Medical encyclopedia

An encyclopedia of medicine. A medical encyclopedia is a comprehensive source of information that covers various medical topics, terminologies, diseases, treatments, and advancements. These encyclopedias serve as invaluable resources for medical professionals, students, researchers, and the general public to better understand health and medicine. Modern iterations of these resources have transitioned from traditional print versions to digital formats, providing ease of access and updated information.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Medical encyclopedias typically encompass:

Disease Descriptions: Detailed insights into various illnesses, their symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, and treatments.
Medical Procedures: Explanation of common and complex medical procedures, surgical operations, and their implications.
Drugs and Therapies: Information about various drugs, their uses, side effects, and therapeutic interventions.
Medical Terminology: Definitions and explanations of common medical terms and jargons.

Importance[edit | edit source]

The significance of a medical encyclopedia lies in:

Reliable Information: Offering credible and scientifically-backed information to users.
Education: Serving as a tool for medical students and professionals to enhance their knowledge.
Awareness: Empowering the general public by providing information about health, wellness, and medical conditions.

Digital Transition[edit | edit source]

With the advent of the internet and digital platforms, medical encyclopedias have evolved into online resources, offering dynamic content updates, multimedia features, and interactive functionalities.

WikiMD.com[edit | edit source]

One notable example of a comprehensive online medical encyclopedia is WikiMD.com. This digital platform provides:

Extensive Coverage: Spanning a wide array of medical topics, ensuring users have access to in-depth information.
User-Friendly Interface: Designed for ease of navigation, allowing users to quickly find and access the information they seek.
Interactive Features: Incorporating images, videos, and interactive diagrams to aid understanding.
Regular Updates: Ensuring that the information stays current with the latest medical research and findings.

Considerations[edit | edit source]

While online medical encyclopedias like WikiMD.com offer numerous advantages, users should:

Verify Information: Ensure that content is backed by credible sources and research.
Consult Professionals: Always consult with healthcare professionals before making health-related decisions based on encyclopedia content.
Privacy Concerns: Be wary of websites that ask for personal health information or offer medical advice without proper credentials.

Glossary of common medical terms[edit | edit source]

abasia - noun inability to walk
abdomen - noun 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
aberdeen - noun a city in northeastern Scotland on the North Sea; a town in northeastern Maryland; a town in northeastern South Dakota; a town in western Washington
abortion - noun termination of pregnancy; failure of a plan
abrasion - noun 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
abstinence - noun act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite; the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)
acanthocephala - noun phylum or class of elongated wormlike parasites that live in the intestines of vertebrates: spiny-headed worms
acantholysis - noun a breakdown of a cell layer in the epidermis (as in pemphigus)
acholia - noun a condition in which little or no bile is secreted or the flow of bile into the digestive tract is obstructed
acinus - noun one of the small sacs or saclike dilations in a compound gland; one of the small drupes making up an aggregate or multiple fruit like a blackberry
acrophobia - noun a morbid fear of great heights
act up - verb make itself felt as a recurring pain; misbehave badly; act in a silly or improper way
active placebo - noun a placebo used in experimental tests of a drug that has noticeable side effects
acupuncture - noun treatment of pain or disease by inserting the tips of needles at specific points on the skin
adenitis - noun inflammation of a gland or lymph node
adenosine - noun (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
adherence - noun faithful support for a religion or cause or political party; the property of sticking together (as of glue and wood) or the joining of surfaces of different composition
adrenalectomy - noun surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands
adrenaline - noun a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin); stimulates autonomic nerve action
advocate - noun a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea; a lawyer who pleads cases in court; verb speak, plead, or argue in favour of; push for something
adynamia - noun lack of strength or vigor (especially from illness)
agenesis - noun imperfect development; nondevelopment of a part
agent orange - noun a herbicide used in the Vietnam War to defoliate forest areas
agnosia - noun inability to recognize objects by use of the senses
agoraphobia - noun a morbid fear of open spaces (as fear of being caught alone in some public place)
aides - noun (Greek mythology) the god of the underworld in ancient mythology; brother of Zeus and husband of Persephone
aids - noun a serious (often fatal) disease of the immune system transmitted through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles
airborne - adj. moved or conveyed by or through air
alienist - noun a psychiatrist and specialist in the legal aspects of mental illness
allergist - noun a physician skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies
allergy - noun hypersensitivity reaction to a particular allergen; symptoms can vary greatly in intensity
alternative medicine - noun the practice of medicine without the use of drugs; may involve herbal medicines or self-awareness or biofeedback or acupuncture
aluminium oxide - noun any of various forms of aluminum oxide occurring naturally as corundum
amaurosis - noun partial or total loss of sight without pathology of the eye; caused by disease of optic nerve or retina or brain
amber - adj. of a medium to dark brownish yellow color; noun a deep yellow color; a hard yellowish to brownish translucent fossil resin; used for jewelry
ambergris - noun waxy substance secreted by the sperm whale and found floating at sea or washed ashore; used in perfume
ambulatory - adj. relating to or adapted for walking; able to walk about; noun a covered walkway (as in a cloister)
amiodarone - noun 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
amplification - noun (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
amygdalin - noun a bitter cyanogenic glucoside extracted from the seeds of apricots and plums and bitter almonds
anaesthesia - noun loss of bodily sensation with or without loss of consciousness
anasarca - noun generalized edema with accumulation of serum in subcutaneous connective tissue
anatomy - noun a detailed analysis; the branch of morphology that deals with the structure of animals; alternative names for the body of a human being
animal disease - noun a disease that typically does not affect human beings
animal - adj. of the nature of or characteristic of or derived from an animal or animals; marked by the appetites and passions of the body; noun a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
annulus - noun (Fungi) remnant of the partial veil that in mature mushrooms surrounds the lower part of the stem; a toroidal shape
anodyne - adj. capable of relieving pain; noun a medicine used to relieve pain
anorchia - noun absence of one of both testes
another - adj. any of various alternatives; some other
anthrax - noun 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
antibiotic - adj. of or relating to antibiotic drugs; noun a chemical substance derivable from a mold or bacterium that kills microorganisms and cures infections
anticholinergic - adj. inhibiting or blocking the action of acetylcholine at a receptor site; noun a substance that opposes or blocks the action of acetylcholine
antidromic - adj. conducting nerve impulses in a direction opposite to normal
antifungal - adj. capable of destroying fungi; noun any agent that destroys or prevents the growth of fungi
anxiety disorder - noun a cover term for a variety of mental disorders in which severe anxiety is a salient symptom
anxiety - noun 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
apgar score - noun an assessment of the physical condition of a newborn infant; involves heart rate and muscle tone and respiratory effort and color and reflex responsiveness
aplasia - noun failure of some tissue or organ to develop
apnea - noun transient cessation of respiration
apomorphine - noun a morphine derivative that is not as strong as morphine; used as an emetic and in small doses as a sedative
apoptosis - noun a type of cell death in which the cell uses specialized cellular machinery to kill itself; a cell suicide mechanism that enables metazoans to control cell number and eliminate cells that threaten the animal's survival
apothecary - noun a health professional trained in the art of preparing and dispensing drugs
appendage - noun a part that is joined to something larger; a natural prolongation or projection from a part of an organism either animal or plant; an external body part that projects from the body
armour - noun tough more-or-less rigid protective covering of an animal or plant; protective covering made of metal and used in combat; a military unit consisting of armored fighting vehicles; verb equip with armor
arrested development - noun an abnormal state in which development has stopped prematurely
arthritis - noun inflammation of a joint or joints
arthrocentesis - noun removal of fluid from a joint by centesis
arthropathy - noun a pathology or abnormality of a joint
arthroscopy - noun a minimally invasive operation to repair a damaged joint; the surgeon examines the joint with an arthroscope while making repairs through a small incision
artificial heart - noun a pump that replaces the natural heart
ash wednesday - noun the 7th Wednesday before Easter; the first day of Lent; the day following Mardi Gras (`fat Tuesday'); a day of fasting and repentance
aspirator - noun a pump that draws air or another gas through a liquid
aspirin - noun 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
astringent - adj. tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue; sour or bitter in taste; noun a drug that causes contraction of body tissues and canals
asylum - noun a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person; a shelter from danger or hardship
asymptomatic - adj. having no symptoms of illness or disease
asynergy - noun absence of coordination of organs or body parts that usually work together harmoniously
asystole - noun 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
atony - noun lack of normal muscular tension or tonus
atresia - noun an abnormal condition in which a normal opening or tube in the body (as the urethra) is closed or absent
atropine - noun 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
auditory agnosia - noun inability to recognize or understand the meaning of spoken words
augusta - noun a city in eastern Georgia north-northwest of Savannah; noted for golf tournaments; the capital of the state of Maine
auscultation - noun listening to sounds within the body (usually with a stethoscope)
author - noun someone who originates or causes or initiates something; writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay); verb be the author of
autoclave - noun a device for heating substances above their boiling point; used to manufacture chemicals or to sterilize surgical instruments; verb subject to the action of an autoclave
autoimmune disease - noun any of a large group of diseases characterized by abnormal functioning of the immune system that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against your own tissues
autoinjector - noun a hypodermic syringe to use in injecting yourself with a liquid
autolysis - noun lysis of plant or animal tissue by an internal process
automatism - noun any reaction that occurs automatically without conscious thought or reflection (especially the undirected behavior seen in psychomotor epilepsy)
autopsy - noun an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease; verb perform an autopsy on a dead body; do a post-mortem
autotomy - noun spontaneous removal or casting off of a body part (as the tail of a lizard or claw or a lobster) especially when the organism is injured or under attack
averroes - noun Arabian philosopher born in Spain; wrote detailed commentaries on Aristotle that were admired by the Schoolmen (1126-1198)
avicenna - noun Arabian physician and influential Islamic philosopher; his interpretation of Aristotle influenced St. Thomas Aquinas; writings on medicine were important for almost 500 years (980-1037)
axolotl - noun larval salamander of mountain lakes of Mexico that usually lives without metamorphosing
ayurveda - noun (Sanskrit) an ancient medical treatise summarizing the Hindu art of healing and prolonging life; sometimes regarded as a 5th Veda
azathioprine - noun an immunosuppressive drug (trade name Imuran) used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ
azygos - adj. occurring singly; not one of a pair
bachelor of medicine - noun (a British degree) a bachelor's degree in medicine
backscratcher - noun a long-handled scratcher for scratching your back; someone who is willing to trade favors or services for mutual advantage
baker - noun someone who bakes bread or cake; someone who bakes commercially
balanitis - noun inflammation of the head of the penis
balm of gilead - noun small evergreen tree of Africa and Asia; leaves have a strong aromatic odor when bruised; a fragrant oleoresin; medium-sized fir of northeastern North America; leaves smell of balsam when crushed; much used for pulpwood and Christmas trees
banding - noun an adornment consisting of a strip of a contrasting color or material; a stripe or stripes of contrasting color
bart - noun a member of the British order of honor; ranks below a baron but above a knight
bed rest - noun confinement to bed continuously (as in the case of some sick or injured persons)
bedpan - noun a shallow vessel used by a bedridden patient for defecation and urination
belgium - noun a monarchy in northwestern Europe; headquarters for the European Union and for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
beneficence - noun the quality of being kind or helpful or generous; doing good; feeling beneficent
benign tumor - noun a tumor that is not cancerous
benignity - noun the quality of being kind and gentle; a kind act
benjamin rush - noun physician and American Revolutionary leader; signer of the Declaration of Independence (1745-1813)
berk - noun a stupid person who is easy to take advantage of
biology - noun the science that studies living organisms; characteristic life processes and phenomena of living organisms; all the plant and animal life of a particular region
biomedicine - noun the branch of medical science that studies the ability of organisms to withstand environmental stress (as in space travel); the branch of medical science that applies biological and physiological principles to clinical practice
bionics - noun application of biological principals to the study and design of engineering systems (especially electronic systems)
bipedalism - noun the bodily attribute of being bipedal; having two feet
birth control - noun limiting the number of children born
black death - noun the epidemic form of bubonic plague experienced during the Middle Ages when it killed nearly half the people of western Europe
bladder stone - noun a calculus formed in the bladder
blain - noun an inflammatory swelling or sore
blanch - verb cook (vegetables) briefly; turn pale, as if in fear
bleb - noun (pathology) an elevation of the skin filled with serous fluid
blood pressure - noun 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
bloodletting - noun formerly used as a treatment to reduce excess blood (one of the four humors of medieval medicine); indiscriminate slaughter
body fluid - noun the liquid parts of the body
bogart - noun United States film actor (1899-1957)
brain death - noun death when respiration and other reflexes are absent; consciousness is gone; organs can be removed for transplantation before the heartbeat stops
breast implant - noun an implant for cosmetic purposes to replace a breast that has been surgically removed
bright's disease - noun an inflammation of the kidney
brill - noun European food fish
browne - noun United States writer of humorous tales of an itinerant showman (1834-1867); English illustrator of several of Dickens' novels (1815-1882)
bruise - noun an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration; verb damage (plant tissue) by abrasion of pressure; break up into small pieces for food preparation; injure the underlying soft tissue of bone of; hurt the feelings of
bruit - verb tell or spread rumors
bubonic plague - noun the most common form of the plague in humans; characterized by chills, prostration, delirium and the formation of buboes in the armpits and groin; does not spread from person to person
burgh - noun a borough in Scotland
butler - noun a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table; English poet (1612-1680); English novelist who described a fictitious land he called Erewhon (1835-1902)
cadaver - noun the dead body of a human being
caduceus - noun an insignia used by the medical profession; modeled after the staff of Hermes
cambodia - noun a nation in southeastern Asia; was part of Indochina under French rule until 1946
cambridge - noun a city in eastern England on the River Cam; site of Cambridge University; a city in Massachusetts just north of Boston; site of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; a university in England
camelpox - noun a viral disease of camels closely related to smallpox
cancer cell - noun a cell that is part of a malignant tumor
canine distemper - noun a viral disease of young dogs characterized by high fever and respiratory inflammation
cannula - noun a small flexible tube inserted into a body cavity for draining off fluid or introducing medication
capitation - noun a tax levied on the basis of a fixed amount per person
carapace - noun hard outer covering or case of certain organisms such as arthropods and turtles
carl jung - noun Swiss psychologist (1875-1961)
carminative - adj. relieving gas in the alimentary tract (colic or flatulence or griping); noun medication that prevents the formation of gas in the alimentary tract or eases its passing
caspase - noun any of a group of proteases that mediate apoptosis
castor oil - noun a purgative extracted from the seed of the castor plant; used in paint and varnish as well as medically
catabiosis - noun normal aging of cells
catastrophic illness - noun severe illness requiring prolonged hospitalization or recovery; usually involves high costs for hospitals and doctors and medicines
catherine - noun empress of Russia who greatly increased the territory of the empire (1729-1796); first wife of Henry VIII; Henry's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)
catholicon - noun hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists
cattle - noun domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age
cause of death - noun the causal agent resulting in death
cauterization - noun the act of coagulating blood and destroying tissue with a hot iron or caustic agent or by freezing
caveman - noun someone who lives in a cave
cavernous sinus - noun either of a pair of large venous sinuses in the cranial cavity
cell death - noun (physiology) the normal degeneration and death of living cells (as in various epithelial cells)
centrifuge - noun an apparatus that uses centrifugal force to separate particles from a suspension; verb rotate at very high speed in order to separate the liquids from the solids
cephalic - adj. of or relating to the head
cephalosporin - noun one of several broad spectrum antibiotic substances obtained from fungi and related to penicillin (trade names Mefoxin); addition of side chains has produced semisynthetic antibiotics with greater antibacterial activity
cerate - noun a hard medicated paste made of lard or oil mixed with wax or resin
cerebrospinal fluid - noun clear liquid produced in the ventricles of the brain; fills and protects cavities in the brain and spinal cord
chaperone - noun one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people; verb accompany as a chaperone
chemistry - noun the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions; the way two individuals relate to each other
chemotherapy - noun the use of chemical agents to treat or control disease (or mental illness)
chicken soup - noun soup made from chicken broth
chignon - noun a roll of hair worn at the nape of the neck
child - noun 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
chimera - noun a grotesque product of the imagination; (Greek mythology) fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head and a goat's body and a serpent's tail; daughter of Typhon
chiropractic - noun a method of treatment that manipulates body structures (especially the spine) to relieve low back pain or even headache or high blood pressure
chloral hydrate - noun a colorless crystalline drug used as a sedative; irritates the stomach and can be addictive
chondroma - noun a common benign tumor of cartilage cells
chorditis - noun inflammation of the vocal cords; inflammation of the spermatic cord
chyloderma - noun swelling of the scrotum resulting from chronic lymphatic obstruction
cincinnati - noun a city in southern Ohio on the Ohio river
claustrophobia - noun a morbid fear of being closed in a confined space
clerkship - noun the job of clerk
clinic - noun a healthcare facility for outpatient care; meeting for diagnosis of problems and instruction or remedial work in a particular activity; a medical establishment run by a group of medical specialists
clinical trial - noun a rigorously controlled test of a new drug or a new invasive medical device on human subjects; in the United States it is conducted under the direction of the FDA before being made available for general clinical use
clinical - adj. scientifically detached; unemotional; relating to a clinic or conducted in or as if in a clinic and depending on direct observation of patients
clinician - noun a practitioner (of medicine or psychology) who does clinical work instead of laboratory experiments
clipping - noun an excerpt cut from a newspaper or magazine; the act of clipping or snipping; cutting down to the desired size or shape
cloaca - noun a waste pipe that carries away sewage or surface water
clofibrate - noun a drug (trade name Atromid-S) that reduces lipids in the blood serum; used to treat some cardiovascular diseases
clothing - noun a covering designed to be worn on a person's body
clotting time - noun the time it takes for a sample of blood to clot; used to diagnose some clotting disorders
coccidia - noun an order in the subclass Telosporidia
cochlea - noun the snail-shaped tube (in the inner ear coiled around the modiolus) where sound vibrations are converted into nerve impulses by the organ of Corti
codeine - noun derivative of opium; used as an antitussive (to relieve coughing) and an analgesic (to relive pain)
coding - noun act of writing in code or cipher
coelom - noun a cavity in the mesoderm of an embryo that gives rise in humans to the pleural cavity and pericardial cavity and peritoneal cavity
coffee break - noun a snack taken during a break in the work day
collyrium - noun lotion consisting of a solution used as a cleanser for the eyes
colonialism - noun exploitation by a stronger country of weaker one; the use of the weaker country's resources to strengthen and enrich the stronger country
color vision - noun the normal ability to see colors
comedo - noun a black-tipped plug clogging a pore of the skin
commissure - noun a bundle of nerve fibers passing from one side to the other of the brain or spinal cord
condom - noun contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse
conformation - noun a symmetrical arrangement of the parts of a thing; acting according to certain accepted standards; any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
conjoint - adj. consisting of two or more associated entities
consent - noun permission to do something; verb give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to
contagion - noun the communication of an attitude or emotional state among a number of people; an incident in which an infectious disease is transmitted; any disease easily transmitted by contact
continuum - noun a continuous nonspatial whole or extent or succession in which no part or portion is distinct of distinguishable from adjacent parts
contraindication - noun (medicine) a reason that makes it inadvisable to prescribe a particular drug or employ a particular procedure or treatment
convalescence - noun gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury
convention - noun the act of convening; something regarded as a normative example; (diplomacy) an international agreement; a large formal assembly; orthodoxy as a consequence of being conventional
conversion disorder - noun a mental disorder characterized by the conversion of mental conflict into somatic forms (into paralysis or anesthesia having no apparent cause)
conversion factor - noun factor by which a quantity that is expressed in one set of units must be multiplied in order to convert it into another set of units
convulsion - noun a physical disturbance such as an earthquake or upheaval; a violent disturbance; violent uncontrollable contractions of muscles; a sudden uncontrollable attack
copenhagen - noun the capital and largest city of Denmark; located on the island of Zealand
cordial - adj. sincerely or intensely felt; showing warm and heartfelt friendliness; diffusing warmth and friendliness; noun strong highly flavored sweet liquor usually drunk after a meal
corixa - noun type genus of the Corixidae: boat bugs
corneous - adj. made of horn (or of a substance resembling horn)
corpus luteum - noun yellow endocrine tissue that forms in a ruptured Graafian follicle following the release of an ovum
cortex - noun the tissue forming the outer layer of an organ or structure in plant or animal; the layer of unmyelinated neurons (the grey matter) forming the cortex of the cerebrum
cortisone - noun a corticosteroid hormone (trade name Cortone Acetate) normally produced by the adrenal cortex; is converted to hydrocortisone
cotton wool - noun soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state
counterstain - noun a stain of contrasting color that is used when the principal stain does not show the structure clearly
cowpox - noun a viral disease of cattle causing a mild skin disease affecting the udder; formerly used to inoculate humans against smallpox
cracked - adj. informal or slang terms for mentally irregular; of paint or varnish; having the appearance of alligator hide; used of skin roughened as a result of cold or exposure
cranial cavity - noun the cavity enclosed by the cranium
craving - noun an intense desire for some particular thing
crosby - noun United States singer and film actor (1904-1977)
crust - noun the trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take liberties; the outer layer of the Earth; a hard outer layer that covers something; verb form a crust or form into a crust
crutch - noun anything that serves as an expedient; a wooden or metal staff that fits under the armpit and reaches to the ground; used by disabled person while walking
cryonics - noun the freezing of a seriously ill or recently deceased person to stop tissues from decomposing; the body is preserved until new medical cures are developed that might bring the person back to life
crypt - noun a cellar or vault or underground burial chamber (especially beneath a church)
culdoscopy - noun endoscopic examination of a woman's pelvic organs by the insertion of a culdoscope through the vagina
cupid's bow - noun a curved bow with reversed curve ends; the double curve of the upper lip when considered to resemble Cupid's bow
curandero - noun a Mexican man who practices healing techniques inherited from the Mayans
curette - noun a surgical instrument shaped like a scoop to remove tissue from a bodily cavity
cuticle - noun the dead skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail; hard outer covering or case of certain organisms such as arthropods and turtles; the outer layer of the skin covering the exterior body surface of vertebrates
cutis - noun a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch
cytochrome c - noun the most abundant and stable cytochrome; involved in energy transfer
cytology - noun the branch of biology that studies the structure and function of cells
cytopenia - noun a deficiency of some cellular element of the blood
debility - noun the state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)
debridement - noun surgical removal of foreign material and dead tissue from a wound in order to prevent infection and promote healing
decubitus - noun a reclining position (as in a bed)
decussation - noun an intersection or crossing of two tracts in the form of the letter X
defibrillation - noun treatment by stopping fibrillation of heart muscles (usually by electric shock delivered by a defibrillator)
defibrillator - noun 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 - noun lack of an adequate quantity or number; the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable
degeneration - noun passing from a more complex to a simpler biological form; the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality; the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities
delirium tremens - noun acute delirium caused by alcohol poisoning
dementia praecox - noun any of several psychotic disorders characterized by distortions of reality and disturbances of thought and language and withdrawal from social contact
dental caries - noun soft decayed area in a tooth; progressive decay can lead to the death of a tooth
dental - adj. of or relating to the teeth; of or relating to dentistry; noun a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge
dentist - noun a person qualified to practice dentistry
dentition - noun the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal; the eruption through the gums of baby teeth
depigmentation - noun absence or loss of pigmentation (or less than normal pigmentation) in the skin or hair
depressive disorder - noun a state of depression and anhedonia so severe as to require clinical intervention
dermabrasion - noun removal of scars or tattoos by anesthetizing the skin surface and then sanding or scraping off some of the outer skin layer
dermatology - noun the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases
dermatomycosis - noun fungal infection of the skin (especially of moist parts covered by clothing)
dermatosis - noun disorder involving lesions or eruptions of the skin (in which there is usually no inflammation)
desquamation - noun loss of bits of outer skin by peeling or shedding or coming off in scales
dexamethasone - noun a corticosteroid drug (trade names Decadron or Dexamethasone Intensol or Dexone or Hexadrol or Oradexon) used to treat allergies or inflammation
diabetes - noun any of several metabolic disorders marked by excessive urination and persistent thirst
diagnosis - noun identifying the nature or cause of some phenomenon
dialysis - noun separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
diana - noun (Roman mythology) virgin goddess of the hunt and the moon; counterpart of Greek Artemis; English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles; her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)
diaphragmatic hernia - noun hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm
diastasis - noun separation of an epiphysis from the long bone to which it is normally attached without fracture of the bone
diathermy - noun a method of physical therapy that involves generating local heat in body tissues by high-frequency electromagnetic currents
diathesis - noun constitutional predisposition to a particular disease or abnormality
diazepam - noun 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
dielectric heating - noun heating of an insulator by a high-frequency electric field
diethylstilbestrol - noun a potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry
dilator - noun a surgical instrument that is used to dilate or distend an opening or an organ; a drug that causes dilation; a muscle or nerve that dilates or widens a body part
diltiazem - noun a calcium blocker (trade name Cardizem) used in treating hypertension or angina or heart failure
dipsomania - noun an intense persistent desire to drink alcoholic beverages to excess
disability insurance - noun social insurance for the disabled
disease - noun an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning
dislocation - noun 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)
dissection - noun 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
distress - noun 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
divaricate - verb spread apart; branch off
diverticulum - noun a herniation through the muscular wall of a tubular organ (especially the colon)
docking - noun the act of securing an arriving vessel with ropes
doctor of medicine - noun a doctor's degree in medicine
doctor of optometry - noun a doctor's degree in optometry
dorothea dix - noun United States social reformer who pioneered in the reform of prisons and in the treatment of the mentally ill; superintended women army nurses during the American Civil War (1802-1887)
dosimetry - noun measuring the dose of radiation emitted by a radioactive source
dover's powder - noun a medicinal powder made essentially of ipecac and opium; formerly used to relieve pain and induce perspiration
dragon's blood - noun a dark red resinous substance derived from various trees and used in photoengraving
drug - noun a substance that is used as a medicine or narcotic; verb administer a drug to; use recreational drugs
dryness - noun the condition of not containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water); objectivity and detachment; moderation in or abstinence from alcohol or other drugs
dublin - noun capital and largest city and major port of the Irish Free State
duke - noun a British peer of the highest rank; a nobleman (in various countries) of high rank
dyscrasia - noun an abnormal or physiologically unbalanced state of the body
dystrophy - noun any degenerative disorder resulting from inadequate or faulty nutrition; any of several hereditary diseases of the muscular system characterized by weakness and wasting of skeletal muscles
echoencephalography - noun a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to study the anatomy of the brain
effacement - noun withdrawing into the background; making yourself inconspicuous; shortening of the uterine cervix and thinning of its walls as it is dilated during labor
efficacy - noun capacity or power to produce a desired effect
effleurage - noun a rhythmic stroking
elastin - noun a fibrous scleroprotein found in elastic tissues such as the walls of arteries
elective - adj. subject to popular election; not compulsory; noun a course that the student can select from among alternatives
electrocardiography - noun diagnostic procedure consisting of recording the activity of the heart electronically with a cardiograph (and producing a cardiogram)
electronic device - noun a device that accomplishes its purpose electronically
electrosurgery - noun surgery performed with electrical devices (as in electrocautery)
electrotherapy - noun the therapeutic application of electricity to the body (as in the treatment of various forms of paralysis)
elixir of life - noun a hypothetical substance believed to maintain life indefinitely; once sought by alchemists
ellison - noun United States novelist who wrote about a young Black man and his struggles in American society (1914-1994)
embryology - noun the branch of biology that studies the formation and early development of living organisms
emergency medicine - noun the branch of medicine concerned with the prompt diagnosis and treatment of injuries or trauma or sudden illness
emmenagogue - noun any agent that promotes menstrual discharge
empyema - noun a collection of pus in a body cavity (especially in the lung cavity)
enalapril - noun an ACE inhibitor (trade name Vasotec) that blocks the formation of angiotensin in the kidney and so results in vasodilation; administered after heart attacks
endometritis - noun inflammation of the lining of the uterus (of the endometrium)
endoscope - noun a long slender medical instrument for examining the interior of a bodily organ or performing minor surgery
endoskeleton - noun the internal skeleton; bony and cartilaginous structure (especially of vertebrates)
enema - noun injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate evacuation; sometimes used for diagnostic purposes
engineering - noun a room (as on a ship) in which the engine is located; the discipline dealing with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems; the practical application of science to commerce or industry
enteropathy - noun a disease of the intestinal tract
enterotoxemia - noun a disease of cattle and sheep that is attributed to toxins absorbed from the intestines
enucleation - noun surgical removal of something without cutting into it
environment - noun the area in which something exists or lives; the totality of surrounding conditions
enzootic - adj. of a disease that is constantly present in an animal community but only occurs in a small number of cases
eosinopenia - noun a decrease in the number of eosinophils in the blood
eosinophilic - adj. of or relating to eosinophil
epicranium - noun the muscle and aponeurosis and skin covering the cranium
epidemiology - noun the branch of medical science dealing with the transmission and control of disease
epidermis - noun the outer layer of the skin covering the exterior body surface of vertebrates
epigastrium - noun the region lying on or over the stomach (just below the sternum)
epiphenomenon - noun a secondary phenomenon that is a by-product of another phenomenon
episiotomy - noun surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vagina and so facilitate delivery during childbirth
epithelial - adj. of or belonging to the epithelium
epizootic - adj. (of animals) epidemic among animals of a single kind within a particular region
erectile tissue - noun vascular tissue capable of filling with blood and becoming rigid
erythema nodosum - noun skin condition characterized by tender red nodules on the shins and legs
erythema - noun abnormal redness of the skin resulting from dilation of blood vessels (as in sunburn or inflammation)
erythroderma - noun any skin disorder involving abnormal redness
eschar - noun a dry scab formed on the skin following a burn or cauterization of the skin
ethics committee - noun a committee appointed to consider ethical issues
ethics - noun the philosophical study of moral values and rules; motivation based on ideas of right and wrong
etiology - noun the philosophical study of causation; the cause of a disease
evanescent - adj. tending to vanish like vapor
evangelist - noun a preacher of the Christian gospel; (when capitalized) any of the spiritual leaders who are assumed to be authors of the Gospels in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
evocative - adj. serving to bring to mind
evoked potential - noun the electrical response of the central nervous system produced by an external stimulus
exacerbation - noun violent and bitter exasperation; action that makes a problem or a disease (or its symptoms) worse
exanthem - noun eruption on the skin occurring as a symptom of a disease
excavation - noun the act of digging; a hole in the ground made by excavating; the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth; the site of an archeological exploration
exoskeleton - noun the exterior protective or supporting structure or shell of many animals (especially invertebrates) including bony or horny parts such as nails or scales or hoofs
eye disease - noun any disease of the eye
eyepatch - noun a protective cloth covering for an injured eye
eyespot - noun an eyelike marking (as on the wings of some butterflies); usually a spot of color inside a ring of another color
faceless - adj. without a face or identity
faith healing - noun care provided through prayer and faith in God
family history - noun part of a patient's medical history in which questions are asked in an attempt to find out whether the patient has hereditary tendencies toward particular diseases
fang - noun hollow or grooved tooth of a venomous snake; used to inject its poison; canine tooth of a carnivorous animal; used to seize and tear its prey; a Bantu language spoken in Cameroon
fasciola hepatica - noun flatworm parasitic in liver and bile ducts of domestic animals and humans
fasciolosis - noun infestation with the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica; liver damage sometimes occurs; related to liver rot
fauces - noun the passage between the back of the mouth and the pharynx
fee splitting - noun payment (usually by doctors or lawyers) of part of the fee in return for the referral
fenestra - noun a small opening covered with membrane (especially one in the bone between the middle and inner ear)
fetor - noun a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
fetoscopy - noun prenatal diagnosis that allows direct observation of a fetus in the uterus and the withdrawal of fetal blood
fiberscope - noun a flexible medical instrument involving fiber optics that is used to examine internal organs
fibrosis - noun development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ
filariasis - noun a disease caused by nematodes in the blood or tissues of the body causing blockage of lymphatic vessels
final exam - noun an examination administered at the end of an academic term
fistula - noun an abnormal passage leading from a suppurating cavity to the body surface; a chronic inflammation of the withers of a horse
flesh - noun the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat; alternative names for the body of a human being; a soft moist part of a fruit; verb remove adhering flesh from (hides) when preparing leather manufacture
flim-flam - verb deceive somebody
flipper - noun the flat broad limb of aquatic animals specialized for swimming; a shoe for swimming; the paddle-like front is an aid in swimming (especially underwater)
folding - adj. capable of being folded up and stored; noun the act of folding; a geological process that causes a bend in a stratum of rock; the process whereby a protein molecule assumes its intricate three-dimensional shape
fomite - noun any inanimate object (as a towel or money or clothing or dishes or books or toys etc.) that can transmit infectious agents from one person to another
food - noun 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
foramen - noun a natural opening or perforation through a bone or a membranous structure
friedman - noun United States economist noted as a proponent of monetarism and for his opposition to government intervention in the economy (born 1912)
fryer - noun flesh of a medium-sized young chicken suitable for frying
fulminant - adj. sudden and severe
functional disorder - noun disorder showing symptoms for which no physiological or anatomical cause can be identified
funiculus - noun any of several body structure resembling a cord; the stalk of a plant ovule or seed
furosemide - noun commonly used diuretic (trade name Lasix) used to treat hypertension and edema
gallbladder - noun a muscular sac attached to the liver that secretes bile and stores it until needed for digestion
gangrene - noun 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
gastroenterology - noun the branch of medicine that studies the gastrointestinal tract and its diseases
gastrostomy - noun surgical creation of an opening through the abdominal wall into the stomach (as for gastrogavage)
genetic engineering - noun the technology of preparing recombinant DNA in vitro by cutting up DNA molecules and splicing together fragments from more than one organism
genetics - noun the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms
gentamicin - noun an antibiotic (trade name Garamycin) that is derived from an actinomycete; used in treating infections of the urinary tract
gerontology - noun the branch of medical science that deals with diseases and problems specific to old people
giardiasis - noun infection of the intestines with protozoa found in contaminated food and water; characterized by diarrhea and nausea and flatulence and abdominal discomfort
gizzard - noun thick-walled muscular pouch below the crop in many birds and reptiles for grinding food
glasgow - noun largest city in Scotland; a port on the Clyde in west central Scotland; one of the great shipbuilding centers of the world
glossoptosis - noun abnormal downward or back placement of the tongue
glucocorticoid - noun a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex of animals; affects functioning of gonads and has anti-inflammatory activity
glutethimide - noun sedative (trade name Doriden) used to treat some sleep disorders
goggles - noun tight-fitting spectacles worn to protect the eyes
gold standard - noun a paragon of excellence; a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of gold
gracility - noun elegance and beauty of movement or expression
grafting - noun the act of grafting something onto something else
grapefruit - noun large yellow fruit with somewhat acid juicy pulp; usual serving consists of a half; citrus tree bearing large round edible fruit having a thick yellow rind and juicy somewhat acid pulp
greenstick fracture - noun a partial fracture of a bone (usually in children); the bone is bent but broken on only one side
gumma - noun a small rubbery granuloma that is characteristic of an advanced stage of syphilis
haloperidol - noun tranquilizer (trade name Haldol) used to treat some psychotic disorders and Tourette's syndrome
hangnail - noun a loose narrow strip of skin near the base of a fingernail; tearing it produces a painful sore that is easily infected
harley street - noun a street in central London where the consulting rooms of many physicians and surgeons are located
hawaii - noun a state in the United States in the central Pacific on the Hawaiian Islands; the largest and southernmost of the Hawaii islands; has several volcanic peaks
headache - noun 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
healing - adj. tending to cure or restore to health; noun the natural process by which the body repairs itself
health care - noun social insurance for the ill and injured; the preservation of mental and physical health by preventing or treating illness through services offered by the health profession
health insurance - noun insurance against loss due to ill health
health - noun the general condition of body and mind; a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
healthcare - noun the preservation of mental and physical health by preventing or treating illness through services offered by the health profession
heart rate - noun the rate at which the heart beats; usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of a person's health
heating pad - noun heater consisting of electrical heating elements contained in a flexible pad
helix - noun type genus of the family Helicidae; a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle; a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
helper - noun a person who helps people or institutions (especially with financial help); a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
hematocele - noun swelling caused by blood collecting in a body cavity (especially a swelling of the membrane covering the testis)
hematocrit - noun 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
hematologist - noun a doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs
hemoglobinuria - noun presence of hemoglobin in the urine
hemostasis - noun surgical procedure of stopping the flow of blood (as with a hemostat)
hepatotoxin - noun any toxin that affects the liver
herbal medicine - noun the use of medicinal herbs to prevent or treat disease or promote health; a medicine made from plants and used to prevent or treat disease or promote health
herbalist - noun a therapist who heals by the use of herbs
heroin - noun a narcotic that is considered a hard drug; a highly addictive morphine derivative; intravenous injection provides the fastest and most intense rush
herpes - noun any of the animal viruses that cause painful blisters on the skin; viral diseases causing eruptions of the skin or mucous membrane
hippocrates - noun medical practitioner who is regarded as the father of medicine; author of the Hippocratic oath (circa 460-377 BC)
hippocratic oath - noun an oath taken by physicians to observe medical ethics deriving from Hippocrates
hirudo medicinalis - noun large European freshwater leech formerly used for bloodletting
histology - noun the branch of biology that studies the microscopic structure of animal or plant tissues
holstein - noun a breed of dairy cattle from northern Holland
hospital bed - noun a single bed with a frame in three sections so the head or middle or foot can be raised as required
hospital train - noun a military train built to transport wounded troops to a hospital
hospital - noun a health facility where patients receive treatment; a medical institution where sick or injured people are given medical or surgical care
hyaline - adj. resembling glass in transparency or translucency; noun a glassy translucent material that occurs in hyaline cartilage or in certain skin conditions
hyaluronic acid - noun a viscous mucopolysaccharide found in the connective tissue space and the synovial fluid of movable joints and the humors of the eye; a cementing and protective substance
hydrotherapy - noun the internal and external use of water in the treatment of disease
hydrothorax - noun accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and the walls of the chest) often resulting from disease of the heart or kidneys
hypercalcaemia - noun the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood; usually the result of excessive bone resorption in hyperparathyroidism or Paget's disease
hypercalciuria - noun the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the urine; usually the result of excessive bone resorption in hyperparathyroidism or osteoporosis
hyperpigmentation - noun unusual darkening of the skin
hypnosis - noun a state that resembles sleep but that is induced by suggestion
hypnotherapy - noun the use of hypnosis in psychotherapy
hypocalcaemia - noun abnormally low level of calcium in the blood; associated with hypoparathyroidism or kidney malfunction or vitamin D deficiency
hypochondriasis - noun chronic and abnormal anxiety about imaginary symptoms and ailments
hypoglycemia - noun abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive insulin or a poor diet
hypogonadism - noun incompetence of the gonads (especially in the male with low testosterone); results in deficient development of secondary sex characteristics and (in prepubertal males) a body with long legs and a short trunk
hypolipoproteinemia - noun any of various disorders of lipoprotein and cholesterol metabolism that result in low levels of lipoprotein and cholesterol in the circulating blood
hypophysectomy - noun surgical removal of the pituitary gland
hypopigmentation - noun unusual lack of skin color
hypoplasia - noun underdevelopment of an organ because of a decrease in the number of cells
hypoproteinemia - noun abnormally low level of protein in the blood; can indicate inadequate diet or intestinal or renal disorders
hypospadias - noun an abnormal condition in males in which the urethra opens on the under surface of the penis
hypothalamic - adj. of or relating to the hypothalamus
hysteria - noun excessive or uncontrollable fear; neurotic disorder characterized by violent emotional outbreaks and disturbances of sensory and motor functions; state of violent mental agitation
hysterotomy - noun surgical incision into the uterus (as in cesarean section)
ice pack - noun a waterproof bag filled with ice: applied to the body (especially the head) to cool or reduce swelling; a large expanse of floating ice
ichthyosis - noun any of several congenital diseases in which the skin is fishlike (dry and scaly)
idiopathic disease - noun any disease arising from internal dysfunctions of unknown cause
idiosyncrasy - noun a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
idiot - noun a person of subnormal intelligence
ileitis - noun inflammation of the ileum
illness - noun impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
imaging - noun (medicine) obtaining pictures of the interior of the body; the ability to form mental images of things or events
imbecile - adj. having a mental age of three to seven years; noun a person of subnormal intelligence
immortality - noun the quality or state of being immortal; perpetual life after death
immunity - noun the quality of being unaffected by something; (medicine) the condition in which an organism can resist disease; an act exempting someone; the state of not being susceptible
immunodeficiency - noun immunological disorder in which some part of the body's immune system is inadequate and resistance to infectious diseases is reduced
immunology - noun the branch of medical science that studies the body's immune system
immunopathology - noun the branch of immunology that deals with pathologies of the immune system
immunotherapy - noun therapy designed to produce immunity to a disease or to enhance resistance by the immune system
impedance - noun a material's opposition to the flow of electric current; measured in ohms
implant - noun a prosthesis placed permanently in tissue; verb become attached to and embedded in the uterus; fix or set securely or deeply; put firmly in the mind
in practice - adv. in practical applications
inclusion - noun the act of including; the relation of comprising something; the state of being included; any small intracellular body found within another (characteristic of certain diseases)
incorporated - adj. introduced into as a part of the whole; organized and maintained as a legal corporation; formed or united into a whole
incubator - noun apparatus consisting of a box designed to maintain a constant temperature by the use of a thermostat; used for chicks or premature infants
indeterminacy - noun the quality of being vague and poorly defined
indium - noun a rare soft silvery metallic element; occurs in small quantities in sphalerite
industry - noun the organized action of making of goods and services for sale; the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise; persevering determination to perform a task
infiltration - noun 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
informant - noun a person who supplies information; someone who sees an event and reports what happened
informed consent - noun consent by a patient to undergo a medical or surgical treatment or to participate in an experiment after the patient understands the risks involved
inquiry - noun a systematic investigation of a matter of public interest; a search for knowledge; an instance of questioning
insufflation - noun an act of blowing or breathing on or into something; (medicine) blowing air or medicated powder into the lungs (or into some other body cavity)
insult - noun a deliberately offensive act or something producing the effect of deliberate disrespect; a rude expression intended to offend or hurt; verb treat, mention, or speak to rudely
integument - noun an outer protective covering such as the skin of an animal or a cuticle or seed coat or rind or shell
internship - noun the position of a medical intern
intersex - noun one having both male and female sexual characteristics and organs; at birth an unambiguous assignment of male or female cannot be made
intertrigo - noun chafing between two skin surfaces that are in contact (as in the armpit or under the breasts or between the thighs)
intravenous - adj. within or by means of a vein
introitus - noun entrance or opening to a hollow organ or tube (especially the vaginal opening)
intubation - noun the insertion of a cannula or tube into a hollow body organ
iontophoresis - noun therapy that uses a local electric current to introduce the ions of a medicine into the tissues
islamabad - noun the capital of Pakistan in the north on a plateau; the site was chosen in 1959
isomer - noun a compound that exists in forms having different arrangements of atoms but the same molecular weight
isoniazid - noun antibacterial drug (trade name Nydrazid) used to treat tuberculosis
jean martin charcot - noun French neurologist who tried to use hypnotism to cure hysteria (1825-1893)
jean - noun (usually plural) close-fitting pants of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear; a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
jejunostomy - noun surgical creation of an opening between the jejunum and the anterior abdominal wall; will allow artificial feeding
jonas salk - noun United States virologist who developed the Salk vaccine that is injected against poliomyelitis (born 1914)
journalist - noun a writer for newspapers and magazines; someone who keeps a diary or journal
justice department - noun the United States federal department responsible for enforcing federal laws (including the enforcement of all civil rights legislation); created in 1870
kaliuresis - noun the presence of excess potassium in the urine
karen horney - noun United States psychiatrist (1885-1952)
karl jaspers - noun German psychiatrist (1883-1969)
karl menninger - noun United States psychiatrist and son of Charles Menninger (1893-1990)
karyolysis - noun disintegration and dissolution of a cell nucleus when a cell dies
keeper - noun someone in charge of other people; one having charge of buildings or grounds or animals
kennedy - noun a large airport on Long Island east of New York City; 35th President of the United States; established the Peace Corps; assassinated in Dallas (1917-1963)
kentucky - noun a state in east central United States; a border state during the American Civil War; famous for breeding race horses
keratoscope - noun medical instrument to examine the cornea in order to detect irregularities in its anterior surface
keratosis - noun a skin condition marked by an overgrowth of layers of horny skin
klinefelter syndrome - noun syndrome in males that is characterized by small testes and long legs and enlarged breasts and reduced sperm production and mental retardation; a genetic defect in which an extra X chromosome (XXY) is present in the male
kraurosis vulvae - noun kraurosis of the vulva; often a precancerous lesion
l-dopa - noun the levorotatory form of dopa (trade names Bendopa and Brocadopa and Larodopa); as a drug it is used to treat Parkinson's disease
lamella - noun thin plate; a thin membrane that is one of the calcified layers that form bones; any of the radiating leaflike spore-producing structures on the underside of the cap of a mushroom or similar fungus
laparoscopy - noun laparotomy performed with a laparoscope that makes a small incision to examine the abdominal cavity (especially the ovaries and Fallopian tubes)
large intestine - noun beginning with the cecum and ending with the rectum; includes the cecum and the colon and the rectum; extracts moisture from food residues which are later excreted as feces
laudanum - noun narcotic consisting of an alcohol solution of opium or any preparation in which opium is the main ingredient
lazaretto - noun hospital for persons with infectious diseases (especially leprosy); a small locker at the stern of a boat or between decks of a ship
leflunomide - noun an anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) that is given orally; can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by slowing the proliferation of white blood cells which reduces inflammation in the synovium
lethargy - noun a state of comatose torpor (as found in sleeping sickness); inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy; weakness characterized by a lack of vitality or energy
lidocaine - noun a local anesthetic (trade names Lidocaine and Xylocaine) used topically on the skin and mucous membranes
lightwood - noun tall Australian acacia yielding highly valued black timber
limen - noun the smallest detectable sensation
liquid nitrogen - noun nitrogen in a liquid state
lithia water - noun mineral water containing lithium salts
livedo - noun skin disorder characterized by patchy bluish discolorations on the skin
lobotomy - noun surgical interruption of nerve tracts to and from the frontal lobe of the brain; often results in marked cognitive and personality changes
looker - noun a very attractive or seductive looking woman; a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
lorazepam - noun tranquilizer (trade name Ativan) used to treat anxiety and tension and insomnia
lowry - noun English novelist (1909-1957); English painter (1887-1976)
lumbar puncture - noun removal by centesis of fluid from the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region of the spinal cord for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
lumbosacral plexus - noun a nerve plexus formed by the ventral divisions of the coccygeal and sacral and lumbar nerves; supplies the lower limbs and perineum and coccygeal area
lunacy - noun obsolete terms for legal insanity; foolish or senseless behavior
lunatic - adj. insane and believed to be affected by the phases of the moon; noun an insane person; a reckless impetuous irresponsible person
lung - noun either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood
lyme disease - noun an acute inflammatory disease characterized by a rash with joint swelling and fever; caused by bacteria carried by the bite of a deer tick
lymphatic system - noun the interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and organs by which lymph circulates throughout the body
lymphedema - noun swelling (usually in the legs) caused by lymph accumulating in the tissues
lymphoblast - noun an immature lymphocyte
lymphokine - noun a cytokine secreted by helper T cells in response to stimulation by antigens and that acts on other cells of the immune system (as by activating macrophages)
lymphoma - noun a neoplasm of lymph tissue that is usually malignant; one of the four major types of cancer
macrobiotic diet - noun a diet consisting chiefly of beans and whole grains
macrocytosis - noun the presence of macrocytes in the blood
madhouse - noun pejorative terms for an insane asylum
magnesium sulfate - noun a salt of magnesium
malacia - noun a state of abnormal softening of tissue
malaise - noun physical discomfort (as mild sickness or depression)
malignancy - noun (medicine) a malignant state; progressive and resistant to treatment and tending to cause death; quality of being disposed to evil; intense ill will
malingering - noun evading duty or work by pretending to be incapacitated
malnutrition - noun a state of poor nutrition; can result from insufficient or excessive or unbalanced diet or from inability to absorb foods
malpighian layer - noun the innermost layer of the epidermis
management - noun the act of managing something; those in charge of running a business
manchester - noun a city in northwestern England (30 miles east of Liverpool); heart of the most densely populated area of England; largest city in New Hampshire; located in southeastern New Hampshire on the Merrimack river
manhattan - noun a cocktail made with whiskey and sweet vermouth with a dash of bitters; one of the five boroughs of New York City
manna - noun hardened sugary exudation of various trees; (Old Testament) food that God gave the Israelites during the Exodus
manus - noun the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
marche - noun a region in central Italy
marrubium vulgare - noun European aromatic herb with hairy leaves and numerous white flowers in axillary cymes; leaves yield a bitter extract use medicinally and as flavoring
mary baker eddy - noun founder of Christian Science in 1866 (1821-1910)
mast - noun a vertical spar for supporting sails; any sturdy upright pole; nuts of forest trees used as feed for swine; nuts of forest trees (as beechnuts and acorns) accumulated on the ground; used especially as food for swine
materia medica - noun the science or study of drugs: their preparation and properties and uses and effects
means - noun how a result is obtained or an end is achieved; an instrumentality for accomplishing some end; considerable capital (wealth or income)
meatus - noun a natural body passageway
medical diagnosis - noun identification a disease from its symptoms
medical history - noun the case history of a medical patient as recalled by the patient
medical instrument - noun instrument used in the practice of medicine
medical procedure - noun a procedure employed by medical or dental practitioners
medical record - noun the case history of a medical patient as recalled by the patient
medical school - noun a graduate school offering study leading to a medical degree
medical specialty - noun the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques
medication - noun the act of treating with medicines or remedies; (medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease
medicine chest - noun cabinet that holds medicines and toiletries
medroxyprogesterone - noun a progestin compound (trade name Provera) used to treat menstrual disorders
mefloquine - noun an antimalarial drug (trade name Larium and Mephaquine) that is effective in cases that do not respond to chloroquine; said to produce harmful neuropsychiatric effects on some people
megavitamin therapy - noun therapy based on a theory that taking very large doses of vitamins will prevent or cure physical or psychological disorders
megestrol acetate - noun a synthetic progestational compound used to treat endometrial carcinoma
melancholia - noun extreme depression characterized by tearful sadness and irrational fears
melanism - noun a condition characterized by abnormal deposits of melanin (especially in the skin)
melanoma - noun any of several malignant neoplasms (usually of the skin) consisting of melanocytes
melanosis - noun a condition characterized by abnormal deposits of melanin (especially in the skin)
mencken - noun United States journalist and literary critic (1880-1956)
menopause - noun the time in a woman's life in which the menstrual cycle ends
meromelia - noun congenital absence of part of an arm or leg
mestranol - noun a synthetic form of estrogen used in combination with a progestin in oral contraceptives
metamorphosis - noun a complete change of physical form or substance especially as by magic or witchcraft; the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals; a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances
methocarbamol - noun muscle relaxant for skeletal muscles (trade name Robaxin) used to treat spasms
methyltestosterone - noun an androgenic compound contained in drugs that are used to treat testosterone deficiency and female breast cancer and to stimulate growth and weight gain
metoprolol - noun beta blocker (trade name Lopressor) used in treating hypertension and angina and arrhythmia and acute myocardial infarction; has adverse side effects (depression and exacerbation of congestive heart failure etc.)
microcyte - noun an abnormally small red blood cell (less than 5 microns in diameter)
microcytosis - noun a blood disorder characterized by the presence of microcytes (abnormally small red blood cells) in the blood; often associated with anemia
micropenis - noun an abnormally small penis
midazolam - noun an injectable form of benzodiazepine (trade name Versed) useful for sedation and for reducing pain during uncomfortable medical procedures
midbrain - noun the middle portion of the brain
miliary fever - noun epidemic in the 15th and 16th centuries and characterized by profuse sweating and high mortality
mimicry - noun the resemblance of an animal species to another species or to natural objects; provides concealment and protection from predators; the act of mimicking; imitative behavior
minimisation - noun the act of reducing something to the least possible amount or degree or position
miscarriage - noun failure of a plan; a natural loss of the products of conception
modiolus - noun the central conical bony pillar of the cochlea
molecular - adj. relating to simple or elementary organization; relating to or produced by or consisting of molecules
monitoring - noun the act of observing something (and sometimes keeping a record of it)
monoblast - noun a large immature monocyte normally found in bone marrow
monocytosis - noun increase in the number of monocytes in the blood; symptom of monocytic leukemia
monomania - noun a mania restricted to one thing or idea
monoplegia - noun paralysis of a single limb
morbilliform - adj. of a rash that resembles that of measles
morgue - noun a building (or room) where dead bodies are kept before burial or cremation
moron - noun a person of subnormal intelligence
morphine - noun an alkaloid narcotic drug extracted from opium; a powerful, habit-forming narcotic used to relieve pain
mortality rate - noun the ratio of deaths in an area to the population of that area; expressed per 1000 per year
multiple myeloma - noun myeloma that develops in several places at the same time
mumps - noun an acute contagious viral disease characterized by fever and by swelling of the parotid glands
mustard plaster - noun a plaster containing powdered black mustard; applied to the skin as a counterirritant or rubefacient
myoma - noun a benign tumor composed of muscle tissue
myotomy - noun surgical incision or division of a muscle
mysophobia - noun a morbid fear of dirt or contamination
myxoma virus - noun a poxvirus closely related to smallpox virus; causes benign gelatinous tumors in humans
myxomatosis - noun a viral disease (usually fatal) of rabbits
nabumetone - noun a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Relafen)
nalorphine - noun a narcotic antagonist (trade name Nalline) that counteracts the effects of narcotics (especially the effects of poisoning by morphine)
naloxone - noun a potent narcotic antagonist (trade name Narcan) especially effective with morphine
nape - noun the back side of the neck
naples - noun a port and tourist center in southwestern Italy; capital of the Campania region
nash - noun United States writer noted for his droll epigrams (1902-1971)
naturopathy - noun a method of treating disease using food and exercise and heat to assist the natural healing process
nebulizer - noun a dispenser that turns a liquid (such as perfume) into a fine mist
necrobiosis - noun (physiology) the normal degeneration and death of living cells (as in various epithelial cells)
necropsy - noun an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease
necrosis - noun the localized death of living cells (as from infection or the interruption of blood supply)
nephrosis - noun a disease affecting the kidneys; 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
nephrotomy - noun incision into a kidney (usually to remove a kidney stone)
neurasthenia - noun nervous breakdown (not in technical use)
neuroanatomy - noun the anatomy of the nervous system
neurologist - noun a medical specialist in the nervous system and the disorders affecting it
neuron - noun a cell that is specialized to conduct nerve impulses
neuropathy - noun any pathology of the peripheral nerves
neurophysiology - noun the branch of neuroscience that studies the physiology of the nervous system
neuroscience - noun the scientific study of the nervous system
neurosis - noun a mental or personality disturbance not attributable to any known neurological or organic dysfunction
neurosurgery - noun any surgery that involves the nervous system (brain or spinal cord or peripheral nerves)
nevus - noun a blemish on the skin that is formed before birth
new zealand - noun North Island and South Island and adjacent small islands in the South Pacific; an independent country within the British Commonwealth; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1907; known for sheep and spectacular scenery
nitpicking - adj. quibbling over insignificant details
nitroglycerin - noun 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)
nodule - noun a small node; (mineralogy) a small rounded lump of mineral substance (usually harder than the surrounding rock or sediment); small rounded wartlike protuberance on a plant
nonunion - adj. not belonging to or not allowing affiliation with a trade union
norethandrolone - noun a synthetic progestational hormone (trade name Norlutin) used in oral contraceptives and to treat endometriosis
nortriptyline - noun a tricyclic antidepressant drug (trade name Pamelor) used along with psychotherapy to treat dysthymic depression; may interact dangerously if taken with other drugs
nosology - noun the branch of medical science dealing with the classification of disease
novel - adj. pleasantly new or different; original and of a kind not seen before; noun a printed and bound book that is an extended work of fiction; a extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
obsessed - adj. influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion; having or showing excessive or compulsive concern with something
obsessive - adj. characterized by or constituting an obsession; noun a person who has obsessions
oculist - noun a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye; a person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses
odynophagia - noun severe pain on swallowing due to a disorder of the esophagus
ohio - noun a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region; a river that is formed in western Pennsylvania and flows westward to become a tributary of the Mississippi River
old age - noun a late time of life
oliver - noun United States jazz musician who influenced the style of Louis Armstrong (1885-1938)
oncogene - noun a gene that causes normal cells to change into cancerous tumor cells
ontario - noun a prosperous and industrialized province in central Canada; the smallest of the Great Lakes
open fracture - noun bone fracture associated with lacerated soft tissue or an open wound
operating table - noun table on which the patient lies during a surgical operation
operating theater - noun a room in a hospital equipped for the performance of surgical operations
operculum - noun a hard flap serving as a cover for (a) the gill slits in fishes or (b) the opening of the shell in certain gastropods when the body is retracted
ophthalmology - noun the branch of medicine concerned with the eye and its diseases
ophthalmoscopy - noun examination of the interior of an eye using an ophthalmoscope
orchid - noun any of numerous plants of the orchid family usually having flowers of unusual shapes and beautiful colors
orpheus - noun (Greek mythology) a great musician; when his wife Eurydice died he went to Hades to get her back but failed
osteopathy - noun therapy based on the assumption that restoring health is best accomplished by manipulating the skeleton and muscles
osteosclerosis - noun abnormal hardening or eburnation of bone
otic - adj. of or relating to near the ear
otitis - noun inflammation of the ear
otoscope - noun medical instrument consisting of a magnifying lens and light; used for examining the external ear (the auditory meatus and especially the tympanic membrane)
oval window - noun fenestra that has the base of the stapes attached to it
ovotestis - noun hermaphroditic gonad that contains both testicular and ovarian tissue
ovulation - noun the expulsion of an ovum from the ovary (usually midway in the menstrual cycle)
oxazepam - noun a tranquilizing drug (trade name Serax) used to treat anxiety and insomnia and alcohol withdrawal
oxford - noun a low shoe laced over the instep; a city in southern England northwest of London; site of Oxford University; a university town in northern Mississippi; home of William Faulkner; a university in England
oxycephaly - noun a congenital abnormality of the skull; the top of the skull assumes a cone shape
oxygen - noun 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
pachyderma - noun thickening of the skin (usually unilateral on an extremity) caused by congenital enlargement of lymph vessel and lymph vessel obstruction
paediatrics - noun the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of infants and children
painting - noun the occupation of a house painter; the act of applying paint to a surface; creating a picture with paints; graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface
palatine raphe - noun the seam at the middle of the hard palate
pallor - noun unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress)
palsy - noun a condition marked by uncontrollable tremor; loss of the ability to move a body part; verb affect with palsy
panacea - noun hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists; (Greek mythology) the goddess of healing; daughter of Aesculapius and sister of Hygeia
pancreatitis - noun inflammation of the pancreas; usually marked by abdominal pain
panic disorder - noun an anxiety disorder characterized by unpredictable panic attacks; the attacks are usually severe but brief
pap test - noun a method of examining stained cells in a cervical smear for early diagnosis of uterine cancer
papillary tumor - noun a benign epithelial tumor forming a rounded mass
papule - noun a small inflamed elevation of skin that is nonsuppurative (as in chicken pox)
paracentesis - noun centesis of the belly to remove fluid for diagnosis
paramedic - noun a person trained to assist medical professionals and to give emergency medical treatment
parasitemia - noun a condition in which parasites are present in the blood
paresis - noun a slight or partial paralysis
pastille - noun a medicated lozenge used to soothe the throat
paternity - noun the state of being a father; the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing; the kinship relation between an offspring and the father
path - noun a way especially designed for a particular use; an established line of travel or access; a line or route along which something travels or moves; a course of conduct
pathology - noun the branch of medical science that studies the causes and nature and effects of diseases; any deviation from a healthy or normal condition
peduncle - noun a bundle of myelinated neurons joining different parts of the brain; stalk bearing an inflorescence or solitary flower; the thin process of tissue that attaches a polyp to the body
pegleg - noun a prosthesis that replaces a missing leg
penicillamine - noun a drug (trade name Cuprimine) used to treat heavy metal poisoning and Wilson's disease and severe arthritis
penile implant - noun an implant that creates an artificial erection
penn - noun Englishman and Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania (1644-1718); a university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
pentobarbital - noun a barbiturate (trade name Nembutal) used as a sedative and hypnotic and antispasmodic
pericardium - noun a serous membrane with two layers that surrounds the heart
periodic breathing - noun abnormal respiration in which periods of shallow and deep breathing alternate
peru - noun a republic in western South America; achieved independence from Spain in 1821; was the heart of the Inca empire from the 12th to 16th centuries
pessary - noun 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
petrissage - noun massage of the skin which is gently lifted and squeezed
pharmacology - noun the science or study of drugs: their preparation and properties and uses and effects
pharmacy - noun the art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines,; a retail shop where medicine and other articles are sold
pharyngeal recess - noun a small recess in the wall of the pharynx
pharynx - noun the passage to the stomach and lungs; in the front part of the neck below the chin and above the collarbone
phencyclidine - noun a drug used as an anesthetic by veterinarians; illicitly taken (originally in the form of powder or `dust') for its effects as a hallucinogen
phenylpropanolamine - noun an adrenergic drug used in many preparations to relieve allergic reactions or respiratory infections
phenytoin - noun an anticonvulsant drug (trade name Dilantin) used to treat epilepsy and that is not a sedative
philosophy - noun any personal belief about how to live or how to deal with a situation; the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics; a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
physician - noun a licensed medical practitioner
physics - noun the science of matter and energy and their interactions
physiology - noun processes and functions of an organism; the branch of the biological sciences dealing with the functioning of organisms
pimple - noun a small inflamed elevation of the skin; a pustule or papule; common symptom in acne
pink lady - noun a cocktail made of gin and brandy with lemon juice and grenadine shaken with an egg white and ice
pityriasis - noun any of several skin disorders characterized by shedding dry flakes of skin
placebo - noun (Roman Catholic Church) vespers of the office for the dead; an innocuous or inert medication; given as a pacifier or to the control group in experiments on the efficacy of a drug
plasmapheresis - noun plasma is separated from whole blood and the rest is returned to the donor
plastic surgery - noun surgery concerned with therapeutic or cosmetic reformation of tissue
pleomorphism - noun (biology) the appearance of two or more distinctly different forms in the life cycle of some organisms; (chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound
plethysmograph - noun a measuring instrument for measuring changes in volume of a part or organ or whole body (usually resulting from fluctuations in the amount of blood it contains)
pleximeter - noun a small thin metal plate held against the body and struck with a plexor in percussive examinations
pneumonia - noun respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma (excluding the bronchi) with congestion caused by viruses or bacteria or irritants
police officer - noun a member of a police force
polio - noun an acute viral disease marked by inflammation of nerve cells of the brain stem and spinal cord
poliosis - noun loss of color from the hair
polymerase - noun an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of new DNA and RNA from an existing strand of DNA or RNA
population control - noun control over the growth of population; a government program
posset - noun sweet spiced hot milk curdled with ale or beer
poultice - noun a medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of meal or clay that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation etc.; verb dress by covering with a therapeutic substance
poultry - noun flesh of chickens or turkeys or ducks or geese raised for food; a domesticated gallinaceous bird thought to be descended from the red jungle fowl
power of attorney - noun a legal instrument authorizing someone to act as the grantor's agent
prandial - adj. of or relating to a meal
precordium - noun the external surface of the body overlying the heart and stomach
prednisolone - noun a glucocorticoid (trade names Pediapred or Prelone) used to treat inflammatory conditions
prednisone - noun a dehydrogenated analogue of cortisol (trade names Orasone or Deltasone or Liquid Pred or Meticorten); used as an anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of arthritis and as an immunosuppressant
pregnancy - noun the state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus
prescription drug - noun a drug that is available only with written instructions from a doctor or dentist to a pharmacist
pressure point - noun any of several points on the body where the pulse can be felt and where pressure on an underlying artery will control bleeding from that artery at a more distal point
prevention - noun the act of preventing
princess of wales - noun English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles; her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)
pro re nata - adv. according to need (physicians use PRN in writing prescriptions)
proboscis - noun a long flexible snout as of an elephant; the human nose (especially when it is large)
prognosis - noun a prediction of the course of a disease; a prediction about how something (as the weather) will develop
progressive vaccinia - noun a severe or even fatal form of vaccinia that occurs mainly in persons with an immunological deficiency; characterized by progressive enlargement of the initial lesion
prosthesis - noun corrective consisting of a replacement for a part of the body
proto - adj. indicating the first or earliest or original
prurigo - noun chronic inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by blister capped papules and intense itching
psychiatric hospital - noun a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person
psychiatrist - noun a physician who specializes in psychiatry
psychiatry - noun the branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
psychoanalyst - noun a licensed practitioner of psychoanalysis
psychologist - noun a scientist trained in psychology
psychology - noun the science of mental life
psychopathy - noun any disease of the mind; the psychological state of someone who has emotional or behavioral problems serious enough to require psychiatric intervention
psychosurgery - noun brain surgery on human patients intended to relieve severe and otherwise intractable mental or behavioral problems
purpura - noun any of several blood diseases causing subcutaneous bleeding
putrefaction - noun a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor; moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles; (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action
pyelogram - noun an X ray of the kidneys and ureters
pyknosis - noun a degenerative state of the cell nucleus
pyocyanase - noun a yellow-green mixture of antibiotics obtained from the bacillus of green pus
pyuria - noun presence of white blood cells in the urine; symptom of urinary tract infection
quackery - noun medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings; the dishonesty of a charlatan
quaker - noun one who quakes and trembles with (or as with) fear; a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)
quality of life - noun your personal satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with the cultural or intellectual conditions under which you live (as distinct from material comfort)
quarantine - noun isolation to prevent the spread of infectious disease; enforced isolation of patients suffering from a contagious disease in order to prevent the spread of disease; verb place into enforced isolation, as for medical reasons
rabid - adj. of or infected by rabies; marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea
radiation therapy - noun (medicine) the treatment of disease (especially cancer) by exposure to a radioactive substance
radiobiology - noun the branch of biology that studies the effects of radiation on living organisms
radiology - noun 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
radiotherapy - noun (medicine) the treatment of disease (especially cancer) by exposure to a radioactive substance
raptorial - adj. relating to or characteristic of birds of prey; living by preying on other animals especially by catching living prey
rash - adj. imprudently incurring risk; marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences; noun a series of unexpected and unpleasant occurrences; any red eruption of the skin
recrudescence - noun a return of something after a period of abatement
redcap - noun a porter who helps passengers with their baggage at a railroad station; a member of the military police in Britain
referral - noun 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
reformer - noun an apparatus that reforms the molecular structure of hydrocarbons to produce richer fuel; a disputant who advocates reform
regimen - noun (medicine) a systematic plan for therapy (often including diet)
rejuvenation - noun the act of restoring to a more youthful condition; the phenomenon of vitality and freshness being restored
reproductive cloning - noun making a full living copy of an organism; requires a surrogate mother
research - noun systematic investigation to establish facts; a search for knowledge; verb inquire into; attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner
residency - noun the position of physician who is receiving special training in a hospital (usually after completing an internship); the act of dwelling in a place
resuscitator - noun a breathing apparatus used for resuscitation by forcing oxygen into the lungs of a person who has undergone asphyxia or arrest of respiration
rhabdomyoma - noun benign rumor of striated muscle
rheumatology - noun the branch of medicine dealing with the study and treatment of pathologies of the muscles or tendons or joints
rhinoscope - noun medical instrument consisting of a mirror mounted at an angle on a rod; used to examine the nasal passages (through the nasopharynx)
riga - noun a port city on the Gulf of Riga that is the capital and largest city of Latvia; formerly a member of the Hanseatic League
riggs' disease - noun chronic periodontitis; purulent inflammation of the teeth sockets
rigor mortis - noun muscular stiffening that begins 2 to 4 hours after death and last for about 4 days; temporary stiffness of joints and muscular rigidity occurring after death
rima glottidis - noun the space between the two true vocal folds
rima vestibuli - noun the opening between the false vocal folds
rinderpest - noun an acute infectious viral disease of cattle (usually fatal); characterized by fever and diarrhea and inflammation of mucous membranes
risk of infection - noun the probability of becoming infected given that exposure to an infectious agent has occurred
robot - noun a mechanism that can move automatically
robustness - noun the characteristic of being strong enough to withstand intellectual challenge; the property of being strong and healthy in constitution
rostrum - noun beaklike projection of the anterior part of the head of certain insects such as e.g. weevils; a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
rubefacient - noun a medicine for external application that produces redness of the skin
rubinstein - noun Russian composer and pianist (1829-1894); United States pianist (born in Poland) known for his interpretations of the music of Chopin (1886-1982)
sabah - noun a region of Malaysia in northeastern Borneo
sadomasochism - noun sadism and masochism combined in one person
safe sex - noun sexual activity (especially sexual intercourse) with the use of measures (such as latex condoms) to avoid the transmission of disease (especially AIDS)
salp - noun minute floating marine tunicate having a transparent body with an opening at each end
salter - noun someone who makes or deals in salt; someone who uses salt to preserve meat or fish or other foods
samarium - noun a grey lustrous metallic element of the rare earth group; is used in special alloys; occurs in monazite and bastnasite
san pablo - noun a town in western California north of Oakland on an arm of San Francisco Bay
sauna - noun a Finnish steam bath; steam is produced by pouring water over heated rocks
scalp - noun the skin that covers the top of the head; verb remove the scalp of; sell illegally, as on the black market
scalpel - noun a thin straight surgical knife used in dissection and surgery
scar - noun a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue; an indication of damage; verb mark with a scar
schiller - noun German romantic writer (1759-1805)
science fiction - noun literary fantasy involving the imagined impact of science on society
science - noun a particular branch of scientific knowledge; ability to produce solutions in some problem domain
scientific - adj. conforming with the principles or methods used in science; of or relating to the practice of science
sclerosis - noun any pathological hardening or thickening of tissue
scotland - noun one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts
screening - noun 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
scrubs - noun protective garment worn by surgeons during operations
scurvy - adj. of the most contemptible kind; noun a condition caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
scute - noun large bony or horny plate as on an armadillo or turtle or the underside of a snake
sea louse - noun marine isopod crustacean
seasoning - noun the act of adding a seasoning to food; something added to food primarily for the savor it imparts
sequela - noun any abnormality following or resulting from a disease or injury or treatment
shaman - noun in societies practicing shamanism: one acting as a medium between the visible and spirit worlds; practices sorcery for healing or divination
shangri-la - noun any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
sheep - noun woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat; a docile and vulnerable person who would rather follow than make an independent decision; a timid defenseless simpleton who is readily preyed upon
shell shock - noun a mental disorder caused by stress of active warfare
shiatsu - noun treatment of symptoms by applying pressure with the fingers to specific pressure points on the body
sigmund freud - noun Austrian neurologist who originated psychoanalysis (1856-1939)
silk - noun a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae; fibers from silkworm cocoons provide threads for knitting
sine qua non - noun a prerequisite
singapore - noun an island south of the Malay Peninsula; a country in southeastern Asia on the island of Singapore; achieved independence from Malaysia in 1965; the capital of Singapore; one of the world's biggest ports
skeleton - noun the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape; a scandal that is kept secret; something reduced to its minimal form; the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal
skin cancer - noun a malignant neoplasm of the skin
skin test - noun any test to determine immunity or sensitivity to a disease by introducing small amounts on or into the skin
small intestine - noun the longest part of the alimentary canal; where digestion is completed
snellen chart - noun display consisting of a printed card with letters and numbers in lines of decreasing size; used to test visual acuity
snout - noun a long projecting or anterior elongation of an animal's head; especially the nose; beaklike projection of the anterior part of the head of certain insects such as e.g. weevils; informal terms for the nose
social scientist - noun someone expert in the study of human society and its personal relationships
socrates - noun ancient Athenian philosopher; teacher of Plato and Xenophon (470-399 BC)
sodium bicarbonate - noun a white soluble compound (NaHCO3) used in effervescent drinks and in baking powders and as an antacid
software - noun (computer science) written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory
sopor - noun a torpid state resembling deep sleep
souffle - noun light fluffy dish of egg yolks and stiffly beaten egg whites mixed with e.g. cheese or fish or fruit
south korea - noun a republic in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula; established in 1948
species - noun a specific kind of something; (biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
speculum - noun a medical instrument for dilating a bodily passage or cavity in order to examine the interior; a mirror (especially one made of polished metal) for use in an optical instrument
sphygmomanometer - noun a pressure gauge for measuring blood pressure
spillover - noun (economics) any indirect effect of public expenditure
spinnbarkeit - noun the capacity of a viscous liquid (especially the cervical mucus) to be drawn out into a strand or blown up into a bubble
spironolactone - noun a synthetic corticosteroid (trade name Aldactone) used to treat hypertension
spleen - noun 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
squeamishness - noun the trait of being excessively fastidious and easily shocked; a mild state of nausea
stage fright - noun fear that affects a person about to face an audience
stainless steel - noun steel containing chromium that makes it resistant to corrosion
stenosis - noun abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway
stent - noun a slender tube inserted inside a tubular body part (as a blood vessel) to provide support during and after surgical anastomosis
stertor - noun the act of snoring or producing a snoring sound
stethoscope - noun a medical instrument for listening to the sounds generated inside the body
stigma - noun a skin lesion that is a diagnostic sign of some disease; an external tracheal aperture in a terrestrial arthropod; the apical end of the style where deposited pollen enters the pistil; a symbol of disgrace or infamy
stillbirth - noun a natural loss of the products of conception
stress fracture - noun fracture resulting from excessive activity rather than a specific injury
stroboscope - noun scientific instrument that provides a flashing light synchronized with the periodic movement of an object; can make moving object appear stationary
subluxation - noun partial displacement of a joint or organ
sulfapyridine - noun sulfa drug derived from pyridine and sulfanilamide
sulindac - noun a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Clinoril)
surfactant - noun a substance capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved
surgeon - noun a physician who specializes in surgery
suriname - noun a republic in northeastern South America on the Atlantic; achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1975
surveillance - noun close observation of a person or group (usually by the police)
suture - noun thread of catgut or silk or wire used by surgeons to stitch tissues together; a seam used in surgery; an immovable joint (especially between the bones of the skull); verb join with a suture
sweating sickness - noun epidemic in the 15th and 16th centuries and characterized by profuse sweating and high mortality; a disease of cattle (especially calves)
sweden - noun a Scandinavian kingdom in the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula
swine influenza - noun an acute and highly contagious respiratory disease of swine caused by the orthomyxovirus thought to be the same virus that caused the 1918 influenza pandemic
sydney - noun the largest Australian city located in southeastern Australia on the Tasman Sea; state capital of New South Wales; Australia's chief port
symptom - noun anything that accompanies X and is regarded as an indication of X's existence; (medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease
syndrome - noun a complex of concurrent things; a pattern of symptoms indicative of some disease
syringe - noun a medical instrument used to inject or withdraw fluids; verb spray or irrigate (a body part) with a syringe
tabes dorsalis - noun syphilis of the spinal cord characterized by degeneration of sensory neurons and stabbing pains in the trunk and legs and unsteady gait and incontinence and impotence
tacamahac - noun poplar of northeastern North America with broad heart-shaped leaves
taiwan - noun an island in southeastern Asia 100 miles off the coast of mainland China in the South China Sea; a government on the island of Taiwan established in 1949 by Chiang Kai-shek after the conquest of mainland China by the communists led by Mao Zedong
tamoxifen - noun an antagonist for estrogen that is used in the treatment of breast cancer
tamponade - noun blockage or closure (as of a wound or body cavity) by (or as if by) a tampon (especially to stop bleeding)
tanner - noun a craftsman who tans skins and hides; a small coin of the United Kingdom worth six pennies; not minted since 1970
tantalum - noun a hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite
tapotement - noun massage in which the body is tapped rhythmically with the fingers or with short rapid movements of the sides of the hand; used to loosen mucus on the chest walls of patients with bronchitis
tardive - adj. late-occurring (especially with reference to symptoms of a disease)
teat - noun the small projection of a mammary gland
technetium - noun a crystalline metallic element not found in nature; occurs as one of the fission products of uranium
technology - noun the practical application of science to commerce or industry; the discipline dealing with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems
tenonitis - noun inflammation of a tendon
tentacle - noun any of various elongated tactile or prehensile flexible organs that occur on the head or near the mouth in many animals; used for feeling or grasping or locomotion; something that acts like a tentacle in its ability to grasp and hold
terra incognita - noun an unknown and unexplored region
terra sigillata - noun earthenware made from the reddish-brown clay found on the Aegean island of Lemnos
tetracycline - noun an antibiotic (trade name Achromycin) derived from microorganisms of the genus Streptomyces and used broadly to treat infections
thalidomide - noun a sedative and hypnotic drug; withdrawn from sale after discovered to cause severe birth defects because it inhibits angiogenesis
thanatology - noun the branch of science that studies death (especially its social and psychological aspects)
theca - noun outer sheath of the pupa of certain insects; a case or sheath especially a pollen sac or moss capsule
therapeutics - noun branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of disease
therapy - noun (medicine) the act of caring for someone (as by medication or remedial training etc.)
thioridazine - noun a tranquilizer (trade name Mellaril) used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
thoracentesis - noun removal of fluid from the chest by centesis for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
thorax - noun 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
throat - noun 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
thyroid gland - noun located near the base of the neck
ticonderoga - noun a pitched battle in which American revolutionary troops captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775
tissue typing - noun a series of diagnostic tests before an organ transplant to determine whether the tissues of a donor and recipient are compatible
titanium - noun a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite
tolazoline - noun vasodilator that is used to treat spasms of peripheral blood vessels (as in acrocyanosis)
tomentum - noun a network of tiny blood vessels between the cerebral surface of the pia mater and the cerebral cortex; filamentous hairlike growth on a plant
tongue depressor - noun a thin depressor used to press the tongue down during an examination of the mouth and throat
tooth enamel - noun hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth
tophus - noun a deposit of urates around a joint or in the external ear; diagnostic of advanced or chronic gout; an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums
toronto - noun the provincial capital and largest city in Ontario (and the largest city in Canada)
tourniquet - noun bandage that stops the flow of blood from an artery by applying pressure
toxicology - noun the branch of pharmacology that deals with the nature and effects and treatments of poisons
transdermal - adj. through the unbroken skin; refers to medications applied directly to the skin (creams or ointments) or in time-release forms (skin patches)
transgender - adj. involving a partial or full reversal of gender
trephine - noun a surgical instrument used to remove sections of bone from the skull; verb operate on with a trephine
triage - noun sorting and allocating aid on the basis of need for or likely benefit from medical treatment or food
trichinella spiralis - noun parasitic nematode occurring in the intestines of pigs and rats and human beings and producing larvae that form cysts in skeletal muscles
trichinosis - noun infestation by trichina larvae that are transmitted by eating inadequately cooked meat (especially pork); larvae migrate from the intestinal tract to the muscles where they become encysted
trigeminal nerve - noun the main sensory nerve of the face and motor nerve for the muscles of mastication
tubercle - noun a swelling that is the characteristic lesion of tuberculosis; a protuberance on a bone especially for attachment of a muscle or ligament; small rounded wartlike protuberance on a plant
tympanites - noun distension of the abdomen that is caused by the accumulation of gas in the intestines or the peritoneal cavity
ulcer - noun a circumscribed inflammatory and often suppurating lesion on the skin or an internal mucous surface resulting in necrosis of tissue
united kingdom - noun a monarchy in northwestern Europe occupying most of the British Isles; divided into England and Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland
united states army - noun the army of the United States of America; the agency that organizes and trains soldiers for land warfare
ureteritis - noun inflammation of the ureter
urinal - noun a plumbing fixture (usually attached to the wall) used by men to urinate
urinary bladder - noun a membranous sac for temporary retention of urine
vaccine - noun immunogen consisting of a suspension of weakened or dead pathogenic cells injected in order to stimulate the production of antibodies
vacuolization - noun the state of having become filled with vacuoles
validation - noun the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something; the cognitive process of establishing a valid proof
vapours - noun a state of depression
variegation - noun variability in coloration; the act of introducing variety (especially in investments or in the variety of goods and services offered)
vasomotor - adj. relating to the nerves and muscles that cause the blood vessels to constrict or dilate
venography - noun roentgenographic examination of veins
vertex - noun the point of intersection of lines or the point opposite the base of a figure; the highest point (of something)
vesicle - noun a small anatomically normal sac or bladderlike structure (especially one containing fluid)
veterinarian - noun a doctor who practices veterinary medicine
veterinary medicine - noun the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals (especially domestic animals)
victor herbert - noun United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
vinegar - noun sour-tasting liquid produced usually by oxidation of the alcohol in wine or cider and used as a condiment or food preservative; dilute acetic acid
virginia woolf - noun English author whose work used such techniques as stream of consciousness and the interior monologue; prominent member of the Bloomsbury Group (1882-1941)
vital statistics - noun data relating to births and deaths and health and diseases and marriages
voyager - noun a traveler to a distant land (especially one who travels by sea)
wellness - noun a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
whistleblower - noun an informant who exposes wrongdoing within an organization in the hope of stopping it
willem einthoven - noun Dutch physiologist who devised the first electrocardiograph (1860-1927)
wingspan - noun linear distance between the extremities of an airfoil
witch hazel - noun lotion consisting of an astringent alcoholic solution containing an extract from the witch hazel plant; any of several shrubs or trees of the genus Hamamelis; bark yields an astringent lotion
withdrawal - noun 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
xanthopsia - noun visual defect in which objects appear to have a yellowish hue; sometimes occurs in cases of jaundice
xanthosis - noun an abnormal yellow discoloration of the skin
xenotransplantation - noun a surgical procedure in which tissue or whole organs are transfered from one species to another species
xeroderma - noun a mild form of ichthyosis characterized by abnormal dryness and roughness of the skin
xeroradiography - noun radiography using X-rays and xerographic (rather than roentgenographic) techniques
xerostomia - noun abnormal dryness of the mouth resulting from decreased secretion of saliva
xian - noun a city of central China; capital of ancient Chinese empire 221-206 BC
yellow flag - noun common yellow-flowered iris of Europe and North Africa, naturalized in United States and often cultivated
zebra - noun any of several fleet black-and-white striped African equines
zero hour - noun the time set for the start of an action or operation
zirconium dioxide - noun a white crystalline oxide; used in refractories and in insulation and abrasives and enamels and glazes
zoologist - noun a specialist in the branch of biology dealing with animals
zoology - noun the branch of biology that studies animals; all the animal life in a particular region or period
zoonosis - noun an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans
zoophobia - noun a morbid fear of animals

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