestation by tapeworm larvae (as in echinococcosis)
hydatidiform mole an abnormality during pregnancy; chorionic villi around the fetus degenerate and form clusters of fluid filled sacs; usually associated with the death of the fetus
hydrocarbon an organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen
hydrocele disorder in which serous fluid accumulates in a body sac (especially in the scrotum)
hydrocephalus an abnormal condition in which cerebrospinal fluid collects in the ventricles of the brain; in infants it can cause abnormally rapid growth of the head and bulging fontanelles and a small face; in adults the symptoms are primarily neurological
hydrogen a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe
hydrops swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue
hydroxychloroquine anti inflammatory drug (trade name Plaquenil) used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and malaria and lupus erythematosus
hygiene the science concerned with the prevention of illness and maintenance of health; a condition promoting sanitary practices
hyperaldosteronism a condition caused by overproduction of aldosterone
hyperbilirubinemia abnormally high amounts of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood
hypercalcaemia the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood; usually the result of excessive bone resorption in hyperparathyroidism or Paget's disease
hypercalcemia the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood; usually the result of excessive bone resorption in hyperparathyroidism or Paget's disease
hypercapnia the presence of an abnormally high level of carbon dioxide in the circulating blood
hyperemesis gravidarum hyperemesis during pregnancy; if severe it can result in damage to the brain and liver and kidney
hyperemesis severe and excessive vomiting
hyperextension greater than normal extension
hyperkalemia higher than normal levels of potassium in the circulating blood; associated with kidney failure or sometimes with the use of diuretic drugs
hypernatremia excessive amounts of sodium in the blood; possibly indicating diabetes insipidus
hyperparathyroidism excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood; can affect many systems of the body (especially causing bone resorption and osteoporosis)
hypersensitivity extreme sensitivity; pathological sensitivity
hypertension a common disorder in which blood pressure remains abnormally high (a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or greater)
hypertensive having abnormally high blood pressure; a person who has abnormally high blood pressure
hyperthermia abnormally high body temperature; sometimes induced (as in treating some forms of cancer)
hyperthyroidism an overactive thyroid gland; pathologically excessive production of thyroid hormones or the condition resulting from excessive production of thyroid hormones
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy a disorder in which the heart muscle is so strong that it does not relax enough to fill with the heart with blood and so has reduced pumping ability
hyperventilation an increased depth and rate of breathing greater than demanded by the body needs; can cause dizziness and tingling of the fingers and toes and chest pain if continued
hypoadrenalism a glandular disorder caused by failure of function of the cortex of the adrenal gland and marked by anemia and prostration with brownish skin
hypocalcaemia abnormally low level of calcium in the blood; associated with hypoparathyroidism or kidney malfunction or vitamin D deficiency
hypocalcemia abnormally low level of calcium in the blood; associated with hypoparathyroidism or kidney malfunction or vitamin D deficiency
hypocapnia a state in which the level of carbon dioxide in the blood is lower than normal; can result from deep or rapid breathing
hypoglycaemia abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive insulin or a poor diet
hypoglycemia abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive insulin or a poor diet
hypoglycemic agent any of various agents that decrease the level of glucose in the blood and are used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus
hypoglycemic of or relating to hypoglycemia
hypokalemia abnormally low level of potassium in the circulating blood leading to weakness and heart abnormalities; associated with adrenal tumors or starvation or taking diuretics
hyponatremia abnormally low level of sodium in the blood; associated with dehydration
hypoparathyroidism inadequate secretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood
hypotension abnormally low blood pressure
hypothalamic of or relating to the hypothalamus
hypothermia subnormal body temperature
hypothyroidism an underactive thyroid gland; a glandular disorder resulting from insufficient production of thyroid hormones
hypovolaemia a blood disorder consisting of a decrease in the volume of circulating blood
hypovolaemic of or relating to a decrease in the volume of circulating blood
hypovolemia a blood disorder consisting of a decrease in the volume of circulating blood
hypovolemic of or relating to a decrease in the volume of circulating blood
hypoxia a very strong drive resulting from a deficiency of available oxygen in the blood and bodily tissues (short of anoxia)
i the 9th letter of the Roman alphabet; a nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)
iatrogenic induced by a physician's words or therapy (used especially of a complication resulting from treatment)
icc a former independent federal agency that supervised and set rates for carriers that transported goods and people between states; was terminated in 1995
ice skater someone who engages in ice skating
icu a hospital unit staffed and equipped to provide intensive care
idiopathic (of diseases) arising from an unknown cause
ig a class of proteins produced in lymph tissue in vertebrates and that function as antibodies in the immune response
ige one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; present primarily in the skin and mucous membranes
ileus blockage of the intestine (especially the ileum) that prevents the contents of the intestine from passing to the lower bowel
iliac of or relating to the ilium
illicit contrary to accepted morality (especially sexual morality) or convention; contrary to or forbidden by law
illness impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
imaging (medicine) obtaining pictures of the interior of the body; the ability to form mental images of things or events
immediate having no intervening medium; performed with little or no delay; immediately before or after as in a chain of cause and effect; of the present time and place; very close or connected in space or time
immersion a form of baptism in which part or all of a person's body is submerged; the act of wetting something by submerging it; complete attention; intense mental effort; (astronomy) the disappearance of a celestial body prior to an eclipse; sinking until covered completely with water
imminent close in time; about to occur
immobilization the act of limiting movement or making incapable of movement; fixation (as by a plaster cast) of a body part in order to promote proper healing
immune (usually followed by `to') not affected by a given influence; relating to or conferring immunity (to disease or infection); secure against; relating to the condition of immunity; a person who is immune to a particular infection
immunization the act of making immune (especially by inoculation)
immunodeficiency immunological disorder in which some part of the body's immune system is inadequate and resistance to infectious diseases is reduced
immunoglobulin a class of proteins produced in lymph tissue in vertebrates and that function as antibodies in the immune response
immunological of or relating to immunology
immunosuppression lowering the body's normal immune response to invasion by foreign substances; can be deliberate (as in lowering the immune response to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ) or incidental (as a side effect of radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancer)
impaction a disorder in which a tooth is so crowded in its socket that it cannot erupt normally; a disorder in which feces are impacted in the lower colon; the condition of being pressed closely together and firmly fixed; a sharp collision produced by striking or dashing against something
impairment damage that results in a reduction of strength or quality; the act of making something futile and useless (as by routine); the occurrence of a change for the worse; the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness; a symptom of reduced quality or strength
impetigo a very contagious infection of the skin; common in children; localized redness develops into small blisters that gradually crust and erode
impingement a sharp collision produced by striking or dashing against something; influencing strongly
imported used of especially merchandise brought from a foreign source
in general without distinction of one from others
in currently fashionable; directed or bound inward; holding office; to or toward the inside of; a state in midwestern United States; a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot; a rare soft silvery metallic element; occurs in small quantities in sphalerite
inappropriate not suitable for a particular occasion etc; not in keeping with what is correct or proper
inborn normally existing at birth; present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
incisor a tooth for cutting or gnawing; located in the front of the mouth in both jaws
incomplete abortion termination of pregnancy without expulsion of all of the products of conception
incomplete not complete or total; not completed; not yet finished
increased made greater in size or amount or degree
incubation period the period between infection and the appearance of symptoms of the disease
incubation maintaining something at the most favorable temperature for its development; (pathology) the phase in the development of an infection between the time a pathogen enters the body and the time the first symptoms appear; sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body
indexer someone who provides an index
indirect not direct in spatial dimension; not leading by a straight line or course to a destination; extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action; having intervening factors or persons or influences; not as a direct effect or consequence; descended from a common ancestor but through different lines
induced brought about or caused; not spontaneous
inevitable incapable of being avoided or prevented; invariably occurring or appearing; an unavoidable event
infancy the earliest state of immaturity; the early stage of growth or development
infant a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
infantile being or befitting or characteristic of an infant; of or relating to infants or infancy; indicating a lack of maturity
infarction localized necrosis resulting from obstruction of the blood supply
infectious easily spread; caused by infection or capable of causing infection; of or relating to infection
infiltration a process in which individuals (or small groups) penetrate an area (especially the military penetration of enemy positions without detection); the slow passage of a liquid through a filtering medium
inflammation arousal to violent emotion; a response of body tissues to injury or irritation; characterized by pain and swelling and redness and heat; the act of setting something on fire; the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up
inflammatory bowel disease inflammation of the colon
inflammatory characterized or caused by inflammation; arousing to action or rebellion
influenza an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease
information (communication theory) a numerical measure of the uncertainty of an outcome; knowledge acquired through study or experience or instruction; a message received and understood; formal accusation of a crime; a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn
infusion the act of infusing or introducing a certain modifying element or quality; (medicine) the passive introduction of a substance (a fluid or drug or electrolyte) into a vein or between tissues (as by gravitational force); the process of extracting certain active properties (as a drug from a plant) by steeping or soaking (usually in water); a solution obtained by steeping or soaking a substance (usually in water)
ingestion the process of taking food into the body through the mouth (as by eating)
ingrowing growing abnormally into the flesh
inguinal of or relating to or near the groin
inhalation the act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing; a medication to be taken by inhaling it
inhaler a dispenser that produces a chemical vapor to be inhaled in order to relieve nasal congestion
inhibitor a substance that retards or stops an activity
initial occurring at the beginning; the first letter of a word (especially a person's name); verb mark with one's initials
injection the forceful insertion of a substance under pressure; the act of putting a liquid into the body by means of a syringe; any solution that is injected (as into the skin)
injury an act that injures someone; an accident that results in physical damage or hurt; any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.; a casualty to military personnel resulting from combat
inner inside or closer to the inside of the body; located or occurring within or closer to a center; located inward; innermost or essential; exclusive to a center; especially a center of influence; confined to an exclusive group
inquest an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death
inquiry a systematic investigation of a matter of public interest; a search for knowledge; an instance of questioning
inr an agency that is the primary source in the State Department for interpretive analyses of global developments and focal point for policy issues and activities of the Intelligence Community
insect small air breathing arthropod; a person who has a nasty or unethical character undeserving of respect
insecticide a chemical used to kill insects
insertion the act of putting one thing into another; a message (spoken or written) that is introduced or inserted
inside away from the outer edge; being or applying to the inside of a building; relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space; confined to an exclusive group; within a building; on the inside; in reality; with respect to private feelings; the inner or enclosed surface of something; the region that is inside of something
inspired being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods
instability the quality or attribute of being unstable and irresolute; unreliability attributable to being unstable; an unstable order; a lack of balance or state of disequilibrium
insufficiency lack of an adequate quantity or number; (pathology) inability of a bodily part or organ to function normally; a lack of competence
insulin hormone secreted by the isles of Langerhans in the pancreas; regulates storage of glycogen in the liver and accelerates oxidation of sugar in cells
integrity moral soundness; an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting
intensive characterized by a high degree or intensity; often used as a combining form; of agriculture; intended to increase productivity of a fixed area by expending more capital and labor; tending to give force or emphasis; a modifier that has little meaning except to intensify the meaning it modifies
intentionally with intention; in an intentional manner
interaction a mutual or reciprocal action; interacting; (physics) the transfer of energy between elementary particles or between an elementary particle and a field or between fields; mediated by gauge bosons
intercostal located or occurring between the ribs; muscles between the ribs; they contract during inspiration
internal happening or arising or located within some limits or especially surface; occurring within an institution or community; located inward; inside the country; innermost or essential
international concerning or belonging to all or at least two or more nations; from or between other countries; any of several international socialist organizations
interstitial of or relating to interstices
interval the distance between things; a set containing all points (or all real numbers) between two given endpoints; the difference in pitch between two notes; a definite length of time marked off by two instants
intervention (law) a proceeding that permits a person to enter into a lawsuit already in progress; admission of person not an original party to the suit so that person can protect some right or interest that is allegedly affected by the proceedings; the act of intervening (as to mediate a dispute); a policy of intervening in the affairs of other countries
intervertebral pertaining to the space between two vertebrae
interview the questioning of a person (or a conversation in which information is elicited); often conducted by journalists; a conference (usually with someone important); verb conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting; discuss formally with (somebody) for the purpose of an evaluation; go for an interview in the hope of being hired
intestinal of or relating to or inside the intestines
intestine the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus
intimate marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity; thoroughly acquainted through study or experience; involved in a sexual relationship; having mutual interests or affections; of established friendship; having or fostering a warm or friendly and informal atmosphere; innermost or essential; someone to whom private matters are confided; verb give to understand; imply as a possibility
intolerance impatience with annoyances; unwillingness to recognize and respect differences in opinions or beliefs
intoxication excitement and elation beyond the bounds of sobriety; a temporary state resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol; the physiological state produced by a poison or other toxic substance
intracerebral within the brain
intracranial within the skull
intramuscular within a muscle
intrauterine within the womb
intravenous within or by means of a vein
intubation the insertion of a cannula or tube into a hollow body organ
intussusception (biology) growth in the surface area of a cell by the deposit of new particles between existing particles in the cell wall; the folding in of an outer layer so as to form a pocket in the surface
inverse reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect; opposite in nature or effect or relation to another quantity; something inverted in sequence or character or effect
involuntary not subject to the control of the will; controlled by the autonomic nervous system; without conscious control
ion a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
ionised converted totally or partly into ions
ipecac a medicinal drug used to evoke vomiting (especially in cases of drug overdose or poisoning)
ipratropium bromide an inhaled bronchodilator (trade name Atrovent)
ipv a poliovirus vaccine consisting of inactivated polio virus that is injected subcutaneously to provide immunity to poliomyelitis
iritis inflammation of the iris
irreversible incapable of being reversed
irrigation (medicine) cleaning a wound or body organ by flushing or washing out with water or a medicated solution; supplying dry land with water by means of ditches etc
irritable bowel syndrome recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea (often alternating with periods of constipation); often associated with emotional stress
irritable abnormally sensitive to a stimulus; easily irritated or annoyed; capable of responding to stimuli
irritant something that causes irritation and annoyance
irritation the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed; (pathology) abnormal sensitivity to stimulation; the act of troubling or annoying someone; unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment; an uncomfortable feeling of mental painfulness or distress; a sudden outburst of anger; the neural or electrical arousal of an organ or muscle or gland
ischaemia local anemia in a given body part sometimes resulting from vasoconstriction or thrombosis or embolism
ischaemic relating to or affected by ischemia
ischemia local anemia in a given body part sometimes resulting from vasoconstriction or thrombosis or embolism
ischemic relating to or affected by ischemia
isoniazid antibacterial drug (trade name Nydrazid) used to treat tuberculosis
isopropanol alcohol used as antifreeze or a solvent
itch an irritating cutaneous sensation that produces a desire to scratch; a strong restless desire; a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation; verb have a strong desire or urge to do something; have or perceive an itch; scrape or rub as if to relieve itching
itching an irritating cutaneous sensation that produces a desire to scratch
iv administration of nutrients through a vein
ivp performing pyelography with intravenous injection of a contrast medium; X ray picture of the kidneys and ureters after injection of a radiopaque dye
j the 10th letter of the Roman alphabet; a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second
jaundice yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by an accumulation of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood; can be a symptom of gallstones or liver infection or anemia; a rough and bitter manner; verb affect with, or as if with, jaundice; distort adversely
jaw holding device consisting of one or both of the opposing parts of a tool that close to hold an object; the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth; the bones of the skull that frame the mouth and serve to open it; the bones that hold the teeth; verb censure severely or angrily; talk incessantly and tiresomely; talk socially without exchanging too much information; chew (food)
jefferson 3rd President of the United States; chief drafter of the Declaration of Independence; made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and sent out the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore it (1743 1826)
jellyfish any of numerous usually marine and free swimming coelenterates that constitute the sexually reproductive forms of hydrozoans and scyphozoans; large siphonophore having a bladderlike float and stinging tentacles
jock itch fungal infection of the groin (most common in men)
jock a support for the genitals worn by men engaging in strenuous exercise; a person trained to compete in sports
johnson 17th President of the United States; was elected vice president and succeeded Lincoln when Lincoln was assassinated; was impeached but acquitted by one vote (1808 1875); 36th President of the United States; was elected vice president and succeeded Kennedy when Kennedy was assassinated (1908 1973); English writer and lexicographer (1709 1784)
joule English physicist who established the mechanical theory of heat and discovered the first law of thermodynamics (1818 1889); a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second
jugular vein veins in the neck that return blood from the head
jugular relating to or located in the region of the neck or throat; a vital part that is vulnerable to attack; veins in the neck that return blood from the head
junior used of the third or next to final year in United States high school or college; including or intended for youthful persons; younger; lower in rank; shorter in length of tenure or service; the younger of two men; a third year undergraduate; a son who has the same first name as his father; term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male
juvenile of or relating to or characteristic of or appropriate for children or young people; displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity; a youthful person
kawasaki disease an acute disease of young children characterized by a rash and swollen lymph nodes and fever; of unknown cause
keeping conformity or harmony; the act of retaining something; the responsibility of a guardian or keeper
keratitis inflammation of the cornea causing watery painful eyes and blurred vision
keratosis a skin condition marked by an overgrowth of layers of horny skin
ketamine a general anesthetic and tranquilizer (not a barbiturate) that is administered intravenously or intramuscularly; used mainly by veterinarians or for minor surgery with geriatric or pediatric patients; taken in large doses it causes hallucinations similar to those associated with the use of PCP
ketoacidosis acidosis with an accumulation of ketone bodies; occurs primarily in diabetes mellitus
ketorolac nonsteroidal anti inflammatory (trade name Torodal) that is given only orally
kg one thousand grams; the basic unit of mass adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
kidney either of two bean shaped excretory organs that filter wastes (especially urea) from the blood and excrete them and water in urine
kinase an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of a proenzyme to an active enzyme
kingdom a basic group of natural objects; the highest taxonomic group into which organisms are grouped; one of five biological categories: Monera or Protoctista or Plantae or Fungi or Animalia; a monarchy with a king or queen as head of state; the domain ruled by a king or queen; a country with a king as head of state; a domain in which something is dominant
kit young of any of various fur bearing animals; gear consisting of a set of articles or tools for a specified purpose; a case for containing a set of articles; verb supply with a set of articles or tools
knee the part of a trouser leg that provides the cloth covering for the knee; hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella; joint between the femur and tibia in a quadruped; corresponds to the human knee
knuckle a joint of a finger when the fist is closed; verb shoot a marble while keeping one's knuckles on the ground; press or rub with the knuckles
l the 12th letter of the Roman alphabet; a metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of 1 kilogram of pure water at 4 degrees centigrade and 760 mm of mercury (or approximately 1.76 pints); a cgs unit of illumination equal to the brightness of a perfectly diffusing surface that emits or reflects one lumen per square centimeter
la the syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization; a state in southern United States on the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War; a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
laboratory a workplace for the conduct of scientific research; a region resembling a laboratory inasmuch as it offers opportunities for observation and practice and experimentation
labyrinthitis inflammation of the inner ear; can cause vertigo and vomiting
laceration the act of lacerating; a torn ragged wound
lactate a salt or ester of lactic acid; verb give suck to
lactic of or relating to or obtained from milk (especially sour milk or whey)
lamp an artificial source of visible illumination; a piece of furniture holding one or more electric light bulbs
laparotomy surgical incision into the abdominal wall; often done to examine abdominal organs
laryngeal of or relating to or situated in the larynx
laryngitis inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx; characterized by hoarseness or loss of voice and coughing
laryngospasm a closure of the larynx that blocks the passage of air to the lungs
laryngotracheobronchitis inflammation of the larynx and trachea and bronchial passageways
larynx a cartilaginous structure at the top of the trachea; contains elastic vocal cords that are the source of the vocal tone in speech
lassa the sacred city of Lamaism; known as the Forbidden City for its former inaccessibility and hostility to strangers
latent not presently active; potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
lateral epicondylitis painful inflammation of the tendon at the outer border of the elbow resulting from overuse of lower arm muscles (as in twisting of the hand)
lateral lying away from the median and sagittal plane of a body; situated at or extending to the side; a pass to a receiver upfield from the passer
lavage washing out a hollow organ (especially the stomach) by flushing with water
ldl a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood; composed of moderate amount of protein and a large amount of cholesterol; high levels are thought to be associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis
le a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
lead poisoning toxic condition produced by the absorption of excessive lead into the system
leader a person who rules or guides or inspires others; a featured article of merchandise sold at a loss in order to draw customers
leading going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way; indicating the most important performer or role; greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement; having the leading position or higher score in a contest; the activity of leading; thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing
learning the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge; profound scholarly knowledge
legislation the act of making or enacting laws; law enacted by a legislative body
lentiginous relating to or covered with or resembling freckles
lentigo a small brownish spot (of the pigment melanin) on the skin
lesion any visible abnormal structural change in a bodily part; any break in the skin or an organ caused by violence or surgical incision
lethal of an instrument of certain death
leucocyte blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the body's defense system
leukaemia malignant neoplasm of blood forming tissues; characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes; one of the four major types of cancer
leukemia malignant neoplasm of blood forming tissues; characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes; one of the four major types of cancer
leukocytosis an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood as a result of infection (as in leukemia)
liaison a channel for communication between groups; a usually secretive or illicit sexual relationship
lidocaine a local anesthetic (trade names Lidocaine and Xylocaine) used topically on the skin and mucous membranes
life support of or pertaining to equipment or methods used to sustain life
ligament any connection or unifying bond; a sheet or band of tough fibrous tissue connecting bones or cartilages or supporting muscles or organs
lightning the flash of light that accompanies an electric discharge in the atmosphere (or something resembling such a flash); can scintillate for a second or more; abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light
limping disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet
lip fleshy folds of tissue as those surrounding the mouth; the top edge of a vessel or other container; an impudent or insolent rejoinder
lipase an enzyme secreted in the digestive tract that catalyzes the breakdown of fats into individual fatty acids that can be absorbed into the bloodstream
lipid an oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates)
lipoprotein a conjugated protein having a lipid component; the principal means for transporting lipids in the blood
lithium a soft silver white univalent element of the alkali metal group; the lightest metal known; occurs in several minerals
litre a metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of 1 kilogram of pure water at 4 degrees centigrade and 760 mm of mercury (or approximately 1.76 pints)
lobar of or relating to or affecting a lobe
lobe a rounded projection that is part of a larger structure; (anatomy) a somewhat rounded subdivision of a bodily organ or part; the enhanced response of an antenna in a given direction as indicated by a loop in its radiation pattern; (botany) a part into which a leaf is divided
local relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area; affecting only a restricted part or area of the body; of or belonging to or characteristic of a particular locality or neighborhood; public transport consisting of a bus or train that stops at all stations or stops; anesthetic that numbs a particular area of the body
localization a determination of the place where something is; (physiology) the principle that specific functions have relatively circumscribed locations in some particular part or organ of the body
locked firmly fastened or secured against opening
logarithm the exponent required to produce a given number
lorazepam tranquilizer (trade name Ativan) used to treat anxiety and tension and insomnia
loss the act of losing; the disadvantage that results from losing something; the experience of losing a loved one; the amount by which the cost of a business exceeds its revenue; something that is lost; gradual decline in amount or activity; euphemistic expressions for death; military personnel lost by death or capture
low density having low concentration; having low relative density or specific gravity
low voltage subjected to or capable of operating under relative low voltage
lower the lower of two berths; verb set lower; cause to drop or sink; move something or somebody to a lower position; look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval; make lower or quieter
lp a long playing phonograph record; designed to be played at 33.3 rpm
lsd a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
lucas United States screenwriter and filmmaker (born in 1944)
lumbar puncture removal by centesis of fluid from the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region of the spinal cord for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
lumbar of or relating to or near the part of the back between the ribs and the hipbones
lunate resembling the new moon in shape
lund a city in southern Sweden
lung either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood
lupus erythematosus a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
lupus a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Centaurus; any of several forms of ulcerative skin disease
luxation displacement or misalignment of a joint or organ
lyme disease an acute inflammatory disease characterized by a rash with joint swelling and fever; caused by bacteria carried by the bite of a deer tick
lymphadenitis inflammation of lymph nodes
lymphadenopathy chronic abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes (usually associated with disease)
lymphangitis inflammation of a lymph vessel
lymphocytic leukemia leukemia characterized by enlargement of lymphoid tissues and lymphocytic cells in the circulating blood
lymphocytic of or relating to lymphocytes
lymphocytosis an abnormal increase in the number of lymphocytes in the circulating blood
lymphogranuloma venereum infectious disease caused by a species of chlamydia bacterium; transmitted by sexual contact; characterized by genital lesions and swelling of lymph nodes in the groin
lymphogranuloma swelling of a lymph node
lyssavirus a neurotropic non arbovirus of the family Rhabdoviridae that causes rabies
m the 13th letter of the Roman alphabet; concentration measured by the number of moles of solute per liter of solution; the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
magnesium a light silver white ductile bivalent metallic element; in pure form it burns with brilliant white flame; occurs naturally only in combination (as in magnesite and dolomite and carnallite and spinel and olivine)
magnetic resonance imaging the use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
magnetic having the properties of a magnet; i.e. of attracting iron or steel; determined by earth's magnetic fields; capable of being magnetized; of or relating to or caused by magnetism; possessing an extraordinary ability to attract; having the properties of a magnet; the ability to draw or pull
malar the arch of bone beneath the eye that forms the prominence of the cheek
malaria an infective disease caused by sporozoan parasites that are transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito; marked by paroxysms of chills and fever
male being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that perform the fertilizing function in generation; for or pertaining to or composed of men or boys; characteristic of a man; an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes (ova); the capital of Maldives in the center of the islands; a person who belongs to the sex that cannot have babies
malignant dangerous to health; characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth (especially of a tumor)
malingering evading duty or work by pretending to be incapacitated
mallet a tool resembling a hammer but with a large head (usually wooden); used to drive wedges or ram down paving stones or for crushing or beating or flattening or smoothing; a light drumstick with a rounded head that is used to strike percussion instruments; a sports implement with a long handle and a head like a hammer; used in sports (polo or croquet) to hit a ball
man of war a warship intended for combat; large siphonophore having a bladderlike float and stinging tentacles
management the act of managing something; those in charge of running a business
mandibular relating to the lower jaw
mania an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action; a mood disorder; an affective disorder in which the victim tends to respond excessively and sometimes violently
mannitol a diuretic (trade name Osmitrol) used to promote the excretion of urine
maoi any of a group of antidepressant drugs that inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain and so allow monoamines to accumulate
marine native to or inhabiting the sea; of or relating to the sea; of or relating to military personnel who serve both on land and at sea (specifically the U.S. Marine Corps); relating to or involving ships or shipping or navigation or seamen; a member of the United States Marine Corps; a soldier who serves both on shipboard and on land
marrow the fatty network of connective tissue that fills the cavities of bones; large elongated squash with creamy to deep green skins; very tender and very nutritious tissue from marrowbones; any of various squash plants grown for their elongated fruit with smooth dark green skin and whitish flesh; the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
masked having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading
massage kneading and rubbing parts of the body to increase circulation and promote relaxation; verb give a massage to; manually manipulate (someone's body), usually for medicinal or relaxation purposes
massive consisting of great mass; containing a great quantity of matter; imposing in size or bulk or solidity; imposing in scale or scope or degree or power; being the same substance throughout
mastoiditis inflammation of the mastoid
maternal characteristic of a mother; relating to or derived from one's mother; relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent; related on the mother's side
maxillary of or relating to the upper jaw; the jaw in vertebrates that is fused to the cranium
maxillofacial of or relating to the upper jaw and face (particularly with reference to specialized surgery of the maxilla)
mb (a British degree) a bachelor's degree in medicine; a unit of information equal to one million (1,048,576) bytes
mc one million periods per second
mdi a Sunni organization formed in 1989 and based in Pakistan; opposes missionary groups from the United States; has Lashkar e Tayyiba as its armed wing
mdma a stimulant drug that is chemically related to mescaline and amphetamine and is used illicitly for its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects; it was formerly used in psychotherapy but in 1985 it was declared illegal in the United States
meal coarsely ground foodstuff; especially seeds of various cereal grasses or pulse; the food served and eaten at one time; any of the occasions for eating food that occur by custom or habit at more or less fixed times
measles an acute and highly contagious viral disease marked by distinct red spots followed by a rash; occurs primarily in children
measurement the act or process of assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule
mechanical using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices; relating to or governed by or in accordance with mechanics; relating to or concerned with machinery or tools
mechanism the technical aspects of doing something; device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function; (philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes; a natural object resembling a machine in structure or function; the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction
meconium thick dark green mucoid material that is the first feces of a newborn child
medial dividing an animal into right and left halves; relating to or situated in or extending toward the middle
median relating to or situated in or extending toward the middle; relating to or constituting the middle value of an ordered set of values (or the average of the middle two in a set with an even number of values); dividing an animal into right and left halves; the value below which 50% of the cases fall
mediated acting or brought about through an intervening agency
medical requiring or amenable to treatment by medicine especially as opposed to surgery; relating to the study or practice of medicine; of or belonging to Aesculapius or the healing art; a thorough physical examination; includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person
medically involving medical practice
medication the act of treating with medicines or remedies; (medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease
medicine the learned profession that is mastered by graduate training in a medical school and that is devoted to preventing or alleviating or curing diseases and injuries; (medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease; the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques; punishment for one's actions; verb treat medicinally, treat with medicine
medicolegal pertaining to legal aspects of the practice of medicine (as malpractice or patient consent for operations or patient information)
melaena abnormally dark tarry feces containing blood (usually from gastrointestinal bleeding)
melanoma any of several malignant neoplasms (usually of the skin) consisting of melanocytes
membrane a thin pliable sheet of material; a pliable sheet of tissue that covers or lines or connects organs or cells of animals
memory loss partial or total loss of memory
memory an electronic memory device; the power of retaining and recalling past experience; the cognitive processes whereby past experience is remembered; something that is remembered; the area of cognitive psychology that studies memory processes
men the force of workers available
meningitis infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the meninges (the tissues that surround the brain or spinal cord) usually caused by a bacterial infection; symptoms include headache and stiff neck and fever and nausea
meniscus (physics) the curved upper surface of a nonturbulent liquid in a vertical tube; (optics) a lens that is concave on one side and convex on the other; (anatomy) a disk of cartilage that serves as a cushion between the ends of bones that meet at a joint
menorrhagia abnormally heavy or prolonged menstruation; can be a symptom of uterine tumors and can lead to anemia if prolonged
menstrual of or relating to menstruation or the menses
mental health the psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment
mental state (psychology) a mental condition in which the qualities of a state are relatively constant even though the state itself may be dynamic
mental affected by a disorder of the mind; involving the mind or an intellectual process; of or relating to the chin or liplike structure in insects and certain mollusks; of or relating to the mind; of or relating to the chin or median part of the lower jaw
meq one thousandth of an equivalent
mercury poisoning a toxic condition caused by ingesting or inhaling mercury; acute mercury poisoning causes a metallic taste and vomiting and diarrhea and kidney problems that may lead to death
mercury temperature measured by a mercury thermometer; the smallest planet and the nearest to the sun; (Roman mythology) messenger of Jupiter and god of commerce; counterpart of Greek Hermes; a heavy silvery toxic univalent and bivalent metallic element; the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures
mesenteric of or relating to or located in a mesentery
metabolic acidosis acidosis and bicarbonate concentration in the body fluids resulting either from the accumulation of acids or the abnormal loss of bases from the body (as in diarrhea or renal disease)
metabolic alkalosis alkalosis resulting from hydrogen ion loss or excessive intake of alkaline substances
metabolic undergoing metamorphosis; of or relating to metabolism
metabolism the organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life; the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals
metacarpal of or relating to the metacarpus; any bone of the hand between the wrist and fingers
metaphysis the growing part of a long bone between the diaphysis and the epiphysis
metastatic relating to or affected by metastasis
metatarsal of or relating to the metatarsus; any bone of the foot between the ankle and the toes
methanol a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol; used as an antifreeze and solvent and fuel and as a denaturant for ethyl alcohol
methicillin antibiotic drug of the penicillin family used in the treatment of certain staphylococcal infections
methionine a crystalline amino acid containing sulfur; found in most proteins and essential for nutrition
method a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps); an acting technique introduced by Stanislavsky in which the actor recalls emotions or reactions from his or her own life and uses them to identify with the character being portrayed
methodology the system of methods followed in a particular discipline; the branch of philosophy that analyzes the principles and procedures of inquiry in a particular discipline
methylene the bivalent radical CH2 derived from methane
mg one thousandth (1/1,000) gram; a light silver white ductile bivalent metallic element; in pure form it burns with brilliant white flame; occurs naturally only in combination (as in magnesite and dolomite and carnallite and spinel and olivine)
microscopy research with the use of microscopes
micrurus fulvius ranges from Central America to southeastern United States
midazolam an injectable form of benzodiazepine (trade name Versed) useful for sedation and for reducing pain during uncomfortable medical procedures
middle ear the main cavity of the ear; between the eardrum and the inner ear
midstream the middle of a stream
migraine a severe recurring vascular headache; occurs more frequently in women than men
migratory used of animals that move seasonally; habitually moving from place to place especially in search of seasonal work
milch giving milk; bred or suitable primarily for milk production
milestone stone post at side of a road to show distances; a significant event in your life (or in a project)
minor limited in size or scope; inferior in number or size or amount; lesser in scope or effect; not of legal age; of a scale or mode; of your secondary field of academic concentration or specialization; of lesser importance or stature or rank; of lesser seriousness or danger; warranting only temporal punishment; a young person of either sex
minors a league of teams that do not belong to a major league (especially baseball)
minute characterized by painstaking care and detailed examination; infinitely or immeasurably small; immeasurably small; a short note; a unit of angular distance equal to a 60th of a degree; a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour; distance measured by the time taken to cover it; a particular point in time; an indefinitely short time
miosis reflex contraction of the sphincter muscle of the iris in response to a bright light (or certain drugs) causing the pupil to become smaller; (genetics) cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms; the nucleus divides into four nuclei each containing half the chromosome number (leading to gametes in animals and spores in plants)
miotic of or relating to or causing constriction of the pupil of the eye; a drug that causes miosis (constriction of the pupil of the eye)
miscarriage failure of a plan; a natural loss of the products of conception
miscellaneous constituting a grab bag category; consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds (even to the point of incongruity)
missed not caught with the senses or the mind
misuse improper or excessive use; verb change the inherent purpose or function of something; apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly
mitral stenosis obstruction or narrowing of the mitral valve (as by scarring from rheumatic fever)
mitral valve prolapse cardiopathy resulting from the mitral valve not regulating the flow of blood between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart
mitral of or relating to or located in or near the mitral valve; relating to or resembling the miter worn by some clerics
mittelschmerz pain in the area of the ovary that is felt at the time of ovulation (usually midway through the menstrual cycle)
mixed consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds (even to the point of incongruity); involving or composed of different races; caused to combine or unite
mm a metric unit of length equal to one thousandth of a meter
mods a youth subculture that began in London in the early 1960s; a working class movement with highly stylized dress and short hair; listened to rhythm and blues music and travelled on motor scooters
molluscum contagiosum a virus disease of the skin marked by round white swellings; transmitted from person to person (most often in children or in adults with impaired immune function)
molluscum any skin disease characterized by soft pulpy nodules
monitoring the act of observing something (and sometimes keeping a record of it)
monoamine oxidase inhibitor any of a group of antidepressant drugs that inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain and so allow monoamines to accumulate
monoamine oxidase an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
monoamine a molecule containing one amine group (especially one that is a neurotransmitter)
mononucleosis an acute disease characterized by fever and swollen lymph nodes and an abnormal increase of mononuclear leucocytes or monocytes in the bloodstream; not highly contagious; some believe it can be transmitted by kissing
monoxide an oxide containing just one atom of oxygen in the molecule
mood verb inflections that express how the action or state is conceived by the speaker; a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling; the prevailing psychological state
morning the time period between dawn and noon; a conventional expression of greeting or farewell; the earliest period; the first light of day
morphine an alkaloid narcotic drug extracted from opium; a powerful, habit forming narcotic used to relieve pain
morton United States jazz musician who moved from ragtime to New Orleans jazz (1885 1941)
motor causing or able to cause motion; conveying information to the muscles from the CNS; machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion; a nonspecific agent that imparts motion; verb travel or be transported in a vehicle
mountain a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill; a large number or amount
mri the use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
ms a form of address for a woman; the form of a literary work submitted for publication; a master's degree in science; a state in the Deep South on the gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate States during the American Civil War; a chronic progressive nervous disorder involving loss of myelin sheath around certain nerve fibers
mu the 12th letter of the Greek alphabet
mucosal of or relating to mucous membranes
multiple myeloma myeloma that develops in several places at the same time
multiple sclerosis a chronic progressive nervous disorder involving loss of myelin sheath around certain nerve fibers
multiple having or involving or consisting of more than one part or entity or individual; the product of a quantity by an integer
mumps an acute contagious viral disease characterized by fever and by swelling of the parotid glands
munchausen syndrome syndrome consisting of feigning acute and dramatic illness for which no clinical evidence is ever found
munchausen German raconteur who told preposterous stories about his adventures as a soldier and hunter; his name is now associated with any telling of exaggerated stories or winning lies (1720 1797)
murphy an edible tuber native to South America; a staple food of Ireland
muscle contraction (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
muscle authority or power or force (especially when used in a coercive way); animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells; one of the contractile organs of the body; possessing muscular strength; a bully employed as a thug or bodyguard; verb make one's way by force
musculoskeletal relating to muscles and skeleton
mushroom poisoning toxic condition caused by eating certain species of mushrooms (especially Amanita species)
mv a unit of potential equal to one thousandth of a volt; a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding einsteinium with alpha particles (Md is the current symbol for mendelevium but Mv was formerly the symbol)
myasthenia gravis a chronic progressive disease characterized by chronic fatigue and muscular weakness (especially in the face and neck); caused by a deficiency of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junctions
myasthenia any muscular weakness; a chronic progressive disease characterized by chronic fatigue and muscular weakness (especially in the face and neck); caused by a deficiency of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junctions
mycobacterium rod shaped bacteria some saprophytic or causing diseases
mydriasis reflex pupillary dilation as a muscle pulls the iris outward; occurs in response to a decrease in light or certain drugs
mydriatic a drug that causes the pupil of the eye to dilate; used to aid eye examinations
myelin a white fatty substance that forms a medullary sheath around the axis cylinder of some nerve fibers
myeloma a tumor of the bone marrow (usually malignant) composed of cells normally found in bone marrow
myocardial infarction destruction of heart tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply to the heart muscle
myocardial of or relating to the myocardium
myocarditis inflammation of the myocardium (the muscular tissue of the heart)
myocardium the middle muscular layer of the heart wall
myoglobin a hemoprotein that receives oxygen from hemoglobin and stores it in the tissues until needed
myositis inflammation of muscle tissue
myxedema hypothyroidism marked by dry skin and swellings around lips and nose as well as mental deterioration
na a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
nail a thin pointed piece of metal that is hammered into materials as a fastener; horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits; a former unit of length for cloth equal to 1/16 of a yard; verb attach something somewhere by means of nails; complete a pass; take into custody; hit hard; locate exactly; succeed at easily; succeed in obtaining a position
naloxone a potent narcotic antagonist (trade name Narcan) especially effective with morphine
nappy of hair in small tight curls; garment consisting of a folded cloth drawn up between the legs and fastened at the waist; worn by infants to catch excrement
narcan a potent narcotic antagonist (trade name Narcan) especially effective with morphine
narrow limited in size or scope; not wide; very limited in degree; lacking tolerance or flexibility or breadth of view; characterized by painstaking care and detailed examination; a narrow strait connecting two bodies of water; verb make or become more narrow or restricted; become tight or as if tight; become more special; define clearly
nasal sounding as if the nose were pinched; of or in or relating to the nose; an elongated rectangular bone that forms the bridge of the nose; a consonant produced through the nose with the mouth closed
nasopharyngeal of or relating to or located near the nasopharynx
national concerned with or applicable to or belonging to an entire nation or country; limited to or in the interests of a particular nation; owned or maintained for the public by the national government; of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country; of or relating to nationality; characteristic of or peculiar to the people of a nation; inside the country; a person who owes allegiance to that nation
natriuretic of or relating to natriuresis
nausea disgust so strong it makes you feel sick; the state that precedes vomiting
near not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances; closely resembling the genuine article; being on the left side; very close in resemblance; with or in a close or intimate relationship; giving or spending with reluctance; near in time or place or relationship; (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; verb move towards
neck an opening in a garment for the neck of the wearer; a part of the garment near the wearer's neck; the part of an organism that connects the head to the rest of the body; a cut of meat from the neck of an animal; a narrow elongated projecting strip of land; verbkiss, embrace, or fondle with sexual passion
necrolysis disintegration and dissolution of dead tissue
necrosis the localized death of living cells (as from infection or the interruption of blood supply)
needle a sharp pointed implement (usually steel); a slender pointer for indicating the reading on the scale of a measuring instrument; a stylus that formerly made sound by following a groove in a phonograph record; as the leaf of a conifer; verb goad or provoke,as by constant criticism; prick with a needle
neonatal relating to or affecting the infant during the first month after birth
neonate a baby from birth to four weeks
nephritic of or relating to the kidneys; affected by nephritis
nephritis an inflammation of the kidney
nephroblastoma malignant renal tumor of young children characterized by hypertension and blood in the urine and the presence of a palpable mass
nephrogenic diabetes insipidus diabetes insipidus caused by a failure of the kidney to respond to normal levels of vasopressin
nephrotic syndrome a syndrome characterized by edema and large amounts of protein in the urine and usually increased blood cholesterol; usually associated with glomerulonephritis or with a complication of various systemic diseases
nerve any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body; impudent aggressiveness; the courage to carry on; verb get ready for something difficult or unpleasant
nervous easily agitated; of or relating to the nervous system; unpredictably excitable (especially of horses); excited in anticipation; causing or fraught with or showing anxiety
neuralgia acute spasmodic pain along the course of one or more nerves
neuritis inflammation of a nerve accompanied by pain and sometimes loss of function
neuroblastoma malignant tumor containing embryonic nerve cells; usually metastasizes quickly
neurogenic arising in or stimulated by nerve tissues
neuroleptic tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired
neurological of or relating to or used in or practicing neurology
neuromuscular affecting or characteristic of both neural and muscular tissue
neuropathy any pathology of the peripheral nerves
newborn having just or recently arisen or come into existence; recently borne; a baby from birth to four weeks
news new information about specific and timely events; new information of any kind; information reported in a newspaper or news magazine; the quality of being sufficiently interesting to be reported in news bulletins; a program devoted to news
ng one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) gram
ni a hard malleable ductile silvery metallic element that is resistant to corrosion; used in alloys; occurs in pentlandite and smaltite and garnierite and millerite
nile the world's longest river (4150 miles); flows northward through eastern Africa into the Mediterranean; the Nile River valley in Egypt was the site of the world's first great civilization
nitrous of or containing nitrogen
nocturnal belonging to or active during the night; of or relating to or occurring in the night
nodular having nodules or occurring in the form of nodules; relating to or characterized by or having nodules
nomogram a graphic representation of numerical relations
non negation of a word or group of words
nonsteroidal not steroidal or not having the effects of steroid hormones; an organic compound that does no contain a steroid
noradrenaline a catecholamine precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and also released at synapses
norepinephrine a catecholamine precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and also released at synapses
normal conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal; being approximately average or within certain limits in e.g. intelligence and development; in accordance with scientific laws; forming a right angle; something regarded as a normative example
not negation of a word or group of words
npa a terrorist organization that is the militant wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines; a Maoist organization formed to overthrow the government; uses hit squads called Sparrow Units; opposes United States military presence in the Philippines
nuclear constituting or like a nucleus; (weapons) deriving destructive energy from the release of atomic energy; of or relating to or constituting the nucleus of an atom; of or relating to or constituting the nucleus of a cell
nursemaid a woman who is the custodian of children
nutcracker speckled birds that feed on nuts; a compound lever used to crack nuts open; any of various small short tailed songbirds with strong feet and a sharp beak that feed on small nuts and insects
nystagmus involuntary movements of the eyeballs; its presence or absence is used to diagnose a variety of neurological and visual disorders
o the blood group whose red cells carry neither the A nor B antigens; the 15th letter of the Roman alphabet; a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
obsession an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone; an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions against your will
obstetrics the branch of medicine dealing with childbirth and care of the mother
obstruction getting in someone's way; the act of obstructing; any structure that makes progress difficult; the state or condition of being obstructed; something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted
obstructive shock shock caused by obstruction of blood flow
obstructive preventing movement
occlusion (dentistry) the normal spatial relation of the teeth when the jaws are closed; closure or blockage (as of a blood vessel); the act of blocking; an obstruction in a pipe or tube; (meteorology) a composite front when colder air surrounds a mass of warm air and forces it aloft
ocular able to be seen; relating to or using sight; of or relating to or resembling the eye; combination of lenses at the viewing end of optical instruments
oculomotor supplies extrinsic muscles of the eye
odynophagia severe pain on swallowing due to a disorder of the esophagus
oedema swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue
oesophagitis inflammation of the esophagus; often caused by gastroesophageal reflux
oesophagus the passage between the pharynx and the stomach
olecranon process of the ulna that forms the outer bump of the elbow and fits into the fossa of the humerus when the arm is extended
on in operation or operational; (of events) planned or scheduled; indicates continuity or persistence or concentration; in a state required for something to function or be effective; with a forward motion
oophoritis inflammation of one or both ovaries
open fracture bone fracture associated with lacerated soft tissue or an open wound
ophthalmic of or relating to ophthalmology; of or relating to the eye
ophthalmology the branch of medicine concerned with the eye and its diseases
opiate a narcotic drug that contains opium or an opium derivative
opisthotonos severe spasm in which the back arches and the head bends back and heels flex toward the back
opportunistic taking immediate advantage, often unethically, of any circumstance of possible benefit
optic relating to or using sight; of or relating to or resembling the eye; the organ of sight
opv an oral vaccine (containing live but weakened poliovirus) that is given to provide immunity to poliomyelitis
or a room in a hospital equipped for the performance of surgical operations; a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific
oral cavity the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
oral contraceptive pill a contraceptive in the form of a pill containing estrogen and progestin to inhibit ovulation and so prevent conception
oral poliovirus vaccine an oral vaccine (containing live but weakened poliovirus) that is given to provide immunity to poliomyelitis
oral a stage in psychosexual development when the child's interest is concentrated in the mouth; fixation at this stage is said to result in dependence, selfishness, and aggression; of or involving the mouth or mouth region or the surface on which the mouth is located; using speech rather than writing; of or relating to or affecting or for use in the mouth; an examination conducted by word of mouth
orbit the (usually elliptical) path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another; the path of an electron around the nucleus of an atom; an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"; the bony cavity in the skull containing the eyeball; a particular environment or walk of life; verb move in an orbit
orbital of or relating to the eye socket; of or relating to an orbit
orchitis inflammation of one or both testes; characterized by pain and swelling
organophosphate an insecticide that interferes with an insect's nervous system
origin properties attributable to your ancestry; the point of intersection of coordinate axes; where the values of the coordinates are all zero; an event that is a beginning; a first part or stage of subsequent events; the descendants of one individual; the place where something begins, where it springs into being
oropharyngeal of or relating to or located near the oropharynx
orthostatic pertaining to an upright standing posture
ossification hardened conventionality; the developmental process of bone formation; the process of becoming rigidly fixed in a conventional pattern of thought or behavior; the calcification of soft tissue into a bonelike material
osteoarthritis chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints; the most common form of arthritis occurring usually after middle age
osteogenesis imperfecta autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue characterized by brittle bones that fracture easily
osteomyelitis an inflammation of bone and bone marrow (usually caused by bacterial infection)
osteoporosis abnormal loss of bony tissue resulting in fragile porous bones attributable to a lack of calcium; most common in postmenopausal women
otitis externa inflammation of the external ear (including auricle and ear canal)
otitis media inflammation of the middle ear; common in children
otitis inflammation of the ear
ottawa the capital of Canada (located in southeastern Ontario across the Ottawa river from Quebec); a member of the Algonquian people of southern Ontario; a river in southeastern Canada that flows along the boundary between Quebec and Ontario to the Saint Lawrence River near Montreal
outlet activity that frees or expresses creative energy or emotion; an opening that permits escape or release; a place of business for retailing goods; receptacle providing a place in a wiring system where current can be taken to run electrical devices
outstretched fully extended especially in length
ovarian cyst a cystic tumor (usually benign) of the ovary
ovarian of or involving the ovaries
overdose verb dose too heavily
overuse exploitation to the point of diminishing returns; verbmake use of too often or too extensively
oxalate a salt or ester of oxalic acid
oxidase any of the enzymes that catalyze biological oxidation
oxide any compound of oxygen with another element or a radical
oxygen a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
oxygenation the process of providing or combining or treating with oxygen
oxytocin hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitocin); stimulates contractions of the uterus and ejection of milk
p the 16th letter of the Roman alphabet; a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms
pacemaker an implanted electronic device that takes over the function of the natural cardiac pacemaker; a specialized bit of heart tissue that controls the heartbeat; a horse used to set the pace in racing; a leading instance in its field
pacing walking with slow regular strides; (music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
packed cell volume the ratio of the volume occupied by packed red blood cells to the volume of the whole blood as measured by a hematocrit
packed pressed together or compressed; filled to capacity
paediatric of or relating to the medical care of children
paediatrics the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of infants and children
paget English pathologist who discovered the cause of trichinosis (1814 1899)
pain a somatic sensation of acute discomfort; emotional distress; a fundamental feeling that people try to avoid; a bothersome annoying person; a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder; something or someone that causes trouble; a source of unhappiness; verb cause emotional anguish or make miserable; cause bodily suffering to and make sick or indisposed
painful causing physical or psychological pain; causing physical discomfort; exceptionally bad or displeasing; causing misery or pain or distress
painless requiring little hard work or exertion; not causing physical or psychological pain
palmar relating to the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot
palpable capable of being perceived by the senses or the mind; especially capable of being handled or touched or felt; can be felt by palpation
palsy a condition marked by uncontrollable tremor; loss of the ability to move a body part; verb affect with palsy
pancreatic of or involving the pancreas
pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas; usually marked by abdominal pain
pandemic existing everywhere; epidemic over a wide geographical area; an epidemic that is geographically widespread; occurring throughout a region or even throughout the world
panic attack a sudden attack of fear
panic an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety; sudden mass fear and anxiety over anticipated events; verb cause sudden fear in or fill with sudden panic; be overcome by a sudden fear
paralysis loss of the ability to move a body part
paralytic affected or subject to with paralysis; relating to or of the nature of paralysis; a person suffering from paralysis
paranasal adjacent to the nasal cavities
paraquat a poisonous yellow solid used in solution as a herbicide
parathyroid hormone hormone synthesized and released into the blood stream by the parathyroid glands; regulates phosphorus and calcium in the body and functions in neuromuscular excitation and blood clotting
parathyroid any one of four endocrine glands situated above or within the thyroid gland
paratyphoid any of a variety of infectious intestinal diseases resembling typhoid fever
paresis a slight or partial paralysis
paris the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce; a town in northeastern Texas; (Greek mythology) the prince of Troy who abducted Helen from her husband Menelaus and provoked the Trojan War; sometimes placed in subfamily Trilliaceae
parkinson British historian noted for ridicule of bureaucracies (1909 1993); English surgeon (1755 1824)
paronychia low growing annual or perennial herbs or woody plants; whitlowworts; infection in the tissues adjacent to a nail on a finger or toe
parotid relating to or located near the parotid gland
parotitis inflammation of one or both parotid glands
paroxysmal accompanied by or of the nature of paroxysms
partial being or affecting only a part; not total; showing favoritism; (followed by `of' or `to') having a strong preference or liking for; a harmonic with a frequency that is a multiple of the fundamental frequency; the derivative of a function of two or more variables with respect to a single variable while the other variables are considered to be constant
partner a person who is a member of a partnership; an associate who works with others toward a common goal; a person's partner in marriage; verb provide with a partner; act as a partner
patella type genus of the family Patellidae: common European limpets; a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint
patellar near or relating to the patella or kneecap
patent ductus arteriosus a ductus arteriosus that failed to close at birth; may require surgical correction
patent (of a bodily tube or passageway) open; affording free passage; clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment; a document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention; an official document granting a right or privilege; verb make open to sight or notice; obtain a patent for; grant rights to; grant a patent for
pathogenesis the origination and development of a disease
pathological caused by or evidencing a mentally disturbed condition; of or relating to the practice of pathology; caused by or altered by or manifesting disease or pathology
pathology the branch of medical science that studies the causes and nature and effects of diseases; any deviation from a healthy or normal condition
patient enduring without protest or complaint; enduring trying circumstances with even temper or characterized by such endurance; a person who requires medical care; the semantic role of an entity that is not the agent but is directly involved in or affected by the happening denoted by the verb in the clause
pcp a drug used as an anesthetic by veterinarians; illicitly taken (originally in the form of powder or `dust') for its effects as a hallucinogen
pe the 17th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
pea seed of a pea plant used for food; a leguminous plant of the genus Pisum with small white flowers and long green pods containing edible green seeds; the fruit or seed of a pea plant
pediatric of or relating to the medical care of children
pediculosis infestation with lice (Pediculus humanus) resulting in severe itching
pelvic inflammatory disease inflammation of the female pelvic organs (especially the Fallopian tubes) caused by infection by any of several microorganisms (chiefly gonococci and chlamydia); symptoms are abdominal pain and fever and foul smelling vaginal discharge
pelvic of or relating to the pelvis
penetrating injury injury incurred when an object (as a knife or bullet or shrapnel) penetrates into the body
penetrating tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing; having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
penicillamine a drug (trade name Cuprimine) used to treat heavy metal poisoning and Wilson's disease and severe arthritis
penile of or relating to the penis
pep liveliness and energy
peptic ulcer an ulcer of the mucous membrane lining of the alimentary tract
peptic relating to or promoting digestion
peptide amide combining the amino group of one amino acid with the carboxyl group of another; usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of protein
percutaneous through the unbroken skin; refers to medications applied directly to the skin (creams or ointments) or in time release forms (skin patches)
perforated having a number or series of holes; having a hole cut through
perforation the act of punching a hole (especially a row of holes as for ease of separation); a line of small holes for tearing at a particular place; a hole made in something
perfusion pumping a liquid into an organ or tissue (especially by way of blood vessels)
perianal around the anus
pericardial located around the heart or relating to or affecting the pericardium
pericarditis inflammation of the pericardium
perinatal occurring during the period around birth (5 months before and 1 month after)
perineal of or relating to the perineum
periodic recurring or reappearing from time to time; happening or recurring at regular intervals; recurring at regular intervals
periodontal of or relating to or involving or practicing periodontics
peritonitis inflammation of the peritoneum
peritonsillar abscess a painful pus filled inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissues; usually a complication of tonsillitis
permanent continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place; not capable of being reversed or returned to the original condition; a series of waves in the hair made by applying heat and chemicals
peroneal of or relating to the fibula or the outer part of the leg below the knee
perseveration the tendency for a memory or idea to persist or recur without any apparent stimulus for it; the act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior
persistent never ceasing; retained; not shed; continually recurring to the mind
personal particular to a given individual; concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality; intimately concerning a person's body or physical being; indicating grammatical person; of or arising from personality; a short newspaper article about a particular person or group
pertussis a disease of the respiratory mucous membrane
petrol a volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal combustion engines
ph (from potential of Hydrogen) the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen ion concentration in gram atoms per liter; provides a measure on a scale from 0 to 14 of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution (where 7 is neutral and greater than 7 is more basic and less than 7 is more acidic)
phalangeal of or relating to the bones of the fingers or toes
pharmacologic of or relating to pharmacology
pharyngeal of or relating to the throat; a consonant articulated in the back of the mouth or throat
pharyngitis inflammation of the fauces and pharynx
pharynx the passage to the stomach and lungs; in the front part of the neck below the chin and above the collarbone
phencyclidine a drug used as an anesthetic by veterinarians; illicitly taken (originally in the form of powder or `dust') for its effects as a hallucinogen
phenobarbital a long acting barbiturate used as a sedative
phenobarbitone a long acting barbiturate used as a sedative
phenol any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds; molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups; a toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene; used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic; poisonous if taken internally
phenothiazine a compound used primarily in veterinary medicine to rid farm animals of internal parasites
phentolamine a virility drug (trade name Vasomax) to treat erectile dysfunction in men
phenytoin an anticonvulsant drug (trade name Dilantin) used to treat epilepsy and that is not a sedative
pheochromocytoma a vascular tumor of the adrenal gland; hypersecretion of epinephrine results in intermittent or sustained hypertension
phimosis an abnormal tightness of the foreskin preventing retraction over the glans
phlegmasia alba dolens painful thrombosis of the femoral vein in the leg following childbirth
physiological of or relating to the biological study of physiology; of or consistent with an organism's normal functioning
physiotherapy therapy that uses physical agents: exercise and massage and other modalities
physostigmine used in treatment of Alzheimer's disease and glaucoma
pid inflammation of the female pelvic organs (especially the Fallopian tubes) caused by infection by any of several microorganisms (chiefly gonococci and chlamydia); symptoms are abdominal pain and fever and foul smelling vaginal discharge
pigment dry coloring matter (especially a powder to be mixed with a liquid to produce paint etc); verb color or dye with a pigment; acquire pigment; become colored or imbued
pill a dose of medicine in the form of a small pellet; something that resembles a tablet of medicine in shape or size; a contraceptive in the form of a pill containing estrogen and progestin to inhibit ovulation and so prevent conception; something unpleasant or offensive that must be tolerated or endured; a unpleasant or tiresome person
pinna division of a usually pinnately divided leaf; the externally visible cartilaginous structure of the external ear
pinpoint meticulously precise; the sharp point of a pin; a very brief moment; a very small spot; verb locate exactly
pitting the formation of small pits in a surface as a consequence of corrosion
pityriasis rosea pityriasis in which an itchy rash develops over the trunk and extremities
pityriasis any of several skin disorders characterized by shedding dry flakes of skin
placenta previa pregnancy in which the placenta is implanted in the lower part of the uterus (instead of the upper part); can cause bleeding late in pregnancy; delivery by cesarean section may be necessary
placenta the vascular structure in the uterus of most mammals providing oxygen and nutrients for and transferring wastes from the developing fetus; that part of the ovary of a flowering plant where the ovules form
placental pertaining to or having or occurring by means of a placenta; mammals having a placenta; all mammals except monotremes and marsupials
plague an annoyance; any large scale calamity (especially when thought to be sent by God); any epidemic disease with a high death rate; a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by Yersinia pestis and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal; a swarm of insects that attack plants; verb annoy continually or chronically; cause to suffer a blight
plan scale drawing of a structure; a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished; an arrangement scheme; verb make plans for something; have the will and intention to carry out some action; make or work out a plan for; devise; make a design of; plan out in systematic, often graphic form
planning the act or process of drawing up plans or layouts for some project or enterprise; an act of formulating a program for a definite course of action; the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening
plantar relating to or occurring on the undersurface of the foot
plasmin an enzyme that dissolves the fibrin of blood clots
plasminogen an inactive form of plasmin that occurs in plasma and is converted to plasmin by organic solvents
plasmodium vivax parasitic protozoan of the genus Plasmodium that causes malaria in humans
plasmodium parasitic protozoan of the genus Plasmodium that causes malaria in humans; multinucleate sheet of cytoplasm characteristic of some stages of such organisms as slime molds
plastic capable of being influenced or formed; forming or capable of forming or molding or fashioning; capable of being molded or modeled (especially of earth or clay or other soft material); generic name for certain synthetic or semisynthetic materials that can be molded or extruded into objects or films or filaments or used for making e.g. coatings and adhesives
plateau a relatively flat highland
platelet tiny bits of protoplasm found in vertebrate blood; essential for blood clotting
pleural of or relating to the pleura or the walls of the thorax
pleurisy inflammation of the pleura of the lungs (especially the parietal layer)
plexus a network of intersecting blood vessels or intersecting nerves or intersecting lymph vessels
pneumocystis pneumonia pneumonia occurring in infants or in persons with impaired immune systems (as AIDS victims)
pneumonia respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma (excluding the bronchi) with congestion caused by viruses or bacteria or irritants
pneumothorax abnormal presence of air in the pleural cavity resulting in the collapse of the lung; may be spontaneous (due to injury to the chest) or induced (as a treatment for tuberculosis)
poisoning the act of giving poison to a person or animal with the intent to kill; the physiological state produced by a poison or other toxic substance
poisonous marked by deep ill will; deliberately harmful; not safe to eat; having the qualities or effects of a poison
police the force of policemen and officers; verb maintain the security of by carrying out a control
polio an acute viral disease marked by inflammation of nerve cells of the brain stem and spinal cord
poliomyelitis an acute viral disease marked by inflammation of nerve cells of the brain stem and spinal cord
poliovirus the virus causing poliomyelitis
polycythemia a disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood
polymerase an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of new DNA and RNA from an existing strand of DNA or RNA
polymyositis myositis characterized by weakness of limb and neck muscles and much muscle pain and swelling; progression and severity vary among individuals
polyuria renal disorder characterized by the production of large volumes of pale dilute urine; often associated with diabetes
popping a sharp explosive sound as from a gunshot or drawing a cork
porcelain ceramic ware made of a more or less translucent ceramic
porphyria a genetic abnormality of metabolism causing abdominal pains and mental confusion
portuguese of or relating to or characteristic of Portugal or the people of Portugal; the Romance language spoken in Portugal and Brazil; a native or inhabitant of Portugal
positional of or relating to or determined by position
posterior at or near the hind end in quadrupeds or toward the spine in primates; a tooth situated at the back of the mouth; the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
pr a promotion intended to create goodwill for a person or institution; a self governing commonwealth associated with the United States occupying the island of Puerto Rico; a soft yellowish white trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; can be recovered from bastnasite or monazite by an ion exchange process
practitioner someone who practices a learned profession
pre eclampsia abnormal state of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and fluid retention and albuminuria; can lead to eclampsia if untreated
preceding existing or coming before; preceding in time or order; of a person who has held and relinquished a position or office
precordial in front of the heart; involving the precordium
prednisolone a glucocorticoid (trade names Pediapred or Prelone) used to treat inflammatory conditions
preeclampsia abnormal state of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and fluid retention and albuminuria; can lead to eclampsia if untreated
pregnancy the state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus
preschool an educational institution for children too young for elementary school
prevention the act of preventing
priapism condition in which the penis is continually erect; usually painful and seldom with sexual arousal
prickly heat obstruction of the sweat ducts during high heat and humidity
prickly having or covered with protective barbs or quills or spines or thorns or setae etc.; very irritable
procedural of or relating to procedure; relating to court practice and procedure as opposed to the principles of law
proctitis inflammation of the rectum; marked by bloody stools and a frequent urge to defecate; frequently associated with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
procurator (ancient Rome) someone employed by the Roman Emperor to manage finance and taxes; a person authorized to act for another
progesterone a steroid hormone (trade name Lipo Lutin) produced in the ovary; prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy
prolapse the slipping or falling out of place of an organ (as the uterus); verb slip or fall out of place, as of body parts
prolonged (of illness) developing slowly or of long duration; drawn out or made longer spatially; relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
prophylaxis the prevention of disease
prostate relating to the prostate gland; a firm partly muscular chestnut sized gland in males at the neck of the urethra; produces a viscid secretion that is the fluid part of semen
prostatic relating to the prostate gland
prostatitis inflammation of the prostate gland characterized by perineal pain and irregular urination and (if severe) chills and fever
prosthetic relating to or serving as a prosthesis; of or relating to prosthetics
protamine a simple protein found in fish sperm; rich in arginine; simpler in composition than globulin or albumin; counteracts the anticoagulant effect of heparin
protection payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence; the activity of protecting someone or something; the imposition of duties or quotas on imports in order to protect domestic industry against foreign competition; the condition of being protected; kindly endorsement and guidance; a covering that is intend to protect from damage or injury; defense against financial failure; financial independence
protective (usually followed by `of') solicitously caring or mindful; intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind; showing a care
protein any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes
proteinuria the presence of excessive protein (chiefly albumin but also globulin) in the urine; usually a symptom of kidney disorder
prothrombin a protein in blood plasma that is the inactive precursor of thrombin
proximal situated nearest to point of attachment or origin
pruritus an intense itching sensation that can have various causes (as by allergies or infection or lymphoma or jaundice etc.)
psoriasis a chronic skin disease characterized by dry red patches covered with scales; occurs especially on the scalp and ears and genitalia and the skin over bony prominences
psychiatric relating to or used in or engaged in the practice of psychiatry
psychiatry the branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
psychogenic mental or emotional rather than physiological in origin; of or relating to the psychological cause of a disorder
psychosis any severe mental disorder in which contact with reality is lost or highly distorted
pubic relating or near the pubis
public affecting the people or community as a whole; not private; open to or concerning the people as a whole; a body of people sharing some common interest; people in general considered as a whole
pulled drawn toward the source of the force
pulley a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope
pulmonary embolism blockage of the pulmonary artery by foreign matter or by a blood clot
pulmonary relating to or affecting the lungs
pulp the soft inner part of a tooth; an inexpensive magazine printed on poor quality paper; any soft or soggy mass; a soft moist part of a fruit; a mixture of cellulose fibers; verb reduce to pulp; remove the pulp from, as from a fruit
pulseless appearing dead; not breathing or having no perceptible pulse
puncture the act of puncturing or perforating; a small hole made by a sharp object; loss of air pressure in a tire when a hole is made by some sharp object; verb be pierced or punctured; cause to lose air pressure or collapse by piercing; pierce with a pointed object; make a hole into; make by piercing; reduce or lessen the size or importance of
pupil contractile aperture in the iris of the eye; a young person attending school (up through senior high school); a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
purpura any of several blood diseases causing subcutaneous bleeding
putamen the outer reddish part of the lenticular nucleus
pyelogram an X ray of the kidneys and ureters
pyelonephritis inflammation of the kidney and its pelvis caused by bacterial infection
pyloric stenosis narrowing of the pyloric sphincter that blocks the passage of food from the stomach into the duodenum
pyloric relating to or near the pylorus
pyogenic producing pus
pyrexia a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection
pyridoxine a B vitamin that is essential for metabolism of amino acids and starch
pyrophosphate a salt or ester of pyrophosphoric acid
q fever an acute disease resembling influenza
q the 17th letter of the Roman alphabet
quadriceps a muscle of the thigh that extends the leg
questionnaire a form containing a set of questions; submitted to people to gain statistical information
quinine a bitter alkaloid extracted from chinchona bark; used in malaria therapy
quinsy a painful pus filled inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissues; usually a complication of tonsillitis
r the 18th letter of the Roman alphabet; the length of a line segment between the center and circumference of a circle or sphere; (physics) the universal constant in the gas equation: pressure times volume = R times temperature; equal to 8.3143 joules per kelvin per mole; a unit of radiation exposure; the dose of ionizing radiation that will produce 1 electrostatic unit of electricity in 1 cc of dry air
rabies an acute viral disease of the nervous system of warm blooded animals (usually transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal); rabies is fatal if the virus reaches the brain
radial arranged like rays or radii; radiating from a common center; issuing in rays from a common center; relating to rays of light; relating to or moving along or having the direction of a radius; relating to or near the radius; pneumatic tire that has radial ply casing
radioactivity the spontaneous emission of a stream of particles or electromagnetic rays in nuclear decay
radiographic relating to or produced by radiography
radiography photography that uses other kinds of radiation than visible light; the process of making a radiograph; producing an image on a radiosensitive surface by radiation other than visible light
radiological of or relating to radiology
radiology the branch of medical science dealing with the medical use of X rays or other penetrating radiation; (radiology) examination of the inner structure of opaque objects using X rays or other penetrating radiation
radius the length of a line segment between the center and circumference of a circle or sphere; the outer and slightly shorter of the two bones of the human forearm; a circular region whose area is indicated by the length of its radius; a straight line from the center to the perimeter of a circle (or from the center to the surface of a sphere); support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
raising increasing in quantity or value; the properties acquired as a consequence of the way you were treated as a child; helping someone grow up to be an accepted member of the community; the event of something being raised upward
ramsay hunt syndrome syndrome resulting from infection by the herpes varicella zoster virus; characterized by vertigo and pain in the ears and facial nerve paralysis and sometimes hearing loss
random lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance; taken haphazardly
rape the crime of forcing a woman to submit to sexual intercourse against her will; the act of despoiling a country in warfare; Eurasian plant cultivated for its seed and as a forage crop; verb destroy and strip of its possession; force (someone) to have sex against their will
rapid done or occurring in a brief period of time; characterized by speed; moving with or capable of moving with high speed; a part of a river where the current is very fast
rash imprudently incurring risk; marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences; a series of unexpected and unpleasant occurrences; any red eruption of the skin
rate amount of a charge or payment relative to some basis; a quantity or amount or measure considered as a proportion of another quantity or amount or measure; a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit; the relative speed of progress or change; verbassign a rank or rating to; estimate the value of; be worthy of or have a certain rating
rates a local tax on property (usually used in the plural)
ratio the relative magnitudes of two quantities (usually expressed as a quotient)
rattlesnake pit viper with horny segments at the end of the tail that rattle when shaken
re the syllable naming the second (supertonic) note of any major scale in solmization; ancient Egyptian sun god with the head of a hawk; a universal creator; he merged with the god Amen as Amen Ra to become the king of the gods; a rare heavy polyvalent metallic element that resembles manganese chemically and is used in some alloys; is obtained as a by product in refining molybdenum
reactive participating readily in reactions; tending to react to a stimulus
recluse withdrawn from society; seeking solitude; one who lives in solitude
rectal of or involving the rectum
rectum the terminal section of the alimentary canal; from the sigmoid flexure to the anus
recurrence happening again (especially at regular intervals)
recurrent recurring again and again
red eye verb travel on an overnight flight
reduced well below normal (especially in price); made less in size or amount or degree
reducing loss of excess weight (as by dieting); becoming slimmer; any process in which electrons are added to an atom or ion (as by removing oxygen or adding hydrogen); always occurs accompanied by oxidation of the reducing agent
referral the act of referring (as forwarding an applicant for employment or referring a matter to an appropriate agency); a recommendation to consult the (professional) person referred to
reflex without volition or conscious control; an automatic instinctive unlearned reaction to a stimulus
reflux an abnormal backward flow of body fluids; the outward flow of the tide
refusal a message refusing to accept something that is offered; the act of refusing
regulator any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.; a official responsible for control and supervision of a particular activity or area of public interest; a control that maintains a steady speed in a machine (as by controlling the supply of fuel)
regurgitation recall after rote memorization; backflow of blood through a defective heart valve; the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
reiter German bacteriologist who described a disease now known as Reiter's syndrome and who identified the spirochete that causes syphilis in humans (1881 1969)
rejection the act of rejecting something; the speech act of rejecting; (medicine) an immunological response that refuses to accept substances or organisms that are recognized as foreign; the state of being rejected
related connected by kinship, common origin, or marriage; being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics; having close kinship and appropriateness; similar or related in quality or character
relative not absolute or complete; properly related in size or degree or other measurable characteristics; usually followed by `to'; an animal or plant that bears a relationship to another (as related by common descent or by membership in the same genus); a person related by blood or marriage
removal dismissal from office; the act of removing
renal calculus a calculus formed in the kidney
renal failure inability of the kidneys to excrete wastes and to help maintain the electrolyte balance
renal of or relating to the kidneys
replacement the act of furnishing an equivalent person or thing in the place of another; a person or thing that takes or can take the place of another; an event in which one thing is substituted for another; a person who follows next in order; someone who takes the place of another person; filling again by supplying what has been used up
reporting the news as presented by reporters for newspapers or radio or television
request a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority; the verbal act of requesting; verb express the need or desire for; ask for; ask (a person) to do something; inquire for (information)
rescue recovery or preservation from loss or danger; verbtake forcibly from legal custody; free from harm or evil
research systematic investigation to establish facts; a search for knowledge; verb inquire into; attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner
resection surgical removal of part of a structure or organ
resin any of a class of solid or semisolid viscous substances obtained either as exudations from certain plants or prepared by polymerization of simple molecules
resistant impervious to being affected; incapable of absorbing or mixing with; disposed to or engaged in defiance of established authority; relating to or conferring immunity (to disease or infection); able to tolerate environmental conditions or physiological stress
respiratory acidosis acidosis resulting from reduced gas exchange in the lungs (as in emphysema or pneumonia); excess carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid which increases the acidity of the blood
respiratory alkalosis alkalosis resulting from increased gas exchange in the lungs (as in hyperventilation associated with extreme anxiety or aspirin intoxication or metabolic acidosis)
respiratory distress syndrome an acute lung disease of the newborn (especially the premature newborn); lungs cannot expand because of a wetting agent is lacking; characterized by rapid shallow breathing and cyanosis and the formation of a glassy hyaline membrane over the alveoli
respiratory rate the rate at which a person inhales and exhales; usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of a person's health
respiratory pertaining to respiration
response a phrase recited or sung by the congregation following a versicle by the priest or minister; a result; a bodily process occurring due to the effect of some foregoing stimulus or agent; the manner in which something is greeted; a statement (either spoken or written) that is made in reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation; the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
restraint the of act controlling by restraining someone or something; a device that retards something's motion; discipline in personal and social activities; a rule or condition that limits freedom; lack of ornamentation; the state of being physically constrained
restrictive (of tariff) protective of national interests by restricting imports; serving to restrict
resuscitation the act of reviving a person and returning them to consciousness
retained continued in your keeping or use or memory
retention the act of retaining something; the power of retaining liquid; the power of retaining and recalling past experience
retina the light sensitive membrane covering the back wall of the eyeball; it is continuous with the optic nerve
retinal detachment visual impairment resulting from the retina becoming separated from the choroid in the back of the eye; treated by photocoagulation
retinal in or relating to the retina of the eye; either of two yellow to red retinal pigments formed from rhodopsin by the action of light
retrieval the cognitive operation of accessing information in memory; (computer science) the operation of accessing information from the computer's memory; the act of regaining or saving something lost (or in danger of becoming lost)
reuptake a process of using up or consuming again
reversible capable of assuming or producing either of two states; capable of reversing or being reversed; capable of being reversed or used with either side out; capable of being reversed; a garment (especially a coat) that can be worn inside out (with either side of the cloth showing)
revised improved or brought up to date; altered or revised by rephrasing or by adding or deleting material
rheumatic fever a severe disease chiefly of children and characterized by painful inflammation of the joints and frequently damage to the heart valves
rheumatic of or pertaining to arthritis; a person suffering with rheumatism
rheumatism any painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues; a chronic autoimmune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked deformities; something (possibly a virus) triggers an attack on the synovium by the immune system, which releases cytokines that stimulate an inflammatory reaction that can lead to the destruction of all components of the joint
rheumatoid arthritis a chronic autoimmune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked deformities; something (possibly a virus) triggers an attack on the synovium by the immune system, which releases cytokines that stimulate an inflammatory reaction that can lead to the destruction of all components of the joint
rheumatoid of or pertaining to arthritis
rhus dermatitis contact dermatitis resulting from contact with plants of the genus Toxicodendron
rhus deciduous or evergreen shrubs and shrubby trees of temperate and subtropical North America, South Africa, eastern Asia and northeastern Australia; usually limited to nonpoisonous sumacs (see genus Toxicodendron)
rhythm recurring at regular intervals; the arrangement of spoken words alternating stressed and unstressed elements; the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music; natural family planning in which ovulation is assumed to occur 14 days before the onset of a period (the fertile period would be assumed to extend from day 10 through day 18 of her cycle); an interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs
ricin a toxic protein extracted from castor beans; used as a chemical reagent; can be used as a bioweapon
rider a clause that is appended to a legislative bill; a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel); a traveler who actively rides a vehicle (as a bicycle or motorcycle); a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it
rifle a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore; verb go through in search of something; search through someone's belongings in an unauthorized way; steal goods; take as spoils
risk a venture undertaken without regard to possible loss or injury; the probability of being exposed to an infectious agent; the probability of becoming infected given that exposure to an infectious agent has occurred; a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune; verb expose to a chance of loss or damage; take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
rna (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
road taking place over public roads; working for a short time in different places; a way or means to achieve something; an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
roadside edge of a way or road or path
rocky mountain spotted fever caused by rickettsial bacteria and transmitted by wood ticks
rocky full of hardship or trials; abounding in rocks or stones; liable to rock; causing or characterized by jolts and irregular movements
rodent relatively small gnawing animals having a single pair of constantly growing incisor teeth specialized for gnawing
role normal or customary activity of a person in a particular social setting; the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group; what something is used for; an actor's portrayal of someone in a play
rome the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church; capital and largest city of Italy; on the Tiber; seat of the Roman Catholic Church; formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire
room an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling; the people who are present in a room; space for movement; opportunity for; verb live and take one's meals at or in
rosacea a skin disease of adults (more often women) in which blood vessels of the face enlarge resulting in a flushed appearance
roseola any red eruption of the skin
rotation the act of rotating as if on an axis; a planned recurrent sequence (of crops or personnel etc.); a single complete turn (axial or orbital); (mathematics) a transformation in which the coordinate axes are rotated by a fixed angle about the origin
rubella a contagious viral disease that is a milder form of measles lasting three or four days; can be damaging to a fetus during the first trimester
rupture the act of making a sudden noisy break; a personal or social separation (as between opposing factions); state of being torn or burst open; verb separate or cause to separate abruptly
ruptured suddenly and violently broken open especially from internal pressure (`busted' is an informal term for `burst')
sacral of or relating to sacred rites; of or relating to or near the sacrum
sacrum wedge shaped bone consisting of five fused vertebrae forming the posterior part of the pelvis; its base connects with the lowest lumbar vertebra and its tip with the coccyx
sad experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness; of things that make you feel sad; bad; unfortunate
safe (of an undertaking) secure from risk; free from danger or the risk of harm; having reached a base without being put out; in safekeeping; financially sound; strongbox where valuables can be safely kept; a ventilated or refrigerated cupboard for securing provisions from pests; contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse
salaam a deep bow; a Muslim form of salutation; verb greet with a salaam
salicylate poisoning poisoning caused by the excessive ingestion of salicylates (usually aspirin)
salicylate a salt of salicylic acid (included in several commonly used drugs)
saline containing salt; an isotonic solution of sodium chloride and distilled water
salivary of or relating to saliva
salmonella rod shaped Gram negative enterobacteria; cause typhoid fever and food poisoning; can be used as a bioweapon
salpingitis inflammation of a Fallopian tube (usually the result of infection spreading from the vagina or uterus) or of a Eustachian tube
salter someone who makes or deals in salt; someone who uses salt to preserve meat or fish or other foods
salvage the act of rescuing a ship or its crew or its cargo from a shipwreck or a fire; the act of saving goods or property that were in danger of damage or destruction; property or goods saved from damage or destruction; verb collect discarded or refused material; save from ruin, destruction, or harm
sample a small part of something intended as representative of the whole; all or part of a natural object that is collected and preserved as an example of its class; items selected at random from a population and used to test hypotheses about the population; verbtake a sample of
saphenous nerve a branch of the femoral nerve that supplies cutaneous branches to the inner aspect of the leg and foot
sarcoidosis a chronic disease of unknown cause marked by the formation of nodules in the lungs and liver and lymph glands and salivary glands
sars a respiratory disease of unknown etiology that apparently originated in mainland China in 2003; characterized by fever and coughing or difficulty breathing or hypoxia; can be fatal
saturation the act of soaking thoroughly with a liquid; chromatic purity: freedom from dilution with white and hence vivid in hue; a condition in which a quantity no longer responds to some external influence; the process of totally saturating something with a substance
save (sports) the act of preventing the opposition from scoring; verb make unnecessary an expenditure or effort; to keep up and reserve for personal or special use; feather one's nest; have a nest egg; spend less; buy at a reduced price; spend sparingly, avoid the waste of; bring into safety; retain rights to; refrain from harming; save from ruin, destruction, or harm; save from sins
scabies a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
scalp the skin that covers the top of the head; verb remove the scalp of; sell illegally, as on the black market
scan the act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region; an image produced by scanning; verb read metrically; make a wide, sweeping search of; move a light beam over; in electronics, to reproduce an image; examine hastily; examine minutely or intensely; conform to a metrical pattern; obtain data from magnetic tapes
scaphoid shaped like a boat
scapula either of two flat triangular bones one on each side of the shoulder in human beings
scarlet fever an acute communicable disease (usually in children) characterized by fever and a red rash
scarlet of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies; a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
scd an honorary degree in science
schistosomiasis an infestation with or a resulting infection caused by a parasite of the genus Schistosoma; common in the tropics and Far East; symptoms depend on the part of the body infected
schizophrenia any of several psychotic disorders characterized by distortions of reality and disturbances of thought and language and withdrawal from social contact
sciatic nerve arises from the sacral plexus and passes about halfway down the thigh where it divides into the common peroneal and tibial nerves
sciatic of or relating to the ischium (or the part of the hipbone containing it); relating to or caused by or afflicted with sciatica
sciatica neuralgia along the sciatic nerve
scleritis inflammation of the sclera
sclerosis any pathological hardening or thickening of tissue
scoring evaluation of performance by assigning a grade or score
scorpion arachnid of warm dry regions having a long segmented tail ending in a venomous sting; the eighth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about October 23 to November 21; (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Scorpio
screening testing objects or persons in order to identify those with particular characteristics; fabric of metal or plastic mesh; the display of a motion picture; the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it
scrotal relating to or having or lying within a scrotum
scrub (of domestic animals) not selectively bred; the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water; dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes; verb wash thoroughly; clean with hard rubbing; postpone indefinitely or annul something that was scheduled
sea relating to or characteristic of or occurring on the sea or ships; a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land; turbulent water with swells of considerable size; anything apparently limitless in quantity or volume
seatbelt a safety belt used in a car or plane to hold you in your seat in case of an accident
seborrheic dermatitis a chronic skin disease associated with seborrhea and greasy scales on the scalp or eyelids or other parts of the skin
secondary belonging to a lower class or rank; not of major importance; being of second rank or importance or value; not direct or immediate; depending on or incidental to what is original or primary; inferior in rank or status; the defensive football players who line up behind the linemen; coil such that current is induced in it by passing a current through the primary coil
secretion a functionally specialized substance (especially one that is not a waste) released from a gland or cell; the organic process of synthesizing and releasing some substance
sedation the administration of a sedative agent or drug; a state of reduced excitement or anxiety that is induced by the administrative of a sedative agent
sedative tending to soothe or tranquilize; a drug that reduces excitability and calms a person
sedimentation the phenomenon of sediment or gravel accumulating
segment one of the parts into which something naturally divides; one of several parts or pieces that fit with others to constitute a whole object; verb divide or split up; divide into segments
seizure the taking possession of something by legal process; a sudden occurrence (or recurrence) of a disease; the act of forcibly dispossessing an owner of property; the act of taking of a person by force
selective tending to select; characterized by careful choice; characterized by very careful or fastidious selection
self (used as a combining form) relating to of or by or to or from or for the self; your consciousness of your own identity; a person considered as a unique individual
sensitivity the ability to respond to affective changes in your interpersonal environment; the ability to respond to physical stimuli or to register small physical amounts or differences; (physiology) responsiveness to external stimuli; the faculty of sensation; sensitivity to emotional feelings (of self and others); susceptibility to a pathogen
sensory involving or derived from the senses; of a nerve fiber or impulse originating outside and passing toward the central nervous system; relating to or concerned in sensation
sepsis the presence of pus forming bacteria or their toxins in the blood or tissues
septal of or relating to a septum
septic containing or resulting from disease causing organisms; of or relating to or caused by putrefaction
septicaemia invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms from a focus of infection
sequence film consisting of a succession of related shots that develop a given subject in a movie; a following of one thing after another in time; several repetitions of a melodic phrase in different keys; serial arrangement in which things follow in logical order or a recurrent pattern; the action of following in order; verb arrange in a sequence; determine the order of constituents in
seriously in a serious manner; to a severe or serious degree
serological of or relating to serology
serotonin a neurotransmitter involved in e.g. sleep and depression and memory
serum sickness a delayed allergic reaction to the injection of an antiserum caused by an antibody reaction to an antigen in the donor serum
serum watery fluid of the blood that resembles plasma but contains fibrinogen
services performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others
seventh coming next after the sixth and just before the eighth in position; the musical interval between one note and another seven notes away from it; position seven in a countable series of things; one part in seven equal parts
sever verb set or keep apart; cut off from a whole
severe very bad in degree or extent; unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment; intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality; causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm; severely simple; very strong or vigorous
severity excessive sternness; extreme plainness; something hard to endure; used of the degree of something undesirable e.g. pain or weather
sexual abuse a statutory offense that provides that it is a crime to knowingly cause another person to engage in an unwanted sexual act by force or threat
sexual assault a statutory offense that provides that it is a crime to knowingly cause another person to engage in an unwanted sexual act by force or threat
sexual having or involving sex; of or relating to or characterized by sexuality; involved in a sexual relationship
sexually transmitted disease a communicable infection transmitted by sexual intercourse or genital contact
sexually by sexual means; with respect to sexuality
shigella rod shaped Gram negative enterobacteria; some are pathogenic for warm blooded animals; can be used as a bioweapon
shin the front part of the human leg between the knee and the ankle; the 22nd letter of the Hebrew alphabet; a cut of meat from the lower part of the leg; the inner and thicker of the two bones of the human leg between the knee and ankle; verb climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling
shingles eruptions along a nerve path often accompanied by severe neuralgia
shockable capable of being shocked
shocked struck with fear, dread, or consternation
shoe footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material; (card games) a case from which playing cards are dealt one at a time; a restraint provided when the brake linings are moved hydraulically against the brake drum to retard the wheel's rotation; U shaped plate nailed to underside of horse's hoof; verb furnish with shoes
shotgun firearm that is a double barreled smoothbore shoulder weapon for firing shot at short ranges
shoulder narrow edge of land (usually unpaved) along the side of a road; the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm; a ball and socket joint between the head of the humerus and a cavity of the scapula; a cut of beef from the shoulder of the animal; verb push with the shoulders; carry a burden, either real or metaphoric; lift onto one's shoulders
sick deeply affected by a strong feeling; shockingly repellent; inspiring horror; having a strong distaste from surfeit; affected with madness or insanity; (of light) lacking in intensity or brightness; dim or feeble; affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function; feeling nausea; feeling about to vomit; people who are sick; verb eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth
sickle an edge tool for cutting grass or crops; has a curved blade and a short handle
sickness defectiveness or unsoundness; impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism; the state that precedes vomiting
sids sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant during sleep
sigmoid of or relating to the sigmoid flexure in the large intestine; curved in two directions (like the letter S)
significance the quality of being significant; a meaning that is not expressly stated but can be inferred; the message that is intended or expressed or signified
simplex allowing communication in only one direction at a time, or in telegraphy allowing only one message over a line at a time; having only one part or element
sinus any of various air filled cavities especially in the bones of the skull; a wide channel containing blood; does not have the coating of an ordinary blood vessel; an abnormal passage leading from a suppurating cavity to the body surface
sinusitis inflammation of one of the paranasal sinuses
site physical position in relation to the surroundings; the piece of land on which something is located (or is to be located); a computer connected to the internet that maintains a series of web pages on the World Wide Web; verb assign a location to
skater someone who skates
skin cancer a malignant neoplasm of the skin
skull the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates
slab block consisting of a thick piece of something
sle an inflammatory disease of connective tissue with variable features including fever and weakness and fatigability and joint pains and skin lesions on the face or neck or arms
sleep apnea apnea that occurs during sleep
sleep a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended; a torpid state resembling deep sleep; a period of time spent sleeping; euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb); verbbe asleep; be able to accommodate for sleeping
slit a long narrow opening; a narrow fissure; obscene terms for female genitals; a depression scratched or carved into a surface; verb cut a slit into; make a clean cut through
sludge the precipitate produced by sewage treatment; any thick messy substance
smallpox a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever and weakness and skin eruption with pustules that form scabs that slough off leaving scars
snellen Dutch ophthalmologist who introduced the Snellen chart to study visual acuity (1834 1908)
snowblindness temporary blindness caused by exposure to sunlight reflected from snow or ice
society an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization; the fashionable elite; a formal association of people with similar interests; the state of being with someone
socket a receptacle into which an electric device can be inserted; receptacle where something (a pipe or probe or end of a bone) is inserted; a bony hollow into which a structure fits
sodium bicarbonate a white soluble compound (NaHCO3) used in effervescent drinks and in baking powders and as an antacid
sodium thiosulphate a compound used as a fixing agent in photographic developing
sodium a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
solandra shrubby climbers of tropical America
solanum type genus of the Solanaceae: nightshade; potato; eggplant; bittersweet
solution the successful action of solving a problem; a method for solving a problem; a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem; the set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation; a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution
solvent capable of meeting financial obligations; a liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances; a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem
sonogram an image of a structure that is produced by ultrasonography (reflections of high frequency sound waves); used to observe fetal growth or to study bodily organs
sonography using the reflections of high frequency sound waves to construct an image of a body organ (a sonogram); commonly used to observe fetal growth or study bodily organs
sore roused to anger; hurting; causing misery or pain or distress; an open skin infection
spa a place of business with equipment and facilities for exercising and improving physical fitness; a fashionable hotel usually in a resort area; a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
spasm (pathology) sudden constriction of a hollow organ (as a blood vessel); a painful and involuntary muscular contraction
spasmodic occurring in spells and often abruptly; affected by involuntary jerky muscular contractions; resembling a spasm
species a specific kind of something; (biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
specimen a bit of tissue or blood or urine that is taken for diagnostic purposes; an example regarded as typical of its class
sphenoid butterfly shaped bone at the base of the skull
sphincter a ring of muscle that contracts to close an opening
spider predatory arachnid that usually has silk spinning organs at the back end of the body; they spin silk to make cocoons for eggs or traps for prey; a skillet made of cast iron; a computer program that prowls the internet looking for publicly accessible resources that can be added to a database; the database can then be searched with a search engine
spinal of or relating to the spine or spinal cord; anesthesia of the lower half of the body; caused by injury to the spinal cord or by injecting an anesthetic beneath the arachnoid membrane that surrounds the spinal cord
spleen a large dark red oval organ on the left side of the body between the stomach and the diaphragm; produces cells involved in immune responses; a feeling of resentful anger
splenic of or relating to the spleen
splenomegaly an abnormal enlargement of the spleen
splint an orthopedic mechanical device used to immobilize and protect a part of the body (as a broken leg); a thin sliver of wood; verb support with a splint
spoke support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim; one of the crosspieces that form the steps of a ladder
spondylitis inflammation of a spinal joint; characterized by pain and stiffness
spondylolisthesis a forward dislocation of one vertebra over the one beneath it producing pressure on spinal nerves
spontaneous abortion a natural loss of the products of conception
spontaneous happening or arising without apparent external cause; said or done without having been planned or written in advance
sporotrichosis a chronic fungal infection of the skin and lymph nodes
spotted especially of reputation; having spots or patches (small areas of contrasting color or texture)
sprain a painful injury to a joint caused by a sudden wrenching of its ligaments; verb twist suddenly so as to sprain
spreading spreading by diffusion; act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or time; the opening of a subject to widespread discussion and debate; process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space
squamous cell carcinoma the most common form of skin cancer
sr the unit of solid angle adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites; a soft silver white or yellowish metallic element of the alkali metal group; turns yellow in air; occurs in celestite and strontianite
ss special police force in Nazi Germany founded as a personal bodyguard for Adolf Hitler in 1925; the SS administered the concentration camps; the United States intelligence agency that protects current and former presidents and vice presidents and their immediate families and protects distinguished foreign visitors; detects and apprehends counterfeiters; suppresses forgery of government securities and documents
ssri an antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin is available to act on receptors in the brain
stable maintaining equilibrium; not taking part readily in chemical change; firm and dependable; subject to little fluctuation; resistant to change of position or condition; showing little if any change; a farm building for housing horses or other livestock; verb shelter in a stable
staggers a disease of the central nervous system affecting especially horses and cattle; characterized by an unsteady swaying gait and frequent falling
staging getting rid of a stage of a multistage rocket; travel by stagecoach; a system of scaffolds; the production of a drama on the stage
staph spherical Gram positive parasitic bacteria that tend to form irregular colonies; some cause boils or septicemia or infections
staphylococcal of or relating to the staphylococcus bacteria
staphylococcus spherical Gram positive parasitic bacteria that tend to form irregular colonies; some cause boils or septicemia or infections
status epilepticus a condition in which there are continuing attacks of epilepsy without intervals of consciousness; can lead to brain damage and death
status the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society; a state at a particular time
steal a stolen base; an instance in which a base runner advances safely during the delivery of a pitch (without the help of a hit or walk or passed ball or wild pitch); an advantageous purchase; verb steal a base; move stealthily; take without the owner's consent
steam water at boiling temperature diffused in the atmosphere; verb cook something by letting steam pass over it; clean by means of steaming; get very angry; rise as vapor; emit steam; travel by means of steam power
stenosis abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway
sternal of or relating to or near the sternum
sternum the flat bone that articulates with the clavicles and the first seven pairs of ribs
stevens United States filmmaker (1905 1975); United States poet (1879 1955); United States psychologist and psychophysicist who proposed Stevens' power law to replace Fechner's law (1906 1973)
stimulating rousing or quickening activity or the senses; making lively and cheerful; that stimulates
stoma a mouth or mouthlike opening (especially one created by surgery on the surface of the body to create an opening to an internal organ); a minute epidermal pore in a leaf or stem through which gases and water vapor can pass
stomach an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion; an appetite for food; an inclination or liking for things involving conflict or difficulty or unpleasantness; the region of the body of a vertebrate between the thorax and the pelvis; verb bear to eat; put up with something or somebody unpleasant
stonefish venomous tropical marine fish resembling a piece of rock
stool a simple seat without a back or arms; (forestry) the stump of a tree that has been felled or headed for the production of saplings; a plumbing fixture for defecation and urination; solid excretory product evacuated from the bowels; verb have a bowel movement; grow shoots in the form of stools or tillers; react to a decoy, of wildfowl; lure with a stool, as of wild fowl
stopping the kind of playing that involves pressing the fingers on the strings of a stringed instrument to control the pitch; fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members
strangulation (pathology) constriction of a body part so as to cut off the flow of blood or other fluid; the condition of having respiration stopped by compression of the air passage; the act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe
strauss Austrian composer of waltzes (1804 1849); Austrian composer and son of Strauss the Elder; composed many famous waltzes and became known as the `waltz king' (1825 1899); German composer of many operas; collaborated with librettist Hugo von Hoffmannsthal to produce several operas (1864 1949)
streptococcal of or relating to or caused by streptococci
streptococcus spherical Gram positive bacteria occurring in pairs or chains; cause e.g. scarlet fever and tonsillitis
streptokinase an enzyme produced by some strains of streptococcus that can liquefy blood clots by converting plasminogen to plasmin; used medicinally in some cases of myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism
stress the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch); (physics) force that produces strain on a physical body; difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension; special emphasis attached to something; (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense; verbput stress on; utter with an accent; to stress, single out as important; test the limits of
stridor a whistling sound when breathing (usually heard on inspiration); indicates obstruction of the trachea or larynx
structure a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts; the manner of construction of something and the arrangement of its parts; a particular complex anatomical part; the complex composition of knowledge as elements and their combinations; the people in a society considered as a system organized by a characteristic pattern of relationships; verb give a structure to
stupor marginal consciousness; the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
stye an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
subacute less than acute; relating to a disease present in a person with no symptoms of it
subclavian situated beneath the clavicle
subcutaneous relating to or located below the epidermis
subdural below the dura mater but above the arachnoid membrane of the meninges
subluxation partial displacement of a joint or organ
substance that which has mass and occupies space; the stuff of which an object consists; the idea that is intended; the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; what a communication that is about something is about; considerable capital (wealth or income)
sucking the act of sucking
sudden infant death syndrome sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant during sleep
sudden happening without warning or in a short space of time
sugar a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative; informal terms for money; an essential structural component of living cells and source of energy for animals; includes simple sugars with small molecules as well as macromolecular substances; are classified according to the number of monosaccharide groups they contain; verb sweeten with sugar
suicide the act of killing yourself; a person who kills himself intentionally
sulfadiazine a sulfa drug used in treating meningitis and pneumonia and other infections
sulphate a salt or ester of sulphuric acid
superficial being or affecting or concerned with a surface; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually; of little substance or significance; relating to a surface; involving a surface only
superimposed with one layer on top of another; placed on or over something else
suppurative relating to or characterized by suppuration
supraorbital located or occurring above the eye socket
surgery a room where a doctor or dentist can be consulted; the branch of medical science that treats disease or injury by operative procedures; a medical procedure involving an incision with instruments; performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body; a room in a hospital equipped for the performance of surgical operations
surgical performed with great precision; relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine; of or relating to or involving or used in surgery
survey a detailed critical inspection; the act of looking or seeing or observing; short descriptive summary (of events); verbconsider in a comprehensive way; plot a map of (land); make a survey of; for statistical purposes; look over in a comprehensively, inspect; hold a review (of troops); keep under surveillance
sustained maintained at length without interruption or weakening; (of an electric arc) continuous
suturing surgical joining of two surfaces
swab cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors; implement consisting of a small piece of cotton that is used to apply medication or cleanse a wound or obtain a specimen of a secretion; verb wash with a swab or a mop; apply (usually a liquid) to a surface
swallowed completely enclosed or swallowed up
swelling abnormal protuberance or localized enlargement; the swelling of certain substances when they are heated (often accompanied by release of water)
swine stout bodied short legged omnivorous animals
symmetric having similarity in size, shape, and relative position of corresponding parts
sympathomimetic relating to epinephrine (its release or action)
synchronised operating in unison
synchronized operating in unison
syncope (phonology) the loss of sounds in the interior of a word (as in `fo'c'sle' for `forecastle'); a spontaneous loss of consciousness caused by insufficient blood to the brain
syndrome a complex of concurrent things; a pattern of symptoms indicative of some disease
synovitis inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines a synovial joint; results in pain and swelling
syphilis a common venereal disease caused by the treponema pallidum spirochete; symptoms change through progressive stages; can be congenital (transmitted through the placenta)
systemic lupus erythematosus an inflammatory disease of connective tissue with variable features including fever and weakness and fatigability and joint pains and skin lesions on the face or neck or arms
systemic affecting an entire system
systolic of or relating to a systole or happing during a systole
ta a hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite
tachycardia abnormally rapid heartbeat (over 100 beats per minute)
tai of or relating to Thailand; of or relating to the languages of the Thai people; of or relating to or characteristic of Thailand or its people; the most widespread and best known of the Kadai family of languages; a native or inhabitant of Thailand
talus a sloping mass of loose rocks at the base of a cliff; the bone in the ankle that articulates with the leg bones to form the ankle joint
tamponade blockage or closure (as of a wound or body cavity) by (or as if by) a tampon (especially to stop bleeding)
tarsal of or relating to or near the tarsus of the foot; any bone of the tarsus
tb a unit of information equal to a trillion (1,099,511,627,776) bytes or 1024 gigabytes; infection transmitted by inhalation or ingestion of tubercle bacilli and manifested in fever and small lesions (usually in the lungs but in various other parts of the body in acute stages); a metallic element of the rare earth group; used in lasers; occurs in apatite and monazite and xenotime and ytterbite
telephone electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds; transmitting speech at a distance; verb get or try to get into communication (with someone) by telephone
temperature the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity); the somatic sensation of cold or heat
temporal arteritis inflammation of the temporal arteries; characterized by headaches and difficulty chewing and (sometimes) visual impairment
temporal lobe epilepsy epilepsy characterized clinically by impairment of consciousness and amnesia for the episode; often involves purposeful movements of the arms and legs and sometimes hallucinations
temporal of this earth or world; not eternal; concerned with secular rather than sacred matters; of the material world; of or relating to the temples (the sides of the skull behind the orbit); of or relating to or limited by time; the semantic role of the phrase that designating the time of the state or action denoted by the verb
temporary lacking continuity or regularity; not permanent; not lasting; a worker (especially in an office) hired on a temporary basis
temporomandibular joint the joint between the head of the lower jawbone and the temporal bone
ten being one more than nine; the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
tendinitis inflammation of a tendon
tendon a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
tendonitis inflammation of a tendon
tennis elbow painful inflammation of the tendon at the outer border of the elbow resulting from overuse of lower arm muscles (as in twisting of the hand)
tennis a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court
tenosynovitis inflammation of a tendon and its enveloping sheath
tension the action of stretching something tight; (physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body; a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature); (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense; the physical condition of being stretched or strained; feelings of hostility that are not manifest
territory an area of knowledge or interest; the geographical area under the jurisdiction of a sovereign state; a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
terrorism the calculated use of violence (or threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear
testicular of or involving the testes
testing the act of subjecting to experimental test in order to determine how well something works; an examination of the characteristics of something; the act of giving students or candidates a test (as by questions) to determine what they know or have learned
testis one of the two male reproductive glands that produce spermatozoa and secrete androgens
tet the New Year in Vietnam; observed for three days after the first full moon after January 20th
tetanus a sustained muscular contraction resulting from a rapid series of nerve impulses; an acute and serious infection of the central nervous system caused by bacterial infection of open wounds; spasms of the jaw and laryngeal muscles may occur during the late stages
tetracaine a crystalline compound used in the form of a hydrochloride as a local anesthetic
tetralogy of fallot a congenital heart defect producing cyanosis; characterized by four symptoms: pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect and malposition of the aorta over both ventricles and hypertrophy of the right ventricle
tetralogy a series of four related works (plays or operas or novels)
theophylline a colorless crystalline alkaloid derived from tea leaves or made synthetically; used in medicine as a bronchial dilator
therapeutic relating to or involved in therapy; tending to cure or restore to health; a medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain
therapy (medicine) the act of caring for someone (as by medication or remedial training etc.)
thermal caused by or designed to retain heat; of or relating to a hot spring; relating to or associated with heat; rising current of warm air
thiopental barbiturate that is a hygroscopic powder (trade name Pentothal) that is a strong barbiturate that acts rapidly; induces a relaxed state when injected as a general anesthetic
third degree interrogation often accompanied by torture to extort information or a confession
thomas the Apostle who would not believe the resurrection of Jesus until he saw Jesus with his own eyes; Welsh poet (1914 1953); a radio broadcast journalist during World War I and World War II noted for his nightly new broadcast (1892 1981); United States socialist who was a candidate for president six times (1884 1968); United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785 1859)
thoracentesis removal of fluid from the chest by centesis for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
thoracic outlet syndrome tingling sensations in the fingers; caused by compression on a nerve supplying the arm
thoracic of or relating to the chest or thorax
thoracotomy surgical incision into the chest walls opening up the pleural cavity
thorax part of an insect's body that bears the wings and legs; the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates; the middle region of the body of an arthropod between the head and the abdomen
thought the organized beliefs of a period or group or individual; the process of using your mind to consider something carefully; the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about; a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
threatened abortion the appearance of symptoms that signal the impending loss of the products of conception
threatened (of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
three being one more than two; the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
thrive verb gain in wealth; grow stronger
throat a passage resembling a throat in shape or function; an opening in the vamp of a shoe at the instep; the passage to the stomach and lungs; in the front part of the neck below the chin and above the collarbone
thrombin an enzyme that acts on fibrinogen in blood causing it to clot
thrombocytopenia a blood disease characterized by an abnormally small number of platelets in the blood
thrombocytopenic purpura purpura associated with a reduction in circulating blood platelets which can result from a variety of factors
thrombocytosis increase in the number of platelets in the blood which tends to cause clots to form; associated with many neoplasms and chronic infections and other diseases
thromboembolism occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus that has broken away from a thrombus
thrombolysis the process of breaking up and dissolving blood clots
thrombophlebitis phlebitis in conjunction with the formation of a blood clot (thrombus)
thromboplastin an enzyme liberated from blood platelets that converts prothrombin into thrombin as blood starts to clot
thrombosis the formation or presence of a thrombus (a clot of coagulated blood attached at the site of its formation) in a blood vessel
thrombus a blood clot formed within a blood vessel and remaining attached to its place of origin
thrush songbirds characteristically having brownish upper plumage with a spotted breast; a woman who sings popular songs; candidiasis of the oral cavity; seen mostly in infants or debilitated adults
thumb the part of a glove that provides a covering for the thumb; the thick short innermost digit of the forelimb; a convex molding having a cross section in the form of a quarter of a circle or of an ellipse; verb feel or handle with the fingers; travel by getting free rides from motorists; look through a book or other written material
thump a heavy blow with the hand; a heavy dull sound (as made by impact of heavy objects); verb hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument; move rhythmically; make a dull sound
thyroid suggestive of a thyroid disorder; of or relating to the thyroid gland; located near the base of the neck
tia brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
tic douloureux intense paroxysmal neuralgia along the trigeminal nerve
tic a local and habitual twitching especially in the face
tick any of two families of small parasitic arachnids with barbed proboscis; feed on blood of warm blooded animals; a light mattress; a metallic tapping sound; a mark indicating that something has been noted or completed etc.; verb sew; make a sound like a clock or a timer; put a check mark on or near or next to; make a clicking or ticking sound
tictac steady recurrent ticking sound as made by a clock
times a more or less definite period of time in history; an arithmetic operation that is the inverse of division; the product of two numbers is computed
tinea capitis fungal infection of the scalp characterized by bald patches
tinea corporis fungal infection of nonhairy parts of the skin
tinea cruris fungal infection of the groin (most common in men)
tinea pedis fungal infection of the feet
tinea unguium fungal infection of the nails (especially toenails)
tinea type genus of the Tineidae: clothes moths; infections of the skin or nails caused by fungi and appearing as itching circular patches
tissue plasminogen activator a thrombolytic agent (trade name Activase) that causes fibrinolysis at the site of a blood clot; used in treating acute myocardial infarction
tissue part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function; a soft thin (usually translucent) paper; verb create a piece of cloth by interlacing strands of fabric, such as wool or cotton
todd fictional character in a play by George Pitt; a barber who murdered his customers; Scottish chemist noted for his research into the structure of nucleic acids (born in 1907)
toddler a young child
toluene a colorless flammable liquid obtained from petroleum or coal tar; used as a solvent for gums and lacquers and in high octane fuels
tomography (medicine) obtaining pictures of the interior of the body
tonsillitis inflammation of the tonsils (especially the palatine tonsils)
tooth a means of enforcement; toothlike structure in invertebrates found in the mouth or alimentary canal or on a shell; something resembling the tooth of an animal; one of a number of uniform projections on a gear; hard bonelike structures in the jaws of vertebrates; used for biting and chewing or for attack and defense
toothache an ache localized in or around a tooth
topical of interest at the present time; pertaining to the surface of a body part; of or relating to or arranged by topics
torr a unit of pressure equal to 0.001316 atmosphere; named after Torricelli
torsion a twisting force; a tortuous and twisted shape or position
torticollis an unnatural condition in which the head leans to one side because the neck muscles on that side are contracted
torus commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column; a ring shaped surface generated by rotating a circle around an axis that does not intersect the circle
total constituting the full quantity or extent; complete; complete in extent or degree and in every particular; without conditions or limitations; including everything; the whole amount; a quantity obtained by the addition of a group of numbers; verb damage beyond the point of repair; determine the sum of; add up in number or quantity
toxemia blood poisoning caused by bacterial toxic substances in the blood; an abnormal condition of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and edema and protein in the urine
toxic shock syndrome syndrome resulting from a serious acute (sometimes fatal) infection associated with the presence of staphylococcus; characterized by fever and diarrhea and nausea and diffuse erythema and shock; occurs especially in menstruating women using highly absorbent tampons
toxic of or relating to or caused by a toxin or poison
toxin a poisonous substance produced during the metabolism and growth of certain microorganisms and some higher plant and animal species
toxoid a bacterial toxin that has been weakened until it is no longer toxic but is strong enough to induce the formation of antibodies and immunity to the specific disease caused by the toxin
toxoplasmosis infection caused by parasites transmitted to humans from infected cats; if contracted by a pregnant woman it can result in serious damage to the fetus
trachea membranous tube with cartilaginous rings that conveys inhaled air from the larynx to the bronchi; one of the tubules forming the respiratory system of most insects and many arachnids
tracheal relating to or resembling or functioning like a trachea
tracheitis inflammation of the trachea
tract a system of body parts that together serve some particular purpose; a brief treatise on a subject of interest; published in the form of a booklet; an extended area of land; a bundle of myelinated nerve fibers following a path through the brain
traction (orthopedics) the act of pulling on a bone or limb (as in a fracture) to relieve pressure or align parts in a special way during healing; the friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road)
transcutaneous through the unbroken skin; refers to medications applied directly to the skin (creams or ointments) or in time release forms (skin patches)
transferrin a globulin in blood plasma that carries iron
transfusion the action of pouring a liquid from one vessel to another; the introduction of blood or blood plasma into a vein or artery
transient global amnesia memory disorder seen in middle aged and elderly persons; characterized by an episode of amnesia and bewilderment that lasts for several hours; person is otherwise alert and intellectually active
transient ischemic attack brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
transient of a mental act; causing effects outside the mind; lasting a very short time; (physics) a short lived oscillation in a system caused by a sudden change of voltage or current or load; one who stays for only a short time
transmitted sent electronically as by wire or radio; tending to occur among members of a family usually by heredity
transplantation the act of removing something from one location and introducing it in another location; an operation moving an organ from one organism (the donor) to another (the recipient)
trauma an emotional wound or shock often having long lasting effects; any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
traumatic psychologically painful; "few experiences are more traumatic than losing a child"; of or relating to a physical injury or wound to the body
travel the act of going from one place to another; self propelled movement; a movement through space that changes the location of something; verb change location; move, travel, or proceed; undergo transportation as in a vehicle; make a trip for pleasure; undertake a journey or trip; travel upon or across; travel from place to place, as for the purpose of finding work, preaching, or acting as a judge
treatment care by procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury; the management of someone or something; a manner of dealing with something artistically; an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
trench a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth; any long ditch cut in the ground; a long steep sided depression in the ocean floor; verb dig a trench or trenches; cut a trench in, as for drainage; set, plant, or bury in a trench; cut or carve deeply into; fortify by surrounding with trenches; impinge or infringe upon
trh hormone released by the hypothalamus that controls the release of thyroid stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary
triad a three note major or minor chord; a note and its third and fifth tones; three people considered as a unit; a set of three similar things considered as a unit
triage sorting and allocating aid on the basis of need for or likely benefit from medical treatment or food
tricuspid having three cusps or points (especially a molar tooth)
tricyclic antidepressant an antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin and thus making more of those substances available to act on receptors in the brain
tricyclic an antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin and thus making more of those substances available to act on receptors in the brain
trigeminal neuralgia intense paroxysmal neuralgia along the trigeminal nerve
trigeminal the main sensory nerve of the face and motor nerve for the muscles of mastication
trigger an act that sets in motion some course of events; a device that activates or releases or causes something to happen; lever that activates the firing mechanism of a gun; verb release or pull the trigger on; put in motion or move to act
trivalent having a valence of three
trophoblastic of or relating to the trophoblast
tropical of weather or climate; hot and humid as in the tropics; characterized by or of the nature of a trope or tropes; changed from its literal sense; relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator); of or relating to the tropics, or either tropic
trouble an effort that is inconvenient; a source of difficulty; an event causing distress or pain; an unwanted pregnancy; an angry disturbance; a strong feeling of anxiety; verb to cause inconvenience or discomfort to; cause bodily suffering to and make sick or indisposed; disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed; move deeply; take the trouble to do something; concern oneself
trousseau the personal outfit of a bride; clothes and accessories and linens
tsh anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the function of the thyroid gland
tss syndrome resulting from a serious acute (sometimes fatal) infection associated with the presence of staphylococcus; characterized by fever and diarrhea and nausea and diffuse erythema and shock; occurs especially in menstruating women using highly absorbent tampons
tuberculosis infection transmitted by inhalation or ingestion of tubercle bacilli and manifested in fever and small lesions (usually in the lungs but in various other parts of the body in acute stages)
tuberculous constituting or afflicted with or caused by tuberculosis or the tubercle bacillus
tubular constituting a tube; having hollow tubes (as for the passage of fluids)
tuft a bunch of feathers or hair; a bunch of hair or feathers or growing grass
tularemia a highly infectious disease of rodents (especially rabbits and squirrels) and sometimes transmitted to humans by ticks or flies or by handling infected animals
tumor an abnormal new mass of tissue that serves no purpose
tumour an abnormal new mass of tissue that serves no purpose
tunnel a passageway through or under something, usually underground (especially one for trains or cars); a hole in the ground made by an animal for shelter; verb force a way through; move through by or as by digging
turp removal of significant amounts of prostate tissue (as in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia)
tv an electronic device that receives television signals and displays them on a screen; broadcasting visual images of stationary or moving objects
twice two times; to double the degree
twisted having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented; strained or wrenched out of normal shape; wound or wrapped around something
tympanic membrane the membrane in the ear that vibrates to sound
tympanic associated with the eardrum; resembling a drum
typhoid serious infection marked by intestinal inflammation and ulceration; caused by Salmonella typhosa ingested with food or water
typhus rickettsial disease transmitted by body lice and characterized by skin rash and high fever
u (chiefly British) of or appropriate to the upper classes especially in language use; the 21st letter of the Roman alphabet; a heavy toxic silvery white radioactive metallic element; occurs in many isotopes; used for nuclear fuels and nuclear weapons; a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine
uk a monarchy in northwestern Europe occupying most of the British Isles; divided into England and Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland
ulcer a circumscribed inflammatory and often suppurating lesion on the skin or an internal mucous surface resulting in necrosis of tissue
ulcerative colitis a serious chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and fever and chills and profuse diarrhea
ulcerative of or relating to or characterized by ulceration
ulna the inner and longer of the two bones of the human forearm
ulnar relating to or near the ulna
ultrasound very high frequency sound; used in ultrasonography; using the reflections of high frequency sound waves to construct an image of a body organ (a sonogram); commonly used to observe fetal growth or study bodily organs
ultraviolet having or employing wavelengths shorter than light but longer than X rays; lying outside the visible spectrum at its violet end; radiation lying in the ultraviolet range; wave lengths shorter than light but longer than X rays
umbilical vein a vein in the umbilical cord; returns nutrient blood from the placenta to the fetus
umbilical relating to or resembling the umbilicus; membranous duct connecting the fetus with the placenta
uncomplicated lacking complexity; easy and not involved or complicated
unconscious (followed by `of') not knowing or perceiving; not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead; without conscious volition; that part of the mind wherein psychic activity takes place of which the person is unaware
under lower in rank, power, or authority; located below or beneath something else; further down; down below; below the horizon; below some quantity or limit; in or into a state of subordination or subjugation; down to defeat, death, or ruin; into unconsciousness; through a range downward
undescended (of the testis) remaining in the abdomen instead of descending into the scrotum
unexpected not expected or anticipated; happening or coming quickly and without warning; not planned; made necessary by an unexpected situation or emergency
unexplained having the reason or cause not made clear; not explained
unit a single undivided whole; an organization regarded as part of a larger social group; a single undivided natural thing occurring in the composition of something else; an individual or group or structure or other entity regarded as a structural or functional constituent of a whole; an assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity; any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
united characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity; of or relating to two people who are married to each other; involving the joint activity of two or more
unknown not known; not known to exist; being or having an unknown or unnamed source; not known before; not famous or acclaimed; a variable whose values are solutions of an equation; an unknown and unexplored region; anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
unresponsiveness the quality of being unresponsive; not reacting; as a quality of people, it is marked by a failure to respond quickly or with emotion to people or events
unstable highly or violently reactive; disposed to psychological variability; lacking stability or fixity or firmness; subject to change; variable; affording no ease or reassurance; suffering from severe mental illness
unsuccessful not successful; having failed or having an unfavorable outcome; failing to accomplish an intended result
upper respiratory tract the nose and throat and trachea
upper higher in place or position; superior in rank or accomplishment; the topmost one of two; piece of leather or synthetic material that forms the part of a shoe or boot above the sole that encases the foot; a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression; the higher of two berths
upwards spatially or metaphorically from a lower to a higher position; to a later time
uraemic of or involving excess nitrogenous waste products in the urine (usually due to kidney insufficiency)
urate a salt of uric acid
urea the chief solid component of mammalian urine; synthesized from ammonia and carbon dioxide and used as fertilizer and in animal feed and in plastics
uremic of or involving excess nitrogenous waste products in the urine (usually due to kidney insufficiency)
urethra duct through which urine is discharged in most mammals and which serves as the male genital duct
urethral of or relating to the urethra
urethritis inflammation of the urethra; results in painful urination
urinary retention holding urine in the urinary bladder
urinary tract the organs and tubes involved in the production and excretion of urine
urinary of or relating to the function or production or secretion of urine; of or relating to the urinary system of the body
urine liquid excretory product
urticaria an itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale interiors and well defined red margins; usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs
uterine of or involving the uterus
utter total; without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers; verb express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words); put into circulation; articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise; express in speech
uveitis inflammation of the uvea of the eye
uvulitis inflammation of the uvula
vaccination the scar left following inoculation with a vaccine; taking a vaccine as a precaution against contracting a disease
vaccine immunogen consisting of a suspension of weakened or dead pathogenic cells injected in order to stimulate the production of antibodies
vagal of or relating to the vagus nerve
vaginal discharge discharge of secretions from the cervical glands of the vagina; normally clear or white
vaginal of or relating to the vagina
vaginitis inflammation of the vagina (usually associated with candidiasis)
values beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment (either for or against something)
valve control consisting of a mechanical device for controlling the flow of a fluid; device in a brass wind instrument for varying the length of the air column to alter the pitch of a tone; a structure in a hollow organ (like the heart) with a flap to insure one way flow of fluid through it
valvular heart disease heart disease caused by stenosis of the cardiac valves and obstructed blood flow or caused by degeneration and blood regurgitation
valvular relating to or operating by means of valves
variant differing from a norm or standard; exhibiting or tending to variation and change; something a little different from others of the same type; a variable quantity that is random; an event that departs from expectations; (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups
varicella an acute contagious disease caused by herpes varicella zoster virus; causes a rash of vesicles on the face and body
varicose abnormally swollen or knotty
vascular of or relating to or having vessels that conduct and circulate fluids
vasculitis inflammation of a blood vessel
vasopressor any agent that produces vasoconstriction and a rise in blood pressure (usually understood as increased arterial pressure)
vein one of the horny ribs that stiffen and support the wing of an insect; a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart; a distinctive style or manner; a layer of ore between layers of rock; any of the vascular bundles or ribs that form the branching framework of conducting and supporting tissues in a leaf or other plant organ; verb make a veinlike pattern
velocity distance travelled per unit time
vena cava either of two large veins that return oxygen depleted blood to the right atrium of the heart
vena a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart
venereal of or relating to the external sex organs
venom toxin secreted by animals; secreted by certain snakes and poisonous insects (e.g., spiders and scorpions); feeling a need to]] see [[others suffer
venous of or contained in or performing the function of the veins
ventilation the act of supplying fresh air and getting rid of foul air; a mechanical system in a building that provides fresh air; the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation; free and open discussion of (or debate on) some question of public interest
ventilator a device (such as a fan) that introduces fresh air or expels foul air; a device that facilitates breathing in cases of respiratory failure
ventricle a chamber of the heart that receives blood from an atrium and pumps it to the arteries; one of four connected cavities in the brain; is continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord and contains cerebrospinal fluid
ventricular fibrillation fibrillation of heart muscles resulting in interference with rhythmic contractions of the ventricles and possibly leading to cardiac arrest
ventricular of or relating to a ventricle (of the heart or brain)
verapamil a drug (trade names Calan and Isoptin) used as an oral or parenteral calcium blocker in cases of hypertension or congestive heart failure or angina or migraine
verbal communicated in the form of words; prolix; relating to or having facility in the use of words; expressed in spoken words; of or relating to or formed from a verb; of or relating to or formed from words in general
vertebral of or relating to or constituting vertebrae
vertigo a reeling sensation; a feeling that you are about to fall
vessel a craft designed for water transportation; an object used as a container (especially for liquids); a tube in which a body fluid circulates
vestibular relating to the sense of equilibrium
vibration the act of vibrating; a distinctive emotional aura experienced instinctively; (physics) a regular periodic variation in value about a mean; a shaky motion; a distinctive emotional atmosphere; sensed intuitively
vibrio curved rodlike motile bacterium
violence an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists); a turbulent state resulting in injuries and destruction etc.; the property of being wild or turbulent
violent (of colors or sounds) intensely vivid or loud; effected by force or injury rather than natural causes; acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity; characterized by violence or bloodshed; marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid
viper venomous Old World snakes characterized by hollow venom conducting fangs in the upper jaw
viral relating to or caused by a virus
virus (virology) ultramicroscopic infectious agent that replicates itself only within cells of living hosts; many are pathogenic; a piece of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a thin coat of protein; a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer; a harmful or corrupting agency
visceral relating to or affecting the viscera; obtained through intuition rather than from reasoning or observation
viscous having the sticky properties of an adhesive; having a relatively high resistance to flow
vision the perceptual experience of seeing; a vivid mental image; a religious or mystical experience of a supernatural appearance; the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses; the ability to see; the visual faculty
visual able to be seen; relating to or using sight
vital manifesting or characteristic of life; performing an essential function in the living body; full of spirit; urgently needed; absolutely necessary
vitamin any of a group of organic substances essential in small quantities to normal metabolism
vitreous relating to or resembling or derived from or containing glass; of or relating to or constituting the vitreous humor of the eye; (of ceramics) having the surface made shiny and nonporous by fusing a vitreous solution to it
vocal full of the sound of voices; having or using the power to produce speech or sound; relating to or designed for or using the singing voice; given to expressing yourself freely or insistently; a short musical composition with words; music intended to be performed by one or more singers, usually with instrumental accompaniment
volar relating to the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot
volume the magnitude of sound (usually in a specified direction); a publication that is one of a set of several similar publications; the amount of 3 dimensional space occupied by an object; a relative amount; physical objects consisting of a number of pages bound together; the property of something that is great in magnitude
volvulus abnormal twisting of the intestines (usually in the are of the ileum or sigmoid colon) resulting in intestinal obstruction
vomiting the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
von willebrand Finnish physician who first described vascular hemophilia (1870 1949)
vt a state in New England
vulval of or relating to the vulva
w the 23rd letter of the Roman alphabet; a unit of power equal to 1 joule per second; the power dissipated by a current of 1 ampere flowing across a resistance of 1 ohm; the cardinal compass point that is a 270 degrees; a heavy grey white metallic element; the pure form is used mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several ores including wolframite and scheelite
wait the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something); time during which some action is awaited; verb serve as a waiter or waitress in a restaurant; stay in one place and anticipate or expect something; wait before acting; look forward to the probable occurrence of
wallace English naturalist who formulated a concept of evolution that resembled Charles Darwin's (1823 1913); English writer noted for his crime novels (1875 1932); Scottish insurgent who led the resistance to Edward I; in 1297 he gained control of Scotland briefly until Edward invaded Scotland again and defeated Wallace and subsequently executed him (1270 1305)
warfarin an anticoagulant (trade name Coumadin) use to prevent and treat a thrombus or embolus
warming imparting heat; producing the sensation of heat when applied to the body; warm weather following a freeze; snow and ice melt; the process of becoming warmer; a rising temperature
wasp social or solitary hymenopterans typically having a slender body with the abdomen attached by a narrow stalk and having a formidable sting; a white person of Anglo Saxon ancestry who belongs to a Protestant denomination
wbc blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the body's defense system
weakness the property of lacking physical or mental strength; liability to failure under pressure or stress or strain; a penchant for something even though it might not be good for you; the condition of being financially weak; powerlessness revealed by an inability to act; a flaw or weak point
weapon any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting; a means of persuading or arguing
weil United States mathematician (born in France) (1906 1998); French philosopher (1909 1943)
welder joins pieces of metal by welding them together
wells prolific English writer best known for his science fiction novels; he also wrote on contemporary social problems and wrote popular accounts of history and science (1866 1946)
wernicke German neurologist best known for his studies of aphasia (1848 1905)
west nile virus the flavivirus that causes West Nile encephalitis
wheeze breathing with a husky or whistling sound; (Briticism) a clever or amusing scheme or trick; verb breathe with difficulty
wheezing relating to breathing with a whistling sound
whiplash an injury to the neck (the cervical vertebrae) resulting from rapid acceleration or deceleration (as in an automobile accident); a quick blow delivered with a whip or whiplike object
wide not on target; having ample fabric; having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other; great in degree; broad in scope or content; very large in expanse or scope; (used of eyes) fully open or extended; to or over a great extent or range; far; with or by a broad space; far from the intended target; to the fullest extent possible
widow a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried; verb cause to be without a spouse
width the extent of something from side to side
willebrand Finnish physician who first described vascular hemophilia (1870 1949)
withdrawal the act of withdrawing; the termination of drug taking; the act of taking out money or other capital; a retraction of a previously held position; avoiding emotional involvement; formal separation from an alliance or federation
wolff German anatomist (1733 1794)
wound put in a coil; the act of inflicting a wound; a casualty to military personnel resulting from combat; a figurative injury (to your feelings or pride); any break in the skin or an organ caused by violence or surgical incision; verb cause injuries or bodily harm to; hurt the feelings of
wrist a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones
wry bent to one side; humorously sarcastic or mocking
x ray a radiogram made by exposing photographic film to X rays; used in medical diagnosis; electromagnetic radiation of short wavelength produced when high speed electrons strike a solid target; verb take an x ray of something or somebody; examine by taking x rays
x the 24th letter of the Roman alphabet; street names for methylenedioxymethamphetamine
y the 25th letter of the Roman alphabet; a silvery metallic element that is common in rare earth minerals; used in magnesium and aluminum alloys
years the time during which someone's life continues; a late time of life; a prolonged period of time
york the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
z the 26th letter of the Roman alphabet; the ending of a series or sequence
zealand the largest island of Denmark and the site of Copenhagen
zip a fastener for locking together two toothed edges by means of a sliding tab; forceful exertion; a code of letters and digits added to a postal address to aid in the sorting of mail; a quantity of no importance; verb close with a zipper; move very fast
zoster eruptions along a nerve path often accompanied by severe neuralgia
zygomatic arch the slender arch formed by the temporal process of the cheekbone that bridges to the zygomatic process of the temporal bone
zygomatic of or relating to the cheek region of the face; the arch of bone beneath the eye that forms the prominence of the cheek

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