Short glossary

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#-A

• abdominal - of or relating to or near the abdomen
• able - (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
• abnormal - much greater than the normal
• abnormality - behavior that breaches the rule or etiquette or custom or morality
• abo - a dark-skinned member of a race of people living in Australia when Europeans arrived
• accident - anything that happens by chance without an apparent cause
• acclimatization - adaptation to a new climate (a new temperature or altitude or environment)
• ace - of the highest quality
• acetyl - the organic group of acetic acid (CH3CO-)
• acetylcholine - a neurotransmitter that is a derivative of choline; released at the ends of nerve fibers in the somatic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• ache - a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
• acid - having the characteristics of an acid
• actin - one of the proteins into which actomyosin can be split; can exist in either a globular or a fibrous form
• action - something done (usually as opposed to something said)
• activation - making active and effective (as a bomb)
• active - characterized by energetic activity
• activity - any specific behavior
• acute - having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course
• adaptive - having a capacity for adaptation
• add - a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
• adenosine - (biochemistry) a nucleoside that is a structural component of nucleic acids; it is present in all living cells in a combined form as a constituent of DNA and RNA and ADP and ATP and AMP
• adh - hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve endings in the hypothalamus; affects blood pressure by stimulating capillary muscles and reduces urine flow by affecting reabsorption of water by kidney tubules
• adhd - a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
• adhesion - a fibrous band of scar tissue that binds together normally separate anatomical structures
• adrenal - of or pertaining to the adrenal glands or their secretions
• adventitia - an enveloping or covering membrane or layer of body tissue
• agglutination - the building of words from component morphemes that retain their form and meaning in the process of combining
• airway - a commercial enterprise that provides scheduled flights for passengers
• ala - a wing of an insect
• alar - having or resembling wings
• albumin - a simple water-soluble protein found in many animal tissues and liquids
• alcohol - a liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent
• aldosterone - a corticosteroid hormone that is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland; regulates salt (sodium and potassium) and water balance
• allergy - hypersensitivity reaction to a particular allergen; symptoms can vary greatly in intensity
• alternative - necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities
• alveolar - pertaining to the tiny air sacs of the lungs
• alveolus - a tiny sac for holding air in the lungs; formed by the terminal dilation of tiny air passageways
• amino - pertaining to or containing any of a group of organic compounds of nitrogen derived from ammonia
• ampulla - a flask that has two handles; used by Romans for wines or oils
• amygdala - an almond-shaped neural structure in the anterior part of the temporal lobe of the cerebrum; intimately connected with the hypothalamus and the hippocampus and the cingulate gyrus; as part of the limbic system it plays an important role in motivation and emotional behavior
• amylase - any of a group of proteins found in saliva and pancreatic juice and parts of plants; help convert starch to sugar
• an - an associate degree in nursing
• anabolic - characterized by or promoting constructive metabolism
• anabolism - the synthesis in living organisms of more complex substances (e.g., living tissue) from simpler ones together with the storage of energy
• anaerobic - living or active in the absence of free oxygen
• analysis - an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole
• anaphase - the stage of meiosis or mitosis when chromosomes move toward opposite ends of the nuclear spindle
• anaphylactic - related to the hypersensitivity known as anaphylaxis
• anastomosis - a natural or surgical joining of parts or branches of tubular structures so as to make or become continuous
• anatomical - of or relating to the structure of the body
• anatomy - a detailed analysis
• anemia - genus of terrestrial or lithophytic ferns having pinnatifid fronds; chiefly of tropical America
• angiogenesis - the formation of new blood vessels
• angiotensin - any of several vasoconstrictor substances (trade name Hypertensin) that cause narrowing of blood vessels
• animal - of the nature of or characteristic of or derived from an animal or animals
• anterior - earlier in time
• anti - not in favor of (an action or proposal etc.)
• antibody - any of a large variety of proteins normally present in the body or produced in response to an antigen which it neutralizes, thus producing an immune response
• anticoagulant - medicine that prevents or retards the clotting of blood
• antidiuretic - a drug that limits the formation of urine
• antigen - any substance (as a toxin or enzyme) that stimulates an immune response in the body (especially the production of antibodies)
• antrum - a natural cavity or hollow in a bone
• anuria - inability to urinate
• anus - excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal
• anvil - a heavy block of iron or steel on which hot metals are shaped by hammering
• aorta - the large trunk artery that carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries
• aortic - of or relating to the aorta
• apc - a drug combination found in some over-the-counter headache remedies (aspirin and phenacetin and caffeine)
• apex - the point on the celestial sphere toward which the sun and solar system appear to be moving relative to the fixed stars
• apnea - transient cessation of respiration
• apparatus - equipment designed to serve a specific function
• appear - come into sight or view
• applied - concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles; opposed to theoretical
• arachnoid - relating to or resembling a member of the class Arachnida
• arch - expert in skulduggery
• arcuate - forming or resembling an arch
• are - a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• area - a part of a structure having some specific characteristic or function
• areola - small circular area such as that around the human nipple or an inflamed area around a pimple or insect bite
• armstrong - United States jazz trumpeter and bandleader (1900-1971)
• arterial - of or involving or contained in the arteries
• arteriole - one of the small thin-walled arteries that end in capillaries
• arteriosclerosis - sclerosis of the arterial walls
• arteriovenous - connecting an artery to a vein
• artery - a major thoroughfare that bears important traffic
• article - one of a class of artifacts
• articular - relating to or affecting the joints of the body
• articulation - the act of joining things in such a way that motion is possible
• ascending - moving or going or growing upward
• assay - a quantitative or qualitative test of a substance (especially an ore or a drug) to determine its components; frequently used to test for the presence or concentration of infectious agents or antibodies etc.
• assistant - of or relating to a person who is subordinate to another
• associated - related to or accompanying
• asthma - respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing; usually of allergic origin
• astrocyte - comparatively large neuroglial cell
• at - 100 at equal 1 kip in Laos
• atmospheric - relating to or located in the atmosphere
• atom - (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
• atomic - immeasurably small
• atp - a nucleotide derived from adenosine that occurs in muscle tissue; the major source of energy for cellular reactions
• atrial - of or relating to a cavity or chamber in the body (especially one of the upper chambers of the heart)
• atrioventricular - relating to or affecting the atria and ventricles of the heart
• atrium - the central area in a building; open to the sky
• attack - a decisive manner of beginning a musical tone or phrase
• attention - a courteous act indicating affection
• audition - a test of the suitability of a performer
• auricle - the externally visible cartilaginous structure of the external ear
• autism - (psychiatry) an abnormal absorption with the self; marked by communication disorders and short attention span and inability to treat others as people
• autoantibody - an antibody acting against tissues of the organism that produces it
• autoimmune - of or relating to the immune response of the body against substance normally present in the body
• autoimmunity - production of antibodies against the tissues of your own body; produces autoimmune disease or hypersensitivity reactions
• automated - operated by automation
• autonomic - relating to or controlled by the autonomic nervous system
• autoregulation - (physiology) processes that maintain a generally constant physiological state in a cell or organism
• av - the eleventh month of the civil year; the fifth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in July and August)
• available - obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service
• avidity - a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something
• axillary - of or relating to the armpit
• axon - long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron
• azygos - occurring singly; not one of a pair

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B-D

• bacteria - (microbiology) single-celled or noncellular spherical or spiral or rod-shaped organisms lacking chlorophyll that reproduce by fission; important as pathogens and for biochemical properties; taxonomy is difficult; often considered plants
• balance - a scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
• band - a thin flat strip of flexible material that is worn around the body or one of the limbs (especially to decorate the body)
• baroreceptor - a sensory receptor that responds to pressure
• barrier - a structure or object that impedes free movement
• basal - of primary importance
• base - debased; not genuine
• based - having a base of operations (often used as a combining form)
• basic - of or denoting or of the nature of or containing a base
• basilar - of or relating to or located at the base
• basis - the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
• basophil - a leukocyte with basophilic granules easily stained by basic stains
• bed - a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
• benign - pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence
• beta - preliminary or testing stage of a software or hardware product
• bicuspid - having two cusps or points (especially a molar tooth)
• bile - a digestive juice secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder; aids in the digestion of fats
• bilirubin - an orange-yellow pigment in the bile that forms as a product of hemoglobin; excess amounts in the blood produce the yellow appearance observed in jaundice
• binary - consisting of two (units or components or elements or terms) or based on two
• biodiversity - the diversity of plant and animal life in a particular habitat (or in the world as a whole)
• biological - of parents and children; related by blood
• biology - the science that studies living organisms
• biopsy - examination of tissues or liquids from the living body to determine the existence or cause of a disease
• biosphere - the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the Earth (or other planet) where living organisms exist
• biotechnology - the branch of engineering science in which biological science is used to study the relation between workers and their environments
• bipolar - having two poles
• birth - the event of being born
• bitter - proceeding from or exhibiting great hostility or animosity
• bladder - a bag that fills with air
• block - a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
• blood - temperament or disposition
• body - the external structure of a vehicle
• bohr - Danish physicist who studied atomic structure and radiations; the Bohr theory of the atom accounted for the spectrum of hydrogen (1885-1962)
• bolus - a large pill; used especially in veterinary medicine
• bond - held in slavery
• bonding - fastening firmly together
• bone - consisting of or made up of bone
• border - a strip forming the outer edge of something
• brachial - of or relating to an arm
• bradycardia - abnormally slow heartbeat
• brain - that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
• brainstem - the part of the brain continuous with the spinal cord and comprising the medulla oblongata and pons and midbrain and parts of the hypothalamus
• branch - an administrative division of some larger or more complex organization
• breast - the front part of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen
• breathing - passing or able to pass air in and out of the lungs normally; sometimes used in combination
• bridge - any of various card games based on whist for four players
• broad - showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
• broken - physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
• bronchial - relating to or associated with the bronchi
• bronchiole - any of the smallest bronchial ducts; ending in alveoli
• bronchus - either of the two main branches of the trachea
• brush - contact with something dangerous or undesirable
• bubble - a dome-shaped covering made of transparent glass or plastic
• bud - a partially opened flower
• bulb - a rounded part of a cylindrical instrument (usually at one end)
• bulbous - curving outward
• bulge - something that bulges out or is protuberant or projects from its surroundings
• bulk - the property possessed by a large mass
• bundle - a package of several things tied together for carrying or storing
• by - so as to pass a given point
• ca - a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes
• calcium - a white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light; the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust; an important component of most plants and animals
• callus - (botany) an isolated thickening of tissue, especially a stiff protuberance on the lip of an orchid
• calyx - (botany) the whorl of sepals of a flower collectively forming the outer floral envelope or layer of the perianth enclosing and supporting the developing bud; usually green
• canal - long and narrow strip of water made for boats or for irrigation
• canaliculus - a small canal or duct as in some bones and parts of plants
• cancellous - having an open or latticed or porous structure
• cancer - type genus of the family Cancridae
• candela - the basic unit of luminous intensity adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites; equal to 1/60 of the luminous intensity per square centimeter of a black body radiating at the temperature of 2,046 degrees Kelvin
• capacitance - an electrical phenomenon whereby an electric charge is stored
• capacity - a specified function
• capillary - long and slender with a very small internal diameter
• capsule - a pill in the form of a small rounded gelatinous container with medicine inside
• carbohydrate - an essential structural component of living cells and source of energy for animals; includes simple sugars with small molecules as well as macromolecular substances; are classified according to the number of monosaccharide groups they contain
• carbon - a copy made with carbon paper
• carbonic - relating to or consisting of or yielding carbon
• cardiac - of or relating to the heart
• cardiomyopathy - a disorder (usually of unknown origin) of the heart muscle (myocardium)
• cardiopulmonary - of or pertaining to or affecting both the heart and the lungs and their functions
• cardiovascular - of or pertaining to or involving the heart and blood vessels
• carotid - of or relating to either of the two major arteries supplying blood to the head and neck
• cartilage - tough elastic tissue; mostly converted to bone in adults
• catabolic - characterized by destructive metabolism
• catabolism - breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy
• catalyst - something that causes an important event to happen
• cation - a positively charged ion
• caudal - situated in or directed toward the part of the body from which the tail arises
• cavernous - being or suggesting a cavern
• cavity - (anatomy) a natural hollow or sinus within the body
• celiac - belonging to or prescribed for celiac disease
• cell - (biology) the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; they may exist as independent units of life (as in monads) or may form colonies or tissues as in higher plants and animals
• cellular - characterized by or divided into or containing cells or compartments (the smallest organizational or structural unit of an organism or organization)
• cellulose - a polysaccharide that is the chief constituent of all plant tissues and fibers
• center - equally distant from the extremes
• central - in or near a center or constituting a center; the inner area
• centriole - one of a pair of small cylindrical cell organelles near the nucleus in animal cells; composed of nine triplet microtubules and form the asters during mitosis
• cephalic - of or relating to the head
• cerebellum - a major division of the vertebrate brain; situated above the medulla oblongata and beneath the cerebrum in humans
• cerebral - involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct
• cerebrospinal - of or relating to the brain and spinal cord
• cerebrovascular - of or relating to the brain and the blood vessels that supply it
• cervical - relating to or associated with the neck
• cervix - necklike opening to the uterus
• chain - a series of (usually metal) rings or links fitted into one another to make a flexible ligament
• channel - a passage for water (or other fluids) to flow through
• characteristic - typical or distinctive
• charged - of a particle or body or system; having a net amount of positive or negative electric charge
• checkpoint - a place (as at a frontier) where travellers are stopped for inspection and clearance
• chemical - relating to or used in chemistry
• chemistry - the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions
• chemoreceptor - a sensory receptor that responds to chemical stimuli
• chemotaxis - movement by a cell or organism in reaction to a chemical stimulus
• chiasma - an intersection or crossing of two tracts in the form of the letter X
• chitin - a tough semitransparent horny substance; the principal component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of certain fungi
• chloride - any salt of hydrochloric acid (containing the chloride ion)
• chloroplast - plastid containing chlorophyll and other pigments; in plants that carry out photosynthesis
• chorionic - of or relating to a chorion
• choroid - a highly vascular membrane in the eye between the retina and the sclera
• chyme - a semiliquid mass of partially digested food that passes from the stomach through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum
• cilium - a hairlike projection from the surface of a cell; provides locomotion in free-swimming unicellular organisms
• circadian - of or relating to biological processes occurring at 24-hour intervals
• circle - any circular or rotating mechanism
• circuit - an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow
• circulation - the spread or transmission of something (as news or money) to a wider group or area
• circulatory - relating to circulatory system or to circulation of the blood
• circumcision - the act of circumcising; surgical removal of the foreskin of males
• citric - of or related to citric acid
• class - elegance in dress or behavior
• cleavage - the act of cleaving or splitting
• cleft - having one or more incisions reaching nearly to the midrib
• clitoris - a female sexual organ homologous to the penis
• clonal - of or relating to a clone
• closed - not open or affording passage or access
• clotting - the process of forming semisolid lumps in a liquid
• cns - the portion of the vertebrate nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord
• co - a state in west central United States in the Rocky Mountains
• coagulation - the process of forming semisolid lumps in a liquid
• coat - growth of hair or wool or fur covering the body of an animal
• cochlea - 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
• code - a coding system used for transmitting messages requiring brevity or secrecy
• coding - act of writing in code or cipher
• codon - a specific sequence of three adjacent bases on a strand of DNA or RNA that provides genetic code information for a particular amino acid
• cohesion - (physics) the intermolecular force that holds together the molecules in a solid or liquid
• col - a pass between mountain peaks
• college - a complex of buildings in which an institution of higher education is housed
• colloidal - of or relating to or having the properties of a colloid
• colon - the part of the large intestine between the cecum and the rectum; it extracts moisture from food residues before they are excreted
• colony - a group of animals of the same type living together
• color - having or capable of producing colors
• column - (architeture) a tall cylindrical vertical upright and used to support a structure
• common - having no special distinction or quality; widely known or commonly encountered; average or ordinary or usual
• communicating - the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information
• communication - something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups
• community - (ecology) a group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other
• compact - closely and firmly united or packed together
• competitive - showing a fighting disposition
• complement - something added to complete or make perfect
• complex - complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts
• compliance - happy friendly agreement
• component - an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system
• composition - something that is created by arranging several things to form a unified whole
• computer - a machine for performing calculations automatically
• concentration - strengthening the amount of a substance in a unit amount of another substance (as of a solute in a mixture) by removing the other substance
• conducting - the direction of an orchestra or choir
• conduction - the transmission of heat or electricity or sound
• cone - any cone-shaped artifact
• congenital - present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
• content - satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are
• continuous - continuing in time or space without interruption
• contractile - capable of contracting or being contracted
• contraction - the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
• control - the activity of managing or exerting control over something
• convoluted - rolled or coiled together
• copulatory - of or relating to coitus or copulation
• cord - a line made of twisted fibers or threads
• cornea - transparent anterior portion of the outer covering of the eye; it covers the lens and iris and is continuous with the sclera
• coronary - surrounding like a crown (especially of the blood vessels surrounding the heart)
• corpus - the main part of an organ or other bodily structure
• corpuscle - either of two types of cells (erythrocytes and leukocytes) and sometimes including platelets
• cortex - the tissue forming the outer layer of an organ or structure in plant or animal
• cortical - of or relating to a cortex
• countercurrent - actions counter to the main group activity
• coupling - the act of pairing a male and female for reproductive purposes
• covalent - of or relating to or characterized by covalence
• cpr - an emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac massage and artificial respiration; the first treatment for a person who has collapsed and has no pulse and has stopped breathing; attempts to restore circulation of the blood and prevent death or brain damage due to lack of oxygen
• cranial - of or relating to the cranium which encloses the brain
• cross - extending or lying across; in a crosswise direction; at right angles to the long axis
• crossing - traveling across
• crossover - the appropriation of a new style (especially in popular music) by combining elements of different genres in order to appeal to a wider audience
• cryptorchidism - failure of one or both testes to move into the scrotum as the male fetus develops
• ct - a method of examining body organs by scanning them with X rays and using a computer to construct a series of cross-sectional scans along a single axis
• cubital - of or relating to the elbow
• curve - a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approach the batter
• cva - a sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain
• cycle - a single complete execution of a periodically repeated phenomenon
• cystic - of or relating to or resembling a cyst
• cytokine - any of various proteins secreted by cells of the immune system that serve to regulate the immune system
• cytokinesis - organic process consisting of the division of the cytoplasm of a cell following karyokinesis bringing about the separation into two daughter cells
• cytology - the branch of biology that studies the structure and function of cells
• cytoplasm - the protoplasm of a cell excluding the nucleus; is full of proteins that control cell metabolism
• cytoskeleton - a microscopic network of actin filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm of many living cells that gives the cell shape and coherence
• cytosol - the aqueous part of the cytoplasm within which various particles and organelles are suspended
• cytotoxic - of or relating to substances that are toxic to cells
• de - a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
• decompression - relieving pressure
• deductive - involving inferences from general principles
• deep - exhibiting great cunning usually with secrecy
• defect - a failing or deficiency
• defense - protection from harm
• dendrite - short fiber that conducts toward the cell body of the neuron
• dendritic - (neuroscience) of or relating to or resembling a dendrite
• density - the amount per unit size
• depolarization - a loss of polarity or polarization
• depression - pushing down
• determining - having the power or quality of deciding
• development - act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
• diameter - the length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle and connecting two points on the circumference
• diastole - the widening of the chambers of the heart between two contractions when the chambers fill with blood
• diastolic - of or relating to a diastole or happening during a diastole
• dioxide - an oxide containing two atoms of oxygen in the molecule
• disc - a flat circular plate
• disease - an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning
• disorder - a disturbance of the peace or of public order
• dissociation - the act of removing from association
• diuretic - any substance that tends to increase the flow of urine
• diversity - the condition or result of being changed
• division - the act or process of dividing
• dna - (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
• do - the syllable naming the first (tonic) note of any major scale in solmization
• dogma - a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
• donor - person who makes a gift of property
• dorsal - belonging to or on or near the back or upper surface of an animal or organ or part
• dorsum - the back of the body of a vertebrate or any analogous surface (as the upper or outer surface of an organ or appendage or part)
• double - having two meanings with intent to deceive
• down - not functioning (temporarily or permanently)
• drum - small to medium-sized bottom-dwelling food and game fishes of shallow coastal and fresh waters that make a drumming noise
• dub - provide (movies) with a soundtrack of a foreign language
• duct - an enclosed conduit for a fluid
• duodenum - the part of the small intestine between the stomach and the jejunum
• dura - the outermost (and toughest) of the 3 meninges
• dysfunction - (medicine) any disturbance in the function of an organ or body part
• ear - the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
• ecg - a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
• ecology - the branch of biology concerned with the relations between organisms and their environment
• ecosystem - a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment
• ect - the administration of a strong electric current that passes through the brain to induce convulsions and coma
• ectotherm - an animal whose body temperature varies with the temperature of its surroundings; any animal except birds and mammals
• ed - impotence resulting from a man's inability to have or maintain an erection of his penis
• edema - swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue
• egg - animal reproductive body consisting of an ovum or embryo together with nutritive and protective envelopes; especially the thin-shelled reproductive body laid by e.g. female birds
• ejaculation - an abrupt emphatic exclamation expressing emotion
• ejection - the act of forcing out someone or something
• elastic - capable of resuming original shape after stretching or compression; springy
• eld - a time in life (usually defined in years) at which some particular qualification or power arises
• electrical - relating to or concerned with electricity
• electrocardiogram - a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
• electrochemical - of or involving electrochemistry
• electrolyte - a solution that conducts electricity
• electron - an elementary particle with negative charge
• element - the most favorable environment for a plant or animal
• elements - violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)
• elisa - an assay that relies on an enzymatic conversion reaction and is used to detect the presence of specific substances (such as enzymes or viruses or antibodies or bacteria)
• embolus - an abnormal particle (e.g. an air bubble or part of a clot) circulating in the blood
• emigration - migration from a place (especially migration from your native country in order to settle in another)
• emission - the act of emitting; causing to flow forth
• end - a position on the line of scrimmage
• ending - the end of a word (a suffix or inflectional ending or final morpheme)
• endocardium - the membrane that lines the cavities of the heart and forms part of the heart valves
• endocrine - of or belonging to endocrine glands or their secretions
• endocrinologist - physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the endocrine system
• endoderm - the inner germ layer that develops into the lining of the digestive and respiratory systems
• endometrium - (pregnancy) the mucous membrane that lines the uterus; thickens under hormonal control and (if pregnancy does not occur) is shed in menstruation; if pregnancy occurs it is shed along with the placenta at parturition
• endosteum - vascular membrane that lines the inner surface of long bones
• endothelium - an epithelium of mesoblastic origin; a thin layer of flattened cells that lines the inside of some body cavities
• energy - an imaginative lively style (especially style of writing)
• envelope - any wrapper or covering
• enzyme - any of several complex proteins that are produced by cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions
• eosinophil - a leukocyte readily stained with eosin
• epicardium - the innermost of the two layers of the pericardium
• epididymis - a convoluted tubule in each testis; carries sperm to vas deferens
• epiglottis - a flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe while swallowing
• epilepsy - a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by loss of consciousness and convulsions
• epiphyseal - relating to the epiphysis of a bone
• epiphysis - the end of a long bone; initially separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage that eventually ossifies so the parts become fused
• epithelium - membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body
• epitope - the site on the surface of an antigen molecule to which an antibody attaches itself
• er - a room in a hospital or clinic staffed and equipped to provide emergency care to persons requiring immediate medical treatment
• erectile - filled with vascular sinuses and capable of becoming distended and rigid as the result of being filled with blood
• erythroblastosis - a blood disease characterized by the abnormal presence of erythroblasts in the blood
• erythrocyte - a mature blood cell that contains hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the bodily tissues; a biconcave disc that has no nucleus
• erythropoiesis - the process of producing red blood cells by the stem cells in the bone marrow
• erythropoietin - a glycoprotein secreted by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells
• esophageal - relating to the esophagus
• esophagus - the passage between the pharynx and the stomach
• essential - basic and fundamental
• estrogen - a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics
• eukaryote - an organism with cells characteristic of all life forms except primitive microorganisms such as bacteria; i.e. an organism with `good' or membrane-bound nuclei in its cells
• eukaryotic - having cells with `good' or membrane-bound nuclei
• evaporation - the process of extracting moisture
• evolution - (biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms
• exchange - (chess) the capture by both players (usually on consecutive moves) of pieces of equal value
• exchanger - one whose business is to exchange the money of one country for that of another country
• excitation - something that agitates and arouses
• excitatory - (of drugs e.g.) able to excite or stimulate
• excretion - the bodily process of discharging waste matter
• exocrine - of or relating to exocrine glands or their secretions
• exon - sequence of a gene's DNA that transcribes into protein structures
• expiration - the act of expelling air from the lungs
• expiratory - of or relating to the breathing out phase of respiration
• expression - the act of forcing something out by squeezing or pressing
• external - happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface
• extracellular - located or occurring outside a cell or cells
• extrinsic - not forming an essential part of a thing or arising or originating from the outside
• eye - a small hole or loop (as in a needle)

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F-J

• facilitated - freed from difficulty or impediment
• factor - an independent variable in statistics
• failure - an unexpected omission
• fascia - a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue separating or binding together muscles and organs etc
• fatty - containing or composed of fat
• fauces - the passage between the back of the mouth and the pharynx
• feedback - response to an inquiry or experiment
• female - being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
• femoral - of or relating to or near the femur or thigh
• fermentation - a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol
• fold - the act of folding
• follicle - any small spherical group of cells containing a cavity
• food - any substance that can be metabolized by an organism to give energy and build tissue
• foramen - a natural opening or perforation through a bone or a membranous structure
• forced - made necessary by an unexpected situation or emergency
• fork - cutlery used for serving and eating food
• formation - the fabrication of something in a particular shape
• formed - fully developed as by discipline or training
• fossa - largest carnivore of Madagascar; intermediate in some respects between cats and civets
• fovea - area consisting of a small depression in the retina containing cones and where vision is most acute
• fraction - a small part or item forming a piece of a whole
• fracture - the act of cracking something
• frank - clearly manifest; evident
• frontal - belonging to the front part
• function - the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
• functional - designed for or capable of a particular function or use
• fundus - (anatomy) the base of a hollow organ or that part of the organ farthest from its opening
• fungi - (pun) the one who buys the drinks
• furrow - a long shallow trench in the ground (especially one made by a plow)
• gallbladder - a muscular sac attached to the liver that secretes bile and stores it until needed for digestion
• gamete - a mature sexual reproductive cell having a single set of unpaired chromosomes
• gap - a narrow opening
• gastric - relating to or involving the stomach
• gene - (genetics) a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
• genetic - of or relating to the science of genetics
• genetics - the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms
• genome - the ordering of genes in a haploid set of chromosomes of a particular organism; the full DNA sequence of an organism
• gestation - the conception and development of an idea or plan
• glabrous - having no hair or similar growth; smooth
• gland - any of various organs that synthesize substances needed by the body and release it through ducts or directly into the bloodstream
• glans - a small rounded structure; especially that at the end of the penis or clitoris
• glia - sustentacular tissue that surrounds and supports neurons in the central nervous system; glial and neural cells together compose the tissue of the central nervous system
• glial - of or relating to neuroglia
• globin - a colorless protein obtained by removing heme from hemoglobin; the oxygen carrying compound in red blood cells
• globulin - a family of proteins found in blood and milk and muscle and in plant seed
• glomerular - of or relating to glomeruli
• glomerulus - a small intertwined group of capillaries in the malpighian body; it filters the blood during urine formation
• glottis - the vocal apparatus of the larynx; the true vocal folds and the space between them where the voice tone is generated
• glucagon - a hormone secreted by the pancreas; stimulates increases in blood sugar levels in the blood (thus opposing the action of insulin)
• glucose - a monosaccharide sugar that has several forms; an important source of physiological energy
• glycogen - one form in which body fuel is stored; stored primarily in the liver and broken down into glucose when needed by the body
• glycolysis - a metabolic process that breaks down carbohydrates and sugars through a series of reactions to either pyruvic acid or lactic acid and release energy for the body in the form of ATP
• glycosuria - the presence of abnormally high levels of sugar in the urine
• golgi - Italian histologist noted for work on the structure of the nervous system and for his discovery of Golgi bodies (1844-1926)
• gonad - a gland in which gametes (sex cells) are produced
• gonadal - of or relating to the gonads
• gonadotropin - hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and placenta; stimulates the gonads and controls reproductive activity
• gradient - the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the horizontal
• granular - having a granular structure like that of chondrites
• gravity - a solemn and dignified feeling
• gray - of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black
• great - of major significance or importance
• gross - repellently fat
• group - any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
• growth - vegetation that has grown
• gustation - the faculty of distinguishing sweet, sour, bitter, and salty properties in the mouth
• gyrus - a convex fold or elevation in the surface of the brain
• haldane - Scottish statesman and brother of Elizabeth and John Haldane (1856-1928)
• hammer - the act of pounding (delivering repeated heavy blows)
• hand - physical assistance
• haploid - of a cell or organism having a single set of chromosomes
• hcg - hormone produced early in pregnancy by the placenta; detection in the urine and serum is the basis for one kind of pregnancy test
• hearing - able to perceive sound
• heart - a playing card in the major suit that has one or more red hearts on it
• heat - the trait of being intensely emotional
• helix - type genus of the family Helicidae
• helper - a person who helps people or institutions (especially with financial help)
• hematocrit - a measuring instrument to determine (usually by centrifugation) the relative amounts of corpuscles and plasma in the blood
• hematoma - a localized swelling filled with blood
• hematopoiesis - the formation of blood cells in the living body (especially in the bone marrow)
• heme - a complex red organic pigment containing iron and other atoms to which oxygen binds
• hemisphere - either half of the cerebrum
• hemoglobin - a hemoprotein composed of globin and heme that gives red blood cells their characteristic color; function primarily to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues
• hemolysis - lysis of erythrocytes with the release of hemoglobin
• hemolytic - relating to or involving or causing hemolysis
• hemophilia - congenital tendency to uncontrolled bleeding; usually affects males and is transmitted from mother to son
• hemopoiesis - the formation of blood cells in the living body (especially in the bone marrow)
• hemopoietic - pertaining to the formation of blood or blood cells
• hemorrhage - flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessels
• hemosiderin - a granular brown substance composed of ferric oxide; left from the breakdown of hemoglobin; can be a sign of disturbed iron metabolism
• hemostasis - surgical procedure of stopping the flow of blood (as with a hemostat)
• heparin - a polysaccharide produced in basophils (especially in the lung and liver) and that inhibits the activity of thrombin in coagulation of the blood; it (trade names Lipo-Hepin and Liquaemin) is used as an anticoagulant in the treatment of thrombosis and in heart surgery
• hepatic - pertaining to or affecting the liver
• hiatus - a missing piece (as a gap in a manuscript)
• hillock - a small natural hill
• hilum - the scar on certain seeds marking its point of attachment to the funicle
• hippocampus - seahorses
• histocompatibility - condition in which the cells of one tissue can survive in the presence of cells of another tissue
• histology - the branch of biology that studies the microscopic structure of animal or plant tissues
• hole - an opening deliberately made in or through something
• homeostasis - (physiology) metabolic equilibrium actively maintained by several complex biological mechanisms that operate via the autonomic nervous system to offset disrupting changes
• homologous - corresponding or similar in position or structure or function or characteristics; especially derived from an organism of the same species
• hormonal - of or relating to or caused by hormones
• hormone - the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect
• host - an animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite; it does not benefit and is often harmed by the association
• hr - a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
• http - a protocol (utilizing TCP) to transfer hypertext requests and information between servers and browsers
• human - having human form or attributes as opposed to those of animals or divine beings
• humoral - of or relating to bodily fluids
• hydrogen - a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe
• hydrophilic - having a strong affinity for water; tending to dissolve in, mix with, or be wetted by water
• hydrophobic - abnormally afraid of water
• hydrostatic - relating to fluids at rest or to the pressures they exert or transmit
• hymen - a fold of tissue that partly covers the entrance to the vagina of a virgin
• hyperactivity - a condition characterized by excessive restlessness and movement
• hypercalcemia - the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood; usually the result of excessive bone resorption in hyperparathyroidism or Paget's disease
• hyperopia - abnormal condition in which vision for distant objects is better than for near objects
• hyperplasia - abnormal increase in number of cells
• hyperpnea - energetic (deep and rapid) respiration that occurs normally after exercise or abnormally with fever or various disorders
• hypersensitivity - extreme sensitivity
• hypertension - a common disorder in which blood pressure remains abnormally high (a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or greater)
• hypertonic - (of a solution) having a higher osmotic pressure than a comparison solution
• hypertrophy - abnormal enlargement of a body part or organ
• hyperventilation - an increased depth and rate of breathing greater than demanded by the body needs; can cause dizziness and tingling of the fingers and toes and chest pain if continued
• hypocalcemia - abnormally low level of calcium in the blood; associated with hypoparathyroidism or kidney malfunction or vitamin D deficiency
• hypothalamus - a basal part of the diencephalon governing autonomic nervous system
• hypothermia - subnormal body temperature
• hypothesis - a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena
• hypotonic - (of a solution) having a lower osmotic pressure than a comparison solution
• hypovolemia - a blood disorder consisting of a decrease in the volume of circulating blood
• hypovolemic - of or relating to a decrease in the volume of circulating blood
• hypoxia - a very strong drive resulting from a deficiency of available oxygen in the blood and bodily tissues (short of anoxia)
• i - the 9th letter of the Roman alphabet
• iliac - of or relating to the ilium
• illness - impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
• imaging - (medicine) obtaining pictures of the interior of the body
• immune - (usually followed by `to') not affected by a given influence
• immunity - the quality of being unaffected by something
• immunoglobulin - a class of proteins produced in lymph tissue in vertebrates and that function as antibodies in the immune response
• impulse - the act of applying force suddenly
• in - currently fashionable
• incontinence - involuntary urination or defecation
• incus - the ossicle between the malleus and the stapes
• index - the finger next to the thumb
• inductive - inducing or influencing; leading on
• inferior - of or characteristic of low rank or importance
• information - (communication theory) a numerical measure of the uncertainty of an outcome
• infundibulum - any of various funnel-shaped parts of the body (but especially the hypophyseal stalk)
• inguinal - of or relating to or near the groin
• inheritance - hereditary succession to a title or an office or property
• inhibition - (psychology) the conscious exclusion of unacceptable thoughts or desires
• inhibitory - restrictive of action
• innate - present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
• inner - inside or closer to the inside of the body
• innervation - the distribution of nerve fibers to an organ or body region
• inspiration - arousing to a particular emotion or action
• inspiratory - pertaining to the drawing in phase respiration
• insulin - hormone secreted by the isles of Langerhans in the pancreas; regulates storage of glycogen in the liver and accelerates oxidation of sugar in cells
• interaction - a mutual or reciprocal action; interacting
• intercostal - located or occurring between the ribs
• interface - (chemistry) a surface forming a common boundary between two things (two objects or liquids or chemical phases)
• interferon - an antiviral protein produced by cells that have been invaded by a virus; inhibits replication of the virus
• interleukin - any of several lymphokines that promote macrophages and killer T cells and B cells and other components of the immune system
• internal - happening or arising or located within some limits or especially surface
• interstitial - of or relating to interstices
• intestine - the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus
• intima - the innermost membrane of an organ (especially the inner lining of an artery or vein or lymphatic vessel)
• intracellular - located or occurring within a cell or cells
• intrinsic - situated within or belonging solely to the organ or body part on which it acts
• intron - sequence of a eukaryotic gene's DNA that is not translated into a protein
• inulin - used to manufacture fructose and in assessing kidney function
• ion - a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
• ionic - containing or involving or occurring in the form of ions
• iris - diaphragm consisting of thin overlapping plates that can be adjusted to change the diameter of a central opening
• irregular - not occurring at expected times
• ischemia - local anemia in a given body part sometimes resulting from vasoconstriction or thrombosis or embolism
• ischemic - relating to or affected by ischemia
• island - a zone or area resembling an island
• isotonic - of or involving muscular contraction in which tension is constant while length changes
• isotope - one of two or more atoms with the same atomic number but with different numbers of neutrons
• isthmus - a cord-like tissue connecting two larger parts of an anatomical structure
• jugular - relating to or located in the region of the neck or throat
• junction - an act of joining or adjoining things
• just - used especially of what is legally or ethically right or proper or fitting

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K-M

• kidney - either of two bean-shaped excretory organs that filter wastes (especially urea) from the blood and excrete them and water in urine
• killer - a difficulty that is hard to deal with
• kinesthesia - the perception of body position and movement and muscular tensions etc
• kinetic - characterized by motion
• kinetochore - a specialized condensed region of each chromosome that appears during mitosis where the chromatids are held together to form an X shape
• labor - productive work (especially physical work done for wages)
• laboratory - a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
• labyrinth - complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost
• lactic - of or relating to or obtained from milk (especially sour milk or whey)
• lactobacillus - Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria that produce lactic acid especially in milk
• lacuna - a blank gap or missing part
• lagging - used to wrap around pipes or boilers or laid in attics to prevent loss of heat
• lamella - thin plate
• lament - a cry of sorrow and grief
• lamina - a thin plate or layer (especially of bone or mineral)
• lance - a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade; used for punctures and small incisions
• landsteiner - United States pathologist (born in Austria) who discovered human blood groups (1868-1943)
• large - having broad power and range and scope
• laryngeal - of or relating to or situated in the larynx
• laryngopharynx - the lower part of the pharynx
• larynx - a cartilaginous structure at the top of the trachea; contains elastic vocal cords that are the source of the vocal tone in speech
• lateral - lying away from the median and sagittal plane of a body
• law - the learned profession that is mastered by graduate study in a law school and that is responsible for the judicial system
• laws - the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit
• lead - the playing of a card to start a trick in bridge
• leading - going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way
• left - intended for the left hand
• length - a section of something that is long and narrow
• lens - a transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form images
• leukemia - malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues; characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes; one of the four major types of cancer
• leukocyte - blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the body's defense system
• leukocytosis - an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood as a result of infection (as in leukemia)
• leukopenia - an abnormal lowering of the white blood cell count
• level - oriented at right angles to the plumb
• lh - a gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary; stimulates ovulation in female mammals and stimulates androgen release in male mammals
• life - living things collectively
• ligament - any connection or unifying bond
• light - characterized by or emitting light
• limb - the graduated arc that is attached to an instrument for measuring angles
• limbic - of or relating to or forming a limbus
• line - acting in conformity
• lingual - pertaining to or resembling or lying near the tongue
• linked - connected by a link, as railway cars or trailer trucks
• lipase - an enzyme secreted in the digestive tract that catalyzes the breakdown of fats into individual fatty acids that can be absorbed into the bloodstream
• lipid - an oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates)
• litmus - a coloring material (obtained from lichens) that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions; used as a very rough acid-base indicator
• liver - having a reddish-brown color
• lobe - a rounded projection that is part of a larger structure
• locomotion - self-propelled movement
• locus - the set of all points or lines that satisfy or are determined by specific conditions
• long - having or being more than normal or necessary:"long on brains"
• loop - a flight maneuver; aircraft flies a complete circle in the vertical plane
• lumbar - of or relating to or near the part of the back between the ribs and the hipbones
• lumen - a cavity or passage in a tubular organ
• lung - either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood
• lymph - a thin coagulable fluid (similar to plasma but) containing white blood cells (lymphocytes) and chyle; is conveyed to the blood stream by lymphatic vessels
• lymphocyte - an agranulocytic leukocyte that normally makes up a quarter of the white blood cell count but increases in the presence of infection
• lymphoid - resembling lymph or lymphatic tissues
• lymphoma - a neoplasm of lymph tissue that is usually malignant; one of the four major types of cancer
• lysosome - an organelle found in the cytoplasm of most cells (especially in leukocytes and liver and kidney cells)
• lysozyme - an enzyme found in saliva and sweat and tears that destroys the cell walls of certain bacteria
• macromolecule - any very large complex molecule; found only in plants and animals
• macrophage - a large phagocyte; some are fixed and other circulate in the blood stream
• macula - a yellowish central area of the retina that is rich in cones and that mediates clear detailed vision
• magnetic - having the properties of a magnet; i.e. of attracting iron or steel
• major - greater in number or size or amount
• majors - the most important league in any sport (especially baseball)
• male - being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that perform the fertilizing function in generation
• malleus - the ossicle attached to the eardrum
• malt - a cereal grain that is kiln-dried after having been germinated by soaking in water; used especially in brewing and distilling
• mammary - of or relating to the milk-giving gland of the female
• map - a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
• marginal - being close to a lower limit or or of lower class
• marking - the act of making a visible mark on a surface
• marrow - the fatty network of connective tissue that fills the cavities of bones
• mass - gathered or tending to gather into a mass or whole
• mast - a vertical spar for supporting sails
• matching - intentionally matched
• mater - an informal use of the Latin word for mother; sometimes used by British schoolboys or used facetiously
• matrix - mold used in the production of phonograph records, type, or other relief surface
• matter - (used with negation) having consequence
• maturation - coming to full development; becoming mature
• maxillary - of or relating to the upper jaw
• maximum - the greatest or most complete or best possible
• mean - (used of persons or behavior) characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity
• measurement - the act or process of assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule
• meatus - a natural body passageway
• mechanism - the technical aspects of doing something
• medial - dividing an animal into right and left halves
• median - relating to or situated in or extending toward the middle
• mediastinum - the part of the thoracic cavity between the lungs that contains the heart and aorta and esophagus and trachea and thymus
• mediated - acting or brought about through an intervening agency
• medical - requiring or amenable to treatment by medicine especially as opposed to surgery
• medulla - the inner part of an organ or structure in plant or animal
• medullary - of or relating to the medulla of any body part
• megakaryocyte - a large bone marrow cell; regarded as the source of blood platelets
• meiosis - (genetics) cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms; the nucleus divides into four nuclei each containing half the chromosome number (leading to gametes in animals and spores in plants)
• membrane - a thin pliable sheet of material
• memory - an electronic memory device
• menarche - the first occurrence of menstruation in a woman
• meninges - a membrane (one of 3) that envelops the brain and spinal cord
• menopause - the time in a woman's life in which the menstrual cycle ends
• menses - the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus of nonpregnant women from puberty to menopause
• menstrual - of or relating to menstruation or the menses
• mental - affected by a disorder of the mind
• merely - and nothing more
• mesenteric - of or relating to or located in a mesentery
• mesoderm - the middle germ layer that develops into muscle and bone and cartilage and blood and connective tissue
• mesothelium - epithelium originating in the embryonic mesoderm; lines the primordial body cavity
• messenger - a person who carries a message
• metabolic - undergoing metamorphosis
• metabolism - the organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life
• metaphase - the second stage of mitosis
• metaphysis - the growing part of a long bone between the diaphysis and the epiphysis
• method - a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
• microglia - neuroglial tissue of mesodermal origin that can become phagocytic
• microscope - magnifier of the image of small objects
• microscopic - too small to be seen except under a microscope
• microscopy - research with the use of microscopes
• micturition - the discharge of urine
• middle - between an earlier and a later period of time
• mineral - of or containing or derived from minerals
• mineralocorticoid - hormone that is one of the steroids of the adrenal cortex that influences the metabolism of sodium and potassium
• mismatch - a bad or unsuitable match
• mitosis - cell division in which the nucleus divides into nuclei containing the same number of chromosomes
• mitotic - of or relating to or undergoing mitosis
• mitral - of or relating to or located in or near the mitral valve
• model - worthy of imitation
• modeling - a preliminary sculpture in wax or clay from which a finished work can be copied
• moderator - someone who mediates disputes and attempts to avoid violence
• molecular - relating to simple or elementary organization
• molecule - (physics and chemistry) the simplest structural unit of an element or compound
• monocyte - a type of granular leukocyte that functions in the ingestion of bacteria
• monosaccharide - a sugar (like sucrose or fructose) that does not hydrolyse to give other sugars; the simplest group of carbohydrates
• mons - a mound of fatty tissue covering the pubic area in women
• morning - the time period between dawn and noon
• motor - causing or able to cause motion
• mountain - a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
• mouth - the opening of a jar or bottle
• movement - the act of changing the location of something
• mri - the use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
• mrna - the template for protein synthesis; the form of RNA that carries information from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome sites of protein synthesis in the cell
• mt - the use of computers to translate from one language to another
• mu - the 12th letter of the Greek alphabet
• mucosa - mucus-secreting membrane lining all body cavities or passages that communicate with the exterior
• mucus - protective secretion of the mucous membranes; in the gut it lubricates the passage of food and protects the epithelial cells; in the nose and throat and lungs it can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate the body through the epithelium
• multiplier - the number by which a multiplicand is multiplied
• murmur - a schwa that is incidental to the pronunciation of a consonant
• muscle - authority or power or force (especially when used in a coercive way)
• muscular - having or suggesting great physical power or force
• musculoskeletal - relating to muscles and skeleton
• mutation - a change or alteration in form or qualities
• myelin - a white fatty substance that forms a medullary sheath around the axis cylinder of some nerve fibers
• myeloid - of or relating to bone marrow
• myocardial - of or relating to the myocardium
• myocardium - the middle muscular layer of the heart wall
• myometrium - the smooth muscle forming the wall of the uterus
• myopia - (ophthalmology) eyesight abnormality resulting from the eye's faulty refractive ability; distant objects appear blurred
• myosin - the commonest protein in muscle; a globulin that combines with actin to form actomyosin

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N-P

• naris - any of the openings to the nasal cavities that allow air to flow through the cavities to the pharynx
• nasal - sounding as if the nose were pinched
• nasopharynx - cavity forming the upper part of the pharynx
• natriuretic - of or relating to natriuresis
• natural - being talented through inherited qualities
• ne - a midwestern state on the Great Plains
• necessarily - in an essential manner
• negative - expressing or consisting of a negation or refusal or denial
• nephrology - the branch of medicine concerned with the kidney - its development and anatomy and physiology and disorders
• nephron - any of the small tubules that are the excretory units of the vertebrate kidney
• nerve - any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body
• nervi - Italian architect who pioneered in the use of reinforced concrete (1891-1979)
• nervous - easily agitated
• net - remaining after all deductions
• network - (broadcasting) a communication system consisting of a group of broadcasting stations that all transmit the same programs
• neural - of or relating to neurons
• neurogenesis - the development of nerve tissues
• neurogenic - arising in or stimulated by nerve tissues
• neurological - of or relating to or used in or practicing neurology
• neurologist - a medical specialist in the nervous system and the disorders affecting it
• neuron - a cell that is specialized to conduct nerve impulses
• neutron - an elementary particle with 0 charge and mass about equal to a proton; enters into the structure of the atomic nucleus
• neutrophil - the chief phagocytic leukocyte; stains with either basic or acid dyes
• newborn - having just or recently arisen or come into existence
• ni - a hard malleable ductile silvery metallic element that is resistant to corrosion; used in alloys; occurs in pentlandite and smaltite and garnierite and millerite
• nitrogen - a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues
• nitrogenous - of or relating to or containing nitrogen
• node - (computer science) any computer that is hooked up to a computer network
• non - negation of a word or group of words
• noncompetitive - not involving competition or competitiveness
• nonpolar - not ionic
• norepinephrine - a catecholamine precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and also released at synapses
• normal - conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal
• nose - a front that resembles a human nose (especially the front of an aircraft)
• not - negation of a word or group of words
• noticeable - capable or worthy of being perceived
• nuclear - constituting or like a nucleus
• nucleolus - a small round body of protein in a cell nucleus; such organelles contain RNA and are involved in protein synthesis
• nucleotide - a phosphoric ester of a nucleoside; the basic structural unit of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA)
• nucleus - a part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction
• number - an item of merchandise offered for sale
• numbers - the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
• nutrient - of or providing nourishment
• nutrition - the scientific study of food and drink (especially in humans)
• obesity - more than average fatness
• obstructive - preventing movement
• occipital - of or relating to the occiput
• octet - a musical composition written for eight performers
• odor - any property detected by the olfactory system
• olfaction - the faculty that enables us to distinguish scents
• olfactory - of or relating to olfaction
• oligodendrocyte - a cell of the oligodendroglia
• oliguria - production of an abnormally small amount of urine
• omega - the last (24th) letter of the Greek alphabet
• on - in operation or operational
• oncogene - a gene that causes normal cells to change into cancerous tumor cells
• oocyte - a female gametocyte that develops into an ovum after two meiotic divisions
• oogenesis - development of ova
• open - ready for business
• ophthalmic - of or relating to ophthalmology
• opsonization - process whereby opsonins make an invading microorganism more susceptible to phagocytosis
• or - a room in a hospital equipped for the performance of surgical operations
• oral - a stage in psychosexual development when the child's interest is concentrated in the mouth; fixation at this stage is said to result in dependence, selfishness, and aggression
• organ - wind instrument whose sound is produced by means of pipes arranged in sets supplied with air from a bellows and controlled from a large complex musical keyboard
• organelle - a specialized part of a cell; analogous to an organ
• organism - a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently
• organization - the activity or result of distributing or disposing persons or things properly or methodically
• orgasm - the moment of most intense pleasure in sexual intercourse
• origin - properties attributable to your ancestry
• oropharynx - cavity formed by the pharynx at the back of the mouth
• orthopedist - a specialist in correcting deformities of the skeletal system (especially in children)
• osmosis - diffusion of molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until the concentration on both sides is equal
• osmotic - of or relating to osmosis
• osseous - composed of or containing bone
• ossicle - a small bone; especially one in the middle ear
• osteoblast - a cell from which bone develops
• osteoclast - cell that functions in the breakdown and resorption of bone tissue
• osteocyte - mature bone cell
• osteomalacia - abnormal softening of bones caused by deficiencies of phosphorus or calcium or vitamin D
• osteoporosis - abnormal loss of bony tissue resulting in fragile porous bones attributable to a lack of calcium; most common in postmenopausal women
• outer - being on or toward the outside of the body
• output - production of a certain amount
• oval - rounded like an egg
• ovarian - of or involving the ovaries
• ovary - (vertebrates) one of usually two organs that produce ova and secrete estrogen and progesterone
• over - having come or been brought to a conclusion
• oviduct - either of a pair of tubes conducting the egg from the ovary to the uterus
• ovulation - the expulsion of an ovum from the ovary (usually midway in the menstrual cycle)
• ovum - the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
• oxidative - taking place in the presence of oxygen
• oxygen - a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
• oxyhemoglobin - the bright red hemoglobin that is a combination of hemoglobin and oxygen from the lungs
• pacemaker - an implanted electronic device that takes over the function of the natural cardiac pacemaker
• packed - pressed together or compressed
• pad - the foot or fleshy cushion-like underside of the toes of an animal
• page - one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
• pain - a somatic sensation of acute discomfort
• palatine - of or relating to a palace
• palmar - relating to the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot
• pancreas - a large elongated exocrine gland located behind the stomach; secretes pancreatic juice and insulin
• paper - medium for written communication
• papilla - a small projection of tissue at the base of a hair or tooth or feather
• papillary - of or relating to or resembling papilla
• paranasal - adjacent to the nasal cavities
• parasympathetic - of or relating to the parasympathetic nervous system
• parathyroid - any one of four endocrine glands situated above or within the thyroid gland
• parietal - of or relating to or associated with the parietal bones in the cranium
• partial - being or affecting only a part; not total
• parts - the local environment
• passive - lacking in energy or will
• pathogen - any disease-producing agent (especially a virus or bacterium or other microorganism)
• pathway - a trodden path
• pattern - a model considered worthy of imitation
• pct - a proportion multiplied by 100
• pectinate - like a comb
• pedicel - a small stalk bearing a single flower of an inflorescence; an ultimate division of a common peduncle
• peer - a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
• pelvic - of or relating to the pelvis
• pelvis - a structure shaped like a funnel in the outlet of the kidney into which urine is discharged before passing into the ureter
• penis - the male organ of copulation (`member' is a euphemism)
• pepsin - an enzyme produced in the stomach that splits proteins into peptones
• perception - the process of perceiving
• perfusion - pumping a liquid into an organ or tissue (especially by way of blood vessels)
• pericardial - located around the heart or relating to or affecting the pericardium
• pericardium - a serous membrane with two layers that surrounds the heart
• period - a punctuation mark (.) placed at the end of a declarative sentence to indicate a full stop or after abbreviations
• periodic - recurring or reappearing from time to time
• periosteum - a dense fibrous membrane covering the surface of bones (except at their extremities) and serving as an attachment for tendons and muscles; contains nerves and blood vessels that nourish the enclosed bone
• peripheral - on or near an edge or constituting an outer boundary; the outer area
• peristalsis - the process of wavelike muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along
• peritoneal - of or relating to or affecting the peritoneum
• peritoneum - a transparent membrane that lines the abdominal cavity in mammals and covers most of the viscera
• permeability - the property of something that can be pervaded by a liquid (as by osmosis or diffusion)
• permeable - allowing fluids or gases to pass or diffuse through
• pet - preferred above all others and treated with partiality
• phagocytosis - process in which phagocytes engulf and digest microorganisms and cellular debris; an important defense against infection
• pharyngeal - of or relating to the throat
• pharynx - the passage to the stomach and lungs; in the front part of the neck below the chin and above the collarbone
• phase - (astronomy) the particular appearance of a body's state of illumination (especially one of the recurring shapes of the part of Earth's moon that is illuminated by the sun)
• pheromone - a chemical substance secreted externally by some animals (especially insects) that influences the physiology or behavior of other animals of the same species
• phlebotomist - someone who practices phlebotomy
• phlebotomy - surgical incision into a vein; used to treat hemochromatosis
• phosphate - carbonated drink with fruit syrup and a little phosphoric acid
• phospholipid - any of various compounds composed of fatty acids and phosphoric acid and a nitrogenous base; an important constituent of membranes
• photosynthesis - synthesis of compounds with the aid of radiant energy (especially in plants)
• phrenic - of or relating to the diaphragm
• phylogenetic - of or relating to the evolutionary development of organisms
• physical - having substance or material existence; perceptible to the senses
• physiological - of or relating to the biological study of physiology
• physiology - processes and functions of an organism
• pia - perennial herb of East Indies to Polynesia and Australia; cultivated for its large edible root yielding Otaheite arrowroot starch
• pinna - division of a usually pinnately divided leaf
• pinocytosis - process by which certain cells can engulf and incorporate droplets of fluid
• pit - a surface excavation for extracting stone or slate
• pituitary - of or relating to the pituitary gland
• placement - contact established between applicants and prospective employees
• placenta - the vascular structure in the uterus of most mammals providing oxygen and nutrients for and transferring wastes from the developing fetus
• plane - having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
• plant - a living organism lacking the power of locomotion
• plantar - relating to or occurring on the undersurface of the foot
• plasma - colorless watery fluid of blood and lymph containing no cells and in which erythrocytes and leukocytes and platelets are suspended
• plasmin - an enzyme that dissolves the fibrin of blood clots
• plasticity - the property of being physically malleable; the property of something that can be worked or hammered or shaped without breaking
• plate - dish on which food is served or from which food is eaten
• platelet - tiny bits of protoplasm found in vertebrate blood; essential for blood clotting
• pleura - the thin serous membrane around the lungs and inner walls of the chest
• pleural - of or relating to the pleura or the walls of the thorax
• plexus - a network of intersecting blood vessels or intersecting nerves or intersecting lymph vessels
• plug - blockage consisting of an object designed to fill a hole tightly
• polar - having a pair of equal and opposite charges
• polycythemia - a disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood
• polymerase - an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of new DNA and RNA from an existing strand of DNA or RNA
• polypeptide - a peptide containing 10 to more than 100 amino acids
• polysaccharide - any of a class of carbohydrates whose molecules contain chains of monosaccharide molecules
• polyuria - renal disorder characterized by the production of large volumes of pale dilute urine; often associated with diabetes
• popliteal - of or relating to the area behind the knee joint
• population - the act of populating (causing to live in a place)
• pore - any small opening in the skin or outer surface of an animal
• portal - a grand and imposing entrance (often extended metaphorically)
• position - the act of positing; an assumption taken as a postulate or axiom
• positive - formally laid down or imposed
• positron - an elementary particle with positive charge; interaction of a positron and an electron results in annihilation
• post - the delivery and collection of letters and packages
• posterior - at or near the hind end in quadrupeds or toward the spine in primates
• potential - existing in possibility
• potentiation - (medicine) the synergistic effect of two drugs given simultaneously
• prepuce - a fold of skin covering the tip of the penis
• presbyopia - farsightedness resulting from a reduced ability to focus caused by loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens with age
• pressure - a force that compels
• primary - not derived from or reducible to something else; basic
• primer - an introductory textbook
• primitive - used of preliterate or tribal or nonindustrial societies
• primordial - having existed from the beginning; in an earliest or original stage or state
• process - a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states
• processing - preparing or putting through a prescribed procedure
• production - (law) the act of exhibiting in a court of law
• progesterone - a steroid hormone (trade name Lipo-Lutin) produced in the ovary; prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy
• projection - any structure that branches out from a central support
• prokaryote - a unicellular organism having cells lacking membrane-bound nuclei; bacteria are the prime example but also included are blue-green algae and actinomycetes and mycoplasma
• prokaryotic - having cells that lack membrane-bound nuclei
• prominence - relative importance
• promoter - someone who is an active supporter and advocate
• prone - lying face downward
• propagation - the spreading of something (a belief or practice) into new regions
• proper - appropriate for a condition or purpose or occasion or a person's character, needs
• prophase - the first stage of mitosis
• proprioception - the ability to sense the position and location and orientation and movement of the body and its parts
• prostate - relating to the prostate gland
• protection - payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence
• protein - any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes
• proto - indicating the first or earliest or original
• proton - a stable particle with positive charge equal to the negative charge of an electron
• proximal - situated nearest to point of attachment or origin
• puberty - the time of life when sex glands become functional
• pubis - one of the three sections of the hipbone; together these two bones form the front of the pelvis
• pulmonary - relating to or affecting the lungs
• pulse - the rhythmic contraction and expansion of the arteries with each beat of the heart
• pump - a mechanical device that moves fluid or gas by pressure or suction
• pupil - contractile aperture in the iris of the eye
• purkinje - Bohemian physiologist remembered for his discovery of Purkinje cells and the Purkinje network (1787-1869)
• pyramid - a massive monument with a square base and four triangular sides; begun by Cheops around 2700 BC as royal tombs in ancient Egypt

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Q-R

• quiescent - causing no symptoms
• quiet - of the sun; characterized by a low level of surface phenomena like sun spots e.g.
• radial - arranged like rays or radii; radiating from a common center
• radiate - send out real or metaphoric rays
• radioactive - exhibiting or caused by radioactivity
• range - a place for shooting (firing or driving) projectiles of various kinds
• rate - amount of a charge or payment relative to some basis
• ray - cartilaginous fishes having horizontally flattened bodies and enlarged winglike pectoral fins with gills on the underside; most swim by moving the pectoral fins
• rbc - a mature blood cell that contains hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the bodily tissues; a biconcave disc that has no nucleus
• re - the syllable naming the second (supertonic) note of any major scale in solmization
• reabsorption - the organic process in which the substance of some differentiated structure that has been produced by the body undergoes lysis and assimilation
• reactivity - ready susceptibility to chemical change
• reasoning - endowed with the capacity to reason
• reception - the act of receiving
• receptive - able to absorb liquid (not repellent)
• receptor - a cellular structure that is postulated to exist in order to mediate between a chemical agent that acts on nervous tissue and the physiological response
• recipient - a person who gets something
• recognition - designation by the chair granting a person the right to speak in a deliberative body
• rectum - the terminal section of the alimentary canal; from the sigmoid flexure to the anus
• red - red with or characterized by blood
• reduction - the act of reducing complexity
• referenced - supported with written references or citations
• refractory - temporarily unresponsive or not fully responsive to nervous or sexual stimuli
• region - the extended spatial location of something
• regional - related or limited to a particular region
• regulation - prescribed by or according to regulation
• regulatory - restricting according to rules or principles
• relaxation - a method of solving simultaneous equations by guessing a solution and then reducing the errors that result by successive approximations until all the errors are less than some specified amount
• release - (music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone
• releasing - emotionally purging (of e.g. art)
• renal - of or relating to the kidneys
• renewal - the act of renewing
• renin - a proteolytic enzyme secreted by the kidneys; catalyzes the formation of angiotensin and thus affects blood pressure
• repair - the act of putting something in working order again
• replication - the repetition of an experiment in order to test the validity of its conclusion
• reproduction - the sexual activity of conceiving and bearing offspring
• reproductive - producing new life or offspring
• reserve - the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
• residual - relating to or indicating a remainder
• resistance - the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
• resonance - the quality imparted to voiced speech sounds by the action of the resonating chambers of the throat and mouth and nasal cavities
• respiration - the metabolic processes whereby certain organisms obtain energy from organic molecules; processes that take place in the cells and tissues during which energy is released and carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the blood to be transported to the lungs
• respiratory - pertaining to respiration
• response - a phrase recited or sung by the congregation following a versicle by the priest or minister
• responsiveness - the quality of being responsive; reacting quickly; as a quality of people, it involves responding with emotion to people and events
• resuscitation - the act of reviving a person and returning them to consciousness
• reticulocyte - an immature red blood cell containing a network of filaments or granules
• reticulum - the second compartment of the stomach of a ruminant
• retina - the light-sensitive membrane covering the back wall of the eyeball; it is continuous with the optic nerve
• retinal - in or relating to the retina of the eye
• rh - any of several hormones produced in the hypothalamus and carried by a vein to the anterior pituitary gland where they stimulate the release of anterior pituitary hormones; each of these hormones causes the anterior pituitary to secrete a specific hormone
• rhodopsin - a red photopigment in the retinal rods of vertebrates; dissociates into retinene by light
• rhythm - recurring at regular intervals
• ribosome - an organelle in the cytoplasm of a living cell; they attach to mRNA and move down it one codon at a time and then stop until tRNA brings the required amino acid; when it reaches a stop codon it falls apart and releases the completed protein molecule for use by the cell
• right - correct in opinion or judgment
• ring - jewelry consisting of a circlet of precious metal (often set with jewels) worn on the finger
• rna - (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
• ro - an artificial language for international use that rejects all existing words and is based instead on an abstract analysis of ideas
• rod - any rod-shaped bacterium
• root - the part of a tooth that is embedded in the jaw and serves as support
• rough - not perfected
• ru - a rare polyvalent metallic element of the platinum group; it is found associated with platinum
• rule - measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths

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S

• sa - Nazi militia created by Hitler in 1921 that helped him to power but was eclipsed by the SS after 1943
• sac - a structure resembling a bag in an animal
• sacral - of or relating to sacred rites
• sagittal - located in a plane that is parallel to the central plane of the sagittal suture
• salivary - of or relating to saliva
• salty - containing or filled with salt
• sarcolemma - an extensible membrane enclosing the contractile substance of a muscle fiber
• sarcomere - one of the segments into which a myofibril is divided
• satellite - surrounding and dominated by a central authority or power
• saturated - (of color) being chromatically pure; not diluted with white or grey or black
• scale - a flattened rigid plate forming part of the body covering of many animals
• schizophrenia - any of several psychotic disorders characterized by distortions of reality and disturbances of thought and language and withdrawal from social contact
• schwann - German physiologist and histologist who in 1838 and 1839 identified the cell as the basic structure of plant and animal tissue (1810-1882)
• science - a particular branch of scientific knowledge
• scrotum - the external pouch that contains the testes
• second - having the second highest gear ratio
• secondary - belonging to a lower class or rank
• secretion - a functionally specialized substance (especially one that is not a waste) released from a gland or cell
• secretory - of or relating to or producing a secretion
• section - one of several parts or pieces that fit with others to constitute a whole object
• segment - one of the parts into which something naturally divides
• segmental - divided or organized into speech segments or isolable speech sounds
• selection - an assortment of things from which a choice can be made
• selective - tending to select; characterized by careful choice
• selectively - in a selective manner
• semen - the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
• semicircular - curved into a half circle
• semilunar - resembling the new moon in shape
• seminal - pertaining to or containing or consisting of semen
• seminiferous - bearing or producing seed or semen
• sensation - an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
• sense - the faculty through which the external world is apprehended
• sensor - any device that receives a signal or stimulus (as heat or pressure or light or motion etc.) and responds to it in a distinctive manner
• sensory - involving or derived from the senses
• sepsis - the presence of pus-forming bacteria or their toxins in the blood or tissues
• septic - containing or resulting from disease-causing organisms
• septum - (anatomy) a dividing partition between two tissues or cavities
• serous - of or producing or containing serum
• serum - watery fluid of the blood that resembles plasma but contains fibrinogen
• sesamoid - any of several small round bones formed in a tendon where it passes over a joint
• set - being below the horizon
• sex - the properties that distinguish organisms on the basis of their reproductive roles
• sexual - having or involving sex
• shape - the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance
• shared - have in common; held or experienced in common
• sheath - a protective covering for a knife or sword
• shift - the act of moving from one place to another
• shock - the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat
• short - tending to crumble or break into flakes due to a large amount of shortening
• shunt - implant consisting of a tube made of plastic or rubber; for draining fluids within the body
• sickle - an edge tool for cutting grass or crops; has a curved blade and a short handle
• sickness - defectiveness or unsoundness
• sight - a optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument
• sigmoid - of or relating to the sigmoid flexure in the large intestine
• signal - notably out of the ordinary
• simple - unornamented
• singular - being a single and separate person or thing
• sinus - any of various air-filled cavities especially in the bones of the skull
• sinusoid - tiny endothelium-lined passages for blood in the tissue of an organ
• site - physical position in relation to the surroundings
• size - (used in combination) sized
• skeletal - of or relating to or forming or attached to a skeleton
• skeleton - the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape
• skin - an outer surface (usually thin)
• sleep - a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
• sliding - being a smooth continuous motion
• small - limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
• smell - the act of perceiving the odor of something
• smoke - the act of smoking tobacco or other substances
• smooth - lacking obstructions or difficulties
• solute - the dissolved substance in a solution; the component of a solution that changes its state
• solvent - capable of meeting financial obligations
• somatic - affecting or characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit
• somatosensory - of or relating to the somatosenses
• sour - smelling of fermentation or staleness
• space - the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
• spasm - (pathology) sudden constriction of a hollow organ (as a blood vessel)
• spectrum - broad range of related values or qualities or ideas or activities
• sperm - the male reproductive cell; the male gamete
• spermatic - consisting of or resembling spermatozoa
• spermatid - an immature gamete produced by a spermatocyte; develops into a spermatozoon
• spermatocyte - a male gametocyte that develops into four spermatids
• spermatogenesis - development of spermatozoa
• sphincter - a ring of muscle that contracts to close an opening
• sphygmomanometer - a pressure gauge for measuring blood pressure
• spinal - of or relating to the spine or spinal cord
• spindle - a stick or pin used to twist the yarn in spinning
• splenic - of or relating to the spleen
• splicing - a junction where two things (as paper or film or magnetic tape) have been joined together
• spongy - like a sponge in being able to absorb liquids and yield it back when compressed
• spontaneous - happening or arising without apparent external cause
• stapes - the stirrup-shaped ossicle that transmits sound from the incus to the cochlea
• starch - a complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice; an important foodstuff and used otherwise especially in adhesives and as fillers and stiffeners for paper and textiles
• starling - gregarious birds native to the Old World
• start - a turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning)
• stem - the tube of a tobacco pipe
• steroid - any of several fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms in four rings; many have important physiological effects
• stethoscope - a medical instrument for listening to the sounds generated inside the body
• stimulating - rousing or quickening activity or the senses
• stimulus - any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action
• stirrup - support consisting of metal loops into which rider's feet go
• stomach - an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion
• stop - a brief stay in the course of a journey
• storage - the act of storing something
• straight - right; in keeping with the facts
• strand - line consisting of a complex of fibers or filaments that are twisted together to form a thread or a rope or a cable
• stroke - a light touch with the hands
• structure - a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts
• study - a room used for reading and writing and studying
• subclavian - situated beneath the clavicle
• substrate - an indigenous language that contributes features to the language of an invading people who impose their language on the indigenous population
• sugar - a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative
• sulcus - (anatomy) any of the narrow grooves in an organ or tissue especially those that mark the convolutions on the surface of the brain
• summation - the arithmetic operation of summing; calculating the sum of two or more numbers
• super - including more than a specified category
• superior - (often followed by `to') above being affected or influenced by
• supine - lying face upward
• support - a military operation (often involving new supplies of men and materiel) to strengthen a military force or aid in the performance of its mission
• suppressor - an electrical device for suppressing unwanted currents
• surface - on the surface
• surfactant - a substance capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved
• suspensory - a bandage of elastic fabric applied to uplift a dependant part (as the scrotum or a pendulous breast)
• sweet - pleasing to the senses
• sympathetic - expressing or feeling or resulting from sympathy or compassion or friendly fellow feelings; disposed toward
• synapse - the junction between two neurons (axon-to-dendrite) or between a neuron and a muscle
• synapsis - the side by side pairing of homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes at the start of meiosis
• synaptic - (neuroscience) of or involving synapses
• syndrome - a complex of concurrent things
• synthesis - the combination of ideas into a complex whole
• system - instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
• systemic - affecting an entire system
• systole - the contraction of the chambers of the heart (especially the ventricles) to drive blood into the aorta and pulmonary artery
• systolic - of or relating to a systole or happing during a systole

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T-U

• table - a piece of furniture having a smooth flat top that is usually supported by one or more vertical legs
• tachycardia - abnormally rapid heartbeat (over 100 beats per minute)
• tactile - producing a sensation of touch
• tamponade - blockage or closure (as of a wound or body cavity) by (or as if by) a tampon (especially to stop bleeding)
• target - sports equipment consisting of an object set up for a marksman or archer to aim at
• taste - a kind of sensing; distinguishing substances by means of the taste buds
• tc - a permanent council of the United Nations that commissions a country (or countries) to undertake the administration of a territory
• technician - someone whose occupation involves training in a specific technical process
• technologist - a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
• telomerase - an enzyme in eukaryotic cells that can add telomeres to the ends of chromosomes after they divide
• telomere - either (free) end of a eukaryotic chromosome
• telophase - the final stage of mitosis
• temperature - the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)
• template - a model or standard for making comparisons
• temporal - of this earth or world
• tendon - a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
• tension - the action of stretching something tight
• term - any distinct quantity contained in a polynomial
• terminal - causing or ending in or approaching death
• terms - the amount of money needed to purchase something
• tertiary - coming next after the second and just before the fourth in position
• testicle - one of the two male reproductive glands that produce spermatozoa and secrete androgens
• testicular - of or involving the testes
• testis - one of the two male reproductive glands that produce spermatozoa and secrete androgens
• testosterone - a potent androgenic hormone produced chiefly by the testes; responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics
• text - the words of something written
• th - a soft silvery-white tetravalent radioactive metallic element; isotope 232 is used as a power source in nuclear reactors; occurs in thorite and in monazite sands
• thalamus - large egg-shaped structures of grey matter that form the dorsal subdivision of the diencephalon
• thalassemia - an inherited form of anemia caused by faulty synthesis of hemoglobin
• theca - outer sheath of the pupa of certain insects
• theory - a belief that can guide behavior
• therapy - (medicine) the act of caring for someone (as by medication or remedial training etc.)
• thermodynamics - the branch of physics concerned with the conversion of different forms of energy
• thick - abounding; having a lot of
• thin - lacking excess flesh
• thoracic - of or relating to the chest or thorax
• thoroughfare - a public road from one place to another
• threshold - the smallest detectable sensation
• thrombin - an enzyme that acts on fibrinogen in blood causing it to clot
• thrombocyte - tiny bits of protoplasm found in vertebrate blood; essential for blood clotting
• thrombocytopenia - a blood disease characterized by an abnormally small number of platelets in the blood
• thrombocytosis - increase in the number of platelets in the blood which tends to cause clots to form; associated with many neoplasms and chronic infections and other diseases
• thrombosis - the formation or presence of a thrombus (a clot of coagulated blood attached at the site of its formation) in a blood vessel
• thrombus - a blood clot formed within a blood vessel and remaining attached to its place of origin
• thymus - large genus of Old World mints: thyme
• thyroid - suggestive of a thyroid disorder
• tia - brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
• tibial - relating to or located near a tibia
• tidal - of or relating to or caused by tides
• tight - affected by scarcity and expensive to borrow
• tissue - part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function
• tlc - considerate and solicitous care
• tolerance - the act of tolerating something
• tomography - (medicine) obtaining pictures of the interior of the body
• tone - (linguistics) a pitch or change in pitch of the voice that serves to distinguish words in tonal languages
• tonic - used of syllables
• tonicity - the elastic tension of living muscles, arteries, etc. that facilitate response to stimuli
• tonsil - either of two masses of lymphatic tissue one on each side of the oral pharynx
• total - constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
• totipotent - having the ability to give rise to unlike cells
• trabecula - rod-shaped structures of fibrous tissue that divide an organ into parts (as in the penis) or stabilize the structure of an organ (as in the spleen)
• trachea - membranous tube with cartilaginous rings that conveys inhaled air from the larynx to the bronchi
• tracing - the act of drawing a plan or diagram or outline
• transcription - a sound or television recording (e.g., from a broadcast to a tape recording)
• transduction - the process whereby a transducer accepts energy in one form and gives back related energy in a different form
• transfer - the act of transfering something from one form to another
• transferrin - a globulin in blood plasma that carries iron
• transient - of a mental act; causing effects outside the mind
• translation - the act of uniform movement
• translational - of or relating to uniform movement without rotation
• transmission - the act of sending a message; causing a message to be transmitted
• transplant - the act of removing something from one location and introducing it in another location
• transport - an exchange of molecules (and their kinetic energy and momentum) across the boundary between adjacent layers of a fluid or across cell membranes
• transverse - extending or lying across; in a crosswise direction; at right angles to the long axis
• tree - English actor and theatrical producer noted for his lavish productions of Shakespeare (1853-1917)
• tricuspid - having three cusps or points (especially a molar tooth)
• triglyceride - glyceride occurring naturally in animal and vegetable tissues; it consists of three individual fatty acids bound together in a single large molecule; an important energy source forming much of the fat stored by the body
• trimester - one of three divisions of an academic year
• trna - RNA molecules present in the cell (in at least 20 varieties, each variety capable of combining with a specific amino acid) that attach the correct amino acid to the protein chain that is being synthesized at the ribosome of the cell (according to directions coded in the mRNA)
• true - accurately placed or thrown
• trunk - luggage consisting of a large strong case used when traveling or for storage
• tube - conduit consisting of a long hollow object (usually cylindrical) used to hold and conduct objects or liquids or gases
• tubular - constituting a tube; having hollow tubes (as for the passage of fluids)
• tubule - a small tube
• tumor - an abnormal new mass of tissue that serves no purpose
• tunica - an enveloping or covering membrane or layer of body tissue
• tympanic - associated with the eardrum
• tympanum - a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it
• type - a small metal block bearing a raised character on one end; produces a printed character when inked and pressed on paper
• typing - writing done with a typewriter
• ulnar - relating to or near the ulna
• ultrasonography - using the reflections of high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of a body organ (a sonogram); commonly used to observe fetal growth or study bodily organs
• ultrasound - very high frequency sound; used in ultrasonography
• umbilical - relating to or resembling the umbilicus
• universal - adapted to various purposes, sizes, forms, operations
• unsaturated - (of color) not chromatically pure; diluted
• upper - higher in place or position
• ureter - either of a pair of thick-walled tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder
• urethra - duct through which urine is discharged in most mammals and which serves as the male genital duct
• urinalysis - (medicine) the chemical analysis of urine (for medical diagnosis)
• urinary - of or relating to the function or production or secretion of urine
• urine - liquid excretory product
• uterine - of or involving the uterus
• uterus - a hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of females; contains the developing fetus

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V-Z

• vaccination - the scar left following inoculation with a vaccine
• vacuole - a tiny cavity filled with fluid in the cytoplasm of a cell
• vagina - the lower part of the female reproductive tract; a moist canal in female mammals extending from the labia minora to the uterus
• valve - control consisting of a mechanical device for controlling the flow of a fluid
• van - a truck with an enclosed cargo space
• variable - (used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied
• varicose - abnormally swollen or knotty
• vas - a tube in which a body fluid circulates
• vascular - of or relating to or having vessels that conduct and circulate fluids
• vasectomy - surgical procedure that removes all or part of the vas deferens (usually as a means of sterilization); is sometimes reversible
• vasoconstriction - decrease in the diameter of blood vessels
• vasodilation - dilation of blood vessels (especially the arteries)
• vasodilator - a drug that causes dilation of blood vessels
• vasopressin - hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve endings in the hypothalamus; affects blood pressure by stimulating capillary muscles and reduces urine flow by affecting reabsorption of water by kidney tubules
• vein - one of the horny ribs that stiffen and support the wing of an insect
• vena - a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart
• venous - of or contained in or performing the function of the veins
• ventilation - the act of supplying fresh air and getting rid of foul air
• ventral - toward or on or near the belly (front of a primate or lower surface of a lower animal)
• ventricle - a chamber of the heart that receives blood from an atrium and pumps it to the arteries
• ventricular - of or relating to a ventricle (of the heart or brain)
• venule - a minute vein continuous with a capillary
• vertebral - of or relating to or constituting vertebrae
• vesicle - a small anatomically normal sac or bladderlike structure (especially one containing fluid)
• vessel - a craft designed for water transportation
• vestibular - relating to the sense of equilibrium
• viagra - virility drug (trade name Viagra) used to treat erectile dysfunction in men
• visceral - relating to or affecting the viscera
• viscosity - resistance of a liquid to sheer forces (and hence to flow)
• vision - the perceptual experience of seeing
• vital - manifesting or characteristic of life
• vitamin - any of a group of organic substances essential in small quantities to normal metabolism
• vocal - full of the sound of voices
• volume - the magnitude of sound (usually in a specified direction)
• vulva - external parts of the female genitalia
• wall - an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
• waste - located in a dismal or remote area; desolate
• water - a fluid necessary for the life of most animals and plants
• wave - a movement like that of a sudden occurrence or increase in a specified phenomenon
• wbc - blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the body's defense system
• yellow - of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
• zone - (anatomy) any encircling or beltlike structure

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