Nursing Dictionary

DICTIONARY OF
NURSING
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DICTIONARY OF
NURSING
second edition
A & C Black ! London

First edition published in 2003 by
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
This second edition published 2007 by

A&C Black Publishers Ltd
38 Soho Square, London W1D 3HB
Copyright A&C Black 2007
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
or by any means without the prior written permission of the publishers.
A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN: 978 0 7136 8287 8

eISBN-13: 978-1-4081-0206-0
Text Production and Proofreading

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Preface
This fully-updated dictionary provides the user with a complete guide to the
vocabulary in current use by nurses and other health care professionals.
Over 11,000 terms are explained in clear, straightforward English. Areas covered
include diseases and conditions, instruments, drugs, treatments and patient care, as
well as medical specialisations such as surgery, psychiatry and physiotherapy. Many
informal and everyday terms used by patients in describing their condition are also
included.
A useful supplement also contains a guide to anatomical terms, illustrated with clear
and simple diagrams.
Thanks are due to Glenda Cornwell, Rosemary Cook, Stephen Curtis, Fiona
McIntosh, Lynn Davy and Dinah Jackson for their advice on the first edition of this
text, and to Kathryn Jones for her helpful comments during the production of this
second edition.
Publishers Note:
While every effort has been made to be as accurate as possible, the author,
advisors, editors and publishers of this book cannot be held liable for any errors
and omissions, or actions that may be taken as a consequence of using it.
Pronunciation
The following symbols have been used to show the pronunciation of the main
words in the dictionary.
Stress is indicated by a main stress mark ( ! ) and a secondary stress mark ( " ) .
Note that these are only guides, as the stress of the word changes according to its
position in the sentence.
Vowels Consonants
# back b buck
% harm d dead
stop other
a type d) jump
a how f fare
a hire , gold
a hour h head
% course j yellow
annoy k cab
e head l leave
e fair m mix
e make n nil
e go sing
/% word p print
i% keep r rest
i happy s save
about shop
fit t take
near t change
u annual theft
u% pool v value
book w work
tour x loch
2 shut ) measure
z zone
Nursing.fm Page 1 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
A
AA abbreviation Alcoholics Anonymous operation that involves cutting out tissue in both
AA
A & E /!e nd $i%/, A & E department /!e nd

A & E
the abdomen and the perineum
abdominoposterior /'b!dmnp
abdominoposterior
$i% d!p%tmnt/ noun same as accident and

| | |
emergency department $stri/ adjective referring to a position of a

A & E medicine /!e nd $i% !med()sn/ noun
A & E medicine
fetus in the uterus, where the fetuss abdomen is
the medical procedures used in A & E depart- facing the mothers back
abdominoscopy /'b!dm$nskpi/ noun an
abdominoscopy
ments | |
ab- /'b/ prefix away from

ab-
internal examination of the abdomen, usually
with an endoscope
ABC /!e bi% $si%/ noun the basic initial checks of
ABC
abdominothoracic /'b!dmn%$r'sk/
abdominothoracic
a casualtys condition. Full form airway, breath- | |
ing and circulation adjective referring to the abdomen and thorax

abduce /'b$dju%s/ verb same as abduct
abduce
abdomen /$'bdmn/ noun a space inside the

abdomen
|
body below the diaphragm, above the pelvis and abducens nerve /'b$dju%s()nz !n-%v/ noun
abducens nerve
in front of the spine, containing the stomach, the sixth cranial nerve, which controls the muscle
intestines, liver and other vital organs ! pain in which makes the eyeball turn outwards
the abdomen (NOTE: For other terms referring to abducent /'b$dju%s()nt/ adjective referring
abducent
the abdomen, see words beginning with coeli-,

|
to a muscle which brings parts of the body away

coelio-.) from each other or moves them away from the
abdomin- /'bdmn/ prefix same as abdom-
abdomin-
central line of the body or a limb. Compare addu-

ino- (used before vowels) cent
abdominal /'b$dmn()l/ adjective located in
abdominal
abduct /'b$d.kt/ verb (of a muscle) to pull a

abduct
|
|
the abdomen, or relating to the abdomen leg or arm in a direction which is away from the
abdominal aorta /'b!dmn()l e$%t/ centre line of the body, or to pull a toe or finger
abdominal aorta
| |
noun the part of the aorta which lies between the away from the central line of a leg or arm. Com-
diaphragm and the point where the aorta divides pare adduct
into the iliac arteries. See illustration at KIDNEY in abduction /'b$d.kn/ noun the movement of
abduction
Supplement a part of the body away from the centre line of the
abdominal cavity /'b!dmn()l $k'vti/ body or away from a neighbouring part. Opposite
abdominal cavity
noun the space in the body below the chest adduction. See illustration at ANATOMICAL
abdominal pain /'b$dmn()l pen/ noun TERMS in Supplement
abdominal pain
pain in the abdomen caused by indigestion or abductor /'b$d.kt/, abductor muscle /'b
abductor
| |
more serious disorders $d.kt !m.s()l/ noun a muscle which pulls a

abdominal viscera /'b!dmn()l $vsr/
abdominal viscera
|
part of the body away from the centre line of the
plural noun the organs which are contained in the body or away from a neighbouring part. Opposite
abdomen, e.g. the stomach, liver and intestines adductor
aberrant /'$bernt/ adjective not usual or
aberrant
abdominal wall /'b$dmn()l w%l/ noun

abdominal wall
|
|
muscular tissue which surrounds the abdomen expected

aberration /!'b$re()n/ noun an action or
aberration
abdomino- /'bdmn/ prefix referring to

abdomino-
the abdomen growth which is not usual or expected

ablation /$ble()n/ noun the removal of an
ablation
abdominopelvic /'b!dmn$pelvk/
abdominopelvic
| | |
adjective referring to the abdomen and pelvis organ or of a part of the body by surgery
abdominoperineal /'b!dmnper$ni%l/ abnormal /'b$n%m()l/ adjective not usual !
abdominoperineal abnormal
| | |
adjective referring to the abdomen and perineum abnormal behaviour ! an abnormal movement
abdominoperineal excision /'b!d abnormality /!'bn%$m'lti/ noun a form or
abdominoperineal excision abnormality
| | |
mnper!ni%l k$s+()n/ noun a surgical

| | condition which is not usual (NOTE: For other
abocclusion 2
terms referring to abnormality, see words begin- wrongly ! Heroin and cocaine are drugs which
ning with terat-, terato-.) are commonly abused. 2. to treat someone badly
abocclusion /!'b$klu%+()n/ noun a condi-
abocclusion
|
! sexually abused children ! He had physically
tion in which the teeth in the top and bottom jaws abused his wife and child.
do not touch a.c. adverb (used on prescriptions) before food.
a.c.
abort /$b%t/ verb to eject an embryo or fetus,

abort
|
Full form ante cibum
or to cause an embryo or fetus to be ejected, and acanthosis /!k'n$ss/ noun a disease of
acanthosis
| |
so end a pregnancy before the fetus is fully devel- the prickle cell layer of the skin, where warts
oped appear on the skin or inside the mouth
abortifacient /!b%t$fe()nt/ noun a drug
abortifacient
acapnia /e$k'pni/ noun the condition of not

acapnia
| |
|
or instrument which provokes an abortion having enough carbon dioxide in the blood and
abortion /$b%()n/ noun a situation where a tissues
abortion
fetus leaves the uterus before it is fully developed, acaricide /$k'rsad/ noun a substance which
acaricide
especially during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, kills mites or ticks

or a procedure which causes this to happen
acatalasia /e!k't$lezi/ noun an inherited
acatalasia
| |
abortive /$b%tv/ adjective not successful !

abortive
|
condition which results in a lack of catalase in all
an abortive attempt tissue
abortus /$b%ts/ noun a fetus which is
abortus
accessory /k$sesri/ noun something which

accessory
|
|
expelled during an abortion or miscarriage helps something else to happen or operate, but
abortus fever /$b%ts !fi%v/ noun same as may not be very important in itself " adjective
abortus fever
brucellosis helping something else to happen or operate

ABO system /!e bi% $ !sstm/ noun a sys- accident /$'ksd()nt/ noun 1. an unpleasant
ABO system accident
tem of classifying blood groups. ! blood group event which happens suddenly and harms some-
abrasion /$bre+()n/ noun a condition in ones health ! She had an accident in the kitchen
abrasion
which the surface of the skin has been rubbed off and had to go to hospital. ! Three people were
by a rough surface and bleeds killed in the accident on the motorway. 2. chance,
abreaction /!'bri$'kn/ noun the treatment
abreaction
|
or something which happens by chance ! I met
of a person with a neurosis by making him or her her by accident at the bus stop.
accidental injury /!'ksdent()l $nd+ri/
accidental injury
think again about past bad experiences

abruptio placentae /!br.pti pl$senti%/
abruptio placentae
| |
noun an injury that happens to someone in an
noun an occasion when the placenta suddenly accident
accident and emergency department
accident and emergency department
comes away from the uterus earlier than it should,

often causing shock and bleeding /!'ksd()nt nd $m-%d+nsi d!p%tmnt/ | |
abscess /$'bses/ noun a painful swollen area

abscess
noun the part of a hospital which deals with peo-
where pus forms ! She had an abscess under a ple who need urgent treatment because they have
tooth. ! The doctor decided to lance the abscess. had accidents or are in sudden serious pain.
(NOTE: The formation of an abscess is often Abbreviation A & E
accident form /$'ksd()nt f%m/, accident
accident form
accompanied by a high temperature. The plural

is abscesses.) report form /!'ksd()nt r$p%t f%m/ noun a |
absorbable suture /b!z%bb()l $su%t/

absorbable suture
|
form to be filled in with details of an accident
noun a suture which will eventually be absorbed accident prevention /!'ksd()nt pr
accident prevention
into the body, and does not need to be removed $venn/ noun the work of taking action or
absorbent cotton /b!z%bnt $kt()n/
absorbent cotton
|
changing procedures to prevent accidents from
noun a soft white material used as a dressing to happening
put on wounds accident ward /$'ksd()nt w%d/ noun a
accident ward
absorption /b$z%pn/ noun the process by ward for urgent accident victims. Also called
absorption
which a liquid is taken into a solid casualty ward

accommodation /!km$de()n/, accom-
accommodation
abstinence /$'bstnns/ noun a deliberate act

abstinence
| |
of not doing something over a period of time, modation reflex /!km$de()n !ri%fleks/ | |
especially not eating or drinking ! abstinence noun (of the lens of the eye) the ability to focus
from alcohol on objects at different distances, using the ciliary
abulia /$bu%li/ noun a lack of willpower
abulia
|
muscle
accommodative squint /!kmdetv
accommodative squint
abuse noun /$bju%s/ 1. the act of using some-

abuse
|
|
thing wrongly ! the abuse of a privilege 2. the $skwnt/ noun a squint when the eye is trying to
illegal use of a drug or overuse of alcohol ! sub- focus on an object which is very close
accouchement /$ku%m/ noun the time
accouchement
stance abuse 3. same as child abuse 4. bad treat- |
ment of a person ! physical abuse ! sexual when a woman is being looked after because her
abuse " verb /$bju%z/ 1. to use something | baby is being born, or has just been born
3 acid reflux
accountability /!kant$blti/ noun the state ache /ek/ noun a pain which goes on for a time,
accountability ache
| |
of being responsible to someone else for an action but is not very severe ! He complained of various
! developing and maintaining standards of aches and pains. " verb to have a pain in part of
accountability the body ! His tooth ached so much he went to
accountable /$kantb()l/ adjective respon-
accountable
|
the dentist.
sible to someone else for an action ! accountable Achilles tendon /!kli%z $tendn/ noun a ten-
Achilles tendon
to the public don at the back of the ankle which connects the
accretion /$kri%()n/ noun a gradual increase
accretion
|
calf muscles to the heel and which acts to pull up
in size, as through growth or external addition ! the heel when the calf muscle is contracted
achillorrhaphy /!'k$l%rfi/ noun a surgical
achillorrhaphy
an accretion of calcium around the joint |
acebutolol /!'s$bju%tll/ noun a drug which

acebutolol
|
operation to stitch a torn Achilles tendon
achillotomy /!'k$ltmi/ noun a surgical
achillotomy
reduces both the heart rate and how strongly the |
heart muscles contract, used in the treatment of operation to divide the Achilles tendon
high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms achlorhydria /!ekl%$hadri/ noun a condi-
achlorhydria
ACE inhibitor /$es n!hbt/ noun same as tion in which the gastric juices do not contain
ACE inhibitor
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor hydrochloric acid, a symptom of stomach cancer

acephalus /e$sefls/ noun a fetus born with-
acephalus
|
or pernicious anaemia
acholia /e$kli/ noun the absence or failure
acholia
out a head |
acetabuloplasty
acetabuloplasty
/!'s$t'bjl!pl'sti/ | |
of the secretion of bile
acholuria /!ek$lu%ri/ noun the absence of
acholuria
noun a surgical operation to repair or rebuild the |
acetabulum bile colouring in the urine

acholuric jaundice /!eklu%rk $d+%nds/
acholuric jaundice
acetabulum /!'s$t'bjlm/ noun the part of

acetabulum
the pelvic bone, shaped like a cup, into which the noun a disease where unusually round red blood
head of the femur fits to form the hip joint. Also cells form, leading to anaemia, an enlarged spleen
called cotyloid cavity (NOTE: The plural is and the formation of gallstones. Also called
acetabula.) hereditary spherocytosis
achondroplasia /!ekndr$plezi/ noun an
achondroplasia
acetaminophen /!si%t$mnfn/ noun US

acetaminophen
|
| |
same as paracetamol inherited condition in which the long bones in the

acetazolamide /!si%t$zlmad/ noun a
acetazolamide
arms and legs do not grow fully while the rest of
the bones in the body grow as usual, resulting in
| |
drug which helps a person to produce more urine,

used in the treatment of oedema, glaucoma and dwarfism
achromatopsia /!ekrm$tpsi/ noun a
achromatopsia
epilepsy |
acetonaemia /!si%t$ni%mi/ same as keto-

acetonaemia
rare condition in which a person cannot see any
colours, but only black, white and shades of grey
| |
naemia
achy /$eki/ adjective feeling aches all over the
achy
acetone /$'stn/ noun a colourless volatile

acetone
substance formed in the body after vomiting or body (informal)

aciclovir /e$saklv/ noun a drug that is
aciclovir
during diabetes. ! ketone |
acetonuria /!si%t$nju%ri/ noun the pres-

acetonuria
effective against herpesviruses. Also called acy-
clovir
| |
ence of acetone in the urine, shown by the fact

acidaemia /!'s$di%mi/ noun a state in which
acidaemia
that the urine gives off a sweet smell |
the blood has too much acid in it. It is a feature of

acetylcholine /!'stal$kli%n/ noun a sub-
acetylcholine
untreated severe diabetes.

|
stance released from nerve endings, which allows

acidbase balance /!'sd $bes !b'lns/
acidbase balance
nerve impulses to move from one nerve to another

or from a nerve to the organ it controls noun the balance between acid and base, i.e. the
COMMENT: Acetylcholine receptors are of pH level, in plasma
acidity /$sdti/ noun 1. the level of acid in a
acidity
two types, muscarinic, found in parasympa- |
thetic post-ganglionic nerve junctions, and liquid ! The alkaline solution may help to reduce
nicotinic, found at neuromuscular junctions acidity. 2. same as hyperacidity
and in autonomic ganglia. Acetylcholine acts acidosis /!'s$dss/ noun 1. a condition
acidosis
on both types of receptors, but other drugs when there are more acid waste products such as
act on one or the other. urea than usual in the blood because of a lack of
acetylcoenzyme A /!'stalk!enzam $e/
acetylcoenzyme A
| alkali 2. same as acidity

noun a compound produced in the metabolism of acidotic /!'s$dtk/ adjective relating to aci-
acidotic
carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids dosis

acetylsalicylic acid /!'stal!s'lslk
acetylsalicylic acid
acid reflux /!'sd $ri%fl.ks/ noun a condition

acid reflux
|
$'sd/ noun " aspirin caused by a faulty muscle in the oesophagus

achalasia /!'k$lezi/ noun the condition of allowing the acid in the stomach to pass into the
achalasia
being unable to relax the muscles oesophagus

acid stomach 4
acid stomach /!'sd $st.mk/ noun same as acromion /$krmin/ noun the pointed top of
acid stomach acromion
hyperacidity the scapula, which forms the tip of the shoulder

acinus /$'sns/ noun 1. a tiny sac which forms
acinus
acronyx /$'krnks, $ekrnks/ noun a con-

acronyx
part of a gland 2. part of a lobule in the lung dition in which a nail grows into the flesh
(NOTE: The plural is acini.)
acroparaesthesia /!'krp'rs$i%zi/ noun
acroparaesthesia
acne /$'kni/ noun an inflammation of the seba-

acne |
a condition in which the patient experiences sharp

ceous glands during puberty which makes black- pains in the arms and numbness in the fingers
heads appear on the skin, usually on the face, neck after sleep
and shoulders. These blackheads often then
acrophobia /!'kr$fbi/ noun a fear of
acrophobia
become infected. ! She is using a cream to clear |
up her acne. heights

acrosclerosis /!'krskl$rss/ noun scle-
acrosclerosis
acne rosacea /!'kni r$ze/ noun same as

acne rosacea
|
|
rosacea rosis which affects the extremities

acne vulgaris /!'kni vl$1%rs/ noun same as ACTH abbreviation adrenocorticotrophic hor-
acne vulgaris ACTH
acne mone
acoustic /$ku%stk/ adjective relating to sound actinomycin /!'ktn$masn/ noun an anti-
acoustic actinomycin
|
|
or hearing biotic used in the treatment of children with can-

acoustic nerve /$ku%stk n-%v/ noun the cer
acoustic nerve
eighth cranial nerve which governs hearing and actinomycosis /!'ktnma$kss/ noun a
actinomycosis
balance fungal disease transmitted to humans from cattle,

acquired /$kwad/ adjective referring to a
acquired
| causing abscesses in the mouth and lungs (pul-

condition which is neither congenital nor heredi- monary actinomycosis) or in the ileum (intesti-
tary and which a person develops after birth in nal actinomycosis)
reaction to his or her environment action potential /$'kn p!tenl/ noun a
action potential
acquired immunity /!kwad $mju%nti/

acquired immunity
| |
temporary change in electrical potential which
noun an immunity which a body acquires from occurs between the inside and the outside of a
having caught a disease or from immunisation, nerve or muscle fibre when a nerve impulse is
not one which is congenital sent
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome /
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
active immunity /!'ktv $mju%nti/ noun

active immunity
|
!kwad !mjnd$f()nsi !sndrm/,

|
|
immunity which is acquired by catching and sur-
acquired immune deficiency syndrome / |
viving an infectious disease or by vaccination
!kwad m!ju%n d$f()nsi !sndrm/ noun
| |
with a weakened form of the disease, which
a viral infection which breaks down the bodys makes the body form antibodies
immune system. Abbreviation AIDS. ! HIV
activities of daily living /'k!tvtiz v !deli
activities of daily living
acrivastine /$krv sti%n/ noun a drug which

acrivastine |
$lv/ noun a scale used by geriatricians and

|
reduces the amount of histamine produced by the

occupational therapists to assess the capacity of
body. It is used in the treatment of rhinitis, urti-
elderly or disabled people to live independently.
caria and eczema.
Abbreviation ADLs
acro- /'kr/ prefix referring to a point or tip
acro-
activity /'k$tvti/ noun 1. what someone does

activity
acrocephalia /!'krs$feli/ noun same as

acrocephalia |
|
! difficulty with activities such as walking and
oxycephaly dressing 2. the characteristic behaviour of a
acrocyanosis /!'krsa$nss/ noun a
acrocyanosis
|
chemical ! The drugs activity only lasts a few
blue coloration of the extremities, i.e. the fingers, hours. # antibacterial activity effective action
toes, ears and nose, which is due to poor circula- against bacteria
tion
acuity /$kju%ti/ noun keenness of sight, hear-
acuity
acrodynia /!'kr$dni/ noun a childrens

acrodynia |
|
ing or intellect
disease, caused by an allergy to mercury, where
acupressure /$'kjpre/ noun a treatment
acupressure
the childs hands, feet and face swell and become

pink, and the child is also affected with fever and which is based on the same principle as acupunc-
loss of appetite. Also called erythroedema, pink ture in which, instead of needles, fingers are used
disease on specific points on the body, called pressure
points
acromegaly /!'kr$me1li/ noun a disease
acromegaly
acupuncture /$'kjp.kt/ noun a treat-

acupuncture
caused by excessive quantities of growth hor-

mone produced by the pituitary gland, causing a ment based on needles being inserted through the
slow enlargement of the hands, feet and jaws in skin into nerve centres in order to relieve pain or
adults treat a disorder
acromioclavicular /!'krmakl acute /$kju%t/ adjective referring to a disease or
acromioclavicular acute
| |
$vkjl/ adjective relating to the acromion and condition which develops rapidly and can be dan-
the clavicle gerous ! an acute abscess Opposite chronic
5 adenoids
acute abdomen /!kju%t $'bdmn/ noun ADD abbreviation attention deficit disorder
acute abdomen ADD
any serious condition of the abdomen which Addisons anaemia /!'ds()nz $ni%mi/
Addisons anaemia
requires surgery same as pernicious anaemia [Described 1849.

acute bed /$kju%t bed/ noun a hospital bed After Thomas Addison (17931860), from
acute bed
reserved for people requiring immediate treat- Northumberland, founder of the science of
ment endocrinology.]
acute care /$kju%t ke/ noun medical or sur- Addisons disease /$'ds()nz d!zi%z/ noun
acute care Addisons disease
| |
gical treatment in a hospital, usually for a short a disease of the adrenal glands, causing a change
period, for a patient with a sudden severe illness in skin colour to yellow and then to dark brown
or injury and resulting in general weakness, anaemia, low
acute disseminated encephalomyelitis /
acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
|
blood pressure and wasting away. Treatment is
!kju%t d!semnetd en!keflma$lats/
| | |
with corticosteroid injections. [Described 1849.
noun an encephalomyelitis or myelitis believed to After Thomas Addison (17931860), from
result from an autoimmune attack on the myelin Northumberland, founder of the science of
of the central nervous system endocrinology.]
adducent /$dju%s()nt/ adjective referring to a
adducent
acute glaucoma /!kju%t 1l%$km/ noun

acute glaucoma
|
muscle which brings parts of the body together or

| |
same as angle-closure glaucoma

moves them towards the central line of the body
acute hospital /$kju%t !hspt()l/ noun a
acute hospital
|
or a limb. Compare abducent
hospital where people go for major surgery or
adduct /$d.kt/ verb (of a muscle) to pull a leg
adduct
intensive care of medical or surgical conditions |
or arm towards the central line of the body, or to

acutely /$kju%tli/ adverb 1. having or causing
acutely
|
pull a toe or finger towards the central line of a leg
a suddenly developing medical condition ! or arm. Opposite abduct
acutely ill patients ! acutely toxic chemicals 2.
adducted /$d.ktd/ adjective referring to a
adducted
extremely (informal)
|
body part brought towards the middle of the body

acute respiratory distress syndrome /
acute respiratory distress syndrome
adduction /$d.kn/ noun the movement of a

adduction
|
!kju%t r!sprt()ri d$stres !sndrm/ noun

|
| |
part of the body towards the midline or towards a
an infection of the lungs, often following injury,
neighbouring part. Compare abduction. See
which prevents them functioning properly.
illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement
Abbreviation ARDS
adductor /$d.kt/, adductor muscle /
adductor
acute rheumatism /!kju%t $ru%mtz()m/

acute rheumatism | |
|
$d.kt !m.s()l/ noun a muscle which pulls a
noun same as rheumatic fever part of the body towards the central line of the
acute rhinitis /!kju%t ra$nats/ noun a virus
acute rhinitis
| |
body. Opposite abductor
infection which causes inflammation of the aden- /'dn/ prefix same as adeno- (used
aden-
mucous membrane in the nose and throat before vowels)

acute suppurative arthritis /!kju%t
acute suppurative arthritis
adenectomy /!'d$nektmi/ noun the surgical

adenectomy
|
!s.pjrtv %$rats/ noun same as pyarthro-

|
|
removal of a gland
sis
adenine /$'dni%n/ noun one of the four basic
adenine
acute toxicity /!kju%t tk$ssti/ noun a level

acute toxicity
| |
chemicals in DNA
of concentration of a toxic substance which
adenitis /!'d$nats/ noun inflammation of a
adenitis
makes people seriously ill or can cause death |
gland or lymph node. ! lymphadenitis

acyclovir /e$saklv/ noun same as aciclo-
acyclovir
adeno- /'dn/ prefix referring to glands

| adeno-
vir
adenocarcinoma /!'dnk%s$nm/
adenocarcinoma
acystia /e$ssti/ noun a condition in which a

acystia | |
noun a malignant tumour of a gland

|
baby is born without a bladder

adenohypophysis /!'dnha$pfss/
adenohypophysis
Adams apple /!'dmz $'p()l/ noun a part of

Adams apple | |
noun the front lobe of the pituitary gland which

the thyroid cartilage which projects from the neck secretes most of the pituitary hormones
below the chin in a man. Also called laryngeal
adenoid /$'dnd/ adjective like a gland
adenoid
prominence
adenoidal /!'d$nd()l/ adjective referring to
adenoidal
adapt /$d'pt/ verb 1. to change ones ideas or

adapt
|
the adenoids
|
behaviour to fit into a new situation ! She has

adenoidal tissue /!'dnd()l $tu%/ noun
adenoidal tissue
adapted very well to her new job in the childrens

hospital. 2. to change something to make it more same as adenoids
useful ! The brace has to be adapted to fit the adenoidectomy /!'dn$dektmi/ noun the
adenoidectomy
patient. surgical removal of the adenoids

adaptation /!'d'p$te()n/ noun 1. a change adenoids /$'dndz/ plural noun a mass of tis-
adaptation adenoids
which has been or can be made to something 2. sue at the back of the nose and throat that can
the act of changing something so that it fits a new restrict breathing if enlarged. Also called pha-
situation ryngeal tonsils
adenoid vegetation 6
adenoid vegetation /!'dnd !ved+ adiposus /!'d$pss/ " panniculus adipo-

adenoid vegetation adiposus
| |
$te()n/ noun a condition in children where the sus

adenoidal tissue is covered with growths and can aditus /$'dts/ noun an opening or entrance to
aditus
block the nasal passages or the Eustachian tubes a passage

adenolymphoma /!'dnlm$fm/ noun
adenolymphoma
adjustment /$d+.stmnt/ noun a specific

adjustment
|
|
a benign tumour of the salivary glands directional high-speed movement of a joint per-
adenoma /!'d$nm/ noun a benign tumour formed by a chiropractor
adenoma
of a gland adjuvant /$'d+vnt/ adjective referring to

adjuvant
adenomyoma /!'dnma$m/ noun a treatment by drugs or radiation therapy after sur-

adenomyoma
benign tumour made up of glands and muscle gery for cancer " noun a substance added to a
adenopathy /!'d$npi/ noun a disease of a
adenopathy
|
drug to enhance the effect of the main ingredient
gland adjuvant therapy /$'d+vnt !erpi/ noun
adjuvant therapy
adenosclerosis /!'dnskl$rss/ noun

adenosclerosis
|
therapy using drugs or radiation after cancer sur-
the hardening of a gland gery
ADLs abbreviation activities of daily living
ADLs
adenosine /$densi%n/ noun a drug used to

adenosine
treat an irregular heartbeat administer /d$mnst/ verb to give someone

administer
adenosine diphosphate /!densi%n da

adenosine diphosphate
| |
medicine or a treatment # to administer orally to
$fsfet/ noun a chemical compound which pro- give a medicine by mouth
vides energy for processes to take place within admission /d$m()n/ noun the act of being
admission
living cells, formed when adenosine triphosphate registered as a hospital patient

reacts with water. Abbreviation ADP adnexa /'d$neks/ plural noun structures
adnexa
adenosine triphosphate /!densi%n tra

adenosine triphosphate
| | attached to an organ
$fsfet/ noun a chemical which occurs in all adolescence /!'d$les()ns/ noun the period
adolescence
cells, but mainly in muscle, where it forms the of life when a child is developing into an adult
energy reserve. Abbreviation ATP
adolescent /!'d$les()nt/ noun a person who
adolescent
adenosis /!'d$nss/ noun any disease or

adenosis
|
is at the stage of life when he or she is developing
disorder of the glands into an adult " adjective developing into an adult,
adenovirus /$'dn!vars/ noun a virus
adenovirus
| or occurring at that stage of life ! adolescent

which produces upper respiratory infections and boys and girls ! adolescent fantasies
sore throats and can cause fatal pneumonia in adoptive immunotherapy
adoptive immunotherapy
/!dptv |
infants mjn$erpi/ noun a treatment for cancer in

|
ADH abbreviation antidiuretic hormone

ADH
which the patients own white blood cells are used

ADHD abbreviation attention deficit hyperactiv- to attack cancer cells
ADHD
ity disorder ADP abbreviation adenosine diphosphate

ADP
adhesion /d$hi%+()n/ noun a stable connec- adrenal /$dri%n()l/ adjective situated near the
adhesion adrenal
| |
tion between two parts in the body, either in a kidney " noun same as adrenal gland
healing process or between parts which are not adrenalectomy /!dri%n$lektmi/ noun the
adrenalectomy
| |
usually connected surgical removal of one of the adrenal glands

adhesive dressing /d!hi%sv $dres/ noun a
adhesive dressing
adrenal gland /$dri%n()l 1l'nd/ noun one of

adrenal gland
|
|
dressing with a sticky substance on the back so two endocrine glands at the top of the kidneys
that it can stick to the skin which secrete cortisone, adrenaline and other hor-
adipose /$'dps/ adjective containing fat, or
adipose
mones. Also called adrenal body, adrenal. See

made of fat illustration at KIDNEY in Supplement
adipose degeneration /!'dps d!d+en adrenaline /$drenln/ noun a hormone
adipose degeneration adrenaline
| | |
$re()n/ noun an accumulation of fat in the cells secreted by the medulla of the adrenal glands
of an organ such as the heart or liver, which makes which has an effect similar to stimulation of the
the organ less able to perform its proper function. sympathetic nervous system
Also called fatty degeneration adrenal medulla /!dri%n()l me$d.l/ noun
adrenal medulla
| |
adiposis /!'d$pss/ noun a state where too

adiposis
| the inner part of the adrenal gland which secretes

much fat is accumulated in the body adrenaline and noradrenaline. Also called supra-
adiposis dolorosa /'d!pss !dl$rs/ renal medulla
adiposis dolorosa
| |
noun a disease of middle-aged women in which adrenergic /!'dr$n-%d+k/ adjective referring

adrenergic
painful lumps of fatty substance form in the body. to a neurone or receptor which is stimulated by
Also called Dercums disease adrenaline. ! beta blocker
adiposogenitalis /'d!ps!d+en$tels/
adiposogenitalis
adrenergic receptor /!'drn-%d+k r

adrenergic receptor
| | |
|
noun same as Frhlichs syndrome $sept/ noun same as adrenoceptor

adiposuria /dps$ju%ri/ noun the presence
adiposuria
| COMMENT: Three types of adrenergic recep-

of fat in the urine tor act in different ways when stimulated by
7 afferent nerve
adrenaline. Alpha receptors constrict the adventitious bursa /!'dvnts $b-%s/
adventitious bursa
bronchi, beta 1 receptors speed up the noun a bursa which develops as a result of contin-
heartbeat and beta 2 receptors dilate the ued pressure or rubbing
bronchi.
adverse /$'dv-%s/ adjective harmful or unfa-
adverse
adrenoceptor /!dren$sept/ noun a cell or

adrenoceptor
| | vourable
neurone which is stimulated by adrenaline. Also adverse occurrence /!'dv-%s $k.rns/
adverse occurrence
called adrenoreceptor, adrenergic receptor noun a harmful event which occurs during treat-
adrenocortical /!dri%n$k%tk()l/ adjec-
adrenocortical
| | ment
tive relating to the cortex of the adrenal glands advocacy /$'dvksi/ noun active support for
advocacy
adrenocorticotrophic hormone /!dri%n something, especially in order to help people who

adrenocorticotrophic hormone
| |
!k%tktrfk $h%mn/ noun a hormone would have difficulty in gaining attention without
secreted by the pituitary gland, which makes the your help
cortex of the adrenal glands produce corticoster- adynamic ileus /e!dan'mk $lis/ noun
adynamic ileus
oids. Abbreviation ACTH. Also called cortico- same as paralytic ileus

trophin aegophony /i%$1fni/ noun a high sound of
aegophony
adrenocorticotrophin /!dri%nk%tk
adrenocorticotrophin
| | the voice heard through a stethoscope, where

$trfn/ noun adrenaline extracted from ani- there is fluid in the pleural cavity
mals adrenal glands and used to prevent haemor- aer- /e/ prefix same as aero- (used before vow-
aer-
rhages or to help asthmatic conditions els)

adrenogenital syndrome /!dri%n
adrenogenital syndrome
aeration /e$re()n/ noun the adding of air or

aeration
| |
|
$d+ent()l !sndrm/ noun a condition caused oxygen to a liquid

by overproduction of male sex hormones, where aero- /er/ prefix referring to air
aero-
boys show rapid sexual development and females

aeroba /e$rb/, aerobe /$erb/ noun a
aeroba
develop male characteristics |
tiny organism which needs oxygen to survive

adrenolytic /dri%n$ltk/ adjective acting
adrenolytic
aerobic /e$rbk/ adjective needing oxygen

| aerobic
against the secretion of adrenaline |
to live, or taking place in the presence of oxygen

adrenoreceptor /!drenr$sept/ noun
adrenoreceptor
aerogenous /e$rd+ns/ adjective referring

aerogenous
| |
same as adrenoceptor
|
to a bacterium which produces gas

adsorbent /'d$s%bnt/ adjective being capa-
adsorbent
aerophagia /!er$fed+/, aerophagy /e

aerophagia
|
| |
ble of adsorption $rfd+i/ noun the habit of swallowing air when

adsorption /'d$s%p()n/ noun the attach-
adsorption
| suffering from indigestion, so making the stom-

ment of one substance to another, often the bond- ach pains worse
ing of a liquid with a gas or vapour which touches aerosol /$ersl/ noun tiny particles of a liquid
aerosol
its surface such as a drug or disinfectant suspended in a gas

adult /$'d.lt/ adjective grown-up ! Adoles- under pressure in a container and used as a spray
adult
cents reach the adult stage about the age of eight- aetiology /!i%ti$ld+i/ noun 1. the cause or ori-
aetiology
een or twenty. " noun someone who is no longer gin of a disease 2. the study of the causes and ori-
a child gins of diseases
adult coeliac disease /!'d.lt $si%li'k d AfC abbreviation Agenda for Change
adult coeliac disease AfC
!zi%z/ noun a condition in adults where the villi in afebrile /e$fi%bral/ adjective with no fever
afebrile
the intestine become smaller and so reduce the

affect /$fekt/ verb to make something or some-
affect
surface which can absorb nutrients

|
one change, especially to have a bad effect on

adult dentition /!'d.lt den$t()n/ noun the
adult dentition
|
something or someone ! Some organs are rap-
32 teeth which an adult has idly affected if the patient lacks oxygen for even a
adulteration /!d.lt$re()n/ noun the act of short time. " noun same as affection
adulteration
| |
making something less pure by adding another affection /$fek()n/, affect /$fekt/ noun the
affection
| |
substance general state of a persons emotions

adult respiratory distress syndrome affective /$fektv/ adjective relating to a per-
adult respiratory distress syndrome affective
/!'d.lt r!sprt()ri d$stres !sndrm/ noun

| | sons moods or feelings
a description of various lung infections which affective disorder /$fektv ds!%d/ noun a
affective disorder
| |
reduce the lungs efficiency. Abbreviation ARDS condition which changes someones mood, mak-
advanced trauma life support /d!v%nst ing him or her depressed or excited
advanced trauma life support
!tr%ma $laf s!p%t/ noun the management of a afferent /$'f()rnt/ adjective conducting liq-
afferent
trauma patient during the critical first hour after uid or electrical impulses towards the inside.
injury. Abbreviation ATLS Opposite efferent
adventitious /!'dvn$ts/ adjective on the afferent nerve /$'f()rnt !n-%v/ noun same
adventitious afferent nerve
outside or in an unusual place as sensory nerve

afferent vessel 8
afferent vessel /$'f()rnt !ves()l/ noun a value, implemented in December 2004. Abbrevi-
afferent vessel
tube which brings lymph to a gland ation AfC

affinity /$fnti/ noun an attraction between agenesis /e$d+enss/ noun the absence of an
affinity agenesis
| |
two substances organ, resulting from a failure in embryonic

aflatoxin /!'fl$tksn/ noun a poison pro-
aflatoxin
|
development
duced by some moulds in some crops such as pea- agent /$ed+nt/ noun 1. a chemical substance
agent
nuts which makes another substance react 2. a sub-

African trypanosomiasis
African trypanosomiasis
/!'frkn stance or organism which causes a disease or con-

!trpns$mass/ noun same as sleeping
|
dition 3. a person who acts as a representative of
sickness another person or carries out some kinds of work
afterbirth /$%ftb-%/ noun the tissues, includ-
afterbirth
on his or her behalf
agglutination /!1lu%t$ne()n/ noun the act
agglutination
ing the placenta and umbilical cord, which are | |
present in the uterus during pregnancy and are of coming together or sticking to one another to
expelled after the birth of a baby form a clump, as of bacteria cells in the presence
aftercare /$%ftke/ noun 1. the care of a per-
aftercare
of serum, or blood cells when blood of different
son who has had an operation. Aftercare treat- types is mixed
agglutinin /$1lu%tnn/ noun a factor in a
agglutinin
ment involves changing dressings and helping |
people to look after themselves again. 2. the care serum which makes cells stick together in clumps
of a mother who has just given birth agglutinogen /!'1lu%$tnd+n/ noun a factor
agglutinogen
after-effect /$%ftr !fekt/ noun a change in red blood cells which reacts with a specific
after-effect
which appears only some time after the cause ! agglutinin in serum
The operation had some unpleasant after-effects. agitation /!'d+$te()n/ noun a state of being
agitation
after-image /$%ftr !md+/ noun an image of very nervous and anxious

after-image
an object which remains in a persons sight after aglossia /e$1lsi/ noun the condition of not
aglossia
the object itself has gone having a tongue from birth

afterpains /$%ftpenz/ plural noun regular
afterpains
agnosia /'1$nzi/ noun a brain disorder in

agnosia
pains in the uterus which are sometimes experi- which a person fails to recognise places, people,
enced after childbirth tastes or smells which they used to know well
afunctional /e $f.kn()l/ adjective which
afunctional
agonist /$'1nst/ noun 1. a muscle which

agonist
does not function properly causes part of the body to move and another mus-
agalactia /!e1$l'kti/ noun a condition in
agalactia
|
cle to relax when it contracts. Also called prime
which a mother is unable to produce milk after mover 2. a substance which produces an observ-
childbirth able physiological effect by acting through spe-
agammaglobulinaemia /e!1'm1lbjl cific receptors. ! antagonist
agammaglobulinaemia
| | |
$ni%mi/ noun a deficiency or absence of immu- agony /$'1ni/ noun a very severe physical or
agony
noglobulins in the blood, which results in a emotional pain ! He lay in agony on the floor. !
reduced ability to provide immune responses She suffered the agony of waiting for weeks until
agar /$e1%/, agar agar /!e1 $e1/ noun a her condition was diagnosed.
agar
culture medium based on an extract of seaweed agoraphobia /!'1()r$fbi/ noun a fear of

agoraphobia
used for growing microorganisms in laboratories being in open spaces. Compare claustrophobia
age /ed+/ noun the number of years which a
age
agoraphobic /!'1()r$fbk/ adjective

agoraphobic
person has lived ! Whats your age on your next afraid of being in open spaces. Compare claus-
birthday? ! He was sixty years of age. ! The size trophobic
varies according to age. " verb to grow old
agranulocytosis /!1r'njlsa$tss/
agranulocytosis
age group /$ed+ 1ru%p/ noun all the people of

age group | | |
noun a usually fatal disease where the number of

a particular age or within a particular set of ages granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, falls
! the age group 2025 sharply because of a bone marrow condition
agency /$ed+nsi/ noun 1. an organisation
agency
agraphia /e$1r'fi/ noun the condition of

agraphia
which carries out work on behalf of another

|
being unable to put ideas into writing

organisation, e.g. one which recruits and employs
AHF abbreviation antihaemophilic factor
AHF
nurses and supplies them to hospitals temporarily

aid /ed/ noun 1. help 2. a machine, tool or drug
aid
when full-time nursing staff are unavailable 2. the

act of causing something to happen ! The disease which helps someone do something ! He uses a
develops through the agency of bacteria present walking frame as an aid to exercising his legs. "
in the bloodstream. verb to help someone or something ! The proce-
Agenda for Change /!d+end f $tend+/
Agenda for Change
|
dure is designed to aid the repair of tissues after
noun a pay and reform package designed to surgery.
ensure that all directly employed NHS staff are AID /!e a $di%/ noun full form artificial insem-
AID
paid on the basis of equal pay for work of equal ination by donor. Now called DI
9 aldosterone
AIDS /edz/, Aids noun a viral infection which tebrae [After Frederick Houdlett Albee (1876
AIDS
breaks down the bodys immune system. Full 1945), US surgeon.]

form acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, albinism /$'lbnz()m/ noun a condition in
albinism
acquired immune deficiency syndrome which a person lacks the pigment melanin and so
AIDS dementia /!edz d$men/ noun a form has pink skin and eyes and white hair. It is hered-
AIDS dementia
of mental degeneration resulting from infection itary and cannot be treated. ! vitiligo
with HIV albino /'l$bi%n/ noun a person who is defi-
albino
AIDS-related complex /!edz r!letd cient in melanin and has little or no pigmentation
AIDS-related complex
$kmpleks/, AIDS-related condition /!edz r | in the skin, hair or eyes

!letd kn$d()n/ noun early symptoms shown albuginea oculi /!'lbjd+ni $kjla/ noun
albuginea oculi
by someone infected with the HIV virus, e.g. same as sclera

weight loss, fever and herpes zoster. Abbreviation albumin /$'lbjmn/ noun a common protein,
albumin
ARC which is soluble in water, found in plant and ani-

AIH abbreviation artificial insemination by hus-
AIH
mal tissue and digested in the intestine

band albuminuria /!'lbjm$njri/ noun a condi-
albuminuria
ailment /$elmnt/ noun an illness, though not

ailment
tion in which albumin is found in the urine, usu-

generally a very serious one ! Chickenpox is one ally a sign of kidney disease, but also sometimes
of the common childhood ailments. of heart failure
air bed /$e bed/ noun a mattress which is filled albumose /$'lbjmz/ noun an intermediate
air bed albumose
with air, used to prevent the formation of bed- product in the digestion of protein
sores. ! conduction alcohol /$'lkhl/ noun a pure colourless liq-
alcohol
airborne infection /!eb%n n$fekn/ noun

airborne infection
| uid which is formed by the action of yeast on

an infection which is carried in the air sugar solutions and forms part of drinks such as
air conduction /$e kn!d.kn/ noun the
air conduction
|
wine and whisky
process by which sounds pass from the outside to alcohol abuse /$'lkhl !bju%s/ noun the
alcohol abuse
the inner ear through the auditory meatus excessive use of alcohol adversely affecting a per-
air embolism /$er !emblz()m/ noun a
air embolism
sons health
blockage caused by bubbles of air, that stops the alcohol addiction /$'lkhl !dkn/ noun a
alcohol addiction
flow of blood in vessels condition in which a person is dependent on the

air passage /$e !p'sd+/ noun any tube which
air passage
use of alcohol
takes air to the lungs, e.g. the nostrils, pharynx, alcohol-fast /$'lkhl f%st/ adjective refer-
alcohol-fast
larynx, trachea and bronchi ring to an organ stained for testing which is not
airsickness /$eskns/ noun a queasy feeling,
airsickness
discoloured by alcohol
usually leading to vomiting, caused by the move- alcoholic /!'lk$hlk/ adjective containing
alcoholic
ment of an aircraft alcohol " noun a person who is addicted to drink-

airway /$ewe/ noun a passage through which
airway
ing alcohol and shows changes in behaviour and
air passes, especially the trachea personality
alcoholic cirrhosis /!'lkhlk s$rss/
alcoholic cirrhosis
akathisia /!ek$si/ noun restlessness

akathisia
|
|
akinesia /!ek$ni%zi/ noun a lack of voluntary

akinesia
|
noun cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcoholism
Alcoholics Anonymous /!'lkhlks
Alcoholics Anonymous
movement, as in Parkinsons disease |
akinetic /!ek$netk/ adjective without move-

akinetic
|
$nnms/ noun an organisation of former alco-
ment holics which helps people to overcome their
dependence on alcohol by encouraging them to
alacrima /e$l'krm/ noun same as xerosis
alacrima
|
talk about their problems in group therapy.
alactasia /!el'k$tezi/ noun a condition in
alactasia
|
Abbreviation AA
which there is a deficiency of lactase in the intes- alcoholism /$'lkhlz()m/ noun excessive
alcoholism
tine, making the patient incapable of digesting drinking of alcohol which becomes addictive
lactose, the sugar in milk
alcohol poisoning /$'lkhl !pz()n/
alcohol poisoning
alalia /e$leli/ noun a condition in which a per-

alalia
|
noun poisoning and disease caused by excessive
son completely loses the ability to speak drinking of alcohol
alanine /$'lni%n/ noun an amino acid
alanine
alcoholuria /!'lkh$ljri/ noun a condi-

alcoholuria
alanine aminotransferase /!'lni%n

alanine aminotransferase
|
tion in which alcohol is present in the urine
!mi%n$tr'nsfrez/ noun an enzyme which is
|
(NOTE: The level of alcohol in the urine is used
found in the liver and can be monitored as an indi- as a test for drivers who are suspected of driving
cator of liver damage. Abbreviation ALT while drunk.)
alar cartilage /!el $k%tld+/ noun cartilage
alar cartilage
aldosterone /'l$dstrn/ noun a hormone

aldosterone
in the nose secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland, which

Albees operation /$%lbi%z p!re()n/ regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in
Albees operation
noun a surgical operation to fuse two or more ver- the body and the amount of body fluid
aldosteronism 10
aldosteronism /'l$dst()rnz()m/ noun a alkalinity /!'lk$lnti/ noun the level of alkali

aldosteronism alkalinity
| |
condition in which a person produces too much in a body ! Hyperventilation causes fluctuating
aldosterone, so that there is too much salt in the carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in an
blood. This causes high blood pressure and the increase of blood alkalinity.
need to drink a lot of liquids. alkaloid /$'lkld/ noun one of many poison-
alkaloid
aleukaemic /!elu%$ki%mk/ adjective referring

aleukaemic
|
ous substances found in plants and used as medi-
to a state where leukaemia is not present cines, e.g. atropine, morphine or quinine
Alexander technique /!'l1$z%nd tek
Alexander technique
alkalosis /!'lk$lss/ noun a condition in

alkalosis
| |
|
!ni%k/ noun a method of improving the way a per- which the alkali level in the body tissue is high,
son stands and moves, by making them much producing cramps
more aware of how muscles behave
alkaptonuria /!'lk'pt$njri/ noun a
alkaptonuria
alexia /e$leksi/ noun a condition in which the

alexia |
|
hereditary condition where dark pigment is
patient cannot understand printed words. Also present in the urine
called word blindness
allantois /$l'nts/ noun one of the mem-
allantois
alfacalcidol /!'lf$k'lsdl/ noun a substance

alfacalcidol |
|
branes in the embryo, shaped like a sac, which
related to vitamin D, used by the body to maintain grows out of the embryonic hindgut
the right levels of calcium and phosphate, and
allele /$li%l/ noun one of two or more alternative
allele
also as a drug to help people who do not have |
enough vitamin D forms of a gene, situated in the same area on each

algesimeter /!'ld+$smt/ noun an instru-
algesimeter
of a pair of chromosomes and each producing a
different effect
|
ment to measure the sensitivity of the skin to pain

allergen /$'ld+n/ noun a substance which
allergen
-algia /'ld+i/ suffix a word ending that indi-

-algia
cates a painful condition produces hypersensitivity

allergenic agent /!'ld+enk $ed+nt/ noun
allergenic agent
algid /$'ld+d/ adjective referring to a stage in a

algid
disease that causes fever during which the body a substance which produces an allergy
becomes cold allergic /$l-%d+k/ adjective having an allergy
allergic
alienation /!eli$ne()n/ noun a psychologi-

alienation
|
to something ! She is allergic to cats. ! Im
cal condition in which a person develops the feel- allergic to penicillin.
ing of not being part of the everyday world, and as allergy /$'ld+i/ noun an unusual sensitivity to
allergy
a result often becomes hostile to other people some substances such as pollen or dust, which
alignment /$lanmnt/ noun the arrangement cause a physical reaction such as sneezing or a
alignment
of something in a straight line, or in the correct rash in someone who comes into contact with
position in relation to something else them ! She has an allergy to household dust. !
alimentary /!'l$ment()ri/ adjective provid-
alimentary
|
He has a penicillin allergy. (NOTE: You have an
ing food, or relating to food or nutrition allergy or you are allergic to something.)
allergy bracelet /$'ld+i !breslt/ noun "
allergy bracelet
alimentary canal /'l!ment()ri k$n'l/

alimentary canal
| |
noun a tube in the body going from the mouth to medical alert bracelet
the anus and including the throat, stomach and allied health professional /!'lad $hel pr
allied health professional
intestine, through which food passes and is !fe()n()l/ noun a professional working in
digested medicine who is not a doctor or nurse, e.g. a phys-
COMMENT: The alimentary canal is formed of iotherapist or paramedic
the mouth, throat, oesophagus stomach and allo- /'l/ prefix different
allo-
small and large intestines. Food is broken

allocation /!'l$ke()n/ noun the way an
allocation
down by digestive juices in the mouth, stom- |
ach and small intestine, water is removed in amount of something is divided among the vari-
the large intestine, and the remaining matter ous departments of an organisation, or the amount
is passed out of the body as faeces. which is received by a particular department
allodynia /!'l$dni/ noun pain of the skin
allodynia
alimentation /!'lmen$te()n/ noun the act

alimentation
| |
of providing food or nourishment caused by something such as clothing which usu-

aliquot /$'lkwt/ noun a part of a larger thing,
aliquot
ally does not cause pain
allograft /$'l1r%ft/ noun same as hom-
allograft
especially a sample of something which is taken

to be examined ograft
alkalaemia /!'lk$li%mi/ noun an excess of allopathy /$lpi/ noun the treatment of a
alkalaemia allopathy
| |
alkali in the blood condition using drugs which produce opposite

alkali /$'lkla/ noun one of many substances symptoms to those of the condition. Compare
alkali
which neutralise acids and form salts (NOTE: The homeopathy

plural is alkalis.) allopurinol /!'l$pjrnl/ noun a drug
allopurinol
alkaline /$'lklan/ adjective containing more which helps to stop the body producing uric acid,
alkaline
alkali than acid used in the treatment of gout

11 amentia
all or none law /!%l % $n.n l%/ noun the rule into which a tooth fits. See illustration at LUNGS in
all or none law
that the heart muscle either contracts fully or does Supplement (NOTE: The plural is alveoli.)
not contract at all Alzheimer plaque /$'ltsham pl'k/ noun a
Alzheimer plaque
allylestrenol /!'lal$estrnl/ noun a steroid

allylestrenol
|
disc-shaped plaque of amyloid found in the brain
used to encourage pregnancy in people who have Alzheimers disease
Alzheimers disease /$'ltshamz d!zi%z/
Alzheimers disease
alopecia /!'l$pi%/ noun a condition in which

alopecia
|
|
hair is lost. Compare hypotrichosis noun a disease where a person experiences pro-
alopecia areata /!'lpi% !'ri$et/ noun a
alopecia areata
gressive dementia due to nerve cell loss in spe-
cific brain areas, resulting in loss of mental facul-
|
condition in which the hair falls out in patches

ties including memory [Described 1906. After
alpha /$'lf/ noun the first letter of the Greek
alpha
Alois Alzheimer (18641915), Bavarian physi-

alphabet cian.]
alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist /!'lf
alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist
amalgam /$m'l1m/ noun a mixture of met-

amalgam
|
|
!dri%nr$sept 'n!t'1nst/, alpha-adreno-

| |
als, based on mercury and tin, used by dentists to
ceptor blocker /$'lf !blk/ noun a drug fill holes in teeth
which can relax smooth muscle, used to treat uri- amaurosis /!'m%$rss/ noun blindness
amaurosis
nary retention and hypertension. Also called

|
caused by disease of the optic nerve

alpha blocker
amaurotic familial idiocy /!'m%rtk f
amaurotic familial idiocy
alpha-fetoprotein /!'lf !fi%t$prti%n/

alpha-fetoprotein |
|
!mlil $disi/, amaurotic family idiocy
noun a protein produced by the liver of the human /!'m%rtk !f'm()li $disi/ noun same as
fetus, which accumulates in the amniotic fluid. A Tay-Sachs disease
high or low concentration is tested for by amnio-
amb- /'mb/ prefix same as ambi- (used before
amb-
centesis in the antenatal diagnosis of spina bifida

or Downs syndrome, respectively. vowels)
ambi- /'mbi/ prefix both
ambi-
Alports syndrome /$%lp%ts !sndrm/

Alports syndrome
ambidextrous /!'mb$dekstrs/ adjective

ambidextrous
noun a genetic disease of the kidneys which |
sometimes causes a person to lose his or her hear- referring to a person who can use both hands
ing and sight equally well and who is not right- or left-handed
ambisexual /!'mb$sekul/ adjective, noun
ambisexual
alprostadil /'l$prstdl/ noun a drug which

alprostadil
|
|
makes blood vessels wider, used to treat impo- same as bisexual

tence, prevent coagulation, and maintain babies amblyopia /!'mbli$pi/ noun a lack of nor-
amblyopia
with congenital heart conditions mal vision without a structural cause. A common
ALT abbreviation alanine aminotransferase
ALT
example is squint and other forms may be caused
by the cyanide in tobacco smoke or by drinking
alternative medicine /%l!t-%ntv
alternative medicine
methylated spirits.
|
$med()sn/ noun the treatment of illness using

amblyopic /!'mbli$pk/ adjective affected by
amblyopic
therapies such as homoeopathy or naturopathy |
which are not considered part of conventional amblyopia

Western medicine. ! complementary medicine amblyoscope /$'mbliskp/ noun an
amblyoscope
altitude sickness /$'lttju%d !skns/ noun a

altitude sickness
instrument for measuring the angle of a squint and
condition caused by reduced oxygen in the air how effectively someone uses both their eyes
above altitudes of 7000 to 8000 feet (3600 together. Also called orthoptoscope
ambulatory /!'mbju$let()ri/ adjective refer-
ambulatory
metres). Symptoms include headaches, breath- |
lessness, fatigue, nausea and swelling of the face, ring to a patient who is not confined to bed but is
hands and feet. Also called high-altitude sick- able to walk
ness, mountain sickness ambulatory care /!'mbju!let()ri $ke/
ambulatory care
aluminium hydroxide /'l!mnim ha noun treatment of a patient which does not

aluminium hydroxide
| |
$drksad/ noun a chemical substance used as an involve staying in hospital during the night
antacid to treat indigestion. Formula: Al(OH)3 or amelia /$mi%li/ noun the absence of a limb
amelia
Al2O3.3H2O. from birth, or a condition in which a limb is short

alveolar /!'lv$l, 'l$vi%l/ adjective refer- from birth
alveolar
| |
ring to the alveoli amelioration /!mi%li$re()n/ noun the

amelioration
| |
alveolar duct /!'lv$l d.kt/ noun a duct in

alveolar duct
|
process of getting better
the lung which leads from the respiratory bron- ameloblastoma /!'mlbl'$stm/ noun
ameloblastoma
chioles to the alveoli. See illustration at LUNGS in a tumour in the jaw, usually in the lower jaw
Supplement amenorrhoea /!emen$ri%/ noun the absence
amenorrhoea
alveolitis /!'lvi$lats/ noun inflammation of

alveolitis
| of one or more menstrual periods, usual during

an alveolus in the lungs or the socket of a tooth pregnancy and after the menopause
alveolus /!'lv$ls, 'l$vi%ls/ noun a small amentia /e$men/ noun the fact of being men-
alveolus amentia
| | |
cavity, e.g. an air sac in the lungs or the socket tally underdeveloped
ametropia 12
ametropia /!'m$trpi/ noun a condition in amniotic /!'mni$tk/ adjective relating to the

ametropia amniotic
| |
which the eye cannot focus light correctly onto amnion

the retina, as in astigmatism, hypermetropia and amniotic fluid /!'mnitk $flu%d/ noun the
amniotic fluid
myopia. Compare emmetropia fluid contained in the amnion which surrounds an

amfetamine /'m$fetmi%n/ noun an addictive unborn baby
amfetamine
drug, similar to adrenaline, used to give a feeling amniotomy /!'mni$tmi/ noun a puncture of
amniotomy
of wellbeing and wakefulness. Also called the amnion to help induce labour
amphetamine
amoeba /$mi%b/ noun a form of animal life,
amoeba
amikacin /!'m$kesn/ noun a type of antibi-

amikacin
|
made up of a single cell (NOTE: The plural is
otic used to treat infections caused by aerobic amoebae.)
bacteria
amoebiasis /!'m$bass/ noun an infection
amoebiasis
amiloride /$mlrad/ noun a drug which helps

amiloride
|
caused by amoebae which can result in amoebic
to increase the production of urine and preserve dysentery in the large intestine (intestinal amoe-
the bodys supply of potassium biasis) and sometimes affects the lungs (pulmo-
amino acid /!mi%n $'sd/ noun a chemical nary amoebiasis)
amino acid
compound which is broken down from proteins in amoebic /$mi%bk/ adjective relating to or
amoebic
the digestive system and then used by the body to caused by amoebae
form its own protein
amorphous /$m%fs/ adjective with no regu-
amorphous
aminobutyric acid /!mi%nbjtrk $'sd/

aminobutyric acid
|
lar shape
noun " gamma aminobutyric acid
amoxicillin /$mkssln/ noun an antibiotic
amoxicillin
aminoglycoside /!mi%n$1laksad/ noun

aminoglycoside
Amoxil /$mksl/ a trade name for amoxicillin

Amoxil
| |
a drug used to treat many Gram-negative and

|
amphetamine /'m$fetmi%n/ noun same as

amphetamine
some Gram-positive bacterial infections (NOTE: |
Aminoglycosides include drugs with names end- amfetamine

amphiarthrosis /!'mfi%$rss/ noun a
amphiarthrosis
ing in -cin: gentamicin.) |
aminophylline /!'m$nfli%n/ noun a drug

aminophylline
|
joint which only has limited movement, e.g. one
that makes the bronchial tubes wider, used in the of the joints in the spine
amphotericin /!'mf$tersn/ noun an anti-
amphotericin
treatment of asthma |
amiodarone /!'mi$drn/ noun a drug that

amiodarone
|
fungal agent, used against Candida
ampicillin /!'mp$sln/ noun a type of penicil-
ampicillin
makes the blood vessels wider, used in the treat- |
ment of irregular heartbeat lin, used as an antibiotic

amitosis /!'m$tss/ noun the multiplication ampoule /$'mpu%l/, ampule /$'mpju%l/ noun
amitosis ampoule
of a cell by splitting of the nucleus a small glass container, closed at the neck, used to
amitriptyline /!'m$trptli%n/ noun a sedative
amitriptyline
|
contain sterile drugs for use in injections
drug used to treat depression and persistent pain ampulla /'m$pl/ noun a swelling of a canal
ampulla
amlodipine /'m$ldpi%n/ noun a drug that

amlodipine
|
or duct, shaped like a bottle (NOTE: The plural is
helps to control the movement of calcium ions ampullae.)
through cell membranes. It is used to treat hyper- amputation /!'mpj$te()n/ noun the surgi-
amputation
tension and angina. cal removal of a limb or part of a limb

ammonia /$mni/ noun a gas with a strong amputee /!'mpj$ti%/ noun someone who has
ammonia amputee
| |
smell, a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, had a limb or part of a limb removed in a surgical
which is a usual product of human metabolism operation
amnesia /'m$ni%zi/ noun loss of memory amygdala /$m1dl/ noun an almond-shaped
amnesia amygdala
| |
amnihook /$'mnihk/ noun a hooked instru-

amnihook
body in the brain, at the end of the caudate
ment used to induce labour by pulling on the nucleus of the thalamus. Also called amygdaloid
amniotic sac body
amygdaloid body /$m1dld !bdi/ noun
amygdaloid body
amniocentesis /!'mnisen$ti%ss/ noun a

amniocentesis
|
|
procedure which involves taking a test sample of same as amygdala

the amniotic fluid during pregnancy using a hol- amyl- /'m()l/ prefix referring to starch
amyl-
low needle and syringe amylase /$'mlez/ noun an enzyme which

amylase
amnion /$'mnin/ noun the thin sac containing converts starch into maltose
amnion
the amniotic fluid which covers an unborn baby in amyl nitrate /!'m()l $natret/ noun a drug
amyl nitrate
the uterus. Also called amniotic sac used to reduce blood pressure (NOTE: Amyl nitrate
amnioscope /$'mniskp/ noun an instru-
amnioscope
is also used as a recreational drug.)

ment used to examine a fetus through the cervical amyloid /$'mld/ noun a waxy protein that
amyloid
channel, before the amniotic sac is broken forms in some tissues during the development of
amnioscopy /!'mni$skpi/ noun an exami- various diseases, e.g. forming disc-shaped
amnioscopy
nation of the amniotic fluid during pregnancy plaques in the brain in Alzheimers disease
13 anastomose
amyloid disease /$'mld d!zi%z/ noun anaesthetic /!'ns$etk/ adjective inducing

amyloid disease anaesthetic
| |
same as amyloidosis loss of feeling " noun a substance given to some-

amyloidosis /!'ml$dss/ noun a disease
amyloidosis
|
one to remove feeling, so that he or she can
of the kidneys and liver, where amyloid develops undergo an operation without pain
anaesthetic induction /!'nsetk n
anaesthetic induction
in the tissues. Also called amyloid disease |
amylopsin /!'m$lpsn/ noun an enzyme

amylopsin
$d.kn/ noun a method of inducing anaesthesia
in a patient
|
which converts starch into maltose

anaesthetic risk /!'nsetk $rsk/ noun the
anaesthetic risk
amylose /$'mlz/ noun a carbohydrate of

amylose
starch risk that an anaesthetic may cause serious

unwanted side effects
amyotonia /!ema$tni/ noun a lack of
amyotonia
anaesthetise /$ni%staz/, anaesthetize

anaesthetise
|
muscle tone
|
verb to produce a loss of feeling in a person or in

amyotonia congenita /!ematni kn
amyotonia congenita
|
part of the persons body
$d+ent/ noun a congenital disease of children in anaesthetist /$ni%stst/ noun a specialist
anaesthetist
which the muscles lack tone. Also called floppy

|
who administers anaesthetics

baby syndrome
anal /$en()l/ adjective relating to the anus
anal
amyotrophia /e!ma$trfi/ noun a condi-

amyotrophia
analeptic /!'n$leptk/ noun a drug used to

| | analeptic
tion in which a muscle wastes away |
make someone regain consciousness or to stimu-

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis /e
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
|
late a patient
!matrfk !l'tr()l skl$rss/ noun a |
analgesia /!'n()l$d+i%zi/ noun a reduction of
analgesia
motor neurone disease in which the limbs twitch

|
the feeling of pain without loss of consciousness

and the muscles gradually waste away. Also
analgesic /!'n()l$d+i%zk/ adjective relating
analgesic
called Gehrigs disease. Abbreviation ALS |
to analgesia " noun a painkilling drug which pro-

amyotrophy /e!ma$trfi/ same as amyo-
amyotrophy
| |
duces analgesia and reduces pyrexia
trophia
anally /$en()li/ adverb through the anus ! The
anally
an- /'n/ prefix same as ana- (used before vow-

an-
patient is not able to pass faeces anally.

els)
analyse /$'nlaz/ verb to examine something
analyse
ana- /'n/ prefix without or lacking

ana-
in detail ! The laboratory is analysing the blood

anabolic /!'n$blk/ adjective referring to a samples. ! When the food was analysed it was
anabolic
substance which synthesises protein found to contain traces of bacteria.

anabolic steroid /'n!blk $strd/ noun analysis /$n'lss/ noun an examination of a
anabolic steroid analysis
| |
a drug which encourages the synthesis of new liv- substance to find out what it is made of (NOTE:
ing tissue, especially muscle, from nutrients The plural is analyses.)
analyst /$'nlst/ noun a person who examines
analyst
anabolism /'$n'blz()m/ noun the process

anabolism
of building up complex chemical substances on samples of substances or tissue, to find out what
the basis of simpler ones they are made of
anaphase /$'nfez/ noun a stage in cell divi-
anaphase
anacrotism /$n'krtz()m/ noun a second

anacrotism
stroke in the pulse sion, after the metaphase and before the telophase
anaphylactic /!'nf$l'ktk/ adjective relat-
anaphylactic
anaemia /$ni%mi/ noun a condition in which

anaemia
|
|
the level of red blood cells is less than usual or ing to or caused by extreme sensitivity to a sub-
where the haemoglobin is less, making it more stance
anaphylactic shock /!'nfl'ktk $k/
anaphylactic shock
difficult for the blood to carry oxygen. The symp-

toms are tiredness and pale colour, especially pale noun a sudden severe reaction, which can be fatal,
lips, nails and the inside of the eyelids. The con- to something such as an injected substance or a
dition can be fatal if not treated. bee sting
anaphylaxis /!'nf$l'kss/ noun 1. extreme
anaphylaxis
anaemic /$ni%mk/ adjective having anaemia

anaemic
|
|
anaerobe /$'nrb, 'n$erb/ noun a

anaerobe
sensitivity to a substance introduced into the body
2. same as anaphylactic shock
|
microorganism which lives without oxygen, e.g.

anaplasia /!'n$plesi/ noun the loss of a
anaplasia
the tetanus bacillus |
cells typical characteristics, caused by cancer

anaerobic /!'n$rbk/ adjective 1. not need-
anaerobic
anaplastic /!'n$pl'stk/ adjective referring

| anaplastic
ing oxygen for metabolism ! anaerobic bacteria |
2. without oxygen ! anaerobic conditions to anaplasia

anarthria /'n$%ri/ noun the loss of the abil-
anarthria
anaesthesia /!'ns$i%zi/ noun 1. a state,

anaesthesia
|
ity to speak words properly

|
deliberately produced in a patient by a medical

anasarca /!'n$s%k/ noun the presence of
anasarca
procedure, in which he or she can feel no pain, |
either in a part or in the whole of the body 2. a loss fluid in the body tissues. ! oedema
of feeling caused by damage to nerves (NOTE: anastomose /$n'stmz/ verb to join two
anastomose
The US spelling is anesthesia.) blood vessels or tubular structures together

anastomosis 14
anastomosis /!n'st$mss/ noun a con- monly treated with nitrates or calcium channel
anastomosis
| |
nection made between two blood vessels or tubu- blocker drugs.

lar structures, either naturally or by surgery angina pectoris /'n!d+an $pektrs/ noun
angina pectoris
anatomical /!'n$tmk()l/ adjective relating same as angina

anatomical
to the anatomy ! the anatomical features of a angio- /'nd+i/ prefix referring to a blood ves-
angio-
fetus sel
anatomy /$n'tmi/ noun 1. the structure,
anatomy
angiocardiogram /!'nd+i$k%di1r'm/
angiocardiogram
|
|
especially the internal structure, of the body 2. the noun a series of pictures resulting from angiocar-
branch of science that studies the structure of the diography
bodies of humans, animals and plants ! They are
angiocardiography /!'nd+ik%di$1rfi/
angiocardiography
studying anatomy.
| |
noun an X-ray examination of the cardiac system

ancillary worker /'n$slri !w-%k/ noun
ancillary worker
|
after injection with an opaque dye so that the
someone who does a job for patients such cooking organs show up clearly on the film
or cleaning which is supplementary to medical
angiodysplasia /!'nd+ids$plezi/ noun a
angiodysplasia
care
|
condition where the blood vessels in the colon

anconeus /'$knis/ noun a small triangu-
anconeus
|
dilate, resulting in loss of blood
lar muscle at the back of the elbow
angiogenesis /!'nd+i$d+enss/ noun the
angiogenesis
Ancylostoma /!'nsl$stm/ noun a para-

Ancylostoma
|
formation of new blood vessels, e.g. in an embryo
sitic worm in the intestine which holds onto the or as a result of a tumour
wall of the intestine with its teeth and lives on the
angiogram /$'nd+i1r'm/ noun an X-ray
angiogram
blood and protein of the carrier

picture of blood vessels
ancylostomiasis /!'nslst$mass/
ancylostomiasis
angiography /!'nd+i$1rfi/ noun an X-ray

| angiography
noun a disease of which the symptoms are weak- |
ness and anaemia, caused by a hookworm which examination of blood vessels after injection with
lives on the blood of the carrier. In severe cases an opaque dye so that they show up clearly on the
the person may die. film
angiology /!'nd+i$ld+i/ noun the branch of
angiology
androgen /$'ndrd+n/ noun a male sex hor-

androgen
|
mone, testosterone or androsterone, which medicine which deals with blood vessels and the
increases the male characteristics of the body lymphatic system
angioma /!'nd+i$m/ noun a benign tumour
angioma
androgenic /!'ndr$d+enk/ adjective pro-

androgenic
|
|
ducing male characteristics formed of blood vessels, e.g. a naevus

angioneurotic oedema /!'nd+inj!rtk
angioneurotic oedema
andrology /'n$drld+i/ noun the study of

andrology
| |
|
male sexual characteristics and subjects such as $di%m/ noun a sudden accumulation of liquid
|
impotence, infertility and the male menopause under the skin, similar to nettle rash
angiopathy /!'nd+i$pi/ noun a disease of
angiopathy
androsterone /'n$drstrn/ noun one of

androsterone
|
|
the male sex hormones vessels such as blood and lymphatic vessels
angioplasty /$'nd+i!pl'sti/ noun plastic
angioplasty
anencephalous /!'nen$kefls/ adjective

anencephalous
|
|
having no brain surgery to repair a blood vessel, e.g. a narrowed

coronary artery
anencephaly /!'nen$kefli/ noun the absence
anencephaly
angiosarcoma /!'nd+is%$km/ noun a

angiosarcoma
of a brain, which causes a fetus to die a few hours |
after birth malignant tumour in a blood vessel

angiospasm /$'nd+isp'z()m/ noun a
angiospasm
anergy /$'nd+i/ noun a state of severe weak-

anergy
ness and lack of energy spasm which constricts blood vessels

angiotensin /$'nd+itensn/ noun a
angiotensin
aneurine /$njrn/ noun same as Vitamin B1

aneurine
polypeptide which affects blood pressure by caus-

aneurysm /$'njrz()m/ noun a swelling
aneurysm
ing vasoconstriction and increasing extracellular

caused by the weakening of the wall of a blood
volume
vessel
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibi-
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
angi- /'nd+i/ prefix same as angio- (used

angi-
before vowels)
tor /!'nd+itensn kn!v-%t $enzam n | |
!hbt/ noun a drug which inhibits the conver-

angiectasis /!'nd+i$ektss/ noun a swelling
angiectasis
|
sion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which con-
of the blood vessels stricts arteries, used in the treatment of hyperten-
angiitis /!'nd+i$ats/ noun an inflammation of sion and heart failure. Also called ACE inhibitor
angiitis
a blood vessel (NOTE: ACE inhibitors have names ending in

angina /'n$d+an/ noun a pain in the chest fol-
angina
|
-pril: captopril.)
angle-closure glaucoma /!'1l !kl+
angle-closure glaucoma
lowing exercise or eating, which is caused by an

inadequate supply of blood to the heart muscles 1l%$km/ noun an unusually high pressure of
|
because of narrowing of the arteries. It is com- fluid inside the eyeball caused by pressure of the
15 anteflexion
iris against the lens, trapping the aqueous humour. anomie /$'nmi/ noun a psychological condi-
anomie
Also called acute glaucoma tion in which a person develops the feeling of not
angular vein /$'1jl ven/ noun a vein being part of the everyday world, and behaves as
angular vein
which continues the facial vein at the side of the though they do not have any supporting social or
nose moral framework
anonychia /!'n$nki/ noun a congenital
anonychia
anhedonia /!'nh$dni/ noun a psychologi-

anhedonia
|
|
cal condition in which a person is unable to enjoy absence of one or more nails
all the experiences that most people enjoy anopheles /$nfli%z/ noun a mosquito which
anopheles
anhidrosis /!'nh$drss/ noun a condition

anhidrosis
|
carries the malaria parasite
anoplasty /$enpl'sti/ noun surgery to
anoplasty
in which sweating by the body is reduced or stops

completely repair the anus, as in treating haemorrhoids
anhidrotic /!'nh$drtk/ adjective referring anorchism /'n$%kz()m/ noun a congenital
anhidrotic anorchism
| |
to a drug which reduces sweating absence of testicles

anorectal /!en$rekt()l/ adjective referring
anorectal
anhydraemia /!'nha$dri%mi/ noun a lack of

anhydraemia
|
|
sufficient fluid in the blood to both the anus and rectum

anorexia /!'n$reksi/ noun loss of appetite
anorexia
anhydrous /'n$hadrs/ adjective referring to

anhydrous
|
|
compounds or crystals that contain no water anorexia nervosa /!'nreksi n-%$vs/

anorexia nervosa
anidrosis /!'n$drss/ noun same as anhid-

anidrosis
|
noun a psychological condition, usually found in
rosis girls and young women, in which a person refuses
to eat because of a fear of becoming fat
aniridia /!'n$rdi/ noun a congenital absence
aniridia
anosmia /'n$zmi/ noun the lack of the sense

| anosmia
of the iris |
of smell
anisocytosis /!'nassa$tss/ noun a
anisocytosis
anovular /'n$vjl/ adjective without an

| anovular
variation in size of red blood cells |
ovum
anisomelia /!'nas$mi%li/ noun a differ-
anisomelia
anovular bleeding /'n!vjl $bli%d/ noun

| anovular bleeding
ence in length of the legs |
bleeding from the uterus when ovulation has not

anisometropia /!'nasm$trpi/ noun a
anisometropia
|
taken place
state where the refraction in the two eyes is differ-
anovulation /'n!vj$le()n/ noun a condi-
anovulation
ent
| |
tion in which a women does not ovulate and is

ankle /$'kl/ noun the part of the body where
ankle
therefore infertile
the foot is connected to the leg
anoxaemia /!'nk$si%mi/ noun a reduction of
anoxaemia
ankyloblepharon /!'kl$blefrn/ noun a

ankyloblepharon
|
the amount of oxygen in the blood
state where the edges of the eyelids are stuck anoxia /'$nksi/ noun a lack of oxygen in
anoxia
together
|
body tissue
ankylosing spondylitis /!'klz
ankylosing spondylitis
anoxic /'n$ksk/ adjective referring to anoxia

anoxic
spnd$lats/ noun a condition occurring more

|
|
or lacking oxygen
frequently in young men, in which the vertebrae
antacid /'nt$'sd/ adjective preventing too
antacid
and sacroiliac joints are inflamed and become |
stiff much acid forming in the stomach or altering the

amount of acid in the stomach " noun a sub-
ankylosis /!'k$lss/ noun a condition in
ankylosis
|
stance that stops too much acid forming in the
which the bones of a joint fuse together stomach, used in the treatment of gastro-intestinal
Ankylostoma /!'kl$stm/ noun same as
Ankylostoma
| conditions such as ulcers, e.g. calcium carbonate

Ancylostoma or magnesium trisilicate
ankylostomiasis /!'klst$mass/ antagonist /'n$t'1nst/ adjective 1. refer-
ankylostomiasis antagonist
| |
noun same as ancylostomiasis ring to a muscle which opposes another muscle in

annular /$'njl/ adjective shaped like a ring
annular
a movement 2. referring to a substance which
opposes another substance " noun a substance
annulus /$'njls/ noun a structure shaped like
annulus
which acts through specific receptors to block the

a ring action of another substance, but which has no
ano- /'n/ prefix referring to the anus
ano-
observable physiological effect itself ! Atropine

anodyne /$'ndan/ noun a drug which is a cholinergic antagonist and blocks the effects
anodyne
reduces pain, e.g. aspirin or codeine " adjective of acetylcholine.

referring to drugs that bring relief from pain or ante- /'nti/ prefix before
ante-
discomfort ante cibum /!'nti $tbm, !'nti $si%bm/

ante cibum
anomalous /$nmls/ adjective different

anomalous
| adverb full form of a.c.

from what is usual anteflexion /!'nti$flekn/ noun the curving
anteflexion
anomaly /$nmli/ noun something which is forward of an organ, e.g. the usual curvature of
anomaly
different from the usual the uterus

antemortem 16
antemortem /!'nti$m%tm/ noun the period antiarrhythmic /!'ntie$rmk/ adjective

antemortem antiarrhythmic
| |
before death referring to a drug which corrects an irregular

antenatal /!'nti$net()l/ adjective during the
antenatal
|
heartbeat
antiasthmatic /!'nti's$m'tk/ adjective
antiasthmatic
period between conception and childbirth |
antenatal clinic /!'nti$net()l !klnk/ noun

antenatal clinic
|
referring to a drug that is used to treat asthma
antibacterial /!'ntib'k$tril/ adjective
antibacterial
a clinic where expectant mothers are taught how |
to look after babies, do exercises and have medi- destroying bacteria

cal checkups. Also called maternity clinic antibiotic /!'ntiba$tk/ adjective stopping
antibiotic
antenatal diagnosis /!'nti!net()l !da1 the spread of bacteria " noun a drug which is
antenatal diagnosis
| |
$nss/ noun a medical examination of a preg- developed from living substances and which stops
nant woman to see if the fetus is developing in the the spread of bacteria, e.g. penicillin ! He was
usual way. Also called prenatal diagnosis given a course of antibiotics. ! Antibiotics have
antepartum /!'nti$p%tm/ noun the period of
antepartum
|
no effect against viral diseases.
antibody /$'ntbdi/ noun a protein that is
antibody
three months before childbirth " adjective refer-

ring to the three months before childbirth stimulated by the body to produce foreign sub-
antepartum haemorrhage /!'ntip%tm
antepartum haemorrhage
stances such as bacteria, as part of an immune
reaction ! Tests showed that he had antibodies in
|
$hemrd+/ noun bleeding from the vagina

before labour. Abbreviation APH his blood.
antibody-negative /!'ntbdi $ne1tv/
antibody-negative
anterior /'n$tri/ adjective in front. Opposite

anterior
adjective showing none of a particular antibody in

|
posterior
the blood ! The donor tested antibody-negative.
anterior aspect /'n!tri $'spekt/ noun a
anterior aspect
antibody-positive /!'ntbdi $pztv/

antibody-positive
|
view of the front of the body, or of the front of part

adjective showing the presence of particular anti-
of the body. See illustration at ANATOMICAL
bodies in the blood ! The patient is HIV anti-
TERMS in Supplement
body-positive.
anterior fontanelle /'n!tri fnt$nel/
anterior fontanelle
anticholinergic /!'ntikl$n-%d+k/ adjec-

anticholinergic
| |
noun the cartilage at the top of the head where the

|
tive blocking nerve impulses which are part of the

frontal bone joins the two parietals
stress response " noun one of a group of drugs
anterior nares /'n!tri $neri%z/ plural
anterior nares
|
which are used to control stress
noun the two nostrils. Also called external nares
anticholinesterase /!'ntikln$estrez/
anticholinesterase
| |
anterograde amnesia /!'ntr1red 'm

anterograde amnesia
|
noun a substance which blocks nerve impulses by
$ni%zi/ noun a brain condition in which the per- reducing the activity of the enzyme cholinesterase
son cannot remember things which happened anticoagulant /!'ntik$'1jlnt/ adjective
anticoagulant
recently
|
slowing or stopping the clotting of blood " noun

anteversion /!'nti$v-%()n/ noun the tilting
anteversion
| a drug which slows down or stops the clotting of

forward of an organ, whether usual, as of the blood, used to prevent the formation of a throm-
uterus, or unusual bus (NOTE: Anticoagulants have names ending
anthelmintic /!'nel$mntk/ noun a sub- in -parin: heparin.)
anthelmintic
stance which removes worms from the intestine " anticonvulsant /!'ntikn$v.ls()nt/ adjec-
anticonvulsant
adjective removing worms from the intestine tive acting to control convulsions " noun a drug
anthracosis /!'nr$kss/ noun a lung dis-
anthracosis
|
used to control convulsions, as in the treatment of
ease caused by breathing coal dust epilepsy, e.g. carbamazepine
anti-D /!'nti $di/, anti-D gamma-globulin
anti-D
anthrax /$'nr'ks/ noun a disease of cattle and

anthrax
sheep which can be transmitted to humans /'nti !di% !1'm $1lbjln/ noun Rh D immu-
noglobulin, used to treat pregnant women who
anthrop- /'nrp/ prefix referring to human
anthrop-
develop antibodies when the mother is Rh-nega-

beings tive and the fetus is Rh-positive
anthropology /!'nr$pld+i/ noun the
anthropology
antidepressant /!'ntid$pres()nt/ adjective

antidepressant
|
|
study of human beings as a species, especially acting to relieve depression " noun a drug used to
their culture or development. It differs from soci- relieve depression by stimulating the mood of a
ology in taking a more historical and comparative depressed person. Examples are tricyclic antide-
approach. pressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
anthropometry /!'nr$pmtri/ noun the
anthropometry
| and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

study of human body measurements (NOTE: The anti-D immunoglobulin /'nti !di% mjn
anti-D immunoglobulin
uses of anthropometry include the design of $1lbjln/ noun immunoglobulin administered

ergonomic furniture and the examination and to Rh-negative mothers after the birth of an Rh-
comparison of populations.) positive baby, to prevent haemolytic disease of
anti- /'nti/ prefix against
anti-
the newborn in the next pregnancy

17 antitetanus serum
antidiuretic /!'ntidaj$retk/ noun a sub- antimicrobial /!'ntima$krbil/ adjective

antidiuretic antimicrobial
| |
stance which stops the production of excessive acting against microorganisms that cause disease
amounts of urine ! hormones which have an anti- antimigraine /!'nti$ma1ren/ noun a drug
antimigraine
diuretic effect on the kidneys " adjective prevent-

|
used in the treatment of migraine

ing the excessive production of urine
antimitotic /!'ntima$ttk/ adjective prevent-
antimitotic
antidote /$'ntdt/ noun a substance which

antidote
|
counteracts the effect of a poison ! There is no ing the division of a cell by mitosis
antimuscarinic /!'ntim.sk$rnk/ adjective
antimuscarinic
satisfactory antidote to cyanide. |
antiembolic /!'ntiem$blk/ adjective pre-

antiembolic
|
referring to a drug which blocks acetylcholine
venting embolism receptors found on smooth muscle in the gut and
eye
antiemetic /!'nti$metk/ noun a drug which
antiemetic
antimycotic /!'ntima$ktk/
antimycotic
prevents vomiting " adjective acting to prevent adjective |
vomiting destroying fungi

antiepileptic drug /!'ntiep$leptk dr.1/ antinauseant /!'nti$n%zint/ adjective refer-
antiepileptic drug antinauseant
| |
noun a drug used in the treatment of epilepsy and ring to a drug which helps to suppress nausea
convulsions, e.g. carbamazepine antioxidant /!'nti$ksd()nt/ noun a sub-
antioxidant
antifibrinolytic /!'ntifabrn$ltk/ adjective

antifibrinolytic
| stance which makes oxygen less damaging, e.g. in

acting to reduce fibrosis the body or in foods or plastics ! antioxidant
antifungal /!'nti$f.1l/ adjective referring to vitamins
antifungal
a substance which kills or controls fungal and antiperistalsis /!'ntiper$st'lss/ noun a

antiperistalsis
yeast infections, e.g. candida and ringworm movement in the oesophagus or intestine which
(NOTE: Antifungal drugs have names ending in causes their contents to move in the opposite
-conazole: fluconazole.) direction to usual peristalsis, so leading to vomit-
antigen /$'ntd+n/ noun a substance that
antigen
ing
stimulates the body to produce antibodies, e.g. a antiperspirant /!'nti$p-%sp()rnt/ noun a
antiperspirant
protein on the surface of a cell or microorganism

|
substance which prevents sweating " adjective

antigenic /!'nt$d+enk/ adjective referring to
antigenic
|
preventing sweating
a substance which stimulates the formation of
antipruritic /!'ntipr$rtk/ noun a substance
antipruritic
antibodies |
which prevents itching " adjective preventing

antihaemophilic factor /!'ntihi%m$flk
antihaemophilic factor
|
itching
!f'kt/ noun factor VIII, used to encourage
antipsychotic /!'ntisa$ktk/ noun a neu-
antipsychotic
blood-clotting in haemophiliacs. Abbreviation |
AHF roleptic or major tranquilliser drug which calms

disturbed people without causing sedation or con-
antihelminthic /!'ntihel$mnk/ noun a drug
antihelminthic
fusion by blocking dopamine receptors in the

|
used in the treatment of worm infections such as brain

threadworm, hookworm or roundworm
antipyretic /!'ntipa$retk/ noun a drug which
antipyretic
antihistamine /!'nti$hstmi%n/ noun a drug

antihistamine
|
helps to reduce a fever " adjective reducing fever

|
used to control the effects of an allergy which

anti-Rh body /!'nti %r $et !bdi/ noun an
anti-Rh body
releases histamine, or reduces gastric acid in the

stomach for the treatment of gastric ulcers (NOTE: antibody formed in a mothers blood in reaction to
Antihistamines have names ending in -tidine: a Rhesus antigen in the blood of the fetus
loratidine for allergies, cimetidine for gastric antisepsis /!'nt$sepss/ noun a procedure
antisepsis
ulcers.) intended to prevent sepsis

antihypertensive /!'ntihap$tensv/ adjec-
antihypertensive
antiseptic /!'nt$septk/ adjective preventing

antiseptic
|
tive acting to reduce blood pressure " noun a

|
harmful microorganisms from spreading ! She

drug used to reduce high blood pressure gargled with an antiseptic mouthwash. " noun a
anti-inflammatory /!'nti n$fl'mt()ri/
anti-inflammatory
|
substance which prevents germs growing or
adjective referring to a drug which reduces spreading ! The nurse painted the wound with
inflammation antiseptic.
antilymphocytic serum /!'ntilmf$stk
antilymphocytic serum
antiserum /!'nti$srm/ noun " serum

antiserum
| |
!srm/ noun a serum used to produce immuno-

|
(NOTE: The plural is antisera.)

suppression in people undergoing transplant
antisocial /!'nti$s()l/ adjective referring
antisocial
operations. Abbreviation ALS |
to behaviour which is harmful to other people

antimalarial /!'ntim$leril/ noun a drug
antimalarial
antispasmodic /!'ntisp'z$mdk/ noun a

antispasmodic
used to treat malaria and in malarial prophylaxis |
" adjective treating or preventing malaria drug used to prevent spasms

antimetabolite /!'ntim$t'blat/ noun a antitetanus serum /'nti$tetns !srm/
antimetabolite antitetanus serum
| |
substance which can replace a cell metabolism, noun a serum which protects a patient against tet-
but which is not active anus. Abbreviation ATS
antithrombin 18
antithrombin /'nti$rmbn/ noun a sub- anxiety neurosis /'$zati nj!rss/

antithrombin anxiety neurosis
| | |
stance present in the blood which prevents clot- noun a neurotic condition where the patient is
ting anxious and has morbid fears
anxiolytic /!'ksi$ltk/ noun a drug used in
anxiolytic
antitoxic serum /!'ntitksk $srm/ noun

antitoxic serum
|
an immunising agent, formed of serum taken the treatment of anxiety " adjective treating anx-
from an animal which has developed antibodies to iety
a disease, used to protect a person from that dis- aorta /e$%t/ noun the main artery in the body,
aorta
ease which sends blood containing oxygen from the

antitoxin /!'nti$tksn/ noun an antibody pro-
antitoxin
heart to other blood vessels around the body. See
illustration at HEART in Supplement
|
duced by the body to counteract a poison in the

aortic /e$%tk/ adjective relating to the aorta
aortic
body |
aortic aneurysm /e!%tk !'nj$rz()m/

aortic aneurysm
antitragus /!'nti$tre1s/ noun a small projec-

antitragus
| |
|
tion on the outer ear opposite the tragus noun a serious aneurysm of the aorta, associated
with atherosclerosis
antitussive /!'nti$t.sv/ noun a drug used to
antitussive
aortitis /!e%$tats/ noun inflammation of the

| aortitis
reduce coughing
|
aorta
antivenin /!'nti$venn/, antivenom /!'nti
antivenin
aortography /!e%$t1rfi/ noun an X-ray

aortography
| |
|
$venm/, antivenene /!'ntiv$ni%n/ noun a sub- |

examination of the aorta after an opaque sub-
stance which helps the body to fight the effects of stance has been injected into it
a particular venom from a snake or insect bite
apathetic /!'p$etk/ adjective referring to a
apathetic
antiviral /!'nti$varl/ adjective referring to a

antiviral
|
person who takes no interest in anything
drug or treatment which stops or reduces the dam- apathy /$'pi/ noun the condition of not being
apathy
age caused by a virus " noun same as antiviral interested in anything, or of not wanting to do
drug anything
antiviral drug /!'nti$varl dr.1/ noun a drug
antiviral drug
aperient /$print/ noun a substance which

aperient
|
|
which is effective against a virus (NOTE: Antiviral causes a bowel movement, e.g. a laxative or pur-
drugs have names ending in -ciclovir.) gative " adjective causing a bowel movement
antral /$'ntrl/ adjective referring to an antrum aperistalsis /!eper$st'lsis/ noun a lack of
antral aperistalsis
antrectomy /'n$trektmi/ noun the surgical

antrectomy
|
the peristaltic movement in the bowel
Aperts syndrome /$'p-%ts !sndrm/ noun
Aperts syndrome
removal of an antrum in the stomach to prevent

gastrin being formed a condition in which the skull grows tall and the
lower part of the face is underdeveloped
antroscopy /'n$trskpi/ noun an examina-
antroscopy
aperture /$'pt/ noun a hole

aperture
tion of an antrum
apex /$epeks/ noun 1. the top of the heart or
apex
antrostomy /'n$trstmi/ noun a surgical

antrostomy
lung 2. the end of the root of a tooth

|
operation to make an opening in the maxillary

Apgar score /$'p1% sk%/ noun a method of
Apgar score
sinus to drain an antrum

judging the condition of a newborn baby in which
antrum /$'ntrm/ noun any cavity inside the
antrum
the baby is given a maximum of two points on

body, especially one in bone (NOTE: The plural is each of five criteria: colour of the skin, heartbeat,
antra.) breathing, muscle tone and reaction to stimuli
anuria /'n$jri/ noun a condition in which
anuria
| [Described 1952. After Virginia Apgar (1909

the patient does not make urine, either because of 74), US anaesthesiologist.]
a deficiency in the kidneys or because the urinary APH abbreviation antepartum haemorrhage
APH
tract is blocked aphagia /e$fed+i/ noun a condition in which

aphagia
anus /$ens/ noun a short passage after the rec-

anus
a person is unable to swallow

tum at the end of the alimentary canal, leading aphakia /e$feki/ noun the absence of the
aphakia
outside the body between the buttocks and crystalline lens in the eye
through which faeces are passed. See illustration
aphakic /e$fekk/ adjective referring to apha-
aphakic
at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement, UROGENI-

|
kia
TAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement (NOTE: For
aphasia /e$fezi/ noun a condition in which a
aphasia
other terms referring to the anus, see anal and |
words beginning with ano-.) person is unable to speak or write, or to under-

stand speech or writing because of damage to the
anvil /$'nvl/ noun same as incus
anvil
brain centres controlling speech

anxiety /'$zati/ noun the state of being very
anxiety
aphonia /e$fni/ noun a condition in which

aphonia
|
|
worried and afraid a person is unable to make sounds

anxiety disorder /'$zati ds!%d/ noun a aphrodisiac /!'fr$dzi'k/ noun a substance
anxiety disorder aphrodisiac
| | |
mental disorder where someone is very worried which increases sexual urges " adjective increas-
and afraid, e.g. a phobia ing sexual desire
19 aqueous humour
aphtha /$'f/ noun a small white ulcer which appendiceal /!'pn$dsil/ adjective relating
aphtha appendiceal
appears in groups in the mouth in people who to the appendix ! There is a risk of appendiceal
have the fungal condition thrush (NOTE: The plu- infection.
ral is apthae.) appendicectomy /!pend$sektmi/ noun the
appendicectomy
| |
aphthous stomatitis /!'fs !stm$tats/ surgical removal of an appendix

aphthous stomatitis
noun canker sores which affect the mucous mem- appendicitis /!pend$sats/ noun inflamma-
appendicitis
| |
brane in the mouth tion of the vermiform appendix

apical /$'pk()l/ adjective situated at the top or appendicular /!'pn$dkjl/ adjective 1.
apical appendicular
tip of something referring to body parts which are associated with

apical abscess /!'pk()l $'bses/ noun an
apical abscess
the arms and legs 2. relating to the appendix
appendicular skeleton /!'pen!dkjl
appendicular skeleton
abscess in the socket around the root of a tooth |
apicectomy /!'p$sektmi/ noun the surgical

apicectomy
|
$skelt()n/ noun part of the skeleton, formed of
removal of the root of a tooth the pelvic girdle, pectoral girdle and the bones of
the arms and legs. Compare axial skeleton
aplasia /e$plezi/ noun a lack of growth of tis-
aplasia
appendix /$pendks/ noun 1. a small tube

| appendix
sue |
attached to the caecum which serves no function

aplastic /e$pl'stk/ adjective unable to
aplastic
|
but can become infected, causing appendicitis.
develop new cells or tissue Also called vermiform appendix. See illustra-
aplastic anaemia /e!pl'stk $ni%mi/ noun tion at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement 2. any
aplastic anaemia
| |
anaemia caused by the bone marrow failing to small tube or sac hanging from an organ
form red blood cells apperception /!'p$sep()n/ noun the con-
apperception
apnea /'p$ni%/ noun US same as apnoea scious recognition of a stimulus

apnea
appetite /$'ptat/ noun the feeling of wanting

appetite
apnoea /'p$ni%/ noun the stopping of breath-

apnoea
ing (NOTE: The US spelling is apnea.) food

applanation tonometry /'pl!ne()n t
applanation tonometry
apnoeic /'p$ni%k/ adjective where breathing

apnoeic
| |
|
has stopped $nmtri/ noun the measuring of the thickness of

the cornea
apocrine /$'pkran/ adjective referring to
apocrine
appliance /$plans/ noun a piece of apparatus

appliance
apocrine glands |
used on the body ! He was wearing a surgical

apocrine gland /$'pkran 1l'nd/ noun a
apocrine gland
appliance to support his neck.

gland producing body odour where parts of the
applicator /$'plket/ noun an instrument for
applicator
glands cells break off with the secretions, e.g. a

sweat gland applying a substance
apposition /!'p$z()n/ noun 1. the relative
apposition
apocrinitis /!'pkr$nats/ noun the forma-

apocrinitis |
|
positioning of two things 2. cell growth in which
tion of abscesses in the sweat glands layers of new material are deposited on existing
apomorphine /!'p$m%fi%n/ noun a sub-
apomorphine
|
ones
stance that comes from morphine, used to make a appraisal /$prez()l/ noun a judgment or
appraisal
person cough, sleep or be sick (NOTE: It is admin- opinion on something or somebody, especially
istered under the skin and is used to treat drug one which decides how effective or useful they
overdose, accidental poisoning and Parkinsons are
disease.)
apprehension /!'pr$hen()n/ noun a feel-
apprehension
aponeurosis /!'pnj$rss/ noun a band

aponeurosis
|
ing of anxiety or fear that something bad or
of tissue which attaches muscles to each other unpleasant will happen
apophyseal /'p$fzil/ adjective referring to
apophyseal
apraxia /e$pr'ksi/ noun a condition in which

apraxia
|
|
apophysis someone is unable to make proper movements

apophysis /$pfss/ noun a growth of bone,
apophysis
apyrexia /!epa$reksi/ noun the absence of

apyrexia
| |
not at a joint fever

apophysitis /'pf$sats/ noun inflammation apyrexial /!epa$reksil/ adjective no longer
apophysitis apyrexial
| |
of an apophysis having any fever

apoplexy /$'ppleksi/ noun same as cere- aqua /$'kw/ noun water
apoplexy aqua
brovascular accident (dated) aqueduct /$'kwd.kt/ noun a tube which car-

aqueduct
apoptosis /$pptss/ noun a form of cell ries fluid from one part of the body to another
apoptosis
death that is necessary both to make room for new aqueous /$ekwis, $'kwis/ adjective refer-
aqueous
cells and to remove cells whose DNA has been ring to a solution made with water " noun a fluid
damaged and which may become cancerous in the eye between the lens and the cornea
appendage /$pendd+/ noun a part of the aqueous humour /!ekwis $hju%m/ noun
appendage aqueous humour
body or piece of tissue which hangs down from same as aqueous. See illustration at EYE in Sup-
another part plement
AR 20
AR abbreviation attributable risk Arnold-Chiari malformation /!%nld ki

AR Arnold-Chiari malformation
arachidonic acid /!r'kdnk $'sd/ noun

arachidonic acid
|
$eri m'lf%!me()n/ noun a congenital condi-
|
an essential fatty acid tion in which the base of the skull is malformed,
allowing parts of the cerebellum into the spinal
arachnodactyly /!r'kn$d'ktli/ noun a
arachnodactyly
| |
canal [Described 1894. After Julius A. Arnold
congenital condition in which the fingers and toes (18351915), Professor of Pathological Anat-
are long and thin omy at Heidelberg, Germany, and Hans von Chi-
arachnoid /$r'knd/ noun the middle of th
arachnoid
|
ari (18511916), Professor of Pathological Anat-
three membranes covering the brain. ! dura omy at Strasbourg and later at Prague, Czech
mater Republic.]
arachnoiditis /!r'kn$dats/ noun inflam-
arachnoiditis
aromatherapy /!rm$erpi/ noun treat-

aromatherapy
| |
| |
mation of the arachnoid ment to relieve tension and promote wellbeing in

arachnoid mater /!r'knd $met/, arach- which fragrant oils and creams containing plant
arachnoid mater
noid membrane /$r'knd !membren/ noun | extracts are massaged into the skin
same as arachnoid arousal /$raz()l/ noun 1. feelings and phys-
arousal
arachnoid villi /!r'knd $vla/ plural noun ical signs of sexual desire 2. the act of waking up
arachnoid villi
villi in the arachnoid which absorb cerebrospinal from sleep, unconsciousness or a drowsy state
fluid arrector pili /!rekt $pala !m.s()l/ noun a
arrector pili
arborisation /!%bra$ze()n/, arboriza- small muscle which contracts and makes the hair
arborisation
tion noun the branching ends of some nerve on the skin stand up when someone is cold or
fibres, of a motor nerve in muscle fibre or of afraid
venules, capillaries and arterioles arrest /$rest/ noun the stopping of a bodily
arrest
arbovirus /$%bvars/ noun a virus transmit- function. ! cardiac arrest

arbovirus
ted by blood-sucking insects arrhythmia /$rmi/ noun a variation in the

arrhythmia
arc /%k/ noun a nerve pathway rhythm of the heartbeat

arc
ARC abbreviation AIDS-related complex or arsenic /$%snk/ noun a chemical element

ARC arsenic
AIDS-related condition which forms poisonous compounds such as

arch /%t/ noun a curved part of the body, espe-
arch
arsenic trioxide and which was formerly used in
cially under the foot some medicines (NOTE: The chemical symbol is
As.)
arch- /%t/ prefix chief, most important
arch-
artefact /$%tf'kt/ noun something which is

artefact
arcuate /$%kjut/ adjective arched

arcuate
made or introduced artificially

arcuate artery /$%kjut !%tri/ noun a
arcuate artery
arter- /%t/ prefix same as arterio- (used before

arter-
curved artery in the foot or kidney vowels)

arcuate ligaments /$%kjut !%tri/ plural
arcuate ligaments
arterial /%$tril/ adjective relating to arteries

arterial
noun three ligaments forming a fibrous arch to

|
arterial haemorrhage /%!tril

arterial haemorrhage
which the diaphragm is attached |
$hem()rd+/ noun a haemorrhage of bright red

arcus /$%ks/ noun an arch
arcus
blood from an artery

arcus senilis /!%ks s$nals/ noun an
arcus senilis
arteriectomy /%!tri$ektmi/ noun the surgi-

arteriectomy
|
opaque circle around the cornea of the eye which

| |
cal removal of an artery or part of an artery

can develop in old age
arterio- /%tri/ prefix referring to arteries
arterio-
ARDS /%dz/ abbreviation adult respiratory dis-

ARDS
arteriogram /%$tri1r'm/ noun an X-ray

arteriogram
tress syndrome |
photograph of an artery, taken after injection with

areola /$ri%l/ noun the coloured part round a
areola
|
an opaque dye
nipple
arteriography /%!tri$1rfi/ noun the work
arteriography
areolar tissue /$ri%l !tu%/ noun a type of

areolar tissue | |
|
of taking X-ray photographs of arteries after
connective tissue injection with an opaque dye
arginine /$%d+ni%n/ noun an amino acid which
arginine
arteriole /%$tril/ noun a very small artery

arteriole
helps the liver form urea

|
arteriopathy /%!tri$pi/ noun a disease of

arteriopathy
Argyll Robertson pupil /%!1al $rbtsn

Argyll Robertson pupil | |
|
an artery
!pju%p()l/ noun a condition of the eye, in which
arterioplasty /%$tripl'sti/ noun plastic
arterioplasty
the lens is able to focus but the pupil does not |
react to light. It is a symptom of tertiary syphilis surgery to make good a damaged or blocked
or of locomotor ataxia. artery
arteriorrhaphy /%!tri$%rfi/ noun the act of
arteriorrhaphy
ariboflavinosis /e!rabflev$nss/
ariboflavinosis
| |
| |
noun a condition caused by not having enough stitching an artery

vitamin B2. The symptoms are very oily skin and arteriosclerosis /%!triskl$rss/ noun
arteriosclerosis
| |
hair and small cuts in the mouth. the arterial disease atherosclerosis (dated)
21 ascites
arteriotomy /%!tri$tmi/ noun a puncture artificial /!%t$f()l/ adjective 1. made by

arteriotomy artificial
| | |
made in the wall of an artery humans and not a natural part of the body ! arti-
arteriovenous /%!tri$vi%ns/ adjective
arteriovenous
| |
ficial cartilage ! artificial kidney ! artificial leg
referring to both an artery and a vein 2. happening not as a natural process but through
arteritis /!%t$rats/ noun inflammation of the
arteritis
action by a doctor or another person or a machine
! artificial feeding
|
walls of an artery
artificial insemination /!%tf()l n!sem
artificial insemination
artery /$%tri/ noun a blood vessel taking blood

artery
| |
from the heart to the tissues of the body $ne()n/ noun the introduction of semen into a
womans uterus by artificial means
arthr- /%r/ prefix same as arthro- (used before
arthr-
artificial insemination by donor

artificial insemination by donor
vowels)
/!%tf()l nsem!ne()n ba $dn/ noun
arthralgia /%$r'ld+/ noun pain in a joint
arthralgia |
|
same as donor insemination. Abbreviation AID
arthrectomy /%$rektmi/ noun the surgical
arthrectomy
artificial insemination by husband

artificial insemination by husband
|
removal of a joint
/!%tf()l nsem!ne()n ba $h.zbnd/ |
arthritic /%$rtk/ adjective affected by or

arthritic
|
noun artificial insemination using the semen of
relating to arthritis ! She has an arthritic hip. " the husband. Abbreviation AIH
noun a person suffering from arthritis
artificial lung /!%tf()l $l./ noun a
artificial lung
arthritis /%$rats/ noun a painful inflamma-

arthritis
|
machine through which a persons deoxygenated
tion of a joint. ! osteoarthritis, rheumatoid blood is passed to absorb oxygen to take back to
arthritis the bloodstream
arthro- /%r/ prefix referring to a joint
arthro-
artificial respiration /!%tf()l !resp

artificial respiration
arthroclasia /!%r$kle+/ noun removal of

arthroclasia
|
$re()n/ noun a way of reviving someone who
ankylosis in a joint has stopped breathing, e.g. mouth-to-mouth
arthrodesis /!%r$di%ss/ noun a surgical resuscitation
arthrodesis
operation in which a joint is fused in position, so artificial rupture

artificial rupture of membranes
of membranes
preventing pain from movement /!%tf()l !r.ptr v $membrenz/ noun the
arthrodynia /!%r$dni/ noun pain in a breaking of the amniotic sac with an amnihook,
arthrodynia
joint so releasing the amniotic fluid

arthrography /%$r1rfi/ noun X-ray pho- arytenoid /!'r$ti%nd/ adjective located at the
arthrography arytenoid
| |
tography of a joint back of the larynx

arthrogryposis /!%r1r$pss/ noun a arytenoid cartilage /'r$ti%nd !k%tld+/
arthrogryposis arytenoid cartilage
| |
group of disorders in which movement becomes noun a small cartilage at the back of the larynx
progressively restricted arytenoidectomy /!'r!ti%nd$ektmi/ noun
arytenoidectomy
| |
arthropathy /%$rpi/ noun a disease in a

arthropathy
| an operation to remove the arytenoid cartilage

joint asbestosis /!'sbe$stss/ noun a disease of
asbestosis
arthroplasty /$%rpl'sti/ noun a surgical

arthroplasty
the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos dust

operation to repair or replace a joint ascariasis /!'sk$rass/ noun a disease of
ascariasis
arthroscope /$%rskp/ noun an instru-

arthroscope
the intestine and sometimes the lungs, caused by

ment which is inserted into the cavity of a joint to infestation with Ascaris lumbricoides
inspect it
Ascaris lumbricoides /!'skrs l.mbr
Ascaris lumbricoides
arthroscopy /%$rskpi/ noun a procedure to

arthroscopy
|
$kdi%z/ noun a type of large roundworm which
examine the inside of a joint by means of an is a parasite in the human intestine
arthroscope
ascending aorta /!send e$%t/ noun the
ascending aorta
arthrosis /%$rss/ noun the degeneration of

arthrosis | |
|
first section of the aorta as it leaves the heart and
a joint turns upwards. Compare descending aorta
arthrotomy /%$rtmi/ noun a procedure that
arthrotomy
ascending colon /!send $kln/ noun the

ascending colon
|
|
involves cutting into a joint to drain pus first part of the colon which goes up the right side
articular /%$tkjl/ adjective referring to
articular
|
of the body from the caecum. Compare descend-
joints ing colon. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
articular cartilage /%!tkjl $k%tld+/ in Supplement
articular cartilage
noun a layer of cartilage at the end of a bone Aschoff nodules /$'f !ndju%lz/,
Aschoff nodules
where it forms a joint with another bone. See Aschoffs nodules /$'fs !ndju%lz/ plural
illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in Supplement, noun nodules which are formed mainly in or near
SYNOVIAL JOINT in Supplement the heart in rheumatic fever
articulate /%$tkjlet/ verb to be linked with
articulate
ascites /$sati%z/ noun an unusual accumula-

ascites
|
|
another bone in a joint tion of fluid from the blood in the peritoneal cav-
articulation /%!tkj$le()n/ noun a joint or ity, occurring in heart and kidney failure or as a
articulation
| |
series of joints result of malignancy

ascorbic acid 22
ascorbic acid /!sk%bk $'sd/ noun same as aspirin /$'sprn/ noun a common pain-killing
ascorbic acid aspirin
Vitamin C drug, or a tablet containing this drug. Also called

ASD abbreviation autistic spectrum disorders acetylsalicylic acid
ASD
-ase /ez, es/ suffix enzyme assay /$'se, $se/ noun the testing of a sub-
-ase assay
asepsis /e$sepss/ noun the absence of micro-

asepsis
|
stance. ! bioassay, immunoassay
organisms which cause infection, usually assessment /$sesmnt/ noun 1. a judgment
assessment
achieved by sterilisation about something ! Further treatment will be

aseptic /e$septk/ adjective sterilised, or
aseptic
|
based on your doctors assessment of your condi-
involving sterilisation, and therefore without tion. 2. a method of deciding whether a student is
infection learning and progressing well ! continuous
aseptic technique /e!septk tek$ni%ks/ noun
aseptic technique
| |
assessment
assimilation /!sm$le()n/ noun the action
assimilation
a method of doing something using sterilised | |
equipment of assimilating food substances

asexual /e$sekul/ adjective not sexual, not assisted suicide /!sstd $su%sad/ noun the
asexual assisted suicide
| |
involving sexual intercourse suicide of someone who is terminally ill with the
Asian flu /!e+()n $flu%/ noun " flu
Asian flu
help of a doctor or friend at the request of the per-
-asis /ss/ " -iasis
-asis
son who is dying
associate /$ssiet/ verb to be related to or
associate
asparagine /$sp'rd+i%n/ noun an amino

asparagine
|
|
acid connected with something ! side effects which

may be associated with the drug ! The condition
aspartame /$sp%tem/ noun a protein pro-
aspartame
|
is often associated with diabetes.
duced from aspartic acid, used to make sub-
associate nurse /!ssit $n-%s/ noun a
associate nurse
stances sweeter |
aspartate aminotransferase /!sp%tet

aspartate aminotransferase
nurse who assists a primary nurse by carrying out
agreed care for someone based on a plan designed
| |
!mi%n$tr'nsfrez/ noun an enzyme found in

by a primary nurse
|
heart muscle, liver cells, skeletal muscle cells and

asthenia /'s$i%ni/ noun a condition in which
asthenia
some other tissues. It is used in the diagnosis of |
liver disease and heart attacks. someone is weak and does not have any strength
aspartic acid /!sp%tk $'sd/ noun an amino asthenic /'s$enk/ adjective referring to a
aspartic acid asthenic
| |
acid general condition in which someone has no

aspect /$'spekt/ noun a direction from which
aspect
strength and no interest in things
the body is viewed, e.g. the view from above is the asthenopia /!'s$npi/ noun same as eye-
asthenopia
superior aspect strain

Aspergers syndrome /$'sp-%d+z
Aspergers syndrome
asthma /$'sm/ noun a lung condition charac-

asthma
!sndrm/ noun a developmental disorder char- terised by narrowing of the bronchial tubes, in
acterised by difficulty in social interaction and a which the muscles go into spasm and the person
restricted range of interests, more common in has difficulty breathing. ! cardiac asthma
boys than girls [Described 1944. After Hans asthmatic /'s$m'tk/ adjective having the
asthmatic
Asperger (190680), Austrian psychiatrist.]

|
lung disease asthma, or relating to asthma ! He

aspergillosis /!'sp-%d+$lss/ noun infec-
aspergillosis
|
has an asthmatic attack every spring. " noun a
tion of the lungs with the fungus Aspergillus person who has asthma
aspermia /e$sp-%mi/ noun the absence of
aspermia
asthmaticus /'s$m'tks/ adjective " status

asthmaticus
|
|
sperm in semen asthmaticus

asphyxia /'s$fksi/ noun a condition in which
asphyxia
astigmatism /$st1mtz()m/ noun a condi-

astigmatism
|
someone is prevented from breathing, e.g. by

|
tion in which the eye cannot focus vertical and

strangulation or breathing poisonous gas, and horizontal lines simultaneously, leading to blur-
therefore cannot take oxygen into the blood- ring of vision
stream
astringent /$strnd+nt/ noun a substance
astringent
asphyxiation /s!fksi$e()n/ noun the state

asphyxiation |
which makes the skin tissues contract and harden

| |
of being prevented from breathing, or the act of

" adjective referring to an astringent
preventing someone from breathing. ! suffoca-
astrocyte /$'strsat/ noun a star-shaped cell
astrocyte
tion
aspiration /!'sp$re()n/ noun 1. the act of
aspiration
|
of the connective tissue of the nervous system
astrocytoma /!'strsa$tm/ noun a type
astrocytoma
removing fluid from a cavity in the body, often |
using a hollow needle 2. same as vacuum suc- of brain tumour which develops slowly in the con-
tion nective tissue of the nervous system
aspirator /$'spret/ noun an instrument used asymmetric /!'s$metrk/ adjective shaped or
aspirator asymmetric
to suck fluid out of a cavity such as the mouth or arranged so that the two sides do not match or bal-
the site of an operation ance each other
23 atrophy
asymmetry /'$smtri/ noun a state in which atlas /$'tls/ noun the top vertebra in the spine,
asymmetry atlas
the two sides of the body or of an organ do not which supports the skull and pivots on the axis or
resemble each other second vertebra
asymptomatic /!esmpt$m'tk/ adjective atom /$'tm/ noun the smallest part into which
asymptomatic atom
not showing any symptoms of disease an element can be divided and still keep its prop-
asynclitism /'$skltz()m/ noun in child-
asynclitism
|
erties. It consists of a dense, positively charged
birth, a situation in which the head of the baby nucleus surrounded by a system of electrons.
atomiser /$'tmaz/ noun an instrument
atomiser
enters the vagina at an angle

asynergia /!'s$n-%d+/, asynergy /'
asynergia
| |
which sprays liquid in the form of very small
$snd+i/ noun awkward movements and bad drops like mist. Also called nebuliser
atony /$'tni/ noun a lack of tone or tension in
atony
coordination, caused by a disorder of the cerebel-

lum. Also called dyssynergia the muscles
atopen /$'tpen/ noun an allergen which
atopen
asystole /e$sstli/ noun a state in which the

asystole
heart has stopped beating causes an atopy

atopic eczema /e!tpk $eksm/, atopic
atopic eczema
ataractic /!'t$r'ktk/ noun a drug which has

ataractic
|
|
a calming effect " adjective calming dermatitis /e!tpk d-%m$tats/ noun a type
| |
ataraxia /!'t$r'ksi/, ataraxis /!'t$r'kss/

ataraxia
| |
of eczema often caused by a hereditary allergy
atopy /$'tpi/ noun a hereditary allergic reac-
atopy
noun the state of being calm and not worrying

tion
ataraxic /!'t$r'ksk/ noun, adjective same as
ataraxic
ATP abbreviation adenosine triphosphate

ATP
ataractic
atracurium /!'tr$kjrim/ noun a drug used
atracurium
ataxia /$t'ksi/ noun a failure of the brain to

ataxia
|
|
control movements as a relaxant

atresia /$tri%zi/ noun an unusual closing or
atresia
ataxic /$t'ksk/ adjective having ataxia, or

ataxic
|
|
relating to ataxia absence of a tube in the body

atretic /$tretk/ adjective referring to atresia
atretic
ataxic gait /!t'ksk $1et/ noun a way of

ataxic gait
|
|
atri- /etri/ prefix referring to an atrium

atri-
walking in which the person walks unsteadily due

to a disorder of the nervous system atrial /$etril/ adjective referring to one or both
atrial
ataxy /$t'ksi/ noun same as ataxia

ataxy
|
of the atria of the heart
atrial fibrillation /!etril fabr$le()n/
atrial fibrillation
atelectasis /!'t$lektss/ noun the failure of

atelectasis
|
|
a lung to expand properly noun a rapid uncoordinated fluttering of the atria

of the heart, which causes an irregular heartbeat
atenolol /$tenll/ noun a drug used in con-
atenolol
atrioventricular /!etriven$trkjl/ adjec-

atrioventricular
trolling blood pressure and angina |
tive referring to the atria and ventricles

ateriovenous malformation /%!tri
ateriovenous malformation
atrioventricular bundle
| |
/!etriven
atrioventricular bundle
!vi%ns m'lf%$me()n/ noun a condition in |

|
which the arteries and veins in the brain are not !trkjl $b.nd()l/ noun a bundle of modified
properly formed, leading to strokes or epilepsy. cardiac muscle which conducts impulses from the
Abbreviation AVM atrioventricular node to the septum and then
divides to connect with the ventricles. Also called
atherogenic /!'r$d+enk/ adjective refer-
atherogenic
|
AV bundle, bundle of His
ring to something which may produce atheroma
atrioventricular node /!'triven$trkjl
atrioventricular node
atheroma /!'$rm/ noun thickening of the

atheroma |
|
!nd/ noun a mass of conducting tissue in the
walls of an artery by deposits of a fatty substance right atrium of the heart, which continues as the
such as cholesterol atrioventricular bundle and passes impulses from
atheromatous /!'$rmts/ adjective refer-
atheromatous
|
the atria to the ventricles. Also called AV node
ring to atheroma at-risk /t $rsk/ adjective exposed to danger or
at-risk
atherosclerosis /!'rskl$rss/ noun a

atherosclerosis
| harm of some kind ! at-risk children

condition in which deposits of fats and minerals atrium /$etrim/ noun one of the two upper
atrium
form on the walls of an artery, especially the aorta chambers in the heart. See illustration at HEART in
or one of the coronary or cerebral arteries, and Supplement
prevent blood from flowing easily
atrophic cirrhosis /'!trfk s$rss/ noun
atrophic cirrhosis
| |
atherosclerotic /!'rskl$rtk/ adjective

atherosclerotic
|
advanced portal cirrhosis in which the liver has
referring to atherosclerosis become considerably smaller and clumps of new
athetosis /!'$tss/ noun repeated slow
athetosis
| cells are formed on the surface of the liver where

movements of the limbs, caused by a brain disor- fibrous tissue has replaced damaged liver cells.
der such as cerebral palsy Also called hobnail liver
athletes foot /!'li%ts $ft/ noun an infectious atrophy /$'trfi/ noun the wasting of an organ
athletes foot atrophy
skin disorder between the toes, caused by a fun- or part of the body " verb (of an organ or part of
gus. Also called tinea pedis the body) to waste away
atropine 24
atropine /$'trpi%n/ noun an alkaloid substance audit /$%dt/ noun a check on figures, scientific
atropine audit
derived from the poisonous plant belladonna and data or procedures ! a medical audit regarding
used, among other things, to enlarge the pupil of the outpatient appointment system
the eye, to reduce salivary and bronchial secre- audit commission /$%dt k!m()n/ noun a
audit commission
tions during anaesthesia and as a muscarinic government body which examines the accounts of
antagonist public bodies such as hospital trusts to ensure that
ATS abbreviation antitetanus serum public money is being spent wisely
ATS
audit cycle /$%dt !sak()l/ noun the cycle in

audit cycle
attack /$t'k/ noun a sudden occurrence of an

attack
illness ! He had an attack of fever. ! She had two which medical topics are selected for review,
attacks of laryngitis during the winter. observation and comparison with agreed stand-
ards and changes are decided on
attention deficit disorder /!tenn $defst
attention deficit disorder
auditory /$%dt()ri/ adjective relating to hear-

| auditory
ds!%d/ noun a condition in which a person is

|
unable to concentrate, does things without coning

auditory acuity /!%dt()ri $kju%ti/ noun
auditory acuity
sidering their actions properly and has little con- |
fidence. It occurs mainly in children. Abbrevia- the ability to hear sounds clearly
tion ADD auditory canals /!%dt()ri k$n'lz/ plural
auditory canals
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder /

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
|
noun the external and internal passages of the ear
!tenn !defst !hapr'k$tvti ds!%d/ auditory nerve /$%dt()ri n-%v/ noun the
auditory nerve
| |
noun a condition in which a child has an inability eighth cranial nerve which governs hearing and
to concentrate and shows disruptive behaviour. balance. See illustration at EAR in Supplement.
Abbreviation ADHD Also called vestibulocochlear nerve
attention deficit syndrome /!tenn auditory ossicles /!%dt()ri $sk()lz/ plu-
attention deficit syndrome auditory ossicles
$defst !sndrm/ noun same as attention ral noun the three little bones, the malleus, incus
deficit disorder and stapes, in the middle ear
Auerbachs plexus /!arb%ks $plekss/
Auerbachs plexus
attenuation /!tenju$e()n/ noun a reduction

attenuation
| |
in the effect or strength of something such as a noun a group of nerve fibres in the intestine wall
virus, either because of environmental conditions [Described 1862. After Leopold Auerbach
or as a result of a laboratory procedure (182897), Professor of Neuropathology at Bre-
slau, now in Poland.]
atticotomy /!'t$ktmi/ noun the removal of
atticotomy
aura /$%r/ noun a warning sensation which is

| aura
the wall in the inner ear. Also called cortical

mastoidectomy experienced before an attack of epilepsy,
migraine or asthma
attitude /$'ttju%d/ noun 1. an opinion or gen-
attitude
aural /$%rl/ adjective referring to the ear

aural
eral feeling about something ! a positive attitude

auricle /$%rk()l/ noun the tip of each atrium in
auricle
towards the operation 2. a way of standing or sit-

ting the heart
auricular /%$rkjl/ adjective referring to the
auricular
attributable risk /!trbjtb()l $rsk/ noun

attributable risk
|
|
a measure of the excess risk of disease due to ear

auricular vein /%$rkjl ven/ noun a vein
auricular vein
exposure to a particular risk. The excess risk of |
bacteriuria in oral contraceptive users attributable which leads into the posterior facial vein
to the use of oral contraceptives is 1,566 per auriscope /$%rskp/ noun an instrument for
auriscope
100,000. Abbreviation AR examining the ear and eardrum. Also called oto-
atypical /e$tpk()l/ adjective not usual or scope
atypical
expected ! an atypical renal cyst auscultation /!%skl$te()n/ noun the act of

auscultation
audio- /%di/ prefix referring to hearing or

audio-
listening to the sounds of the body using a stetho-
sound scope
auscultatory /%$sk.ltt()ri/ adjective refer-
auscultatory
audiogram /$%di1r'm/ noun a graph drawn

audiogram
|
by an audiometer ring to auscultation

Australia antigen /%$streli !'ntd+n/
Australia antigen
audiologist /!%di$ld+st/ noun a specialist

audiologist
|
noun an antigen produced on the surface of liver

|
who deals in the treatment of hearing disorders

cells infected with the hepatitis B virus
audiology /!%di$ld+i/ noun the scientific
audiology
autism /$%tz()m/ noun a condition develop-

autism
|
study of hearing, especially for diagnosing and ing in childhood, characterised by difficulty in
treating hearing loss social interaction, language and communication
audiometer /!%di$mt/ noun an apparatus
audiometer
| problems, learning difficulties and obsessional

for testing hearing, especially for testing the range repetitive behaviour (NOTE: Autism is more com-
of sounds that the human ear can detect mon in boys than in girls.)
audiometry /!%di$mtri/ noun the science of autistic /%$tstk/ adjective affected by, or
audiometry autistic
| |
testing hearing relating to, autism

25 azathioprine
autistic spectrum disorders /%!tstk parasympathetic nervous system, sympa-

autistic spectrum disorders
!spektrm ds$%dz/ plural noun autism in all

|
thetic nervous system
its different forms and degrees of severity. Abbre- autonomy /%$tnmi/ noun the state of being
autonomy
viation ASD free to act as one wishes

auto- /%t/ prefix self autoplasty /$%tpl'sti/ noun the repair of
auto- autoplasty
autoantibody /!%t$'ntbdi/ noun an anti-

autoantibody
|
someones body using tissue taken from another
body formed to attack antigens in the bodys own part of their body
autopsy /$%tpsi/ noun the examination of a
autopsy
cells
autoclave /$%tklev/ noun equipment for
autoclave
dead body by a pathologist to find out the cause of
sterilising surgical instruments using heat under death ! The autopsy showed that he had been
high pressure " verb to sterilise equipment using poisoned. Also called post mortem
autosomal /!%t$sm()l/ adjective refer-
autosomal
heat under high pressure ! Autoclaving is the best |
method of sterilisation. ring to an autosome

autosome /$%tsm/ noun a chromosome
autosome
autogenous /%$td+ns/, autogenic /!%t

autogenous
| |
$d+enk/ adjective produced either in the persons that is not a sex chromosome
body, or using tissue from the persons own body autotransfusion /!%ttr'ns$fju%+()n/
autotransfusion
! an autogenous vein graft noun an infusion into a person of their own blood
autograft /$%t1r%ft/ noun a transplant made avascular /e$v'skjl/ adjective with no
autograft avascular
using parts of the persons own body blood vessels, or with a deficient blood supply
AV bundle /!e $vi% $b.nd()l/ noun same as
AV bundle
autoimmune /!%t$mju%n/ adjective refer-

autoimmune
ring to an immune reaction in a person against atrioventricular bundle

antigens in their own cells aversion therapy /$v-%()n !erpi/ noun a
aversion therapy
autoimmune disease /!%t!mju%n d$zi%z/ treatment by which someone is cured of a type of

autoimmune disease
| |
noun a disease in which the persons own cells are behaviour by making him or her develop a great
attacked by autoantibodies ! Rheumatoid arthri- dislike for it
tis is thought to be an autoimmune disease. avitaminosis /e!vtm$nss/ noun a disor-
avitaminosis
| |
autoimmunisation
autoimmunisation
/!%t!mjna | |
der caused by a lack of vitamins
$ze()n/, autoimmunization noun the process AVM abbreviation arteriovenous malformation
AVM
leading to an immune reaction in a person to anti- AV node /!e $vi% nd/ noun same as atrioven-
AV node
gens produced in their own body tricular node

autoimmunity /!%t$mju%nti/ noun a con-
autoimmunity
AVPU /!e vi% pi% $ju%/ noun a method of rating

AVPU
|
dition in which a persons own cells are attacked if a person is conscious: A = alert; V = verbal,
by autoantibodies responding to verbal commands; P = pain,
autoinfection /!%tn$fek()n/ noun an responding to pain; U = unconscious
autoinfection
infection by a microorganism already in the body, avulsion /$v.ln/ noun an act of pulling away
avulsion
or infection of one part of the body by another tissue or a body part by force
part
avulsion fracture /!v.l()n $fr'kt/ noun
avulsion fracture
autointoxication
autointoxication
/!%tntks$ke()n/ | a fracture in which a tendon pulls away part of the

noun the poisoning of the body by toxins pro- bone to which it is attached
duced in the body itself axial /$'ksil/ adjective referring to an axis
axial
autologous /%$tl1s/ adjective referring to

autologous
axial skeleton /!'ksil $skelt()n/ noun the

axial skeleton
|
a graft or other material coming from the same bones that make up the vertebral column and the
source skull. Compare appendicular skeleton
autolysis /%$tlss/ noun a situation in which
autolysis
axillary /'k$slri/ adjective referring to the

axillary
|
|
cells destroy themselves with their own enzymes armpit

automatism /%$tmtz()m/ noun a state in
automatism
axis /$'kss/ noun 1. an imaginary line through

axis
|
which a person acts without consciously knowing the centre of the body 2. a central vessel which
that he or she is acting divides into other vessels 3. the second vertebra
autonomic /!%t$nmk/ adjective governing on which the atlas sits (NOTE: The plural is axes.)
autonomic
itself independently axon /$'ksn/ noun a nerve fibre which sends

axon
autonomic nervous system /!%tnmk

autonomic nervous system
impulses from one neurone to another, linking
$n-%vs !sstm/ noun the nervous system with the dendrites of the other neurone. See illus-
formed of ganglia linked to the spinal column. It tration at NEURONE in Supplement
azathioprine /!ez$apri%n/ noun a drug
azathioprine
regulates the automatic functioning of the main |
organs such as the heart and lungs and works which suppresses the immune response, used
when a person is asleep or even unconscious. ! after transplant surgery to prevent rejection
-azepam 26
-azepam /'zp'm/ suffix used in names of ben- azoturia /!ez$tjri/ noun the presence of
-azepam azoturia
zodiazepines ! diazepam urea or other nitrogen compounds in the urine,

caused by kidney disease
azidothymidine /!ezd$amdi%n/ noun a
azidothymidine
AZT abbreviation azidothymidine

| AZT
drug used in the treatment of AIDS. Abbreviation

azygous /$'z1s/ adjective single, not one of
azygous
AZT. Also called zidovudine

a pair
azo- /ez/ prefix containing a nitrogen group
azo-
azygous vein /$'z1s ven/ noun a vein

azygous vein
azoospermia /ez$sp-%mi/ noun the

azoospermia
| which brings blood back into the vena cava from

absence of sperm the abdomen
B
Babinski reflex /b!bnski $ri%fleks/, Babin- background carboxyhaemoglobin level
Babinski reflex background carboxyhaemoglobin level
skis reflex /b!bnskiz $ri%fleks/ noun an unu-

| /!b'k1rand k%!bksi hi%m$1lbn !lev()l/ | |
sual curling upwards of the big toe when a finger noun the level of carboxyhaemoglobin in the
is lightly run across the sole of the foot, while the blood of a person who is not exposed to high lev-
others turn down and spread out, a sign of hemi- els of carbon monoxide
plegia and pyramidal tract disease. Compare back pain /$b'k pen/ noun pain in the back,
back pain
plantar reflex [Described 1896. After Joseph especially long-lasting or severe pain
Franois Felix Babinski (18571932), French-
backside /$b'ksad/ noun someones buttocks
backside
born son of Polish refugees. A pupil of Charcot,

he was head of the Neurological clinic at Hpital (informal)
de la Piti, 18901927.] back strain /$b'k stren/ noun a condition in
back strain
Babinski test /b$bnski test/ noun a test for a

Babinski test
|
which the muscles or ligaments in the back have
Babinski reflex been strained
bacteraemia /!b'kt$ri%mi/ noun the fact of
bacteraemia
baby /$bebi/ noun a very young child who is not

baby
|
yet old enough to talk or walk ! Babies start to having bacteria in the blood. Bacteraemia is not
walk when they are about 12 months old. (NOTE: necessarily a serious condition. Compare septi-
If you do not know the sex of a baby you can caemia
refer to the child as it: The baby was sucking its bacteria /b'k$tri/ plural of bacterium
bacteria
thumb)
bacterial /b'k$tril/ adjective relating to
bacterial
baby blues /$bebi blu%z/ plural noun same as

baby blues
bacteria or caused by bacteria ! Children with

postnatal depression (informal) sickle-cell anaemia are susceptible to bacterial
bacillaemia /!b's$li%mi/ noun an infection of infection.
bacillaemia
the blood by bacilli bacterial plaque /b'k$tril !pl'k/ noun a

bacterial plaque
bacillary /b$slri/ adjective referring to bacilli hard smooth bacterial deposit on teeth
bacillary
bactericidal /b'k!tr$sadl/ adjective refer-

bactericidal
bacille Calmette-Gurin /b'!si%l !k'lmet

bacille Calmette-Gurin
| |
|
$1er'n/ noun full form of BCG [After A. Cal- ring to a substance which destroys bacteria
mette (18631933) and C. Gurin (18721961), bactericide /b'k$trsad/ noun a substance
bactericide
French bacteriologists.] which destroys bacteria

bacilluria /!b's$ljri/ noun the presence of
bacilluria
bacteriological /b'ktri$ld+k()l/ adjec-

bacteriological
|
|
bacilli in the urine tive referring to bacteriology

bacillus /b$sls/ noun a bacterium shaped like
bacillus
bacteriologist /b'k!tri$ld+st/ noun a

bacteriologist
|
| |
a rod (NOTE: The plural is bacilli.) doctor who specialises in the study of bacteria
back /b'k/ noun 1. the part of the body from the
back
bacteriology /b'k!tri$ld+i/ noun the sci-

bacteriology
| |
neck downwards to the waist, which is made up of entific study of bacteria

the spine and the bones attached to it (NOTE: For
bacteriolysin /b'k!tri$lsn/ noun a pro-
bacteriolysin
other terms referring to the back, see dorsal and | |
words beginning with dorsi-, dorso-.) 2. the tein, usually an immunoglobulin, which destroys
other side from the front ! She has a swelling on bacterial cells
bacteriolysis /b'k!tri$lss/ noun the
bacteriolysis
the back of her hand. ! dorsum | |
backache /$b'kek/ noun pain in the back,

backache
destruction of bacterial cells
bacteriolytic /b'k!tri$ltk/ adjective
bacteriolytic
often without a specific cause | |
backbone /$b'kbn/ noun a series of bones,

backbone
referring to a substance which can destroy bacte-
the vertebrae, linked together to form a flexible ria
bacteriophage /b'k$trifed+/ noun a virus
bacteriophage
column running from the pelvis to the skull. Also |
called rachis, spine which affects bacteria

bacteriostatic 28
bacteriostatic /b'k!tri$st'tk/ adjective ball which moves inside a metal cage to open and
bacteriostatic
| |
referring to a substance which does not kill bacte- shut the valve
ria but stops them from multiplying ball and socket joint /!b%l nd $skt
ball and socket joint
bacterium /b'k$trim/ noun a microscopic d+nt/ noun a joint where the round end of a
bacterium
organism. Some types are permanently present in long bone is attached to a cup-shaped hollow in
the gut and can break down food tissue, but many another bone in such a way that the long bone can
can cause disease. (NOTE: The plural is bacteria.) move in almost any direction. Compare gingly-
COMMENT: Bacteria can be shaped like rods mus
(bacilli), like balls (cocci) or have a spiral balloon /b$lu%n/ noun a bag of light material
balloon
form (spirochaetes). Bacteria, especially ba- inflated with air or a gas, used to unblock arteries
cilli and spirochaetes, can move and repro-
balloon angioplasty /b!lu%n !'nd+i
balloon angioplasty
duce very rapidly.

| |
$pl'sti/ noun same as percutaneous angi-

bacteriuria /b'k!tri$jri/ noun a condi-
bacteriuria
| |
oplasty
tion in which bacteria are present in the urine
ballottement /b$ltmnt/ noun a method of
ballottement
Bactrim /$b'ktrm/ a trade name for co-trimox-

Bactrim |
examining the body by tapping or moving a part,

azole especially during pregnancy
Baghdad boil /!b'1d'd $bl/, Baghdad
Baghdad boil
balneotherapy /!b'lni$erpi/ noun the

balneotherapy
sore /!b'1d'd $s%/ noun a skin disease of trop-

|
treatment of diseases by bathing in hot water or

ical countries caused by the parasite Leishmania.
water containing beneficial natural chemicals
Also called Oriental sore
balsam /$b%ls()m/ noun a mixture of resin and
balsam
BAHA abbreviation bone anchored hearing aid

BAHA
oil, used to rub on sore joints or to put in hot water

Bakers cyst /!bekz $sst/ noun a swelling
Bakers cyst
and use as an inhalant. ! friars balsam

filled with synovial fluid, at the back of the knee,
ban /b'n/ verb to say that something is not per-
ban
caused by weakness of the joint membrane

[Described 1877. After William Morrant Baker mitted ! Smoking is banned throughout the
(183896), member of staff at St Bartholomews building. ! Use of this drug has been banned.
bandage /$b'ndd+/ noun a piece of cloth
bandage
Hospital, London, UK]

bakers itch /!bekz $t/, bakers dermatitis
bakers itch
which is wrapped around a wound or an injured
/$bekz d-%m$tats/ noun an irritation of the
|
limb ! His head was covered with bandages. "
skin caused by handling yeast verb to wrap a piece of cloth around a wound !
BAL abbreviation British anti-lewisite
BAL
She bandaged his leg. ! His arm is bandaged up.
Bandls ring /$b'nd()lz r/ same as retrac-
Bandls ring
balanced diet /!b'lnst $dat/ noun a diet

balanced diet
which provides all the nutrients needed in the cor- tion ring [After Ludwig Bandl (184292), Ger-
rect proportions man obstetrician.]
Bankarts operation /$b'k%ts p
Bankarts operation
balanitis /!b'l$nats/ noun inflammation of

balanitis
|
|
the glans of the penis !re()n/ noun an operation to repair a recurrent

balanoposthitis /!b'lnps$ats/ noun
balanoposthitis
dislocation of the shoulder [First performed
1923. After Arthur Sydney Blundell Bankart
|
inflammation of the foreskin and the end of the

(18791951), first orthopaedic surgeon at the
penis
Middlesex Hospital, London, UK]
balantidiasis /!b'lnt$dass/ noun an
balantidiasis
Bantis syndrome /$b'ntiz !sndrm/,

| Bantis syndrome
infestation of the large intestine by a parasite Bal-

antidium coli, which causes ulceration of the wall Bantis disease /$b'ntiz d!zi%z/ noun same as
|
of the intestine, leading to diarrhoea and finally splenic anaemia [Described 1882. After Guido
dysentery Banti (18521925), Florentine pathologist and
physician.]
balanus /$b'lns/ noun the round end of the
balanus
Barbados leg /b%!beds $le1/ noun a form

Barbados leg
penis. ! glans |
bald /b%ld/ adjective with no hair, especially on

bald
of elephantiasis, a large swelling of the leg due to
the head a Filaria worm
barbers itch /!b%bz $t/, barbers rash
barbers itch
baldness /$b%ldns/ noun the state of not hav-

baldness
ing any hair /!b%bz $r'/ noun same as sycosis barbae

barbiturate /b%$btrt/ noun a sedative
barbiturate
COMMENT: Baldness in men is hereditary; it |
can also occur in both men and women as a drug

reaction to an illness or to a drug. barbotage /!b%b$t%+/ noun a method of spi-
barbotage
Balkan frame /!b%lkn $frem/, Balkan nal analgesia by which cerebrospinal fluid is
Balkan frame
beam /!b%lkn $bi%m/ noun a frame fitted above withdrawn and then injected back
a bed to which a leg in plaster can be attached. ! barium /$berim/ noun a chemical element,
barium
Pearson bed forming poisonous compounds, used as a contrast

ball and cage valve /!b%l n $ked+ v'lv/ medium when taking X-ray photographs of soft
ball and cage valve
noun an artificial heart valve, formed of a silicon tissue (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Ba.)
29 Beck inventory of depression
barium enema /!berim $enm/ noun a liq- base /bes/ noun 1. the bottom part ! the base
barium enema base
uid solution containing barium sulphate which is of the spine 2. the main ingredient of an ointment,
put into the rectum to increase the contrast of an as opposed to the active ingredient 3. a substance
X-ray of the lower intestine which reacts with an acid to form a salt " verb to
barium meal /!berim $mi%l/, barium solu-
barium meal
use something as a base
tion /!berim s$lu%()n/ noun a liquid solu- Basedows disease /$b'zdz d!zi%z/
Basedows disease
| |
tion containing barium sulphate which someone noun a form of hyperthyroidism [Described
drinks to increase the contrast of an X-ray of the 1840. After Carl Adolph Basedow (17991854),
alimentary tract general practitioner in Mersburg, Germany.]
Barlows disease /$b%lz d!zi%z/ noun basement membrane /!besmnt !mem
Barlows disease basement membrane
| |
scurvy in children, caused by a lack of vitamin C $bren/ noun a membrane at the base of an epithe-
[Described 1882. After Sir Thomas Barlow lium
(18451945), physician at various London hos- basilar /$b'zl/ adjective referring to a base
basilar
pitals and to Queen Victoria, King Edward VII basilic vein /b!zlk $ven/ noun a large vein
basilic vein
and King George V.] running along the inside of the arm
Barlows sign /$b%lz san/ noun a test for
Barlows sign
basophil /$besfl/ noun a type of white blood

basophil
congenital dislocation of the hip, in which a sud- cell which has granules in its cytoplasm and con-
den movement is felt and sometimes a sound is tains histamine and heparin
heard when the joint is manipulated
basophilia /!bes$fli/ noun an increase in
basophilia
baroreceptor /!b'rr$sept/ noun one of a

baroreceptor |
|
the number of basophils in the blood
group of nerves near the carotid artery and aortic
basophilic granulocyte /!besflk
basophilic granulocyte
arch, which senses changes in blood pressure

$1r'njlsat/ noun same as basophil
barotrauma /!b'r$tr%m/ noun an injury
barotrauma
Battens disease /$b't()nz d!zi%z/ noun a

| Battens disease
caused by a sharp increase in pressure

|
hereditary disease which affects the enzymes of

Barr body /$b% !bdi/ noun a dense clump of
Barr body
the brain, causing cells in the brain and eye to die

chromatin found only in female cells, which can
battered baby syndrome /$b'td !bebi
battered baby syndrome
be used to identify the sex of a baby before birth

!sndrm/, battered child syndrome /$b'td
[Described 1949. After Murray Llewellyn Barr
$tald $sndrm/ noun a condition in which a
(190895), head of the Department of Anatomy
baby or small child is frequently beaten, usually
at the University of Western Ontario, Canada.]
by one or both of its parents, sustaining injuries
Barr-Guillain syndrome /!b're $1i% j'n
Barr-Guillain syndrome
such as multiple fractures

!sndrm/ noun " Guillain-Barr syndrome
battledore placenta /$b't()ld% pl!sent/
battledore placenta
barrel chest /!b'rl $test/ noun a chest

barrel chest
noun a placenta where the umbilical cord is

formed like a barrel, caused by asthma or emphy- attached at the edge and not at the centre
sema
Bazins disease /$beznz d!zi%z/ noun same
Bazins disease
barrier cream /$b'ri kri%m/ noun a cream put

barrier cream
as erythema induratum [Described 1861. After

on the skin to prevent the skin coming into contact Pierre Antoine Ernest Bazin (180778), derma-
with irritating substances tologist at Hpital St Louis, Paris, France. He
barrier nursing /$b'ri !n-%s/ noun the
barrier nursing
was an expert in parasitology associated with

nursing of someone who has an infectious dis- skin conditions.]
ease. It involves keeping them away from other BC abbreviation bone conduction
BC
patients and making sure that faeces and soiled BCC abbreviation Breast Cancer Campaign
BCC
bedclothes do not carry the infection to other

B cell /$bi% sel/ noun same as beta cell
B cell
patients.
BCG /!bi% si% $d+i% !v'ksi%n/, BCG vaccine
BCG
bartholinitis /!b%l$nats/ noun inflamma-

bartholinitis
tion of the Bartholins glands noun a vaccine which immunises against tubercu-
losis. Full form bacille Calmette-Gurin
Bartholins glands /$b%lnz 1l'ndz/ plu-
Bartholins glands
BCh abbreviation Bachelor of Surgery

BCh
ral noun two glands at the side of the vagina and

BDA abbreviation British Dental Association
BDA
between it and the vulva, which secrete a lubricat-

ing substance. Also called greater vestibular bearing down /!ber $dan/ noun a stage in
bearing down
glands [After Caspar Bartholin (16551748), childbirth when the woman starts to push out the
Danish anatomist.] baby from the uterus
basal /$bes()l/ adjective located at the bottom bearing-down pain /!ber $dan !pen/
basal bearing-down pain
of something, or forming its base noun pain felt in the uterus during the second
basal metabolic rate /!besk met$blk
basal metabolic rate
|
stage of labour (NOTE: Bearing-down pain is also
ret/ noun the amount of energy used by the body associated with uterine prolapse.)
in exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide when Beck inventory of depression /!bek
Beck inventory of depression
at rest. It was formerly used as a way of testing !nvnt()ri v d$pre()n/ noun one of the rat-
|
thyroid gland activity. Abbreviation BMR ing scales for depression, in which a series of 21
beclomethasone 30
questions refers to attitudes frequently shown by behaviour should be studied to discover their psy-
people suffering from depression chological problems
beclomethasone /!bekl$mesn/ noun a behaviourist /b$hevjrst/ noun a psycholo-
beclomethasone behaviourist
| |
steroid drug usually used in an inhaler to treat gist who follows behaviourism
asthma or hay fever behaviour therapy /b!hevj $erpi/ noun a
behaviour therapy
becquerel /$bekrel/ noun an SI unit of meas-

becquerel
form of psychiatric treatment in which someone

urement of radiation. Abbreviation Bq (NOTE: learns how to improve their condition
Now used in place of the curie.) Behets syndrome /$besets !sndrm/
Behets syndrome
bed bath /$bed b%/ noun an act of washing the

bed bath
noun a chronic condition of the immune system

whole body of someone who is unable to get up to with no known cause, experienced as a series of
wash. Also called blanket bath attacks of inflammation of small blood vessels
bed blocking /$bed !blk/ noun the fact of accompanied by mouth ulcers and sometimes
bed blocking
people being kept in hospital because other forms genital ulcers, skin lesions and inflamed eyes
of care are not available, which means that other [Described 1937. After Halushi Behet (1889
people cannot be treated 1948), Turkish dermatologist.]
bedbug /$bedb.1/ noun a small insect which behind /b$hand/ noun same as buttock
bedbug behind
lives in dirty bedclothes and sucks blood (informal)

bed occupancy /$bed !kjpnsi/ noun the bejel /$bed+l/ noun a non-venereal form of
bed occupancy bejel
percentage of beds in a hospital which are occu- syphilis which is endemic among children in
pied some areas of the Middle East and elsewhere and
bedpan /$bedp'n/ noun a dish into which
bedpan
is caused by a spirochaete strain of bacteria
someone can urinate or defecate without getting belch /belt/ noun the action of allowing air in
belch
out of bed the stomach to come up through the mouth " verb
bed rest /$bed rest/ noun a period of time spent
bed rest
to allow air in the stomach to come up through the
in bed in order to rest and recover from an illness mouth
belching /$belt/ noun the action of allowing
belching
bedridden /$bed!rd()n/ adjective referring to

bedridden
someone who has been too ill to get out of bed air in the stomach to come up through the mouth.
over a long period of time Also called eructation
bedside manner /!bedsad $m'n/ noun the belladonna /!bel$dn/ noun 1. a poisonous
bedside manner belladonna
way in which a doctor behaves towards a patient, plant with berries containing atropine. Also called
especially a patient who is in bed # a good bed- deadly nightshade 2. a form of atropine
side manner the ability to make patients feel extracted from the belladonna plant
comforted and reassured belle indiffrence /!bel 'n$dfer%ns/ noun
belle indiffrence
bedsore /$beds%/ noun an inflamed patch of an excessively calm state in a person, in a situa-
bedsore
skin on a bony part of the body, which develops tion which would usually produce a show of emo-
into an ulcer, caused by pressure of the part on the tion
mattress after lying for some time in one position. Bellocqs cannula /be!lks $k'njl/, Bel-
Bellocqs cannula
Special beds such as air beds, ripple beds and locqs sound /be!lks $sand/ noun an instru-
|
water beds are used to try to prevent the formation ment used to control a nosebleed [After Jean
of bedsores. Also called pressure sore, decubi- Jacques Bellocq (17321807), French surgeon.]
tus ulcer
Bells mania /!belz $meni/ noun a form of
Bells mania
bedstate /$bedstet/ noun a record of the cur-

bedstate
acute mania with delirium [After Luther Vose Bell

rent level of occupancy of beds in a hospital or (180662), American physiologist.]
care unit, updated as admissions and discharges
Bells palsy /!belz $p%lzi/ noun paralysis of
Bells palsy
occur
the facial nerve on one side of the face, preventing
bedwetting /$bedwet/ noun same as noctur-
bedwetting
one eye being closed. Also called facial paraly-

nal enuresis (NOTE: This term is used mainly sis [Described 1821. After Sir Charles Bell
about children.) (17741842), Scottish surgeon. He ran anatomy
Beers knife /$bz naf/ noun a knife with a
Beers knife
schools, first in Edinburgh and then in London.

triangular blade, used in eye operations [After Professor of Anatomy at the Royal Academy.]
George Joseph Beer (17631821), German
belly /$beli/ noun 1. same as abdomen 2. the
belly
ophthalmologist.]
fatter central part of a muscle
behaviour /b$hevj/ noun a way of acting !
behaviour
Bence Jones protein /!bens $d+nz

Bence Jones protein
|
His behaviour was very aggressive.

!prti%n/ noun a protein found in the urine of
behavioural /b$hevjrl/ adjective relating
behavioural
|
people who have myelomatosis, lymphoma, leu-
to behaviour kaemia and some other cancers [Described 1848.
behaviourism /b$hevjrz()m/ noun a psy-
behaviourism
| After Henry Bence Jones (181473), physician

chological theory proposing that only someones at St Georges Hospital, London, UK]
31 bifocal
bends /bendz/ plural noun # the bends " cais- that respond to adrenaline by speeding up the
bends
son disease heart rate or dilating the bronchi

beta blocker /$bi%t !blk/ noun a drug which
beta blocker
Benedicts solution /$bendkts s!lu%()n/

Benedicts solution
noun a solution used to carry out Benedicts test reduces the activity of the heart (NOTE: Beta
Benedicts test /$bendkts test/ noun a test
Benedicts test
blockers have names ending in -olol: atenolol,
to see if sugar is present in the urine [Described propranolol hydrochloride.)
beta cell /$bi%t sel/ noun a type of cell found in
beta cell
1915. After Stanley Rossiter Benedict (1884

1936), physiological chemist at Cornell Univer- the islets of Langerhans, in the pancreas, which
sity, New York, USA.] produces insulin. Also called B cell
benign /b$nan/ adjective generally harmless Betadine /$bi%tdi%n/ noun a trade name for a
benign Betadine
benign growth /b$nan 1r/ noun same as

benign growth
|
form of iodine
betamethasone /!bi%t$mesn/ noun a
betamethasone
benign tumour |
benign pancreatic disease /b!nan

benign pancreatic disease
|
very strong corticosteroid drug
betaxolol /b$t'ksll/ noun a beta blocker
betaxolol
!p'kri$'tk d!zi%z/ noun chronic pancreatitis

| | |
benign prostatic hypertrophy /b!nan pr

benign prostatic hypertrophy
| |
drug used in the treatment of high blood pressure
!st'tk ha$p-%trfi/ noun a nonmalignant
|
and glaucoma
bethanechol /be$'nkl/ noun an agonist
bethanechol
enlargement of the prostate. Abbreviation BPH |
benign tumour /b!nan $tju%m/ noun a

benign tumour
|
drug used to increase muscle tone after surgery
Betnovate /$betnvet/ noun a trade name for
Betnovate
tumour which will not grow again or spread to

other parts of the body if it is removed surgically, an ointment containing betamethasone
but which can be fatal if not treated. Also called bi- /ba/ prefix two or twice
bi-
benign growth. Opposite malignant tumour bias /$bas/ noun a systematic error in the
bias
Bennetts fracture /!bents $fr'kt/ noun a

Bennetts fracture
design or conduct of a study which could explain

fracture of the first metacarpal, the bone between the results
the thumb and the wrist [Described 1886. After bicarbonate of soda /ba!k%bnt v
bicarbonate of soda
Edward Halloran Bennett (18371907), Irish

|
$sd/ noun same as sodium bicarbonate

anatomist, later Professor of Surgery at Trinity
bicellular /ba$seljl/ adjective having two
bicellular
College, Dublin, Ireland.] |
cells
benzocaine /$benzken/ noun a drug with
benzocaine
biceps /$baseps/ noun any muscle formed of

biceps
anaesthetic properties used in some throat loz-

enges and skin creams two parts joined to form one tendon, especially
the muscles in the front of the upper arm (biceps
benzodiazepine /!benzda$'zpi%n/ noun
benzodiazepine
|
brachii) and the back of the thigh (biceps femo-
a drug which acts on receptors in the central nerv- ris). ! triceps (NOTE: The plural is biceps.)
ous system to relieve symptoms of anxiety and
bicipital /ba$spt()l/ adjective referring to a
bicipital
insomnia, although prolonged use is to be avoided |
(NOTE: Benzodiazepines have names ending in biceps muscle

biconcave /ba$kkev/ adjective referring to
biconcave
-azepam: diazepam.) |
benzoin /$benzn/ noun a resin used to make

benzoin
a lens which is concave on both sides
biconvex /ba$knveks/ adjective referring to a
biconvex
friars balsam |
benzyl benzoate /!benzl $benzet/ noun a

benzyl benzoate
lens which is convex on both sides
bicornuate /ba$k%njut/ adjective divided
bicornuate
colourless oily liquid which occurs naturally in |
balsams, used in medicines and perfumes into two parts (NOTE: The word is sometimes
bereavement /b$ri%vmnt/ noun the loss of
bereavement
|
applied to a malformation of the uterus.)
bicuspid /ba$k.spd/ adjective with two
bicuspid
someone, especially a close relative or friend, |
through death points " noun a premolar tooth

beriberi /!beri$beri/ noun a disease of the nerv- bicuspid valve /!ba$k.spd !v'lv/ noun
beriberi bicuspid valve
| |
ous system caused by lack of vitamin B1 same as mitral valve. See illustration at HEART in
berylliosis /b!rli$ss/ noun poisoning
berylliosis
| |
Supplement
b.i.d. adverb (used on prescriptions) twice
b.i.d.
caused by breathing in particles of the poisonous

chemical compound beryllium oxide daily. Full form bis in die
Besniers prurigo /!beniez pr$ra1/ bidet /$bi%de/ noun an object for washing the
Besniers prurigo bidet
noun an itchy skin rash on the backs of the knees genital and anal areas. It looks like a low toilet.
and the insides of the elbows [After Ernest Bes- bifid /$bafd/ adjective in two parts
bifid
nier (18311909), French dermatologist.]

bifocal /ba$fk()l/ adjective referring to
bifocal
beta /$bi%t/ noun the second letter of the Greek

beta
lenses made with two sections which have differ-

alphabet ent focal lengths, one for looking at things which
beta-adrenergic receptor /!bi%t !'dr are near, the other for looking at things which are
beta-adrenergic receptor
$n-%d+k/ noun one of two types of nerve endings far away

bifocal glasses 32
bifocal glasses /ba!fk()l $1l%sz/, bifo- Billings method /$blz !med/ noun a
bifocal glasses Billings method
cal lenses /ba$fk()l $lenzz/, bifocals /ba

| | method of birth control which uses the colour and
$fk()lz/ plural noun spectacles with lenses consistency of the cervical mucus as guides to
which have two types of lens combined in the whether ovulation is taking place
same piece of glass, the top part being used for Billroths operations
Billroths operations
/$blrs p |
seeing at a distance and the lower part for reading !re()nz/ plural noun surgical operations in
bifurcate adjective /ba$f-%ket/ separating or which the lower part of the stomach is removed
bifurcate
branching off into two parts " verb /$bafket/ and the part which is left is linked to the duode-
to split or branch off into two parts num (Billroth I) or jejunum (Billroth II)
bifurcation /!baf$ke()n/ noun a place
bifurcation
|
[Described 1881. After Christian Albert Theod-
where something divides into two parts ore Billroth (182994), Prussian surgeon.]
bimanual /ba$m'njul/ adjective done with
bimanual
bigeminy /ba$d+emni/ noun same as pulsus

bigeminy
|
|
bigeminus two hands, or needing both hands to be done

binary /$banri/ adjective made of two parts
binary
big toe /!b1 $t/ noun the largest of the five

big toe
toes, on the inside of the foot. Also called great binary fission /!banri $f()n/ noun the
binary fission
toe process of splitting into two parts in some types of

biguanide /ba$1w%nad/ noun a drug which
biguanide
|
cell division
lowers blood sugar, used in the treatment of Type binaural /ban$%rl/ adjective using, or relat-
binaural
II diabetes ing to, both ears

bilateral /ba$l't()rl/ adjective affecting both binder /$band/ noun a bandage which is
bilateral binder
sides wrapped round a limb to support it

bilateral pneumonia /ba!l't()rl nju% Binets test /$bnez test/ noun an intelligence
bilateral pneumonia Binets test
| |
$mni/ noun pneumonia affecting both lungs test for children [Originally described 1905 but
bile /bal/ noun a thick bitter brownish yellow
bile
later modified at Stanford University, California,
fluid produced by the liver, stored in the gall blad- USA. After Alfred Binet (18571911), French
der and used to digest fatty substances and neu- psychologist and physiologist.]
tralise acids (NOTE: For other terms referring to binocular /b$nkjl/ adjective referring to
binocular
bile, see words beginning with chol-.) the two eyes

bilharzia /bl$h%tsi/ noun 1. a fluke which binovular /b$nvjl/ adjective referring to
bilharzia binovular
| |
enters the bloodstream and causes bilharziasis. twins who develop from two different ova
Also called Schistosoma 2. same as bilharzia- bio- /ba/ prefix referring to living organisms
bio-
sis (NOTE: Although strictly speaking, bilharzia

bioassay /!ba$se/ noun a test of the
bioassay
is the name of the fluke, it is also generally used

|
for the name of the disease: bilharzia patients;

strength of a drug, hormone, vitamin or serum, by
six cases of bilharzia.)
examining the effect it has on living animals or
tissue
bilharziasis /!blh%$tsass/ noun a tropical
bilharziasis
bioavailability /!bavel$blti/ noun the

| bioavailability
disease caused by flukes in the intestine or blad- |
der. Also called bilharzia, schistosomiasis extent to which a nutrient or medicine can be
taken up by the body
bili- /bli/ prefix referring to bile (NOTE: For
bili-
biochemistry /!ba$kemstri/ noun the

biochemistry
other terms referring to bile, see words begin-

|
ning with chol-, chole-.)

chemistry of living tissues
biocide /$basad/ noun a substance which
biocide
biliary /$blir/ adjective referring to bile

biliary
kills living organisms

biliary colic /!blir $klk/ noun pain in the
biliary colic
biodegradable /!bad$1redb()l/ adjec-

biodegradable
abdomen caused by gallstones in the bile duct or |
tive easily decomposed by organisms such as bac-

by inflammation of the gall bladder
teria or by the effect of sunlight, the sea, etc.
bilious /$blis/ adjective 1. referring to bile 2.
bilious
biofeedback /!ba$fi%db'k/ noun the con-

biofeedback
referring to nausea (informal) |
trol of the autonomic nervous system by some-

biliousness /$blisns/ noun a feeling of indi-
biliousness
ones conscious thought, as he or she sees the

gestion and nausea (informal) results of tests or scans
bilirubin /!bli$ru%bn/ noun a red pigment in
bilirubin
biohazard /$ba!h'zd/ noun a danger to

biohazard
|
|
bile human beings or their environment, especially

bilirubinaemia /!bliru%b$ni%mi/ noun an one from a poisonous or infectious agent
bilirubinaemia
excess of bilirubin in the blood biological /!ba$ld+k()l/ adjective refer-

biological
biliuria /!bli$jri/ noun the presence of bile ring to biology

biliuria
in the urine. Also called choluria biological parent /!ba!ld+k()l $pernt/

biological parent
biliverdin /!bli$v-%dn/ noun a green pigment noun a parent who was physically involved in
biliverdin
in bile, produced by oxidation of bilirubin producing a child

33 bite wing
biologist /ba$ld+st/ noun a scientist who bipolar neurone /ba!pl $njrn/ noun
biologist bipolar neurone
| |
specialises in biology a nerve cell with two processes, a dendrite and an

biology /ba$ld+i/ noun the study of living
biology
axon, found in the retina. See illustration at NEU-
RONE in Supplement. Compare multipolar neu-
|
organisms
rone, unipolar neurone
biomaterial /!bam$tril/ noun a syn-
biomaterial
birth /b-%/ noun the act of being born

| birth
thetic material which can be used as an implant in

birth canal /$b-% k!n'l/ noun the uterus,
birth canal
living tissue |
biometry /ba$mtri/ noun the science which

biometry
|
vagina and vulva
applies statistics to the study of living things # birth control /$b-% kn!trl/ noun same as
birth control
biometry of a fetus the measurement of the key contraception

parameters of growth of a fetus by ultrasound birth control pill /$b-% kn!trl pl/ noun
birth control pill
bionic ear /ba!nk $/ noun a cochlear

bionic ear
|
same as oral contraceptive
implant (informal) birthing chair /$b-% te/ noun a special
birthing chair
bionics /ba$nks/ noun the process of apply-

bionics
|
chair in which a woman sits to give birth
birthing pool /$b-% pu%l/ noun a special
birthing pool
ing knowledge of biological systems to mechani-

cal and electronic devices large bath in which pregnant women can relax
biophysical
biophysical profile
profile /!bafzk()l before and when giving birth

birthmark /$b-%m%k/ noun an unusual col-
birthmark
$prfal/ noun a profile of a fetus, based on such

things as its breathing movement and body move- oured or raised area on the skin which someone
ment has from birth. Also called naevus
birth mother /$b-% !m./ noun the woman
birth mother
biopsy /$bapsi/ noun the process of taking a

biopsy
small piece of living tissue for examination and who gave birth to a child
diagnosis ! The biopsy of the tissue from the birth parent /$b-% !pernt/ noun one of the
birth parent
growth showed that it was benign. parents that physically produced a child
biorhythm /$bar()m/ noun a regular birth plan /$b-% pl'n/ noun a list of a pregnant
biorhythm birth plan
process of change which takes place within living womans wishes about how the birth of her baby
organisms, e.g. sleeping, waking or the reproduc- should take place, e.g. whether she wants a natu-
tive cycle (NOTE: Some people believe that bio- ral birth and what pain relief she should be given
rhythms affect behaviour and mood.) birth rate /$b-% ret/ noun the number of births
birth rate
biostatistics /!bast$tstks/ plural noun per year, shown per thousand of the population !
biostatistics
statistics used in medicine and the study of dis- a birth rate of 15 per thousand ! There has been
ease a severe decline in the birth rate.
biotechnology /!batek$nld+i/ noun 1. birth trauma /$b-% !tr%m/ noun an injury
biotechnology birth trauma
the use of biological processes in industrial pro- caused to a baby during delivery
duction, e.g. in the production of drugs 2. same as birth weight /$b-% wet/ noun the weight of a
birth weight
genetic modification baby at birth

biotin /$batn/ noun a type of vitamin B found
biotin
bisacodyl /!bas$kdl/ noun a laxative drug

bisacodyl
in egg yolks, liver and yeast bisexual /ba$sekul/ adjective referring to a

bisexual
BiPAP /$bap'p/ noun a breathing apparatus

BiPAP
person who is sexually attracted to both males and

that allows air delivered through a mask to be set females
at one pressure for inhaling and another for exhal- bisexuality /!baseku$'lti/ noun the state of
bisexuality
ing, maximising breathing efficiency and mini- being sexually attracted to both males and
mising natural muscular effort. Full form bi-level females
positive airway pressure
bis in die /!bs n $di%e/ adverb full form of
bis in die
biparietal /!bap$rat()l/ adjective referring

biparietal
|
b.i.d.
to the two parietal bones
bismuth /$bzm/ noun a chemical element
bismuth
biparous /$bprs/ adjective producing twins

biparous
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is Bi.)

bipennate /ba$penet/ adjective referring to a
bipennate
bistoury /$bstri/ noun a sharp thin surgical

bistoury
muscle with fibres which rise from either side of knife

the tendon bite /bat/ verb 1. to cut into something with the
bite
bipolar /ba$pl/ adjective with two poles.

bipolar
| teeth ! He bit a piece out of the apple. 2. (of an

See illustration at NEURONE in Supplement insect) to puncture someones skin " noun 1. the
bipolar disorder /!bapl ds$%d/ noun a
bipolar disorder
|
action of biting or of being bitten 2. a place or
psychological condition in which someone moves mark where someone has been bitten ! a dog bite
between mania and depression and experiences ! an insect bite
delusion. Also called manic-depressive ill- bite wing /$bat w/ noun a holder for dental
bite wing
ness, manic depression X-ray film, which a person clenches between the
Bitots spots 34
teeth, so allowing an X-ray of both upper and bleeder /$bli%d/ noun 1. a blood vessel which
bleeder
lower teeth to be taken bleeds during surgery 2. a person who has haemo-
Bitots spots /!bi%tz $spts/ plural noun philia (informal)
Bitots spots
small white spots on the conjunctiva, caused by bleeding /$bli%d/ noun an unusual loss of
bleeding
vitamin A deficiency [Described 1863. After blood from the body through the skin, through an
Pierre A. Bitot (182288), French physician.] orifice or internally
bivalve /$bav'lv/ noun an organ which has two bleeding time /$bli%d tam/ noun a test of the
bivalve bleeding time
valves " adjective referring to a bivalve organ clotting ability of someones blood, by timing the
black eye /!bl'k $a/ noun bruising and swell- length of time it takes for the blood to congeal
black eye
ing of the tissues round an eye, usually caused by blennorrhagia /!blen$red+/ noun the dis-
blennorrhagia
a blow charge of mucus

blackhead /$bl'khed/ noun same as comedo blennorrhoea /!blen$ri%/ noun the discharge
blackhead blennorrhoea
(informal) of watery mucus

black heel /$bl'k !hi%l/ noun a haemorrhage
black heel
bleomycin /!bli%$masn/ noun an antibiotic

bleomycin
inside the heel, characterised by black spots used to treat forms of cancer such as Hodgkins
black out /$bl'k at/ verb to have sudden loss disease
black out
of consciousness ! I suddenly blacked out and I blephar- /blefr/ prefix same as blepharo-
blephar-
cant remember anything more (used before vowels)

blackout /$bl'kat/ noun a sudden loss of con-
blackout
blepharitis /!blef$rats/ noun inflammation

blepharitis
sciousness (informal) ! She must have had a of the eyelid

blackout while driving. Also called fainting fit blepharo- /blefr/ prefix referring to the eye-
blepharo-
blackwater fever /$bl'kw%t !fi%v/ noun a

blackwater fever
lid
form of malaria where haemoglobin from red blepharoconjunctivitis
blepharoconjunctivitis
/!blefrkn|
blood cells is released into plasma and makes the !d+.kt$vats/ noun inflammation of the con-
|
urine dark junctiva of the eyelids

bladder /$bl'd/ noun any sac in the body,
bladder
blepharon /$blefrn/ noun an eyelid

blepharon
especially the sac where the urine collects before

blepharospasm /$blefrsp'z()m/ noun a
blepharospasm
being passed out of the body ! He is suffering

from bladder trouble. ! She is taking antibiotics sudden contraction of the eyelid, as when a tiny
for a bladder infection. piece of dust gets in the eye
blepharotosis /!blefr$tss/ noun a con-
blepharotosis
Blalocks operation /$blelks p!re()n/,

Blalocks operation
|
dition in which the upper eyelid is half closed

|
Blalock-Taussig operation /!blelk $t%s1

p!re()n/ noun a surgical operation to con-
|
because of paralysis of the muscle or nerve
blind /bland/ adjective not able to see
blind
nect the pulmonary artery to the subclavian artery,

in order to increase blood flow to the lungs of blind loop syndrome /!bland $lu%p
blind loop syndrome
someone who has tetralogy of Fallot !sndrm/ noun a condition which occurs in
bland /bl'nd/ adjective referring to food which
bland
cases of diverticulosis or of Crohns disease, with
is not spicy, irritating or acid steatorrhoea, abdominal pain and megaloblastic
blanket bath /$bl'kt b%/ noun same as
blanket bath
anaemia
blindness /$blandns/ noun the fact of not
blindness
bed bath
blast /bl%st/ noun 1. a wave of air pressure
blast
being able to see
blind spot /$bland spt/ noun the point in the
blind spot
from an explosion which can cause concussion 2.

an immature form of a cell before distinctive retina where the optic nerve joins it, which does
characteristics develop not register light
blind study /!bland $st.di/ noun an investiga-
blind study
-blast /bl'st/ suffix referring to a very early

-blast
stage in the development of a cell tion to test an intervention such as giving a drug,
blasto- /bl'st/ prefix referring to a germ cell
blasto-
in which a person does not know if he or she has
taken the active medicine or the placebo
blastocoele /$bl'stsi%l/ noun a cavity filled
blastocoele
blister /$blst/ noun a swelling on the skin con-

blister
with fluid in a morula

taining serum from the blood, caused by rubbing,
blastocyst /$bl'stsst/ noun an early stage
blastocyst
burning or a disease such as chickenpox " verb to

in the development of an embryo produce blisters
Blastomyces /!bl'st$masi%z/ noun a type
Blastomyces
bloated /$bltd/ adjective experiencing the

bloated
|
of parasitic fungus which affects the skin uncomfortable sensation of a very full stomach
blastomycosis /!bl'stma$kss/ noun
blastomycosis
block /blk/ noun 1. the stopping of a function

block
|
an infection caused by Blastomyces 2. a large piece of something ! A block of wood

blastula /$bl'stjl/ noun the first stage of the
blastula
fell on his foot. 3. a period of time ! The training

development of an embryo in animals is in two three-hour blocks. " verb to fill the
bleb /bleb/ noun a blister. Compare bulla space in something and stop other things passing
bleb
35 blurred vision
through it ! The artery was blocked by a clot. ! blood-letting /$bl.d !let/ noun same as phle-
blood-letting
He swallowed a piece of plastic which blocked his botomy

oesophagus.
blood loss /$bl.d ls/ noun loss of blood from
blood loss
blocking /$blk/ noun a psychiatric disorder,

blocking
the body by bleeding

in which someone suddenly stops one train of
blood pigment /$bl.d !p1mnt/ noun same
blood pigment
thought and switches to another

as haemoglobin
blood /bl.d/ noun a red liquid moved around the
blood
blood pressure /$bl.d !pre/ noun the pres-

blood pressure
body by the pumping action of the heart (NOTE:

For other terms referring to blood, see words sure, measured in millimetres of mercury, at
beginning with haem-, haemo-, haemato-.) which the blood is pumped round the body by the
heart
blood bank /$bl.d b'k/ noun a section of a
blood bank
blood relationship /!bl.d r$le()np/

blood relationship
hospital or a special centre where blood given by |
donors is stored for use in transfusions noun a relationship between people who come
blood blister /$bl.d !blst/ noun a swelling on
blood blister
from the same family and have the same parents,
the skin with blood inside, caused by nipping the grandparents or ancestors, as opposed to a rela-
flesh tionship by marriage
blood sample /$bl.d !s%mpl/ noun a sample
blood sample
blood-borne virus /!bl.d b%n $vars/ noun

blood-borne virus
a virus carried by the blood of blood, taken for testing

bloodshot /$bl.dt/ adjective referring to an
bloodshot
blood-brain barrier /!bl.d bren $b'ri/

blood-brain barrier
noun the process by which some substances, eye with small specks of blood in it from a small
which in other parts of the body will diffuse from damaged blood vessel
capillaries, are held back by the endothelium of blood sugar /!bl.d $1/ noun glucose
blood sugar
cerebral capillaries, preventing them from com- present in the blood

ing into contact with the fluids round the brain blood sugar level /!bl.d $1 !lev()l/ noun
blood sugar level
blood clot /$bl.d klt/ noun a soft mass of

blood clot
the amount of glucose in the blood, which is

coagulated blood in a vein or an artery. Also higher after meals and in people with diabetes
called thrombus
blood test /$bl.d test/ noun a laboratory test of
blood test
blood count /$bl.d kant/ noun a test to count

blood count
a blood sample to analyse its chemical composi-

the number and types of different blood cells in a tion ! The patient will have to have a blood test.
sample of blood, in order to give an indication of
blood transfusion /$bl.d tr'ns!fju%+()n/
blood transfusion
the condition of the persons blood as a whole |
noun a procedure in which blood given by

blood donor /$bl.d !dn/ noun a person
blood donor
another person or taken from the patient at an ear-

who gives blood which is then used in transfu- lier stage is transferred into the patients vein
sions to other people
blood type /$bl.d tap/ noun same as blood
blood type
blood dyscrasia /!bl.d ds$krezi/ noun any

blood dyscrasia
group
|
unusual blood condition such as a low cell count

blood typing /$bl.d !tap/ noun the analysis
blood typing
or platelet count
blood gas /$bl.d 1's/ noun oxygen and carbon
blood gas
of blood for transfusion factors and blood group
blood vessel /$bl.d !ves()l/ noun any tube
blood vessel
dioxide that are naturally present in blood, an

imbalance of which may indicate a respiratory which carries blood round the body, e.g. an artery,
disorder vein or capillary (NOTE: For other terms referring
blood-glucose level /!bl.d $1lu%kz
blood-glucose level
to blood vessels, see words beginning with
!lev()l/ noun the amount of glucose present in angi-, angio-.)
the blood. The usual blood-glucose level is about blood volume /$bl.d !vlju%m/ noun the total
blood volume
60100 mg of glucose per 100 ml of blood. amount of blood in the body

blood group /$bl.d 1ru%p/ noun one of the dif-
blood group
blot test /$blt test/ noun " Rorschach test

blot test
ferent groups into which human blood is classi-

blue baby /!blu% $bebi/ noun a baby who has
blue baby
fied. Also called blood type

congenital cyanosis, born either with a congenital
COMMENT: Blood is classified in various heart condition or with a collapsed lung, which
ways. The most common classifications are prevents an adequate supply of oxygen reaching
by the agglutinogens (factors A and B) in red the tissues, giving the babys skin a slight blue
blood cells and by the Rhesus factor. Blood
colour (informal)
can therefore have either factor (Group A
blue litmus /!blu% $ltms/ noun treated paper
blue litmus
and Group B) or both factors (Group AB) or

neither (Group O) and each of these groups which indicates the presence of acid by turning
can be Rhesus negative or positive. red
blood grouping /$bl.d !1ru%p/ noun the blurred vision /!bl-%d $v+()n/ noun a condi-
blood grouping blurred vision
process of classifying people according to their tion in which someone does not see objects
blood groups clearly
blush 36
blush /bl./ noun a rush of red colour to the skin gically into the skull, usually behind the ear.
blush
of the face, caused by emotion " verb to go red in Abbreviation BAHA

the face because of emotion bone marrow /$bn !m'r/ noun soft tissue
bone marrow
BM abbreviation Bachelor of Medicine in cancellous bone (NOTE: For other terms refer-
BM
BMA abbreviation British Medical Association

BMA
ring to bone marrow, see words beginning with
myel-, myelo-.)
BMI abbreviation body mass index
BMI
bone marrow transplant /!bn $m'r

bone marrow transplant
BMR abbreviation basal metabolic rate

BMR
!tr'nspl%nt/ noun the transplant of marrow

BNF abbreviation British National Formulary
BNF
from a donor to a recipient

body fluid /$bdi !flu%d/ noun a liquid in the
body fluid
bone scan /$bn sk'n/ noun a scan which

bone scan
body, e.g. water, blood or semen tracks a radioactive substance injected into the
body image /!bdi $md+/ noun the mental
body image
body to find areas where a bone is breaking down

image which a person has of their own body. Also or repairing itself
called body schema Bonneys blue /!bniz $blu%/ noun a blue dye
Bonneys blue
body language /$bdi !l'1wd+/ noun the

body language
used as a disinfectant [After William Francis Vic-

expression on your face, or the way you hold your tor Bonney (18721953), British gynaecologist.]
body, interpreted by other people as uncon- bony /$bni/ adjective relating to bones, or
bony
sciously revealing your feelings made of bone

body odour /!bdi $d/ noun an unpleasant
body odour
bony labyrinth /!bni $l'brn/ noun a hard

bony labyrinth
smell caused by perspiration part of the temporal bone surrounding the mem-
body scan /$bdi sk'n/ noun an examination
body scan
branous labyrinth in the inner ear. Also called

of the whole of the body using ultrasound or other osseous labyrinth
scanning techniques boob /bu%b/ noun a womans breast (informal)
boob
body schema /!bdi $ski%m/ noun same as

body schema
booster /$bu%str n!d+ek()n/, booster

booster
body image
|
injection noun a repeat injection of vaccine given

body substance isolation /$bdi !s.bstns
body substance isolation
some time after the first injection to maintain the

as!le()n/ noun making sure that a trauma
|
immunising effect
victim is kept isolated from the possibility of
boracic acid /b!r'sk $'sd/ noun a soluble
boracic acid
infection from moist body substances

|
white powder used as a general disinfectant. Also

body temperature /$bdi !temprt/ noun
body temperature
called boric acid

the internal temperature of the human body, usu-
borax /$b%r'ks/ noun a white powder used as a
borax
ally about 37C

household cleaner and disinfectant
Boecks disease /$beks d!zi%z/, Boecks
Boecks disease
borborygmus /!b%b$r1ms/ noun a rum-

| borborygmus
sarcoid /$beks !s%kd/ noun same as sar- |
coidosis [Described 1899. After Caesar Peter bling noise in the abdomen, caused by gas in the
Moeller Boeck (18451913), Professor of Der- intestine (NOTE: The plural is borborygmi.)
borderline /$b%dlan/ adjective 1. not clearly
borderline
matology at Oslo, Norway.]

Bohns nodules /!b%nz $ndju%lz/, Bohns
Bohns nodules
belonging to either one of two categories ! a bor-
epithelial pearls /!b%nz ep!i%lil $p-%lz/ plu- derline case 2. referring to a medical condition
likely to develop in someone unless an effort is
|
ral noun tiny cysts found in the mouths of healthy

infants made to prevent it 3. characterised by emotional
instability and self-destructive behaviour ! a bor-
boil /bl/ noun a tender raised mass of infected
boil
derline personality
tissue and skin, usually caused by infection of a
Bordetella /!b%d$tel/ noun a bacterium of
Bordetella
hair follicle by the bacterium Staphylococcus |
aureus. Also called furuncle the family Brucellaceae (NOTE: Bordetella per-
tussis causes whooping cough.)
bolus /$bls/ noun 1. a mass of food which
bolus
boric acid /!b%rk $'sd/ noun same as

boric acid
has been chewed and is ready to be swallowed 2.

a mass of food passing along the intestine boracic acid
boron /$b%rn/ noun a chemical element which
boron
bonding /$bnd/ noun the process by which a

bonding
psychological link is formed between a baby and is present in borax, and essential for healthy plant
its mother ! In autistic children bonding is diffi- growth (NOTE: The chemical symbol is B.)
bosom /$bz()m/ noun a womans chest or
bosom
cult.
bone /bn/ noun 1. calcified connective tissue
bone
breasts
bottom /$btm/ noun 1. the part of the body on
bottom
2. one of the calcified pieces of connective tissue

which make the skeleton ! There are several which you sit. ! buttock 2. the anus (informal)
small bones in the human ear. See illustration at bottom shuffling /$btm !.f()l/ noun
bottom shuffling
in Supplement
SYNOVIAL JOINT the process by which a baby who cannot yet walk
bone-anchored hearing aid /!bn !'kd moves around by moving itself along on its hands
bone-anchored hearing aid
$hr ed/ noun a hearing aid that is fitted sur- and buttocks
37 brain scan
botulinum toxin /!btj$lanm !tksn/ brachiocephalic artery /!brekis!f'lk

botulinum toxin brachiocephalic artery
| |
noun a poison produced by the bacterium $%tri/ noun the largest branch of the arch of the
Clostridium botulinum and used, in small doses, aorta, which continues as the right common
to treat muscular cramps and spasms carotid and right subclavian arteries
botulism /$btlz()m/ noun a type of food brachiocephalic vein /!brekis!f'lk
botulism brachiocephalic vein
poisoning, often fatal, caused by a toxin of $ven/ noun one of a pair of large veins on oppo-
Clostridium botulinum in badly canned or pre- site sides of the neck that join to form the superior
served food. Symptoms include paralysis of the vena cava. Also called innominate vein
muscles, vomiting and hallucinations. brachium /$brekim/ noun an arm, especially
brachium
bougie /$bu%+i%/ noun a thin tube which can be

bougie
the upper arm between the elbow and the shoulder

inserted into passages in the body such as the (NOTE: The plural is brachia.)
oesophagus or rectum, either to allow liquid to be brachy- /br'ki/ prefix short
brachy-
introduced or to dilate the passage

brachycephaly /!br'ki$sefli/ noun a condi-
brachycephaly
bovine spongiform encephalopathy

bovine spongiform encephalopathy |
tion in which the skull is shorter than usual

/!bvan !sp.nd+f%m en!kef$lpi/ noun
brachytherapy /!br'ki$erpi/ noun a radio-
| | brachytherapy
a fatal brain disease of cattle. Abbreviation BSE. |
! Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Also called mad active treatment in which the radioactive material
cow disease actually touches the tissue being treated
Bradfords frame /$br'dfdz frem/ noun a
Bradfords frame
bowel /$bal/ noun the intestine, especially the

bowel
large intestine (NOTE: Bowel is often used in the frame of metal and cloth, used to support a patient
plural in everyday language.) [After Edward Hickling Bradford (18481926),
bowel movement /$bal !mu%vmnt/ noun
bowel movement
US orthopaedic surgeon.]
brady- /br'd/ prefix slow
brady-
1. an act of passing faeces out of the body through

the anus ! The patient had a bowel movement bradycardia /!br'd$k%di/ noun a slow rate
bradycardia
this morning. Also called motion. ! defecation of heart contraction, shown by a slow pulse rate of
2. the amount of faeces passed through the anus less than 70 beats per minute
bowels /$balz/ plural noun same as bowel bradykinesia /!br'dka$ni%zi/ noun a condi-
bowels bradykinesia
Bowens disease /$binz d!zi%z/ noun a tion in which the someone walks slowly and
Bowens disease
form of carcinoma, appearing as red plaques on makes slow movements because of disease
the skin bradykinin /!br'd$kann/ noun a chemical
bradykinin
bow legs /!b $le1z/ noun a state where the produced in the blood when tissues are injured,
bow legs
ankles touch and the knees are apart when a per- that plays a role in inflammation. ! kinin
son is standing straight. Also called genu varum bradypnoea /!br'dp$ni%/ noun unusually
bradypnoea
Bowmans capsule /!bmnz $k'psju%l/ slow breathing

Bowmans capsule
noun the expanded end of a renal tubule, sur- Braille /brel/ noun a system of writing using
Braille
rounding a glomerular tuft in the kidney, which raised dots on the paper to indicate letters which
filters plasma in order to reabsorb useful food- a blind person can read by passing their fingers
stuffs and eliminate waste. Also called Mal- over the page ! The book has been published in
pighian glomerulus, glomerular capsule Braille. [Introduced 182930. After Louis Braille
[Described 1842. After Sir William Paget Bow- (180952), blind Frenchman and teacher of the
man (181692), surgeon in Birmingham and blind; he introduced the system which had origi-
later in London, who was a pioneer in work on nally been proposed by Charles Barbier in
the kidney and in ophthalmology.] 1820.]
BP abbreviation 1. blood pressure 2. British
BP
brain /bren/ noun the part of the central nervous

brain
Pharmacopoeia system situated inside the skull. Also called

BPH abbreviation benign prostatic hypertrophy
BPH
encephalon. See illustration at BRAIN in Supple-

Bq symbol becquerel ment
Bq
brace /bres/ noun any type of splint or appli- brain damage /$bren !d'md+/ noun damage
brace brain damage
ance worn for support, e.g. a metal support used caused to the brain as a result of oxygen and sugar
on childrens legs to make the bones straight or on deprivation, e.g. after a haemorrhage, accident, or
teeth which are forming badly ! She wore a though disease
brace on her front teeth. brain death /$bren de/ noun a condition in
brain death
brachi- /breki/ prefix same as brachio- (used

brachi-
which the nerves in the brain stem have died, and

before vowels) the person can be certified as dead, although the
brachial /$brekil/ adjective referring to the heart may not have stopped beating
brachial
arm, especially the upper arm brain haemorrhage /bren $hem()rd+/

brain haemorrhage
brachialis muscle /!breki$els !m.s()l/ noun same as cerebral haemorrhage

brachialis muscle
noun a muscle that causes the elbow to bend brain scan /$bren sk'n/ noun an examination
brain scan
brachio- /breki/ prefix referring to the arm of the inside of the brain, made by passing X-rays
brachio-
brain stem 38
through the head, using a scanner, and reconstitut- breast milk /$brest mlk/ noun the milk pro-
breast milk
ing the images on a computer monitor duced by a woman who has recently had a baby
brain stem /$bren stem/ noun the lower nar- breast palpation /$brest p'l!pe()n/ noun
brain stem breast palpation
row part of the brain which connects the brain to feeling a breast to see if a lump is present which
the spinal cord might indicate breast cancer
brain tumour /$bren !tju%m/ noun a tumour breast pump /$brest p.mp/ noun an instru-
brain tumour breast pump
which grows in the brain ment for taking milk from a breast
bran /br'n/ noun the outside covering of the
bran
breast reconstruction /$brest ri%kn

breast reconstruction
wheat seed, removed when making white flour, !str.k()n/ noun the construction of a new
but an important source of roughage in the diet breast for a woman who has had a breast removed
branchia /$br'ki/ noun a breathing organ because of cancer
branchia
similar to the gill of a fish found in human breath /bre/ noun air which goes in and out of
breath
embryos in the early stages of development the body when you breathe ! He ran so fast he
(NOTE: The plural is branchiae.) was out of breath. ! Stop for a moment to get
branchial /$br'kil/ adjective referring to the your breath back. ! She took a deep breath and
branchial
branchiae dived into the water.

branchial cyst /!br'kil $sst/ noun a cyst on breathe /bri%/ verb to take air in and blow air
branchial cyst breathe
the side of the neck of an embryo out through the nose or mouth ! The patient has
branchial pouch /!br'kil $pat/ noun a
branchial pouch
begun to breathe normally.
breath-holding attack /$bre !hld
breath-holding attack
pouch on the side of the neck of an embryo |
Brauns frame /!branz $frem/, Brauns

Brauns frame
!t'k/ noun a period when a young child stops
splint /!branz $splnt/ noun a metal splint and breathing, usually because he or she is angry
breathing /$bri%/ noun same as respiration
breathing
frame to which pulleys are attached, used for

holding up a fractured leg while the person is ! If breathing is difficult or has stopped, begin
lying in bed [After Heinrich Friedrich Wilhelm artificial ventilation immediately. (NOTE: For
Braun (18621934), German surgeon.] other terms referring to breathing see words
Braxton-Hicks contractions /!br'kstn
Braxton-Hicks contractions
beginning with pneum-, pneumo-, pneumat-,
$hks kn!tr'knz/ plural noun contractions of
|
pneumato-.)
breathlessness /$brelsns/ noun difficulty
breathlessness
the uterus which occur throughout a pregnancy

and become more frequent and stronger towards in breathing enough air
the end [After Dr Braxton-Hicks, 19th century breech /bri%t/ noun the buttocks, especially of
breech
British physician.] a baby " adjective describes a birth in which the

breakbone fever /$brekbn !fi%v/ noun baby is delivered buttocks first, not in the normal
breakbone fever
same as dengue head first position, or describes a buttocks-first

break down /!brek $dan/ verb 1. to experi-
break down
presentation
breech birth /$bri%t !b-%/, breech delivery
breech birth
ence a sudden physical or psychological illness

(informal) ! After she lost her husband, her /$bri%t d!lv()ri/ noun a birth in which the
|
health broke down. 2. to start to cry and become babys buttocks appear first rather than its head
upset (informal) ! She broke down as she breech presentation /bri%t !prez()n
breech presentation
described the symptoms to the doctor. 3. to split or $te()n/ noun a position of the baby in the
cause to split into smaller chemical components, uterus in which the buttocks will appear first dur-
as in the digestion of food ing childbirth
breast /brest/ noun one of two glands in a
breast
bregma /$bre1m/ noun the point at the top of

bregma
woman which secrete milk. Also called mamma the head where the soft gap between the bones of
(NOTE: For other terms referring to breasts, see a babys skull hardens
words beginning with mamm-, mammo-, bretylium tosylate /br!tlim $tslet/
bretylium tosylate
mast-, masto-.)
|
noun an agent used to block adrenergic transmit-

breastbone /$brestbn/ noun a bone which is
breastbone
ter release
in the centre of the front of the thorax and to bridge /brd+/ noun 1. the top part of the nose
bridge
which the ribs are connected. Also called ster- where it joins the forehead 2. an artificial tooth or
num set of teeth which is joined to natural teeth which
breast cancer /$brest !k'ns/ noun a malig-
breast cancer
hold it in place 3. a part joining two or more other

nant tumour in a breast parts
breast-fed /$brest fed/ adjective referring to a
breast-fed
Brights disease /$brats d!zi%z/ noun

Brights disease
baby which is fed from the mothers breasts ! She inflammation of the kidneys, characterised by
was breast-fed for the first two months. albuminuria and high blood pressure. Also called
breast implant /$brest !mpl%nt/ noun a sac glomerulonephritis [Described 1836. After
breast implant
containing silicone, implanted to improve the Richard Bright (17891858), physician at Guys
appearance of a breast Hospital, London, UK]
39 bronchopneumonia
British anti-lewisite /!brt !'nti$lu%sat/ bromism /$brmz()m/ noun chronic ill

British anti-lewisite bromism
noun an antidote for gases which cause blistering, health caused by excessive use of bromides
also used to treat cases of poisoning such as mer- bromocriptine /!brm$krpti%n/ noun a
bromocriptine
cury poisoning. Abbreviation BAL drug which functions like dopamine, used to treat
British Dental Association /!brt excessive lactation, breast pain, some forms of
British Dental Association
$dent()l ssi!e()n/ noun in the UK, a pro-

|
infertility, growth disorder and Parkinsons dis-
fessional association of dentists. Abbreviation ease
BDA bronch- /brk/, bronchi- /brki/ prefix same
bronch-
British Medical Association /!brt

British Medical Association
as broncho- (used before vowels)
$medk()l ssi!e()n/ noun in the UK, a bronchi /$brka/ plural of bronchus
bronchi
professional association of doctors. Abbreviation bronchial /$brkil/ adjective referring to the

bronchial
BMA bronchi
British National Formulary /!brt bronchial breath sounds /!brkil $bre
British National Formulary bronchial breath sounds
!n'()nl $f%mjlri/ noun a book listing key !sandz/ plural noun distinctive breath sounds
information on the prescribing, dispensing and from the lungs which help diagnosis
administration of prescription drugs used in the bronchiectasis /!brki$ektss/ noun a dis-
bronchiectasis
UK. Abbreviation BNF order of the bronchi which become wide, infected
British Pharmacopoeia /!brt !f%mk and filled with pus (NOTE: Bronchiectasis can
British Pharmacopoeia
$pi%/ noun a book listing drugs approved in the lead to pneumonia.)

UK and their dosages. Abbreviation BP bronchio- /brki/ prefix referring to the
bronchio-
brittle bone disease /!brt()l $bn d!zi%z/ bronchioles

brittle bone disease
noun 1. same as osteogenesis imperfecta 2. bronchiolar /!brki$l/ adjective referring

bronchiolar
same as osteoporosis to the bronchioles

broad /br%d/ adjective wide in relation to bronchiole /$brkil/ noun a very small air
broad bronchiole
length tube in the lungs leading from a bronchus to the

Broadbents sign /$br%dbents san/ noun a
Broadbents sign
alveoli. See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement
bronchiolitis /!brki$lats/ noun inflam-
bronchiolitis
movement of someones left side near the lower |
ribs at each beat of the heart, indicating adhesion mation of the bronchioles, usually in small chil-
between the diaphragm and pericardium in cases dren
of pericarditis [After Sir William Henry Broad- bronchitic /br$ktk/ adjective referring to
bronchitic
bent (18351907), British physician.] bronchitis

broad-spectrum antibiotic /!br%d bronchitis /br$kats/ noun inflammation of
broad-spectrum antibiotic bronchitis
!spektrm !'ntiba$tk/ noun an antibiotic

| the mucous membrane of the bronchi
used to control many types of microorganism broncho- /brk/ prefix referring to the
broncho-
Brocas aphasia /!brkz $fezi/ noun a windpipe

Brocas aphasia
condition in which someone is unable to speak or bronchoconstrictor /!brkkn$strkt/

bronchoconstrictor
| |
write, as a result of damage to Brocas area noun a drug which narrows the bronchi
Brocas area /$brkz !eri/ noun an area on bronchodilator /!brkda$let/ noun a
Brocas area bronchodilator
the left side of the brain which governs the motor drug which makes the bronchi wider, used in the
aspects of speaking [Described 1861. After treatment of asthma and allergy (NOTE: Bron-
Pierre Henri Paul Broca (182480), French sur- chodilators usually have names ending in -terol;
geon and anthropologist. A pioneer of neurosur- however, the most common bronchodilator is
gery, he also invented various instruments, salbutamol.)
described muscular dystrophy before Duch- bronchography /br$k1rfi/ noun an X-
bronchography
enne, and recognised rickets as a nutritional dis- ray examination of the lungs after an opaque sub-
order before Virchow.] stance has been put into the bronchi
Brodies abscess /!brdiz $'bses/ noun an
Brodies abscess
bronchomediastinal trunk /!brk

bronchomediastinal trunk
abscess of a bone, caused by staphylococcal mi%di!stan()l $tr.k/ noun the set of lymph
|
osteomyelitis [Described 1832. After Sir Ben- nodes draining part of the chest
jamin Collins Brodie (17831862), British sur- bronchomycosis
bronchomycosis
/!brkma$kss/ | |
geon.] noun an infection of the bronchi by a fungus

bromhidrosis /!brmh$drss/ noun a con-
bromhidrosis
bronchophony /br$kfni/ noun vibrations

bronchophony
|
|
dition in which body sweat has an unpleasant of the voice heard over the lungs, indicating solid-
smell ification in the lungs
bromide /$brmad/ noun a bromine salt
bromide
bronchopleural /!brk$plrl/ adjective

bronchopleural
(NOTE: Bromides are used as sedatives.) referring to a bronchus and the pleura
bromine /$brmi%n/ noun a chemical element bronchopneumonia /!brknju%$mni/
bromine bronchopneumonia
| |
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is Br.) noun an infectious inflammation of the bronchi-
bronchopulmonary 40
oles, which may lead to general infection of the bruised /bru%zd/ adjective painful after a blow
bruised
lungs or showing the marks of a bruise ! a badly

bronchopulmonary /!brk$p.lmn()ri/ bruised leg
bronchopulmonary
adjective referring to the bronchi and the lungs bruising /$bru%z/ noun an area of bruises !
bruising
bronchorrhoea /!brk$ri%/ noun the The baby has bruising on the back and legs.
bronchorrhoea
secretion of mucus by the bronchi bruit /bru%t/ noun an unusual noise heard
bruit
bronchoscope /$brkskp/ noun an

bronchoscope
through a stethoscope
instrument which is passed down the trachea into Brunners glands /$brnz !1l'ndz/ plural
Brunners glands
the lungs, which a doctor can use to inspect the noun glands in the duodenum and jejunum
inside passages of the lungs [Described 1687. After Johann Konrad Brunner
bronchoscopy /br$kskpi/ noun an exam-
bronchoscopy
| (16531727), Swiss anatomist at Heidelberg,

ination of a persons bronchi using a broncho- then at Strasbourg.]
scope bruxism /$br.ksz()m/ noun the action of
bruxism
bronchospasm /$brksp'z()m/ noun a

bronchospasm
grinding the teeth, as a habit

tightening of the bronchial muscles which causes
BSE abbreviation bovine spongiform encepha-
BSE
the tubes to contract, as in asthma

lopathy
bronchospirometry /!brkspa$rmtri/
bronchospirometry
bubo /$bju%b/ noun a swelling of a lymph

| | bubo
noun a procedure for measuring the volume of the

lungs node in the groin or armpit
bubonic plague /bju%!bnk $ple1/ noun a
bubonic plague
bronchostenosis /!brkste$nss/ noun

bronchostenosis
|
| |
an unusual constriction of the bronchial tubes usually fatal infectious disease caused by Yersinia
pestis in the lymph system, transmitted to humans
bronchotracheal /!brktr$ki%l/ adjec-
bronchotracheal
|
by fleas from rats
tive referring to the bronchi and the trachea
buccal /$b.k()l/ adjective referring to the
buccal
bronchus /$brks/ noun one of the two air

bronchus
cheek or mouth
passages leading from the trachea into the lungs,
buccinator /$b.ksnet/ noun a cheek muscle
buccinator
where they split into many bronchioles. See illus-

tration at LUNGS in Supplement (NOTE: The plu- which helps the jaw to move when chewing
ral is bronchi.) BuddChiari syndrome /!b.d k$eri
BuddChiari syndrome
bronze diabetes /!brnz da$bi%ti%z/ noun !sndrm/ noun a disease of the liver, where
bronze diabetes
same as haemochromatosis thrombosis has occurred in the hepatic veins

Broviac catheter /$brvi'k !k't/ noun a
Broviac catheter
[Described 1845. After George Budd (180882),
type of thin catheter used to insert into a vein Professor of Medicine at Kings College Hospi-
tal, London; Hans von Chiari (18511916), Vien-
brow /bra/ noun same as eyebrow
brow
nese pathologist who was Professor of Patho-

brown fat /!bran $f't/ noun dark-coloured
brown fat
logical Anatomy at Strasbourg and later at

body fat that can easily be converted to energy Prague.]
and helps to control body temperature budesonide /bju%$desnad/ noun a corticos-
budesonide
Brown-Squard syndrome /!bran $sek%

Brown-Squard syndrome
teroid drug taken by inhalation or in tablets, used

!sndrm/ noun a condition in which the spinal in the treatment of hay fever and nasal polyps
cord has been partly severed or compressed, with
Buergers disease /$b-%1z d!zi%z/ noun
Buergers disease
the result that the lower half of the body is para-

|
same as thromboangiitis obliterans [Described

lysed on one side and loses feeling in the other
1908. After Leo Buerger (18791943), New York
side [Described 1851. After Charles Edouard
physician of Viennese origin.]
Brown-Squard (181794), French physiolo-
buffer /$b.f/ noun a substance that keeps a con-
buffer
gist.]
brucellosis /!bru%s$lss/ noun a disease
brucellosis
stant balance between acid and alkali " verb to
prevent a solution from becoming acid
|
which can be caught from cattle or goats or from

buffer action /$b.fr !'kn/ noun the balanc-
buffer action
drinking infected milk, spread by a species of the

bacterium Brucella. The symptoms include tired- ing process between acid and alkali
ness, arthritis, headache, sweating, irritability and buffered /$b.fd/ adjective prevented from
buffered
swelling of the spleen. Also called abortus becoming acid ! buffered aspirin
fever, Malta fever, mountain fever, undulant
bug /b.1/ noun an infectious disease (informal)
bug
fever
! He caught a bug on holiday. ! Half the staff
bruise /bru%z/ noun a dark painful area on the
bruise
have got a stomach bug.

skin, where blood has escaped under the skin fol-
bulb /b.lb/ noun a round part at the end of an
bulb
lowing a blow. ! black eye " verb to cause a

bruise on part of the body ! She bruised her knee organ or bone
on the corner of the table. # she bruises easily bulbar /$b.lb/ adjective 1. referring to a bulb 2.
bulbar
even a soft blow will give her a bruise referring to the medulla oblongata
41 byssinosis
bulbospongiosus muscle /!b.lbsp.nd+i Burkitts tumour /!b-%kts $tju%m/, Burkitts

bulbospongiosus muscle Burkitts tumour
| |
$ss !m.sl/ noun a muscle in the perineum lymphoma /!b-%kts lm$fm/ noun a malig-
|
behind the penis nant tumour, usually on the maxilla, found espe-
bulbourethral gland /!b.lbj$ri%rl
bulbourethral gland
|
cially in children in Africa [Described 1957.
!1l'nd/ noun one of two glands at the base of the After Denis Parsons Burkitt (191193), formerly
penis which secrete into the urethra. ! gland Senior Surgeon, Kampala, Uganda; later a
member of the Medical Research Council (UK).]
bulimia /bu$lmi/, bulimia nervosa /bu!lmi
bulimia
burn /b-%n/ noun an injury to skin and tissue

| | burn
n$vs/ noun a psychological condition in

caused by light, heat, radiation, electricity or
|
which a person eats too much and is incapable of

controlling his or her eating. The eating is fol- chemicals " verb to harm or destroy something
lowed by behaviour designed to prevent weight by fire ! She burnt her hand on the hot frying
gain, e.g. vomiting, use of laxatives or excessive pan. ! Most of his hair or his skin was burnt off.
exercise. (NOTE: burning burnt or burned)
burning /$b-%n/ adjective referring to a feel-
burning
bulla /$bl/ noun a large blister (NOTE: The plu-

bulla
ing similar to that of being hurt by fire ! She had

ral is bullae.)
a burning pain or in her chest.
bumetanide /bju%$metnad/ noun a drug
bumetanide
burr /b-%/ noun a bit used with a drill to make

burr
|
which helps a patient to produce urine, used in the holes in a bone such as the cranium or in a tooth
treatment of swelling caused by fluid accumulat-
bursa /$b-%s/ noun a sac containing fluid, form-
bursa
ing in the tissues

ing part of the usual structure of a joint such as the
bumper fracture /$b.mp !fr'kt/ noun a
bumper fracture
knee and elbow, where it protects against frequent

fracture in the upper part of the tibia (NOTE: It has pressure and rubbing (NOTE: The plural is bur-
this name because it can be caused by a blow sae.)
from the bumper of a car.)
bursitis /b-%$sats/ noun the inflammation of a
bursitis
bundle branch block /$b.nd()l br%nt

bundle branch block
bursa, especially in the shoulder

!blk/ noun an unusual condition of the hearts Buscopan /$b.skp'n/ a trade name for a
Buscopan
conduction tissue form of hyoscine

bundle of His /!b.nd()l v $hs/ noun same as
bundle of His
butobarbitone /!bju%t$b%btn/ noun a

butobarbitone
atrioventricular bundle [Described 1893. After barbiturate drug used as a sedative and hypnotic
Ludwig His (18631934), Professor of Anatomy
buttock /$b.tk/ noun one of the two fleshy
buttock
successively at Leipzig, Basle, Gttingen and

Berlin.]
parts below the back, on which a person sits,
made up mainly of the gluteal muscles. Also
bunion /$b.njn/ noun an inflammation and
bunion
called nates
swelling of the big toe, caused by tight shoes buttonhole surgery /$b.t()nhl !s-%d+ri/
buttonhole surgery
which force the toe sideways so that a callus noun a surgical operation through a small hole in
develops over the joint between the toe and the the body, using an endoscope
metatarsal
bypass /$bap%s/ noun 1. a surgical operation
bypass
buphthalmos /b.f$'lms/ noun a type of

buphthalmos
|
to redirect the blood, usually using a grafted
congenital glaucoma occurring in infants blood vessel and usually performed when one of
bupivacaine /bju%$pvken/ noun a powerful
bupivacaine
| the persons own blood vessels is blocked 2. a

local anaesthetic, used in epidural anaesthesia new route for the blood created by a bypass oper-
buprenorphine /bju%$prenfi%n/ noun an opi-
buprenorphine
|
ation
ate drug used in the relief of moderate to severe byssinosis /!bs$nss/ noun a lung disease
byssinosis
pain, and as an opioid substitute in treating drug which is a form of pneumoconiosis caused by
addiction inhaling cotton dust
C
c symbol centi- caisson disease /$kes()n d!zi%z/ noun a
c caisson disease
C symbol Celsius
C
condition in which a person experiences pains in
the joints and stomach, and dizziness caused by
CABG abbreviation coronary artery bypass graft
CABG
nitrogen in the blood. Also called the bends,

cachet /$k'e/ noun a quantity of a drug
cachet
compressed air sickness, decompression

wrapped in paper, to be swallowed sickness
cachexia /k'$keksi/ noun a state of ill health
cachexia
calamine /$k'lman/, calamine lotion

calamine
|
characterised by wasting and general weakness /$k'lman !l()n/ noun a lotion, based on
cadaver /k$d'v/ noun a dead body, espe- zinc oxide, which helps relieve skin irritation,
cadaver
cially one used for dissection caused e.g. by sunburn or chickenpox

calc- /k'lk/ prefix same as calci- (used before
calc-
cadaveric /k$d'vrk/, cadaverous /k

cadaveric
| |
$d'v()rs/ adjective referring to a person who is vowels)

thin or wasting away calcaemia /k'l$si%mi/ noun a condition in
calcaemia
caecal /$si%k()l/ adjective referring to the cae-

caecal
which the blood contains an unusually large
cum amount of calcium
calcaneal /k'l$kenil/ adjective referring to
calcaneal
caecosigmoidostomy /!si%k!s1m
caecosigmoidostomy
|
| |
$dstmi/ noun an operation to open up a con- the calcaneus

nection between the caecum and the sigmoid calcaneus /k'l$kenis/, calcaneum /k'l
calcaneus
| |
colon $kenim/ noun the heel bone, situated under-

caecostomy /si%$kstmi/ noun a surgical
caecostomy
|
neath the talus. See illustration at FOOT in Sup-
operation to make an opening between the cae- plement
cum and the abdominal wall to allow faeces to be calcareous degeneration /k'l!keris d
calcareous degeneration
| |
passed without going through the rectum and !d+en$re()n/ noun the formation of calcium
|
anus on bones or at joints in old age

caecum /$si%km/ noun the wider part of the calci- /k'ls/ prefix referring to calcium
caecum calci-
large intestine in the lower right-hand side of the calcification /!k'lsf$ke()n/ noun a proc-
calcification
abdomen at the point where the small intestine ess of hardening caused by the formation of
joins it and which has the appendix attached to it. deposits of calcium salts
See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supple- calcified /$k'lsfad/ adjective made hard !
calcified
ment. Also called cecum (NOTE: The plural is Bone is calcified connective tissue.
caeca.)
calcinosis /!k'ls$nss/ noun a medical con-
calcinosis
caesarean /s$zerin/, caesarean section

caesarean |
|
dition where deposits of calcium salts form in
/s$zerin !sekn/ noun a surgical operation to
|
joints, muscles and organs
deliver a baby by cutting through the abdominal
calcitonin /!k'ls$tnn/ noun a hormone
calcitonin
wall into the uterus. Compare vaginal delivery |
produced by the thyroid gland, which is believed

caesium /$si%zim/ noun a radioactive element,
caesium
to regulate the level of calcium in the blood. Also

used in treatment by radiation (NOTE: The chem- called thyrocalcitonin
ical symbol is Cs.)
calcium /$k'lsim/ noun a metallic chemical
calcium
caesium-137 /!si%zim w.n ri% $sev()n/

caesium-137
element which is a major component of bones and

noun a radioactive substance used in radiology teeth and which is essential for various bodily
caf au lait spots /!k'fe $le spts/ plural
caf au lait spots
processes such as blood clotting (NOTE: The

noun brown spots on the skin, which are an indi- chemical symbol is Ca.)
cation of von Recklinghausens disease calcium antagonist /$k'lsim 'n!t'1nst/
calcium antagonist
caffeine /$k'fi%n/ noun an alkaloid found in noun a drug which makes the arteries wider and
caffeine
coffee, tea and chocolate, which acts as a stimu- slows the heart rate. It is used in the treatment of
lant angina.
43 canthoplasty
calcium channel blocker /$k'lsim Campylobacter /$k'mpl!b'kt/ noun a

calcium channel blocker Campylobacter
!t'n()l !blk/, calcium blocker /$k'lsim bacterium which is a common cause of food poi-
!blk/ noun a drug which affects the smooth soning in humans and of spontaneous abortion in
muscle of the cardiovascular system, used in the farm animals
treatment of angina and hypertension (NOTE: Cal- canal /k$n'l/ noun a tube along which some-
canal
cium channel blockers have names ending in thing flows

-dipine: nifedipine. Not to be used in heart fail-
canaliculitis /!k'nlkj$lats/ noun inflam-
canaliculitis
ure as they reduce cardiac function further.)

|
mation of the tear duct canal

calculosis /!k'lkj$lss/ noun a condition
calculosis
canaliculus /!k'n$lkjls/ noun a little

canaliculus
|
in which calculi exist in an organ

|
canal, e.g. a canal leading to the Haversian sys-

calculus /$k'lkjls/ noun a hard mass like a
calculus
tems in compact bone, or a canal leading to the

little piece of stone, which forms inside the body. lacrimal duct (NOTE: The plural is canaliculi.)
Also called stone (NOTE: The plural is calculi.) cancellous bone /$k'nsls !bn/ noun a
cancellous bone
CaldwellLuc operation /!k%ldwel $lu%k

CaldwellLuc operation
light spongy bone tissue which forms the inner

p!re()n/ noun a surgical operation to drain
|
core of a bone and also the ends of long bones.
the maxillary sinus by making an incision above See illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in Supple-
the canine tooth [Described 1893. After George ment
Walter Caldwell (18341918), US physician;
cancer /$k'ns/ noun a malignant growth or
cancer
Henri Luc (18551925), French laryngologist.]

tumour which develops in tissue and destroys it,
calibrator /$k'lbret/ noun an instrument
calibrator
which can spread by metastasis to other parts of

used to enlarge a tube or passage the body and which cannot be controlled by the
caliectasis /!keli$ektss/ noun swelling of body itself ! Cancer cells developed in the
caliectasis
the calyces lymph. ! She has been diagnosed as having lung

callisthenic /!k'ls$enk/ adjective relating
callisthenic
|
cancer or as having cancer of the lung. (NOTE:
to callisthenics For other terms referring to cancer, see words
beginning with carcin-.)
callisthenics /!k'ls$enks/ plural noun ener-
callisthenics
cancerophobia /!k'nsr$fbi/ noun a

| cancerophobia
getic physical exercises for improving fitness and |
muscle tone, including push-ups, sit-ups and star fear of cancer

cancer phobia /$k'ns !fbi/ noun same as
cancer phobia
jumps
callosity /k$lsti/ noun a hard patch on the
callosity
|
cancerophobia
cancrum oris /!k'krm $%rs/ noun severe
cancrum oris
skin, e.g. a corn, resulting from frequent pressure

or rubbing. Also called callus ulcers in the mouth, leading to gangrene. Also
callus /$k'ls/ noun 1. same as callosity 2. tis-
callus
called noma
candidiasis /!k'nd$dass/, candidosis
candidiasis
sue which forms round a broken bone as it starts |
to mend, leading to consolidation ! Callus for- /!k'nd$dss/ noun infection with a species of
|
mation is more rapid in children and young adults the fungus Candida
than in elderly people. canicola fever /k$nkl !fi%v/ noun a form
canicola fever
calor /$k'l/ noun heat of leptospirosis, giving high fever and jaundice
calor
canine /$kenan/, canine tooth /$kenan

canine
caloric /k$lrk/ adjective referring to calories

caloric
or to heat !tu%/ noun a pointed tooth next to an incisor. See

calorie /$k'lri/ noun 1. a unit of measurement
calorie
illustration at TEETH in Supplement
canities /k$nii%z/ noun a loss of pigments,
canities
of heat or energy, equivalent to the amount of heat |
needed to raise the temperature of 1g of water by which makes the hair turn white
1C. Now called joule 2. also Calorie a unit of cannabis /$k'nbs/ noun a drug made from
cannabis
measurement of energy in food (informal) ! a the dried leaves or flowers of the Indian hemp
low-calorie diet Now called joule # to count cal- plant. Recreational use of cannabis is illegal and
ories to be careful about how much you eat its use to relieve the pain associated with condi-
calvaria /k'l$veri/, calvarium /k'l
calvaria
| |
tions such as multiple sclerosis is controversial.
$verim/ noun the top part of the skull Also called hashish, marijuana
cannula /$k'njl/ noun a tube with a trocar or
cannula
calyx /$kelks/ noun a part of the body shaped

calyx
like a cup especially the tube leading to a renal blunt needle inside, inserted into the body to
pyramid. See illustration at KIDNEY in Supple- introduce fluids
ment (NOTE: The plural is calyces.) canthal /$k'nl/ adjective referring to the cor-
canthal
CAM /!si% e $em/ abbreviation complementary

CAM
ner of the eye
and alternative medicine cantholysis /k'n$lss/ noun same as can-
cantholysis
camphor /$k'mf/ noun white crystals with a

camphor
thoplasty
strong smell, made from a tropical tree, used to canthoplasty /$k'npl'sti/ noun 1. an oper-
canthoplasty
keep insects away or as a liniment ation to repair the canthus of the eye 2. an opera-
canthus 44
tion to cut through the canthus to enlarge the vulsions. It is used in the treatment of epilepsy,
groove in the eyelid pain and bipolar disorder.
canthus /$k'ns/ noun a corner of the eye carbenoxolone /!k%b$nksln/ noun a
canthus carbenoxolone
cap /k'p/ noun 1. a covering which protects

cap
liquorice agent, used to treat stomach ulcers
carbidopa /!k%b$dp/ noun an inhibitor
carbidopa
something 2. an artificial hard covering for a |
damaged or broken tooth used to enable levodopa to enter the brain in

CAPD abbreviation continuous ambulatory peri-
CAPD
larger quantities in the treatment of Parkinsons
toneal dialysis disease
carbimazole /k%$bmzl/ noun a drug
carbimazole
capeline bandage /$k'plan !b'ndd+/

capeline bandage
|
which helps to prevent the formation of thyroid

noun a bandage shaped like a cap, either for the
hormones, used in the management of hyperthy-
head, or to cover a stump after amputation
roidism
capillary /k$plri/ noun a tiny blood vessel
capillary
carbohydrate /!k%b$hadret/ noun 1. a

carbohydrate
|
between the arterioles and the venules, which car-

|
biological compound containing carbon, hydro-

ries blood and nutrients into the tissues gen and oxygen. Carbohydrates derive from sugar
capita /$k'pt/ plural of caput
capita
and are an important source of food and energy. 2.

capitate /$k'ptet/, capitate bone /$k'ptet food containing carbohydrates ! high carbohy-
capitate
!bn/ noun the largest of the eight small carpal drate drinks
bones in the wrist. See illustration at HAND in carbolic acid /k%!blk $'sd/ noun same as
carbolic acid
Supplement phenol
capitellum /!k'p$telm/ noun a rounded carbon /$k%bn/ noun one of the common non-
capitellum carbon
enlarged part at the end of a bone, especially this metallic elements, an essential component of liv-
part of the upper arm bone, the humerus, that ing matter and organic chemical compounds
forms the elbow joint with one of the lower bones, (NOTE: The chemical symbol is C.)
the radius. Also called capitulum of humerus carbon dioxide /!k%bn da$ksad/ noun a
carbon dioxide
(NOTE: The plural is capitella.) colourless gas produced by the bodys metabo-
capitulum /k$ptjlm/ noun the rounded end lism as the tissues burn carbon, and breathed out
capitulum
of a bone which articulates with another bone, by the lungs as waste (NOTE: The chemical sym-
e.g. the distal end of the humerus (NOTE: The plu- bol is CO2.)
ral is capitula.) carbon dioxide snow /!k%bn da!ksad
carbon dioxide snow
capitulum of humerus /k!ptjlm v $sn/ noun solid carbon dioxide, used in treating
capitulum of humerus
$hju%mrs/ noun same as capitellum skin growths such as warts, or to preserve tissue
caplet /$k'plt/ noun a small oblong tablet with
caplet
samples
carbonic anhydrase /k%!bnk 'n
carbonic anhydrase
a covering that dissolves easily and which usually | |
cannot be broken in two $hadrez/ noun an enzyme which acts as a buffer

and regulates the bodys water balance, including
capsular /$k'psjl/ adjective referring to a
capsular
gastric acid secretion and aqueous humour pro-

capsule
duction
capsule /$k'psju%l/ noun 1. a membrane round
capsule
carbon monoxide /!k%bn m$nksad/

carbon monoxide
an organ or joint 2. a small hollow digestible case

|
noun a poisonous gas found in fumes from car

filled with a drug that is taken by swallowing ! engines, from burning gas and cigarette smoke
She swallowed three capsules of painkiller. ! The (NOTE: The chemical symbol is CO.)
doctor prescribed the drug in capsule form.
carboxyhaemoglobin /k%!bksihi%m
carboxyhaemoglobin
capsulectomy /!k'psj$lektmi/ noun the

capsulectomy | | |
|
$1lbn/ noun a compound of carbon monoxide
surgical removal of the capsule round a joint and haemoglobin formed when a person breathes
capsulitis /!k'psj$lats/ noun inflammation
capsulitis
| in carbon monoxide from tobacco smoke or car

of a capsule exhaust fumes
capsulotomy /!k'psj$ltmi/ noun a surgi- carboxyhaemoglobinaemia /k%
capsulotomy carboxyhaemoglobinaemia
| |
cal procedure involving cutting into the capsule !bksihi%m!1lb$ni%mi/ noun the presence
| |
around a body part, e.g. cutting into the lens of the of carboxyhaemoglobin in the blood
eye during the removal of a cataract carbuncle /$k%b.kl/ noun a localised sta-
carbuncle
captopril /$k'ptprl/ noun a drug which helps phylococcal infection, which goes deep into the
captopril
to prevent the arteries from being made narrower tissue

by an angiotensin. It is used to control high blood carcin- /k%sn/ prefix same as carcino- (used
carcin-
pressure. before vowels)

caput /$k'pt/ noun the head (NOTE: The plural carcino- /k%sn/ prefix referring to carcinoma
caput carcino-
is capita.) or cancer
carbamazepine /!k%b$m'zpi%n/ noun a carcinogen /k%$snd+n/ noun a substance
carbamazepine carcinogen
| |
drug which reduces pain and helps to prevent con- which produces a carcinoma or cancer
45 cardiography
carcinogenesis /!k%sn$d+enss/ noun the cardiac index /!k%di'k $ndeks/ noun the
carcinogenesis cardiac index
process of forming a carcinoma in tissue cardiac output per square metre of body surface,
carcinogenic /!k%sn$d+enk/ adjective
carcinogenic
|
usually between 3.1 and 3.8l/min/m2 (litres per
causing a carcinoma or cancer minute per square metre)
cardiac infarction noun same as myocardial
cardiac infarction
carcinoid /$k%snd/, carcinoid tumour

carcinoid
/$k%snd !tju%m/ noun an intestinal tumour, infarction

especially in the appendix, which causes diar- cardiac monitor /!k%di'k $mnt/ noun
cardiac monitor
rhoea same as electrocardiograph

carcinoma /!k%s$nm/ noun a cancer of
carcinoma
cardiac murmur /!k%di'k $m-%m/ noun

cardiac murmur
|
the epithelium or glands same as heart murmur

carcinomatosis /!k%snm$tss/ noun a
carcinomatosis
cardiac muscle /$k%di'k !m.s()l/ noun a

cardiac muscle
|
carcinoma which has spread to many sites in the muscle in the heart which makes the heart beat
body
cardiac neurosis /!k%di'k nj$rss/ noun
cardiac neurosis
carcinomatous /!k%s$nmts/ adjective

carcinomatous
|
same as disordered action of the heart
referring to carcinoma
cardiac notch /!k%di'k $nt/ noun 1. a
cardiac notch
carcinosarcoma /!k%sns%$km/ noun

carcinosarcoma
|
point in the left lung, where the right inside wall
a malignant tumour containing elements of both a is bent. See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement
carcinoma and a sarcoma 2. a notch at the point where the oesophagus joins
cardia /$k%di/ noun an opening at the top of
cardia
the greater curvature of the stomach

the stomach which joins it to the gullet cardiac orifice /!k%di'k $rfs/ noun an
cardiac orifice
cardiac /$k%di'k/ adjective referring to the

cardiac
opening where the oesophagus joins the stomach

heart cardiac output /!k%di'k $atpt/ noun the
cardiac output
cardiac achalasia /!k%di'k !'k$lezi/

cardiac achalasia
|
volume of blood expelled by each ventricle in a
noun a condition in which the patient is unable to specific time, usually between 4.8 and 5.3l/min
relax the cardia, the muscle at the entrance to the (litres per minute)
stomach, with the result that food cannot enter the cardiac pacemaker /!k%di'k $pesmek/
cardiac pacemaker
stomach. ! cardiomyotomy noun an electronic device implanted on a

cardiac arrest /!k%di'k $rest/ noun a condi-
cardiac arrest
|
patients heart, or which a patient wears attached
tion in which the heart muscle stops beating to the chest, which stimulates and regulates the
cardiac asthma /!k%di'k $'sm/ noun diffi-
cardiac asthma
heartbeat
culty in breathing caused by heart failure cardiac reflex /!k%di'k $ri%fleks/ noun the
cardiac reflex
cardiac catheter /!k%di'k $k't/ noun a

cardiac catheter
reflex which controls the heartbeat automatically

catheter passed through a vein into the heart, to cardiac surgery /!k%di'k $s-%d+ri/ noun
cardiac surgery
take blood samples, to record pressure or to exam- surgery to the heart

ine the interior of the heart before surgery
cardiac tamponade /!k%di'k !t'mp$ned/
cardiac tamponade
cardiac catheterisation /!k%di'k

cardiac catheterisation |
noun pressure on the heart when the pericardial

!k'tra$ze()n/ noun a procedure which
|
cavity fills with blood. Also called heart tam-
involves passing a catheter into the heart ponade
cardiac cirrhosis /!k%di'k s$rss/ noun
cardiac cirrhosis
cardiac vein /$k%di'k ven/ noun one of the

cardiac vein
|
cirrhosis of the liver caused by heart disease veins which lead from the myocardium to the
cardiac compression /!k%di'k km
cardiac compression
|
right atrium
$pre()n/ noun the compression of the heart by
cardinal /!k%dn()l $n.mb/ adjective most
cardinal
fluid in the pericardium

important
cardiac conducting system /!k%di'k kn
cardiac conducting system
cardinal ligaments /!k%dn()l $l1mnts/

| cardinal ligaments
$d.kt !sstm/ noun the nerve system in the

plural noun ligaments forming a band of connec-
heart which links an atrium to a ventricle, so that
the two beat at the same rate tive tissue that extends from the uterine cervix and
vagina to the pelvic walls. Also called Macken-
cardiac cycle /!k%di'k $sak()l/ noun the
cardiac cycle
rodts ligaments
repeated beating of the heart, formed of the dias-
cardio- /k%di/ prefix referring to the heart
cardio-
tole and systole

cardiogenic /!k%di$d+enk/ adjective result-
cardiogenic
cardiac decompression /!k%di'k !di%km

cardiac decompression
|
|
$pre()n/ noun the removal of a haematoma or ing from activity or disease of the heart
cardiogram /$k%di1r'm/ noun a graph
cardiogram
constriction of the heart

cardiac failure /!k%di'k $felj/ noun same
cardiac failure
showing the heartbeat, produced by a cardiograph
cardiograph /$k%di1r%f/ noun an instru-
cardiograph
as heart failure
cardiac glycoside /!k%di'k $1laksad/
cardiac glycoside
ment which records the heartbeat
noun a drug used in the treatment of tachycardia cardiography /!k%di$1rfi/ noun the action
cardiography
and atrial fibrillation, e.g. digoxin of recording the heartbeat

cardiologist 46
cardiologist /!k%di$ld+st/ noun a doctor cardiovascular /!k%di$v'skjl/ adjec-

cardiologist cardiovascular
| |
who specialises in the study of the heart tive referring to the heart and the blood circulation
cardiology /!k%di$ld+i/ noun the study of
cardiology
|
system
the heart, its diseases and functions cardiovascular disease /!k%di$v'skjl
cardiovascular disease
cardiomegaly /!k%di$me1li/ noun an

cardiomegaly
|
d!zi%z/ noun any disease which affects the circu-
|
enlarged heart latory system, e.g. hypertension

cardiovascular system /!k%di$v'skjl
cardiovascular system
cardiomyopathy /!k%dima$pi/ noun a

cardiomyopathy
|
|
disease of the heart muscle !sstm/ noun the system of organs and blood
cardiomyoplasty /!k%di$ma!pl'sti/
cardiomyoplasty
vessels by means of which the blood circulates
round the body and which includes the heart,
| |
noun an operation to improve the functioning of

the heart, by using the latissimus dorsi as a stim- arteries and veins
cardioversion /!k%di$v-%()n/ noun a pro-
cardioversion
ulant |
cardiomyotomy /!k%dima$tmi/ noun

cardiomyotomy
cedure to correct an irregular heartbeat by apply-
ing an electrical impulse to the chest wall. ! defi-
|
an operation to treat cardiac achalasia by splitting

brillation
the ring of muscles where the oesophagus joins
carditis /k%$dats/ noun inflammation of the
carditis
the stomach. Also called Hellers operation |
cardiopathy /!k%di$pi/ noun any kind of

cardiopathy
|
connective tissue of the heart
care pathway /$ke !p%we/ noun the entire
care pathway
heart disease
cardiophone /$k%difn/ noun a micro-
cardiophone
process of diagnosis, treatment and care that a
phone attached to a patient to record sounds, usu- patient goes through
care plan /$ke pl'n/ noun a plan drawn up by
care plan
ally used to record the heart of an unborn baby

cardioplegia /!k%di$pli%d+i/ noun the
cardioplegia
the nursing staff for the treatment of an individual
patient
|
stopping of a patients heart, by chilling it or using

caries /$keri%z/ noun decay in a tooth or bone
caries
drugs, so that heart surgery can be performed

carina /k$ri%n/ noun a structure shaped like
carina
cardiopulmonary /!k%di$p.lmn()ri/
cardiopulmonary
|
|
adjective relating to both the heart and the lungs the bottom of a boat, e.g. the cartilage at the point
cardiopulmonary
cardiopulmonary bypass
bypass /!k%di |
where the trachea branches into the bronchi
cariogenic /!keri$d+enk/ adjective refer-
cariogenic
!p.lmn()ri $bap%s/ noun a machine or |
method for artificially circulating the patients ring to a substance which causes caries
blood during open-heart surgery. The heart and carminative /$k%mntv/ noun a substance
carminative
lungs are cut off from the circulation and replaced which relieves colic or indigestion " adjective
by a pump. relieving colic or indigestion
cardiopulmonary resuscitation /!k%di carneous mole /!k%nis $ml/ noun matter
cardiopulmonary resuscitation carneous mole
!p.lmn()ri r!s.s$te()n/ noun an emer-

| | in the uterus after the death of a fetus
gency technique to make a persons heart start carotenaemia /!k'rt$ni%mi/ noun an
carotenaemia
beating again. It involves clearing the airways and excessive amount of carotene in the blood, usu-
then alternately pressing on the chest and breath- ally as a result of eating too many carrots or toma-
ing into the mouth. Abbreviation CPR toes, which gives the skin a yellow colour. Also
cardiopulmonary system /!k%di called xanthaemia
cardiopulmonary system
$p.lmn()ri !sstm/ noun the heart and lungs carotene /$k'rti%n/ noun an orange or red pig-
carotene
considered together as a functional unit ment in carrots, egg yolk and some oils, which is
cardioscope /$k%diskp/ noun an instru- converted by the liver into vitamin A
cardioscope
ment formed of a tube with a light at the end, used carotid /k$rtd/, carotid artery /k!rtd
carotid
| |
to inspect the inside of the heart $%tri/ noun either of the two large arteries in the
cardiospasm /$k%disp'z()m/ noun same neck which supply blood to the head
cardiospasm
as cardiac achalasia carotid artery thrombosis /k!rtd !%tri

carotid artery thrombosis
cardiothoracic /!k%di$r'sk/ adjective rm$bss/ noun the formation of a blood clot

cardiothoracic
| |
referring to the heart and the chest region ! a car- in the carotid artery
diothoracic surgeon carp- /k%p/ prefix same as carpo- (used before
carp-
cardiotocography /!k%dit$k1rfi/ vowels)

cardiotocography
| |
noun the recording of the heartbeat of a fetus carpal /$k%p()l/ adjective referring to the wrist
carpal
cardiotomy /!k%di$tmi/ noun an operation

cardiotomy
carpal bones /$k%p()l bnz/, carpals

carpal bones
|
that involves cutting the wall of the heart /$k%p()lz/ plural noun the eight bones which
cardiotomy syndrome /!k%di$tmi make up the carpus or wrist. See illustration at
cardiotomy syndrome
!sndrm/ noun fluid in the membranes round HAND in Supplement

the heart after cardiotomy carpal tunnel release /!k%p()l $t.n()l r
carpal tunnel release
cardiotoxic /!k%di$tksk/ adjective which !li%s/ noun an operation to relieve the compres-
cardiotoxic
is toxic to the heart sion of the median nerve

47 catarrh
carpal tunnel syndrome /!k%p()l $t.n()l caseinogen /!kesi$nd+n/ noun the main
carpal tunnel syndrome caseinogen
!sndrm/ noun a condition, usually affecting protein in milk, from which casein is formed
women, in which the fingers tingle and hurt at Caseys model /$kesiz !md()l/ noun a
Caseys model
night. It is caused by compression of the median model for the care of child patients, where the
nerve. parents are involved in the treatment
carphology /k%$fld+i/ noun the action of
carphology
castor oil /!k%str $l/ noun a plant oil which

castor oil
|
pulling at the bedclothes, a sign of delirium in acts as a laxative

typhoid and other fevers. Also called floccitation
castration /k'$stre()n/ noun the surgical
castration
carpo- /k%p/ prefix referring to the wrist

carpo-
removal of the sexual organs, usually the testicles,

carpometacarpal joint /!k%pmet
carpometacarpal joint
| | in males
$k%p()l d+nt/ noun one of the joints between casualty /$k'+ulti/ noun 1. a person who has
casualty
the carpals and metacarpals. Also called CM joint had an accident or who is suddenly ill ! The fire
carpopedal spasm /!k%ppi%d()l
carpopedal spasm
caused several casualties. ! The casualties were

$sp'z()m/ noun a spasm in the hands and feet taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital. 2.
caused by lack of calcium also casualty department same as accident
carpus /$k%ps/ noun the bones by which the and emergency department ! The accident
carpus
lower arm is connected to the hand. Also called victim was rushed to casualty.
wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement casualty ward /$k'+ulti w%d/ noun same as
casualty ward
(NOTE: The plural is carpi.) accident ward

carrier /$k'ri/ noun 1. a person who carries CAT /k't/ noun same as computerised axial
carrier CAT
bacteria of a disease in his or her body and who tomography

can transmit the disease to others without show- cata- /k't/ prefix downwards
cata-
ing any signs of being infected with it ! Ten per

catabolic /!k't$blk/ adjective referring to
catabolic
cent of the population are believed to be unwitting |
carriers of the bacteria. 2. an insect which carries catabolism

catabolism /k$t'blz()m/ noun the process
catabolism
disease and infects humans 3. a healthy person |
who carries a chromosome variation that gives of breaking down complex chemicals into simple
rise to a hereditary disease such as haemophilia or chemicals
Duchenne muscular dystrophy catalase /$k'tlez/ noun an enzyme present in
catalase
cartilage /$k%tld+/ noun thick connective tis-

cartilage
the blood and liver which catalyses the break-
sue which lines and cushions the joints and which down of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxy-
forms part of the structure of an organ. Cartilage gen
in small children is the first stage in the formation catalepsy /$k'tlepsi/ noun a condition often
catalepsy
of bones. associated with schizophrenia, where a person

cartilaginous /!k%t$l'd+ns/ adjective
cartilaginous
|
becomes incapable of sensation, the body is rigid
made of cartilage and he or she does not move for long periods
catalyse /$k'tlaz/ verb to act as a catalyst and
catalyse
cartilaginous joint /!k%t$l'd+ns d+nt/

cartilaginous joint
noun 1. primary cartilaginous joint same as help make a chemical reaction take place (NOTE:
synchondrosis 2. secondary cartilaginous The US spelling is catalyze.)
joint same as symphysis catalyst /$k'tlst/ noun a substance which
catalyst
caruncle /k$r.kl/ noun a small swelling produces or helps a chemical reaction without
caruncle
cascara /k'$sk%r/, cascara sagrada /k'

cascara
| |
itself changing ! an enzyme which acts as a cat-
!sk%r s$1r%d/ noun a laxative made from
|
alyst in the digestive process
catalytic /!k't$ltk/ adjective referring to
catalytic
the bark of a tropical tree |
case /kes/ noun a single occurrence of a disease

case
catalysis
catamenia /!k't$mi%ni/ noun menstruation
catamenia
! There were two hundred cases of cholera in the |
recent outbreak. (technical)

caseation /!kesi$e()n/ noun the process by cataplexy /$k'tpleksi/ noun a condition in
caseation cataplexy
which dead tissue decays into a firm and dry which a persons muscles become suddenly rigid
mass. It is characteristic of tuberculosis. and he or she falls without losing consciousness,
case control study /kes kn$trl !st.di/
case control study
|
possibly caused by a shock
cataract /$k'tr'kt/ noun a condition in which
cataract
noun an investigation in which a group of patients

with a disease are compared with a group without the lens of the eye gradually becomes hard and
the disease in order to study possible causes opaque
case history /$kes !hst()ri/ noun details of cataractous lens /!k't$r'kts !lenz/ noun
case history cataractous lens
what has happened to a patient undergoing treat- a lens on which a cataract has formed
ment catarrh /k$t%/ noun inflammation of the
catarrh
casein /$kesin/ noun one of the proteins found mucous membranes in the nose and throat, creat-
casein
in milk ing an excessive amount of mucus

catatonia 48
catatonia /!k't$tni/ noun a condition in cauterisation /!k%tra$ze()n/, cauteriza-

catatonia cauterisation
| |
which a psychiatric patient is either motionless or tion noun the act of cauterising ! The growth
shows violent reactions to stimulation was removed by cauterisation.
catatonic /!k't$tnk/ adjective referring to cauterise /$k%traz/, cauterize verb to use
catatonic cauterise
behaviour in which a person is either motionless burning, radiation or laser beams to remove tissue
or extremely violent or to stop bleeding
cautery /$k%tri/ noun a surgical instrument
cautery
catchment area /$k'tmnt !eri/ noun an

catchment area
area around a hospital which is served by that hos- used to cauterise a wound
pital cavernous /$k'vns/ adjective hollow
cavernous
catecholamines /k't$klmi%nz/ plural cavitation /!k'v$te()n/ noun the forming

catecholamines cavitation
| |
noun the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline of a cavity

which are released by the adrenal glands cavity /$k'vti/ noun a hole or space inside the
cavity
catgut /$k't1.t/ noun a thread made from part body

catgut
of the intestines of sheep, now usually artificially cc abbreviation cubic centimetre

cc
hardened, used to sew up cuts made during sur- CCU abbreviation coronary care unit
CCU
gery
CD4 /!si% di% $f%/ noun a compound consisting
CD4
catharsis /k$%ss/ noun purgation of the

catharsis
|
of a protein combined with a carbohydrate which
bowels is found in some cells and helps to protect the
cathartic /k$%tk/ adjective laxative or pur- body against infection # CD4 count a test used to
cathartic
gative monitor how many CD4 cells have been

catheter /$k't/ noun a tube passed into the
catheter
destroyed in people with HIV
CDH abbreviation congenital dislocation of the
CDH
body along one of the passages in the body

catheterisation /!k'tra$ze()n/, cathe-
catheterisation
|
hip
cefaclor /$sefkl%/ noun an antibacterial drug
cefaclor
terization noun the act of putting a catheter into

a patients body used to treat septicaemia
cefotaxime /!sef$t'ksi%m/ noun a synthetic
cefotaxime
CAT scan /$k't sk'n/, CT scan /!si% $ti%

CAT scan
|
sk'n/ noun same as CT scan cephalosporin used to treat bacterial infection by

pseudomonads
cat-scratch disease /$k't skr't d!zi%z/,
cat-scratch disease
-cele /si%l/ suffix referring to a swelling

| -cele
cat-scratch fever /$k't skr't !fi%v/ noun an

cell /sel/ noun a tiny unit of matter which is the
cell
illness in which the patient has a fever and swol-

len lymph glands, thought to be caused by a bac- base of all plant and animal tissue (NOTE: For
terium transmitted to humans by the scratch of a other terms referring to cells, see words begin-
cat. It may also result from scratching with other ning with cyt-, cyto-.)
sharp points. cellular /$seljl/ adjective 1. referring to cells,
cellular
cauda equina /!k%d $kwan/ noun a group

cauda equina
|
or formed of cells 2. made of many similar parts
of nerves which go from the spinal cord to the connected together
lumbar region and the coccyx cellulite /$seljlat/ noun lumpy deposits of
cellulite
caudal /$k%d()l/ adjective (in humans) refer-

caudal
subcutaneous fat, especially in the thighs and but-
ring to the cauda equina tocks
cellulitis /!selj$lats/ noun a usually bacterial
cellulitis
caudal anaesthetic /!k%d()l !'ns$etk/

caudal anaesthetic
|
inflammation of connective tissue or of the subcu-

|
noun an anaesthetic, injected into the base of the

spine to remove feeling in the lower part of the taneous tissue
cellulose /$seljls/ noun a carbohydrate
cellulose
body. It is often used in childbirth.

which makes up a large percentage of plant matter
caudal analgesia /!k%d()l !'n()l$d+i%zi/
caudal analgesia
Celsius /$selsis/ noun a metric scale of tem-

Celsius
noun a method of pain relief that involves inject-

ing an anaesthetic into the base of the spine to perature on which 0 is the point at which water
remove feeling in the lower part of the body freezes and 100 is the point at which water boils
under average atmospheric conditions. Also
caul /k%l/ noun 1. a membrane which some-
caul
called centigrade. ! Fahrenheit (NOTE: It is

times covers a babys head at birth 2. same as usually written as a C after the degree sign:
omentum
52C (say: fifty-two degrees Celsius).)
causalgia /k%$z'ld+/ noun burning pain in a
causalgia
|
[Described 1742. After Anders Celsius (1701
limb, caused by a damaged nerve 44), Swedish astronomer and scientist.]
causal organism /!k%z()l $%1nz()m/ Celsius temperature /$selsis !temprt/
causal organism Celsius temperature
noun an organism that causes a particular disease noun temperature as measured on the Celsius
caustic /$k%stk/ noun a chemical substance
caustic
scale
that destroys tissues that it touches " adjective CEMACH /$si%m'/ noun a UK research project
CEMACH
corrosive and destructive investigating the causes of infant deaths and still-
49 cerebral infarction
births. Full form Confidential Enquiry into centrum /$sentrm/ noun the central part of an
centrum
Maternal and Child Health organ (NOTE: The plural is centra.)

cement /s$ment/ noun 1. an adhesive used in
cement
cephal- /sefl/ prefix same as cephalo- (used

cephal-
|
dentistry to attach a crown to the base of a tooth before vowels)

2. same as cementum cephalalgia /!sef$l'ld+/ noun same as
cephalalgia
cementum /s$mentm/ noun a layer of thick

cementum
|
headache
hard material which covers the roots of teeth cephalexin /!sef$leksn/ noun an antibiotic
cephalexin
census /$senss/ noun a systematic count or

census
used to treat infections of the urinary system or

survey respiratory tract
-centesis /senti%ss/ suffix puncture
-centesis
cephalhaematoma /!seflhi%m$tm/
cephalhaematoma
| |
centi- /senti/ prefix one hundredth (10-2). Sym-

centi-
noun a swelling found mainly on the head of

bol c babies delivered with forceps
centigrade /$sent1red/ noun same as Cel-
centigrade
cephalic /s$f'lk/ adjective referring to the

cephalic
sius head
centile chart /$sental t%t/ noun a chart
centile chart
cephalo- /sefl/ prefix referring to the head

cephalo-
showing the number of babies who fall into each cephalocele /$seflsi%l/ noun a swelling
cephalocele
percentage category, as regards, e.g., birth weight caused by part of the brain passing through a
centilitre /$sentli%t/ noun a unit of measure-
centilitre
weak point in the bones of the skull

ment of liquid equal to one hundredth of a litre. cephalogram /$sefl1r'm/ noun an X-ray
cephalogram
Symbol cl photograph of the bones of the skull

centimetre /$sentmi%t/ noun a unit of meas-
centimetre
cephalometry /!sef$lmtri/ noun measure-

cephalometry
urement of length equal to one hundredth of a

|
ment of the head

metre. Symbol cm
cephalopelvic disproportion /!sefl
cephalopelvic disproportion
central /$sentrl/ adjective referring to the cen-

central
|
tre !pelvk !dspr$p%()n/ noun a condition in

|
which the pelvic opening of the mother is not

central line /$sentrl lan/ noun a catheter
central line
large enough for the head of the fetus

inserted through the neck, used to monitor central
cephalosporin /!sefl$sp%rn/ noun a drug
cephalosporin
venous pressure in conditions such as shock |
where fluid balance is severely upset used in the treatment of bacterial infection
cephradine /$sefrdi%n/ noun an antibacterial
cephradine
central nervous system /!sentrl $n-%vs

central nervous system
!sstm/ noun the brain and spinal cord which drug used to treat sinusitis and urinary tract infec-
link together all the nerves tions
cerclage /s-%$kl%+/ noun the act of tying things
cerclage
central temperature /!sentrl $temprt/

central temperature
|
noun the temperature of the brain, thorax and together with a ring
cerebellar /!ser$bel/ adjective referring to
cerebellar
abdomen, which is constant |
central venous pressure /!sentrl $vi%ns

central venous pressure
the cerebellum
!pre/ noun blood pressure in the right atrium of cerebellar cortex /!serbel $k%teks/ noun
cerebellar cortex
the heart, which can be measured by means of a the outer covering of grey matter which covers the
catheter cerebellum
centrifugal /!sentr$fju%1()l, sen$trfj1()l/ cerebellum /!ser$belm/ noun a section of the
centrifugal cerebellum
| | |
adjective moving away from the centre hindbrain, located at the back of the head beneath
centrifugation /!sentrfju%$1e()n/, centri-
centrifugation
|
the back part of the cerebrum. See illustration at
fuging /$sentrfju%d+/ noun the process of BRAIN in Supplement
separating the components of a liquid in a centri- cerebr- /serbr/ prefix same as cerebro- (used
cerebr-
fuge before vowels)

centrifuge /$sentrfju%d+/ noun a device to cerebral /$serbrl/ adjective referring to the
centrifuge cerebral
separate the components of a liquid by rapid spin- cerebrum or to the brain in general
ning cerebral dominance /!serbrl $dmnns/
cerebral dominance
centriole /$sentril/ noun a small structure

centriole
noun the usual condition where the centres for

found in the cytoplasm of a cell, which involved various functions are located in one cerebral hem-
in forming the spindle during cell division isphere
centripetal /!sentr$pi%t()l, sen$trpt()l/
centripetal
cerebral haemorrhage /!serbrl

cerebral haemorrhage
| |
adjective moving towards the centre $hem()rd+/ noun bleeding inside the brain from
centromere /$sentrm/ noun a constricted a cerebral artery. Also called brain haemor-
centromere
part of a chromosome, seen as a cell divides rhage

centrosome /$sentrsm/ noun the structure cerebral infarction /!serbrl n$f%kn/
centrosome cerebral infarction
in the cytoplasm of a cell, near the nucleus, and noun the death of brain tissue as a result of reduc-
containing the centrioles tion in the blood supply to the brain
cerebral ischaemia 50
cerebral ischaemia /!serbrl $ski%mi/ cervical /$s-%vk()l, s$vak()l/ adjective

cerebral ischaemia cervical
| |
noun failure in the blood supply to the brain referring to the neck
cervical canal /!s-%vk()l k$n'l/ noun a
cervical canal
cerebral palsy /!serbrl $p%lzi/ noun a dis-

cerebral palsy
order mainly due to brain damage occurring tube running through the cervix, from the point
before birth, or due to lack of oxygen during birth, where the uterus joins the vagina to the entrance
associated with poor coordination of muscular of the uterine cavity. Also called cervicouterine
movements, impaired speech, hearing and sight, canal
and sometimes mental impairment (NOTE: Pre- cervical cancer /!s-%vk()l $k'ns/ noun a
cervical cancer
mature babies are at higher risk.) cancer of the cervix of the uterus
cerebral peduncle /!serbrl p$d.k()l/ cervical collar /!s-%vk()l $kl/ noun a spe-
cerebral peduncle cervical collar
noun a mass of nerve fibres connecting the cere- cial strong orthopaedic collar to support the head
bral hemispheres to the midbrain. See illustration of a person with neck injuries or a condition such
at BRAIN in Supplement as cervical spondylosis
cerebral thrombosis /!serbrl rm cervical erosion /!s-%vk()l $r+()n/
cerebral thrombosis cervical erosion
| |
$bss/ noun same as cerebrovascular acci- noun a condition in which the epithelium of the
dent mucous membrane lining the cervix uteri extends
cerebration /!ser$bre()n/ noun brain activ-
cerebration
|
outside the cervix
cervical ganglion /!s-%vk()l $1'1lin/
cervical ganglion
ity
noun one of the bundles of nerves in the neck
cerebro- /serbr/ prefix referring to the cere-
cerebro-
cervical incompetence /!s-%vk()l

cervical incompetence
brum
$nkmpt()ns/ noun a dysfunction of the cer-
cerebrospinal /!serbr$span()l/ adjective
cerebrospinal
vix of the uterus which is often the cause of spon-

|
referring to the brain and the spinal cord taneous abortions and premature births and can be
cerebrospinal fever /!serbrspan()l
cerebrospinal fever
|
remedied by Shirodkars operation
$fi%v/ noun same as meningococcal meningi- cervical intraepithelial
cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
neoplasia
tis /!s-%vk()l ntrep!i%lil !ni%$ple+/ noun
| |
cerebrospinal fluid /!serbrspan()l

cerebrospinal fluid
| changes in the cells of the cervix which may lead

$flu%d/ noun fluid which surrounds the brain and to cervical cancer. Abbreviation CIN
the spinal cord. Abbreviation CSF cervical nerve /!s-%vk()l $n-%v/ noun spinal
cervical nerve
COMMENT: CSF is found in the space be- nerve in the neck

tween the arachnoid mater and pia mater of cervical node /!s-%vk()l $nd/ noun lymph
cervical node
the brain, within the ventricles of the brain node in the neck
and in the central canal of the spinal cord. It
cervical plexus /!s-%vk()l $plekss/ noun a
cervical plexus
consists mainly of water, with some sugar

and sodium chloride. Its function is to cush- group of nerves in front of the vertebrae in the
ion the brain and spinal cord and it is contin- neck, which lead to nerves supplying the skin and
ually formed and absorbed to maintain the muscles of the neck, and also the phrenic nerve
correct pressure. which controls the diaphragm
cervical rib /!s-%vk()l $rb/ noun an extra rib
cervical rib
cerebrovascular /!serbr$v'skjl/
cerebrovascular
adjective referring to the blood vessels in the sometimes found attached to the vertebrae above
brain the other ribs and which may cause thoracic outlet
syndrome
cerebrovascular accident /!serbr
cerebrovascular accident
cervical smear /!s-%vk()l $sm/ noun a test

| cervical smear
!v'skjlr $'ksd()nt/ noun a sudden block-

ing of or bleeding from a blood vessel in the brain for cervical cancer, where cells taken from the
resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis or mucus in the cervix of the uterus are examined
cervical spondylosis /!s-%vk()l !spnd
cervical spondylosis
death. Also called stroke |
cerebrum /s$ri%brm/ noun the largest part of

cerebrum
$lss/ noun a degenerative change in the neck
bones. ! spondylosis
|
the brain, formed of two sections, the cerebral

cervical vertebrae /!s-%vk()l $v-%tbri%/
cervical vertebrae
hemispheres, which run along the length of the

head. The cerebrum controls the main mental plural noun the seven bones which form the neck
processes, including the memory. Also called tel- cervicectomy /!s-%v$sektmi/ noun the sur-
cervicectomy
encephalon gical removal of the cervix uteri

cerumen /s$ru%men/ noun wax which forms cervicitis /!s-%v$sats/ noun inflammation of
cerumen cervicitis
| |
inside the ear. Also called earwax the cervix uteri

cervico- /s-%vk/ prefix referring to the neck
cervico-
ceruminous gland /s$ru%mns !1l'nd/

ceruminous gland
noun a gland which secretes earwax. See illustra- cervicouterine canal /!s-%vk!ju%tran
cervicouterine canal
tion at EAR in Supplement k$n'l/ noun same as cervical canal

|
cervic- /s-%vk/ prefix same as cervico- (used cervix /$s-%vks/ noun 1. any narrow neck of an
cervic- cervix
before vowels) organ 2. the neck of the uterus, the narrow lower
51 chemotaxis
part of the uterus leading into the vagina. Also chart /t%t/ noun a record of information
chart
called cervix uteri shown as a series of lines or points on graph paper

CESDI abbreviation Confidential Enquiry into ! a temperature chart
CESDI
Stillbirths and Deaths in Infancy. ! CEMACH charting /$t%t/ noun the preparation and
charting
cesium /$si%zim/ noun US same as caesium

cesium
updating of a hospital patients chart by nurses
and doctors
cetrimide /$setrmad/ noun a mixture of
cetrimide
CHC abbreviation 1. child health clinic 2. com-

CHC
ammonium compounds, used in disinfectants and

antiseptics munity health council
CHD abbreviation coronary heart disease
CHD
CFT abbreviation complement fixation test

CFT
check-up /$tek .p/ noun a general examina-

check-up
chafe /tef/ verb to rub something, especially to

chafe
rub against the skin ! The rough cloth of the col- tion by a doctor or dentist ! She went for a check-
lar chafed the girls neck. up. ! He had a heart check-up last week.
cheek /ti%k/ noun 1. one of two fleshy parts of
cheek
Chagas disease /$%1s d!zi%z/ noun a type

Chagas disease
the face on each side of the nose 2. either side of

|
of sleeping sickness found in South America,

the buttocks (informal)
transmitted by insect bites which pass trypano-
cheekbone /$ti%kbn/ noun an arch of bone
cheekbone
somes into the bloodstream. Children are mainly

affected and if untreated the disease can cause in the face beneath the cheek which also forms the
fatal heart block in early adult life. [Described lower part of the eye socket
cheil- /kal/ prefix same as cheilo- (used before
cheil-
1909. After Carlos Chagas (18791934), Brazil-

ian scientist and physician.] vowels)
CHAI abbreviation Commission for Healthcare cheilitis /ka$lats/ noun inflammation of the
CHAI cheilitis
Audit and Improvement lips

cheilo- /kal/ prefix referring to the lips
cheilo-
chalasia /t$lezi/ noun an excessive relaxa-

chalasia
tion of the oesophageal muscles, which causes cheiloschisis /!kal$ass/ noun a double
cheiloschisis
regurgitation cleft upper lip

chalazion /k$lezin/ noun same as meibo- cheilosis /ka$lss/ noun swelling and cracks
chalazion cheilosis
| |
mian cyst on the lips and corners of the mouth caused by

chalone /$keln, $k'ln/ noun a hormone
chalone
lack of vitamin B
cheiro- /ker/ prefix referring to the hand
cheiro-
which stops a secretion, as opposed to those hor-

mones which stimulate secretion cheiropompholyx /!ker$pmflks/ noun
cheiropompholyx
chancre /$'k/ noun a sore on the lip, penis a disorder of the skin in which tiny blisters appear
chancre
or eyelid which is the first symptom of syphilis on the palms of the hand
chelating agent /$ki%let !ed+nt/ noun a
chelating agent
chancroid /$'krd/ noun a venereal sore

chancroid
with a soft base, situated in the groin or on the chemical compound which can combine with
genitals and caused by the bacterium Haemo- some metals, used as a treatment for metal poi-
philus ducreyi. Also called soft chancre soning
chemical symbol /!kemk()l $smbl/ noun
chemical symbol
characterise /$k'rktraz/, characterize

characterise
verb to be a typical or special quality or feature of letters which represent a chemical substance !
something or someone ! The disease is charac- Na is the symbol for sodium.
terised by the development of lesions throughout chemistry /$kemstri/ noun the study of sub-
chemistry
the body. stances, elements and compounds and their reac-

charcoal /$t%kl/ noun a highly absorbent
charcoal
tions with each other
chemo /$ki%m/ chemotherapy
chemo
substance, formed when wood is burnt in the noun

absence of oxygen, used to relieve diarrhoea or (informal)
intestinal gas and in cases of poisoning chemo- /kem, ki%m/ prefix referring to
chemo-
Charcots joint /!%kz $d+nt/ noun a chemistry

Charcots joint
joint which becomes deformed because the chemoreceptor /!ki%mr$sept/ noun a cell
chemoreceptor
patient cannot feel pain in it when the nerves have which responds to the presence of a chemical
been damaged by syphilis, diabetes or leprosy compound by activating a nerve, e.g. a taste bud
[Described 1868. After Jean-Martin Charcot reacting to food or cells in the carotid body react-
(182593), French neurologist.] ing to lowered oxygen and raised carbon dioxide
Charcots triad /!%kz $tra'd/ noun three in the blood
Charcots triad
symptoms of multiple sclerosis: rapid eye move- chemosis /ki%$mss/ noun swelling of the
chemosis
ment, tremor and scanning speech conjunctiva

Charnley clamps /!t%nli $kl'mps/ plural chemotaxis /!ki%m$t'kss/ noun the move-
Charnley clamps chemotaxis
noun metal clamps fixed to a rod through a bone ment of a cell when it is attracted to or repelled by
to hold it tight a chemical substance
chemotherapeutic agent 52
chemotherapeutic agent /!ki%mer her own home, especially when the parents or
chemotherapeutic agent
| |
$pju%tk !ed+nt/ noun a chemical substance guardians are working

used to treat a disease child protection /!tald pr$tekn/ noun the
child protection
chemotherapy /!ki%m$erpi/ noun the use measures taken to avoid abuse, neglect or exploi-
chemotherapy
of drugs such as antibiotics, painkillers or antisep- tation of any kind towards children
tic lotions to fight a disease, especially using toxic children /$tldrn/ plural of child
children
chemicals to destroy rapidly developing cancer

chill /tl/ noun a short illness causing a feeling
chill
cells
of being cold and shivering, usually the sign of the
chest /test/ noun 1. the upper front part of the
chest
beginning of a fever, of flu or a cold

body between the neck and stomach. Also called
Chinese medicine /!tani%z $med()sn/
Chinese medicine
thorax 2. same as thorax (NOTE: For other terms

referring to the chest, see pectoral and words noun a system of diagnosis, treatment and pre-
beginning with steth-, thorac-, thoraco-.) vention of illness developed in China over many
centuries. It uses herbs, minerals and animal
chest pain /$test pen/ noun pain in the chest
chest pain
products, exercise, massage and acupuncture.

which may be caused by heart disease
Chinese restaurant syndrome /!tani%z
Chinese restaurant syndrome
chesty /$testi/ adjective having phlegm in the

chesty
$rest()rnt !sndrm/ noun an allergic condi-

lungs, or having a tendency to chest complaints tion which gives people severe headaches after
CheyneStokes respiration /!ten $stks
CheyneStokes respiration
eating food flavoured with monosodium gluta-

resp!re()n/, CheyneStokes breathing
|
mate (informal)
/!ten $stks !bri%/ noun irregular breath-
chiro- /kar/ prefix referring to the hand
chiro-
ing, usually found in people who are unconscious,

chiropodist /k$rpdst/ noun a person who
chiropodist
with short breaths gradually increasing to deep |
breaths, then reducing again, until breathing specialises in treatment of minor disorders of the
appears to stop feet
chiropody /k$rpdi/ noun the study and treat-
chiropody
chiasm /$ka'z()m/, chiasma /ka$'zm/

chiasm
|
|
noun " optic chiasma ment of minor diseases and disorders of the feet
chickenpox /$tkn!pks/ noun an infectious chiropractic /!kar$pr'ktk/ noun the treat-
chickenpox chiropractic
| |
disease of children, with fever and red spots ment and prevention of disorders of the neu-
which turn into itchy blisters. Also called vari- romusculoskeletal system by making adjustments
cella primarily to the bones of the spine
Chief Medical Officer /ti%f $medk()l chiropractor /$kar!pr'kt/ noun a person
Chief Medical Officer chiropractor
!fs/ noun in the UK, a government official who treats musculoskeletal disorders by making
responsible for all aspects of public health. adjustments primarily to the bones of the spine
Abbreviation CMO chiropracty /$kar!pr'kti/ noun same as
chiropracty
Chief Nursing Officer /!ti%f $n-%s !fs/

Chief Nursing Officer
chiropractic (informal)
noun in the UK, an official appointed by the Chlamydia /kl$mdi/ noun a bacterium that
Chlamydia
Department of Health to advise Government Min- causes trachoma and urogenital diseases in
isters and provide leadership to nurses and mid- humans and psittacosis in birds, which can be
wives. Abbreviation CNO transmitted to humans. It is currently a major
chilblain /$tlblen/ noun a condition in which
chilblain
cause of sexually transmitted disease.

the skin of the fingers, toes, nose or ears becomes chloasma /kl$'zm/ noun the presence of
chloasma
red, swollen and itchy because of exposure to

|
brown spots on the skin from various causes

cold. Also called erythema pernio
chlor- /kl%r/ prefix same as chloro- (used
chlor-
child /tald/ noun a young boy or girl. Child is

child
before vowels)
the legal term for a person under 14 years of age.
chlorambucil /kl%r$'mbjsl/ noun a drug
chlorambucil
(NOTE: The plural is children. For other terms |
referring to children, see words beginning with which is toxic to cells, used in cancer treatment
paed-, paedo- or ped-, pedo-.) chloramphenicol /!kl%r'm$fenkl/ noun a
chloramphenicol
child abuse /$tald !bju%s/ noun cruel treat-

child abuse
|
powerful antibiotic which sometimes causes the
ment of a child by an adult, including physical collapse of blood cell production, so is used only
and sexual harm for treating life-threatening diseases such as men-
childbirth /$taldb-%/ noun the act of giving
childbirth
ingitis
chlordiazepoxide /!kl%da!'zi$pksad/
chlordiazepoxide
birth. Also called parturition | |
child health clinic /!tald $hel !klnk/ noun

child health clinic
noun a yellow crystalline powder, used as a tran-
a special clinic for checking the health and devel- quilliser and treatment for alcoholism
chlorhexidine /kl%$heksdi%n/ noun a disin-
chlorhexidine
opment of small children under school age. |
Abbreviation CHC fectant mouthwash

childminder /$taldmand/ noun somebody chlorination /!kl%r$ne()n/ noun sterilisa-
childminder chlorination
who looks after other peoples children in his or tion by adding chlorine
53 cholesterol
chlorine /$kl%ri%n/ noun a powerful greenish cholecalciferol /!klk'l$sfrl/ noun a form

chlorine cholecalciferol
gas, used to sterilise water (NOTE: The chemical of vitamin D found naturally in fish-liver oils and
symbol is Cl.) egg yolks
chlormethiazole /!kl%me$azl/ noun a cholecystectomy /!kls$stektmi/ noun the
chlormethiazole cholecystectomy
| |
sedative used in the treatment of people with alco- surgical removal of the gall bladder
holism cholecystitis /!kls$stats/ noun inflamma-
cholecystitis
chloro- /kl%r/ prefix referring to chlorine

chloro-
tion of the gall bladder

chloroform /$klrf%m/ noun a powerful drug cholecystoduodenostomy
chloroform
/!klsst
cholecystoduodenostomy
formerly used as an anaesthetic !dju%d$nstmi/ noun a surgical operation to

|
chloroma /kl%$rm/ noun a bone tumour join the gall bladder to the duodenum to allow bile
chloroma
associated with acute leukaemia to pass into the intestine when the main bile duct
chlorosis /kl%$rss/ noun a type of severe
chlorosis
|
is blocked
cholecystography /!kls$st1rfi/ noun an
cholecystography
anaemia due to iron deficiency, affecting mainly |
young girls X-ray examination of the gall bladder

chlorothiazide /!kl%r$azad/ noun a cholecystokinin /!klsst$kann/ noun a
chlorothiazide cholecystokinin
| |
drug which helps the body to produce more urine, hormone released by cells at the top of the small
used in the treatment of high blood pressure, intestine. It stimulates the gall bladder, making it
swelling and heart failure contract and release bile.
chloroxylenol /!kl%r$zalnl/ noun a cholecystotomy /!kls$sttmi/ noun a sur-
chloroxylenol cholecystotomy
| |
chemical used as an antimicrobial agent in skin gical operation to make a cut in the gall bladder,
creams and in disinfectants usually to remove gallstones
chlorpheniramine /!kl%fen$armi%n/, chlo- choledoch- /kledk/ prefix referring to the
chlorpheniramine choledoch-
rpheniramine maleate /!kl%fenarmi%n | common bile duct

$m'liet/ noun an antihistamine drug choledocholithiasis /k!ledkl$ass/
choledocholithiasis
| | |
chlorpromazine hydrochloride /kl%

chlorpromazine hydrochloride
| noun same as cholelithiasis

!prmzi%n !hadr$kl%rad/ noun a drug |
choledocholithotomy
choledocholithotomy
/k!ledkl | | |
used to treat schizophrenia and other psychoses $tmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove a
chlorpropamide /kl%$prpmad/ noun a
chlorpropamide
| gallstone by cutting into the bile duct

drug which lowers blood sugar, used in the treat- choledochostomy /k!led$kstmi/ noun a
choledochostomy
| |
ment of diabetes surgical operation to make an opening in a bile

chlorthalidone /kl%$'ldn/ noun a diu-
chlorthalidone
| duct
retic choledochotomy /kled$ktmi/ noun a
choledochotomy
choana /$kn/ noun any opening shaped

choana
surgical operation to make a cut in the common

like a funnel, especially the one leading from the bile duct to remove gallstones
nasal cavity to the pharynx (NOTE: The plural is cholelithiasis /!kll$ass/ noun a condi-
cholelithiasis
choanae.) tion in which gallstones form in the gall bladder

chocolate cyst /!tklt $sst/ noun an ovar-
chocolate cyst
or bile ducts. Also called choledocholithiasis

ian cyst containing old brown blood cholelithotomy /!kll$tmi/ noun the sur-
cholelithotomy
chol- /kl/ prefix same as chole- (used before

chol-
gical removal of gallstones by cutting into the gall

vowels) bladder
cholaemia /k$li%mi/ noun the presence of an
cholaemia
cholera /$klr/ noun a serious bacterial dis-

cholera
|
unusual amount of bile in the blood ease spread through food or water which has been
cholagogue /$kl11/ noun a drug which infected by Vibrio cholerae ! A cholera epidemic
cholagogue
encourages the production of bile broke out after the flood.

cholangiocarcinoma /k!l'nd+i!k%s choleresis /k$lrss/ noun the production of
cholangiocarcinoma choleresis
| | | |
$nm/ noun a rare cancer of the cells of the bile bile by the liver
ducts choleretic /!kl$retk/ adjective referring to a
choleretic
cholangiography /k!l'nd+i$1rfi/ noun an

cholangiography
| | substance which increases the production and

X-ray examination of the bile ducts and gall blad- flow of bile
der cholestasis /!kl$stess/ noun a condition in
cholestasis
cholangiolitis /k!l'nd+i$lats/ noun

cholangiolitis
| |
which all bile does not pass into the intestine but
inflammation of the small bile ducts some remains in the liver and causes jaundice
cholangiopancreatography /k!l'nd+i
cholangiopancreatography
cholesteatoma /k!lesti$tm/ noun a cyst

cholesteatoma
| |
| |
!p'kri$t1rfi/ noun an X-ray examination of containing some cholesterol found in the middle
the bile ducts and pancreas ear and also in the brain
cholangitis /!kl'n$d+ats/ noun inflamma-
cholangitis
cholesterol /k$lestrl/ noun a fatty sub-

cholesterol
|
|
tion of the bile ducts stance found in fats and oils, also produced by the
chole- /kli/ prefix referring to bile liver and forming an essential part of all cells
chole-
cholesterolaemia 54
cholesterolaemia /k!lestr$lemi/ noun a chorionic gonadotrophin /k%ri!nk

cholesterolaemia chorionic gonadotrophin
| | |
high level of cholesterol in the blood !1nd$trfn/ noun " human chorionic
|
cholesterosis /k!lest$rss/ noun inflam-

cholesterosis
| |
gonadotrophin
chorionic villi /k%ri!nk $vla/ plural noun
chorionic villi
mation of the gall bladder with deposits of choles- |
terol tiny finger-like folds in the chorion

chorionic villus sampling /k%ri!nk $vls
chorionic villus sampling
cholic acid /!klk $'sd/ noun one of the bile

cholic acid
acids !s%mpl/ noun an antenatal screening test car-

choline /$kli%n/ noun a compound involved in
choline
ried out by examining cells from the chorionic
fat metabolism and the precursor for acetylcho- villi of the outer membrane surrounding an
line embryo, which have the same DNA as the fetus
choroid /$k%rd/ noun the middle layer of tis-
choroid
cholinergic /!kl$n-%d+k/ adjective refer-

cholinergic
sue which forms the eyeball, between the sclera

|
ring to a neurone or receptor which responds to

and the retina. See illustration at EYE in Supple-
acetylcholine
ment
cholinesterase /!kl$nestrez/ noun an
cholinesterase
choroiditis /!k%r$dats/ noun inflammation

choroiditis
|
enzyme which breaks down a choline ester

|
of the choroid in the eyeball

choluria /k$ljri/ noun same as biliuria
choluria
choroidocyclitis /k%!rdsa$klats/
choroidocyclitis
|
| | |
chondr- /kndr/ prefix referring to cartilage

chondr-
noun inflammation of the choroids and ciliary

chondritis /kn$drats/ noun inflammation of
chondritis
|
body
a cartilage Christmas disease /$krsms d!zi%z/ noun
Christmas disease
chondroblast /$kndrbl'st/ noun a cell

chondroblast
same as haemophilia B [After Mr Christmas, the
from which cartilage develops in an embryo person in whom the disease was first studied in
detail.]
chondrocalcinosis /!kndr!k'ls$nss/
chondrocalcinosis
Christmas factor /$krsms !f'kt/ noun

| | Christmas factor
noun a condition in which deposits of calcium

phosphate are found in articular cartilage same as Factor IX
chrom- /krm/ prefix same as chromo- (used
chrom-
chondrocyte /$kndrsat/ noun a mature

chondrocyte
cartilage cell before vowels)

-chromasia /krmezi/ suffix referring to col-
-chromasia
chondrodysplasia /!kndrds$plezi/
chondrodysplasia
our
| |
noun a hereditary disorder of cartilage which is

chromatid /$krmtd/ noun one of two par-
chromatid
linked to dwarfism
allel filaments making up a chromosome
chondrodystrophy /!kndr$dstrfi/ noun
chondrodystrophy
chromatin /$krmtn/ noun a network which

chromatin
any disorder of cartilage

forms the nucleus of a cell and can be stained with
chondroma /kn$drm/ noun a tumour
chondroma
|
basic dyes
formed of cartilaginous tissue
chromatography /!krm$t1rfi/ noun a
chromatography
chondromalacia /!kndrm$le/ noun

chondromalacia |
|
method of separating chemicals through a porous
degeneration of the cartilage of a joint medium, used in analysing compounds and mix-
chondrosarcoma /!kndrs%$km/
chondrosarcoma
| | tures
noun a malignant, rapidly growing tumour chromatophore /kr$m'tf%/ noun any
chromatophore
involving cartilage cells pigment-bearing cell in the eyes, hair and skin
chorda /$k%d/ noun a cord or tendon (NOTE:
chorda
chromic acid /!krmk $'sd/ noun an unsta-

chromic acid
The plural is chordae.) ble acid existing only in solution or in the form of
chordee /$k%di%/ noun a painful condition
chordee
a salt, sometimes used in the removal of warts

where the erect penis is curved, a complication of chromicised catgut /!krmsazd $k't1.t/
chromicised catgut
gonorrhoea noun catgut which is hardened with chromium to

chorditis /k%$dats/ noun inflammation of the make it slower to dissolve in the body
chorditis
vocal cords chromium /$krmim/ noun a metallic trace

chromium
chordotomy /k%$dtmi/ noun a surgical element (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Cr.)
chordotomy
operation to cut a cord such as a nerve pathway in chromo- /krm/ prefix referring to colour
chromo-
the spinal cord in order to relieve intractable pain chromosomal /!krm$sm()l/ adjective
chromosomal
chorea /k%$ri%/ noun a sudden severe twitch-

chorea
| referring to chromosomes
ing, usually of the face and shoulders, which is a chromosome /$krmsm/ noun a rod-
chromosome
symptom of disease of the nervous system shaped structure in the nucleus of a cell, formed
chorion /$k%rin/ noun a membrane covering
chorion
of DNA, which carries the genes

the fertilised ovum chromosome mapping /$krmsm
chromosome mapping
chorionic /!k%ri$nk/ adjective referring to !m'p/ noun a procedure by which the position
chorionic
the chorion of genes on a chromosome is established

55 cineplasty
chronic /$krnk/ adjective 1. referring to a dis- chyle /kal/ noun a fluid in the lymph vessels in
chronic chyle
ease or condition which lasts for a long time ! He the intestine, which contains fat, especially after a
has a chronic chest complaint. Opposite acute 2. meal
referring to serious pain (informal) chylomicron /!kal$makrn/ noun a parti-
chylomicron
chronic abscess /!krnk $'bses/ noun an cle of chyle present in the blood
chronic abscess
abscess which develops slowly over a period of chyluria /ka$ljri/ noun the presence of
chyluria
time chyle in the urine

chronic appendicitis /!krnk !pend
chronic appendicitis
chyme /kam/ noun a semi-liquid mass of food

chyme
| |
$sats/ noun a condition in which the vermiform and gastric juices, which passes from the stomach
appendix is always slightly inflamed. ! grum- to the intestine
bling appendix
chymotrypsin /!kam$trpsn/ noun an
chymotrypsin
chronic catarrhal rhinitis /!krnk k!t%rl

chronic catarrhal rhinitis
|
enzyme which digests protein
ra$nats/ noun a persistent form of inflamma-
|
Ci abbreviation curie
Ci
tion of the nose where excess mucus is secreted

cicatrix /$sktrks/ noun same as scar
cicatrix
by the mucous membrane

-ciclovir /sklv/ suffix used in the names of
-ciclovir
chronic fatigue syndrome /!krnk f$ti%1

chronic fatigue syndrome
!sndrm/ noun same as myalgic encephalo- antiviral drugs

-cide /sad/ suffix referring to killing
-cide
myelitis
chronic granulomatous disease /!krnk cilia /$sli/ plural of cilium
chronic granulomatous disease cilia
!1r'nj$lmts d!zi%z/ noun a type of ciliary /$sliri/ adjective referring to cilia

ciliary
| |
inflammation where macrophages are converted ciliary body /$sliri !bdi/ noun the part of the
ciliary body
into epithelial-like cells as a result of infection, as eye which connects the iris to the choroid. See
in tuberculosis or sarcoidosis illustration at EYE in Supplement
chronic obstructive airways disease
chronic obstructive airways disease
ciliary ganglion /!sliri $1'1lin/ noun a

ciliary ganglion
/!krnk b!str.ktv $ewez d!zi%z/ noun

| |
parasympathetic ganglion in the orbit of the eye,
abbreviation COAD. Now called chronic supplying the intrinsic eye muscles
obstructive pulmonary disease
ciliary muscle /$sliri !m.s()l/ noun a mus-
ciliary muscle
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
cle which makes the lens of the eye change its

/!krnk b!str.ktv $p.lmn()ri d!zi%z/
| |
shape to focus on objects at different distances.
noun any of a group of progressive respiratory See illustration at EYE in Supplement
disorders where someone experiences loss of lung
ciliary processes /!sliri $prsesz/ plural
ciliary processes
function and shows little or no response to steroid

or bronchodilator drug treatments, e.g. emphy- noun the ridges behind the iris to which the lens
sema and chronic bronchitis. Abbreviation COPD of the eye is attached
ciliated epithelium /!slietd ep$i%lim/
ciliated epithelium
chronic pancreatitis /!krnk p'kri

chronic pancreatitis
|
noun simple epithelium where the cells have tiny

|
$tats/ noun a persistent inflammation occurring

after repeated attacks of acute pancreatitis, where hairs or cilia
cilium /$slim/ noun 1. an eyelash 2. one of
cilium
the gland becomes calcified

chronic periarthritis /!krnk peri%$rats/
chronic periarthritis
many tiny hair-like processes which line cells in
passages in the body and by moving backwards
|
noun inflammation of tissues round the shoulder

joint. Also called scapulohumeral arthritis and forwards drive particles or fluid along the
passage (NOTE: The plural is cilia.)
chronic pericarditis /!krnk perik%$dats/
chronic pericarditis
-cillin /sln/ suffix used in the names of penicil-

| -cillin
noun a condition in which the pericardium

becomes thickened and prevents the heart from lin drugs ! amoxycillin
cimetidine /s$metdi%n/ noun a drug which
cimetidine
functioning normally. Also called constrictive |
pericarditis reduces the production of stomach acid, used in

Chronic Sick and Disabled Persons Act
Chronic Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
peptic ulcer treatment
cimex /$sameks/ noun a bedbug or related
cimex
1970 /krnk !sk n ds!eb()ld $p-%s()nz |
'kt/ noun an Act of Parliament in the UK which insect which feeds on birds, humans and other
provides benefits such as alterations to their mammals (NOTE: The plural is cimices.)
homes for people with long-term conditions CIN abbreviation cervical intraepithelial neopla-
CIN
chronic toxicity /!krnk tk$ssti/ noun

chronic toxicity
|
sia
exposure to harmful levels of a toxic substance -cin /sn/ suffix referring to aminoglycosides !
-cin
over a period of time gentamicin

chrysotherapy /!kras$erpi/ noun treat- cinematics /!sn$m'tks/ noun the science of
chrysotherapy cinematics
| |
ment which involves gold injections movement, especially of body movements

Chvosteks sign /t$vsteks san/ noun an cineplasty /$snpl'sti/ noun an amputation
Chvosteks sign cineplasty
indication of tetany, where a spasm is produced if where the muscles of the stump of the amputated
the facial muscles are tapped limb are used to operate an artificial limb
cineradiography 56
cineradiography /!sniredi$1rfi/ noun the acid metabolism, which takes place in the mito-
cineradiography
practice of taking a series of X-ray photographs chondria in the cell. Also called Krebs cycle
for diagnosis, or to show how something moves or citrulline /$strli%n, $strlan/ noun an amino
citrulline
develops in the body acid

cinesiology /s!ni%si$ld+i/ noun the study of
cinesiology
CJD abbreviation Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

CJD
| |
muscle movements, particularly in relation to cl abbreviation centilitre

cl
treatment
clamp /kl'mp/ noun a surgical instrument to
clamp
cinnarizine /$snrzi%n/ noun an antihista-

cinnarizine
hold something tightly, e.g. a blood vessel during

minic used to treat Mnires disease an operation " verb to hold something tightly
ciprofloxacin /!sapr$flkssn/ noun a
ciprofloxacin
clap /kl'p/ noun same as gonorrhoea (slang)

clap
|
powerful antibiotic used in eye drops to treat cor-

classification /!kl'sf$ke()n/ noun the
classification
neal ulcers and surface infections of the eye, and |
in the treatment of anthrax in humans work of putting references or components into

order so as to be able to refer to them again and
circadian /s-%$kedin/ adjective referring to a
circadian
identify them easily ! the ABO classification of

|
pattern which is repeated approximately every 24

blood
hours
claudication /!kl%d$ke()n/ noun the fact
claudication
circle of Willis /!s-%k()l v $wls/ noun a cir-

circle of Willis
|
cle of branching arteries at the base of the brain of limping or being lame
claustrophobia /!kl%str$fbi/ noun a fear
claustrophobia
formed by the basilar artery, the anterior and pos- |
terior cerebral arteries, the anterior and posterior of enclosed spaces or crowded rooms. Compare
communicating arteries and the internal carotid agoraphobia
arteries [Described 1664. After Thomas Willis claustrophobic /!kl%str$fbk/ adjective
claustrophobic
(162175), English physician and anatomist.] afraid of being in enclosed spaces or crowded
circulatory system
circulatory system
/!s-%kj$let()ri |
rooms. Compare agoraphobic
!sstm/ noun a system of arteries and veins, clavicle /$kl'vk()l/ noun same as collarbone
clavicle
together with the heart, which makes the blood clavicular /kl$vkjl/ adjective referring to
clavicular
circulate around the body the clavicle

circum- /s-%km/ prefix around
circum-
clavus /$klevs/ noun 1. a corn on the foot 2.

clavus
circumcision /!s-%km$s+()n/ noun the sur-

circumcision
| severe pain in the head, like a nail being driven in

gical removal of the foreskin of the penis claw foot /!kl% $ft/ noun a deformed foot with
claw foot
circumduction /!s-%km$d.kn/ noun the

circumduction
|
the toes curved towards the instep and with a very
action of moving a limb so that the end of it makes high arch. Also called pes cavus
a circular motion claw hand /!kl% $h'nd/ noun a deformed hand
claw hand
circumflex /$s-%kmfleks/ adjective bent or

circumflex
with the fingers, especially the ring finger and lit-

curved tle finger, bent towards the palm, caused by paral-
circumoral /!s-%km$%rl/ adjective referring ysis of the muscles
circumoral
to rashes surrounding the lips clean /kli%n/ adjective 1. free from dirt, waste
clean
circumvallate papillae /s-%km!v'let p products or unwanted substances 2. sterile or free

circumvallate papillae
| |
$pli%/ plural noun large papillae at the base of the from infection ! a clean dressing ! a clean
tongue, which have taste buds wound 3. not using recreational drugs
cirrhosis /s$rss/ noun a progressive dis- cleavage /$kli%vd+/ noun the repeated division
cirrhosis cleavage
ease of the liver, often associated with alcoholism, of cells in an embryo

in which healthy cells are replaced by scar tissue cleavage lines /$kli%vd+ !lanz/ plural noun
cleavage lines
cirrhotic /s$rtk/ adjective referring to cirrho-

cirrhotic
| same as Langers lines

sis ! The patient had a cirrhotic liver. cleft /kleft/ noun a small opening or hollow
cleft
cirs- /s-%s/ prefix referring to dilation

cirs-
place in a surface or body part " adjective refer-

cirsoid /$s-%sd/ adjective referring to a vari- ring to a surface or body part which has separated
cirsoid
cose vein which is dilated into two or more sections

cisplatin /ss$pletn/ noun a chemical sub- cleft foot /!kleft $ft/ noun same as talipes
cisplatin cleft foot
stance which may help fight cancer by binding to cleft lip /!kleft $lp/ noun a congenital condition
cleft lip
DNA. It is used in the treatment of ovarian and in which the upper lip fails to form in the usual
testicular cancer. way during fetal development. Also called hare-
cistern /$sstn/, cisterna /s$st-%n/ noun a lip
cistern
space containing fluid cleft palate /!kleft $p'lt/ noun a congenital

cleft palate
citric acid /!strk $'sd/ noun an acid found in condition in which the palate does not fuse during
citric acid
fruit such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit fetal development, causing a gap between the
citric acid cycle /!strk $'sd !sak()l/ noun
citric acid cycle
mouth and nasal cavity in severe cases
an important series of events concerning amino cleido- /klad/ prefix referring to the clavicle
cleido-
57 clotting factors
cleidocranial dysostosis /!kladkrenil clinical pathology /!klnk()l p$ld+i/

cleidocranial dysostosis clinical pathology
!dss$tss/ noun a hereditary bone malforma-

| noun the study of disease as applied to the treat-
tion, with protruding jaw, lack of collarbone and ment of patients
malformed teeth clinical psychologist /!klnk()l sa
clinical psychologist
client /$klant/ noun a person visited by a

client
$kld+st/ noun a psychologist who studies and
health visitor or social worker treats sick patients in hospital
clinical trial /!klnk()l $tral/ noun a trial
clinical trial
climacteric /kla$m'ktrk/ noun a period of

climacteric
carried out in a medical laboratory on a person or

|
diminished sexual activity in a man who reaches

middle age on tissue from a person
clinician /kl$n()n/ noun a doctor, usually
clinician
climax /$klam'ks/ noun 1. an orgasm 2. the

climax
|
not a surgeon, who has considerable experience in

point where a disease is at its worst " verb to have treating patients
an orgasm
clinodactyly /!klan$d'ktli/ noun the per-
clinodactyly
clindamycin /!klnd$masn/ noun a powerful

clindamycin
|
manent bending of a finger to one side
antibiotic used to treat severe infections and acne
clip /klp/ noun a piece of metal with a spring,
clip
clinic /$klnk/ noun 1. a small hospital or a

clinic
used to attach things together

department in a large hospital which deals only clitoris /$kltrs/ noun a small erectile female
clitoris
with out-patients or which specialises in the treat- sex organ, situated at the anterior angle of the
ment of particular medical conditions ! He is vulva, which can be excited by sexual activity.
being treated in a private clinic. ! She was See illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (FEMALE)
referred to an antenatal clinic. 2. a group of stu- in Supplement
dents under a doctor or surgeon who examine
cloaca /kl$ek/ noun the end part of the
cloaca
patients and discuss their treatment |
hindgut in an embryo
clinical /$klnk()l/ adjective 1. referring to the
clinical
clomipramine /kl$mprmi%n/ noun a drug

clomipramine
physical assessment and treatment of patients by

|
used to treat depression, phobias and obsessive-

doctors, as opposed to a surgical operation, a lab- compulsive disorder
oratory test or experiment 2. referring to instruc-
clonazepam /kl$n'zp'm/ noun a drug
clonazepam
tion given to students at the bedside of patients as |
opposed to class instruction with no patient used to treat epilepsy

clone /kln/ noun a group of cells derived from
clone
present 3. referring to a clinic

a single cell by asexual reproduction and so iden-
clinical audit /!klnk()l $%dt/ noun an eval-
clinical audit
tical to the first cell " verb to reproduce an indi-

uation of the standard of clinical care vidual organism by asexual means
clinical care /!klnk()l $ke/ noun the care
clinical care
clonic /$klnk/ adjective referring to clonus

clonic
and treatment of patients in hospital wards or in

clonic spasms /!klnk $sp'z()mz/ plural
clonic spasms
doctors surgeries
noun spasms which recur regularly
clinical effectiveness /!klnk()l
clinical effectiveness
clonidine /$klndi%n/ noun a drug which

clonidine
|
$fektvns/ noun the ability of a procedure or relaxes and widens the arteries, used in the treat-
treatment to achieve the desired result ment of hypertension, migraine headaches and
clinical governance
clinical governance
/!klnk()l heart failure

$1.v()nns/ noun the responsibility given to clonus /$klns/ noun the rhythmic contrac-
clonus
doctors to coordinate audit, research, education, tion and relaxation of a muscle, usually a sign of
use of guidelines and risk management to develop upper motor neurone lesions
a strategy to raise the quality of medical care closed fracture /!klzd $fr'kt/ noun same
closed fracture
Clinical Management Plan /!klnk()l

Clinical Management Plan
as simple fracture
$m'nd+mnt !pl'n/ noun a comprehensive Clostridium /kl$strdim/ noun a type of bac-
Clostridium
statement of a patients condition that details what teria

medicines and treatments may be used in ongoing
clot /klt/ noun a soft mass of coagulated blood
clot
care, forming part of the patients records

in a vein or an artery ! The doctor diagnosed a
clinical medicine /!klnk()l $med()s()n/
clinical medicine
blood clot in the brain. ! Blood clots occur in

noun the study and treatment of patients in a hos- thrombosis. " verb to change from a liquid to a
pital ward or in the doctors surgery, as opposed to semi-solid state, or to cause a liquid to do this !
in the operating theatre or laboratory His blood does not clot easily. (NOTE: clotting
clinical nurse manager /!klnk()l $n-%s
clinical nurse manager
clotted)
!m'nd+/ noun the administrative manager of clotrimazole /kl$trmzl/ noun a drug used
clotrimazole
the clinical nursing staff of a hospital to treat yeast and fungal infections
clotting /$klt/ noun the action of coagulating
clotting
clinical nurse specialist /!klnk()l n-%s

clinical nurse specialist
$spe()lst/ noun a nurse who specialises in a clotting factors /!klt $f'ktz/ plural noun
clotting factors
particular branch of clinical care substances in plasma, called Factor I, Factor II,
clubbing 58
and so on, which act one after the other to make cocci /$kki/ plural of coccus
cocci
the blood coagulate when a blood vessel is dam- coccus /$kks/ noun a bacterium shaped like a
coccus
aged ball (NOTE: The plural is cocci.)

COMMENT: Deficiency in one or more of the
coccy- /kksi/ prefix referring to the coccyx
coccy-
clotting factors results in haemophilia.

coccydynia /!kksi$dni/ noun a sharp pain in
coccydynia
clubbing /$kl.b/ noun a thickening of the

clubbing
|
ends of the fingers and toes, a sign of many differ- the coccyx, usually caused by a blow. Also called
ent diseases coccygodynia
coccygeal vertebrae /kk!sd+il
coccygeal vertebrae
club foot /!kl.b $ft/ noun same as talipes

club foot
|
cluster headache /$kl.st !hedek/ noun a

cluster headache
$v-%tbre/ plural noun the fused bones in the
headache which occurs behind one eye for a short coccyx
coccyges /kk$sad+i%z/ plural of coccyx
coccyges
period |
Cluttons joint /$kl.t()nz !d+nt/ noun a coccygodynia /!kksi1$dni/ noun same

Cluttons joint coccygodynia
swollen knee joint occurring in congenital syphi- as coccydynia

lis [Described 1886. After Henry Hugh Clutton coccyx /$kksks/ noun the lowest bone in the
coccyx
(18501909), surgeon at St Thomass Hospital, backbone (NOTE: The plural is coccyges.)

London, UK]
cochlea /$kkli/ noun a spiral tube inside the
cochlea
cm abbreviation centimetre
cm
inner ear, which is the essential organ of hearing.

CMHN abbreviation community mental health
CMHN
See illustration at EAR in Supplement (NOTE:

nurse The plural is cochleae.)
CM joint /!si% $em d+nt/ noun same as car-
CM joint
cochlear /$kkli/ adjective referring to the

cochlear
pometacarpal joint cochlea

CMO abbreviation Chief Medical Officer
CMO
cochlear implant /!kkli $mpl%nt/ noun a

cochlear implant
CMV abbreviation cytomegalovirus

CMV
type of hearing aid for profound hearing loss

C/N abbreviation charge nurse
C/N
Cochrane database /!kkrn $detbes/

Cochrane database
CNS abbreviation central nervous system noun a database of regular reviews carried out on
CNS
coagulant /k$'1jlnt/ noun a substance

coagulant
|
research
which can make blood clot code /kd/ noun 1. a system of numbers, letters
code
coagulase /k$'1jlez/ noun an enzyme

coagulase
|
or symbols used to represent language or infor-
produced by a staphylococcal bacteria which mation 2. same as genetic code " verb 1. to
makes blood plasma clot convert instructions or data into another form 2.
coagulate /k$'1jlet/ verb to change from
coagulate
(of a codon or gene) to provide the genetic infor-
mation which causes a specific amino acid to be
|
liquid to semi-solid, or cause a liquid to do this !

His blood does not coagulate easily. ! clot produced ! Genes are sections of DNA that code
for a specific protein sequence.
coagulation /k!'1j$le()n/ noun the
coagulation
codeine /$kdi%n/, codeine phosphate

| | codeine
action of clotting
/!kdi%n $fsfet/ noun a common painkilling
coagulum /k$'1jlm/ noun same as blood
coagulum
|
drug that can also be used to suppress coughing
clot (NOTE: The plural is coagula.) and in the treatment of diarrhoea
coalesce /!k$les/ verb to combine, or to
coalesce
code of conduct /!kd v $knd.kt/ noun a

code of conduct
|
cause things to combine, into a single body or

set of general rules showing how a group of peo-
group
ple such as doctors or nurses should work
coalescence /!k$les()ns/ noun the proc-
coalescence
cod liver oil /!kd lvr $l/ noun a fish oil

| cod liver oil
ess by which wound edges come together when

healing which is rich in calories and vitamins A and D
-coele /si%l/ suffix referring to a hollow (NOTE:
-coele
coarctation /!k%k$te()n/ noun the proc-

coarctation
ess of narrowing The US spelling is usually -cele.)

coeli- /si%li/ prefix same as coelio- (used before
coeli-
coat /kt/ noun a layer of material covering an

coat
organ or a cavity " verb to cover something with vowels) (NOTE: The US spelling is usually celi-.)
something else coeliac /$si%li'k/ adjective referring to the
coeliac
coated tongue /!ktd $t./ noun same as

coated tongue
abdomen
furred tongue coeliac artery /!si%li'k $%tri/, coeliac axis
coeliac artery
cobalt /$kb%lt/ noun a metallic element /!si%li'k $'kss/ noun the main artery in the
cobalt
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is Co.) abdomen leading from the abdominal aorta and
cocaine /k$ken/ noun a narcotic drug not
cocaine
|
dividing into the left gastric, hepatic and splenic
generally used in medicine because its use leads arteries. Also called coeliac trunk
coeliac disease /!si%li'k d$zi%z/ noun same
coeliac disease
to addiction, but sometimes used as a surface |
anaesthetic as gluten-induced enteropathy

59 colloid
coeliac ganglion /!si%li'k $1'1lin/ noun a colectomy /k$lektmi/ noun a surgical opera-
coeliac ganglion colectomy
ganglion on each side of the origins of the dia- tion to remove the whole or part of the colon
phragm, connected with the coeliac plexus (NOTE: The plural is colectomies.)
coeliac trunk /!si%li'k $tr.k/ noun same as
coeliac trunk
colic /$klk/ noun 1. pain in any part of the

colic
coeliac artery intestinal tract. Also called enteralgia, tormina

coelio- /si%li/ prefix referring to a hollow, usu- 2. crying and irritability in babies, especially from
coelio-
ally the abdomen stomach pains

coelioscopy /!si%li$skpi/ noun an examina- coliform bacterium /!klif%m b'k
coelioscopy coliform bacterium
| |
tion of the peritoneal cavity by inflating the abdo- $trim/ plural noun any bacterium which is
men with sterile air and passing an endoscope similar to Escherichia coli
through the abdominal wall (NOTE: The plural is colistin /k$lstn/ noun an antibiotic which is
colistin
coelioscopies.) effective against a wide range of organisms and is

coffee ground vomit /$kfi 1rand !vmt/
coffee ground vomit
used to treat gastrointestinal infections

noun vomit containing dark pieces of blood, indi-
colitis /k$lats/ noun inflammation of the
colitis
cating that the person is bleeding from the stom-

|
colon. Also called colonitis

ach or upper intestine
collaborative care /k!l'b()rtv $ke/
collaborative care
cognition /k1$n()n/ noun the mental action

cognition
|
noun treatment that involves collaboration

|
or process of gaining knowledge by using your

mind or your senses, or knowledge gained in this between different medical departments or agen-
cies, or involves active collaboration between the
way
patient and the providers of treatment
cognitive /$k1ntv/ adjective referring to the
cognitive
collagen /$kld+n/ noun a thick protein fibre

collagen
mental processes of perception, memory, judg-

ment and reasoning ! a cognitive impairment forming bundles, which make up the connective
tissue, bone and cartilage
cognitive disorder /!k1ntv ds$%d/ noun
cognitive disorder
collapse /k$l'ps/ noun 1. a condition in which

collapse
impairment of any of the mental processes of per- |
ception, memory, judgment and reasoning someone is extremely exhausted or semi-con-

scious ! She was found in a state of collapse. 2.
cognitive therapy /!k1ntv $erpi/ noun a
cognitive therapy
a condition in which an organ becomes flat or

treatment of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety
loses air ! lung collapse " verb 1. to fall down in
or depression which encourages people to deal
a semi-conscious state ! After running to catch
with their negative ways of thinking
his train he collapsed. 2. to become flat, or lose
cohort /$kh%t/ noun a group of people shar-
cohort
air
ing a particular characteristic such as age or gen-
collapsed lung /k!l'pst $l./ noun same as
collapsed lung
der who are studied in a scientific or medical |
investigation pneumothorax
collarbone /$klbn/ noun one of two long
collarbone
cohort study /$kh%t !st.di/ noun an inves-

cohort study
tigation in which a group of people are classified thin bones which join the shoulder blades to the
according to their exposure to various risks and breastbone. Also called clavicle (NOTE: Collar-
studied over a period of time to see if they develop bone fracture is one of the most frequent frac-
a specific disease, in order to evaluate the links tures in the body.)
between risk and disease collateral /k$l't()rl/ adjective secondary or
collateral
coil /kl/ noun a device fitted into a womans

coil
less important
uterus as a contraceptive Colles fracture /$kls(z) !fr'kt/ noun a
Colles fracture
cold /kld/ adjective not warm or hot " noun fracture of the lower end of the radius with dis-
cold
an illness, with inflammation of the nasal pas- placement of the wrist backwards, usually when
sages, in which someone sneezes and coughs and someone has stretched out a hand to try to break a
has a blocked and running nose ! She had a fall [After Abraham Colles (17731843), Irish
heavy cold. Also called common cold, coryza surgeon.]
cold burn /$kld b-%n/ noun an injury to the colliculus /k$lkjls/ noun one of four small
cold burn colliculus
skin caused by exposure to extreme cold or by projections (superior colliculi and inferior col-
touching a very cold surface liculi) in the midbrain. See illustration at BRAIN in
cold cautery /!kld $k%tri/ noun the
cold cautery
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is colliculi.)
removal of a skin growth using carbon dioxide collodion /k$ldin/ noun a liquid used for
collodion
snow painting on a clean wound, where it dries to form

cold pack /$kld p'k/ noun a cloth or a pad a flexible covering
cold pack
filled with gel or clay which is chilled and put on colloid /$kld/ noun 1. a mass of tiny particles
colloid
the body to reduce or increase the temperature of one substance dispersed in another substance
cold sore /$kld s%/ noun a painful blister, 2. the particles which are suspended in a colloid
cold sore
usually on the lips or nose, caused by herpes sim- solution 3. a thick jelly-like substance which
plex Type I stores hormones, produced in the thyroid gland "
collyrium 60
adjective relating to or resembling a colloid ! colporrhaphy /kl$prfi/ noun a surgical
colporrhaphy
colloid acne operation to stitch a prolapsed vagina (NOTE: The

collyrium /k$lrim/ noun a solution used to plural is colporraphies.)
collyrium
bathe the eyes (NOTE: The plural is collyria.) colposcope /$klpskp/ noun a surgical
colposcope
colo- /kl/ prefix referring to the colon instrument used to examine the inside of the
colo-
coloboma /!kl$bm/ noun a condition in

coloboma
|
vagina. Also called vaginoscope
colposcopy /kl$pskpi/ noun an examina-
colposcopy
which part of the eye, especially part of the iris, is |
missing tion of the inside of the vagina (NOTE: The plural

colon /$kln/ noun the main part of the large
colon
is colposcopies.)
colposuspension /!klps$spenn/ noun
colposuspension
intestine, running from the caecum at the end of |
the small intestine to the rectum a surgical operation to strengthen the pelvic floor
colonic /k$lnk/ adjective referring to the
colonic
|
muscles to prevent incontinence
colpotomy /kl$ptmi/ noun a surgical oper-
colpotomy
colon |
colonic irrigation /k!lnk r$1e()n/

colonic irrigation
ation to make a cut in the vagina (NOTE: The plu-
ral is colpotomies.)
| |
noun the washing out of the contents of the large

column /$klm/ noun " vertebral column
column
intestine using a tube inserted in the anus

coma /$km/ noun a state of unconsciousness
coma
colonoscope /k$lnskp/ noun a surgical

colonoscope
instrument for examining the interior of the colon from which a person cannot be awakened by
colonoscopy /!kl$nskpi/ noun an exami-
colonoscopy
|
external stimuli
comatose /$kmts/ adjective unconscious
comatose
nation of the inside of the colon, using a colono-

scope passed through the rectum (NOTE: The plu- or in a coma
ral is colonoscopies.) combined therapy /km!band $erpi/ noun
combined therapy
colony /$klni/ noun a group or culture of

colony
the use of two or more treatments at the same time
microorganisms comedo /$kmd/ noun a small point of dark,
comedo
colostomy /k$lstmi/ noun a surgical opera-

colostomy
|
hard matter in a sebaceous follicle, often found
tion to make an opening between the colon and associated with acne on the skin of adolescents
the abdominal wall to allow faeces to be passed (NOTE: The plural is comedones.)
comforter /$k.mft/ noun 1. someone who
comforter
out without going through the rectum (NOTE: The

plural is colostomies.) helps to make another person less anxious or
colostomy bag /k$lstmi b'1/ noun a bag
colostomy bag
|
unhappy 2. a babys dummy
commando operation /k$m%nd
commando operation
attached to the opening made by a colostomy, to |
collect faeces as they are passed out of the body !pre()n/, commando procedure /k |
colostrum /k$lstrm/ noun a fluid rich in

colostrum
|
$m%nd pr!si%d+/ noun a major operation to
|
antibodies and low in fat, secreted by the mothers combat cancer of the face and neck. It involves
breasts at the birth of a baby, before the true milk the removal of facial features, which are later
starts to flow rebuilt.
commensal /k$mensl/ noun an animal or
commensal
colour blindness /$k.l !blandns/ noun a

colour blindness
|
condition of being unable to tell the difference plant which lives on another animal or plant but
between specific colours does not harm it in any way. Both may benefit
from the association. ! Candida is a commensal
colour index /$k.lr !ndeks/ noun the ratio
colour index
in the mouths of 50% of healthy adults. (NOTE: If

between the amount of haemoglobin and the
a commensal causes harm, it is a parasite.) "
number of red blood cells in a specific amount of
adjective living on another animal or plant
blood
comminuted /$kmnju%td/ adjective refer-
comminuted
colp- /klp/ prefix same as colpo- (used before

colp-
ring to a fracture where the bone is broken in sev-

vowels)
eral places
colpo- /klp/ prefix referring to the vagina
colpo-
comminuted fracture /!kmnju%td

comminuted fracture
colpocystitis /!klps$stats/ noun inflam-

colpocystitis
|
$fr'kt/ noun a fracture where the bone is bro-
mation of both the vagina and the urinary bladder ken in several places
colpohysterectomy /!klphst$rektmi/
colpohysterectomy
Commission for Health Improvement /k

Commission for Health Improvement
|
|
noun a surgical operation in which the womb is !m()n f $hel m!pru%vmnt/ in the UK, the |
removed through the vagina (NOTE: The plural is independent inspection body for the National
colpohysterectomies.) Health Service, with the role of helping to raise
colpopexy /$klppeksi/ noun a surgical oper- standards of patient care. It aims to identify where
colpopexy
ation to fix a prolapsed vagina to the abdominal improvement is required and share good practice.
wall (NOTE: The plural is colpopexies.) Abbreviation CHI
colpoplasty /$klppl'sti/ noun a surgical commissure /$kmsj/ noun a structure
colpoplasty commissure
operation to repair a damaged vagina (NOTE: The which joins two similar tissues, e.g. a group of
plural is colpoplasties.) nerves which crosses from one part of the central
61 competency
nervous system to another. ! corpus callosum, community paediatrician /k!mju%nti
community paediatrician
grey commissure pi%di$tr()n/ noun a paediatrician serving a

|
Committee on Safety of Medicines /k local community

Committee on Safety of Medicines
!mti n !sefti v $med()snz/ noun the offi- community pharmacist /k!mju%nti

community pharmacist
cial body which advises the British Government $f%msst/, retail pharmacist /!ri%tel
on the safety and quality of medicines $f%msst/ noun a person who makes medicines
commode /k$md/ noun a special chair with
commode
|
and sells them in a chemists shop
a removable basin used as a toilet by people with community psychiatric nurse /k!mju%nti
community psychiatric nurse
limited mobility !saki$'trk/ noun. Also called community

|
common bile duct /!kmn $bal d.kt/ noun

common bile duct
mental health nurse. Abbreviation CPN
a duct leading to the duodenum, formed of the community trust /k!mju%nti $tr.st/ noun
community trust
hepatic and cystic ducts an independent non-profit-making body set up to

common carotid artery /!kmn k$rtd
common carotid artery
|
represent an area of public concern
!%tri/ noun the main artery running up each side compact bone /!kmp'kt $bn/ noun a type
compact bone
of the lower part of the neck. Also called carotid of bone tissue which forms the hard outer layer of
common cold /!kmn $kld/ noun same as
common cold
a bone. See illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in
cold Supplement
compartment /km$p%tmnt/ noun one of
compartment
common hepatic duct /!kmn h$p'tk

common hepatic duct
|
the areas into which an enclosed space is divided

|
d.kt/ noun a duct from the liver formed when the

compatibility /km!p't$blti/ noun the abil-
compatibility
right and left hepatic ducts join | |
common iliac artery /!kmn $li'k !%tri/

common iliac artery
ity of two drugs not to interfere with each other
noun one of two arteries which branch from the
when administered together
compatible /km$p'tb()l/ adjective able to
compatible
aorta in the abdomen and in turn divide into the |
internal iliac artery, leading to the pelvis, and the function together without being rejected ! The
external iliac artery, leading to the leg surgeons are trying to find a compatible donor or
a donor with a compatible blood group.
communicable disease /k!mju%nkb()l
communicable disease
compensate /$kmpnset/ verb 1. to give

compensate
d$zi%z/ noun a disease which can be passed from

|
one person to another or from an animal to a per- someone an amount of money or something else
son. ! contagious disease, infectious disease to pay for loss or damage 2. (of an organ) to make
good the failure of an organ by making another
communicating artery /k$mju%nket
communicating artery
|
organ, or the undamaged parts of the same organ,
!%tri/ noun one of the arteries which connect
function at a higher level ! The heart has to beat
the blood supply from each side of the brain,
more strongly to compensate for the narrowing of
forming part of the circle of Willis the arteries. 3. to emphasise a particular ability or
community /k$mju%nti/ noun a group of peo-
community
|
personality characteristic in order to make the
ple who live and work in a district ! The health lack of another one seem less bad
services serve the local community. compensation /!kmpn$se()n/ noun 1.
compensation
community care /k!mju%nti $ke/ noun the

community care
| something which makes something else seem less

providing of help to people such as those who are bad or less serious 2. an amount of money or
elderly or mentally ill in order to allow them to something else given to pay for loss or damage !
stay in their own homes, rather than requiring The drugs caused him to develop breathing prob-
them to be cared for in hospitals or care homes lems, so he thinks hes entitled to medical com-
community health /k!mju%nti $hel/ noun
community health
|
pensation. 3. the act of giving money to pay for
the health of a local community, or provision of loss or damage ! compensation for loss of a limb
services for a local community 4. a situation where the body helps to correct a
problem in a particular organ by making another
community health council /k!mju%nti
community health council
|
organ, or the undamaged parts of the same organ,
$hel !kansl/ noun a statutory body of inter- function at a higher level 5. behaviour that
ested people from outside the medical professions emphasises a particular ability or personality
charged with putting forward the patients point characteristic in order to make the lack of another
of view on local health issues. Abbreviation CHC one seem less bad
community hospital /k$mju%nti
community hospital
competence /$kmpt()ns/ noun the ability

competence
|
!hspt()l/ noun a hospital serving a local com- to do something well, measured against a stand-
munity ard, especially ability which you get through
community midwife /k!mju%nti $mdwaf/
community midwife
| experience or training ! encouraging the devel-

noun a midwife who works in a community as opment of professional competence in the deliv-
part of a primary health care team ery of care to patients
community nurse /k!mju%nti $n-%s/ noun a competency /$kmpt()nsi/ noun a guide-
community nurse competency
nurse who treats people in a local community line, usually one of several, for the medical treat-
complaint 62
ment that is to be given in particular circum- compression /km$pre()n/ noun 1. the act
compression
stances of squeezing or pressing ! The first-aider applied

complaint /km$plent/ noun 1. an expression compression to the chest of the casualty. 2. a seri-
complaint
of dissatisfaction about something or someone ! ous condition in which the brain is compressed by
The hospital administrator wouldnt listen to the blood or cerebrospinal fluid accumulating in it or
complaints of the consultants. 2. an illness ! a by a fractured skull
chest complaint ! a nervous complaint compression stocking /km!pre()n
compression stocking
complement noun /$kmplmnt/ a substance $stk/ noun a strong elastic stocking worn to
complement
which forms part of blood plasma and is essential support a weak joint in the knee or to hold vari-
to the work of antibodies and antigens " verb cose veins tightly
/$kmplment/ to complete something by provid- compulsion /km$p.l()n/ noun 1. an act of
compulsion
ing useful or pleasing qualities which it does not forcing someone to do something, or the fact of
itself have being forced to do something ! You are under no
complementary /!kmpl$ment()ri/ adjec- compulsion to treat a violent patient. 2. a strong
complementary
tive 1. combining with or adding to something psychological force which makes someone do
else ! Ultrasound and CT provide complemen- something, often unwillingly ! She felt a sudden
tary information. 2. used in or using complemen- compulsion to wash her hands again.
tary medicine ! complementary therapies 3. compulsive /km$p.lsv/ adjective referring
compulsive
referring to genes which are necessary to each to a feeling which cannot be stopped ! She has a
other and produce their effect only when they are compulsive desire to steal.
present together compulsiveobsessive disorder /km
compulsiveobsessive disorder
complementary medicine
complementary medicine
!p.lsv b$sesv ds!%d/ noun same as obses-

| |
/!kmplment()ri $med()sn/ noun the forms sivecompulsive disorder

of alternative medicine which are now accepted compulsory admission /km!p.lsri d
compulsory admission
by practitioners of conventional Western medi-

| |
$m()n/ noun the process of admitting someone

cine, e.g. acupuncture and osteopathy who is mentally ill to hospital for treatment
complete abortion /km!pli%t $b%()n/
complete abortion
| |
whether or not they consent
noun an abortion where the whole contents of the computed tomography /km!pju%td t
computed tomography
uterus are expelled

| |
$m1rfi/ noun same as computerised axial

complete blood count /km!pli%t $bl.d
complete blood count
|
tomography. Abbreviation CT
kant/ noun a test to find the exact numbers of computerised axial tomography /km
computerised axial tomography
each type of blood cell in a sample of blood.

|
!pju%trazd !'ksil t$m1rfi/ noun a system

Abbreviation CBC
|
of examining the body in which a narrow X-ray

complicated fracture /!kmplketd
complicated fracture
beam, guided by a computer, photographs a thin

$fr'kt/ noun a fracture with an associated section of the body or of an organ from several
injury of tissue, as when a bone has punctured an angles, using the computer to build up an image
artery of the section. Abbreviation CAT. Also called
complication /!kmpl$ke()n/ noun 1. a
complication
| computed tomography
condition in which two or more conditions exist -conazole /knzl/ suffix used in the names
-conazole
in someone, whether or not they are connected ! of antifungal drugs ! fluconazole

He was admitted to hospital suffering from pneu-
concave /$knkev/ adjective curving towards
concave
monia with complications. 2. a situation in which

the inside ! a concave lens
someone develops a second condition which
concept /$knsept/ noun a thought or idea, or
concept
changes the course of treatment for the first ! She

appeared to be improving, but complications set something which someone might be able to imag-
in and she died in a few hours. ine
conception /kn$sepn/ noun the point at
conception
compos mentis /!kmps $ments/ adjective

compos mentis
|
not affected by a mental disorder (NOTE: The which a woman becomes pregnant and the devel-
phrase is from Latin and means of sound mind.) opment of a baby starts
conceptual framework /kn!septul
conceptual framework
compound fracture /!kmpand $fr'kt/

compound fracture
|
noun a fracture where the skin surface is damaged $fremw-%k/ noun the theoretical basis on which
or where the broken bone penetrates the surface something is formed
conceptus /kn$septs/ noun an embryo or
conceptus
of the skin. Also called open fracture |
compress noun /$kmpres/ a wad of cloth

compress
fetus together with all the tissues that surround it
soaked in hot or cold liquid and applied to the skin during pregnancy (NOTE: The plural is concep-
to relieve pain or swelling, or to force pus out of tuses.)
an infected wound " verb /km$pres/ to squeeze concha /$kk/ noun a part of the body shaped
concha
or press something like a shell (NOTE: The plural is conchae.)

compressed air sickness /km!prest $e concordance /kn$k%d()ns/ noun 1. a state
compressed air sickness concordance
| |
!skns/ noun same as caisson disease in which two or more things are in the correct or
63 congenital malformation
expected relationship to each other. For example, jaw which forms the head of the jaw, joining the
the atrioventricular concordance is the relation- jaw to the skull
ship between the atria and the ventricles in the condyloma /!knd$lm/ noun a growth
condyloma
heart. 2. the fact of two related people sharing the usually found on the vulva (NOTE: The plural is
same genetic characteristic ! the concordance of condylomas or condylomata.)
schizophrenia in identical twins 3. an agreement
cone /kn/ noun 1. a shape with a circular base
cone
between a professional and a patient on a course

of treatment, especially related to use of medi- or top and a part that tapers to a point, or an object
cines with this shape 2. one of two types of cell in the
retina of the eye which is sensitive to light, used
concretion /kn$kri%()n/ noun a mass of
concretion
|
especially in the perception of bright light and
hard material which forms in the body, e.g. a gall- colour. ! rod " verb to show a rapid change for
stone or deposits on bone in arthritis the worse in neurological condition due to herni-
concussion /kn$k.()n/ noun 1. the act of
concussion
| ation of the midbrain through the foramen mag-

applying force to any part of the body 2. loss of num in the skull, caused by raised pressure inside
consciousness for a short period, caused by a the brain (NOTE: cones coning coned)
blow to the head cone biopsy /$kn ba!psi/ noun the remov-
cone biopsy
condition /kn$d()n/ noun 1. the particular

condition
| ing of a cone of tissue from the cervix for exami-

state of someone or something ! in poor condi- nation
tion ! Her condition is getting worse. ! The con- confabulation /kn!f'j$le()n/ noun the
confabulation
| |
ditions in the hospital are very good. 2. a particu- act of making up plausible stories to cover up loss
lar illness, injury or disorder ! He is being of memory
treated for a heart condition.
confidentiality /!knfdeni$'lti/ noun an
confidentiality
conditioned reflex /kn!d()nd $ri%fleks/

conditioned reflex |
|
obligation not to reveal professional information
noun an automatic reaction by a person to a stim- about a person or organisation
ulus, or an expected reaction to a stimulus which
confounding factor /kn$fand !f'kt/
confounding factor
comes from past experience |
noun a factor which has an association with both

conditioned response /kn!d()nd r
conditioned response
| |
a disease and a risk factor and thus complicates
$spns/ noun a response to a stimulus as a result the nature of the relationship between them
of associating it with an earlier stimulus
confused /kn$fju%zd/ adjective unable to
confused
COMMENT: The classic example of a condi-

|
think clearly or act rationally ! Many severely

tioned response is Pavlovs experiment with
dogs in which they produced saliva, ready to
confused patients do not respond to spoken com-
eat their food, when a bell rang, because on munication.
confusion /kn$fju%+()n/ noun the state of
confusion
previous occasions they had been fed when |
the bell was rung. being confused

condom /$kndm/ noun a rubber sheath worn congenital /kn$d+ent()l/ adjective existing
condom congenital
on the penis during intercourse as a contraceptive at or before birth

and also as a protection against sexually transmit- congenital
congenital aneurysm
aneurysm /kn!d+ent()l |
ted disease $'njrz()m/ noun a weakening of the arteries

conducting system /kn$d.kt !sstm/ at the base of the brain, present at birth
conducting system
noun the nerve system in the heart which links an congenital

congenital cataract
cataract /kn!d+ent()l |
atrium to a ventricle, so that the two beat at the $k'tr'kt/ noun a cataract which is present at
same rate birth
conduction /kn$d.kn/ noun the process of
conduction
congenital dislocation of the hip /kn

congenital dislocation of the hip
|
|
passing heat, sound or nervous impulses from one !d+ent()l dsl!ke()n v $hp/ noun a
|
part of the body to another condition in which a person is born with weak lig-
conductive deafness /kn!d.ktv $defns/, aments in the hip, so that the femur does not stay
conductive deafness
conductive hearing loss /kn!d.ktv $hr | in position in the pelvis

!ls/ noun deafness caused by inadequate con- congenital heart disease /kn!d+ent()l
congenital heart disease
duction of sound into the inner ear $h%t d!zi%z/, congenital heart defect /kn
| |
conductor /kn$d.kt/ noun 1. a substance or !d+ent()l $h%t !di%fekt/ noun a heart condition
conductor
object which allows heat, electricity, light or existing at birth

sound to pass along it or through it 2. a tube with congenital hyperthyroidism
congenital hyperthyroidism
/kn |
a groove in it along which a knife is slid to cut !d+ent()l !hap$ardz()m/ noun a dis- |
open a sinus ease caused by a malfunction of the thyroid

condyle /$kndal/ noun a rounded end of a before birth or in early life
condyle
bone which articulates with another congenital malformation /kn!d+ent()l

congenital malformation
condyloid process /$kndld !prses/ !m'lf%$me()n/ noun a malformation which

condyloid process
noun a projecting part at each end of the lower is present at birth, e.g. a cleft palate
congenital syphilis 64
congenital syphilis /kn!d+ent()l $sfls/ which aims to get everyone to agree on what
congenital syphilis
noun syphilis which is passed on from a mother actions should be taken

to her unborn child consent /kn$sent/ noun agreement to allow
consent
congenital toxoplasmosis /kn!d+ent()l someone to do something ! The parents gave

congenital toxoplasmosis
!tkspl'z$mss/ noun a condition in which

| their consent for their sons heart to be used in the
a baby has been infected with toxoplasmosis by transplant operation.
its mother while still in the uterus consent form /kn$sent f%m/ noun a form
consent form
congestion /kn$d+estn/ noun an accumu-

congestion
| which a patient signs to show that he or she agrees

lation of blood in an organ. ! nasal congestion to have a particular operation
congestive /kn$d+estv/ adjective referring
congestive
conservative treatment /kn!s-%vtv

conservative treatment
|
|
to congestion $tri%tmnt/ noun medical or surgical treatment

conisation /!kna$ze()n/, conization which is limited to conventional measures rather
conisation
noun the surgical removal of a cone-shaped piece than more extreme or risky procedures ! Symp-
of tissue toms usually resolve with conservative treatment.
conjoined twins /kn!d+nd $twnz/ plural consolidation /kn!sl$de()n/ noun a
conjoined twins consolidation
| | |
noun twins who are joined together at birth. Also stage in mending a broken bone in which the cal-
called Siamese twins lus formed at the break changes into bone
COMMENT: Conjoined twins are always iden- constipation /!knst$pe()n/ noun diffi-
constipation
tical and can be joined at the head, chest or culty in passing faeces
hip. In some cases they can be separated by
constrictive pericarditis /kn!strktv
constrictive pericarditis
surgery, but this is not possible if they share |
a single important organ such as the heart. !perik%$dats/ noun same as chronic pericar-
|
ditis
conjugate /$knd+1et/, conjugate diame-
conjugate
constrictor /kn$strkt/ noun a muscle which

constrictor
ter /!knd+1t da$'mt/ noun a measure-

|
|
ment of space in a womans pelvis, used to calcu- squeezes an organ or which makes an organ con-
late if it is large enough for a child to be delivered tract
consultant /kn$s.ltnt/ noun 1. a doctor who
consultant
conjunctiva /!knd+.k$tav/ noun a mem-

conjunctiva
|
|
brane which covers the front of the eyeball and is a senior specialist in a particular branch of med-
the inside of the eyelids. See illustration at EYE in icine and who is consulted by GPs ! She was
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is conjunctivas referred to a consultant at the orthopaedic hospi-
or conjunctivae.) tal. 2. a senior specialised doctor in a hospital
consumption /kn$s.mp()n/ noun 1. the act
consumption
conjunctival /!knd+.k$tav()l/ adjective

conjunctival
| |
referring to the conjunctiva of taking food or liquid into the body ! the
conjunctivitis /kn!d+.kt$vats/ noun
conjunctivitis
| |
patients increased consumption of alcohol 2. a
inflammation of the conjunctiva from a range of former name for pulmonary tuberculosis
contact dermatitis /!knt'kt !d-%m$tats/
contact dermatitis
causes |
connective tissue /k!nektv $tu%/ noun

connective tissue
|
noun inflammation of the skin caused by touch,
tissue which forms the main part of bones and e.g. by touching some types of plant, soap or
cartilage, ligaments and tendons, in which a large chemical. Also called irritant dermatitis
proportion of fibrous material surrounds the tis- contact lens /$knt'kt lenz/ noun a tiny plas-
contact lens
sue cells tic lens which fits over the eyeball and is worn
Conns syndrome /$knz !sndrm/ noun a
Conns syndrome
instead of spectacles to improve eyesight
condition in which excessive production of the contact tracing /$knt'kt !tres/ noun the
contact tracing
hormone aldosterone causes fluid retention and process of tracing people with whom someone
high blood pressure with an infectious disease has been in contact
consanguinity /!kns'$1wnti/ noun a
consanguinity
contagious /kn$ted+s/ adjective able to be

contagious
|
|
blood relationship between people transmitted by touching an infected person or

conscious /$kns/ adjective 1. awake and objects which an infected person has touched
conscious
aware of what is happening ! He became con- contagious disease /kn!ted+s d$zi%z/

contagious disease
| |
scious in the recovery room two hours after the noun a disease which can be transmitted by
operation. 2. deliberate and intended ! a con- touching an infected person or objects which an
scious choice infected person has touched. ! communicable
-conscious /kns/ suffix giving importance
-conscious
disease, infectious disease

to ! health-conscious ! safety-conscious containment /kn$tenmnt/ noun 1. action
containment
consciousness /$knsns/ noun the state

consciousness
taken to restrict the spread of something undesir-

of being mentally alert and knowing what is hap- able or dangerous such as a disease ! government
pening policy of containment of the SARS virus 2. the
consensus management /kn$senss eradication of a global disease such as smallpox
consensus management
!m'nd+mnt/ noun a form of management by removing it region by region

65 convex
contaminate /kn$t'mnet/ verb 1. to make contralateral /!kntr$l'trl/ adjective

contaminate contralateral
| |
something impure by touching it or by adding located on or affecting the opposite side of the
something to it ! Supplies of drinking water were body. Opposite ipsilateral
contaminated by refuse from the factories. ! The contrast medium /$kntr%st !mi%dim/
contrast medium
whole group of tourists fell ill after eating con- noun a radio-opaque dye, or sometimes gas, put
taminated food. 2. to spread infection to someone into an organ or part of the body so that it will
or something show clearly in an X-ray photograph ! In an MRI
continence /$kntnns/ noun 1. the ability to
continence
scan no contrast medium is required; in a CAT

control the discharge of urine and faeces 2. self- scan iodine-based contrast media are often
restraint required.
continent /$kntnnt/ adjective able to exer-
continent
contrecoup /$kntrku%/ noun an injury to one

contrecoup
cise control over the discharge of urine and faeces point of an organ such as the brain, caused by a
continuing education /kn!tnju !edj blow received on an opposite point of the organ
continuing education
| |
$ke()n/ noun regular courses or training control /kn$trl/ verb 1. to have the ability or
control
designed to bring professional people up to date authority to direct someone or something !

with the latest developments in their particular Sometimes we need help to control people who
field think they have waited too long. 2. to limit or
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialy-
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
restrain something ! administered drugs to con-

sis /kn!tnjus !'mbjlt()ri pert!ni%l
| | trol the pain " noun 1. the ability or authority to
da$'lss/ noun a method of dialysis of people
| control something ! After her stroke she had no
while they are walking about. Abbreviation control over her left arm. ! The administrators
CAPD are in control of the admissions policy. 2. a person
continuous positive airways pressure or group whose test data are used as a comparison
continuous positive airways pressure
/kn!tnjus !pztv $ewez !pre/ noun a

|
in a study 3. a comparison in a study
method used in intensive care which forces air controlled drug /kn!trld $dr.1/ noun a
controlled drug
into the lungs of someone with lung collapse. drug which is not freely available, which is
Abbreviation CPAP restricted by law and classified as A, B, or C and
contra- /kntr/ prefix against, opposite, con- of which possession may be an offence. Also
contra-
trasting called controlled substance

contraception /!kntr$sepn/ noun the pre- controlled substance /kn!trld
contraception controlled substance
| |
vention of pregnancy, e.g. by using devices such $s.bstns/ noun same as controlled drug
as a condom or an IUD, or drugs in the form of controlled trial /kn!trld $tral/ noun a
controlled trial
contraceptive pills or injections at regular inter- trial in which members of one group are treated
vals. Also called birth control with a test substance and those of another group
contraceptive /!kntr$septv/ adjective pre-
contraceptive
|
are treated with a placebo as a control
venting conception ! a contraceptive device or controls assurance /kn$trlz !rns/
controls assurance
drug " noun a drug or device which prevents

| |
noun a process designed to provide evidence that

pregnancy NHS organisations are doing their best to manage
contraceptive sheath /!kntr$septv i%/
contraceptive sheath
|
themselves both in order to meet their objectives
noun same as condom and to protect patients, staff and the public against
contraceptive sponge /!kntr$septv risks of all kinds
contraceptive sponge
sp.nd+/ noun a piece of synthetic sponge contused wound /kn!tju%zd $wu%nd/ noun a
contused wound
impregnated with spermicide, which is inserted wound caused by a blow where the skin is bruised
into the vagina before intercourse as well as torn and bleeding
contractibility /$kntr'ktblti/ noun the
contractibility
contusion /kn$tju%+()n/ noun same as

contusion
capacity to contract
|
bruise
contraction /kn$tr'kn/ noun 1. the act of
contraction
convalescence /!knv$les()ns/ noun a

convalescence
|
making something smaller or of becoming

|
period of time when someone is convalescing

smaller ! the contraction of dental services 2. a
convergent strabismus /kn!v-%d+nt str
convergent strabismus
tightening movement which makes a muscle | |
shorter, which makes the pupil of the eye smaller $bzms/, convergent squint /kn!v-%d+nt |
or which makes the skin wrinkle $skwnt/ noun a condition in which one or both
contracture /kn$tr'kt/ noun a permanent
contracture
of a persons eyes look towards the nose. Also
called cross eye
|
tightening of a muscle caused by fibrosis

conversion /kn$v-%()n/ noun the process of
conversion
contraindication /!kntrnd$ke()n/
contraindication
|
|
noun something which suggests that someone changing one thing into another ! the conversion
should not be treated with a specific drug or not of nutrients into tissue
convex /$knveks/ adjective curving towards
convex
continue with a specific treatment because cir-

cumstances make that treatment unsuitable the outside ! a convex lens
convoluted 66
convoluted /$knvlu%td/ adjective folded cornea /$k%ni/ noun a transparent part of the
convoluted cornea
and twisted front of the eyeball. See illustration at EYE in Sup-

convolution /!knv$lu%()n/ noun a twisted
convolution
|
plement (NOTE: The plural is corneae. For other
shape ! the convolutions of the surface of the cer- terms referring to the cornea, see words begin-
ebrum ning with kerat-, kerato-.)
corneal /$k%nil/ adjective relating to a cornea
corneal
convulsion /kn$v.ln/ noun the rapid invol-

convulsion
corneal graft /!k%nil $1r%ft/ noun 1. a sur-

corneal graft
untary contracting and relaxing of the muscles in

several parts of the body ! The child had convul- gical operation to graft corneal tissue from a
sions. ! fit (NOTE: Often used in the plural.) donor or from a dead person to replace diseased
Cooleys anaemia /$ku%liz !ni%mi/ noun
Cooleys anaemia
tissue. Also called corneal transplant, kerato-
plasty 2. a piece of corneal tissue used in a graft
|
same as thalassaemia [Described 1927. After

corneal reflex /!k%nil $ri%fleks/ noun a reflex
corneal reflex
Thomas Benton Cooley (18711945), Professor

of Paediatrics at Wayne College of Medicine, from touching or hitting the cornea which makes
Detroit, USA.] the eyelid close
corneal transplant /$k%nil !tr'nspl%nt/
corneal transplant
Coombs test /$ku%mz test/ noun a test for

Coombs test
antibodies in red blood cells, used as a test for noun same as corneal graft
erythroblastosis fetalis and other haemolytic syn- cornification /!k%nf$ke()n/ noun same as
cornification
dromes [Described 1945. After Robin Royston keratinisation

Amos Coombs (19212006), Quick Professor of cornu /$k%nju%/ noun a structure in the body
cornu
Biology, and Fellow of Corpus Christi College, which is shaped like a horn
Cambridge, UK]
corona /k$rn/ noun a structure in the body
corona
coordination /k!%d$ne()n/ noun 1. the

coordination
| |
which is shaped like a crown
combining of two or more things as an effective
coronal /$krn()l, k$rn()l/ adjective
coronal
unit, or the way things combine effectively !

|
referring to a corona
requires coordination between nursing staff and
coronal plane /!krn()l $plen/ noun a plane
coronal plane
doctors 2. the ability to use two or more parts of

the body at the same time to carry out a movement at right angles to the median plane, dividing the
or task ! The patient showed lack of coordination body into dorsal and ventral halves. See illustra-
between eyes and hands. tion at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement
coronal suture /!krn()l $su%t/ noun a
coronal suture
COPD abbreviation chronic obstructive pulmo-

COPD
nary disease horizontal joint across the top of the skull

between the parietal and frontal bones
coping mechanism /$kp !meknz()m/
coping mechanism
coronary /$krn()ri/ noun same as coronary

coronary
noun a method of dealing with situations which

cause psychological stress thrombosis (informal) " adjective referring to
any structure shaped like a crown, but especially
copper /$kp/ noun a metallic trace element
copper
to the arteries which supply blood to the heart

(NOTE: The chemical symbol is Cu.) muscles
copr- /kpr/ prefix faeces
copr-
coronary artery /$krn()ri !%tri/ noun

coronary artery
coprolith /$kprl/ noun a lump of hard fae-

coprolith
one of the two arteries which supply blood to the

ces in the bowel heart muscles
cor /k%/ noun the heart coronary artery bypass graft /!krn()ri
cor coronary artery bypass graft
coraco-acromial /!krk $krmil/

coraco-acromial
|
!%tri $bap%s 1r%ft/, coronary artery
adjective referring to the coracoid process and the bypass /!krn()ri !%tri $bap%s/ noun a
acromion surgical operation to treat angina by grafting
pieces of vein around the diseased part of a coro-
coracoid process /$krkd !prses/ noun
coracoid process
nary artery
a projecting part on the shoulder blade
coronary care unit /!krn()ri $ke !ju%nt/
coronary care unit
cord /k%d/ noun a long flexible structure in the

cord
noun the section of a hospital caring for people

body like a thread who have heart disorders or who have had heart
cordectomy /k%$dektmi/ noun a surgical
cordectomy
| surgery. Abbreviation CCU

operation to remove a vocal cord (NOTE: The plu- coronary heart disease /!krn()ri $h%t
coronary heart disease
ral is cordectomies.) d!zi%z/ noun any disease affecting the coronary

|
cordotomy /k%$dtmi/ noun another spelling

cordotomy
| arteries, which can lead to strain on the heart or a

of chordotomy heart attack. Abbreviation CHD
corium /$k%rim/ noun same as dermis coronary sinus /!krn()ri $sans/ noun a
corium coronary sinus
corn /k%n/ noun a hard painful lump of skin

corn
vein which takes most of the venous blood from
usually on a foot, where something such as a tight the heart muscles to the right atrium
shoe has rubbed or pressed on the skin. Also coronary thrombosis /!krn()ri rm
coronary thrombosis
called heloma $bss/ noun a blood clot which blocks the cor-
67 counselling
onary arteries, leading to a heart attack. Also corticospinal /!k%tk$span()l/ adjective
corticospinal
called coronary referring to both the cerebral cortex and the spinal
coronavirus /k$rn!vars/ noun a type of
coronavirus
| |
cord
virus which has been identified in people who corticosteroid /!k%tk$strd/ noun 1.
corticosteroid
have the common cold any steroid hormone produced by the cortex of the
coroner /$krn/ noun a public official, either
coroner
adrenal glands 2. a drug which reduces inflamma-
a doctor or a lawyer, who investigates sudden or tion, used in asthma, gastro-intestinal disease and
violent deaths in adrenocortical insufficiency
corticotrophin /!k%tk$trfn/ noun same
corticotrophin
coronoid process /$krnd !prses/ noun

coronoid process
|
as adrenocorticotrophic hormone
a projecting piece of bone on the ulna
cortisol /$k%tsl/ noun same as hydrocorti-
cortisol
corpora plural of corpus

corpora
sone
corpse /k%ps/ noun the body of a dead person
corpse
cortisone /$k%tzn/ noun a hormone

cortisone
corpus /$k%ps/ noun any mass of tissue secreted in small quantities by the adrenal cortex
corpus
(NOTE: The plural is corpora.) ! The doctor gave her a cortisone injection in the
corpus callosum /!k%ps k$lsm/ noun
corpus callosum
|
ankle.
Corynebacterium /k!ranib'k$trim/
Corynebacterium
the thick band of nerve fibres that connects the | |
two hemispheres of the brain and allows them to noun a genus of bacteria which includes the bac-
communicate. See illustration at BRAIN in Sup- terium which causes diphtheria
plement (NOTE: The plural is corpora callosa.) coryza /k$raz/ noun an illness, with inflam-
coryza
corpus cavernosum /!k%ps !k'v

corpus cavernosum
|
mation of the nasal passages, in which someone
$nsm/ noun a part of the erectile tissue in the sneezes and coughs and has a blocked and run-
penis and clitoris. See illustration at UROGENITAL ning nose (technical) Also called cold, common
SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement (NOTE: The plural
cold
cosmetic surgery /kz!metk $s-%d+ri/
cosmetic surgery
is corpora cavernosa.) |
noun a surgical operation to improve a persons

corpuscle /$k%p.s()l/ noun 1. a small round
corpuscle
appearance
mass 2. a cell in blood or lymph
cost- /kst/ prefix same as costo- (used before
cost-
corpus luteum /!k%ps $lu%tim/ noun a body

corpus luteum
vowels)
which forms in each ovary after a Graafian folli-
costal /$kst()l/ adjective referring to the ribs
costal
cle has ruptured. The corpus luteum secretes the

costive /$kstv/ noun a drug which causes
costive
hormone progesterone to prepare the uterus for

implantation of the fertilised ovum. (NOTE: The constipation
plural is corpora lutea.) costo- /kst/ prefix referring to the ribs
costo-
corpus spongiosum /!k%ps !sp.n+ cot death /$kt de/ noun " sudden infant
corpus spongiosum cot death
$sm/ noun the part of the penis round the ure- death syndrome
thra, forming the glans. See illustration at URO- co-trimoxazole /!k tra$mkszl/ noun a
co-trimoxazole
GENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement (NOTE: drug used to combat bacteria in the urinary tract
The plural is corpora spongiosa.) cotyledon /!kt$li%d()n/ noun one of the divi-
cotyledon
corrective /k$rektv/ adjective intended to

corrective
| sions of a placenta
correct an irregularity or problem ! corrective cotyloid cavity /$ktld !k'vti/ noun same
cotyloid cavity
lenses " noun a drug which changes the harmful as acetabulum

effect of another drug couching /$kat/ noun a surgical operation
couching
Corrigans pulse /!kr1nz $p.ls/ noun a

Corrigans pulse
to displace the opaque lens of an eye as a treat-

condition occurring in the arterial pulse in the ment for cataracts
neck in which there is a visible rise in pressure cough /kf/ noun a reflex action, caused by irri-
cough
followed by a sudden collapse, caused by aortic tation in the throat, when the glottis is opened and
regurgitation. Also called water-hammer pulse air is sent out of the lungs suddenly " an infection
corrugator muscle /$kr1et !m.s()l/ that causes coughing ! She has a bad cough and
corrugator muscle
noun one of the muscles which produce vertical cannot make the speech. " verb to send air out of
wrinkles on the forehead when someone frowns the lungs suddenly because the throat is irritated
cortex /$k%teks/ noun the outer layer of an
cortex
! The smoke made him cough. ! She has a cold
organ, as opposed to the soft inner medulla and keeps on coughing and sneezing.
cough medicine /$kf !med()sn/, cough
cough medicine
(NOTE: The plural is cortices or cortexes.)

linctus /$kf !lkts/, cough mixture /$kf
Corti /$k%ti/ " organ of Corti
Corti
!mkst/ noun a liquid taken to soothe the irrita-

cortical mastoidectomy /!k%tk()l
cortical mastoidectomy
tion which causes a cough

!m'st$dektmi/ noun same as atticotomy
|
counselling /$kansl/ noun a method of
counselling
cortices plural of cortex

cortices
treating especially psychiatric disorders in which

counterextension 68
a specialist talks with a person about his or her one arm under the thigh and the other under the
condition and how to deal with it upper back
counterextension /!kantrk$stenn/ cradle cap /$kred()l k'p/ noun a yellow
counterextension cradle cap
noun an orthopaedic treatment in which the upper deposit on the scalp of babies, caused by sebor-
part of a limb is kept fixed and traction is applied rhoea
to the lower part of it cramp /kr'mp/ noun a painful involuntary
cramp
counterirritant /!kantr$rt()nt/ noun a spasm in the muscles, in which the muscle may
counterirritant
substance which alleviates the pain in an internal stay contracted for some time
organ by irritating an area of skin whose sensory crani- /kreni/ prefix same as cranio- (used
crani-
nerves are close to those of the organ in the spinal before vowels)
cord crania plural of cranium
crania
coupling /$k.pl/ noun 1. an act of joining

coupling
cranial /$krenil/ adjective referring to the

cranial
together or linking two people, things or proc- skull

esses 2. something which joins two things, espe-
cranio- /kreni/ prefix the skull
cranio-
cially a device for connecting two pieces of pipe,

craniometry /!kreni$mtri/ noun the process
craniometry
hose or tube |
couvade /ku%$v%d/ noun an act of copying the

couvade
|
of measuring skulls to find differences in size and
actions of having a baby while a woman is actu- shape
craniopharyngioma /!krenif!rnd+i
craniopharyngioma
ally giving birth, done by the father in some | |
Native South American societies $m/ noun a tumour in the brain originating in
Cowpers glands /$ku%pz 1l'ndz/ plural
Cowpers glands
the hypophyseal duct (NOTE: The plural is crani-
noun two glands at the base of the penis which opharyngiomas or craniopharyngiomata.)
craniostenosis /!kreniste$nss/, crani-
craniostenosis
secrete into the urethra. Also called bulboure- |
thral glands [Described 1700. After William osynostosis /!kreni!sn$stss/ noun | |
Cowper (16661709), English surgeon.] the early closing of the bones in a babys skull, so
cowpox /$kapks/ noun an infectious viral
cowpox
making the skull contract
craniotabes /!kreni$tebi%z/ noun thinness
craniotabes
disease of cattle which can be transmitted to |
humans. It was used as a constituent of the first of the bones in the occipital region of a childs
vaccines for smallpox. skull, caused by rickets, marasmus or syphilis
craniotomy /!kreni$tmi/ noun a surgical
craniotomy
cox- /kks/ prefix the hip joint

cox-
coxa /$kks/ noun the hip joint (NOTE: The plu-

coxa
operation on the skull, especially one cutting
ral is coxae.) away part of the skull (NOTE: The plural is crani-
otomies.)
coxalgia /kk$s'ld+/ noun pain in the hip
coxalgia
cranium /$krenim/ noun same as skull

| cranium
joint
(NOTE: The plural is craniums or crania.)
coxa vara /!kks $ver/ noun an unusual
coxa vara
CRB check /!si% % $bi% tek/ noun a check with

CRB check
development of the hip bone, making the legs bow

the Criminal Records Bureau to establish whether
Coxsackie virus /kk$s'ki !vars/ noun one
Coxsackie virus
|
a candidate has any convictions that disallow him
of a group of enteroviruses which enter the cells or her from working with children or other vul-
of the intestines and can cause diseases such as nerable members of society. Also called disclo-
aseptic meningitis and Bornholm disease [After sure check
Coxsackie, New York, where the virus was first
creatine /$kri%ti%n/ noun a compound of nitro-
creatine
identified.]
gen found in the muscles, produced by protein
CPAP abbreviation continuous positive airways
CPAP
metabolism and excreted as creatinine

pressure
creatinine /kri$'tni%n/ noun a substance
creatinine
CPN abbreviation community psychiatric nurse

CPN |
which is the form in which creatine is excreted

CPR abbreviation cardiopulmonary resuscita-
CPR
creatinuria /kri!'t$njri/ noun excess crea-

creatinuria
| |
tion tine in the urine

crab /kr'b/, crab louse /$kr'b las/ noun a
crab
creatorrhoea /!kri%t$ri%/ noun the presence

creatorrhoea
louse, Phthirius pubis, which infests the pubic of undigested muscle fibre in the faeces, occur-
region and other parts of the body with coarse ring in some pancreatic diseases
hair. Also called pubic louse
Creds method /kre$dez !med/ noun 1. a
Creds method
crack /kr'k/ noun a thin break ! Theres a

crack
method of extracting a placenta by massaging the

crack in one of the bones in the skull. " verb to uterus through the abdomen 2. the putting of sil-
make a thin break in something, or become split ver nitrate solution into the eyes of a baby born to
! She cracked a bone in her leg. a mother who has gonorrhoea, in order to prevent
cradle /$kred()l/ noun a metal frame put over gonococcal conjunctivitis [Described 1860. After
cradle
a person in bed to keep the weight of the bed- Karl Sigmund Franz Cred (181992), German
clothes off the body " verb to carry a child with gynaecologist.]
69 crura
creeping eruption /!kri%p $r.pn/ noun intestinal tract, characterised by thickening and
creeping eruption
an itching skin complaint, caused by larvae of scarring of the intestinal wall and obstruction
various parasites which creep under the skin [Described 1932. After Burrill Bernard Crohn
crepitation /!krep$te()n/ noun an unusual
crepitation
|
(18841983), New York physician.]
soft crackling sound heard in the lungs through a COMMENT: No certain cause has been found
stethoscope. Also called rale for Crohns disease, where only one section
of the intestine becomes inflamed and can
crepitus /$krepts/ noun a harsh crackling
crepitus
be blocked.
sound heard through a stethoscope in a person
cromolyn sodium /!krmln $sdim/
cromolyn sodium
with inflammation of the lungs

noun a drug that helps to prevent the release of
crest /krest/ noun a long raised part on a bone
crest
histamine and other substances which cause many

crest of ilium /!krest v $lim/ noun same as
crest of ilium
of the symptoms of asthma and hay fever

iliac crest
cross-dresser /!krs $dres/ noun someone
cross-dresser
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease /!krtsfelt

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
who wears clothes usually worn by people of the

$j'kb d!zi%z/ noun a disease of the nervous
|
opposite sex, e.g. a transvestite
system caused by a slow-acting prion which even-
cross-dressing /!krs $dres/ noun the prac-
cross-dressing
tually affects the brain. It may be linked to BSE in

cows. Abbreviation CJD. ! variant CJD tice of wearing clothes usually worn by people of
[Described 1920 by H.G. Creutzfeldt (1885 the opposite sex, e.g. by transvestites
cross-infection /!krs n$fekn/ noun an
cross-infection
1964); 1921 by A.M. Jakob (18841931), Ger- |
man psychiatrists] infection passed from one patient to another in

cribriform /$krbrf%m/ adjective having small
cribriform
hospital, either directly or from nurses, visitors or
holes like a sieve equipment
crossmatch /krs$m't/ verb (in transplant
crossmatch
cribriform plate /$krbrf%m plet/ noun the

cribriform plate
|
top part of the ethmoid bone which forms the roof surgery) to match a donor to a recipient as closely
of the nasal cavity and part of the roof of the eye as possible to avoid tissue rejection. ! blood
sockets group
crossmatching /krs$m't/ noun the proc-
crossmatching
cricoid /$krakd/ adjective relating to the low-

cricoid
|
est part of the cartilage of the larynx ess of matching a transplant donor to a recipient
as closely as possible to avoid tissue rejection
cricoid cartilage /!krakd $k%tld+/ noun
cricoid cartilage
cross-resistance /!krs r$zstns/ noun the

cross-resistance
ring-shaped cartilage in the lower part of the lar- |
ynx. See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement development by a disease agent of resistance to a

number of similar drugs or chemicals of the same
cri-du-chat syndrome /!kri% dju% $%
cri-du-chat syndrome
class
!sndrm/ noun a congenital condition, caused
crotamiton /kr$t'mt()n/ noun a chemical
crotamiton
by loss of part of chromosome 5, which is charac- |
terised in babies by a cry suggestive of that of a that kills mites, used to treat scabies
cat crotch /krt/ noun the point where the legs
crotch
Crigler-Najjar syndrome /!kr1l $n'd+%

Crigler-Najjar syndrome
meet the body, where the genitals are. Also called
!sndrm/ noun a genetically controlled condi- crutch
tion in which bilirubin cannot be formed, leading croup /kru%p/ noun acute infection of the upper
croup
to jaundice or even brain damage respiratory passages which blocks the larynx,
crista /$krst/ noun 1. a ridge, e.g. the border of
crista
affecting children
a bone 2. a fold in the inner membrane of a mitro- crown /kran/ noun the top part of a tooth above
crown
chondrion (NOTE: The plural is cristae.) the level of the gums " verb to put an artificial
crista galli /!krst $1'la/ noun a projection
crista galli
crown on a tooth
from the ethmoid bone crowning /$kran/ noun 1. the act of putting
crowning
criterion /kra$trin/ noun an accepted stand- an artificial crown on a tooth 2. a stage in child-
criterion
ard used in making a decision or judgment about birth in which the top of the babys head becomes
something (NOTE: The plural is criteria.) visible
critical care /!krtk()l $ke/ noun specialist cruciate /$kru%it/ adjective shaped like a
critical care cruciate
nursing and medical treatment given to patients cross

who are critically ill cruciate ligament /!kru%it $l1mnt/ noun
cruciate ligament
critical list /$krtk()l lst/ noun the list of any ligament shaped like a cross, especially either
critical list
patients in a hospital whose condition is medi- of two ligaments behind the knee which prevent
cally life-threatening the knee from bending forwards
CRNA abbreviation certified registered nurse crude death rate /!kru%d $de !ret/ noun the
CRNA crude death rate
anaesthetist number of deaths in a year, divided by the total

Crohns disease /$krnz d!zi%z/ noun a per-
Crohns disease
|
population
sistent inflammatory disease, usually of the lower crura plural of crus
crura
crural 70
crural /$krrl/ adjective referring to the thigh, cryptosporidia /!krptsp$rdi/ plural of

crural cryptosporidia
leg or shin cryptosporidium

crura of the diaphragm /!krr v cryptosporidiosis /!krptsp!rdi$ss/
crura of the diaphragm cryptosporidiosis
| |
$dafr'm/ plural noun the long muscle fibres noun an infectious condition of humans and
joining the diaphragm to the lumbar vertebrae domestic animals, spread by an intestinal parasite
crus /kr.s/ noun a long projecting part (NOTE:
crus
Cryptosporidium parvum. Its symptoms are fever,
The plural is crura.) diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
cryptosporidium /!krptsp$rdim/ noun
cryptosporidium
crus cerebri /!kr.s $serbra/ noun each of the

crus cerebri
|
nerve tracts between the cerebrum and the a parasite which contaminates drinking water
medulla oblongata (NOTE: The plural is crura supplies, causing intestinal infection (NOTE: The
cerebri.) plural is cryptosporidia.)
crypts of Lieberkhn /!krpts v $li%bku%n/
crypts of Lieberkhn
crush fracture /$kr. !fr'kt/ noun a frac-

crush fracture
ture by compression of the bone plural noun tubular glands found in the mucous
crush syndrome /$kr. !sndrm/ noun a
crush syndrome
membrane of the small and large intestine, espe-
condition in which a limb has been crushed, as in cially those between the bases of the villi in the
an accident, causing kidney failure and shock small intestine. Also called Lieberkhns
glands [Described 1745. After Johann Nathan-
crutch /kr.t/ noun 1. a strong support for
crutch
iel Lieberkuhn (171156), Berlin anatomist and

someone with an injured leg, formed of a stick physician.]
with a T-bar which fits under the armpit, espe-
CSF abbreviation cerebrospinal fluid
CSF
cially formerly, or a holding bar and elbow clasp

CT abbreviation computed tomography
CT
2. same as crotch
cry- /kra/ prefix same as cryo- (used before CT scan /!si% $ti% sk'n/ noun a computer pic-
cry- CT scan
vowels) ture of a slice of the body or an organ produced by

cryaesthesia /!krai%s$i%zi/ noun the fact of
cryaesthesia
|
a CT scanner. Also called CAT scan
cubital /$kju%bt()l/ adjective referring to the
cubital
being sensitive to cold

cryo- /kra/ prefix cold
cryo-
ulna
cubitus /$kju%bts/ noun same as ulna
cubitus
cryobank /$krab'k/ noun a place where

cryobank
biological material such as semen and body tissue cuboid /$kju%bd/, cuboid bone /$kju%bd
cuboid
can be stored at extremely low temperatures bn/ noun one of the tarsal bones in the foot.
cryoprecipitate /!krapr$sptt/ noun a
cryoprecipitate
|
See illustration at FOOT in Supplement
precipitate such as from blood plasma, which sep- cuff /k.f/ noun an inflatable ring put round the
cuff
arates out on freezing and thawing arm and inflated when blood pressure is being
cryoprobe /$kraprb/ noun an instrument
cryoprobe
measured
used in cryosurgery with a tip that is kept very cuirass respirator /kw!r's $respret/
cuirass respirator
cold to destroy tissue noun a type of artificial respirator which sur-

cryosurgery /!kra$s-%d+ri/ noun surgery
cryosurgery
|
rounds only the chest
which uses extremely cold instruments to destroy culdoscope /$k.ldskp/ noun an instru-
culdoscope
tissue ment used to inspect the interior of a womans

cryotherapy /!kra$erpi/ noun treatment pelvis, introduced through the vagina
cryotherapy
using extreme cold, as in removing a wart with culdoscopy /k.l$dskpi/ noun an examina-
culdoscopy
dry ice tion of the interior of a womans pelvis using a

crypt /krpt/ noun a small cavity in the body culdoscope
crypt
crypto- /krpt/ prefix hidden culture /$k.lt/ noun 1. the shared values and
crypto- culture
cryptococcal meningitis /!krptkk()l

cryptococcal meningitis
behaviour of a group 2. microoorganisms or tis-
menn$d+ats/ noun a form of meningitis that is
|
sues grown in a culture medium in a laboratory "
a feature of cryptococcosis verb to grow microorganisms or tissues in a cul-
ture medium
cryptococcosis /!krptk$kss/ noun an
cryptococcosis
cumulative /$kju%mjltv/ adjective growing

cumulative
infection mainly affecting the brain or nervous

system, caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neo- by adding
cuneiform /$kju%nf%m bnz/, cuneiform
cuneiform
formans. It occurs most often in people with HIV

infection. bone /$kju%nf%mz/ noun one of the three tarsal
cryptomenorrhoea
cryptomenorrhoea
/!krptmen$ri%/ |
bones in the foot. See illustration at FOOT in Sup-
noun the retention of menstrual flow, usually plement
caused by an obstruction cupola /$kju%pl/ noun a dome-shaped struc-
cupola
cryptorchidism /krp$t%kdz()m/, cryp-

cryptorchidism
|
ture
torchism /krp$t%kz()m/ noun a condition in curare /kj$r%ri/ noun a drug derived from
curare
| |
a young male in which the testicles do not move South American plants, antagonist to acetylcho-
down into the scrotum line and used surgically to paralyse muscles dur-
71 cyclotomy
ing operations without causing unconsciousness cutis /$kju%ts/ noun the skin
cutis
(NOTE: Curare is the poison used to make poi- cutis anserina /!kju%ts $'nseran/ noun a
cutis anserina
son arrows.) reaction of the skin when someone is cold or

curettage /kj$retd+/ noun the procedure of frightened, the skin being raised into many little
curettage
scraping the inside of a hollow organ, often the bumps by the action of the arrector pili muscles.
uterus, to remove a growth or tissue for examina- Also called goose bumps
tion. Also called curettement CVA abbreviation cerebrovascular accident
CVA
curette /kj$ret/ noun a surgical instrument cyan- /san/ prefix same as cyano- (used
curette cyan-
like a long thin spoon, used for scraping the inside before vowels)
of an organ " verb to scrape an organ with a cyanide /$sanad/ noun a poison which kills
cyanide
curette (NOTE: curettes curetting curetted.) very rapidly when drunk or inhaled
curettement /kj$retmnt/ same as curet- cyano- /san/ prefix blue
curettement cyano-
tage cyanocobalamin /!sank$b'lmn/

cyanocobalamin
curie /$kjri/ noun a former unit of measure-

curie
same as Vitamin B12
cyanosed /$sanst/ adjective with blue skin
cyanosed
ment of radioactivity, replaced by the becquerel.

Symbol Ci ! The patient was cyanosed round the lips.
cyanosis /!sa$nss/ noun a condition char-
cyanosis
Curlings ulcer /!k-%lz $.ls/ noun an ulcer

Curlings ulcer
|
of the duodenum following severe injury to the acterised by a blue colour of the peripheral skin
body and mucous membranes, a symptom of lack of
oxygen in the blood, e.g. in heart or lung disease
curvature /$k-%vt/ noun the way in which
curvature
cyanotic /!sa$ntk/ adjective referring to or

cyanotic
something bends from a straight line ! greater or

|
having cyanosis
lesser curvature of the stomach
cycle /$sak()l/ noun a series of events which
cycle
cushingoid /$kd/ adjective showing

cushingoid
recur regularly
symptoms of Cushings disease
cyclic /$sklk, $saklk/ adjective 1. occurring
cyclic
Cushings disease /$kz d!zi%z/, Cush-

Cushings disease
| or repeated in cycles 2. referring to organic com-

ings syndrome /$kz !sndrm/ noun a pounds composed of a closed ring of atoms
condition in which the adrenal cortex produces cyclical /$sklk()l/ adjective referring to
cyclical
too many corticosteroids [Described 1932. After cycles

Harvey Williams Cushing (18691939), sur-
-cycline /sakln/ suffix used in names of antibi-
-cycline
geon, Boston, USA.]

otics ! tetracycline
cusp /k.sp/ noun 1. the pointed tip of a tooth 2.
cusp
cyclitis /s$klats/ noun inflammation of the

cyclitis
a flap of membrane forming a valve in the heart ciliary body in the eye
cuspid /$k.spd/ noun same as canine
cuspid
cyclo- /sakl/ prefix cycles

cyclo-
cut /k.t/ noun 1. a reduction in the number or cyclodialysis /!saklda$'lss/ noun a sur-
cut cyclodialysis
amount of something 2. a place where the skin gical operation to connect the anterior chamber of
has been penetrated by a sharp instrument ! She the eye and the choroid, as a treatment of glau-
had a bad cut on her left leg. ! The nurse will put coma
a bandage on your cut. " verb 1. to make an cyclopentolate /!sakl$pentlet/ noun a
cyclopentolate
opening in something using a knife, scissors or drug used to paralyse the ciliary muscle
other sharp thing ! The surgeon cut the diseased cyclophosphamide
cyclophosphamide
/!sakl$fsfmad/ |
tissue away with a scalpel. ! She cut her finger noun a drug which suppresses immunity, used in
on the broken glass. 2. to reduce the number or the treatment of leukaemia, lymphoma, Hodg-
amount of something ! Accidents have been cut kins disease and tumours
by 10%. (NOTE: cutting cut)
cycloplegia /!sakl$pli%d+/ noun paralysis
cycloplegia
cut- /kju%t/ prefix referring to the skin

cut-
of the ciliary muscle which makes it impossible

cutaneous /kju%$tenis/ adjective referring to
cutaneous
|
for the eye to focus properly
cyclopropane /!sakl$prpen/ noun a
cyclopropane
the skin |
flammable hydrocarbon gas used as a general

cutaneous leishmaniasis /kju!tenis
cutaneous leishmaniasis
|
anaesthetic and in organic synthesis
li%m$nass/ noun a form of skin disease
cyclothymia /!sakl$ami/ noun a mild
| cyclothymia
caused by the tropical parasite Leishmania. Also |
called Delhi boil form of bipolar disorder in which the person

experiences alternating depression and excite-
cutdown /$k.tdan/ noun the procedure of cut-
cutdown
ment
ting a vein to insert a cannula or administer an cyclotomy /sa$kltmi/ noun a surgical oper-
cyclotomy
intravenous drug
|
ation to make a cut in the ciliary body (NOTE: The

cuticle /$kju%tk()l/ noun same as epidermis
cuticle
plural is cyclotomies.)
-cyclovir 72
-cyclovir /saklv/ suffix used in the names called vesicofixation (NOTE: The plural is cyst-
-cyclovir
of antiviral drugs opexies.)

cystoplasty /$sst!pl'sti/ noun a surgical
cystoplasty
cyesis /sa$i%ss/ noun same as pregnancy

cyesis
|
|
(technical) operation on the bladder (NOTE: The plural is

cyst /sst/ noun an unusual growth in the body
cyst
cystoplasties.)
cystoscope /$sstskp/ noun an instrument
cystoscope
shaped like a pouch, containing liquid or semi-

liquid substances made of a long tube with a light at the end, used
to inspect the inside of the bladder
cyst- /sst/ prefix the bladder
cyst-
cystoscopy /s$stskpi/ noun an examination

cystoscopy
cystadenoma /!sstd$nm/ noun an ade-

cystadenoma |
of the bladder using a cystoscope (NOTE: The plu-

|
noma in which fluid-filled cysts form (NOTE: The

ral is cystoscopies.)
plural is cystadonomas or cystadonomata.)
cystostomy /s$ststmi/, cystotomy /s
cystostomy
cystalgia /s$st'ld+/ noun pain in the urinary

cystalgia | |
|
$sttmi/ noun a surgical operation to make an
bladder opening between the bladder and the abdominal
cystectomy /s$stektmi/ noun a surgical
cystectomy
|
wall to allow urine to pass without going through
operation to remove all or part of the urinary blad- the urethra. Also called vesicostomy (NOTE:
der (NOTE: The plural is cystectomies.) The plurals are cystostomies and cystoto-
cystic /$sstk/ adjective 1. referring to cysts 2. mies.)
cystic
referring to a bladder cystourethrography /!sst!jr$r1rfi/

cystourethrography
| |
cysticercosis /!ssts-%$kss/ noun a dis- noun X-ray examination of the bladder and ure-
cysticercosis
ease caused by infestation of tapeworm larvae thra

from pork cystourethroscope /!sstj$ri%rskp/
cystourethroscope
cystic fibrosis /!sstk fa$brss/ noun a noun an instrument used to inspect the bladder
cystic fibrosis
hereditary disease in which there is malfunction and urethra

of the exocrine glands such as the pancreas, in cyt- /sat/ prefix same as cyto- (used before
cyt-
particular those which secrete mucus, causing vowels)

respiratory difficulties, male infertility and mal- cyto- /sat/ prefix cell
cyto-
absorption of food from the gastrointestinal tract.

cytochemistry /!sat$kemstri/ noun the
cytochemistry
Also called fibrocystic disease, mucoviscido-

|
study of the chemical activity of cells

sis
cytogenetics /!satd+$netks/ noun a
cytogenetics
cystine /$ssti%n/ noun an amino acid. It can

cystine |
branch of genetics which studies the function of

cause stones to form in the urinary system of peo- cells, especially chromosomes, in heredity
ple who have a rare inherited metabolic disorder.
cytokine /$satkan/ noun a protein secreted
cytokine
cystinosis /!sst$nss/ noun a disorder

cystinosis
|
by cells of the lymph system which is involved in
affecting the absorption of amino acids, resulting controlling response to inflammation
in excessive amounts of cystine accumulating in
cytokinesis /!satka$ni%ss/ noun changes
cytokinesis
the kidneys |
in the cytoplasm of a cell during division

cystinuria /!sst$njri/ noun cystine in the
cystinuria
cytological smear /!satld+k()l $sm/

| cytological smear
urine
noun a sample of tissue taken for examination
cystitis /s$stats/ noun inflammation of the
cystitis
|
under a microscope
urinary bladder, which makes someone pass
cytology /sa$tld+i/ noun the study of the
cytology
water often and with a burning sensation

|
structure and function of cells

cystocele /$sstsi%l/ noun a hernia of the uri-
cystocele
cytolysis /sa$tlss/ noun the breaking down

cytolysis
nary bladder into the vagina

|
of cells
cystogram /$sst1r'm/ noun an X-ray photo-
cystogram
cytomegalovirus /!sat$me1l!vars/
cytomegalovirus
graph of the urinary bladder

| |
noun one of the herpesviruses which can cause

cystography /s$st1rfi/ noun an examina-
cystography
|
serious congenital disorders in a fetus if it infects
tion of the urinary bladder by X-rays after radio- the pregnant mother. Abbreviation CMV
opaque dye has been introduced cytometer /sa$tmt/ noun an instrument
cytometer
cystolithiasis /!sstl$ass/ noun a condi-

cystolithiasis
|
attached to a microscope, used for measuring and
tion in which stones are formed in the urinary counting the number of cells in a specimen
bladder cytopenia /!sat$pi%ni/ noun a deficiency of
cytopenia
cystometer /s$stmt/ noun an apparatus

cystometer
| cellular elements in blood or tissue

which measures the pressure in the bladder cytoplasm /$satpl'z()m/ noun a sub-
cytoplasm
cystometry /s$stmtri/ noun measurement

cystometry
| stance inside the cell membrane which surrounds

of the pressure in the bladder the nucleus of a cell
cystopexy /s$stpeksi/ noun a surgical opera- cytoplasmic /!sat$pl'zmk/ adjective
cystopexy cytoplasmic
| |
tion to fix the bladder in a different position. Also referring to the cytoplasm of a cell
73 cytotoxin
cytosine /$satsi%n/ noun one of the four sion 2. referring to cells in the immune system
cytosine
basic chemicals in DNA which destroy other cells

cytotoxic drug /!sattksk $dr.1/ noun a
cytotoxic drug
cytosome /$satsm/ noun the body of a

cytosome
drug which reduces the reproduction of cells,

cell, not including the nucleus used to treat cancer
cytotoxic /!sat$tksk/ adjective 1. refer-
cytotoxic
cytotoxin /!sat$tksn/ noun a substance

cytotoxin
|
|
ring to a drug or agent which prevents cell divi- which has a toxic effect on cells
D
d symbol deci- Daltonism /$d%ltnz()m/ noun the common-
d Daltonism
da symbol deca-
da
est form of colour blindness, in which someone
cannot see the difference between red and green.
da Costas syndrome /d% $kstz
da Costas syndrome
Also called protanopia [Described 1794. After

!sndrm/ noun same as disordered action of John Dalton (17661844), English chemist and
the heart [Described 1871. After Jacob Mendes
physician. Founder of the atomic theory, he him-
da Costa (18331900), Philadelphia surgeon,
self was colour-blind.]
who described this condition in soldiers in the
D & C /di% n/ abbreviation dilatation and curet-
D & C
American Civil War.]

tage
dacryo- /d'kri/ prefix tears
dacryo-
dander /$d'nd/ noun very small fragments

dander
dacryoadenitis /!d'kri'd$nats/ noun

dacryoadenitis
|
that fall from the feathers, hair or skin of animals
inflammation of the lacrimal gland or people
dacryocystitis /!d'kris$stats/ noun
dacryocystitis
dandruff /$d'ndrf/ noun pieces of dead skin

dandruff
|
inflammation of the lacrimal sac when the tear from the scalp which fall out when the hair is
duct, which drains into the nose, becomes combed. Also called pityriasis capitis, scurf
blocked D and V /!di% n $vi%/ abbreviation diarrhoea and
D and V
dacryocystography /!d'kris$st1rfi/
dacryocystography
|
vomiting
noun contrast radiography to determine the site of Dandy-Walker syndrome /!d'ndi $w%k
Dandy-Walker syndrome
an obstruction in the tear ducts !sndrm/ noun a congenital condition in which

dacryocystorhinostomy /!d'kri
dacryocystorhinostomy
|
there is no Magendies foramen in the brain
!sstra$nstmi/ noun a surgical operation to
|
dark adaptation /d%k !'d'p$te()n/ noun
dark adaptation
bypass a blockage from the tear duct which takes the reflex changes which enable the eye to con-
tears into the nose. Abbreviation DCR (NOTE: tinue to see in dim light. For example, the pupil
The plural is dacryocystorhinostomies.) becomes larger and the rods in the retina become
dacryolith /$d'kril/ noun a stone in the
dacryolith
more active than the cones.

lacrimal sac data /$det/ plural noun information in words or
data
dacryoma /!d'kri$m/ noun a benign swell-

dacryoma
| figures about a particular subject, especially

ing in one of the tear ducts (NOTE: The plural is information which is available on computer
dacryomas or dacryomata.) (NOTE: In scientific usage, data is used with a
dactyl /$d'ktl/ noun a finger or toe
dactyl
plural verb: The data are accurate. In everyday
language, data is often used with a singular
dactyl- /d'ktl/ prefix same as dactylo- (used
dactyl-
verb: The recent data supports our case.)

before vowels)
data bank /$det b'k/ noun a store of infor-
data bank
dactylitis /!d'kt$lats/ noun inflammation of

dactylitis
|
mation in a computer ! The hospital keeps a data
the fingers or toes, caused by bone infection or bank of information about possible kidney
rheumatic disease donors.
dactylo- /d'ktl/ prefix referring to the fin-
dactylo-
database /$detbes/ noun a structured collec-

database
gers or toes tion of information in a computer that can be

dactylology /!d'kt$lld+i/ noun signs made
dactylology
| automatically retrieved and manipulated

with the fingers in place of words when talking to Data Protection Act /!det pr$tek()n
Data Protection Act
a person who is unable to hear, or when a person !'kt/ noun a parliamentary act intended to pro-
who is unable to hear or speak wants to commu- tect information about individuals that is held on
nicate computers. It ensures that all information is stored
dactylomegaly /!d'ktl$me1li/ noun a
dactylomegaly
| securely and allows people to have access to their

condition in which a person has longer fingers entries.
than usual daughter /$d%t/ noun a female child of a par-
daughter
DAH abbreviation disordered action of the heart ent ! They have two sons and one daughter.
DAH
75 decimetre
day blindness /$de !blandns/ noun same as debility /d$blti/ noun general weakness
day blindness debility
hemeralopia debridement /d$bri%dmnt/ noun the removal

debridement
day care /$de ke/ noun supervised recreation

day care
of dirt or dead tissue from a wound to help healing

or medical care provided during the day for peo- deca- /dek/ prefix ten. Symbol da
deca-
ple who need special help, e.g. some elderly peo-

Decadron /$dekdrn/ a trade name for dexam-
Decadron
ple or small children

day case /$de kes/ noun same as day patient
day case
ethasone
decalcification /di%!k'lsf$ke()n/ noun
decalcification
day case surgery /$de kes !s-%d+ri/ noun

day case surgery
| |
same as day surgery the loss of calcium salts from teeth and bones
decannulation /di%!k'nj$le()n/ noun the
decannulation
day centre /$de !sent/ noun a place providing

day centre
| |
day care removal of a tracheostomy tube

decapitation /d!k'p$te()n/ noun the act
decapitation
day nursery /$de !n-%s()ri/ noun a place

day nursery
| |
where small children can be looked after during or process of cutting off the head of a person or
the daytime while their parents or guardians are at animal
work decapsulation /di%!k'psj$le()n/ noun a
decapsulation
| |
day patient /$de !pe()nt/ noun a patient surgical operation to remove a capsule from an
day patient
who is in hospital for treatment for a day and does organ, especially from a kidney
not stay overnight. Also called day case decay /d$ke/ noun 1. the process by which tis-
decay
day patient care /$de !pe()nt !ke/ noun sues become rotten, caused by the action of
day patient care
care for patients who are resident in a hospital microorganisms and oxygen 2. damage caused to
during the daytime only tissue or a tooth by the action of microorganisms,
day recovery ward /!de r$k.v()ri !w%d/
day recovery ward
|
especially bacteria " verb (of tissue) to rot ! The
noun a ward where day patients who have had surgeon removed decayed matter from the wound.
minor operations can recover before going home deci- /desi/ prefix one tenth (10-1) ! decigram
deci-
day surgery /$de !s-%d+ri/ noun a surgical Symbol d

day surgery
operation which does not require the patient to decibel /$desbel/ noun a unit of measurement
decibel
stay overnight in hospital. Also called day case of the loudness of sound, used to compare differ-
surgery ent levels of sound. Symbol dB
dB abbreviation decibel
dB
decidua /d$sdju/ noun a membrane which

decidua
DCR abbreviation dacryocystorhinostomy

DCR
lines the uterus after fertilisation (NOTE: The plu-

DDS abbreviation US doctor of dental surgery ral is deciduas or deciduae.)
DDS
DDT abbreviation dichlorodiphenyltrichlo- COMMENT: The decidua is divided into sever-

DDT
roethane al parts: the decidua basalis, where the em-

de- /di%/ prefix removal or loss
de-
bryo is attached, the decidua capsularis,
which covers the embryo and the decidua
dead fingers /!ded $f1z/, dead mans fin-
dead fingers
vera which is the rest of the decidua not

gers /!ded m'nz $f1z/ noun same as Ray- touching the embryo. It is expelled after the
nauds disease birth of the baby.
dead space /ded spes/ noun a breath in the
dead space
decidual /d$sdjul/ adjective referring to the

decidual
last part of the process of breathing in air which

|
decidua
does not get further than the bronchial tubes
deciduoma /d!sdju$m/ noun a mass of
deciduoma
deaf /def/ adjective not able to hear in circum-

deaf | |
decidual tissue remaining in the uterus after birth

stances where most people would. ! hearing-
(NOTE: The plural is deciduomas or decidu-
impaired
omata.)
deaf and dumb /!def n $d.m/ noun not able
deaf and dumb
deciduous /d$sdjus/ adjective referring to

deciduous
to hear or to speak (NOTE: This term is regarded |
as offensive.) teeth discarded at a later stage of development

deciduous dentition /d!sdjus den
deciduous dentition
deafness /$defns/ noun the fact of being una-

deafness
| |
ble to hear in circumstances where most people $t()n/ noun the set of twenty teeth which are
would gradually replaced by the permanent teeth as a
child grows older
deamination /di%!'m$ne()n/ noun the
deamination
| |
deciduous tooth /d$sdjus tu%/ noun same

deciduous tooth
process by which amino acids are broken down in |
the liver and urea is formed as primary tooth

decilitre /$desli%t/ noun a unit of measure-
decilitre
death /de/ noun the permanent end of all natu-

death
ral functions ment of liquid equal to one tenth of a litre. Sym-

death rate /$de ret/ noun the number of
death rate
bol dl (NOTE: The US spelling is deciliter.)
deaths per year per thousand of population ! The decimetre /$desmi%t/ noun a unit of measure-
decimetre
death rate from cancer of the liver has remained ment of length equal to one tenth of a metre. Sym-
stable. bol dm (NOTE: The US spelling is decimeter.)
decompensation 76
decompensation /di%!kmpn$se()n/ defecation /!def$ke()n/, defaecation

decompensation defecation
| | |
noun a condition in which an organ such as the noun the act of passing out faeces from the bow-
heart cannot cope with extra stress placed on it els
and so is unable to perform its function properly defence /d$fens/ noun resistance against an
defence
decomposition /!di%kmp$z()n/ noun the

decomposition
| attack of a disease
process where dead matter is rotted by the action defence
defence mechanism
mechanism /d$fens
of bacteria or fungi
|
!meknz()m/ noun a subconscious reflex by

decompression /!di%km$pre()n/ noun 1.
decompression
| which a person prevents himself or herself from

reduction of pressure 2. a controlled reduction of showing emotion
atmospheric pressure which occurs as a diver deferent /$defrnt/ adjective going away from
deferent
returns to the surface the centre

decompression sickness /!di%km
decompression sickness
defervescence /!def$ves()ns/ noun a

defervescence
|
!pre()n $skns/ noun same as caisson dis-

|
period during which a fever is subsiding

ease
defibrillation /di%!fbr$le()n/ noun a proce-
defibrillation
decongestant /!di%kn$d+estnt/ adjective

decongestant
| |
dure to correct an irregular heartbeat by applying

|
reducing congestion and swelling " noun a drug

a large electrical impulse to the chest wall, espe-
which reduces congestion and swelling, some-
cially in potentially life-threatening circum-
times used to unblock the nasal passages
stances. Also called cardioversion
decontamination /!di%knt'm$ne()n/
decontamination
defibrillator /di%$fbrlet/ noun an apparatus

defibrillator
|
noun the removal of a contaminating substance

|
such as radioactive material used to apply an electric impulse to the heart to

make it beat regularly
decortication /di%!k%t$ke()n/ noun the
decortication
defibrination /di%!fabr$ne()n/ noun the

| | defibrination
surgical removal of the cortex of an organ | |
removal of fibrin from a blood sample to prevent

decrudescence /!di%kru%$des()ns/ noun a
decrudescence
|
clotting
reduction in the symptoms of a disease
deficiency /d$f()nsi/ noun a lack of some-
deficiency
decubitus /d$kju%bts/ noun the position of a

decubitus |
|
thing necessary
person who is lying down
deficit /$defst/ noun the amount by which
deficit
decubitus ulcer /d!kju%bts $.ls/ noun

decubitus ulcer
|
something is less than it should be
same as bedsore
defloration /!di%fl%$re()n/ noun the act of
defloration
decussation /!di%k.$se()n/ noun the cross-

decussation |
|
breaking the hymen of a virgin, usually at the first
ing of nerve fibres in the central nervous system. sexual intercourse
Also called chiasm
deflorescence /!di%fl%$res()ns/ noun the
deflorescence
deep /di%p/ adjective located, coming from or

deep |
disappearance of a rash
reaching relatively far inside the body. Opposite
deformans /di%$f%mnz/ " osteitis deform-
deformans
superficial |
ans
deep cervical vein /!di%p $s-%vk()l !ven/
deep cervical vein
deformity /d$f%mti/ noun an unusual shape

deformity
noun a vein in the neck which drains into the ver- |
tebral vein of part of the body

degeneration /d!d+en$re()n/ noun a
degeneration
deep dermal burn /!di%p $d-%m()l !b-%n/

deep dermal burn
| |
noun a burn which is so severe that a graft will be change in the structure of a cell or organ so that it
necessary to repair the skin damage. Also called no longer works properly
full thickness burn degenerative disease /d!d+en()rtv d
degenerative disease
| |
deep facial vein /!di%p $fe()l !ven/ noun a $zi%z/, degenerative disorder /d!d+en()rtv
deep facial vein
small vein which drains from the pterygoid proc- ds$%d/ noun a disease or disorder in which
|
ess behind the cheek into the facial vein there is progressive loss of function of a part of
deep plantar arch /!di%p $pl'ntr !%t/ noun
deep plantar arch
the body, or in which a part of the body fails to
a curved artery crossing the sole of the foot repair itself
deglutition /!di%1lu%$t()n/ noun the action of
deglutition
deep vein /!di%p $ven/ noun a vein which is

deep vein
|
inside the body near a bone, as opposed to a passing food or liquid, and sometimes also air,
superficial vein near the skin from the mouth into the oesophagus (technical)
Also called swallowing
deep-vein thrombosis /!di%p ven rm
deep-vein thrombosis
dehiscence /d$hs()ns/ noun the act of open-

| dehiscence
$bss/ noun a condition arising when a throm- |
bus formed in the deep veins of a leg or the pelvis ing wide
dehydration /!di%ha$dre()n/ noun a dan-
dehydration
travels to a lung where it may cause death. The |
condition may affect anyone who is inactive for gerous lack of water in the body resulting from
long periods. Also called phlebothrombosis. inadequate intake of fluids or excessive loss
Abbreviation DVT through sweating, vomiting or diarrhoea
77 deoxygenated blood
dehydrogenase /!di%ha$drd+nez/ noun denervation /!di%n$ve()n/ noun the stop-

dehydrogenase denervation
| |
an enzyme that transfers hydrogen between ping or cutting of the nerve supply to a part of the
chemical compounds body
dj vu /!de+% $vu%/ noun an illusion that a dengue /$de1i/ noun a tropical disease caused
dj vu dengue
new situation is a previous one being repeated, by an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes, char-
usually caused by a disease of the brain acterised by high fever, pains in the joints, head-
deleterious /!del$tris/ adjective damaging
deleterious
|
ache and rash. Also called breakbone fever
or harmful denial /d$nal/ noun a persons refusal to
denial
Delhi boil /!deli $bl/ noun same as cutane-

Delhi boil
accept that he or she has a serious medical prob-
ous leishmaniasis lem
Denis Browne splint /!dens bran $splnt/
Denis Browne splint
delirium /d$lrim/ noun a mental state in

delirium
which someone is confused, excited and restless noun a metal splint used to correct a club foot
and has hallucinations [Described 1934. After Sir Denis John Wolko
Browne (18921967), Australian orthopaedic
delirium alcoholicum /d!lrim !'lk
delirium alcoholicum
and general surgeon working in Britain.]

| |
$hlkm/ noun " delirium tremens

dens /denz/ noun a tooth, or something shaped
dens
delirium tremens /d!lrim $tri%menz/,

delirium tremens
like a tooth
|
delirium alcoholicum /d!lrim !'lk | |
dent- /dent/ prefix referring to a tooth or teeth

dent-
$hlkm/ noun a state of mental illness usually

found in long-term alcoholics who attempt to give dental /$dent()l/ adjective referring to teeth or
dental
up alcohol consumption. It includes hallucina- to the treatment of teeth ! dental caries ! dental
tions about insects, trembling and excitement. surgeon
Abbreviation DTs dental hygiene /!dent()l $had+i%n/ noun
dental hygiene
delivery /d$lv()ri/ noun the birth of a child procedures to keep the teeth clean and healthy
delivery
delta /$delt/ noun the fourth letter of the Greek dental impaction /!dent()l m$p'k()n/
delta dental impaction
alphabet noun a condition in which a tooth is closely

deltoid /$deltd/, deltoid muscle /$deltd
deltoid
pressed against other teeth and cannot grow nor-
!m.s()l/ noun a big triangular muscle covering mally
the shoulder joint and attached to the humerus, dental plate /$dent()l plet/ noun a prosthesis
dental plate
which lifts the arm sideways made to the shape of the mouth, which holds arti-
delusion /d$lu%+()n/ noun a false belief which
delusion
|
ficial teeth
a person holds which cannot be changed by rea- dental prosthesis /!dent()l prs$i%ss/
dental prosthesis
son ! He suffered from the delusion that he was noun one or more false teeth
wanted by the police. dentine /$denti%n/ noun a hard substance which
dentine
dementia /d$men/ noun the loss of mental surrounds the pulp of teeth, beneath the enamel
dementia
ability and memory due to organic disease of the dentistry /$dentstri/ noun the profession of a
dentistry
brain, causing disorientation and personality dentist, or the branch of medicine dealing with
changes teeth and gums
demi- /demi/ prefix half
demi-
dentition /den$t()n/ noun the number,

dentition
demography /d$m1rfi/ noun the study of arrangement and special characteristics of all the
demography
populations and environments or changes affect- teeth in a persons jaws

ing populations COMMENT: Children have incisors, canines
demulcent /d$m.lsnt/ noun a soothing sub- and molars, which are replaced over a peri-
demulcent
stance which relieves irritation in the stomach od of years by the permanent teeth: eight in-
demyelinating /di%$malnet/ adjective
demyelinating
cisors, four canines, eight premolars and
twelve molars, the last four molars being
|
relating to the destruction of the myelin sheath

called the wisdom teeth.
round nerve fibres
dentoid /$dentd/ adjective shaped like a tooth
dentoid
demyelination /di%!mal$ne()n/ noun the

demyelination
| |
denture /$dent/ noun a set of false teeth, fixed

denture
destruction of the myelin sheath round nerve

fibres, caused, e.g. by injury to the head, or as the to a device which fits inside the mouth
main result of multiple sclerosis deodorant /di$d()rnt/ noun a substance
deodorant
dendrite /$dendrat/ noun a branched structure

dendrite
which hides or prevents unpleasant smells "
growing out from a nerve cell, which receives adjective hiding or preventing odours
impulses from the nerve endings of other nerve deontology /!di%n$tld+i/ noun the ethics of
deontology
cells at synapses. See illustration at NEURONE in duty and of what is morally right or wrong
Supplement. Also called dendron deoxygenate /di%$ksd+net/ verb to
deoxygenate
dendritic /den$drtk/ adjective referring to a remove oxygen from something

dendritic
dendrite deoxygenated
deoxygenated blood
blood /di%!ksd+net |
dendron /$dendrn/ noun same as dendrite $bl.d/ noun blood from which most of the oxy-
dendron
deoxyribonucleic acid 78
gen has been removed by the tissues. It is darker or want ! sleep deprivation 2. the lack of basic
than arterial oxygenated blood. Also called necessities of life
venous blood. Compare deoxygenated blood deradenitis /d!r'd$nats/ noun inflamma-
deradenitis
| |
deoxyribonucleic acid /di%!ksirabnju% tion of the lymph nodes in the neck

deoxyribonucleic acid
| |
!klek $'sd/ noun full form of DNA. " RNA Dercums disease /$d-%kmz d!zi%z/ noun
Dercums disease
Department of Health /d!p%tmnt v same as adiposis dolorosa [Described 1888.

Department of Health
$hel/ noun in the UK, the government depart- After Franois Xavier Dercum (18561931), Pro-
ment in charge of health services. Abbreviation fessor of Neurology at Jefferson Medical Col-
DH lege, Philadelphia, USA.]
dependant /d$pendnt/ noun a person who is derealisation /di%!rla$ze()n/, derealiza-
dependant derealisation
| | |
looked after or supported by someone else ! He tion noun a psychological state in which some-
has to support a family of six children and several one feels the world around him or her is not real
dependants. derm- /d-%m/ prefix same as derma- (used
derm-
dependence /d$pendns/, dependency /d before vowels)

dependence
| |
$pendnsi/ noun the fact of needing the suuport -derm /d-%m/ suffix skin
-derm
of something or someone such as a carer, nurse or derma- /d-%m/ prefix skin

derma-
doctor, or of being addicted to a drug

dermal /$d-%m()l/ adjective referring to the
dermal
dependent /d$pendnt/ adjective 1. needing

dependent
|
skin
the support of someone or something 2. addicted dermatitis /!d-%m$tats/ noun inflammation
dermatitis
to a drug 3. referring to a part of the body which

|
of the skin
is hanging down
dermato- /d-%mt/ prefix referring to the
dermato-
dependent relative /d!pendnt $reltv/

dependent relative
|
skin
noun a person who is looked after by another
dermatochalasis /!d-%mtk$l'ss/ noun
dermatochalasis
member of the family |
a condition where a fold of skin moves down over

depersonalisation /di%!p-%s()n()la
depersonalisation
| |
the eyelid, common in older people
$ze()n/, depersonalization noun a psychiat-
dermatological /!d-%mt$ld+k()l/ adjec-
dermatological
ric state in which someone does not believe he or |
she is real tive referring to dermatology

dermatologist /!d-%m$tld+st/ noun a doc-
dermatologist
depilation /!dep$le()n/ noun the removal of

depilation
|
tor who specialises in the study and treatment of

|
hair
the skin and its diseases
depilatory /d$plt()ri/ noun a substance
depilatory
dermatology /!d-%m$tld+i/ noun the study

| dermatology
which removes hair " adjective removing hair |
and treatment of the skin and its diseases

Depo-Provera a trademark for a progesterone
Depo-Provera
dermatome /$d-%mtm/ noun 1. a special

dermatome
derivative used in birth control and the treatment

of endometriosis which is administered by three- knife used for cutting thin sections of skin for
monthly injection grafting 2. an area of skin supplied by one spinal
nerve
depressant /d$pres()nt/ noun a drug which
depressant
dermatomycosis /!d-%mtma$kss/
| dermatomycosis
reduces the activity of part of the body, e.g. a tran- |
noun a skin infection caused by a fungus that is

quilliser
not a dermatophyte
depressed /d$prest/ adjective 1. experiencing
depressed
dermatomyositis /!d-%mtma$sats/
| dermatomyositis
a mental condition that prevents someone from

|
noun a collagen disease with a wasting inflamma-

carrying out the normal activities of life in the
tion of the skin and muscles
usual way # clinically depressed Same as
dermatophyte /$d-%mtfat/ noun a fungus
dermatophyte
depressed 2. feeling miserable and worried

(informal) ! He was depressed after his exam belonging to one of three genera which affect the
results. 3. referring to something such as a meta- skin or hair, causing tinea
dermatophytosis /!d-%mtfa$tss/
dermatophytosis
bolic rate which is below the usual level |
depressed fracture /d!prest $fr'kt/ noun

depressed fracture
|
noun a fungal infection of the skin caused by a
a fracture of a flat bone such as those in the skull dermatophyte
dermatoplasty /$d-%mtpl'sti/ noun a skin
dermatoplasty
where part of the bone has been pushed down

lower than the surrounding parts graft, replacing damaged skin by skin taken from
depression /d$pre()n/ noun 1. a mental
depression
|
another part of the body or from a donor
dermatosis /!d-%m$tss/ noun a disease of
dermatosis
condition that prevents someone from carrying |
out the normal activities of life in the usual way 2. the skin
a hollow on the surface of a part of the body dermis /$d-%ms/ noun a thick layer of living
dermis
depressor /d$pres/ noun a muscle which

depressor
|
skin beneath the epidermis. Also called corium
pulls part of the body downwards dermo- /d-%m/ prefix same as derma-
dermo-
deprivation /!depr$ve()n/ noun 1. the fact dermoid /$d-%md/ adjective 1. referring to the
deprivation dermoid
of not being able to have something that you need skin 2. like skin
79 diabetes insipidus
Descemets membrane /de$mets develop /d$velp/ verb 1. to become larger and

Descemets membrane develop
| |
!membren/ noun one of the deep layers of the stronger, or more complex ! The embryo is
cornea [Described 1785. After Jean Descemet developing normally. ! A swelling developed
(17321810), French physician; Professor of under the armpit. ! The sore throat developed
Anatomy and Surgery in Paris.] into an attack of meningitis. 2. to make something
descending aorta /d!send e$%t/ noun
descending aorta
| |
start to happen ! Were developing a new system
the second section of the aorta, which turns down- for dealing with admission to A & E. 3. to make
wards. Compare ascending aorta something start to grow or become larger,
descending colon /d!send $kln/ noun
descending colon
stronger or more complex ! He does exercises to
develop his muscles. 4. to start to have an illness
|
the third section of the colon which goes down the

left side of the body. Compare ascending colon. ! The baby may be developing a cold.
development /d$velpmnt/ noun 1. the
development
See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supple- |
ment process of growing, or of becoming larger and

desensitisation
desensitisation
/di%!sensta$ze()n/, | |
stronger, or more complex ! The development of
desensitization noun the act of making some- the embryo takes place in the uterus. 2. something
one or something no longer sensitive to some- which happens and causes a change in a situation
thing such as an allergen ! Report any developments to me at once.
developmental delay /d$velpment()l d
developmental delay
designer drug /d$zan dr.1/ noun a drug

designer drug
| |
|
that has been modified to enhance its properties !le/ noun the fact of being later than usual in
(informal) developing, either physically or psychologically
deviance /$di%vins/ noun sexual behaviour
deviance
desogestrel /!des$d+estrl/ noun a hormone

desogestrel
used an as oral contraceptive which is considered unusual

deviated nasal septum /!di%vietd !nez()l
deviated nasal septum
desquamation /!deskw$me()n/ noun the

desquamation
continual process of losing the outer layer of dead $septm/, deviated septum /!di%vietd
skin $septm/ noun an unusual position of the septum
detached retina /d!t'tt $retn/ noun a
detached retina
|
of the nose which may block the nose and cause
condition in which the retina becomes partially nosebleeds
deviation /!di%vi$e()n/ noun 1. the fact of
deviation
separated from the eyeball, causing loss of vision. |
Also called retinal detachment being different from what is usual or expected or
COMMENT: A detached retina can be caused something which is different from what is usual
by a blow to the eye, or simply is a condition or expected 2. an unusual position of a joint or of
occurring in old age. If left untreated the eye the eye, as in strabismus
will become blind. A detached retina can dexamethasone /!deks$mesn/ noun a
dexamethasone
sometimes be attached to the choroid again synthetic steroid drug that is used to treat inflam-
using lasers. mation and hormonal imbalances
detergent /d$t-%d+nt/ noun a cleaning sub-
detergent
Dexa scan /$deks sk'n/ noun a technique to

Dexa scan
|
stance which removes grease and bacteria assess changes in someones bone density, as in
deterioration /d!tri$re()n/ noun the fact
deterioration
| | osteoporosis or in Pagets disease. Full form Dual

of becoming worse ! The nurses were worried by Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
the deterioration in the patients reactions. dextro- /dekstr/ prefix referring to the right,
dextro-
detox /$di%tks/ noun same as detoxication

detox
or the right side of the body

(informal) dextromoramide
dextromoramide
/!dekstr$m%rmad/ |
detoxication /di%!tks$ke()n/, detoxifica-

detoxication
| |
noun an opioid drug used to reduce pain
tion /di%!tksf$ke()n/ noun the removal of
dextrose /$dekstrz/ noun same as glucose
dextrose
| |
toxic substances to make a poisonous substance

DH abbreviation Department of Health
DH
harmless
DI abbreviation donor insemination
DI
detrition /d$tr()n/ noun the fact of wearing

detrition
away by rubbing or use di- /da/ prefix two, double

di-
detritus /d$trats/ noun rubbish produced dia- /da/ prefix 1. through or throughout 2.
detritus dia-
when something disintegrates across 3. in different or opposite directions 4.

detrusor muscle /d$tru%z !m.s()l/ noun apart
detrusor muscle
the muscular coat of the urinary bladder diabetes /!da$bi%ti%z/ noun 1. one of a group
diabetes
detumescence /!di%tju%$mes()ns/ noun 1. of diseases which cause the body to produce large
detumescence
(of the penis or clitoris after an erection or amounts of urine. ! gestational diabetes 2.
orgasm) the process of becoming limp 2. (of a same as diabetes mellitus
swelling) the process of disappearing diabetes insipidus /da!bi%ti%z n$spds/
diabetes insipidus
| |
deuteranopia /!dju%tr$npi/ noun a form noun a rare disorder of the pituitary gland causing
deuteranopia
of colour blindness in which someone cannot see an inadequate amount of the hormone vaso-
green pressin, which controls urine production, to be
diabetes mellitus 80
produced, leading to excessive passing of urine dialysate /da$'lst/ noun material which is
dialysate
and extreme thirst subjected to dialysis

diabetes mellitus /da!bi%ti%z $melts/ dialyser /$dalaz/ noun an apparatus which
diabetes mellitus dialyser
noun a disease where the body cannot control uses a membrane to separate solids from liquids,
sugar absorption because the pancreas does not e.g. a kidney machine
secrete enough insulin dialysis /da$'lss/ noun 1. a procedure in
dialysis
COMMENT: Diabetes mellitus has two forms: which a membrane is used as a filter to separate
Type I may have a viral trigger caused by an soluble waste substances from the blood 2. same
infection which affects the cells in the pan- as renal dialysis
creas which produce insulin; Type II is diapedesis /!dap$di%ss/ noun the move-
diapedesis
caused by a lower sensitivity to insulin, is ment of white blood cells through the walls of the
common in older people, and is associated capillaries into tissues in the development of
with obesity. Symptoms of diabetes mellitus inflammation
are tiredness, unusual thirst, frequent pass-
diaphoresis /!daf$ri%ss/ noun excessive
diaphoresis
ing of water and sweet-smelling urine. Blood |
and urine tests show high levels of sugar. perspiration

diaphoretic /!daf$retk/ noun a drug which
diaphoretic
Treatment for Type II diabetes involves |
keeping to a strict diet and reducing weight, causes sweating " adjective causing sweating
and sometimes the use of oral hypoglycae- diaphragm /$dafr'm/ noun 1. a thin layer of
diaphragm
mic drugs such as glibenclamide. Type I dia- tissue stretched across an opening, especially the
betes is treated with regular injections of in- flexible sheet of muscle and fibre which separates
sulin. the chest from the abdomen and moves to pull air
diabetic cataract /!dabetk $k'tr'kt/ into the lungs in respiration 2. same as vaginal
diabetic cataract
noun a cataract which develops in people who diaphragm

have diabetes diaphragmatic /!dafr'1$m'tk/ adjective
diaphragmatic
diabetic coma /!dabetk $km/ noun a

diabetic coma
referring to a diaphragm, or like a diaphragm
diaphyseal /!da$fzil/ adjective referring to
diaphyseal
state of unconsciousness caused by untreated dia- |
betes a diaphysis
diaphysis /da$'fss/ noun the long central
diaphysis
diabetic retinopathy /!dabetk ret

diabetic retinopathy
|
|
$npi/ noun a disease of the retina, caused by part of a long bone. Also called shaft. See illus-
diabetes tration at BONE MARROW in Supplement
diaphysitis /!daf$sats/ noun inflamma-
diaphysitis
diabetogenic /!dabet$d+enk/ adjective

diabetogenic
|
tion of the diaphysis, often associated with rheu-

|
which causes diabetes

matic disease
diabetologist /!dabe$tld+st/ noun a doc-
diabetologist
diarrhoea /!da$ri%/ noun a condition in

diarrhoea
|
tor specialising in the treatment of diabetes melli-

|
which someone frequently passes liquid faeces !

tus attack of diarrhoea ! mild/severe diarrhoea
diaclasia /!da$klezi/ noun a fracture made
diaclasia
diarthrosis /!da%$rss/ noun same as

diarthrosis
|
|
by a surgeon to repair an earlier fracture which synovial joint

has set badly, or to correct a deformity diastase /$dastez/ noun an enzyme which
diastase
diadochokinesis
diadochokinesis
/da!'dkka$ni%ss/ | | breaks down starch and converts it into sugar

noun the natural ability to make muscles move diastasis /!da$stess/ noun a condition in
diastasis
limbs in opposite directions which a bone separates into parts

diagnosis /!da1$nss/ noun the act of diag-
diagnosis
diastema /!da$sti%m/ noun 1. an unusually

diastema
| |
nosing a condition or illness ! The doctors diag- wide space between adjacent teeth 2. an unusual
nosis was a viral infection, but the childs parents gap in any body part or organ
asked for a second opinion. ! They found it diffi- diastolic /!da$stlk/ adjective relating to the
diastolic
cult to make a diagnosis. Compare prognosis diastole

(NOTE: The plural is diagnoses.)
diastolic pressure /!dastlk $pre/ noun
diastolic pressure
diagnostic /!da1$nstk/ adjective referring

diagnostic
|
blood pressure taken at the diastole (NOTE:
to diagnosis Diastolic pressure is always lower than systolic.)
diagnostic and treatment centre diathermy /!da$-%mi/ noun the use of high-
diagnostic and treatment centre diathermy
/!da1nstk n $tri%tmnt !sent/ noun a frequency electric current to produce heat in body
facility mainly for day surgery or short-term stay, tissue
where a range of planned operations such as joint diathermy needle /da!-%mi $ni%d()l/ noun
diathermy needle
replacements, hernia repair and cataract removal a needle used in surgical diathermy
can be undertaken. Abbreviation DTC diathermy snare /!da$-%mi sne/ noun a
diathermy snare
diagnostic radiographer /da1!nstk

diagnostic radiographer
| snare which is heated by electrodes and burns

!redi$1rf/ noun " radiographer
| away tissue
81 digitoxin
diathesis /da$'ss/ noun the general inher- Dietls crisis /$di%t()lz !krass/ noun a pain-
diathesis Dietls crisis
ited constitution of a person in relation to their ful blockage of the ureter, causing back pressure
susceptibility to specific diseases or allergies on the kidney which fills with urine and swells
diazepam /da$'zp'm/ noun a tranquilliser
diazepam
|
[After Joseph Dietl (180478), Polish physician.]
used in the short term to treat anxiety and as a diet sheet /$dat i%t/ noun a list of sugges-
diet sheet
muscle relaxant. In the long term it is potentially tions for quantities and types of food given to
addictive. someone to follow
diazoxide /!da$zksad/ noun a drug used as
diazoxide
differential /!df$renl/ adjective referring to

differential
|
|
a vasodilator, to reduce hypertension a difference

DIC abbreviation disseminated intravascular
DIC
differential diagnosis /!df!ren()l !da1

differential diagnosis
| |
coagulation $nss/ noun the identification of one disease

dicephalus /da$sefls/ noun a fetus with two from a number of other similar diseases by com-
dicephalus
heads paring the range of symptoms of each

dichlorphenamide /!dakl%$fenmad/ noun differentiation /!dfreni$e()n/ noun the
dichlorphenamide differentiation
| |
a drug used to treat glaucoma development of specialised cells during the early
dichromatism /!dakr$m'tz()m/ noun
dichromatism
|
embryo stage
colour blindness in which only two of the three diffuse /d$fju%s/ verb /d$fju%z/ /d$fju%s/; /d
diffuse
| | | |
primary colours can be seen. Compare mono- $fju%z/ to spread through tissue, or cause some-
chromatism, trichromatism thing to spread ! Some substances easily diffuse
diclofenac sodium /!daklfen'k through the walls of capillaries. " adjective
diclofenac sodium
$sdim/ noun an anti-inflammatory drug used referring to a disease which is widespread in the
to treat rheumatic disease body, or which affects many organs or cells
diffusion /d$fju%+()n/ noun the process of
diffusion
dicrotism /$dakrtz()m/ noun a condition in

dicrotism
which the pulse occurs twice with each heartbeat mixing a liquid with another liquid, or a gas with
die /da/ verb to stop living ! His father died last
die
another gas
digest /da$d+est/ verb to break down food in
digest
year. ! She died in a car crash. (NOTE: dying |
died) the alimentary canal and convert it into compo-

diet /$dat/ noun the amount and type of food
diet
nents which are absorbed into the body
eaten ! a balanced diet " verb to reduce the digestion /da$d+estn/ noun the process by
digestion
quantity of food you eat, or to change the type of which food is broken down in the alimentary
food you eat, in order to become thinner or health- canal into components which can be absorbed by
ier ! He is dieting to try to lose weight. the body
dietary /$dat()ri/ noun a system of nutrition
dietary
digestive /da$d+estv/ adjective relating to

digestive
and energy ! The nutritionist supervised the die- digestion

taries for the patients. " adjective referring to a
digestive juice /da$d+estv ju%s/ noun " gas-
digestive juice
diet
|
tric juice (usually plural)

dietary fibre /$dat()ri !fab/ noun fibrous
dietary fibre
digestive system /da$d+estv !sstm/ noun

digestive system
matter in food, which cannot be digested. Also |
called roughage the set of organs such as the stomach, liver and
pancreas which are associated with the digestion
COMMENT: Dietary fibre is found in cereals,
of food. Also called alimentary system
nuts, fruit and some green vegetables.
digestive tract /da$d+estv tr'kt/ noun
digestive tract
There are two types of fibre in food: insoluble |
fibre, e.g. in bread and cereals, which is not same as alimentary canal
digested, and soluble fibre, e.g. in vegeta- digit /$dd+t/ noun 1. a finger or a toe 2. a
digit
bles and pulses. Foods with the highest pro- number

portion of fibre include wholemeal bread,
digitalin /!dd+$teln/, digitalis /!dd+
digitalin
beans and dried apricots. Fibre is thought to | |
be necessary to help digestion and avoid de- $tels/ noun a drug derived from foxglove leaves,
veloping constipation, obesity and appendi- used in small doses to treat heart conditions
citis. digitalise /$dd+tlaz/, digitalize verb to treat
digitalise
dietetic /!da$tetk/ adjective referring to diets someone who has heart failure with digoxin
dietetic
digital palpation /!dd+t()l p'l$pe()n/

digital palpation
dietetics /!da$tetks/ noun the study of food,

dietetics
| |
nutrition and health, especially when applied to noun an examination of part of the body by feel-
peoples food intake ing it with the fingers
dietitian /!da$t()n/ noun someone who digitoxin /!dd+$tksn/ noun an extract of
dietitian digitoxin
| |
specialises in the study of diet, especially some- foxglove leaves, used as a drug to stimulate the
one in a hospital who supervises dietaries as part heart in cases of heart failure or irregular heart-
of the medical treatment of patients beat
digoxin 82
digoxin /da$d+ksn/ noun an extract of fox- diplegia /da$pli%d+/ noun paralysis of a simi-
digoxin diplegia
| |
glove leaves, which acts more rapidly than digi- lar part on both sides of the body, e.g. paralysis of
toxin when used as a heart stimulant both arms. Compare hemiplegia
dihydrocodeine tartrate /da!hadr diplegic /da$pli%d+k/ adjective referring to
dihydrocodeine tartrate diplegic
| | |
!kdi%n $t%tret/ noun an analgesic used to diplegia

treat severe pain diplo- /dpl/ prefix double
diplo-
dilatation /!dale$te()n/, dilation /da

dilatation
diploe /$dpli%/ noun a layer of spongy bone

diploe
| |
$le()n/ noun the act of making a hollow space tissue filled with red bone marrow, between the
or a passage in the body bigger or wider ! dilata- inner and outer layers of the skull
tion of the cervix during labour diploid /$dpld/ adjective referring to a cell
diploid
dilatation and curettage /dale!te()n n

dilatation and curettage
| where there are two copies of each chromosome,

kj$retd+/ noun a surgical operation to scrape
| except the sex chromosome. In humans the dip-
the interior of the uterus to obtain a tissue sample loid number of chromosomes is 46.
or to remove products of miscarriage. Abbrevia- diplopia /d$plpi/ noun a condition in which
diplopia
tion D & C someone sees single objects as double. Also

dilate /da$let/ verb to become wider or larger,
dilate
| called double vision

or make something become wider or larger ! to direct contact /da!rekt $knt'kt/ noun a sit-
direct contact
dilate the pupil of the eye uation where someone or something physically
dilator /da$let/ noun an instrument used to
dilator
| touches an infected person or object

widen the entrance to a cavity director /da$rekt/ noun an instrument used to
director
dilator pupillae muscle /da!let pju%$pli% limit the incision made with a surgical knife
dilator pupillae muscle
| |
!m.s()l/ noun a muscle in the iris which pulls dis- /ds/ prefix 1. undoing or reversal 2. removal
dis-
the iris back and so makes the pupil expand from 3. lacking or deprived of
diltiazem hydrochloride /dl!tazm
diltiazem hydrochloride
disability /!ds$blti/ noun a condition in

disability
|
|
!hadr$kl%rad/ noun a calcium channel

|
which part of the body does not function in the
blocker used to treat hypertension usual way and makes some activities difficult or
diluent /$dljunt/ noun a substance which is impossible. ! learning disability
diluent
used to dilute a liquid, e.g. water Disabled Living Foundation /ds!eb()ld

Disabled Living Foundation
dilute /da$lu%t/ adjective with water added " $lv fan!de()n/ noun a charity which aims
dilute
|
|
verb to add water to a liquid to make it less con- to help disabled people live independently
centrated ! Dilute the disinfectant in four parts of disarticulation /!ds%tkj$le()n/ noun
disarticulation
water. the amputation of a limb at a joint, which does not

dimenhydrinate /!damen$hadrnet/ noun
dimenhydrinate
|
involve dividing a bone
an antihistamine drug that relieves travel sickness disc /dsk/ noun a flat round structure. !
disc
dimetria /da$mi%tri/ noun a condition in

dimetria
|
intervertebral disc
which a woman has a double uterus discharge /ds$t%d+/ noun /$dst%d+/ 1.
discharge
dioptre /da$pt/ noun a unit of measurement

dioptre
|
the secretion of liquid from an opening 2. the
of the refraction of a lens process of sending a patient away from a hospital
because the treatment has ended " verb 1. to
DIP abbreviation distal interphalangeal joint
DIP
secrete liquid out of an opening ! The wound dis-

diphenoxalate /!dafen$kslet/ noun a drug
diphenoxalate
|
charged a thin stream of pus. 2. to send a patient
related to pethidine that is used to treat diarrhoea, away from hospital because the treatment has
sometimes mixed with a little atropine in com- ended ! He was discharged from hospital last
mercial preparations week.
diphtheria /df$ri/ noun a serious infec-
diphtheria
discharge planning /$dst%d+ !pl'n/

discharge planning
|
tious disease of children, caused by the bacillus noun the work of making a plan for when a
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterised by patient leaves hospital to live at home
fever and the formation of a fibrous growth like a disclosure check /ds$kl+ tek/ noun
disclosure check
membrane in the throat which restricts breathing

|
same as CRB check

diphtheroid /$dfrd/ adjective referring to
diphtheroid
discomfort /ds$k.mft/ noun a feeling of

discomfort
a bacterium similar to the diphtheria bacterium mild pain ! You may experience some discomfort
-dipine /dpn/ suffix used in the names of cal-
-dipine
after the operation.

cium channel blockers ! nifedipine discrete /d$skri%t/ adjective separate, not
discrete
dipl- /dpl/ prefix same as diplo- (used before

dipl-
joined together
vowels) disease /d$zi%z/ noun a condition that stops the
disease
diplacusis /!dpl$kju%ss/ noun a disorder of body from functioning in the usual way ! an
diplacusis
the cochlea in which a person hears one sound as infectious disease ! She is suffering from a very
two sounds of different pitch serious disease of the kidneys or from a serious
83 distraction
kidney disease. ! He is a specialist in occupa- dispensing practice /d$spens !pr'kts/
dispensing practice
tional diseases. (NOTE: The term disease is noun a doctors practice which dispenses pre-
applied to all physical and mental reactions scribed medicines to its patients
which make a person ill. Diseases with distinct displace /ds$ples/ verb to put something out
displace
characteristics have individual names. For other of its usual place

terms referring to disease, see words beginning
displacement /ds$plesmnt/ noun the fact
displacement
with path-, patho-.) |
of being moved out of the usual position ! frac-

disfigure /ds$f1/ verb to change someones
disfigure
|
ture of the radius together with displacement of
appearance so as to make it less pleasant to look the wrist
at ! Her legs were disfigured by scars. disposition /!dsp$z()n/ noun a persons
disposition
disinfect /!dsn$fekt/ verb to make the surface

disinfect
| general character or tendency to act in a particular

of something or somewhere free from microor- way
ganisms ! She disinfected the skin with surgical dissect /da$sekt/ verb to cut and separate tis-
dissect
spirit. ! All the patients clothes have to be disin- sues in a body to examine them
fected.
dissection /da$sekn/ noun the action of cut-
dissection
disinfectant /!dsn$fektnt/ noun a substance

disinfectant
|
ting and separating parts of a body or an organ as
used to kill microorganisms on the surface of part of a surgical operation, an autopsy or a course
something of study
disinfection /!dsn$fekn/ noun the removal disseminated /d$semnetd/ adjective
disinfection disseminated
| |
of microorganisms on the surface of something occurring in every part of an organ or in the whole
COMMENT: The words disinfect, disinfect- body
ant, and disinfection are used for substanc- disseminated intravascular coagulation
disseminated intravascular coagulation
es which destroy microorganisms on instru- /d!semnetd

| ntr!v'skl k!'1j | | |
ments, objects or the skin. Substances used $le()n/ noun a disorder that causes extensive
to kill microorganisms inside infected people clot formation in the blood vessels, followed by
are antibiotics. severe bleeding. Abbreviation DIC
disinfestation /!dsnfe$ste()n/ noun the disseminated sclerosis /d!semnetd skl
disinfestation disseminated sclerosis
| | |
removal of insects or other pests from a place, $rss/ noun same as multiple sclerosis
person or animal dissemination /d!sem$ne()n/ noun the
dissemination
| |
dislocate /$dslket/ verb to displace a bone fact of being widespread throughout the body
dislocate
from its usual position at a joint, or to become dis- dissociation /d!si$e()n/ noun 1. the
dissociation
| |
placed ! He fell and dislocated his elbow. ! The separation of parts or functions 2. (in psychiatry)
shoulder joint dislocates easily. a condition in which part of the consciousness
dislocation /!dsl$ke()n/ noun a condition
dislocation
|
becomes separated from the rest and becomes
in which a bone is displaced from its usual posi- independent
dissociative disorder /d$ssitv ds
dissociative disorder
tion at a joint. Also called luxation | |
dismember /ds$memb/ verb to cut off or pull

dismember
!%d/ noun a type of hysteria in which someone
shows psychological changes such as a split per-
|
off someones arms or legs, often violently or in

an accident sonality or amnesia rather than physical ones
distal /$dst()l/ adjective further away from the
distal
dismemberment /ds$membmnt/ noun the

dismemberment
|
centre of a body
state of being dismembered
Distalgesic /!dst()l$d+i%zk/ a trade name for
Distalgesic
disordered action of the heart /ds!%dd

disordered action of the heart
|
the analgesic co-proxamol
!'kn v $h%t/ noun a condition in which
distally /$dst()li/ adverb placed further away
distally
someone has palpitations, breathlessness and diz-

from the centre or point of attachment. Opposite
ziness, caused by effort or worry. Also called da
proximally. See illustration at ANATOMICAL
Costas syndrome, cardiac neurosis. Abbre-
TERMS in Supplement
viation DAH
distension /ds$tenn/ noun a condition in
distension
disorientation /!ds%rin$te()n/ noun a

disorientation |
|
which something is swollen ! Distension of the
condition in which someone is confused and does veins in the abdomen is a sign of blocking of the
not know where he or she is portal vein.
dispensary /d$spensri/ noun a place where
dispensary
distichiasis /!dst$kass/ noun the presence

distichiasis
|
|
drugs are prepared or mixed and given out accord- of extra eyelashes, sometimes growing on the
ing to a doctors prescription, e.g. part of a chem- meibomian glands
ists shop or a department in a hospital distraction /d$str'kn/ noun 1. something
distraction
dispensing optician /d$spens p!t()n/

dispensing optician
| | that takes a persons attention away from some-

noun a person who fits and sells glasses but does thing else 2. a state where someone is very emo-
not test eyes tionally and mentally troubled
district general hospital 84
district general hospital /!dstrkt dizygotic /!daza$1tk/ adjective developed

district general hospital dizygotic
!d+en()rl $hspt()l/ noun a hospital which from two separately fertilised eggs
serves the needs of the population of a specific dizygotic twins /!daza1tk $twnz/ plural
dizygotic twins
district noun twins who are not identical and not always
district nurse /!dstrkt $n-%s/ noun a nurse
district nurse
of the same sex because they come from two dif-

who visits and treats people in their homes ferent ova fertilised at the same time. Also called
disturbed /d$st-%bd/ adjective affected by a fraternal twins
disturbed
psychiatric disorder ! severely disturbed children dizziness /$dzins/ noun the feeling that eve-
dizziness
disulfiram /da$s.lfr'm/ noun a drug used to rything is going round because the sense of bal-
disulfiram
treat alcoholism by causing severe nausea if alco- ance has been affected
hol is consumed with it dl abbreviation decilitre
dl
dithranol /$drnl/ noun an anti-inflamma-

dithranol
DLE abbreviation disseminated lupus erythema-

DLE
tory drug used to treat dermatitis and psoriasis tosus

diuresis /!daj$ri%ss/ noun an increase in the
diuresis
dm abbreviation decimetre
dm
|
production of urine
DNA noun one of the nucleic acids, the basic
DNA
diuretic /!daj$retk/ adjective causing the

diuretic
genetic material present in the nucleus of each

|
kidneys to produce more urine " noun a sub-

stance which makes the kidneys produce more cel. Full form deoxyribonucleic acid. ! RNA
DNA fingerprint /!di% en e $f1prnt/ noun
DNA fingerprint
urine and, in the treatment of oedema and hyper-

tension same as genetic fingerprint
diurnal /da$-%n()l/ adjective 1. happening in DNA fingerprinting /!di% en !e
diurnal DNA fingerprinting
the daytime 2. happening every day $f1prnt/ noun same as genetic finger-
divarication /da!v'r$ke()n/ noun 1. sepa-
divarication
| |
printing
ration into widely spread branches 2. the point at DOA abbreviation dead on arrival
DOA
which a structure forks or divides dobutamine /d$bju%tmi%n/ noun a drug

dobutamine
divergence /da$v-%d+ns/ noun 1. a condition

divergence
| used to stimulate the heart

in which one eye points directly at the object of doctor /$dkt/ noun a person who has trained
doctor
interest but the other does not 2. the process of in medicine and is qualified to examine people
moving apart to follow different courses 3. the when they are ill to find out what is wrong with
amount of difference between two quantities, them and to prescribe a course of treatment
especially where the difference is unexpected 4. a
COMMENT: In the UK surgeons are tradition-
deviation from a typical behaviour pattern or
ally not called Doctor, but are addressed as
expressed wish Mr, Mrs, etc. The title doctor is also ap-
divergent strabismus /da!v-%d+nt str
divergent strabismus
| |
plied to persons who have a higher degree
$bzms/, divergent squint /da!v-%d+nt |
from a university in a non-medical subject.
$skwnt/ noun a condition in which a persons So Dr Jones may have a degree in music,
eyes both look away from the nose. Opposite or in any other subject without a connection
convergent strabismus with medicine.
diverticula /!dav$tkjl/ plural noun plural
diverticula
Dderleins bacillus /$d-%dlanz b!sl.s/

Dderleins bacillus
|
|
of diverticulum noun a bacterium usually found in the vagina

diverticular disease /!dav$tkjl d!zi%z/
diverticular disease
| | [After Albert Siegmund Gustav Dderlein

noun a disease of the large intestine, where the (18601941), German obstetrician and gynae-
colon thickens and diverticula form in the walls, cologist.]
causing pain in the lower abdomen dolicho- /dlk/ prefix long
dolicho-
diverticulitis /!davtkj$lats/ noun

diverticulitis
dolichocephalic /!dlkse$f'lk/ adjective

dolichocephalic
|
|
inflammation of diverticula formed in the wall of referring to a person with an unusually long skull
the colon
dolichocephaly /!dlk$sefli/ noun a con-
dolichocephaly
diverticulosis /!davtkj$lss/ noun a

diverticulosis |
|
dition of a person who has a skull which is longer
condition in which diverticula form in the intes-
than usual, the measurement across the skull
tine but are not inflamed. In the small intestine, being less than 75% of the length of the head from
this can lead to blind loop syndrome. front to back
diverticulum /!dav$tkjlm/ noun a little
diverticulum
dolor /$dl/ noun pain

| dolor
sac or pouch which develops in the wall of the

dolorimetry /!dl$rmtri/ noun the measure-
dolorimetry
intestine or another organ (NOTE: The plural is |
diverticula.) ment of pain

division /d$v+()n/ noun the action of cutting domiciliary /!dm$sliri/ adjective at home
domiciliary
division
| |
or splitting into parts or in the home

divulsor /d$v.ls/ noun a surgical instrument dominance /$dmnns/ noun the characteris-
divulsor dominance
used to expand a passage in the body tic of a gene form (allele) that leads to the trait
85 doxepin
which it controls being shown in any individual dorsoventral /!d%s$ventrl/ adjective
dorsoventral
carrying it referring to both the front and the back of the

dominant /$dmnnt/ adjective important or
dominant
body
powerful " noun (of an allele) having the charac- dorsum /$d%sm/ noun the back of any part of
dorsum
teristic that leads to the trait which it controls the body (NOTE: The plural is dorsa.)
being shown in any individual carrying it. Com- dosage /$dsd+/ noun a measured quantity of
dosage
pare recessive a drug calculated to be necessary for someone !

domino booking /$dmn !bk/ noun an a low dosage ! The doctor decided to increase
domino booking
arrangement for the delivery of a baby, where the the dosage of antibiotics. ! The dosage for chil-
baby is delivered in hospital by a midwife and the dren is half that for adults.
mother and child return home soon afterwards dose /ds/ noun 1. a measured quantity of a
dose
Donald-Fothergill operation /!dnld drug or radiation which is to be given to someone

Donald-Fothergill operation
$f1l p!re()n/ noun an operation to

|
at one time ! It is dangerous to exceed the pre-
close the neck of the vagina scribed dose. 2. a short period of experiencing a
donor /$dn/ noun a person who gives blood,
donor
minor illness (informal) ! a dose of flu 3. an
tissue, organs or reproductive material to be used infection with a sexually transmitted disease
to treat another person (informal) " verb to provide someone with med-
ication (informal) ! She has been dosing herself
donor card /$dn k%d/ noun a card carried
donor card
with laxatives.
by people stating that they give permission for
dosimeter /d$smt/ noun an instrument
dosimeter
their organs to be transplanted into other people

|
which measures the amount of X-rays or other

after they have died
radiation received
donor insemination /!dn nsem
donor insemination
dosimetry /d$smtri/ noun the act of meas-

dosimetry
|
$ne()n/ noun artificial insemination using the

|
uring the amount of X-rays or radiation received,

sperm of an anonymous donor. Abbreviation DI using a dosimeter
dopa /$dp/ noun a chemical related to adren-
dopa
double-blind randomised controlled trial

double-blind randomised controlled trial
aline and dopamine. It occurs naturally in the /!d.b()l bland !r'ndmazd kn!trld |
body and in the form levodopa is used to treat Par- $tral/ noun a trial used to test new treatments in
kinsons disease. which patients are randomly placed in either the
dopamine /$dpmi%n/ noun a substance
dopamine
treatment or the control group without either the

found in the medulla of the adrenal glands, which patient or doctor knowing which group any par-
also acts as a neurotransmitter. Lack of dopamine ticular patient is in
is associated with Parkinsons disease. double pneumonia /!d.b()l nju%$mni/
double pneumonia
dopaminergic /!dpm$n-%d+k/ adjective noun same as bilateral pneumonia

dopaminergic
referring to a neurone or receptor stimulated by double uterus /!d.b()l $ju%t()rs/ noun a

double uterus
dopamine condition in which the uterus is divided into two

Doppler transducer /$dpl tr'nz!dju%s/ sections by a membrane. Also called uterus
Doppler transducer
noun a device to measure blood flow, commonly didelphys. ! dimetria

used to monitor fetal heart rate double vision /!d.b()l $v+()n/ noun same
double vision
Doppler ultrasound /!dpl $.ltrsand/

Doppler ultrasound
as diplopia (informal)
noun the use of the Doppler effect in ultrasound douche /du%/ noun a liquid forced into the
douche
to detect red blood cells body to wash out a cavity, or a device used for
Doppler ultrasound flowmeter /!dpl
Doppler ultrasound flowmeter
washing out a cavity
down below /!dan b$l/ adverb used to
down below
!.ltrsand $flmi%t/ noun a device which |
measures the flow of blood and detects steady or refer politely to the genital area (informal)
irregular flow, allowing abnormalities or block- Downs syndrome /$danz !sndrm/ noun
Downs syndrome
ages to be detected a condition due to the existence of an extra copy

dorsa /$d%s/ plural of dorsum of chromosome 21, in which a baby is born with
dorsa
dorsal /$d%s()l/ adjective referring to the back.

dorsal
slanting eyes, a wide face, speech difficulties and
Opposite ventral usually some degree of learning difficulty
[Described 1866. After John Langdon Haydon
dorsal vertebrae /!d%s()l $v-%tbre/ plural
dorsal vertebrae
Down (182896), British physician at Normans-

noun the twelve vertebrae in the back between the field Hospital, Teddington, UK]
cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae downstairs /dan$stez/ adverb used to refer
downstairs
dorsi- /d%si/ prefix referring to the back

dorsi-
politely to the genital area (informal)

dorsiflexion /!d%s$flekn/ noun flexion
dorsiflexion
down there /!dan $e/ adverb used to refer

down there
towards the back of part of the body, e.g. raising politely to the genital area (informal)
the foot at the ankle. Compare plantar flexion doxepin /$dkspn/ noun a drug used as a sed-
doxepin
dorso- /d%s/ prefix same as dorsi-

dorso-
ative and antidepressant

doxycycline 86
doxycycline /!dksi$sakli%n/ noun a widely except the head, and in which air pressure is
doxycycline
used antibiotic derived from tetracycline increased and decreased, so forcing the person to
DPT abbreviation diphtheria, whooping cough,
DPT
breathe in and out. Also called iron lung
drip /drp/ noun a system for introducing liquid
drip
tetanus
DPT vaccine /!di% pi% $ti% !v'ksi%n/, DPT
DPT vaccine
slowly and continuously into the body, by which
immunisation /!di% pi% $ti% mjna!ze()n/ |
a bottle of liquid is held above a person and the
noun a combined vaccine or immunisation fluid flows slowly down a tube into a needle in a
against the three diseases, diphtheria, whooping vein or into the stomach ! After her operation,
cough and tetanus the patient was put on a drip.
drip feed /$drp fi%d/ noun a drip containing
drip feed
Dr abbreviation doctor (NOTE: used when writing

Dr
someones name: Dr Smith) nutrients

drachm /dr'm/ noun a measure used in phar- drop /drp/ noun 1. a small quantity of liquid 2.
drachm drop
macy, equal to 3.8g dry weight or 3.7ml liquid a sudden reduction or fall in the quantity of some-
measure thing ! a drop in pressure " plural noun drops
dracontiasis /!dr'kn$tass/, dracunculia-
dracontiasis
|
liquid medicine for the eye, nose, or ear adminis-
sis /dr!k.kj$lass/ noun a tropical disease
| |
tered with a dropper " verb 1. to fall or let some-
caused by the guinea worm Dracunculus medin- thing fall ! Pressure in the artery dropped sud-
ensis which enters the body from infected drink- denly. 2. to reduce suddenly
ing water and forms blisters on the skin, fre- drop attack /$drp !t'k/ noun a condition in
drop attack
quently leading to secondary arthritis, fibrosis which a person suddenly falls down, though he or
and cellulitis she is not unconscious, caused by sudden weak-
Dracunculus /dr$k.kjls/ noun a parasitic
Dracunculus
|
ness of the spine
worm which enters the body and rises to the skin droperidol /dr$perdl/ noun a drug used to
droperidol
to form a blister. The infection frequently leads to keep someone in a calm state before an operation
secondary arthritis, fibrosis and cellulitis. Also drop foot /$drp ft/ noun a condition, caused
drop foot
called guinea worm by a muscular disorder, in which the ankle is not

dragee /dr'$+e/ noun a sugar-coated tablet or
dragee
|
strong and the foot hangs limp
pill droplet /$drplt/ noun a very small quantity of
droplet
drain /dren/ noun a tube to remove liquid from

drain
liquid
the body " verb to remove liquid from the body
droplet infection /$drplt n!fekn/ noun
droplet infection
! an operation to drain the sinus ! They drained

|
the pus from the abscess. an infection developed by inhaling droplets con-
taining a virus, e.g. from a sneeze
drainage /$drend+/ noun the removal of liquid
drainage
dropper /$drp/ noun a small glass or plastic

dropper
from the site of an operation or pus from an

abscess by means of a tube or wick left in the tube with a rubber bulb at one end, used to suck
body for a time up and expel liquid in drops
dropsy /$drpsi/ noun same as oedema (dated)
dropsy
drape /drep/ noun a thin material used to place

drape
drop wrist /!drp $rst/ noun a condition

drop wrist
over someone about to undergo surgery, leaving

the operation site uncovered caused by a muscular disorder, in which the wrist
drawn /dr%n/ adjective appearing tired and
drawn
is not strong and the hand hangs limp
careworn, usually as a result of anxiety, grief or drug /dr.1/ noun 1. a natural or synthetic chem-
drug
illness ical substance which is used in medicine and

draw-sheet /$dr% i%t/ noun a sheet under a
draw-sheet
affects the way in which organs or tissues func-
person in bed, folded so that it can be pulled out tion 2. a substance taken by choice which pro-
as it becomes soiled duces a strong effect on a persons feelings and
drepanocyte /$drepnsat/ noun same as
drepanocyte
state of mind ! recreational drug ! controlled
sickle cell drugs
drug addict /$dr.1 !'dkt/ noun a person who
drug addict
drepanocytosis /!drepnsa$tss/ noun

drepanocytosis
same as sickle-cell anaemia is physically and mentally dependent on taking a

dressing /$dres/ noun a covering or bandage
dressing
particular drug regularly ! a heroin addict ! a
applied to a wound to protect it ! The patients morphine addict
drug addiction /$dr.1 !dkn/ noun the fact
drug addiction
dressings need to be changed regularly. |
drill /drl/ noun a tool which rotates very rapidly

drill
of being mentally and physically dependent on
to make a hole, especially a surgical instrument taking a particular drug regularly. Also called
used in dentistry to remove caries " verb to make drug dependence
drug allergy /$dr.1 !'ld+i/ noun a reaction to
drug allergy
a hole with a drill ! A small hole is drilled in the

skull. ! The dentist drilled one of her molars. a particular drug
Drinker respirator /$drk !respret/ noun drug tolerance /$dr.1 !tlrns/ noun a con-
Drinker respirator drug tolerance
a machine which encloses the whole of the body dition in which a drug has been given to someone
87 dysarthria
for so long that his or her body no longer reacts to duoden- /dju%di%n/ prefix referring to the
duoden-
it, and the dosage has to be increased duodenum

dry /dra/ adjective 1. not wet ! The surface of duodenal /!dju%$di%n()l/ adjective referring
dry duodenal
the wound should be kept dry. 2. containing only to the duodenum

a small amount of moisture ! She uses a cream to duodenal papillae /dju%!di%n()l p$pli%/
duodenal papillae
| |
soften her dry skin. (NOTE: drier driest) " verb plural noun small projecting parts in the duode-
to remove moisture from something (NOTE: dries num where the bile duct and pancreatic duct open
drying dried)
duodenal ulcer /dju%!di%n()l $.ls/ noun
duodenal ulcer
dry beriberi /!dra !beri$beri/ noun beriberi

dry beriberi
|
an ulcer in the duodenum
associated with loss of feeling and paralysis
duodenoscope /!dju%$di%nskp/ noun
duodenoscope
dry-eye syndrome /!dra $a !sndrm/

dry-eye syndrome
an instrument used to examine the inside of the

noun same as xerosis duodenum
dry out /!dra $at/ verb 1. same as dry 2. to
dry out
duodenostomy /!dju%d$nstmi/ noun a

duodenostomy
treat someone for alcoholism, or undergo treat- permanent opening made between the duodenum
ment for alcoholism (informal) and the abdominal wall
dry socket /!dra $skt/ noun inflammation of
dry socket
duodenum /!dju%$di%nm/ noun the first part

duodenum
the socket of a tooth which has just been removed of the small intestine, going from the stomach to
DTC abbreviation diagnostic and treatment cen- the jejunum. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DTC
tre in Supplement
DTs abbreviation delirium tremens duplex imaging /!dju%pleks $md+/ noun a
DTs duplex imaging
Duchenne muscular dystrophy /du%!en

Duchenne muscular dystrophy
|
type of ultrasonic imaging where the speed of the
!m.skjl $dstrfi/, Duchennes muscular flow of blood is measured
dystrophy /du%!enz !m.skjl $dstrfi/, Dupuytrens contracture /du%!pwi%trnz
Dupuytrens contracture
| |
Duchenne /du%$en/ noun an inherited form of

| kn$tr'kt/ noun a condition in which the pal-
|
muscular dystrophy that weakens the muscles of mar fascia becomes thicker, causing the fingers,
the upper respiratory and pelvic areas. It usually usually the middle and fourth fingers, to bend for-
affects boys and causes early death. [Described wards [Described 1831. After Baron Guillaume
1849. After Guillaume Benjamin Arnaud Duch- Dupuytren (17751835), French surgeon.]
enne (180675), French neurologist.] dura /$djr/ noun same as dura mater
dura
Ducreys bacillus /du%!krez b$sls/ noun a

Ducreys bacillus
dural /$djr()l/ adjective referring to the dura

dural
| |
type of bacterium found in the lungs, causing mater

chancroid [Described 1889. After Augusto dura mater /!djr $met/ noun the thicker
dura mater
Ducrey (18601940), Professor of Dermatology outer membrane of the three covering the brain.
in Pisa, then Rome, Italy.] Also called dura, pachymeninx. ! arachnoid
duct /d.kt/ noun a tube which carries liquids,
duct
duty /$dju%ti/ noun the activities which a person

duty
especially one which carries secretions has to do as part of their job ! What are the duties
ductless /$d.ktls/ adjective without a duct of a night sister? (NOTE: The plural is duties.) #
ductless
ductless gland /!d.ktls $1l'nd/ noun same to be on duty to be working ! Shes on duty from
ductless gland
as endocrine gland 2 p.m. till 10 p.m. # a duty of care the require-

ductule /$d.ktju%l/ noun a very small duct
ductule
ment to treat a patient in an appropriate way, as
part of the work of being a health professional
ductus /$d.kts/ noun same as duct
ductus
d.v.t., DVT abbreviation deep-vein thrombosis

d.v.t.
ductus deferens /!d.kts $defrnz/ noun

ductus deferens
dwarfism /$dw%fz()m/ noun a condition in

dwarfism
one of two tubes along which sperm pass from the

epididymus to the seminal vesicles near the pros- which the growth of a person has stopped, leaving
tate gland. Also called vas deferens. See illus- him or her much smaller than average
dynamic splint /da!n'mk $splnt/ noun a
dynamic splint
tration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supple- |
ment splint which uses springs to help the person move

dynamometer /!dan$mmt/ noun an
dynamometer
dull /d.l/ adjective referring to pain which is not

dull
|
strong but which is continuously present ! She instrument for measuring the force of muscular
complained of a dull throbbing pain in her head. contraction
! He felt a dull pain in the chest. " verb to make -dynia /dni/ suffix pain
-dynia
a sensation or awareness of a sensation less sharp dys- /ds/ prefix difficult or impaired
dys-
! The treatment dulled the pain for a while. !

dysaesthesia /!dsi%s$i%zi/ noun the impair-
dysaesthesia
The drug had dulled her senses.

|
ment of a sense, in particular the sense of touch

dumbness /$d.mns/ noun same as mutism
dumbness
dysarthria /ds$%ri/, dysarthrosis /!ds%

dysarthria
| |
dumping syndrome /$d.mp !sndrm/

dumping syndrome
$rss/ noun difficulty in speaking words

noun same as postgastrectomy syndrome clearly, caused by damage to the central nervous
duo- /dju%/ prefix two system
duo-
dysbasia 88
dysbasia /ds$bezi/ noun difficulty in walk- skin, long fingernails and toenails and relatively
dysbasia
ing, especially when caused by a lesion to a nerve little body fat

dysmenorrhoea /!dsmen$ri%/ noun pain
dysmenorrhoea
dyschezia /ds$ki%zi/ noun difficulty in pass-

dyschezia
|
|
ing faeces experienced at menstruation

dysostosis /!dss$tss/ noun unusual for-
dysostosis
dyschondroplasia /!dskndr$plezi/
dyschondroplasia
|
|
noun a condition in which the long bones are mation of bones

dyspareunia /!dsp'$ru%ni/ noun difficult or
dyspareunia
shorter than usual |
dyschromatopsia /!dskrm$tpsi/ noun

dyschromatopsia
|
painful sexual intercourse in a woman
dyspepsia /ds$pepsi/ noun a condition in
dyspepsia
a condition where someone cannot distinguish |
colours which a person feels pains or discomfort in the

dyscoria /ds$k%ri/ noun an unusually shaped
dyscoria
|
stomach, caused by indigestion
dysphagia /ds$fed+i/ noun difficulty in
dysphagia
pupil of the eye |
swallowing
dyscrasia /ds$krezi/ noun any unusual body
dyscrasia
dysphasia /ds$fezi/ noun difficulty in

| dysphasia
condition (dated) |
speaking and putting words into the correct order

dysdiadochokinesia /!dsda!'dkka
dysdiadochokinesia
dysphemia /ds$fi%mi/ noun same as stam-

| | dysphemia
$ni%si/, dysdiadochokinesis /!dsda |
mering
|
!'dkka$ni%ss/ noun the inability to carry

|
dysphonia /ds$fni/ noun difficulty in

dysphonia
out rapid movements, caused by a disorder or |
lesion of the cerebellum speaking caused by impairment of the vocal

cords, or by laryngitis
dysentery /$ds()ntri/ noun an infection and
dysentery
dysplasia /ds$plezi/ noun an unusual devel-

dysplasia
inflammation of the colon, causing bleeding and |
diarrhoea opment of tissue

dyspnoea /dsp$ni%/ noun difficulty or pain in
dyspnoea
dysfunction /ds$f.kn/ noun an unusual

dysfunction
|
|
functioning of an organ breathing

dyspnoeic /dsp$ni%k/ adjective difficult or
dyspnoeic
dysfunctional /ds$f.kn()l/ adjective 1.

dysfunctional
|
painful when breathing

|
not working properly 2. unable to relate to other

dyspraxia /ds$pr'ksi/ noun difficulty in car-
dyspraxia
people emotionally or socially |
rying out coordinated movements

dysfunctional uterine bleeding /ds
dysfunctional uterine bleeding
dysrhythmia /ds$rmi/ noun an unusual

| dysrhythmia
!f.kn()l !ju%tran $bli%d/ noun bleeding |
in the uterus not caused by a menstrual period rhythm, either in speaking or in electrical
impulses in the brain
dysgenesis /ds$d+enss/ noun unusual
dysgenesis
dyssocial /ds$s()l/ adjective same as

| dyssocial
development |
antisocial
dysgerminoma /ds!d+-%m$nm/ noun a
dysgerminoma
dyssynergia /!ds$n-%d+i/ noun same as

| | dyssynergia
malignant tumour of the ovary or testicle

|
asynergia
dysgraphia /ds$1r'fi/ noun difficulty in
dysgraphia
dystaxia /ds$t'ksi/ noun an inability to coor-

dystaxia
|
writing caused by a brain lesion

|
dinate the muscles

dyskariosis /ds!k'ri$ss/ noun the fact of
dyskariosis
dystocia /ds$tsi/ noun difficult childbirth

dystocia
| |
|
becoming mature in an unusual way

dystonia /ds$tni/ noun disordered muscle
dystonia
dyskinesia /!dska$ni%zi/ noun the inability

dyskinesia |
|
tone, causing involuntary contractions which
to control voluntary movements make the limbs deformed
dyslalia /ds$leli/ noun a disorder of speech,
dyslalia
dystrophia /ds$trfi/ noun the wasting of

dystrophia
|
|
caused by an unusual development of the tongue an organ, muscle or tissue due to lack of nutrients
dyslexia /ds$leksi/ noun a disorder of devel- in that part of the body. Also called dystrophy
dyslexia
opment, where a person is unable to read or write dystrophia adiposogenitalis /ds!trfi

dystrophia adiposogenitalis
properly and confuses letters 'd!psd+en$tels/ noun same as Frh-

| |
dyslogia /ds$ld+/ noun difficulty in putting lichs syndrome

dyslogia
ideas into words dystrophy /$dstrfi/ noun same as dystrophia

dystrophy
dysmaturity /!dsm$trti/ noun a condi- dysuria /ds$jri/ noun difficulty in passing

dysmaturity dysuria
| |
tion affecting newborn babies, shown by wrinkled urine

E
ear // noun an organ on the side of the head ECG abbreviation electrocardiogram
ear ECG
which is used for hearing (NOTE: For other terms echo- /ek/ prefix referring to sound
echo-
referring to ears, see auricular and words echocardiogram /!ek$k%di1r'm/ noun a

echocardiogram
beginning with ot-, oto-.)

|
record of heart movements made using ultrasound

Ear, Nose & Throat /! !nz n $rt/
Ear, Nose & Throat
echocardiography /!ekk%di$1rfi/ noun

echocardiography
noun the study of the ear, nose and throat. Abbre- the use of ultrasound to examine the heart
viation ENT. Also called otorhinolarngology
echoencephalography /!eken!kef
echoencephalography
| |
earache /$rek/ noun pain in the ear. Also

earache
$l1rfi/ noun the use of ultrasound to examine

called otalgia the brain
ear canal /$ k!n'l/ noun one of several pas-
ear canal
echography /e$k1rfi/ noun same as ultra-

echography
|
|
sages in or connected to the ear, especially the sonography

external auditory meatus, the passage from the echovirus /$ek!vars/ noun one of a group
echovirus
outer ear to the eardrum of viruses which can be isolated from the intestine
eardrum /$dr.m/ noun the membrane at the
eardrum
and which can cause serious illnesses such as

end of the external auditory meatus leading from aseptic meningitis, gastroenteritis and respiratory
the outer ear, which vibrates with sound and infection in small children. Compare reovirus
passes the vibrations on to the ossicles in the mid- eclampsia /$kl'mpsi/ noun a serious condi-
eclampsia
dle ear. Also called myringa, tympanum (NOTE: tion of pregnant women at the end of pregnancy,
For other terms referring to the eardrum, see caused by toxaemia, in which the woman has high
words beginning with tympan-, tympano-.) blood pressure and may go into a coma. ! pre-
early onset pre-eclampsia /!-%li !nset !pri% eclampsia
early onset pre-eclampsia
$kl'mpsi/ noun pre-eclampsia which appears

|
ecmnesia /ek$ni%zi/ noun a condition in which
ecmnesia
earlier than the 37th week of the pregnancy someone is not able to remember recent events,
earwax /$w'ks/ noun same as cerumen while remembering clearly events which hap-
earwax
Ebola virus /$bl !vars/ noun a highly

Ebola virus
|
pened some time ago
E. coli /!i% $kla/ noun same as Escherichia
E. coli
contagious virus found in West Africa. Patients

who are affected with it vomit, have bloody diar- coli
rhoea and blood seeps through their skin. economy class syndrome /$knmi kl%s
economy class syndrome
eburnation /!i%b$ne()n/ noun the conver-

eburnation
|
!sndrm/ noun same as deep-vein thrombo-
sion of cartilage into a hard mass with a shiny sur- sis (informal)
craseur /!ekr%$z-%/ noun a surgical instru-
craseur
face like bone |
ecbolic /ek$blk/ noun a substance which pro-

ecbolic
ment, usually with a wire loop, used to cut a part
or a growth off at its base
|
duces contraction of the uterus and so induces

ECT abbreviation electroconvulsive therapy
ECT
childbirth or abortion " adjective causing con-

traction of the uterus ect- /ekt/ prefix same as ecto- (used before vow-
ect-
ecchymosis /!ek$mss/ noun a dark area on

ecchymosis
|
els)
ecto- /ekt/ prefix outside
ecto-
the skin made by blood which has escaped into

the tissues after a blow. Also called bruise, con- -ectomy /ektmi/ suffix referring to the removal
-ectomy
tusion of a part by surgical operation

eccrine /$ekrn/ adjective referring to a gland,
eccrine
ectoparasite /!ekt$p'rsat/ noun a para-

ectoparasite
especially a sweat gland, which does not disinte- site which lives on the skin. Compare endopara-
grate and remains intact during secretion. Also site
called merocrine ectopia /ek$tpi/ noun a condition in which
ectopia
eccyesis /!eksa$%ss/ noun same as ectopic

eccyesis
| an organ or part of the body is not in its usual posi-

pregnancy tion
ectopic 90
ectopic /ek$tpk/ adjective not in the usual effleurage /!efl-%$r%+/ noun a form of massage
ectopic effleurage
| |
position. Opposite entopic where the skin is stroked in one direction to

ectopic heartbeat /ek!tpk $h%tbi%t/ noun
ectopic heartbeat
|
increase blood flow
an unusual extra beat of the heart which originates effort syndrome /$eft !sndrm/ noun
effort syndrome
from a point other than the sinoatrial node. Also same as disordered action of the heart
called extrasystole, premature beat effusion /$fju%+()n/ noun a discharge of
effusion
ectopic pacemaker /ek!tpk $pesmek/

ectopic pacemaker
| blood, fluid or pus into or out of an internal cavity

noun an unusual focus of the heart muscle which egg /e1/ noun a reproductive cell produced in the
egg
takes the place of the sinoatrial node female body by an ovary, and which, if fertilised
ectopic pregnancy /ek!tpk $pre1nnsi/
ectopic pregnancy
| by the male sperm, becomes an embryo

noun a pregnancy where the fetus develops out- ego /$i%1/ noun (in psychology) the part of the
ego
side the uterus, often in one of the Fallopian tubes. mind which is consciously in contact with the out-
Also called extrauterine pregnancy, eccyesis side world and is influenced by experiences of the
ectro- /ektr/ prefix referring to a usually con-
ectro-
world
genital absence or lack of something EHO abbreviation Environmental Health Officer
EHO
ectrodactyly /!ektr$d'ktli/ noun a congen-

ectrodactyly
EIA abbreviation exercise-induced asthma

EIA
|
ital absence of all or part of a finger

Eisenmenger syndrome /$aznme
Eisenmenger syndrome
ectromelia /!ektr$mi%li/ noun a congenital

ectromelia
|
!sndrm/ noun heart disease caused by a septal
absence of one or more limbs defect between the ventricles, with pulmonary
ectropion /ek$trpin/ noun a turning of the
ectropion
| hypertension [Described 1897. After Victor

edge of an eyelid outwards. ! eversion Eisenmenger (18641932), German physician.]
eczema /$eksm/ noun a non-contagious ejaculate /$d+'kjlet/ verb to send out
eczema ejaculate
inflammation of the skin, with an itchy rash and semen from the penis
blisters ejaculation /!d+'kj$le()n/ noun the send-
ejaculation
| |
eczematous /ek$semts/ adjective referring

eczematous
| ing out of semen from the penis

to eczema ejaculatio
ejaculatio praecox
praecox /d+'kj!lei |
eczematous dermatitis /ek!semts !d-%m

eczematous dermatitis
| |
$pri%kks/ noun a situation where a man ejacu-
$tats/ noun an itchy inflammation or irritation lates too early during sexual intercourse
of the skin due to an allergic reaction to a sub- ejaculatory duct /$d+'kjltri d.kt/ noun
ejaculatory duct
stance which a person has touched or absorbed

|
one of two ducts leading from the seminal vesi-

EDD abbreviation expected date of delivery
EDD
cles through the prostate gland to the urethra. See

edentulous /$dentjls/ adjective having lost illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in
edentulous
all teeth Supplement

EDTA /!i% di% ti% $e/ noun a colourless chemical elastic cartilage /!l'stk $k%tld+/ noun
EDTA elastic cartilage
that can bind to heavy metals to remove them flexible cartilage, e.g. in the ear and epiglottis
from the bloodstream. Full form ethylene elastic fibre /!l'stk $fab/ noun fibre which
elastic fibre
diamine tetra-acetate can expand easily and is found in elastic cartilage,

Edwards syndrome /$edwdz !sndrm/ the skin and the walls of arteries and the lungs.
Edwards syndrome
noun a severe genetic disorder that results in mal- Also called yellow fibre
formations of the brain, kidney, heart, hands and elastic tissue /!l'stk $tu%/ noun connec-
elastic tissue
feet. It is caused by an extra copy of chromosome tive tissue which contains elastic fibres, e.g. in the
18 and those people who have it usually die walls of arteries or of the alveoli in the lungs
within six months. elastin /$l'stn/ noun a protein which occurs in
elastin
EEG abbreviation electroencephalogram

EEG
elastic fibres
EFA abbreviation essential fatty acid
EFA
elation /$le()n/ noun the state of being

elation
effacement /$fesmnt/ noun the thinning of happy, stimulated and excited

effacement
the cervix before it dilates in childbirth elbow /$elb/ noun a hinged joint where the
elbow
effective dose /!fektv $ds/ noun a size of upper arm bone (humerus) joins the forearm
effective dose
dose which will produce the effect required bones (radius and ulna)
effector /$fekt/ noun a nerve ending in mus- elbow crutch /$elb kr.t/ noun a crutch
effector elbow crutch
cles or glands which is activated to produce con- which surrounds the arms at the elbows and has a
traction or secretion handle to hold lower down the shaft
efferent /$efrnt/ adjective carrying some- elective care /!lektv $ke/ noun hospital care
efferent elective care
thing away from part of the body or from the cen- which is planned in advance, rather than a
tre. Opposite afferent response to an emergency
efferent nerve /$efrnt n-%v/ noun same as elective surgery /!lektv $s-%d+ri/, elective
efferent nerve elective surgery
motor nerve treatment /!lektv $tri%tmnt/ noun surgery or

|
91 embolus
treatment which a patient can choose to have but paralysis by using low-frequency electric current
is not urgently necessary to save his or her life to try to revive the muscles
electro- /$lektr/ prefix referring to electricity element /$elmnt/ noun a basic simple chemi-
electro- element
electrocardiogram /!lektr$k%di1r'm/
electrocardiogram
| |
cal substance which cannot be broken down into
noun a chart which records the electrical impulses simpler substances. ! trace element
in the heart muscle. Abbreviation ECG, EKG elephantiasis /!elfn$tass/ noun a condi-
elephantiasis
electrocardiograph /!lektr$k%di1r%f/ tion in which parts of the body swell and the skin
electrocardiograph
| |
noun an apparatus for measuring and recording becomes hardened, frequently caused by infesta-
the electrical impulses of the muscles of the heart tion with various species of the parasitic worm
as it beats Filaria
electrocardiography /!lektrk%d$1rfi/ elevate /$elvet/ verb to raise something or to
electrocardiography elevate
| |
noun the process of recording the electrical lift something up ! To control bleeding, apply
impulses of the heart pressure and elevate the part.
electrocardiophonography / elevation sling /!el$ve()n sl/ noun a
electrocardiophonography elevation sling
| |
!lektrk%dif$n1rfi/ noun the process of

| sling tied round the neck, used to hold an injured
electrically recording the sounds of the heartbeats hand or arm in a high position to control bleeding
electrocautery /!lektr$k%tri/ noun same elevator /$elvet/ noun 1. a muscle which
electrocautery elevator
| |
as galvanocautery raises part of the body 2. a surgical instrument

electroconvulsive therapy /!lektrkn
electroconvulsive therapy
| |
used to lift part of a broken bone
!v.lsv $erpi/ noun the treatment of severe elimination /!lm$ne()n/ noun the removal
elimination
| |
depression and some mental disorders by giving of waste matter from the body
someone who has been anaesthetised small elec- elimination diet /!lm$ne()n !dat/ noun
elimination diet
tric shocks in the brain to make him or her have

| |
a structured diet where different foods are elimi-

convulsions. Abbreviation ECT. Also called elec- nated one at a time in order to see the effect on
troplexy symptoms, used in conditions such as allergies
electrode /$lektrd/ noun the conductor of an
electrode
|
and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
electrical apparatus which touches the body and ELISA /$laz/ noun a process in which an
ELISA
carries an electric shock

|
enzyme binds to an antibody or antigen and

electroencephalogram /!lektrn
electroencephalogram
| |
causes a colour change that shows the presence or
$sefl1r'm/ noun a chart on which the electri- amount of protein in a sample of biological mate-
cal impulses in the brainare recorded. Abbrevia- rial. Full form enzyme-linked immunosorbent
tion EEG assay
electroencephalograph /!lektrn
electroencephalograph
elixir /$lks/ noun a sweet liquid which hides

elixir
| |
|
$sefl1r%f/ noun an apparatus which records the unpleasant taste of a drug

the electrical impulses in the brain
elliptocytosis /!lptsa$tss/ noun a con-
elliptocytosis
electroencephalography /!lektrnsef
electroencephalography | |
| |
dition in which unusual oval-shaped red cells
$l1rfi/ noun the process of recording the elec- appear in the blood
trical impulses in the brain
emaciation /!mesi$e()n/ noun 1. the fact
emaciation
electrolysis /!lek$trlss/ noun the destruc-

electrolysis | |
| |
of being extremely thin and underweight 2. the
tion of tissue such as unwanted hair by applying loss of body tissue
an electric current
emasculation /!m'skj$le()n/ noun the
emasculation
electrophoresis /!lektrf$ri%ss/ noun the

electrophoresis | |
| |
removal of the penis
analysis of a substance by the movement of
embalm /m$b%m/ verb to preserve a dead
embalm
charged particles towards an electrode in a solu- |
tion body by using special antiseptic chemicals to pre-

vent decay
electroplexy /$lektrpleksi/ noun same as
electroplexy
embolectomy /!emb$lektmi/ noun a surgi-

embolectomy
electroconvulsive therapy |
electroretinogram /!kektr$retn1r'm/
electroretinogram
| |
cal operation to remove a blood clot
emboli /$embli/ plural of embolus
emboli
noun the printed result of electroretinography.

Abbreviation ERG embolisation /!embla$ze()n/, emboliza-
embolisation
electroretinography /!lektrret$n1rfi/ tion noun the use of emboli inserted down a cath-
electroretinography
| |
noun the process of recording electrical changes eter into a blood vessel to treat internal bleeding
in the retina when stimulated by light embolism /$emblz()m/ noun the blocking
embolism
electrosurgery /!lektr$s-%d+ri/ noun an of an artery by a mass of material, usually a blood

electrosurgery
| |
operation in which the surgeon uses an electrical clot, preventing the flow of blood
current to cut or cauterise tissue embolus /$embls/ noun 1. a mass of material
embolus
electrotherapy /!lektr$erpi/ noun the which blocks a blood vessel, e.g. a blood clot, air
electrotherapy
| |
treatment of a disorder such as some forms of bubble or fat globule 2. material inserted into a
embryo 92
blood vessel down a catheter to treat internal en- /en, n/ prefix 1. in, into 2. to provide with 3.
en-
bleeding (NOTE: The plural is emboli.) to cause to be 4. to put into or cover with 5. to go
embryo /$embri/ noun an unborn baby during into
embryo
the first eight weeks after conception (NOTE: After enalapril /e$n'lprl/ noun a drug used for the
enalapril
eight weeks, the unborn baby is called a fetus.) short-term management of high blood pressure
embryological /!embri$ld+k()l/ adjective
embryological
enamel /$n'm()l/ noun the hard white shiny

enamel
|
|
referring to embryology outer covering of the crown of a tooth

embryology /!embri$ld+i/ noun the study of
embryology
enarthrosis /!en%$rss/ noun a ball and

enarthrosis
|
|
the early stages of the development of an embryo socket joint, e.g. the hip joint
embryonic /!embri$nk/ adjective referring to
embryonic
encapsulated /n$k'psjletd/ adjective

encapsulated
|
|
an embryo enclosed in a capsule or in a sheath of tissue

embryonic membrane /!embrink
embryonic membrane
encefalin /en$kefln/ noun another spelling of

encefalin
$membren/ noun one of the two layers around encephalin

an embryo providing protection and food supply, encephal- /enkf'l/ prefix same as enceph-
encephal-
i.e. the amnion and the chorion alo- (used before vowels)
emergency /$m-%d+nsi/ noun a situation
emergency
encephala /en$kefl/ plural of encephalon

encephala
|
where urgent immediate action has to be taken

|
encephalin /en$kefln/ noun a peptide pro-

encephalin
emesis /$emss/ noun same as vomiting

emesis |
duced in the brain which acts as a natural pain-

emetic /$metk/ noun a substance which causes
emetic
|
killer. ! endorphin
vomiting " adjective causing vomiting
encephalitis /en!kef$lats, en!sef$lats/
encephalitis
eminence /$emnns/ noun something which

eminence | | | |
noun inflammation of the brain

protrudes from a surface, e.g. a lump on a bone or
encephalo- /enkefl/ prefix referring to the
encephalo-
swelling on the skin

brain
emissary vein /$emsri !ven/ noun a vein
emissary vein
encephalocele /en$keflsi%l/ noun a condi-

encephalocele
through the skull which connects the venous |
sinuses with the scalp veins tion in which the brain protrudes through a con-
genital or traumatic gap in the skull bones
emission /$m()n/ noun a discharge or
emission
encephalogram /en$kefl1r'm/, encepha-

| encephalogram
release of fluid |
lograph /en$kefl1r%f/ noun an X-ray photo-

emmetropia /em$trpi/ noun the correct
emmetropia |
|
graph of the ventricles and spaces of the brain
focusing of light rays by the eye onto the retina taken after air has been injected into the cerebro-
giving normal vision. Compare ametropia spinal fluid by lumbar puncture
emollient /$mlint/ noun a substance which
emollient
encephaloma /en!kef$lm/ noun a tumour

encephaloma
|
| |
soothes or smooths the skin, e.g. to prevent the of the brain

development of eczema " adjective smoothening
encephalomyelitis /en!keflma$lats/
encephalomyelitis
emotion /$m()n/ noun a strong feeling

emotion | |
|
noun a group of diseases which cause inflamma-
empathy /$empi/ noun the ability to under-
empathy
tion of the brain and the spinal cord

stand the problems and feelings of another person encephalomyelopathy
encephalomyelopathy
/en!keflma | |
emphysema /!emf$si%m/ noun a condition in

emphysema
|
$lpi/ noun any condition where the brain and
which the walls of the alveoli of the lungs break spinal cord are diseased
down, reducing the surface available for gas encephalon /en$kefln/ noun same as brain
encephalon
exchange and resulting in a lower oxygen level in

|
(NOTE: The plural is encephala.)

the blood and shortness of breath. It can be caused
encephalopathy /en!kef$lpi/ noun any
encephalopathy
by smoking, living in a polluted environment, old | |
age, asthma or whooping cough. disease of the brain

enchondroma /!enkn$drm/ noun a
enchondroma
empirical treatment /m!prk()l

empirical treatment
|
|
$tri%tmnt/ noun treatment which is based on tumour formed of cartilage growing inside a bone
encopresis /!enk$pri%ss/ noun faecal
encopresis
symptoms and clinical experience rather than on |
a thorough knowledge of the cause of the disorder incontinence not associated with a physical con-
empowerment /m$pamnt/ noun the act of
empowerment
|
dition or disease
encysted /en$sstd/ adjective enclosed in a
encysted
giving someone authority and power to make |
decisions that will affect them capsule like a cyst

empyema /!empa$i%m/ noun the collection of end- /end/ prefix same as endo- (used before
empyema end-
pus in a cavity, especially in the pleural cavity. vowels)

Also called pyothorax endarterectomy /!end%t$rektmi/ noun the
endarterectomy
emulsion /$m.ln/ noun a combination of surgical removal of the lining of a blocked artery.
emulsion
liquids such as oil and water which do not usually Also called rebore
mix endarteritis /!end%t$rats/ noun inflamma-
endarteritis
EN abbreviation enrolled nurse tion of the inner lining of an artery

EN
93 endothelial
endarteritis obliterans /!end%t!rats endogenous eczema /en!dd+ns

endarteritis obliterans endogenous eczema
| | |
$bltrnz/ noun a condition where inflammation $eksm/ noun eczema which is caused by no
in an artery is so severe that it blocks the artery obvious external factor
endaural /end$%rl/ adjective inside the ear endolymph /$endlmf/ noun a fluid inside
endaural endolymph
endemic /en$demk/ adjective referring to any

endemic
|
the membranous labyrinth in the inner ear
disease which is very common in specific places endometrial /!end$mi%tril/ adjective refer-
endometrial
! This disease is endemic to Mediterranean ring to the endometrium

countries. endometrial laser ablation /!endmi%tril
endometrial laser ablation
endo- /end/ prefix inside

endo-
$lez b!le()n/ noun a gynaecological surgi-

|
endobronchial /!end$brkil/ adjective

endobronchial
|
cal procedure using a laser to treat fibroids or
inside the bronchi other causes of thickening of the lining of the
uterus
endocardial /!end$k%dil/ adjective refer-
endocardial
endometriosis /!endmi%tri$ss/ noun a

endometriosis
ring to the endocardium |
condition affecting women, in which tissue simi-

endocardial pacemaker /!endk%dil
endocardial pacemaker
$pesmek/ noun a pacemaker attached to the lar to the tissue of the uterus is found in other parts
of the body
lining of the heart
endometritis /!endm$trats/ noun inflam-
endometritis
endocarditis /!endk%$dats/ noun inflam-

endocarditis
|
mation of the lining of the uterus

|
mation of the membrane lining of the heart

endometrium /!end$mi%trim/ noun the
endometrium
endocardium /!end$k%dim/ noun a mem-

endocardium
|
mucous membrane lining the uterus, part of

|
brane which lines the heart. See illustration at

HEART in Supplement
which is shed at each menstruation (NOTE: The
plural is endometria.)
endocervicitis /!ends-%v$sats/ noun
endocervicitis
endomyocarditis /!endmak%$dats/
| endomyocarditis
inflammation of the membrane in the neck of the |
uterus noun inflammation of the muscle and inner mem-

brane of the heart
endocervix /!end$s-%vks/ noun a mem-
endocervix
endomysium /!end$msim/ noun connec-

| endomysium
brane which lines the neck of the uterus |
tive tissue around and between muscle fibres

endochondral /!end$kndrl/ adjective
endochondral
endoneurium
|
/!end$njrim/
endoneurium
inside a cartilage noun |
fibrous tissue between the individual fibres in a

endocrine /$endkran/ adjective relating to
endocrine
nerve
the endocrine glands or the hormones they secrete
endoparasite /!end$p'rsat/ noun a para-
endoparasite
endocrine gland /$endkran 1l'nd/ noun a

endocrine gland |
site which lives inside its host, e.g. in the intes-

gland without a duct which produces hormones tines. Compare ectoparasite
which are introduced directly into the blood-
endophthalmitis /!endf'l$mats/ noun
endophthalmitis
stream, e.g. the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, the |
adrenal gland and the gonads. Also called duct- inflammation of the interior of the eyeball
less gland. Compare exocrine gland endorphin /en$d%fn/ noun a peptide pro-
endorphin
endocrine system /$endkran !sstm/

endocrine system
duced by the brain which acts as a natural pain-
noun a system of related ductless glands killer. ! encephalin
endoscope /$endskp/ noun an instrument
endoscope
endocrinologist /!endkr$nld+st/ noun

endocrinologist
a doctor who specialises in the study of endo- used to examine the inside of the body, made of a
crinology thin tube which is passed into the body down a
passage. The tube has a fibre optic light, and may
endocrinology /!endkr$nld+i/ noun the
endocrinology
have small surgical instruments attached.

|
study of the endocrine system, its function and

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopan-
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
effects
endoderm /$endd-%m/ noun the inner of
endoderm
creatography /!endskpk !retr1red k |
three layers surrounding an embryo. Also called $l'nd+ip'kri$t1rfi/ noun a method used |
entoderm
to examine the pancreatic duct and bile duct for
possible obstructions. Abbreviation ERCP
endodermal /!end$d-%m()l/ adjective
endodermal
endoscopy /en$dskpi/ noun an examination

| endoscopy
referring to the endoderm. Also called entoder- |
mal of the inside of the body using an endoscope

endoskeleton /$end!skelt()n/ noun the
endoskeleton
endogenous /en$dd+ns/ adjective devel-

endogenous
|
|
oping or being caused by something inside an inner structure of bones and cartilage in an animal
endosteum /en$dstim/ noun a membrane
endosteum
organism. Compare exogenous |
endogenous depression /en!dd+ns d

endogenous depression
| |
lining the bone marrow cavity inside a long bone
$pre()n/ noun depression caused by no obvious endothelial /!end$i%lil/ adjective referring
endothelial
external factor to the endothelium

endothelioma 94
endothelioma /!endi%li$m/ noun a infusion of liquid food directly into the intestine.
endothelioma
malignant tumour originating inside the endothe- Also called enteral nutrition
lium enteralgia /!entr$'ld+/ noun same as colic
enteralgia
endothelium /!end$i%lim/ noun a mem-

endothelium
enterally /$entrli/ adverb referring to a

enterally
|
brane of special cells which lines the heart, the method of feeding a person by nasogastric tube or
lymph vessels, the blood vessels and various body directly into the intestine
cavities. Compare epithelium, mesothelium enteral nutrition /!entrl nju%$tr()n/
enteral nutrition
endotoxin /!end$tksn/ noun a toxic sub-

endotoxin
|
noun same as enteral feeding
stance released after the death of some bacterial enteric /en$terk/ adjective referring to the
enteric
cells
|
intestine
endotracheal /!end$trekil/ adjective
endotracheal
enteric-coated /en!terk $ktd/ adjective

| enteric-coated
same as intratracheal
|
referring to a capsule with a coating which pre-

endotracheal tube /!end$trekil !tju%b/
endotracheal tube
|
vents it from being digested and releasing the
noun a tube passed down the trachea, through drug until it reaches the intestine
either the nose or mouth, in anaesthesia or to help
enteritis /!ent$rats/ noun inflammation of
enteritis
a person breathe |
the mucous membrane of the intestine

end plate /$end plet/ noun the end of a motor
end plate
entero- /entr/ prefix referring to the intes-

entero-
nerve, where it joins muscle fibre

tine
end stage renal disease /!end sted+
end stage renal disease
Enterobacteria /!entrb'k$tri/ noun a

Enterobacteria
$ri%n()l d!zi%z/ noun the stage of kidney disease

|
|
at which uraemia occurs and dialysis needs to family of Gram-negative bacteria, including Sal-
start. Abbreviation ESRD monella, Shigella, Escherichia and Klebsiella
enterobiasis /!entr$bass/ noun a com-
enterobiasis
enema /$enm/ noun a liquid substance put

enema
|
into the rectum to introduce a drug into the body, mon childrens disease, caused by threadworms
to wash out the colon before an operation or for in the large intestine which cause itching round
diagnosis the anus. Also called oxyuriasis
Enterobius /!ent$rbis/ noun a small thin
Enterobius
energy /$end+i/ noun the force or strength to

energy
|
carry out activities ! You need to eat certain types nematode worm, one species of which, Entero-
of food to give you energy. bius vermicularis, infests the large intestine and
causes itching round the anus. Also called
enervation /!en$ve()n/ noun 1. general
enervation
threadworm, pinworm
|
nervous weakness 2. a surgical operation to

enterocele /$entrsi%l/, enterocoele
enterocele
remove a nerve
/$entersi%l/ noun a hernia of the intestine
engagement /n$1ed+mnt/ noun (in obstet-
engagement
enterocolitis /!entrk$lats/ noun inflam-

enterocolitis
rics) the moment where part of the fetus, usually |
the head, enters the pelvis at the beginning of mation of the colon and small intestine
labour enterolith /$entrl/ noun a stone in the
enterolith
engorged /n$1%d+d/ adjective excessively

engorged
|
intestine
filled with liquid, usually blood enteron /$entrn/ noun the whole intestinal
enteron
engorgement /n$1%d+mnt/ noun the exces- tract

engorgement
sive filling of a vessel, usually with blood enteropathy /!ent$rpi/ noun any disorder
enteropathy
enkephalin /en$kefln/ noun US another of the intestine. ! gluten-induced enteropathy

enkephalin
spelling of encephalin enteroscope /$entrskp/ noun an instru-

enteroscope
enophthalmos /!enf$'lms/ noun a condi- ment for inspecting the inside of the intestine
enophthalmos
tion in which the eyes are very deep in their sock- enterostomy /!ent$rstmi/ noun a surgical
enterostomy
ets operation to make an opening between the small

Enrolled Nurse /n!rld $n-%s/ noun " sec- intestine and the abdominal wall
Enrolled Nurse
ond-level nurse enterotomy /!ent$rtmi/ noun a surgical

enterotomy
ensiform cartilage /!ensf%m $k%tld+/ incision in the intestine

ensiform cartilage
noun same as xiphoid process enterotoxin /!entr$tksn/ noun a bacterial

enterotoxin
ENT abbreviation Ear, Nose & Throat

ENT
exotoxin which particularly affects the intestine

ENT department /!i% en $ti% d!p%tmnt/ enterovirus /!entr$vars/ noun a virus
ENT department enterovirus
| |
noun a department of otorhinolaryngology which prefers to live in the intestine. Enterovi-

enter- /ent/ prefix same as entero- (used ruses include poliomyelitis virus, Coxsackie
enter-
before vowels) viruses and the echoviruses.

enteral /$entrl/ adjective referring to the entoderm /$entd-%m/ noun same as endo-
enteral entoderm
intestine. Compare parenteral derm

enteral feeding /!entrl $fi%d/ noun the entodermal /!ent$d-%m()l/ adjective same
enteral feeding entodermal
feeding of a person by a nasogastric tube or by the as endodermal

95 epididymal
Entonox /$entnks/ noun a gas consisting of epiblepharon /!ep$blefrn/ noun an unusual

Entonox epiblepharon
50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide that is used as fold of skin over the eyelid, which may press the
a painkiller during childbirth eyelashes against the eyeball
entopic /n$tpk/ adjective located or taking epicanthus /!ep$k'ns/, epicanthic fold
entopic epicanthus
| |
place in the usual position. Opposite ectopic /!epk'nk $fld/ noun a large fold of skin in
entropion /n$trpin/ noun a turning of the
entropion
|
the inner corner of the eye, common in babies and
edge of the eyelid towards the inside also found in adults of some groups such as the
Chinese
enucleation /!nju%kli$e()n/ noun the surgi-
enucleation
| |
epicardial /!ep$k%dil/ adjective referring to

epicardial
cal removal of all of a tumour |
the epicardium
enuresis /!enj$ri%ss/ noun the involuntary
enuresis
epicardial pacemaker /!epk%dil

epicardial pacemaker
passing of urine
$pesmek/ noun a pacemaker attached to the
enuretic /!enj$retk/ adjective referring to
enuretic
|
surface of the ventricle
enuresis, or causing enuresis
epicardium /!ep$k%dim/ noun the inner
epicardium
environment /n$varnmnt/ noun the condi-

environment |
|
layer of the pericardium which lines the walls of
tions and influences under which an organism the heart, outside the myocardium. See illustra-
lives tion at HEART in Supplement
environmental /n!varn$ment()l/ adjective
environmental
epicondyle /!ep$kndal/ noun a projecting

epicondyle
| |
referring to the environment

|
part of the round end of a bone above the condyle

Environmental Health Officer /n
Environmental Health Officer
epicondylitis /!epknd$lats/ noun same as

epicondylitis
|
!varnment()l $hel !fs/ noun an official of

|
tennis elbow
a local authority who examines the environment
epicranium /!ep$krenim/ noun the five lay-
epicranium
and tests for air pollution, bad sanitation, noise |
pollution and similar threats to public health. ers of the scalp, the skin and hair on the head cov-
Abbreviation EHO ering the skull
epicritic /!ep$krtk/ adjective referring to the
epicritic
enzyme /$enzam/ noun a protein substance

enzyme
|
produced by living cells which aids a biochemical nerves which govern the fine senses of touch and
reaction in the body (NOTE: The names of temperature
enzymes mostly end with the suffix -ase.) epidemic /!ep$demk/ adjective spreading
epidemic
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
quickly through a large part of the population !
/!enzam lkt !mjn!s%bnt $'se/ noun |
The disease rapidly reached epidemic propor-
full form of ELISA tions. " noun an outbreak of an infectious disease
which spreads very quickly and affects a large
eonism /$i%nz()m/ noun cross-dressing,
eonism
number of people
when a male wears female dress
epidemiologist /!ep!di%m$ld+st/ noun a
epidemiologist
eosin /$i%sn/ noun a red crystalline solid used

eosin
| |
person who specialises in the study of diseases in

as a biological staining dye
groups of people
eosinopenia /!i%sn$pi%ni/ noun a reduc-
eosinopenia
epidemiology /!ep!di%mi$ld+i/ noun the

epidemiology
|
tion in the number of eosinophils in the blood

| |
study of diseases in the community, in particular

eosinophil /!i%$snfl/ noun a type of cell
eosinophil
|
how they spread and how they can be controlled
that can be stained with eosin
epidermal /!ep$d-%m()l/ adjective referring
epidermal
eosinophilia /!i%sn$fli/ noun an excess

eosinophilia
|
to the epidermis
of eosinophils in the blood
epidermis /!ep$d-%ms/ noun the outer layer of
epidermis
ependyma /$pendm/ noun a thin membrane

ependyma
|
the skin, including the dead skin on the surface.
which lines the ventricles of the brain and the cen- Also called cuticle
tral canal of the spinal cord
epidermoid cyst /!epd-%md $sst/ noun
epidermoid cyst
ependymal /$pendm()l/ adjective referring

ependymal
|
same as sebaceous cyst
to the ependyma
epidermolysis /!epd-%$mlss/ noun sepa-
epidermolysis
ependymal cell /$pendm()l sel/ noun one

ependymal cell
|
ration of the epidermis from the tissue under-
of the cells which form the ependyma neath, usually forming a blister
ependymoma /!pend$mm/ noun a
ependymoma
epidermolysis bullosa /!epd-%!mlss b

epidermolysis bullosa
| |
| |
tumour in the brain originating in the ependyma $ls/ noun a group of disorders where blisters
ephedrine /$efdri%n/ noun a drug that relieves form on the skin
ephedrine
asthma and blocked noses by causing the air pas- Epidermophyton /!epd-%$mftn/ noun a
Epidermophyton
sages to widen fungus which grows on the skin and causes ath-
ephidrosis /!ef$drss/ noun an unusual letes foot, among other disorders
ephidrosis
amount of sweat epididymal /!ep$ddm()l/ adjective referring

epididymal
epi- /ep/ prefix on or over

epi-
to the epididymis
epididymectomy 96
epididymectomy /!epdd$mektmi/ noun epimenorrhagia /!epmen$red+/ noun

epididymectomy epimenorrhagia
| |
the removal of the epididymis very heavy bleeding during menstruation occur-
epididymis /!ep$ddms/ noun a long twist-
epididymis
|
ring at very short intervals
epimenorrhoea /!epmen$ri%/ noun men-
epimenorrhoea
ing thin tube at the back of the testis, which forms |
part of the efferent duct of the testis, and in which struation at shorter intervals than twenty-eight
spermatozoa are stored before ejaculation. See days
illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in epiphora /e$pfr/ noun a condition in which
epiphora
Supplement the eye fills with tears either because the lacrimal
epididymitis /!epdd$mats/ noun inflam- duct is blocked or because excessive tears are
epididymitis
mation of the epididymis being secreted

epididymo-orchitis /ep!ddm %$kats/ epiphyseal /!ep$fzil/ adjective referring to
epididymo-orchitis epiphyseal
| | |
noun inflammation of the epididymis and the tes- an epiphysis

tes epiphysis /e$pfss/ noun the area of growth
epiphysis
epidural /!ep$djrl/ adjective on the outside in a bone which is separated from the main part of
epidural
of the dura mater. Also called extradural " noun the bone by cartilage until bone growth stops. See
same as epidural anaesthesia illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in Supplement.
epidural anaesthesia /ep!djrl !'ns
epidural anaesthesia
| |
Compare diaphysis, metaphysis
epiplo- /eppl/ prefix referring to the omen-
epiplo-
$i%zi/ noun a local anaesthesia in which anaes-

thetic is injected into the space between the verte- tum
bral canal and the dura mater epiploon /e$ppln/ noun same as omentum
epiploon
epidural block /!epdjrl $blk/ noun anal- episclera /$epsklr/ noun the outer surface
epidural block episclera
gesia produced by injecting an analgesic solution of the sclera of the eyeball

into the space between the vertebral canal and the episcleritis /!epskl$rats/ noun inflamma-
episcleritis
dura mater tion of the outer surface of the sclera in the eye-
epidural space /!epdjrl $spes/ noun a
epidural space
ball
space in the spinal cord between the vertebral episi- /pzi/, episio- /pzi/ prefix referring
episi-
canal and the dura mater to the vulva

epigastric /!ep$1'strk/ adjective referring to
epigastric
episiorrhaphy /!pzi$%rfi/ noun a proce-

episiorrhaphy
|
| |
the upper abdomen ! The patient complained of dure for stitching torn labia majora
pains in the epigastric area. episiotomy /!pzi$tmi/ noun a surgical cut
episiotomy
| |
epigastrium /!ep$1'strim/ noun the part of

epigastrium
|
of the perineum near the vagina to prevent tearing
the upper abdomen between the ribcage and the during childbirth
navel. Also called the pit of the stomach episodic /!ep$sdk/ adjective happening in
episodic
epiglottis /!ep$1lts/ noun a flap of cartilage

epiglottis
|
separate but related incidents, e.g. asthma which
at the root of the tongue which moves to block the occurs in separate attacks
windpipe when food is swallowed, so that the epispadias /!ep$spedis/ noun a congenital
epispadias
food does not go down the trachea

|
condition where the urethra opens on the top of

epiglottitis /!ep1l$tats/ noun inflammation
epiglottitis
|
the penis and not at the end. Compare hypospa-
and swelling of the epiglottis dias
epilation /!ep$le()n/ noun the process of
epilation
epistaxis /!ep$st'kss/ noun same as nose-

epistaxis
|
|
removing hair by destroying the hair follicles bleed

epilepsy /$eplepsi/ noun a disorder of the nerv- epithelial /!ep$i%lil/ adjective referring to the
epilepsy epithelial
ous system in which there are convulsions and epithelium

loss of consciousness due to a disordered dis- epithelialisation /!ep!i%lila$ze()n/, epi-
epithelialisation
| | |
charge of cerebral neurones thelialization noun the growth of skin over a

epileptic /!ep$leptk/ adjective having epi-
epileptic
| wound
lepsy, or relating to epilepsy " noun a person epithelioma /epi%li$m/ noun a tumour
epithelioma
with epilepsy (NOTE: The word epileptic to arising from epithelial cells
describe a person is now avoided.)
epithelium /!ep$i%lim/ noun the layer or lay-
epithelium
epileptic fit /!epleptk $ft/ noun an attack of

epileptic fit
ers of cells covering an organ, including the skin

convulsions, and sometimes unconsciousness, and the lining of all hollow cavities except blood
due to epilepsy vessels, lymphatics and serous cavities. Compare
epileptiform /!ep$leptf%m/ adjective being
epileptiform
| endothelium, mesothelium
similar to epilepsy EpsteinBarr virus /!epstan $b% !vars/
EpsteinBarr virus
epiloia /!ep$l/ noun a hereditary disease of noun a virus which probably causes glandular
epiloia
the brain associated with learning disabilities, fever. Also called EB virus [Isolated and
epilepsy and tumours on the kidney and heart. described 1964. After Michael Anthony Epstein
Also called tuberose sclerosis (b. 1921), Bristol pathologist; Murray Llewellyn
97 erythrogenesis
Barr (190895), Canadian anatomist and cytolo- erythema /!er$i%m/ noun redness on the
erythema
gist, head of the Department of Anatomy at the skin, caused by hyperaemia of the blood vessels
University of Western Ontario, Canada.] near the surface
epulis /$pju%ls/ noun a small fibrous swelling
epulis
erythema ab igne /!eri%m 'b $1ne/ noun

erythema ab igne
|
on a gum a pattern of red lines on the skin caused by expo-

equi- /%kw, ekw/ prefix equal sure to heat
equi-
erythema induratum /!eri%m !ndj

erythema induratum
equilibrium /!i%kw$lbrim/ noun a state of

equilibrium
| |
balance $retm/ noun a tubercular disease where ulcerat-

ER abbreviation 1. US emergency room 2. endo-
ER
ing nodules appear on the legs of young women.
plasmic reticulum Also called Bazins disease
erythema multiforme /!eri%m
erythema multiforme
Erbs palsy /!-%bz $p%lzi/, Erbs paralysis

Erbs palsy
/!-%bz p$r'lss/ noun a condition in which an $m.ltif%mi/ noun the sudden appearance of
inflammatory red patches and sometimes blisters
|
arm is paralysed because of birth injuries to the

brachial plexus. ! Bells palsy on the skin
erythema nodosum /!eri%m n$dsm/
erythema nodosum
ERCP abbreviation endoscopic retrograde

ERCP
|
cholangiopancreatography noun an inflammatory disease where red swell-

ings appear on the front of the legs
erectile /$rektal/ adjective able to become
erectile
erythema pernio /!eri%m $p-%ni/ noun

| erythema pernio
erect
same as chilblain
erectile dysfunction /!rektal ds$f.kn/
erectile dysfunction
erythematous /!er$i%mts/ adjective refer-

| | erythematous
noun a condition in which a man finds it difficult |
or impossible to have or maintain an erection dur- ring to erythema

erythr- /err/ prefix same as erythro- (used
erythr-
ing intercourse
erection /$rekn/ noun a state where a body
erection
|
before vowels)
part such as the penis becomes swollen because of erythrasma /!er$r'zm/ noun a persistent
erythrasma
engorgement with blood bacterial skin infection occurring in a fold in the

erector /$rekt/ noun a small muscle which
erector
|
skin or where two skin surfaces touch, such as
raises a body part between the toes. It is caused by Corynebacte-
rium.
erector spinae /!rekt $spani%/ noun a large
erector spinae
erythro- /rr/ prefix red

erythro-
muscle starting at the base of the spine, and divid-

ing as it runs up the spine erythroblast /$rrbl'st/ noun a cell which
erythroblast
ERG abbreviation electroretinogram

ERG
forms an erythrocyte or red blood cell
erythroblastosis /!rrbl'$stss/ noun
erythroblastosis
ergonomics /!-%1$nmks/ noun the study of

ergonomics
| |
|
humans at work the presence of erythroblasts in the blood, usually

found in haemolytic anaemia
ergot /$-%1t/ noun a disease of rye caused by
ergot
erythroblastosis fetalis /!rrbl'

erythroblastosis fetalis
the fungus Clariceps purpurea | | |
!stss fi%$t%ls/ noun a blood disease affecting

ergotamine /-%$1tmi%n/ noun a drug that
ergotamine
|
newborn babies, caused by a reaction between the

|
causes narrowing of blood vessels and alleviates

rhesus factor of the mother and the fetus
migraine, derived from the ergot fungus
erythrocyte /$rrsat/ noun a mature red
erythrocyte
ergotism /$-%1tz()m/ noun poisoning

ergotism
|
blood cell
caused by eating rye which has been contami-
erythrocyte sedimentation rate /
erythrocyte sedimentation rate
nated with the ergot fungus |
erogenous /$rd+ns/ adjective producing

erogenous
!rrsat sedmen$te()n ret/ noun a test |
that measures how fast erythrocytes settle in a

|
sexual excitement
sample of blood plasma, used to confirm whether
erogenous zone /$rd+ns zn/ noun a
erogenous zone
|
various blood conditions are present. Abbrevia-
part of the body which, if stimulated, produces tion ESR
sexual arousal, e.g. the penis, clitoris or nipples
erythrocytosis /!rrsa$tss/ noun an
erythrocytosis
| |
erotic /$rtk/ adjective relating to or arousing

erotic
|
increase in the number of red blood cells in the
the feeling of sexual desire blood
ERPC abbreviation evacuation of retained prod-
ERPC
erythroderma /!rr$d-%m/ noun a condi-

erythroderma
| |
ucts of conception tion in which the skin becomes red and flakes off
eructation /!i%r.k$te()n/ noun same as
eructation
erythroedema /!rr$di%m/ noun same as

erythroedema
|
| |
belching acrodynia
eruption /$r.pn/ noun something which
eruption
erythrogenesis /!rr$d+enss/, erythro-

erythrogenesis
|
| |
breaks through the skin, e.g. a rash or pimple poiesis /!rrp$i%ss/ noun the formation of
| |
ery- /er/ prefix same as erythro-

ery-
red blood cells in red bone marrow

erythropenia 98
erythropenia /!rr$pi%ni/ noun a condition essential uterine haemorrhage /!senl

erythropenia essential uterine haemorrhage
| | |
in which a person has a low number of erythro- !ju%tran $hem()rd+/ noun heavy uterine
cytes in their blood bleeding for which there is no obvious cause
erythroplasia /!rr$plezi/ noun the for- ethambutol /$'mbjtl/ noun a drug that is
erythroplasia ethambutol
| | |
mation of lesions on the mucous membrane part of the treatment for bacterial infections such
erythropoiesis /!rrp$i%ss/ noun same as
erythropoiesis
| |
as tuberculosis
erythrogenesis ethanol /$enl/ noun a colourless liquid,
ethanol
erythropoietin /!rr$ptn/ noun a hor-

erythropoietin
| |
present in alcoholic drinks such as whisky, gin
mone which regulates the production of red blood and vodka, and also used in medicines and as a
cells disinfectant. Also called ethyl alcohol
ethene /$i%i%n/ noun same as ethylene
ethene
erythropsia /!er$rpsi/ noun a condition in

erythropsia
which someone sees things as if coloured red ether /$i%/ noun an anaesthetic substance, now
ether
eschar /$esk%/ noun a dry scab, e.g. one form-

eschar
rarely used
ing on a burn ethical /$ek()l/ adjective concerning ethics
ethical
Escherichia /!e$rki/ noun a bacterium ethical committee /$ek()l k!mti/ noun a

Escherichia ethical committee
| |
commonly found in faeces group of specialists who monitor experiments

Escherichia coli /e!rki $kla/ noun a involving human beings or who regulate the way
Escherichia coli
Gram-negative bacterium associated with acute in which members of the medical profession con-
gastroenteritis. Also called E. coli duct themselves
ethics /$eks/ noun " medical ethics
ethics
Esmarchs bandage /$esm%ks !b'ndd+/

Esmarchs bandage
noun a rubber band wrapped round a limb as a ethinyloestradiol /!en()l!%str$dal/

ethinyloestradiol
| |
tourniquet before a surgical operation and left in noun an artificial hormone related to oestrogen
place during the operation so as to keep the site that is effective in small doses. It forms part of
free of blood [Described 1869. After Johann hormone replacement therapy.
Friedrich August von Esmarch (18231908), ethmoid /e$md/, ethmoidal /e$md()l/
ethmoid
| |
Professor of Surgery at Kiel, Germany.] adjective referring to the ethmoid bone or near to
esotropia /es$trpi/ noun a type of squint,
esotropia
| the ethmoid bone

where the eyes both look towards the nose. Also ethmoidal sinuses /e!md()l $sansz/
ethmoidal sinuses
called convergent strabismus plural noun air cells inside the ethmoid bone
ESR abbreviation erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESR
ethmoid bone /$emd bn/ noun a bone

ethmoid bone
ESRD abbreviation end-stage renal disease

ESRD
which forms the top of the nasal cavity and part of

essence /$es()ns/ noun a concentrated oil the orbits
essence
from a plant, used in cosmetics, and sometimes as ethmoidectomy /!em$dektmi/ noun an

ethmoidectomy
analgesics or antiseptics operation to remove the lining between the

essential amino acid /!senl !mi%n sinuses
essential amino acid
| |
$'sd/ noun an amino acid which is necessary for ethmoiditis /!em$dats/ noun inflamma-
ethmoiditis
growth but which cannot be synthesised in the tion of the ethmoid bone or of the ethmoidal
body and has to be obtained from the food supply sinuses
COMMENT: The essential amino acids are: ethnic /$enk/ adjective relating to a culturally
ethnic
isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phe- or racially distinctive group of people

nylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
ethyl alcohol /!ial $'lkhl/ noun same as
ethyl alcohol
essential element /!senl $elmnt/ noun a

essential element
|
ethanol
chemical element which is necessary to the
ethylene /$eli%n/ noun a gas used as an anaes-
ethylene
bodys growth or function, e.g. carbon, oxygen,

hydrogen and nitrogen thetic
ethylestrenol /!e()l$estrnl/ noun an ana-
ethylestrenol
essential fatty acid /!senl !f'ti $'sd/

essential fatty acid
|
bolic steroid
|
noun an unsaturated fatty acid which is necessary

etiology /!i%ti$ld+i/ noun US same as aetiol-
etiology
for growth and health. Abbreviation EFA |
COMMENT: The essential fatty acids are lino- ogy

eucalyptus /!ju%k$lpts/ noun a genus of tree
eucalyptus
leic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid. |
essential hypertension /!senl $hap

essential hypertension
| |
growing mainly in Australia, from which a
!tenn/ noun high blood pressure without any strongly smelling oil is distilled
eucalyptus oil /!ju%k$lpts l/ noun an aro-
eucalyptus oil
obvious cause |
essential oil /!senl $l/ noun a medicinal or

essential oil
|
matic medicinal oil distilled from the leaves of
fragrant oil distilled from some part of a plant various species of tree in the genus Eucalyptus
eugenics /ju%$d+enks/ noun the study of how
eugenics
essential tremor /!senl $trem/ noun an

essential tremor
|
|
involuntary slow trembling movement of the to improve the human race by genetic selection
hands often seen in elderly people eunuch /$ju%nk/ noun a castrated male
eunuch
99 exenteration
euphoria /ju%$f%ri/ noun a feeling of extreme evulsion /$v.ln/ noun the act of extracting
euphoria evulsion
| |
happiness something by force

Ewings tumour /$ju%z $tju%m/, Ewings
Ewings tumour
Eustachian canal /ju%$ste()n k!n'l/

Eustachian canal
| |
noun a passage through the porous bone forming sarcoma /!ju%z s%$km/ noun a malignant |
the outside part of the Eustachian tube tumour in the marrow of a long bone [Described
1922. After James Ewing (18661943), Profes-
Eustachian tube /ju%$ste()n tju%b/ noun
Eustachian tube
sor of Pathology at Cornell University, New York,

|
the tube which connects the pharynx to the middle

USA.]
ear. See illustration at EAR in Supplement
EWS /!i% !d.b()lju% $es/ noun an early warning
EWS
[Described 1562, but actually named after Eus-

tachio by Valsalva a century later. Bartolomeo system designed to alert healthcare professionals
Eustachio (152074), physician to the Pope and to new developments in technologies, pharma-
Professor of Anatomy in Rome.] ceuticals and treatments
ex- /eks/ prefix same as exo- (used before vow-
ex-
euthanasia /!ju%$nezi/ noun the painless

euthanasia
killing of an incurably ill person or someone in a els)

permanent coma in order to end their distress. exacerbation /1!z's$be()n/ noun 1. the
exacerbation
| |
Also called mercy killing (NOTE: This practice is fact of making a condition worse 2. a period when
illegal in most countries.) a condition becomes worse
euthyroid /ju%$ard/ noun a condition where exanthem /1$z'nm/ noun a skin rash found
euthyroid exanthem
| |
the thyroid is functioning normally with infectious diseases like measles or chicken-
evacuant /$v'kjunt/ noun a medicine which
evacuant
|
pox
exanthematous /!eks'n$emts/ adjective
exanthematous
makes a person have a bowel movement |
evacuation /!v'kju$e()n/ noun the act of

evacuation
| |
referring to an exanthem or like an exanthem
exception /k$sepn/ noun 1. something that
exception
removing the contents of something, especially |
discharging faeces from the bowel does not fit into or is excluded from a general rule
or pattern 2. the act or condition of being
evacuation of retained products of con-
evacuation of retained products of conception
excluded
ception /v'kju!e()n v r!tend | |
exchange transfusion /ks!tend+ tr'ns

exchange transfusion
!prd.kts v kn$sepn/ noun a D & C opera- |

| |
tion performed after an abortion or miscarriage to $fju%+()n/ noun a method of treating leukaemia
ensure the uterus is left empty. Abbreviation or erythroblastosis in newborn babies, where
ERPC almost all the blood is removed from the body and
replaced with healthy blood
evaluation /!v'lju$e()n/ noun the act of
evaluation
excise /k$saz/ verb to cut something out

| | excise
examining and calculating the quantity or level of |
excision /k$s+()n/ noun an operation by a

excision
something ! In further evaluation of these |
patients no side-effects of the treatment were surgeon to cut and remove part of the body such
noted. as a growth. Compare incision
excitation /!eks$te()n/ noun the state of
excitation
eventration /!%ven$tre()n/ noun the push-

eventration
|
|
ing of the intestine through the wall of the abdo- being mentally or physically aroused
men excite /k$sat/ verb 1. to stimulate someone or
excite
eversion /$v-%()n/ noun the act of turning something 2. to give an impulse to a nerve or mus-
eversion
towards the outside or turning inside out. See cle

illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement excoriation /ks!k%ri$e()n/ noun a raw skin
excoriation
| |
evertor /$v-%t/ noun a muscle which makes a

evertor
|
surface or mucous membrane after rubbing or
limb turn outwards burning
excrement /$ekskrmnt/ noun same as fae-
excrement
evidence-based /$evd()ns best/ adjective

evidence-based
based on the results of well-designed trials of spe- ces

excrescence /k$skres()ns/ noun a growth on
excrescence
cific types of treatment for specific conditions ! |
evidence-based practice the skin

excreta /k$skri%t/ plural noun waste material
excreta
evidence-based medicine /$evd()ns

evidence-based medicine
best !med()sn/ noun medical practice where from the body, especially faeces
findings from research are used as the basis for excretion /k$skri%()n/ noun the act of pass-
excretion
decisions ing waste matter, e.g. faeces, urine or sweat, out

evisceration /!vs$re()n/ noun the surgi- of the body
evisceration
| |
cal removal of the abdominal viscera. Also called excruciating /k$skru%iet/

excruciating
adjective |
exenteration extremely painful ! He had excruciating pains in

evolution /!i%v$lu%()n/ noun a process of
evolution
|
his head.
change in organisms which takes place over a exenteration /ek!sent$re()n/ noun same
exenteration
| |
very long period involving many generations as evisceration

exercise 100
exercise /$ekssaz/ noun 1. physical or mental expectoration /k!spekt$re()n/ noun the

exercise expectoration
| |
activity, especially the active use of the muscles as act of coughing up fluid or phlegm from the res-
a way of keeping fit, correcting a deformity or piratory tract
strengthening a part ! Regular exercise is good experiential learning /k!sprienl $l-%n/
experiential learning
for your heart. ! He doesnt do or take enough noun the process of learning from experience
exercise. 2. a particular movement or action expert patient /!eksp-%t $pe()nt/ noun a
expert patient
designed to use and strengthen the muscles " patient with a long-term illness who has been
verb to take exercise, or exert part of the body in
taught how to manage his or her own medical care
exercise ! He exercises twice a day to keep fit.
expiration /!eksp$re()n/ noun 1. the act of
expiration
exercise-induced asthma /!ekssaz n

exercise-induced asthma |
|
breathing out, or pushing air out of the lungs !
!dju%st $'sm/ noun asthma which is caused by Expiration takes place when the chest muscles
exercise such as running or cycling. Abbreviation relax and the lungs become smaller. Opposite
EIA
inspiration 2. death
exfoliation /eks!fli$e()n/ noun the loss of
exfoliation
expire /k$spa/ verb 1. to breathe out 2. to die

expire
| |
layers of tissue such as sunburnt skin

|
exploration /!ekspl$re()n/ noun a proce-

exploration
exfoliative /eks$flietv/ adjective referring

exfoliative |
|
dure or surgical operation where the aim is to dis-
to exfoliation cover the cause of symptoms or the nature and
exfoliative dermatitis /eks!flitv !d-%m
exfoliative dermatitis
| |
extent of an illness
$tats/ noun a typical form of dermatitis where exploratory
exploratory surgery
surgery /k!splrt()ri
the skin becomes red and comes off in flakes
|
$s-%d+ri/ noun a surgical operation in which the

exhalation /!eksh$le()n/ noun the act of
exhalation
|
aim is to discover the cause of a persons symp-
breathing out. Opposite inhalation toms or the nature and extent of an illness
exhale /eks$hel/ verb to breathe out. Opposite
exhale
expression /k$spre()n/ noun 1. the look on

expression
|
|
inhale a persons face which shows what he or she thinks

exhibitionism /!eks$b()nz()m/ noun a and feels ! His expression showed that he was
exhibitionism
desire to show the genitals to a person of the annoyed. 2. the act of pushing something out of
opposite sex the body ! the expression of the fetus and pla-
exo- /eks/ prefix out of, outside
exo-
centa during childbirth
exsanguinate /k$s'1wnet/ verb to drain
exsanguinate
exocrine gland /$ekskran 1l'nd/ noun a

exocrine gland
|
gland with ducts which channel secretions to par- blood from the body
ticular parts of the body such as the liver, the exsanguination /k!s'1w$ne()n/ noun
exsanguination
| |
sweat glands, the pancreas and the salivary the removal of blood from the body
glands. Compare endocrine gland extension /k$stenn/ noun 1. the stretching
extension
exogenous /ek$sd+ns/ adjective develop- or straightening out of a joint 2. the stretching of

exogenous
ing or caused by something outside the organism. a joint by traction

Compare endogenous extensor /k$stens/, extensor muscle /k
extensor
| |
exomphalos /ek$smfls/ noun same as $stens !m.s()l/ noun a muscle which makes a
exomphalos
umbilical hernia joint become straight. Compare flexor

exophthalmic goitre /!eksf'lmk $1t/ exterior /k$stri/ noun the outside of some-
exophthalmic goitre exterior
noun a form of hyperthyroidism, in which the thing

neck swells and the eyes protrude. Also called externa /k$st-%n/ " otitis
externa
Graves disease
external cardiac massage /k!st-%n()l
external cardiac massage
exophthalmos /!eksf$'lms/ noun pro-

exophthalmos
|
!k%di'k $m's%+/ noun a method of making
truding eyeballs someones heart start beating again by rhythmic
exostosis /!eks$stss/ noun a benign pressing on the breastbone
exostosis
growth on the surface of a bone external ear /k!st-%n()l $/ noun same as

external ear
exotic /1$ztk/ adjective referring to a disease outer ear

exotic
which occurs in a foreign country external haemorrhoids

external haemorrhoids
/k!st-%n()l |
exotoxin /!eks$tksn/ noun a poison, pro- $hemrdz/ plural noun haemorrhoids in the
exotoxin
duced by bacteria, which affects parts of the body skin just outside the anus
away from the place of infection, e.g. the toxins external iliac artery /k!st-%n()l $li'k
external iliac artery
which cause botulism or tetanus !%tri/ noun an artery which branches from the
exotropia /!eks$trpi/ noun same as aorta in the abdomen and leads to the leg
exotropia
divergent strabismus external jugular /k!st-%n()l $d+.1jl/

external jugular
expectant mother /k!spektnt $m./ noun noun the main jugular vein in the neck, leading
expectant mother
a pregnant woman from the temporal vein

expectorant /k$spekt()rnt/ noun a drug external nares /k!st-%n()l $neri%z/ plural
expectorant external nares
| |
which helps someone to cough up phlegm noun same as anterior nares

101 eyelid
external otitis /k!st-%n()l $tats/ noun extrasensory /!ekstr$sensri/ adjective

external otitis extrasensory
| | |
same as otitis externa involving perception by means other than the

external respiration /k!st-%n()l !resp
external respiration
| |
usual five senses
$re()n/ noun the part of respiration concerned extrasystole /!ekstr$sstli/ noun same as
extrasystole
with oxygen in the air being exchanged in the ectopic heartbeat

lungs for carbon dioxide from the blood extrauterine /!ekstr$ju%tran/
extrauterine
| adjective
exteroceptor /$ekstrsept/ noun a sensory
exteroceptor
occurring or developing outside the uterus

nerve which is affected by stimuli from outside extrauterine pregnancy /!ekstrju%tran
extrauterine pregnancy
the body, e.g. in the eye or ear $pre1nnsi/ noun same as ectopic pregnancy
extinction /k$stkn/ noun 1. the destruc-
extinction
extravasation /ek!str'v$se()n/ noun a

extravasation
|
tion or stopping of something 2. the lessening or

| |
situation where a bodily fluid, such as blood or

stopping of a conditioned behavioural response secretions, escapes into tissue
through lack of reinforcement
extraversion /!ekstr$v-%()n/ noun same as
extraversion
extirpation /!ekst-%$pe()n/ noun the total

extirpation |
|
extroversion
removal of a structure, an organ or growth by sur-
extravert /$ekstrv-%t/ noun same as extrovert
extravert
gery
extremities /k$stremtiz/ plural noun the
extremities
extra- /ekstr/ prefix outside

extra-
|
parts of the body at the ends of limbs, e.g. the fin-

extracapsular /!ekstr$k'psjl/ adjective
extracapsular
gers, toes, nose and ears

|
outside a capsule
extremity /k$stremti/ noun 1. a limb 2. the
extremity
extracapsular fracture /!ekstr!k'psjl

extracapsular fracture
|
part of a limb farthest away from the body, espe-

|
$fr'kt/ noun a fracture of the upper part of the

femur, which does not involve the capsule round cially the hand or foot 3. a situation or state of
the hip joint great distress or danger 4. the greatest intensity of
something
extracellular /!ekstr$seljl/ adjective out-
extracellular
extrinsic /eks$trnsk/ adjective external, orig-

| extrinsic
side cells |
inating outside a structure

extracellular fluid /!ekstrseljl $flu%d/
extracellular fluid
extrinsic factor /eks!trnsk $f'kt/ noun a

extrinsic factor
noun a fluid which surrounds cells |
former term for vitamin B12, which is necessary

extract noun /$ekstr'kt/ a preparation made by
extract
for the production of red blood cells

removing water or alcohol from a substance, leav-
extrinsic muscle /eks!trnsk $m.s()l/ noun
extrinsic muscle
ing only the essence " verb /k$str'kt/ to take |

|
out something ! Adrenaline extracted from the a muscle which is some way away from the part
animals adrenal glands is used in the treatment of the body which it operates
extroversion /ekstr$v-%()n/ noun 1. (in
extroversion
of asthma. |
extraction /k$str'kn/ noun the removal of

extraction
|
psychology) a condition in which a person is
part of the body, especially a tooth interested in people and things other than them-
selves 2. a congenital turning of an organ inside
extradural /!ekstr$djrl/ adjective same as
extradural
out
|
epidural
extrovert /$ekstrv-%t/ noun a person who is
extrovert
extradural haematoma /!ekstr!djrl

extradural haematoma
interested in people and things in the external

|
!hi%m$tm/ noun a blood clot which forms in

world
|
the head outside the dura mater, caused by a blow

extubation /!ekstju%$be()n/ noun the
extubation
extradural haemorrhage /!ekstr!djrl

extradural haemorrhage
|
removal of a tube after intubation

|
$hem()rd+/ noun a serious condition where

eye /a/ noun the part of the body with which a
eye
bleeding occurs between the dura mater and the

skull person sees (NOTE: For other terms referring to
extraembryonic membranes /!ekstr
extraembryonic membranes
the eye, see ocular, optic and words beginning
with oculo-, ophth-, ophthalm-, ophthalmo-.)
|
embri!nk $membrenz/ plural noun mem-

|
eyeball /$ab%lz/ noun the round ball of tissue

eyeball
branes which are not part of the embryo

extrapleural /!ekstr$plrl/ adjective out-
extrapleural
|
through which light passes, located in the eye
side the pleural cavity socket and controlled by various muscles
eyebrow /$abra/ noun an arch of skin with a
eyebrow
extrapyramidal /!ekstrp$r'md()l/ adjec-

extrapyramidal
tive outside the pyramidal tracts line of hair above the eye
eye drops /$a drps/ plural noun medicine in
eye drops
extrapyramidal system /!ekstrp

extrapyramidal system
!r'md()l $sstm/ noun a motor system which liquid form which is put into the eye in small
carries motor nerves outside the pyramidal sys- amounts
eyelash /$al'/ noun a small hair which grows
eyelash
tem
extrapyramidal tracts /!ekstrp!r'md()l
extrapyramidal tracts
|
out from the edge of the eyelid
$tr'kts/ plural noun same as extrapyramidal eyelid /$ald/ noun a piece of skin which covers
eyelid
system the eye. Also called blepharon, palpebra

eye socket 102

(NOTE: For other terms referring to the eyelids, or working on a computer screen. Also called
see words beginning with blephar-, blepharo-.) asthenopia
eye socket /$a !skt/ noun same as orbit eyetooth /$atu%/ noun a canine tooth, one of
eye socket eyetooth
eyestrain /$astren/ noun tiredness in the mus-

eyestrain
two pairs of pointed teeth next to the incisors
cles of the eye with a headache, which may be (NOTE: The plural is eyeteeth.)
caused by an activity such as reading in bad light
F
F abbreviation Fahrenheit is lacking in people with haemophilia B. Also
F
face /fes/ noun the front part of the head, where

face
called Christmas factor
Factor VIII /!f'ktr $et/ noun a protein in
Factor VIII
the eyes, nose and mouth are placed " verb to

have your face towards or to look towards some- plasma which promotes the clotting of blood and
thing ! Please face the screen. is lacking in people with haemophilia A
face delivery /$fes d!lv()ri/ noun a birth Factor XI /!f'ktr $lev()n/ noun a protein in
face delivery Factor XI
| |
where the babys face appears first plasma which promotes the clotting of blood and
face lift /$fes lft/, face-lifting operation
face lift
is lacking in people with haemophilia C
/$fes !lft p!re()n/ noun a surgical oper- Factor XII /!f'kt $twelv/ noun a protein in
Factor XII
ation to remove wrinkles on the face and neck plasma which promotes the clotting of blood and
face presentation /$fes prez()n!te()n/ is lacking in some people with haemophilia. Also
face presentation
noun a position of a baby in the uterus where the called Hageman factor
face will appear first at birth fade away /!fed $we/ verb to be in the proc-
fade away
facet /$f'st/ noun a flat surface on a bone ess of dying (informal)

facet
facet syndrome /$f'st !sndrm/ noun a faecal /$fi%k()l/ adjective referring to faeces
facet syndrome faecal
condition in which a joint in the vertebrae faecal impaction /!fi%kl()l m$p'kn/ noun
faecal impaction
becomes dislocated a condition in which a hardened mass of faeces

facial /$fe()l/ adjective relating to, or appear-
facial
stays in the rectum

ing on, the face ! The psychiatrist examined the faecal incontinence
faecal incontinence
/!fi%k()l3 n
|
patients facial expression. $kntnns/ noun an inability to control the

facial bone /$fe()l bn/ noun one of the
facial bone
bowel movements
fourteen bones which form the face
faecalith /$fi%kl/ noun same as coprolith
faecalith
COMMENT: The bones which make up the

faecal matter /$fi%k()l !m't/ noun solid
faecal matter
face are: two maxillae forming the upper jaw;

two nasal bones forming the top part of the waste matter from the bowels
nose; two lacrimal bones on the inside of the faeces /$fi%si%z/ plural noun solid waste matter
faeces
orbit near the nose; two zygomatic or malar passed from the bowels through the anus. Also
bones forming the sides of the cheeks; two called stools, bowel movement (NOTE: For
palatine bones forming the back part of the other terms referring to faeces, see words begin-
top of the mouth; two nasal conchae or turning with sterco-.)
binate bones which form the sides of the na-
Fahrenheit /$f'rnhat/, Fahrenheit scale
Fahrenheit
sal cavity; the mandible or lower jaw; and the

vomer in the centre of the nasal septum. /$f'rnhat skel/ noun a scale of temperatures
where the freezing and boiling points of water are
facial paralysis /$fe()l p!r'lss/ noun
facial paralysis
|
32 and 212 under standard atmospheric pres-
same as Bells palsy sure (NOTE: Used in the US, but less common in
facies /$feii%z/ noun someones facial appear-
facies
the UK. Usually written as an F after the degree

ance, used as a guide to diagnosis sign: 32F (say: thirty-two degrees Fahren-
factor /$f'kt/ noun 1. something which has an heit).)
factor
influence or which makes something else take fail /fel/ verb 1. not to be successful in doing
fail
place 2. a substance, variously numbered, e.g. something ! The doctor failed to see the symp-
Factor I, Factor II, in the plasma, which makes the toms. ! She has failed her pharmacy exams. !
blood coagulate when a blood vessel is injured He failed his medical and was rejected by the
Factor II /!f'kt $tu%/ noun same as pro- police force. 2. to become weaker and less likely
Factor II
thrombin to recover
Factor IX /!f'kt $nan/ noun a protein in failure to thrive /!felj t $rav/ noun same
Factor IX failure to thrive
plasma which promotes the clotting of blood and as marasmus

faint 104
faint /fent/ verb to stop being conscious for a famotidine /f$mtdi%n/ noun a histamine
faint famotidine
short time and, usually, fall down " noun a loss which reduces the secretion of gastric acid and is
of consciousness for a short period, caused by a used to treat ulcers
temporary reduction in the blood flow to the brain Fanconi syndrome /f'n$kni !sndrm/
Fanconi syndrome
fainting fit /$fent ft/, fainting spell

fainting fit
noun a kidney disorder where amino acids are

/$fent spel/ noun same as syncope ! She present in the urine [Described 1927. After Guido
often had fainting fits when she was dieting. Fanconi (18921979), Professor of Paediatrics
Fairbanks splint /$feb'ks splnt/ noun a at the University of Zurich, Switzerland.]
Fairbanks splint
special splint used for correcting Erbs palsy fantasy /$f'ntsi/ noun a series of imaginary
fantasy
faith healing /$fe !hi%l/ noun the treatment

faith healing
events which someone believes really took place

of pain or illness by a person who prays and may FAP abbreviation familial adenomatous polypo-
FAP
also lay his or her hands on the patient sis

falciform /$f'lsf%m/ adjective in the shape of
falciform
farcy /$f%si/ noun a form of glanders which

farcy
a sickle affects the lymph nodes

falciform ligament /!f'lsf%m $l1mnt/
falciform ligament
farmers lung /!f%mz $l./ noun a type of

farmers lung
noun a piece of tissue which separates the two

lobes of the liver and attaches it to the diaphragm asthma caused by an allergy to rotting hay
fascia /$fe/ noun fibrous tissue covering a
fascia
fallen arches /!f%ln $%tz/ plural noun a

fallen arches
condition in which the arches in the sole of the muscle or an organ (NOTE: The plural is fasciae.)
fasciculation /f!skj$le()n/ noun small
fasciculation
foot are not high | |
Fallopian tube /f$lpin tju%b/ noun one of

Fallopian tube
|
muscle movements which appear as trembling
two tubes which connect the ovaries to the uterus. skin
See illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (FEMALE) fasciculus /f$skjls/ noun a bundle of nerve
fasciculus
in Supplement. Also called oviduct, salpinx fibres (NOTE: The plural is fasciculi.)
(NOTE: For other terms referring to Fallopian fasciitis /!f'i$ats/ noun an inflammation of
fasciitis
tubes, see words beginning with salping-, the connective tissue between muscles or around
salpingo-.) [Described 1561. After Gabriele Fal- organs
lopio (152363), Italian man of medicine. He
fastigium /f'$std+im/ noun the highest tem-
fastigium
was Professor of Surgery and Anatomy at |
Padua, where he was also Professor of Botany.] perature during a bout of fever
fat /f't/ adjective big and round in the body !
fat
Fallots tetralogy /!f'lz te$tr'ld+i/ noun

Fallots tetralogy
same as tetralogy of Fallot You ought to eat less youre getting too fat.
(NOTE: fatter fattest) " noun 1. a white oily
false rib /!f%ls $rb/ noun one of the bottom five
false rib
substance in the body, which stores energy and

ribs on each side which are not directly attached
protects the body against cold 2. a type of food
to the breastbone
which supplies protein and Vitamins A and D,
familial /f$mlil/ adjective referring to a fam-
familial
|
especially that part of meat which is white, and
ily solid substances like lard or butter produced from
familial adenomatous polyposis /f!mlil
familial adenomatous polyposis
| animals and used for cooking, or liquid sub-

'd!nmts !pl$pss/ noun a hereditary
| |
stances like oil ! If you dont like the fat on the
disorder where polyps develop in the small intes- meat, cut it off. ! Fry the eggs in some fat. (NOTE:
tine. Abbreviation FAP Fat has no plural when it means the substance;
familial disorder /f!mlil ds$%d/ noun a the plural fats is used to mean different types of
familial disorder
| |
hereditary disorder which affects several mem- fat. For other terms referring to fats, see also
bers of the same family lipid and words beginning with steato-.)
family /$f'm()li/ noun a group of people who fatigue /f$ti%1/ noun very great tiredness
family fatigue
are related to each other, especially mother, father fatigue fracture /f$ti%1 !fr'kt/ noun "
fatigue fracture
and children stress fracture

family doctor /!f'm()li $dkt/ noun a gen-
family doctor
fatty /$f'ti/ adjective containing fat

fatty
eral practitioner
fatty acid /!f'ti $'sd/ noun an organic acid
fatty acid
family planning /!f'm()li $pl'n/ noun the

family planning
belonging to a group that occurs naturally as fats,

use of contraception to control the number of chil-
oils and waxes. ! essential fatty acid
dren in a family
fatty degeneration /!f'ti d!d+en$re()n/
fatty degeneration
family planning clinic /!f'm()li $pl'n

family planning clinic
| |
!klnk/ noun a clinic which gives advice on con- noun same as adipose degeneration
fauces /$f%si%z/ noun an opening between the
fauces
traception
family therapy /!f'm()li $erpi/ noun a type
family therapy
tonsils at the back of the throat, leading to the
of psychotherapy where members of the family of pharynx
FDA abbreviation US Food and Drug Adminis-
FDA
a person with a disorder meet a therapist to dis-

cuss the condition and try to come to terms with it tration
105 fertile
fear /f/ noun a state where a person is afraid of femoral hernia /!femrl $h-%ni/ noun a her-
fear femoral hernia
something ! fear of flying nia of the bowel at the top of the thigh
febricula /fe$brkjl/ noun a low fever femoral neck /!femrl $nek/ noun the narrow
febricula femoral neck
febrifuge /$febrfju%d+/ noun a drug which pre-

febrifuge
part between the head and the diaphysis of the
vents or lowers a fever, e.g. aspirin " adjective femur. Also called neck of the femur
femoral nerve /$femrl n-%v/ noun a nerve
femoral nerve
preventing or lowering fever

which governs the muscle at the front of the thigh
febrile /$fi%bral/ adjective referring to a fever,
febrile
femoral pulse /!femrl $p.ls/ noun a pulse

femoral pulse
or caused by a fever
taken in the groin
febrile convulsion /!fi%bral kn$v.l()n/
febrile convulsion
femoral triangle /!femrl $tra'1l/ noun a

| femoral triangle
noun a convulsion in a child, lasting a short time,

associated with a fever slight hollow in the groin which contains the fem-
oral vessels and nerve. Also called Scarpas tri-
febrile disease /$fi%bral d!zi%z/ noun a dis-
febrile disease
|
angle
ease which is accompanied by fever
femoral vein /$femrl ven/ noun a vein run-
femoral vein
fecundation /!fekn$de()n/ noun the act of

fecundation
|
ning up the upper leg, a continuation of the pop-
bringing male and female reproductive matter liteal vein
together. Also called fertilisation
femur /$fi%m/ noun the bone in the top part of
femur
feedback /$fi%db'k/ noun 1. information or

feedback
the leg which joins the acetabulum at the hip and

comments about something which has been done the tibia at the knee. Also called thighbone. See
! The initial feedback from patients on the new illustration at PELVIS in Supplement (NOTE: The
service was encouraging. 2. the linking of the plural is femora.)
result of an action back to the action itself -fen /fen/ suffix used in names of non-steroidal
-fen
Fehlings solution /$felz s!lu%()n/ noun

Fehlings solution
|
anti-inflammatory drugs ! ibuprofen
a solution used in Fehlings test to detect sugar in fenestra /f$nestr/ noun a small opening in
fenestra
urine [Described 1848. After Hermann Christian the ear

von Fehling (181285), Professor of Chemistry
fenestra ovalis /f!nestr $v%ls/ noun
fenestra ovalis
at Stuttgart, Germany.]
| |
same as oval window

Fehlings test /$felz test/ noun a test for the
Fehlings test
fenestra rotunda /f!nestr r$t.nd/ noun

fenestra rotunda
presence of aldehydes and sugars in a biological

| |
same as round window

sample by means of Fehlings solution
fenestration /!fen$stre()n/ noun a surgical
fenestration
felon /$feln/ noun same as whitlow

felon |
operation to relieve deafness by making a small

Feltys syndrome /$felti%z !sndrm/ noun a
Feltys syndrome
opening in the inner ear

condition, associated with rheumatoid arthritis, in fenoprofen /!fen$prfen/ noun a non-ster-
fenoprofen
which the spleen is enlarged and the number of oidal, anti-inflammatory drug that is used to man-
white blood cells increases [Described 1924. age the pain of arthritis
After Augustus Roi Felty (18951963), physician
fentanyl /$fentnl/ noun a narcotic drug that is
fentanyl
at Hartford Hospital, Connecticut, USA.]

a powerful painkiller
female condom /!fi%mel $kndm/ noun a
female condom
fermentation /!f-%men$te()n/ noun a proc-

fermentation
rubber sheath inserted into the vagina before

|
ess where carbohydrates are broken down by

intercourse, covering the walls of the vagina and enzymes from yeast and produce alcohol. Also
the cervix called zymosis
female sex hormone /!fi%mel $seks
female sex hormone
ferric /$ferk/ adjective containing iron with a

ferric
!h%mn/ noun same as oestrogen valency of three

feminisation /!femna$ze()n/, feminiza-
feminisation
ferritin /$fertn/ noun a protein found in the

ferritin
|
tion noun the development of female characteris- liver that binds reversibly to iron and stores it for
tics in a male later use in making haemoglobin in red blood
femoral /$femrl/ adjective referring to the
femoral
cells
femur or to the thigh ferrous /$fers/ adjective containing iron with a
ferrous
femoral artery /!femrl $%tri/ noun a con- valency of two

femoral artery
tinuation of the external iliac artery, which runs ferrous sulphate /!fers $s.lfet/ noun a
ferrous sulphate
down the front of the thigh and then crosses to the white or pale green iron salt that is used in the
back of the thigh treatment of iron-deficient anaemia
femoral canal /!femrl k$n'l/ noun the ferrule /$feru%l/ noun a metal or rubber cap or
femoral canal ferrule
inner tube of the sheath surrounding the femoral ring that strengthens and protects the lower end of
artery and vein a crutch or walking stick " verb to fit a ferrule
femoral head /!femrl $hed/ noun the head of
femoral head
onto a crutch or walking stick
the femur, the rounded projecting end part of the fertile /$f-%tal/ adjective able to produce chil-
fertile
thigh bone which joins the acetabulum at the hip dren. Opposite sterile
fertilisation 106
fertilisation /!f-%tla$ze()n/, fertilization fever sore /$fi%v s%/ noun a cold sore or burn-
fertilisation fever sore
noun the joining of an ovum and a sperm to form ing sore, usually on the lips
a zygote and so start the development of an fiber /$fab/ noun US same as fibre
fiber
embryo fibr- /fabr/ prefix referring to fibres, fibrous

fibr-
fertility /f-%$tlti/ noun the fact of being fertile.

fertility
|
(used before vowels)
Opposite sterility -fibrate /fabret/ suffix used in names of lipid-
-fibrate
fertility rate /f-%$tlti ret/ noun the number of

fertility rate
|
lowering drugs
births per year calculated per 1000 females aged fibre /$fab/ noun 1. a structure in the body
fibre
between 15 and 44 shaped like a thread 2. same as dietary fibre

FESS abbreviation functional endoscopic sinus
FESS
fibre optics /!fabr $ptks/, fibreoptics

fibre optics
surgery /!fabr$ptks/ noun the use of thin fibres which

|
fester /$fest/ verb (of an infected wound) to

fester
conduct light and images to examine internal

become inflamed and produce pus ! His legs organs
were covered with festering sores. fibrescope /$fabskp/ noun a device made
fibrescope
festination /!fest$ne()n/ noun a way of

festination
| of bundles of optical fibres which is passed into

walking in which a person takes short steps, seen the body, used for examining internal organs
in people who have Parkinsons disease fibrillation /!fabr$le()n/ noun the fluttering
fibrillation
fetal /$fi%t()l/ adjective referring to a fetus

fetal
of a muscle
fetal alcohol syndrome /!fi%t()l $'lk$hl fibrin /$fbrn/ noun a protein produced by
fetal alcohol syndrome fibrin
!sndrm/ noun damage caused to the fetus by fibrinogen, which helps make blood coagulate
alcohol in the blood of the mother, which affects fibrin foam /$fbrn fm/ noun a white mate-
fibrin foam
the growth of the embryo, including its facial and rial made artificially from fibrinogen, used to pre-
brain development. Abbreviation FAS vent bleeding
fetal dystocia /!fi%t()l ds$tsi/ noun a dif-
fetal dystocia
fibrinogen /f$brnd+n/ noun a substance in

fibrinogen
|
|
ficult childbirth caused by a malformation or mal- blood plasma which produces fibrin when acti-
presentation of the fetus vated by thrombin
fetal heart /!fi%t()l $h%t/ noun the heart of the
fetal heart
fibrinolysin /!fbr$nlsn/ noun an enzyme

fibrinolysin
fetus which digests fibrin. Also called plasmin

fetal monitor /!fi%t()l $mnt/ noun an elec-
fetal monitor
fibrinolysis /!fbr$nlss/ noun the removal

fibrinolysis
tronic device which monitors the fetus in the of blood clots from the system by the action of
uterus fibrinolysin on fibrin. Also called thrombolysis
fetal position /$fi%t()l p!z()n/ noun a
fetal position
fibrinolytic /!fbrn$ltk/ adjective referring

fibrinolytic
|
|
position where a person lies curled up on his or to fibrinolysis ! fibrinolytic drugs Also called
her side, like a fetus in the uterus thrombolytic
fetishism /$fetz()m/, fetichism noun a
fetishism
fibro- /fabr/ prefix referring to fibres

fibro-
psychological disorder in which someone gets fibroadenoma /!fabr!'d$nm/ noun a

fibroadenoma
sexual satisfaction from touching objects

| |
benign tumour formed of fibrous and glandular

feto- /fi%t/ prefix fetus
feto-
tissue
fetoprotein /!fi%t$prti%n/ noun " alpha-
fetoprotein
fibroblast /$fabrbl'st/ noun a long flat cell

fibroblast
|
fetoprotein found in connective tissue, which develops into

fetor /$fi%t/ noun a bad smell collagen
fetor
fibrocartilage /!fabr$k%tld+/ noun carti-

fibrocartilage
fetoscope /$fi%tskp/ noun a stethoscope

fetoscope
used in fetoscopy lage and fibrous tissue combined

fibrochondritis /!fabrkn$drats/ noun
fibrochondritis
fetoscopy /f$tskpi/ noun an examination of

fetoscopy
|
|
a fetus inside the uterus, taking blood samples to inflammation of the fibrocartilage
diagnose blood disorders fibrocyst /$fabrsst/ noun a benign tumour
fibrocyst
fetus /$fi%ts/ noun an unborn baby from two

fetus
of fibrous tissue
months after conception until birth, before which fibrocystic /!fabr$sstk/ adjective refer-
fibrocystic
it is called an embryo ring to a fibrocyst

FEV abbreviation forced expiratory volume fibrocystic disease /!fabr$sstk d!zi%z/,
FEV fibrocystic disease
| |
fever /$fi%v/ noun 1. a rise in body temperature

fever
fibrocystic disease of the pancreas /!fabr |
! She is running a slight fever. ! You must stay in !sstk d!zi%z v $p'kris/ noun same as
|
bed until the fever has gone down. 2. a condition cystic fibrosis
when the temperature of the body is higher than fibrocyte /$fabrsat/ noun a cell which
fibrocyte
usual $ also called pyrexia derives from a fibroblast and is found in connec-
fever blister /$fi%v !blst/ noun same as
fever blister
tive tissue
fever sore fibroid /$fabrd/ adjective like fibre
fibroid
107 first-degree relative
fibroid tumour /!fabrd $tju%m/ noun a filiform papillae /!flf%m p$pli%/ plural
fibroid tumour filiform papillae
benign tumour in the muscle fibres of the uterus. noun papillae on the tongue which are shaped like
Also called uterine fibroid, fibromyoma threads, and have no taste buds
fibroma /fa$brm/ noun a small benign filipuncture /$flp.kt/ noun the procedure
fibroma filipuncture
tumour formed in connective tissue of putting a wire into an aneurysm to cause blood
fibromyoma /!fabrma$m/ noun same
fibromyoma
|
clotting
filling /$fl/ noun a surgical operation carried
filling
as fibroid tumour
fibroplasia /!fabr$plezi/ noun " retrolen-
fibroplasia
|
out by a dentist to fill a hole in a tooth with amal-
tal fibroplasia gam
filter /$flt/ noun a piece of paper or cloth
filter
fibrosarcoma /!fabrs%$km/ noun a

fibrosarcoma
malignant tumour of the connective tissue, most through which a liquid is passed to remove any
common in the legs solid substances in it " verb to pass a liquid
through a membrane, piece of paper or cloth to
fibrosis /fa$brss/ noun the process of
fibrosis
|
remove solid substances ! Impurities are filtered
replacing damaged tissue by scar tissue from the blood by the kidneys.
fibrositis /!fabr$sats/ noun a painful
fibrositis
FIM abbreviation functional independence meas-

FIM
|
inflammation of the fibrous tissue which sur- ure

rounds muscles and joints, especially the muscles
fimbria /$fmbri/ noun a fringe, especially the
fimbria
of the back
fringe of hair-like processes at the end of a Fallo-
fibrous /$fabrs/ adjective made of fibres, or
fibrous
pian tube near the ovaries (NOTE: The plural is

like fibre fimbriae.)
fibrous capsule /!fabrs $k'psju%l/ noun
fibrous capsule
finger /$f1/ noun one of the five parts at the

finger
fibrous tissue surrounding a kidney. Also called end of the hand, but usually not including the
renal capsule thumb (NOTE: The names of the fingers are: lit-
fibrous joint /$fabrs d+nt/ noun a joint
fibrous joint
tle finger, third finger or ring finger, middle

where fibrous tissue holds two bones together so finger, forefinger or index finger.)
that they cannot move, as in the bones of the skull finger-nose test /!f1 $nz !test/ noun a
finger-nose test
fibrous pericardium /!fabrs per$k%dim/ test of coordination, where the person is asked to
fibrous pericardium
noun the outer part of the pericardium which sur- close their eyes, stretch out their arm and then
rounds the heart, and is attached to the main blood touch their nose with their index finger
vessels fingerprint /$f1prnt/ noun a mark left by a
fingerprint
fibrous tissue /!fabrs $tu%/ noun strong finger when something is touched. ! genetic fin-
fibrous tissue
white tissue which makes tendons and ligaments gerprint

and also scar tissue firm /f-%m/ noun a group of doctors and consult-
firm
fibula /$fbjl/ noun the thinner of the two ants in a hospital, especially one to which a
fibula
bones in the lower leg between the knee and the trainee doctor is attached during clinical studies
ankle. Compare tibia (NOTE: The plural is fibu- (informal)
lae.) first aid /!f-%st $ed/ noun help given by a non-
first aid
fibular /$fbjl/ adjective referring to the fibula medical person to someone who is suddenly ill or
fibular
field of vision /!fi%ld v $v+()n/ noun same

field of vision
injured before full-scale medical treatment can be
as visual field given ! She gave him first aid in the street until
the ambulance arrived.
fight or flight reaction /!fat % $flat ri
fight or flight reaction
first-aid kit /!f-%st $ed !kt/ noun a box with

| first-aid kit
!'kn/ noun the theory that an organism which

is faced with a threat reacts either by preparing to bandages and dressings kept ready to be used in
fight or to escape an emergency
first-aid post /!f-%st $ed !pst/, first-aid
first-aid post
fil- /fl/ prefix referring to a thread

fil-
station /!f-%st $ed !ste()n/ noun a place

filament /$flmnt/ noun a long thin structure
filament
where injured people can be taken for immediate

like a thread care
filamentous /!fl$ments/ adjective like a
filamentous
first-degree burn /!f-%st d!1ri% $b-%n/ noun a

first-degree burn
|
|
thread former classification of the severity of a burn,

Filaria /f$leri/ noun a thin parasitic worm
Filaria
| where the skin turns red

which is found especially in the lymph system, first-degree haemorrhoids /!f-%st d!1ri%
first-degree haemorrhoids
and is passed to humans by mosquitoes (NOTE: $hemrdz/ plural noun haemorrhoids which
The plural is Filariae.) remain in the rectum
filariasis /!fl$rass/ noun a tropical disease
filariasis
first-degree relative /!f-%st d!1ri% $reltv/

first-degree relative
|
|
caused by parasitic threadworms in the lymph noun a relative with whom an individual shares
system, transmitted by mosquito bites 50% of their genes, e.g. a father, mother, sibling
filiform /$flf%m/ adjective shaped like a thread or child
filiform
first intention 108
first intention /!f-%st n$tenn/ noun the flare /fle/ noun red colouring of the skin at an
first intention flare
healing of a clean wound where the tissue forms infected spot or in urticaria
again rapidly and no prominent scar is left flashback /$fl'b'k/ noun a repeated and very
flashback
first-level nurse /!f-%st !lev()l $n-%s/, first-

first-level nurse
vivid memory of a traumatic event

level Registered Nurse /!f-%st !lev()l flat foot /!fl't $ft/, flat feet /!fl't $fi%t/ noun
flat foot
!red+std $n-%s/ noun a nurse who has passed a condition in which the soles of the feet lie flat
qualifying examinations, is registered as such on the ground instead of being arched as usual.
with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and can Also called pes planus
act in an independent decision-making role. Com-
flatulence /$fl'tjlns/ noun gas or air which
flatulence
pare second-level nurse

collects in the stomach or intestines causing dis-
fission /$f()n/ noun the act of dividing into
fission
comfort
two or more parts
COMMENT: Flatulence is generally caused by
fissure /$f/ noun a crack or groove in the
fissure
indigestion, but can be made worse if the

skin, tissue or an organ person swallows air (aerophagy).
fistula /$fstjl/ noun a passage or opening
fistula
flatulent /$fl'tjlnt/ adjective having flatu-

flatulent
which has been made unusually between two lence, or caused by flatulence
organs, often near the rectum or anus
flatus /$flets/ noun air and gas which collects
flatus
fit /ft/ adjective strong and physically healthy !

fit
in the intestines and is painful

She exercises every day to keep fit. ! The doctors
flea /fli%/ noun a tiny insect which sucks blood
flea
decided the patient was not fit for surgery. (NOTE:

fitter fittest) " noun a sudden attack of a dis- and is a parasite on animals and humans
order, especially convulsions and epilepsy ! She flecainide /fle$kenad/ noun a drug that helps
flecainide
had a fit of coughing. ! He had an epileptic fit. ! to correct an irregular heartbeat

The baby had a series of fits. " verb 1. to provide flex /fleks/ verb to bend something
flex
a piece of equipment for someone to wear ! She

flexibilitas cerea /fleks!blts $sri/ noun
flexibilitas cerea
was fitted with temporary support. 2. to have con- |
vulsions ! The patient has fitted twice. (NOTE: fit- a condition in which, if someones arms or legs
ting fitted. Note also: you fit someone with an
are moved, they remain in that set position for
appliance.)
some time
flexion /$flekn/ noun the act of bending a joint
flexion
fitness /$ftns/ noun the fact of being strong

fitness
Flexners bacillus /!fleksnz b$sls/ noun a

Flexners bacillus
and healthy ! Being in the football team demands |
a high level of physical fitness. ! He had to pass bacterium which causes bacillary dysentery
a fitness test to join the police force. flexor /$fleks/, flexor muscle /$fleks
flexor
5-hydroxy-tryptamine /!fav ha!drksi !m.s()l/ noun a muscle which makes a joint

5-hydroxy-tryptamine
$trptmi%n/ noun a compound which exists in bend. Compare extensor

blood platelets and is released after tissue is flexure /$flek/ noun 1. a bend in an organ 2. a
flexure
injured, and is a neurotransmitter important in fold in the skin

sleep, mood and vasoconstriction. Also called
floaters /$fltz/ plural noun same as muscae
floaters
serotonin
volitantes
fixated /fk$setd/ adjective referring to a per-
fixated
floating kidney /!flt $kdni/ noun same as

| floating kidney
son who has too close an attachment to another

person, often to a parent nephroptosis
floating rib /!flt $rb/ noun one of the two
floating rib
fixator /fk$set/ noun a metal rod placed

fixator
through a bone to keep a part of the body rigid lowest ribs on each side, which are not attached to
the breastbone
flaccid /$fl'ksd, $fl'sd/ adjective soft or
flaccid
flooding /$fl.d/ noun same as menorrhagia

flooding
flabby
floppy baby syndrome /!flpi $bebi
floppy baby syndrome
flaccidity /fl'k$sdti, fl'$sdti/ noun the

flaccidity
| |
state of being flaccid !sndrm/ noun same as amyotonia congenita

flora /$fl%r/ noun bacteria which exist in a par-
flora
Flagyl /$fl'd+al/ a trade name for metronida-

Flagyl
zole ticular part of the body

florid /$flrd/ adjective with an unhealthily
florid
flail /flel/ verb to thrash around with uncontrol-

flail
lable or violent movements, particularly of the glowing pink or red complexion

arms flowmeter /$flmi%t/ noun a meter attached
flowmeter
flail chest /$flel test/ noun a condition in to a pipe, e.g. as in anaesthetic equipment, to
flail chest
which the chest is not stable, because several ribs measure the speed at which a liquid or gas moves
have been broken in the pipe
flap /fl'p/ noun a flat piece attached to some- flu /flu%/ noun 1. same as influenza 2. a very bad
flap flu
thing, especially a piece of skin or tissue still cold (informal) (NOTE: Sometimes written flu to
attached to the body at one side and used in grafts show it is a short form of influenza.)
109 food intolerance
flucloxacillin /flu%$klkssln/ noun a drug infection (NOTE: The plural is foci.) " verb 1. to
flucloxacillin
related to penicillin and effective against strepto- adjust a lens until an image is clear and sharp 2.
coccal infections and pneumonia to see clearly ! He has difficulty in focusing on
fluconazole /flu%$knzl/ noun a drug used
fluconazole
|
the object.
focus group /$fks 1ru%p/ noun a discussion
focus group
to treat fungal infections such as candidiasis

fluctuation /!fl.ktu$e()n/ noun the feeling
fluctuation
|
group of lay people brought together under pro-
of movement of liquid inside part of the body or fessional guidance to discuss issues such as care
foetal /$fi%t()l/ adjective another spelling of
foetal
inside a cyst when pressed by the fingers

fluid /$flu%d/ noun 1. a liquid 2. any gas, liquid
fluid
fetal (NOTE: The spelling foetal is common in
or powder which flows general use in British English, but the spelling
fetal is the accepted international spelling for
fluid balance /$flu%d !b'lns/ noun the main-
fluid balance
technical use.)
tenance of the balance of fluids in the body during
foetoscope /$fi%tskp/ noun another spell-
foetoscope
dialysis or other treatment

fluke /flu%k/ noun a parasitic flatworm which
fluke
ing of fetoscope
foetoscopy /f$tskpi/ noun another spelling
foetoscopy
settles inside the liver, in the bloodstream and in |
other parts of the body of fetoscopy

foetus /$fi%ts/ noun another spelling of fetus
foetus
flunitrazepam /!flu%na$tr'zp'm/ noun a

flunitrazepam
tranquilliser that, because of its association with (NOTE: The spelling foetus is common in gen-
date rape cases, is a controlled drug in the UK eral use in British English, but the spelling fetus
fluorescence /fl$res()ns/ noun the sending
fluorescence
|
is the accepted international spelling for techni-
out of light from a substance which is receiving cal use.)
folacin /$flsn/ noun same as folic acid
folacin
radiation
fluorescent /fl$res()nt/ adjective referring folic acid /!flk $'sd/ noun a vitamin in the
folic acid
fluorescent
to a substance which sends out light Vitamin B complex found in milk, liver, yeast and
fluoride /$flrad/ noun a chemical compound
fluoride
green vegetables such as spinach, which is essen-
of fluorine and sodium, potassium or tin ! fluo- tial for creating new blood cells
follicle /$flk()l/ noun a tiny hole or sac in the
follicle
ride toothpaste
fluorine /$flri%n/ noun a chemical element
fluorine
body
follicle-stimulating hormone /!flk()l
follicle-stimulating hormone
found in bones and teeth (NOTE: The chemical

symbol is F.) !stmjlet $h%mn/ noun a hormone pro-
fluoroscope /$flrskp/ noun an apparatus
fluoroscope
duced by the pituitary gland which stimulates ova
which projects an X-ray image of a part of the in the ovaries and sperm in the testes. Abbrevia-
body onto a screen, so that the part of the body tion FSH
follicular /f$lkjl/, folliculate /f$lkjlt/
follicular
can be examined as it moves | |
fluoroscopy /fl$rskpi/ noun an examina-

fluoroscopy
|
adjective referring to follicles
tion of the body using X-rays projected onto a folliculitis /f!lkj$lats/ noun inflammation
folliculitis
| |
screen of the hair follicles, especially where hair has

fluoxetine /flu%$ksti%n/ noun a drug that
fluoxetine
|
been shaved
increases serotonin in the brain and is used to treat fomentation /!fmen$te()n/ noun same as
fomentation
anxiety and depression poultice

flush /fl./ noun a red colour in the skin " verb fomites /$fmti%z/ plural noun objects
flush fomites
1. to wash a wound with liquid 2. (of person) to touched by someone with a communicable dis-
turn red ease which can then be the means of passing on
flutter /$fl.t/, fluttering /$fl.tr/ noun a
flutter
the disease to others
rapid movement, especially of the atria of the fontanelle /!fnt$nel/ noun the soft cartilage
fontanelle
heart, which is not controlled by impulses from between the bony sections of a babys skull
the sinoatrial node food allergen /$fu%d !'ld+en/ noun a sub-
food allergen
flux /fl.ks/ noun an excessive production of liq-

flux
stance in food which produces an allergy

uid from the body food allergy /$fu%d !'ld+i/ noun an allergy to
food allergy
focal /$fk()l/ adjective referring to a focus

focal
a specific food such as nuts, which causes a severe

focal distance /!fk()l $dstns/, focal reaction that may lead to life-threatening anaphy-
focal distance
length /$fk()l le/ noun the distance lactic shock

between the lens of the eye and the point behind food canal /$fu%d k!n'l/ noun the passage
food canal
the lens where light is focused from the mouth to the rectum through which food
focal epilepsy /!fk()l $eplepsi/ noun epi- passes and is digested
focal epilepsy
lepsy arising from a localised area of the brain food intolerance /$fu%d n!tlrns/ noun an
food intolerance
focus /$fks/ noun 1. the point where light adverse reaction to some foods such as oranges,
focus
rays converge through a lens 2. the centre of an eggs, tomatoes and strawberries
food poisoning 110
food poisoning /$fu%d !pz()n/ noun an ing autopsies on murdered people or taking blood
food poisoning
illness caused by eating food which is contami- samples from clothes

nated with bacteria foreskin /$f%skn/ noun the skin covering the
foreskin
foot /ft/ noun the end part of the leg on which a top of the penis, which can be removed by cir-
foot
person stands cumcision. Also called prepuce

forewaters /$f%w%tz/ plural noun fluid
forewaters
foramen /f$remn/ noun a natural opening

foramen
inside the body, e.g. the opening in a bone through which comes out of the vagina at the beginning of
which veins or nerves pass (NOTE: The plural is childbirth when the amnion bursts
foramina.) formaldehyde /f%$m'ldhad/ noun a gas
formaldehyde
foramen magnum /f!remn $m'1nm/

foramen magnum
|
with an unpleasant smell that is a strong disinfect-
noun the hole at the bottom of the skull where the ant. When dissolved in water to make formalin, it
brain is joined to the spinal cord is also used to preserve medical specimens.
formalin /$f%mln/ noun a solution of formal-
formalin
foramen ovale /f!remn $v%le/ noun an

foramen ovale
| |
opening between the two parts of the heart in a dehyde in water, used to preserve medical speci-
fetus mens
formication /!f%m$ke()n/ noun an itching
formication
COMMENT: The foramen ovale usually clos- |
es at birth, but if it stays open the blood from feeling where the skin feels as if it were covered
the veins can mix with the blood going to the with insects
arteries, causing cyanosis. formula /$f%mjl/ noun 1. a way of indicating
formula
forced expiratory volume /!f%st ek a chemical compound using letters and numbers,
forced expiratory volume
$sprt()ri !vlju%m/ noun the maximum e.g. H2SO4 2. instructions on how to prepare a
amount of air that can be expelled in a given time. drug
Abbreviation FEV formulary /$f%mjlri/ noun a book that lists
formulary
forceps /$f%seps/ noun a surgical instrument medicines together with their formulae
forceps
with handles like a pair of scissors, made in dif- fornix /$f%nks/ noun an arch (NOTE: The plural
fornix
ferent sizes and with differently shaped ends, is fornices.)

used for holding and pulling fornix cerebri /!f%nks $serbra/ noun a sec-
fornix cerebri
forceps delivery /$f%seps d!lv()ri/ noun

forceps delivery
|
tion of white matter in the brain between the hip-
childbirth where the doctor uses forceps to help pocampus and the hypothalamus. See illustration
the baby out of the mothers uterus at BRAIN in Supplement
fore- /f%/ prefix in front
fore-
foscarnet /fs$k%nt/ noun an antiviral drug

foscarnet
forearm /$f%r%m/ noun the lower part of the administered by intravenous injection that is
forearm
arm from the elbow to the wrist effective against herpesviruses that are resistant to
forebrain /$f%bren/ noun the front part of the
forebrain
acyclovir. It is especially used for people with
brain in an embryo AIDS.
fossa /$fs/ noun a shallow hollow in a bone or
fossa
forefinger /$f%f1/ noun the first finger on

forefinger
the hand, next to the thumb the skin

foster children /$fst !tldrn/ plural noun
foster children
foregut /$f%1.t/ noun the front part of the gut

foregut
in an embryo children brought up by people who are not their

own parents
foreign /$frn/ adjective 1. not belonging to
foreign
foster parent /$fst !pernt/ noun a woman

foster parent
your own country ! foreign visitors ! a foreign

language 2. referring to something that is found or man who brings up a child born to other parents
Fothergills operation /$f1lz p
Fothergills operation
where it does not naturally belong, especially |
something found in the human body that comes !re()n/ noun a surgical operation to correct
from a source outside the body ! a foreign object prolapse of the uterus [After W. E. Fothergill
! foreign matter (18651926), British gynaecologist.]
foundation hospital /fan$de()n
foundation hospital
foreign body /!frn $bdi/ noun a piece of

foreign body
|
material which is not part of the surrounding tis- !hspt()l/ noun in the UK, a type of hospital
sue and should not be there, e.g. sand in a cut, dust that is independent of its Local Health Authority
in the eye or a pin which has been swallowed ! in financial matters
The X-ray showed the presence of a foreign body. fourchette /f$et/ noun a fold of skin at the
fourchette
forensic /f$rensk/ adjective relating to the use

forensic
|
back of the vulva
of science in solving criminal investigations or fovea /$fvi/, fovea centralis /!fvi sen
fovea
settling legal cases $tr%ls/ noun a depression in the retina which is

forensic medicine /f!rensk $med()s()n/
forensic medicine
|
the point where the eye sees most clearly. See
noun the branch of medical science concerned illustration at EYE in Supplement
with finding solutions to crimes against people FP10 /!ef pi% $ten/ noun in the UK, an NHS pre-
FP10
and which involves procedures such as conduct- scription from a GP

111 frontal lobotomy
fracture /$fr'kt/ verb 1. (of bone) to break ! balsam, which can be inhaled as a vapour to
fracture
The tibia fractured in two places. 2. to break a relieve bronchitis or congestion

bone ! He fractured his wrist. " noun a break in friction /$frk()n/ noun the rubbing together
friction
a bone ! rib fracture or fracture of a rib of two surfaces

fragile-X syndrome /!fr'd+al $eks
fragile-X syndrome
friction fremitus /!frkn $fremts/ noun a

friction fremitus
!sndrm/ noun a hereditary condition in which scratching sensation felt when the hand is placed
part of an X chromosome is constricted, causing on the chest of someone who has pericarditis
mental impairment
friction murmur /!frkn $m-%m/ noun the
friction murmur
fragilitas ossium /fr!d+lts $sim/ noun

fragilitas ossium
|
sound of two serous membranes rubbing together,
a hereditary condition where the bones are brittle heard with a stethoscope in someone who has
and break easily, similar to osteogenesis imper- pericarditis or pleurisy
fecta
Friedlnders bacillus /$fri%dlendz b
Friedlnders bacillus
frame /frem/ noun 1. the particular size and

frame |
!sls/ noun the bacterium Klebsiella pneumo-

shape of someones body 2. the main part of a niae which can cause pneumonia [Described
building, ship or bicycle, etc., which holds it 1882. After Carl Friedlnder (184787), patholo-
together ! the bicycle has a very light frame ! gist at the Friedrichshain Hospital, Berlin, Ger-
Ive broken the frame of my glasses 3. a solid sup- many.]
port for something. ! walking frame, Zimmer
Friedmans test /$fri%dmnz test/ noun a test
Friedmans test
frame
for pregnancy [After Maurice H. Friedman
framycetin /fr'$mastn/ noun an antibiotic
framycetin
|
(190391), US physician.]
fraternal twins /fr!t-%n()l $twnz/ plural
fraternal twins
Friedreichs ataxia /!fri%draks $t'ksi/

Friedreichs ataxia
|
noun same as dizygotic twins

|
noun an inherited nervous disease which affects

freckle /$frek()l/ noun a harmless small brown-
freckle
the spinal cord and is associated with club foot, an

ish patch on the skin that becomes more noticea- unsteady walk and speech difficulties. Also called
ble after exposure to the sun. Freckles are often dystrophia adiposogenitalis [Described 1863.
found in people with fair hair. Also called lentigo After Nicholaus Friedreich (182582), Professor
" verb to mark something, or become marked of Pathological Anatomy at Wrzburg, later Pro-
with freckles fessor of Pathology and Therapy at Heidelberg,
freeze /fri%z/ verb to anaesthetise part of the Germany.]
freeze
body (informal) ! They froze my big toe to frigidity /fr$d+dti/ noun the fact of being una-
frigidity
remove the nail. ble to experience orgasm, sexual pleasure or sex-

Freibergs disease /$frab-%1z d!zi%z/ noun ual desire
Freibergs disease
osteochondritis of the head of the second metatar- fringe medicine /$frn+ !med()sn/ noun
fringe medicine
sus [Described 1914. After Albert Henry Freiberg types of medical practice which are not usually
(18691940), US surgeon.] taught in medical schools, e.g. homeopathy or
fremitus /$fremts/ noun vibrations or trem- acupuncture (informal)
fremitus
bling in part of someones body, felt by the doc- frog plaster /$fr1 !pl%st/ noun a plaster cast
frog plaster
tors hand or heard through a stethoscope made to keep the legs in an open position after an
frenectomy /fr$nektmi/ noun an operation
frenectomy
| operation to correct a dislocated hip

to remove a frenum Frhlichs syndrome /$fr-%lks !sndrm/
Frhlichs syndrome
frenotomy /fr$ntmi/ noun an operation to

frenotomy
| noun a condition in which someone becomes

split a frenum obese and the genital system does not develop,
frenum /$fri%nm/, frenulum /$frenjlm/
frenum
caused by an adenoma of the pituitary gland
noun a fold of mucous membrane under the [Described 1901. After Alfred Frhlich (1871
tongue or by the clitoris 1953), Professor of Pharmacology at the Univer-
sity of Vienna, Austria.]
frequency /$fri%kwnsi/ noun 1. the number of
frequency
frontal /$fr.nt()l/ adjective referring to the

frontal
times something takes place in a given time ! the

frequency of micturition 2. the rate of vibration in forehead or to the front of the head. Opposite
oscillations occipital
frontal bone /$fr.nt()l bn/ noun a bone
frontal bone
Freudian /$frdin/ adjective understandable

Freudian
in terms of Freuds theories, especially with forming the front of the upper part of the skull
regard to human sexuality " noun someone who behind the forehead
is influenced by or follows Freuds theories or frontal lobe /$fr.nt()l lb/ noun the front
frontal lobe
methods of psychoanalysis lobe of each cerebral hemisphere

friable /$frab()l/ adjective easily broken up
friable
frontal lobotomy /!fr.nt()l l$btmi/

frontal lobotomy
into small pieces noun formerly, a surgical operation on the brain

friars balsam /!fraz $b%lsm/ noun a mix- to treat mental illness by removing part of the
friars balsam
ture of various plant oils, including benzoin and frontal lobe

frontal sinus 112
frontal sinus /!fr.nt()l $sans/ noun one of fundus /$f.nds/ noun the bottom of a hollow
frontal sinus fundus
two sinuses in the front of the face above the eyes organ such as the uterus
and near the nose fungal /$f.1l/ adjective relating to, or caused
fungal
front passage /!fr.nt $p'sd+/ (informal) 1. by, fungi ! a fungal skin infection
front passage
same as urethra 2. same as vagina fungate /$f.1et/ verb (of some skin cancers)
fungate
frostbite /$frstbat/ noun an injury caused by to increase rapidly at a late stage of tumour for-
frostbite
very severe cold which freezes tissue mation

fungicide /$f.1sad/ noun a substance used
fungicide
frozen shoulder /!frz()n $ld/ noun

frozen shoulder
stiffness and pain in the shoulder, caused by to kill fungi

inflammation of the membranes of the shoulder fungiform papillae /!f.1f%m p$pli%/
fungiform papillae
joint after injury or a period of immobility, when noun rounded papillae on the tip and sides of the
deposits may form in the tendons tongue, which have taste buds
frozen watchfulness /!frz()n
frozen watchfulness
fungoid /$f.1d/ adjective like a fungus

fungoid
$wtflns/ noun an expression of petrified fear fungus /$f.1s/ noun an organism such as
fungus
on a childs face, especially in children who have yeast or mould, some of which cause disease
been abused (NOTE: The plural is fungi. For other terms refer-
fructose /$fr.kts/ noun fruit sugar found in
fructose
ring to fungi, see words beginning with myc-,

honey and some fruit, which together with glu- myco-.)
cose forms sucrose funiculitis /fju%!nkj$lats/ noun inflamma-
funiculitis
| |
frusemide /$fru%smad/ noun same as furo-

frusemide
tion of the spermatic cord

semide funiculus /fju%$nkjls/ noun one of the three
funiculus
FSH abbreviation follicle-stimulating hormone parts of the white matter in the spinal cord ! The
FSH
-fuge /fju%d+/ suffix driving away

-fuge
three parts are called the lateral, anterior and
posterior funiculus.
fulguration /!f.l1$re()n/ noun the removal
fulguration
funis /$fju%ns/ noun an umbilical cord

| funis
of a growth such as a wart by burning with an

funnel chest /!f.n()l $test/ noun same as
funnel chest
electric needle. Also called electrodesiccation

pectus excavatum
full thickness burn /!fl !kns $b-%n/ noun
full thickness burn
funny bone /$f.ni bn/ noun same as ole-

funny bone
same as deep dermal burn

cranon (informal)
fulminant /$flmnnt/,
fulminant
fulminating
furfuraceous /!f-%fj$res/ adjective refer-
furfuraceous
/$flmnet/ adjective referring to a dangerous |
disease which develops very rapidly ring to skin which is scaly

furor /$fjr%/ noun an attack of wild violence,
furor
fumigation /!fju%m$1e()n/ noun the proc-

fumigation
ess of killing insects in an area with gas or smoke especially in someone who is mentally unwell
furosemide /fj$rsmad/ noun a drug which
furosemide
function /$f.kn/ noun the particular work

function
|
done by an organ ! What is the function of the causes an increase in urine production, used to
pancreas? ! The function of an ovary is to form relieve water retention in the body. Also called
ova. " verb to work in a particular way ! The frusemide
furred tongue /!f-%d $t./ noun a condition
furred tongue
heart and lungs were functioning normally. ! His

kidneys suddenly stopped functioning. when the papillae of the tongue are covered with
functional /$f.kn()l/ adjective referring to
functional
a whitish coating. Also called coated tongue
furuncle /$fjr.kl/ noun same as boil
furuncle
a disorder or illness which does not have a physi-

cal cause and may have a psychological cause, as furunculosis /fj!r.kj$lss/ noun a
furunculosis
| |
opposed to an organic disorder condition in which several boils appear at the

functional endoscopic sinus surgery same time
functional endoscopic sinus surgery
/!f.kn()l !endskpk $sans !s-%d+ri/ fusidic acid /fju%!sdk $'sd/ noun an antibi-
fusidic acid
noun the removal of soft tissue in the sinuses otic used to prevent protein synthesis
using an endoscope. Abbreviation FESS fusiform /$fju%zf%m/ adjective referring to
fusiform
functional enuresis /!f.kn()l !enj

functional enuresis
| muscles which are shaped like a spindle, with a

$ri%ss/ noun bedwetting which has a psychologi- wider middle section which becomes narrower at
cal cause each end
functional independence measure fusion /$fju%+()n/ noun the act of joining, espe-
functional independence measure fusion
/!f.kn()l !nd$pendns !me+/ noun a

| cially a surgical operation to relieve pain in the
measure of disability. Abbreviation FIM joint by joining the bones at the joint permanently
fundoplication /!f.ndpl$ke()n/ noun
fundoplication
|
so that they cannot move
Fybogel /$fabd+el/ a trade name for ispa-
Fybogel
the process of wrapping the fundus of the stomach

round the lower end of the oesophagus ghula
G
g abbreviation gram gallop rhythm /$1'lp !r()m/ noun the
g gallop rhythm
GABA /$1'b/ abbreviation gamma aminobu-

GABA
rhythm of heart sounds, three to each cycle, when
tyric acid someone is experiencing tachycardia
gallstone /$1%lstn/ noun a small stone
gallstone
gag /1'1/ noun an instrument placed between

gag
formed from insoluble deposits from bile in the

the teeth to stop the mouth from closing " verb to gall bladder. ! calculus
experience a reaction similar to that of vomiting
galvanism /$1'lvnz()m/ noun a treatment
galvanism
! Every time the doctor tries to examine her

throat, she gags. ! He started gagging on the using low voltage electricity
galvanocautery /!1'lvn$k%tri/ noun
galvanocautery
endotracheal tube. |
the removal of diseased tissue using an electri-

gait /1et/ noun a way of walking
gait
cally heated needle or loop of wire. Also called

galacto- /1l'kt/ prefix referring to milk
galacto-
electrocautery
galactocele /1$l'ktsi%l/ noun a breast gamete /$1'mi%t/ noun a sex cell, either a sper-
galactocele gamete
tumour which contains milk matozoon or an ovum

galactorrhoea /1!l'kt$r/ noun the exces- gamete intrafallopian transfer /!1'mi%t
galactorrhoea gamete intrafallopian transfer
| |
sive production of milk ntrf!lpin $tr'nsf-%/ noun a technique to

|
galactosaemia /1!l'kt$si%mi/ noun a con-

galactosaemia
combine eggs and sperm outside the body and
then insert them into the Fallopian tubes. Abbre-
| |
genital condition where the liver is incapable of

converting galactose into glucose, with the result viation GIFT
gametocyte /1$mi%tsat/ noun a cell which
gametocyte
that a babys development may be affected (NOTE: |
The treatment is to remove galactose from the is developing into a gamete

gametogenesis /1!mi%t$d+enss/ noun
gametogenesis
diet.) | |
galactose /1$l'kts/ noun a sugar which

galactose
|
the process by which a gamete is formed
gamgee tissue /$1'md+i% !tu%/ noun a sur-
gamgee tissue
forms part of milk, and is converted into glucose

by the liver gical dressing, formed of a layer of cotton wool
between two pieces of gauze
galea /$1eli/ noun any part of the body shaped
galea
gamma aminobutyric acid /!1'm

gamma aminobutyric acid
like a helmet, especially the loose band of tissue |
in the scalp (NOTE: The plural is galeae.) !mi%nbju%!trk $'sd/ noun an amino acid
|
neurotransmitter. Abbreviation GABA

gall /1%l/ noun same as bile
gall
gamma camera /$1'm !k'm()r/ noun a

gamma camera
gall bladder /$1%l !bl'd/ noun a sac situated

gall bladder
camera for taking photographs of parts of the

underneath the liver, in which bile produced by body into which radioactive isotopes have been
the liver is stored. See illustration at DIGESTIVE introduced
SYSTEM in Supplement
gamma globulin /!1'm $1lbjln/ noun a
gamma globulin
Gallies operation /$1'liz p!re()n/ noun

Gallies operation
| protein found in plasma, forming antibodies as

a surgical operation where tissues from the thigh protection against infection
are used to hold a hernia in place [Described gamma ray /$1'm re/ noun a ray which is
gamma ray
1921. After William Edward Gallie (18821959), shorter than an X-ray and is given off by radioac-
Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto, tive substances
Canada.]
gangli- /1'1li/ prefix referring to ganglia
gangli-
gallipot /$1'lipt/ noun a little container for

gallipot
ganglion /$1'1lin/ noun 1. a mass of nerve

ganglion
ointment cell bodies and synapses usually covered in con-

gallium /$1'lim/ noun a metallic element a
gallium
nective tissue, found along the peripheral nerves

radioisotope of which is used to detect tumours or with the exception of the basal ganglia 2. a cyst of
other tissue disorders (NOTE: The chemical sym- a tendon sheath or joint capsule, usually at the
bol is Ga.) wrist, which results in a painless swelling con-
ganglionectomy 114
taining fluid (NOTE: [all senses] The plural is gastric /$1'strk/ adjective referring to the
gastric
ganglia.) stomach
ganglionectomy /!1'1li$nektmi/ noun gastric acid /!1'strk $'sd/ noun hydrochlo-
ganglionectomy gastric acid
the surgical removal of a ganglion ric acid secreted into the stomach by acid-forming
gangrene /$1'1ri%n/ noun a condition in
gangrene
cells
gastric flu /!1'strk $flu%/ noun any mild stom-
gastric flu
which tissues die and decay, as a result of bacte-

rial action, because the blood supply has been lost ach disorder (informal)
through injury or disease of the artery ! After she gastric juice /$1'strk d+u%s/ noun the mix-
gastric juice
had frostbite, gangrene set in and her toes had to ture of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, intrinsic factor
be amputated. and mucus secreted by the cells of the lining
gangrenous /$1'1rns/ adjective referring membrane of the stomach to help the digestion of
gangrenous
to, or affected by, gangrene food (NOTE: Often used in the plural.)
gastric lavage /!1'strk $l'vd+/ noun a lav-
gastric lavage
gargle /$1%1()l/ noun a mildly antiseptic solu-

gargle
tion used to clean the mouth " verb to put some age of the stomach, usually to remove a poisonous
antiseptic liquid solution into the back of the substance which has been absorbed. Also called
mouth and then breathe out air through it stomach washout
gastric pit /!1'strk $pt/ noun a deep hollow
gastric pit
gargoylism /$1%1lz()m/ noun a congenital

gargoylism
condition of the metabolism which causes in the mucous membrane forming the walls of the
polysaccharides and fat cells to accumulate in the stomach
gastric ulcer /!1'strk $.ls/ noun an ulcer in
gastric ulcer
body, resulting in mental impairment, swollen

liver and coarse features. Also called Hurlers the stomach. Abbreviation GU
syndrome gastrin /$1'strn/ noun a hormone which is
gastrin
gas /1's/ noun 1. a substance such as nitrogen,

gas
released into the bloodstream from cells in the
carbon dioxide or air, which is neither solid nor lower end of the stomach, stimulated by the pres-
fluid at ordinary temperatures and can expand ence of protein, and which in turn stimulates the
infinitely (NOTE: The plural gases is used only flow of acid from the upper part of the stomach
when referring to different types of gas.) 2. gas gastrinoma /!1'str$nm/ noun a tumour of
gastrinoma
which accumulates in the stomach or alimentary the islet cells, leading to excessive gastric acid
canal and causes pain gastritis /1'$strats/ noun inflammation of
gastritis
gas and air analgesia /!1's nd $er 'n()l the stomach

gas and air analgesia
!d+i%zi/ noun a form of analgesia used when giv- gastro- /1'str/ prefix referring to the stom-
gastro-
ing birth, in which a mixture of air and gas is ach

given gastrocele /$1'strsi%l/ noun a condition in
gastrocele
gas exchange /$1's ks!tend+/ noun the

gas exchange
| which part of the stomach wall becomes weak and

process by which oxygen in the air is exchanged bulges out. Also called stomach hernia
in the lungs for waste carbon dioxide carried by gastrocnemius /!1'strk$ni%mis/ noun a
gastrocnemius
the blood large calf muscle

gas gangrene /!1's $1'1ri%n/ noun a com-
gas gangrene
gastrocolic /!1'str$klk/ adjective refer-

gastrocolic
plication of severe wounds in which the bacte- ring to the stomach and colon
rium Clostridium welchii breeds in the wound and gastrocolic reflex /!1'strklk $ri%fleks/
gastrocolic reflex
then spreads to healthy tissue which is rapidly noun a sudden peristalsis of the colon produced
decomposed with the formation of gas when food is taken into an empty stomach
gash /1'/ noun a long deep cut made acciden-
gash
gastroduodenal /!1'str!dju%$di%n()l/
gastroduodenal
| |
tally by something sharp ! She had to have three adjective referring to the stomach and duodenum
stitches in the gash in her thigh. " verb to make a
gastroduodenoscopy /!1'str!dju%d
gastroduodenoscopy
long deep cut in something accidentally ! She | |
gashed her hand on the broken glass. $nskpi/ noun an examination of the stomach
and duodenum
gasp /1%sp/ noun a short breath taken with dif-
gasp
gastroduodenostomy /!1'str!dju%d
gastroduodenostomy
ficulty ! His breath came in short gasps. " verb

| |
$nstmi/ noun a surgical operation to join the

to breathe with difficulty taking quick breaths !
duodenum to the stomach so as to bypass a block-
She was gasping for breath.
age in the pylorus
gas pain /$1's pen/ noun a pain caused by
gas pain
gastroenteritis /!1'strent$rats/ noun

gastroenteritis
excessive formation of gas in the stomach or

| |
inflammation of the membrane lining the intes-

intestine. ! flatus tines and the stomach, caused by a viral infection
gastr- /1'str/ prefix same as gastro- (used
gastr-
and resulting in diarrhoea and vomiting

before vowels) gastroenterology
gastroenterology
/!1'strent$rld+i/
| |
gastrectomy /1'$strektmi/ noun the surgi-

gastrectomy
| noun the study of the digestive system and its dis-

cal removal of the stomach orders
115 general hospital
gastroenterostomy /!1'strent$rstmi/ gauze /1%z/ noun a thin light material used to

gastroenterostomy gauze
| |
noun a surgical operation to join the small intes- make dressings

tine directly to the stomach so as to bypass a pep- gauze dressing /$1%z !dres/ noun a dress-
gauze dressing
tic ulcer ing of thin light material

gastroepiploic /!1'strep$plk/ adjective
gastroepiploic
gavage /1'$v%+/ noun the forced feeding of

gavage
| |
|
referring to the stomach and greater omentum someone who cannot eat or who refuses to eat
gastroepiploic artery /!1'strep!plk
gastroepiploic artery
gay /1e/ adjective relating to sexual activity

gay
| |
$%tri/ noun an artery linking the gastroduodenal among people of the same sex
artery to the splenic artery
GDC abbreviation General Dental Council
GDC
Gastrografin /!1'str$1r'fn/ a trade name

Gastrografin
Gehrigs disease /$1er1z d!zi%z/ noun

| Gehrigs disease
for an enema used in bowel X-rays |
same as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

gastroileac reflex /!1'str!li'k $ri%fleks/
gastroileac reflex
Geiger counter /$1a1 !kant/ noun an

| Geiger counter
noun automatic relaxation of the ileocaecal valve

when food is present in the stomach instrument for the detection and measurement of
radiation [Described 1908. After Hans Geiger
gastrointestinal /!1'strn$testn()l/
gastrointestinal
|
(18821945), German physicist who worked
adjective referring to the stomach and intestine ! with Rutherford at Manchester University, UK]
gastrointestinal bleeding. Abbreviation GI
gel /d+el/ noun a suspension that sets into a jelly-
gel
gastrojejunostomy /!1'strd+d+u%
gastrojejunostomy
|
like solid
$nstmi/ noun a surgical operation to join the
gelatin /$d+eltn/ noun a protein found in col-
gelatin
jejunum to the stomach

lagen which is soluble in water, used to make cap-
gastrolith /$1'strl/ noun a calculus in the
gastrolith
sules for medicines

stomach
gelatinous /d+$l'tns/ adjective referring to
gelatinous
gastro-oesophageal reflux /!1'str

gastro-oesophageal reflux |
gelatin or something with a texture like jelly

|
!sfd+il $ri%fl.ks/, gastro-oesophageal

gemellus /d+$mels/ noun either of the two
gemellus
reflux disease /!1'str !sfd+il $ri%fl.ks |

|
d!zi%z/ noun the return of bitter-tasting, partly

|
muscles arising from the ischium. Also called
digested food from the stomach to the oesophagus gemellus superior muscle, gemellus inferior
muscle
gastropexy /$1'strpeksi/ noun a surgical
gastropexy
gender /$d+end/ noun the fact of being of the

gender
operation to attach the stomach to the wall of the

abdomen male or female sex
gender reassignment surgery /!d+end
gender reassignment surgery
gastroplasty /$1'strpl'sti/ noun surgery

gastroplasty
to correct a deformed stomach ri%$sanmnt !s-%d+ri/ noun surgery to change

|
gastrorrhoea /!1'str$r/ noun an excessive

gastrorrhoea
|
someones sex
gender reorientation /!d+end ri%!%rin
gender reorientation
flow of gastric juices | |
gastroschisis /!1'str$sass/ noun a split

gastroschisis
|
$te()n/ noun the alteration of a persons sex
in the wall of the abdomen, with viscera passing through surgical and drug treatment
gene /d+i%n/ noun a unit of DNA on a chromo-
gene
through it
gastroscope /$1'strskp/ noun an instru-
gastroscope
some which governs the synthesis of a protein
ment formed of a tube or bundle of glass fibres sequence and determines a particular characteris-
with a lens attached, which a doctor can pass tic
general amnesia /!d+en()rl 'm$ni%zi/
general amnesia
down into the stomach through the mouth to |
examine the inside of the stomach noun a sudden and complete loss of memory, to
gastroscopy /1'$strskpi/ noun an exami-
gastroscopy
|
the extent that a person does not even remember
nation of the stomach using a gastroscope who he or she is
general anaesthesia /!d+en()rl !'ns
general anaesthesia
gastrostomy /1'$strstmi/ noun a surgical

gastrostomy
|
|
operation to create an opening into the stomach $i%zi/ noun loss of feeling and loss of sensation
from the wall of the abdomen, so that food can be throughout the body, after being given an anaes-
introduced without passing through the mouth thetic
general anaesthetic /!d+en()rl 'ns
general anaesthetic
and throat |
gastrotomy /1'$strtmi/ noun a surgical

gastrotomy
|
$etk/ noun a substance given to make someone
operation to open up the stomach lose consciousness so that a major surgical opera-
Gauchers disease /$1ez d!zi%z/ noun
Gauchers disease
|
tion can be carried out
General Dental Council /!d+en()rl
General Dental Council
an enzyme disease where fatty substances accu-

mulate in the lymph glands, spleen and liver, $dent()l !kansl/ noun in the UK, the official
causing anaemia, a swollen spleen and darkening body that registers and supervises dentists.
of the skin. The disease can be fatal in children. Abbreviation GDC
general hospital /!d+en()rl $hspt()l/
general hospital
[Described 1882. After Philippe Charles Ernest

Gaucher (18541918), French physician and noun a hospital which does not specialise in par-
dermatologist.] ticular types of illness or particular age groups
General Household Survey 116
General Household Survey /!d+en()rl genetic disorder /d+!netk ds$%d/ noun a

General Household Survey genetic disorder
| |
!hashld $s-%ve/ noun a survey of households disorder or disease caused by a damaging gene
carried out continuously by the Office for variation that may be inherited
National Statistics genetic engineering /d+!netk end+
genetic engineering
| |
generalised /$d+en()rlazd/, generalized

generalised
$nr/ noun same as genetic modification
adjective 1. spreading throughout the body. (informal)
genetic fingerprint /d+!netk $f1prnt/
genetic fingerprint
Opposite localised 2. not having a specific cause |
noun the pattern of sequences of genetic material

generalised anxiety disorder
generalised anxiety disorder
unique to an individual. Also called DNA finger-

/!d+en()rlazd '$zati ds!%d/ noun a
print
| |
state of continual anxiety for which there is no

genetic fingerprinting /d+!netk $f1
genetic fingerprinting
specific cause | |
!prnt/ noun a method of revealing an individ-

General Medical Council /!d+en()rl
General Medical Council
uals genetic profile, used in paternity queries and

$medk()l !kansl/ noun in the UK, the official criminal investigations. Also called DNA finger-
body that licenses qualified doctors to practise printing
medicine. Abbreviation GMC
geneticist /d+$netsst/ noun a person who
geneticist
General Optical Council /!d+en()rl

General Optical Council
specialises in the study of the way in which char-

$ptk()l !kansl/ noun in the UK, the official acteristics and diseases are inherited through the
body that registers and supervises opticians genes
general practice /!d+en()rl $pr'kts/ noun genetic modification /d+!netk !mdf
general practice genetic modification
| |
a medical practice where doctors offer first-line $ke()n/, genetic manipulation /d+!netk |
medical care for all types of illness to people who m!npj$le()n/ noun the combination of
| |
live locally, refer them to hospital if necessary and genetic material from different sources to produce
encourage health promotion organisms with altered characteristics
genetics /d+$netks/ noun the study of genes,
genetics
general practitioner /!d+en()rl pr'k

general practitioner
|
|
$t()n/ noun a doctor who provides first-line and of the way characteristics and diseases are
medical care for all types of illness to people who inherited through the genes
genetic screening /d+!netk $skri%n/
genetic screening
live locally, refers them to hospital if necessary |
and encourages health promotion. Abbreviation noun the process of testing large numbers of peo-
GP ple to see if anyone has a particular genetic disor-
der
gene replacement therapy /!d+i%n r
gene replacement therapy
gene tracking /$d+i%n !tr'k/ noun the

| gene tracking
$plesmnt !erpi/ noun the replacement of

missing genes or damaging gene variations in method used to trace throughout a family the
cells by the insertion of appropriate genes to treat inheritance of a gene such as those causing cystic
a genetic disorder. Also called gene therapy fibrosis or Huntingtons Chorea, in order to diag-
nose and predict genetic disorders
COMMENT: Gene replacement therapy has
-genic /d+enk/ suffix referring to a product or
-genic
been used successfully in animals, and is in

the early stages of research in humans, but something which produces
genicular /d+e$nkjl/ adjective referring to
genicular
may be useful in the future treatment of cyst- |
ic fibrosis, thalassaemia and other genetic the knee

disorders. genital /$d+ent()l/ adjective referring to the
genital
generic /d+$nerk/ adjective 1. referring to reproductive organs " plural noun genitals same
generic
medicine which does not have a special trademark as genital organs

or brand name given to it by its manufacturer 2. genitalia /!d+en$teli/ noun the genital organs
genitalia
referring to a genus ! The generic name of this genital organs /!d+ent()l $%1nz/ plural
genital organs
type of bacterium is Staphylococcus. noun the external organs for reproduction, i.e. the
-genesis /d+enss/ suffix production or origin penis and testicles in males and the vulva in
-genesis
females. Also called genitals, genitalia

gene therapy /$d+i%n !erpi/ noun same as
gene therapy
genital wart /!d+ent()l $w%t/ noun a wart in

genital wart
gene replacement therapy

the genital or anal area, caused by a sexually
genetic /d+$netk/ adjective referring to genes
genetic
|
transmitted virus
genetic code /d+!netk $kd/ noun the genito- /d+ent/ prefix referring to the repro-
genetic code genito-
characteristics of the DNA of a cell which are ductive system

passed on when the cell divides and so are inher- genitourinary /!d+ent$jrnri/ adjective
genitourinary
ited by a child from its parents referring to both the reproductive and urinary sys-
genetic counselling /d+!netk $kansl/ tems. Abbreviation GU
genetic counselling
noun advice and support given to people if they or genitourinary system /!d+ent$jrnri
genitourinary system
their children might be affected by inherited !sstm/ noun the organs of reproduction and uri-
genetic disorders nation, including the kidneys
117 gigantism
genome /$d+i%nm/ noun the set of all the gerontology /!d+ern$tld+i/ noun the study
genome gerontology
genes of an individual of the process of ageing and the diseases of old

genotype /$d+entap/ noun the genetic
genotype
people
Gesells developmental chart /1!zels d
Gesells developmental chart
makeup of an individual. Compare phenotype | |
!velp$ment()l t%t/ noun a chart showing the

gentamicin /!d+ent$masn/ noun an antibi-
gentamicin
|
development of motor reactions and growth pat-

|
otic that is effective against a variety of different

terns in children
disease-causing organisms. Patients usually
gestation /d+e$ste()n/ noun 1. the process
gestation
receive it by injection and it can cause serious side |
effects. of development of a baby from conception to birth

in the mothers womb 2. same as gestation
gentian violet /!d+enn $valt/ noun an
gentian violet
period
antiseptic blue dye, used to paint on skin infec-
gestational age /d+e!ste()n()l $ed+/
gestational age
tions and also to stain specimens. Also called |
crystal violet noun the age of a fetus, calculated from the

mothers last period to the date of birth
genu /$d+enju%/ noun the knee
genu
gestational diabetes /d+e!ste()n()l

gestational diabetes
genual /$d+enjul/ adjective referring to the

genual
!da$bi%ti%z/ noun a form of diabetes mellitus

|
knee which develops in a pregnant woman

genucubital position /!d+enju%$kju%bt()l gestation period /d+e$ste()n !prid/
genucubital position gestation period
| |
p!z()n/ noun the position of someone resting

| noun the period, usually of 266 days, from con-
on their knees and elbows ception to birth, during which the baby develops
genupectoral position /!d+enju%$pektr()l
genupectoral position
|
in the mothers womb. Also called pregnancy
p!z()n/ noun the position of someone resting gestodene /$d+estdi%n/ noun an oral contra-
gestodene
on their knees and upper chest ceptive

get better /!1et $bet/ verb 1. to become
get better
genus /$d+i%ns/ noun a category of related liv-

genus
ing organisms ! A genus is divided into different healthy again after being ill ! He was seriously
species. (NOTE: The plural is genera.) ill, but seems to be getting better. 2. (of an illness)
to stop or become less severe ! Her cold has got
genu valgum /!d+enju% $v'l1m/ noun same
genu valgum
better.
as knock-knee
getting on /!1et $n/ adjective becoming eld-
getting on
genu varum /!d+enju% $verm/ noun same as

genu varum
erly ! Her parents are getting on.

bow legs
GFR abbreviation glomerular filtration rate
GFR
geri- /d+eri/ prefix referring to old age

geri-
GH abbreviation growth hormone

GH
geriatric /!d+eri$'trk/ adjective 1. referring to

geriatric
Ghons focus /!1nz $fks/ noun a spot on

Ghons focus
|
old people 2. specialising in the treatment of old the lung produced by the tuberculosis bacillus
people ! geriatric unit [Described 1912. After Anton Ghon (1866
geriatrician /!d+eri$tr()n/ noun a doctor
geriatrician
| 1936), Professor of Pathological Anatomy at

who specialises in the treatment or study of dis- Prague, Czech Republic.]
eases of old people GI abbreviation gastrointestinal
GI
geriatrics /!d+eri$'trks/ noun the study of the

geriatrics
Giardia /d+i%$%di/ noun a microscopic proto-

Giardia
| |
diseases and disorders of old people. Compare zoan parasite which causes giardiasis
paediatrics giardiasis /!d+i%%$dass/ noun a disorder of
giardiasis
germ /d+-%m/ noun 1. a microorganism which the intestine caused by the parasite Giardia lam-
germ
causes a disease, e.g. a virus or bacterium blia, usually with no symptoms, but in heavy
(informal) ! Germs are not visible to the naked infections the absorption of fat may be affected,
eye. 2. a part of an organism capable of develop- causing diarrhoea. Also called lambliasis
ing into a new organism giddiness /$1dins/ noun a condition in which
giddiness
German measles /!d+-%mn $mi%z()lz/ noun someone has difficulty in standing up and keeping
German measles
same as rubella their balance because of a feeling that everything

germ cell /$d+-%m sel/ noun a cell which is
germ cell
is turning around ! He began to experience
capable of developing into a spermatozoon or attacks of giddiness.
GIFT /1ft/ noun a procedure in which a surgeon
GIFT
ovum. Also called gonocyte

removes eggs from a womans ovary, mixes them
germinal epithelium /!d+-%mn()l !ep
germinal epithelium
|
with sperm and places them in one of her Fallo-
$i%lim/ noun the outer layer of the ovary pian tubes to help her conceive a child. Full form
germ layer /$d+-%m !le/ noun one of two or
germ layer
gamete intrafallopian transfer

three layers of cells in animal embryos which gigantism /d+a$1'ntz()m/ noun a condi-
gigantism
form the organs of the body tion in which someone grows very tall, caused by
gerontologist /!d+ern$tld+st/ noun a spe-
gerontologist
| excessive production of growth hormone by the

cialist in gerontology pituitary gland
Gilberts syndrome 118
Gilberts syndrome /$1lbts !sndrm/ $sk%r !sstm/ noun a seven-point scale for
Gilberts syndrome
noun an inherited disorder where the liver does evaluating someones level of consciousness
not deal with bilirubin correctly glass eye /!1l%s $a/ noun an artificial eye
glass eye
Gilliams operation /$1limz p!re()n/

Gilliams operation
|
made of glass
noun a surgical operation to correct retroversion glaucoma /1l%$km/ noun a condition of
glaucoma
of the uterus [After David Tod Gilliam (1844 the eyes, caused by unusually high pressure of
1923), physician, Columbus, Ohio, USA.] fluid inside the eyeball, resulting in disturbances
gingiv- /d+nd+v/ prefix referring to the gums
gingiv-
of vision and blindness
gleet /1li%t/ noun a thin discharge from the
gleet
gingiva /d+n$d+av/ noun same as gum

gingiva
vagina, penis, a wound or an ulcer

|
(NOTE: The plural is gingivae.)

glenohumeral /!1li%n$hu%mrl/ adjective
glenohumeral
gingival /$d+nd+v()l/ adjective relating to

gingival
|
referring to both the glenoid cavity and the

the gums
humerus
gingivectomy /!d+nd+$vektmi/ noun the
gingivectomy
glenohumeral joint /!1li%n$hu%mrl

glenohumeral joint
|
surgical removal of excess gum tissue

|
d+nt/ noun the shoulder joint

gingivitis /!d+nd+$vats/ noun inflammation
gingivitis
glenoid /$1li%nd/ adjective shaped like a small

glenoid
|
of the gums as a result of bacterial infection shallow cup or socket

ginglymus /$d+1lms/ noun a joint which
ginglymus
glenoid cavity /!1li%nd $k'vti/, glenoid

glenoid cavity
allows movement in two directions only, e.g. the fossa /!1li%nd $fs/ noun a socket in the
knee or elbow. Also called hinge joint. Compare shoulder joint into which the head of the humerus
ball and socket joint fits
ginseng /$d+nsen1/ noun a plant root widely
ginseng
glia /$1li%/ noun connective tissue of the central

glia
used as a tonic and a traditional Chinese herbal nervous system, surrounding cell bodies, axons
remedy and dendrites. Also called neuroglia
girdle /$1-%d()l/ noun a set of bones making a glial cell /$1li%l sel/ noun a cell in the glia
girdle
glial cell
ring or arch glial tissue /!1li%l $tu%/ noun same as glia

glial tissue
Girdlestones operation /$1-%dlstnz p

Girdlestones operation
glibenclamide /1l$beklmad/ noun a

glibenclamide
|
|
!re()n/ noun a surgical operation to relieve sulphonylurea drug used to treat Type II diabetes
osteoarthritis of the hip [After Gathorne Robert mellitus
Girdlestone (18811950), Nuffield Professor of gliclazide /$1lklzad/ noun an antibacterial
gliclazide
Orthopaedics at Oxford, UK] drug used to treat Type II diabetes mellitus

glabella /1l$bel/ noun a flat area of bone in
glabella
glio- /1la/ prefix referring to brain tissue

glio-
|
the forehead between the eyebrows

glioma /1la$m/ noun any tumour of the
glioma
gladiolus /!1l'di$ls/ noun the middle sec-

gladiolus
|
glial tissue in the brain or spinal cord
tion of the sternum gliomyoma /!1lama$m/ noun a tumour
gliomyoma
gland /1l'nd/ noun an organ in the body con-

gland
of both the nerve and muscle tissue

taining cells that secrete substances such as hor- glipizide /$1lpzad/ noun a drug used to
glipizide
mones, sweat or saliva which act elsewhere reduce the glucose level in the blood
glanders /$1l'ndz/ noun a bacterial disease of
glanders
Glissons capsule /!1ls()nz $k'psju%l/

Glissons capsule
horses, which can be caught by humans, with noun a tissue sheath in the liver containing the
symptoms of high fever and inflammation of the blood vessels [After Francis Glisson (1597
lymph nodes 1677), philosopher, physician and anatomist at
glandular /$1l'ndjl/ adjective referring to Cambridge and London, UK]
glandular
glands globin /$1lbn/ noun a protein which com-

globin
glandular fever /!1l'ndjl $fi%v/ noun bines with other substances to form compounds
glandular fever
same as infectious mononucleosis such as haemoglobin and myoglobin

globule /$1lbju%l/ noun a round drop, espe-
globule
glans /1l'nz/ noun a rounded part at the end of

glans
the penis or clitoris. See illustration at UROGENI- cially of fat

TAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement globulin /$1lbjln/ noun a protein, present in
globulin
glare /1le/ noun 1. a long stare that expresses a

glare
blood, belonging to a group that includes antibod-
negative emotion such as anger 2. an uncomfort- ies
globus /$1lbs/ noun any ball-shaped part of
globus
ably or dazzlingly bright light 3. scattered bright

light when examining something with a micro- the body
scope " verb 1. to stare angrily 2. to shine globus hystericus /!1lbs h$sterks/
globus hystericus
uncomfortably brightly 3. to be very obvious or noun a feeling of not being able to swallow,
conspicuous caused by worry or embarrassment
Glasgow coma scale /!1l%s1 $km glomerular /1l$merl/ adjective referring to
Glasgow coma scale glomerular
!skel/, Glasgow scoring system /!1l%s1 a glomerulus

119 glycaemia
glomerular capsule /1l!merl $k'psju%l/ glucose /$1lu%kz/ noun a simple sugar found
glomerular capsule glucose
noun same as Bowmans capsule in some fruit, but also broken down from white
glomerular filtration rate /1l!merl fl
glomerular filtration rate
| |
sugar or carbohydrate and absorbed into the body
$tre()n !ret/ noun the rate at which the kid- or secreted by the kidneys. Also called dextrose
neys filter blood and remove waste matter glucose tolerance test /$1lu%kz !tlrns
glucose tolerance test
glomerular tuft /1l!merl $t.ft/ noun a

glomerular tuft
|
test/ noun a test for diabetes mellitus, in which
group of blood vessels in the kidney which filter someone eats glucose and his or her urine and
the blood blood are tested at regular intervals. Abbreviation
glomeruli plural of glomerulus
glomeruli
GTT
glue ear /$1lu% / noun a condition in which
glue ear
glomerulitis /1l!mer$lats/ noun inflam-

glomerulitis
| |
mation causing lesions of glomeruli in the kidney fluid forms behind the eardrum and causes deaf-
ness. Also called secretory otitis media
glomerulonephritis /1l!merlne$frats/
glomerulonephritis
| |
glue-sniffing /$1lu% !snf/ noun " solvent

glue-sniffing
noun same as Brights disease

abuse
glomerulus /1l$merls/ noun a group of
glomerulus
glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase /1lu%

glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase
blood vessels which filter waste matter from the |
blood in a kidney (NOTE: The plural is glomer- !t'mk ksl!si%tk tr'ns$'mnez/ noun | |
uli.) an enzyme used to test for viral hepatitis

glutamic pyruvic transaminase /1lu%
glutamic pyruvic transaminase
gloss- /1ls/ prefix same as glosso- (used

gloss-
|
before vowels) !t'mk pa!ru%vk tr'ns$'mnez/ noun an

| |
glossa /$1ls/ noun same as tongue

glossa
enzyme produced in the liver and released into the
blood if the liver is damaged
glossal /$1ls()l/ adjective relating to the
glossal
gluteal /$1lu%til/ adjective referring to the but-

gluteal
tongue
tocks
glossectomy /1l$sektmi/ noun the surgical
glossectomy
gluteal artery /$1lu%til !%tri/ noun one of

gluteal artery
removal of the tongue

the two arteries supplying the buttocks, the infe-
glossitis /1l$sats/ noun inflammation of the
glossitis
rior gluteal artery or the superior gluteal

|
surface of the tongue

artery
glosso- /1ls/ prefix referring to the tongue
glosso-
gluteal muscle /$1lu%til !m.s()l/ noun a

gluteal muscle
glossodynia /!1ls$dni/ noun pain in the

glossodynia
|
muscle in the buttock. ! gluteus
tongue
gluteal vein /$1lu%til ven/ noun one of two
gluteal vein
glossopharyngeal /!1lsf'rn$d+i%l/
glossopharyngeal
|
veins draining the buttocks, the inferior gluteal
adjective relating to the tongue and pharynx vein and the superior gluteal vein
glossopharyngeal nerve /!1lsf'rn
glossopharyngeal nerve
gluten /$1lu%t()n/ noun a protein found in some

gluten
|
$d+i%l n-%v/ noun the ninth cranial nerve which cereals, which makes the grains form a sticky
controls the pharynx, the salivary glands and part paste when water is added
of the tongue
gluten enteropathy /!1lu%t()n !ent$rpi/
gluten enteropathy
glossoplegia /!1ls$pli%d+/ noun paralysis

glossoplegia |
|
same as gluten-induced enteropathy
of the tongue
gluten-induced enteropathy /!1lu%t()n n
gluten-induced enteropathy
glossotomy /1l$stmi/ noun a surgical inci-

glossotomy
|
!dju%st !ent$rpi/ noun 1. an allergic disease

|
sion into the tongue

|
mainly affecting children, in which the lining of

glottis /$1lts/ noun an opening in the larynx
glottis
the intestine is sensitive to gluten, preventing the

between the vocal cords, which forms the small intestine from digesting fat 2. a condition in
entrance to the main airway from the pharynx adults where the villi in the intestine become
gluc- /1lu%k/ prefix referring to glucose
gluc-
smaller and so reduce the surface which can

glucagon /$1lu%k1n/ noun a hormone
glucagon
absorb nutrients (NOTE: Symptoms include a
secreted by the islets of Langerhans in the pan- swollen abdomen, pale diarrhoea, abdominal
creas, which increases the level of blood sugar by pains and anaemia.) $ also called coeliac dis-
stimulating the breakdown of glycogen ease
gluteus /$1lu%tis/ noun one of three muscles in
gluteus
glucagonoma /!1lu%k1$nm/ noun a

glucagonoma
tumour of the cells of the pancreas that produces the buttocks, responsible for movements of the
glucagon hip. The largest is the gluteus maximus, while
glucocorticoid /!1lu%k$k%tkd/ noun
glucocorticoid
|
the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus are
any corticosteroid which breaks down carbohy- smaller.
glyc- /1lak/ prefix same as glyco- (used before
glyc-
drates and fats for use by the body, produced by

the adrenal cortex vowels)
gluconeogenesis /!1lu%k!ni%$d+enss/ glycaemia /1la$si%mi/ noun the level of glu-
gluconeogenesis glycaemia
| | |
noun the production of glucose in the liver from cose found in the blood. ! hypoglycaemia,
protein or fat reserves hyperglycaemia
glycerin 120
glycerin /$1lsrn/, glycerine, glycerol Golgi cell /$1ld+i !sel/ noun a type of nerve
glycerin Golgi cell
/$1lsrl/ noun a colourless viscous sweet-tast- cell in the central nervous system, either with long
ing liquid present in all fats (NOTE: Synthetic axons (Golgi Type 1) or without axons (Golgi
glycerin is used in various medicinal prepara- Type 2)
tions and also as a lubricant in items such as gomphosis /1m$fss/ noun a joint which
gomphosis
toothpaste and cough medicines.) cannot move, like that between a tooth and the
glyco- /1lak/ prefix referring to sugar
glyco-
jaw
glycogen /$1lakd+n/ noun a type of starch,
glycogen
gonad /$1n'd/ noun a sex gland which pro-

gonad
converted from glucose by the action of insulin, duces gametes and also sex hormones, e.g. a tes-
and stored in the liver as a source of energy ticle in males or an ovary in females
glycogenesis /!1lak$d+enss/ noun the
glycogenesis
gonadotrophic hormone /!1nd

gonadotrophic hormone
|
|
process by which glucose is converted into glyco- !trfk $h%mn/ noun one of two hormones,
gen in the liver the follicle-stimulating hormone and the luteinis-
glycogenolysis /!1lakd+$nlss/ noun ing hormone, produced by the anterior pituitary
glycogenolysis
the process by which glycogen is broken down to gland which have an effect on the ovaries in
form glucose females and on the testes in males
glycolysis /1la$klss/ noun the metabolic gonadotrophin /!1nd$trfn/ noun
glycolysis gonadotrophin
| |
breakdown of glucose to release energy any of a group of hormones produced by the pitu-
glycoside /$1laksad/ noun a chemical
glycoside
itary gland which stimulates the sex glands at
compound of a type which is formed from a sim- puberty. ! human chorionic gonadotrophin
goni- /1ni/ prefix same as gonio- (used
goni-
ple sugar and another compound (NOTE: Many of

the drugs produced from plants are glycosides.) before a vowel)
glycosuria /!1lak$sjri/ noun a high gonio- /1ni/ prefix referring to an angle
glycosuria gonio-
level of sugar in the urine, a symptom of diabetes gonion /$1nin/ noun the outer point at
gonion
mellitus which the lower jawbone angles upwards

GMC abbreviation General Medical Council
GMC
goniopuncture /$1ni!p.kt/ noun a

goniopuncture
gnathic /$n'k/ adjective referring to the jaw

gnathic
surgical operation for draining fluid from the eyes

gnathoplasty /$n'!pl'sti/ noun surgery of someone who has glaucoma
gnathoplasty
on the jaw goniotomy /!1ni$tmi/ noun a surgical

goniotomy
gnawing /$n%/ adjective referring to a physi- operation to treat glaucoma by cutting Schlemms
gnawing
cal or emotional feeling that is persistent and canal

uncomfortable ! a gnawing pain ! gnawing anx- gonococcal /!1n$kk()l/ adjective refer-
gonococcal
iety ring to gonococcus

goblet cell /$1blt sel/ noun a tube-shaped
goblet cell
gonococcus /!1n$kks/ noun a type of

gonococcus
cell in the epithelium which secretes mucus bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoea, which causes
GOC abbreviation General Optical Council
GOC
gonorrhoea (NOTE: The plural is gonococci.)

goitre /$1t/ noun an excessive enlargement of
goitre
gonocyte /$1nsat/ noun same as germ cell

gonocyte
the thyroid gland, seen as a swelling round the gonorrhoea /!1n$ri%/ noun a sexually trans-
gonorrhoea
neck, caused by a lack of iodine (NOTE: The US

|
mitted disease which produces painful irritation

spelling is goiter.)
of the mucous membrane and a watery discharge
gold /1ld/ noun a soft yellow-coloured pre-
gold
from the vagina or penis

cious metal, used as a compound in various drugs,
goose bumps /$1u%s b.mps/, goose flesh
goose bumps
and sometimes as a filling for teeth (NOTE: The

/$1u%s fle/, goose pimples /$1u%s !pmp()lz/
chemical symbol is Au.)
noun a reaction of the skin when someone is cold
golden hour /!1ld()n $a/ noun the first
golden hour
or frightened, the skin being raised into many lit-

hour after a serious injury when the most differ- tle bumps by the action of the arrector pili mus-
ence can be made to the patients health cles. Also called cutis anserina
golfers elbow /!1lfz $elb/ noun inflam-
golfers elbow
gorget /$1%d+t/ noun a surgical instrument

gorget
mation of the tendons of the elbow used to remove stones from the bladder
Golgi apparatus /$1ld+i 'p!rets/ noun a
Golgi apparatus
gouge /1ad+/ noun a surgical instrument like a

gouge
|
folded membranous structure inside the cell cyto- chisel, used to cut bone
plasm which stores and transports enzymes and
gout /1at/ noun a disease in which unusual
gout
hormones [Described 1898. After Camillo Golgi

(18431926), Professor of Histology and later quantities of uric acid are produced and form
Rector of the University of Pavia, Italy. In 1906 crystals in the cartilage round joints. Also called
he shared the Nobel Prize with Santiago Ramn podagra
GP abbreviation general practitioner
GP
y Cajal for work on the nervous sytem.]

121 greater vestibular glands
GP co-op /!d+i% $pi% k !p/ noun a group of granule /$1r'nju%l/ noun a very small piece of
GP co-op granule
GPs who work together to provide out-of-hours something hard

care without making any profit granulocyte /$1r'njlsat/ noun a type of
granulocyte
graft /1r%ft/ noun the act of transplanting an

graft
leucocyte or white blood cell which contains
organ or tissue to replace one which is not func- granules, e.g. a basophil, eosinophil or neutrophil
granulocytopenia /!1r'njl!sat
granulocytopenia
tioning or which is diseased ! a skin graft " verb | |
to take a healthy organ or tissue and transplant it $pi%ni/ noun a usually fatal disease caused by the
in place of diseased or malfunctioning organ or lowering of the number of granulocytes in the
tissue ! The surgeons grafted a new section of blood due to bone marrow malfunction
bone at the side of the skull. ! autograft, hom- granuloma /!1r'nj$lm/ noun a mass of
granuloma
ograft granulation tissue which forms at the site of bac-

graft versus host disease /!1r%ft !v-%ss
graft versus host disease
terial infections (NOTE: The plural is granulo-
$hst d!zi%z/ noun a condition which develops
|
mata or granulomas.)
granulomatosis /!1r'njlm$tss/
granulomatosis
when cells from the grafted tissue react against |
the persons own tissue, causing skin disorders. noun persistent inflammation leading to the for-
Abbreviation GVHD mation of nodules
graph /1r%f/ noun a diagram which shows the
graph
grain /1ren/ noun 1. a very small piece of

grain
something hard such as salt 2. a measure of relationship between quantities as a line

graph- /1r'f/ prefix writing
graph-
weight equal to 0.0648 grams. Symbol gr

-graph /1r%f/ suffix a machine which records
-graph
-gram /1r'm/ suffix a record in the form of a

-gram
picture something as pictures

-grapher /1rf/ suffix a technician who oper-
-grapher
Gram-negative bacterium /!1r'm $ne1tv

Gram-negative bacterium
ates a machine which records

b'k!trim/ noun a bacterium which takes up
-graphy /1rfi/ suffix the technique of study
| -graphy
the red counterstain, after the alcohol has washed

out the first violet dye through pictures
grattage /1r'$t%+/ noun a procedure that
grattage
Gram-positive bacterium /!1r'm $pztv

Gram-positive bacterium |
involves scraping the surface of an ulcer which is

b'k!trim/ noun a bacterium which retains
|
healing slowly to make it heal more rapidly
violet dye and appears blue-black when viewed
gravel /$1r'v()l/ noun small stones which pass
gravel
under the microscope

from the kidney to the urinary system, causing
Grams stain /$1r'mz sten/ noun a method of
Grams stain
pain in the ureter

staining bacteria so that they can be identified Graves disease /$1revz d!zi%z/ noun same
Graves disease
[Described 1884. After Hans Christian Joachim as exophthalmic goitre [Described 1835. After
Gram (18531938), Professor of Medicine in Robert James Graves (17961853), Irish physi-
Copenhagen, Denmark. He discovered the stain cian at the Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland,
by accident as a student in Berlin, Germany.] where he was responsible for introducing clinical
grand mal /!1rn $m'l/ noun a type of epi-
grand mal
ward work for medical students.]

lepsy, in which someone becomes unconscious gravid /$1r'vd/ adjective pregnant
gravid
and falls down, while the muscles become stiff gravides multiparae /!1r'vdi%z !m.lti
gravides multiparae
and twitch violently $p%ri%/ plural noun women who have given birth
grand multiparity /!1r'n m.lti$p'rti/ noun to at least four live babies
grand multiparity
the fact of having given birth to more than four gravity /$1r'vti/ noun the importance or
gravity
children potential danger of a disease or situation

granular /$1r'njl/ adjective made up of Grawitz tumour /$1r%vts !tju%m/ noun a
granular Grawitz tumour
granules malignant tumour in kidney cells [Described

1883. After Paul Albert Grawitz (18501932),
granular cast /!1r'njl $k%st/ noun a cast
granular cast
Professor of Pathology at Greifswald, Germany.]

composed of cells filled with protein and fatty
gray /1re/ noun an SI unit of measurement of
gray
granules
absorbed radiation equal to 100 rads. Symbol Gy.
granular leucocyte /!1r'njl $lu%ksat/
granular leucocyte
! rad
noun same as granulocyte
graze /1rez/ noun a scrape on the skin surface,
graze
granulation /!1r'nj$le()n/ noun the for-

granulation
| making some blood flow " verb to scrape the

mation of rough red tissue on the surface of a skin surface accidentally
wound or site of infection, the first stage in the greater curvature /!1ret $k-%vt/ noun a
greater curvature
healing process convex line of the stomach

granulation tissue /!1r'nj$le()n !tu%/ greater vestibular glands /!1ret ve
granulation tissue greater vestibular glands
| |
noun soft tissue, consisting mainly of tiny blood $stbjl 1l'ndz/ noun same as Bartholins
vessels and fibres, which forms over a wound glands
great toe 122
great toe /$1ret t/ noun same as big toe body which encourages particular cells to grow !
great toe
greenstick fracture /$1ri%nstk !fr'kt/

greenstick fracture
a nerve growth factor
growth hormone /$1r !h%mn/ noun a
growth hormone
noun a type of fracture occurring in children,

where a long bone bends, but is not completely hormone secreted by the pituitary gland during
broken deep sleep, which stimulates growth of the long
grey commissure /!1re $kmsj/ noun
grey commissure
bones and protein synthesis. Also called somat-
ropin
part of the grey matter nearest to the central canal
grumbling appendix /!1r.mbl $pendks/
grumbling appendix
of the spinal cord, where axons cross over each |
other noun a vermiform appendix that is always

slightly inflamed (informal) ! chronic appendi-
grey matter /$1re !m't/ noun nerve tissue
grey matter
citis
which is of a dark grey colour and forms part of
GU abbreviation 1. gastric ulcer 2. genitourinary
GU
the central nervous system

guanine /$1w%ni%n/ noun one of the four basic
guanine
COMMENT: In the brain, grey matter encloses

the white matter, but in the spinal cord, white chemicals in DNA
matter encloses the grey matter. guardian ad litem /!1%din 'd $li%tm/ noun
guardian ad litem
grief counsellor /$1ri%f !kans()l/ noun a a person who acts on behalf of a minor who is a
grief counsellor
person who helps someone to cope with the feel- defendant in a court case
ings they have when someone such as a close rel- guardian Caldicott /!1%din $k%ldkt/
guardian Caldicott
ative dies noun in the UK, a person appointed by a hospital

gripe water /$1rap !w%t/ noun a solution of or Health Trust to make sure that information
gripe water
glucose and alcohol, used to relieve abdominal about patients is kept confidential, following the
pains in babies Caldicott Report of 1997
Guillain-Barr syndrome /!1i%j'n $b're
Guillain-Barr syndrome
groin /1rn/ noun a junction at each side of the

groin
body where the lower abdomen joins the top of !sndrm/ noun a nervous disorder in which,
the thighs ! He had a dull pain in his groin. after a non-specific infection, demyelination of
(NOTE: For other terms referring to the groin, see the spinal roots and peripheral nerves takes place,
inguinal.) leading to generalised weakness and sometimes
grommet /$1rmt/ noun a tube which can be
grommet
respiratory paralysis. Also called Landrys
passed from the external auditory meatus into the paralysis [Described 1916. After Georges Guil-
middle ear, usually to allow fluid to drain off, as lain (18761961), Professor of Neurology in
in someone who has glue ear Paris, France, Jean Alexandre Barr (1880
1967), Professor of Neurology in Strasbourg,
ground substance /!1rand $s.bstns/ noun
ground substance
France.]
same as matrix
guillotine /$1lti%n/ noun a surgical instrument
guillotine
group /1ru%p/ noun several people, animals or

group
for cutting out tonsils

things which are all close together ! A group of
guinea worm /$1ni w-%m/ noun same as Dra-
guinea worm
patients were waiting in the surgery. " verb to

cunculus
bring things or people together in a group, or
Gulf War syndrome /!1.lf $w% !sndrm/
Gulf War syndrome
come together in a group ! The drugs are

grouped under the heading antibiotics. noun a collection of unexplained symptoms,
group practice /!1ru%p $pr'kts/ noun a med-
group practice
including fatigue, skin disorders, and muscle
ical practice where several doctors or dentists pains, affecting some soldiers who fought in the
share the same office building and support serv- Gulf War in 1991
gullet /$1.lt/ noun same as oesophagus
gullet
ices
gum /1.m/ noun the soft tissue covering the part
gum
group therapy /!1ru%p $erpi/ noun a type of

group therapy
psychotherapy where a group of people with the of the jaw which surrounds the teeth ! Her gums
same disorder meet together with a therapist to are red and inflamed. ! A build-up of tartar can
discuss their condition and try to help each other lead to gum disease. Also called gingiva (NOTE:
For other terms referring to the gums, see words
growing pains /$1r penz/ plural noun
growing pains
beginning with gingiv-.)

pains associated with adolescence, which can be
gumboil /$1.mbl/ noun an abscess on the
gumboil
a form of rheumatic fever

gum near a tooth
growth /1r/ noun 1. the process of increas-
growth
gustation /1.$ste()n/ noun the act of tasting

gustation
ing in size ! the growth in the population since |
1960 ! The disease stunts childrens growth. 2. a gustatory /$1.stt()ri/ adjective referring to
gustatory
cyst or tumour ! The doctor found a cancerous the sense of taste

growth on the left breast. ! He had an operation gut /1.t/ noun 1. the tubular organ for the diges-
gut
to remove a small growth from his chin. tion and absorption of food. Also called intestine
growth factor /$1r !f'kt/ noun a chemi-
growth factor
2. a type of thread, made from the intestines of

cal, especially a polypeptide, produced in the sheep. It is used to sew up internal incisions and
123 gyrus
dissolves slowly so does not need to be removed. gynaecological /!1ank$ld+k()l/ adjec-
gynaecological
! catgut tive referring to the treatment of diseases of

Guthrie test /$1.ri test/ noun a test used on
Guthrie test
women
gynaecologist /!1an$kld+st/ noun a doc-
gynaecologist
babies to detect the presence of phenylketonuria |
[After R. Guthrie (191695), US paediatrician.] tor who specialises in the treatment of diseases of
women
gutta /$1.t/ noun a drop of liquid, as used in
gutta
gynaecology /!1an$kld+i/ noun the study

gynaecology
treatment of the eyes (NOTE: The plural is gut- of female sex organs and the treatment of diseases
tae.) of women in general
gutter splint /$1.t splnt/ noun a shaped con- gynaecomastia /!1ank$m'sti/ noun the
gutter splint gynaecomastia
tainer in which a broken limb can rest without unusual development of breasts in a male
being completely surrounded gyne /$1ani/ same as gynaecology, gynaeco-
gyne
GVHD abbreviation graft versus host disease

GVHD
logical (informal) ! a gyne appointment
gypsum /$d+psm/ noun calcium sulphate,
gypsum
gyn- /1an/ prefix same as gynae- (used before

gyn-
used as plaster of Paris

a vowel) gyrus /$d+ars/ noun a raised part of the cere-
gyrus
gynae- referring to women

gynae-
bral cortex between the sulci

H
H2-receptor antagonist /!et tu% r$septr haemato- /hi%mt/ prefix referring to blood
H2-receptor antagonist haemato-
'n!t'1nst/ noun a drug that inhibits the pro-

|
haematocolpos /!hi%mt$klps/ noun a
haematocolpos
duction of stomach acid and so relieves indiges- condition in which the vagina is filled with blood
tion and gastric ulcers at menstruation because the hymen has no open-
habit /$h'bt/ noun 1. an action which is an ing
habit
automatic response to a stimulus 2. a regular way haematocrit /$hi%mtkrt/ noun same as

haematocrit
of doing something ! He got into the habit of packed cell volume

swimming every day before breakfast. ! Shes got haematocyst /$hi%mtsst/ noun a cyst
haematocyst
out of the habit of taking any exercise. which contains blood

habit-forming drug /$h'bt !f%m dr.1/
habit-forming drug
haematological /!hi%mt$ld+k()l/
haematological
noun a drug which is addictive adjective referring to haematology

habitual abortion /h!btul $b%()n/
habitual abortion
haematologist /!hi%m$tld+st/ noun a doc-

haematologist
| |
|
noun a condition in which a woman has abortions tor who specialises in haematology
with successive pregnancies
haematology /!hi%m$tld+i/ noun the scien-
haematology
habituation /h!btu$e()n/ noun the fact of

habituation
| |
tific study of blood, its formation and its diseases
being psychologically but not physically addicted
haematoma /!hi%m$tm/ noun a mass of
haematoma
to or dependent on a drug, alcohol or other sub-

|
blood under the skin caused by a blow or by the

stance
effects of an operation
habitus /$h'bts/ noun the general physical
habitus
haematometra /!hi%m$tmtr/ noun exces-

haematometra
appearance of a person, including build and pos-

|
sive bleeding in the uterus

ture
haematomyelia /!hi%mtma$i%li/ noun a
haematomyelia
haem /hi%m/ noun a molecule containing iron

haem |
condition in which blood leaks into the spinal

which binds proteins to form haemoproteins such cord
as haemoglobin and myoglobin
haematopoiesis /!hi%mtp$i%ss/ noun
haematopoiesis
haem- /hi%m/ prefix same as haemo- (used

haem- |
same as haemopoiesis
before vowels)
haematosalpinx /!hi%mt$s'lpks/ noun
haematosalpinx
haemagglutination /!hi%m1lu%t$ne()n/
haemagglutination
|
same as haemosalpinx
noun the clumping of red blood cells, often used
haematozoon /!hi%mt$zn/ noun a par-
haematozoon
to test for the presence of antibodies

|
asite living in the blood (NOTE: The plural is hae-

haemangioma /!hi%m'nd+i$m/ noun a
haemangioma
|
matozoa.)
harmless tumour which forms in blood vessels
haematuria /!hi%m$tjri/ noun the unusual
haematuria
and appears on the skin as a birthmark

|
presence of blood in the urine, as a result of injury

haemarthrosis /!hi%m%$rss/ noun pain
haemarthrosis
|
or disease of the kidney or bladder
and swelling caused by blood leaking into a joint haemin /$hi%mn/ noun a salt derived from hae-
haemin
haematemesis /!hi%m$temss/ noun a con-

haematemesis
|
moglobin, used in the treatment of porphyria
dition in which someone vomits blood, usually haemo- /hi%m/ prefix referring to blood
haemo-
because of internal bleeding

haemochromatosis /!hi%mkrm
haemochromatosis
haematic /hi%$m'tk/ adjective referring to

haematic |
|
$tss/ noun an inherited disease in which the
blood body absorbs and stores too much iron, causing
haematin /$hi%mtn/ noun a substance which
haematin
cirrhosis of the liver and giving the skin a dark

forms from haemoglobin when bleeding takes colour. Also called bronze diabetes
place haemoconcentration
haemoconcentration
/!hi%m!knsn | |
haematinic /!hi%m$tnk/ noun a drug which $tre()n/ noun an increase in the percentage of
haematinic
increases haemoglobin in blood, used to treat red blood cells because the volume of plasma is
anaemia, e.g. an iron compound reduced. Compare haemodilution
125 haemorrhagic disorder
haemocytometer /!hi%msa$tmt/ noun haemoperitoneum /!hi%mpert$ni%m/

haemocytometer haemoperitoneum
| |
a glass jar in which a sample of blood is diluted noun a condition in which blood is found in the
and the blood cells counted peritoneal cavity
haemodialysed patient /!hi%mdalazd haemophilia A /!hi%mfli $e/ noun the
haemodialysed patient haemophilia A
$pe()nt/ noun someone who has undergone most common type of haemophilia, in which the
haemodialysis inability to synthesise Factor VIII, a protein that
haemodialysis /!hi%mda$'lss/ noun
haemodialysis
|
promotes blood clotting, means that the blood
same as kidney dialysis clots very slowly
haemophilia B /!hi%mfli $bi%/ noun a less
haemophilia B
haemodilution /!hi%mda$lu%()n/ noun a

haemodilution
decrease in the percentage of red blood cells common type of haemophilia, in which the inabil-
because the volume of plasma has increased. ity to synthesise Factor IX, a protein that pro-
Compare haemoconcentration motes blood clotting, means that the blood clots
very slowly. Also called Christmas disease
haemoglobin /!hi%m$1lbn/ noun a red res-
haemoglobin
haemophiliac /!hi%m$fli'k/ noun a person

haemophiliac
piratory pigment formed of haem and globin in |
red blood cells which gives blood its red colour. It who has haemophilia
absorbs oxygen in the lungs and carries it in the haemophilic /!hi%m$flk/ adjective refer-
haemophilic
blood to the tissues. Abbreviation Hb. ! oxyhae- ring to haemophilia

moglobin, carboxyhaemoglobin Haemophilus /hi%$mfls/ noun a genus of
Haemophilus
haemoglobinaemia /!hi%m1lb$ni%mi/ bacteria which needs specific factors in the blood

haemoglobinaemia
noun a comdition in which haemoglobin is found to grow

in blood plasma Haemophilus influenzae /hi%!mfls !nflu
Haemophilus influenzae
| |
haemoglobinopathy /!hi%m1lb $enz/ noun a bacterium which lives in healthy

haemoglobinopathy
$npi/ noun an inherited disease of a group throats, but which can cause pneumonia if a per-
which result from damaging variations in the pro- sons resistance is lowered by a bout of flu
duction of haemoglobin, e.g. sickle-cell anaemia Haemophilus influenzae type b /hi%
Haemophilus influenzae type b
haemoglobinuria /!hi%m1lb$njri/ !mfls nflu!enz tap $bi%/ noun a bacterium

haemoglobinuria
| |
noun a condition in which haemoglobin is found which causes meningitis. Abbreviation Hib
in the urine haemophthalmia /!hi%mf$'lmi/ noun a
haemophthalmia
haemogram /$hi%m1r'm/ noun the printed condition in which blood is found in the vitreous
haemogram
result of a blood test humour of the eye

haemolysin /!hi%m$lasn/ noun a protein haemopneumothorax /!hi%m!nju%m
haemolysin haemopneumothorax
| | |
which destroys red blood cells $%r'ks/ noun same as pneumohaemothorax

haemolysis /hi%$mlss/ noun the destruction haemopoiesis /!hi%mp$i%ss/ noun the
haemolysis haemopoiesis
| |
of red blood cells continual production of blood cells and blood

haemolytic /!hi%m$ltk/ adjective destroy-
haemolytic
|
platelets in the bone marrow. Also called blood
ing red blood cells " noun a substance which formation
destroys red blood cells, e.g. snake venom haemopoietic /!hi%mp$etk/ adjective
haemopoietic
haemolytic anaemia /!hi%mltk $ni%mi/

haemolytic anaemia
|
referring to the formation of blood in the bone
noun a condition in which the destruction of red marrow
blood cells is about six times the usual rate, and haemoptysis /hi%$mptss/ noun a condition
haemoptysis
the supply of new cells from the bone marrow in which someone coughs blood from the lungs,
cannot meet the demand caused by a serious illness such as anaemia, pneu-
haemolytic disease of the newborn
haemolytic disease of the newborn
monia, tuberculosis or cancer
/!hi%mltk d!zi%z v $nju%b%n/ noun a haemorrhage /$hem()rd+/ noun the loss of a
haemorrhage
condition in which the red blood cells of the fetus large quantity of blood, especially from a burst
are destroyed because antibodies in the mothers blood vessel ! He died of a brain haemorrhage.
blood react against them " verb to bleed heavily ! The injured man was
haemolytic
haemolytic jaundice
jaundice /!hi%mltk haemorrhaging from the mouth.

$d+%nds/ noun jaundice caused by haemolysis haemorrhagic /!hem$r'd+k/ adjective
haemorrhagic
of the red blood cells. Also called prehepatic referring to heavy bleeding
jaundice haemorrhagic disease of the newborn
haemorrhagic disease of the newborn
haemolytic uraemic syndrome /!hemr'd+k d!zi%z v $nju%b%n/ noun a

haemolytic uraemic syndrome
/!hi%mltk j$ri%mk !sndrm/ noun a con-

| disease of newly born babies, which makes them
dition in which haemolytic anaemia damages the haemorrhage easily, caused by temporary lack of
kidneys prothrombin
haemopericardium /!hi%mper$k%dim/ haemorrhagic disorder /hem!r'd+k ds
haemopericardium haemorrhagic disorder
| | |
noun a condition in which blood is found in the $%d/ noun a disorder in which haemorrhages
pericardium occur, e.g. haemophilia
haemorrhagic stroke 126
haemorrhagic stroke /!hemr'd+k hallucinogen /!h'lu%$snd+n/ noun a drug

haemorrhagic stroke hallucinogen
$strk/ noun a stroke caused by a burst blood which causes hallucinations, e.g. cannabis or
vessel LSD
hallucinogenic /h!lu%sn$d+enk/ adjective
hallucinogenic
haemorrhoidectomy /!hemr$dektmi/
haemorrhoidectomy
| |
|
noun the surgical removal of haemorrhoids referring to a substance which produces halluci-
haemorrhoids /$hemrdz/ plural noun
haemorrhoids
nations ! a hallucinogenic fungus
hallux /$h'lks/ noun the big toe (NOTE: The
hallux
swollen veins in the anorectal passage. Also

called piles plural is halluces.)
hallux valgus /!h'lks $v'l1s/ noun a condi-
hallux valgus
haemosalpinx /hi%m$s'lpks/ noun the

haemosalpinx
accumulation of blood in the Fallopian tubes tion of the foot, where the big toe turns towards
the other toes and a bunion is formed
haemosiderosis /!hi%msd$rss/ noun a
haemosiderosis
haloperidol /!h'l$perdl/ noun a tranquil-

| haloperidol
disorder in which iron forms large deposits in the |
tissue, causing haemorrhaging and destruction of liser used in the treatment of schizophrenia,
red blood cells mania and psychoses
halo splint /$hel splnt/ noun a device used
halo splint
haemostasis /!hi%m$stess/ noun the proc-

haemostasis
to keep the head and neck still so that they can

|
ess of stopping bleeding or slowing the movement

recover from injury or an operation
of blood
halothane /$h'len/ noun a general anaes-
halothane
haemostat /$hi%mst't/ noun a device which

haemostat
thetic that is given by inhalation

stops bleeding, e.g. a clamp
hamartoma /!h'm%$tm/ noun a benign
hamartoma
haemostatic /!hi%m$st'tk/ adjective stop-

haemostatic |
|
tumour containing tissue from any organ
ping bleeding " noun a drug which stops bleed-
hamate /$hemet/, hamate bone /$hemet
hamate
ing
bn/ noun one of the eight small carpal bones in
haemothorax /!hi%m$%r'ks/ noun a con-
haemothorax
|
the wrist, shaped like a hook. Also called unci-
dition in which blood is found in the pleural cav- form bone. See illustration at HAND in Supple-
ity ment
Hageman factor /$h%1mn !f'kt/ noun
Hageman factor
hammer /$h'm/ noun same as malleus

hammer
same as Factor XII hammer toe /$h'm t/ noun a toe which has
hammer toe
HAI abbreviation Hospital Acquired Infection

HAI
the middle joint permanently bent downwards

hair cell /$he sel/ noun a receptor cell which hamstring /$h'mstr/ noun one of a group of
hair cell hamstring
converts fluid pressure changes into nerve tendons behind the knee, which link the thigh
impulses carried in the auditory nerve (NOTE: For muscles to the bones in the lower leg
other terms referring to hair, see words begin- hamstring muscles /$h'mstr !m.s()lz/
hamstring muscles
ning with pilo-, trich-, tricho-.) plural noun a group of muscles at the back of the
hair follicle /$he !flk()l/ noun the cells and thigh, which flex the knee and extend the gluteus
hair follicle
tissue that surround the root of a hair maximus

hand /h'nd/ noun the part at the end of the arm,
hand
hairline fracture /!helan $fr'kt/ noun a

hairline fracture
very slight crack in a bone caused by injury beyond the wrist, which is used for holding things
! He injured his hand with a saw.
hair papilla /!he p$pl/ noun a part of the
hair papilla
hand, foot and mouth disease /!h'nd ft

| hand, foot and mouth disease
skin containing capillaries which feed blood to

the hair n $ma d!zi%z/ noun a mild viral infection in
|
children, causing small blisters

half-life /$h%f laf/ noun 1. a measurement of
half-life
handicap /$h'ndik'p/ noun a physical or

handicap
the period of time taken before the concentration

of a drug has reached half of what it was when it mental condition which prevents someone from
was administered 2. the time taken for half the doing some everyday activities " verb to prevent
atoms in a radioactive isotope to decay someone from doing an everyday activity (NOTE:
The word handicap is now usually avoided.)
halitosis /!h'l$tss/ noun a condition in
halitosis
handicapped /$h'ndik'pt/ adjective refer-

| handicapped
which a person has breath which smells unpleas-

ring to a person who has a disability (NOTE: The
ant. Also called bad breath
word handicapped is now usually avoided.)
hallucinate /h$lu%snet/ verb to have halluci-
hallucinate
hangnail /$h'nel/ noun a piece of torn skin at

hangnail
|
nations ! The patient was hallucinating. the side of a nail

hallucination /h!lu%s$ne()n/ noun an
hallucination
hangover /$h'v/ noun a condition occur-

hangover
| |
experience of seeing an imaginary scene or hear- ring after a person has drunk too much alcohol,
ing an imaginary sound as clearly as if it were with dehydration caused by inhibition of the anti-
really there diuretic hormone in the kidneys. The symptoms
hallucinatory /h$lu%snt()ri/ adjective
hallucinatory
| include headache, inability to stand noise and

referring to a drug which causes hallucinations trembling of the hands.
127 Health and Safety Executive
Hansens disease /$h'nsnz d!zi%z/ noun Hb abbreviation haemoglobin

Hansens disease Hb
same as leprosy HBV abbreviation hepatitis B virus

HBV
haploid /$h'pld/ adjective referring to a cell

haploid
hCG abbreviation human chorionic gonado-

hCG
such as a gamete where each chromosome occurs trophin

only once. In humans the haploid number of chro- HCHS abbreviation Health and Community
HCHS
mosomes is 23. Health Services

hapt- /h'pt/ prefix relating to the sense of touch
hapt-
HDL abbreviation high density lipoprotein

HDL
hardening of the arteries /!h%d()n v

hardening of the arteries
head /hed/ noun 1. the round top part of the

head
$%triz/ noun same as atherosclerosis body, which contains the eyes, nose, mouth,
harelip /$help/ noun same as cleft lip
harelip
brain, etc (NOTE: For other terms referring to the

Harrisons sulcus /!h'rsnz $s.lk()s/, head, see words beginning with cephal-,
Harrisons sulcus
Harrisons groove /!h'rs()nz $1ru%v/ noun a cephalo-.) 2. a rounded top part of a bone which
hollow on either side of the chest which develops fits into a socket ! head of humerus ! head of
in children who have difficulty in breathing, seen femur
especially in cases of rickets headache /$hedek/ noun a pain in the head,
headache
Harriss operation /$h'rsz p!re()n/ caused by changes in pressure in the blood vessels
Harriss operation
noun the surgical removal of the prostate gland feeding the brain which act on the nerves. Also
[After S.H. Harris (18801936), Australian sur- called cephalalgia
geon.] head cold /$hed kld/ noun a minor illness,
head cold
Hartmanns solution /$h%tmnz s with inflammation of the nasal passages, excess

Hartmanns solution
!lu%()n/ noun a chemical solution used in drips mucus in the nose and sneezing
to replace body fluids lost in dehydration, partic- head louse /$hed las/ noun a small insect of
head louse
ularly as a result of infantile gastroenteritis the Pediculus genus, which lives on the scalp and
[Described 1932. After Alexis Frank Hartmann sucks blood. Also called Pediculus capitis
(18981964), paediatrician, St Louis, Missouri, (NOTE: The plural is head lice.)
USA.] Heaf test /$hi%f test/ noun a test in which tuber-
Heaf test
Hartnup disease /$h%tnp d!zi%z/ noun an

Hartnup disease
|
culin is injected into the skin to find out whether
inherited condition affecting amino acid metabo- a person is immune to tuberculosis. ! Mantoux
lism and producing thick skin and impaired men- test
tal development [After the name of the family in heal /hi%l/ verb 1. (of wound) to return to a
heal
which this hereditary disease was first healthy state ! After six weeks, her wound had
recorded.] still not healed. ! A minor cut will heal faster if it
harvest /$h%vst/ verb to take something for
harvest
is left without a bandage. 2. to make someone or

use elsewhere, e.g. a piece of skin for a graft or something get better
eggs for IVF healing /$hi%l/ noun the process of getting bet-
healing
Hashimotos disease /h'$mtz d!zi%z/

Hashimotos disease
| |
ter ! a substance which will accelerate the heal-
noun a type of goitre in middle-aged women, ing process
where the woman is sensitive to secretions from healing by first intention /!hi%l ba !f-%st
healing by first intention
her own thyroid gland, and, in extreme cases, the n$tenn/ noun the healing of a clean wound
face swells and the skin turns yellow [Described
|
where the tissue reforms quickly

1912. After Hakuru Hashimoto (18811934),
healing by second intention /!hi%l ba
healing by second intention
Japanese surgeon.]
!seknd n$tenn/ noun the healing of an
hashish /$h'/ noun " cannabis
hashish |
infected wound or ulcer, which takes place slowly

haustrum /$h%strm/ noun a sac on the out-
haustrum
and may leave a permanent scar

side of the colon (NOTE: The plural is haustra.) health /hel/ noun the general condition of the
health
HAV abbreviation hepatitis A virus

HAV
mind or body ! Hes in good health. ! She had

Haversian canal /h$v-%()n k!n'l/ noun a suffered from bad health for some years. ! The
Haversian canal
| |
fine canal which runs vertically through the council said that fumes from the factory were a
Haversian systems in compact bone, containing danger to public health. ! All cigarette packets
blood vessels and lymph ducts [Described 1689. carry a government health warning.
After Clopton Havers (16571702), English sur- Health and Safety at Work Act /!hel n
Health and Safety at Work Act
geon.] !sefti t $w-%k !'kt/ noun in the UK, an Act of

Haversian system /h$v-%()n !sstm/ Parliament which rules how the health of workers
Haversian system
noun a unit of compact bone built around a should be protected by the companies they work
Haversian canal, made of a series of bony layers for
which form a cylinder. Also called osteon Health and Safety Executive /!hel n
Health and Safety Executive
hayfever /$hefi%v/ noun inflammation in the $sefti 1!zekjtv/ noun in the UK, a govern-
hayfever
nasal passage and eyes caused by an allergic reac- ment organisation responsible for overseeing the
tion to plant pollen health and safety of workers
health authority 128
health authority /$hel %!rti/ noun " Stra- brings together existing sources of expertise in
health authority
tegic Health Authority public health, communicable diseases, emer-

healthcare /$helke/, health care noun the
healthcare
gency planning, infection control, poisons and
general treatment of people with medical disor- radiation hazards. Abbreviation HPA
ders, especially the use of measures to stop a dis- health service /$hel !s-%vs/ noun an organi-
health service
ease from occurring sation which is in charge of providing health care

healthcare assistant /$helker !sstnt/
healthcare assistant
|
to a particular community
noun someone who assists health professionals in Health Service Commissioner /!hel
Health Service Commissioner
looking after a sick or dependent person !s-%vs k$m()n/, Health Service Ombuds-
|
Healthcare Commission /$helke k man /$hel !s-%vs !mbdzmn/ noun in the

Healthcare Commission
!m()n/ noun the independent inspection body UK, an official who investigates complaints from
for the NHS the public about the National Health Service
healthcare delivery /$helke d!lv()ri/ health service manager /!hel !s-%vs
healthcare delivery health service manager
noun the provision of care and treatment by the $m'nd+/ noun someone who is responsible for
health service the provision of local health care, through the
healthcare professional /$helke pr management of hospital, GP, and community
healthcare professional
!fe()n()l/ noun a qualified person who works health services

in an occupation related to health care, e.g. a health service planning /!hel !s-%vs
health service planning
nurse $pl'n/ noun the process of deciding what the

healthcare system /$helke !sstm/ noun health care needs of a community are, with the
healthcare system
any organised set of health services help of statistics, and what resources can be pro-
health centre /$hel !sent/ noun a public
health centre
vided for that community
building in which a group of doctors practise health service reforms /!hel !s-%vs r
health service reforms
health education /$hel !edjke()n/ noun $f%mz/ plural noun any of several reforms to the
health education
the process of teaching people, both school chil- NHS, the most recent package of reforms being
dren and adults, to do things to improve their that introduced in 2002
health, e.g. to take more exercise health visitor /$hel !vzt/ noun a registered
health visitor
Health Education Authority /!hel !edj

Health Education Authority
| nurse with qualifications in midwifery or obstet-

$ke()n %!rti/ noun a government health
| rics and preventive medicine, who visits mothers
promotion agency in England designed to help and babies and sick people in their homes and
people make aware of how they can improve their advises on treatment
health. Abbreviation HEA hear /h/ verb to sense sounds with the ears ! I
hear
health food /$hel fu%d/ noun food that is

health food
cant hear what youre saying. (NOTE: hearing

regarded as good for health, especially containing heard)
ingredients such as cereals, dried fruit and nuts
hearing /$hr/ noun the ability to hear, or the
hearing
and without additives

function performed by the ear of sensing sounds
health inequality /$hel n!kwlti/ noun the
health inequality
|
and sending sound impulses to the brain ! His
differences that exist in health across the social hearing is failing. (NOTE: For other terms refer-
classes, with poorer people tending to experience ring to hearing, see words beginning with audi-,
poorer health audio-.)
health information service /!hel nf
health information service
hearing aid /$hr ed/ noun a small elec-

hearing aid
|
$me()n !s-%vs/ noun a nation-wide informa-

tronic device fitted into or near the ear, to improve
tion service delivered via a free telephone hel-
someones hearing by making the sounds louder
pline. Abbreviation HIS
hearing-impaired /!hr m$ped/ adjective
hearing-impaired
health insurance /$hel n!rns/ noun

health insurance
|
having a degree of hearing loss

|
insurance which pays the cost of treatment for ill-

hearing loss /$hr ls/ noun partial or com-
hearing loss
ness
Health Ombudsman /$hel !mbdzmn/
Health Ombudsman
plete loss of the ability to hear
noun same as Health Service Commissioner heart /h%t/ noun the main organ in the body,
heart
health promotion /$hel pr!m()n/ noun which maintains the circulation of the blood
health promotion
the act of improving the health of a particular around the body by its pumping action ! The doc-
community or of the public generally, e.g. using tor listened to his heart. ! She has heart trouble.
health education, immunisation and screening (NOTE: For other terms referring to the heart, see
Health Protection Agency /!hel pr
Health Protection Agency
|
also words beginning with cardi-,cardio-.)
$tek()n !ed+nsi/ noun a national organisa- heart attack /$h%t !t'k/ noun a condition in
heart attack
tion for England and Wales, established in 2003, which the heart has a reduced blood supply
dedicated to the protection of peoples health, because one of the arteries becomes blocked by a
especially by reducing the impact of infectious blood clot, causing myocardial ischaemia and
diseases, chemicals, poisons and radiation. It myocardial infarction (informal)
129 helium
heartbeat /$h%tbi%t/ noun the regular noise body temperature rises abnormally, leading to
heartbeat
made by the heart as it pumps blood headaches, stomach cramps and sometimes loss
heart block /$h%t blk/ noun the slowing of
heart block
of consciousness
heat therapy /$hi%t !erpi/, heat treatment
heat therapy
the action of the heart because the impulses from

the sinoatrial node to the ventricles are delayed or /$hi%t !tri%tmnt/ noun same as thermotherapy
interrupted. There are either longer impulses (first heavy period /!hevi $prid/ noun a monthly
heavy period
degree block) or missing impulses (second degree period during which a woman loses an unusually
block) or no impulses at all (complete heart large amount of blood. It is often painful and
block), in which case the ventricles continue to sometimes indicates possible health problems,
beat slowly and independently of the sinoatrial such as fibroids or hypothyroidism.
node.
Heberdens node /!hi%bdnz $nd/ noun a
Heberdens node
heartburn /$h%tb-%n/ noun indigestion which

heartburn
small bony lump which develops on the end joints

causes a burning feeling in the stomach and of fingers in osteoarthritis [Described 1802. After
oesophagus, and a flow of acid saliva into the William Heberden (17671845), British physi-
mouth (informal) cian, specialist in rheumatic diseases.]
heart bypass /$h%t !bap%s p!re()n/,
heart bypass
hebetude /$hebtju%d/ noun dullness of the

hebetude
|
heart bypass operation noun same as coro- senses during acute fever, which makes the per-
nary artery bypass graft son uninterested in his or her surroundings and
heart disease /$h%t d!zi%z/ noun any disease
heart disease
|
unable to respond to stimuli
of the heart in general
hectic /$hektk/ adjective recurring regularly
hectic
heart failure /$h%t !felj/ noun the failure of

heart failure
hectic fever /!hektk $fi%v/ noun an attack of

hectic fever
the heart to maintain the output of blood to meet

the demands of the body. It may affect the left or fever which occurs each day in someone who has
right sides of the heart, or both sides. tuberculosis
heel /hi%l/ noun the back part of the foot
heel
heart-lung machine /!h%t $l. m!i%n/

heart-lung machine
heel bone /$hi%l bn/ noun the bone forming

heel bone
noun a machine used to pump blood round the

body and maintain the supply of oxygen to the the heel, beneath the talus. Also called cal-
blood during heart surgery caneus
heart-lung transplant /!h%t $l. Hegars sign /$he1z !san/ noun a way of
heart-lung transplant Hegars sign
!tr'nspl%nt/ noun an operation to transplant a detecting pregnancy, by inserting the fingers into
new heart and lungs into someone the uterus and pressing with the other hand on the
heart massage /$h%t !m's%+/ noun a treat-
heart massage
pelvic cavity to feel if the neck of the uterus has
ment which involves pressing on the chest to become soft [After Alfred Hegar (18301914),
make a heart which has stopped beating start Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at
working again Freiburg, Germany.]
Heimlich manoeuvre /$hamlk m!nu%v/
Heimlich manoeuvre
heart murmur /$h%t !m-%m/ noun an unusual

heart murmur
sound made by turbulent blood flow, sometimes noun an emergency treatment for choking, in
as a result of valve disease which a strong upward push beneath the breast-
heart rate /$h%t ret/ noun the number of times
heart rate
bone of a patient clasped from behind forces the
the heart beats per minute blockage out of the windpipe
helco- /helk/ prefix relating to an ulcer
helco-
heart sounds /$h%t sandz/ plural noun two

heart sounds
different sounds made by the heart as it beats. ! helcoplasty /$helkpl'sti/ noun a skin graft
helcoplasty
lubb-dupp to cover an ulcer to aid healing

heart surgeon /$h%t !s-%d+n/ noun a sur-
heart surgeon
Helicobacter pylori /!helkb'kt pa

Helicobacter pylori
geon who specialises in operations on the heart $l%ri%/ noun a bacterium found in gastric secre-
heart surgery /$h%t !s-%d+ri/ noun a surgical tions, strongly associated with duodenal ulcers
heart surgery
operation to remedy a condition of the heart and gastric carcinoma. Abbreviation H pylori
heart tamponade /$h%t t'mp!ned/ noun helicopter-based emergency medical
heart tamponade helicopter-based emergency medical services
same as cardiac tamponade services /!helkpt best !m-%d+nsi |
heart transplant /$h%t !tr'nspl%nt/ noun a

heart transplant
$medk()l !s-%vsz/ plural noun full form of
surgical operation to transplant a heart into some- HEMS
one helio- /hi%li/ prefix relating to the sun
helio-
heat rash /$hi%t r'/ noun same as miliaria

heat rash
heliotherapy /!hi%li$erpi/ noun treatment

heliotherapy
heat spots /$hi%t spts/ plural noun little red by sunlight or sunbathing
heat spots
spots which develop on the face in very hot helium /$hi%lim/ noun a very light gas used in
helium
weather combination with oxygen, especially to relieve

heatstroke /$hi%tstrk/ noun a condition in asthma or sickness caused by decompression
heatstroke
which someone becomes too hot and his or her (NOTE: The chemical symbol is He.)
helix 130
helix /$hi%lks/ noun the curved outer edge of the medical emergency by helicopter and then trans-
helix
ear porting patients to the nearest major hospital or

Hellers operation /$helz p!re()n/ noun
Hellers operation
specialist unit. Full form helicopter-based
emergency medical services
|
same as cardiomyotomy [After E. Heller (1877

Hendersons model /$hends()nz !md()l/
Hendersons model
1964), German surgeon.]

Hellers test /$helz test/ noun a test for pro-
Hellers test
noun a model of nursepatient relationships
tein in the urine [After Johann Florenz Heller based on 14 basic principles of nursing. The main
(181371), Austrian physician.] idea is that "the nurse does for others what they
would do for themselves if they had the strength,
Hellins law /!helnz $l%/ noun a finding which
Hellins law
the will, and the knowledgebut that the nurse

states that twins should occur naturally once in 90 makes the patient independent of him or her as
live births, triplets once in 8,100 live births, quad- soon as possible".
ruplets once in 729, 000 live births, and quintu-
Henles loop /!henli%z $lu%p/ noun same as
Henles loop
plets once in 65, 610, 000 live births (NOTE: Since

the 1960s the numbers have changed due to fer- loop of Henle [Described 1862. After Friedrich
tility treatment. For example, twins now occur Gustav Jakob Henle (180985), Professor of
once in only 38 births.) Anatomy at Gttingen, Germany.]
Henoch-Schnlein purpura /!henk
Henoch-Schnlein purpura
HELLP syndrome /$help !sndrm/ noun a

HELLP syndrome
serious pre-eclamptic disorder which makes it !-%nlan $p-%pjr/, Henochs purpura

necessary to terminate a pregnancy. Full form /!henks $p-%pjr/ noun a condition in which
haemolysis-elevated liver enzymeslow blood vessels become inflamed and bleed into the
platelet count syndrome skin, causing a rash called purpura and also pain
in the stomach and the joints, vomiting and diar-
helminth /$helmn/ noun a parasitic worm,
helminth
rhoea. It often occurs after an upper respiratory

e.g. a tapeworm or fluke
infection, mostly in children aged two to 11.
helminthiasis /!helmn$ass/ noun infesta-
helminthiasis
|
[Described 1832 by Schnlein and 1865 by Hen-
tion with parasitic worms och. Eduard Heinrich Henoch (18201910),
heloma /h$lm/ noun same as corn Professor of Paedriatrics at Berlin, Germany;
heloma
helper T-cell /!help $ti% sel/ noun a type of

helper T-cell
Johannes Lukas Schnlein (17931864), physi-
white blood cell that stimulates the production of cian and pathologist at Wrzburg, Zrich and
cells that destroy antigens Berlin.]
heparin /$heprn/ noun an anticoagulant sub-
heparin
hemeralopia /!hemr$lpi/ noun a usually

hemeralopia
congenital condition in which someone is able to stance found in the liver and lungs, and also pro-
see better in bad light than in ordinary daylight. duced artificially for use in the treatment of
Also called day blindness thrombosis
hepat- /hp't/ prefix same as hepato- (used
hepat-
hemi- /hemi/ prefix half

hemi-
before vowels)
hemianopia /!hemi$npi/ noun a state of
hemianopia
hepatectomy /!hep$tektmi/ noun the surgi-

hepatectomy
partial blindness in which someone has only half |
the usual field of vision in each eye cal removal of part of the liver
hepatic /h$p'tk/ adjective referring to the
hepatic
hemiarthroplasty /!hemi$%rpl'sti/ noun

hemiarthroplasty
| |
an operation to repair a joint which replaces one liver

of its surfaces with an artificial substance, often hepatic artery /h!p'tk $%tri/ noun an
hepatic artery
metal artery which takes the blood to the liver

hemiballismus /!hemib$lzms/ noun a sud-
hemiballismus
hepatic cell /h!p'tk $sel/ noun an epithelial

hepatic cell
|
|
den movement of the limbs on one side of the cell of the liver acini
body, caused by a disease of the basal ganglia
hepatic duct /h!p'tk $d.kt/ noun a duct
hepatic duct
hemicolectomy /!hemik$lektmi/ noun the

hemicolectomy |
|
which links the liver to the bile duct leading to the
surgical removal of part of the colon duodenum
hemimelia /!hemi$mi%li/ noun a congenital
hemimelia
hepatic flexure /h!p'tk $flek/ noun a

hepatic flexure
|
condition in which someone has absent or

|
bend in the colon, where the ascending and trans-

extremely short arms or legs verse colons join
hemiparesis /!hemip$ri%ss/ noun slight
hemiparesis
hepaticostomy /h!p't$kstmi/ noun a sur-

hepaticostomy
|
paralysis of the muscles of one side of the body

| |
gical operation to make an opening in the hepatic

hemiplegia /!hemi$pli%d+/ noun severe paral-
hemiplegia
|
duct taking bile from the liver
ysis affecting one side of the body due to damage
hepatic portal system /h!p'tk $p%t()l
hepatic portal system
of the central nervous system. Compare diplegia |
!sstm/ noun a group of veins linking to form

hemisphere /$hemsf/ noun half of a sphere
hemisphere
the portal vein, which brings blood from the pan-

HEMS /hemz/ plural noun a system of delivering creas, spleen, gall bladder and the abdominal part
HEMS
a paramedic crew to the scene of an accident or of the alimentary canal to the liver
131 herpes simplex
hepatic vein /h!p'tk $ven/ noun a vein herbal medicine /!h-%b()l $med()sn/ noun
hepatic vein herbal medicine
which takes blood from the liver to the inferior a system of medical treatment involving the use of
vena cava substances extracted from plants
hepatitis /!hep$tats/ noun inflammation of herbal remedy /!h-%b()l $remdi/ noun a
hepatitis herbal remedy
the liver through disease or drugs medicine made from plants, e.g. an infusion made
hepatitis A /!heptats $e/ noun a relatively
hepatitis A
from dried leaves or flowers in hot water
herd immunity /$h-%d !mju%nti/ noun the
herd immunity
mild form of viral hepatitis that is transmitted |
through contaminated food and water fact of a group of people being resistant to a spe-
hepatitis A virus /!heptats $e !vars/
hepatitis A virus
cific disease, because many individuals in the
noun a virus which causes hepatitis A. Abbrevia- group are immune to or immunised against the
tion HAV microorganism which causes it
hereditary /h$redt()ri/ adjective passed as
hereditary
hepatitis B /!heptats $bi%/ noun a severe

hepatitis B
|
form of viral hepatitis that is transmitted by con- from parents to children through the genes
hereditary spherocytosis /h!redt()ri
hereditary spherocytosis
tact with infected blood or other body fluids |
!sfrsa$tss/ noun same as acholuric

hepatitis B virus /!heptats $bi% !vars/
hepatitis B virus
|
jaundice
noun a virus which causes hepatitis B. Abbrevia-
heredity /h$redti/ noun the process by which
heredity
tion HBV |
genetically controlled characteristics pass from

hepatitis C /!heptats $si%/ noun a form of
hepatitis C
parents to children
viral hepatitis that is transmitted by contact with
Hering-Breuer reflexes /!her $br
Hering-Breuer reflexes
infected blood or other body fluids but is often

without symptoms (NOTE: It was formerly called !ri%fleksz/ plural noun the reflexes which main-
non-A, non-B hepatitis.) tain the usual rhythmic inflation and deflation of
the lungs
hepatitis C virus /!heptats $si% !vars/
hepatitis C virus
hermaphrodite /h-%$m'frdat/ noun a per-

hermaphrodite
noun a virus which causes hepatitis C. Abbrevia- |
tion HCV son with both male and female characteristics

hermaphroditism /h-%$m'frdatz()m/
hermaphroditism
hepato- /hept/ prefix referring to the liver

hepato-
|
noun a condition in which a person has both male

hepatocellular /!hept$seljl/ adjective
hepatocellular
|
and female characteristics
referring to liver cells
hernia /$h-%ni/ noun a condition in which an
hernia
hepatocellular jaundice /!hept!seljl

hepatocellular jaundice
|
organ bulges through a hole or weakness in the
$d+%nds/ noun jaundice caused by injury to or wall which surrounds it. Also called rupture
disease of the liver cells
hernial /$h-%nil/ adjective referring to a hernia
hernial
hepatocirrhosis /!hepts$rss/ noun

hepatocirrhosis
hernial sac /!h-%nil $s'k/ noun a sac formed

hernial sac
|
same as cirrhosis where a membrane has pushed through a cavity in

hepatocyte /$heptsat, h$p'tsat/ noun
hepatocyte
|
the body
a liver cell which synthesises and stores sub- herniated /$h-%nietd/ adjective referring to an
herniated
stances, and produces bile organ which has developed a hernia

hepatogenous /!hep$td+ns/ noun refer-
hepatogenous
herniation /!h-%ni$e()n/ noun the develop-

herniation
|
|
ring to or originating in the liver ! hepatogenous ment of a hernia

jaundice
hernio- /h-%ni/ prefix relating to a hernia
hernio-
hepatolenticular degeneration
hepatolenticular degeneration
hernioplasty /$h-%ni!pl'sti/ noun a surgical

hernioplasty
/!heptlen!tkjl d!d+en$re()n/ noun

|
operation to reduce a hernia

| | |
same as Wilsons disease

herniorrhaphy /!h-%ni$%rfi/ noun a surgical
herniorrhaphy
hepatoma /!hep$tm/ noun a malignant

hepatoma |
|
operation to remove a hernia and repair the organ
tumour of the liver formed of mature cells, espe- through which it protruded
cially found in people with cirrhosis
herniotomy /!h-%ni$tmi/ noun a surgical
herniotomy
hepatomegaly /!hept$me1li/ noun a con-

hepatomegaly |
|
operation to remove a hernial sac
dition in which the liver becomes very large
heroin /$hern/ noun a narcotic drug in the
heroin
hepatosplenomegaly /!hept!spli%n
hepatosplenomegaly
| |
form of a white powder derived from morphine
$me1li/ noun enlargement of both the liver and
herpes /$h-%pi%z/ noun inflammation of the skin
herpes
the spleen, as occurs in leukaemia or lymphoma

or mucous membrane, caused by a virus, where
hepatotoxic /!hept$tksk/ adjective
hepatotoxic
|
small blisters are formed
destroying the liver cells
herpes simplex /!h-%pi%z $smpleks/ noun 1.
herpes simplex
herbalism /$h-%blz()m/ noun " herbal

herbalism
(Type I) a virus that produces a painful blister,

medicine called a cold sore, usually on the lips 2. (Type II)
herbalist /$h-%blst/ noun a person who treats a sexually transmitted disease which forms blis-
herbalist
illnesses or disorders with substances extracted ters in the genital region. Also called genital her-
from plants pes
herpesvirus 132
herpesvirus /$h-%pi%z!vars/ noun one of a HGPRT abbreviation hypoxanthine guanine

herpesvirus HGPRT
group of viruses which cause herpes and chicken- phosphoribosyl transferase. ! HPRT
pox (herpesvirus Type I), and genital herpes (her- hiatus /ha$ets/ noun an opening or space
hiatus
pesvirus Type II)

hiatus hernia /ha!ets $h-%ni/, hiatal her-
hiatus hernia
herpes zoster /!h-%pi%z $zst/ noun inflam-

herpes zoster
nia /ha!et()l $h-%ni/ noun a hernia where the

|
mation of a sensory nerve, characterised by pain stomach bulges through the opening in the dia-
along the nerve and causing a line of blisters to phragm muscle through which the oesophagus
form on the skin, usually found mainly on the passes
abdomen or back, or on the face. Also called
Hib /hb/ abbreviation Haemophilus influenzae
Hib
shingles, zona
type B
herpetic /h-%$petk/ adjective referring to her-
herpetic
Hib vaccine /$hb !v'ksi%n/ noun a vaccine

| Hib vaccine
pes
used to inoculate against the bacterium Haemo-
hetero- /hetr/ prefix different
hetero-
philius influenzae that causes meningitis

heterochromia /!hetr$krmi/ noun a
heterochromia
hiccup /$hk.p/, hiccough noun a spasm in the

hiccup
|
condition in which the irises of the eyes are differ- diaphragm which causes a sudden inhalation of
ent colours breath followed by sudden closure of the glottis
heterogeneous /!hetr$d+i%nis/ adjective which makes a characteristic sound ! She had an
heterogeneous
having different characteristics or qualities attack of hiccups or had a hiccuping attack or got
(NOTE: Do not confuse with heterogenous.) the hiccups. Also called singultus
heterogenous /!het$rd+ns/ adjective Hickman catheter /$hkmn !k't/, Hick-
heterogenous Hickman catheter
coming from a different source (NOTE: Do not man line /$hkmn lan/ noun a plastic tube
confuse with heterogeneous.) which is put into the large vein above the heart so
heterograft /$hetr1r%ft/ noun tissue taken
heterograft
that drugs can be given and blood samples can be
from one species and grafted onto an individual of taken easily
another species. Compare homograft hidr- /hadr/ prefix referring to sweat
hidr-
heterologous /!het$rl1s/ adjective of a hidradenitis /!hadrd$nats/ noun inflam-

heterologous hidradenitis
| |
different type mation of the sweat glands

heterophoria /!hetr$f%ri/ noun a condi- hidrosis /ha$drss/ noun sweating, espe-
heterophoria hidrosis
| |
tion in which if an eye is covered it tends to squint cially when it is excessive

heteroplasty /$hetrpl'sti/ noun same as hidrotic /ha$drtk/ adjective referring to
heteroplasty hidrotic
heterograft sweating " noun a substance which makes some-

heteropsia /!het$rpsi/ noun a condition in
heteropsia
|
one sweat
which the two eyes see differently high-altitude sickness /!ha $'lttju%d
high-altitude sickness
heterosexual /!hetr$sekul/ adjective

heterosexual
|
!skns/ noun same as altitude sickness
attracted to people of the opposite sex or relating high blood pressure /!ha $bl.d !pre/
high blood pressure
to relations between males and females " noun a noun same as hypertension
person who is sexually attracted to people of the high-calorie diet /ha !k'lri $dat/ noun a
high-calorie diet
opposite sex. Compare bisexual, homosexual diet containing over 4000 calories per day
heterosexuality /!hetrseku$'lti/ noun
heterosexuality
high-density lipoprotein /!ha !densti

high-density lipoprotein
|
sexual attraction towards persons of the opposite $lp!prti%n/ noun a lipoprotein with a low
|
sex percentage of cholesterol. Abbreviation HDL

heterotopia /!hetr$tpi/ noun 1. a state
heterotopia
high-fibre diet /!ha !fab $dat/ noun a diet

high-fibre diet
|
where an organ is placed in a different position which contains a high percentage of cereals, nuts,
from usual or is malformed or deformed 2. the fruit and vegetables
development of tissue which is not natural to the
high-protein diet /!ha !prti%n $dat/ noun
high-protein diet
part in which it is produced

a diet containing mostly foods high in protein and
heterotropia /!hetr$trpi/ noun same as
heterotropia
|
low in carbohydrates and saturated fat, adopted by
strabismus people who are trying to lose weight
heterozygous /!hetr$za1s/ adjective
heterozygous
hilar /$hal/ adjective referring to a hilum

hilar
|
having two or more different versions of a spe-

hilum /$halm/ noun a hollow where blood ves-
hilum
cific gene. Compare homozygous

sels or nerve fibres enter an organ such as a kid-
hex- /heks/ prefix same as hexa- (NOTE: used
hex-
ney or lung (NOTE: The plural is hila.)

before vowels)
hindbrain /$handbren/ noun the part of brain
hindbrain
hexa- /heks/ prefix six

hexa-
of an embryo from which the medulla oblongata,

HFEA abbreviation Human Fertilization and the pons and the cerebellum eventually develop
HFEA
Embryology Authority hindgut /$hand1.t/ noun part of an embryo

hindgut
hGH abbreviation human growth hormone which develops into the colon and rectum
hGH
133 Hodgkins disease
hinge joint /$hnd+ d+nt/ noun same as histaminic /!hst$mnk/ adjective referring
hinge joint histaminic
ginglymus to histamines
histiocyte /$hstisat/ noun a macrophage of
histiocyte
hip /hp/ noun a ball and socket joint where the

hip
thigh bone or femur joins the acetabulum of the the connective tissue, involved in tissue defence
hip bone histiocytosis /!hstisa$tss/ noun a con-
histiocytosis
hip bone /$hp bn/ noun a bone made of the

hip bone
dition in which histiocytes are present in the
ilium, the ischium and the pubis which are fused blood
together, forming part of the pelvic girdle. Also histiocytosis X /!hstisa!tss $eks/
histiocytosis X
called innominate bone noun any form of histiocytosis where the cause is
hip fracture /$hp !fr'kt/ noun a fracture of
hip fracture
not known, e.g. Hand-Schller-Christian disease
histo- /hst/ prefix relating to the bodys tis-
histo-
the ball at the top of the femur

hip girdle /$hp !1-%d()l/ noun same as pelvic
hip girdle
sue ! histology
histocompatible /!hstkm$p'tb()l/
histocompatible
girdle |
adjective referring to tissues from two individuals

hip joint /$hp d+nt/ noun the place where the
hip joint
which have compatible antigens

hip is joined to the upper leg. See illustration at
histogram /$hst1r'm/ noun a way of dis-
histogram
PELVIS in Supplement
playing frequency values as columns whose
Hippel-Lindau /!hpl $lnda/ " von Hippel-
Hippel-Lindau
height is proportional to the corresponding fre-

Lindau syndrome quency ! a histogram showing numbers of
hippocampus /!hp$k'mps/ noun a long
hippocampus
| patients with the condition in each age group

rounded elevation projecting into the lateral ven- histological /!hst$ld+k()l/ adjective
histological
tricle in the brain referring to histology

Hippocratic oath /!hpkr'tk $/ noun an
Hippocratic oath
histological grade /!hstld+k()l $1red/

histological grade
ethical code observed by doctors, by which they noun a system of classifying tumours according
will treat patients equally, put patients welfare to how malignant they are
first and not discuss openly the details of a histology /h$stld+i/ noun the study of the
histology
patients case
|
anatomy of tissue cells and minute cellular struc-

hip replacement /$hp r!plesmnt/ noun a
hip replacement
| ture
surgical operation to replace the whole ball and histolysis /h$stlss/ noun the disintegration
histolysis
socket joint at the hip with an artificial one of tissue

Hirschsprungs disease /$hspr.z d
Hirschsprungs disease
histotoxic /!hst$tksk/ adjective referring

histotoxic
|
|
!zi%z/ noun a congenital condition where parts of to a substance which is poisonous to tissue
the lower colon lack nerve cells, making peristal- HIV abbreviation human immunodeficiency
HIV
sis impossible, so that food accumulates in the virus

upper colon which becomes swollen [Described
hives /havz/ noun same as urticaria (NOTE:
hives
1888. After Harald Hirschsprung (18301916),

Professor of Paediatrics in Copenhagen, Den- Takes a singular verb.)
HIV-negative /!et a !vi% $ne1tv/ adjective
HIV-negative
mark.]
hirsute /$h-%sju%t/ adjective with a lot of hair
hirsute
referring to someone who has been tested and
shown not to have HIV
hirsutism /$h-%sju%tz()m/ noun the condition
hirsutism
HIV-positive /!et a !vi% $pztv/ adjective

HIV-positive
of having excessive hair, especially a condition in referring to someone who has been tested and
which a woman grows hair on the body in the shown to have HIV
same way as a man
HLA abbreviation human leucocyte antigen
HLA
hirudin /h$ru%dn/ noun an anticoagulant sub-

hirudin
HLA system /!et el $e !sstm/ noun a sys-

| HLA system
stance produced by leeches, which is injected into

the bloodstream while the leech is feeding on a tem of HLA antigens on the surface of cells which
body need to be histocompatible to allow transplants to
take place
HIS abbreviation Health Information Service
HIS
HMO abbreviation US Health Maintenance

HMO
hist- /hst/ same as histo- (NOTE: used before

hist-
Organization
vowels) hobnail liver /!hbnel $lv/ noun same as
hobnail liver
histamine /$hstmi%n/ noun a substance

histamine
atrophic cirrhosis
released in response to allergens from mast cells Hodgkins disease /$hd+knz d!zi%z/ noun
Hodgkins disease
throughout the body. Histamines dilate blood ves- a malignant disease in which the lymph glands are
sels, constrict the cells of smooth muscles and enlarged and there is an increase in the lymphoid
cause an increase in acid secretions in the stom- tissues in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. It is
ach. frequently fatal if not treated early. [Described
histamine test /$hstmi%n test/ noun a test to
histamine test
1832. After Thomas Hodgkin (17981866), Brit-

determine the acidity of gastric juice ish physician.]
hoist 134
hoist /hst/ noun a device with pulleys and homograft /$hm1r%ft/ noun the graft of an
hoist homograft
wires for raising a bed or a patient organ or tissue from a donor to a recipient of the
hole in the heart /!hl n $h%t/ noun
hole in the heart
same species, e.g. from one person to another.
same as septal defect (informal) Also called allograft. Compare heterograft
holism /$hlz()m/ noun the theory that all of homolateral /!hm$l't()rl/ adjective same
holism homolateral
a persons physical, mental and social conditions as ipsilateral

should be considered in the treatment of his or her homologous /h$ml1s/ adjective 1. of the
homologous
illness same type 2. referring to chromosomes which

holistic /h$lstk/ adjective referring to a
holistic
| form a pair
method of treatment involving all of someones homonymous hemianopia /h!mnms
homonymous hemianopia
mental and family circumstances rather than just !hemi$npi/ noun a condition in which the
dealing with the condition from which he or she
|
same half of the field of vision is lost in each eye

is suffering
homosexual /!hm$sekul/ adjective
homosexual
holistic care /h!lstk $ke/ noun the care

holistic care |
referring to homosexuality " noun a person who

|
and treatment of a whole person rather than just of

is sexually attracted to people of the same sex.
his or her medical symptoms
Compare bisexual, heterosexual (NOTE:
holo- /hl/ prefix entire, complete
holo-
Although homosexual can apply to both males

holocrine /$hlkrn/ adjective referring to a
holocrine
and females, it is commonly used for males only,

gland where the secretions are made up of disin- and lesbian is used for females.)
tegrated cells of the gland itself homosexuality /!hmseku$'lti/ noun
homosexuality
Homans sign /$hmnz san/ noun pain in

Homans sign
sexual attraction to people of the same sex or sex-

the calf when the foot is bent back, a sign of deep- ual relations with people of the same sex
vein thrombosis [Described 1941. After John
homozygous /!hm$za1s/ adjective
homozygous
Homans (18771954), Professor of Clinical Sur-

|
having two identical versions of a specific gene.

gery at Harvard, USA.]
Compare heterozygous
home help /!hm $help/ noun 1. a person who
home help
hookworm /$hkw-%m/ noun a parasitic worm

hookworm
is paid to carry out ordinary domestic tasks such

hookworm disease /$hkw-%m d!zi%z/ noun
hookworm disease
as cleaning and cooking for people who are una- |
ble to carry out these tasks for themselves 2. same " ancylostomiasis
as home help service hordeolum /h%$di%lm/ noun an infection of
hordeolum
home help service /!hm $help !s-%vs/ the gland at the base of an eyelash. Also called
home help service
noun a publicly funded support service provided stye

mainly for elderly and disabled people which horizontal fissure /!hrznt()l $f/ noun
horizontal fissure
offers help with ordinary household tasks of a ANAT a horizontal groove between the superior
non-nursing nature, such as cooking and washing and middle lobes of a lung. See illustration at
to help people in their own homes LUNGS in Supplement
homeo- /hmi/ prefix like or similar
homeo-
hormone /$h%mn/ noun a substance which

hormone
homeopathic /!hmi$p'k/, homoeo-

homeopathic
|
is produced by one part of the body, especially the
pathic adjective 1. referring to homeopathy ! a endocrine glands and is carried to another part of
homeopathic clinic ! She is having a course of the body by the bloodstream where it has particu-
homeopathic treatment. 2. referring to a drug lar effects or functions
which is given in very small quantities
hormone replacement therapy /!h%mn
hormone replacement therapy
homeopathist /!hmi$pst/, homoeopa-

homeopathist
|
r$plesmnt !erpi/, hormone therapy noun
|
thist noun a person who practises homeopathy 1. treatment for someone whose endocrine glands
homeopathy /!hmi$pi/, homoeopathy
homeopathy
|
have been removed 2. treatment to relieve the
noun the treatment of a condition by giving the symptoms of the menopause by supplying oestro-
person very small quantities of a substance which, gen and reducing the risk of osteoporosis $
when given to a healthy person, would cause abbreviation HRT
symptoms like those of the condition being Horners syndrome /$h%nz !sndrm/
Horners syndrome
treated. Compare allopathy

noun a condition caused by paralysis of the sym-
homeostasis /!hmi$stess/ noun the
homeostasis
|
pathetic nerve in one side of the neck, making the
process by which the functions and chemistry of eyelids hang down and the pupils contract
a cell or internal organ are kept stable, even when [Described 1869. After Johann Friedrich Horner
external conditions vary greatly (183186), Professor of Ophthalmology in
homo- /hm/ prefix the same
homo-
Zrich, Switzerland.]
homoeo- /hmi/ prefix another spelling of
homoeo-
horny /$h%ni/ adjective referring to skin which

horny
homeo- (used before vowels) is very hard (NOTE: For terms referring to horny
homogenise /h$md+naz/, homogenize tissue, see words beginning with kerat-,
homogenise
verb to give something a uniform nature kerato-.)

135 humectant
horseshoe kidney /!h%su% $kdni/ noun a hourglass stomach /$a1l%s !st.mk/

horseshoe kidney hourglass stomach
congenital condition of the kidney, where some- noun a condition in which the wall of the stomach
times the upper but usually the lower parts of both is pulled in so that it is divided into two cavities,
kidneys are joined together cardiac and pyloric
Hortons syndrome /$h%t()nz !sndrm/
Hortons syndrome
houseman /$hasmn/ noun same as house

houseman
noun a severe headache, often with constant pain officer

around one eye, which starts usually within a few house officer /$has !fs/ noun a doctor
house officer
hours of going to sleep. It is caused by the release who works in a hospital as a house surgeon or
of histamine in the body. [After Bayard Taylor house physician during the final year of training
Horton (18951980), US physician.]
before registration by the General Medical Coun-
hospice /$hsps/ noun a hospital which offers
hospice
cil
palliative care for terminally ill people
HPA abbreviation Health Protection Agency
HPA
hospital /$hspt()l/ noun a place where sick

hospital
HPRT /!et pi% % $ti%/ noun an enzyme that is

HPRT
or injured people are looked after

lacking in children, usually boys, who have
hospital-acquired infection /!hspt()l
hospital-acquired infection
|
Lesch-Nyhan disease. Full form hypoxanthine
!kwad n$fekn/ noun a disease caught dur-
|
phosphoribosyl transferase. Also called
ing a stay in hospital HGPRT (hypoxanthine guanine phosphori-
Hospital Activity Analysis /!hspt()l 'k
Hospital Activity Analysis
|
bosyl transferase)
$tvti !n'lss/ noun a regular detailed report
HPV abbreviation human papillomavirus
| HPV
on patients in hospitals, including information

H pylori abbreviation Helicobacter pylori
H pylori
about treatment, length of stay and outcome

hospital care /$hspt()l ke/ noun treatment HRT abbreviation hormone replacement therapy
hospital care HRT
in a hospital human /$hju%mn/ adjective referring to any

human
hospital doctor /!hspt()l $dkt/ noun a man, woman or child " noun a person ! Most
hospital doctor
doctor who works only in a hospital and does not animals are afraid of humans.
receive people in his or her own surgery human anatomy /!hju%mn $n'tmi/ noun
human anatomy
hospital gangrene /!hspt()l $1'1ri%n/

hospital gangrene
the structure, shape and functions of the human

noun gangrene caused by insanitary hospital con- body
ditions human being /!hju%mn $bi%/ noun a person
human being
hospital infection /$hspt()l n!fekn/

hospital infection
human chorionic gonadotrophin

| human chorionic gonadotrophin
noun an infection which someone gets during a

/!hju%mn k%ri!nk !1nd$trfn/ noun a
hospital visit, or one which develops among hos- | |
pital staff hormone produced by the placenta, which sup-

presses the mothers usual menstrual cycle during
COMMENT: Hospital infection is an increas-
pregnancy. It is found in the urine during preg-
ingly common problem due to growing anti-
nancy, and can be given by injection to encourage
microbial resistance and inappropriate anti-
biotic use. Strains of bacteria such as MRSA
ovulation and help a woman to become pregnant.
have evolved which seem to be more easily
Abbreviation hCG
human crutch /!hju%mn $kr.t/ noun a
human crutch
transmitted between patients and are diffi-

cult to treat. method of helping an injured person to walk,
hospitalise /$hspt()laz/, hospitalize verb
hospitalise
where they rest one arm over the shoulders of the
to send someone to hospital ! He is so ill that he person helping
human immunodeficiency virus
human immunodeficiency virus
has had to be hospitalised.

hospital trust /$hspt()l tr.st/ noun same as
hospital trust
/!hju%mn !mjnd$f()nsi !vars/ noun a
|
self-governing hospital virus which causes AIDS. Abbreviation HIV

human leucocyte antigen /!hju%mn
human leucocyte antigen
host /hst/ noun a person or animal on which

host
a parasite lives $lu%ksat !'ntd+()n/ noun any of the system

hot /ht/ adjective very warm or having a high
hot
of antigens on the surface of cells which need to
temperature be histocompatible to allow transplants to take
place. Abbreviation HLA. ! HLA system
hot flush /!ht $fl./ noun a condition in men-
hot flush
human nature /!hju%mn $net/ noun the

human nature
opausal women, in which the woman becomes

hot and sweats, and which is often accompanied general behavioural characteristics of human
by redness of the skin beings
human papillomavirus /!hju%mn !p'p
human papillomavirus
hotpack /$htp'k/ noun a cloth bag or a pad

hotpack
filled with gel or grains which can be heated and $lm !vars/ noun a virus that causes genital
applied to the skin to relieve pain or stiffness warts in humans. Abbreviation HPV
hourglass contraction /$a1l%s kn humectant /hju%$mektnt/ adjective able to
hourglass contraction humectant
| |
!tr'kn/ noun a condition in which an organ absorb or retain moisture " noun a substance that
such as the stomach is constricted in the centre can absorb or retain moisture, e.g. a skin lotion
humeroulnar joint 136
humeroulnar joint /!hju%mr$.ln d+nt/ hyalitis /!ha$lats/ noun inflammation of the

humeroulnar joint hyalitis
| |
noun part of the elbow joint, where the trochlea of vitreous humour or the hyaloid membrane in the
the humerus and the trochlear notch of the ulna eye. Also called vitritis
move next to each other hyaloid membrane /$hald !membren/
hyaloid membrane
humerus /$hju%mrs/ noun the top bone in the noun a transparent membrane round the vitreous
humerus
arm, running from the shoulder to the elbow humour in the eye
(NOTE: The plural is humeri.) hybrid /$habrd/ noun an organism that is a
hybrid
humoral /$hju%mrl/ adjective relating to result of a cross between individuals that are not
humoral
human body fluids, in particular blood serum genetically the same as each other
humour /$hju%m/ noun a fluid in the body HYCOSY abbreviation hysterosalpingo-contrast
humour HYCOSY
hunchback /$h.ntb'k/ noun " kyphosis

hunchback
sonography
hydatid /$hadtd/ noun any cyst-like structure
hydatid
hunger /$h.1/ noun a need to eat

hunger
hydatid cyst /!hadtd $sst/ noun the larval

hydatid cyst
hunger pains /$h.1 pens/ plural noun

hunger pains
pains in the abdomen when a person feels hungry, form of the tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus
sometimes a sign of a duodenal ulcer hydatid disease /$hadtd d!zi%z/, hydati-
hydatid disease
Hunters syndrome /$h.ntz !sndrm/ dosis /!hadt$dss/ noun an infection, usu-

Hunters syndrome
|
noun an inherited disorder caused by an enzyme ally in the lungs or liver, caused by expanding
deficiency, which leads to learning difficulties hydatid cysts that destroy the tissues of the
Huntingtons chorea /!h.nttnz k%$ri%/
Huntingtons chorea
|
infected organ
hydatid mole /!hadtd $ml/ noun an
hydatid mole
noun a progressive hereditary disease which

affects adults, where the outer layer of the brain abnormal pregnancy from a pathologic ovum,
degenerates and the person makes involuntary resulting in a mass of cysts shaped like a bunch of
jerky movements and develops progressive grapes
dementia [Described 1872. After George Sum- hydr- /hadr/ prefix same as hydro- (used
hydr-
ner Huntington (18501916), US physician.] before vowels)

Hurlers syndrome /$h-%lz !sndrm/ noun hydraemia /ha$dri%mi/ noun an excess of
Hurlers syndrome hydraemia
same as gargoylism [Described 1919. After Ger- water in the blood

trud Hurler (18891965), German paediatri- hydralazine /ha$dr'lzi%n/ noun a drug that
hydralazine
cian.] lowers blood pressure. People usually receive it in

hurt /h-%t/ noun 1. emotional pain 2. a painful
hurt
combination with other drugs that increase the

area (used by children) ! She has a hurt on her output of urine.
knee. " verb to have pain ! Hes hurt his hand. hydramnios /ha$dr'mnis/ noun an unusu-
hydramnios
" adjective 1. feeling physical pain ! He was ally large amount of amniotic fluid surrounding
slightly hurt in the car crash. ! Two players got the fetus
hurt in the football game. 2. feeling emotional
hydrarthrosis /!hadr%$rss/ noun swell-
hydrarthrosis
pain ! Her parents divorce hurt her deeply.

|
ing caused by excess synovial liquid at a joint

Hutchinsons teeth /$h.tnsnz !ti%/,
Hutchinsons teeth
hydrate /$hadret/ verb to give water to some-

hydrate
Hutchinsons tooth /$h.tnsnz !tu%/ plural

one so as to re-establish or maintain fluid balance
noun incisor teeth which are narrower than usual
" noun a chemical compound containing water
and have a crescent-shaped notch at the biting
molecules that can usually be driven off by heat
edge. They are seen especially in children with
without altering the compounds structure
congenital syphilis, but can also occur naturally.
hydro- /hadr/ prefix referring to water
hydro-
(NOTE: takes either a singular or a plural verb)

hydroa /ha$dr/ noun an eruption of small
hydroa
hyal- /hal/ prefix like glass (used before vow-

hyal-
|
els) itchy blisters, e.g. those caused by sunlight

hydrocalycosis /!hadr!k'l$kss/ noun
hydrocalycosis
hyalin /$haln/ noun a transparent substance

hyalin
| |
produced from collagen and deposited around same as caliectasis

blood vessels and scars when some tissues degen- hydrocele /$hadrsi%l/ noun the collection of
hydrocele
erate watery liquid found in a cavity such as the scro-

hyaline /$haln/ adjective nearly transparent
hyaline
tum
like glass hydrocephalus /!hadr$kefls/ noun an
hydrocephalus
hyaline cartilage /!haln $k%tld+/ noun a

hyaline cartilage
excessive quantity of cerebrospinal fluid in the
type of cartilage found in the nose, larynx and brain
joints. It forms most of the skeleton of the fetus. hydrochloric acid /!hadrklrk $'sd/
hydrochloric acid
See illustration at CARTILAGINOUS JOINT in Sup- noun an acid found in the gastric juices which
plement helps to break apart the food
hyaline membrane disease /!haln hydrocortisone /!hadr$k%tzn/ noun a
hyaline membrane disease hydrocortisone
$membren d!zi%z/ noun same as respiratory

| steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex or
distress syndrome produced synthetically, used in the treatment of
137 hyperadrenalism
rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory and aller- hydroureter /!hadrju$ri%t/ noun a condi-
hydroureter
gic conditions tion in which water or urine collect in the ureter

hydrogen /$hadrd+n/ noun a chemical ele-
hydrogen
because it is blocked
ment, a gas which combines with oxygen to form hygiene /$had+i%n/ noun the procedures and
hygiene
water, and with other elements to form acids, and principles designed to keep things clean and to
is present in all animal tissue (NOTE: The chemi- keep conditions healthy ! Nurses have to main-
cal symbol is H.) tain a strict personal hygiene.
hydrogen peroxide /!hadrd+n p hygienist /$had+i%nst/ noun a person who
hydrogen peroxide hygienist
$rksad/ noun a solution used as a disinfectant specialises in hygiene and its application
hygr- /ha1r/ prefix same as hygro- (used
hygr-
hydrolysis /ha$drlss/ noun the breaking

hydrolysis
down of a chemical compound when it reacts with before vowels)

water to produce two or more different com- hygro- /ha1r/ prefix relating to moisture
hygro-
pounds, as in the conversion of starch to glucose hygroma /ha$1rm/ noun a kind of cyst
hygroma
hydroma /ha$drm/ noun same as hygroma

hydroma
| which contains a thin fluid

hydrometer /ha$drmt/ noun an instrument hymen /$hamen/ noun a membrane which par-
hydrometer hymen
which measures the density of a liquid tially covers the vaginal passage in a female who
hydromyelia /!hadrma$i%li/ noun a condi-
hydromyelia
|
has never had sexual intercourse
hymenectomy /!ham$nektmi/ noun 1. the
hymenectomy
tion in which fluid swells the central canal of the |
spinal cord surgical removal of the hymen, or an operation to

hydronephrosis /!hadrne$frss/ noun
hydronephrosis
increase the size of the opening of the hymen 2.
the surgical removal of any membrane
|
swelling of the pelvis of a kidney caused by accu-

hymenotomy /!ham$ntmi/ noun an inci-
hymenotomy
mulation of water due to infection or a kidney |
stone blocking the ureter sion of the hymen during surgery

hyo- /ha/ prefix relating to the hyoid bone
hyo-
hydropericarditis /!hadr!perik%$dats/,
hydropericarditis
| |
hydropericardium /!hadr!peri$k%dim/ hyoglossus /!ha$1lss/ noun a muscle

hyoglossus
| | |
noun an accumulation of liquid round the heart which is attached to the hyoid bone and depresses
hydroperitoneum /!hadr!pert$ni%m/
hydroperitoneum
| |
the tongue
hyoid /$had/ adjective relating to the hyoid
hyoid
noun a build-up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity

(NOTE: The plural is hydroperitoneums or bone
hydroperitonea.) hyoid bone /$had bn/ noun a small U-
hyoid bone
hydrophobia /!hadr$fbi/ noun same as shaped bone at the base of the tongue
hydrophobia
rabies hyoscine /$hasi%n/ noun a drug used as a

hyoscine
hydropneumoperitoneum
hydropneumoperitoneum
/!hadr |
sedative, in particular for treatment of motion
!nju%m!pert$ni%m/ noun a condition in
| |
sickness
which watery fluid and gas collect in the perito- hyp- /hap/ prefix same as hypo- (used before
hyp-
neal cavity vowels)

hydropneumothorax hypalgesia /!hapl$d+i%zi/ noun low sensi-
hypalgesia
/!hadr!nju%m
hydropneumothorax
| | |
$%r'ks/ noun a condition in which watery fluid tivity to pain

and gas collect in the pleural cavity (NOTE: The hyper- /hap/ prefix higher or too much. Oppo-
hyper-
plural is hydropneumothoraxes or hydrop- site hypo-

neumothoraces.) hyperacidity /!hapr$sdti/ noun the pro-
hyperacidity
hydrops /$hadrps/ noun same as oedema

hydrops
duction of more acid in the stomach than is usual.

(NOTE: The plural is hydropses.) Also called acidity, acid stomach
hydrosalpinx /!hadr$s'lpks/ noun an hyperacousia /!hapr$kju%zi/ noun same
hydrosalpinx hyperacousia
| |
occasion when watery fluid collects in one or both as hyperacusis

of the Fallopian tubes, causing swelling (NOTE: hyperactive /!hapr$'ktv/ adjective very or
hyperactive
The plural is hydrosalpinges.) unusually active

hydrotherapy /!hadr$erpi/ noun a type
hydrotherapy
hyperactivity /!hapr'k$tvti/ noun a con-

hyperactivity
|
|
of physiotherapy involving treatment in water, dition in which something or someone, e.g. a

where people are put in hot baths or are encour- gland or a child, is too active
aged to swim hyperacusis /!hapr$kju%ss/ noun a condi-
hyperacusis
hydrothorax /!hadr$%r'ks/ noun the col-

hydrothorax
| tion in which someone is very sensitive to sounds

lection of liquid in the pleural cavity hyperadrenalism /!hapr$dri%n()lz()m/
hyperadrenalism
hydrotubation /!hadrtju%$be()n/ noun

hydrotubation
| noun a disorder in which too many adrenal hor-

an act of putting a fluid through the neck of the mones are produced, e.g. because of pituitary
uterus and the Fallopian tubes under pressure to gland malfunction, a tumour of the adrenal gland
check whether the tubes are blocked or high doses of steroids
hyperaemia 138
hyperaemia /!hapr$i%mi/ noun excess blood hyperinsulinism /!hapr$nsjlnz()m/

hyperaemia hyperinsulinism
| |
in any part of the body noun the reaction of a diabetic to an excessive

hyperaesthesia /!hapri%s$i%zi/ noun an
hyperaesthesia
|
dose of insulin or to hypoglycaemia
extremely high sensitivity in the skin hyperkalaemia /!hapk'$li%mi/ noun a con-
hyperkalaemia
hyperalgesia /!hapr'l$d+i%zi/ noun an

hyperalgesia
|
dition in which too much potassium occurs in the
increased sensitivity to pain blood, which can result in cardiac arrest. Various
hyperalimentation
hyperalimentation
/!hapr!'lmen possible causes include kidney failure and chem-

otherapy.
| |
$te()n/ noun the feeding of large amounts of

hyperkeratosis /!hapker$tss/ noun a
hyperkeratosis
nutrients by mouth or intravenously to someone |
with serious nutritional deficiency condition in which the outer layer of the skin
hyperandrogenism
hyperandrogenism
/!hapr'n |
becomes unusually thickened
hyperkinesia /!hapk$ni%zi/ noun a condi-
hyperkinesia
$drd+nz()m/ noun a condition in which a |
woman produces too many androgens, associated tion in which there is unusually great strength or
with many problems such as hirsutism, acne, movement
infertility and polycystic ovarian disease hyperlipidaemia /!haplp$di%mi/ noun the
hyperlipidaemia
hyperbaric /!hap$b'rk/ adjective referring pathological increase of the amount of lipids, or

hyperbaric
to a treatment in which someone is given oxygen fat, in the blood

at high pressure, used to treat carbon monoxide hypermetropia /!hapm$trpi/, hyper-
hypermetropia
poisoning opia /!hap$rpi/ noun a condition in which

|
hypercalcaemia /!hapk'l$si%mi/ noun an someone sees more clearly objects which are a
hypercalcaemia
excess of calcium in the blood long way away, but cannot see objects which are
hypercalcinuria /!hapk'ls$njri/ noun
hypercalcinuria
|
close. Also called longsightedness, hyperopia
hypernatraemia /!hapn'$tri%mi/ noun a
hypernatraemia
a condition in which an unusually high amount of |
calcium occurs in the urine serious condition occurring most often in babies
hypercapnia /!hap$k'pni/ noun an unusu-
hypercapnia
|
or elderly people, in which too much sodium is
ally high concentration of carbon dioxide in the present in the blood as a result of loss of water and
bloodstream electrolytes through diarrhoea, excessive sweat-
ing, not drinking enough or excessive salt intake
hypercatabolism /!hapk$t'blz()m/
hypercatabolism
hypernephroma /!hapn$frm/ noun

hypernephroma
noun a condition in which the body breaks down |
its own tissues or a particular substance too much. same as Grawitz tumour
It causes weight loss and wasting. hyperopia /!hap$rpi/ noun same as
hyperopia
hyperchloraemia /!hapkl%$ri%mi/ noun a

hyperchloraemia
|
hypermetropia
condition in which there is too much chloride in hyperostosis /hapr$stss/ noun exces-
hyperostosis
the blood sive overgrowth on the outside surface of a bone,

hyperchlorhydria /!hapkl%$hadri/ noun
hyperchlorhydria
|
especially the frontal bone
an excess of hydrochloric acid in the stomach hyperparathyroidism /!hap!p'r
hyperparathyroidism
| |
hyperdactylism /!hap$d'ktlz()m/ noun

hyperdactylism
|
$ardz()m/ noun an unusually high concen-
the condition of having more than the usual tration of parathyroid hormone in the body. It
number of fingers or toes. Also called polydac- causes various medical problems including dam-
tylism age to the kidneys.
hyperphagia /!hap$fed+i/ noun long-term
hyperphagia
hyperemesis /!hapr$emss/ noun excessive

hyperemesis
|
|
vomiting (NOTE: The plural is hyperemeses.) compulsive overeating

hyperpiesia /!happa$i%zi/ noun same as
hyperpiesia
hyperemesis gravidarum /!hapremss

hyperemesis gravidarum
|
!1r'v$derm/ noun uncontrollable vomiting in

|
hypertension
pregnancy hyperpituitarism /!hap$ptju%trz()m/
hyperpituitarism
hyperextension /!haprk$stenn/ noun the noun a condition in which the pituitary gland is
hyperextension
act of stretching an arm or leg beyond its usual overactive

limits of movement hyperplasia /!hap$plezi/ noun a condition
hyperplasia
hyperflexion /!hap$flekn/ noun the act of in which there is an increase in the number of
hyperflexion
flexing a joint beyond the usual limit ! a hyper- cells in an organ

flexion injury hyperpyrexia /!happa$reksi/ noun a body
hyperpyrexia
hypergalactia /!hap1$l'kti/, hyperga- temperature of above 41.1C

hypergalactia
lactosis /!hap!1'lk$tss/ noun a condition

| |
hypersecretion /!haps$kri%()n/ noun a
hypersecretion
in which too much milk is secreted condition in which too much of a substance is
hyperglycaemia /!hap1la$si%mi/ noun an secreted
hyperglycaemia
excess of glucose in the blood hypersensitive /!hap$senstv/ adjective

hypersensitive
hyperhidrosis /!hapha$drss/ noun a referring to a person who reacts more strongly

hyperhidrosis
condition in which too much sweat is produced than usual to an antigen

139 hypodermic needle
hypersensitivity /!hapsens$tvti/ noun a ber forgotten events in the past and will do what-
hypersensitivity
condition in which someone reacts very strongly ever the hypnotist tells him or her to do
to something such as an allergic substance ! her hypnotherapy /!hpn$erpi/ noun treat-
hypnotherapy
hypersensitivity to dust ! Anaphylactic shock ment by hypnosis, used in treating some addic-
shows hypersensitivity to an injection. tions
hypersplenism /!hap$splenz()m/ noun a
hypersplenism
hypnotic /hp$ntk/ adjective 1. relating to

hypnotic
|
|
condition in which too many red blood cells are hypnosis and hypnotism 2. referring to a state
destroyed by the spleen, which is often enlarged which is like sleep but which is caused artificially
hypertelorism /!hap$telrz()m/ noun a 3. referring to a drug which causes sleep
hypertelorism
condition in which there is too much space hypnotism /$hpntz()m/ noun the tech-
hypnotism
between two organs or parts of the body niques used to induce hypnosis
hypertension /!hap$tenn/ noun arterial
hypertension
hypo /$hap/ noun (informal) 1. same as

hypo
|
blood pressure that is higher than the usual range hypodermic syringe 2. an attack of hypoglycae-
for gender and age. Also called high blood pres- mia, experienced, e.g., by people who are diabetic
sure, hyperpiesia. Compare hypotension
hypo- /hap/ prefix less, too little or beneath
hypo-
hypertensive /!hap$tensv/ adjective refer-

hypertensive
hypoaesthesia /!hapi%s$i%zi/ noun a

hypoaesthesia
ring to high blood pressure |
condition in which someone has a diminished

hypertensive headache /!haptensv
hypertensive headache
sense of touch
$hedek/ noun a headache caused by high blood
hypocalcaemia /!hapk'l$si%mi/ noun an
hypocalcaemia
pressure |
hyperthermia /!hap$-%mi/ noun a very

hyperthermia
unusually low amount of calcium in the blood,
which can cause tetany
|
high body temperature

hypocapnia /!hap$k'pni/ noun a condi-
hypocapnia
hyperthyroidism /!hap$ardz()m/
hyperthyroidism
|
|
noun a condition in which the thyroid gland is too tion in which there is not enough carbon dioxide
active and releases unusual amounts of thyroid in the blood
hypochloraemia /!hapkl%$ri%mi/ noun a
hypochloraemia
hormones into the blood, giving rise to a rapid |
heartbeat, sweating and trembling. It can be condition in which there are not enough chlorine
treated with carbimazole. Also called thyrotoxi- ions in the blood
cosis hypochlorhydria /!hapkl%$hadri/ noun
hypochlorhydria
hypertonia /!hap$tni/ noun an increased

hypertonia
| a condition in which there is not enough hydro-

rigidity and spasticity of the muscles chloric acid in the stomach
hypertonic /!hap$tnk/ adjective 1. refer-
hypertonic
hypochondria /!hap$kndri/ noun a con-

hypochondria
|
|
ring to a solution which has a higher osmotic dition in which a person is too worried about his
pressure than another specified solution 2. refer- or her own health and believes he or she is ill
ring to a muscle which is under unusually high
hypochondriac /!hap$kndri'k/ noun a
hypochondriac
tension
|
person who worries about his or her health too

hypertrichosis /!haptr$kss/ noun a con-
hypertrichosis
|
much
dition in which someone has excessive growth of
hypochondriac region /!hap$kndri'k
hypochondriac region
hair on the body or on part of the body |
!ri%d+n/ noun one of two parts of the upper

hypertrophic /!hap$trfk/ adjective associ-
hypertrophic
|
abdomen, on either side of the epigastrium below
ated with hypertrophy the floating ribs
hypertrophy /ha$p-%trfi/ noun an increase in
hypertrophy
hypochondrium /!hap$kndrim/ noun

hypochondrium
|
|
the number or size of cells in a tissue one of the two hypochondriac regions in the upper
hyperventilation /!hapvent$le()n/ noun
hyperventilation
| part of the abdomen

very fast breathing which can be accompanied by hypochromic /!hap$krmk/ adjective
hypochromic
dizziness or tetany
|
referring to blood cells or body tissue which do

hypervitaminosis /!hap!vtm$nss/
hypervitaminosis
| | not have the usual amount of pigmentation !

noun a condition caused by taking too many syn- hypochromic scars
thetic vitamins, especially Vitamins A and D hypodermic
hypodermic
/!hap$d-%mk/
| adjective
hypervolaemia /!hapv$li%mi/ noun a con-
hypervolaemia
|
beneath the skin " noun a hypodermic syringe,
dition in which there is too much plasma in the needle or injection (informal)
blood
hypodermic injection /!hapd-%mk n
hypodermic injection
hyphaema /ha$fi%mi/ noun bleeding into the

hyphaema
|
$d+ekn/ noun an injection of a liquid, e.g. a
front chamber of the eye painkilling drug, beneath the skin. Also called
hypn- /hpn/ prefix referring to sleep subcutaneous injection
hypn-
hypnosis /hp$nss/ noun a state like sleep, hypodermic needle /!hapd-%mk $ni%d()l/
hypnosis hypodermic needle
but caused artificially, where a person can remem- noun a needle for injecting liquid under the skin
hypodermic syringe 140
hypodermic syringe /!hapd-%mk s hypophysis cerebri /ha!pfss $serbri/

hypodermic syringe hypophysis cerebri
| |
$rnd+/ noun a syringe fitted with a hypodermic noun same as pituitary gland
needle for injecting liquid under the skin hypopiesis /!happa$%ss/ noun a condi-
hypopiesis
hypofibrinogenaemia /!hap!fbrnd+ tion in which the blood pressure is too low

hypofibrinogenaemia
| |
$ni%mi/ noun a condition in which there is not hypopituitarism /!happ$tju%trz()m/

hypopituitarism
enough fibrinogen in the blood, e.g. because of noun a condition in which the pituitary gland is
several blood transfusions or as an inherited con- underactive
dition hypoplasia /!hap$plezi/ noun a lack of
hypoplasia
hypogammaglobulinaemia /!hap1'm
hypogammaglobulinaemia
| development or incorrect formation of a body tis-

!1lbjln$i%mi/ noun an unusually low concen-
| sue or an organ
tration of gamma globulin in the blood that causes hypoplastic left heart /hap!pl'stk left
hypoplastic left heart
an immune deficiency. It may be present from $h%t/ noun a serious heart disorder in which the
birth or acquired later in life. left side of the heart does not develop properly,
hypogastrium /!hap$1'strim/ noun the leading to death within six weeks of birth unless
hypogastrium
part of the abdomen beneath the stomach surgery is performed

hypoglossal /!hap$1lsl/ adjective 1. hypoproteinaemia /!happrt$ni%mi/
hypoglossal hypoproteinaemia
| |
underneath or on the lower side of the tongue 2. noun a condition in which there is not enough
relating to the hypoglossal nerve protein in the blood
hypoprothrombinaemia /!happr
hypoprothrombinaemia
hypoglossal nerve /hap!1ls()l $n-%v/

hypoglossal nerve
|
|
noun the twelfth cranial nerve which governs the !rmb$ni%mi/ noun a condition in which there
|
muscles of the tongue is not enough prothrombin in the blood, so that

hypoglycaemia /!hap1la$si%mi/ noun a
hypoglycaemia
|
the person bleeds and bruises easily
hypopyon /!hap$pan/ noun an accumula-
hypopyon
low concentration of glucose in the blood |
tion of pus in the aqueous humour in the front

hypoglycaemic /!hap1la$si%mk/ adjec-
hypoglycaemic
chamber of the eye

|
tive having hypoglycaemia

hyposensitive /!hap$senstv/ adjective
hyposensitive
hypoglycaemic coma /!hap1la!si%mk

hypoglycaemic coma |
|
being less sensitive than usual
$km/ noun a state of unconsciousness affect-
hypospadias /!hap$spedis/ noun a con-
hypospadias
ing diabetics after taking an overdose of insulin |
genital condition of the wall of the male urethra or

hypohidrosis /!hapha$drss/, hypoid-
hypohidrosis
|
the vagina, so that the opening occurs on the
rosis /!hap$drss/ noun a condition in
|
under side of the penis or in the vagina. Compare
which someone produces too little sweat epispadias
hypoinsulinism /!hap$nsjlnz()m/
hypoinsulinism
hypostasis /ha$pstss/ noun a condition in

hypostasis
|
|
noun a condition in which the body does not have which fluid accumulates in part of the body
enough insulin, often because of a problem with because of poor circulation
the pancreas
hypostatic /!hap$st'tk/ adjective refer-
hypostatic
hypokalaemia /!hapk'$li%mi/ noun a

hypokalaemia
|
ring to hypostasis
deficiency of potassium in the blood hypostatic eczema /!hapst'tk $eksm/
hypostatic eczema
hypomania /!hap$meni/ noun a state of

hypomania
|
noun same as varicose eczema
mild mania or overexcitement, especially when hypostatic pneumonia /!hapst'tk nju%
hypostatic pneumonia
part of a manic-depressive cycle

|
$mni/ noun pneumonia caused by fluid accu-

hypometropia /!hapm$trpi/ noun
hypometropia
| mulating in the lungs of a bedridden person with

same as myopia a weak heart
hyponatraemia /!hapn'$tri%mi/ noun a hyposthenia /!haps$i%ni/ noun a condition
hyponatraemia hyposthenia
| |
lack of sodium in the body of unusual bodily weakness

hypoparathyroidism /!hap!p'r hypotension /!hap$tenn/ noun a condi-
hypoparathyroidism hypotension
| | |
$ardz()m/ noun a condition in which the tion in which the pressure of the blood is unusu-
parathyroid glands do not secrete enough parath- ally low. Also called low blood pressure. Com-
yroid hormone, leading to low blood calcium and pare hypertension
muscle spasms hypotensive /!hap$tensv/ adjective having
hypotensive
hypopharynx /!hap$f'rks/ noun the part low blood pressure

hypopharynx
of the pharynx between the hyoid bone and the hypothalamic /!hap$l'mk/ adjective
hypothalamic
bottom of the cricoid cartilage (NOTE: The plural referring to the hypothalamus
is hypopharynxes or hypopharynges.) hypothalamic hormone /!hap!l'mk
hypothalamic hormone
hypophyseal /!hap$fzil/ adjective refer-

hypophyseal
| $h%mn/ noun same as releasing hormone

ring to the pituitary gland hypothalamus /!hap$'lms/ noun the
hypothalamus
hypophysectomy /ha!pf$sektmi/ noun

hypophysectomy
| | part of the brain above the pituitary gland, which

the surgical removal of the pituitary gland controls the production of hormones by the pitui-
141 hysterotrachelorrhaphy
tary gland and regulates important bodily func- hysteralgia /!hstr$'ld+/ noun pain in the
hysteralgia
tions such as hunger, thirst and sleep. See illustra- uterus

tion at BRAIN in Supplement hysterectomy /!hst$rektmi/ noun the sur-
hysterectomy
hypothalmus /!hap$'lms/ noun same as

hypothalmus
| gical removal of the uterus, often either to treat

hypothalamus (NOTE: The plural is hypothal- cancer or because of the presence of fibroids
muses or hypothalmi.) hysteria /h$stri/ noun a term formerly used
hysteria
hypothenar /ha$pn/ adjective referring to in psychiatry, but now informally used for a con-
hypothenar
the soft fat part of the palm beneath the little fin- dition in which the person appears unstable, and
ger may scream and wave their arms about, but also is
hypothenar
hypothenar eminence
eminence /ha!pn |
repressed, and may be slow to react to outside
$emnns/ noun a lump on the palm beneath the stimuli (dated)
hysterical /h$sterk()l/ adjective referring to
hysterical
little finger. Compare thenar |
hypothermia /!hap$-%mi/ noun a reduc-

hypothermia
|
a reaction showing hysteria (informal)
hysterics /h$sterks/ noun an attack of hyste-
hysterics
tion in body temperature below normal, for med- |
ical purposes taken to be below 35C ria (dated)

hystero- /hstr/ prefix referring to the uterus
hystero-
hypothesis /ha$pss/ noun a suggested

hypothesis
explanation for an observation or experimental hystero-ophorectomy /!hstr !f

hystero-ophorectomy
result, which is then refined or disproved by fur- $rektmi/ noun the surgical removal of the
ther investigation uterus, the uterine tubes and the ovaries
hypothyroidism /!hap$ardz()m/ hysteroptosis /!hstrp$tss/ noun pro-
hypothyroidism hysteroptosis
| |
noun underactivity of the thyroid gland lapse of the uterus

hypotonia /!hap$tni/ noun reduced tone hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography
hypotonia hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography
of the skeletal muscles /!hster!s'lp1 !kntr%st sn$1rfi/

| |
hypotonic /!hap$tnk/ adjective 1. show-

hypotonic
|
noun examination of the uterus and Fallopian
ing hypotonia 2. referring to a solution with a tubes by ultrasound. Abbreviation HYCOSY
hysterosalpingography /!hstr!s'lp
hysterosalpingography
lower osmotic pressure than plasma | |
hypotrichosis /!haptr$kss/ noun a

hypotrichosis
$11rfi/ noun an X-ray examination of the
uterus and Fallopian tubes following injection of
|
condition in which less hair develops than usual.

Compare alopecia (NOTE: The plural is hypotri- radio-opaque material. Also called uterosalp-
choses.) ingography
hysterosalpingosonography /!hstr
hysterosalpingosonography
hypotropia /!hap$trpi/ noun a form of

hypotropia
|
!s'lp1s$n1rfi/ noun examination of the

|
squint where one eye looks downwards

|
uterus and Fallopian tubes by ultrasound

hypoventilation /!hapvent$le()n/
hypoventilation
hysterosalpingostomy /!hstr!s'lp
| hysterosalpingostomy
noun very slow breathing

| |
$1stmi/ noun an operation to remake an open-

hypovitaminosis /!hap!vtm$nss/
hypovitaminosis
| |
ing between the uterine tube and the uterus, to
noun a lack of vitamins help with infertility problems
hypoxaemia /!hapk$si%mi/ noun an inade-
hypoxaemia
hysteroscope /$hstrskp/ noun a tube for

hysteroscope
|
quate supply of oxygen in the arterial blood inspecting the inside of the uterus
hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl trans-
hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase
hysteroscopy /!hst$rskpi/ noun an exam-

hysteroscopy
ferase /!hapz'ni%n !fsf$rbsl | ination of the uterine cavity using a hysteroscope

!tr'nsfres/ noun full form of HPRT or fibrescope
hypoxia /ha$pksi/ noun 1. an inadequate hysterotomy /!hst$rtmi/ noun a surgical
hypoxia hysterotomy
| |
supply of oxygen to tissue as a result of a lack of incision into the uterus, as in caesarean section or
oxygen in the arterial blood 2. same as hypoxae- for some types of abortion
mia hysterotrachelorrhaphy /!hstr!tr'ki
hysterotrachelorrhaphy
| |
hyster- /hst/ prefix same as hystero- (used $lrfi/ noun an operation to repair a tear in the
hyster-
before vowels) cervix

I
-iasis /ass/ suffix disease caused by some- id /d/ noun (in Freudian psychology) the basic
-iasis id
thing ! amoebiasis unconscious drives which exist in hidden forms in

iatro- /a'tr/ prefix relating to medicine or
iatro-
a person
ideation /!adi$e()n/ noun the act or process
ideation
doctors |
of imagining or forming thoughts and ideas

iatrogenesis /a!'tr$d+enss/ noun any
iatrogenesis
| |
identical twins /a!dentk()l $twnz/ plural

identical twins
condition caused by the actions of doctors or |
other healthcare professionals noun twins who are exactly the same in appear-
ance because they developed from the same
iatrogenic /a!'tr$d+enk/ adjective referring
iatrogenic
| |
ovum. Also called monozygotic twins, uniovu-
to a condition which is caused by a doctors treat- lar twins
ment for another disease or condition ! an iatro-
identification /a!dentf$ke()n/ noun the
identification
genic infection | |
act of discovering or stating who someone is or

IBS abbreviation irritable bowel syndrome
IBS
what something is
ibuprofen /!abju%$prfn/ noun a nonsteroi-
ibuprofen
ideo- /adi/ prefix involving ideas

ideo-
|
dal anti-inflammatory drug that relieves pain and idio- /di/ prefix referring to one particular
idio-
swelling, especially in arthritis and rheumatism. person

It is also widely used as a household painkiller.
idiopathic /!di$p'k/ adjective referring to
idiopathic
ice pack /$as p'k/ noun a cold compress made

ice pack |
idiopathy
of lumps of ice wrapped in a cloth, and pressed on
idiopathic epilepsy /!dip'k $ep!lepsi/
idiopathic epilepsy
a swelling or bruise to reduce the pain

|
noun epilepsy not caused by a brain disorder,

ichthamol /k$'ml/ noun a thick dark red
ichthamol
|
beginning during childhood or adolescence
liquid which is a mild antiseptic and analgesic, idiopathy /!di$pi/ noun a condition which
idiopathy
used in the treatment of skin diseases

|
develops without any known cause

ichthyosis /!k$ss/ noun a hereditary con-
ichthyosis
idiosyncrasy /!di$skrsi/ noun a way of

idiosyncrasy
|
|
dition in which the skin does not form properly, behaving which is particular to one person
resulting in a dry, non-inflammatory and scaly
idiot savant /!di $s'v/ noun a person
idiot savant
appearance
with learning difficulties who also possesses a
ICM abbreviation International Confederation of
ICM
single particular mental ability, such as the ability

Midwives to play music by ear, to draw remembered objects
ICN abbreviation 1. International Council of or to do mental calculations, which is very highly
ICN
Nurses 2. infection control nurse developed

idioventricular /!diven$trkjl/ adjective
idioventricular
ICP abbreviation intracranial pressure

ICP
|
relating to the ventricles of the heart

ICRC abbreviation International Committee of
ICRC
idioventricular rhythm /!diven!trkjl

idioventricular rhythm
the Red Cross |
$r()m/ noun a slow natural rhythm in the ven-

ICSH abbreviation interstitial cell stimulating
ICSH
tricles of the heart, but not in the atria

hormone
IDK abbreviation internal derangement of the
IDK
icteric /k$terk/ adjective referring to someone

icteric
|
knee
with jaundice Ig abbreviation immunoglobulin
Ig
icterus /$ktrs/ noun same as jaundice

icterus
Ig A antiendomysial antibody /!a d+i% e

Ig A antiendomysial antibody
icterus gravis neonatorum /!ktrs !'ntiend!masil $'ntbdi/ noun a serolog-

icterus gravis neonatorum
!1r'vs !ni%n$t%rm/ noun jaundice associ-

| ical screening test for coeliac disease
ated with erythroblastosis fetalis IHD abbreviation ischaemic heart disease
IHD
ictus /$kts/ noun a stroke or fit

ictus
IL-1 abbreviation interleukin-1

IL-1
ICU abbreviation intensive care unit IL-2 abbreviation interleukin-2

ICU IL-2
143 imagine
ile- /li/ prefix same as ileo- (used before vowels) ili- /li/ prefix same as ilio- (used before vowels)
ile- ili-
ileal /$lil/ adjective referring to the ileum iliac /$li'k/ adjective referring to the ilium
ileal iliac
ileal bladder /!lil $bl'd/, ileal conduit iliac crest /!li'k $krest/ noun a curved top
ileal bladder iliac crest
/!lil $kndjut/ noun an artificial tube formed edge of the ilium. See illustration at PELVIS in
when the ureters are linked to part of the ileum, Supplement
and that part is linked to an opening in the abdom- iliac fossa /!li'k $fs/ noun a depression on
iliac fossa
inal wall the inner side of the hip bone

ileal pouch /!lil $pat/ noun a part of the
ileal pouch
iliac region /$li'k !ri%d+n/ noun one of two

iliac region
small intestine which is made into a new rectum regions of the lower abdomen, on either side of
in a surgical operation, freeing someone from the the hypogastrium
need for an ileostomy after their colon is removed
iliac spine /$li'k span/ noun a projection at
iliac spine
ileectomy /!li$ektmi/ noun the surgical

ileectomy
|
the posterior end of the iliac crest
removal of all or part of the ileum
ilio- /li/ prefix relating to the ilium
ilio-
ileitis /!li$ats/ noun inflammation of the ileum

ileitis
iliococcygeal /!likk$sd+il/ adjective

| iliococcygeal
ileo- /li/ prefix relating to the ileum

ileo- |
referring to both the ilium and the coccyx

ileocaecal /!li$si%k()l/ adjective referring
ileocaecal
iliolumbar /!li$l.mb/ adjective referring to

| iliolumbar
to the ileum and the caecum

|
the iliac and lumbar regions

ileocaecal orifice /!lisi%k()l $rfs/ noun
ileocaecal orifice
iliopectineal /!lipek$tnil/ adjective refer-

iliopectineal
an opening where the small intestine joins the |
large intestine ring to both the ilium and the pubis

iliopectineal eminence /!lipektnil
iliopectineal eminence
ileocaecal valve /!li%si%k()l $v'lv/ noun a

ileocaecal valve
|
valve at the end of the ileum, which allows food $emnns/ noun a raised area on the inner surface
to pass from the ileum into the caecum of the innominate bone
iliopubic /!li$pju%bk/ adjective same as ili-
iliopubic
ileocaecocystoplasty /!li!si%k
ileocaecocystoplasty
|
opectineal
| |
$satpl'sti/ noun an operation to reconstruct

iliopubic eminence /!li!pju%bk
iliopubic eminence
the bladder using a piece of the combined ileum |
and caecum $emnns/ noun same as iliopectineal emi-

ileocolic /!li$klk/ adjective referring to
ileocolic
|
nence
ilium /$lim/ noun the top part of each of the hip
ilium
both the ileum and the colon

ileocolic artery /!li%klk $%tri/ noun a
ileocolic artery
bones, which form the pelvis. Compare ileum.
branch of the superior mesenteric artery See illustration at PELVIS in Supplement (NOTE:
The plural is ilia.)
ileocolitis /!lik$lats/ noun inflammation
ileocolitis
ill /l/ adjective not well ! If you feel very ill you
ill
of both the ileum and the colon

ought to see a doctor.
ileocolostomy /!lik$lstmi/ noun a sur-
ileocolostomy
illness /$lns/ noun 1. a state of not being well

illness
gical operation to make a link directly between

the ileum and the colon ! Most of the children stayed away from school
ileoproctostomy /!liprk$tstmi/ noun a
ileoproctostomy
because of illness. 2. a type of disease ! Scarlet
fever is no longer considered to be a very serious
|
surgical operation to create a link between the

ileum and the rectum illness. ! He is in hospital with an infectious trop-
ical illness.
ileorectal /!li$rekt()l/ adjective referring to
ileorectal
illusion /$lu%+()n/ noun a condition in which a

| illusion
both the ileum and the rectum |
person has a wrong perception of external objects

ileosigmoidostomy /!lis1m$dstmi/
ileosigmoidostomy
i.m., IM abbreviation intramuscular

| i.m.
noun a surgical operation to create a link between

image /$md+/ noun a sensation, e.g. a smell,
image
the ileum and the sigmoid colon

ileostomy /!li$stmi/ noun a surgical opera-
ileostomy
|
sight or taste, which is remembered clearly
imagery /$md+ri/ noun visual sensations
imagery
tion to make an opening between the ileum and

the abdominal wall to act as an artificial opening clearly produced in the mind
for excretion of faeces imaginary /$m'd+n()ri/ adjective referring
imaginary
ileostomy bag /!li$stmi b'1/ noun a bag to something which does not exist but is imagined
ileostomy bag
attached to the opening made by an ileostomy, to imagination /!m'd+$ne()n/ noun the abil-
imagination
| |
collect faeces as they are passed out of the body ity to see or invent things in your mind ! In her
ileum /$lim/ noun the lower part of the small imagination she saw herself sitting on a beach in
ileum
intestine, between the jejunum and the caecum. the sun.

Compare ilium. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYS- imagine /$m'd+n/ verb to see, hear or feel
imagine
TEM in Supplement (NOTE: The plural is ilea.) something in your mind ! Imagine yourself sit-
ileus /$lis/ noun obstruction of the intestine, ting on the beach in the sun. ! I thought I heard
ileus
usually distension caused by loss of muscular someone shout, but I must have imagined it
action in the bowel. ! paralytic ileus because there is no one there.
imaging 144
imaging /$md+/ noun a technique for creat- immunocompromised /!mjn

imaging immunocompromised
ing pictures of sections of the body, using scan- $kmprmazd/ adjective not able to offer resist-
ners attached to computers ance to infection
immunodeficiency /!mjnd$f()nsi/
immunodeficiency
imbalance /m$b'lns/ noun a situation in

imbalance
|
|
which things are unequal or in the wrong propor- noun a lack of immunity to a disease
tions to one another, e.g. in the diet immunodeficiency virus /!mjnd
immunodeficiency virus
imipramine /$mprmi%n/ noun a drug that is

imipramine
|
$f()nsi !vars/ noun a retrovirus which
used as a treatment for depression attacks the immune system
immunodeficient /!mjnd$f()nt/
immunodeficient
immature /!m$t/ adjective not mature,

immature
|
adjective lacking immunity to a disease ! This

|
lacking insight and emotional stability

form of meningitis occurs in persons who are
immature cell /!mt $sel/ noun a cell
immature cell
immunodeficient.
which is still developing immunogenic /!mjn$d+enk/ adjective
immunogenic
immaturity /!m$trti/ noun behaviour

immaturity
| producing an immune response

which is lacking in maturity immunogenicity /!mjnd+$nsti/ noun
immunogenicity
immobilisation /!mbla$ze()n/, immo- the property which makes a substance able to pro-
immobilisation
| |
bilization noun the act of preventing somebody duce an immune response in an organism
or something from being able to move immunoglobulin /!mjn$1lbjln/ noun
immunoglobulin
immobilise /$mblaz/, immobilize verb 1. an antibody, a protein produced in blood plasma

immobilise
to keep someone from moving 2. to attach a splint as protection against infection, the commonest
to a joint or fractured limb to prevent the bones being gamma globulin. Abbreviation Ig (NOTE:
from moving The five main classes are called: immunoglob-
ulin G, A, D, E and M or IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE and
immune /$mju%n/ adjective protected against
immune
IgM.)
|
an infection or allergic disease ! She seems to be

immunological /!mjn$ld+k()l/ adjec-
immunological
immune to colds. ! The injection should make |
you immune to yellow fever. tive referring to immunology

immunologist /!mj$nld+st/ noun a spe-
immunologist
immune deficiency /!mju%n d$f()nsi/

immune deficiency
|
cialist in immunology
| |
noun a lack of immunity to a disease. ! AIDS

immunology /!mj$nld+i/ noun the study
immunology
immune reaction /$mju%n ri!'kn/,

immune reaction |
| |
of immunity and immunisation
immune response /$mju%n r!spns/ noun a
immunosuppressant
| |
/!mjns
immunosuppressant
reaction of a body to an antigen | |
$pres()nt/ noun a drug used to act against the

immune system /$mju%n !sstm/ noun a
immune system
|
response of the immune system to reject a trans-
complex network of cells and cell products, planted organ
which protects the body from disease. It includes
immunosuppression /!mjns
immunosuppression
the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, white blood | |
$pre()n/ noun the suppression of the bodys

cells and antibodies.
natural immune system so that it will not reject a
immunisation /!mjna$ze()n/, immuni-
immunisation
|
transplanted organ
zation noun the process of making a person immunosuppressive /!mjns$presv/
immunosuppressive
immune to an infection, either by injecting an

| |
noun a drug used to counteract the response of the

antiserum, passive immunisation or by inocula- immune system to reject a transplanted organ "
tion adjective counteracting the immune system
immunise /$mjnaz/, immunize verb to give
immunise
immunotherapy /!mjn$erpi/ noun "

immunotherapy
someone immunity from an infection. ! vacci- adoptive immunotherapy

nate (NOTE: You immunise someone against a
immunotransfusion /!mjntr'ns
immunotransfusion
disease.)
| |
$fju%+()n/ noun a transfusion of blood, serum or

immunity /$mju%nti/ noun the ability to resist
immunity
|
plasma containing immune bodies
attacks of a disease because antibodies are pro- Imodium /$mdim/ a trade name for Iopera-
Imodium
duced ! The vaccine gives immunity to tubercu-

|
mide hydrochloride
losis.
impacted /m$p'ktd/ adjective tightly pressed
impacted
immuno- /mjn, mju%n/ prefix immune,

immuno-
or firmly lodged against something

immunity
impacted faeces /m!p'ktd $fi%si%z/ plural
impacted faeces
immunoassay /!mjn$'se/ noun a test for

immunoassay
|
noun extremely hard dry faeces which cannot
the presence and strength of antibodies pass through the anus and have to be surgically
immunocompetence
immunocompetence
/!mjn |
removed
$kmptns/ noun the ability to develop an impacted fracture /m!p'ktd $fr'kt/
impacted fracture
immune response following exposure to an anti- noun a fracture where the broken parts of the
gen bones are pushed into each other
145 incidence rate
impacted tooth /m!p'ktd $tu%/ noun a impotence /$mpt()ns/ noun the inability in
impacted tooth impotence
tooth which is held against another tooth and so a male to have an erection or to ejaculate, and so
cannot grow normally have sexual intercourse
impacted ureteric calculus /m!p'ktd impotent /$mpt()nt/ adjective (of a man)
impacted ureteric calculus impotent
!jrterk $k'lkjls/ noun a small hard mass unable to have sexual intercourse
of mineral salts which is lodged in a ureter impregnate /$mpre1net/ verb 1. to make a
impregnate
impaction /m$p'kn/ noun a condition in female pregnant 2. to soak a cloth with a liquid !
impaction
which things are closely pressed together and a cloth impregnated with antiseptic
cannot develop or move normally impregnation /!mpre1$ne()n/ noun the
impregnation
impair /m$pe/ verb to harm a sense or function action of impregnating

impair
so that it does not work properly impression /m$pre()n/ noun 1. a mould of a

impression
impaired hearing /m!ped $hr/ noun persons jaw made by a dentist before making a
impaired hearing
hearing which is not clear and sharp denture 2. a depression on an organ or structure
impaired vision /m!ped $v+()n/ noun eye-
impaired vision
|
into which another organ or structure fits
impulse /$mp.ls/ noun 1. a message transmit-
impulse
sight which is not fully clear

impairment /m$pemnt/ noun a condition in
impairment
|
ted by a nerve 2. a sudden feeling of wanting to
which a sense or function is harmed so that it does act in a specific way
in- /n/ prefix 1. in, into, towards 2. not
in-
not work properly ! His hearing impairment

does not affect his work. ! The impairment was inaccessible /!nk$sesb()l/ adjective 1.
inaccessible
progressive, but she did not notice that her eye- physically difficult or impossible to reach 2. very
sight was getting worse. technical and difficult to understand
impalpable /m$p'lpb()l/ adjective not able
impalpable
inanition /!n$n()n/ noun a state of exhaus-

inanition
|
|
to be felt when touched tion caused by starvation

impediment /m$pedmnt/ noun an obstruc-
impediment
inarticulate /!n%$tkjlt/ adjective 1. with-

inarticulate
| |
tion out joints or segments, as in the bones of the skull

imperforate /m$p-%f()rt/ adjective without 2. unable to speak fluently or intelligibly 3. not
imperforate
an opening understandable as speech or language

in articulo mortis /n %!tkjl $m%ts/
in articulo mortis
imperforate anus /m!p-%f()rt $ens/

imperforate anus
|
|
noun same as proctatresia adverb a Latin phrase meaning at the onset of

imperforate hymen /m!p-%f()rt $hamen/
imperforate hymen
|
death
inborn /n$b%n/ adjective congenital, which is
inborn
noun a membrane in the vagina which is missing |
the opening for the menstrual flow in the body from birth ! A body has an inborn
impermeable /m$p-%mib()l/ adjective not
impermeable
|
tendency to reject transplanted organs.
inbreeding /$nbri%d/ noun a situation where
inbreeding
allowing liquids or gases to pass through

impetigo /!mp$ta1/ noun an irritating and
impetigo
closely related males and females, or those with
very similar genetic make-up, have children
|
very contagious skin disease caused by staphylo-

cocci, which spreads rapidly and is easily passed together, so allowing congenital conditions to be
from one child to another, but can be treated with passed on
incapacitated /!nk$p'stetd/ adjective
incapacitated
antibiotics |
implant noun /$mpl%nt/ something grafted or

implant
not able to act or work ! He was incapacitated
inserted into a person, e.g. tissue, a drug, inert for three weeks by his accident.
incarcerated /n$k%sretd/ adjective refer-
incarcerated
material or a device such as a pacemaker " verb |
/m$pl%nt/ 1. to fix into something ! The ovum

|
ring to a hernia which cannot be corrected by
implants in the wall of the uterus. 2. to graft or physical manipulation
insert tissue, a drug, inert material or a device ! inception rate /n$sepn ret/ noun the
inception rate
The site was implanted with the biomaterial. number of new cases of a disease during a period
implantation /!mpl%n$te()n/ noun 1. the
implantation
|
of time, per thousand of population
act of grafting or inserting tissue, a drug, inert incest /$nsest/ noun an act of sexual inter-
incest
material or a device into a person, or the introduc- course or other sexual activity with so close a rel-
tion of one tissue into another surgically 2. a place ative, that it is illegal or culturally not allowed
in or on the body where an implant is positioned incidence /$nsd()ns/ noun the number of
incidence
3. same as nidation times something happens in a specific population

implant site /$mpl%nt sat/ noun a place in or over a period of time ! the incidence of drug-
implant site
on the body where the implant is positioned related deaths ! Men have a higher incidence of
implosion /m$pl+()n/ noun the violent
implosion
|
strokes than women.
inward collapse of a hollow structure. It happens incidence rate /$nsd()ns ret/ noun the
incidence rate
when the pressure outside the structure is greater number of new cases of a disease during a given
than the pressure inside it. period, per thousand of population
incipient 146
incipient /n$spint/ adjective just beginning trol the bladder. Double incontinence is the ina-
incipient
or in its early stages ! He has an incipient appen- bility to control both the bladder and the bowels.)
dicitis. ! The tests detected incipient diabetes incontinence pad /n$kntnns p'd/ noun a
incontinence pad
mellitus. pad of material to absorb urine

incision /n$s+()n/ noun a cut in a persons incontinent /n$kntnnt/ adjective unable to
incision incontinent
| |
body made by a surgeon using a scalpel, or any control the discharge of urine or faeces
cut made with a sharp knife or razor ! The first incoordination /!nk%d$ne()n/ noun a
incoordination
incision is made two millimetres below the second situation in which the muscles in various parts of
rib. Compare excision the body do not act together, making it impossible
incisional /n$s+()n()l/ adjective referring to
incisional
| to carry out some actions

an incision incubation /!kj$be()n/ noun 1. the
incubation
incisional hernia /n!s+()n()l $h-%ni/

incisional hernia
| development of an infection inside the body

noun a hernia which breaks through the abdomi- before the symptoms of the disease appear 2. the
nal wall at a place where a surgical incision was keeping of an ill or premature baby in a controlled
made during an operation environment in an incubator 3. the process of cul-
incisor /n$saz/, incisor tooth /n$saz
incisor
| |
turing cells or microorganisms under controlled
tu%/ noun one of the front teeth, of which there conditions
are four each in the upper and lower jaws, which incubation period /!kj$be()n !prid/
incubation period
are used to cut off pieces of food. See illustration noun the time during which a virus or bacterium
at TEETH in Supplement develops in the body after contamination or infec-
inclusion /n$klu%+()n/ noun something
inclusion
|
tion, before the appearance of the symptoms of
enclosed inside something else the disease. Also called stadium invasioni
incubator /$kjbet/ noun 1. an apparatus
incubator
inclusion bodies /n$klu%+()n !bdiz/ plural

inclusion bodies
noun very small particles found in cells infected for growing bacterial cultures 2. an enclosed con-
by a virus tainer in which a premature baby can be kept,
within which conditions such as temperature and
inclusive /n$klu%sv/ adjective (of health serv-
inclusive
oxygen levels can be controlled

|
ices) provided whether or not someone has a dis-

incurable /n$kjrb()l/ adjective who or
incurable
ability or special needs |
which cannot be cured ! He is suffering from an

incompatibility /!nkmp't$blti/ noun the
incompatibility
incurable disease of the blood. " noun a patient

|
fact of being incompatible ! the incompatibility

who will never be cured ! She has been admitted
of the donors blood with that of the patient
to a hospital for incurables.
incompatible /!nkm$p'tb()l/ adjective 1.
incompatible
incus /$ks/ noun one of the three ossicles in

incus
|
referring to something which does not go together

the middle ear, shaped like an anvil. See illustra-
with something else 2. referring to drugs which
tion at EAR in Supplement
must not be used together because they undergo
independent /!nd$pendnt/ adjective not
independent
chemical change and the therapeutic effect is lost |
or changed to something undesirable 3. referring controlled by someone or something else

independent nursing function
independent nursing function
to tissue which is genetically different from other

tissue, making it impossible to transplant into that /!ndpendnt $n-%s !f.kn/ noun any part
tissue of the nurses job for which the nurse takes full
incompatible
incompatible blood
blood /!nkmp'tb()l responsibility

Inderal /$ndr'l/ a trade name for propranolol
Inderal
$bl.d/ noun blood from a donor that does not

match the blood of the person receiving the trans- index finger /$ndeks !f1/ noun the first fin-
index finger
fusion ger next to the thumb

incompetence /$nkmpt()ns/ noun the ina- indication /!nd$ke()n/ noun a situation or
incompetence indication
bility to do a particular act, especially a lack of sign which suggests that a specific treatment
knowledge or skill which makes a person unable should be given or that a condition has a particular
to do particular job cause ! Sulpha drugs have been replaced by anti-
incompetent
incompetent cervix
cervix /n!kmpt()nt |
biotics in many indications. ! contraindication
$s-%vks/ noun a dysfunctional cervix of the indicator /$ndket/ noun 1. a substance
indicator
uterus which is often the cause of spontaneous which shows something, e.g. a substance secreted
abortions and premature births and can be reme- in body fluids which shows which blood group a
died by purse-string stitching person belongs to 2. something that serves as a
incomplete
incomplete abortion
abortion /!nkmpli%t |
warning or guide
$b%()n/ noun an abortion where part of the indigenous /n$dd+ns/ adjective 1. natural
indigenous
contents of the uterus is not expelled or inborn 2. native to or representative of a coun-

incontinence /n$kntnns/ noun the inabil-
incontinence
|
try or region
ity to control the discharge of urine or faeces indigestion /!nd$d+estn/ noun a distur-
indigestion
(NOTE: Single incontinence is the inability to con- bance of the normal process of digestion, where
147 inferior aspect

the person experiences pain or discomfort in the infant /$nfnt/ noun a child under two years of
infant
stomach ! He is taking tablets to relieve his indi- age

gestion or He is taking indigestion tablets. ! dys- infanticide /n$f'ntsad/ noun 1. the act of
infanticide
pepsia killing an infant 2. a person who kills an infant

indigo carmine /!nd1 $k%man/ noun a
indigo carmine
infantile /$nfntal/ adjective referring to small

infantile
blue dye which is injected into a person to test children

how well their kidneys are working
infantile convulsions /!nfntal kn
infantile convulsions
indirect contact /!ndarekt $knt'kt/ noun

indirect contact |
$v.lnz/, infantile spasms plural noun convul-

the fact of catching a disease by inhaling germs or sions or minor epileptic fits in small children
by being in contact with a vector
infantile paralysis /!nfntal p$r'lss/
infantile paralysis
individualise /!nd$vd+u!laz/, individual-

individualise
| |
noun a former name for poliomyelitis
ize verb to provide something that matches the
infantilism /n$f'ntlz()m/ noun a condition
infantilism
needs of a specific person or situation ! individ-

|
in which a person keeps some characteristics of

ualised care
an infant when he or she becomes an adult
individualised nursing care
individualised nursing care
infant mortality rate /!nfnt m%$t'lti

infant mortality rate
/!ndvdjulazd $n-%s !ke/ noun care which

|
!ret/ noun the number of infants who die per

is designed to provide exactly what one particular
thousand births
patient needs ! The homes staff are specially
infarct /$nf%kt/ noun an area of tissue which is
infarct
trained to provide individualised nursing care.

killed when the blood supply is cut off by the
Indocid /$ndsd/ a trade name for indometh-
Indocid
blockage of an artery
acin
infarction /n$f%k()n/ noun a condition in
infarction
indolent /$ndlnt/ adjective 1. causing little

indolent |
which tissue is killed by the cutting off of the

pain 2. referring to an ulcer which develops blood supply
slowly and does not heal
infect /n$fekt/ verb to contaminate someone or
infect
indomethacin /!nd$mesn/ noun a drug

indomethacin |
|
something with microorganisms that cause dis-
that reduces pain, fever and inflammation, espe- ease or toxins ! The disease infected her liver. !
cially that caused by arthritis The whole arm soon became infected.
indrawn /n$dr%n/ adjective pulled inside
indrawn
infected wound /n!fektd $wu%nd/ noun a

infected wound
|
|
induce /n$dju%s/ verb to make something hap-

induce
|
wound into which bacteria have entered
pen infection /n$fekn/ noun 1. the entry or intro-
infection
induced abortion /n!dju%st $b%()n/ noun

induced abortion
| |
duction into the body of microorganisms, which
an abortion which is deliberately caused by drugs then multiply ! As a carrier he was spreading
or by surgery infection to other people in the office. 2. an illness
induction /n$d.kn/ noun 1. the process of which is caused by the entry of microbes into the
induction
starting or speeding up the birth of a baby 2. the body ! She is susceptible to minor infections.
stimulation of an enzymes production when the infectious /n$feks/ adjective referring to a
infectious
substance on which it acts increases in concentra- disease which is caused by microorganisms and
tion 3. a process by which one part of an embryo can be transmitted to other persons by direct
influences another parts development 4. infor- means ! This strain of flu is highly infectious. !
mation and support given to new employees in an Her measles is at the infectious stage.
organisation infectious disease /n!feks d$zi%z/ noun a
infectious disease
| |
induction of labour /n!d.kn v $leb/

induction of labour
| disease caused by microorganisms such as bacte-

noun the action of starting childbirth artificially ria, viruses or fungi. ! communicable disease,
induration /!ndj$re()n/ noun the harden- contagious disease
induration
ing of tissue or of an artery because of pathologi- infectious mononucleosis /n!feks

infectious mononucleosis
cal change !mn!nju%kli$ss/ noun an infectious dis-

| |
industrial disease /n$d.stril d!zi%z/ noun

industrial disease
| |
ease where the body has an excessive number of
a disease which is caused by the type of work white blood cells. Also called glandular fever
done by a worker or by the conditions in which he infectious parotitis /n!feks !p'r$tats/
infectious parotitis
| |
or she works, e.g. by dust produced or chemicals noun same as mumps

used in the factory infective /n$fektv/ adjective referring to a dis-
infective
inebriation /!ni%br$e()n/ noun a state

inebriation
| | ease caused by a microorganism, which can be

where a person is drunk, especially habitually caught from another person but which may not
drunk always be directly transmitted
inertia /$n-%/ noun a lack of activity in the inferior /n$fri/ adjective referring to a lower
inertia inferior
| |
body or mind part of the body. Opposite superior

in extremis /n ks$tri%ms/ adverb at the inferior aspect /n!frir $'spekt/ noun a
in extremis inferior aspect
| |
moment of death view of the body from below

inferiority 148
inferiority /n!fri$rti/ noun the fact of being stimulus by becoming inflamed ! She showed an
inferiority
| |
lower in value or quality, substandard inflammatory response to the ointment.

inferiority complex influenza /!nflu$enz/ noun an infectious dis-
influenza
/n!fri$rti
inferiority complex
| | |
!kmpleks/ noun a mental disorder arising from ease of the upper respiratory tract with fever and
a combination of wanting to be noticed and fear of muscular aches, which is transmitted by a virus
humiliation. The resulting behaviour may either and can occur in epidemics. Also called flu
be aggression or withdrawal from the external informed /n$f%md/ adjective having the latest
informed
world. information
inferior mesenteric artery /n!fri mesen
inferior mesenteric artery
informed consent /n!f%md kn$sent/ noun

informed consent
| |
| |
!terk $%tri/ noun one of the arteries which sup- an agreement to allow a procedure to be carried
ply the transverse colon and rectum out, given by a patient, or the guardian of a
inferior vena cava /n!fri !vi%n $k%v/
inferior vena cava
| patient, who has been provided with all the neces-

noun the main vein carrying blood from the lower sary information
part of the body to the heart. See illustration at infra- /$nfr/ prefix below
infra-
HEART in Supplement, KIDNEY in Supplement

infrared /!nfr$red/ adjective relating to infra-
infrared
infertility /!nf$tlti/ noun the fact of not being

infertility |
|
red radiation " noun invisible electromagnetic
fertile, not able to reproduce radiation between light and radio waves
infestation /!nfe$ste()n/ noun the fact of
infestation
infrared rays /!nfrred $rez/ plural noun long

infrared rays
|
having large numbers of parasites, or an invasion invisible rays, below the visible red end of the col-
of the body by parasites ! The condition is our spectrum, used to produce heat in body tis-
caused by infestation of the hair with lice. sues in the treatment of traumatic and inflamma-
infiltrate /$nfltret/ verb (of liquid or waste) to
infiltrate
tory conditions. ! light therapy

pass from one part of the body to another through
infundibulum /!nf.n$dbjlm/ noun any
infundibulum
a wall or membrane and be deposited in the other

|
part of the body shaped like a funnel, especially

part " noun a substance which has infiltrated a
the stem which attaches the pituitary gland to the
part of the body
hypothalamus
infiltration /!nfl$tre()n/ noun 1. the proc-
infiltration
infusion /n$fju%+()n/ noun 1. a drink made by

| infusion
ess where a liquid passes through the walls of one |
part of the body into another part 2. a condition in pouring boiling water on a dry substance such as
which waste is brought to and deposited around herb tea or a powdered drug 2. the process of
cells putting of liquid into someones body, using a
drip
infirm /n$f-%m/ adjective old and weak
infirm
ingesta /n$d+est/ plural noun food or liquid

| ingesta
infirmary /n$f-%mri/ noun 1. a room in a

infirmary |
|
that enters the body via the mouth
school or workplace where people can go if they
ingestion /n$d+estn/ noun the act of taking
ingestion
are ill 2. a former name for a hospital (NOTE: |
Infirmary is still used in the names of some hos- in food, drink or medicine by the mouth
ingrowing toenail /!n1r $tnel/,
ingrowing toenail
pitals: the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.)

infirmity /n$f-%mti/ noun a lack of strength
infirmity
|
ingrowing nail /!n1r $nel/, ingrown toe-
and energy because of illness or age (formal) nail /!n1rn $tnel/ noun a toenail which is
growing into the skin at the side of the nail, caus-
inflamed /n$flemd/ adjective sore, red and
inflamed
ing pain and swelling. The toenail cuts into the

|
swollen ! The skin has become inflamed around

tissue on either side of it, creating inflammation
the sore.
and sometimes sepsis and ulceration.
inflammation /!nfl$me()n/ noun the fact
inflammation
inguinal /$1wn()l/ adjective referring to the

| inguinal
of having become sore, red and swollen as a reac-

tion to an infection, an irritation or a blow ! She groin
inguinal canal /!1wn()l k$n'l/ noun a
inguinal canal
has an inflammation of the bladder or a bladder |
inflammation. ! The bodys reaction to infection passage in the lower abdominal wall, carrying the
took the form of an inflammation of the eyelid. spermatic cord in the male and the round ligament
inflammatory /n$fl'mt()ri/ adjective caus-
inflammatory
|
of the uterus in the female
inguinal hernia /!1wn()l $h-%ni/ noun a
inguinal hernia
ing an organ or a tissue to become sore, red and

swollen hernia where the intestine bulges through the
inflammatory bowel
inflammatory bowel disease
disease /n |
muscles in the groin
inguinal ligament /!1wn()l $l1mnt/
inguinal ligament
!fl'mt()ri $bal d!zi%z/ noun any condition, |
e.g. Crohns disease, colitis or ileitis, in which the noun a ligament in the groin, running from the
bowel becomes inflamed spine to the pubis. Also called Pouparts liga-
inflammatory response /n!fl'mt()ri r
inflammatory response
| |
ment
$spns/, inflammatory reaction /n inguinal region /!1wn()l $ri%d+n/ noun
inguinal region
!fl'mt()ri r$'kn/ noun any condition | the part of the body where the lower abdomen
where an organ or a tissue reacts to an external joins the top of the thigh. ! groin
149 inpatient
inhalation /!nh$le()n/ noun 1. the act of hospital treatment. ! He received severe facial
inhalation
breathing in. Opposite exhalation 2. the action of injuries in the accident.

breathing in a medicinal substance as part of a injury scoring system /!nd+ri $sk%r
injury scoring system
treatment 3. a medicinal substance which is !sstm/ noun any system used for deciding how
breathed in severe an injury is ! a standard lung injury scor-
inhale /n$hel/ verb 1. to breathe in, or breathe
inhale
|
ing system Abbreviation ISS
something in ! She inhaled some toxic gas fumes inlay /$nle/ noun (in dentistry) a type of filling
inlay
and was rushed to hospital. 2. to breathe in a for teeth

medicinal substance as part of a treatment. Oppo- inlet /$nlet/ noun a passage or opening through
inlet
site exhale which a cavity can be entered

inhaler /n$hel/ noun a small device for
inhaler
innate /$net/ adjective inherited, which is

innate
|
|
administering medicinal substances into the present in a body from birth

mouth or nose so that they can be breathed in
inner pleura /!n $plr/ noun same as vis-
inner pleura
inherent /n$hrnt/ adjective referring to a

inherent
|
ceral pleura
thing which is part of the essential character of a
innervation /!n-%$ve()n/ noun the nerve
innervation
person or a permanent characteristic of an organ- |
ism supply to an organ, including both motor nerves

and sensory nerves
inherit /n$hert/ verb to receive genetically
inherit
innocent /$ns()nt/ adjective referring to a

| innocent
controlled characteristics from a parent ! She

growth which is benign, not malignant
inherited her fathers red hair. ! Haemophilia is
innominate /$nmnt/ adjective with no
innominate
a condition which is inherited through the |
mothers genes. name

innominate artery /!nmnt $%tri/ noun
innominate artery
inheritance /n$hert()ns/ noun 1. the process

inheritance
|
|
by which genetically controlled characteristics the largest branch of the arch of the aorta, which
pass from parents to offspring ! the inheritance continues as the right common carotid and right
of chronic inflammatory bowel disease 2. all of subclavian arteries
the qualities and characteristics which are passed innominate bone /!nmnt $bn/ noun
innominate bone
down from parents ! an unfortunate part of our same as hip bone

genetic inheritance innominate vein /!nmnt $ven/ noun
innominate vein
inherited /n$hertd/ adjective passed on from

inherited
| same as brachiocephalic vein

a parent through the genes ! an inherited disor- inoculate /$nkjlet/ verb to introduce vac-
inoculate
der of the lungs cine into a persons body in order to make the
inhibit /n$hbt/ verb to prevent an action hap- body create its own antibodies, so making the per-
inhibit
pening, or stop a functional process ! Aspirin son immune to the disease ! The baby was inoc-
inhibits the clotting of blood. ulated against diphtheria. (NOTE: You inoculate
inhibition /!nh$b()n/ noun 1. the action of
inhibition
|
someone with or against a disease.)
inoculation /!nkj$le()n/ noun the action
inoculation
blocking or preventing something happening, | |
especially of preventing a muscle or organ from of inoculating someone ! Has the baby had a
functioning properly 2. (in psychology) the sup- diphtheria inoculation?
pression of a thought which is associated with a inoculum /$nkjlm/ noun a substance used
inoculum
sense of guilt 3. (in psychology) the blocking of a for inoculation, e.g. a vaccine (NOTE: The plural
spontaneous action by some mental influence is inocula.)
inhibitor /n$hbt/ noun a substance which
inhibitor
inoperable /n$pr()b()l/ adjective refer-

inoperable
|
|
inhibits ring to a condition which cannot be operated on !

inject /n$d+ekt/ verb to put a liquid into some- The surgeon decided that the cancer was inoper-
inject
ones body under pressure, by using a hollow nee- able.

dle inserted into the tissues ! He was injected inorganic /!n%$1'nk/ adjective referring to a
inorganic
with morphine. ! She injected herself with a substance which is not made from animal or veg-
drug. etable sources
injected /n$d+ektd/ adjective 1. referring to a
injected
inorganic acid /!n%1'nk $'sd/ noun an

inorganic acid
liquid or substance introduced into the body 2. acid which comes from minerals, used in dilute
referring to surface blood vessels which are swol- form to help indigestion
len inotropic /!n$trpk/ adjective affecting the
inotropic
injection /n$d+ekn/ noun 1. the act of inject-

injection
| way muscles contract, especially those of the

ing a liquid into the body ! He had a penicillin heart
injection. 2. a liquid introduced into the body inpatient /$n!pe()nt/ noun someone who
inpatient
injury /$nd+ri/ noun damage or a wound

injury
stays overnight or for some time in a hospital for

caused to a persons body ! His injuries required treatment or observation. Compare outpatient
inquest 150
inquest /$kwest/ noun an inquiry by a coro- institution /!nst$tju%()n/ noun a place

inquest institution
ner into the cause of a death where people are cared for, e.g. a hospital or
insanitary /n$s'nt()ri/ adjective not hygi-
insanitary
|
clinic, especially a psychiatric hospital or chil-
enic ! Cholera spread rapidly because of the drens home
insanitary conditions in the town. institutionalisation /!nst!tju%()nla
institutionalisation
| |
insanity /n$s'nti/ noun a psychotic mental

insanity
|
$ze()n/, institutionalization, institutional
disorder or illness neurosis /!nsttju%n()l nj$rss/ noun a |
insect /$nsekt/ noun a small animal with six

insect
condition in which someone has become so
legs and a body in three parts adapted to life in an institution that it is impossi-
ble for him or her to live outside it
insect bite /$nsekt bat/ noun a sting caused
insect bite
instrument /$nstrmnt/ noun a piece of

instrument
by an insect which punctures the skin to suck

blood, and in so doing introduces irritants equipment or a tool ! The doctor had a box of
surgical instruments.
COMMENT: Most insect bites are simply irri-
instrumental delivery /!nstrment()l d
instrumental delivery
tating. Others can be more serious, as in- |
sects can carry the organisms which pro- $lv()ri/ noun childbirth where the doctor uses
duce typhus, sleeping sickness, malaria, forceps to help the baby out of the mothers uterus
filariasis and many other diseases. insufficiency /!ns$f()nsi/ noun the fact of
insufficiency
insecticide /n$sektsad/ noun a substance not being strong or large enough to perform usual
insecticide
which kills insects functions ! The patient is suffering from a renal

insemination /n!sem$ne()n/ noun the fer-
insemination
| |
insufficiency.
insufflation /!ns$fle()n/ noun the act of
insufflation
tilisation of an ovum by a sperm |
insensible /n$sensb()l/ adjective 1. lacking

insensible
|
blowing gas, vapour or powder into the lungs or
feeling or consciousness 2. not aware of or another body cavity as a treatment
insulin /$nsjln/ noun a hormone produced by
insulin
responding to a stimulus 3. too slight to be per-

ceived by the senses the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
insertion /n$s-%()n/ noun the point of attach- insulinase /$nsjlnez/ noun an enzyme
insertion insulinase
ment of a muscle to a bone which breaks down insulin

insidious /n$sdis/ adjective causing harm insulin dependence /!nsjln d$pendns/
insidious insulin dependence
| |
without showing any obvious signs noun the fact of being dependent on insulin injec-
insidious disease /n!sdis d$zi%z/ noun a
insidious disease
| |
tions
disease which causes damage before being insulin-dependent diabetes /!nsjln d
insulin-dependent diabetes
detected !pendnt !da$bi%tiz/ noun same as Type I dia-

|
insight /$nsat/ noun the ability of a person to

insight
betes mellitus
realise that he or she is ill or has particular prob- insulinoma /!nsjl$nm/ noun a tumour in
insulinoma
lems or characteristics the islets of Langerhans

in situ /!n $stju%/ adverb in place insulin-resistant /!nsjln r$zst()nt/
in situ insulin-resistant
insoluble /n$sljb()l/ adjective not able to

insoluble
|
adjective referring to a condition in which the
be dissolved in liquid muscle and other tissue cells respond inade-
insoluble fibre /n!sljb()l $fab/ noun the
insoluble fibre
|
quately to insulin, as in Type II diabetes
insuloma /!nsj$lm/ noun same as insuli-
insuloma
fibre in bread and cereals, which is not digested |
but which swells inside the intestine noma

insult /$ns.lt/ noun 1. a physical injury or
insult
insomnia /n$smni/ noun the inability to

insomnia
sleep ! She experiences insomnia. ! What does trauma 2. something that causes a physical injury
the doctor give you for your insomnia? Also or trauma
called sleeplessness Intal /$nt'l/ a trade name for a preparation of
Intal
insomniac /n$smni'k/ noun a person who cromolyn sodium

insomniac
has insomnia integrated service /!nt1retd $s-%vs/

integrated service
inspiration /!nsp$re()n/ noun the act of noun a broad care service provided by health and
inspiration
taking air into the lungs. Opposite expiration social agencies acting together
instep /$nstep/ noun an arched top part of the integrative medicine /!nt1retv
instep integrative medicine
foot $med()s()n/ noun the combination of main-

instillation /!nst$le()n/ noun 1. the process
instillation
|
stream therapies and those complementary or
of putting a liquid in drop by drop 2. a liquid put alternative therapies for which there is scientific
in drop by drop evidence of efficacy and safety
integument /n$te1jmnt/ noun a covering
integument
instinct /$nstkt/ noun a tendency or ability

instinct
|
which the body has from birth and does not need layer, e.g. the skin
to learn ! The body has a natural instinct to pro- intellect /$ntlekt/ noun a persons ability to
intellect
tect itself from danger. think, reason and understand

151 internal carotid
intelligence /n$teld+ns/ noun the ability to interferon /!nt$frn/ noun a protein pro-
intelligence interferon
| |
learn and understand quickly duced by cells, usually in response to a virus, and
intelligence
intelligence quotient
quotient /n$teld+ns |
which then reduces the spread of viruses
!kw()nt/ noun the ratio of the mental age, as interior /n$tri/ noun a part which is inside "
interior
given by an intelligence test, to the chronological adjective inside

age of the person. Abbreviation IQ interleukin /!nt$lu%kn/ noun a protein pro-
interleukin
intensity /n$tensti/ noun the strength of e.g. duced by the bodys immune system
intensity
pain interleukin-1 /!ntlu%kn $w.n/ noun a pro-

interleukin-1
intensive care /n!tensv $ke/ noun 1. the tein which causes high temperature. Abbreviation
intensive care
continual supervision and treatment of an IL-1

extremely ill person in a special section of a hos- interleukin-2 /!ntlu%kn $tu%/ noun a protein
interleukin-2
pital ! The patient was put in intensive care. ! which stimulates T-cell production, used in the
residential care 2. same as intensive care unit treatment of cancer. Abbreviation IL-2
intensive care unit /n!tensv $ke !ju%nt/
intensive care unit
interlobar /!nt$lb/ adjective between

interlobar
|
|
noun a section of a hospital equipped with life- lobes

saving and life-support equipment in which seri-
interlobar artery /!ntlbr $%tri/ noun
interlobar artery
ously ill people who need constant medical atten-

an artery running towards the cortex on each side
tion are cared for. Abbreviation ICU
of a renal pyramid
intention /n$tenn/ noun 1. the healing proc-
intention
interlobular /nt$lbjl/ adjective between

interlobular
|
ess 2. a plan to do something

|
lobules
intention tremor /n$tenn !trem/ noun a
intention tremor
interlobular artery /nt$lbjl !%tri/

interlobular artery
|
trembling of the hands seen when people suffer-

|
noun one of the arteries running to the glomeruli

ing from particular brain diseases make voluntary
of the kidneys
movements to try to touch something
intermediate care /!ntmi%dit $ke/ noun
intermediate care
inter- /nt/ prefix between

inter-
care following surgery or illness that can be deliv-

interaction /!ntr$'kn/ noun an effect
interaction
|
ered in special units attached to a hospital or in the
which two or more substances such as drugs have persons home by a special multidisciplinary team
on each other
intermittent /!nt$mt()nt/ adjective occur-
intermittent
interatrial septum /!ntr$etril !septm/

interatrial septum
|
ring at intervals
noun a membrane between the right and left atria
intermittent claudication /!ntmt()nt
intermittent claudication
in the heart
!kl%d$ke()n/ noun a condition of the arteries
|
intercalated /n$t-%kletd/ adjective inserted

intercalated
|
causing severe pain in the legs which makes the
between other tissues person limp after having walked a short distance
intercalated disc /n!t-%kletd $dsk/ noun
intercalated disc
| (NOTE: The symptoms increase with walking,

closely applied cell membranes at the end of adja- stop after a short rest and recur when the person
cent cells in cardiac muscle, seen as transverse walks again.)
lines intermittent fever /!ntmt()nt $fi%v/ noun
intermittent fever
intercellular /!nt$seljl/ adjective between fever which rises and falls regularly, as in malaria
intercellular
the cells in tissue intermittent self-catheterisation

intermittent self-catheterisation
intercostal /!nt$kst()l/ adjective between /!ntmt()nt self !k'tra$ze()n/ noun a

intercostal
| |
the ribs " noun same as intercostal muscle procedure in which someone puts a catheter
intercostal muscle /nt!kst()l $m.s()l/
intercostal muscle
|
through the urethra into their own bladder from
noun one of the muscles between the ribs time to time to empty out the urine. Abbreviation
COMMENT: The intercostal muscles expand
ISC
internal /n$t-%n()l/ adjective inside the body
internal
and contract the thorax, so changing the |
pressure in the thorax and making the per- or a body part

son breathe in or out. There are three layers internal auditory meatus /n!t-%n()l
internal auditory meatus
of intercostal muscle: external, internal and !%dt()ri mi$ets/ noun a channel which takes
|
innermost or intercostalis intimis. the auditory nerve through the temporal bone
intercurrent disease /!ntk.rnt d$zi%z/,
intercurrent disease
internal cardiac massage /n!t-%n()l

internal cardiac massage
|
|
intercurrent infection /!ntk.rnt n$fekn/ |

!k%di'k $m's%+/ noun a method of making the
noun a disease or infection which affects some- heart start beating again by pressing on the heart
one who has another disease itself
interdigital /!nt$dd+t()l/ adjective refer-
interdigital
internal carotid /n!t-%n()l k'$rtd/ noun

internal carotid
|
| |
ring to the space between the fingers or toes an artery in the neck, behind the external carotid,
interdisciplinary /!nt!ds$plnri/ adjec- which gives off the ophthalmic artery and ends by
interdisciplinary
| |
tive combining two or more different areas of dividing into the anterior and middle cerebral
medical or scientific study arteries
internal derangement of the knee 152
internal derangement of the knee /n parietal bones " noun same as interparietal
internal derangement of the knee
!t-%n()l d$ren+mnt v $ni%/ noun a condi-

|
bone
tion in which the knee cannot function properly interparietal bone /!ntp$rat()l !bn/
interparietal bone
because of a torn meniscus. Abbreviation IDK noun a triangular bone in the back of the skull,
internal ear /n!t-%n()l $/ noun the part of rarely present in humans
internal ear
the ear inside the head, behind the eardrum, con- interphalangeal joint /!ntf$l'nd+il
interphalangeal joint
taining the semicircular canals, the vestibule and !d+nt/ noun a joint between the phalanges.
the cochlea Also called IP joint
internal haemorrhage /n!t-%n()l interphase /$ntfez/ noun a stage of a cell
internal haemorrhage interphase
$hem()rd+/ noun a haemorrhage which takes between divisions

place inside the body interpubic joint /!ntpju%bk $d+nt/ noun a
interpubic joint
internal haemorrhoids /n!t-%n()l

internal haemorrhoids
| piece of cartilage which joins the two sections of

$hemrdz/ plural noun swollen veins inside the the pubic bone. Also called pubic symphysis
anus intersex /$ntseks/ noun an organism that has
intersex
internal iliac artery /n!t-%n()l $li'k

internal iliac artery
| both male and female characteristics

!%tri/ noun an artery which branches from the intersexuality /!ntseku$'lti/ noun a con-
intersexuality
aorta in the abdomen and leads to the pelvis dition in which a baby has both male and female
internal injury /n!t-%n()l $nd+ri/ noun characteristics, as in Klinefelters syndrome and
internal injury
damage to one of the internal organs Turners syndrome

internal jugular /n!t-%n()l $d+.1jl/ noun interstice /n$t-%sts/ noun a small space
internal jugular interstice
| |
the largest jugular vein in the neck, leading to the between body parts or within a tissue
brachiocephalic veins interstitial /!nt$st()l/ adjective referring to
interstitial
internal nares /n!t-%n()l $neri%z/ plural tissue located in the spaces between parts of
internal nares
noun the two openings shaped like funnels lead- something, especially between the active tissues
ing from the nasal cavity to the pharynx. Also in an organ
called posterior nares interstitial cell /!nt$st()l !sel/ noun a tes-
interstitial cell
internal oblique /n!t-%n()l $bli%k/ noun the tosterone-producing cell between the tubules in
internal oblique
| |
middle layer of muscle covering the abdomen, the testes. Also called Leydig cell
beneath the external oblique interstitial cell stimulating hormone
interstitial cell stimulating hormone
internal respiration /n!t-%n()l !resp /!nt!st()l sel $stmjlet !h%mn/

internal respiration
| | |
$re()n/ noun the part of respiration concerned noun a hormone produced by the pituitary gland
with the passage of oxygen from the blood to the which stimulates the formation of corpus luteum
tissues, and the passage of carbon dioxide from in females and testosterone in males. Abbrevia-
the tissues to the blood tion ICSH. Also called luteinising hormone
interstitial cystitis /!ntst()l s$stats/
interstitial cystitis
International Committee of the Red

International Committee of the Red Cross
Cross /nt!n'()n()l k!mti v !red

| |
noun a persistent nonbacterial condition in which
$krs/ noun an international organisation which someone has bladder pain and wants to pass urine
provides mainly emergency medical help, but frequently. It is often associated with Hunners
also relief to victims of earthquakes, floods and ulcer.
other disasters, or to prisoners of war. Abbrevia- intertrigo /!nt$tra1/ noun an irritation
intertrigo
tion ICRC which occurs when two skin surfaces rub against
International Council of Nurses each other, as in the armpit or between the but-
International Council of Nurses
/!ntn'()n()l !kansl v $n-%sz/ noun an tocks

organisation founded in 1899 which now repre- intertubercular plane /!nttj!b-%kjl
intertubercular plane
sents nurses in more than 120 countries. Its aims $plen/ noun same as transtubercular plane
are to bring nurses together, to advance nursing intervention /!nt$venn/ noun a treatment
intervention
worldwide and to influence health policies.

interventional radiology /!ntvenn()l
interventional radiology
Abbreviation ICN
!redi$ld+i/ noun the area of medicine which
international unit /!ntn'()nl $ju%nt/
international unit |
uses X-rays, ultrasound and CAT to guide small

noun an internationally agreed standard used in instruments into the body for procedures such as
pharmacy as a measure of a substance such as a biopsies, draining fluids or widening narrow ves-
drug or hormone. Abbreviation IU sels
internodal /!nt$nd()l/ adjective between
internodal
interventricular /!ntven$trkjl/ adjective

interventricular
|
|
two nodes between ventricles in the heart or brain

interosseous /!ntr$sis/ adjective between
interosseous
interventricular foramen /!ntven!trkjl

interventricular foramen
|
|
bones f$remn/ noun an opening in the brain between

|
interparietal /!ntp$rat()l/ adjective the lateral ventricle and the third ventricle,
interparietal
between parietal parts, especially between the through which the cerebrospinal fluid passes
153 intrauterine contraceptive device
interventricular septum /!ntven!trkjl intracerebral haematoma /!ntr!serbrl

interventricular septum intracerebral haematoma
| |
$septm/ noun a membrane between the right !hi%m$tm/ noun a blood clot inside a cere-
|
and left ventricles in the heart bral hemisphere

intracranial /!ntr$krenil/ adjective inside
intracranial
intervertebral /!nt$v-%tbr()l/ adjective

intervertebral
|
|
between vertebrae the skull

intracranial pressure /!ntrkrenil $pre/
intracranial pressure
intervertebral disc /!nt!v-%tbrl $dsk/

intervertebral disc
noun a round plate of cartilage which separates noun the pressure of the subarachnoidal fluid,
two vertebrae in the spinal column. See illustra- which fills the space between the skull and the
tion at CARTILAGINOUS JOINT in Supplement. brain. Abbreviation ICP
intractable /n$tr'ktb()l/ adjective not able
intractable
Also called vertebral disc |
to be controlled ! an operation to relieve intrac-

intervertebral foramen /!nt!v-%tbrl f
intervertebral foramen
table pain
| |
$remn/ noun a space between two vertebrae

intracutaneous /!ntrkju%$tenis/ adjective
intracutaneous
intestinal /n$testn()l/ adjective referring to

intestinal |
|
inside layers of skin tissue
the intestine
intracutaneous injection /!ntrkju%
intracutaneous injection
intestinal anastomosis /n!testn()l

intestinal anastomosis
| |
!tenis n$d+ekn/ noun an injection of a liq-
|
!n'st$mss/ noun a surgical operation to join

|
uid between the layers of skin, as for a test for an
one part of the intestine to another, after a section allergy
has been removed intradermal test /!ntr$d-%m()l !test/ noun
intradermal test
intestinal flora /n!testn()l $fl%r/ plural

intestinal flora
| a test requiring an injection into the thickness of

noun beneficial bacteria which are always present the skin, e.g. a Mantoux test or an allergy test
in the intestine intradural /!ntr$djrl/ adjective inside the
intradural
intestinal glands /n$testn()l 1l'ndz/ plu- dura mater

intestinal glands
ral noun tubular glands found in the mucous intramedullary /!ntrme$d.lri/ adjective
intramedullary
membrane of the small and large intestine, espe- inside the bone marrow or spinal cord
cially those between the bases of the villi in the intramural /!ntr$mjrl/ adjective inside
intramural
small intestine. Also called Lieberkhns the wall of an organ

glands, crypts of Lieberkhn
intramuscular /!ntr$m.skjl/ adjective
intramuscular
intestinal obstruction /n!testn()l b

intestinal obstruction
| | inside a muscle
$str.kn/ noun a blocking of the intestine intramuscular injection /!ntr!m.skjl n
intramuscular injection
| |
intestinal villi /n!testn()l $vla/ plural noun $d+ekn/ noun an injection of liquid into a mus-
intestinal villi
projections on the walls of the intestine which cle, e.g. for a slow release of a drug
help in the digestion of food intranasal /!ntr$nez()l/ adjective inside or
intranasal
intestinal wall /n!testn()l $w%l/ noun the into the nose

intestinal wall
layers of tissue which form the intestine intraocular /!ntr$kjl/ adjective inside the
intraocular
intestine /n$testn/ noun the part of the diges-

intestine
|
eye
intraocular lens /!ntr!kjl $lenz/ noun an
intraocular lens
tive system between the stomach and the anus that |
digests and absorbs food. ! large intestine, artificial lens implanted inside the eye. Abbrevia-
small intestine (NOTE: For other terms referring tion IOL
to the intestines, see words beginning with intraocular pressure /!ntr!kjl $pre/
intraocular pressure
entero-.) noun the pressure inside the eyeball (NOTE: If the

intima /$ntm/ " tunica intima
intima
pressure is too high, it causes glaucoma.)
intraoperative ultrasound /!ntrprtv
intraoperative ultrasound
intolerance /n$tlrns/ noun the fact of

intolerance
$.ltrsand/ noun high-resolution imaging used

|
being unable to endure something such as pain or

to take a medicine without an adverse reaction ! in surgery. Abbreviation IOUS
intraorbital /!ntr$%bt()l/ adjective within
intraorbital
He developed an intolerance to penicillin. |
the orbit of the eye

intoxication /n!tks$ke()n/ noun a condi-
intoxication
intraosseous /!ntr$sis/ adjective within a

| | intraosseous
tion which results from the absorption and diffu- |
sion in the body of a substance such as alcohol ! bone

intrathecal /!ntr$i%k()l/ adjective inside a
intrathecal
She was driving in a state of intoxication. |
sheath, especially inside the intradural or sub-

intra- /ntr/ prefix inside
intra-
arachnoid space
intra-abdominal /!ntr 'b$dmn()l/ adjec-
intra-abdominal
intratracheal /!ntrtr$kil/ adjective within

intratracheal
|
|
tive inside the abdomen the trachea. Also called endotracheal

intra-articular /!ntr %$tkjl/ adjective
intra-articular
intrauterine /!ntr$ju%tran/ adjective inside

intrauterine
|
|
inside a joint the uterus

intracellular /!ntr$seljl/ adjective inside a intrauterine contraceptive device /!ntr
intracellular intrauterine contraceptive device
| |
cell ju%tran !kntr$septv d!vas/, intrauterine

| |
intravascular 154
device /!ntrju%tran d$vas/ noun a plastic | himself or herself and his or her own mental state.
coil placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Compare extroversion
Abbreviation IUCD, IUD introvert /$ntrv-%t/ noun a person who thinks
introvert
intravascular /!ntr$v'skjl/ adjective only about himself or herself and his or her own
intravascular
inside the blood vessels mental state. Compare extrovert

intravenous /!ntr$vi%ns/ adjective into a intubate /$ntju%bet/ verb to insert a tube into
intravenous intubate
vein. Abbreviation IV any organ or part of the body. Also called cathe-
intravenous drip /!ntrvi%ns $drp/ noun a
intravenous drip
terise
intubation /!ntju%$be()n/ noun the thera-
intubation
thin tube that is inserted into a vein and is used to |
very gradually give a person fluids, either for peutic insertion of a tube into the larynx through
rehydration, feeding or medication purposes the glottis to allow the passage of air. Also called
intravenous feeding /!ntrvi%ns $fi%d/
intravenous feeding
catheterisation
intumescence /!ntju%$mes()ns/ noun the
intumescence
noun the procedure of giving someone liquid |
food by means of a tube inserted into a vein swelling of an organ

intussusception /!nts$sepn/ noun a
intussusception
intravenous injection /!ntrvi%ns n

intravenous injection
|
|
$d+ekn/ noun an injection of liquid into a vein, condition in which part of the gastrointestinal
e.g. for the fast release of a drug tract becomes folded down inside the part beneath
it, causing an obstruction and strangulation of the
intravenously /!ntr$vi%nsli/ adverb into a
intravenously
folded part
|
vein ! a fluid given intravenously

inunction /n$.kn/ noun 1. the act of rub-
inunction
intravenous pyelogram /!ntrvi%ns

intravenous pyelogram |
bing an ointment into the skin so that the medi-

$pal1r'm/, intravenous urogram /!ntr |
cine in it is absorbed 2. an ointment which is
vi%ns $jr1r'm/ noun a series of X-ray pho- rubbed into the skin
tographs of the kidneys using pyelography.
invagination /n!v'd+$ne()n/ noun same
invagination
Abbreviation IVP | |
as intussusception
intravenous pyelography /!ntrvi%ns
intravenous pyelography
invalid /$nvld/ (dated) noun someone who

| invalid
!pa$l1rfi/, intravenous urography /!ntr

| |
vi%ns j$r1rfi/ noun an X-ray examination of

|
has had an illness and has not fully recovered
the urinary tract after opaque liquid has been from it or who has been permanently disabled "
injected intravenously into the body and taken by adjective weak or disabled
invasion /n$ve+()n/ noun the entry of bacte-
invasion
the blood into the kidneys |
intraventricular /!ntrven$trkjl/ adjec-

intraventricular
|
ria into a body, or the first attack of a disease
invasive /n$vesv/ adjective 1. referring to
invasive
tive inside or placed into a ventricle in the heart or |
the brain cancer which tends to spread throughout the body

intrinsic /n$trnsk/ adjective belonging to the
intrinsic
2. referring to an inspection or treatment which
involves entering the body by making an incision.
|
essential nature of an organism, or entirely within

an organ or part ! non-invasive
inverse care law /!nv-%s $ke !l%/ noun the
inverse care law
intrinsic factor /n!trnsk $f'kt/ noun a

intrinsic factor
idea that the people who most need care and serv-
|
protein produced in the gastric glands which

reacts with the extrinsic factor, and which, if lack- ices are least likely or able to access them
inversion /n$v-%()n/ noun the fact of being
inversion
ing, causes pernicious anaemia |
turned towards the inside ! inversion of the foot

intrinsic ligament /n!trnsk $l1mnt/
intrinsic ligament
See illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supple-

|
noun a ligament which forms part of the capsule

surrounding a joint
ment
investigative surgery /n!vest1tv
investigative surgery
intrinsic muscle /n!trnsk $m.s()l/ noun a

intrinsic muscle |
|
$s-%d+ri/ noun surgery to investigate the cause
muscle lying completely inside the part or seg- of a condition
ment, especially of a limb, which it moves
in vitro /!n $vi%tr/ adjective, adverb a Latin
in vitro
intro- /ntr/ prefix inward

intro-
phrase meaning in a glass, i.e. in a test tube or

introitus /n$trts/ noun an opening into any
introitus
|
similar container used in a laboratory
hollow organ or canal in vitro fertilisation /!n !vi%tr !f-%tla
in vitro fertilisation
introjection /!ntr$d+ekn/ noun a persons

introjection
| $ze()n/ noun the fertilisation of an ovum in the

unconscious adoption of the attitudes or values of laboratory. ! test-tube baby. Abbreviation IVF
another person whom he or she wants to impress in vivo adjective, adverb a Latin phrase meaning
in vivo
introspection /!ntr$spekn/ noun a

introspection
| in living tissue, i.e. referring to an experiment

detailed and sometimes obsessive mental self- which takes place on the living body
examination of feelings, thoughts and motives in vivo experiment /n !vi%v k$spermnt/
in vivo experiment
introversion /!ntr$v-%()n/ noun a condi-

introversion
| noun an experiment on a living body, e.g. that of

tion in which a person is excessively interested in an animal
155 irritable hip
involucrum /!nv$lu%krm/ noun a covering used in the treatment of conditions such as

involucrum
of new bone which forms over diseased bone asthma, bronchitis and emphysema
ipsilateral /!ps$l'trl/ adjective located on
ipsilateral
involuntary /n$vlnt()ri/ adjective done

involuntary
|
|
automatically, without any conscious thought or or affecting the same side of the body. Also called
decision-making being involved ! Patients are homolateral. Opposite contralateral
advised not to eat or drink, to reduce the risk of IQ abbreviation intelligence quotient
IQ
involuntary vomiting while on the operating IRDS abbreviation infant respiratory distress
IRDS
table. syndrome
involuntary action /n!vlnt()ri $'kn/
involuntary action
irid- /rd/ prefix referring to the iris

irid-
|
noun an action which someone does without iridectomy /!r$dektmi/ noun the surgical
iridectomy
thinking or making a conscious decision

|
removal of part of the iris

involuntary muscle /n!vlnt()ri $m.s()l/
involuntary muscle
iridocyclitis /!rds$klats/ noun inflam-

iridocyclitis
|
|
noun a muscle supplied by the autonomic nervous mation of the iris and the tissues which surround
system, and therefore not under voluntary control, it
e.g. the muscle which activates a vital organ such
iridodialysis /!rdda$'lss/ noun the sep-
iridodialysis
as the heart |
aration of the iris from its insertion

involution /!nv$lu%()n/ noun 1. the return of
involution
iridoplegia /!rd$pli%d+/ noun paralysis of

| iridoplegia
an organ to its usual size, e.g. the shrinking of the

|
the iris
uterus after childbirth 2. a period of decline of
iridoptosis /!rd$tss/ noun the pushing
iridoptosis
organs which sets in after middle age |
forward of the iris through a wound in the cornea

involutional /!nv$lu%()n()l/ adjective
involutional
iridotomy /!r$dtmi/ noun a surgical inci-

| iridotomy
referring to involution |
sion into the iris

involutional melancholia /nv!lu%()n()l
involutional melancholia
iris /$ars/ noun a coloured ring in the eye, with

| iris
!meln$kli/ noun a depression which occurs

the pupil at its centre. See illustration at EYE in
|
in people, mainly women, after middle age, prob-

ably caused by a change of endocrine secretions Supplement
COMMENT: The iris acts like the aperture in a
iodine /$adi%n/ noun a chemical element
iodine
camera shutter, opening and closing to allow

which is essential to the body, especially to the more or less light through the pupil into the
functioning of the thyroid gland (NOTE: Lack of eye.
iodine in the diet can cause goitre. The chemical
iritis /a$rats/ noun inflammation of the iris
iritis
symbol is I.) |
iron /$an/ noun 1. a chemical element essential

iron
IOL abbreviation intraocular lens

IOL
to the body, present in foods such as liver and eggs

ion /$an/ noun an atom that has an electric
ion
2. a common grey metal (NOTE: The chemical

charge (NOTE: Ions with a positive charge are symbol is Fe.)
called cations and those with a negative charge
iron-deficiency anaemia /!an d$f()nsi
iron-deficiency anaemia
are called anions.)

|
!ni%mi/ noun anaemia caused by a lack of iron

ionise /$anaz/, ionize verb to give an atom an
ionise |
in red blood cells

electric charge
iron lung /!an $l./ noun same as Drinker
iron lung
ioniser /$anaz/, ionizer noun a machine

ioniser
respirator
that increases the amount of negative ions in the irradiation /!red$e()n/ noun 1. the process
irradiation
atmosphere of a room, so counteracting the effect

| |
of spreading from a centre, as e.g., nerve impulses

of positive ions
do 2. the use of radiation to treat people or to kill
iontophoresis /a!ntf$ri%ss/ noun the
iontophoresis
| |
bacteria in food
movement of ions through a biological material irreducible hernia /r!dju%sb()l $h-%ni/
irreducible hernia
when an electric current passes through it

|
noun a hernia where the organ cannot be returned

IOUS abbreviation intraoperative ultrasound
IOUS
to its usual position

IPAV abbreviation intermittent positive airway
IPAV
irrigation /!r$1e()n/ noun the washing out

irrigation
ventilation. ! positive pressure ventilation of a cavity in the body

ipecacuanha /!pk'kj$'n/ noun a drug
ipecacuanha
irritability /!rt$blti/ noun the state of being

irritability
| |
made from the root of an American plant, used as irritable

a treatment for coughs, and also as an emetic irritable /$rtb()l/ adjective 1. easily able to
irritable
IP joint /!a $pi% !d+nt/ noun same as inter-

IP joint
become inflamed and painful 2. feeling annoyed

phalangeal joint and impatient
IPPV abbreviation intermittent positive pressure irritable bowel syndrome /!rtb()l $bal
IPPV irritable bowel syndrome
ventilation. ! positive pressure ventilation !sndrm/ noun " mucous colitis. Abbrevia-
ipratropium /!apr$trpim/, ipratropium
ipratropium
|
tion IBS
bromide /!apr!trpim $brmad/ noun a irritable hip /!rtb()l $hp/ noun a condition
irritable hip
drug which helps to relax muscles in the airways, of pain in the hip which is caused by swelling of
irritant 156
the synovium. Treatment involves bed rest, trac- isolation /!as$le()n/ noun the separation of
isolation
tion and anti-inflammatory drugs. a person, especially one with an infectious dis-
irritant /$rt()nt/ noun a substance which can ease, from others
irritant
irritate isolation ward /!as$le()n w%d/ noun a

isolation ward
irritant dermatitis /!rt()nt !d-%m$tats/ special ward where people who have dangerous
irritant dermatitis
noun same as contact dermatitis infectious diseases can be kept isolated from oth-
irritate /$rtet/ verb to cause a painful reaction
irritate
ers
in part of the body, especially to make it inflamed isolator /$aslet/ noun 1. a large clear plastic
isolator
! Some types of wool can irritate the skin. bag in which a person can be nursed, or operated
irritation /!r$te()n/ noun a feeling of being on, in a sterile environment 2. a room or piece of
irritation
irritated ! an irritation caused by the ointment equipment which keeps people or substances sep-
ISC abbreviation intermittent self-catheterisation
ISC
arated from others which may contaminate them
! an isolator stretcher ! an isolator cabinet
isch- /sk/ prefix too little
isch-
isoleucine /!as$lu%si%n/ noun an essential

isoleucine
ischaemia /$ski%mi/ noun a deficient blood

ischaemia
|
amino acid
|
supply to a part of the body

isometric /!as$metrk/ adjective 1. involv-
isometric
ischaemic /$ski%mk/ adjective lacking in

ischaemic
|
|
blood ing equal measurement ! an isometric view of the

system 2. referring to muscle contraction in which
ischi- /ski/ prefix same as ischio- (used before
ischi-
tension occurs with very little shortening of mus-

vowels)
cle fibres 3. referring to exercises in which the
ischia /$ski/ plural of ischium
ischia
muscles are put under tension but not contracted

ischial /$skil/ adjective referring to the
ischial
isometrics /!as$metrks/ plural noun exer-

isometrics
ischium or hip joint cises to strengthen the muscles, in which the mus-
ischial tuberosity /!skil !tju%b$rsti/
ischial tuberosity
|
cles contract but do not shorten
noun a lump of bone forming the ring of the
isoprenaline /!as$prenli%n/, isoprotere-
isoprenaline
ischium
|
nol /!aspr$ternl/ noun a drug that

|
ischio- /ski/ prefix referring to the ischium

ischio-
relieves asthma by widening the bronchial tubes

ischiorectal /!ski$rekt()l/ adjective refer-
ischiorectal
| in the lungs
ring to both the ischium and the rectum isosorbide dinitrate /!as!s%bad da
isosorbide dinitrate
| |
ischiorectal abscess /!ski!rekt()l

ischiorectal abscess
|
$natret/ noun a compound which causes widen-
$'bses/ noun an abscess which forms in fat cells ing or relaxation of the blood vessels, used in the
between the anus and the ischium treatment of angina pectoris
ischiorectal fossa /!ski!rekt()l $fs/
ischiorectal fossa
isotonic /!as$tnk/ adjective referring to a

isotonic
|
|
noun a space on either side of the lower end of the solution, e.g. a saline drip, which has the same
rectum and anal canal osmotic pressure as blood serum and which can
ischium /$skim/ noun the lower part of the hip therefore be passed directly into the body. Com-
ischium
bone in the pelvis. See illustration at PELVIS in pare hypertonic, hypotonic

Supplement (NOTE: The plural is ischia.) isotonic solution /!astnk s$lu%()n/
isotonic solution
Ishihara colour charts /!h%r $k.l

Ishihara colour charts
noun a solution which has the same osmotic pres-

!t%ts/ plural noun charts used in a test for col- sure as blood serum, or as another liquid it is com-
our vision in which numbers or letters are shown pared with
in dots of primary colours with dots of other col- isotope /$astp/ noun a form of a chemical
isotope
ours around them. People with normal colour element which has the same chemical properties
vision can see them, but people who are colour- as other forms but a different atomic mass
blind cannot.
isotretinoin /!astre$tnn/ noun a drug
isotretinoin
islets of Langerhans /!alts v $l'h'ns/,

islets of Langerhans |
used in the treatment of severe acne and several

islands of Langerhans /!alndz v
other skin diseases
$l'h'nz/, islet cells /$alt selz/ plural noun
ispaghula /!sp$1u%l/, ispaghula husk
ispaghula
groups of cells in the pancreas which secrete the |
hormones glucagon, insulin and gastrin /!sp$1u%l h.sk/ noun a natural dietary fibre
|
[Described 1869. After Paul Langerhans (1847 used to treat constipation, diverticulitis and irrita-
88), Professor of Pathological Anatomy at ble bowel syndrome
Freiburg, Germany.] ISS abbreviation injury scoring system
ISS
iso- /as/ prefix equal isthmus /$sms/ noun a short narrow canal or
iso- isthmus
isograft /$as1r%ft/ noun a graft of tissue cavity

isograft
from an identical twin. Also called syngraft itch /t/ noun an irritated place on the skin
itch
isoimmunisation /!as!mjuna$ze()n/, which makes a person want to scratch " verb to

isoimmunisation
| |
isoimmunization noun immunisation of a per- produce an irritating sensation, making someone

son with antigens derived from another person want to scratch
157 IVU
itching /$t/ noun same as pruritus IUCD abbreviation intrauterine contraceptive

itching IUCD
device
itchy /$ti/ adjective making a person want to
itchy
IUD abbreviation 1. intrauterine death 2. intrau-

IUD
scratch ! The main symptom of the disease is an

terine device
itchy red rash.
IV abbreviation intravenous
IV
-itis /ats/ suffix inflammation

-itis
IVF abbreviation in vitro fertilisation

IVF
ITU abbreviation intensive therapy unit

ITU
IVP abbreviation intravenous pyelogram

IVP
IU abbreviation international unit IVU abbreviation intravenous urography

IU IVU
J
J /d+e/ abbreviation joule jejunal ulcer /d+!d+u%n()l $.ls/ noun an
J jejunal ulcer
jab /d+'b/ noun an injection or inoculation

jab
ulcer in the jejunum
jejunectomy /!d+d+u%$nektmi/ noun a surgi-
jejunectomy
(informal) ! a tetanus jab |
Jacksonian
Jacksonian epilepsy
epilepsy /d+'k!snin cal operation to remove all or part of the jejunum

(NOTE: The plural is jejunectomies.)
|
$eplepsi/ noun a form of epilepsy in which the

jejuno- /d+i%d+u%n/ prefix referring to the
jejuno-
jerking movements start in one part of the body

before spreading to others [Described 1863. After jejunum
jejunoileostomy /d+!d+u%n!li$stmi/
jejunoileostomy
John Hughlings Jackson (18351911), British | | |
neurologist.] noun a surgical operation to make an artificial

Jacquemiers sign /$d+'kmz !san/ noun
Jacquemiers sign
link between the jejunum and the ileum (NOTE:
a sign of early pregnancy in which the vaginal The plural is jejunoileostomies.)
jejunostomy /!d+d+u$nstmi/ noun a surgi-
jejunostomy
mucosa becomes slightly blue due to an increased |
amount of blood in the arteries [After Jean Marie cal operation to make an artificial passage to the
Jacquemier (180679), French obstetrician.] jejunum through the wall of the abdomen (NOTE:
jactitation /!d+'kt$te()n/ noun the action
jactitation
|
The plural is jejunostomies.)
jejunotomy /!d+d+u$ntmi/ noun a surgical
jejunotomy
of constantly moving the body around in a restless |
way, especially because of mental illness operation to cut into the jejunum (NOTE: The plu-
ral is jejunotomies.)
jag /d+'1/ noun in Scotland, an injection or
jag
jejunum /d+$d+u%nm/ noun the part of the

jejunum
inoculation (informal) |
small intestine between the duodenum and the

jargon /$d+%1n/ noun 1. the words used by
jargon
ileum, about 2 metres long. See illustration at

people who have a particular area of knowledge, DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement
which are usually only understood by those peo-
jerk /d+-%k/ noun a sudden movement of part of
jerk
ple ! medical jargon 2. a stream of words that

makes no sense, produced by someone with apha- the body which indicates that the local reflex arc
sia or a severe mental disorder is intact " verb to make sudden movements, or
cause something to make sudden movements ! In
jaundice /$d+%nds/ noun a condition in which
jaundice
some forms of epilepsy the limbs jerk.

there is an excess of bile pigment in the blood, and
jet lag /$d+et l'1/ noun a condition suffered by
jet lag
in which the pigment is deposited in the skin and

the whites of the eyes, which have a yellow col- people who travel long distances in planes,
our. Also called icterus caused by rapid changes in time zones which
affect sleep patterns and meal times and thus
jaw /d+%/ noun the bones in the face which hold
jaw
interfere with the bodys metabolism ! We had

the teeth and form the mouth ! He fell down and jet lag when we flew from Australia.
broke his jaw. ! The punch on his mouth broke his
jet-lagged /$d+et l'1d/ adjective experiencing
jet-lagged
jaw.
jet lag ! jet-lagged travellers ! We were jet-
COMMENT: The jaw has two parts, the upper lagged for a week.
(the maxillae) being fixed parts of the skull,
joint /d+nt/ noun a structure at a point where
joint
and the lower (the mandible) being attached

to the skull with a hinge so that it can move two or more bones join, especially one which
up and down. allows movement of the bones ! The elbow is a
joint in the arm. ! Arthritis is accompanied by
jawbone /$d+%bn/ noun one of the bones
jawbone
stiffness in the joints. ! Charcots joint (NOTE:

which form the jaw, especially the lower jaw or For other terms referring to joints, see words
mandible beginning with arthr-, arthro-.)
jejun- /d+d+u%n/ prefix same as jejuno- (used
jejun-
joint capsule /$d+nt !k'psju%l/ noun white

joint capsule
before vowels) fibrous tissue which surrounds and holds a joint

jejunal /d+$d+u%n()l/ adjective referring to the together. See illustration at SYNOVIAL JOINT in
jejunal
jejunum Supplement
159 juxtaposition
joint investment plan /!d+nt n$vestmnt jumpers knee /!d+.mpz $ni%/ noun a painful
joint investment plan jumpers knee
pl'n/ noun a plan that health and social services condition suffered by athletes and dancers in
draw up together for specific areas of care which inflammation develops in the knee joint
joint mouse /$d+nt mas/ plural noun a
joint mouse
junction /$d+.kn/ noun a joining point

junction
loose piece of bone or cartilage in the knee joint,

junior doctor /!d+u%ni $dkt/ noun a doctor
junior doctor
making the joint lock

who is completing his or her training in hospital
joule /d+u%l/ noun the SI unit of measurement of
joule
junk food /$d+.k fu%d/ noun food of little

junk food
work or energy. 4.184 joules equals one calorie.

Symbol J nutritional value, e.g. high-fat processed snacks,
eaten between or instead of meals
jugular /$d+.1jl/ adjective referring to the
jugular
juvenile /$d+u%vnal/ adjective relating to or

juvenile
throat or neck " noun same as jugular vein

affecting children or adolescents
jugular nerve /$d+.1jl n-%v/ noun one of
jugular nerve
juxta- /d+.kst/ prefix beside or near

juxta-
the nerves in the neck

juxta-articular /!d+.kst %$tkjl/ adjective
juxta-articular
jugular trunk /$d+.1jl tr.k/ noun a termi-

jugular trunk
nal lymph vessel in the neck, draining into the occurring near a joint
subclavian vein juxtaposition /!d+.kstp$z()n/ noun the
juxtaposition
jugular vein /$d+.1jl ven/ noun one of the placing of two or more things side by side so as to
jugular vein
veins which pass down either side of the neck. make their similarities or differences more obvi-
Also called jugular ous
K
k symbol kilo- [Described 1904. After William Lordan Keller
k
kala-azar /!k%l $z%/ noun an often fatal

kala-azar
|
(18741959), US surgeon.]
keloid /$ki%ld/ noun an excessive amount of
keloid
form of leishmaniasis caused by the infection of

the intestines and internal organs by a parasite, scar tissue at the site of a skin injury
Leishmania, spread by flies. Symptoms are fever, kerat- /kert/ prefix same as kerato- (used
kerat-
anaemia, general wasting of the body and swell- before vowels)

ing of the spleen and liver. keratectasia /!kertek$tezi/ noun a condi-
keratectasia
kaolin /$keln/ noun a fine soft clay used in the tion in which the cornea bulges
kaolin
making of medical preparations, especially for keratectomy /!ker$tektmi/ noun a surgical

keratectomy
the treatment of diarrhoea operation to remove the whole or part of the cor-
Kaposis sarcoma /k!pziz s%$km/
Kaposis sarcoma
| |
nea (NOTE: The plural is keratectomies.)
noun a cancer which takes the form of many keratic /k$r'tk/ adjective 1. relating to horny
keratic
haemorrhagic nodes affecting the skin, especially tissue or to keratin 2. relating to the cornea
on the extremities [Described 1872. After Moritz keratin /$kertn/ noun a protein found in horny
keratin
Kohn Karposi (18371902), Professor of Der- tissue such as fingernails, hair or the outer surface
matology at Vienna, Austria.] of the skin
Kartageners syndrome /!k%t$d+i%nz keratinisation /!kertna$ze()n/, keratini-
Kartageners syndrome keratinisation
| |
!sndrm/ noun a hereditary condition in which zation noun the appearance of horny characteris-
all the organs in the chest and abdomen are posi- tics in tissue. Also called cornification
tioned on the opposite side from the usual one, i.e. keratinise /$kertnaz, k$r'tnaz/, kerati-
keratinise
the heart and stomach are on the right nize verb to convert something into keratin or
karyo- /k'ri/ prefix relating to a cell nucleus into horny tissue (NOTE: keratinising kerat-
karyo-
karyotype /$k'ritap/ noun the chromosome

karyotype
inised)
keratinocyte /!ker$tnsat/ noun a cell
keratinocyte
complement of a cell, shown as a diagram or as a |
set of letters and numbers which produces keratin

keratitis /!ker$tats/ noun inflammation of
keratitis
Kawasaki disease /!k%w$s%kiz d!zi%z/

Kawasaki disease
|
| |
noun a retrovirus infection that often occurs in the cornea

small children and causes a high temperature, kerato- /kert/ prefix referring to horn, horny
kerato-
rash, reddened eyes, peeling skin and swollen tissue or the cornea
lymph nodes keratoconjunctivitis /!kertkn!d+.kt
keratoconjunctivitis
| |
Kayser-Fleischer ring /!kaz $fla !r/ $vats/ noun inflammation of the cornea with
Kayser-Fleischer ring
noun a brown ring on the outer edge of the cornea, conjunctivitis

which is a diagnostic sign of hepatolenticular keratoma /!ker$tm/ noun a hard thickened
keratoma
degeneration [Described 1902 by Kayser, 1903 growth due to hypertrophy of the horny zone of
by Fleischer. Bernard Kayser (18691954), Ger- the skin (NOTE: The plural is keratomas or
man ophthalmologist; Bruno Richard Fleischer keratomata.)
(18481904), German physician.] keratomalacia /!kertm$le/ noun a sof-
keratomalacia
kcal abbreviation kilocalorie tening of the cornea frequently caused by Vitamin

kcal
Kegel exercises /$ke1()l !ekssazz/ plural

Kegel exercises
A deficiency
keratome /$kertm/ noun a surgical knife
keratome
noun exercises which strengthen the muscles of

the pelvic floor in women and help to prevent any used for operations on the cornea
accidental leakage of urine when they cough, keratometer /!ker$tmt/ noun an instru-
keratometer
sneeze or lift things ment for measuring the curvature of the cornea
Kellers operation /$kelz p!re()n/ noun keratopathy /!ker$tpi/ noun any non-
Kellers operation keratopathy
| |
a surgical operation on the big toe to remove a inflammatory disorder of the cornea (NOTE: The
bunion or to correct an ankylosed joint plural is keratopathies.)
161 Kimmelstiel-Wilson disease
keratoplasty /$kertpl'sti/ noun a surgical ketonuria /!ki%t$njri/ noun a state in

keratoplasty ketonuria
operation to graft corneal tissue from a donor in which ketone bodies are excreted in the urine
place of diseased tissue (NOTE: The plural is ketoprofen /!ki%t$prfn/ noun an anti-
ketoprofen
keratoplasties.) inflammatory drug used in the treatment of rheu-

keratoprosthesis /!kertprs$i%ss/ noun matoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
keratoprosthesis
1. a surgical operation to replace the central area ketosis /ki%$tss/ noun a state in which
ketosis
of a cornea with clear plastic, when it has become ketone bodies such as acetone and acetic acid
opaque 2. a piece of clear plastic put into the cor- accumulate in the tissues, a late complication of
nea (NOTE: The plural is keratoprostheses.) Type I diabetes mellitus
keratoscope /$kertskp/ noun an instru- ketosteroid /!ki%t$strd/ noun a steroid
keratoscope ketosteroid
ment for examining the cornea to see if it has an such as cortisone which contains a ketone group
unusual curvature. Also called Placidos disc keyhole surgery /$ki%hl !s-%d+ri/ noun
keyhole surgery
keratosis /!ker$tss/ noun a lesion of the surgery carried out by inserting tiny surgical
keratosis
skin (NOTE: The plural is keratoses.) instruments through an endoscope (informal)

keratotomy /!ker$ttmi/ noun a surgical
keratotomy
|
Also called laparoscopic surgery
kg abbreviation kilogram
kg
operation to make a cut in the cornea, the first step

in many intraocular operations (NOTE: The plural kidney /$kdni/ noun either of two organs situ-
kidney
is keratotomies.) ated in the lower part of the back on either side of

kerion /$krin/ noun a painful soft mass, usu- the spine behind the abdomen, whose function is
kerion
ally on the scalp, caused by ringworm to maintain the usual concentrations of the main
kernicterus /k$nktrs/ noun yellow pig-
kernicterus
constituents of blood, passing the waste matter
into the urine. See illustration at KIDNEY in Sup-
|
mentation of the basal ganglia and other nerve

cells in the spinal cord and brain, found in chil- plement
kidney dialysis /$kdni da!'lss/ noun the
kidney dialysis
dren with icterus |
process of removing waste matter from blood by

Kernigs sign /$k-%n1z san/ noun a symptom
Kernigs sign
passing it through a kidney machine. Also called

of meningitis in which the knee cannot be haemodialysis
straightened if the person is lying down with the
kidney donor /$kdni !dn/ noun a person
kidney donor
thigh brought up against the abdomen [Described

1882. After Vladimir Mikhailovich Kernig (1840 who gives one of his or her kidneys as a transplant
kidney failure /$kdni !felj/ noun a situation
kidney failure
1917), Russian neurologist.]

ketamine /$ketmi%n/ noun a white crystalline
ketamine
in which the kidneys do not function properly
kidney machine /$kdni m!i%n/ noun an
kidney machine
powder that is a general anaesthetic, used in |
human and veterinary medicine apparatus through which blood is passed to be

ketoacidosis /!ki%t!'s$dss/ noun an
ketoacidosis
cleaned by dialysis if the persons kidneys have
failed
| |
accumulation of ketone bodies in tissue in diabe-

kidney stone /$kdni stn/ noun a hard mass
kidney stone
tes, causing acidosis

of calcium like a little piece of stone which forms
ketoconazole /!ki%t$knzl/ noun a drug
ketoconazole
in the kidney
|
which is effective against a wide range of fungal

kidney transplant /$kdni !tr'nspl%nt/ noun
kidney transplant
infections such as cryptococcosis and thrush

a surgical operation to give someone with a dis-
ketogenesis /!ki%t$d+enss/ noun the pro-
ketogenesis
|
eased or damaged kidney a kidney from another
duction of ketone bodies person
ketogenic /!ki%t$d+enk/ adjective forming
ketogenic
killer cell /$kl sel/, killer T cell /!kl $ti% !sel/

killer cell
|
ketone bodies noun a type of immune cell that recognises and

ketogenic diet /!ki%td+enk $dat/ noun a
ketogenic diet
destroys cells that have specific antigens on their

diet with a high fat content, producing ketosis surface, e.g. virus-infected or cancerous cells
ketonaemia /!ki%t$ni%mi/ noun a morbid kilo- /kl/ prefix one thousand (103). Symbol k
ketonaemia kilo-
state in which ketone bodies exist in the blood kilogram /$kl1r'm/ noun an SI unit of meas-
kilogram
ketone /$ki%tn/ noun a chemical compound urement of weight equal to 1000 grams ! She
ketone
produced when glucose is unavailable for use as weighs 62 kilos (62 kg). Symbol kg
energy, as in untreated diabetes, and fats are used kilojoule /$kld+u%l/ noun an SI unit of meas-
kilojoule
instead, leading to ketosis urement of energy or heat equal to 1000 joules.

ketone bodies /$ki%tn !bdiz/ plural noun Symbol kJ
ketone bodies
ketone compounds formed from fatty acids kilopascal /$klp'skl/ noun an SI unit of
kilopascal
ketone group /$ki%tn 1ru%p/ noun a chemi-

ketone group
measurement of pressure equal to 1000 pascals.
cal group characteristic of ketones, with carbon Symbol kPa
atoms doubly bonded to an oxygen atom and to Kimmelstiel-Wilson disease /!kmlsti%l
Kimmelstiel-Wilson disease
the carbon atoms of two other organic groups $wlsn d!zi%z/, Kimmelstiel-Wilson syn-
|
kin 162
drome /!kmlsti%l $wlsn !sndrm/ noun a Kirschner wire /!k-%()n $wa/, Kir-
Kirschner wire
form of nephrosclerosis found in people with dia- schners wire noun a wire attached to a bone and
betes [Described 1936. After Paul Kimmelstiel tightened to provide traction to a fracture
(190070), US pathologist; Clifford Wilson [Described 1909. After Martin Kirschner (1879
(190698), Professor of Medicine, London Uni- 1942), Professor of Surgery at Heidelberg, Ger-
versity, UK] many.]
kin /kn/ noun relatives or close members of the
kin
kiss of life /!ks v $laf/ noun same as cardi-

kiss of life
family opulmonary resuscitation (informal)

kin- /kn/ prefix same as kine- (used before vow-
kin-
kJ abbreviation kilojoule
kJ
els)
Klebsiella /!klebsi$el/ noun a Gram-negative
Klebsiella
kinaesthesia /!kni%s$i%zi/ noun the fact of

kinaesthesia |
|
bacterium, one form of which, Klebsiella pneu-
being aware of the movement and position of moniae, can cause pneumonia
parts of the body (NOTE: The US spelling is
Klebs-Loeffler bacillus /!klebz $lefl b
Klebs-Loeffler bacillus
kinesthesia.) |
!sls/ noun the bacterium which causes diphthe-

kinanaesthesia /!kn'ni%s$i%zi/ noun the
kinanaesthesia
ria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae [After Theodor

|
fact of not being able to sense the movement and

Albrecht Klebs (18341913), bacteriologist in
position of parts of the body (NOTE: The US
Zrich, Switzerland, and Chicago, USA; Frie-
spelling is kinanesthesia.)
drich August Loeffler (18521915), bacteriolo-
kinase /$kanez/ noun an enzyme belonging to
kinase
gist in Berlin, Germany.]

a large family of related substances that bind to
Kleihauer test /$klaha test/, Kleihauer-
Kleihauer test
the energy-providing molecule ATP and regulate

Betke test noun a test used to check whether
functions such as cell division and signalling
between cells there has been any blood loss from a fetus to the
mother across the placenta. It is usually done
kine- /kni/ prefix movement
kine-
immediately after delivery.

kinematics /!kn$m'tks/ noun the science of
kinematics
klepto- /klept/ prefix stealing or theft

klepto-
|
movement, especially of body movements (NOTE:

kleptomania /!klept$meni/ noun a form
kleptomania
Also spelled cinematics.) |
of mental disorder in which someone has a com-

kineplasty /$knpl'sti/ noun an amputation in
kineplasty
pulsive desire to steal things, even things of little

which the muscles of the stump of the amputated
value
limb are used to operate an artificial limb (NOTE:
kleptomaniac /!klept$meni'k/ noun a
kleptomaniac
Also spelled cineplasty.The plural is kineplast- |
ies.) person who has a compulsive desire to steal

Klinefelters syndrome /$klanfeltz
Klinefelters syndrome
kinesi- /kani%si/ prefix movement (NOTE: used

kinesi-
before vowels) !sndrm/ noun a genetic disorder in which a

kinesiology /!kani%si$ld+i/ noun the study
kinesiology
|
male has an extra female chromosome, making an
of human movements, particularly with regard to XXY set, giving sterility and partial female char-
their use in treatment acteristics [Described 1942. After Harry Fitch
Klinefelter Jr. (b. 1912), Associate Professor of
kinesis /k$ni%ss/ noun the movement of a cell
kinesis
Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Balti-

|
in response to a stimulus. Compare taxis

more, USA.]
-kinesis /kni%ss/ suffix 1. activity or motion 2.
-kinesis
Klumpkes paralysis /!klu%mpkz p

Klumpkes paralysis
a change in the movement of a cell, though not in |
any particular direction. Examples are a change in $r'lss/ noun a form of paralysis due to an
its speed or in its turning behaviour. injury during birth, affecting the forearm and
hand. Also called Djerine-Klumpkes syn-
kinesitherapy /!kani%si$erpi/ noun therapy
kinesitherapy
|
drome [Described 1885. After Augusta Klumpke
involving movement of parts of the body (Madame Djerine-Klumpke) (18591937),
kinetic /k$netk, ka$netk/ adjective relating
kinetic
| |
French neurologist, one of the first women to
to movement qualify in Paris in 1888.]
Kings Fund /$kz f.nd/ noun a major inde-
Kings Fund
knee /ni%/ noun a joint in the middle of the leg,

knee
pendent health charity in London joining the femur and the tibia (NOTE: For other
Kings model /$kz !md()l/ noun a model
Kings model
terms referring to the knee, see genu.)

of nursepatient relationships based on ten princi- kneecap /$ni%k'p/ noun same as patella
kneecap
ples: interaction, perception, communication,

knee jerk /$ni% d+-%k/ noun same as patellar
knee jerk
transaction, role, stress, growth and development,

time, self and space. Through an exchange of reflex
knee joint /$ni% d+nt/ noun a joint where the
knee joint
information nurses and patients work together to

help individuals and groups attain, maintain and femur and the tibia are joined, covered by the
restore health. kneecap
kinin /$kann/ noun a polypeptide that makes knock-knee /!nk $ni%/ noun a state in which
kinin knock-knee
blood vessels widen and smooth muscles contract the knees touch and the ankles are apart when a
163 kyphotic
person is standing straight. Also called genu val- kraurosis vulvae /kr%!rss $v.lv/ noun a
kraurosis vulvae
gum condition in which the vulva becomes thin and

knock-kneed /!nk $ni%d/ adjective referring to dry due to lack of oestrogen, found usually in eld-
knock-kneed
a person whose knees touch when he or she stands erly women

straight with feet slightly apart
Krause corpuscles /$kraz !k%p.s()lz/
Krause corpuscles
knock out /!nk $at/ verb to hit someone so

knock out
plural noun encapsulated nerve endings in the

hard that he or she is no longer conscious ! He mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, eyes and
was knocked out by a blow on the head. genitals [Described 1860. After Wilhelm Johann
knowledge and skills framework /!nld+
knowledge and skills framework
Friedrich Krause (18331910), German anato-

n $sklz !fremw-%k/ noun full form of KSF mist.]
knuckle /$n.k()l/ noun the back of each joint
knuckle
Krebs cycle /$krebz !sak()l/ noun same as

Krebs cycle
on a persons hand citric acid cycle [Described 1937. After Sir

Kocher manoeuvre /$kk m!nu%v/ noun a
Kocher manoeuvre
|
Hans Adolf Krebs (190081), German biochem-
method for realigning a dislocated shoulder in ist who emigrated to England in 1934. Shared
which the arm is raised and a sudden change is the Nobel prize for Medicine 1953 with F.A. Lip-
made between inward and outward rotation of the mann.]
head of the joint
KSF /!ke es $ef/ noun a document setting out
KSF
Kochs bacillus /!kks b$sls/ noun the

Kochs bacillus
the knowledge and skills required in a particular

|
bacterium which causes tuberculosis, Mycobacte-

healthcare post, giving guidance on professional
rium tuberculosis [Described 1882. After Robert
development, and setting out the pay progression.
Koch (18431910), Professor of Hygiene in Ber-
Full form knowledge and skills framework
lin, Germany, later Director of the Institute for
Kuntscher nail /$k.nt nel/, Kntscher
Kuntscher nail
Infectious Diseases. (Nobel Prize 1905).]

Khlers disease /$k-%lz d!si%z/ noun a
Khlers disease
|
nail noun a long steel nail used in operations to
degeneration of the navicular bone in children. pin fractures of long bones, especially the femur,
Also called scaphoiditis [Described 1908 and through the bone marrow [Described 1940. After
1926. After Alban Khler (18741947), German Gerhard Kntscher (190072), German sur-
radiologist.] geon.]
koilonychia /!kl$nki/ noun a condition Kupffers cells /$kpfz selz/, Kupffer cells
koilonychia Kupffers cells
in which the fingernails are brittle and concave, /$kpf selz/ plural noun large specialised liver
caused by iron-deficiency anaemia cells which break down haemoglobin into bile
Kopliks spots /$kplks spts/ plural noun [Described 1876. After Karl Wilhelm von Kupffer
Kopliks spots
small white spots with a blue tinge surrounded by (18291902), German anatomist.]
a red areola, found in the mouth in the early stages Kveim test /$kvam test/ noun a skin test to
Kveim test
of measles [Described 1896. After Henry Koplik confirm the presence of sarcoidosis [After Morten
(18581927), US paediatrician.] Ansgar Kveim (18921966), Swedish physi-
Korotkoffs method /$krtkfs !med/
Korotkoffs method
cian.]
noun a method of finding a persons blood pres-
kwashiorkor /!kwi$%k%/ noun malnutrition
kwashiorkor
sure by inflating a cuff around his or her upper |
arm to a pressure well above the systolic blood of small children, mostly in tropical countries,
pressure and then gradually decreasing it causing anaemia, wasting of the body and swollen
liver
Korsakoffs syndrome /$k%skfs
Korsakoffs syndrome
kypho- /kaf/ prefix a hump

kypho-
!sndrm/ noun a condition, caused usually by

chronic alcoholism or disorders in which there is kyphoscoliosis /!kaf!skli$ss/ noun a
kyphoscoliosis
| |
a deficiency of vitamin B, in which a persons condition in which someone has both backward
memory fails and he or she invents things which and lateral curvature of the spine
have not happened and is confused [Described
kyphosis /ka$fss/ noun an excessive back-
kyphosis
1887. After Sergei Sergeyevich Korsakoff |
(18541900), Russian psychiatrist.] ward curvature of the top part of the spine (NOTE:
The plural is kyphoses.)
kraurosis penis /kr%!rss $pi%ns/ noun a
kraurosis penis
kyphotic /ka$ftk/ adjective referring to

kyphotic
condition in which the foreskin becomes dry and |
shrivelled kyphosis
L
l, L symbol litre labrum /$lebrm/ noun a ring of cartilage
l labrum
lab- /leb/ prefix same as labio- (used before

lab-
around the rim of a joint (NOTE: The plural is
vowels) labra.)
labyrinth /$l'brn/ noun a series of intercon-
labyrinth
labia /$lebi/ plural of labium

labia
necting tubes, especially those in the inside of the

labial /$lebil/ adjective referring to the lips or
labial
ear
to labia
labyrinthectomy /!l'brn$ektmi/ noun a
labyrinthectomy
labia majora /!lebi m$d+%r/ plural noun

labia majora
|
surgical operation to remove the labyrinth of the

|
two large fleshy folds at the outside edge of the

vulva. See illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM inner ear (NOTE: The plural is labyrinthecto-
mies.)
(FEMALE) in Supplement
labyrinthitis /!l'brn$ats/ noun same as
labyrinthitis
labia minora /!lebi m$n%r/ plural noun

labia minora
|
|
two small fleshy folds on the inside edge of the otitis interna
laceration /!l's$re()n/ noun 1. a wound
laceration
vulva. See illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM |
(FEMALE) in Supplement. Also called nymphae which has been cut or torn with rough edges, and
labile /$lebal/ adjective referring to a drug
labile
is not the result of stabbing or pricking 2. the act
which is unstable and likely to change if heated or of tearing tissue
cooled lachrymal /$l'krm()l/ adjective same as lac-
lachrymal
lability of mood /l!blti v $mu%d/ noun a

lability of mood
|
rimal
tendency for a persons mood to change suddenly lacrimal /$l'krm()l/ adjective referring to
lacrimal
labio- /lebi/ prefix referring to the lips or to tears, the tear ducts or the tear glands. ! nasolac-
labio-
labia rimal
lacrimal apparatus /!l'krm()l !'p
lacrimal apparatus
labioplasty /$lebi!pl'sti/ noun a surgical

labioplasty
| |
operation to repair damaged or deformed lips $rets/ noun the arrangement of glands and
(NOTE: The plural is labioplasties.) ducts which produce and drain tears. Also called
labium /$lebim/ noun any of the four fleshy
labium
lacrimal system
lacrimal bone /$l'krm()l bn/ noun one of
lacrimal bone
folds which surround the female genital organs

laboratory technician /l!brt()ri tek
laboratory technician
| |
two little bones which join with others to form the
$n()n/ noun a person who does practical work orbits
lacrimal canaliculus /!l'krm()l !k'n
lacrimal canaliculus
in a laboratory and has particular care of equip- |
ment $lkjls/ noun a small canal draining tears into

laboratory techniques /l$brt()ri tek
laboratory techniques
| |
the lacrimal sac
!ni%kz/ plural noun the methods or skills needed lacrimal caruncle /!l'krm()l k$r.k()l/
lacrimal caruncle
to perform experiments in a laboratory noun a small red point at the inner corner of each
laboratory test /l$brt()ri test/ noun a test
laboratory test
|
eye
carried out in a laboratory lacrimal duct /$l'krm()l d.kt/ noun a small
lacrimal duct
labour /$leb/ noun childbirth, especially the duct leading from the lacrimal gland. Also called
labour
contractions in the uterus which take place during tear duct

childbirth lacrimal gland /$l'krm()l 1l'nd/ noun a
lacrimal gland
laboured breathing /!lebd $bri%/ noun gland beneath the upper eyelid which secretes
laboured breathing
difficult breathing, which can be due to various tears. Also called tear gland
causes such as asthma lacrimal puncta /!l'krm()l $p.kt/ plural
lacrimal puncta
labour pains /$leb penz/ plural noun the

labour pains
noun small openings of the lacrimal canaliculus

pains felt at regular intervals by a woman as the at the corners of the eyes through which tears
muscles of the uterus contract during childbirth drain into the nose
165 lanugo
lacrimal sac /!l'krm()l $s'k/ noun a sac at Thophile Hyacinthe Laennec (17811826),
lacrimal sac
the upper end of the nasolacrimal duct, linking it Professor of medicine at the Collge de France,
with the lacrimal canaliculus and inventor of the stethoscope.]
lacrimal system /$l'krm()l !sstm/ noun -lalia /leli/ suffix speech or a speech disorder
lacrimal system -lalia
same as lacrimal apparatus lambda /$l'md/ noun 1. the 11th letter of the
lambda
lacrimation /!l'kr$me()n/ noun the pro- Greek alphabet 2. the point at the back of the skull
lacrimation
duction of tears where the sagittal suture and lambdoidal suture

lacrimator /$l'krmet/ noun a substance
lacrimator
meet
lambdoid /$l'mdd/ adjective shaped like the
lambdoid
which irritates the eyes and makes tears flow

lacrymal
lacrymal
/$l'krm()l/, lachrymal capital Greek letter lambda, like an upside down

/$l'krm()l/ adjective same as lacrimal V or y
lambdoid suture /$l'mdd !su%t/, lamb-
lambdoid suture
lact- /l'kt/ prefix same as lacto- (used before

lact-
vowels) doidal suture /$l'mdd()l !su%t/ noun a

horizontal joint across the back of the skull
lactase /$l'ktez/ noun an enzyme, secreted in
lactase
between the parietal and occipital bones

the small intestine, which converts milk sugar into
lambliasis /l'm$blass/ noun same as giar-
lambliasis
glucose and galactose |
diasis
lactate /l'k$tet/ verb to produce milk in the
lactate
lame /lem/ adjective not able to walk easily

| lame
body (NOTE: lactating lactated)

because of pain, stiffness or damage in a leg or
lactation /l'k$te()n/ noun the production of
lactation
|
foot (NOTE: This term is regarded as offensive.)
milk in the body
lamella /l$mel/ noun a thin sheet of tissue
lamella
lacteal /$l'ktil/ adjective referring to milk "

lacteal |
(NOTE: The plural is lamellae.)

noun a lymph vessel in a villus which helps the
lamina /$l'mn/ noun a thin membrane
lamina
digestive process in the small intestine by absorb-

lamina propria /!l'mn $prpri/ noun the
lamina propria
ing fat
lactic /$l'ktk/ adjective relating to milk
lactic
connective tissue of mucous membranes contain-
ing, e.g., blood vessels and lymphatic tissues
lactic acid /!l'ktk $'sd/ noun a sugar which
lactic acid
laminectomy /!l'm$nektmi/ noun a surgical

laminectomy
forms in cells and tissue, and also in sour milk, |
cheese and yoghurt operation to cut through the lamina of a vertebra

in the spine to get to the spinal cord. Also called
lactiferous /l'k$tfrs/ adjective producing,
lactiferous
|
rachiotomy (NOTE: The plural is laminecto-
secreting or carrying milk mies.)
lactiferous duct /l'k!tfrs $d.kt/ noun a
lactiferous duct
lamotrigine /l$mtrd+i%n/ noun a drug that

lamotrigine
|
|
duct in the breast which carries milk helps to control petit mal epilepsy
lactiferous sinus /l'k!tfrs $sans/ noun
lactiferous sinus
lance /l%ns/ verb to make a cut in a boil or

lance
|
a dilatation of the lactiferous duct at the base of abscess to remove the pus
the nipple
lancet /$l%nst/ noun 1. a sharp two-edged
lancet
lacto- /l'kt/ prefix referring to milk

lacto-
pointed knife formerly used in surgery 2. a small

Lactobacillus /!l'ktb$sls/ noun a genus
Lactobacillus
| pointed implement used to take a small capillary

of Gram-positive bacteria which produces lactic blood sample, e.g. to measure blood glucose lev-
acid from glucose and may be found in the diges- els
tive tract and the vagina lancinate /$l%nsnet/ verb to lacerate or cut
lancinate
lactogenic hormone /!l'kt!d+enk

lactogenic hormone
| something (NOTE: lancinating lancinated)

$h%mn/ noun same as prolactin lancinating /$l%nsnet/ adjective referring
lancinating
lactose /$l'kts/ noun a type of sugar found in

lactose
to pain which is sharp and cutting

milk Landsteiners classification /$l'ndstanz
Landsteiners classification
lactose intolerance /$l'kts n!tlrns/ kl'sf!ke()n/ noun same as ABO system

lactose intolerance
| |
noun a condition in which a person cannot digest Langerhans cells /$l'h'ns selz/ plural
Langerhans cells
lactose because lactase is absent in the intestine or noun cells on the outer layers of the skin
because of an allergy to milk, causing diarrhoea
Langers lines /$l'z lanz/ plural noun the
Langers lines
lactosuria /!l'kt$sjri/ noun the excre-

lactosuria
|
arrangement of collagen protein fibres which
tion of lactose in the urine causes the usual skin creases. Cuts made along
lactulose /$l'ktjls/ noun an artificially these lines sever fewer fibres and heal better than
lactulose
produced sugar used as a laxative other cuts. Also called cleavage lines
lacuna /l'$kju%n/ noun a small hollow or cav- lanolin /$l'nln/ noun grease from sheeps
lacuna lanolin
ity (NOTE: The plural is lacunae.) wool which absorbs water and is used to rub on
Lannecs cirrhosis /!leneks s$rss/
Lannecs cirrhosis
|
dried skin, or in the preparation of cosmetics
noun the commonest form of alcoholic cirrhosis lanugo /l$nju%1/ noun 1. soft hair on the
lanugo
of the liver [Described 1819. After Ren body of a fetus or newborn baby 2. soft hair on the
laparo- 166
body of an adult, except on the palms of the laryngoscope /l$r1skp/ noun an instru-
laryngoscope
hands, the soles of the feet and the parts where ment for examining the inside of the larynx using
long hair grows a light and mirrors
laparo- /l'pr/ prefix the lower abdomen
laparo-
laryngoscopy /!l'r$1skpi/ noun an

laryngoscopy
laparoscope /$l'prskp/ noun a surgical examination of the larynx with a laryngoscope

laparoscope
instrument which is inserted through a hole in the (NOTE: The plural is laryngoscopies.)
abdominal wall to allow a surgeon to examine the laryngospasm /l$r1sp'zm/ noun a mus-
laryngospasm
inside of the abdominal cavity. Also called peri- cular spasm which suddenly closes the larynx
toneoscope laryngostenosis /l!r1st$nss/ noun
laryngostenosis
| |
laparoscopic surgery /!l'pr!skpk

laparoscopic surgery
|
narrowing of the lumen of the larynx
$s-%d+ri/ noun same as keyhole surgery
laryngostomy /!l'r$1stmi/ noun a surgi-
laryngostomy
laparoscopy /!l'p$rskpi/ noun a proce-

laparoscopy
|
cal operation to make a permanent opening from
dure in which a laparoscope is used to examine the neck into the larynx (NOTE: The plural is
the inside of the abdominal cavity. Also called laryngostomies.)
peritoneoscopy (NOTE: The plural is laparo-
laryngotomy /!l'r$1tmi/ noun a surgical
laryngotomy
scopies.)
|
operation to make an opening in the larynx

laparotomy /!l'p$rtmi/ noun a surgical
laparotomy
|
through the membrane, especially in an emer-
operation to cut open the abdominal cavity gency, when the throat is blocked (NOTE: The plu-
(NOTE: The plural is laparotomies.) ral is laryngotomies.)
large intestine /!l%d+ n$testn/ noun the sec-
large intestine
laryngotracheal /l!r1$trekil/ adjec-

laryngotracheal
|
| |
tion of the digestive system from the caecum to tive relating to both the larynx and the trachea !
the rectum laryngotracheal stenosis
Lariam /$l'rim/ a trade name for mefloquine
Lariam
laryngotracheobronchitis /l!r1
laryngotracheobronchitis
| |
hydrochloride !trekibr$kats/ noun inflammation of the

|
laryng- /lrnd+/ prefix same as laryngo- (used

laryng-
larynx, trachea and bronchi, as in croup

before vowels) larynx /$l'rks/ noun the organ in the throat
larynx
laryngeal /l$rnd+il/ adjective referring to the

laryngeal
|
which produces sounds. Also called voice box
larynx (NOTE: The plural is larynges or larynxes.)
laryngeal inlet /l!rnd+il $nlt/ noun the
laryngeal inlet
laser /$lez/ noun an instrument which pro-

laser
|
entrance from the laryngopharynx leading duces a highly concentrated beam of light which
through the vocal cords to the trachea can be used to cut or attach tissue, as in operations
laryngeal prominence /l!rnd+il for a detached retina
laryngeal prominence
$prmnns/ noun same as Adams apple laser laparoscopy /!lez l'p$rskpi/

laser laparoscopy
laryngeal reflex /l!rnd+il $ri%fleks/ noun noun surgery performed through a laparoscope
laryngeal reflex
the reflex that makes a person cough using a laser

laryngectomy /!l'rn$d+ektmi/ noun a sur- laser probe /$lez prb/ noun a metal probe
laryngectomy laser probe
gical operation to remove the larynx, usually as which is inserted into the body and through which
treatment for throat cancer (NOTE: The plural is a laser beam can be passed to remove a blockage
laryngectomies.) in an artery
laryngismus /!l'rn$d+zms/, laryngismus laser surgery /$lez !s-%d+ri/ noun surgery
laryngismus laser surgery
stridulus /l'rn!d+zms $strdjls/ noun a

| using lasers, e.g. for the removal of tumours, seal-
spasm of the throat muscles with a sharp intake of ing blood vessels, or the correction of shortsight-
breath which occurs when the larynx is irritated, edness
as in children who have croup Lasix /$lezks/ a trade name for frusemide
Lasix
laryngitis /!l'rn$d+ats/ noun inflammation

laryngitis
Lassa fever /$l's !fi%v/ noun a highly infec-

Lassa fever
|
of the larynx tious and often fatal virus disease found in Central
laryngo- /lr1/ prefix larynx
laryngo-
and West Africa, causing high fever, pains, and

laryngology /!l'rn$1ld+i/ noun the study of ulcers in the mouth [After a village in northern
laryngology
diseases of the larynx, throat and vocal cords Nigeria where the fever was first reported.]
laryngomalacia /l!r1m$le/ noun a lassitude /$l'stju%d/ noun a state where a per-
laryngomalacia lassitude
| |
condition in which breathing is made difficult by son does not want to do anything, sometimes
softness of the larynx, occurring mainly in chil- because he or she is depressed
dren under the age of two latent /$let()nt/ adjective referring to a disease
latent
laryngopharyngeal /l!rn1f$rnd+i'l/ which is present in the body but does not show
laryngopharyngeal
| |
adjective referring to both the larynx and the any signs ! The children were tested for latent
pharynx viral infection.
laryngopharynx /lr1$f'rks/ noun the lateral /$l't()rl/ adjective further away from
laryngopharynx lateral
part of the pharynx below the hyoid bone the midline of the body
167 lentigo
lateral aspect /!l't()rl $'spekt/ noun a as others of similar age ! children with learning
lateral aspect
view of the side of part of the body. Also called disabilities

lateral view. See illustration at ANATOMICAL LE cells /!el $i% !selz/ plural noun white blood
LE cells
TERMS in Supplement cells which show that someone has lupus ery-
lateral epicondyle /!l't()rl !ep$kndal/,
lateral epicondyle
|
thematosus
lateral epicondyle of the humerus /!l't()rl lecithin /$lesn/ noun a chemical which is a
lecithin
ep!kndal v $hju%mrs/ noun a lateral

| constituent of all animal and plant cells and is
projection on the rounded end of the humerus at involved in the transport and absorption of fats
the elbow jointc leech /li%t/ noun a blood-sucking parasitic
leech
lateral epicondylitis /!l't()rl !epknd

lateral epicondylitis
| worm which lives in water, occasionally used in

$lats/ noun same as tennis elbow specialist procedures
laterally /$l'trli/ adverb towards or on the side leg /le1/ noun a part of the body with which a
laterally leg
of the body. See illustration at ANATOMICAL person or animal walks and stands
TERMS in Supplement Legg-Calv disease /!le1 $k'lve d!zi%z/,
Legg-Calv disease
lateral malleolus /!l't()rl m$li%ls/ noun Legg-Calv-Perthes disease /!le1 !k'lve

lateral malleolus
the part of the end of the fibula which protrudes $p-%tz d!zi%z/ noun degeneration of the upper
|
on the outside of the ankle end of the thighbone in young boys, which pre-
lateral view /! l't()rl $vju%/ noun same as
lateral view
vents the bone growing properly and can result in
lateral aspect a permanent limp [Described 1910 separately by
all three workers. Arthur Thornton Legg (1874
lateroversion /!l't()r$v-%()n/ noun a
lateroversion
|
1939), American orthopaedic surgeon; Jacques
condition in which an organ is turned to one side Calv (18751954), French orthopaedic sur-
latissimus dorsi /l!tsms $d%si/ noun a
latissimus dorsi
|
geon; Georg Clemens Perthes (18691927),
large flat triangular muscle covering the lumbar German surgeon.]
region and the lower part of the chest Legionnaires disease /!li%d+$nez d!zi%z/
Legionnaires disease
| |
laudanum /$l%d()nm/ noun a solution of

laudanum
noun a bacterial disease similar to pneumonia

opium in alcohol that was formerly in widespread leio- /le/ prefix smooth or smoothness
leio-
use for pain relief

leiomyoma /!lama$m/ noun a tumour
leiomyoma
laughing gas /$l%f 1's/ noun same as

laughing gas |
of smooth muscle, especially the smooth muscle

nitrous oxide (informal) coating the uterus (NOTE: The plural is leiomyo-
lavage /$l'vd+, l'$v%+/ noun the act of wash-
lavage
| mas or leiomyomata.)
ing out or irrigating an organ such as the stomach leiomyosarcoma /!la!mas%$km/
leiomyosarcoma
| |
laxative /$l'kstv/ adjective causing a bowel

laxative
noun a sarcoma in which large bundles of smooth

movement " noun a medicine which causes a muscle are found (NOTE: The plural is leiomy-
bowel movement, e.g. bisacodyl, which stimu- osarcomas or leiomyosarcomata.)
lates intestinal motility, or lactulose which alters leishmaniasis /!li%m$nass/ noun a dis-
leishmaniasis
fluid retention in the bowel $ also called (all ease caused by the parasite Leishmania, one form
senses) purgative of which causes disfiguring ulcers, while another
lazy eye /!lezi $a/ noun an eye which does not attacks the liver and bone marrow
lazy eye
focus properly without an obvious cause Lemberts suture /$l%mbez !su%t/ noun a
Lemberts suture
(informal) ! amblyopia suture used to close a wound in the intestine

LD abbreviation lethal dose which includes all the coats of the intestine
LD
LDL abbreviation low-density lipoprotein

LDL
[Described 1826. After Antoine Lembert (1802
51), French surgeon.]
L-dopa /!el $dp/ noun same as levodopa
L-dopa
lens /lenz/ noun 1. the part of the eye behind the

lens
LE abbreviation lupus erythematosus

LE
iris and pupil, which focuses light coming from

lead /led/ noun a very heavy soft metallic ele-
lead
the cornea onto the retina. See illustration at EYE

ment, which is poisonous in compounds (NOTE: in Supplement 2. a piece of shaped glass or plas-
The chemical symbol is Pb.) tic which forms part of a pair of spectacles or
lead poisoning /!led $pz()n/ noun poi- microscope 3. same as contact lens
lead poisoning
soning caused by taking in lead salts. Also called lens implant /$lenz !mpl%nt/ noun an artifi-
lens implant
plumbism, saturnism cial lens implanted in the eye when the natural
learning /$l-%n/ noun the act of gaining
learning
lens is removed, as in the case of cataract
knowledge of something or of how to do some- lenticular /len$tkjl/ adjective referring to or
lenticular
thing like a lens

learning disability /$l-%n ds!blti/, lentigo /len$ta1/ noun a small brown spot on
learning disability lentigo
| |
learning difficulty /$l-%n !dfk()lti/ noun a the skin often caused by exposure to sunlight.
condition that results in someone finding it diffi- Also called freckle (NOTE: The plural is lentigi-
cult to learn skills or information at the same rate nes.)
leontiasis 168
leontiasis /!li%n$tass/ noun a rare disorder lethal gene /!li%()l $d+i%n/, lethal mutation
leontiasis lethal gene
in which the skull bones become enlarged and /!li%()l mju%$te()n/ noun a gene, usually
|
may give the appearance of a lions head. It occurs recessive, that results in the premature death of an
if Pagets disease is not treated. individual who inherits it, e.g. the gene control-
leprosy /$leprsi/ noun an infectious bacterial
leprosy
ling sickle-cell anaemia
disease of skin and peripheral nerves caused by lethargic /l$%d+k/ adjective showing leth-
lethargic
Mycobacterium leprae, which destroys the tissues argy

and causes severe disfigurement if left untreated. lethargy /$led+i/ noun a state in which some-
lethargy
Also called Hansens disease one is not mentally alert, has slow movements and
leptin /$leptn/ noun a hormone produced by fat
leptin
is almost inactive
cells that signals the bodys level of hunger to the Letterer-Siwe disease /!letr $si%we d
Letterer-Siwe disease
hypothalamus of the brain !z%z/ noun a usually fatal disease, most common
lepto- /lept/ prefix thin
lepto-
in infants, caused by the overproduction of a spe-

leptocyte /$leptsat/ noun a thin red blood cell
leptocyte
cialised type of immune cell
found in anaemia leucine /$lu%si%n/ noun an essential amino acid
leucine
leptomeninges /!leptme$nnd+i%z/ plural

leptomeninges
leuco- /lu%k/, leuko- prefix white

leuco-
noun the two inner meninges, the pia mater and leucocyte /$lu%ksat/, leukocyte noun a
leucocyte
arachnoid white blood cell which contains a nucleus but has

leptomeningitis /!leptmenn$d+ats/
leptomeningitis
|
no haemoglobin
noun inflammation of the leptomeninges
leucocytolysis /!lu%ksa$tlss/, leukocy-
leucocytolysis
Leptospira /!lept$spar/ noun a genus of

Leptospira
|
tolysis /!lu%ksa$tlss/ noun destruction of
|
bacteria excreted continuously in the urine of rats leucocytes

and many domestic animals. It can infect humans,
leucocytosis /!lu%ksa$tss/, leukocyto-
leucocytosis
causing leptospirosis or Weils disease.

|
sis /!lu%ksa$tss/ noun an increase in the

|
leptospirosis /!leptspa$rss/ noun an

leptospirosis
|
numbers of leucocytes in the blood above the
infectious disease caused by the spirochaete Lept- usual upper limit, in order to fight an infection
ospira, transmitted to humans from rat urine,
leucoderma /!lu%k$d-%m/, leukoderma
leucoderma
causing jaundice and kidney damage. Also called

|
noun same as vitiligo

Weils disease
leucolysin /!lu%k$lasn/, leukolysin noun a
leucolysin
lesbianism /$lezbinz()m/ noun sexual

lesbianism
|
protein which destroys white blood cells

attraction in one woman for another. Compare
leuconychia /!lu%k$nki/, leukonychia
leuconychia
homosexuality |
noun a condition in which white marks appear on

Lesch-Nyhan disease /!le $nahn d!zi%z/,
Lesch-Nyhan disease
the fingernails
|
Lesch-Nyhan syndrome /!le $nahn

leucopenia /!lu%k$pi%ni/, leukopenia noun a
leucopenia
!sndrm/ noun a rare genetic disorder in boys |
caused by a lack of the enzyme HPRT. Symptoms reduction in the number of leucocytes in the
include uncontrolled muscle movements and blood, usually as the result of a disease
learning disabilities, and life expectancy is 20 leucoplakia /!lu%k$pl'ki/, leukoplakia
leucoplakia
25. noun a condition in which white patches form on

lesion /$li%+()n/ noun a wound, sore or damage mucous membranes, e.g. on the tongue or inside
lesion
to the body (NOTE: Lesion is used to refer to any of the mouth

damage to the body, from the fracture of a bone leucopoiesis /!lu%kp$i%ss/, leukopoiesis
leucopoiesis
to a cut on the skin.) noun the production of leucocytes

lesser /$les/ adjective smaller
lesser
leucorrhoea /!lu%k$ri%/, leukorrhoea noun

leucorrhoea
lesser circulation /!les !s-%kj$le()n/ an excessive discharge of white mucus from the
lesser circulation
noun same as pulmonary circulation vagina. Also called whites (NOTE: The US spell-
lesser trochanter /!les tr$k'nt/ noun a
lesser trochanter
|
ing is leukorrhea.)
leukaemia /lu%$ki%mi/ noun any of several
leukaemia
projection on the femur which is the insertion of |
the psoas major muscle malignant diseases where an unusual number of

lesser vestibular gland /!les ve$stbjl
lesser vestibular gland
|
leucocytes form in the blood (NOTE: The US
1l'nd/ noun the more anterior of the vestibular spelling is leukemia.)
leuko- /lu%k/ prefix same as leuco-
leuko-
glands
lethal /$li%()l/ adjective killing or able to kill ! levator /l$vet/ noun 1. a surgical instrument
lethal levator
These fumes are lethal if inhaled. for lifting pieces of fractured bone 2. a muscle
lethal dose /!li%()l $ds/ noun the amount of
lethal dose
which lifts a limb or a part of the body
a drug or other substance which will kill the per- level of care /!lev()l v $ke/ noun any of the
level of care
son who takes it ! She took a lethal dose of aspi- planned divisions within the system of health care
rin. Abbreviation LD which is offered by a particular organisation !
169 light adaptation

Our care homes offer six different levels of care to lien- /lan/ prefix spleen
lien-
allow the greatest independence possible. lienal /$lan()l/ adjective relating to or affect-
lienal
level one bed /!lev()l $w.n !bed/ noun a bed

level one bed
ing the spleen ! the lienal artery

occupied by a patient whose needs can be man- lienculus /l$ekjls/ noun a small secondary
lienculus
aged in a ward but who has an increased require-

|
spleen sometimes found in the body (NOTE: The

ment for nursing support, e.g. a post-operative plural is lienculi.)
patient with fluctuating vital signs
lienorenal /!lan$ri%n()l/ adjective relating
lienorenal
level three bed /!lev()l $ri% !bed/ noun a bed

level three bed |
to or affecting both the spleen and the kidneys

occupied by a patient whose needs should not be
lie of fetus /!la v $fi%ts/ noun the position of
lie of fetus
managed in a ward, e.g. a patient intubated fol-

lowing a cardiac arrest the fetus in the uterus ! Cause of rupture: abnor-
mal lie of fetus.
level two bed /!lev()l $tu% !bed/ noun a bed
level two bed
life /laf/ noun the quality that makes a person or

life
occupied by a patient whose needs would not nor-

mally be managed in a ward, e.g. a patient with a thing alive and not dead or inorganic ! The sur-
deteriorating condition awaiting transfer to a geons saved the patients life. ! Her life is in dan-
high-dependency unit ger because the drugs are not available. ! The
victim showed no sign of life.
levodopa /!li%v$dp/ noun a natural chemi-
levodopa
life event /$laf !vent/ noun a significant event

| life event
cal that stimulates the production of dopamine in |
the brain and is used to treat Parkinsons disease which alters a persons status as regards taxation,
insurance or employment benefits, e.g. the birth
levonorgestrel /!li%vn%$d+estrl/ noun an
levonorgestrel
|
of a child or the onset of a disability
artificially produced female sex hormone, used
life expectancy /$laf k!spektnsi/ noun the
life expectancy
mostly in birth control pills or capsules |
number of years a person of a particular age is

Leydig cells /$lad1 selz/ plural noun testo-
Leydig cells
likely to live
sterone-producing cells between the tubules in the
life-support system /!laf s$p%t !sstm/
life-support system
testes. Also called interstitial cells [Described |
1850. After Franz von Leydig (18211908), Pro- noun a machine that takes over one or more vital
fessor of Histology at Wrzburg, Tbingen and functions such as breathing when someone is una-
then Bonn, Germany.] ble to survive unaided because of a disease or
injury
Leydig tumour /$lad1 !tju%m/ noun a
Leydig tumour
lift /lft/ noun 1. a particular way of carrying an

lift
tumour of the Leydig cells of the testis. It often

releases testosterone, which makes young boys injured or unconscious person ! a four-handed
show early signs of maturing. lift ! a shoulder lift 2. a cosmetic operation to
remove signs of age or to change a body feature !
l.g.v. abbreviation lymphogranuloma venereum
l.g.v.
a face lift
LH abbreviation luteinising hormone
LH
ligament /$l1mnt/ noun a thick band of

ligament
libido /l$bi%d/ noun 1. the sexual urge 2. (in

libido
|
fibrous tissue which connects the bones at a joint
psychology) a force which drives the unconscious and forms the joint capsule
mind ligate /$la1et/ verb to tie something with a lig-
ligate
Librium /$lbrim/ a trade name for chlo-

Librium
ature, e.g. to tie a blood vessel to stop bleeding or

rdiazepoxide to tie the Fallopian tubes as a sterilisation proce-
lice /las/ plural of louse dure (NOTE: ligating ligated)
lice
ligation /la$1e()n/ noun a surgical operation

ligation
lichen /$laken/ noun a type of skin disease with

lichen
|
thick skin and small lesions to tie up a blood vessel

ligature /$l1t/ noun a thread used to tie ves-
ligature
lichenification /la!kenf$ke()n/ noun a

lichenification
| |
thickening of the skin at the site of a lesion sels or a lumen, e.g. to tie a blood vessel to stop
lichen planus /!laken $plens/ noun a skin
lichen planus
bleeding " verb same as ligate (NOTE: ligatur-
disease where itchy purple spots appear on the ing ligatured)
light /lat/ adjective 1. bright so that a person can
light
arms and thighs

lid /ld/ noun the top which covers a container !
lid
see ! At six oclock in the morning it was just get-
a medicine bottle with a child-proof lid ting light. 2. referring to hair or skin which is very
pale ! She has a very light complexion. ! He has
lidocaine /$ladken/ noun US a drug used as
lidocaine
light-coloured hair. 3. weighing a comparatively

a local anaesthetic. Also called lignocaine small amount " noun the energy that makes
lie /la/ noun same as lie of fetus " verb to be in things bright and helps a person to see ! Theres
lie
a flat position ! The accident victim was lying on not enough light in here to take a photo.
the pavement. ! Make sure the patient lies still light adaptation /$lat 'd'p!te()n/ noun
light adaptation
and does not move. (NOTE: lying lay lain) changes in the eye to adapt to an unusually bright
Lieberkhns glands /$li%bku%nz 1l'ndz/ or dim light or to adapt to light after being in dark-
Lieberkhns glands
plural noun same as crypts of Lieberkhn ness

lightening 170
lightening /$latn/ noun a late stage in preg- or bruise by acting as a vasodilator or counterirri-
lightening
nancy where the fetus goes down into the pelvic tant. Also called embrocation
cavity lining /$lan/ noun a substance or tissue on the
lining
lightning pains /$latn penz/ plural noun inside of an organ ! the thick lining of the aorta
lightning pains
sharp pains in the legs in someone who has tabes link /lk/ verb 1. to join things together ! The
link
dorsalis ankle bone links the bones of the lower leg to the
light reflex /$lat !ri%fleks/ noun same as pupil- calcaneus. 2. to be related to or associated with
light reflex
lary reaction something ! Health is linked to diet.

linkage /$lkd+/ noun (of genes) the fact of
linkage
light therapy /$lat !erpi/, light treatment

light therapy
/$lat !tri%tmnt/ noun the treatment of a disorder being close together on a chromosome, and there-
by exposing the person to light such as sunlight or fore likely to be inherited together
infrared light linoleic acid /!lnli%k $'sd/ noun one of
linoleic acid
lignocaine /$l1nken/ noun same as lido- the essential fatty acids, found in grains and seeds
lignocaine
caine linolenic acid /ln!lenk $'sd/ noun one of

linolenic acid
limb /lm/ noun one of the legs or arms

limb
the essential fatty acids, found in linseed and
limbic system /$lmbk !sstm/ noun a sys-
limbic system
other natural oils
lint /lnt/ noun thick flat cotton wadding, used as
lint
tem of nerves in the brain, including the hippoc-

ampus, the amygdala and the hypothalamus, part of a surgical dressing
which are associated with emotions such as fear lip /lp/ noun 1. each of two fleshy muscular parts
lip
and anger round the edge of the mouth ! Her lips were dry
limb lead /$lm li%d/ noun an electrode attached
limb lead
and cracked. 2. same as labium
to an arm or leg when taking an electrocardio- lipaemia /l$pi%mi/ noun an excessive amount
lipaemia
gram of fat in the blood (NOTE: The US spelling is

limb lengthening /$lm !len/ noun a pro- lipemia.)
limb lengthening
cedure in which an arm or a leg is made longer. Its lipase /$lpez/ noun an enzyme which breaks
lipase
bone is divided in two and new bone forms in the down fats in the intestine. Also called lipolytic
gap between the ends. enzyme
limbus /$lmbs/ noun an edge, especially the lipid /$lpd/ noun an organic compound which is
limbus lipid
edge of the cornea where it joins the sclera (NOTE: insoluble in water, e.g. a fat, oil or wax
The plural is limbi.) lipid metabolism /!lpd m$t'blz()m/
lipid metabolism
liminal /$lmn()l/ adjective referring to a stim-

liminal
noun the series of chemical changes by which lip-

ulus at the lowest level which can be sensed ids are broken down into fatty acids
limp /lmp/ noun a way of walking awkwardly lipidosis /!lp$dss/ noun a disorder of lipid
limp lipidosis
because of pain, stiffness or malformation of a leg metabolism in which subcutaneous fat is not
or foot ! She walks with a limp. " verb to walk present in some parts of the body
awkwardly because of pain, stiffness or malfor- lipochondrodystrophy
lipochondrodystrophy
/!lp!kndr | |
mation of a leg or foot ! He was still limping $dstrfi/ noun a congenital disorder affecting
three weeks after the accident. lipid metabolism, the bones and the main organs,
linctus /$lkts/ noun a sweet cough medicine
linctus
causing learning difficulties and physical deform-

linea nigra /!lni $na1r/ noun a dark line on
linea nigra
ity
the skin from the navel to the pubis which appears lipodystrophy /!lp$dstrfi/ noun a disor-
lipodystrophy
during the later months of pregnancy (NOTE: The der of lipid metabolism
plural is lineae nigrae.) lipogenesis /!lp$d+enss/ noun the pro-
lipogenesis
linear /$lni/ adjective 1. long and narrow in

linear
duction or making of deposits of fat

shape 2. able to be represented by a straight line lipoid /$lpd/ noun a compound lipid, or a fatty
lipoid
lingual /$l1wl/ adjective referring to the

lingual
substance such as cholesterol which is like a lipid

tongue " adjective like a lipid
lingual tonsil /!l1wl $tns()l/ noun a mass lipoidosis /!lp$dss/ noun a group of dis-
lingual tonsil lipoidosis
of lymphoid tissue on the top surface of the back eases with reticuloendothelial hyperplasia and
of the tongue unusual deposits of lipoids in the cells
lingula /$l1jl/ noun a long thin piece of lipolysis /l$plsis/ noun the process of break-
lingula lipolysis
bone or other tissue ! the lingula of the left lung ing down fat by lipase
(NOTE: The plural is lingulae.) lipolytic enzyme /!lpltk $enzam/ noun
lipolytic enzyme
lingular /$l1jl/ adjective relating to a lin-

lingular
same as lipase
gula lipoma /l$pm/ noun a benign tumour
lipoma
liniment /$lnmnt/ noun an oily liquid rubbed formed of fatty tissue (NOTE: The plural is lipo-
liniment
on the skin to ease the pain or stiffness of a sprain mas or lipomata.)

171 lobe
lipoprotein /!lp$prti%n/ noun a protein small fragments that the body can eliminate them
lipoprotein
which combines with lipids and carries them in unaided

the bloodstream and lymph system (NOTE: Lipo- lithotrite /$ltrat/ noun a surgical instrument
lithotrite
proteins are classified according to the percent- which crushes a stone in the bladder
age of protein which they carry.)
lithotrity /l$trti/ noun same as litholapaxy
lithotrity
liposuction /$lp!s.k()n/ noun the surgi-

liposuction |
lithuresis /!lj$ri%ss/ noun the passage of

| lithuresis
cal removal of fatty tissue for cosmetic reasons |
small stones from the bladder during urination

lipping /$lp/ noun a condition in which bone
lipping
litmus /$ltms/ noun a substance which turns

litmus
tissue grows over other bones

red in acid and blue in alkali
lip salve /$lp s'lv/ noun an ointment, usually
lip salve
litmus paper /$ltms !pep/ noun a small

litmus paper
sold as a soft stick, used to rub on lips to prevent

them cracking piece of paper impregnated with litmus, used to
liquid diet /!lkwd $dat/ noun a diet consist-
liquid diet
test for acidity or alkalinity
litre /$li%t/ noun a unit of measurement of liq-
litre
ing only of liquids ! The clear liquid diet is a

temporary diet used in preparation for surgery. uids equal to 1.76 pints. Abbreviation l, L (NOTE:
liquid paraffin /!lkwd $p'rfn/ noun an oil
liquid paraffin
With figures, usually written l or L: 2.5l, but it can
used as a laxative be written in full to avoid confusion with the
numeral 1. The US spelling is liter.)
liquor /$lk/ noun (in pharmacy) a solution,
liquor
Littles area /$lt()lz !eri/ noun an area of

Littles area
usually aqueous, of a pure substance

blood vessels in the nasal septum
lisp /lsp/ noun a speech condition in which
lisp
Littles disease /$lt()lz d!zi%z/ noun same

Littles disease
someone replaces s sounds with th " verb to |
talk with a lisp as spastic diplegia [Described 1843. After Wil-

liam John Little (181094), physician at the Lon-
Listeria /l$stri/ noun a genus of bacteria
Listeria
don Hospital, UK]

|
found in domestic animals and in unpasteurised

liver /$lv/ noun a large gland in the upper part
liver
milk products which can cause uterine infection

or meningitis of the abdomen. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYS-
TEM in Supplement (NOTE: For other terms
listeriosis /l!stri$ss/ noun an infectious
listeriosis
| |
disease transmitted from animals to humans by referring to the liver, see words beginning with
the bacterium Listeria hepat-, hepato-.)
liver fluke /$lv flu%k/ noun a parasitic flat-
liver fluke
listlessness /$lstlsns/ noun the fact of

listlessness
being generally weak and tired worm which can infest the liver
liver spot /$lv spt/ noun a little brown patch
liver spot
liter /$li%t/ noun US spelling of litre

liter
lith- /l/ prefix same as litho- (used before vow-

lith-
on the skin of the backs of the hands, attributed to
els)
sun damage (NOTE: Liver spots are unconnected
with any liver disorder.)
lithagogue /$l11/ noun a drug which helps
lithagogue
liver transplant /$lv !tr'nspl%nt/ noun a

liver transplant
to remove stones from the urine

surgical operation to give a person the liver of
lithiasis /l$ass/ noun the formation of
lithiasis
|
another person who has died
stones in an organ
livid /$lvd/ adjective referring to skin with a
livid
lithium /$lim/ noun a soft silver-white metal-

lithium
blue colour because of being bruised or because

lic element that forms compounds, used as a med-
of asphyxiation
ical treatment for bipolar disorder
living will /!lv $wl/ noun a document signed
living will
litho- /l/ prefix referring to a calculus

litho-
by a person while in good health to specify the

litholapaxy /l$lp'ksi/ noun the evacuation
litholapaxy
|
decisions he or she wishes to be taken about med-
of pieces of a stone in the bladder after crushing it ical treatment if he or she becomes incapable of
with a lithotrite. Also called lithotrity making or communicating them
lithonephrotomy /!ln$frtmi/ noun a
lithonephrotomy
LMC abbreviation local medical committee

LMC
|
surgical operation to remove a stone in the kidney

lobar /$lb/ adjective referring to a lobe
lobar
(NOTE: The plural is lithonephrotomies.)

lobar bronchi /!lb $brki%/ plural noun air
lobar bronchi
lithotomy /l$tmi/ noun a surgical operation

lithotomy
to remove a stone from the bladder (NOTE: The passages supplying a lobe of a lung. Also called
plural is lithotomies.) secondary bronchi
lobar pneumonia /!lb nju%$mni/ noun
lobar pneumonia
lithotomy position /l$tmi p!z()n/

lithotomy position
| | |
noun a position for some medical examinations in pneumonia which affects one or more lobes of the
which the person lies on his or her back with the lung
legs flexed and the thighs against the abdomen lobe /lb/ noun a rounded section of an organ
lobe
lithotripsy /$ltrpsi/ noun the process of such as the brain, lung or liver. See illustration at
lithotripsy
breaking up kidney or gall bladder stones into LUNGS in Supplement

lobectomy 172
lobectomy /l$bektmi/ noun a surgical oper- loculated /$lkjletd/ adjective referring to

lobectomy loculated
ation to remove one of the lobes of an organ such an organ or a growth which is divided into many
as the lung ! The plural is lobectomies. compartments ! a loculated renal abscess
lobotomy /l$btmi/ noun a surgical opera- locule /$lkju%l/ noun same as loculus
lobotomy locule
tion formerly used to treat mental illness by cut- loculus /$lkjls/ noun a small space in an
loculus
ting into a lobe of the brain to cut the nerve fibres organ (NOTE: The plural is loculi.)
(NOTE: The plural is lobotomies.) locum /$lkm/ noun a healthcare professional
locum
lobular /$lbjl/ adjective relating to a lobule

lobular
such as a doctor or pharmacist who takes the place

! lobular carcinoma of another for a time. Also called locum tenens
lobule /$lbju%l/ noun a small section of a lobe
lobule
locum tenens /!lkm $tennz/ noun same

locum tenens
in the lung, formed of acini as locum (NOTE: The plural is locum tenentes.)
local /$lk()l/ adjective 1. referring to a sepa-
local
locus /$lks/ noun 1. an area or point where

locus
rate place 2. confined to one part " noun same as an infection or disease is to be found 2. a position
local anaesthetic on a chromosome occupied by a gene (NOTE: The
local anaesthesia /!lk()l 'ns$i%zi/ plural is loci.)
local anaesthesia
noun loss of feeling in a single part of the body lofepramine /l$feprmi%n/ noun an antide-
lofepramine
local anaesthetic /!lk()l 'ns$etk/ pressant drug

local anaesthetic
noun an anaesthetic such as lignocaine which log roll /$l1 rl/ noun a method of turning
log roll
removes the feeling in a single part of the body people in bed onto their side by putting them into
only ! The surgeon removed the growth under a straight position and pulling on the sheet under
local anaesthetic. them
localise /$lklaz/, localize verb 1. to restrict
localise
logrolling /$l1rl/ noun the process of

logrolling
the spread of something to a specific area 2. to moving a person who is lying down into another
find where something is 3. to transfer power from position using the log roll method
a central authority to local organisations (NOTE: -logy /ld+i/ suffix 1. science or study ! psychol-
-logy
localising localised) ogy ! embryology 2. speech or expression

localised /$lklazd/, localized adjective
localised
loin /ln/ noun the lower back part of the body

loin
referring to an infection which occurs in one part above the buttocks

of the body only. Opposite generalised
Lomotil /l$mtl/ a trade name for a prepa-
Lomotil
local supervising authority /!lk()l

local supervising authority |
ration containing diphenoxalate

$su%pvaz %!rti/ noun an organisation
longitudinal /!l1$tju%dn()l/ adjective 1.
| longitudinal
which controls midwife services within its area |
positioned lengthwise 2. in the direction of the

lochia /$lki/ noun a discharge from the vagina
lochia
long axis of the body

after childbirth or abortion
longitudinal arch /!l1tju%dn()l $%t/
longitudinal arch
lochiometra /$lkimi%tr/ noun a condition in

lochiometra
noun same as plantar arch

which lochia remains in the uterus after a baby is
longitudinal lie /!l1tju%dn()l $la/ noun
longitudinal lie
born, making it swollen

the usual position of a fetus, lying along the axis
lock /lk/ verb to fix something in a position
lock
of the mothers body

locked-in syndrome /!lkt $n !sndrm/
locked-in syndrome
longitudinal study /!l1tju%dn()l $st.di/

longitudinal study
noun a condition in which only the eyes and eye- noun a study of individuals or groups of people
lids can move although the person is fully alert and of how some aspect such as their health or
and conscious. It results from severe damage to education changes over a long time
the brain stem.
longsighted /!l$satd/ adjective able to see
longsighted
locked knee /!lkt $ni%/ noun a condition in

locked knee
clearly things which are far away but not things

which a piece of the cartilage in the knee slips out which are close
of position. The symptom is a sharp pain, and the
longsightedness /!l$satdns/ noun the
longsightedness
knee remains permanently bent.

|
condition of being longsighted. Also called

locking joint /!lk $d+nt/ noun a joint
locking joint
hypermetropia
which can be locked in an extended position, e.g.
loo /lu%/ noun a toilet, or a room containing a toi-
loo
the knee or elbow let (informal) # to go to the loo to urinate or def-

lockjaw /$lkj%/ noun same as tetanus (dated
lockjaw
ecate
informal)
loop /lu%p/ noun 1. a curve or bend in a line,
loop
locomotion /!lk$m()n/ noun the fact of

locomotion
|
especially one of the particular curves in a finger-
being able to move print 2. a curved piece of wire placed in the uterus
locomotor /!lk$mt/ adjective relating to to prevent contraception
locomotor
locomotion loop of Henle /!lu%p v $henli/ noun a curved

loop of Henle
locomotor ataxia /!lk!mtr $t'ksi/ tube which forms the main part of a nephron in
locomotor ataxia
| |
noun same as tabes dorsalis the kidney

173 luteinising hormone
loperamide /l$permad/, loperamide lower part of the spinal canal. Also called spinal
loperamide
hydrochloride /l!permad !hadr | |

puncture
$kl%rad/ noun a drug that relieves severe diar- lumbar region /$l.mb !ri%d+n/ noun the two
lumbar region
rhoea by slowing down the movements of the parts of the abdomen on each side of the umbilical
intestine region
loratidine /lr$'tdi%n/ noun an antihistamine lumbar vertebra /!l.mb $v-%tbr/ plural
loratidine lumbar vertebra
drug noun each of the five vertebrae between the tho-

lorazepam /l%$r'zp'm/ noun a mild tran-
lorazepam
|
racic vertebrae and the sacrum
lumbo- /l.mb/ prefix the lumbar region
lumbo-
quilliser that people often receive before surgery

to lessen anxiety lumbosacral /!l.mb$sekrl/ adjective
lumbosacral
lordosis /l%$dss/ noun excessive forward referring to both the lumbar vertebrae and the sac-
lordosis
curvature of the lower part of the spine. ! kypho- rum

sis lumbosacral joint /!l.mb$sekrl !d+nt/
lumbosacral joint
lordotic /l%$dtk/ adjective referring to lordo- noun a joint at the bottom of the back between the
lordotic
sis lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum

lumen /$lu%mn/ noun 1. an SI unit of light emit-
lumen
lotion /$l()n/ noun a medicinal liquid used

lotion
to rub on the skin ! a mild antiseptic lotion ted per second 2. the inside width of a passage in
the body or of an instrument such as an endoscope
louse /las/ noun a small insect of the Pediculus
louse
lump /l.mp/ noun a mass of hard tissue which

lump
genus, which sucks blood and lives on the skin as

a parasite on animals and humans (NOTE: The rises on the surface or under the surface of the
plural is lice.) skin ! He has a lump where he hit his head on the
low door. ! She noticed a lump in her right breast
low-density lipoprotein /!l !densti
low-density lipoprotein
and went to see the doctor.

$lpprti%n/ noun a lipoprotein with a large
lumpectomy /l.m$pektmi/ noun a surgical
lumpectomy
percentage of cholesterol which deposits fats in |
muscles and arteries. Abbreviation LDL operation to remove a hard mass of tissue such as
a breast tumour, leaving the surrounding tissue
lower motor neurones /!l $mt
lower motor neurones
intact (NOTE: The plural is lumpectomies.)

!njrnz/ plural noun linked neurones which
lunate /$lu%net bn/, lunate bone noun one
lunate
carry motor impulses from the spinal cord to the

muscles of the eight small carpal bones in the wrist. See
illustration at HAND in Supplement
lozenge /$lznd+/ noun a sweet medicinal tab-
lozenge
Lund and Browder chart /!l.nd n $brad

Lund and Browder chart
let ! She was sucking a cough lozenge.

!t%t/ noun a chart for calculating the surface
LRCP abbreviation licentiate of the Royal Col-
LRCP
area of a burn
lege of Physicians lung /l./ noun one of two organs of respiration
lung
LSA abbreviation local supervising authority

LSA
in the body into which air is sucked when a person

LSD abbreviation lysergic acid diethylamide breathes (NOTE: For other terms referring to the
LSD
lubb-dupp /!l.b $d.b/ noun two sounds made

lubb-dupp
lungs, see words beginning with bronch-,
by the heart, which represent each cardiac cycle broncho-, pneum-, pneumo-, pneumon-,
when heard through a stethoscope pneumono-, pulmo-.)
lunula /$lu%njl/ noun a curved white mark at
lunula
lubricant /$lu%brknt/ noun a fluid which

lubricant
lubricates the base of a fingernail (NOTE: The plural is lunu-

lae.)
lubricate /$lu%brket/ verb to cover something
lubricate
lupus /$lu%ps/ noun a persistent skin disease, of

lupus
with a fluid to reduce friction (NOTE: lubricating

which there are several unrelated types
lubricated)
lupus erythematosus /!lu%ps !eri%m
lupus erythematosus
lucid /$lu%sd/ adjective with a clearly working

lucid |
$tss/ noun an inflammatory disease of con-

mind ! In spite of the pain, he was still lucid. nective tissue of which the more serious, sys-
lucid interval /!lu%sd $ntv()l/ noun a period
lucid interval
temic, form affects the heart, joints and blood ves-

of clear thinking which occurs between two peri- sels. Abbreviation LE
ods of unconsciousness or of mental illness lupus vulgaris /!lu%ps v.l$1ers/ noun a
lupus vulgaris
lumbago /l.m$be1/ noun pain in the lower

lumbago
|
form of tuberculosis of the skin in which red spots
back (informal) ! She has been suffering from appear on the face and become infected
lumbago for years. ! He has had an attack of lutein /$lu%tin/ noun a yellow pigment in the
lutein
lumbago. corpus luteum

lumbar /$l.mb/ adjective referring to the lower
lumbar
luteinising hormone /$lu%tinaz

luteinising hormone
part of the back !h%mn/, luteinizing hormone noun a hor-

lumbar puncture /$l.mb !p.kt/ noun a mone produced by the pituitary gland, which
lumbar puncture
surgical operation to remove a sample of cerebro- stimulates the formation of the corpus luteum in
spinal fluid by inserting a hollow needle into the females and of testosterone in males. Abbrevia-
luteo- 174
tion LH. Also called interstitial cell stimulating lymphangioplasty /lmf$'nd+ipl'sti/ noun
lymphangioplasty
hormone a surgical operation to make artificial lymph

luteo- /lu%ti/ prefix 1. yellow 2. corpus luteum
luteo-
channels (NOTE: The plural is lymphangioplast-
ies.)
luxation /l.k$se()n/ noun same as disloca-
luxation
lymphangitis /!lmf'n$d+ats/ noun inflam-

| lymphangitis
tion |
mation of the lymph vessels

Lyme disease /$lam d!zi%z/ noun a viral dis-
Lyme disease
lymphatic /lm$f'tk/ adjective referring to

| lymphatic
ease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted |
by bites from deer ticks. It causes rashes, nervous lymph

lymphatic capillary /lm!f'tk k$plri/ plu-
lymphatic capillary
pains, paralysis and, in extreme cases, death. | |
ral noun any of the capillaries which lead from

lymph /lmf/ noun a colourless liquid containing
lymph
tissue and join lymphatic vessels

white blood cells which circulates in the lymph
lymphatic duct /lm$f'tk d.kt/ noun the
lymphatic duct
system from all body tissues, carrying waste mat- |
ter away from tissues to the veins. Also called main channel for carrying lymph
lymphatic node /lm$f'tk nd/ noun same
lymphatic node
lymph fluid |
COMMENT: Lymph drains from the tissues as lymph gland

lymphatic nodule /lm!f'tk $ndju%l/ noun
lymphatic nodule
through capillaries into lymph vessels. It is |
formed of water, protein and white blood a small lymph node found in clusters in tissues
cells (lymphocytes). Waste matter such as lymphatics /lm$f'tks/ plural noun lymph
lymphatics
infection in the lymph is filtered out and de- vessels

stroyed as it passes through the lymph
lymphatic system /lm$f'tk !sstm/ noun
lymphatic system
nodes, which then add further lymphocytes |
to the lymph before it continues in the sys- a series of vessels which transport lymph from the
tem. It eventually drains into the brachio- tissues through the lymph nodes and into the
cephalic (innominate) veins, and joins the bloodstream
lymphatic vessel /lm$f'tk !ves()l/ noun a
lymphatic vessel
venous bloodstream. Lymph is not pumped |
round the body like blood but moves by mus- tube which carries lymph round the body from the
cle pressure on the lymph vessels and by the tissues to the veins
negative pressure of the large veins into lymph duct /$lmf d.kt/ noun any channel car-
lymph duct
which the vessels empty. Lymph is an es- rying lymph

sential part of the bodys defence against in-
lymph gland /$lmf 1l'nd/, lymph node
lymph gland
fection.
/$lmf nd/ noun a mass of lymphoid tissue sit-
lymph- /lmf/ prefix meaning same as lympho-
lymph-
uated in various points of the lymphatic system,

(used before vowels) especially under the armpits and in the groin,
lymphaden- /lmf'dn/ prefix relating to the through which lymph passes and in which lym-
lymphaden-
lymph nodes phocytes are produced. Also called lymphatic

node
lymphadenectomy /!lmf'd$nektmi/
lymphadenectomy
lympho- /lmf/ prefix meaning lymph

lympho-
noun the surgical removal of a lymph node

(NOTE: The plural is lymphadenectomies.) lymphoblast /$lmfbl'st/ noun an unusual
lymphoblast
lymphadenitis
lymphadenitis
/!lmf'd$nats/
| noun cell which forms in acute lymphoblastic leukae-
inflammation of the lymph nodes mia as a result of the change which takes place in
a lymphocyte on contact with an antigen
lymphadenoma /!lmf'd$nm/ noun
lymphadenoma
lymphoblastic /!lmf$bl'stk/ adjective

| lymphoblastic
same as lymphoma |
referring to lymphoblasts, or forming lym-

lymphadenopathy /!lmf'd$npi/ noun
lymphadenopathy
|
phocytes
any unusual condition of the lymph nodes (NOTE: lymphocele /$lmfsi%l/ noun a cyst containing
lymphocele
The plural is lymphadenopathies.) lymph from injured or diseased lymph nodes or

lymphangi- /lmf'nd+i/ prefix lymphatic ves-
lymphangi-
ducts
sel lymphocyte /$lmfsat/ noun a type of mature
lymphocyte
lymphangiectasis /!lmf'nd+i$ektss/
lymphangiectasis
| leucocyte or white blood cell formed by the

noun swelling of the smaller lymph vessels as a lymph nodes and concerned with the production
result of obstructions in larger vessels of antibodies
lymphangiography lymphocytopenia /!lmf!sat$pi%ni/
lymphocytopenia
/!lmf'nd+i$1rfi/
lymphangiography
| | |
noun an X-ray examination of the lymph vessels noun same as lymphopenia

following introduction of radio-opaque material lymphocytosis /!lmfsa$tss/ noun an
lymphocytosis
(NOTE: The plural is lymphangiographies.) increased number of lymphocytes in the blood

lymphangioma /!lmf'nd+i$m/ noun a lymphoedema /!lmf$di%m/ noun a swell-
lymphangioma lymphoedema
| |
benign tumour formed of lymph tissues (NOTE: ing caused by obstruction of the lymph vessels or
The plural is lymphangiomas or lymphangi- unusual development of lymph vessels (NOTE:
omata.) The US spelling is lymphedema.)
175 lysozyme
lymphogranuloma venereum /!lmf lyophilisation /la!fla$ze()n/, lyophili-

lymphogranuloma venereum lyophilisation
| | |
!1r'nj!lm v$nrm/ noun a sexually

| | zation noun the act of preserving tissue, plasma
transmitted bacterial infection that causes swell- or serum by freeze-drying it in a vacuum
ing of the genital lymph nodes and, especially in lysergic acid diethylamide /la!s-%d+k
lysergic acid diethylamide
men, a genital ulcer. Abbreviation l.g.v. !'sd da$elmad/ noun a powerful halluci-
|
lymphoid tissue /$lmfd !tu%/ noun tissue nogenic drug which can cause psychosis. Abbre-
lymphoid tissue
in the lymph nodes, the tonsils and the spleen viation LSD
where masses of lymphocytes are supported by a lysin /$lasn/ noun 1. a protein in the blood
lysin
network of reticular fibres and cells which destroys the cell against which it is directed
lymphokine /$lmfkan/ noun a protein pro- 2. a toxin which causes the lysis of cells
lymphokine
duced by lymphocytes that has an effect on other lysine /$lasi%n/ noun an essential amino acid
lysine
cells in the immune system. ! cytokine

lysis /$lass/ noun 1. the destruction of a cell by
lysis
lymphoma /lm$fm/ noun a malignant

lymphoma
|
a lysin, in which the membrane of the cell is
tumour arising from lymphoid tissue. Also called destroyed 2. a reduction in a fever or disease
lymphadenoma (NOTE: The plural is lympho- slowly over a period of time
mas or lymphomata.)
-lysis /lss/ suffix referring to processes which
-lysis
lymphopenia /!lmf$pi%ni/ noun a reduc-

lymphopenia
| involve breaking up or decaying, or to objects

tion in the number of lymphocytes in the blood. which are doing this ! haemolysis
Also called lymphocytopenia lysosome /$lassm/ noun a particle in a cell
lysosome
lymphopoiesis /!lmfp$i%ss/ noun the

lymphopoiesis
| which contains enzymes which break down sub-

production of lymphocytes or lymphoid tissue stances such as bacteria which enter the cell
lymph vessel /$lmf !ves()l/ noun one of the lysozyme /$laszam/ noun an enzyme found
lymph vessel lysozyme
tubes which carry lymph round the body from the in the whites of eggs and in tears, which destroys
tissues to the veins specific bacteria
M
m symbol 1. metre 2. milli- macrognathia /!m'kr$nei/ noun a con-
m macrognathia
M symbol mega-
M
dition in which the jaw is larger than usual
macromastia /!m'kr$m'sti/ noun over-
macromastia
MAAG abbreviation medical audit advisory

MAAG
|
group development of the breasts

macronutrient /$m'kr!nju%trint/ noun a
macronutrient
maceration /!m's$re()n/ noun the process

maceration
|
|
of softening a solid by letting it lie in a liquid so substance which an organism needs in large
that the soluble matter dissolves amounts for normal growth and development, e.g.
nitrogen, carbon or potassium. Compare micro-
Mackenrodts ligaments /$m'knrdz
Mackenrodts ligaments
nutrient
!l1mnts/ plural noun same as cardinal liga-
macrophage /$m'krfed+/ noun any of
macrophage
ments
several large cells which destroy inflammatory
Macmillan nurse /mk$mln n-%s/ noun a
Macmillan nurse
|
tissue, found in connective tissue, wounds, lymph
nurse who specialises in cancer care and is nodes and other parts
employed by the organisation Macmillan Cancer
macroscopic /!m'kr$skpk/ adjective
macroscopic
Relief |
able to be seen with the naked eye

macro- /m'kr/ prefix large. Opposite micro-
macro-
macrosomia /!m'kr$smi/ noun a condi-

macrosomia
macrobiotic /!m'krba$tk/ adjective

macrobiotic |
|
tion in which the body grows too much
referring to food which has been produced natu-
macrostomia /!m'kr$stmi/ noun a con-
macrostomia
rally without artificial additives or preservatives |
dition in which the mouth is too wide because the

macrocephaly /!m'kr$kefli/ noun the
macrocephaly
|
bones of the upper and lower jaw have not fused,
condition of having an unusually large head either on one or on both sides
macrocheilia /!m'kr$kali/ noun the con-
macrocheilia
macula /$m'kjl/ noun 1. same as macule 2.

macula
|
dition of having large lips a small coloured area, e.g. a macula lutea
macrocyte /$m'krsat/ noun an unusually
macrocyte
macula lutea /!m'kjl $lu%ti/ noun a yellow

macula lutea
large red blood cell found in people who have per- spot on the retina, surrounding the fovea, the part
nicious anaemia of the eye which sees most clearly. Also called
macrocythaemia /m'krsa$i%mi/ noun
macrocythaemia
| yellow spot
same as macrocytosis macular /$m'kjl/ adjective referring to a
macular
macrocytic /!m'kr$stk/ adjective refer-

macrocytic
| macula
ring to macrocytes macular degeneration /!m'kjl d!d+en
macular degeneration
| |
macrocytic anaemia /!m'krstk

macrocytic anaemia
| $re()n/ noun an eye disorder in elderly people

$ni%mi/ noun anaemia in which someone has in which fluid leaks into the retina and destroys
unusually large red blood cells cones and rods, reducing central vision
macrocytosis /!m'krsa$tss/ noun the macule /$m'kju%l/ noun a small flat coloured
macrocytosis macule
condition of having macrocytes in the blood. Also spot on the skin. Compare papule
called macrocythaemia maculopapular /!m'kjl$p'pjl/ adjec-
maculopapular
macrodactyly /!m'kr$d'ktli/ noun a con- tive made up of both macules and papules ! mac-
macrodactyly
dition in which a person has unusually large or ulopapular rash

long fingers or toes mad cow disease /!m'd $ka d!zi%z/ noun
mad cow disease
macroglobulin /!m'kr$1lbjln/ noun a

macroglobulin
| same as bovine spongiform encephalopathy

class of immunoglobulin, a globulin protein of (informal)
high molecular weight, which serves as an anti- Magendies foramen /m!d+endz f
Magendies foramen
| |
body $remen/ noun an opening in the fourth ventricle

macroglossia /!m'kr$1lsi/ noun the
macroglossia
| of the brain which allows cerebrospinal fluid to

condition of having an unusually large tongue flow [Described 1828. After Franois Magendie
177 malleus
(17831855), French physician and physiolo- malarial /m$leril/ adjective referring to
malarial
gist.] malaria
magnesium /m'1$ni%zim/ noun a chemical malarial parasite /m!leril $p'rsat/
magnesium malarial parasite
| |
element found in green vegetables, which is noun a parasite transmitted into the human blood-
essential especially for the correct functioning of stream by the bite of the female anopheles mos-
muscles (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Mg.) quito
magnesium sulphate /m'1!ni%zim malarial therapy /m$leri !erpi/ noun a
magnesium sulphate malarial therapy
| |
$s.lfet/ noun a magnesium salt used as a laxa- treatment in which a person is given a form of
tive. Also called Epsom salts malaria in the belief that the high fevers they
magnesium trisilicate /m'1!ni%zim tra
magnesium trisilicate
| |
experience can stimulate the immune system to
$slkt/ noun a magnesium compound used to fight off serious diseases such as syphilis and HIV
treat peptic ulcers male menopause /!mel $menp%z/ noun a
male menopause
magnetic /m'1$netk/ adjective able to attract

magnetic
|
period in middle age when a man may feel inse-
objects, like a magnet cure and anxious about the fact that his physical
magnetic field /m'1!netk $fi%ld/ noun an
magnetic field
|
powers are declining (informal)
malformation /!m'lf%$me()n/ noun an
malformation
area round an object which is under the influence |
of the magnetic force exerted by the object unusual variation in the shape, structure or devel-
magnetic resonance imaging /m'1!netk
magnetic resonance imaging
|
opment of something
malfunction /m'l$f.kn/ noun a situation
malfunction
$reznns !md+/ noun a scanning technique |
which exposes the body to a strong magnetic field in which a particular organ does not work in the
and uses the electromagnetic signals emitted by usual way ! Her loss of consciousness was due to
the body to form an image of soft tissue and cells. a malfunction of the kidneys or to a kidney mal-
Abbreviation MRI function.
malignancy /m$l1nnsi/ noun 1. the state of
malignancy
magnum /$m'1nm/ " foramen magnum

magnum
|
being malignant ! The tests confirmed the malig-

main bronchi /!men $brki%/ plural noun the
main bronchi
nancy of the growth. 2. a cancerous growth

two main air passages which branch from the tra-
(NOTE: The plural is malignancies.)
chea outside the lung. Also called primary bron-
malignant /m$l1nnt/ adjective likely to
malignant
chi |
cause death or serious disablement if not properly

major surgery /!med+ $s-%d+ri/ noun sur-
major surgery
treated
gical operations involving important organs in the
malignant hypertension /m!l1nnt
malignant hypertension
body |
!hap$tenn/ noun dangerously high blood

mal /m'l/ noun an illness or disease
mal |
pressure
mal- /m'l/ prefix bad or unusual
mal-
malignant melanoma /m!l1nnt !mel

malignant melanoma
| |
malabsorption /!m'lb$s%pn/ noun a situ-

malabsorption
|
$nm/ noun a dark tumour which develops on
ation where the intestines are unable to absorb the the skin from a mole, caused by exposure to
fluids and nutrients in food properly strong sunlight
malabsorption syndrome /!m'lb$s%pn
malabsorption syndrome
malignant pustule /m!l1nnt $p.stju%l/

malignant pustule
|
|
!sndrm/ noun a group of symptoms and signs, noun a pus-filled swelling that results from infec-
including malnutrition, anaemia, oedema and der- tion of the skin with anthrax
matitis, which results from steatorrhoea and mal- malignant tumour /m!l1nnt $tju%m/
malignant tumour
absorption of vitamins, protein, carbohydrates noun a tumour which is cancerous and can grow
and water again or spread into other parts of the body, even
malacia /m$le/ noun the pathological sof-
malacia
|
if removed surgically. Opposite benign tumour
tening of an organ or tissue malingerer /m$l1r/ noun a person who
malingerer
malaise /m$lez/ noun a feeling of discomfort

malaise
|
pretends to be ill
malaligned /!m'l$land/ adjective not in the malingering /m$l1r/ adjective the act of
malaligned malingering
| |
correct position relative to other parts of the body pretending to be ill

malalignment /!m'l$lanmnt/ noun a con- malleolar /m$li%l/ adjective referring to a
malalignment malleolar
| |
dition in which something is malaligned, espe- malleolus

cially in which a tooth is not in its correct position malleolus /m$li%ls/ noun one of two bony
malleolus
in the mouth prominences at each side of the ankle (NOTE: The

malar /$mel/ adjective referring to the cheek
malar
plural is malleoli.)
malar bone /$mel bn/ noun same as mallet finger /!m'lt $f1/ noun a finger
malar bone mallet finger
cheekbone which cannot be straightened because the tendon

malaria /m$leri/ noun a mainly tropical dis-
malaria
|
attaching the top joint has been torn
ease caused by a parasite Plasmodium, which malleus /$m'lis/ noun the largest of the three
malleus
enters the body after a bite from the female ossicles in the middle ear, shaped like a hammer.
anopheles mosquito See illustration at EAR in Supplement
Mallory bodies 178
Mallory bodies /$m'lri !bdiz/ plural noun mamm- /m'm/ prefix same as mammo- (used
Mallory bodies mamm-
large irregular masses which occur in the cyto- before vowels)

plasm of damaged liver cells, often a sign of an mamma /$m'm/ noun same as breast (NOTE:
mamma
alcohol-related disease The plural is mammae.)

Mallory-Weiss syndrome /!m'lri $vas
Mallory-Weiss syndrome
mammary /$m'mri/ adjective referring to the

mammary
!sndrm/, Mallory-Weiss tear /!m'lri $vas breast

!te/ noun a condition in which there is a tearing mammary gland /$m'mri 1l'nd/ noun a
mammary gland
in the mucous membrane where the stomach and gland in female mammals which produces milk
oesophagus join, e.g. because of strain on them
mammilla /m$ml/, mamilla noun the pro-
mammilla
due to vomiting [Described 1929. After G. Ken- |
neth Mallory (190086), Professor of Pathology, truding part in the centre of the breast, containing
Boston University, USA; Konrad Weiss (1898 the milk ducts through which the milk flows. Also
1942) US physician.] called nipple
mammillary /$m'ml()ri/, mamillary adjec-
mammillary
malnourished /m'l$n.rt/ adjective not hav-

malnourished
tive referring to the nipple

|
ing enough to eat or having only poor-quality

mammo- /m'm/ prefix referring to breasts
mammo-
food, leading to ill-health

mammogram /$m'm1r'm/ noun a picture
mammogram
malnutrition /!m'lnj$tr()n/ noun a lack of

malnutrition
food or of good-quality food, leading to ill-health of a breast made using a special X-ray technique
mammography /m'$m1rfi/ noun examina-
mammography
malocclusion /!m'l$klu%+()n/ noun a con-

malocclusion
|
tion of the breast using a special X-ray technique

|
dition in which the teeth in the upper and lower

mammoplasty /$m'mpl'sti/ noun plastic
mammoplasty
jaws do not meet properly when the persons

mouth is closed surgery to alter the shape or size of the breasts
Manchester operation /$m'ntstr p
Manchester operation
malodorous /m'l$drs/ adjective with a

malodorous
|
|
strong unpleasant smell !re()n/ noun a surgical operation to correct

downward movement of the uterus, involving
Malpighian body /m'l$p1in !bdi/, Mal-
Malpighian body
|
removal of the cervix
pighian corpuscle /m'l$p1in !k%p.s()l/
mandible /$m'ndb()l/ noun the lower bone
| mandible
noun same as renal corpuscle [Described 1666.

After Marcello Malpighi (162894), anatomist in the jaw. Also called lower jaw
mandibular /m'n$dbjl/ adjective referring
mandibular
and physiologist in Rome and Bologna, Italy.] |
Malpighian glomerulus /m'l!p1in 1l

Malpighian glomerulus
| |
to the lower jaw
mane /$meni/ adverb (used on prescriptions)
mane
$merls/ noun same as Bowmans capsule

during the daytime. Opposite nocte
Malpighian layer /m'l$p1in !lei/ noun the
Malpighian layer
manganese /$m'1ni%z/ noun a metallic

| manganese
deepest layer of the epidermis

trace element (NOTE: The chemical symbol is
malposition /!m'lp$z()n/ noun an unusual
malposition
|
Mn.)
or unexpected position of something such as a
mania /$meni/ noun a state of bipolar disorder
mania
fetus in the uterus or fractured bones

in which the person is excited, very sure of his or
malpractice /m'l$pr'kts/ noun illegal,
malpractice
|
her own abilities and has increased energy
unethical, negligent or immoral behaviour by a
-mania /meni/ suffix obsession with some-
-mania
professional person, especially a healthcare pro-

fessional ! The surgeon was found guilty of mal- thing
maniac /$meni'k/ noun a person who behaves
maniac
practice.
in an uncontrolled way or is considered to have an
malpresentation /!m'lprez()n$te()n/
malpresentation
obsession (NOTE: This term is regarded as offen-

|
noun an unusual position of a fetus in the uterus

sive.)
just before it is ready to be born
manic /$m'nk/ adjective referring to mania
manic
Malta fever /$m%lt !fi%v/ noun same as bru-

Malta fever
manic depression /!m'nk d$pre()n/

manic depression
cellosis |
noun same as bipolar disorder

maltase /$m%ltez/ noun an enzyme in the
maltase
manic-depressive /!m'nk d$presv/ adjec-

manic-depressive
small intestine which converts maltose into glu- |
tive relating to bipolar disorder " noun a person

cose
with bipolar disorder
maltose /$m%lts/ noun a sugar formed by
maltose
manic-depressive illness /!m'nk d

manic-depressive illness
digesting starch or glycogen

|
$presv !lns/, manic-depressive psychosis

malunion /m'l$ju%njn/ noun a bad join of the
malunion
|
/!m'nk d!presv sa$kss/ noun same as
| |
pieces of a broken bone bipolar disorder

mamilla /m$ml/ noun another spelling of manifestation /!m'nfe$ste()n/ noun a
mamilla manifestation
| |
mammilla sign, indication or symptom of a disease

mamillary /$m'ml()ri/ adjective another manipulation /m!npj$le()n/ noun a
mamillary manipulation
| |
spelling of mammillary form of treatment that involves moving or rubbing

179 mastoiditis
parts of the body with the hands, e.g. to treat a dis- cyst can be allowed to shrink gradually, because it
order of a joint cannot be cut out
manometer /m$nmt/ noun an instrument masculinisation /!m'skjlna$ze()n/,
manometer masculinisation
| |
for comparing pressures masculinization noun the development of male

manometry /m$nmtri/ noun the measure-
manometry
|
characteristics such as body hair and a deep voice
ment of pressures within organs of the body in a woman, caused by hormone deficiency or by
which contain gases or liquids, e.g. the oesopha- treatment with male hormones
gus or parts of the brain Maslows hierarchy of human needs
Maslows hierarchy of human needs
Mantoux test /$m'ntu% test/ noun a test for /!m'zlz !har%ki v !hju%mn $ni%dz/ noun a
Mantoux test
tuberculosis, in which a person is given an intrac- system which explains human behaviour by
utaneous injection of tuberculin. ! Heaf test organising human needs in order of priority, from
[Described 1908. After Charles Mantoux (1877 basic ones such as eating to complex ones such as
1947), French physician.] finding self-fulfilment, a higher level of motiva-
manual /$m'njul/ adjective done by hand
manual
tion not being activated until the lesser needs have
been satisfied
manubrium sterni /m!nu%brim $st-%na/
manubrium sterni
masochism /$m'skz()m/ noun a sexual

masochism
noun the upper part of the sternum

MAO abbreviation monoamine oxidase
MAO
condition in which a person takes pleasure in
being hurt or badly treated
MAOI abbreviation monoamine oxidase inhibi-
MAOI
masochistic /!m's$kstk/ adjective refer-

masochistic
tor |
ring to masochism
MAO inhibitor /!em e $ n!hbt/ noun
MAO inhibitor
mass /m's/ noun 1. a large quantity, e.g. a large

| mass
same as monoamine oxidase inhibitor

number of people ! The patients back was cov-
maple syrup urine disease /!mep()l
maple syrup urine disease
ered with a mass of red spots. 2. a body of matter

!srp $jrn d!zi%z/ noun an inherited condi-
|
with no clear shape
tion caused by not having enough of a particular
massage /$m's%+/ noun a treatment for mus-
massage
enzyme which helps the body to deal with amino

acid. The urine smells like maple syrup. It can be cular conditions which involves rubbing, stroking
fatal if not treated. or pressing the body with the hands " verb to rub,
stroke or press the body with the hands
marasmus /m$r'zms/ noun a wasting dis-
marasmus
masseter /m'$si%t/, masseter muscle /m'

masseter
ease which affects small children who have diffi- | |
culty in absorbing nutrients or who are malnour- $si%t !m.s()l/ noun a muscle in the cheek which
ished. Also called failure to thrive clenches the lower jaw making it move up, to
allow chewing
marble bone disease /!m%b()l $bn d
marble bone disease
mast- /m'st/ prefix same as masto- (used

mast-
!zi%z/ noun same as osteopetrosis

march fracture /$m%t !fr'kt/ noun a frac-
march fracture
before vowels)
mast cell /$m'st sel/ noun a large cell in con-
mast cell
ture of one of the metatarsal bones in the foot,

caused by excessive exercise to which the body is nective tissue, which carries histamine and reacts
not accustomed to allergens
mastectomy /m'$stektmi/ noun the surgical
mastectomy
Marfans syndrome /$m%f%nz !sndrm/,

Marfans syndrome
|
Marfan syndrome /$m%f%n !sndrm/ noun removal of a breast

a hereditary condition in which a person has mastication /!m'st$ke()n/ noun the act of
mastication
extremely long fingers and toes, with disorders of chewing food

the heart, aorta and eyes [Described 1896. After mastitis /m'$stats/ noun inflammation of the
mastitis
Bernard Jean Antonin Marfan (18581942), breast

French paediatrician.]
masto- /m'st/ prefix referring to a breast
masto-
marijuana /!m'r$w%n/ noun same as can-

marijuana
mastoid /$m'std/ adjective shaped like a nip-

| mastoid
nabis
ple " noun same as mastoid process
marker /$m%k/ noun 1. something which acts
marker
mastoid air cell /!m'std $e !sel/, mastoid

mastoid air cell
an indicator of something else 2. a substance

introduced into the body to make internal struc- cell /$m'std sel/ noun an air cell in the mas-
tures clearer to X-rays toid process
mastoid antrum /!m'std $'ntrm/ noun a
mastoid antrum
marrow /$m'r/ noun soft tissue in cancellous

marrow
bone. In young animals red marrow is concerned cavity linking the air cells of the mastoid process
with blood formation while in adults it becomes with the middle ear
mastoidectomy /!m'st$dektmi/ noun a
mastoidectomy
progressively replaced with fat and is known as |
yellow marrow. Also called bone marrow. See surgical operation to remove part of the mastoid
illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in Supplement process, as a treatment for mastoiditis
marsupialisation /m%!su%pila$ze()n/, mastoiditis /!m'st$dats/ noun inflamma-
marsupialisation mastoiditis
| | |
marsupialization noun a surgical procedure in tion of the mastoid process and air cells. The
which the inside of a cyst is opened up so that the symptoms are fever and pain in the ears.
mastoid process 180
mastoid process /!m'std $prses/ noun maxillary antrum /m'k!slri $'ntrm/,

mastoid process maxillary antrum
part of the temporal bone which protrudes at the maxillary air sinus /m'k!slri $e !sans/ |
side of the head behind the ear noun one of two sinuses behind the cheekbones in
masturbation /!m'st$be()n/ noun stimu-
masturbation
|
the upper jaw. Also called antrum of Highmore
lation of ones own genitals to produce an orgasm. maxillo-facial /m'k!sl$fe()l/ adjective
maxillo-facial
| |
Also called onanism referring to the maxillary bone and the face !
mater /$met/ " dura mater
mater
maxillo-facial surgery
MB abbreviation bachelor of medicine
MB
materia medica /m!tri $medk/ noun the

materia medica
study of drugs or dosages as used in treatment McBurneys point /mk!b-%niz $pnt/ noun
McBurneys point
(NOTE: It comes from a Latin term meaning a point which indicates the usual position of the
medical substance.) appendix on the right side of the abdomen,
maternal /m$t-%n()l/ adjective referring to a
maternal
|
between the hip bone and the navel, which is
mother extremely painful if pressed when the person has
maternal death /m!t-%n()l $de/ noun the
maternal death
appendicitis [Described 1899. After Charles
McBurney (18451913), US surgeon.]
|
death of a mother during pregnancy, childbirth or

McNaghtens Rules on Insanity at Law
McNaghtens Rules on Insanity at Law
up to twelve months after childbirth

/mk!n%tnz !ru%lz n n!s'nti t $l%/,
maternal deprivation /m!t-%n()l !depr
maternal deprivation
| |
McNaghtens Rules /mk$n%tnz !ru%lz/ plu-

| |
$ve()n/ noun a psychological condition caused |
when a child does not have a proper relationship ral noun a set of principles which explain how
with a mother people can defend themselves in law by claiming
that they committed a murder because they were
maternal dystocia /m!t-%n()l ds$tsi/
maternal dystocia
| |
mentally ill, and therefore not responsible for any
noun difficult childbirth caused by a physical of their actions. In 1957 it was adapted to include
problem in the mother the idea of knowing that an action is wrong but
maternal instincts /m!t-%n()l $nstkts/
maternal instincts
| being unable to stop yourself from committing it

plural noun instinctive feelings in a woman to because of your mental condition.
look after and protect her child MCP joint /!em si% $pi% !d+nt/ noun same as
MCP joint
maternity /m$t-%nti/ noun childbirth, the fact

maternity
| metacarpophalangeal joint
of becoming a mother MCU, MCUG abbreviation micturating cysto(-
MCU
maternity clinic /m$t-%nti !klnk/ noun

maternity clinic
| urethro)gram
same as antenatal clinic MD abbreviation doctor of medicine
MD
maternity hospital /m$t-%nti !hspt()l/,

maternity hospital
ME abbreviation myalgic encephalomyelitis

ME
|
maternity ward /m$t-%nti w%d/, maternity

measles /$mi%z()lz/ noun an infectious disease
| measles
unit /m$t-%nti !ju%nt/ noun a hospital, ward or

|
unit which deals only with women giving birth of children, where the body is covered with a red
rash ! Shes in bed with measles. ! Hes got
matrix /$metrks/ noun an amorphous mass of
matrix
measles. ! They caught measles from their friend

cells forming the basis of connective tissue. Also at school. ! Have you had the measles? Also
called ground substance called morbilli, rubeola (NOTE: Takes a singular
matron /$metrn/ noun a title formerly given to
matron
or plural verb.)
a woman in charge of the nurses in a hospital. ! meat- /miet/ prefix relating to a meatus
meat-
modern matron
meatus /mi$ets/ noun an opening leading to
meatus
mattress suture /$m'trs !su%t/ noun a

mattress suture |
an internal passage in the body, e.g. the urethra or

suture made with a loop on each side of the inci- the nasal cavity (NOTE: The plural is meatuses
sion or meatus.)
maturation /!m't$re()n/ noun the proc-
maturation
mechanism /$meknz()m/ noun 1. a physi-

mechanism
|
ess of becoming mature or fully developed cal or chemical change by which a function is car-
mature /m$t/ adjective fully developed
mature
|
ried out 2. a system in the body which carries out
mature follicle /m!t $flk()l/ noun a or controls a particular function ! The inner ear
mature follicle
Graafian follicle just before ovulation is the bodys mechanism for the sense of balance.
maturing /m$tr/ adjective becoming mechanism of labour /!meknz()m v
maturing mechanism of labour
mature $leb/ noun all the forces and processes which

maxilla /m'k$sl/, maxilla bone /m'k$sl
maxilla
| |
combine to push a foetus out of the uterus during
bn/ noun the upper jaw bone (NOTE: The plural its birth, together with the ones which oppose it
mechanotherapy /!mekn$erpi/ noun
mechanotherapy
is maxillae. It is more correct to refer to the |
upper jaw as the maxillae, as it is in fact formed the treatment of injuries through mechanical
of two bones which are fused together.) means, such as massage and exercise machines
maxillary /m'k$slri/ adjective referring to meconism /$mekniz()m/ noun poisoning
maxillary meconism
the maxilla by opium or morphine

181 medical social worker
meconium /m$knim/ noun the first dark medical certificate /$medk()l s!tfkt/
meconium medical certificate
| |
green faeces produced by a newborn baby noun an official document signed by a doctor,
media /$mi%di/ noun same as tunica media
media
giving someone permission to be away from work
medial /$mi%dil/ adjective nearer to the central
medial
or not to do specific types of work
medical committee /$medk()l k!mti/
medical committee
midline of the body or to the centre of an organ. |
Compare lateral noun a committee of doctors in a hospital who

medially /$mi%dili/ adverb towards or on the
medially
advise the management on medical matters
medical doctor /$medk()l !dkt/ noun a
medical doctor
sagittal plane of the body. See illustration at ANA-

TOMICAL TERMS in Supplement doctor who practises medicine, but is not usually
medial malleolus /!mi%dil m$li%ls/ noun a
medial malleolus
|
a surgeon
bone at the end of the tibia which protrudes at the medical ethics /!medk()l $eks/ plural
medical ethics
inside of the ankle noun the moral and professional principles which
median /$mi%din/ adjective towards the central
median
govern how doctors and nurses should work, and,
midline of the body, or placed in the middle in particular, what type of relationship they
median nerve /$mi%din n-%v/ noun one of the
median nerve
should have with their patients
medical examination /!medk()l 1!z'm
medical examination
main nerves of the forearm and hand | |
median plane /$mi%din plen/ noun an imag-

median plane
$ne()n/ noun an examination of a person by a
inary flat surface on the midline and at right doctor
angles to the coronal plane, which divides the medical history /!medk()l $hst()ri/ noun
medical history
body into right and left halves. See illustration at the details of a persons medical condition and
ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement treatment over a period of time
mediastinal /mi%di$stan()l/ adjective refer- medical intervention /!medk()l !nt
mediastinal medical intervention
| |
ring to the mediastinum ! the mediastinal sur- $venn/ noun the treatment of illness by drugs
face of pleura or of the lungs medicalisation /!medkla$ze()n/, medi-
medicalisation
mediastinitis /!mi%dist$nats/ noun inflam-

mediastinitis
|
calization noun the act of looking at something
mation of the mediastinum as a medical issue or problem
mediastinoscopy /!mi%dist$nskpi/ noun
mediastinoscopy
medical jurisprudence /!medk()l !d+rs

medical jurisprudence
|
|
an operation in which a tube is put into the medi- $pru%d()ns/ noun the use of the principles of law
astinum so that its organs can be examined as they relate to the practice of medicine and the
mediastinum /mi%di$stanm/ noun the sec- relationship of doctors with each other, their
mediastinum
tion of the chest between the lungs, where the patients and society. ! forensic medicine
heart, oesophagus and phrenic and vagus nerves Medical Officer of Health /!medk()l
Medical Officer of Health
are situated !fsr v $hel/ noun formerly, a local govern-

medic /$medk/ noun a doctor or medical stu-
medic
ment official in charge of the health services in an

dent (informal) area. Abbreviation MOH
medical /$medk()l/ adjective referring to the
medical
medical practitioner /!medk()l pr'k

medical practitioner
study of diseases ! a medical student " noun an $t()n/ noun a person qualified in medicine,
official examination of a person by a doctor ! He i.e. a doctor or surgeon
wanted to join the army, but failed his medical. ! medical profession /$medk()l pr!fe()n/
medical profession
You will have to have a medical if you take out an

|
noun all doctors

insurance policy.
Medical Register /!medk()l $red+st/
Medical Register
medical alert bracelet /!medk()l $l-%t

medical alert bracelet
noun a list of doctors approved by the General

|
!breslt/ noun a band or chain worn around the

Medical Council ! The committee ordered his
wrist giving information about the wearers med-
name to be struck off the Medical Register.
ical needs, allergies or condition
Medical Research Council /!medk()l r
Medical Research Council
medical assistant /$medk()l !sst()nt/

medical assistant
|
$s-%t !kansl/ noun a government body which

|
noun someone who performs routine administra-

tive and clinical tasks to help in the offices and organises and pays for medical research. Abbrevi-
clinics of doctors and other medical practitioners ation MRC
medical school /$medk()l sku%l/ noun a sec-
medical school
medical audit /!medk()l $%dt/ noun a sys-

medical audit
tematic critical analysis of the quality of medical tion of a university which teaches medicine ! He
care provided to a person, which examines the is at medical school.
medical secretary /!medk()l $sekrt()ri/
medical secretary
procedures used for diagnosis and treatment, the

use of resources and the resulting outcome and noun a qualified secretary who specialises in
quality of life for the person medical documentation, either in a hospital or in
medical audit advisory group /!medk()l
medical audit advisory group
a doctors surgery
!%dt d$vaz()ri !1ru%p/ noun a body with the medical social worker /!medk()l $s()l
medical social worker
responsibility of advising on medical audit in pri- !w-%k/ noun someone who helps people with
mary care. Abbreviation MAAG family problems or problems related to their work
medical ward 182

which may have an effect on their response to medulla oblongata /me!d.l !bl$1et/
medulla oblongata
| |
treatment noun a continuation of the spinal cord going

medical ward /$medk()l w%d/ noun a ward through the foramen magnum into the brain
medical ward
for people who do not have to undergo surgical medullary /me$d.lri/ adjective similar to mar-
medullary
operations row
Medicare /$medke/ noun a system of public medullary cavity /me!d.lri $k'vti/ noun a
Medicare medullary cavity
health insurance in the US hollow centre of a long bone, containing bone

medicated /$medketd/ adjective containing
medicated
marrow. See illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in
a medicinal drug ! medicated cough sweet Supplement
medullated nerve /$medletd n-%v/ noun a
medullated nerve
medicated shampoo /!medketd 'm

medicated shampoo
$pu%/ noun a shampoo containing a chemical nerve surrounded by a myelin sheath

mefenamic acid /!mefn'mk $'sd/ noun a
mefenamic acid
which is supposed to prevent dandruff

medication /!med$ke()n/ noun 1. the treat-
medication
|
drug which reduces inflammation and pain, used
ment of illnesses by giving people drugs. ! pre- in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and men-
medication 2. a drug used to treat a particular ill- strual problems
mefloquine /$meflkwi%n/,
mefloquine
ness ! What sort of medication has she been mefloquine

taking? ! 80% of elderly patients admitted to hydrochloride /!meflkwi%n !hadr |
geriatric units are on medication. $kl%rad/ noun a drug used in the prevention and
medicinal /m$ds()n()l/ adjective which has
medicinal
|
treatment of malaria
mega- /me1/ prefix 1. large. Opposite micro-
mega-
healing properties or a beneficial effect on some-

ones health ! He has a drink of whisky before he 2. one million, or 106
goes to bed for medicinal purposes. megacolon /!me1$kln/ noun a condition
megacolon
medicinal leech /m!ds()n()l $li%t/ noun a in which the lower colon is very much larger than
medicinal leech
leech which is raised specially for use in medicine normal, because part of the colon above is con-
medicine /$med()s()n/ noun 1. a preparation
medicine
stricted, making bowel movements impossible
megajoule /$me1d+u%l/ noun a unit of meas-
megajoule
taken to treat a disease or condition, especially

one in liquid form ! Take some cough medicine if urement of energy equal to one million joules.
your cough is bad. ! You should take the medi- Symbol Mj
cine three times a day. 2. the study of diseases and megakaryocyte /!me1$k'risat/ noun a
megakaryocyte
how to cure or prevent them ! She is studying bone marrow cell which produces blood platelets
medicine because she wants to be a doctor. megalo- /me1l/ prefix large
megalo-
medicine cabinet /$med()s()n !k'bnt/,

medicine cabinet
megaloblast /$me1lbl'st/ noun an unusu-

megaloblast
medicine chest /$med()s()n test/ noun a ally large blood cell found in the bone marrow of
cupboard where medicines, bandages, thermome- people who have some types of anaemia caused
ters and other pieces of medical equipment can be by Vitamin B12 deficiency
left locked up, but ready for use in an emergency
megaloblastic anaemia /!me1l!bl'stk
megaloblastic anaemia
medico /medk/ noun a doctor (informal) !

medico
$ni%mi/ noun anaemia caused by Vitamin B12

|
The medico said I was perfectly fit. deficiency

medico- /medk/ prefix referring to medicine
medico-
megalocyte /$me1lsat/ noun an unusually

megalocyte
or to doctors large red blood cell, found in pernicious anaemia

medicochirurgical /!medkka
medicochirurgical
megalomania /!me1l$meni/ noun a psy-

megalomania
| |
|
$r-%d+k()l/ adjective referring to both medicine chiatric disorder in which a person believes they
and surgery are very powerful and important
medicolegal /!medk$li%1()l/ adjective
medicolegal
megalomaniac /!me1l$meni'k/ noun

megalomaniac
|
|
referring to both medicine and the law someone who has megalomania " adjective hav-
medicosocial /!medk$s()l/ adjective ing megalomania
medicosocial
involving both medical and social factors -megaly /me1li/ suffix enlargement
-megaly
medium /$mi%dim/ adjective average, in the

medium
megaureter /!me1j$ri%t/ noun a condition

megaureter
middle or at the halfway point " noun a sub- in which a part of the ureter becomes very wide,
stance through which something acts above the site of a blockage
medroxyprogesterone /m!drksipr meibomian cyst /ma!bmin $sst/ noun
medroxyprogesterone meibomian cyst
| | | |
$d+estrn/ noun a synthetic hormone used to the swelling of a sebaceous gland in the eyelid.
treat menstrual disorders, in oestrogen replace- Also called chalazion
ment therapy and as a contraceptive meibomian gland /ma$bmin !1l'nd/
meibomian gland
medulla /me$d.l/ noun the soft inner part of an

medulla
| noun a sebaceous gland on the edge of the eyelid

organ, as opposed to the outer cortex. See illustra- which secretes a liquid to lubricate the eyelid.
tion at KIDNEY in Supplement Also called tarsal gland
183 meninx
meibomianitis /ma!bmi$nats/ noun a Johann Mendel (182284), Austrian Augustinian

meibomianitis
| |
condition in which the meibomian glands become monk and naturalist of Brno, whose work was
swollen rediscovered by de Vries in 1900.]
Meigs syndrome /$me1z !sndrm/ noun a Mnires disease /meni$ez d!zi%z/,
Meigs syndrome Mnires disease
| |
condition in which liquid collects in the chest and Mnires syndrome /$sndrm/ noun a dis-
abdominal cavities. It is associated with pelvic ease of the middle ear, in which someone
tumours. becomes dizzy, hears ringing in the ears and may
meiosis /ma$ss/ noun the process of cell
meiosis
|
vomit, and becomes progressively deaf. The
division which results in two pairs of haploid causes may include infections or allergies, which
cells, i.e. cells with only one set of chromosomes. increase the fluid contents of the labyrinth in the
Compare mitosis middle ear. [Described 1861. After Prosper
Mnire (17991862) and his son, Emile Anto-
Meissners corpuscle /!masnz
Meissners corpuscle
ine Mnire (18391905), French physicians.]

$k%p.s()l/ noun a receptor cell in the skin
mening- /mennd+/ prefix same as meningo-
mening-
which is thought to be sensitive to touch

Meissners plexus /!masnz $plekss/ noun
Meissners plexus
meningeal /me$nnd+il/ adjective referring to

meningeal
a network of nerve fibres in the wall of the ali- |
mentary canal [Described 1853. After Georg the meninges

meninges /me$nnd+i%z/ plural noun the mem-
meninges
Meissner (18291905), German anatomist and |
physiologist.] branes which surround the brain and spinal cord

melaena /m$li%n/ noun black faeces where
melaena
|
(NOTE: The singular is meninx.)
meningioma /!mennd+i$m/ noun a benign
meningioma
the colour is caused by bleeding in the intestine |
melan- /meln/ prefix same as melano- (used

melan-
tumour in the meninges
meningism /me$nnd+z()m/ noun a condi-
meningism
before vowels) |
melancholia /!meln$kli/ noun a severe

melancholia
|
tion in which there are signs of meningeal irrita-
depressive illness occurring usually between the tion suggesting meningitis, but where there is no
ages of 45 and 65 pathological change in the cerebrospinal fluid
meningitis /!menn$d+ats/ noun inflamma-
meningitis
melanin /$melnn/ noun a dark pigment which

melanin
|
gives colour to skin and hair, also found in the tion of the meninges, causing someone to have
choroid of the eye and in some tumours violent headaches, fever, and stiff neck muscles,
and sometimes to become delirious
melano- /meln/ prefix black or dark
melano-
meningo- /mn1/ prefix referring to the

meningo-
melanocyte /$melnsat/ noun any cell

melanocyte
meninges
which carries pigment
meningocele /m$n1si%l/ noun a condi-
meningocele
melanocyte-stimulating hormone
melanocyte-stimulating hormone |
tion in which the meninges protrude through the

/!melnsat $stmjlet !h%mm/ noun a
vertebral column or skull
hormone produced by the pituitary gland which
meningococcal /m!n1$kk()l/ adjec-
meningococcal
causes darkening in the colour of the skin. Abbre- | |
viation MSH tive referring to meningococci

meningococcal meningitis /m!n1
meningococcal meningitis
melanoma /!mel$nm/ noun a tumour

melanoma
| |
!kk()l !menn$d+ats/ noun the commonest

|
formed of dark pigmented cells |
epidemic form of meningitis, caused by a bacte-

melatonin /!mel$tnn/ noun a hormone pro-
melatonin
|
rium Neisseria meningitidis, where the meninges
duced by the pineal gland during the hours of become inflamed causing headaches and fever
darkness, which makes animals sleep during the
meningococcus /m!n1$kks/ noun
meningococcus
winter months. It is thought to control the bodys | |
rhythms. the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis which

causes meningococcal meningitis (NOTE: The
melena /m$li%n/ noun same as melaena
melena
plural is meningococci.)
|
mellitus /$melts/ " diabetes mellitus

mellitus
meningoencephalitis /m!n1en!kef
meningoencephalitis
| | | |
membrane /$membren/ noun a thin layer of

membrane
$lats/ noun inflammation of the meninges and

tissue which lines or covers an organ the brain
membranous /$membrns/ adjective refer-
membranous
meningoencephalocele /m!n1en
meningoencephalocele
| | |
ring to membranes, or like a membrane $keflsi%l/ noun a condition in which part of

membranous labyrinth /!membrns the meninges and the brain push through a gap in
membranous labyrinth
$l'brn/ noun a series of ducts and canals the skull

formed of membrane inside the osseous labyrinth meningomyelocele
meningomyelocele
/m!n1 | |
menarche /m$n%ki/ noun the start of men- $malsi%l/ noun the pushing forward of part of
menarche
strual periods the meninges and spinal cord through a gap in the
Mendels laws /$mendlz l%z/ plural noun the
Mendels laws
spine. Also called myelomeningocele, mye-
laws of heredity, that are the basis of the science locele
of genetics [Described 1865. After Gregor meninx /$menks/ noun " meninges
meninx
meniscectomy 184
meniscectomy /!men$sektmi/ noun the sur- making their own decisions, that they should be
meniscectomy
gical removal of a cartilage from the knee given support in decision-making, that it is
meniscus /m$nsks/ noun one of two pads of
meniscus
|
patients capacity to make decisions that should
cartilage, the lateral meniscus and medial menis- be judged, not the decisions themselves, that
cus, between the femur and tibia in a knee joint. treatment must be in patients best interests, and
Also called semilunar cartilage (NOTE: The plu- that treatment should restrict rights and freedoms
ral is menisci.) as little as possible
mental deficiency /!ment()l d$f()nsi/
mental deficiency
meno- /men/ prefix referring to menstruation

meno-
|
noun a former term for learning disability (NOTE:

menopause /$menp%z/ noun a period, usu-
menopause
This term is regarded as offensive.)

ally between 45 and 55 years of age, when a
mental development /!ment()l d
mental development
woman stops menstruating and can no longer bear |
children. Also called climacteric, change of life $velpmnt/ noun the development of the mind
! Her mental development is higher than usual
menorrhagia /!men$red+i/ noun very
menorrhagia
for her age.

|
heavy bleeding during menstruation. Also called

mental disorder /!ment()l ds$%d/ noun a
mental disorder
flooding |
menses /$mensi%z/ plural noun same as men-

menses
temporary or permanent change in a persons
struation mental state which makes them function less
effectively than they would usually, or than the
menstrual /$menstrul/ adjective referring to
menstrual
average person would be expected to function

menstruation
mental faculties /!ment()l $f'klti%z/ plural
mental faculties
menstrual cramp /!menstrul $kr'mp/ noun

menstrual cramp
noun abilities such as thinking and decision-mak-

a cramp in the muscles round the uterus during ing ! There has been no impairment of the mental
menstruation faculties.
menstrual cycle /$menstrul !sak()l/ noun
menstrual cycle
mental handicap /!ment()l $h'ndik'p/

mental handicap
a period, usually of 28 days, during which a

noun a former term for learning disability (NOTE:
woman ovulates, the walls of the uterus swell and This term is regarded as offensive.)
bleeding takes place if the ovum has not been fer-
mental health /$ment()l hel/ noun the con-
mental health
tilised
dition of someones mind
menstrual flow /$menstrul fl/ noun the
menstrual flow
Mental Health Acts /!ment()l $hel 'kts/

Mental Health Acts
discharge of blood from the uterus during men-

struation plural noun laws made by a parliament which lay
menstruate /$menstruet/ verb to bleed from
menstruate
down rules for the care of people with mental ill-
the uterus during menstruation ness
Mental Health Review Tribunal /!ment()l
Mental Health Review Tribunal
menstruation /!menstru$e()n/ noun bleed-

menstruation
hel r$vju% tra!bju%n()l/ noun a committee

|
ing from the uterus which occurs in a woman each | |
month when the lining of the uterus is shed which makes decisions about whether people who
because no fertilised egg is present have been detained under the Mental Health Acts
should be released. It consists of medical mem-
mental /$ment()l/ adjective 1. referring to the
mental
bers, legal experts and lay members, who include

mind 2. referring to the chin people with experience in social services. Abbre-
mental aberration /!ment()l !'b$re()n/
mental aberration
|
viation MHRT
noun slight forgetfulness or confusion (often mental hospital /$ment()l !hspt()l/ noun
mental hospital
humorous) ! I thought the meeting was at 11 I a psychiatric hospital (NOTE: This term is
must have had a mental aberration. regarded as offensive.)
mental age /!ment()l $ed+/ noun a measure-
mental age
mental illness /!ment()l $lns/ noun any dis-

mental illness
ment based on intelligence tests that shows a per- order which affects the mind
sons intellectual development, usually compared
to standardised data for a chronological age # mental impairment /!ment()l m$pemnt/
mental impairment
hes nine, but he has a mental age of five noun a temporary or permanent condition which
although he is nine years old, his level of intellec- affects a persons mental state, making them func-
tual development is the same as that of an average tion less effectively than they would usually, or
child of five than the average person would be expected to
function
mental block /!ment()l $blk/ noun a tempo-
mental block
mentally /$ment()li/ adverb in the mind !

mentally
rary inability to remember something, caused by

the effect of nervous stress on the mental proc- Mentally, she is very advanced for her age.
mentally handicapped /!ment()li
mentally handicapped
esses
Mental Capacity Act /!ment()l k$p'sti
Mental Capacity Act
|
$h'ndik'pt/ adjective a former term for some-
!'kt/ noun a piece of UK legislation, introduced one with learning disability (NOTE: This term is
in 2007, that establishes five principles in relation usually regarded as offensive.)
to mental capacity and medical treatment, namely mentally ill /!ment()li $l/ adjective experienc-
mentally ill
that patients should be assumed to be capable of ing mental illness

185 metastasise
mental nerve /$ment()l n-%v/ noun a nerve mesothelium /!mes$i%lim/ noun a layer of
mental nerve mesothelium
which supplies the chin cells lining a serous membrane. Compare epithe-
mental patient /$ment()l !pe()nt/ noun a
mental patient
lium, endothelium
messenger RNA /!mes()nd+ !%r en $e/
messenger RNA
former term of a patient who has mental illness

(NOTE: This term is regarded as offensive.) noun a type of ribonucleic acid which transmits
mental retardation /!ment()l !ri%t%
mental retardation
the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosomes
which form the proteins coded on the DNA.
|
$de()n/ noun a former term for learning disa-

bility, a condition that results in someone finding Abbreviation mRNA
mestranol /$mi%strnl/ noun a synthetically
mestranol
it difficult to learn skills or information at the

same rate as others of a similar age (NOTE: This produced oestrogen used in birth control pills
term is regarded as offensive.) meta- /met/ prefix referring to change
meta-
mental subnormality /!ment()l !s.bn% metabolic /!met$blk/ adjective referring to

mental subnormality metabolic
| |
$m'lti/ noun a former term for mental impair- metabolism

ment (NOTE: This term is usually regarded as metabolic acidosis /!metblk !'s
metabolic acidosis
offensive.) $dss/ noun acidosis caused by a malfunction

menthol /$menl/ noun a strongly scented of the bodys metabolism
menthol
compound, produced from peppermint oil, used metabolic alkalosis /!metblk 'lk
metabolic alkalosis
in cough medicines and in the treatment of neural- $lss/ noun alkalosis caused by a malfunction
gia of the bodys metabolism
mentholated /$menletd/ adjective impreg- metabolise /m$t'blaz/, metabolize verb
mentholated metabolise
nated with menthol to change the nature of something by metabolism

mento- /ment/ prefix relating to the chin
mento-
! The liver metabolises proteins and carbohy-
drates.
mentor /$ment%/ noun somebody who advises
mentor
metabolism /m$t'blz()m/ noun the

metabolism
and guides a younger, less experienced person " |
verb to act as a mentor to somebody chemical processes which are continually taking
place in the human body and which are essential
mentum /$mentm/ noun the chin
mentum
to life, especially the processes that convert food

mercury /$m-%kjri/ noun a poisonous liquid
mercury
into energy
metal, used in thermometers (NOTE: The chemi- metabolite /m$t'blat/ noun a substance
metabolite
cal symbol is Hg.) produced by metabolism, or a substance taken

mercury poisoning /$m-%kjri !pz()n/ into the body in food and then metabolised
mercury poisoning
noun poisoning by drinking mercury or mercury metacarpal bone /!met$k%p()l bn/,

metacarpal bone
compounds or by inhaling mercury vapour metacarpal /!met$k%p()l/ noun one of the |
mercy killing /$m-%si !kl/ noun same as five bones in the metacarpus
mercy killing
euthanasia metacarpophalangeal /!met!k%pf

metacarpophalangeal
| | |
meridian /m$rdin/ noun in acupuncture and $l'nd+il/ adjective relating to the part of the
meridian
Chinese medicine, one of the pathways in the hand between the wrist and the fingers
body along which its energy is believed to flow metacarpophalangeal joint /!met!k%p
metacarpophalangeal joint
| |
mes- /mes/ prefix same as meso- (used before

mes-
f$l'nd+il !d+nt/ noun a joint between a met-
|
vowels) acarpal bone and a finger. Also called MCP joint,

MP joint
mesencephalon /mesen$kefln/ noun same
mesencephalon
metacarpus /!met$k%ps/ noun the five

| metacarpus
as midbrain |
bones in the hand between the fingers and the

mesenteric /!mesen$terk/ adjective referring
mesenteric
|
wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement
to the mesentery
metaphase /$metfez/ noun one of the stages
metaphase
mesentery /$mesent()ri/ noun a double-layer

mesentery
in mitosis or meiosis
peritoneum which attaches the small intestine and
metaphysis /me$t'fss/ noun the end of the
metaphysis
other abdominal organs to the abdominal wall |
central section of a long bone, where the bone

mesial /$mi%sil/ adjective 1. in dentistry, relat-
mesial
grows and where it joins the epiphysis

ing to the middle of the front of the jaw, or occur- metaplasia /met$plezi/ noun a change of
metaplasia
ring in a place near this 2. relating to or located in

|
one tissue to another

the middle part of something
metastasis /me$t'stss/ noun the spreading
metastasis
meso- /mes/ prefix middle

meso- |
of a malignant disease from one part of the body

mesometrium /!mes$mi%trim/ noun a
mesometrium
| to another through the bloodstream or the lymph

muscle layer of the uterus system. Also called secondary growth (NOTE:
mesothelioma /!mesti%li$m/ noun a
mesothelioma
|
The plural is metastases.)
tumour of the serous membrane, which can be metastasise /me$t'stsaz/, metastasize
metastasise
benign or malignant verb to spread by metastasis

metastatic 186
metastatic /met$st'tk/ adjective relating to, methotrexate /!me$trekset/ noun a drug

metastatic methotrexate
| |
or produced by, metastasis ! Metastatic growths which helps to prevent cells reproducing, used in
developed in the liver. the treatment of cancer
methyl alcohol /!mi%al $'lkhl/ noun same
methyl alcohol
metatarsal /!met$t%s()l/ noun one of the

metatarsal
five bones in the metatarsus " adjective relating as methanol

to the metatarsus methylated spirits /!meletd $sprts/ plu-
methylated spirits
metatarsal arch /!met$t%s()l %t/ noun an

metatarsal arch
|
ral noun almost pure alcohol, with wood alcohol
arched part of the sole of the foot, running across and colouring added
methylphenidate /!mi%al$fendet/ noun a
methylphenidate
the sole of the foot from side to side. Also called |
transverse arch drug which stimulates the central nervous system,

metatarsalgia /!mett%$s'ld+/ noun pain in
metatarsalgia
used in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention
deficit disorder
|
the heads of the metatarsal bones

methylprednisolone /!mi%alpred
methylprednisolone
metatarsophalangeal joint /met!t%sf

metatarsophalangeal joint
| |
$nsln/ noun a corticosteroid drug which

| | |
$l'nd+il !d+nt/ noun a joint between a meta-

reduces inflammation, used in the treatment of
tarsal bone and a toe
arthritis, allergies and asthma
metatarsus /!met$t%ss/ noun the five long
metatarsus
metoclopramide /!met$klprmad/
metoclopramide
|
| |
bones in the foot between the toes and the tarsus. noun a drug used to treat nausea, vomiting and
See illustration at FOOT in Supplement (NOTE: indigestion
The plural is metatarsi.)
metoprolol /m$tprll/ noun a drug which
metoprolol
meteorism /$mi%tirz()m/ noun same as

meteorism
controls the activity of the heart, used to treat

tympanites angina and high blood pressure
meter /$mi%t/ noun US same as metre
meter
metr- /metr/ prefix same as metro- (used before

metr-
-meter /mi%t, mt/ suffix measuring instru- vowels)

-meter
ment metra /$metr/ noun the uterus

metra
metformin /met$f%mn/ noun a drug which metralgia /me$tr'ld+/ noun pain in the uterus
metformin metralgia
| |
reduces the level of the blood sugar levels, used to metre /$mi%t/ noun an SI unit of length ! The
metre
treat non-insulin dependent diabetes which does room is four metres by three. Symbol m
not respond to dietary measures metritis /me$trats/ noun same as myometri-
metritis
methadone /$medn/ noun a synthetically

methadone
tis
produced narcotic drug, used to reduce pain and metro- /metr/ prefix referring to the uterus
metro-
as a substitute for heroin in the treatment of addic- metrocolpocele /!metr$klpsi%l/ noun a

metrocolpocele
tion
|
condition in which the uterus protrudes into the

methaemoglobin /met!hi%m$1lbn/
methaemoglobin
| | vagina
noun a dark brown substance formed from hae- metronidazole /!metr$ndzl/ noun a yel-
metronidazole
moglobin which develops during illness, follow- low antibiotic compound, used especially in the
ing treatment with some drugs. Methaemoglobin treatment of vaginal infections
cannot transport oxygen round the body, and so
metroptosis /!metr$tss/ noun a condition
metroptosis
causes cyanosis.
|
in which the uterus has moved downwards out of

methaemoglobinaemia /met!hi%m
methaemoglobinaemia
| |
its usual position. Also called prolapse of the
!1lb$ni%mi/ noun the presence of methaemo-
|
uterus
globin in the blood metrorrhagia /!mi%tr$red+i/ noun unusual
metrorrhagia
methane /$mi%en, $meen/ noun a colour-

methane
bleeding from the vagina between the menstrual

less flammable gas with no smell periods
methanol /$menl/ noun a colourless poison- -metry /mtri/ suffix relating to the process of
methanol -metry
ous liquid, used as a solvent and a fuel. It changes measuring, or to instruments which are used for
easily into a gas. Also called methyl alcohol measuring
mg abbreviation milligram
mg
methicillin /!me$sln/ noun a synthetically

methicillin
produced antibiotic, used in the treatment of MI abbreviation 1. mitral incompetence 2. myo-

MI
infections which are resistant to penicillin cardial infarction

methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Michels clips /m!elz $klps/ plural noun
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Michels clips
aureus /me!sln r!zstnt st'fl!kks

| | | metal clips used to suture a wound [After Gaston
$%ris/ noun a bacterium resistant to almost all Michel (18741937), Professor of Clinical Sur-
antibiotics and which can cause life-threatening gery at Nancy, France.]
infection in people recovering from surgery. miconazole /ma$knzl/ noun a drug used
miconazole
Abbreviation MRSA to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails

methionine /me$ani%n/ noun an essential micro- /makr/ prefix 1. very small. Opposite
methionine micro-
amino acid macro-, mega-, megalo- 2. one millionth (10-6)

187 mid-life crisis
microangiopathy /!makr!'nd+i$pi/ Viruses, bacteria and protozoa are microorgan-

microangiopathy
| |
noun any disease of the capillaries isms.

microphthalmia /!makrf$'lmi/ noun a
microphthalmia
microbe /$makrb/ noun a microorganism

microbe
|
which may cause disease and which can only be condition in which the eyes are unusually small
seen with a microscope, e.g. a bacterium microscope /$makrskp/ noun a scientific
microscope
microbiologist /!makrba$ld+st/ noun

microbiologist
|
instrument with lenses, which makes very small
a scientist who specialises in the study of micro- objects appear larger ! The tissue was examined
organisms under the microscope. ! Under the microscope it
was possible to see the cancer cells.
microbiology /!makrba$ld+i/ noun the
microbiology
microscopic /!makr$skpk/ adjective so

| microscopic
scientific study of microorganisms |
small that it can only be seen through a micro-

microcephalic /!makrke$f'lk/ adjective
microcephalic
|
scope
having microcephaly
microscopy /ma$krskpi/ noun the science
microscopy
microcephaly /!makr$kefli/ noun a con-

microcephaly |
|
of the use of microscopes
dition in which a person has an unusually small
Microsporum /$makrsp%rm/ noun a type
Microsporum
head, sometimes caused by the mother having had

a rubella infection during pregnancy of fungus which causes ringworm of the hair, skin
and sometimes nails
microcyte /$makrsat/ noun an unusually
microcyte
microsurgery /$makr!s-%d+ri/ noun sur-

microsurgery
small red blood cell

|
gery using tiny instruments and a microscope.

microcythaemia /makrsa$i%mi/ noun
microcythaemia
|
Microsurgery is used in operations on eyes and
same as microcytosis ears, and also to connect severed nerves and blood
microcytic /!makr$stk/ adjective referring vessels.
microcytic
to microcytes microvillus /!makr$vls/ noun a very small

microvillus
microcytosis /!makrsa$tss/ noun the process found on the surface of many cells, espe-
microcytosis
presence of excess microcytes in the blood cially the epithelial cells in the intestine (NOTE:
microdactylia /!makrd'k$tli/, micro-
microdactylia
|
The plural is microvilli.)
microwave therapy /$makrwev !erpi/
microwave therapy
dactyly /!makr$d'ktli/ noun a condition in

|
which a person has unusually small or short fin- noun treatment using high-frequency radiation
gers or toes micturate /$mktjret/ verb same as urinate
micturate
microdiscectomy /!makrdsk$ektmi/ micturating cystogram /!mktjret

microdiscectomy micturating cystogram
| |
noun a surgical operation to remove all or part of $sst1r'm/, micturating cysto-urethro-

a disc in the spine which is pressing on a nerve gram /!mktjret !sst j$ri%r1r'm/ |
microglossia /!makr$1lsi/ noun a condi-

microglossia
|
noun an X-ray of the bladder and urethra taken
tion in which a person has an unusually small while the bladder is being filled and then emptied.
tongue Abbreviation MCU, MCUG
micturition /!mktj$r()n/ noun same as
micturition
micrognathia /!makr$nei/ noun a con-

micrognathia
|
|
dition in which one jaw is unusually smaller than urination

mid- /md/ prefix middle
mid-
the other
midazolam /m$d'zl'm/ noun a drug used to
midazolam
microgram /$makr1r'm/ noun a unit of

microgram
|
measurement of weight equal to one millionth of produce sleepiness and to reduce anxiety before
a gram surgery or other procedures
midbrain /$mdbren/ noun the small middle
midbrain
micromastia /!makr$m'sti/ noun a con-

micromastia
dition in which a person has unusually small section of the brain stem above the pons and
breasts between the cerebrum and the hindbrain. Also
called mesencephalon
micromelia /!makr$mi%li/ noun a condi-
micromelia
midcarpal /md$k%p()l/ adjective between

midcarpal
tion in which a person has unusually small arms |
or legs the two rows of carpal bones

middle colic /!md()l $klk/ noun an artery
middle colic
micromole /$makr!ml/ noun a unit of

micromole
measurement of the amount of substance equal to which leads from the superior mesenteric artery
middle ear /!md()l $/ noun a section of the
middle ear
one millionth of a mole. Symbol

micronutrient /$makr!nju%trint/ noun a
micronutrient
|
ear between the eardrum and the inner ear
middle ear infection /!md()l $r n
middle ear infection
substance which an organism needs for normal |
growth and development, but only in very small !fekn/ noun same as otitis media
quantities, e.g. a vitamin or mineral. Compare midgut /$md1.t/ noun the middle part of the
midgut
macronutrient gut in an embryo, which develops into the small

microorganism
microorganism
/!makr$%1nz()m/ |
intestine
noun an organism which can only be seen under a mid-life crisis /!md laf $krass/ noun a
mid-life crisis
microscope and which may cause disease. period in early middle age when some people
midline 188
experience feelings of anxiety, insecurity and milk rash /$mlk r'/ noun a temporary blotch-
milk rash
self-doubt iness of the skin seen in young babies

midline /$mdlan/ noun an imaginary line
midline
milk sugar /!mlk $1/ noun same as lactose

milk sugar
drawn down the middle of the body from the head milk tooth /$mlk tu%/ noun same as primary
milk tooth
through the navel to the point between the feet tooth

midstream specimen /$mdstri%m
midstream specimen
Miller-Abbott tube /!mlr $'bt !tju%b/ noun

Miller-Abbott tube
!spesmn/, midstream specimen of urine

a tube with a balloon at the end, used to clear the
/!mdstri%m !spesmn v $jrn/ noun a sam-
small intestine. The balloon is inflated after the
ple of urine collected in a sterile bottle in the mid-
tip of the tube reaches an obstruction.
dle of a flow of urine, because the first part of the
milli- /ml/ prefix one thousandth (10-3). Symbol
milli-
flow may be contaminated with bacteria from the

skin. Abbreviation MSU m
milligram /$ml1r'm/ noun a unit of measure-
milligram
midtarsal /md$t%s()l/ adjective between the

midtarsal
tarsal bones ment of weight equal to one thousandth of a gram.

midwife /$mdwaf/ noun a professional person
midwife
Symbol mg
millilitre /$mlili%t/ noun a unit of measurement
millilitre
who helps a woman give birth to a child, often at

home of liquid equal to one thousandth of a litre. Abbre-
midwifery /md$wfri/ noun the profession of
midwifery
|
viation ml
millimetre /$mlmi%t/ noun a unit of measure-
millimetre
a midwife
midwifery course /md$wfri k%s/ noun a
midwifery course
|
ment of length equal to one thousandth of a metre.
training course to teach nurses the techniques of Abbreviation mm
millimole /$mliml/ noun a unit of measure-
millimole
being a midwife
Midwives Rules /$mdwavz ru%lz/ plural
Midwives Rules
ment of the amount of a substance equal to one
noun laws relating to midwifery thousandth of a mole. Abbreviation mmol
millisievert /$mlisi%vt/ noun a unit of meas-
millisievert
migraine /$mi%1ren, $ma1ren/ noun a sharp

migraine
severe recurrent headache, often associated with urement of radiation

Milwaukee brace /ml!w%ki $bres/ noun a
Milwaukee brace
vomiting and visual disturbances ! He had an |
attack of migraine and could not come to work. ! support for people with unusually curved spines,
Her migraine attacks seem to be worse in the consisting of a leather or metal pelvic girdle with
summer. two bars at the back and one at the front, which
miliaria /!mli$eri/ noun itchy red spots which
miliaria
|
connect into a neck ring
develop on the chest, under the armpits and mind /mand/ noun the part of the brain which
mind
between the thighs in hot countries, caused by controls memory, consciousness or reasoning
blocked sweat glands. Also called prickly heat, minimally invasive surgery /!mnm()l n
minimally invasive surgery
heat rash !vesv $s-%d+ri/ noun surgery which involves

miliary /$mliri/ adjective small in size, like a
miliary
the least possible disturbance to the body. It often

seed uses lasers and other high-tech devices.
miliary tuberculosis /!mliri tju%!b-%kj mini mental state examination /!mni
miliary tuberculosis mini mental state examination
| |
$lss/ noun a form of tuberculosis which occurs $ment()l !stet 1z'm!ne()n/ noun a test
|
as little nodes in many parts of the body, including performed mainly by psychiatrists to determine
the meninges of the brain and spinal cord someones mental ability, used in the diagnosis of
milk /mlk/ noun 1. a white liquid produced by
milk
dementia
female mammals to feed their young. Cows milk minimum lethal dose /!mnmm !li%()l
minimum lethal dose
and other dairy products are important parts of $ds/ noun the smallest amount of a substance
most diets, especially childrens. ! The patient required to kill someone or something. Abbrevia-
can only drink warm milk. (NOTE: No plural: tion MLD
some milk, a bottle of milk or a glass of milk.) 2. ministroke /$mnistrk/ noun same as tran-
ministroke
the breast milk produced by a woman ! The milk sient ischaemic attack
will start to flow a few days after childbirth.
minitracheostomy /!mnitreki$stmi/
minitracheostomy
(NOTE: For other terms referring to milk, see | |
words beginning with galact-, galacto-, lact-, noun a temporary tracheostomy

minor injuries unit /!manr $nd+riz
minor injuries unit
lacto-.)
milk dentition /$mlk den!t()n/ noun same
milk dentition
|
!ju%nt/ noun a hospital department which treats
as deciduous dentition most accidents and emergencies. Abbreviation
MIU
milk leg /$mlk le1/ noun acute oedema of the
milk leg
mio- /ma/ prefix less

mio-
leg, a condition which affects women after child-

birth, where a leg becomes pale and inflamed as a miosis /ma$ss/ noun 1. the contraction of
miosis
result of lymphatic obstruction. Also called white the pupil of the eye, as in bright light 2. US same
leg, phlegmasia alba dolens as meiosis
189 molecule
miotic /ma$tk/ noun a drug which makes the mittelschmerz /$mt()l!mets/ noun a pain
miotic mittelschmerz
| |
pupil of the eye become smaller " adjective caus- felt by women in the lower abdomen at ovulation
ing the pupil of the eye to become smaller MIU abbreviation minor injuries unit
MIU
mis- /ms/ prefix wrong

mis-
ml abbreviation millilitre
ml
miscarriage /$msk'rd+/ noun a situation in

miscarriage
MLD abbreviation minimum lethal dose

MLD
which an unborn baby leaves the uterus before the MLSO abbreviation medical laboratory scien-
MLSO
end of the pregnancy, especially during the first tific officer

seven months of pregnancy ! She had two mis-
mm abbreviation millimetre
mm
carriages before having her first child. Also

mmol abbreviation millimole
mmol
called spontaneous abortion

MMR /!em em $%/, MMR vaccine /!em em $%
MMR
mismatch /$msm't/ verb to match tissues

mismatch
wrongly !v'ksi%n/ noun a single vaccine given to small

children to protect them against measles, mumps
missed case /!mst $kes/ noun someone with
missed case
and rubella
an infection or disease which is not identified by
MND abbreviation motor neurone disease
MND
a doctor
MO abbreviation medical officer
MO
mist. /mst/, mistura /ms$tjr/ " re. mist.

mist.
mobilisation /!mbla$ze()n/, mobiliza-

mobilisation
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 /ms!ju%s v

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
|
tion noun the act of making something mobile

|
$dr.1z !'kt/ noun a law relating to all aspects of

modality /m$d'lti/ noun a method used in
modality
the supply and possession of dangerous drugs |
such as morphine, anabolic steroids, LSD and the treatment of a disorder, e.g. surgery or chem-
cannabis. In 2002 many new benzodiazepines otherapy
were added. modernisation agenda /!mdna$ze()n
modernisation agenda
mite /mat/ noun a very small parasite, which

mite
!d+end/ noun same as Agenda for Change
|
causes dermatitis modern matron /!md()n $metrn/ noun a

modern matron
mitochondrial /!mat$kndril/ adjective

mitochondrial
|
nursing post which supports the ward sister in
referring to mitochondria ensuring that basic care of patients, including
cleanliness of the ward and infection control, is
mitochondrion /!mat$kndrin/ noun a tiny
mitochondrion
carried out to a high standard

|
rod-shaped part of a cells cytoplasm responsible

MODS abbreviation multiple organ dysfunction
MODS
for cell respiration (NOTE: The plural is mito-

chondria.) syndrome
MOF abbreviation 1. male or female 2. multi-
MOF
mitomycin C /!matmasn $si%/ noun an

mitomycin C
antibiotic which helps to prevent cancer cells organ failure

Mogadon /$m1dn/ a trade name for
Mogadon
from growing, used especially in the chemother-

apy treatment of bladder and rectal cancers nitrazepam
MOH abbreviation Medical Officer of Health
MOH
mitosis /ma$tss/ noun the process of cell

mitosis
division, where the mother cell divides into two mol symbol mole 2
mol
identical daughter cells. Compare meiosis molar /$ml/ adjective 1. referring to the large
molar
mitral /$matrl/ adjective referring to the mitral back teeth 2. referring to the mole, the SI unit of
mitral
valve amount of a substance " noun one of the large

mitral incompetence
mitral incompetence
/!matrl n |
back teeth, used for grinding food. In milk teeth
$kmpt()ns/ noun abbreviation MI. Now called there are eight molars and in permanent teeth
mitral regurgitation there are twelve. See illustration at TEETH in Sup-
plement
mitral regurgitation /!matrl r!1-%d+
mitral regurgitation
molarity /m$l'rti/ noun the strength of a

| | molarity
$te()n/ noun a situation in which the mitral |
valve does not close completely so that blood solution shown as the number of moles of a sub-
goes back into the atrium stance per litre of solution
mole /ml/ noun 1. a dark raised spot on the
mole
mitral stenosis /!matrl ste$nss/ noun a

mitral stenosis
condition in which the opening in the mitral valve skin ! She has a large mole on her chin. !
becomes smaller because the cusps have fused melanoma 2. an SI unit of measurement of the
(NOTE: This condition is almost always the result amount of a substance. Symbol mol
molecular /m$lekjl/ adjective referring to a
molecular
of rheumatic endocarditis.) |
mitral valve /$matrl v'lv/ noun a valve in

mitral valve
molecule
molecular biology /m!lekjl ba$ld+i/
molecular biology
the heart which allows blood to flow from the left | |
atrium to the left ventricle but not in the opposite noun the study of the molecules of living matter
direction. Also called bicuspid valve molecular weight /m!lekjl $wet/ noun
molecular weight
mitral valvotomy /!matrl v'l$vtmi/ noun

mitral valvotomy
|
the weight of one molecule of a substance
a surgical operation to separate the cusps of the molecule /$mlkju%l/ noun the smallest inde-
molecule
mitral valve in mitral stenosis pendent mass of a substance

molluscum contagiosum 190
molluscum contagiosum /m!l.skm kn monoplegia /!mn$pli%d+/ noun the paral-

molluscum contagiosum monoplegia
| | |
!ted+i$sm/ noun a contagious viral skin

| ysis of one part of the body only, i.e. one muscle
infection which gives a small soft sore or one limb
molluscum fibrosum /m!l.skm !fa monosaccharide /!mn$s'krad/ noun a
molluscum fibrosum monosaccharide
| | |
$brsm/ noun same as neurofibromatosis simple sugar which cannot be broken down any
monaural /mn$%rl/ adjective referring to the further, such as glucose or fructose
monaural
use of one ear only monosodium glutamate /!mnsdim

monosodium glutamate
mongolism /$m1lz()m/ noun a former $1lu%tmet/ noun a sodium salt of glutamic acid,
mongolism
name for Downs syndrome (NOTE: This term is often used to make food taste better. ! Chinese
regarded as offensive.) restaurant syndrome
monitor /$mnt/ noun a screen on a computer monosomy /$mnsmi/ noun a condition
monitor monosomy
" verb 1. to check something 2. to examine how in which a person has a chromosome missing
someone is progressing from one or more pairs
monitoring /$mnt()r/ noun the regular monoxide /m$nksad/ " carbon
monitoring monoxide
examination and recording of a persons tempera- monozygotic

monozygotic twins
twins /!mnza!1tk |
ture, weight, blood pressure and other essential $twnz/ plural noun same as identical twins
indicators
mons /mnz/ noun a fleshy body part which
mons
mono- /mn/ prefix single or one

mono-
sticks out, especially the one formed by the pad of

monoamine oxidase /!mn!'mi%n
monoamine oxidase
|
flesh where the pubic bones join (NOTE: The plu-
$ksdez/ noun an enzyme which breaks down ral is montes.)
the catecholamines to their inactive forms. Abbre-
mons pubis /!mnz $pju%bs/ noun a cushion
mons pubis
viation MAO
of fat covering the pubis
monoamine oxidase inhibitor /!mn
monoamine oxidase inhibitor
mons veneris /!mnz $venrs/ noun same as

| mons veneris
!'mi%n !ksdez n$hbt/ noun a drug which

mons pubis
|
inhibits monoamine oxidase and is used to treat

Montgomerys glands /mnt$1.mriz
Montgomerys glands
depression, e.g. phenelzine. Its use is limited, |
because of the potential for drug and dietary inter- 1l'ndz/ plural noun sebaceous glands around the
actions and the necessity for slow withdrawal. It nipple which become more marked in pregnancy
can also cause high blood pressure. Abbreviation [After William Fetherstone Montgomery (1797
MAOI. Also called MAO inhibitor 1859), Dublin gynaecologist.]
monoblast /$mnbl'st/ noun a cell which mood /mu%d/ noun a persons mental state at a
monoblast mood
produces a monocyte particular time ! a mood of excitement # in a bad

monochromatism
monochromatism
/!mn |
mood feeling angry or irritable # in a good mood
$krm't+()m/ noun colour blindness in feeling happy
which all colours appear to be black, grey or moon face /$mu%n fes/ noun a condition in
moon face
white. Compare dichromatism, trichromatism which someone has a round red face, occurring in
monoclonal /!mn$kln()l/ adjective
monoclonal
|
Cushings syndrome and when there are too many
referring to cells or products of cells which are steroid hormones in the body
formed or derived from a single clone Moorens ulcer /$mrnz !.ls/ noun a per-
Moorens ulcer
monoclonal antibody /!mnkln()l

monoclonal antibody
sistent ulcer of the cornea, found in elderly people
$'ntbdi/ noun an antibody which can be easily [After Albert Mooren (182899), ophthalmolo-
made in the laboratory by a single clone of cells. gist in Dsseldorf, Germany.]
It may be useful in the treatment of cancer. morbid /$m%bd/ adjective showing symptoms
morbid
monocular /m$nkjl/ adjective referring to of being diseased ! The X-ray showed a morbid
monocular
one eye. Compare binocular condition of the kidneys.

monocular vision /m!nkjl $v+()n/ morbid anatomy /!m%bd $n'tmi/ noun
monocular vision morbid anatomy
| |
noun the ability to see with one eye only, so that same as pathology
the sense of distance is impaired morbidity /m%$bdti/ noun the condition of
morbidity
monocyte /$mnsat/ noun a white blood

monocyte
being diseased or sick

cell with a nucleus shaped like a kidney, which morbidity rate /m%$bdti ret/ noun the
morbidity rate
destroys bacterial cells number of cases of a disease per hundred thou-

monocytosis /!mnsa$tss/ noun a con-
monocytosis
|
sand of population
dition in which there is an unusually high number morbilli /m%$bli/ noun same as measles
morbilli
of monocytes in the blood. Symptoms include

|
morbilliform /m%$blif%m/ adjective refer-

morbilliform
sore throat, swelling of the lymph nodes and |
fever. It is probably caused by the EpsteinBarr ring to a rash which is similar to measles
morbus /$m%bs/ noun disease
morbus
virus. Also called glandular fever

mononucleosis /!mn!nju%kli$ss/ noun moribund /$mrb.nd/ adjective dying " noun
mononucleosis moribund
| |
same as monocytosis a dying person

191 MRC
morning-after pill /!m%n $%ft pl/ noun a vehicles which are closed, such as planes,
morning-after pill
contraceptive pill taken after intercourse. Also coaches, hovercraft.

called next-day pill motor /$mt/ adjective referring to move-
motor
morning sickness /$m%n !skns/ noun

morning sickness
ment, which produces movement
nausea and vomiting experienced by women in motor area /$mtr !eri/, motor cortex
motor area
the early stages of pregnancy when they get up in /!mt $k%teks/ noun the part of the cortex in
the morning the brain which controls voluntary muscle move-
Moro reflex /$m%r !ri%fleks/ noun a reflex of
Moro reflex
ment by sending impulses to the motor nerves
a newborn baby when it hears a loud noise (NOTE: motor disorder /$mt ds!%d/ noun
motor disorder
The baby is laid on a table and observed to see impairment of the nerves or neurons that cause
if it raises its arms when the table is struck.) muscles to contract to produce movement
[After Ernst Moro (18741951), paediatrician in motor end plate /!mtr $end plet/ noun
motor end plate
Heidelberg, Germany.] the end of a motor nerve where it joins muscle

morphea /m%$fi/ noun a form of scleroderma, fibre
morphea
a disease where the skin is replaced by thick con- motor nerve /$mt n-%v/ noun a nerve
motor nerve
nective tissue which carries impulses from the brain and spinal
morpho- /m%f/ prefix relating to form, shape cord to muscles and causes movements. Also
morpho-
or structure called efferent nerve

morphoea /m%$fi/ noun same as morphea motor neurone /!mt $njrn/ noun a
morphoea motor neurone
morphology /m%$fld+i/ noun the study of

morphology
|
neurone which is part of a nerve pathway trans-
the structure and shape of living organisms mitting impulses from the brain to a muscle or
gland
-morphous /m%fs/ suffix relating to form or
-morphous
motor neurone disease /!mt $njrn

motor neurone disease
structure of a particular type

d!zi%z/ noun a disease of the nerve cells which
mortality rate /m%$t'lti ret/ noun the
mortality rate |
|
control the movement of the muscles. Abbrevia-
number of deaths per year, shown per hundred tion MND
thousand of population
COMMENT: Motor neurone disease has three
mortification /!m%tf$ke()n/ noun "
mortification
|
forms: progressive muscular atrophy (PMA),
necrosis which affects movements of the hands, later-
mortis /$m%ts/ " rigor al sclerosis, and bulbar palsy, which affects
mortis
mortuary /$m%tjuri/ noun a room in a hospi-

mortuary
the mouth and throat.
motor pathway /!mt $p%we/ noun a
motor pathway
tal where dead bodies are kept until removed by

an undertaker for burial series of motor neurones leading from the motor
mosquito /m$ski%t/ noun an insect which
mosquito
|
cortex to a muscle
mottled /$mt()ld/ adjective with patches of
mottled
sucks human blood, some species of which can

pass viruses or parasites into the bloodstream different colours
mountain fever /$mantn !fi%v/ noun same
mountain fever
mother /$m./ noun a biological or adoptive

mother
female parent as brucellosis

mountain sickness /$mantn !skns/ noun
mountain sickness
mother-fixation /$m. fk!se()n/ noun a

mother-fixation
condition in which a persons development has same as altitude sickness

been stopped at a stage where he or she remains mouth /ma/ noun an opening at the head of
mouth
like a child, dependent on his or her mother the alimentary canal, through which food and
motile /$mtal/ adjective referring to a cell or
motile
drink are taken in, and through which a person
microorganism which can move spontaneously ! speaks and can breathe ! She was sleeping with
Sperm cells are extremely motile. her mouth open. (NOTE: For other terms referring
to the mouth, see oral and words beginning with
motility /m$tlti/ noun 1. (of cells or
motility
stomat-, stomato-.)
|
microbes) the fact of being able to move about 2.

mouth-to-mouth /!ma t $ma/, mouth-
mouth-to-mouth
(of the gut) the action of peristalsis

to-mouth resuscitation /!ma t !ma r
motion /$m()n/ noun 1. movement 2. same
motion |
!s.s$te()n/, mouth-to-mouth ventilation

as bowel movement
|
/!ma t !ma !vent$le()n/ noun same as

|
motion sickness /!m()n $skns/ noun

motion sickness
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (informal)

illness and nausea felt when travelling. It is mouthwash /$maw/ noun an antiseptic
mouthwash
caused by the movement of liquid inside the lab- solution used to treat infection in the mouth
yrinth of the middle ear and is particularly notice-
movement /$mu%vmnt/ noun the act of chang-
movement
able in vehicles which are closed, such as planes,

coaches or hovercraft. (informal) ing position or the fact of not being still
MP joint /!em $pi% !d+nt/ noun same as meta-
MP joint
COMMENT: The movement of liquid inside

the labyrinth of the middle ear causes motion carpophalangeal joint
sickness, which is particularly noticeable in MRC abbreviation Medical Research Council
MRC
MRCGP 192
MRCGP abbreviation Member of the Royal Col- and throat, and secretes mucus. Also called
MRCGP
lege of General Practitioners mucosa

mucous plug /$mju%ks pl.1/ noun a plug of
mucous plug
MRCP abbreviation Member of the Royal Col-

MRCP
lege of Physicians mucus which blocks the cervical canal during

MRCS abbreviation Member of the Royal Col-
MRCS
pregnancy
mucoviscidosis /mju%kvsi$dss/ noun
mucoviscidosis
lege of Surgeons |
same as cystic fibrosis

MRI abbreviation magnetic resonance imaging
MRI
mucus /$mju%ks/ noun a slippery liquid

mucus
mRNA abbreviation messenger RNA

mRNA
secreted by mucous membranes inside the body,

MRSA abbreviation methicillin-resistant Sta-
MRSA
which protects those membranes (NOTE: For

phylococcus aureus other terms referring to mucus, see words begin-
MS abbreviation 1. mitral stenosis 2. multiple ning with blenno-.)
MS
sclerosis multi- /m.lti/ prefix many

multi-
MSH abbreviation melanocyte-stimulating hor- multidisciplinary /!m.lti$dsplnri/ adjec-

MSH multidisciplinary
mone tive using or involving several specialised sub-

MSU abbreviation midstream specimen of urine
MSU
jects or skills ! a multidisciplinary team
multifactorial /!m.ltif'k$t%ril/ adjective 1.
multifactorial
mSv abbreviation millisievert

mSv
|
involving several different factors or elements 2.

mucin /$mju%sn/ noun a compound of sugars
mucin
referring to inheritance which depends on more

and protein which is the main substance in mucus than one gene. Height and weight are examples of
muco- /mju%k/ prefix referring to mucus
muco-
characteristics determined by multifactorial

mucocele /$mju%ksi%l/ noun a cavity con- inheritance.
mucocele
taining an accumulation of mucus multifocal lens /!m.lti!fk()l $lenz/ noun a

multifocal lens
mucociliary transport /!mju%k!sliri lens in spectacles whose focus changes from top
mucociliary transport
$tr'nsp%t/ noun the process in which the cilia, to bottom so that the person wearing the specta-
the microscopic structures within the nose, move cles can see objects clearly at different distances
mucus towards the oesophagus, cleansing the multiforme /$m.ltif%m/ " erythema multi-
multiforme
nose of dust and bacteria forme

mucocoele /$mju%ksi%l/ noun 1. a condition multigravida /!m.lti$1r'vd/ noun a preg-
mucocoele multigravida
in which a cavity or organ becomes swollen nant woman who has been pregnant two or more
because there is too much mucus in it 2. the swell- times before
ing produced by this condition multi-infarct dementia /!m.lti $nf%kt d
multi-infarct dementia
mucocutaneous /!mju%kkju%$tenis/ !men/ noun dementia caused by a number of

mucocutaneous
| |
adjective referring to both mucous membrane and small strokes, when the dementia is not progres-
the skin sive as in Alzheimers disease but increases in
mucoid /$mju%kd/ adjective similar to mucus
mucoid
steps as new strokes occur
multilocular /!m.lti$lkjl/ adjective refer-
multilocular
mucolytic /!mju%k$ltk/ noun a substance

mucolytic
|
|
which dissolves mucus ring to a body part or growth which has a lot of
separate compartments or locules
mucopurulent /!mju%k$pjrlnt/ adjec-
mucopurulent
multi-organ failure /!m.lti $%1n !felj/

| multi-organ failure
tive consisting of a mixture of mucus and pus

noun an extremely serious condition in which
mucopus /!mju%k$p.s/ noun a mixture of
mucopus
|
several of the bodys organs stop functioning at
mucus and pus the same time. The person may survive, depend-
mucosa /mju%$kz/ noun same as mucous
mucosa
| ing on how many organs fail and the length of

membrane (NOTE: The plural is mucosae.) time that the failure lasts. Abbreviation MOF
mucosal /mju%$kz()l/ adjective referring to multipara /m.l$tpr/ noun a woman who has
mucosal multipara
| |
a mucous membrane given birth to two or more live children

mucous /$mju%ks/ adjective referring to multiple /$m.ltp()l/ adjective occurring sev-
mucous multiple
mucus, covered in mucus eral times or in several places

multiple birth /!m.ltp()l $b-%/ noun a birth
multiple birth
mucous colitis /!mju%ks k$lats/ noun an

mucous colitis
inflammation of the mucous membrane in the where more than one child is born at the same
intestine, in which the person experiences pain time
caused by spasms in the muscles of the walls of multiple fracture /!m.ltp()l $fr'kt/ noun
multiple fracture
the colon, accompanied by constipation or diar- a condition in which a bone is broken in several
rhoea or alternating attacks of both. Also called places
irritable bowel syndrome multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
mucous membrane /!mju%ks $membren/ /!m.ltp()l !%1n ds$f.k()n !sndrm/

mucous membrane
noun a wet membrane which lines internal pas- noun a state of continuous disturbances and
sages in the body, e.g. the nose, mouth, stomach abnormalities in organ systems, rather than true
193 mutism
failure, e.g. following trauma and sepsis. It is muscle /$m.s()l/ noun 1. an organ in the body,
muscle
often fatal. Abbreviation MODS which contracts to make part of the body move !
multiple pregnancy /!m.ltp()l $pre1nnsi/ If you do a lot of exercises you develop strong
multiple pregnancy
noun a pregnancy where the mother is going to muscles. ! The muscles in his legs were still weak
give birth to more than one child after he had spent two months in bed. ! She had
multiple sclerosis /!m.ltp()l skl$rss/
multiple sclerosis
muscle cramp after going into the cold water. See
illustration at EYE in Supplement 2. same as
|
noun a nervous disease which gets progressively

worse, where patches of the fibres of the central muscle tissue
muscle fatigue /$m.s()l f!ti%1/, muscular
muscle fatigue
nervous system lose their myelin, causing numb- |
ness in the limbs and progressive weakness and fatigue /!m.skjl f$ti%1/ noun tiredness in the
|
paralysis. Abbreviation MS. Also called dissem- muscles after strenuous exercise
inated sclerosis. ! arteriosclerosis, athero- muscle fibre /$m.s()l !fab/ noun a compo-
muscle fibre
sclerosis nent fibre of muscles (NOTE: There are two types

multipolar neurone /m.lt!pl $njrn/ of fibre which form striated and smooth mus-
multipolar neurone
noun a neurone with several processes. See illus- cles.)

tration at NEURONE in Supplement. Compare muscle relaxant /$m.s()l r!l'ksnt/ noun a
muscle relaxant
bipolar neurone, unipolar neurone drug which reduces contractions in the muscles,
multiresistant /!m.ltir$zstnt/ adjective e.g. baclofen
multiresistant
resistant to several types of antibiotic muscle spasm /$m.s()l !sp'z()m/ noun a

muscle spasm
multivitamin /$m.lti!vtmn/ noun a prepara- sudden contraction of a muscle

multivitamin
tion containing several vitamins and sometimes muscle tissue /$m.s()l !tu%/, muscular
muscle tissue
minerals, used as a dietary supplement " adjec- tissue /!m.skjl $tu%/ noun the specialised
tive referring to a preparation containing several type of tissue which forms the muscles and which
vitamins, and sometimes minerals ! multivitamin can contract and expand
pills ! multivitamin supplement
muscle wasting /$m.s()l !west/ noun a
muscle wasting
mumps /m.mps/ noun an infectious disease of

mumps
condition in which the muscles lose weight and

children, with fever and swellings in the salivary become thin
glands, caused by a paramyxovirus ! He caught
muscular /$m.skjl/ adjective referring to
muscular
mumps from the children next door. Also called

muscle
infectious parotitis (NOTE: Takes a singular or
muscular dystrophy /!m.skjl $dstrfi/
muscular dystrophy
a plural verb.)
noun a type of muscle disease where some mus-
Mnchausens syndrome /$m.ntaz()nz
Mnchausens syndrome
cles become weak and are replaced with fatty tis-

!sndrm/ noun a mental disorder in which
sue. ! Duchenne muscular dystrophy
someone tries to get hospital treatment by claim-
muscular fatigue /!m.skjl f$ti%1/ noun
muscular fatigue
ing symptoms of an illness which he or she does |
not have. Many people will undergo very painful same as muscle fatigue
procedures which they do not need. [Described muscular tissue /!m.skjl $tu%/ noun
muscular tissue
by Richard Asher in 1951, and named after same as muscle tissue

Baron von Mnchhausen, a 16th century travel- musculo- /m.skjl/ prefix relating to or
musculo-
ler and inveterate liar.] affecting muscle

Mnchausens syndrome by proxy
Mnchausens syndrome by proxy
musculocutaneous /!m.skjlkju%
musculocutaneous
/!m.ntaz()nz !sndrm ba $prksi/ noun

| |
$tenis/ adjective referring to muscle and skin

a mental disorder in which someone tries to get
musculoskeletal /!m.skjl$skelt()l/
musculoskeletal
hospital treatment for someone else such as their |
child or an elderly relative. It is regarded as a form adjective referring to muscles and bone
mutant /$mju%t()nt/ adjective in which muta-
mutant
of child abuse, as the person may cause a child to

be ill in order to receive attention. tion has occurred
murmur /$m-%m/ noun a sound, usually the mutant gene /!mju%t()nt $d+i%n/ noun a gene
murmur mutant gene
sound of the heart, heard through a stethoscope which has undergone mutation
muscae volitantes /!m.ska !vl$t'ntez/ mutation /mju%$te()n/ noun a change in
muscae volitantes mutation
| |
plural noun pieces of cellular or blood debris DNA which changes the physiological effect of
present in the vitreous of the eye, common in old the DNA on the cell
age but, if a sudden event, can be a symptom of mute /mju%t/ adjective 1. unwilling or unable to
mute
retinal haemorrhage. Also called floaters speak 2. felt or expressed without speech " noun
muscarine /$m.skri%n/ noun a poison found somebody who is unable or unwilling to speak
muscarine
in fungi (NOTE: This term is sometimes considered

muscarinic /!m.sk$rnk/ adjective referring
muscarinic
|
offensive.)
mutism /$mju%tz()m/ noun the condition of
mutism
to a neurone or receptor stimulated by acetylcho-

line and muscarine being unable to speak. Also called dumbness
my- 194
my- /ma/ prefix same as myo- (used before myeloma /!ma$lm/ noun a malignant
my- myeloma
vowels) tumour in bone marrow, at the ends of long bones

myalgia /ma$'ld+/ noun a muscle pain
myalgia
|
or in the jaw
myelomeningocele /!malm
myelomeningocele
myalgic encephalomyelitis /ma!'ld+k en

myalgic encephalomyelitis
| |
$n1si%l/ noun same as meningomyelocele

| |
!keflma$lats/ noun a long-term condition

|
myelopathy /!ma$lpi/ noun any disorder

myelopathy
affecting the nervous system, in which someone |
feels tired and depressed and has pain and weak- of the spinal cord or bone marrow
ness in the muscles. Abbreviation ME. Also myelosuppression /!mals$pre()n/
myelosuppression
| |
called chronic fatigue syndrome, postviral noun a condition in which the bone marrow does
fatigue syndrome not produce enough blood cells, often occurring
myasthenia /!mas$i%ni/, myasthenia
myasthenia
|
after chemotherapy
myo- /ma/ prefix referring to muscle
myo-
gravis /!mas!i%ni $1r%vs/ noun a general

|
weakness and dysfunction of the muscles, caused myocardial /!ma$k%dil/ adjective refer-
myocardial
by poor conduction at the motor end plates ring to the myocardium

myc- /mak, mas/ prefix same as myco- (used
myc-
myocardial infarction /!ma!k%dil n

myocardial infarction
| |
before vowels) $f%kn/ noun the death of part of the heart mus-
myco- /mak/ prefix referring to fungus
myco-
cle after coronary thrombosis. Abbreviation MI
myocarditis /!mak%$dats/ noun inflam-
myocarditis
Mycobacterium /!makb'k$ti%rim/
Mycobacterium
|
|
noun one of a group of bacteria including those mation of the heart muscle
myocardium /!ma$k%dim/ noun the mid-
myocardium
which cause leprosy and tuberculosis |
Mycoplasma /$mak!pl'zm/ noun a type

Mycoplasma
dle layer of the wall of the heart, formed of heart
muscle. See illustration at HEART in Supplement
|
of microorganism, similar to a bacterium, associ-

myocele /$masi%l/ noun a condition in which
myocele
ated with diseases such as pneumonia and urethri-

tis a muscle pushes through a gap in the surrounding
membrane
mycosis /ma$kss/ noun any disease caused
mycosis
myoclonic /!ma$klnk/ adjective referring

myoclonic
by a fungus, e.g. athletes foot |
to myoclonus
mydriasis /ma$drass/ noun an enlargement
mydriasis
myoclonic epilepsy /!maklnk

| myoclonic epilepsy
of the pupil of the eye

$eplepsi/ noun a form of epilepsy where the
mydriatic /!mdri$'tk/ noun a drug which
mydriatic
|
limbs jerk frequently
makes the pupil of the eye become larger
myoclonus /ma$klns/ noun a muscle
myoclonus
myelin /$maln/ noun the substance of the cell

myelin
spasm which makes a limb give an involuntary

membrane of Schwann cells that coils into a pro- jerk
tective covering around nerve fibres called a mye- myocyte /$masat/ noun a muscle cell
myocyte
lin sheath
myofibril /!ma$fabrl/ noun a long thread of
myofibril
myelinated /$malnetd/ adjective referring

myelinated |
striated muscle fibre

to nerve fibre covered by a myelin sheath
myofibrosis /!mafa$brss/ noun a con-
myofibrosis
myelination /!mal$ne()n/ noun the proc-

myelination
|
dition in which muscle tissue is replaced by
ess by which a myelin sheath forms around nerve fibrous tissue
fibres
myoma /ma$m/ noun a benign tumour in a
myoma
myelin sheath /$maln i%/ noun a layer of

myelin sheath
smooth muscle
myelin that insulates some nerve cells and speeds myomectomy /!ma$mektmi/ noun the
myomectomy
the conduction of nerve impulses. See illustration

|
surgical removal of a benign growth from a mus-

at NEURONE in Supplement cle, especially removal of a fibroid from the
myelocele /$malsi%l/ noun same as menin-
myelocele
uterus
gomyelocele myometritis /!mam$trats/ noun inflam-
myometritis
myelography /!ma$l1rfi/ noun an X-ray

myelography
| mation of the myometrium. Also called metritis

examination of the spinal cord and subarachnoid myometrium /!ma$mi%trim/ noun the
myometrium
space after a radio-opaque substance has been muscular tissue in the uterus
injected
myoneural /!ma$njrl/ adjective relating
myoneural
myeloid /$mald/ adjective 1. referring to

myeloid
to or involving both the muscles and the nerves

bone marrow, or produced by bone marrow 2. myoneural
myoneural junction
junction /!manjrl
referring to the spinal cord $d+.k()n/ noun same as neuromuscular
myeloid leukaemia /!mald lu%$ki%mi/
myeloid leukaemia
| junction
noun an acute form of leukaemia in adults myopathy /ma$pi/ noun a disease of a mus-
myopathy
myeloid tissue /$mald !tu%/ noun red

myeloid tissue
cle, especially one in which the muscle wastes

bone marrow away
195 myxovirus
myopia /ma$pi/ noun a condition in which myringoplasty /m$r1pl'sti/ noun the

myopia myringoplasty
| |
someone can see clearly objects which are close, surgical repair of a perforated eardrum. Also
but not ones which are further away. Also called called tympanoplasty
shortsightedness. Opposite longsightedness
myringotome /m$r1tm/ noun a sharp
myringotome
myopic /ma$pk/ adjective able to see close

myopic |
|
knife used in myringotomy
objects clearly, but not objects which are further
myringotomy /!mr$1tmi/ noun a surgical
myringotomy
away. Also called shortsighted, nearsighted |
myoplasty /$mapl'sti/ noun a form of plas-

myoplasty
operation to make an opening in the eardrum to
tic surgery to repair a muscle allow fluid to escape. Also called tympanotomy
myx- /mks/, myxo- /mks/ prefix referring to
myx-
myosarcoma /!mas%$km/ noun a

myosarcoma
malignant tumour containing unstriated muscle mucus

myosis /ma$ss/ noun another spelling of myxoedema /!mks$di%m/ noun a condition
myosis myxoedema
| |
miosis 1 caused when the thyroid gland does not produce

myositis /!ma$sats/ noun inflammation enough thyroid hormone. The person, often a
myositis
and degeneration of a muscle middle-aged woman, becomes overweight,

myotic /ma$tk/ noun a drug which causes the
myotic
|
moves slowly and develops coarse skin. It can be
pupil of the eye to contract treated with thyroxine.
myxoedematous /!mks$demts/ adjective
myxoedematous
myotomy /ma$tmi/ noun a surgical opera-

myotomy
| |
tion to cut a muscle referring to myxoedema

myotonia /!ma$tni/ noun difficulty in
myotonia
myxoid cyst /!mksd $sst/ noun a cyst

myxoid cyst
relaxing a muscle after exercise which develops at the base of a fingernail or toe-
myotonic /!ma$tnk/ adjective referring to nail
myotonic
tone in a muscle myxovirus /!mks$vars/ noun any virus

myxovirus
myringa /m$r1/ noun same as eardrum

myringa
|
which has an affinity for the mucoprotein recep-
myringitis /!mrn$d+ats/ noun inflammation tors in red blood cells. One of these viruses causes
myringitis
of the eardrum influenza.

N
n symbol nano- nanometre /$n'nmit/ noun a unit of meas-
n nanometre
urement of length equal to one thousand millionth

nabothian cyst /n!bin $sst/, naboth-
nabothian cyst
of a metre. Symbol nm
|
ian follicle /n!bin $flk()l/, nabothian

|
nanomole /$n'nml/ noun a unit of meas-

nanomole
gland /n!bin $1l'nd/ noun a cyst which

|
forms in the cervix of the uterus when the ducts in urement of the amount of a substance equal to one
the cervical glands are blocked thousand millionth of a mole. Symbol nmol
nanosecond /$n'n!seknd/ noun a unit of
nanosecond
Naegele rule /$ne1l ru%l/ noun a method

Naegele rule
|
measurement of time equal to one thousand mil-

used to determine when a pregnant woman is
lionth of a second. Symbol ns
likely to go into labour, in which nine months and
nape /nep/ noun the back of the neck. Also
nape
seven days are added to the date on which her last

period started. If the woman does not have a 28- called nucha
nappy /$n'pi/ noun a cloth used to wrap round
nappy
day menstrual cycle, an adjustment is made: e.g.,

if she has a 26-day cycle you would subtract 2 a babys bottom and groin, to keep clothing clean
days from the Naegeles estimated due date. and dry
nappy rash /$n'pi r'/ noun sore red skin on
nappy rash
naevus /$ni%vs/ noun same as birthmark

naevus
(NOTE: The plural is naevi.) a babys buttocks and groin, caused by long con-
tact with ammonia in a wet nappy
NAI abbreviation non-accidental injury
NAI
naproxen /n'$prksen/ noun a drug which

naproxen
nail /nel/ noun a hard growth, made of keratin,

nail
reduces inflammation and pain, used in the treat-

which forms on the top surface at the end of each ment of arthritis
finger and toe. Also called unguis (NOTE: For narcissism /$n%ssz()m/ noun in psychiatry,
narcissism
terms referring to nail, see words beginning with a personality disorder in which someone has a
onych-, onycho-.) very confident opinion about their own appear-
nail avulsion /$nel !v.ln/ noun the act of
nail avulsion
| ance and abilities, and a great need to be admired

pulling away an ingrowing toenail by other people. It sometimes involves sexual
nail bed /$nel bed/ noun the part of the finger
nail bed
interest in their own body.
narco- /n%k/ prefix referring to sleep or stu-
narco-
which is just under the nail and on which the nail

rests por
narcolepsy /$n%klepsi/ noun a condition in
narcolepsy
nail matrix /$nel !metrks/ noun the internal

nail matrix
structure of the nail, the part of the finger from which someone has an uncontrollable tendency to
which the nail grows fall asleep at any time
narcoleptic /!n%k$leptk/ adjective 1. caus-
narcoleptic
naloxone /n$lksn/ noun a drug resembling

naloxone |
|
ing narcolepsy 2. having narcolepsy " noun 1. a
morphine, used in the diagnosis of narcotics substance which causes narcolepsy 2. someone
addiction and to reverse the effects of narcotics who has narcolepsy
poisoning
narcosis /n%$kss/ noun a state of lowered
narcosis
named nurse /!nemd $n-%s/ noun a nurse,

named nurse
consciousness induced by a drug

midwife or health visitor who is responsible for narcotic /n%$ktk/ noun a pain-relieving drug
narcotic
communicating with a particular person and

|
which makes someone sleep or become uncon-

ensuring that his or her needs for care and infor- scious ! The doctor put her to sleep with a pow-
mation are met erful narcotic. " adjective causing sleep or
nandrolone /$n'ndrln/ noun an anabolic
nandrolone
unconsciousness ! the narcotic side-effects of an

steroid which builds muscle. Its use is banned by antihistamine
the International Amateur Athletics Federation. nares /$neri%z/ plural noun the nostrils (NOTE:
nares
nano- /n'n/ prefix one thousand millionth The singular is naris.)

nano-
(10-9). Symbol n nasal /$nez()l/ adjective referring to the nose

nasal
197 navel
nasal apertures /!nez()l $'pts/ plural these fields in England, Wales, Scotland and
nasal apertures
noun the two openings shaped like funnels lead- Northern Ireland
ing from the nasal cavity to the pharynx. ! cho- National Council for Vocational Qualifi-
National Council for Vocational Qualifications
ana cations /!n'()nl !kans()l f v |
nasal cavity /!nez()l $k'vti/ noun the cav- !ke()nl !kwlf$ke()nz/ noun full form
nasal cavity
ity behind the nose between the cribriform plates of NCVQ

above and the hard palate below, divided in two National Health Service /!n'()nl $hel
National Health Service
by the nasal septum and leading to the nasophar- !s-%vs/ noun a government service in the UK
ynx which provides medical services free of charge at
nasal conchae /!nez()l $kki%/ plural noun the point of delivery, or at reduced cost, to the
nasal conchae
the three ridges of bone, called the superior, mid- whole population. The service is paid for out of
dle and inferior conchae, which project into the tax revenue. Abbreviation NHS
nasal cavity from the side walls. Also called tur- National Institute for Clinical Excellence
National Institute for Clinical Excellence
binate bones /!n'()n()l !nsttju%t f !klnk()l

nasal congestion /!nez()l kn$d+est()n/ $ekslns/ noun an organisation in the UK which
nasal congestion
noun the blocking of the nose by inflammation as produces recommendations for treatments based
a response to a cold or other infection on clinical evidence and cost-effectiveness.
nasal drops /$nez()l drps/ plural noun
nasal drops
Abbreviation NICE
National Service Framework /!n'()nl
National Service Framework
drops of liquid inserted into the nose

nasal septum /!nez()l $septm/ noun a wall
nasal septum
$s-%vs !fremw-%k/ noun full form of NSF
natriuretic /!netrij$retk/ noun something
natriuretic
of cartilage between the two nostrils and the two |
parts of the nasal cavity which helps sodium to be excreted in the urine
nasal spray /$nez()l spre/ noun a spray of natural childbirth /!n't()rl $taldb-%/
nasal spray natural childbirth
liquid into the nose noun childbirth where the mother is not given any
nascent /$n's()nt, $nes()nt/ adjective 1. in
nascent
pain-killing drugs or anaesthetic but is encour-
the process of coming into existence and starting aged to give birth after having prepared herself
to develop 2. referring to a substance, especially through relaxation and breathing exercises and a
hydrogen, in the process of being created. At this new psychological outlook
stage it is often in a highly active form. natural immunity /!n't()rl $mju%nti/
natural immunity
Naseptin /n'$septn/ a trade name for a mix-

Naseptin
|
noun the immunity from disease which a new-
ture containing chlorhexidine and neomycin, used born baby has from birth and which is inherited or
to treat nasal infection by organisms such as sta- acquired in the uterus or from the mothers milk
phylococci natural killer cell /!n't()rl $kl !sel/ noun
natural killer cell
naso- /nez/ prefix referring to the nose

naso-
a white blood cell which can recognise microor-
nasogastric /!nez$1'strk/ adjective refer-
nasogastric
ganisms and tumour cells as foreign without any
previous exposure to them, and destroy them
|
ring to the nose and stomach

natural mother /!n't()rl $m./, natural
natural mother
nasogastric tube /!nez!1'strk $tju%b/

nasogastric tube
parent /!n't()rl $pernt/ noun same as

|
noun a tube passed through the nose into the

stomach birth mother, birth parent
nature nurture debate /!net $n-%t d
nature nurture debate
nasolacrimal /!nez$l'krm()l/ adjective

nasolacrimal
|
!bet/ noun the arguments put forward about

|
referring to the nose and the tear glands

whether human beings behave in the way they do
nasolacrimal duct /!nez!l'krm()l
nasolacrimal duct
|
because of their genetic make-up and instincts or
$d.kt/ noun a duct which drains tears from the because of the way they are educated and the
lacrimal sac into the nose influences they are exposed to when they are
nasopharyngeal /!nez!f'rn$d+i%l/
nasopharyngeal
| |
young
adjective referring to the nasopharynx naturopathy /!net$rpi/ noun a method
naturopathy
nasopharyngitis /!nez!f'rn$d+ats/
nasopharyngitis
| |
of treatment of diseases and disorders which does
noun inflammation of the mucous membrane of not use medical or surgical means, but natural
the nasal part of the pharynx forces such as light, heat, massage, eating natural
nasopharynx /!nez$f'rks/ noun the top foods and using herbal remedies
nasopharynx
part of the pharynx which connects with the nose nausea /$n%zi/ noun a feeling that you want to
nausea
nasosinusitis /!nez!san$sats/ noun a vomit ! She suffered from nausea in the morning.
nasosinusitis
| |
condition in which the nose and sinuses swell up ! He felt slight nausea after getting onto the boat.
nates /$neti%z/ noun same as buttock nauseated /$n%zietd/ adjective feeling as if
nates nauseated
National Boards /!n'()nl $b%rdz/ plural

National Boards
you are about to vomit ! The casualty may feel
noun the National Boards for Nursing, Mid- nauseated.
wifery, and Health Visiting, which were formerly navel /$nev()l/ noun the scar with a depression
navel
responsible for the education of professionals in in the middle of the abdomen where the umbilical
navicular 198
cord was detached after birth. Also called umbili- needlestick /$ni%d()lstk/ noun an accidental
needlestick
cus (NOTE: For other terms referring to the pricking of your own skin by a needle, as by a
navel, see words beginning with omphal-, nurse picking up a used syringe
omphalo-.) needlestick injury /$ni%d()lstk !nd+ri/
needlestick injury
navicular /n$vkjl/ adjective relating to a noun the real or potential harm resulting from a
navicular
navicular bone " noun same as navicular bone prick with a needle previously used to take blood
navicular bone /n$vkjl bn/ noun one
navicular bone
or give an injection. The main concern is the risk
of HIV or hepatitis B infection.
|
of the tarsal bones in the foot. See illustration at

needling /$ni%d()l/ noun the puncture of a
needling
FOOT in Supplement
cataract with a needle
NCVQ /!en si% vi% $kju%/ noun a government
NCVQ
needs assessment /$ni%dz !sesmnt/ noun

needs assessment
body in the UK responsible for setting standards |
of qualification for specific jobs. Full form the investigation of what a particular group of
National Council for Vocational Qualifica- people need in terms of health and social care, so
tions that services can be matched to their needs
needs deprivation /$ni%dz depr!ve()n/
needs deprivation
NDU abbreviation Nursing Development Unit

NDU
|
noun a state in which someone does not have the

nearsighted /n$satd/ adjective same as
nearsighted
| opportunity or capacity to fulfil his or her basic

myopic needs
nebula /$nebjl/ noun a slightly cloudy spot on negative /$ne1tv/ adjective 1. meaning or
nebula negative
the cornea showing no 2. indicating that something being

nebuliser /$nebjlaz/, nebulizer noun same
nebuliser
tested for is not present ! The test results were
as atomiser negative. Opposite positive
negative feedback /!ne1tv $fi%db'k/ noun
negative feedback
neck /nek/ noun 1. the part of the body which

neck
a situation in which the result of a process

joins the head to the body ! He is suffering from represses the process which caused it
pains in the neck. ! The front of the neck is swol-
negligence /$ne1ld+ns/ noun the act of caus-
negligence
len with goitre. ! The jugular veins run down the

side of the neck. 2. a narrow part of a bone or ing injury or harm to another person or to prop-
organ erty as the result of doing something wrongly or
failing to provide a proper level of care
neck collar /$nek !kl/ noun a strong high col-
neck collar
Neisseria /na$sri/ noun a genus of bacteria

Neisseria
lar to support the head of a person with neck inju-

|
which includes gonococcus, which causes gonor-

ries or a condition such as cervical spondylosis rhoea, and meningococcus, which causes menin-
necro- /nekr/ prefix referring to death
necro-
gitis
necrology /ne$krld+i/ noun the scientific nematode /$nemtd/ noun a type of parasitic
necrology nematode
study of mortality statistics roundworm, e.g. a hookworm, pinworm or round-

necrophilia /!nekr$fli/, necrophilism /ne
necrophilia
| |
worm
neo- /ni%/ prefix new
neo-
$krflz()m/ noun unusual pleasure in corpses

neoadjuvant chemotherapy /!ni%
neoadjuvant chemotherapy
necropsy /$nekrpsi/ noun same as post mor-

necropsy
|
tem !'d+vnt !ki%m$erpi/ noun chemotherapy

|
given to people with tumours instead of immedi-

necrosis /ne$krss/ noun the death of a part
necrosis
|
ate surgery or radiotherapy, in the hope of reduc-
of the body such as a bone, tissue or an organ as a ing the need for these later
result of disease or injury ! Gangrene is a form neomycin /!ni%$masn/ noun a drug used
neomycin
of necrosis.
|
externally to treat bacterial infections

necrotic /ne$krtk/ adjective referring to, or
necrotic
neonatal /!ni%$net()l/ adjective referring to

neonatal
|
|
affected with, necrosis ! necrotic tissue the first few weeks after birth
necrotising enterocolitis /!nekrtaz
necrotising enterocolitis
neonatal death rate /!ni%net()l $de

neonatal death rate
!entrk$lats/ noun a disorder in which

|
!ret/ noun the number of babies who die soon
patches of dead tissue are found in the small or after birth, shown per thousand babies born
large intestine as a result of severe bacterial infec- neonatal screening
neonatal screening
/!ni%!net()l |
tion. It occurs in babies, especially premature $skri%n/ noun a set of tests performed on babies
ones. soon after birth so that any problems can be
necrotomy /ne$krtmi/ noun the dissection of
necrotomy
| treated immediately (NOTE: Tests for certain dis-

a dead body (NOTE: The plural is necrotomies.) eases such as hypothyroidism and phenylke-
needle /$ni%d()l/ noun 1. a thin metal instru-
needle
tonuria are a legal duty.)
neonate /$ni%net/ noun a baby which is less
neonate
ment with a sharp point at one end and a hole at

the other for attaching a thread, used for sewing than four weeks old
up surgical incisions 2. the hollow pointed end of neonatologist /!ni%n$tld+st/ noun a spe-
neonatologist
a hypodermic syringe, or the syringe itself cialist who looks after babies during the first few
199 nerve gas

weeks of life, or premature babies and babies with nephropathy /ne$frpi/ noun a disease or
nephropathy
some congenital disorders medical disorder of the kidney (NOTE: The plural
neonatology /!ni%n$tld+i/ noun the is nephropathies.)
neonatology
branch of medicine dealing with babies in the first nephropexy /$nefrpeksi/ noun a surgical
nephropexy
few weeks of life operation to attach a mobile kidney (NOTE: The

neoplasm /$ni%pl'z()m/ noun any new and plural is nephropexies.)
neoplasm
morbid formation of tissue nephroptosis /!nefrp$tss/ noun a condi-

nephroptosis
neoplasty /$ni%pl'sti/ noun the surgical tion in which a kidney is mobile. Also called
neoplasty
repair or replacement of damaged tissue floating kidney

neostigmine /!ni%$st1mi%n/ noun a white nephrosclerosis /!nefrskl$rss/ noun a
neostigmine nephrosclerosis
| |
crystalline compound used in the treatment of kidney disease due to vascular change
muscle fatigue myasthenia and to reverse the nephroscope /$nefrskp/ noun a type of
nephroscope
effects of muscle relaxant drugs endoscope used to examine the kidneys

nephr- /nefr/ prefix kidney
nephr-
nephrosis /ne$frss/ noun degeneration of

nephrosis
nephralgia /ne$fr'ld+/ noun pain in the kid- the tissue of a kidney

nephralgia
ney nephrostomy /ne$frstmi/ noun a surgical

nephrostomy
nephralgic /ne$fr'ld+k/ adjective relating to operation to make a permanent opening into the
nephralgic
pain in the kidney pelvis of the kidney from the surface (NOTE: The
nephrectomy /ne$frektmi/ noun a surgical
nephrectomy
|
plural is nephrostomies.)
operation to remove the whole kidney (NOTE: The nephrotic /ne$frtk/ adjective relating to or
nephrotic
plural is nephrectomies.) caused by nephrosis

nephritis /ne$frats/ noun inflammation of the nephrotic syndrome /ne!frtk $sndrm/
nephritis nephrotic syndrome
| |
kidney noun increasing oedema, albuminuria and raised

nephroblastoma /!nefrbl'$stm/ noun
nephroblastoma
|
blood pressure resulting from nephrosis
a malignant tumour in the kidneys in young chil- nephrotomy /ne$frtmi/ noun a surgical
nephrotomy
dren, usually under the age of 10, leading to operation to cut into a kidney (NOTE: The plural is
swelling of the abdomen. It is treated by removal nephrotomies.)
of the affected kidney. Also called Wilms nephrotoxic /!nefr$tksk/ adjective poi-
nephrotoxic
tumour (NOTE: The plural is nephroblastomas sonous or damaging to kidney cells

or nephrobrastomata.)
nephroureterectomy /!nefr!jrt
nephroureterectomy
nephrocalcinosis /!nefr!k'ls$nss/
nephrocalcinosis | |
| |
$rektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove all
noun a condition in which calcium deposits are or part of a kidney and the ureter attached to it.
found in the kidney Also called ureteronephrectomy (NOTE: The
nephrocapsulectomy /!nefr!k'psj
nephrocapsulectomy
| | plural is nephroureterectomies.)
$lektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove the nerve /n-%v/ noun 1. a bundle of fibres that can
nerve
capsule round a kidney (NOTE: The plural is transmit electrochemical impulses and that forms
nephrocapsulectomies.) part of the network that connects the brain and
nephrogram /$nefr1r'm/ noun a radio-
nephrogram
spinal cord to the bodys organs 2. the sensitive

graphic examination of the kidney tissue in the root of a tooth (NOTE: For other
nephrolith /$nefrl/ noun a stone in the kid- terms referring to nerves, see words beginning
nephrolith
ney with neur-, neuro-.)

nerve block /$n-%v blk/ noun the act of stop-
nerve block
nephrolithiasis /!nefrl$ass/ noun a

nephrolithiasis
condition in which stones form in the kidney ping the function of a nerve by injecting an anaes-
nephrolithotomy /!nefrl$tmi/ noun a
nephrolithotomy
|
thetic
nerve centre /$n-%v !sent/ noun the point at
nerve centre
surgical operation to remove a stone in the kidney

(NOTE: The plural is nephrolithotomies.) which nerves come together
nephrologist /ne$frld+st/ noun a doctor nerve ending /$n-%v !end/ noun same as
nephrologist nerve ending
who specialises in the study of the kidney and its sensory receptor
diseases nerve entrapment syndrome /!n-%v n
nerve entrapment syndrome
nephrology /ne$frld+i/ noun the study of the $tr'pmnt !sndrm/ noun pain caused by
nephrology
kidney and its diseases pressure on a nerve, especially where nerves

nephroma /ne$frm/ noun a tumour in the
nephroma
|
occur in narrow passages such as the wrist
nerve fibre /$n-%v !fab/ noun a thin structure
nerve fibre
kidney, or a tumour derived from renal substances

(NOTE: The plural is nephromas or nephro- leading from a nerve cell and carrying nerve
mata.) impulses, e.g. an axon
nephron /$nefrn/ noun a tiny structure in the nerve gas /$n-%v 1's/ noun a gas which attacks
nephron nerve gas
kidney through which fluid is filtered the nervous system

nerve impulse 200
nerve impulse /$n-%v !mp.ls/ noun an elec- embryo, which develops into the brain and spinal
nerve impulse
trochemical impulse which is transmitted by cord

nerve cells neural tube defect /!njrl $tju%b d!fekt/
neural tube defect
nerve regeneration /$n-%v r!1enre()n/

nerve regeneration
|
noun a congenital anomaly which occurs when
noun the growth of new nerve tissue after damage the edges of the neural tube do not close up prop-
has occurred erly while the fetus develops in the uterus, e.g.
spina bifida (NOTE: There is less risk of a neural
nerve root /$n-%v ru%t/ noun the first part of a
nerve root
tube defect if the mother takes folic acid during

nerve as it leaves or joins the spinal column
her pregnancy.)
(NOTE: The dorsal nerve root is the entry for a
neurapraxia /!njr$pr'ksi/ noun a lesion
neurapraxia
sensory nerve, and the ventral nerve root is the |
exit for a motor nerve.) of a nerve which leads to paralysis for a very short
time, giving a tingling feeling and loss of function
nerve tissue /$n-%v !tu%/ noun tissue which
nerve tissue
neurectomy /nj$rektmi/ noun a surgical

neurectomy
forms nerves, and which is able to transmit the |
nerve impulses operation to remove all or part of a nerve (NOTE:

The plural is neurectomies.)
nervosa /n$vs/ " anorexia nervosa
nervosa
neurilemma /!njr$lem/ noun the outer

| neurilemma
nervous /$n-%vs/ adjective 1. referring to

nervous
sheath, formed of Schwann cells, which covers

nerves 2. very easily worried ! Dont be nervous the myelin sheath around a nerve fibre. Also
the operation is a very simple one. called neurolemma. See illustration at NEURONE
nervous breakdown /!n-%vs $brekdan/ in Supplement
nervous breakdown
noun any sudden mental illness (informal) neuritis /nj$rats/ noun inflammation of a
neuritis
nervous complaint /!n-%vs km$plent/, nerve, giving a constant pain

nervous complaint
nervous disorder /!n-%vs ds$%d/ noun an neuro- /njr/ prefix nerve or nervous system
neuro-
emotional or mental illness (informal) neuroendocrine

neuroendocrine system
system /!njr |
nervousness /$n-%vsns/ noun the state of $endkrn !sstm/ noun a system in which the
nervousness
being nervous central nervous system and hormonal systems

nervous system /$n-%vs !sstm/ noun the
nervous system
interact to control the function of organs and tis-
nervous tissues of the body, including the periph- sues
neuroepithelial /!njrep$i%lil/ adjec-
neuroepithelial
eral nerves, spinal cord, ganglia and nerve centres |
nether parts /$ne p%ts/, nether regions

nether parts
tive referring to the neuroepithelium
neuroepithelium /!njrep$i%lim/ noun
neuroepithelium
/$ne !ri%d+()nz/ plural noun the lower part of |
the body, especially the buttocks or genital area the layer of epithelial cells forming part of the lin-
(informal) ing of the mucous membrane of the nose or the
nettle rash /$net()l r'/ noun same as urti-
nettle rash
labyrinth of the middle ear
neurofibril /!njr$fabrl/ noun a fine
neurofibril
caria |
thread in the cytoplasm of a neurone

network /$netw-%k/ noun any of various com-
network
neurofibrilla /!njr$fbrl/ noun same as

neurofibrilla
puter-based systems designed to allow fast com- |
munication of information between NHS agen- neurofibril. See illustration at NEURONE in Sup-
cies, e.g. communication of X-ray results from a plement (NOTE: The plural is neurofibrillae.)
neurofibroma /!njrfa$brm/ noun a
neurofibroma
hospital to a GP surgery ! a network of fine blood |
vessels benign tumour of a nerve, formed from the neuri-

Neumans model /$nmnz !md()l/ noun a
Neumans model
lemma (NOTE: The plural is neurofibromas or
modern model for nursing in which prevention is neurofibromata.)
neurofibromatosis /!njr!fabrm
neurofibromatosis
the primary nursing aim (NOTE: Prevention | |
focuses on keeping both the things which cause $tss/ noun a hereditary condition in which a
stress and the patients response to stress from person has neurofibromata on the nerve trunks,
having a damaging effect on the body.) limb plexuses or spinal roots, and pale brown
spots appear on the skin. Abbreviation NF. Also
neur- /njr/ prefix same as neuro- (used
neur-
called molluscum fibrosum, von Reckling-

before vowels)
hausens disease
neural /$njrl/ adjective referring to a nerve
neural
neurogenic /!njr$d+enk/ adjective com-

neurogenic
or the nervous system

|
ing from the nervous system

neural arch /!njrl $%t/ noun a curved part
neural arch
neurogenic bladder /!njrd+enk

neurogenic bladder
of a vertebra, which forms the space through $bl'd/ noun a disturbance of the bladder func-
which the spinal cord passes tion caused by lesions in the nerve supply to the
neuralgia /nj$r'ld+/ noun a spasm of pain
neuralgia
| bladder
which runs along a nerve neurogenic shock /!njrd+enk $k/
neurogenic shock
neural tube /$njrl tju%b/ noun a tube lined

neural tube
noun a state of shock caused by bad news or an

with ectodermal cells running the length of an unpleasant surprise
201 next-day pill
neuroglandular junction /!njr neurorrhaphy /nj$r%rfi/ noun a surgical

neuroglandular junction neurorrhaphy
| |
!1l'ndjl $d+.kn/ noun the point where a operation to join by suture a nerve which has been
nerve joins the gland which it controls cut (NOTE: The plural is neurorraphies.)
neurohormone /!njr$h%mn/ noun a neurosecretion /!njrs$kri%()n/ noun a
neurohormone neurosecretion
| |
hormone produced in some nerve cells and substance secreted by a nerve cell
secreted from the nerve endings neurosis /nj$rss/ noun a disorder of the
neurosis
neurohypophysis /!njrha$pfss/ personality in which a person experiences obses-

neurohypophysis
noun the lobe at the back of the pituitary gland, sive negative emotions towards someone or some-
which secretes oxytocin and vasopressin (NOTE: thing, e.g. fear of empty spaces or jealousy of a
The plural is neurohypophyses.) sibling. ! psychoneurosis (NOTE: The plural is
neurolemma /!njr$lem/ noun same as
neurolemma
|
neuroses.)
neurosurgeon /$njr!s-%d+n/ noun a sur-
neurosurgeon
neurilemma |
neuroleptic /!njr$leptk/ noun an anti-

neuroleptic
|
geon who operates on the nervous system, includ-
psychotic drug which calms a person and stops ing the brain and spinal cord
neurosurgery /$njr!s-%d+ri/ noun sur-
neurosurgery
him or her from worrying, e.g. chlorpromazine |
hydrochloride gery on the nervous system, including the brain

neurological /!njr$ld+k()l/ adjective
neurological
|
and spinal cord
neurotic /nj$rtk/ adjective relating to or
neurotic
referring to neurology |
neurological
neurological assessment
assessment having neurosis

neurotomy /nj$rtmi/ noun a surgical oper-
neurotomy
/!njrld+k()l $sesmnt/ noun an evalua-

| |
tion of the health of a person with a disorder of the ation to cut a nerve (NOTE: The plural is neurot-
nervous system, using interviews, a physical omies.)
examination, and specific diagnostic tests, some- neurotoxic /!njr$tksk/ adjective harm-
neurotoxic
times with the help of a family member or close ful or poisonous to nerve cells
friend neurotransmitter
neurotransmitter
/!njrtr'ns$mt/ |
neurologist /nj$rld+st/ noun a doctor who

neurologist
|
noun a chemical substance which transmits nerve
specialises in the study of the nervous system and impulses from one neurone to another
the treatment of its diseases neurotripsy /$njrtrpsi/ noun surgical
neurotripsy
neurology /nj$rld+i/ noun the scientific

neurology
|
bruising or crushing of a nerve
study of the nervous system and its diseases neurotrophic /!njr$trfk/ adjective
neurotrophic
neuroma /nj$rm/ noun a benign tumour

neuroma
| relating to the nutrition and maintenance of tissue

formed of nerve cells and nerve fibres (NOTE: The of the nervous system
plural is neuromas or neuromata.) neurotropic /!njr$trpk/ adjective refer-
neurotropic
neuromuscular /!njr$m.skjl/ adjec-

neuromuscular
| ring to a bacterium which is attracted to and

tive referring to both nerves and muscles attacks nerves
neuromuscular junction neuter /$nju%t/ adjective neither male nor
neuromuscular junction neuter
/!njrm.skjl $d+.kn/ noun the point female

where a motor nerve joins muscle fibre. Also neutral /$nju%trl/ adjective (of a substance)
neutral
called myoneural junction neither acid nor alkali ! A pH factor of 7 is neu-

neuron /$njrn/, neurone /$njrn/ noun
neuron
tral.
a cell in the nervous system which transmits nerve neutralise /$nju%trlaz/, neutralize verb 1. to
neutralise
impulses. Also called nerve cell counteract the effect of something ! Alkali poi-
neuropathic bladder /!njrp'ik
neuropathic bladder
soning can be neutralised by applying acid solu-

$bl'd/ noun a condition in which the bladder tion. (NOTE: neutralising neutralised) 2. to
does not function properly because its nerve sup- form a salt from an acid
ply is damaged, e.g. due to an injury to the spinal neutropenia /!nju%tr$pi%ni/ noun a condition
neutropenia
cord in which there are fewer neutrophils than usual in

neuropathology /!njrp$ld+i/ noun
neuropathology
| the blood
the study of diseases of the nervous system neutrophil /$nju%trfl/ noun a type of white
neutrophil
neuropathy /nj$rpi/ noun a disease

neuropathy
| blood cell with an irregular nucleus, which can

involving destruction of the tissues of the nervous attack and destroy bacteria. Also called poly-
system (NOTE: The plural is neuropathies.) morph
neurophysiology /!njrfzi$ld+i/ noun newton /$nju%t()n/ noun an SI unit of measure-
neurophysiology newton
the study of the physiology of nerves ment of force. Symbol N

neuroplasty /$njrpl'sti/ noun surgery to new variant CJD /!nju% !verint !si% d+e
neuroplasty new variant CJD
repair damaged nerves $di%/ noun " variant CJD

neuropsychiatry /!njrsa$katri/ noun next-day pill /!nekst de $pl/ noun same as
neuropsychiatry next-day pill
the study of mental and nervous disorders morning-after pill

next of kin 202
next of kin /!nekst v $kn/ noun the person or feeding difficulties, a large abdomen within 3 to 6
next of kin
persons who are most closely related to someone months, and progressive loss of early motor skills.
! The hospital has notified the next of kin of the nifedipine /n$fedpi%n/ noun a drug which
nifedipine
death of the accident victim. (NOTE: Takes a sin- stops the heart muscles from taking up calcium,
gular or plural verb.) used in the treatment of high blood pressure and
nexus /$nekss/ noun a point where two organs
nexus
angina pectoris
night nurse /$nat n-%s/ noun a nurse who is on
night nurse
or tissues join
NHS abbreviation National Health Service
NHS
duty at night
night sweat /$nat swet/ noun heavy sweating
night sweat
NHS Direct /!en et es d$rekt/ noun in the

NHS Direct
when a person is asleep at night

|
UK, a national telephone helpline run by nurses to

night terror /$nat !ter/ noun a period of dis-
night terror
provide information about health and health serv-

ices for the public turbed sleep, which a child does not remember
afterwards
NHS targets /!en et es $t%1ts/ plural noun
NHS targets
nigra /$na1r/ " linea nigra

nigra
performance targets set by the government for

nihilism /$nahlz()m/ noun the rejection of
nihilism
individual NHS primary care trusts

all the usual social conventions and beliefs, espe-
niacin /$nasn/ noun a vitamin of the vitamin
niacin
cially of morality and religion

B complex found in milk, meat, liver, kidney,
nihilistic /!nah$lstk/ adj relating to or show-
nihilistic
yeast, beans, peas and bread, lack of which can |
cause mental disorders and pellagra. Also called ing a belief in nihilism
nipple /$np()l/ noun 1. same as mammilla 2.
nipple
nicotinic acid
nicardipine /n$k%dpi%n/ noun a drug which
nicardipine
|
US a rubber teat on a babys feeding bottle
Nissl granule /$ns()l !1r'nju%l/, Nissl body
Nissl granule
slows down the movement of calcium ions into

smooth muscle cells, used especially to treat /$ns()l !bdi/ noun one of the coarse granules
angina surrounding the nucleus in the cytoplasm of nerve
cells. See illustration at NEURONE in Supplement
NICE /nas/ abbreviation National Institute for
NICE
[Described 1894. After Franz Nissl (18601919),

Clinical Excellence
German psychiatrist.]
niclosamide /n$klsmad/ noun a drug
niclosamide
nit /nt/ noun an egg or larva of a louse

nit
|
used for removing tapeworms

nitrate /$natret/ noun a drug such as glyceryl
nitrate
nicotine /$nkti%n/ noun the main alkaloid sub-

nicotine
trinitrate which dilates the vessels leading to the

stance found in tobacco heart muscle and lowers cardiac work by reducing
nicotine addiction /$nkti%n !dkn/ noun venous return to the heart, for rapid relief of
nicotine addiction
an addiction to nicotine, derived from smoking angina and in heart failure (NOTE: Patients can
tobacco develop tolerance to these drugs.)
-nitrate /natret/ suffix used in names of nitrate
-nitrate
nicotine patch /$nkti%n p't/ noun a patch

nicotine patch
containing nicotine which is released slowly into drugs

the bloodstream, applied to the skin as a method nitrazepam /na$tr'zp'm/ noun a tranquil-
nitrazepam
of curing nicotine addiction liser used in some sleeping pills

nicotine replacement /$nkti%n r nitrofurantoin /!natrfj$r'ntin/ noun a
nicotine replacement nitrofurantoin
| |
!plesmnt/ noun the use of nicotine patches or drug which helps to prevent the growth of bacte-
other products to help during an attempt to give ria, used in the treatment of urinary infections
up smoking nitrogen /$natrd+n/ noun a chemical ele-
nitrogen
nicotinic acid /!nktnk $'sd/ same as ment, which is a gas that is the main component
nicotinic acid
niacin of air and is an essential part of protein (NOTE:

The chemical symbol is N.)
nictation /nk$te()n/, nictitation /nkt
nictation
| |
nitroglycerin /!natr$1lsrn/ noun a drug

nitroglycerin
$te()n/ noun the act of winking |
which helps the veins and coronary arteries to

nidation /na$de()n/ noun 1. the process of
nidation
|
become wider
building the endometrial layers of the uterus
nitrous oxide /!natrs $ksad/ noun a col-
nitrous oxide
between menstrual periods 2. the point in the

development of an embryo at which the fertilised ourless gas with a sweet smell, used in combina-
ovum reaches the uterus and implants in the wall tion with other gases as an anaesthetic in dentistry
of the uterus. Also called implantation and surgery. Also called laughing gas
nm abbreviation nanometre
nm
nidus /$nads/ noun a site where bacteria can

nidus
NMC abbreviation Nursing and Midwifery

NMC
settle and breed, which becomes a centre of infec-

tion (NOTE: The plural is niduses or nidi.) Council
nmol abbreviation nanomole
nmol
Niemann-Pick disease /!ni%mn $pk d

Niemann-Pick disease
NMR abbreviation nuclear magnetic resonance

NMR
!zi%z/ noun a rare inherited disease of a group

which affect metabolism. Signs in babies include noci- /nsi/ prefix pain or injury
noci-
203 non-union
nociassociation /!nsi!ssi$e()n/ affairs (NOTE: From a Latin phrase meaning not

nociassociation
| |
noun an unconscious release of nervous energy, of sound mind.)

e.g. as a result of shock non-contagious /!nn kn$ted+s/ adjective
non-contagious
nociceptive /!nsi$septv/ adjective referring

nociceptive
|
not contagious
to nerves which carry pain to the brain non-emergency surgery /!nn !m-%d+nsi
non-emergency surgery
nociceptor /$nsi!sept/ noun a sensory

nociceptor
|
$s-%d+ri/ noun a surgical operation which does
nerve which carries pain to the brain not need to be performed immediately because it
is for a condition which is not life-threatening,
noct- /nkt/ prefix same as nocti-
noct-
e.g. joint replacement. Also called non-urgent

nocte /$nkti/ adverb at night. Opposite mane
nocte
surgery
(NOTE: used on prescriptions)
non-Hodgkins lymphoma /!nn !hd+knz
non-Hodgkins lymphoma
nocti- /nkti/ prefix referring to night

nocti-
lm$fm/ noun a cancer of the lymph nodes

|
nocturia /nk$tjri/ noun the fact of passing which differs from Hodgkins disease by the
nocturia
an unusually large quantity of urine during the absence of a particular type of cell with double
night nuclei
nocturnal /nk$t-%n()l/ adjective referring to non-insulin-dependent diabetes /!nn
nocturnal non-insulin-dependent diabetes
or taking place at night !nsjln d!pendnt !da$bi%ti%z/ noun same

| |
nocturnal emission /nk!t-%n()l $m()n/

nocturnal emission
| |
as Type II diabetes mellitus
non-invasive /!nn n$vezv/ adjective refer-
non-invasive
noun the production of semen from the penis |
while a man is asleep ring to treatment which does not involve entering
nocturnal enuresis /nk!t-%n()l !enj
nocturnal enuresis
| |
the body by making an incision. ! invasive
non-maleficence /!nn m$lefs()ns/ noun
non-maleficence
$ri%ss/ noun the act of passing urine when asleep |
in bed at night. Also called bedwetting the concept that professionals in the health serv-
nodal /$nd()l/ adjective referring to nodes
nodal
ice have a duty to protect the patient from harm
non-medical prescriber /!nn !medk()l
non-medical prescriber
nodal tachycardia /!nd()l !t'ki$k%di/

nodal tachycardia
pr$skrab/ noun a professional healthcare

|
noun a sudden attack of rapid heartbeats. Also

|
worker who prescribes medicine but is not a reg-

called paroxysmal tachycardia
istered doctor or dentist
node /nd/ noun a small mass of tissue
node
non-official drug /!nn !f()l $dr.1/ noun

non-official drug
node of Ranvier /!nd v $r'nvi/ noun one

node of Ranvier
a drug that is not listed in the national pharmaco-

of a series of gaps in the myelin sheath surround- poiea. Compare official drug
ing a nerve fibre. See illustration at NEURONE in non-palpable /!nn $p'lpb()l/ adjective not
non-palpable
Supplement able to be felt when touched

nod off /!nd $f/ verb to fall asleep (informal)
nod off
non-secretor /!nn s$kri%t/ noun a person

non-secretor
nodosum /n$dsm/ " erythema nodo-

nodosum
| who does not secrete substances indicating ABO

sum blood group into mucous fluids such as semen or
nodular /$ndjl/ adjective formed of nodules
nodular
saliva
non-smoker /!nn $smk/ noun a person
non-smoker
nodule /$ndju%l/ noun 1. a small node or group

nodule
of cells. ! Bohns nodules 2. the anterior part of who does not smoke
the inferior vermis non-specific /!nn sp$sfk/ adjective not
non-specific
nomen proprium /!nmn $prprim/

nomen proprium
caused by any single identifiable cause
non-specific urethritis /!nn sp!sfk
non-specific urethritis
noun full form of n.p. |
non- /nn/ prefix not

non-
!jr$rats/ noun any sexually transmitted
|
inflammation of the urethra not caused by gonor-

non-absorbable suture /!nn b!z%bb()l
non-absorbable suture
|
rhoea (dated) Abbreviation NSU
$su%t/ noun a suture made of a substance which
non-steroidal /!nn ste$rd()l/ adjective not
non-steroidal
cannot be absorbed into the body and which even- |
tually has to be removed containing steroids

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
non-accidental injury /!nn 'ks!dent()l

non-accidental injury
/!nn ste!rd()l !'nti n$fl'mt()ri dr.1/

|
$nd+ri/ noun an injury which is not caused acci- | |
dentally noun a drug used in the treatment of pain associ-

ated with inflammation, including rheumatic dis-
non-allergenic /!nn 'l$d+enk/ adjective
non-allergenic
|
ease, post-operative analgesia and dysmenor-
not aggravating an allergy rhoea, by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins.
non-compliance /!nn km$plans/ noun
non-compliance
| Abbreviation NSAID (NOTE: Non-steroidal anti-

the failure to take drugs at the correct times and in inflammatory drugs have names ending in -fen:
the dosages prescribed, or to take them at all ibuprofen.)
non compos mentis /!nn !kmps non-union /!nn $ju%njn/ noun a condition in
non compos mentis non-union
$ments/ adjective referring to a person who is which the two parts of a fractured bone do not join
mentally incapable of managing his or her own together and do not heal
non-urgent surgery 204
non-urgent surgery /!nn !-%d+nt notifiable disease /!ntfab()l d$zi%z/

non-urgent surgery notifiable disease
$s-%d+ri/ same as non-emergency surgery noun a serious infectious disease which, in the
noradrenaline /!n%r$drenln/ noun a hor-
noradrenaline
|
UK, has to be reported by a doctor to the Depart-
mone secreted by the medulla of the adrenal ment of Health so that steps can be taken to stop
glands which acts as a vasoconstrictor and is used it spreading
to maintain blood pressure in shock, haemorrhage noxious /$nks/ adjective harmful ! a nox-
noxious
or hypotension ious gas

normal /$n%m()l/ adjective usual, ordinary or n.p. noun the name of the drug written on the
normal n.p.
conforming to a standard ! After he took the tab- label of its container. Full form nomen proprium
lets, his blood pressure went back to normal. ! NPO abbreviation used to refer to patients being
NPO
Her temperature is two degrees above normal. ! kept without food ! The patient should be kept
He had an above-normal pulse rate. ! Is it nor- NPO for five hours before the operation. Full
mal for a person with myopia to suffer from head- form ne per oris
aches?
NSAID abbreviation non-steroidal anti-inflam-
NSAID
normo- /n%m/ prefix normal, usual or

normo-
matory drug
expected
NSF /!en es $ef/ noun a long-term strategy for
NSF
normoblast /$n%mbl'st/ noun an early

normoblast
improving a specific area of healthcare across the

form of a red blood cell, usually found only in UK. Full form National Service Framework
bone marrow but occurring in the blood in some
NSU abbreviation non-specific urethritis
NSU
types of leukaemia and anaemia

nucha /$nju%k/ noun same as nape (NOTE: The
nucha
normocyte /$n%msat/ noun a red blood cell

normocyte
plural is nuchae.)
normotension /!n%m$tenn/ noun blood
normotension
nuchal /$nju%k()l/ adjective referring to the

nuchal
|
pressure at the usual level back of the neck

normotensive /!n%m$tensv/ adjective
normotensive
nucle- /nju%kli/ prefix same as nucleo- (used

nucle-
|
referring to blood pressure at the usual level

before vowels)
Norton score /$n%t()n sk%/ noun a scale for
Norton score
nuclear /$nju%kli/ adjective referring to nuclei,

nuclear
deciding how likely it is that pressure sores will

e.g. of a cell or an atom
develop, used mostly in assessing elderly patients
nuclear magnetic resonance /!nju%kli
nuclear magnetic resonance
nortriptyline /n%$trptli%n/ noun a drug used

nortriptyline
m'1!netk $reznns/ noun a scanning tech-

|
to reduce pain and as an antidepressant and tran-

|
nique using magnetic fields and radio waves

quilliser which reveals abnormalities in soft tissue and
nose /nz/ noun an organ through which a per-
nose
body fluids. ! magnetic resonance imaging.

son breathes and smells Abbreviation NMR
nosebleed /$nzbli%d/ noun an incident of
nosebleed
nuclear medicine /!nju%kli $med()s()n/

nuclear medicine
bleeding from the nose, usually caused by a blow noun the use of radioactive substances for detect-
or by sneezing, by blowing the nose hard or by ing and treating disorders
high blood pressure (informal) ! She had a head-
nuclease /$nju%kliez/ noun an enzyme which
nuclease
ache, followed by a violent nosebleed. Also called

breaks down nucleic acids
epistaxis
nucleic acid /nju%!kli%k $'sd/ noun an
nucleic acid
noso- /ns/ prefix disease

noso- |
organic acid of a type found in all living cells,

nosocomial /!ns$kmil/ adjective refer-
nosocomial
|
which consists of complex nucleotide chains
ring to hospitals which pass on genetic information, e.g. DNA or
nosocomial infection /!ns!kmil n RNA
nosocomial infection
| |
$fekn/ noun an infection which is passed on to nucleo- /nju%kli/ prefix referring to a cell or
nucleo-
a person being treated in a hospital atomic nucleus

nosology /n$sld+i/ noun the classification
nosology
nucleus /$nju%klis/ noun 1. the central body in

nucleus
|
of diseases a cell, which contains DNA and RNA and con-

nostril /$nstrl/ noun one of the two passages trols the function and characteristics of the cell.
nostril
in the nose through which air is breathed in or out See illustration at NEURONE in Supplement 2. a
! His right nostril is blocked. (NOTE: The nostrils group of nerve cells in the brain or spinal cord
are also referred to as the nares.) (NOTE: The plural is nuclei.)
notch /nt/ noun a depression on a surface, nullipara /n.$lpr/ noun a woman who has
notch nullipara
usually on a bone, but sometimes on an organ. ! never had a child (NOTE: The plural is nulliparas
cardiac notch or nulliparae.) " adjective referring to a woman
notifiable /$ntfab()l/ adjective referring
notifiable
who has never had a child
to an infectious disease which must be reported to nurse /n-%s/ noun a person who looks after sick
nurse
the appropriate authorities when it occurs, so that people in a hospital or helps a doctor in a local
they can attempt to control its spread surgery. Some nurses may be trained to diagnose
205 nystatin
and treat patients. ! She works as a nurse in the nursing language /$n-%s !l'n1wd+/ noun
nursing language
local hospital. ! Hes training to be a nurse. ! the standard terminology used in nursing
nurse practitioner " verb to look after a sick
nursing model /$n-%s !md()l/ noun a set
nursing model
person, or to be employed as a nurse ! When he

was ill his mother nursed him until he was better. of stated principles about nursing which gives
professionals a way of formulating a plan of care,
nurse executive director /!n-%s 1!zekjtv
nurse executive director
|
assessing its success and addressing any problems
da$rekt/ noun in the UK, a senior nurse who
|
which arise from it
sits on the Board of an NHS Trust and has corpo-
nursing mother /!n-%s $m./ noun a
nursing mother
rate as well as professional responsibilities in the

organisation for nursing and sometimes other mother who breast-feeds her baby
Nursing Officer /$n-%s !fs/ noun in the
Nursing Officer
aspects such as quality or human resources

nurse practitioner /!n-%s pr'k$t()n/
nurse practitioner
UK, a nurse employed by the Department of
Health to assist the Chief Nursing Officer in pro-
|
noun a nurse with additional clinical training at

degree level who often works independently, viding professional advice to Ministers and pol-
assessing, diagnosing and treating patients, par- icy-makers
nursing practice /$n-%s !pr'kts/ noun
nursing practice
ticularly in primary care

nurse prescriber /$n-%s pr!skrab/ noun a
nurse prescriber
|
treatment given by nurses
nursing process /!n-%s $prses/ noun a
nursing process
nurse who is qualified and entitled to prescribe

medicines for patients standard method of treatment and documentation
nurse station /$n-%s !ste()n/, nurses sta-
nurse station
of treatment carried out by nurses
nursing standard /$n-%s !st'ndd/ noun an
nursing standard
tion /$n-%sz !ste()n/ noun an area in or near a

ward from which nurses work, keep records and accepted level of achievement by which nursing
control the activities of the ward care can be assessed or compared
nursing /$n-%s/ noun 1. the work or profes- nutation /nju%$te()n/ noun involuntary nod-
nursing nutation
sion of being a nurse ! He has chosen nursing as ding of the head

his career. 2. care for sick people provided by a nutrient /$nju%trint/ noun a substance in food
nutrient
nurse " adjective providing care as a nurse which is necessary to provide energy or to help
Nursing and Midwifery Council /!n-%s n
Nursing and Midwifery Council
the body grow, e.g. protein, fat or a vitamin

md$wfri !kansl/ noun in the UK, an organ-
|
nutrition /nju%$tr()n/ noun the study of the
nutrition
isation that sets standards for the education, prac-

|
supply of nutrients to the body from digesting

tice and conduct of nurses, midwives and health food
visitors. Abbreviation NMC
nutritional /nju%$tr()n()l/ adjective refer-
nutritional
nursing audit /$n-%s !%dt/ noun a formal

nursing audit |
ring to nutrition
detailed review of records or observation of nurs-
nyct- /nkt/ prefix night or darkness
nyct-
ing actions so that judgments can be made about

the quality of nursing care being given nyctalopia /!nkt$lpi/ noun the condition
nyctalopia
nursing dependency /$n-%s d!pendnsi/ of being unable to see in bad light. Also called
nursing dependency
noun the extent to which a patient requires nurs- night blindness

ing care nyctophobia /!nkt$fbi/ noun fear of the
nyctophobia
nursing development unit /!n-%s d dark

nursing development unit
$velpmnt !ju%nt/ noun a nurse-led ward or nymphae /$nmfi%/ plural noun same as labia
nymphae
unit that sets out to demonstrate by example inno- minora

vative high-quality care, to reflect on practice and
nympho- /nmf/ prefix 1. female sexuality 2.
nympho-
draw lessons from this experience, and to provide

learning opportunities for other nurses. Abbrevia- nymphae
nymphomania /!nmf$meni/ noun an
nymphomania
tion NDU |
nursing diagnosis /$n-%s da!1nss/

nursing diagnosis
obsessive sexual urge in a woman (NOTE: A simi-
lar condition in a man is called satyriasis.)
|
noun an assessment of the nursing needs of a

nymphomaniac /!nmf$meni'k/ noun a
nymphomaniac
patient, which forms the basis of a subsequent |
care plan woman who has an unusually obsessive sexual

nursing home /$n-%s hm/ noun a house
nursing home
urge (NOTE: This term is regarded as offensive.)
nystagmus /n$st'1ms/ noun a rapid, invol-
nystagmus
where convalescents or dependent elderly people |
can live under medical supervision by a qualified untary movement of the eyes up and down or from
nurse side to side
nursing intervention /!n-%s !nt$venn/ nystatin /na$st'tn/ noun an anti-microbial
nursing intervention nystatin
| |
noun the treatment of illness by nursing care, drug used in the treatment of fungal infections,
without surgery especially thrush
O
oat cell carcinoma /$t sel k%s!nm/ observe /b$z-%v/ verb 1. to see something !
oat cell carcinoma observe
| |
noun a type of cancer of the bronchi, with distinc- The nurses observed signs of improvement in the
tive small cells patients condition. ! The girls mother observed
OB abbreviation obstetrics
OB
symptoms of anorexia. 2. to watch a person or
obese /$bi%s/ adjective so overweight as to be
obese
thing carefully in order to discover something !
Observe the way in which the patient is lying. 3.
|
at risk of several serious illnesses, including dia-

betes and heart disease to take something into account ! Youre expected
to observe the rules of conduct.
obesity /$bi%sti/ noun the condition of being
obesity
obsession /b$se()n/ noun a mental disorder

| obsession
seriously overweight |
in which a person has a fixed idea or emotion

objective /b$d+ektv/ noun an aim or goal "
objective
|
which he or she cannot get rid of, even if he or she
adjective 1. existing independently of any indi- knows it is wrong or unpleasant ! She has an
vidual persons mind 2. not influenced by any obsession about cats.
bias or prejudice caused by personal feelings 3.
obsessional /b$se()n()l/ adjective refer-
obsessional
referring to symptoms of illness which can be |
observed by somebody other than the person who ring to or having an obsession ! He is suffering
is ill. Compare subjective from an obsessional disorder.
obsessive /b$sesv/ adjective having or
obsessive
obligate /$bl1et/ adjective referring to an

obligate
|
organism which exists and develops in only one showing an obsession ! He has an obsessive
way, e.g. a virus which is a parasite only inside desire to steal little objects.
obsessive action /b!sesv $'kn/ noun an
obsessive action
cells |
oblique /$bli%k/ adjective lying at an angle

oblique
|
action such as washing which is repeated over and
over again and indicates a mental disorder
oblique fissure /!bli%k $f/ noun a groove
oblique fissure
obsessivecompulsive disorder /b!sesv

obsessivecompulsive disorder
between the superior and inferior lobes of a lung. |
See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement km$p.lv ds!%d/ noun a mental disorder

| |
oblique fracture /!bli%k $fr'kt/ noun a

oblique fracture
characterised by the need to perform repeated rit-
ual acts such as checking or cleaning, which can
|
fracture in which the bone is broken diagonally

be treated with psychotherapy and antidepres-
oblique muscle /!bli%k $m.s()l/ noun 1.
oblique muscle
|
sants. Abbreviation OCD
each of two muscles in the wall of the abdomen 2.
obstetrical forceps /b!stetrk()l $f%seps/
obstetrical forceps
each of two muscles which control the movement |
of the eyeball plural noun a type of large forceps used to hold a

babys head during childbirth
obliterans /$bltr'ns/ " endarteritis oblit-
obliterans
obstetrician /!bst$tr()n/ noun a doctor

| obstetrician
erans |
who specialises in obstetrics

oblongata /!bl$1et/ " medulla oblon-
oblongata
obstetrics /b$stetrks/ noun a branch of med-

| obstetrics
gata |
icine and surgery dealing with pregnancy, child-

observable /b$z-%vb()l/ adjective which
observable
|
birth and the period immediately after childbirth.
can be seen or measured Abbreviation OB
observation /!bz$ve()n/ noun the process
observation
obstipation /!bst$pe()n/ noun severe con-

obstipation
|
of watching and examining a person or thing over

|
stipation, often caused by a blockage in the intes-

a period of time ! She was admitted to hospital tines
for observation.
obstruction /b$str.kn/ noun something
obstruction
observation register /!bz$ve()n

observation register |
which blocks a passage or a blood vessel

|
!red+st/ noun a record of children who have

obstructive /b$str.ktv/ adjective caused by
obstructive
had problems at birth, or soon after their birth, |
and so need particular follow-up care from a an obstruction

health visitor, general practitioner or social obstructive jaundice /b!str.ktv
obstructive jaundice
worker $d+%nds/ noun jaundice caused by an obstruc-

207 oculomotor nerve

tion of the bile ducts. Also called posthepatic occupancy rate /$kjpnsi ret/ noun the
occupancy rate
jaundice. ! acholuric jaundice, icterus gravis number of beds occupied in a hospital, shown as
neonatorum a percentage of all the beds
obstructive lung disease /b!str.ktv $l. occupational /!kj$pe()nl/ adjective
obstructive lung disease occupational
| |
d!zi%z/ noun bronchitis and emphysema

| referring to work
obstructive sleep apnoea /b!str.ktv occupational asthma /!kjpe()n()l
obstructive sleep apnoea occupational asthma
$sli%p !'pni/ noun the stopping of breathing, or $'sm/ noun asthma caused by materials with
difficulty in breathing, during sleep, resulting in which people come into contact at work
loud snoring occupational dermatitis /!kjpe()n()l
occupational dermatitis
obturation /!btj$re()n/ noun the act of !d-%m$tats/ noun dermatitis caused by materi-
obturation
| |
obstructing a body passage, or the state of a body als touched at work

passage when it is obstructed, e.g. by hard faeces occupational disease /!kjpe()nl d
occupational disease
obturator /$btjret/ noun one of two mus- $zi%z/ noun a disease which is caused by the type
obturator
cles in the pelvis which govern the movement of of work a person does or the conditions in which
the hip and thigh a person works, e.g. a disease caused by dust or
obturator foramen /!btjret f$remn/
obturator foramen
|
chemicals in a factory
occupational hazard /!kjpe()n()l
occupational hazard
noun an opening in the hip bone near the acetab-

ulum. See illustration at PELVIS in Supplement $h'zd/ noun a dangerous situation related to the
(NOTE: The plural is obturator foramina.) working environment
occupational health nurse
occupational health nurse
obtusion /b$tju%+()n/ noun a condition in

obtusion
which perception and feelings become dulled /!kjpe()n()l $hel !n-%s/ noun a nurse who
deals with health problems of people at work.
OC abbreviation oral contraceptive
OC
Abbreviation OH nurse
occipital /k$spt()l/ adjective referring to
occipital
occupational medicine /!kjpe()n()l

occupational medicine
|
the back of the head " noun same as occipital $med()sn/ noun the branch of medicine con-
bone cerned with accidents and diseases connected
occipital bone /k$spt()l bn/, occipital
occipital bone
|
with work
noun the bone at the back of the head occupational therapist /!kjpe()n()l
occupational therapist
occipital condyle /k!spt()l $kndal/

occipital condyle
| $erpst/ noun a qualified health professional

noun a round part of the occipital bone which who offers patients occupational therapy
joins it to the atlas occupational therapy /!kjpe()n()l
occupational therapy
occipito-anterior /k!spt 'n$tri/ $erpi/ noun light work or hobbies used as a

occipito-anterior
| |
adjective referring to a position of a baby during means of treatment, especially for physically
birth, in which the baby faces the mothers back challenged or mentally ill people, to promote
occipito-posterior /k!spt p$stri/
occipito-posterior
| |
independence during the recovery period after an
adjective referring to a position of a baby during illness or operation
OCD abbreviation obsessive-compulsive disor-
OCD
birth in which the baby faces the front

occiput /$ksp.t/ noun the lower part of the
occiput
der
oct- /kt/ prefix same as octo- (used before
oct-
back of the head or skull (NOTE: The plural is

occiputs or occipita.) vowels)
octo- /kt/, octa- /kt/ prefix eight
octo-
occlusion /$klu%+()n/ noun 1. a thing which

occlusion
blocks a passage or which closes an opening 2. ocular /$kjl/ adjective referring to the eye !
ocular
the way in which the teeth in the upper and lower Opticians are trained to detect all kinds of ocular
jaws fit together when the jaws are closed (NOTE: imbalance.
A bad fit between the teeth is a malocclusion.) ocular dominance /!kjl $dmnns/ noun
ocular dominance
occlusive /$klu%sv/ adjective referring to

occlusive
| a condition in which a person uses one eye more

occlusion or blocking than the other
occlusive stroke /!klu%sv $strk/ noun a ocular prosthesis /!kjl prs$i%ss/ noun
occlusive stroke ocular prosthesis
| |
stroke caused by a blood clot a false eye

occlusive therapy /!klu%sv $erpi/ noun a oculist /$kjlst/ noun a qualified physician or
occlusive therapy oculist
treatment for a squint in which the good eye is surgeon who specialises in the treatment of eye
covered up in order to encourage the squinting disorders
eye to become straight oculo- /kjl/ prefix eye
oculo-
occult /$k.lt/ adjective not easy to see with the oculomotor /!kjl$mt/ adjective refer-
occult oculomotor
| |
naked eye. Opposite overt ring to movements of the eyeball

occult blood /!k.lt $bl.d/ noun very small oculomotor nerve /!kjl$mt !n-%v/
occult blood oculomotor nerve
| |
quantities of blood in the faeces, which can only noun the third cranial nerve which controls the
be detected by tests eyeballs and eyelids
oculonasal 208
oculonasal /!kjl$nez()l/ adjective refer- oesophagitis /i%!sf$d+ats/ noun inflam-

oculonasal oesophagitis
| | |
ring to both the eye and the nose mation of the oesophagus, caused by acid juices
oculoplethysmography /!kjl!plez
oculoplethysmography
| |
from the stomach or by infection
$m1rfi/ noun measurement of the pressure oesophago- /i%sf1/ prefix oesophagus
oesophago-
inside the eyeball (NOTE: The US spelling is esophago-.)

OD /a $di%/ abbreviation overdose
OD
oesophagogastroduodenoscopy /%
oesophagogastroduodenoscopy
o.d. adverb (written on a prescription) every day. !sf1!1'str!dju%d$nskpi/ noun a

o.d.
| | |
Full form omni die " abbreviation overdose surgical operation in which a tube is put down
ODA abbreviation operating department assist-
ODA
into the oesophagus so that the doctor can exam-
ant ine it, the stomach and the duodenum. Abbrevia-
odont- /dnt/ prefix same as odonto- (used
odont-
tion OGD (NOTE: The plural is oesophagogas-
before vowels) troduodenoscopies.)
oesophagojejunostomy /%!sf1d+
oesophagojejunostomy
odonto- /dnt/ prefix tooth

odonto-
| |
!d+u%$nstmi/ noun a surgical operation to cre-

odontoid /$dntd/ adjective similar to a
odontoid |
ate a junction between the jejunum and the

|
tooth, especially in shape

oesophagus after the stomach has been removed
odontoid process /!dntd $prses/
odontoid process
|
(NOTE: The plural is oesophagojejunosto-
noun a projecting part of a vertebra, shaped like a mies.)
tooth
oesophagoscope /i%$sf1skp/ noun a
oesophagoscope
odontology /!dn$tld+i/ noun the study of

odontology |
|
thin tube with a light at the end, which is passed
teeth and associated structures, and their disor- down the oesophagus to examine it
ders
oesophagoscopy /i%!sf$1skpi/ noun an
oesophagoscopy
odyn- /dn/ prefix same as odyno- (used

odyn- | |
examination of the oesophagus with an

before vowels)
oesophagoscope (NOTE: The plural is
-odynia /dni/ suffix pain
-odynia
oesophagoscopies.)
odyno- /dn/ prefix pain
odyno-
oesophagostomy /i%!sf$1stmi/ noun a

oesophagostomy
| |
odynophagia /!dn$fed+/ noun a condi-

odynophagia
| |
surgical operation to make an opening in the
tion in which pain occurs when food is swallowed oesophagus to allow the person to be fed, usually
oedema /$di%m/ noun the swelling of part of after an operation on the pharynx (NOTE: The plu-
oedema
the body caused by accumulation of fluid in the ral is oesophagostomies.)

intercellular tissue spaces ! Her main problem is oesophagus /i%$sf1s/ noun a tube down
oesophagus
oedema of the feet. Also called dropsy. ! tumes- which food passes from the pharynx to the stom-
cence ach
oedematous /$demts/ adjective referring to
oedematous
oestradiol /!i%str$dal/ noun a type of oestro-

oestradiol
|
|
oedema (NOTE: The US spelling is edematous.) gen secreted by an ovarian follicle, which stimu-
Oedipus complex /$i%dps !kmpleks/ noun
Oedipus complex
lates the development of secondary sexual char-

(in Freudian psychology) a condition in which a acteristics in females at puberty (NOTE: A
boy feels sexually attracted to his mother and sees synthetic form of oestradiol is given as treatment
his father as an obstacle for oestrogen deficiency. The US spelling is
oesophag- /i%sfd+/ prefix same as estradiol.)
oesophag-
oesophago- (used before vowels) oestriol /$i%stril/ noun a placental hormone

oestriol
oesophageal /i%!sf$d+i%l/ adjective refer- with oestrogenic properties, found in the urine of
oesophageal
| |
ring to the oesophagus (NOTE: The US spelling is pregnant women (NOTE: The US spelling is
esophageal.) estriol.)
oesophageal hiatus /i%!sf!d+i%l ha
oesophageal hiatus
oestrogen /$i%strd+n/ noun any steroid hor-

oestrogen
| | |
$ets/ noun the opening in the diaphragm mone which stimulates the development of sec-
through which the oesophagus passes ondary sexual characteristics in females at
oesophageal spasm /i%!sf!d+i%l puberty (NOTE: The US spelling is estrogen.)
oesophageal spasm
| |
$sp'z()m/ noun a spasm in the oesophagus oestrogenic hormone

oestrogenic hormone
/!i%strd+enk
oesophageal ulcer /i%!sf!d+i%l $.ls/ $h%mn/ noun synthetic oestrogen used to treat
oesophageal ulcer
| |
noun an ulcer in the oesophagus conditions which develop during menopause

oesophageal
oesophageal varices
varices /i%!sf!d+i%l | |
(NOTE: The US spelling is estrogenic hor-
$v'rsi%z/ plural noun varicose veins in the mone.)
oesophagus official drug /!f()l $dr.1/ noun any drug
official drug
oesophagectomy /i%!sf$d+ektmi/ noun a listed in the national pharmacopoiea. Compare

oesophagectomy
| |
surgical operation to remove part of the oesopha- non-official drug

gus (NOTE: The plural is oesophagectomies.) OGD abbreviation oesophagogastroduodenos-
OGD
oesophagi /i%$sf1i/ plural of oesophagus copy

oesophagi
|
209 oncometer
OH nurse /! $et !n-%s/ abbreviation occupa- oliguria /!l$1jri/ noun a condition in

OH nurse oliguria
tional health nurse which a person does not produce enough urine
-oid /d/ suffix like or related to -ology /ld+i/ suffix area of study
-oid -ology
ointment /$ntmnt/ noun a smooth oily -olol /ll/ suffix beta blocker ! atenolol ! pro-
ointment -olol
medicinal preparation which can be spread on the pranolol hydrochloride

skin to soothe or to protect o.m. adverb (written on a prescription) every
o.m.
old age /!ld $ed+/ noun a period in a persons morning. Full form omni mane
old age
life, usually taken to be after the age of sixty-five om- /m/ prefix relating to the shoulder
om-
olecranon /$lekrnn/, olecranon process

olecranon
-oma /m/ suffix tumour

-oma
|
/$lekrnn !prss/ noun a curved projecting

|
oment- /ment/ prefix omentum
oment-
part at the end of the ulna at the elbow, which

omenta plural of omentum
omenta
gives rise to a painful tingling sensation if hit by

omental /$ment()l/ adjective referring to the
omental
accident. Also called funny bone |
oleic /$li%k/ adjective referring to oil

oleic
|
omentum
omentum /$mentm/ noun a double fold of
omentum
oleic acid /!li%k $'sd/ noun a fatty acid

oleic acid
|
|
which is present in most oils peritoneum hanging down over the intestines.
Also called epiploon (NOTE: The plural is
oleo- /li/ prefix oil
oleo-
omenta. For other terms referring to the omen-

oleum /$lim/ noun oil (used in pharmacy)
oleum
tum see words beginning with epiplo-.)

olfaction /l$f'kn/ noun 1. the sense of omeprazole /$meprzl/ noun a drug
olfaction omeprazole
| |
smell 2. the way in which a persons sensory which reduces the amount of acid released in the
organs detect smells stomach, used in the treatment of ulcers and
olfactory /l$f'kt()ri/ adjective referring to
olfactory
|
heartburn
the sense of smell omphal- /mfl/ prefix same as omphalo-
omphal-
olfactory cortex /l!f'kt()ri $k%teks/ noun

olfactory cortex
|
the parts of the cerebral cortex which receive omphalitis /!mf$lats/ noun inflammation
omphalitis
information about smell of the navel

olfactory nerve /l$f'kt()ri n-%v/ noun the omphalo- /mfl/ prefix navel
olfactory nerve omphalo-
first cranial nerve which controls the sense of omphalocele /$mflsi%l/ noun a hernia in
omphalocele
smell which part of the intestine protrudes through the

olig- /l1/ prefix same as oligo- (used before abdominal wall near the navel
olig-
vowels) omphalus /$mfls/ noun a scar with a

omphalus
oligaemia /!l$1i%mi/ noun a condition in depression in the middle of the abdomen where
oligaemia
which a person has too little blood in his or her the umbilical cord was detached after birth. Also
circulatory system (NOTE: The US spelling is called navel, umbilicus (NOTE: The plural is
oligemia.) omphali.)
oligo- /l1/ prefix few or little -omycin /masn/ suffix macrolide drug !
oligo- -omycin
oligodactylism /!l1$d'ktlz()m/ noun

oligodactylism
|
erythromycin
o.n. adverb (written on a prescription) every
o.n.
a congenital condition in which a baby is born

without some fingers or toes night. Full form omni nocte
onco- /k/ prefix tumour
onco-
oligodipsia /!l1$dpsi/ noun a condition

oligodipsia
in which a person does not want to drink oncogene /$kd+i%n/ noun a part of the
oncogene
oligodontia /!l1$dn/ noun a state in genetic system which causes malignant tumours
oligodontia
which most of the teeth are lacking to develop

oncogenesis /!k$d+enss/ noun the ori-
oncogenesis
oligohydramnios /!l1ha$dr'mnis/
oligohydramnios
|
|
noun a condition in which the amnion surround- gin and development of a tumour
ing the fetus contains too little amniotic fluid oncogenic /!k$d+enk/ adjective causing
oncogenic
oligomenorrhoea /!l1men$ri%/ noun a

oligomenorrhoea
|
tumours to develop ! an oncogenic virus
condition in which a person menstruates infre- oncologist /$kld+st/ noun a doctor who
oncologist
quently (NOTE: The US spelling is oligomenor- specialises in oncology, especially cancer

rhea.) oncology /$kld+i/ noun the scientific
oncology
oligo-ovulation /!l1 !vj$le()n/ noun

oligo-ovulation
| study of new growths, especially cancers

ovulation which does not occur as often as is oncometer /$kmt/ noun 1. an instrument
oncometer
usual for measuring swelling in an arm or leg using

oligospermia /!l1$sp-%mi/ noun a condi-
oligospermia
| changes in their blood pressure 2. an instrument

tion in which there are too few spermatozoa in the for measuring the variations in size of the kidney
semen and other organs of the body
ondansetron 210
ondansetron /n$d'nstrn/ noun a drug OP abbreviation outpatient

ondansetron OP
which helps to prevent the production of serot- opacification /!p'sf$ke()n/ noun the
opacification
| |
onin, used to control nausea and vomiting caused fact of becoming opaque, as the lens does in a
by drug treatment and radiotherapy for cancer case of cataract
onych- /nk/ prefix same as onycho- (used
onych-
opacity /$p'sti/ noun the fact of not allow-

opacity
before vowels) ing light to pass through

onycho- /nk/ prefix nails
onycho-
opaque /$pek/ adjective not allowing light to

opaque
onycholysis /!n$klss/ noun a condition in pass through

onycholysis
which a nail becomes separated from its bed, operant conditioning /$prnt kn
operant conditioning
without falling out !d()n/ noun a form of learning which takes

onychomadesis /!nkm$di%ss/ noun a place when a piece of spontaneous behaviour is
onychomadesis
condition in which the nails fall out either reinforced by a reward or discouraged by
onychomycosis /!nkma$kss/ noun
onychomycosis
|
punishment
operating department assistant
operating department assistant
an infection of a nail with a fungus

oo- // prefix ovum or embryo
oo-
/!pret d!p%tmnt $sstnt/ noun a per-
| |
son who works in an operating department.

oocyte /$sat/ noun a cell which forms from
oocyte
Abbreviation ODA
an oogonium and becomes an ovum by meiosis
operating microscope /$pret
operating microscope
oocyte donation /!sat d$ne()n/

oocyte donation
|
!makrskp/ noun a special microscope with
noun the transfer of oocytes from one woman to two eyepieces and a light, used in very delicate
another who cannot produce her own, so that she surgery
can have a baby. The oocytes are removed in a
operating table /$pret !teb()l/ noun a
operating table
laparoscopy and fertilised in vitro.

special table on which the patient is placed to
oogenesis /!$d+enss/ noun the formation
oogenesis
|
undergo a surgical operation
and development of ova
operating theatre /$pret !t/ noun a
operating theatre
COMMENT: In oogenesis, an oogonium pro-

special room in a hospital, where surgical opera-
duces an oocyte, which develops through tions are carried out (NOTE: The US term is oper-
several stages to produce a mature ovum.
ating room.)
Polar bodies are also formed which do not
operation /!p$re()n/ noun 1. a surgical
operation
develop into ova. |
procedure carried out to repair or remove a dam-

oophor- /fr/ prefix same as oophoro-
oophor-
aged body part ! Shes had an operation on her

foot. (NOTE: A surgeon performs or carries out
oophore /$f%/ noun same as ovary
oophore
an operation on a patient.) 2. the way in which a

oophorectomy /!f$rektmi/ noun a sur- drug acts
oophorectomy
gical operation to remove an ovary. Also called ophth- /f, p/ prefix eye
ophth-
ovariectomy (NOTE: The plural is oophorecto- ophthalm- /f'lm, p'lm/ prefix same as
ophthalm-
mies.) ophthalmo- (used before vowels)

oophoritis /!f$rats/ noun inflammation
oophoritis
ophthalmectomy /!f'l$mektmi/ noun a

ophthalmectomy
|
in an ovary, which can be caused by mumps. Also

|
surgical operation to remove an eye (NOTE: The

called ovaritis plural is ophthalmectomies.)
oophoro- /fr/ prefix ovary
oophoro-
ophthalmia /f$'lmi/ noun inflammation of

ophthalmia
oophorocystectomy /!frs
oophorocystectomy
| | the eye
$stektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove ophthalmia neonatorum
ophthalmia neonatorum
/f!'lmi |
an ovarian cyst (NOTE: The plural is oophoro- !ni%ne$t%rm/ noun conjunctivitis of a new-
|
cystectomies.) born baby, beginning 21 days after birth, caused

oophorocystosis /!frs$stss/ noun
oophorocystosis
| | by infection in the birth canal

the development of one or more ovarian cysts ophthalmic /f$'lmk/ adjective referring to
ophthalmic
oophoron /$frn/ noun same as ovary

oophoron
| the eye
(technical) (NOTE: The plural is oophora.) ophthalmic nerve /f$'lmk n-%v/ noun a
ophthalmic nerve
oophoropexy /$frpeksi/ noun a surgical

oophoropexy
| branch of the trigeminal nerve, supplying the eye-

operation to attach an ovary (NOTE: The plural is ball, the upper eyelid, the brow and one side of the
oophoropexies.) scalp
oophorosalpingectomy /!fr!s'lpn ophthalmic optician /f!'lmk p$t()n/,
oophorosalpingectomy ophthalmic optician
| | | | |
$d+ektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove ophthalmic practitioner /f!'lmk pr'k | |
an ovary and the Fallopian tube attached to it $t()n/ noun same as optician
(NOTE: The plural is oophorosalpingecto- ophthalmic surgeon /f!'lmk $s-%d+n/
ophthalmic surgeon
mies.) noun a surgeon who specialises in surgery to treat

op /p/ noun an operation (informal) eye disorders
op
211 oral thermometer
ophthalmitis /!f'l$mats/ noun inflamma- optical illusion /!ptk()l $lu%+()n/ noun

ophthalmitis optical illusion
| |
tion of the eye something which is seen wrongly so that it

ophthalmo- /f'lm, p'lm/ prefix
ophthalmo-
appears to be something else
optic chiasma /!ptk ka$'zm/ noun a
optic chiasma
eye or eyeball |
ophthalmological
ophthalmological
/f!'lm$ld+k()l/ | |
structure where some of the optic nerves from
adjective referring to ophthalmology each eye partially cross each other in the hypoth-
alamus
ophthalmologist /!f'l$mld+st/ noun a
ophthalmologist
optic disc /$ptk dsk/ noun the point on the

| optic disc
doctor who specialises in the study of the eye and

its diseases. Also called eye specialist retina where the optic nerve starts. Also called
optic papilla
ophthalmology /!f'l$mld+i/ noun the
ophthalmology
optic fundus /!ptk $f.nds/ noun the back

| optic fundus
study of the eye and its diseases

part of the inside of the eye, opposite the lens
ophthalmoplegia /!f'lm$pli%d+/ noun
ophthalmoplegia
optician /p$t()n/ noun a qualified person

| optician
paralysis of the muscles of the eye

|
who specialises in making glasses and in testing

ophthalmoscope /f$'lmskp/ noun an
ophthalmoscope
|
eyes and prescribing lenses. Also called ophthal-
instrument containing a bright light and small mic optician
lenses, used by a doctor to examine the inside of optic nerve /$ptk n-%v/ noun the second cra-
optic nerve
an eye nial nerve which transmits the sensation of sight

ophthalmoscopy /!f'l$mskpi/ noun an
ophthalmoscopy
|
from the eye to the brain. See illustration at EYE in
examination of the inside of an eye using an oph- Supplement
thalmoscope (NOTE: The plural is ophthalmo- optic neuritis /!ptk nj$rats/ noun same
optic neuritis
scopies.)
|
as retrobulbar neuritis
ophthalmotomy /!f'l$mtmi/ noun a sur-
ophthalmotomy
optic papilla /!ptk p$pl/ noun same as

optic papilla
|
|
gical operation to make a cut in the eyeball optic disc

(NOTE: The plural is ophthalmotomies.)
optics /$ptks/ noun the study of the visible
optics
ophthalmotonometer /!f'lmt$nmt/
ophthalmotonometer
|
light spectrum and sight
noun an instrument which measures pressure
opto- /pt/ prefix sight
opto-
inside the eye

optometrist /p$tmtrst/ noun mainly US a
optometrist
-opia /pi/ suffix eye condition

-opia |
person who specialises in testing eyes and pre-

opiate /$pit/ noun a sedative which is pre-
opiate
scribing lenses
pared from opium, e.g. morphine or codeine optometry /p$tmtri/ noun the testing of
optometry
opistho- /ps/ prefix backbone

opistho-
eyes and prescribing of lenses to correct sight

opisthotonos /!ps$tns/ noun a spasm -oquine /kwn/ suffix antimalarial drug !
opisthotonos -oquine
of the body in which the spine is arched back- chloroquine

wards, occurring, e.g., in people with tetanus OR abbreviation US operating room
OR
opium /$pim/ noun a substance made from

opium
ora /$%r/ plural noun plural of os 2

ora
poppies which is used in the preparation of oral /$%rl/ adjective 1. referring to the mouth 2.
oral
codeine and heroin referring to medication that is swallowed ! an

opponens /$pnnz/ noun one of a group of
opponens
|
oral contraceptive Compare enteral, parenteral
muscles which control the movements of the fin- oral cavity /!%rl $k'vti/ noun the mouth
oral cavity
gers, especially one which allows the thumb and

oral contraceptive /!%rl !kntr$septv/
oral contraceptive
little finger to come together

|
noun a contraceptive pill which is swallowed

opportunist /!p$tju%nst/, opportunistic
opportunist
oral hygiene /!%rl $had+i%n/ noun the prac-

| oral hygiene
/!ptju%$nstk/ adjective referring to a parasite

tice of keeping the mouth clean by gargling and
|
or microorganism which takes advantage of the

mouthwashes
hosts weakened state to cause infection
orally /$%rli/ adverb by swallowing ! not to be
orally
opsonic index /p!snk $ndeks/ noun a

opsonic index
|
taken orally
number which gives the strength of an individ-
oral medication /!%rl !med$ke()n/ noun
oral medication
uals serum reaction to bacteria |
medication which is taken by swallowing

opsonin /$psnn/ noun a substance, usually
opsonin
oral rehydration therapy /!%rl !ri%ha

oral rehydration therapy
an antibody, in blood which sticks to the surface |
of bacteria and helps to destroy them $dre()n !erpi/ noun the administration of a
simple glucose and electrolyte solution to treat
optic /$ptk/ adjective referring to the eye or to
optic
acute diarrhoea, particularly in children, which

sight has greatly reduced the number of deaths from
optical /$ptk()l/ adjective 1. same as optic 2.
optical
dehydration. Abbreviation ORT

relating to the visible light spectrum oral thermometer /!%rl $mmt/ noun a
oral thermometer
optical fibre /!ptk()l $fab/ noun an artifi- thermometer which is put into the mouth to take
optical fibre
cial fibre which can carry light or images someones temperature

orbicularis 212
orbicularis /%!bkj$lers/ noun a circular organ of Corti /!%1n v $k%ti/ noun a mem-
orbicularis organ of Corti
| |
muscle in the face brane in the cochlea which takes sounds and con-
orbicularis oculi /%!bkj!lers $kjla/
orbicularis oculi
| |
verts them into impulses sent to the brain along
noun a muscle which opens and closes the eye the auditory nerve. Also called spiral organ
[Described 1851. After Marquis Alfonso Corti
orbicularis oris /%!bkj!lers $%rs/ noun
orbicularis oris
(182288), Italian anatomist and histologist.]

| |
a muscle which closes the lips tight

organ transplant /$%1n !tr'nspl%nt/ noun
organ transplant
orbit /$%bt/ noun the hollow bony depression in

orbit
the front of the skull in which each eye and lac- a surgical operation to transplant an organ from
rimal gland are situated. Also called eye socket one person to another
orgasm /$%1'z()m/ noun the climax of the
orgasm
orbital /$%bt()l/ adjective referring to the

orbital
orbit sexual act, when a person experiences a moment

of great excitement
orchi- /%ki/ prefix testiss
orchi-
orifice /$rfs/ noun an opening in the body,

orifice
orchidalgia /!%k$d'ld+/ noun a neuralgic-

orchidalgia
|
e.g. the mouth or anus
type pain in a testis
origin /$rd+n/ noun 1. the source or begin-
origin
orchidectomy /!%k$dektmi/ noun a surgical

orchidectomy
|
ning of something 2. a place where a muscle is
operation to remove a testis (NOTE: The plural is attached, or where the branch of a nerve or blood
orchidectomies.) vessel begins
orchidopexy /$%kd!peksi/ noun a surgical
orchidopexy
oris /$%rs/ " cancrum oris, orbicularis oris

oris
|
operation to place an undescended testis in the

ornithosis /!%n$ss/ noun a disease of
ornithosis
scrotum. Also called orchiopexy (NOTE: The |
plural is orchidopexies.)
birds which can be passed to humans as a form of
pneumonia
orchiepididymitis /!%ki!epdd$mats/
orchiepididymitis
oro- /%r/ prefix mouth

| | oro-
noun a condition in which a testicle and its epidi-

orogenital /!%r$d+ent()l/ adjective relat-
orogenital
dymis become swollen |
orchiopexy /$%ki!peksi/ noun same as

orchiopexy
|
ing to both the mouth and the genitals
oropharynx /!%r$f'rks/ noun a part of
oropharynx
orchidopexy (NOTE: The plural is orchiopex- |
ies.) the pharynx below the soft palate at the back of

orchis /$%ks/ noun a testis
orchis
the mouth (NOTE: The plural is oropharynxes or
oropharynges.)
orchitis /%$kats/ noun inflammation of the
orchitis
ORT abbreviation oral rehydration therapy

| ORT
testes, characterised by hypertrophy, pain and a

ortho- /%/ prefix correct or straight
ortho-
sensation of weight
orthodontics /!%$dntks/ noun a branch
orthodontics
Orems model /$%rmz !md()l/ noun a

Orems model
|
modern model for nursing which focuses on a of dentistry which deals with correcting badly
persons ability to perform self-care, defined as placed teeth
activities which individuals initiate and perform orthopaedic /!%$pi%dk/ adjective 1. refer-
orthopaedic
on their own behalf to maintain life, health and ring to treatment which corrects badly formed
well-being. The goal of nursing is to help people bones or joints 2. referring to or used in orthopae-
meet their own self-care demands. dics (NOTE: The US spelling is orthopedic.)
organ /$%1n/ noun a part of the body which is orthopaedic collar /!%pi%dk $kl/ noun a
organ orthopaedic collar
distinct from other parts and has a particular func- special strong collar to support the head of a per-
tion, e.g. the liver, an eye or ovaries son with neck injuries or a condition such as cer-
organic /%$1'nk/ adjective 1. referring to
organic
|
vical spondylosis
organs in the body 2. coming from an animal, orthopaedic hospital /!%pi%dk
orthopaedic hospital
plant or other organism $hspt()l/ noun a hospital which specialises in

organic disease /%!1'nk d$zi%z/, organic
organic disease
| |
operations to correct badly formed joints or bones
disorder /%!1'nk ds$%d/ noun a disease or orthopaedics /!%$pi%dks/ noun a branch of
orthopaedics
| | |
disorder associated with physical changes in one surgery dealing with irregularities, diseases and
or more organs of the body injuries of the locomotor system (NOTE: The US
organisation /!%1na$ze()n/, organiza-
organisation
|
spelling is orthopedics.)
tion noun 1. a group of people set up for a partic- orthopaedic surgeon /!%pi%dk $s-%d+n/
orthopaedic surgeon
ular purpose 2. the planning or arranging of some- noun a surgeon who specialises in orthopaedics
thing ! the organisation of the rota 3. the way in orthopnoea /!%p$ni%/ noun a condition in
orthopnoea
which the component parts of something are which a person has great difficulty in breathing
arranged while lying down. ! dyspnoea (NOTE: The US
organism /$%1nz()m/ noun any single spelling is orthopnea.)
organism
plant, animal, bacterium, fungus or other living orthopnoeic /!%p$ni%k/ adjective referring
orthopnoeic
thing to orthopnoea (NOTE: The US spelling is orthop-

organo- /%1n, %1'n/ prefix organ neic.)
organo-
213 osteochondritis dissecans
orthoptics /%$ptks/ noun the study of osmoreceptor /!zmr$sept/ noun a cell

orthoptics osmoreceptor
| |
methods used to treat squints in the hypothalamus which checks the level of
orthoptist /%$ptst/ noun an eye specialist,
orthoptist
|
osmotic pressure in the blood by altering the
working in an eye hospital, who treats squints and secretion of ADH and regulates the amount of
other disorders of eye movement water in the blood
osmosis /z$mss/ noun the movement of a
osmosis
orthoptoscope /%$ptskp/ noun same

orthoptoscope
|
solvent from one part of the body through a sem-

|
as amblyoscope
ipermeable membrane to another part where there
orthosis /%$ss/ noun a device which is fit-
orthosis
|
is a higher concentration of molecules
ted to the outside of the body to support a weak-
osmotic pressure /z!mtk $pre/ noun
osmotic pressure
ness or correct a malformation, e.g. a surgical col-

|
the pressure required to stop the flow of a solvent

lar or leg brace (NOTE: The plural is orthoses.)
through a membrane
orthostatic /!%$st'tk/ adjective referring
orthostatic
osseous /$sis/ adjective referring to or

osseous
|
to the position of the body when standing up resembling bone

straight
osseous labyrinth /!sis $l'brn/ noun
osseous labyrinth
orthostatic hypotension /!%st'tk

orthostatic hypotension
same as bony labyrinth

!hap$tenn/ noun a common condition
ossicle /$sk()l/ noun a small bone
| ossicle
where the blood pressure drops when a person

ossification /!sf$ke()n/ noun the forma-
ossification
stands up suddenly, causing dizziness |
tion of bone. Also called osteogenesis

orthotics /%$tks/ plural noun the branch of
orthotics
ossium /$sim/ " fragilitas ossium

| ossium
medical engineering which deals with the design

ost- /st/ prefix same as osteo- (used before
ost-
and fitting of devices such as braces in the treat-

ment of orthopaedic disorders (NOTE: Takes a vowels)
singular verb.) ostectomy /$stektmi/ noun a surgical opera-
ostectomy
orthotist /$%tst/ noun a qualified person tion in which a bone, or a piece of bone, is
orthotist
who fits orthoses removed (NOTE: The plural is ostectomies.)

osteitis /!sti$ats/ noun inflammation of a
osteitis
Ortolanis sign /!%t$l%niz san/, Ortolani

Ortolanis sign
|
|
manoeuvre /!%t$l%ni m!nu%v/, Ortolanis | |

bone due to injury or infection
test /!%t$l%niz test/ noun a test for congenital osteitis deformans /!sti!ats di%$f%mnz/
osteitis deformans
| | |
dislocation of the hip in babies aged 612, in noun a disease which gradually softens bones in
which the hip makes sharp sounds if the joint is the spine, legs and skull, so that they become
rotated [Described 1937. After Marino Ortolani curved. Also called Pagets disease
(190483), Italian orthopaedic surgeon.] osteitis fibrosis cystica /!stiats fa
osteitis fibrosis cystica
os /s/ noun (technical) 1. a bone (NOTE: The !brss $sstk/ noun a generalised weakness
os
plural is ossa.) 2. the mouth (NOTE: The plural is of bones, caused by excessive activity of the thy-
ora.) roid gland and associated with formation of cysts,
OSA abbreviation obstructive sleep apnoea
OSA
in which bone tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue.
Also called von Recklinghausens disease
osche- /$ski/ prefix relating to the scrotum
osche-
(NOTE: The localised form is osteitis fibrosis

oscillation /!s$le()n/ noun 1. the action of localista.)
oscillation
moving backwards and forwards between two osteo- /sti/ prefix bone
osteo-
points at a regular speed 2. a single movement osteoarthritis /!sti%$rats/ noun a

osteoarthritis
between two points

|
degenerative disease of middle-aged and elderly

oscilloscope /$slskp/ noun a device
oscilloscope
| people characterised by inflamed joints which

which produces a visual record of an electrical become stiff and painful. Also called osteoar-
current on a screen using a cathode ray tube. It is throsis
used in the testing of electronic equipment and in osteoarthropathy /!sti%$rpi/ noun a
osteoarthropathy
measuring electrical impulses of the heart or the disease of the bone and cartilage at a joint, partic-
brain. ularly the ankles, knees or wrists, associated with
osculum /$skjlm/ noun a small opening or
osculum
carcinoma of the bronchi

pore (NOTE: The plural is oscula.) osteoarthrosis /!sti%$rss/ noun
osteoarthrosis
-osis /ss/ suffix disease same as osteoarthritis

-osis
osteoarthrotomy /!sti%$rtmi/ noun a

osteoarthrotomy
Oslers nodes /$slz ndz/ plural noun ten-

Oslers nodes
der swellings at the ends of fingers and toes in surgical operation to remove the articular end of a
people who have subacute bacterial endocarditis bone (NOTE: The plural is osteoarthrotomies.)
[Described 1885. After Sir William Osler (1849 osteochondritis /!stikn$drats/ noun
osteochondritis
1919), Professor of Medicine in Montreal, Phila- degeneration of the epiphyses

delphia, Baltimore and then Oxford.] osteochondritis
osteochondritis dissecans
dissecans
osm- /zm/ prefix 1. smell 2. osmosis /!stikndrats $dsk'nz/ noun a painful
osm-
osteochondrosis 214
condition where pieces of articular cartilage osteotome /$stitm/ noun a type of chisel
osteotome
become detached from the joint surface used by surgeons to cut bone
osteochondrosis /!stikn$drss/ noun
osteochondrosis
osteotomy /!sti$tmi/ noun a surgical oper-

osteotomy
|
|
a disorder of cartilage and bone formation which ation to cut a bone, especially to relieve pain in a
affects the joints in children, causing pain and a joint (NOTE: The plural is osteotomies.)
limp, probably due to circulation disturbances to ostium /$stim/ noun an opening into a pas-
ostium
that part of the bone sage (NOTE: The plural is ostia.)

osteoclast /$stikl'st/ noun a cell which
osteoclast
-ostomy /stmi/ suffix operation to make an

-ostomy
destroys bone
opening
osteocyte /$stisat/ noun a bone cell
osteocyte
OT abbreviation occupational therapist

OT
osteogenesis /!sti$d+enss/ noun same

osteogenesis
ot- /t/ prefix same as oto- (used before vow-

| ot-
as ossification
els)
osteogenesis imperfecta /!sti!d+enss
osteogenesis imperfecta
otalgia /$t'ld+/ noun same as earache

| otalgia
mp$fekt/ noun a congenital condition in

|
|
OTC abbreviation referring to medication which

OTC
which bones are brittle and break easily due to

unusual bone formation. Also called brittle bone can be bought freely at a chemists shop, and does
disease not need a prescription. Full form over the coun-
osteology /!sti$ld+i/ noun the study of
osteology
|
ter
OTC drug /! ti% $si% dr.1/ noun same as over-
OTC drug
bones and their structure

osteolysis /!sti$lss/ noun destruction of
osteolysis
|
the-counter drug
otic /$tk/ adjective referring to the ear
otic
bone tissue by osteoclasts

osteolytic /!sti$ltk/ adjective referring to otitis /$tats/ noun inflammation of the ear
osteolytic otitis
| |
osteolysis otitis externa /!tats k$st-%n/ noun

otitis externa
| |
osteoma /!sti$m/ noun a benign tumour in inflammation of the external auditory meatus to
osteoma
a bone (NOTE: The plural is osteomas or osteo- the eardrum

mata.) otitis interna /!tats n$t-%n/ noun inflam-
otitis interna
| |
osteomalacia /!stim$le/ noun a condi-

osteomalacia
| mation of the inner ear. Also called labyrinthitis

tion in adults in which the bones become soft otitis media /!tats $mi%di/ noun an infec-
otitis media
because of lack of calcium and Vitamin D, or lim- tion of the middle ear, usually accompanied by
ited exposure to sunlight headaches and fever. Also called middle ear
osteomyelitis /!stima$lats/ noun
osteomyelitis
| infection, tympanitis
inflammation of the interior of bone, especially oto- /t/ prefix ear
oto-
the marrow spaces

otolaryngologist /!tl'r$1ld+st/
otolaryngologist
osteon /$stin/ noun same as Haversian sys-

osteon |
noun a doctor who specialises in treatment of dis-

tem eases of the ear and throat
osteopath /$sti!p'/ noun a person who
osteopath
otolaryngology /!tl'r$1ld+i/ noun

otolaryngology
|
practises osteopathy
|
the study of diseases of the ear and throat

osteopathy /!sti$pi/ noun 1. the treatment
osteopathy
otolith /$tl/ noun a stone which forms in

otolith
|
of disorders by massage and manipulation of

the inner ear
joints 2. any disease of bone (NOTE: The plural is
otolith organ /!tl $%1n/ noun one of
otolith organ
osteopathies.)
osteopetrosis /!stip$trss/ noun a dis-
osteopetrosis
two pairs of sensory organs in the inner ear, the
saccule and the utricle, which pass information to
|
ease of a group in which bones increase in den-

the brain about the position of the head
sity. Also called marble bone disease
otologist /$tld+st/ noun a doctor who
otologist
osteophyte /$stifat/ noun a bony growth

osteophyte
|
specialises in the study of the ear

osteoplasty /$stipl'sti/ noun plastic sur-
osteoplasty
otology /$tld+i/ noun the scientific study

otology
gery on bones |
of the ear and its diseases

osteoporosis /!stip%$rss/ noun a con-
osteoporosis
-otomy /tmi/ suffix an act of cutting into an

| -otomy
dition in which the bones become thin, porous

and brittle, due to low levels of oestrogen, lack of organ or part of the body in a surgical operation
otoplasty /$tpl'sti/ noun plastic surgery of
otoplasty
calcium and lack of physical exercise. Also called

brittle bone disease the external ear to repair damage or deformity
osteosarcoma /!stis%$km/ noun a otorhinolaryngologist /!t!ran!l'r
osteosarcoma otorhinolaryngologist
| | | |
malignant tumour of bone cells (NOTE: The plural $1ld+st/ noun a doctor who specialises in the
is osteosarcomas or osteosarcomata.) study of the ear, nose and throat
osteosclerosis /!stiskl$rss/ noun a otorhinolaryngology /!t!ran!l'r
osteosclerosis otorhinolaryngology
| | | |
condition in which the bony spaces become hard- $1ld+i/ noun the study of the ear, nose and
ened as a result of persistent inflammation throat. Also called ENT
215 ovulate
otorrhagia /!t$red+/ noun bleeding from ovarian cancer /!verin $k'ns/ noun a
otorrhagia ovarian cancer
| |
the external ear malignant tumour of the ovary, which occurs

otorrhoea /!t$ri%/ noun the discharge of
otorrhoea
|
especially after the menopause
ovarian cycle /!verin $sak()l/ noun the
ovarian cycle
pus from the ear (NOTE: The US spelling is otor- |
rhea.) regular changes in the ovary during a womans

otosclerosis /!tskl$rss/ noun a con-
otosclerosis
|
reproductive life
ovarian cyst /!verin $sst/ noun a cyst
ovarian cyst
dition in which the ossicles in the middle ear |
become thicker and the stapes becomes fixed to which develops in the ovaries
the oval window leading to deafness ovarian follicle /!verin $flk()l/ noun a
ovarian follicle
otoscope /$tskp/ noun same as auri- cell which contains an ovum. Also called Graa-
otoscope
scope fian follicle

ovariectomy /!vri$ektmi/ noun same as
ovariectomy
otospongiosis /!t!sp.nd+i$ss/ noun

otospongiosis
|
| |
the formation of spongy bone in the labyrinth of oophorectomy (NOTE: The plural is ovariecto-
the ear which occurs in otosclerosis mies.)
ovariotomy /!vri$tmi/ noun a surgical
ovariotomy
Otosporin /$tsprn/ a trade name for ear

Otosporin
|
drops containing hydrocortisone, neomycin and operation to remove an ovary or a tumour in an

polymyxin ovary (NOTE: The plural is ovariotomies.)
ovaritis /!v$rats/ noun same as oophori-
ovaritis
ototoxic /!t$tksk/ adjective referring to a

ototoxic
|
|
drug or an effect which is damaging to organs or tis

nerves involved in hearing or balance ovary /$v()ri/ noun one of two organs in a
ovary
outcome /$atk.m/ noun a measure of the

outcome
woman which produce ova or egg cells and
result of an intervention or treatment, e.g. the secrete the female hormone oestrogen. Also
mortality rate following different methods of sur- called oophoron. See illustration at UROGENITAL
gery ! medical outcomes SYSTEM (FEMALE) in Supplement (NOTE: The
plural is ovaries. For other terms referring to
outer /$at/ adjective outside or external
outer
ovaries, see words beginning with oophor-,

outer ear /!atr $/ noun the part of the ear
outer ear
oophoro-.)
which is on the outside of the head, together with over- /v/ prefix too much
over-
the passage leading to the eardrum. Also called

overbite /$vbat/ noun the usual formation
overbite
external ear
of the teeth, in which the top incisors come down
outer pleura /!at $plr/ noun same as
outer pleura
over and in front of the bottom incisors when the

parietal pleura jaws are closed
out-of-body experience /!at v $bdi k
out-of-body experience
overcompensation /!vkmpn$se()n/
overcompensation
|
|
!sprins/ noun an occasion when a person feels noun an attempt by a person to remove the bad
as though they have left their body and, often, effects of a mistake or a fault in their character in
travelled along a tunnel towards a bright light which they make too much effort, and so cause
outpatient /$atpe()nt/ noun someone who
outpatient
some other problem

comes to a hospital for treatment but does not stay overflow incontinence /!vfl n
overflow incontinence
overnight ! She goes for treatment as an outpa- $kntnns/ noun a leakage of urine because the
tient. Abbreviation OP. Compare inpatient bladder is too full
outpatient department /$atpe()nt d
outpatient department
overjet /$vd+et/ noun a space which sepa-

overjet
|
!p%tmnt/, outpatients department rates the top incisors from the bottom incisors
/$atpe()nts d!p%tmnt/, outpatients
|
when the jaws are closed
clinic /$atpe()nts !klnk/ noun a depart-
oversew /$vs/ verb to sew a patch of tis-
oversew
ment of a hospital which deals with outpatients

sue over a perforation (NOTE: oversewing
outreach /$atri%t/ noun services provided for
outreach
oversewed oversewn)
patients or the public in general, outside a hospital overt /$v-%t/ adjective easily seen with the
overt
or clinic
|
naked eye. Opposite occult

ova /$v/ plural of ovum
ova
over-the-counter drug /!v $kant

over-the-counter drug
oval window /$v()l !wnd/ noun an oval

oval window
!dr.1/ noun a drug which you can buy from a

opening between the middle ear and the inner ear. pharmacy without a doctors prescription. Also
Also called fenestra ovalis. See illustration at called OTC drug
EAR in Supplement
ovi- /vi/ prefix eggs or ova
ovi-
ovar- /vr/ prefix same as ovari- (used before

ovar-
oviduct /$vd.kt/ noun same as Fallopian

oviduct
vowels) tube
ovari- /vri/ prefix ovaries
ovari-
ovulate /$vjlet/ verb to release a mature

ovulate
ovarian /$verin/ adjective referring to the ovum into a Fallopian tube (NOTE: ovulating
ovarian
ovaries ovulated)
ovulation 216
ovulation /!vj$le()n/ noun the release of oxygenator /$ksd+!net/ noun a machine

ovulation oxygenator
| |
an ovum from the mature ovarian follicle into the which puts oxygen into the blood, used as an arti-
Fallopian tube ficial lung in surgery
ovum /$vm/ noun a female egg cell which, oxygen cylinder /$ksd+n !slnd/ noun a
ovum oxygen cylinder
when fertilised by a spermatazoon, begins to heavy metal tube which contains oxygen and is
develop into an embryo (NOTE: The plural is ova. connected to a patients oxygen mask
For other terms referring to ova, see words oxygen mask /$ksd+n m%sk/ noun a mask
oxygen mask
beginning with oo-.) connected to a supply of oxygen, which can be

-oxacin /kssn/ suffix quinolone drug ! cip-
-oxacin
put over the face to help someone with breathing
rofloxacin difficulties
oxygen tent /$ksd+n tent/ noun a type of
oxygen tent
oxidase /$ksdez/ noun an enzyme which

oxidase
encourages oxidation by removing hydrogen. ! cover put over a person so that he or she can
monoamine oxidase breathe in oxygen
oxygen therapy /$ksd+n !erpi/ noun any
oxygen therapy
oxidation /!ks$de()n/ noun the action of

oxidation
making oxides by combining with oxygen or treatment involving the administering of oxygen,
removing hydrogen e.g. in an oxygen tent or in emergency treatment
for heart failure
oximeter /k$smt/ noun an instrument
oximeter
oxyhaemoglobin /!ksi!hi%m$1lbn/ noun

| oxyhaemoglobin
which measures the amount of oxygen in some- | |
thing, especially in blood a compound of haemoglobin and oxygen, which

is the way oxygen is carried in arterial blood from
oxybutynin /!ksi$bju%tnn/, oxybutinin
oxybutynin
|
the lungs to the tissues. ! haemoglobin (NOTE:
noun a drug which reduces the need to pass urine The US spelling is oxyhemoglobin.)
oxycephalic /!ksik$f'lk/ adjective refer-
oxycephalic
oxyntic /k$sntk/ adjective referring to glands

oxyntic
|
|
ring to oxycephaly and cells in the stomach which produce acid

oxycephaly /!ks$kefli/ noun a condition in
oxycephaly
oxyntic cell /k$sntk sel/ noun a cell in the

oxyntic cell
|
|
which the skull is shaped into a point, with exoph- gastric gland which secretes hydrochloric acid.
thalmos and poor sight. Also called turricephaly Also called parietal cell
oxygen /$ksd+n/ noun a chemical element oxytetracycline /!ksi!tetr$sakli%n/ noun
oxygen oxytetracycline
| |
that is a common colourless gas which is present an antibiotic which is effective against a wide
in the air and essential to human life (NOTE: The range of organisms
chemical symbol is O.) oxytocic /!ksi$tsk/ noun a drug which
oxytocic
oxygenate /$ksd+net/ verb to combine helps to start the process of childbirth, or speeds
oxygenate
blood with oxygen (NOTE: oxygenating oxy- it up " adjective starting or speeding up child-
genated) birth by causing contractions in the muscles of the
oxygenated blood /!ksd+netd $bl.d/
oxygenated blood
uterus
oxytocin /!ksi$tsn/ noun a hormone
oxytocin
noun blood which has received oxygen in the |
lungs and is being carried to the tissues along the secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, which
arteries. Also called arterial blood. Compare controls the contractions of the uterus and encour-
deoxygenated blood (NOTE: Oxygenated blood ages the flow of milk
is brighter red than venous deoxygenated ozone /$zn/ noun a gas present in the
ozone
blood.) atmosphere in small quantities, which is harmful

oxygenation /!ksd+$ne()n/ noun the
oxygenation
|
at high levels of concentration
fact of becoming combined or filled with oxygen ozone sickness /$zn !skns/ noun a
ozone sickness
! Blood is carried along the pulmonary artery to condition experienced by jet travellers, due to lev-
the lungs for oxygenation. els of ozone in aircraft
P
Pa abbreviation pascal paediatrician /!pi%di$tr()n/ noun a doctor
Pa paediatrician
pacemaker /$pesmek/ noun 1. a node in the

pacemaker
who specialises in the treatment of diseases of
heart which regulates the heartbeat. Also called children
sinoatrial node, SA node 2. " cardiac pace- paediatrics /!pi%di$'trks/ noun the study of
paediatrics
maker, epicardial pacemaker children, their development and diseases. Com-

pachy- /p'ki/ prefix thickening pare geriatrics
pachy-
pachydactyly /!p'ki$d'ktli/ noun a condi- paedo- /pi%d/ prefix referring to children

pachydactyly paedo-
tion in which the fingers and toes become thicker paedodontia /!pi%d$dn/ noun another
paedodontia
than usual spelling of pedodontia

pachydermia /!p'ki$d-%mi/, pachyderma
pachydermia
Pagets disease /$p'd+ts d!zi%z/ noun 1.

Pagets disease
|
/!p'ki$d-%m/ noun a condition in which the skin

|
|
same as osteitis deformans 2. a form of breast
becomes thicker than normal
cancer which starts as an itchy rash round the nip-
pachymeningitis /!p'ki!menn$d+ats/
pachymeningitis
| |
ple [Described 1877. After Sir James Paget
noun inflammation of the dura mater (181499), British surgeon.]
pachyonychia /!p'ki$nki/ noun unusual
pachyonychia
pain /pen/ noun the feeling of severe discomfort

pain
|
thickness of the nails which a person has when hurt ! The doctor gave
pachysomia /!p'ki$smi/ noun a condition
pachysomia
|
him an injection to relieve the pain. ! She is suf-
in which soft tissues of the body become unusu- fering from back pain. (NOTE: Pain can be used
ally thick in the plural to show that it recurs: She has
pacing /$pes/ noun a surgical operation to pains in her left leg.)
pacing
implant or attach a cardiac pacemaker pain clinic /$pen !klnk/ noun a centre which
pain clinic
Pacinian corpuscle /p!snin $k%p.s()l/

Pacinian corpuscle
| looks after people with severe persistent pain and

noun a sensory nerve ending in the skin which is whose staff include professionals from many spe-
sensitive to touch and vibrations cialist areas of medicine
pack /p'k/ noun a tampon of gauze or cotton
pack
painkiller /$pen!kl/ noun a drug that reduces

painkiller
wool, used to fill an orifice such as the nose or pain

vagina " verb to fill an orifice with a tampon !
pain pathway /$pen !p%we/ noun a series
pain pathway
The ear was packed with cotton wool to absorb

of linking nerve fibres and neurones which carry
the discharge.
impulses of pain from the site to the sensory cor-
packed cell volume /!p'kt $sel !vlju%m/
packed cell volume
tex
noun the volume of red blood cells in a persons
pain receptor /$pen r!sept/ noun a nerve
pain receptor
blood shown against the total volume of blood. |
Also called haematocrit ending which is sensitive to pain

pain relief /$pen r!li%f/ noun the act of easing
pain relief
PACT /p'kt/ abbreviation prescribing analyses

PACT
|
and cost pain by using analgesics

paint /pent/ noun a coloured antiseptic, analge-
paint
pad /p'd/ noun a piece or mass of soft absorbent

pad
material, placed on part of the body to protect it ! sic or astringent liquid which is put on the surface
She wrapped a pad of soft cotton wool round the of the body " verb to cover a wound with an anti-
sore. septic, analgesic or astringent liquid or lotion !
paed- /pi%d/ prefix same as paedo- (used before
paed-
She painted the rash with calamine.
pain threshold /$pen !rehld/ noun the
pain threshold
vowels)
paediatric /!pi%di$'trk/ adjective referring to
paediatric
|
point at which a person finds it impossible to bear
the treatment of the diseases of children ! A new pain without crying
paediatric hospital has been opened. ! Parents palate /$p'lt/ noun the roof of the mouth and
palate
can visit children in the paediatric wards at any floor of the nasal cavity, formed of the hard and
time. soft palates
palate bone 218
palate bone /$p'lt bn/ noun one of two palpation /p'l$pe()n/ noun an examination
palate bone palpation
bones which form part of the hard palate, the of part of the body by feeling it with the hand
orbits of the eyes and the cavity behind the nose. palpebra /$p'lpbr/ noun same as eyelid
palpebra
Also called palatine bone (NOTE: The plural is palpebrae.)

palatine /$p'ltan/ adjective referring to the
palatine
palpebral /$p'lpbrl/ adjective referring to the

palpebral
palate eyelids
palatine bone /$p'ltan bn/ noun same as
palatine bone
palpitation /!p'lp$te()n/ noun awareness

palpitation
palate bone that the heart is beating rapidly or irregularly, pos-

palatine tonsil /!p'ltan $tns()l/ noun
palatine tonsil
sibly caused by stress or by a disease
same as tonsil pan- /p'n/ prefix referring to everything
pan-
palato- /p'lt/ prefix the palate panacea /!p'n$si%/ noun a medicine which is
palato- panacea
palatoplasty /$p'ltpl'sti/ noun plastic sur-

palatoplasty
supposed to cure everything
panarthritis /!p'n%$rats/ noun inflamma-
panarthritis
gery of the roof of the mouth, e.g. to repair a cleft |
palate tion of all the tissues of a joint or of all the joints

palatoplegia /!p'lt$pli%d+/ noun paralysis
palatoplegia
|
in the body
pancarditis /!p'nk%$dats/ noun inflamma-
pancarditis
of the soft palate |
palatorrhaphy /!p'l$t%rfi/ noun a surgical

palatorrhaphy
tion of all the tissues in the heart, i.e. the heart
muscle, the endocardium and the pericardium
|
operation to suture and close a cleft palate. Also

pancreas /$p'kris/ noun a gland which lies
pancreas
called staphylorrhaphy, uraniscorrhaphy

pali- /p'l/ prefix same as palin-
pali-
across the back of the body between the kidneys.
See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supple-
palin- /$p'ln/ prefix repeating
palin-
ment
palindromic /!p'ln$drmk/ adjective
palindromic
pancreatectomy /!p'kri$tektmi/ noun

pancreatectomy
|
|
recurring ! a palindromic disease the surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas
palliative /$p'litv/ noun a treatment or drug
palliative
pancreatic /!p'kri$'tk/ adjective referring

pancreatic
which relieves symptoms but does nothing to cure to the pancreas

the disease which causes the symptoms. For pancreatic duct /!p'kri$'tk d.kt/ noun a
pancreatic duct
example, a painkiller can reduce the pain in a

|
duct leading through the pancreas to the duode-

tooth, but will not cure the caries which causes the num
pain. " adjective providing relief
pancreatic juice /!p'kri'tk $d+u%s/, pan-
pancreatic juice
palliative care /$p'litv !ke/, palliative

palliative care
creatic secretion /!p'kri'tk s$kri%()n/

treatment /$p'litv !tri%tmnt/ noun treatment
|
noun a digestive juice, formed of enzymes pro-

which helps to reduce the symptoms of a disease, duced by the pancreas, which digests fats and car-
especially a terminal or chronic condition, but bohydrates
does not cure it
pancreatin /$p'kritn/ noun a substance
pancreatin
COMMENT: Palliative care may involve giving

made from enzymes secreted by the pancreas,
antibiotics, transfusions, pain-killing drugs,
used to treat someone whose pancreas does not
low-dose chemotherapy and psychological
and social support to help the person and
produce pancreatic enzymes
pancreatitis /!p'kri$tats/ noun inflamma-
pancreatitis
their family adjust to the illness. The treat- |
ment is often provided in a hospice. tion of the pancreas

pancreatomy /!p'kri$'tmi/, pancreatot-
pancreatomy
pallidotomy /!p'l$dtmi/ noun an operation

pallidotomy
|
|
on the brain which can reduce many of the symp- omy /!p'kri$ttmi/ noun a surgical opera-
|
toms of Parkinsons disease, such as tremor, tion to open the pancreatic duct
bradykinesia and stooped posture pancytopenia /!p'nsat$pi%ni/ noun a con-
pancytopenia
pallor /$p'l/ noun the condition of being pale

pallor
dition in which there are too few red and white
blood cells and blood platelets
palm /p%m/ noun the inner surface of the hand,
palm
pandemic /p'n$demk/ noun an epidemic dis-

pandemic
extending from the bases of the fingers to the |
wrist ease which affects many parts of the world. Com-

pare endemic, epidemic " adjective wide-
palmar /$p'lm/ adjective referring to the palm
palmar
spread
of the hand
panhysterectomy /!p'nhst$rektmi/ noun
panhysterectomy
palmar arch /$p'lmr %t/ noun one of two

palmar arch |
the surgical removal of all the uterus and the cer-

arches or joins within the palm formed by two vix
arteries which link together
panic /$p'nk/ noun a feeling of great fear
panic
palmar fascia /!p'lm $fe/ noun the ten-

palmar fascia
which cannot be stopped and which sometimes

dons in the palm of the hand results in irrational behaviour ! He was in a
palpate /p'l$pet/ verb to examine part of the
palpate
| panic as he sat in the consultants waiting room.

body by feeling it with the hand " verb to be suddenly afraid ! She panicked
219 parageusia
when the surgeon told her she might need to have papillomatosis /!p'plm$tss/ noun
papillomatosis
an operation. being affected with papillomata

panic attack /$p'nk !t'k/ noun a sudden
panic attack
papillotomy /!p'p$ltmi/ noun the opera-

papillotomy
|
|
onset of panic tion of cutting into the body at the point where the
panic disorder /$p'nk ds!%d/ noun a con- common bile duct and pancreatic duct meet to go
panic disorder
dition in which somebody has frequent panic into the duodenum, in order to improve bile drain-
attacks age and allow any stones to pass out
panniculitis /p!nkj$lats/ noun inflamma- papovavirus /p$pvvars/ noun a family
panniculitis papovavirus
| | |
tion of the panniculus adiposus, producing tender of viruses which start tumours, some of which are
swellings on the thighs and breasts malignant, and some of which, such as warts, are
panniculus /p$nkjls/ noun a layer of
panniculus
|
benign
Pap test /$p'p test/, Pap smear /$p'p sm/
Pap test
membranous tissue
panniculus adiposus /p$nkjls 'd
panniculus adiposus
| |
noun same as Papanicolaou test
!pss/ noun a layer of fat underneath the skin papular /$p'pjl/ adjective referring to a
papular
pannus /$p'ns/ noun a growth on the cornea

pannus
papule
papule /$p'pju%l/ noun a small coloured spot
papule
containing tiny blood vessels

panophthalmia /!p'nf$'lmi/, panoph-
panophthalmia
|
raised above the surface of the skin as part of a
thalmitis /!p'nf'l$mats/ noun inflamma- |
rash (NOTE: A flat spot is a macule.)
tion of the whole of the eye papulo- /p'pjl/ prefix relating to a papule
papulo-
panosteitis /!p'nsti$ats/, panostitis papulopustular /!p'pjl$p.stjl/ adjec-

panosteitis papulopustular
| |
/!p'n$stats/ noun inflammation of the whole

| tive referring to a rash with both papules and pus-
of a bone tules
panotitis /!p'n$tats/ noun inflammation papulosquamous /!p'pjl$skwems/
panotitis papulosquamous
| |
affecting all of the ear, but especially the middle adjective referring to a rash with papules and a
ear scaly skin
panproctocolectomy /!p'nprktk para- /p'r/ prefix 1. similar to or near 2.
panproctocolectomy para-
$lektmi/ noun the surgical removal of the whole changed or beyond

of the rectum and the colon paracentesis /!p'rsen$ti%ss/ noun the pro-
paracentesis
pant- /p'nt/ prefix same as pan-

pant-
cedure of draining fluid from a cavity inside the

panto- /p'nt/ prefix same as pan-
panto-
body using a hollow needle, either for diagnostic
pantothenic acid /!p'ntenk $'sd/ noun
pantothenic acid
purposes or because the fluid is harmful. Also
a vitamin of the vitamin B complex, found in called tapping
paracetamol /!p'r$si%tml/ noun a com-
paracetamol
liver, yeast and eggs |
Papanicolaou test /!p'pnk$leu% test/

Papanicolaou test
mon drug used to relieve mild to moderate pain
and reduce fever (NOTE: The US name is aceta-
|
noun a method of staining samples from various

body secretions to test for malignancy, e.g. testing minophen.)
paracusis /!p'r$kju%ss/, paracousia /!p'r
paracusis
a cervical smear sample to see if cancer is present. | |
Also called Pap test [Described 1933. After $ku%si/ noun a disorder of hearing
George Nicholas Papanicolaou (18831962), paradoxical breathing /!p'rdksk()l
paradoxical breathing
Greek anatomist and physician who worked in $bri%/, paradoxical respiration

the USA.] /!p'rdksk()l !resp$re()n/ noun a condi- |
papaveretum /p!p'v$ri%tm/ noun a prepa- tion affecting someone with broken ribs, where
papaveretum
| |
ration of opium used to reduce pain the chest appears to move in when he or she
papilla /p$pl/ noun a small swelling which
papilla
|
breathes in, and appears to move out when he or
sticks up above the usual surface level ! The she breathes out
paradoxus /!p'r$dkss/ " pulsus para-
paradoxus
upper surface of the tongue is covered with papil- |
lae. (NOTE: The plural is papillae.) doxus

papillary /p$plri/ adjective referring to papil- paraesthesia /!p'ri%s$i%zi/ noun an unex-
papillary paraesthesia
| |
lae plained tingling sensation. ! pins and needles

papillitis /!p'p$lats/ noun inflammation of
papillitis
|
(NOTE: The plural is paraesthesiae.)
paraffin /$p'rfn/ noun an oil produced from
paraffin
the optic disc at the back of the eye

papilloedema /!p'pl$di%m/ noun an accu-
papilloedema
|
petroleum, forming the base of some ointments,
mulation of fluid in the optic disc at the back of and also used for heating and light
paraffin gauze /$p'rfn 1%z/ noun gauze
paraffin gauze
the eye
papilloma /!p'p$lm/ noun a benign
papilloma
|
covered with solid paraffin, used as a dressing
parageusia /!p'r$1ju%si/ noun a disorder of
parageusia
tumour on the skin or mucous membrane (NOTE: |
The plural is papillomas or papillomata.) the sense of taste

paralyse 220
paralyse /$p'rlaz/ verb to make a part of the paranoid schizophrenia /!p'rnd

paralyse paranoid schizophrenia
body unable to carry out voluntary movements by !skts$fri%ni/ noun a form of schizophrenia in
|
weakening or damaging muscles or nerves so that which the person believes he or she is being per-
they cannot function, or by using a drug ! His secuted
arm was paralysed after the stroke. ! She is par- paraparesis /!p'rp$ri%ss/ noun incomplete
paraparesis
alysed from the waist down. paralysis of the legs

paralysis /p$r'lss/ noun a condition in paraphimosis /!p'rfa$mss/ noun a con-
paralysis paraphimosis
| |
which part of the body cannot be moved because dition in which the foreskin around the penis is
the motor nerves have been damaged or the mus- tight and may have to be removed by circumci-
cles have been weakened ! The condition causes sion
paralysis of the lower limbs. ! He suffered tem- paraplegia /!p'r$pli%d+/ noun paralysis
paraplegia
porary paralysis of the right arm. which affects the lower part of the body and the
paralytic /!p'r$ltk/ adjective 1. referring to
paralytic
| legs, usually caused by an injury to the spinal cord

paralysis 2. referring to a person who is paralysed paraplegic /!p'r$pli%d+k/ noun someone
paraplegic
paralytic ileus /!p'rltk $lis/ noun an who has paraplegia " adjective paralysed in the
paralytic ileus
obstruction in the ileum caused by paralysis of the lower part of the body and legs
muscles of the intestine. Also called adynamic paraprofessional /!p'rpr$fe()n()l/
paraprofessional
ileus noun somebody with training who acts as an

paramedian /!p'r$mi%din/ adjective near assistant to a professional person
paramedian
the midline of the body parapsychology /!p'rsa$kld+i/ noun the

parapsychology
paramedian plane /!p'r$mi%din !plen/

paramedian plane
|
study of effects of the mind which appear not to
noun a plane near the midline of the body, parallel be explained by known psychological or scientific
to the sagittal plane and at right angles to the coro- principles, e.g. extrasensory perception and telep-
nal plane. See illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS athy
in Supplement Paraquat /$p'rkwt/ a trade name for dime-
Paraquat
paramedic /!p'r$medk/ noun a person

paramedic
|
thyl dupyridilium used as a weedkiller
parasagittal /!p'r$s'd+t()l/ adjective near
parasagittal
whose work involves the restoration of health and |
normal functioning the midline of the body

parasagittal plane /!p'r$s'd+t()l !plen/
parasagittal plane
parameter /p$r'mt/ noun a measurement of

parameter
|
|
something such as blood pressure which may be noun a plane near the midline of the body, parallel
an important consideration in treating the condi- to the sagittal plane and at right angles to the coro-
tion which the person has nal plane. Also called paramedian plane. See
parametritis /!p'rm$trats/ noun inflam-
parametritis
|
illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement
parasite /$p'rsat/ noun a plant or animal
parasite
mation of the parametrium

which lives on or inside another organism and
parametrium /!p'r$mi%trim/ noun the con-
parametrium
|
draws nourishment from that organism
nective tissue around the uterus
parasitic /!p'r$stk/ adjective referring to
parasitic
paranasal /!p'r$nez()l/ adjective by the

paranasal |
|
parasites
side of the nose
parasitic cyst /!p'rstk $sst/ noun a cyst
parasitic cyst
paranasal sinus /!p'rnez()l $sans/,

paranasal sinus
caused by the growing larvae of a parasite in the

paranasal air sinus /!p'rnez()l $e !sans/ body
noun one of the four pairs of sinuses in the skull
parasiticide /!p'r$satsad/ noun a sub-
parasiticide
near the nose, which open into the nasal cavity

|
stance which kills parasites " adjective killing

and are lined with sticky mucus (NOTE: They are
parasites
the frontal, maxillary, ethmoidal and sphenoidal
parasuicide /!p'r$su%sad/ noun an act
parasuicide
sinuses.) |
where someone tries to kill himself or herself, but

paranoia /!p'r$n/ noun a behaviour char-
paranoia
|
without really intending to do so, rather as a way
acterised by mistaken ideas or delusions of perse- of drawing attention to his or her psychological
cution or self-importance condition
paranoiac /!p'r$n'k/ noun a person
paranoiac
parasympathetic nervous system

parasympathetic nervous system
|
affected by paranoia /!p'rsmp!etk $n-%vs !sstm/, parasym-

|
paranoid /$p'rnd/ adjective having a fixed

paranoid
pathetic system /!p'rsmp$etk !sstm/ |
delusion noun one of two parts of the autonomic nervous

paranoid disorder /!p'rnd ds$%d/
paranoid disorder
|
system. Its messages reach the organs of the body
noun a mental disorder which causes someone through the cranial and sacral nerves to the eyes,
experiencing it to believe strongly that something the gastrointestinal system and other organs. !
is not right with them, with someone else or with sympathetic nervous system
the world generally and to maintain the belief parasympatholytic /!p'rsm!p'$ltk/
parasympatholytic
| |
even when given evidence against it noun a drug which reduces the effects of the par-
221 parous
asympathetic nervous system by relaxing smooth giving injections of glucose to someone critically
muscle, reducing the amount of sweat and saliva ill
produced and widening the pupil of the eye. An parenting /$pernt/ noun the activities
parenting
example is atropine. " adjective relating to a par- involved in bringing up children # parenting
asympatholytic drug skills the abilities and experience that make
parasympathomimetic /!p'rsm
parasympathomimetic
| someone a good parent

!p'm$metk/ noun a drug which stimulates
|
paresis /p$ri%ss/ noun partial paralysis
paresis
the parasympathetic nervous system by making

parietal /p$rat()l/ adjective referring to the
parietal
smooth muscle more tense, widening the blood |
vessels, slowing the heart rate, increasing the wall of a cavity or any organ
parietal bone /p$rat()l bn/, parietal /p
parietal bone
amount of sweat and saliva produced and con- | |
tracting the pupil of the eye " adjective produc- $rat()l/ noun one of two bones which form the
ing effects similar to those of a parasympathomi- sides of the skull
metic drug parietal cell /p$rat()l sel/ noun same as
parietal cell
parathormone /!p'r$%mn/ noun the oxyntic cell

parathormone
hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands parietal lobe /p$rat()l lb/ noun the mid-
parietal lobe
which regulates the level of calcium in blood dle lobe of the cerebral hemisphere, which is
plasma. Also called parathyroid hormone associated with language and other mental proc-
parathyroid /!p'r$ard/ noun same as
parathyroid
| esses, and also contains the postcentral gyrus

parathyroid gland " adjective 1. relating to a parietal pleura /p!rat()l $plr/ noun a
parietal pleura
parathyroid gland 2. located close to the thyroid membrane attached to the diaphragm and cover-
gland ing the chest cavity. Also called outer pleura.
parathyroidectomy /!p'r!ar$dektmi/ See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement
parathyroidectomy
| |
noun the surgical removal of a parathyroid gland -parin /prn/ suffix used for anticoagulants !
-parin
parathyroid gland /!p'r$ard !1l'nd/

parathyroid gland
| heparin
noun one of four small glands which are situated Paris /$p'rs/ " plaster of Paris
Paris
in or near the wall of the thyroid gland and secrete

parity /$p'rti/ noun 1. equality of status or
parity
a hormone which controls the way in which cal-

cium and phosphorus are deposited in bones position, especially in terms of pay or rank 2. the
number of children that a woman has given birth
parathyroid hormone /!p'r$ard
parathyroid hormone
|
to
!h%mn/ noun same as parathormone
Parkinsonism /$p%knsnz()m/ noun a
Parkinsonism
paratyphoid /!p'r$tafd/, paratyphoid

paratyphoid
progressive nervous disorder, which may be an

|
fever /!p'r$tafd !fi%v/ noun an infectious

|
effect of some drugs, repeated head injuries or
disease which has similar symptoms to typhoid
brain tumours. The main symptoms are trembling
and is caused by bacteria transmitted by humans
hands and a slow shuffling walk. Also called
or animals paralysis agitans
COMMENT: There are three forms of paraty-
Parkinsons disease /$p%knsnz d!zi%z/
Parkinsons disease
phoid fever, known by the letters A, B, and C, |
caused by three types of bacterium, Salmo- noun a progressive nervous disorder without a
nella paratyphi A, B, and C. TAB injections known cause which is a type of Parkinsonism, the
give immunity against paratyphoid A and B, main symptoms of which are trembling hands, a
but not against C. slow shuffling walk and difficulty in speaking
[Described 1817. After James Parkinson (1755
paravertebral /!p'r$v-%tbrl/ adjective near
paravertebral
1824), English physician.]

|
the vertebrae, beside the spinal column

paronychia /!p'r$nki/ noun inflammation
paronychia
paravertebral injection /!p'rv-%tbrl n

paravertebral injection
|
near the nail which forms pus, caused by an infec-

|
$d+ekn/ noun an injection of local anaesthetic

into the back near the vertebrae tion in the fleshy part of the tip of a finger. ! whit-
low
parenchyma /p$rekm/ noun tissues which
parenchyma
parosmia /p$rzmi/ noun a disorder of the

| parosmia
contain the working cells of an organ |
sense of smell
parenchymal /p$rekml/ adjective relating
parenchymal
parotid /p$rtd/ adjective near the ear

| parotid
to parenchyma |
parotid gland /p$rtd 1l'nd/, parotid /p

parotid gland
parenteral /p'$rentrl/ adjective referring to

parenteral
| |
|
medication which is not given by mouth but in the $rtd/ noun one of the glands which produces
form of injections or suppositories. Compare saliva, situated in the neck behind the joint of the
enteral, oral jaw and ear
parotitis /!p'r$tats/ noun inflammation of
parotitis
parenteral nutrition /p'!rentrl nju%

parenteral nutrition
|
| |
$tr()n/, parenteral feeding /p'!rentrl |

the parotid glands
$fi%d/ noun the process of feeding someone by parous /$pers/ adjective referring to a woman
parous
means other than the digestive tract, especially by who has given birth to one or more children
paroxetine 222
paroxetine /p$rksti%n/ noun an antidepres- uterus or by a person through an injection with an

paroxetine
sant drug which prolongs the effects of serotonin antitoxin

in the brain passive movement /!p'sv $mu%vmnt/
passive movement
paroxysm /$p'rksz()m/ noun a sudden noun movement of a limb or other body part by a
paroxysm
movement of the muscles ! She suffered parox- doctor or therapist, not by the person
ysms of coughing during the night. passive smoking /!p'sv $smk/ noun
passive smoking
paroxysmal /!p'rk$szm()l/ adjective refer- the act of breathing in smoke from other peoples
paroxysmal
ring to a paroxysm, or similar to a paroxysm cigarettes when you do not smoke yourself
paroxysmal dyspnoea /p'rk!szm()l pass on /!p%s $n/ verb 1. to give a disease to
paroxysmal dyspnoea pass on
dsp$ni%/ noun an attack of breathlessness at

| someone ! Haemophilia is passed on by a
night, usually caused by congestive heart failure woman to her sons. ! The disease was quickly
paroxysmal tachycardia /p'rk!szm()l passed on by carriers to the rest of the population.
paroxysmal tachycardia
t'ki$k%di/ noun same as nodal tachycardia

|
2. used to avoid saying die ! My father passed
pars /p%z/ noun the Latin word for part
pars
on two years ago.
pass out /!p%s $at/ verb to faint (informal) !
pass out
partially /$p%()li/ adverb not completely !

partially
He is partially paralysed in his right side. # par- When we told her that her father was ill, she
tially sighted having only partial vision ! Large passed out.
pasteurisation /!p%stra$ze()n/, pas-
pasteurisation
print books are available for people who are par- |
tially sighted. teurization noun the process of heating food or

partially sighted register /!p%()li $satd
partially sighted register
food products to destroy bacteria [After Louis
!red+st/ noun a list of people who have poor Pasteur (182295), French chemist and bacteri-
sight but are not blind, and may require some spe- ologist.]
cial services pasteurise /$p%straz/, pasteurize verb to
pasteurise
partial mastectomy /!p%()l m'$stektmi/

partial mastectomy
|
kill bacteria in food by heating it ! The govern-
noun an operation to remove part of a breast ment is telling people to drink only pasteurised
partial thickness burn /!p%()l $kns
partial thickness burn
milk.
pastille /$p'st()l/ noun a sweet jelly with med-
pastille
!b-%n/ noun a burn which leaves enough tissue for

the skin to grow again. Also called superficial ication in it, which can be sucked to relieve a sore
thickness burn throat
particle /$p%tk()l/ noun a very small piece of patch /p't/ noun a piece of sticking plaster
particle patch
matter with a substance on it, which is stuck to the skin

particulate /p%$tkjlt/ adjective referring to
particulate
|
to allow the substance to be gradually absorbed
or composed of particles into the system through the skin, e.g. in HRT
patch test /$p't test/ noun a test for allergies
patch test
particulate matter /p%$tkjlt !m't/ noun

particulate matter
particles of less than a specified size, usually of or tuberculosis, where a piece of sticking plaster
carbon, which are used as a measure of air pollu- containing an allergic substance or tuberculin is
tion and can affect asthma stuck to the skin to see if there is a reaction
patella /p$tel/ noun the small bone in front of
patella
parturient /p%$tjrint/ adjective referring

parturient
|
|
to childbirth the knee joint. Also called kneecap

parturition /!p%tj$r()n/ noun same as patellar /p$tel/ adjective referring to the
parturition patellar
| |
childbirth kneecap
parv- /p%v/, parvo- prefix small patellar reflex /p!tel $ri%fleks/ noun the jerk
parv- patellar reflex
pass /p%s/ verb to allow faeces, urine or any

pass
made as a reflex action by the knee, when the legs
other body product to come out of the body ! are crossed and the patellar tendon is tapped
Have you passed anything this morning? ! He sharply. Also called knee jerk
passed a small stone in his urine. # to pass blood patellar tendon /p!tel $tendn/ noun a ten-
patellar tendon
to produce faeces or urine that contain blood # to

|
don just below the kneecap

pass water to urinate (informal) patellectomy /!p't$lektmi/ noun a surgical
patellectomy
passage /$p'sd+/ noun 1. a long narrow chan-

passage
operation to remove the kneecap

nel inside the body 2. the introduction of an patent /$petnt, $p'tnt/ adjective open,
patent
instrument into a cavity exposed ! The presence of a pulse shows that the
pass away /!p%s $we/ verb used to avoid
pass away
|
main blood vessels from the heart to the site of the
saying die (informal) ! Mother passed away pulse are patent.
during the night. patent ductus arteriosus /!petnt !d.kts
patent ductus arteriosus
passive /$p'sv/ adjective receiving rather than

passive
%!tri$ss/ noun a congenital condition in

| |
initiating an action which the ductus arteriosus does not close, allow-
passive immunity /!p'sv $mju%nti/ noun ing blood into the circulation without having
passive immunity
immunity which is acquired by a baby in the passed through the lungs

223 peau dorange
patent medicine /!petnt $med()sn/ noun -pathy /pi/ suffix disease

patent medicine -pathy
a medicinal preparation which is made and sold patient /$pe()nt/ noun a person who is in
patient
under a trade name and is protected by law from hospital or who is being treated by a doctor ! The
being copied or sold by other manufacturers for a patients are all asleep in their beds. ! The doctor
certain length of time after its invention. ! propri- is taking the patients temperature.
etary medicine patient allocation /!pe()nt !'l$ke()n/
patient allocation
paternity /p$t-%nti/ noun the fact of being or

paternity
|
noun a system of assigning each patient to a par-
becoming a father ! paternity leave Compare ticular nurse for all their care needs
maternity patient-group direction /$pe()nt 1ru%p
patient-group direction
paternity test /p$t-%nti test/ noun a test such

paternity test
|
da!rek()n/ noun full form of PGD
|
as blood grouping which makes it possible to patient identifier /!pe()nt a$dentfa/

patient identifier
determine the identity of the father of a child

|
noun a code of letters and numbers attached to the

COMMENT: DNA fingerprinting may be re- patients medical records by which all informa-
quired in order to identify a man who might tion concerning the patient can be tracked, e.g.
be the father according to his blood group cause of death
and that of the child, but is not in fact the fa-
PaulBunnell reaction /!p%l $b.n()l r
PaulBunnell reaction
ther. |
!'kn/, PaulBunnell test /!p%l $b.n()l

path- /p'/, patho- /p'/ prefix referring to
path-
!test/ noun a blood test to see if someone has

disease glandular fever, where the persons blood is tested
pathogen /$p'd+n/ noun a microorganism
pathogen
against a solution containing glandular fever

which causes a disease bacilli [Described 1932. After John Rodman
pathogenesis /!p'$d+enss/ noun the ori- Paul (18931971), US physician; Walls Willard
pathogenesis
gin, production and development of a morbid or Bunnell (190266), US physician.]

diseased condition pavement epithelium /$pevmnt ep
pavement epithelium
pathogenic /!p'$d+enk/ adjective causing !i%lim/ noun same as squamous epithelium

pathogenic
or producing a disease Pavlovs method /$p'vlvz !med/ noun a

Pavlovs method
pathogenicity /!p'd+$nsti/ noun the set of procedures for the study or production of
pathogenicity
ability of a pathogen to cause a disease conditioned reflexes

pathognomonic /!p'1n$mnk/ adjec- PBI test /!pi% bi% $a test/ noun same as protein-
pathognomonic PBI test
tive referring to a symptom which is typical and bound iodine test

characteristic, and which indicates that someone p.c. /!pi% $si%/ adverb (used on prescriptions)
p.c.
has a particular disease after food. Full form post cibum

pathological /!p'$ld+k()l/, pathologic
pathological
PCC abbreviation Professional Conduct Com-

PCC
|
/!p'$ld+k/ adjective 1. referring to a disease,

|
mittee
or caused by a disease 2. indicating a disease PCG abbreviation primary care group
PCG
pathological depression /!p'ld+k()l

pathological depression
PCOD abbreviation polycystic ovary disease

PCOD
d$pre()n/ noun an unusually severe state of

PCOS abbreviation polycystic ovary syndrome
| PCOS
depression, possibly leading to suicide

PCP abbreviation pneumocystis carinii pneumo-
PCP
pathological dislocation /!p'ld+k()l

pathological dislocation
!dsl$ke()n/ noun the dislocation of a dis-

|
nia
PCT abbreviation primary care trust
PCT
eased joint
p.d. adverb (used on prescriptions) per day. Full
p.d.
pathological fracture /!p'ld+k()l

pathological fracture
$fr'kt/ noun a fracture of a diseased bone form per diem

PDA /!pi% di% $e/ noun a handheld computer with
PDA
pathologist /p$ld+st/ noun 1. a doctor

pathologist
who specialises in the study of diseases and the various functions, e.g. information storage and
changes in the body caused by disease, examining digital notetaking. Full form personal digital
tissue specimens from patients and reporting on assistant
the presence or absence of disease in them 2. a PE abbreviation pulmonary embolism
PE
doctor who examines dead bodies in order to find peak expiratory flow rate /!pi%k k
peak expiratory flow rate
out the cause of death !spart()ri $fl !ret/ noun the rate at which
pathology /p$ld+i/ noun the study of dis- someone can expel air from their lungs when they
pathology
eases and the changes in structure and function are full and with no time limit. Abbreviation
which diseases cause in the body. Also called PEFR
morbid anatomy Pearson bed /$ps()n bed/ noun a type of
Pearson bed
pathology report /p$ld+i r!p%t/ noun a bed with a Balkan frame, a rectangular frame
pathology report
| |
report on tests carried out to find the cause of a attached to and overhanging the bed, used mainly
disease for people with splints
pathophysiology /!p'fzi$ld+i/ noun peau dorange /!p d$r%n+/ noun thick-
pathophysiology peau dorange
| |
the study of unusual or diseased organs ened skin with many little depressions caused by
PEC 224
lymphoedema which forms over a breast tumour pee /pi%/ verb same as urinate (informal)
pee
or in elephantiasis (NOTE: From the French peel /pi%l/ verb 1. to take the skin off a fruit or
peel
phrase meaning orange peel.) vegetable 2. (of skin) to come off in pieces ! After
PEC /!pi% i% $si%/ noun the committee responsible
PEC
getting sunburnt, his skin began to peel.

for the day-to-day management of a Primary Care
PEEP abbreviation positive end-expiratory pres-
PEEP
Trust and for developing service policies and sure

investment plans. Full form Professional Exec-
peer review /$p r!vju%/ noun an assessment
peer review
utive Committee |
of a piece of someones work by people who are

pecten /$pektn/ noun 1. the middle section of
pecten
experts on the subject

the wall of the anal passage 2. a hard ridge on the
PEFR abbreviation peak expiratory flow rate
PEFR
pubis
PelEbstein fever /!pel $ebstan !fi%v/ noun
PelEbstein fever
pectineal /pek$tnil/ adjective referring to the

pectineal
pecten of the pubis a fever associated with Hodgkins disease which

pectoral /$pekt()rl/ noun 1. a therapeutic
pectoral
recurs regularly [Described 1885. After Pieter
substance which has a good effect on respiratory Klaases Pel (18521919), Professor of Medicine
disease 2. same as pectoral muscle " adjective in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Wilhelm Ebstein
referring to the chest (18361912), Professor of Medicine at Gttin-
gen, Germany.]
pectoral girdle /!pekt()rl $1-%d()l/ noun
pectoral girdle
pellagra /p$l'1r/ noun a disease caused by a

pellagra
the shoulder bones, the scapulae and clavicles, to |
which the upper arm bones are attached. Also deficiency of nicotinic acid, riboflavine and pyri-
called shoulder girdle doxine from the vitamin B complex, where
patches of skin become inflamed, and the person
pectoralis /!pekt$rels/ noun a chest muscle
pectoralis
has anorexia, nausea and diarrhoea

|
pectoralis major /pekt!rels $med+/ noun

pectoralis major
pellet /$pelt/ noun a small rod- or oval-shaped

| pellet
a large chest muscle which pulls the arm forward

or rotates it pill of steroid hormone, usually either oestrogen
or testosterone, that is implanted under the skin
pectoralis minor /pekt!rels $man/ noun
pectoralis minor
|
for slow absorption
a small chest muscle which allows the shoulder to
pelvic /$pelvk/ adjective referring to the pelvis
pelvic
be depressed
pelvic brim /!pelvk $brm/ noun a line on the
pelvic brim
pectoral muscle /$pekt()rl !m.s()l/ noun

pectoral muscle
one of two muscles which lie across the chest and ilium which separates the false pelvis from the
control movements of the shoulder and arm. Also true pelvis
pelvic cavity /!pelvk $k'vti/ noun a space
pelvic cavity
called chest muscle

pectus /$pekts/ noun the anterior part of the
pectus
below the abdominal cavity, above the pelvis
pelvic colon /!pelvk $kln/ noun same as
pelvic colon
chest
pectus carinatum /!pekts !k'r$n%tm/
pectus carinatum
|
sigmoid colon
noun a condition in which the sternum is unusu- pelvic diaphragm /!pelvk $dafr'm/ noun
pelvic diaphragm
ally prominent. Also called pigeon breast a sheet of muscle between the pelvic cavity and
pectus excavatum /!pekts !eksk$vetm/
pectus excavatum
|
the peritoneum
noun a congenital condition, in which the chest is pelvic floor /!pelvk $fl%/ noun the lower part
pelvic floor
depressed in the centre because the lower part of of the space beneath the pelvic girdle, formed of
the breastbone is curved backwards. Also called muscle
funnel chest pelvic fracture /!pelvk $fr'kt/ noun a frac-
pelvic fracture
pedicle /$pedk()l/ noun a long thin piece of

pedicle
ture of the pelvis

skin which attaches a skin graft to the place where pelvic girdle /!pelvk $1-%d()l/ noun the ring
pelvic girdle
it was growing originally formed by the two hip bones to which the thigh
pediculosis /p!dkj$lss/ noun a skin dis-
pediculosis
| |
bones are attached. Also called hip girdle
ease caused by being infested with lice
pelvic inflammatory disease /!pelvk n
pelvic inflammatory disease
Pediculus /p$dkjls/ noun same as louse

Pediculus
|
$fl'mt()ri d!zi%z/ noun an inflammation of a
|
(NOTE: The plural is Pediculi.) womans reproductive organs in the pelvic area,
Pediculus capitis /p!dkjls k$pats/
Pediculus capitis
| | which can cause infertility

noun same as head louse pelvic outlet /!pelvk $atlet/ noun an opening
pelvic outlet
pedo- /pi%d/ prefix same as paedo-

pedo-
at the base of the pelvis

pedodontia /!pi%d$dn/ noun the study of
pedodontia
pelvimeter /pel$vmt/ noun an instrument to

pelvimeter
|
|
childrens teeth measure the diameter and capacity of the pelvis

pedodontist /!pi%d$dntst/ noun a dentist
pedodontist
pelvimetry /pel$vmtri/ noun the act of meas-

pelvimetry
|
|
who specialises in the treatment of childrens uring the pelvis, especially to see if the internal
teeth ring is wide enough for a baby to pass through in
peduncle /p$d.kl/ noun a stem or stalk childbirth
peduncle
|
225 perfusion scan
pelvis /$pelvs/ noun 1. the strong basin-shaped pepsinogen /pep$snd+n/ noun a secretion
pelvis pepsinogen
ring of bone near the bottom of the spine, formed from the gastric gland which is the inactive form
of the hip bones at the front and sides and the sac- of pepsin
rum and coccyx at the back 2. the internal space peptic /$peptk/ adjective referring to digestion
peptic
inside the pelvic girdle (NOTE: [all senses] The or to the digestive system
plural is pelvises or pelves.)
peptic ulcer /!peptk $.ls/ noun a benign
peptic ulcer
pelvis of the kidney /!pelvs v $kdni/

pelvis of the kidney
ulcer in the duodenum or in the stomach

noun see illustration at KIDNEY in Supplement
peptidase /$peptdez/ noun an enzyme which
peptidase
(NOTE: For other terms referring to the pelvis of

breaks down proteins in the intestine into amino
the kidney, see words beginning with pyel-,
acids
pyelo-.)
peptide /$peptad/ noun a compound formed of
peptide
pemphigoid /$pemf1d/ noun a skin disease

pemphigoid
two or more amino acids

which is similar to pemphigus " adjective refer-
per /p-%, p/ preposition 1. out of each ! ten per
per
ring to a skin disease similar to pemphigus

thousand 2. by or through ! per rectum
pemphigus /$pemf1s/ noun a rare disease
pemphigus
perception /p$sepn/ noun an impression

perception
where large blisters form inside the skin |
formed in the brain as a result of information

pendulous /$pendjls/ adjective referring to
pendulous
about the outside world which is passed back by

an object or body part which hangs loosely or the senses
swings freely
perceptive deafness /pe!septv $defns/
perceptive deafness
-penia /pi%ni/ suffix meaning a deficiency or

-penia |
noun same as sensorineural deafness

not enough of something
percussion /p$k.()n/ noun a test, usually
percussion
penicillamine /!pen$slmi%n/ noun a chelat-

penicillamine |
|
on the heart and lungs, in which the doctor taps
ing agent which is used to help the body get rid of part of the persons body and listens to the sound
toxic metals produced
penicillin /!pen$sln/ noun a common antibi-
penicillin
percutaneous /!p-%kju%$tenis/ adjective

percutaneous
|
|
otic originally produced from a fungus (NOTE: through the skin

Penicillin drugs have names ending in -cillin:
percutaneous absorption /!p-%kju%!tenis
percutaneous absorption
amoxicillin.) |
b$z%pn/ noun the process of absorbing a sub-

penicillin resistance /!pensln r$zstns/
penicillin resistance |
|
stance through the skin
noun the ability of bacteria to resist penicillin
percutaneous angioplasty /!p-%kju%
percutaneous angioplasty
Penicillium /!pen$slim/ noun the fungus

Penicillium |
|
!tenis $'nd+ipl'sti/ noun the repair of a nar-
from which penicillin is derived rowed artery by passing a balloon into the artery
penile /$pi%nal/ adjective referring to the penis
penile
through a catheter and then inflating it. Also

penis /$pi%ns/ noun the male genital organ,
penis
called balloon angioplasty
which also passes urine. See illustration at URO- percutaneous epididymal sperm aspira-
percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration
GENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement. ! krau- tion /!p-%kju%tenis !epddm()l $sp-%m

rosis penis !'spre()n/ noun the removal of sperm from
pentamidine /pen$t'mdi%n/ noun an antibi-
pentamidine
|
the epididymis by withdrawing it through the
otic used in the treatment of African sleeping skin, usually as part of fertility treatment. Abbre-
sickness and of pneumonia in people with AIDS viation PESA
per diem /!p-% $di%em/ adverb (written on pre-
per diem
pentazocine /pen$t'zsi%n/ noun an artifi-

pentazocine
cially produced narcotic drug used to reduce pain scriptions) per day
perforated eardrum /!p-%fretd $dr.m/
perforated eardrum
Pentothal /$pent'l/ a trade name for thio-

Pentothal
pentone noun an eardrum with a hole in it

perforation /!p-%f$re()n/ noun a hole
perforation
PEP abbreviation post-exposure prophylaxis

PEP
|
Peplaus model /$peplaz !md()l/ noun a

Peplaus model
through the whole thickness of a tissue or mem-
model for nursing which describes the individual brane such as the intestine or eardrum
performance indicators /p$f%mns
performance indicators
as a system with physiological, psychological and |
social components. The nurse and patient work !ndketz/ plural noun statistical information
together to define the patients problems and to needed for analysis of how effectively health
understand their reactions to one another, and the organisations are meeting their objectives, pro-
nurse takes on different roles in each phase of the duced by health authorities and sent to the govern-
relationship, such as a teacher, counsellor, leader, ment. Abbreviation PIs
and technical expert, until the patient no longer perfusion /p$fju%+()n/ noun the process of
perfusion
needs their care. passing a liquid through vessels, an organ or tis-

pepsin /$pepsn/ noun an enzyme in the stom-
pepsin
sue, e.g. the flow of blood into lung tissue
ach which breaks down the proteins in food into perfusion scan /p$fju%+()n sk'n/ noun a
perfusion scan
peptones procedure in which radioactive or radiopaque

peri- 226
substances are introduced into the body so that the perimenopause /!peri$menp%z/ noun the
perimenopause
blood supply of an organ can be traced few years before the menopause, in which oestro-
peri- /peri/ prefix near, around or enclosing gen levels start to fall
peri-
perimeter /p$rmt/ noun 1. an instrument to

perimeter
periadenitis /!perid$nats/ noun inflamma-

periadenitis
|
|
tion of tissue around a gland measure the field of vision 2. the length of the
perianal /!peri$en()l/ adjective around the
perianal
|
outside line around an enclosed area
perimetritis /!perim$trats/ noun inflamma-
perimetritis
anus |
periarteritis /!peri%t$rats/ noun inflamma-

periarteritis
|
tion of the perimetrium
perimetrium /!peri$mi%trim/ noun a mem-
perimetrium
tion of the outer coat of an artery and the tissue |
round it brane round the uterus

perimetry /p$rmtri/ noun a measurement of
perimetry
periarteritis nodosa /!peri%t!rats n

periarteritis nodosa
|
| |
$ds/ noun same as polyarteritis nodosa the field of vision

perimysium /!peri$masim/ noun a sheath
perimysium
periarthritis /!peri%$rats/ noun inflamma-

periarthritis
|
|
tion of the tissue round a joint which surrounds a bundle of muscle fibres
perinatal /!peri$net()l/ adjective referring to
perinatal
pericard- /perik%d/ prefix referring to the peri-

pericard-
cardium the period just before and after childbirth

perinatal mortality rate /!perinet()l m%
perinatal mortality rate
pericardectomy /!perik%$dektmi/ noun the

pericardectomy
| |
surgical removal of the pericardium $t'lti ret/ noun the number of babies born dead
pericardial /!peri$k%dil/ adjective referring
pericardial
or who die during the period immediately after
childbirth, shown per thousand babies born
|
to the pericardium
perinatal period /!peri$net()l !prid/
perinatal period
pericardial effusion /!perik%dil

pericardial effusion
|
noun the period of time before and after child-

|
$fju%+()n/ noun an excess of fluid which forms

in the pericardial sac birth, from the 28th week after conception to the
first week after delivery
pericardial sac /!perik%dil $s'k/ noun the
pericardial sac
perinatologist /!perin$tld+st/ noun an

perinatologist
inner part of the pericardium forming a bag-like |
structure or sac which contains fluid to prevent obstetrician who is a specialist in perinatology
perinatology /!perin$tld+i/ noun a branch
perinatology
the two parts of the pericardium rubbing together |
pericardiectomy /!perik%di$ektmi/ noun

pericardiectomy
of medicine which studies and treats physiologi-
cal and pathological conditions affecting the
|
same as pericardectomy
mother and/or infant just before and just after the
pericardiocentesis /!peri!k%disen$ti%ss/
pericardiocentesis
| |
birth of a baby
noun the puncture of the pericardium to remove
perineal /!per$ni%l/ adjective referring to the
perineal
fluid |
perineum
pericardiorrhaphy /!perik%di$%rfi/ noun a
pericardiorrhaphy
perineoplasty /!peri$ni%pl'sti/ noun a surgi-

| perineoplasty
surgical operation to repair a wound in the peri- |
cardium cal operation to repair the perineum by grafting

tissue
pericardiostomy /!perik%di$stmi/ noun a
pericardiostomy
perineorrhaphy /!perini$%rfi/ noun a surgi-

| perineorrhaphy
surgical operation to open the pericardium |
through the thoracic wall to drain off fluid cal operation to stitch up a perineum which has
torn during childbirth
pericardiotomy /!perik%di$tmi/ noun
pericardiotomy
perinephric /!peri$nefrk/ adjective around the

| perinephric
same as pericardotomy |
kidney
pericarditis /!perik%$dats/ noun inflamma-
pericarditis
perinephritis /!perin$frats/ noun inflamma-

| perinephritis
tion of the pericardium |
tion of tissue round the kidney, which spreads

pericardium /!peri$k%dim/ noun a mem-
pericardium
|
from an infected kidney
brane which surrounds and supports the heart
perineum /!per$ni%m/ noun the skin and tis-
perineum
pericardotomy /!perik%$dtmi/ noun a sur-

pericardotomy |
|
sue between the opening of the urethra and the
gical operation to open the pericardium anus
perichondritis /!perikn$drats/
perichondritis
noun |
perineurium /!peri$njrim/ noun connec-
perineurium
inflammation of cartilage, especially in the outer tive tissue which surrounds bundles of nerve
ear fibres
perichondrium /!peri$kndrim/ noun the
perichondrium
periocular /!peri$kjl/ adjective around the

periocular
|
|
fibrous connective tissue which covers cartilage eyeball

pericranium /!peri$krenim/ noun connective
pericranium
periodic /!pri$dk/ adjective occurring from

periodic
|
|
tissue which covers the surface of the skull time to time ! He has periodic attacks of
perilymph /$perilmf/ noun a fluid found in the migraine. ! She has to go to the clinic for peri-
perilymph
labyrinth of the inner ear odic checkups.

227 permeability
periodic fever /!pridk $fi%v/ noun a dis- peripheral vascular disease /p!rf()rl
periodic fever peripheral vascular disease
ease of the kidneys, common in Mediterranean $v'skjl d!ziz%z/ noun a disease affecting the
|
countries blood vessels which supply the arms and legs

periodic paralysis /!pridk p$r'lss/ peripheral vasodilator /p!rf()rl
periodic paralysis peripheral vasodilator
| |
noun recurrent attacks of weakness where the !vezda$let/ noun a chemical substance
|
level of potassium in the blood is low which acts to widen the blood vessels in the arms
periodontal /!peri$dnt()l/, periodontic
periodontal
|
and legs and so improves bad circulation
periphery /p$rf()ri/ noun 1. the regions of
periphery
/!peri$dntk/ adjective referring to the area

|
|
around the teeth the body where the nerves end, such as the sense
organs or the muscles 2. the surface of something
periodontal membrane /!peridnt()l
periodontal membrane
periproctitis /!periprk$tats/ noun swelling

periproctitis
$membren/, periodontal ligament |
/!peridnt()l $l1mnt/ noun a ligament of the tissues around the rectum

which attaches a tooth to the bone of the jaw peristalsis /!per$st'lss/ noun the movement,
peristalsis
periodontics /!peri$dntks/, periodontia

periodontics
|
like waves, produced by alternate contraction and
/!peri$dn/ noun the study of diseases of the
|
relaxation of muscles along an organ such as the
periodontal membrane intestine or oesophagus, which pushes the con-
tents of the organ along it. Compare antiperistal-
periodontist /!peri$dntst/ noun a dentist
periodontist
|
sis
who specialises in the treatment of gum diseases
peristaltic /!per$st'ltk/ adjective occurring
peristaltic
periodontitis /!peridn$tats/ noun an

periodontitis |
|
in waves, as in peristalsis
infection of the periodontal membrane leading to
peritendinitis /!peritendi$nats/ noun same
peritendinitis
pyorrhoea, and resulting in the teeth falling out if |
untreated as tenosynovitis
peritoneal /!pert$ni%l/ adjective referring to,
peritoneal
periodontium /!peri$dnim/ noun 1. the

periodontium
|
or belonging to, the peritoneum

|
gums, bone and periodontal membrane around a

peritoneal cavity /!pertni%l $k'vti/ noun
peritoneal cavity
tooth 2. same as periodontal membrane

a space between the layers of the peritoneum,
perionychia /!peri$nki/, perionyxis
perionychia
|
containing the major organs of the abdomen
/!peri$nkss/ noun a painful swelling round a
|
peritoneal dialysis /!pertni%l da$'lss/

peritoneal dialysis
fingernail |
noun removing waste matter from someones

perioperative /!peri$p()rtv/ adjective
perioperative
|
blood by introducing fluid into the peritoneum
before and after a surgical operation which then acts as a filter, as opposed to haemo-
periorbital /!peri$%bt()l/ adjective around
periorbital
| dialysis
the eye socket peritoneoscope /!peri$tniskp/ noun
peritoneoscope
periosteal /!peri$stil/ adjective referring to,

periosteal
| same as laparoscope
or attached to, the periosteum peritoneoscopy /!peritni$skpi/ noun
peritoneoscopy
periosteotome /!peri$stitm/ noun a same as laparoscopy

periosteotome
surgical instrument used to cut the periosteum peritoneum /!pert$ni%m/ noun a membrane
peritoneum
periosteum /!peri$stim/ noun a dense layer which lines the abdominal cavity and covers the
periosteum
of connective tissue around a bone. See illustra- organs in it

tion at BONE STRUCTURE in Supplement peritonitis /!pert$nats/ noun inflammation
peritonitis
periosteum elevator /!peristim $elvet/

periosteum elevator
of the peritoneum as a result of bacterial infection
noun a surgical instrument used to remove the peritonsillar /!peri$tnsl/ adjective around
peritonsillar
periosteum from a bone the tonsils

periostitis /!peri$stats/ noun inflammation peritonsillar abscess /!peritnsl $'bses/
periostitis peritonsillar abscess
of the periosteum noun same as quinsy

peripheral /p$rf()rl/ adjective at the edge perityphlitis /!perit$flats/ noun swelling of
peripheral perityphlitis
| |
peripheral nerves /p$rf()rl n-%vz/ plural

peripheral nerves
|
the tissues around the caecum
PERLA abbreviation Pupils Equal and Reactive
PERLA
noun the parts of motor and sensory nerves which

branch from the brain and spinal cord to Light and Accommodation
perle /p-%l/ noun a soft capsule of medicine
perle
peripheral nervous system /p!rf()rl

peripheral nervous system
$n-%vs !sstm/ noun all the nerves in different perleche /p-%$le/ noun inflammation, with
perleche
parts of the body which are linked and governed small cracks, at the corners of the mouth, caused
by the central nervous system. Abbreviation PNS by infection, poor diet, or producing too much
peripheral resistance /p!rf()rl r
peripheral resistance
| |
saliva
$zstns/ noun the ability of the peripheral blood permeability /!p-%mi$blti/ noun (of a mem-
permeability
vessels to slow down the flow of blood inside brane) the ability to allow some substances to
them pass through
permeable membrane 228
permeable membrane /!p-%mib()l pertussis /p$t.ss/ noun same as whooping

permeable membrane pertussis
$membren/ noun a membrane which allows cough

some substances to pass through it perversion /p$v-%()n/ noun a form of
perversion
pernicious /p$ns/ adjective harmful or

pernicious
| behaviour which is thought to be unnatural, dan-

dangerous, or unusually severe and likely to end gerous or disgusting ! He is suffering from a
in death form of sexual perversion.
pernicious anaemia /p!ns $ni%mi/ pes /pes/ noun a foot
pernicious anaemia pes
| |
noun a disease where an inability to absorb vita- PESA abbreviation percutaneous epididymal
PESA
min B12 prevents the production of red blood cells sperm aspiration
and damages the spinal cord. Also called Addi-
pes cavus /!pes $kevs/ noun same as claw
pes cavus
sons anaemia
foot
perniosis /!p-%ni$ss/ noun any condition
perniosis
pes planus /!pes $plens/ noun same as flat

| pes planus
caused by cold which affects blood vessels in the

skin foot
pessary /$pesri/ noun 1. a drug in soluble
pessary
pero- /per/ prefix malformed or impaired

pero-
material which is pushed into the vagina and

peroneal /!per$ni%l/ adjective referring to
peroneal
|
absorbed into the blood there. Also called vagi-
the outside of the leg nal suppository 2. a contraceptive device worn
peroneal muscle /!per$ni%l !m.s()l/,
peroneal muscle
|
inside the vagina to prevent spermatozoa entering
peroneus /!per$ni%s/ noun one of three mus-
|
3. a device like a ring, which is put into the vagina
cles, the peroneus brevis, longus and tertius, on as treatment for prolapse of the uterus
the outside of the lower leg which make the leg pesticide /$pestsad/ noun a substance which
pesticide
turn outwards kills pests

peroperative /p$rp()rtv/ adjective taking
peroperative
PET abbreviation positron-emission tomography

PET
|
place during a surgical operation

petechia /pe$ti%ki/ noun a small red spot
petechia
peroral /p$r%rl/ adjective through the mouth

peroral |
which does not go white when pressed, caused by

|
per os /pr $s/ adverb referring to a drug or

per os
bleeding under the skin (NOTE: The plural is

other substance to be taken through the mouth petechiae.)
persistent vegetative state /p!sstnt
persistent vegetative state
pethidine /$pedi%n/ noun a synthetically pro-

pethidine
|
$ved+ttv stet/ noun a condition in which duced narcotic drug, used to reduce pain and as a
someone is alive and breathes, but shows no brain sedative
activity, and will never recover consciousness.
petit mal /!peti $m'l/ noun a less severe form of
petit mal
Abbreviation PVS
epilepsy, where loss of consciousness attacks last
personal care /$p-%s()nl ke/ noun the act
personal care
only a few seconds and the person appears simply

of washing, toileting and dressing someone who to be thinking deeply. Compare grand mal
cannot do these things for themselves
Petri dish /$pi%tri d/ noun a small glass or
Petri dish
personal digital assistant /!p-%s()n()l

personal digital assistant
plastic dish with a lid, in which a culture is grown

!dd+t()l $sstnt/ noun full form of PDA
petrissage /!petr$s%+/ noun an action used in
| petrissage
personal hygiene /!p-%s()n()l $had+i%n/

personal hygiene |
massaging the muscles

noun the standards someone has of looking after
petrositis /!petr$sats/ noun inflammation
petrositis
parts of their body such as hair, skin, teeth and |
breath, hands and nails, and keeping them clean of the petrous part of the temporal bone
petrous /$petrs/ adjective like stone
petrous
personality /!p-%s$n'lti/ noun all the charac-

personality
petrous bone /$petrs bn/ noun the part of

petrous bone
teristics which are typical of one particular person

and the way he or she thinks and behaves, and the temporal bone which forms the base of the
which make him or her different from other peo- skull and the inner and middle ears
ple -pexy /peksi/ suffix referring to fixation of an
-pexy
personality disorder /!p-%s$n'lti ds organ by surgery

personality disorder
| |
!%d/ noun a disorder which affects the way a Peyers patches /!paz $p'tz/ plural noun
Peyers patches
person behaves, especially in relation to other patches of lymphoid tissue on the mucous mem-
people brane of the small intestine [Described 1677.
perspiration /!p-%sp$re()n/ noun sweat or After Johann Conrad Peyer (16531712), Swiss
perspiration
the action of sweating ! Perspiration broke out anatomist.]

on her forehead. Peyronies disease /$perni%z d!zi%z/ noun a
Peyronies disease
Perthes disease /$p-%ti%z d!zi%z/, Perthes condition associated with Dupuytrens contrac-
Perthes disease
hip /!p-%ti%z $hp/ noun a disease found in young ture in which hard fibre develops in the penis
boys, in which the upper end of the femur degen- which becomes painful when erect [Described
erates and does not develop as expected, some- 1743. After Franois de la Peyronie (1678
times resulting in a permanent limp 1747), Surgeon to Louis XV in Paris, France.]
229 pharyngeal tonsils
PGD /!pi% d+i% $di%/ noun a document that allows pharmaceuticals /!f%m$sju%tk()lz/ plural
PGD pharmaceuticals
the supply of prescription-only drugs to a group noun drugs prescribed as medicines

of patients without individual prescriptions. Full Pharmaceutical Society /!f%m$sju%tk()l
Pharmaceutical Society
form patient-group direction

|
s!sati/ noun a professional association for

|
pH /!pi% $et/ noun the concentration of hydro-

pH
pharmacists
gen ions in a solution, which determines its acid-
pharmacist /$f%msst/ noun a trained person
pharmacist
ity
who is qualified to prepare medicines according
phaco- /f'k/ prefix referring to the lens of the
phaco-
to the instructions on a doctors prescription

eye
pharmaco- /f%mk/ prefix referring to
pharmaco-
phacoemulsification /!f'k!m.lsf
phacoemulsification
| |
drugs
$ke()n/ noun an ultrasonic technique which
pharmacodynamic /!f%mkda$n'mk/
pharmacodynamic
turns a cataract in the eye into liquid. It is then |
removed by suction and a plastic lens is put into adjective referring to a property of a drug which
the eye. affects the part where it is applied
pharmacodynamics
pharmacodynamics
phaeochromocytoma /!fi%!krmsa
phaeochromocytoma
| |
/!f%mkda |
$tm/ noun a tumour of the adrenal glands $n'mks/ plural noun the study of the effects of
which affects the secretion of hormones such as drugs on living organisms, and especially of how
adrenaline, which in turn results in hypertension much the bodys response changes when you
and hyperglycaemia increase the dose of a drug. Compare pharma-
cokinetics (NOTE: Takes a singular verb.)
phag- /f'1/ prefix same as phago- (used before
phag-
pharmacokinetic
pharmacokinetic
vowels) /!f%mkka$netk/ |
adjective referring to a property of a drug which

phage /fed+/ noun same as bacteriophage
phage
has an effect over a period of time

-phage /fed+/ suffix referring to something
-phage
pharmacokinetics /!f%mkka$netks/
pharmacokinetics
which eats |
plural noun 1. the study of how the body reacts to

-phagia /fed+/ suffix referring to eating
-phagia
drugs over a period of time. Compare pharmaco-

phago- /f'1/ prefix referring to eating
phago-
dynamics (NOTE: Takes a singular verb.) 2. the

phagocyte /$f'1sat/ noun a cell, especially
phagocyte
way in which a drug interacts with the body
a white blood cell, which can surround and pharmacological
pharmacological
/!f%mk$ld+k()l/
|
destroy other cells such as bacteria cells adjective referring to pharmacology

phagocytic /!f'1$stk/ adjective referring to
phagocytic
pharmacologist /!f%m$kld+st/ noun a

pharmacologist
|
|
phagocytes ! Monocytes become phagocytic scientist who specialises in the study of drugs
during infection.
pharmacology /!f%m$kld+i/ noun the
pharmacology
phagocytosis /!f'1sa$tss/
phagocytosis
| noun study of drugs or medicines, and their actions,

destruction of bacteria cells and foreign bodies by properties and characteristics
phagocytes
pharmacopoeia /!f%mk$pi%/ noun an offi-
pharmacopoeia
phakic /$f'kk/ adjective referring to an eye

phakic |
cial list of drugs, their methods of preparation,

which has its natural lens dosages and the ways in which they should be
phako- /f'k/ prefix same as phaco-
phako-
used
phalangeal /f$l'nd+il/ adjective referring to
phalangeal
pharmacy /$f%msi/ noun 1. the study of the

pharmacy
the phalanges making and dispensing of drugs ! He has a qual-

phalanges /f$l'nd+i%z/ plural of phalanx ification in pharmacy. 2. a shop or department in
phalanges
phalanx /$f'l'ks/ noun a bone in a finger or

phalanx
a hospital where drugs are prepared
Pharmacy Act /$f%msi 'kt/ noun in the UK,
Pharmacy Act
toe. See illustration at HAND in Supplement,

FOOT in Supplement one of several Acts of Parliament which regulate
phalloplasty /$f'lpl'sti/ noun a surgical
phalloplasty
the making, prescribing and selling of drugs, e.g.
operation to repair a damaged or deformed penis the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1933, the Misuse
of Drugs Act 1971 and the Poisons Act 1972
phantom limb /!f'ntm $lm/ noun a condi-
phantom limb
pharyng- /f'rnd+/ prefix same as pharyngo-

pharyng-
tion in which someone seems to feel sensations in

a limb which has been amputated (used before vowels)
pharyngeal /!f'rn$d+i%l/ adjective referring
pharyngeal
phantom pregnancy /!f'ntm $pre1nnsi/

phantom pregnancy
|
noun same as pseudocyesis to the pharynx

pharyngeal pouch /!f'rnd+i%l $pat/
pharyngeal pouch
phantom tumour /!f'ntm $tju%m/ noun a

phantom tumour
condition in which a swelling occurs which imi- noun one of the pouches on each side of the throat
tates a swelling caused by a tumour of an embryo. Also called visceral pouch
pharmaceutical /!f%m$sju%tk()l/ adjec- pharyngeal tonsils /!f'rnd+i%l $tns()lz/
pharmaceutical pharyngeal tonsils
tive referring to pharmacy or drugs plural noun same as adenoids

pharyngectomy 230
pharyngectomy /!f'rn$d+ektmi/ noun the phlebectomy /fl$bektmi/ noun the surgical

pharyngectomy phlebectomy
| |
surgical removal of part of the pharynx, especially removal of a vein or part of a vein
in cases of cancer of the pharynx phlebitis /fl$bats/ noun inflammation of a
phlebitis
pharyngismus /!f'rn$d+zms/, pharyng- vein

pharyngismus
ism /$f'rnd+z()m/ noun a spasm which con- phlebo- /fleb/ prefix referring to a vein
phlebo-
tracts the muscles of the pharynx phlebogram /$fleb1r'm/ noun an X-ray pic-
phlebogram
pharyngitis /!f'rn$d+ats/ noun inflamma-

pharyngitis
|
ture of a vein or system of veins. Also called ven-
tion of the pharynx ogram
pharyngo- /fr1/ prefix referring to the
pharyngo-
phlebography /fl$b1rfi/ noun an X-ray

phlebography
pharynx examination of a vein using a radio-opaque dye so

pharyngolaryngeal /f!r1l$rnd+il/ that the vein will show up on the film. Also called
pharyngolaryngeal
| |
adjective referring to the pharynx and the larynx venography

pharyngoscope /f$r1skp/ noun an phlebolith /$flebl/ noun a stone which forms
pharyngoscope phlebolith
instrument with a light attached, used by a doctor in a vein as a result of an old thrombus becoming
to examine the pharynx calcified
pharyngotympanic tube /f!r1tm phlebothrombosis /!flebrm$bss/
pharyngotympanic tube phlebothrombosis
| | |
!p'nk $tju%b/ noun one of two tubes which con- noun a blood clot in a deep vein in the legs or pel-
nect the back of the throat to the middle ear. Also vis, which can easily detach and form an embolus
called eustachian tube in a lung
phlebotomy /fl$btmi/ noun an operation
phlebotomy
pharynx /$f'rks/ noun a muscular passage

pharynx
|
leading from the back of the mouth to the where a vein or an artery is cut so that blood can
oesophagus (NOTE: The plural is pharynges or be removed, as when taking blood from a donor
pharynxes.) phlegm /flem/ noun same as sputum ! She
phlegm
phenazopyridine /f!n'z$prdi%n/ noun a

phenazopyridine
| |
was coughing up phlegm into her handkerchief.
drug used to reduce pain in conditions of the uri- phlegmasia alba dolens /fle1!mezi !'lb
phlegmasia alba dolens
nary tract, such as cystitis $dlns/ noun same as milk leg

phenobarbitone /!fi%n$b%btn/ noun a phlyctena /flk$ti%n/, phlycten /$flktn/
phenobarbitone phlyctena
| |
barbiturate drug which is used as a sedative, a noun 1. a small blister caused by a burn 2. a small
hypnotic and an anticonvulsant vesicle on the conjunctiva
phenol /$fi%nl/ noun a strong disinfectant used phlyctenule /flk$tenju%l/ noun a tiny blister
phenol phlyctenule
for external use. Also called carbolic acid on the cornea or conjunctiva
phenomenon /f$nmnn/ noun 1. a fact or phobia /$fbi/ noun an unusually strong and
phenomenon phobia
situation which can be observed 2. someone or irrational fear ! She has a phobia about or of
something that is considered to be extraordinary dogs. ! Fear of snakes is one of the commonest
and marvellous phobias.
phenotype /$fi%ntap/ noun the particular -phobia /fbi/ suffix neurotic fear of some-
phenotype -phobia
characteristics of an organism. Compare geno- thing ! agoraphobia ! claustrophobia

type phobic /$fbk/ adjective referring to a phobia
phobic
phenylalanine /!fi%nal$'lni%n/ noun an

phenylalanine
-phobic /fbk/ suffix a person who has a pho-

-phobic
|
essential amino acid bia of something

phenylketonuria /!fi%nal!ki%t$njri/ phocomelia /!fk$mi%li/, phocomely /f
phenylketonuria phocomelia
| | | |
noun a hereditary condition which affects the way $kmli/ noun a congenital condition in which
in which the body breaks down phenylalanine, the upper parts of the limbs are missing or poorly
which in turn concentrates toxic metabolites in developed, leaving the hands or feet directly
the nervous system causing brain damage attached to the body
phenytoin /$fentn/ noun a drug which helps phon- /fn/ prefix same as phono- (used
phenytoin phon-
to prevent convulsions, used in the treatment of before vowels)

epilepsy phonation /f$ne()n/ noun the production
phonation
phial /$fal/ noun a small medicine bottle

phial
of vocal sounds, especially speech

-philia /fli/ suffix attraction to or liking for phoniatrics /!fni$'trks/ noun the study of
-philia phoniatrics
something speech and disorders related to it

philtrum /$fltrm/ noun a groove in the centre phono- /fn/ prefix referring to sound or
philtrum phono-
of the top lip voice

phimosis /fa$mss/ noun a condition in phonocardiogram /!fn$k%di1r'm/
phimosis phonocardiogram
| |
which the foreskin is tight and has to be removed noun a chart of the sounds made by the heart
by circumcision phonocardiography /!fn!k%di$1rfi/
phonocardiography
| |
phleb- /fleb/ prefix same as phlebo- (used noun the process of recording the sounds made by
phleb-
before vowels) the heart

231 physical medicine
phonology /f$nld+i/ noun the study of the photopsia /f$tpsi/ noun a condition of the
phonology photopsia
| |
system of speech sounds used in a particular lan- eye in which someone sees flashes of light
guage or in human speech generally photoreceptor neurone /!ftr!sept
photoreceptor neurone
phonosurgery /$fn!s-%d+ri/ noun sur- $njrn/ noun a rod or cone in the retina,
phonosurgery
gery performed to alter the quality of the voice which is sensitive to light or colour
phosphatase /$fsftez/ noun a group of photoretinitis /!ftreti$nats/ noun dam-
phosphatase photoretinitis
enzymes which are important in the cycle of mus- age to a retina caused by looking directly at the
cle contraction and in the calcification of bones sun. Also called sun blindness
phosphate /$fsfet/ noun a salt of phosphoric photosensitive /!ft$senstv/ adjective
phosphate photosensitive
acid sensitive to light, or stimulated by light

phosphaturia /!fsf$tjri/ noun the pres- photosensitivity /!ftsens$tvti/ noun
phosphaturia photosensitivity
| |
ence of excess phosphates in the urine the fact of being sensitive to light
phospholipid /!fsf$lpd/ noun a com- phototherapy /!ft$erpi/ noun a treat-
phospholipid phototherapy
| |
pound with fatty acids, which is one of the main ment for jaundice and vitamin D deficiency,
components of membranous tissue which involves exposing the person to ultraviolet
phosphorescent /!fsf$res()nt/ adjective
phosphorescent
|
rays
phren- /fren/ prefix same as phreno- (used
phren-
shining without producing heat

phosphoric acid /fs!frk $'sd/ noun an
phosphoric acid
|
before vowels)
-phrenia /fri%ni/ suffix disorder of the mind
-phrenia
acid which is very soluble in water and gives rise

to acid, neutral and alkali salts phrenic /$frenk/ adjective referring to the dia-
phrenic
phosphorus /$fsf()rs/ noun a toxic chemi- phragm

phosphorus
cal element which is present in very small quanti- phrenic nerve /$frenk n-%v/ noun a pair of
phrenic nerve
ties in bones and nerve tissue. It causes burns if it nerves which controls the muscles in the dia-
touches the skin, and can poison if swallowed. phragm
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is P.) phreno- /fren/ prefix 1. referring to the brain
phreno-
phosphorylase /fs$frlez/ an
phosphorylase
| noun 2. referring to the phrenic nerve

enzyme that aids the process of carbohydrate pH test /!pi% $et test/ noun a test to see how
pH test
metabolism acid or alkaline a solution is

phot- /ft, ft/ prefix same as photo- (used
phot-
phthiriasis /$rass/ noun infestation with

phthiriasis
before vowels) the crab louse

photalgia /f$t'ld+/ noun pain in the eye
photalgia
Phthirius pubis /!aris $pju%bs/ noun a

Phthirius pubis
|
caused by bright light louse which infests the pubic region. Also called
photo- /ft/ prefix referring to light
photo-
pubic louse, crab

photoablation /!ft$ble()n/ noun the physi- /fzi/ prefix same as physio- (used
photoablation physi-
removal of tissue using lasers before vowels)

photocoagulation /!ftk!'1j physical /$fzk()l/ adjective referring to the
photocoagulation physical
| | |
$le()n/ noun the process in which tissue coag- body, as opposed to the mind " noun a physical
ulates from the heat caused by light, used to treat examination ! He has to pass a physical before
a detached retina being accepted by the police force.
photodermatosis /!ft!d-%m$tss/ physical drug dependence /!fzk()l $dr.1
photodermatosis physical drug dependence
| |
noun a lesion of the skin after exposure to bright d!pendns/ noun a state where a person is
|
light addicted to a drug such as heroin and suffers

photogenic /!ft$d+enk/ adjective 1. pro-
photogenic
|
physical effects if he or she stops or reduces the
duced by the action of light 2. producing light drug
physical education /!fzk()l !edj
physical education
photophobia /!ft$fbi/ noun a condi-

photophobia
|
|
tion in which the eyes become sensitive to light $ke()n/ noun the teaching of sports and exer-
and conjunctivitis may be caused (NOTE: It can be cises in school
associated with measles and some other infec- physical examination /!fzk()l 1!z'm
physical examination
| |
tious diseases.) $ne()n/ noun an examination of someones

photophthalmia /!ftf$'lmi/ noun
photophthalmia
|
body to see if he or she is healthy
inflammation of the eye caused by bright light, as physical genetic trait /!fzk()l d+$netk
physical genetic trait
in snow blindness tret/ noun a characteristic of the body of a per-

photopic vision /f!tpk $v+()n/ noun
photopic vision
|
son, e.g. red hair or big feet, which is inherited
vision which is adapted to bright light such as physical medicine /!fzk()l $med()sn/
physical medicine
daylight, using the cones in the retina instead of noun a branch of medicine which deals with
the rods, which are used in scotopic vision. ! light physical disabilities or with treatment of disorders
adaptation after they have been diagnosed
physical sign 232
physical sign /!fzk()l $san/ noun a symp- pico- /pi%k/ prefix one million millionth (10-
physical sign pico-
12
tom which can be seen on someones body or ). Symbol p
which can be produced by percussion and palpita- picomole /$pi%kml/ noun a unit of meas-
picomole
tion urement of the amount of substance equal to one

physical therapy /!fzk()l $erpi/ noun the million millionth of a mole. Symbol pmol
physical therapy
treatment of disorders by heat, by massage, by Pierre Robin syndrome /!pje r$b'n

Pierre Robin syndrome
exercise and other physical means !sndrm/ noun a combination of facial features
physician /f$z()n/ noun a registered doctor
physician
|
including a small lower jaw and a cleft palate that
who is not a surgeon exist at birth, causing breathing and feeding prob-
physio /$fzi/ noun (informal) 1. a session of
physio
lems early in a childs life
pigeon breast /$pd+n brest/, pigeon chest
pigeon breast
physiotherapy treatment 2. a physiotherapist

/$pd+n test/ noun same as pectus carinatum
physio- /fzi/ prefix 1. referring to physiology
physio-
pigeon toes /$pd+n tz/ plural noun a con-

pigeon toes
2. physical
dition in which the feet turn towards the inside
physiological /!fzi$ld+k()l/ adjective
physiological
|
when a person is standing upright
referring to physiology and the regular functions
pigment /$p1mnt/ noun a substance which
pigment
of the body
gives colour to part of the body such as blood, the
physiological saline /!fzild+k()l
physiological saline
|
skin or hair
$selan/, physiological solution /!fzi
pigmentation /!p1men$te()n/ noun the
| pigmentation
ld+k()l s$lu%()n/ noun any solution used to |
colouring of the body, especially that produced by

|
keep cells or tissue alive

deposits of pigment
physiological tremor /!fzild+k()l
physiological tremor
PIH abbreviation pregnancy-induced hyperten-

PIH
$trem/ noun a small movement of the limbs sion

which takes place when a person tries to remain
piles /palz/ plural noun same as haemorrhoids
piles
still
pili /$pala/ " arrector pili
pili
physiologist /!fzi$ld+st/ noun a scientist

physiologist
pill /pl/ noun a small hard round ball of medica-

pill
who specialises in the study of the functions of

living organisms tion that is taken by swallowing ! He has to take
the pills twice a day. # the pill an oral contracep-
physiology /!fzi$ld+i/ noun the study of
physiology
tive. ! morning-after pill # on the pill taking a

|
regular body functions

regular course of contraceptive pills
physiotherapist /!fzi$erpst/ noun a
physiotherapist
pillar /$pl/ noun a part that is long and thin

pillar
|
trained specialist who gives physiotherapy

pilo- /pal/ prefix referring to hair
pilo-
physiotherapy /!fzi$erpi/ noun the treat-

physiotherapy
pilocarpine /!pal$k%pi%n/ noun an organic

| pilocarpine
ment of a disorder or condition by exercise, mas- |
sage, heat treatment, infrared lamps or other compound of plant origin which is used in eye
external means, e.g. to restore strength or function drops to treat glaucoma
pilomotor /!pal$mt/ adjective referring
pilomotor
after a disease or injury |
to something that moves the hairs of the skin

physiotherapy clinic /!fzi$erpi !klnk/
physiotherapy clinic
pilomotor nerve /!pal$mt !n-%v/ noun

pilomotor nerve
noun a clinic where people can have physiother- |
apy a nerve which supplies the arrector pili muscles

attached to hair follicles
physique /f$zi%k/ noun the shape and size of a
physique
pilomotor reflex /!pal$mt !ri%fleks/

| pilomotor reflex
persons body |
noun a reaction of the dermal papillae of the skin

physo- /fas/ prefix 1. tending to swell 2.
physo-
to cold and fear which causes the hairs on the skin

relating to air or gas to become erect
phyt- /fat/, phyto- /fat/ prefix referring to
phyt-
pilonidal /!pal$nad()l/ adjective relating to

pilonidal
plants or coming from plants a cyst or cavity which has a growth of hair
PI abbreviation pressure index
PI
pilonidal cyst /!palnad()l $sst/ noun a

pilonidal cyst
pia /$pa/, pia mater /!pa $met/ noun the cyst containing hair, usually found at the bottom
pia
delicate innermost membrane of the three which of the spine near the buttocks
cover the brain. ! arachnoid, dura mater pilonidal sinus /!palnad()l $sans/ noun
pilonidal sinus
pica /$pak/ noun a desire to eat things which a small depression with hairs at the base of the
pica
are not food, e.g. wood or paper, often found in spine

pregnant women and small children pilosis /pa$lss/, pilosism /$palsz()m/
pilosis
Picks disease /$pks d!zi%z/ noun a rare form noun a condition in which someone has an unu-
Picks disease
of presenile dementia, in which a disorder of the sual amount of hair or where hair is present in an
lipoid metabolism causes mental impairment, unusual place
anaemia, loss of weight and swelling of the spleen pilot study /$palt !st.di/ noun a small ver-
pilot study
and liver sion of a project which is carried out first, in order

233 placental barrier

to discover how well it works and to solve any pituitary fossa /p!tju%t()ri $fs/ noun
pituitary fossa
problems, before going ahead with the full ver- same as sella turcica
sion pituitary gland /p$tju%t()ri 1l'nd/ noun
pituitary gland
pilus /$pals/ noun one hair (NOTE: The plural

pilus
the main endocrine gland in the body which

is pili.) secretes hormones that stimulate other glands.
pimple /$pmpl/ noun a small swelling on the
pimple
Also called pituitary body, hypophysis cere-
skin, containing pus ! He had pimples on his bri. See illustration at BRAIN in Supplement
neck. COMMENT: The pituitary gland is about the
pineal /$pnil/ adjective relating to or released
pineal
size of a pea and hangs down from the base
of the brain, inside the sphenoid bone, on a
by the pineal gland
stalk which attaches it to the hypothalamus.
pineal body /$pnil !bdi/, pineal gland
pineal body
The front lobe of the gland (the adenohypo-

/$pnil 1l'nd/ noun a small cone-shaped gland physis) secretes several hormones (TSH,
situated below the corpus callosum in the brain, ACTH) which stimulate the adrenal and thy-
which produces melatonin and is believed to be roid glands, or which stimulate the produc-
associated with the circadian rhythm. See illustration of sex hormones, melanin and milk. The
tion at BRAIN in Supplement posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (the neu-
pinguecula /p$1wekjl/, pinguicula /p
pinguecula
| |
rohypophysis) secretes the antidiuretic hor-
$1wkjl/ noun a condition affecting elderly mone (ADH) and oxytocin.
pituitrin /p$tju%trn/ noun a hormone secreted
pituitrin
people, in which the conjunctiva in the eyes has |
small yellow growths near the edge of the cornea, by the pituitary gland
usually on the nasal side pityriasis /!pt$rass/ noun any skin disease
pityriasis
pinna /$pn/ noun the outer ear, the part of the in which the skin develops thin scales
pinna
ear which is outside the head, connected by a pas- pityriasis alba /pt!rass $'lb/ noun a dis-
pityriasis alba
sage to the eardrum. See illustration at EAR in ease affecting children which results in flat white
Supplement patches on the cheeks that usually heal naturally
pinnaplasty /$pnpl'sti/ noun a cosmetic pityriasis capitis /pt!rass k$pats/
pinnaplasty pityriasis capitis
| |
surgical procedure to correct the shape of the ear noun " dandruff
pinocytosis /!pi%nsa$tss/ noun the pityriasis rosea /pt!rass $rzi/ noun a
pinocytosis pityriasis rosea
| |
process by which a cell surrounds and takes in mild irritating rash affecting young people, which
fluid appears especially in the early part of the year and
pins and needles /!pnz n $ni%d()lz/ noun
pins and needles
has no known cause
pityriasis rubra /pt!rass $ru%br/ noun a
pityriasis rubra
an unpleasant tingling sensation, usually occur- |
ring after a temporarily restricted blood supply serious, sometimes fatal, skin disease, a type of
returns to an arm or leg (informal) ! paraesthe- exfoliative dermatitis in which the skin turns dark
sia red and is covered with white scales
pivot /$pvt/ noun a stem used to attach an arti-
pivot
PIP abbreviation proximal interphalangeal joint

PIP
ficial crown to the root of a tooth " verb to rest

piriform fossae /!prif%m $fsi%/ plural noun
piriform fossae
and turn on a point ! The atlas bone pivots on the

the two hollows at the sides of the upper end of
second vertebra.
the larynx
pivot joint /$pvt d+nt/ noun same as tro-
pivot joint
Piriton /$prtn/ a trade name for chlorphe-

Piriton
choid joint
niramine
PKD abbreviation polycystic kidney disease
PKD
piroxicam /p$rksk'm/ noun a non-steroidal

piroxicam
PKU abbreviation phenylketonuria

| PKU
anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of

placebo /pl$si%b/ noun a tablet which
placebo
rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis |
PIs abbreviation performance indicators

PIs
appears to be a drug, but has no medicinal sub-
stance in it
pisiform /$psif%m/, pisiform bone /$psif%m
pisiform
placebo effect /pl$si%b !fekt/ noun the

placebo effect
bn/ noun one of the eight small carpal bones in

| |
apparently beneficial effect of telling someone

the wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement
that he or she is having a treatment, even if this is
pit /pt/ noun a hollow place on a surface
pit
not true, caused by the hope that the treatment

pitting /$pt/ noun the formation of hollows in will be effective
pitting
the skin placenta /pl$sent/ noun the tissue which

placenta
pituitary /p$tju%t()ri/ adjective 1. relating to grows inside the uterus during pregnancy and
pituitary
or produced by the pituitary gland 2. caused by a links the baby to the mother
disturbance of the pituitary gland " noun same as placental /pl$sent()l/ adjective referring to
placental
pituitary gland the placenta

pituitary body /p$tju%t()ri !bdi/ noun placental barrier /pl!sent()l $b'ri/ noun a
pituitary body placental barrier
| |
same as pituitary gland barrier which prevents the blood of a fetus and
placental insufficiency 234

that of the mother from mixing, but allows water, plasma protein /$pl'zm !prti%n/ noun a
plasma protein
oxygen and hormones to pass from mother to protein in plasma, e.g. albumin, gamma globulin
fetus or fibrinogen
placental insufficiency /pl!sent()l !ns plasmin /$pl'zmn/ noun same as fibrinolysin
placental insufficiency plasmin
| |
$f()nsi/ noun a condition in which the placenta plasminogen /pl'z$mnd+n/ noun a sub-
plasminogen
does not provide the fetus with the necessary oxy- stance in blood plasma which becomes activated
gen and nutrients and forms plasmin
placenta praevia /pl!sent $pri%vi/ noun a
placenta praevia
plasmo- /pl'zm/ prefix referring to blood

plasmo-
|
condition in which the fertilised egg becomes plasma

implanted in the lower part of the uterus, which
Plasmodium /pl'z$mdim/ noun a type of
Plasmodium
means that the placenta lies across the cervix and

|
may become detached during childbirth and parasite which infests red blood cells and causes
cause brain damage to the baby malaria
plaster /$pl%st/ noun a white powder which is
plaster
plagiocephaly /!pled+i$kefli/ noun a con-

plagiocephaly
mixed with water and used to make a solid sup-

|
dition in which a person has a distorted head

port to cover a broken limb ! After his accident
shape, from irregular closure of the cranial
he had his leg in plaster for two months.
sutures
plaster cast /$pl%st k%st/ noun a hard sup-
plaster cast
plague /ple1/ noun an infectious disease which

plague
port made of bandage soaked in liquid plaster of

occurs in epidemics where many people are killed
Paris, which is allowed to harden after being
plane /plen/ noun a flat surface, especially that
plane
wrapped round a broken limb and which prevents

of the body seen from a specific angle the limb moving while the bone heals
planning /$pl'n/ noun the work of deciding
planning
plaster of Paris /!pl%str v $p'rs/ noun a

plaster of Paris
and arranging how something should be done fine white plaster used to make plaster casts
planta /$pl'nt/ noun the sole of the foot
planta
plastic /$pl'stk/ noun an artificial material

plastic
plantar /$pl'nt/ adjective referring to the sole made from petroleum, and used to make many
plantar
of the foot objects, including replacement organs " adjec-

plantar arch /!pl'ntr $%t/ noun the curved
plantar arch
tive able to change shape or develop in different
part of the sole of the foot running along the shapes
plastic lymph /$pl'stk lmf/ noun a yellow
plastic lymph
length of the foot. Also called longitudinal arch

plantar flexion /!pl'nt $flekn/ noun the
plantar flexion
liquid produced by an inflamed wound which
bending of the toes downwards helps the healing process
plastic surgeon /!pl'stk $s-%d+n/ noun a
plastic surgeon
plantar reflex /!pl'nt $ri%fleks/, plantar

plantar reflex
response /!pl'nt r$spns/ noun the usual

|
surgeon who specialises in plastic surgery
plastic surgery /!pl'stk $s-%d+ri/ noun sur-
plastic surgery
downward movement of the toes when the sole of

the foot is stroked in the Babinski test gery to repair damaged or malformed parts of the
body (informal)
plantar region /$pl'nt !ri%d+n/ noun the
plantar region
sole of the foot COMMENT: Plastic surgery is especially im-

portant in treating accident victims or people
plantar surface /$pl'nt !s-%fs/ noun the
plantar surface
who have suffered burns. It is also used to

skin of the sole of the foot correct congenital disorders such as a cleft
planus /$plens/ " lichen planus
planus
palate. When the aim is simply to improve

plaque /pl'k, pl%k/ noun 1. a flat area 2. a film
plaque
the patients appearance, it is usually re-
of saliva, mucus, bacteria and food residues that ferred to as cosmetic surgery.
plastin /$pl'stn/ noun same as fibrinolysin
plastin
builds up on the surface of teeth and can cause

gum damage -plasty /pl'sti/ suffix referring to plastic sur-
-plasty
-plasia /plezi/ suffix referring to something gery

-plasia
which develops or grows plate /plet/ noun a flat sheet of metal or bone !
plate
plasm- /pl'z()m/ prefix same as plasmo- The surgeon inserted a plate in her skull.
plasm-
(used before vowels) platelet /$pletlt/ noun a small blood cell

platelet
plasma /$pl'zm/ noun a yellow watery liquid

plasma
which releases thromboplastin and which multi-
which makes up the main part of blood plies rapidly after an injury, encouraging the
plasma cell /$pl'zm sel/ noun a lymphocyte
plasma cell
coagulation of blood. Also called thrombocyte
platelet count /$pletlt kant/ noun a test to
platelet count
which produces a particular type of antibody

count the number of platelets in a specific quan-
plasmapheresis /!pl'zmf$ri%ss/ noun an
plasmapheresis
tity of blood
|
operation to take blood from someone, then to

platy- /pl'ti/ prefix flat
platy-
separate the red blood cells from the plasma, and

to return the red blood cells suspended in a saline pledget /$pled+t/ noun a small piece of gauze
pledget
solution to the patient through a transfusion or cotton wool used to protect or apply medica-
235 pneumococcus
tion to a small enclosed space, such as the ear pas- plexor /$pleks/ noun same as plessor
plexor
sage plexus /$plekss/ noun a network of nerves,

plexus
-plegia /pli%d+/ suffix paralysis

-plegia
blood vessels or lymphatics

pleio- /pla/ prefix same as pleo- plica /$plak/ noun a fold
pleio- plica
pleo- /pli%/ prefix too many plicate /$plaket/ adjective folded

pleo- plicate
pleocytosis /!pli%sa$tss/ noun a condi- plication /pla$ke()n/ noun a surgical opera-

pleocytosis plication
| |
tion in which there are an unusual number of leu- tion to reduce the size of a muscle or a hollow
cocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid organ by making folds in its walls and attaching
pleoptics /pli%$ptks/ noun treatment to help
pleoptics
|
them
ploidy /$pldi/ noun the number of sets of chro-
ploidy
the partially sighted

plessor /$ples/ noun a little hammer with a
plessor
mosomes within a cell
plumbing /$pl.m/ noun any system of tubes
plumbing
rubber tip, used by doctors to tap tendons to test

for reflexes or for percussion of the chest. Also or vessels in the body, but especially the urinary
called plexor system (informal humorous)
plethysmography /!plez$m1rfi/ noun a PlummerVinson syndrome /!pl.m
plethysmography PlummerVinson syndrome
method of recording the changes in the volume of $vnsn !sndrm/ noun a type of iron-defi-
organs, mainly used to measure blood flow in the ciency anaemia, in which the tongue and mouth
limbs become inflamed and the person cannot swallow
pleur- /plr/ prefix same as pleuro- (used
pleur-
[Described 1912 by Plummer, 1919 by Vinson
before vowels) (also described in 1919 by Patterson and Brown
Kelly, whose names are frequently associated
pleura /$plr/ noun one of two membranes
pleura
with the syndrome). Henry Stanley Plummer

lining the chest cavity and covering each lung (18741937), US physician; Porter Paisley Vin-
(NOTE: The plural is pleuras or pleurae.) son (18901959), physician at the Mayo Clinic,
pleuracentesis /!plrsen$ti%ss/ noun same
pleuracentesis
|
Minnesota, USA.]
as pleurocentesis pluri- /plri/ prefix indicating more than one of
pluri-
pleural /$plrl/ adjective referring to the

pleural
something
pleura PM abbreviation post mortem
PM
pleural cavity /!plrl $k'vti/ noun a space

pleural cavity
PMA abbreviation progressive muscular atrophy

PMA
between the inner and outer pleura of the chest.

pmol symbol picomole
pmol
See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement

PMR abbreviation polymyalgia rheumatica
PMR
pleural effusion /!plrl $fju%+()n/ noun

pleural effusion
PMS abbreviation premenstrual syndrome

| PMS
an excess of fluid formed in the pleural sac

PMT abbreviation premenstrual tension
PMT
pleural fluid /!plrl $flu%d/ noun a fluid

pleural fluid
-pnea /pni%/ suffix same as -pnoea

-pnea
which forms between the layers of the pleura in

pleurisy pneo- /ni%/ prefix relating to breathing
pneo-
pleural membrane /!plrl $membren/ pneum- /nju%m/ prefix same as pneumo- (used
pleural membrane pneum-
noun same as pleura before vowels)

pleurectomy /pl$rektmi/ noun the surgical pneumat- /nju%mt/ prefix same as pneumato-
pleurectomy pneumat-
removal of part of the pleura which has been (used before vowels)
thickened or made stiff by chronic empyema pneumato- /nju%mt/ prefix relating to air,
pneumato-
pleurisy /$plrsi/ noun inflammation of the gas or breath

pleurisy
pleura, usually caused by pneumonia pneumatocele /nju%$m'tsi%l/ noun a sac or

pneumatocele
pleuritis /pl$rats/ noun same as pleurisy tumour filled with gas

pleuritis
pleuro- /plr/ prefix referring to the pleura pneumatonometer /!nju%mt$nmt/

pleuro- pneumatonometer
pleurocentesis /!plrsen$ti%ss/ noun an

pleurocentesis
|
noun an instrument which measures the air pres-
operation in which a hollow needle is put into the sure in the eye, used in testing for glaucoma. It
pleura to drain liquid. Also called pleuracente- blows a puff of air onto the cornea.
pneumatosis /!nju%m$tss/ noun the
pneumatosis
sis |
pleurodesis /!plr$di%ss/ noun treatment

pleurodesis
|
occurrence of gas in an unusual place in the body
pneumaturia /!nju%m$tjri/ noun the act
pneumaturia
for a collapsed lung, in which the inner and outer |
pleura are stuck together of passing air or gas in the urine

pneumo- /nju%m/ prefix referring to air, to
pneumo-
pleurodynia /!plr$dni/ noun pain in the

pleurodynia
muscles between the ribs, due to rheumatic the lungs or to breathing

inflammation pneumococcal /!nju%m$kk()l/ adjective
pneumococcal
pleuropneumonia
pleuropneumonia
/!plrnj$mni/ |
referring to pneumococci
noun acute lobar pneumonia, the classic type of pneumococcus /!nju%m$kks/ noun a
pneumococcus
pneumonia bacterium which causes respiratory tract infec-

pneumoconiosis 236
tions including pneumonia (NOTE: The plural is podalic version /p!d'lk $v-%()n/ noun
podalic version
pneumococci.) the procedure of turning a fetus in the uterus by its

pneumoconiosis /!nju%mkni$ss/ feet
pneumoconiosis
noun a lung disease in which fibrous tissue forms podarthritis /!pd%$rats/ noun the swell-
podarthritis
in the lungs because the person has inhaled parti- ing of one or more joints of the foot
cles of stone or dust over a long period of time podiatrist /p$datrst/ noun US a person
podiatrist
pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
who specialises in the care of the foot and its dis-

/!nju%mssts k!ri%nii nju%$mni/ noun a| | eases
form of pneumonia found in people with impaired podiatry /p$datri/ noun US the study of
podiatry
immune systems after radiotherapy or with AIDS. minor diseases and disorders of the feet
Abbreviation PCP
-poiesis /pi%ss/ suffix referring to something
-poiesis
pneumocyte /$nju%msat/ noun a cell of the

pneumocyte
which forms
walls between the air sacs in the lung
poikilo- /pkl/ prefix irregular or varied
poikilo-
pneumoencephalography /!nju%men
pneumoencephalography
poison /$pz()n/ noun a substance which can

| poison
!kef$l1rfi/ noun same as encephalogram

kill or harm body tissues if eaten or drunk " verb
|
pneumogastric /!nju%m$1'strk/ adjective

pneumogastric
|
to harm or kill someone with a poison
referring to the lungs and the stomach
poisoning /$pz()n/ noun a condition in
poisoning
pneumograph /$nju%m1r%f/ noun an instru-

pneumograph
which a person is made ill or is killed by a poison-

ment which records chest movements during ous substance
breathing
poison ivy /!pz()n $avi/, poison oak
poison ivy
pneumohaemothorax /!nju%m!hi%m
pneumohaemothorax
| |
/!pz()n $k/ noun American plants whose
$%r'ks/ noun blood or air in the pleural cavity. leaves can cause a painful rash if touched
Also called haemopneumothorax Poisons Act /$pz()nz 'kt/ noun in the UK,
Poisons Act
pneumomycosis /!nju%mma$kss/
pneumomycosis
|
one of several Acts of Parliament which regulate
noun an infection of the lungs caused by a fungus the making, prescribing and selling of drugs, e.g.
pneumon- /nju%mn/ prefix same as pneu- the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1933, Misuse of
pneumon-
mono- (used before vowels) Drugs Act 1971, or Poisons Act 1972
polar /$pl/ adjective with a pole
polar
pneumonectomy /!nju%m$nektmi/ noun

pneumonectomy
the surgical removal of all or part of a lung. Also polar body /!pl $bdi/ noun a small cell
polar body
called pulmonectomy which is produced from an oocyte but does not

pneumonia /nju%$mni/ noun inflammation develop into an ovum
pneumonia
of a lung, where the tiny alveoli of the lung pole /pl/ noun the end of an axis
pole
become filled with fluid ! He developed pneumo- poli- /pli/ prefix same as polio- (used before
poli-
nia and had to be hospitalised. ! She died of vowels)

pneumonia.
polio /$pli/ noun same as poliomyelitis
polio
pneumonitis /!nju%m$nats/ noun inflam-

pneumonitis
|
(informal)
mation of the lungs
polio- /pli/ prefix grey matter in the nervous
polio-
pneumono- /nju%mn/ prefix referring to the

pneumono-
system
lungs
polioencephalitis /!plien!kef$lats/
polioencephalitis
| |
pneumoperitoneum /!nju%mpert
pneumoperitoneum
|
noun a type of viral encephalitis, an inflammation
$ni%m/ noun air in the peritoneal cavity of the grey matter in the brain caused by the same
pneumoradiography /!nju%m!redi virus as poliomyelitis
pneumoradiography
| |
$1rfi/ noun an X-ray examination of part of the polioencephalomyelitis

polioencephalomyelitis
/!plien |
body after air or a gas has been inserted to make !kefl!ma$lats/ noun polioencephalitis
| |
the organs show more clearly which also affects the spinal cord
pneumothorax /!nju%m$%r'ks/ noun a
pneumothorax
poliomyelitis /!pli!ma$lats/ noun an

poliomyelitis
|
| |
condition in which air or gas is in the thorax. Also infection of the anterior horn cells of the spinal
called collapsed lung cord caused by a virus which attacks the motor
-pnoea /pni%/ suffix referring to breathing neurones and can lead to paralysis. Also called
-pnoea
PNS abbreviation peripheral nervous system

PNS
polio, infantile paralysis
poliovirus /$pli!vars/ noun a virus
poliovirus
pock /pk/ noun a localised lesion on the skin,

pock
|
due to smallpox or chickenpox which causes poliomyelitis

Politzer bag /$plts b'1/ noun a rubber bag
Politzer bag
pod- /pd/ prefix referring to the foot

pod-
which is used to blow air into the middle ear to

podagra /p$d'1r/ same as gout
podagra
|
unblock a Eustachian tube [Described 1863.
podalic /p$d'lk/ adjective relating to the
podalic
| After Adam Politzer (18351920), Professor of

feet Otology in Vienna, Austria.]
237 pons Varolii
pollex /$pleks/ noun the thumb (technical) body, causing weakness. It is treated with steroid
pollex
(NOTE: The plural is pollices.) drugs or immunosuppressants, and also exercise.

pollution /p$lu%()n/ noun the act of making polyneuritis /!plinj$rats/ noun inflamma-
pollution polyneuritis
| |
dirty, or substances which make e.g. air or water tion of many nerves
impure polyneuropathy /!plinj$rpi/ noun any
polyneuropathy
poly- /pli/ prefix 1. many or much 2. touching

poly-
disease which affects several nerves (NOTE: The

many organs plural is polyneuropathies.)
polyarteritis /!pli%t$rats/ noun a condi-
polyarteritis
polyopia /!pli$pi/, polyopsia /!pli

polyopia
|
| |
tion in which a lot of arteries swell up at the same $psi/, polyopy /$plipi/ noun a condition in
time which a person sees several images of one object
polyarteritis nodosa /!pli%t!rats n at the same time. Compare diplopia
polyarteritis nodosa
| |
$ds/ noun a collagen disease in which the polyp /$plp/ noun a tumour growing on a stalk
polyp
walls of the arteries in various parts of the body in mucous membrane, which can be cauterised.
become inflamed, leading to asthma, high blood Polyps are often found in the nose, mouth or
pressure and kidney failure. Also called peri- throat. Also called polypus
arteritis nodosa
polypectomy /!pl$pektmi/ noun a surgical
polypectomy
polyarthritis /!pli%$rats/ noun inflamma-

polyarthritis |
|
operation to remove a polyp (NOTE: The plural is
tion of several joints, as in rheumatoid arthritis polypectomies.)
polycystic /!pli$sstik/ adjective referring to
polycystic
polypeptide /!pli$peptad/ noun a type of

polypeptide
|
an organ which has developed more than one cyst,

|
protein formed of linked amino acids

or to a disease caused by the development of cysts
polypi /$plpi/ plural of polypus
polypi
polycystic kidney disease /!plisstk

polycystic kidney disease
polyploid /$plipld/ adjective referring to a

polyploid
$kdni d!zi%z/ noun a condition in which there

|
are multiple cysts on each kidney which grow and cell where there are more than two copies of each
multiply over time. Abbreviation PKD chromosome, which is not viable in humans
polypoid /$plpd/ adjective looking like a
polypoid
COMMENT: The diseased kidney finally shuts

down in over 60% of cases, and dialysis and polyp
transplantation are the only forms of treat- polyposis /!pl$pss/ noun a condition in
polyposis
ment. which many polyps form in the mucous mem-

polycystic ovary disease /!plisstk
polycystic ovary disease
brane of the colon. ! familial adenomatous

$vri d!zi%z/ noun same as polycystic ovary
| polyposis
syndrome. Abbreviation PCOD polypus /$plps/ noun same as polyp (NOTE:
polypus
polycystic ovary syndrome /!plisstk

polycystic ovary syndrome
The plural is polypi.)

$vri !sndrm/, polycystic ovarian syn-
polysaccharide /!pli$s'krad/ noun a type
polysaccharide
drome /!plisstk $verin !sndrm/

|
of carbohydrate made up of a lot of monosaccha-

|
noun a hormonal disorder in which a womans

rides joined together in chains. They include
ovaries are enlarged and contain many small pain-
starch and cellulose, are insoluble in water and do
less cysts, hair growth is excessive, acne develops
not form crystals.
and infertility may occur. Also called Stein Lev-
polysomnograph /!pli$smn1r%f/ noun a
polysomnograph
enthal syndrome. Abbreviation PCOS |
polycystitis /!plis$stats/ noun a congenital

polycystitis
record of bodily activity during sleep to identify
possible causes of sleep disorders
|
disease in which several cysts form in the kidney

polyspermia /!pli$sp-%mi/, polyspermism
polyspermia
at the same time |
polycythaemia /!plisa$i%mi/ noun a con-

polycythaemia
|
/!pli$sp-%mz()m/,
| polyspermy /!pli |
dition in which the number of red blood cells $sp-%mi/ noun excessive seminal secretion
polyuria /!pli$jri/ noun a condition in
polyuria
increases (NOTE: The US spelling is poly- |
cythemia.) which a person passes a large quantity of urine,

polydactylism /!pli$d'ktlz()m/ noun
polydactylism
|
usually as a result of diabetes insipidus
same as hyperdactylism pompholyx /$pmflks/ noun a type of
pompholyx
polydipsia /!pli$dpsi/ noun a condition,

polydipsia
|
eczema with many irritating little blisters on the
often caused by diabetes insipidus, in which a hands and feet
person is unusually thirsty pons /pnz/ noun a bridge of tissue joining parts
pons
polymyalgia rheumatica /!plima!'ld+ of an organ. See illustration at BRAIN in Supple-

polymyalgia rheumatica
ru%$m'tk/ noun a disease of elderly people

| ment (NOTE: The plural is pontes.)
characterised by pain and stiffness in the shoulder pons Varolii /!pnz v$rlia/ noun part of
pons Varolii
and hip muscles making them weak and sensitive the hindbrain, formed of fibres which continue
polymyositis /!plima$sats/ noun a con- the medulla oblongata. See illustration at BRAIN in
polymyositis
dition in which a lot of muscles swell up at the Supplement (NOTE: The plural is pontes
same time, especially the ones in the trunk of the Varolii.) [After Constanzo Varolius (154375),
pontine 238
Italian physician and anatomist, doctor to Pope portal hypertension /!p%t()l !hap
portal hypertension
Gregory XIII.] $tenn/ noun high pressure in the portal vein,

pontine /$pntan/ adjective referring to a pons caused by cirrhosis of the liver or a clot in the vein
pontine
POP /pp/ abbreviation progesterone only pill

POP
and causing internal bleeding
portal system /$p%t()l !sstm/ noun a
portal system
popliteal /!ppl$ti%l/ adjective referring to the

popliteal
group of veins which have capillaries at both ends

|
back of the knee

and do not go to the heart
popliteal artery /!pplti%l $%tri/ noun an
popliteal artery
portal vein /$p%t()l ven/ noun a vein which

portal vein
artery which branches from the femoral artery takes blood from the stomach, pancreas, gall
behind the knee and leads into the tibial arteries bladder, intestines and spleen to the liver (NOTE:
popliteal fossa /!pplti%l $fs/ noun a
popliteal fossa
For other terms referring to the portal vein, see

space behind the knee between the hamstring and words beginning with pyl-, pyle-.)
the calf muscle. Also called popliteal space portocaval /!p%t$kev()l/ adjective linking
portocaval
popliteal muscle /!ppl$ti%l !m.s()l/ noun

popliteal muscle
|
the portal vein to the inferior vena cava
same as popliteus portocaval anastomosis /!p%tkev()l
portocaval anastomosis
popliteal space /!pplti%l $spes/ noun

popliteal space
n!'st$mss/ noun a surgical operation to

| |
same as popliteal fossa join the portal vein to the inferior vena cava and
popliteus /p$pltis/ noun a muscle at the
popliteus
|
divert blood past the liver
back of the knee. Also called popliteal muscle portocaval shunt /!p%tkev()l $.nt/
portocaval shunt
population /!ppj$le()n/ noun 1. the

population
|
noun an artificial passage made between the por-
number of people living in a country or town ! tal vein and the inferior vena cava to relieve portal
Population statistics show that the birth rate is hypertension
slowing down. ! The government has decided to port wine stain /!p%t $wan !sten/ noun a
port wine stain
screen the whole population of the area. 2. the purple birthmark

number of patients in hospital ! The hospital position /p$z()n/ noun 1. the place where
position
population in the area has fallen below 10,000. something is ! The exact position of the tumour
pore /p%/ noun a tiny hole in the skin through is located by an X-ray. 2. the way a persons body
pore
which the sweat passes is arranged ! in a sitting position ! The accident

porphyria /p%$fri/ noun a hereditary disease
porphyria
|
victim had been placed in the recovery position.
affecting the metabolism of porphyrin pigments " verb to place something in a particular position
! The fetus is correctly positioned in the uterus.
COMMENT: Porphyria causes abdominal
positive /$pztv/ adjective 1. indicating the
positive
pains and attacks of mental confusion. The

skin becomes sensitive to light and the urine answer yes 2. indicating the presence of some-
becomes coloured and turns dark brown thing being tested for ! Her cervical smear was
when exposed to the light. positive. Opposite negative
positive end-expiratory pressure
positive end-expiratory pressure
porphyrin /$p%frn/ noun a member of a fam-

porphyrin
ily of metal-containing biological pigments, the /!pztv !end k!spart()ri $pre/ noun the |
commonest of which is protoporphyrin IX procedure of forcing a person to breathe through

a mask in cases where fluid has collected in the
porphyrinuria /!p%fr$njri/ noun the
porphyrinuria
lungs. Abbreviation PEEP

|
presence of excess porphyrins in the urine, a sign

positive feedback /!pztv $fi%db'k/ noun a
positive feedback
of porphyria or of metal poisoning

situation in which the result of a process stimu-
porta /$p%t/ noun an opening which allows
porta
lates the process which caused it

blood vessels to pass into an organ (NOTE: The
positive pressure respirator /!pztv
positive pressure respirator
plural is portae.)
$pre !respret/ noun a machine which forces
Portacath /$p%tk'/ noun a type of catheter
Portacath
air into the lungs through a tube inserted in the

put in place under a persons skin to make it easier mouth
to have chemotherapy, transfusions and blood
positive pressure ventilation /!pztv
positive pressure ventilation
tests. It is accessed by the use of a special needle

and flushed regularly with sterile saline. $pre vent!le()n/ noun the act of forcing air
|
into the lungs to encourage the lungs to expand.

portacaval /!p%t$kev()l/ adjective another
portacaval
|
Abbreviation PPV
spelling of portocaval
positron-emission tomography /!pztrn
positron-emission tomography
portae /$p%ti/ plural of porta

portae
$m()n t!m1rfi/ noun a method of scan-

| |
porta hepatis /!p%t $hepts/ noun an open-

porta hepatis
ning the tissues of the brain, chest and abdomen

ing in the liver through which the hepatic artery, for unusual metabolic activity after injecting a
hepatic duct and portal vein pass (NOTE: The plu- radioactive substance into the body. Abbreviation
ral is portae hepatitis.) PET
portal /$p%t()l/ adjective referring to a porta, posology /p$sld+i/ noun the study of doses
portal posology
especially the portal system or the portal vein of medicine

239 postpartum
posseting /$pst/ noun (in babies) the act of of food passing into the small intestine too fast
posseting
bringing up small quantities of curdled milk into and can cause dizziness, nausea, sweating and
the mouth after feeding weakness. Also called dumping syndrome
Possum /$psm/ noun a device using elec- posthepatic jaundice /!psth!p'tk
Possum posthepatic jaundice
tronic switches which helps a person who is $d+%nds/ noun same as obstructive jaundice
severely paralysed to work a machine such as a post herpetic neuralgia /!pst h!petk
post herpetic neuralgia
telephone (NOTE: The name is derived from the nj$r'ld+/ noun pains felt after an attack of
|
first letters of patient-operated selector mech- shingles

anism.)
posthitis /ps$ats/ noun inflammation of the
posthitis
post- /pst/ prefix after or later

post-
foreskin
post-cibal /!pst $sab()l/ adjective after
post-cibal
posthumous /$pstjms/ adjective occur-

posthumous
having eaten food ring after death

post cibum /!pst $kbm/ adverb full form
post cibum
postmature /!pstm$t/ adjective refer-

postmature
of p.c. ring to a baby born after the usual gestation period

post-coital /!pst $kt()l/ adjective taking
post-coital
of 42 weeks
place after sexual intercourse postmature baby /!pstmt $bebi/
postmature baby
postconcussional syndrome /!pstkn

postconcussional syndrome
|
noun a baby born more than nine months after
$k.()n()l !sndrm/ noun a set of symptoms conception
which sometimes follow a head injury in which a postmaturity /!pstm$trti/ noun a
postmaturity
person lost consciousness, including headache,

|
pregnancy which lasts longer than the usual ges-

loss of concentration, memory loss, depression tation period of 42 weeks
and irritability
postmenopausal /!pstmen$p%z()l/
postmenopausal
post-epileptic /!pst ep$leptk/ adjective

post-epileptic |
adjective happening or existing after the meno-

|
taking place after an epileptic fit

pause ! She experienced some postmenopausal
posterior /p$stri/ adjective at the back.
posterior
|
bleeding.
Opposite anterior # posterior to behind ! The
post mortem /!pst $m%tm/, post mortem
post mortem
cerebellum is posterior to the medulla oblongata.

examination /!pst $m%tm 1z'm
" noun same as buttock (informal)
|
!ne()n/ noun an examination of a dead body

posterior approach /p$strir !prt/
posterior approach
| |
by a pathologist to find out the cause of death !
noun an operation carried out from the back The post mortem showed that he had been poi-
posterior aspect /p$strir !'spekt/ noun
posterior aspect
| soned. Abbreviation PM. Also called autopsy

a view of the back of the body, or of the back of postnasal /pst$nez()l/ adjective situated
postnasal
part of the body. See illustration at ANATOMICAL or happening behind the nose
TERMS in Supplement
postnasal drip /pst!nez()l $drp/ noun a
postnasal drip
posterior chamber /p!stri $temb/

posterior chamber |
|
condition in which mucus from the nose runs
noun a part of the aqueous chamber which is down into the throat and is swallowed
behind the iris
postnatal /pst$net()l/ adjective referring
postnatal
posterior fontanelle /p!stri !fnt$nel/

posterior fontanelle |
| |
to the period after the birth of a child
noun a cartilage at the back of the head where the
postnatal care /pst!net()l $ke/ noun the
postnatal care
parietal bones join the occipital. ! bregma |
care given to a woman after the birth of her child

posterior nares /p!stri $neri%z/ plural
posterior nares
postnatal depression /pst!net()l d

postnatal depression
noun same as internal nares | |
$pre()n/ noun depression which sometimes

postero- /pstr/ prefix back or behind
postero-
affects a woman after childbirth

posteroanterior /!pstr'n$tri/ adjec-
posteroanterior
postnecrotic cirrhosis /!pstnekrtk s

| postnecrotic cirrhosis
tive lying from the back to the front |
$rss/ noun cirrhosis of the liver caused by viral

post-exposure prophylaxis /!pst k
post-exposure prophylaxis
|
hepatitis
!sp+ !prf$l'kss/ noun a treatment given
post-op /!pst $p/ adjective same as postop-
| post-op
to a person who has been exposed to a harmful

agent, in an effort to prevent or reduce injury or erative (informal)
postoperative /pst$p()rtv/ adjective
postoperative
infection. Abbreviation PEP |
postganglionic neurone /!pst1'1li

postganglionic neurone
|
referring to the period after a surgical operation !
!nk $njrn/ noun a neurone which starts in The patient has suffered postoperative nausea
a ganglion and ends in a gland or unstriated mus- and vomiting. ! Occlusion may appear as post-
cle operative angina pectoris.
postoperative pain /pst!p()rtv $pen/
postoperative pain
postgastrectomy syndrome /!pst 1'

postgastrectomy syndrome
|
|
$strektmi !sndrm/ noun a group of symp- noun pain felt after a surgical operation
toms which can occur after eating in people who postpartum /pst$p%tm/ adjective refer-
postpartum
have had stomach operations. It is caused by a lot ring to the period after the birth of a child
postpartum fever 240
postpartum fever /pst!p%tm $fi%v/ [Described 1765. After Sir Percivall Pott (1714
postpartum fever
noun same as puerperal infection 88), London surgeon.]

pouch /pat/ noun a small sac or pocket
pouch
postpartum haemorrhage /pst!p%tm

postpartum haemorrhage
$hem()rd+/ noun heavy bleeding after child- attached to an organ

birth. Abbreviation PPH poultice /$plts/ noun a compress made of
poultice
post-primary tuberculosis
post-primary tuberculosis
/pst hot water and flour paste or other substances

!pramri tju%!b-%kj$lss/ noun the reap-
| |
which is pressed onto an infected part to draw out
pearance of tuberculosis in a person who has been pus, to relieve pain or to encourage the circula-
infected with it before tion. Also called fomentation
Pouparts ligament /$pu%p%ts !l1mnt/
Pouparts ligament
post-registration education and practice

post-registration education and practice
/!pst red+!stre()n edj!ke()n nd

| |
noun same as inguinal ligament [Described
$pr'kts/ noun in the UK, the requirement for all 1705. After Franois Poupart (16161708),
registered nurses and midwives to undertake edu- French surgeon and anatomist.]
powder /$pad/ noun a medicine in the form of
powder
cational activities and keep up with contemporary

practice, and also for their employers to address a fine dry dust made from particles of drugs ! He
the learning needs of staff. It was started by the took a powder to help his indigestion or He took
UKCC in 1993. Abbreviation PREP an indigestion powder.
post-traumatic /!pst tr%$m'tk/ adjective pox /pks/ noun same as syphilis (old)
post-traumatic pox
appearing after a trauma, e.g. after an accident, poxvirus /$pks!vars/ noun any of a group of
poxvirus
rape or fire viruses which cause cowpox, smallpox and

post-traumatic amnesia /!pst tr%!m'tk related diseases
post-traumatic amnesia
'm$ni%zi/ noun amnesia which follows a trauma p.p. abbreviation after a meal. Full form post
p.p.
post-traumatic stress disorder /!pst

post-traumatic stress disorder
prandium
tr%!m'tk $stres ds!%d/ noun a psychologi- PPH abbreviation postpartum haemorrhage
PPH
| |
cal condition affecting people who have suffered PPV abbreviation positive pressure ventilation
PPV
severe emotional trauma, e.g. occasioned by war PQRST complex noun the set of deflections
PQRST complex
or natural disaster. Its symptoms include chest

on an electrocardiogram, labelled P to T, which
pain, dizziness, sleep disturbances, flashbacks, show ventricular contraction
anxiety, tiredness, and depression. Abbreviation
p.r. adverb (of an examination) by the rectum.
p.r.
PTSD
Full form per rectum
postural /$pstrl/ adjective referring to pos-
postural
practice /$pr'kts/ noun 1. the business, or the

practice
ture ! a study of postural disorders

premises occupied by, a doctor, dentist, or a group
postural drainage /!pstrl $drend+/
postural drainage
of doctors or dentists working together ! After

noun a a procedure for removing matter from qualifying she joined her fathers practice. # in
infected lungs by making the person lie down practice doing the work of a doctor or dentist !
with the head lower than the feet, so that he or she He has been in practice for six years. 2. the fact
can cough more easily of doing something, as opposed to thinking or
postural hypotension /!pstrl !hap
postural hypotension
| talking about it ! theory and practice 3. a usual

$tenn/ noun low blood pressure when standing way of doing something ! Such practices are
up suddenly, causing dizziness now regarded as unsafe.
posture /$pst/ noun the position in which a practice nurse /$pr'kts n-%s/ noun a nurse
posture practice nurse
body is arranged, or the way a person usually employed by a GP or primary care trust to work in
holds his or her body when standing ! Bad pos- a GPs practice providing treatment, health pro-
ture can cause pain in the back. ! She has to do motion, screening and other services to patients of
exercises to correct her bad posture. the practice
postviral /pst$varl/ adjective occurring practitioner /pr'k$t()n/ noun a qualified
postviral practitioner
| |
after a viral infection person who works in the medical profession

postviral fatigue syndrome /pst!varl praevia /$pri%vi/ noun " placenta praevia
postviral fatigue syndrome praevia
f$ti%1 !sndrm/ noun same as myalgic

|
pravastatin /!pr'v$st'tn/ noun a drug used
pravastatin
encephalomyelitis to reduce unusually high levels of blood choles-

potassium /p$t'sim/ noun a metallic ele- terol
potassium
ment (NOTE: The chemical symbol is K.) prazosin /$pr'zsn/ noun a drug which
prazosin
potassium permanganate /p!t'sim p

potassium permanganate
| |
relaxes or widens the blood vessels, used to treat
$m'1nt/ noun a purple-coloured poisonous hypertension
salt, used as a disinfectant pre- /pri%/ prefix before or in front of
pre-
Potts fracture /$pts !fr'kt/ noun a frac- preadmission information /!pri%d$m()n

Potts fracture preadmission information
ture of the lower end of the fibula together with nf!me()n/ noun information given to a per-
|
displacement of the ankle and foot outwards son before he or she is admitted to hospital
241 premature labour
pre-anaesthetic round /!pri% !'ns$etk prednisone /pred$nsn/ noun a syntheti-

pre-anaesthetic round prednisone
| |
!rand/ noun an examination of patients by the cally produced steroid hormone produced from
surgeon before they are anaesthetised cortisone, used to treat allergies and rheumatoid
precancerous /pri%$k'nsrs/ adjective refer-
precancerous
|
arthritis
pre-eclampsia /!pri% $kl'mpsi/ noun a con-
pre-eclampsia
ring to a growth which is not malignant now, but |
which can become cancerous later dition in pregnant women towards the end of the
preceptor /pr$sept/ noun a specialist who
preceptor
|
pregnancy which may lead to eclampsia. Symp-
gives practical training to a student toms are high blood pressure, oedema and protein
in the urine. Also called pregnancy-induced
preceptorship /pr$septp/ noun a period of
preceptorship
|
hypertension
time during which a recently trained nurse, mid-
pre-eclamptic /!pri% $kl'mptk/ adjective
pre-eclamptic
wife or health visitor can gain practical experi- |
ence working with a specialist who advises and referring to pre-eclampsia

prefrontal leucotomy /pri%!fr.nt()l lui%
prefrontal leucotomy
guides them | |
precipitate /pr$sptt/ noun a substance

precipitate
|
$ktmi/ noun a surgical operation to divide
which is precipitated during a chemical reaction some of the white matter in the prefrontal lobe,
" verb 1. to make a substance separate from a formerly used as a treatment for schizophrenia
prefrontal lobe /pri%$fr.nt()l lb/ noun an
prefrontal lobe
chemical compound and fall to the bottom of a |
liquid during a chemical reaction ! Casein is pre- area of the brain in the front part of each hemi-
cipitated when milk comes into contact with an sphere, in front of the frontal lobe, which is con-
acid. 2. to make something start suddenly (NOTE: cerned with memory and learning
[all verb senses] precipitating precipitated) preganglionic neurone /!pri%1'1l!nk
preganglionic neurone
precipitate labour /pr!sptt $leb/ noun $njrn/ noun a neurone which ends in a gan-
precipitate labour
unusually fast labour, lasting two hours or less. It glion

can be dangerous both to the mother and to the pregnancy /$pre1nnsi/ noun 1. same as ges-
pregnancy
child. tation period 2. the condition of being pregnant.

precipitin /pr$sptn/ noun an antibody which Also called cyesis
precipitin
reacts to an antigen and forms a precipitate, used pregnancy-induced hypertension

pregnancy-induced hypertension
in many diagnostic tests /!pre1nnsi n$dju%st !hap$tenn/ noun

| |
precocious /pr$ks/ adjective more phys- same as pre-eclampsia

precocious
ically or mentally developed than is usual for a pregnancy test /$pre1nnsi test/ noun a test
pregnancy test
specific age to see if a woman is pregnant or not

precocious puberty /pr!ks $pju%bti/ pregnant /$pre1nnt/ adjective with an unborn
precocious puberty pregnant
noun the development of signs of puberty in girls child in the uterus ! She is six months pregnant.
before the age of seven, and in boys before the age prehepatic
prehepatic jaundice
jaundice /!pri%h!p'tk |
of nine. If untreated, affected boys typically grow $d+%nds/ noun same as haemolytic jaundice
no taller than 1.6 metres and girls rarely reach 1.5
prem /prem/ (informal) adjective same as pre-
prem
metres.
mature " noun a premature baby
precocity /pr$ksti/ noun the state or fact of
precocity
premature /$premt/ adjective before the

| premature
being precocious
expected or desirable time ! The baby was five
precordia /pri%$k%di/ plural noun plural of
precordia
|
weeks premature.
precordium
COMMENT: Babies can survive even if born
precordial /pri%$k%dil/ adjective referring to
precordial
|
several weeks premature. Even babies
the precordium weighing less than one kilo at birth can sur-
precordium /pri%$k%dim/ noun the part of the
precordium
|
vive in an incubator, and develop healthily.
thorax over the heart (NOTE: The plural is precor- premature baby /!premt $bebi/ noun a
premature baby
dia.) baby born earlier than 37 weeks from conception,

precursor /pr$k-%s/ noun a substance or cell
precursor
|
or weighing less than 2.5kg, but capable of inde-
from which another substance or cell is devel- pendent life
oped, e.g. dopa, the precursor for dopamine, premature birth /!premt $b-%/ noun the
premature birth
which is converted to dopamine by the enzyme birth of a baby earlier than 37 weeks from concep-
dopa decarboxylase tion
predisposing factor /!pri%dspz $f'kt/ premature ejaculation /!premt !d+'kj
predisposing factor premature ejaculation
| |
noun a factor which will increase the risk of dis- $le()n/ noun a situation in which a man ejacu-
ease lates too early during sexual intercourse
prednisolone /pred$nsln/ noun a synthet- premature labour /!premt $leb/ noun
prednisolone premature labour
ically produced steroid hormone, similar to corti- the condition of starting to give birth earlier than
sone, used especially to control inflammatory dis- 37 weeks from conception ! After the accident
eases such as rheumatoid arthritis she went into premature labour.
premed 242
premed /$pri%med/ noun a stage of being given on the prescribing of drugs in primary care.
premed
premedication (informal) ! The patient is in Abbreviation PACT

premed. prescription /pr$skrpn/ noun an order
prescription
premedication /!pri%med$ke()n/, pre- written by a doctor to a pharmacist asking for a

premedication
medicant drug /pri%!medknt $dr.1/ noun a | drug to be prepared and given or sold to a person
drug given before an operation in order to block presenile /pri%$si%nal/ adjective prematurely
presenile
the parasympathetic nervous system and prevent showing the effects of advanced age
vomiting during the operation, e.g. a sedative
presenile dementia /pri%!si%nal d$men/
presenile dementia
| |
premenstrual /pri%$menstrul/ adjective hap-

premenstrual
|
noun mental degeneration affecting adults of
pening before menstruation around 4060 years of age (dated)
premenstrual syndrome /pri%!menstrul
premenstrual syndrome
|
COMMENT: Patients used to be diagnosed
$sndrm/, premenstrual tension /pri% | with presenile dementia if they showed
!menstrul $tenn/ noun nervous stress experi- symptoms of dementia and were under the
enced by a woman for one or two weeks before a age of 65, and senile dementia if over 65.
menstrual period starts. Abbreviation PMS, PMT However, the terms are no longer often used
premolar /pri%$ml/ noun a tooth with two
premolar
|
and instead the type of dementia is used for
points, situated between the canines and the first diagnostic purposes, e.g. Alzheimers dis-
proper molar. See illustration at TEETH in Supple- ease, multi-infarct or vascular.
ment present /$prez()nt/ verb /pr$zent/ 1. (of a
present
prenatal /pri%$net()l/ adjective during the

prenatal
|
patient) to show particular symptoms ! The
period between conception and childbirth patient presented with severe chest pains. 2. (of a
symptom) to be present ! The doctors first task
prenatal diagnosis /pri%!net()l !da1
prenatal diagnosis
| |
is to relieve the presenting symptoms. ! The con-
$nss/ noun same as antenatal diagnosis dition may also present in a baby. 3. (of a baby)
pre-op /!pri% $p/ adjective same as preopera-
pre-op
to appear in the vaginal channel " adjective cur-

tive (informal) rently existing in a place ! All the symptoms of
preoperative /pri%$p()rtv/ adjective dur- the disease are present.
preoperative
ing the period before a surgical operation presentation /!prez()n$te()n/ noun the
presentation
preoperative medication /pri%!p()rtv way in which a baby will be born, in respect of the
preoperative medication
!med$ken/ noun a drug given before an oper-

| part of the babys body which will appear first in
ation, e.g. a sedative the vaginal channel
PREP /prep/ abbreviation post-registration edu- presenting part /pr$zent p%t/ noun the
PREP presenting part
cation and practice part of a baby which appears first during birth
prepatellar bursitis /!pri%p!tel b-%$sats/ pressor /$pres/ adjective 1. referring to a nerve
prepatellar bursitis pressor
| |
noun a condition in which the fluid sac at the knee which increases the action of part of the body 2.
becomes inflamed, caused by kneeling on hard raising blood pressure
surfaces. Also called housemaids knee pressure /$pre/ noun the action of squeezing
pressure
prepubertal /pri%$pju%bt()l/ adjective refer-

prepubertal
| or forcing something
ring to the period before puberty pressure area /$prer !eri/ noun an area of
pressure area
prepuce /$pri%pju%s/ noun same as foreskin

prepuce
the body where a bone is near the surface of the

presby- /prezbi/ prefix same as presbyo- (used
presby-
skin, so that if the skin is pressed the circulation
before vowels) will be cut off
pressure bandage /$pre !b'ndd+/ noun a
pressure bandage
presbyacusis /!prezbi$ku%ss/ noun a condi-

presbyacusis
tion in which an elderly persons hearing fails bandage which presses on a part of the body
gradually, through to degeneration of the internal pressure index /$prer !ndeks/ noun a
pressure index
ear method for determining the extent of obstruction

presbyo- /prezbi/ prefix referring to the last to the artery in the leg by measuring the blood
presbyo-
stages of the natural life span pressure in the arms and legs and then dividing
presbyopia /!prezbi$pi/ noun a condition
presbyopia
the systolic pressure in the leg by that in the arm.
Abbreviation PI
|
in which an elderly persons sight fails gradually,

pressure point /$pre pnt/ noun a place
pressure point
through hardening of the lens

prescribed disease /pr!skrabd d$zi%z/
prescribed disease
| |
where an artery crosses over a bone, so that the
noun an illness caused by the type of work a per- blood can be cut off by pressing with the finger
presystole /pri%$sstli/ noun the period before
presystole
son does which is on an annually reviewed offi- |
cial list, entitling the person to claim benefit. systole in the cycle of heartbeats
Examples are deafness, pneumoconiosis and RSI. preterm /pri%$t-%m/ adjective referring to the
preterm
prescribing analyses and cost /pr birth of a child which takes place before the
prescribing analyses and cost
!skrab !n'lsi%z nd $kst/ plural noun data

| expected time
243 primordial
preterm birth /pri%$t-%m !b-%/ noun the birth employment of community staff. Abbreviation
preterm birth
of a baby before 37 completed weeks of preg- PCT

nancy, which presents a greater risk of serious primary haemorrhage /!pramri
primary haemorrhage
health problems (NOTE: About 12 per cent of $hem()rd+/ noun bleeding which occurs imme-
births in the UK are preterm births.) diately after an injury has taken place
preventative /pr$venttv/ adjective same as primary health care /!pramri $hel !ke/
preventative primary health care
preventive noun same as primary care

preventive /pr$ventv/ adjective referring to primary health care team /!pramri $hel
preventive primary health care team
an action taken to stop something happening, ke !ti%m/ noun a group of professional medical
especially to stop a disease or infection from workers who have first contact with someone
spreading ! preventive treatment ! preventive needing medical attention and are responsible for
action delivering a range of health care services. Abbre-
preventive
preventive medicine
medicine /pr!ventv
|
viation PHCT
primary medical care /!pramri $medk()l
primary medical care
$med()s()n/ noun action carried out to stop dis-

ease from occurring, e.g. by education in health- !ke/ noun same as primary care
related issues, immunisation and screening for primary nurse /!pramri $n-%s/ noun a nurse
primary nurse
known diseases who is responsible for planning a persons nurs-

Priadel /$pradel/ a trade name for lithium
Priadel
ing care in consultation with that person and his
or her family. In the absence of the primary nurse,
priapism /$prapz()m/ noun an erection of
priapism
associate nurses provide care based on the plan

the penis without sexual stimulus, caused by a designed by the primary nurse.
blood clot in the tissue of the penis, injury to the
primary nursing /!pramri $n-%s/ noun a
primary nursing
spinal cord or stone in the urinary bladder

model of nursing that involves the delivery of
prickly heat /$prkli hi%t/ noun same as mili-
prickly heat
comprehensive, continuous, co-ordinated and

aria individualised patient care through a primary
-pril /prl/ suffix used for ACE inhibitors ! Cap-
-pril
nurse, who has autonomy, accountability and

topril authority in relation to his or her patients care
prilocaine /$pralken/ noun a local anaes- primary tooth /$pramri tu%/ noun any one
prilocaine primary tooth
thetic used especially in dentistry of the first twenty teeth which develop in children
primaquine /$pramkwi%n/ noun a syntheti-
primaquine
between about six months and two-and-a-half
cally produced drug used in the treatment of years of age, and are replaced by the permanent
malaria teeth at around the age of six. Also called milk
tooth, deciduous tooth
primary /$pramri/ adjective 1. happening
primary
primary tuberculosis /!pramri tju%

primary tuberculosis
first, and leading to something else 2. most

|
!b-%kj$lss/ noun a persons first infection

important
|
with tuberculosis
primary amenorrhoea /!pramri !emen
primary amenorrhoea
primary tumour /!pramri $tju%m/ noun a

primary tumour
|
$ri%/ noun a condition in which a woman has site of the original malignant growth from which
never had menstrual periods cancer spreads
primary bronchi /!pramri $brki%/ plural
primary bronchi
prime /pram/ adjective 1. of the greatest impor-

prime
noun same as main bronchi tance or the highest rank 2. of the highest quality
primary care /!pramri $ke/ noun in the UK,
primary care
" noun the best state or period of something,

health services offered directly to individuals by especially the most active and enjoyable period in
GPs, dentists, opticians and other health profes- adult life " verb to make something ready for
sionals who may also refer a patient on to special- use, or to become ready for use (NOTE: priming
ists for further treatment. Also called primary primed)
health care, primary medical care. Compare prime mover /!pram $mu%v/ noun 1. same as
prime mover
secondary care, tertiary care agonist 2. somebody or something which has the
primary care group /!pramri $ke !1ru%p/ most influence over the starting of a process or
primary care group
noun an organisation responsible for overseeing activity

the provision of primary healthcare and the com- primigravida /!pram$1r'vd/, primigravid
primigravida
missioning of secondary care in a district. Key patient /!pram$1r'vd !pe()nt/ noun a

|
members include GPs, community nurses, social woman who is pregnant for the first time (NOTE:
services and lay members. Abbreviation PCG The plural is primigravidas or primigravidae.)
primary care team /!pramri $ke !ti%m/
primary care team
primipara /pra$mpr/ noun a woman who

primipara
noun same as primary health care team has given birth to one child. Also called unipara
primary care trust /!pramri $ke !tr.st/
primary care trust
(NOTE: The plural is primiparas or primiparae.)
noun in the UK, the top level of the primary care primordial /pra$m%dil/ adjective in the very
primordial
group with extra responsibilities such as direct first stage of development

primordial follicle 244
primordial follicle /pra!m%dil $flk()l/ (nursing diagnosis), planning implementation

primordial follicle
noun the first stage of development of an ovarian (nursing intervention) and evaluation
follicle process /$prses/ noun 1. a technical or scien-
process
P-R interval /!pi% $%r !ntv()l/ noun the time tific action ! A new process for testing serum
P-R interval
recorded on an electrocardiogram between the samples has been developed in the research labo-
start of atrial activity and ventricular activity ratory. 2. a projecting part of the body " verb 1.
prion /$pri%n/ noun a particle of protein which
prion
to deal with a person or thing according to a
contains no nucleic acid, does not trigger an standard procedure 2. to examine or test samples
immune response and is not destroyed by extreme ! The blood samples are being processed by the
heat or cold. Prions are considered to be the laboratory.
prochlorperazine /!prkl%$perzi%n/ noun
prochlorperazine
agents responsible for scrapie, BSE, and Creut- |
zfeldt-Jakob disease. a drug used to control nausea and vomiting, and to

priority despatch /pra$rti d!sp't/ noun
priority despatch
| |
reduce the symptoms of Mnires disease,
the process of talking to people who need medical migraine and anxiety
procidentia /!prs$den/ noun movement
procidentia
help on the telephone in order to make sure that |
ambulances are sent to the most urgent cases first of an organ downwards
priority matrix /pra$rti !metrks/ noun a proct- /prkt/ prefix same as procto- (used
priority matrix proct-
way of trying to make sure that each community before vowels)

has a fair number of services for its particular proctalgia /prk$t'ld+/ noun pain in the
proctalgia
health needs lower rectum or anus, caused by neuralgia

private hospital /!pravt $hspt()l/ noun a
private hospital
proctalgia fugax /prk!t'ld+ $fju%1'ks/

proctalgia fugax
hospital which takes only paying patients noun a condition in which a person has sudden
private parts /$pravt p%ts/ plural noun the pains in the rectum during the night, usually
private parts
genital area (informal) Also called privates relieved by eating or drinking

private patient /!pravt $pe()nt/ noun a proctatresia /!prkt$tri%zi/ noun a condition
private patient proctatresia
patient who is paying for treatment and who is not in which the anus does not have an opening. Also
being treated under the National Health Service called imperforate anus
privates /$pravts/ plural noun same as pri- proctectasia /prktek$tezi/ noun a condi-
privates proctectasia
vate parts (informal) tion in which the rectum or anus is dilated

p.r.n. adverb (written on a prescription) as and
p.r.n.
because of continued constipation
when required. Full form pro re nata proctectomy /prk$tektmi/ noun a surgical
proctectomy
pro- /pr/ prefix before or in front of

pro-
operation to remove the rectum (NOTE: The plural
is proctectomies.)
probe /prb/ noun an instrument used to
probe
proctitis /prk$tats/ noun inflammation of

proctitis
explore inside a cavity or wound " verb to inves- |
tigate the inside of something ! The surgeon the rectum

probed the wound with a scalpel. (NOTE: probing procto- /prkt/ prefix the anus or rectum
procto-
probed) proctocele /$prktsi%l/ noun same as rec-

proctocele
problem /$prblm/ noun 1. something which

problem
tocele
is difficult to find an answer to ! Scientists are proctocolectomy
proctocolectomy
/!prktk$lektmi/ |
trying to find a solution to the problem of drug- noun a surgical operation to remove the rectum
related disease. 2. a medical disorder ! heart and the colon (NOTE: The plural is proctocolec-
problems # he has an alcohol problem or a tomies.)
drugs problem he is addicted to alcohol or drugs
proctocolitis /!prktk$lats/ noun inflam-
proctocolitis
3. an addiction to something ! has a drug prob- |
lem mation of the rectum and part of the colon

proctodynia /!prkt$dni/ noun a sensation
proctodynia
problem child /$prblm tald/ noun a child

problem child
|
who is difficult to control of pain in the anus

proctogram /$prkt1r'm/ noun an X-ray
proctogram
problem drinking /!prblm $drk/ noun

problem drinking
alcoholism or heavy drinking which has a bad photograph of the rectum taken after a contrast
effect on a persons behaviour or work agent is introduced
proctologist /prk$tld+st/ noun a special-
proctologist
problem-oriented record /!prblm

problem-oriented record
|
!%rientd $rek%d/ noun a record of patient care ist in proctology

proctology /prk$tld+i/ noun the scientific
proctology
which links patients clinical data with their prob- |
lems, so that all aspects of the care process are study of the rectum and anus and their associated
focused on resolving those problems diseases
problem-solving approach /$prblm proctorrhaphy /prk$t%rfi/ noun a surgical
problem-solving approach proctorrhaphy
!slv !prt/ noun the provision of nursing

| operation to stitch up a tear in the rectum or anus
care based on assessment, problem identification (NOTE: The plural is proctorrhaphies.)
245 prolapse
proctoscope /$prktskp/ noun a surgical progeria /pr$d+ri/ noun a condition of

proctoscope progeria
instrument consisting of a long tube with a light in premature ageing. Also called Hutchinson-Gil-
the end, used to examine the rectum ford syndrome
proctoscopy /prk$tskpi/ noun an exami- progesterone /pr$d+estrn/ noun a hor-
proctoscopy progesterone
| |
nation of the rectum using a proctoscope (NOTE: mone which is produced in the second part of the
The plural is proctoscopies.) menstrual cycle by the corpus luteum and which
proctosigmoiditis /!prkt!s1m$dats/
proctosigmoiditis
| |
stimulates the formation of the placenta if an
noun inflammation of the rectum and the sigmoid ovum is fertilised (NOTE: Progesterone is also
colon produced by the placenta itself.)
progestogen /pr$d+estd+n/ noun any sub-
progestogen
proctotomy /prk$ttmi/ noun a surgical

proctotomy
|
stance which has the same effect as progesterone

|
operation to divide a structure of the rectum or

prognathic jaw /pr1!n'k $d+%/ noun a
prognathic jaw
anus (NOTE: The plural is proctotomies.) |
prodromal /pr$drm()l/ adjective occur-

prodromal
|
jaw which protrudes further than the other
prognathism /$pr1niz()m/ noun a condi-
prognathism
ring between the appearance of the first symp-

toms of a disease and the major effect, e.g. a fever tion in which one jaw, especially the lower jaw, or
or rash both jaws protrude
prognosis /pr1$nss/ noun an opinion of
prognosis
prodromal rash /pr!drm()l $r'/ noun a

prodromal rash
|
|
rash which appears as a symptom of a disease how a disease or disorder will develop ! This
before the major rash cancer has a prognosis of about two years. ! The
prodrome /$prdrm/, prodroma /pr
prodrome
prognosis is not good. (NOTE: The plural is prog-
noses.)
|
$drm/ noun an early symptom of an attack of

progressive /pr$1resv/ adjective developing
progressive
a disease |
all the time ! Alzheimers disease is a progres-

productive cough /pr!d.ktv $kf/ noun a
productive cough
sive disorder which sees a gradual decline in

|
cough where phlegm is produced

intellectual functioning.
profession /pr$fe()n/ noun a type of job for
profession
progressive deafness /pr!1resv $defns/

progressive deafness
|
which special training is needed

|
noun a condition, common in people as they get

professional /pr$fe()nl/ adjective refer-
professional
|
older, in which a person gradually becomes more
ring to a profession and more deaf
professional body /pr!fe()nl $bdi/
professional body
progressive muscular atrophy /pr!1resv

progressive muscular atrophy
|
|
noun an organisation which acts for all the mem- !m.skjl $'trfi/ noun muscular dystrophy,
bers of a profession with progressive weakening of the muscles, par-
Professional Conduct Committee /pr ticularly in the pelvic and shoulder girdles
Professional Conduct Committee
!fe()n()l $knd.kt k!mti/ noun a commit- proguanil /pr$1w'nl/ noun a drug used in
proguanil
| |
tee of the General Medical Council which decides the prevention and treatment of malaria
on cases of professional misconduct. Abbrevia- project /pr$d+ekt/ verb to protrude or stick out
project
tion PCC
|
Project 2000 /!prd+ekt tu% $az()nd/ noun

Project 2000
Professional Executive Committee /pr

Professional Executive Committee
|
a revision of nursing education introduced by the
!fe()nl 1$zekjtv k!mti/ noun full form
| |
UKCC in 1989. It included new courses which
of PEC prepare individuals to work in all settings, both in
profile /$prfal/ noun 1. a brief description of
profile
hospitals and in the community, and gave a stu-

the characteristics of a person or thing 2. a set of dent the ability to qualify as a midwife without
data, usually in graph or table form, which indi- first qualifying as a nurse and the chance to gain
cates to what extent something has the same char- specialist qualifications in all areas of practice.
acteristics as a group tested or considered stand- projection /pr$d+ekn/ noun 1. a part of the
projection
ard 3. the amount that other people notice body which sticks out or stands out. Also called
somebody or something " verb to give a short prominence. Compare promontory 2. (in psy-
description or assessment of somebody or some- chology) mental action in which a person blames
thing (NOTE: profiling profiled) another person for his or her own faults
profunda /pr$f.nd/ adjective referring to
profunda
prolactin /pr$l'ktn/ noun a hormone

prolactin
|
|
blood vessels which lie deep in tissues secreted by the pituitary gland which stimulates
profundaplasty /pr$f.ndpl'sti/ noun a
profundaplasty
| the production of milk. Also called lactogenic

surgical operation to widen a junction of the fem- hormone
oral artery, in order to relieve narrowing by prolapse /$prl'ps/ noun a condition in
prolapse
atherosclerosis (NOTE: The plural is profunda- which an organ has moved downwards out of its
plasties.) usual position " verb to move downwards out of
progeny /$prd+ni/ noun a persons child or
progeny
the usual position (NOTE: prolapsing pro-

children (NOTE: Takes a singular or plural verb.) lapsed)
prolapsed intervertebral disc 246
prolapsed intervertebral disc /pr!l'pst proprietary name /pr!prat()ri $nem/

prolapsed intervertebral disc proprietary name
| |
nt!v-%tbrl $dsk/ noun a condition in which

| noun a trade name for a drug
an intervertebral disc becomes displaced or where proprioception /!prpri$sepn/ noun the
proprioception
the soft centre of a disc passes through the hard reaction of nerves to body movements and the
cartilage of the exterior and presses onto a nerve. relaying of information about movements to the
Abbreviation PID. Also called slipped disc brain
prolapse of the rectum /!prl'ps v
prolapse of the rectum
proprioceptor /!prpri$sept/ noun the end

proprioceptor
$rektm/ noun a condition in which mucous

|
of a sensory nerve which reacts to stimuli from

membrane of the rectum moves downwards and muscles and tendons as they move
passes through the anus
proptosis /prp$tss/ noun forward dis-
proptosis
prolapse of the uterus /!prl'ps v

prolapse of the uterus |
placement of the eyeball

$ju%trs/, prolapse of the womb /!prl'ps
prosop- /prsp/, prosopo- /prsp/ prefix
prosop-
v $wu%m/ noun a movement of the uterus

downwards due to weakening of the structures of referring to the face
the pelvic floor, e.g. because of age or a difficult prostaglandin /!prst$1l'ndn/ noun any of
prostaglandin
childbirth. Also called metroptosis, prolapsed a class of unsaturated fatty acids found in all
uterus, uterine prolapse mammals which control smooth muscle contrac-
proliferate /pr$lfret/ verb to produce many
proliferate
|
tion, inflammation and body temperature, are
similar cells or parts, and so grow (NOTE: prolif- associated with the sensation of pain and have an
erating proliferated) effect on the nervous system, blood pressure and
proliferation /pr!lf$re()n/ noun the proc-
proliferation
| |
in particular the uterus at menstruation
prostate /$prstet/ noun same as prostate
prostate
ess of proliferating
promethazine /pr$mezi%n/ noun an anti-
promethazine
|
gland (NOTE: Do not confuse with prostrate.) #
histamine drug used in the treatment of allergies prostate trouble inflammation or enlargement of
and motion sickness the prostate gland (informal)
prostate cancer /$prstet !k'ns/ noun a
prostate cancer
prominence /$prmnns/ noun a part of the

prominence
body which sticks out or stands out. Also called malignant tumour of the prostate gland, found
projection. Compare promontory especially in men over 55
prostatectomy /!prst$tektmi/ noun a sur-
prostatectomy
promontory /$prmnt()ri/ noun a section of

promontory
|
an organ, especially the middle ear and sacrum gical operation to remove all or part of the pros-
which stands out above the rest. Compare projec- tate gland (NOTE: The plural is prostatecto-
tion, prominence mies.)
prostate gland /$prstet 1l'nd/ noun an O-
prostate gland
pronation /pr$ne()n/ noun the act of turn-

pronation
ing the hand round so that the palm faces down- shaped gland in males which surrounds the ure-
wards. Opposite supination. See illustration at thra below the bladder and secretes a fluid con-
ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement taining enzymes into the sperm. See illustration at
pronator /pr$net/ noun a muscle which
pronator
|
UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement.
makes the hand turn face downwards Also called prostate
prone /prn/ adjective lying face downwards.
prone
COMMENT: As a man grows older, the pros-
Opposite supine tate gland tends to enlarge and constrict the
point at which the urethra leaves the bladder,
prophase /$prfez/ noun the first stage of
prophase
making it difficult to pass urine.

mitosis when the chromosomes are visible as long
prostatic /pr$st'tk/ adjective referring to or
prostatic
thin double threads |
belonging to the prostate gland

prophylactic /!prf$l'ktk/ noun a substance
prophylactic
prostatic hypertrophy /pr!st'tk ha

| prostatic hypertrophy
which helps to prevent the development of a dis- | |
ease " adjective preventive $p-%trfi/ noun an enlargement of the prostate

gland
prophylaxis /!prf$l'kss/ noun the preven-
prophylaxis
prostatitis /!prst$tats/ noun inflammation

prostatitis
tion of disease (NOTE: The plural is prophy- |
laxes.) of the prostate gland

prostatorrhoea /!prstt$ri%/ noun dis-
prostatorrhoea
propranolol /pr$p'nll/ noun a drug that

propranolol
|
|
slows heart rate and heart output, used in the treat- charge of fluid from the prostate gland (NOTE:
ment of angina pectoris, irregular heart rhythms, The US spelling is prostatorrhea.)
migraine and high blood pressure prosthesis /prs$i%ss/ noun a device which is
prosthesis
proprietary /pr$prat()ri/ adjective belong- attached to the body to take the place of a part
proprietary
ing to a commercial company which is missing, e.g. an artificial leg or glass eye
proprietary medicine
proprietary medicine
/pr!prat()ri |
(NOTE: The plural is prostheses.)
$med()s()n/, proprietary drug /pr prosthetic /prs$etk/ adjective replacing a
prosthetic
| |
!prat()ri $dr.1/ noun a drug which is sold part of the body which has been amputated or
under a trade name. ! patent medicine removed ! He was fitted with a prosthetic hand.
247 prurigo
prosthetic dentistry /prs!etk $dentstri/ which needs Vitamin K to be effective. Also

prosthetic dentistry
noun the branch of dentistry which deals with called Factor II

replacing missing teeth parts of the jaw, and fit- prothrombin time /pr$rmbn tam/ noun
prothrombin time
ting dentures, bridges and crowns. Also called the time taken in Quick test for clotting to take
prosthodontics place
prosthodontics /!prs$dntks/ noun same proto- /prt/ prefix first or at the beginning
prosthodontics proto-
as prosthetic dentistry (NOTE: Takes a singular proton pump /$prtn p.mp/ noun an
proton pump
verb.) enzyme system within the gastric mucosa that

prostrate /$prstret/ adjective lying face
prostrate
secretes gastric acids ! The drug acts on the pro-

down (NOTE: Do not confuse with prostate.) ton pump mechanism.
prostration /pr$stre()n/ noun extreme proton-pump inhibitor /$prtn p.mp n
prostration proton-pump inhibitor
| |
tiredness of body or mind !hbt/ noun a drug which suppresses the final
protamine /$prtmi%n/ noun a simple protein
protamine
stage of gastric acid secretion by the proton pump
found in fish, used with insulin to slow down the in the gastric mucosa
insulin absorption rate protoplasm /$prt!pl'z()m/ noun a sub-
protoplasm
protanopia /!prt$npi/ noun same as

protanopia
|
stance like a jelly which makes up the largest part
Daltonism of each cell
protozoa /!prt$z/ plural of protozoon
protozoa
protease /$prtiez/ noun a digestive enzyme

protease
|
which breaks down protein in food by splitting protozoan /!prt$zn/ adjective referring
protozoan
the peptide link. Also called proteolytic enzyme to protozoa

Protection of Children Act 1999 /pr protozoon /!prt$zn/ noun a tiny simple
Protection of Children Act 1999 protozoon
| |
!tekn v $tldrn !'kt/ noun in the UK, an organism with a single cell (NOTE: The plural is
Act of Parliament to protect children by restrict- protozoa or protozoons.)
ing the employment of certain nurses, teachers or COMMENT: Parasitic protozoa can cause
other workers whose jobs bring them into contact several diseases, including amoebiasis, ma-
with children, on grounds such as misconduct or laria and other tropical diseases.
health protuberance /pr$tju%b()rns/ noun a
protuberance
protective isolation /pr!tektv !as

protective isolation
| | rounded part of the body which projects above the

$le()n/ noun a set of procedures used to protect rest
people who have impaired resistance to infectious proud flesh /!prad $fle/ noun new vessels
proud flesh
disease, e.g. those with leukemia and lymphoma, and young fibrous tissue which form when a
Aids and graft patients. Also called reverse iso- wound, incision or lesion is healing
lation
provider /pr$vad/ noun a hospital which
provider
protein /$prti%n/ noun a nitrogen compound

protein |
provides secondary care which is paid for by

which is present in and is an essential part of all another body such as a PCG or social services. !
living cells in the body, formed by the linking of purchaser
amino acids
provitamin /pr$vtmn/ noun a chemical
provitamin
protein balance /$prti%n !b'lns/ noun a

protein balance |
compound which is converted to a vitamin during

situation when the nitrogen intake in protein is usual biochemical processes, e.g. the amino acid
equal to the excretion rate in the urine tryptophan, which is converted to niacin, and beta
protein-bound iodine /!prti%n band
protein-bound iodine
carotene, which is converted into vitamin A

$adi%n/ noun a compound of thyroxine and proximal /$prksm()l/ adjective near the mid-
proximal
iodine line, the central part of the body

protein-bound iodine test /!prti%n band
protein-bound iodine test
proximal convoluted tubule /!prksm()l

proximal convoluted tubule
$adi%n test/ noun a test to measure if the thy- !knvlu%td $tju%bju%l/ noun a part of the kid-
roid gland is producing adequate quantities of ney filtering system between the loop of Henle
thyroxine. Abbreviation PBI test and the glomerulus
protein deficiency /$prti%n d!f()nsi/
protein deficiency
proximal interphalangeal joint

proximal interphalangeal joint
|
noun a lack of enough proteins in the diet /!prksm()l !ntf$l'nd+il !d+nt/ noun a |
proteinuria /!prt$njri/ noun a condition

proteinuria
| joint nearest the point of attachment of a finger or

in which there are proteins in the urine toe. Abbreviation PIP
proteose /$prtis/ noun a water-soluble proximally /$prksmli/ adverb further towards
proteose proximally
compound formed during hydrolytic processes the centre or point of attachment. Opposite dis-
such as digestion tally. See illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in
Proteus /$prtis/ noun a genus of bacteria
Proteus
Supplement
commonly found in the intestines Prozac /$prz'k/ a trade name for fluoxetine
Prozac
prothrombin /pr$rmbn/ noun a protein prurigo /pru$ra1/ noun an itchy eruption of

prothrombin prurigo
| |
in blood which helps blood to coagulate and papules

pruritus 248
pruritus /pru$rats/ noun an irritation of the psilosis /sa$lss/ noun a disease of the small
pruritus psilosis
| |
skin which makes a person want to scratch. Also intestine which prevents a person from absorbing
called itching food properly. Also called sprue
pruritus ani /pru!rats $ena/ noun itching psoas major /!s's $med+/ noun a muscle
pruritus ani psoas major
round the anal orifice in the groin which flexes the hip
pruritus vulvae /pru!rats $v.lvi%/ noun psoas minor /!s's $man/ noun a small
pruritus vulvae psoas minor
itching round the vulva muscle similar to the psoas major but not always
pseud- /sju%d/ prefix same as pseudo- (used
pseud-
present
psoriasis /s$rass/ noun a common inflam-
psoriasis
before vowels) |
pseudarthrosis /!sju%d%$rss/ noun a

pseudarthrosis
|
matory skin disease where red patches of skin are
false joint, as when the two broken ends of a frac- covered with white scales
psoriatic /!s%ri$'tk/ adjective referring to
psoriatic
tured bone do not bind together but heal sepa- |
rately (NOTE: The plural is pseudarthroses.) psoriasis

pseudo- /sju%d/ prefix similar to something psoriatic arthritis /!s%ri'tk %$rats/
pseudo- psoriatic arthritis
but not the same noun a form of psoriasis which is associated with
pseudoangina /!sju%d'n$d+an/ noun
pseudoangina
|
arthritis
psych- /sak/ prefix same as psycho- (used
psych-
pain in the chest, caused by worry but not indicat-

ing heart disease before vowels)
pseudocrisis /$sju%d!krass/ noun a sud- psyche /$saki/ noun the mind
pseudocrisis psyche
den fall in the temperature of a person with fever psychedelic /!sak$delk/ adjective referring
psychedelic
which does not mark the end of the fever to drugs such as LSD which expand a persons
pseudocroup /!sju%d$kru%p/ noun same as consciousness
pseudocroup
laryngismus psychiatric /!saki$'trk/ adjective referring

psychiatric
pseudocyesis /!sju%dsa$i%ss/ noun a con- to psychiatry ! He is undergoing psychiatric

pseudocyesis
dition in which a woman has the physical symp- treatment.

toms of pregnancy but is not pregnant. Also called psychiatric hospital /!saki$'trk
psychiatric hospital
phantom pregnancy, pseudopregnancy !hspt()l/ noun a hospital which specialises in

pseudocyst /$sju%dsst/ noun a false cyst the treatment of patients with mental disorders
pseudocyst
psychiatrist /sa$katrst/ noun a doctor who

psychiatrist
pseudogynaecomastia /!sju%d!1ank
pseudogynaecomastia
|
| |
$m'sti/ noun enlargement of the male breast specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of men-
because of extra fatty tissue (NOTE: The US spell- tal and behavioural disorders
ing is pseudogynecomastia.) psychiatry /sa$katri/ noun a branch of med-
psychiatry
pseudohermaphroditism
pseudohermaphroditism
/!sju%dh-% |
icine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment
$m'frdatz()m/ noun a condition in which a of mental and behavioural disorders
person has either ovaries or testes but external psychic /$sakk/, psychical /$sakk()l/
psychic
genitalia that are not clearly of either sex adjective 1. referring to a person who is suppos-
pseudohypertrophy /!sju%dha$p-%trfi/
pseudohypertrophy
|
edly able to guess thoughts which people have not
noun an overgrowth of fatty or fibrous tissue in a expressed, or to foresee the future 2. relating to or
part or organ, which results in the part or organ originating in the human mind
being enlarged psycho- /sak/ prefix referring to the mind
psycho-
pseudomonad /!sju%d$mnd/ noun a psychoanalysis /!sak$n'lss/ noun a

pseudomonad psychoanalysis
| |
rod-shaped bacterium which lives in soil or form of treatment for mental disorders in which a
decomposing organic material and can cause dis- specialist and patient talk and together analyse the
ease in plants and sometimes in humans patients condition and past events which may
Pseudomonas /!su%d$mns/ noun "
Pseudomonas
|
have contributed to it
pseudomonad psychoanalyst /!sak$'n()lst/ noun a
psychoanalyst
pseudo-obstruction /!sju%d b$str.kn/

pseudo-obstruction
|
person who is trained in psychoanalysis
noun a condition in which symptoms such as psychodrama /$sak!dr%m/ noun a type
psychodrama
stomach cramps, nausea and bloating indicate a of psychotherapy in which patients act out roles in
blockage in the intestines although no blockage dramas illustrating their emotional problems, in
exists front of other patients
pseudoplegia /!sju%d$pli%d+/, pseudopa- psychodynamics /!sakda$n'mks/ noun
pseudoplegia psychodynamics
| |
ralysis /!sju%dp$r'lss/ noun loss of mus-

| the study of how the forces which affect human
cular power in the limbs without true paralysis behaviour and mental states work, especially on a
pseudopolyposis
pseudopolyposis
/!sju%dpli$pss/ |
subconscious level
noun a condition in which polyps are found in psychogenic /!sak$d+enk/, psychoge-
psychogenic
many places in the intestine, usually resulting netic /!sakd+$netk/, psychogenous /sa| |
from an earlier infection $kd+ns/ adjective referring to an illness

249 ptyalin
which starts in the mind, rather than in a physical psychosexual /!sak$sekul/ adjective
psychosexual
state relating to the mental and emotional aspects of

psychogeriatrics /!sakd+eri$'trks/ sexuality and sexual development
psychogeriatrics
noun the study of the mental disorders of the late psychosexual development /!sak
psychosexual development
stages of the natural life span !sekul d$velpmnt/ noun the development
|
psychological /!sak$ld+k()l/ adjective

psychological
|
of human personality in stages based upon the
referring to psychology, or caused by a mental ability to experience sexual pleasure, and the way
state in which sexuality plays a role in a persons life
psychosis /sa$kss/ noun any serious men-
psychosis
psychological dependence /!sak

psychological dependence
|
|
!ld+k()l d$pendns/, psychological drug

|
tal disorder in which a person has a distorted per-
dependence /!sak!ld+k()l $dr.1 d | |
ception of reality (NOTE: The plural is psycho-
!pendns/ noun a state in which a person is ses.)
addicted to a drug such as cannabis or alcohol but psychosocial /!sak$s()l/ adjective
psychosocial
does not suffer physical effects if he or she stops relating to the interaction of psychological and
taking it social factors
psychologist /sa$kld+st/ noun a person psychosomatic /!saks$m'tk/ adjective
psychologist psychosomatic
| |
who specialises in the study of the mind and men- referring to the relationship between body and
tal processes mind
psychology /sa$kld+i/ noun the study of the psychosurgery /!sak$s-%d+ri/ noun brain
psychology psychosurgery
| |
mind and mental processes surgery, used as a treatment for psychological dis-
psychometrics /!sak$metrks/ noun a way
psychometrics
|
orders
psychosurgical /!sak$s-%d+k()l/ adjec-
psychosurgical
of measuring intelligence and personality in |
which the result is shown as a number on a scale tive referring to psychosurgery

psychotherapeutic /!saker$pju%tk/
psychotherapeutic
psychomotor /!sak$mt/ adjective refer-

psychomotor
|
|
ring to muscle movements caused by mental adjective referring to psychotherapy

activity psychotherapist /!sak$erpst/ noun a
psychotherapist
psychoneuroimmunology
psychoneuroimmunology
/!sak |
person trained to give psychotherapy
!njr!mj$nld+i/ noun a branch of medi- psychotherapy /!sak$erpi/ noun the
psychotherapy
| |
cine which deals with how emotions affect the treatment of mental disorders by psychological
immune system methods, as when a psychotherapist encourages a
psychoneurosis /!saknj$rss/ noun
psychoneurosis
|
person to talk about his or her problems. ! ther-
any of a group of mental disorders in which a per- apy
psychotic /sa$ktk/ adjective referring to
psychotic
son has a faulty response to the stresses of life. ! |
neurosis (NOTE: The plural is psychoneuro- psychosis

ses.) psychotropic /!sak$trpk/ adjective refer-
psychotropic
psychopath /$sakp'/ noun a person with a ring to a drug such as a stimulant or sedative
psychopath
long-term mental disorder characterised by anti- which affects a persons mood

social and often violent behaviour pterion /$trin/ noun the point on the side of
pterion
psychopathic /!sak$p'k/ adjective refer- the skull where the frontal, temporal parietal and
psychopathic
ring to psychopaths or psychopathy sphenoid bones meet

pteroylglutamic acid /!teral1lu%!t'mk
pteroylglutamic acid
psychopathological /!sakp'
psychopathological
|
|
$ld+k()l/ adjective referring to psychopathol- $'sd/ noun same as folic acid

ogy pterygium /t$rd+im/ noun a degenerative
pterygium
psychopathology /!sakp$ld+i/ noun a

psychopathology
|
condition in which a triangular growth of con-
branch of medicine concerned with the pathology junctiva covers part of the cornea, with its apex
of mental disorders and diseases towards the pupil
pterygo- /ter1/ suffix the pterygoid process
pterygo-
psychopathy /sa$kpi/ noun any disease of

psychopathy
pterygoid process /$ter1d !prses/ noun

pterygoid process
the mind (NOTE: The plural is psychopathies.)

psychopharmacology
psychopharmacology
/!sak!f%m | |
one of two projecting parts on the sphenoid bone
$kld+i/ noun the study of the actions and appli- ptosis /$tss/ noun prolapse of an organ
ptosis
cations of drugs which have a powerful effect on -ptosis /tss/ suffix prolapse
-ptosis
the mind and behaviour PTSD abbreviation post-traumatic stress disor-

PTSD
psychophysiological /!sak!fzi
psychophysiological
| | der
$ld+k()l/ adjective referring to psychophysiol- ptyal- /tal/ prefix same as ptyalo- (used
ptyal-
ogy before vowels)

psychophysiology /!sak!fzi$ld+i/
psychophysiology
ptyalin /$taln/ noun an enzyme in saliva

ptyalin
| |
noun the physiology of the mind and its functions which cleanses the mouth and converts starch into
psychoses /sa$ksi%z/ plural of psychosis sugar
psychoses
|
ptyalism 250
ptyalism /$talz()m/ noun the production of public health physician /!p.blk !hel f
ptyalism public health physician
an excessive amount of saliva $z()n/ noun a consultant who has special train-
ptyalith /$tal/ noun same as sialolith
ptyalith
ing in public health medicine
ptyalo- /tal/ prefix referring to saliva pudenda /pju%$dend/ plural of pudendum
pudenda
ptyalo-
pubertal /$pju%bt()l/, puberal /$pju%brl/ pudendal /pju%$dend()l/ adjective referring to

pubertal pudendal
adjective referring to puberty the pudendum

puberty /$pju%bti/ noun 1. the physical and pudendal block /pju%!dend()l $blk/ noun
puberty pudendal block
psychological changes which take place when an operation to anaesthetise the pudendum during
childhood ends and adolescence and sexual matu- childbirth
rity begin and the sex glands become active 2. the pudendum /pju%$dendm/ noun an external
pudendum
time when these changes take place genital organ of a woman (NOTE: The plural is
pubes1 /$pju%bi%z/ noun the part of the body just
pubes
pudenda.)
above the groin, where the pubic bones are found puerpera /pju$-%p()r/ noun a woman who
puerpera
pubes2 /$pju%bi%z/ plural of pubis

pubes
has recently given birth, or is giving birth, and

pubic /$pju%bk/ adjective referring to the area whose uterus is still distended (NOTE: The plural
pubic
near the genitals is puerperae.)

pubic bone /$pju%bk bn/ noun the bone in puerperal /pju$-%p()rl/ adjective referring to
pubic bone puerperal
front of the pelvis. Also called pubis. See illus- the puerperium
tration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supple- puerperal infection /pju!-%p()rl n
puerperal infection
| |
ment $fekn/, puerperal fever /pju!-%p()rl $fi%v/ |
pubic hair /!pju%bk $he/ noun tough hair

pubic hair
noun an infection of the uterus and genital tract

growing in the genital region after the birth of a baby, which is more common
pubic louse /!pju%bk $las/ noun also called
pubic louse
in women who have had a caesarean section. It
Pediculus pubis causes a high fever, and occasionally sepsis,
pubic symphysis /!pju%bk $smfss/ noun a
pubic symphysis
which can be fatal and was commonly so in the
piece of cartilage which joins the two sections of past. Also called postpartum fever
puerperalism /pju$-%p()rlz()m/ noun an
puerperalism
the pubic bone. Also called symphysis pubis |
COMMENT: In a pregnant woman, the pubic illness of a baby or its mother resulting from or
symphysis stretches to allow the pelvic gir- associated with childbirth
dle to expand so that there is room for the puerperium /!pju%$prim/ noun a period of
puerperium
baby to pass through. about six weeks which follows immediately after
pubiotomy /!pju%bi$tmi/ noun a surgical the birth of a child, during which the mothers
pubiotomy
operation to divide the pubic bone during labour, sexual organs recover from childbirth
in order to make the pelvis wide enough for the puerperous /pju$-%prs/ adjective same as
puerperous
child to be born safely (NOTE: The plural is pubi- puerperal

otomies.)
puke /pju%k/ verb same as vomit (informal)
puke
pubis /$pju%bs/ noun a bone forming the front

pubis
pull /pl/ verb to make a muscle move in a wrong

pull
part of the pelvis. See illustration at PELVIS in

direction ! He pulled a muscle in his back. # to
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is pubes.)
pull the plug to switch off life support (informal)
public health /!p.blk $hel/ noun the study of " # to pull yourself together to become calmer
public health
illness, health and disease in the community ! Although he was very angry he soon pulled
public health laboratory service /!p.blk
public health laboratory service
himself together.
!hel l$brt()ri !s-%vs/ noun in the UK, a
|
pull through /!pl $ru%/ verb to recover from a
pull through
former service of the NHS which detected, diag- serious illness (informal) ! The doctor says she is
nosed and monitored suspected cases of infec- strong and should pull through.
tious disease in a countrywide network of labora-
pulmo- /p.lm/, pulmon- /p.lmn/ prefix
pulmo-
tories. Abbreviation PHLS

referring to the lungs
public health medicine /!p.blk !hel
public health medicine
pulmonary /$p.lmn()ri/ adjective referring

pulmonary
$med()s()n/ noun the branch of medicine con-

cerned with health and disease in populations, to the lungs
pulmonary artery /!p.lmn()ri $%tri/
pulmonary artery
with the responsibilities of monitoring health,

identification of health needs, development of noun one of the two arteries which take deoxy-
policies which promote health and evaluation of genated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxy-
health services genation. See illustration at HEART in Supple-
public health nurse /!p.blk !hel $n-%s/
public health nurse
ment
noun a nurse such as a school nurse, health visitor pulmonary circulation /!p.lmn()ri
pulmonary circulation
or other community nurse who monitors health !s-%kj$le()n/ noun the circulation of blood
|
and works to prevent illness in community situa- from the heart through the pulmonary arteries to
tions the lungs for oxygenation and back to the heart
251 purine
through the pulmonary veins. Also called lesser pulse point /$p.ls pnt/ noun a place on the
pulse point
circulation body where the pulse can be taken

pulmonary embolism /!p.lmn()ri pulse pressure /$p.ls !pre/ noun the differ-
pulmonary embolism pulse pressure
$emblz()m/ noun a blockage of a pulmonary ence between the diastolic and systolic pressure.
artery by a blood clot. Abbreviation PE ! Corrigans pulse
pulmonary hypertension /!p.lmn()ri pulse rate /$p.ls ret/ noun the number of
pulmonary hypertension pulse rate
!hap$tenn/ noun high blood pressure in the

| times the pulse beats per minute
blood vessels supplying blood to the lungs pulsus /$p.lss/ noun same as pulse
pulsus
pulmonary insufficiency /!p.lmn()ri

pulmonary insufficiency
pulsus alternans /!p.lss $%ltn'nz/ noun a

pulsus alternans
!ns$f()nsi/, pulmonary incompetence

|
pulse with a beat which is alternately strong and
/!p.lmn()ri n$kmpt()ns/ noun a condition
|
weak
characterised by dilatation of the main pulmonary pulsus bigeminus /!p.lss ba$1emns/
pulsus bigeminus
artery and stretching of the valve ring, due to pul-

|
noun a double pulse, with an extra ectopic beat

monary hypertension
pulsus paradoxus /!p.lss !p'r$dkss/
pulsus paradoxus
pulmonary oedema /!p.lmn()ri $di%m/

pulmonary oedema |
|
noun a condition in which there is a sharp fall in
noun the collection of fluid in the lungs, as occurs the pulse when the person breathes in
in left-sided heart failure
pulvis /$p.lvs/ noun powder
pulvis
pulmonary stenosis /!p.lmn()ri ste

pulmonary stenosis
punch drunk syndrome /!p.nt $dr.k

| punch drunk syndrome
$nss/ noun a condition in which the opening to

the pulmonary artery in the right ventricle !sndrm/ noun a condition affecting a person,
becomes narrow usually a boxer, who has been hit on the head
many times and develops impaired mental facul-
pulmonary tuberculosis /!p.lmn()ri tju%
pulmonary tuberculosis
|
ties, trembling limbs and speech disorders
!b-%kj$lss/ noun tuberculosis in the lungs,
puncta /$p.kt/ plural of punctum
| puncta
which makes the person lose weight, cough blood

puncta lacrimalia /!p.kt !l'kr$meli/
puncta lacrimalia
and have a fever |
pulmonary valve /$p.lmn()ri v'lv/ noun a

pulmonary valve
plural noun small openings at the corners of the
valve at the opening of the pulmonary artery eyes through which tears drain into the nose
punctate /$p.ktet/ adjective referring to tis-
punctate
pulmonary vein /$p.lmn()ri ven/ noun

pulmonary vein
one of the four veins which carry oxygenated sue or a surface which has tiny spots, holes or
blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the dents in it
punctum /$p.ktm/ noun a point (NOTE: The
punctum
heart. See illustration at HEART in Supplement

(NOTE: The pulmonary veins are the only veins plural is puncta.)
puncture /$p.kt/ noun a neat hole made by
puncture
which carry oxygenated blood.)

pulmonectomy /!p.lm$nektmi/ noun same
pulmonectomy
|
a sharp instrument " verb to make a hole in tissue
as pneumonectomy (NOTE: The plural is pul- with a sharp instrument (NOTE: puncturing
monectomies.) punctured)
puncture wound /$p.kt wu%nd/ noun a
puncture wound
pulp /p.lp/ noun soft tissue, especially when

pulp
surrounded by hard tissue as in the inside of a wound made by a sharp instrument which makes
tooth a hole in the tissue
pupil /$pju%p()l/ noun the central opening in the
pupil
pulp cavity /$p.lp !k'vti/ noun the central

pulp cavity
part of a tooth containing soft tissue iris of the eye, through which light enters the eye.
See illustration at EYE in Supplement
pulsation /p.l$se()n/ noun the action of
pulsation
pupillary /$pju%plri/ adjective referring to the

| pupillary
beating regularly, e.g. the visible pulse which can

be seen under the skin in some parts of the body pupil
pupillary reaction /!pju%plri ri$'kn/
pupillary reaction
pulse /p.ls/ noun the regular expansion and

pulse
|
contraction of an artery caused by the heart pump- noun a reflex of the pupil of the eye which con-
ing blood through the body, which can be felt with tracts when exposed to bright light. Also called
the fingers especially where an artery is near the light reflex
purchaser /$p-%ts/ noun a body, usually a
purchaser
surface of the body, as in the wrist or neck ! Her

pulse is very irregular. # to take or feel a per- PCG, which commissions health care and man-
sons pulse to measure a persons pulse rate by ages the budget to pay for the service. ! provider
pressing on the skin above an artery with the fin- purgation /p-%$1e()n/ noun the use of a drug
purgation
gers ! Has the patients pulse been taken? to cause a bowel movement
pulseless /$p.lsls/ adjective referring to a purgative /$p-%1tv/ noun a drug used to
pulseless purgative
person who has no pulse because the heart is beat- empty the bowels. ! laxative
ing very weakly purine /$pjri%n/ noun 1. a nitrogen-containing
purine
pulse oximetry /!p.ls k$smtri/ noun a substance derived from uric acid which is the par-
pulse oximetry
method of measuring the oxygen content of arte- ent compound of several biologically important
rial blood substances 2. a derivative of purine, especially
Purkinje cells 252

either of the bases adenine and guanine, which are pyelo- /pal/ prefix referring to the pelvis of
pyelo-
found in RNA and DNA the kidney

Purkinje cells /p$knd+i selz/ plural noun pyelocystitis
Purkinje cells
/!pals$stats/
pyelocystitis
| noun |
neurones in the cerebellar cortex [Described inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney and the
1837. After Johannes Evangelista Purkinje urinary bladder
(17871869), Professor of Physiology at Bre- pyelogram /$pal1r'm/ noun an X-ray pho-
pyelogram
slau, now in Poland, and then Prague, Czech tograph of a kidney and the urinary tract
Republic.]
pyelography /!pa$l1rfi/ noun X-ray exam-
pyelography
Purkinje fibres /p$knd+i !fabz/ plural

Purkinje fibres
|
ination of a kidney after introduction of a contrast
noun a bundle of fibres which form the atrioven- medium
tricular bundle and pass from the atrioventricular pyelolithotomy /!pall$tmi/ noun a
pyelolithotomy
node to the septum [Described 1839. After

|
surgical operation to remove a stone from the pel-

Johannes Evangelista Purkinje (17871869),
vis of the kidney (NOTE: The plural is pyelo-
Professor of Physiology at Breslau, now in
lithotomies.)
Poland, and then Prague, Czech Republic.]
pyelonephritis /!paln$frats/ noun
pyelonephritis
Purkinje shift /p$knd+i ft/ noun the

Purkinje shift |
|
inflammation of the kidney and the pelvis of the
change in colour sensitivity which takes place in kidney
the eye in low light when the eye starts using the
pyeloplasty /$palpl'sti/ noun any surgical
pyeloplasty
rods in the retina because the light is too weak to

stimulate the cones operation on the pelvis of the kidney (NOTE: The
plural is pyeloplasties.)
purpura /$p-%pjr/ noun a purple colouring on
purpura
pyelotomy /!pa$ltmi/ noun a surgical oper-

pyelotomy
the skin, similar to a bruise, caused by blood dis-

|
ation to make an opening in the pelvis of the kid-

ease and not by trauma
ney (NOTE: The plural is pyelotomies.)
pursestring operation /!p-%sstr !p
pursestring operation
pyg- /pd+/, pygo- prefix relating to the buttocks

pyg-
|
$re()n/ same as Shirodkars operation

pykno- /pkn/ prefix indicating thickness or
pykno-
pursestring stitch /$p-%sstr stt/ noun

pursestring stitch
density
same as Shirodkar suture
pyl- /pal/, pyle- /pali/ prefix referring to the
pyl-
purulent /$pjrlnt/ adjective containing or

purulent
portal vein
producing pus
pylephlebitis /!palifl$bats/ noun thrombo-
pylephlebitis
pus /p.s/ noun a yellow liquid composed of

pus
sis of the portal vein

blood serum, pieces of dead tissue, white blood pylethrombosis /!palirm$bss/ noun a
pylethrombosis
cells and the remains of bacteria, formed by the

|
condition in which blood clots are present in the

body in reaction to infection (NOTE: For other portal vein or any of its branches
terms referring to pus, see words beginning with
pylor- /pal%r/ prefix same as pyloro- (used
pylor-
py- or pyo-.)
before vowels)
pustule /$p.stju%l/ noun a small pimple filled
pustule
pylorectomy /!pal$rektmi/ noun a surgical

pylorectomy
with pus |
operation to remove the pylorus and the antrum of

putrefaction /!pju%tr$f'kn/ noun the
putrefaction
|
the stomach (NOTE: The plural is pylorecto-
decomposition of organic substances by bacteria, mies.)
making an unpleasant smell
pylori /pa$l%ri/ plural of pylorus
pylori
p.v. adverb by way of the vagina. Full form per

p.v.
pyloric /pa$lrk/ adjective referring to the

pyloric
vaginam
|
pylorus
PVS abbreviation persistent vegetative state
PVS
pyloric antrum /pa!lrk $'ntrm/ noun a

pyloric antrum
py- /pa/, pyo- /pa/ prefix same as pyo- (used

py-
space at the bottom of the stomach, before the

before vowels) pyloric sphincter
pyaemia /pa$i%mi/ noun invasion of blood pyloric orifice /pa!lrk $rfs/ noun an
pyaemia pyloric orifice
| |
with bacteria which then multiply and form many opening where the stomach joins the duodenum
little abscesses in various parts of the body (NOTE: pyloric sphincter /pa!lrk $sfkt/ noun a
pyloric sphincter
The US spelling is pyemia.) muscle which surrounds the pylorus, makes it

pyarthrosis /!pa%$rss/ noun a condition contract and separates it from the duodenum
pyarthrosis
in which a joint becomes infected with pyogenic pyloric stenosis /pa!lrk ste$nss/ noun
pyloric stenosis
| |
organisms and fills with pus. Also called acute a blockage of the pylorus, which prevents food
suppurative arthritis from passing from the stomach into the duode-
pyel- /pal/ prefix same as pyelo- (used before num
pyel-
vowels) pyloro- /pa$l%r/ prefix the pylorus

pyloro-
pyelitis /!pa$lats/ noun inflammation of the pyloroplasty /pa$l%rpl'sti/ noun a surgical

pyelitis pyloroplasty
| |
central part of the kidney operation to make the pylorus larger, sometimes
253 pyuria
combined with treatment for peptic ulcers (NOTE: pyr- /par/ prefix same as pyro- (used before
pyr-
The plural is pyloroplasties.) vowels)

pylorospasm /pa$l%rsp'z()m/ noun a
pylorospasm
pyramid /$prmd/ noun a cone-shaped part of

pyramid
|
muscle spasm which closes the pylorus so that the body, especially a cone-shaped projection on
food cannot pass through into the duodenum the surface of the medulla oblongata or in the
pylorotomy /!pal$rtmi/ noun a surgical medulla of the kidney. See illustration at KIDNEY
pylorotomy
operation to cut into the muscle surrounding the in Supplement

pylorus to relieve pyloric stenosis. Also called pyramidal /p$r'md()l/ adjective referring to
pyramidal
Ramstedts operation (NOTE: The plural is a pyramid

pylorotomies.)
pyramidal cell /p$r'md()l sel/ noun a
pyramidal cell
pylorus /pa$l%rs/ noun an opening at the bot-

pylorus |
|
cone-shaped cell in the cerebral cortex
tom of the stomach leading into the duodenum
pyramidal system /p$r'md()l $sstm/,
pyramidal system
(NOTE: The plural is pylori.) |
pyramidal tract /p$r'md()l tr'kt/ noun a

pyo- /pa/ prefix referring to pus
pyo- |
group of nerve fibres within the pyramid of the

pyocolpos /!pa$klps/ noun an accumula-
pyocolpos
|
medulla oblongata in the brain. It is thought to be
tion of pus in the vagina vital in controlling movement and speech.
pyoderma /!pa$d-%m/ noun an eruption of
pyoderma
pyret- /paret/, pyreto- prefix relating to heat or

pyret-
|
pus in the skin fever

pyoderma gangrenosum /!pad-%m
pyoderma gangrenosum
pyrexia /pa$reksi/ noun same as fever

pyrexia
!1'1r$nsm/ noun a serious ulcerating dis-

|
pyridostigmine /!prd$st1mi%n/ noun a

| pyridostigmine
ease of the skin, especially the legs, usually |
treated with steroid drugs drug which stops or delays the action of the
enzyme cholinesterase, used to treat myasthenia
pyogenic /!pa$d+enk/ adjective producing
pyogenic
|
gravis
or forming pus
pyridoxine /!pr$dksn/ noun same as Vita-
pyridoxine
pyometra /!pa$mi%tr/ noun an accumulation

pyometra |
min B6
|
of pus in the uterus

pyrimidine /p$rmdi%n/ noun 1. a strong-
pyrimidine
pyomyositis /!pama$sats/ noun inflam-

pyomyositis
|
smelling nitrogenous based compound with a six-

|
mation of a muscle caused by staphylococci or

streptococci sided ring structure that is the parent compound of
several biologically important substances 2. a
pyonephrosis /!pan$frss/ noun the
pyonephrosis
|
derivative of pyrimidine, especially any of the
distension of the kidney with pus bases cytosine, thymine, and uracil which are
pyopericarditis /!paperik%$dats/ noun
pyopericarditis
|
found in RNA and DNA
an inflammation of the pericardium due to infec- pyro- /par/ prefix burning or fever
pyro-
tion with staphylococci, streptococci or pneumo-

pyrogen /$pard+en/ noun a substance which
pyrogen
cocci
causes a fever
pyopneumothorax /!pa!nju%m
pyopneumothorax
| |
pyrogenic /!par$d+enk/ adjective causing a

pyrogenic
$%r'ks/ noun an accumulation of pus and gas |
or air in the pleural cavity fever

pyromania /!par$meni/ noun an uncon-
pyromania
pyorrhoea /!pa$ri/ noun discharge of pus

pyorrhoea
|
|
(NOTE: The US spelling is pyorrhea.) trollable desire to start fires

pyosalpinx /!pa$s'lpks/ noun inflamma- pyruvic acid /pa!ru%vk $'sd/ noun a sub-
pyosalpinx pyruvic acid
| |
tion and formation of pus in a Fallopian tube stance formed from glycogen in the muscles
pyothorax /!pa$%r'ks/ noun same as
pyothorax
|
when it is broken down to release energy
empyema pyuria /pa$jri/ noun pus in the urine
pyuria
|
Q
q.d.s. adverb (written on prescriptions) to be qualitative /$kwlttv/ adjective referring to
q.d.s. qualitative
taken four times a day. Full form quater in die a study in which descriptive information is col-
sumendus lected. Compare quantitative
quality /$kwlti/ noun 1. a characteristic of
quality
Q fever /$kju% !fi%v/ noun an infectious rickett-

Q fever
sial disease of sheep and cows caused by Coxiella somebody or something 2. the general standard or
burnetti transmitted to humans grade of something 3. the highest or finest stand-
QRS complex /!kju% %r $es !kmpleks/ noun
QRS complex
ard
quality assurance /$kwlti !rns/ noun
quality assurance
the deflections on an electrocardiogram, labelled |
Q, R, and S, which show ventricular contraction. a set of criteria which are designed to check that
! PQRST complex people in an organisation maintain a high stand-
ard in the products or services they supply
q.s. adverb (written on prescriptions) as much as
q.s.
quality circle /$kwlti !s-%k()l/ noun a

quality circle
necessary. Full form quantum sufficiat

group of employees from different levels of an
Q-T interval /!kju% $ti% !ntv()l/, Q-S2 inter-
Q-T interval
organisation who meet regularly to discuss ways

val /!kju% es $tu% !ntv()l/ noun the length of
of improving the quality of its products or serv-
the QRS complex in an electrocardiogram. ! ices
PQRST complex
Qualpacs /$kwlp'ks/, Quality Patient Care
Qualpacs
quad /kwd/ noun same as quadruplet

quad
Scale /!kwlti !pe()nt $ke !skel/ noun a

(informal) method which guides nurses to evaluate their
quadrant /$kwdrnt/ noun one of four sectors
quadrant
activity in terms of efficiency of cost, time, use of

of the body thought of as being divided by the skill level and workload
sagittal plane and the intertubercular plane ! ten- quantitative /$kwntttv/ adjective referring
quantitative
derness in the right lower quadrant to a study in which numerical information is col-
quadratus femoris /kw!drets $femrs/
quadratus femoris
| lected. Compare qualitative

noun a muscle at the top of the femur which quantitative digital
quantitative digital radiography
radiography
rotates the thigh /!kwntttv !dd+t()l !redi$1rfi/ noun
|
quadri- /kwdri/ prefix four the use of digital X-ray scans to find out whether
quadri-
quadriceps /$kwdrseps/, quadriceps fem-

quadriceps
a person has a bone disease such as osteoporosis.
oris /!kwdrseps $femrs/ noun a large mus- The levels of calcium in the bones are measured,
cle in the front of the thigh, which extends to the usually in the spine and hip.
quarantine /$kwrnti%n/ noun 1. the situation
quarantine
leg
in which a person, animal or ship just arrived in a
quadriplegia /!kwdr$pli%d+/ noun paralysis
quadriplegia
country is kept isolated in case it carries a serious

|
of all four limbs, both arms and both legs

disease, to allow the disease time to develop and
quadriplegic /!kwdr$pli%d+k/ adjective par-
quadriplegic
|
be detected 2. the period of such isolation to pre-
alysed in both arms and both legs " noun a per- vent the spread of disease ! six months quaran-
son paralysed in both arms and both legs tine " verb to put a person or animal in quaran-
quadruple /$kwdrp()l/ adjective 1. consist- tine (NOTE: quarantining quarantined)
quadruple
ing of four times as much 2. having four parts quartan fever /$kw%t()n !fi%v/ noun a form
quartan fever
quadruplet /$kwdrplt/ noun one of four

quadruplet
of malaria caused by Plasmodium malariae in
babies born to a mother at the same time. Also which the fever returns every four days. ! tertian
called quad fever
queasiness /$kwi%zns/ noun the feeling of
queasiness
quadruple vaccine /!kwdrp()l $v'ksi%n/

quadruple vaccine
noun a vaccine which immunises against four dis- being about to vomit
queasy /$kwi%zi/ adjective feeling as though
queasy
eases, diphtheria, whooping cough, poliomyelitis

and tetanus about to vomit
255 Q wave
Queckenstedt test /$kweknsted test/ noun drugs have names ending in -oxacin: cipro-
Queckenstedt test
a test done during a lumbar puncture in which floxacin)

pressure is applied to the jugular veins to see if the quinsy /$kwnzi/ noun acute throat inflamma-
quinsy
cerebrospinal fluid is flowing correctly tion with an abscess round a tonsil. Also called
[Described 1916. After Hans Heinrich George peritonsillar abscess
Queckenstedt (18761918), German physician.]
quint /kwnt/ noun US same as quintuplet
quint
quickening /$kwkn/ noun the first sign of

quickening
quintuplet /$kwntjplt/ noun one of five

quintuplet
life in an unborn baby, usually after about four

months of pregnancy, when the mother can feel it babies born to a mother at the same time. Also
moving in her uterus called quin, quint
quiescent /kwi$es()nt/ adjective referring to a
quiescent
quotidian /kw$tdin/ adjective recurring

quotidian
|
|
disease with symptoms reduced either by treat- daily

ment or in the usual course of the disease
quotidian fever /kw!tdin $fi%v/ noun a
quotidian fever
quin /kwn/ noun same as quintuplet (informal)

quin |
violent form of malaria in which the fever returns

(NOTE: The US term is quint.)
at daily or even shorter intervals
quinine /kw$ni%n/ noun an alkaloid drug made
quinine
quotient /$kw()nt/ noun the result when

quotient
from the bark of cinchona, a South American tree

quinolone /$kwnln/ noun a drug used to
quinolone
one number is divided by another
Q wave /$kju% wev/ noun a negative deflection
Q wave
treat Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial

infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts and at the start of the QRS complex on an electrocar-
of the gastro-intestinal system (NOTE: Quinolone diogram, going downwards
R
R symbol roentgen radial reflex /!redil $ri%fleks/ noun a jerk
R radial reflex
R/ abbreviation prescription. Full form recipe

R/
made by the forearm when the insertion in the
radius of one of the muscles, the brachioradialis,
rabid /$r'bd/ adjective referring to rabies, or
rabid
is hit
affected by rabies ! She was bitten by a rabid
radiant /$redint/ adjective 1. lit with a bright
radiant
dog.
or glowing light 2. referring to light, heat or other
rabid encephalitis /!r'bd en!kef$lats/
rabid encephalitis
| |
energy sent out in the form of rays or waves 3.
noun a fatal form of encephalitis resulting from sending out light, heat or other energy in the form
the bite of a rabid animal of rays or waves
rabies /$rebi%z/ noun a frequently fatal viral
rabies
radiation /!redi$e()n/ noun waves of energy

radiation
disease transmitted to humans by infected ani- which are given off by some substances, espe-
mals ! The hospital ordered a batch of rabies cially radioactive substances
vaccine. Also called hydrophobia
radiation burn /!redi$e()n b-%n/ noun a
radiation burn
racemose /$r'sms/ adjective referring to

racemose
burn on the skin caused by exposure to large

glands which look like a bunch of grapes amounts of radiation
rachi- /reki/ prefix same as rachio- (used
rachi-
radiation sickness /!redi$e()n !skns/

radiation sickness
before vowels) noun an illness caused by exposure to radiation

rachides /$rekdi%z/ plural of rachis from radioactive substances
rachides
radiation treatment /!redi$e()n

radiation treatment
rachio- /reki/ prefix referring to the spine

rachio-
|
rachis /$reks/ noun same as backbone (NOTE:

rachis
!tri%tmnt/ noun same as radiotherapy
radical /$r'dk()l/ adjective aiming to deal
radical
The plural is rachises or rachides.)

with the root of a problem, taking thorough action
rachischisis /re$kskss/ noun same as
rachischisis
to remove the source of a disease rather than treat

|
spina bifida
its symptoms
rachitic /r$ktk/ adjective referring to rickets
rachitic
radical mastectomy /!r'dk()l m'

radical mastectomy
|
|
rachitis /r$kats/ noun same as rickets

rachitis
|
$stektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove a
rad /r'd/ noun a unit of measurement of breast and the lymph nodes and muscles associ-
rad
absorbed radiation dose. ! becquerel, gray ated with it

(NOTE: Gray is now used to mean one hundred radical mastoidectomy /!r'dk()l !m'st
radical mastoidectomy
rads.) $dektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove all

radial /$redil/ adjective 1. referring to some-
radial
of the mastoid process
thing which branches 2. referring to the radius radical treatment /!r'dk()l $tri%tmnt/
radical treatment
bone in the arm noun treatment which aims at complete eradica-

radial artery /$redil !%tri/ noun an artery
radial artery
tion of a disease
which branches from the brachial artery, running radicle /$r'dk()l/ noun a small root or vein
radicle
near the radius, from the elbow to the palm of the radicular /r$dkjl/ adjective referring to a
radicular
hand radicle
radial nerve /$redil n-%v/ noun the main
radial nerve
radiculitis /r!dkj$lats/ noun inflammation

radiculitis
| |
motor nerve in the arm, running down the back of of a radicle of a cranial or spinal nerve
the upper arm and the outer side of the forearm radio- /redi/ prefix 1. referring to radiation 2.
radio-
radial pulse /$redil p.ls/ noun the main

radial pulse
referring to radioactive substances 3. referring to

pulse in the wrist, taken near the outer edge of the the radius in the arm
forearm just above the wrist radioactive /!redi$'ktv/ adjective with a
radioactive
radial recurrent /!redil r$k.rnt/ noun an nucleus which disintegrates and gives off energy
radial recurrent
artery in the arm which forms a loop beside the in the form of radiation which can pass through
brachial artery other substances
257 rape
radioactive isotope /!redi'ktv radio-opaque /!redi $pek/ adjective

radioactive isotope radio-opaque
$astp/ noun an isotope which sends out radi- absorbing and blocking radiant energy, e.g. X-
ation, used in radiotherapy and scanning rays
radioactivity /!redi'k$tvti/ noun energy radio-opaque dye /!redi !pek $da/
radioactivity radio-opaque dye
| |
in the form of radiation emitted by a radioactive noun a liquid which appears on an X-ray, and
substance which is introduced into soft organs such as the
radiobiologist /!rediba$ld+st/ noun a
radiobiologist
|
kidney so that they show up clearly on an X-ray
doctor who specialises in radiobiology photograph
radiopaque /!redi$pek/ adjective same as
radiopaque
radiobiology /!rediba$ld+i/ noun the

radiobiology
|
|
scientific study of radiation and its effects on liv- radio-opaque

radioscopy /!redi$skpi/ noun an examina-
radioscopy
ing things |
radiocarpal joint /!redi$k%p()l !d+nt/

radiocarpal joint
|
tion of an X-ray photograph on a fluorescent
noun the joint where the radius articulates with screen
radiosensitive /!redi$senstv/ adjective
radiosensitive
the scaphoid, one of the carpal bones. Also called |
wrist joint referring to a cancer cell which is sensitive to

radiodermatitis /!redi!d-%m$tats/ noun
radiodermatitis
| |
radiation and can be treated by radiotherapy
radiotherapist /!redi$erpst/ noun a
radiotherapist
inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to |
radiation doctor who specialises in radiotherapy

radiograph /$redi1r%f/ noun an image pro- radiotherapy /!redi$erpi/ noun the treat-
radiograph radiotherapy
duced on film or another sensitive surface when ment of diseases by exposing the affected part to
radiation such as X-rays or gamma rays passes radioactive rays such as X-rays or gamma rays
through an object " verb to make a radiograph of radium /$redim/ noun a radioactive metallic
radium
something, especially a part of the body element (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Ra.)
radiographer /!red$1rf/ noun 1. a person
radiographer
radius /$redis/ noun the shorter and outer of

radius
|
specially trained to operate a machine to take X- the two bones in the forearm between the elbow
ray photographs or radiographs. Also called diag- and the wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supple-
nostic radiographer 2. a person specially ment (NOTE: The plural is radii. The other bone
trained to use X-rays or radioactive isotopes in the in the forearm is the ulna.)
treatment of patients. Also called therapeutic
radix /$redks/ noun same as root (NOTE: The
radix
radiographer
plural is radices or radixes.)
radiography /!redi$1rfi/ noun the work of
radiography
radon /$redn/ noun a radioactive gas, formed

radon
|
examining the internal parts of the body by taking

from the radioactive decay of radium, and used in
X-ray photographs
capsules called radon seeds to treat cancers inside
radioimmunoassay /!redi!mjn
radioimmunoassay
| |
the body (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Rn.)
$'se/ noun the use of radioactive tracers to
rale /r%l/ noun same as crepitation
rale
investigate the presence of antibodies in blood

Ramstedts operation /$r%mstets p
Ramstedts operation
samples, in order to measure the antibodies them- |
selves or the amount of particular substances, !re()n/ noun same as pylorotomy [Described
such as hormones, in the blood 1912. After Wilhelm Conrad Ramstedt (1867
1963), German surgeon.]
radioisotope /!redi$astp/ noun an iso-
radioisotope
ramus /$rems/ noun 1. a branch of a nerve,

ramus
tope of a chemical element which is radioactive

artery or vein 2. the ascending part on each side of
radiologist /!red$ld+st/ noun a doctor
radiologist
the mandible (NOTE: The plural is rami.)

|
who specialises in radiology

R & D abbreviation research and development
R & D
radiology /!redi$ld+i/ noun the use of radia-

radiology
randomised /$r'ndmazd/, randomized

randomised
tion to diagnose disorders, e.g. through the use of

X-rays or radioactive tracers, or to treat diseases adjective involving subjects which have been
such as cancer selected without a prearranged plan and in no par-
ticular pattern or order
radiomimetic /!redim$metk/ adjective
radiomimetic
ranitidine /r'$ntdi%n/ noun a drug which

ranitidine
referring to a drug or chemical which produces |
similar effects to those of radiation, e.g. the nitro- reduces the amount of acid released by the stom-
gen mustard group of chemicals used in chemo- ach. It is used to treat peptic ulcers and gastritis.
therapy ranula /$r'njl/ noun a small cyst under the
ranula
radionuclide /!redi$nju%klad/ noun an ele-

radionuclide
|
tongue, on the floor of the mouth, which forms
ment which gives out radiation when a salivary duct is blocked
Ranvier /$r%nv!e/ " node of Ranvier
Ranvier
radionuclide scan /!redi$nju%klad

radionuclide scan
|
|
!sk'n/ noun a scan, especially of the brain, where rape /rep/ noun the crime of forcing somebody
rape
radionuclides are put in compounds which are to have sexual intercourse " verb to force some-
concentrated in particular parts of the body body to have sexual intercourse
raphe 258
raphe /$refi/ noun a long thin fold which looks reactivate /ri$'ktvet/ verb to make some-
raphe reactivate
like a seam, along a midline such as on the dorsal thing active again ! His general physical weak-
face of the tongue ness has reactivated the dormant virus.
rapid eye movement sleep /!r'pd $a reactive /ri$'ktv/ adjective taking place as a
rapid eye movement sleep reactive
!mu%vmnt !sli%p/ noun same as REM sleep reaction to something else

rapport /r'$p%/ noun an emotional bond or reagent /ri$ed+()nt/ noun a chemical sub-
rapport reagent
| |
friendly relationship between people ! a psychi- stance which reacts with another substance, espe-
atrist who quickly establishes a rapport with his cially one which is used to detect the presence of
patients the second substance
rarefaction /!rer$f'kn/ noun a condition real-time imaging /!rl tam $md+/ noun
rarefaction real-time imaging
in which bone tissue becomes more porous and the use of ultrasound information to produce a
less dense because of a lack of calcium series of images of a process or changing object
rash /r'/ noun a mass of small spots which
rash
almost instantly
stays on the skin for a period of time, and then dis- rear /r/, rear end /r end/ noun same as but-
rear
appears tock (informal)

raspatory /$r'spt()ri/ noun a surgical instru-
raspatory
recalcitrant /r$k'lstrnt/ adjective not

recalcitrant
ment like a file, which is used to scrape the sur- responding to treatment ! a recalcitrant condi-
face of a bone tion
rate /ret/ noun 1. the amount or proportion of
rate
recall /r$k%l/ noun the act of remembering

recall
something compared with something else 2. the something from the past " verb /r$k%l/ to |
number of times something happens in a set time remember something which happened in the past
! The heart was beating at a rate of only 59 per
receptor /r$sept/, receptor cell /r$sept
receptor
minute.
| |
sel/ noun a nerve ending or cell which senses a

ratio /$rei/ noun a number which shows a
ratio
change such as cold or heat in the surrounding

proportion or which is the result of one number environment or in the body and reacts to it by
divided by another ! An IQ is the ratio of the per- sending an impulse to the central nervous system
sons mental age to his or her chronological age.
recess /r$ses/ noun a hollow part in an organ
recess
Raynauds disease /$renz d!zi%z/, Ray-

Raynauds disease
recessive /r$sesv/ adjective (of an allele)

recessive
|
nauds phenomenon /$renz f!nmnn/

|
having the characteristic that leads to the trait

|
noun a condition with various possible causes in

which it controls being suppressed by the pres-
which the blood supply to the fingers and toes is
ence of the corresponding dominant allele. Com-
restricted and they become cold, white and numb.
pare dominant
Also called dead mans fingers, vasospasm
recipient /r$spint/ noun a person who
recipient
[Described 1862. After Maurice Raynaud |
(183481), French physician.] receives something such as a transplant or a blood

RBC abbreviation red blood cell
RBC
transfusion from a donor
recombinant DNA /r!kmbnnt di% en $e/
recombinant DNA
RCGP abbreviation Royal College of General

RCGP
|
noun DNA extracted from two or more different

Practitioners
sources and joined together to form a single mol-
RCN abbreviation Royal College of Nursing
RCN
ecule or fragment. This technology is used to pro-

RCOG abbreviation Royal College of Obstetri- duce molecules and organisms with new proper-
RCOG
cians and Gynaecologists ties.

recover /r$k.v/ verb to get better after an ill-
recover
RCP abbreviation Royal College of Physicians

RCP
RCPsych /!% si% $sak/ abbreviation Royal

RCPsych
ness, operation or accident ! She recovered from
College of Psychiatrists her concussion in a few days. ! It will take him
weeks to recover from the accident. (NOTE: You
RCS abbreviation Royal College of Surgeons
RCS
recover from an illness.)

RCT abbreviation randomised controlled trial
RCT
recovery /r$k.v()ri/ noun the process of

recovery
reaction /ri$'kn/ noun 1. an action which returning to health after being ill or injured
reaction
takes place as a direct result of something which recovery position /r$k.v()ri p!z()n/
recovery position
| |
has happened earlier ! A rash appeared as a noun a position in which someone is lying face
reaction to the penicillin injection. 2. the particu- downwards, with one knee and one arm bent for-
lar response of someone to a test wards and the face turned to one side
reactionary /ri$'kn()ri/ adjective same as
reactionary
recovery room /r$k.v()ri ru%m/ noun a

recovery room
|
|
reactive room in a hospital where patients are cared for

reactionary haemorrhage /ri!'kn()ri
reactionary haemorrhage
| after they have had a surgical operation and are

$hem()rd+/ noun bleeding which follows an recovering from the effects of the anaesthetic.
operation Abbreviation RR
259 reflective practice
recreational drug /!rekri$e()n()l dr.1/ recurrent /r$k.rnt/ adjective 1. occurring in

recreational drug recurrent
| |
noun a drug that is taken for pleasure rather than the same way many times 2. referring to a vein,
because of medical need artery or nerve which forms a loop
recurrent abortion /r!k.rnt $b%()n/
recurrent abortion
recrudescence /!ri%kru%$des()ns/ noun the

recrudescence
| |
|
reappearance of symptoms of a disease which noun a condition in which a woman has abortions
seemed to have got better with one pregnancy after another
recurrent fever /r!k.rnt $fi%v/ noun a fever
recurrent fever
rect- /rekt/ prefix same as recto- (used before

rect-
|
vowels) like malaria which returns at regular intervals

red blood cell /!red $bl.d !sel/ noun a blood
red blood cell
rectal /$rekt()l/ adjective referring to the rec-

rectal
tum cell which contains haemoglobin and carries oxy-

gen to the tissues and takes carbon dioxide from
rectal fissure /!rekt()l $f/ noun a crack in
rectal fissure
them. Abbreviation RBC. Also called erythro-

the wall of the anal canal cyte
rectal prolapse /!rekt()l $prl'ps/ noun a
rectal prolapse
Red Crescent /!red $krez()nt/ noun in

Red Crescent
condition in which part of the rectum moves Islamic countries, an international organisation
downwards and passes through the anus dedicated to the medical care of the sick and
recto- /rekt/ prefix referring to the rectum wounded in wars and natural disasters (NOTE: It is
recto-
rectocele /$rektsi%l/ noun a condition associ-

rectocele
known as the Red Cross elsewhere.)
Red Cross /!red $krs/ noun an international
Red Cross
ated with prolapse of the uterus, in which the rec-

tum protrudes into the vagina. Also called proc- organisation dedicated to the medical care of the
tocele sick and wounded in wars and natural disasters
(NOTE: It is known as the Red Crescent in
rectopexy /$rektpeksi/ noun a surgical oper-
rectopexy
Islamic countries.)
ation to attach a rectum which has prolapsed
Redivac drain /$redv'k dren/, Redivac
Redivac drain
rectoscope /$rektskp/ noun an instrument

rectoscope
drainage tube /!redv'k $drend+ !tju%b/

for looking into the rectum trademark a tube which drains fluid away from
rectosigmoid /!rekt$s1md/ noun the part
rectosigmoid
|
the inside of a wound into a bottle, used mainly
of the large intestine where the sigmoid colon after operations on the abdomen
joins the rectum reducible /r$dju%sb()l/ adjective capable of
reducible
rectosigmoidectomy /!rekt!s1m
rectosigmoidectomy
| | being reduced
$dektmi/ noun the surgical removal of the sig- reducible hernia /r!dju%sb()l $h-%ni/
reducible hernia
moid colon and the rectum noun a hernia where the organ can be pushed
rectovaginal /!rektv$d+an()l/ adjective back into place without an operation
rectovaginal
relating to both the rectum and the vagina reduction /r$d.kn/ noun the action of
reduction
rectovaginal examination /!rektv putting a hernia, a dislocated joint or a broken

rectovaginal examination
!d+an()l 1!z'm$ne()n/ noun an examina-

| |
bone back into the correct position
tion of the rectum and vagina reduction division /r$d.kn d!v+()n/
reduction division
| |
rectovesical /!rekt$vesk()l/ adjective

rectovesical
|
noun same as meiosis
referring to the rectum and the bladder refer /r$f-%/ verb 1. to mention or to talk about
refer
rectum /$rektm/ noun the end part of the large

rectum
something ! The doctor referred to the patients
intestine leading from the sigmoid colon to the history of sinus problems. 2. to pass on informa-
anus. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in tion about a patient to someone else ! They
Supplement, UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in referred her case to a gynaecologist. 3. to send
Supplement (NOTE: For other terms referring to someone to another doctor, usually a specialist,
the rectum, see words beginning with proct-, for advice or treatment ! She was referred to a
procto-.) cardiologist.
referral /r$f-%rl/ noun the act of sending some-
referral
rectus /$rekts/ noun a straight muscle (NOTE:

rectus
|
The plural is recti.) one to a specialist ! She asked for a referral to a

gynaecologist.
rectus abdominis /!rekts 'b$dmns/
rectus abdominis
referred pain /r!f-%d $pen/ noun same as

| referred pain
noun a long straight muscle which runs down the

|
synalgia
front of the abdomen
reflection /r$flekn/ noun 1. the image of
reflection
rectus femoris /!rekts $femrs/ noun a

rectus femoris |
somebody or something which is seen in a mirror

flexor muscle in the front of the thigh, one of the or still water 2. the process of reflecting some-
four parts of the quadriceps femoris. ! medial thing, especially light, sound or heat 3. careful
recumbent /r$k.mbnt/ adjective lying down
recumbent
| thought 4. a situation in which an anatomical

recuperation /r!ku%p$re()n/ noun the
recuperation
| |
structure bends back upon itself
process of getting better after an illness ! His reflective practice /r!flektv $pr'kts/ noun
reflective practice
recuperation will take several months. the process of improving professional skills by
reflex 260
monitoring your own actions while they are being registered midwife /!red+std $mdwaf/
registered midwife
carried out, and by then later evaluating them by noun a qualified midwife who is registered to
talking or writing about them and asking other practise
professionals to give their assessments of you
Registered Nurse /!red+std $n-%s/, Regis-
Registered Nurse
reflex /$ri%fleks/, reflex action /$ri%fleks

reflex
tered General Nurse /!red+std $d+en()rl

!'kn/ noun a physiological reaction without !n-%s/, Registered Theatre Nurse /!red+std
any conscious thought involved, e.g. a knee jerk $t !n-%s/ noun a nurse who has been regis-
or a sneeze, which happens in response to a par- tered by the UKCC. Abbreviation RN, RGN, RTN
ticular stimulus registrar /!red+$str%/ noun 1. a qualified doc-
registrar
reflex arc /$ri%fleks %k/ noun the basic system

reflex arc
tor or surgeon in a hospital who supervises house

of a reflex action, where a receptor is linked to a officers 2. a person who registers something offi-
motor neurone which in turn is linked to an effec- cially
tor muscle registration /!red+$stre()n/ noun the act of
registration
reflexologist /!ri%flk$sld+st/ noun a per-

reflexologist
| registering ! A doctor cannot practise without

son specialising in reflexology registration by the General Medical Council.
regression /r$1re()n/ noun a stage where
regression
reflexology /!ri%flek$sld+i/ noun a treatment

reflexology
| |
to relieve tension by massaging the soles of the symptoms of a disease are disappearing and the
feet and thereby stimulating the nerves and person is getting better
increasing the blood supply regurgitation /r!1-%d+$te()n/ noun the
regurgitation
| |
reflux /$ri%fl.ks/ noun a situation where a fluid process of flowing back in the opposite direction
reflux
flows in the opposite direction to its usual flow ! to the usual flow, especially of bringing up partly
The valves in the veins prevent blood reflux. ! digested food from the stomach into the mouth
vesicoureteric reflux rehabilitation /!ri%bl$te()n/ noun the
rehabilitation
reflux oesophagitis /!ri%fl.ks i%!sf process of making someone fit to work or to lead
reflux oesophagitis
| |
$d+ats/ noun inflammation of the oesophagus an ordinary life again

caused by regurgitation of acid juices from the rehydration /!ri%ha$dre()n/ noun the act of
rehydration
stomach giving water or liquid to someone who has dehy-

refraction /r$fr'kn/ noun a change of direc-
refraction
|
dration
tion of light rays as they enter a medium such as Reiters syndrome /$ratz !sndrm/,
Reiters syndrome
the eye Reiters disease /$ratz d!zi%z/ noun an ill- |
refractory /r$fr'kt()ri/ adjective difficult or

refractory
|
ness which may be sexually transmitted and
impossible to treat, or not responding to treatment affects mainly men, causing arthritis, urethritis
and conjunctivitis at the same time [Described
refractory period /r!fr'kt()ri $prid/
refractory period
|
1916. After Hans Conrad Reiter (18811969),
noun a short space of time after the ventricles of German bacteriologist and hygienist.]
the heart have contracted, when they cannot con-
reject /r$d+ekt/ verb 1. to refuse to accept
reject
tract again |
something 2. to be unable to tolerate tissue or an

refrigeration /r!frd+$re()n/ noun the
refrigeration
| |
organ transplanted from another body because it
process of making something cold is immunologically incompatible ! The new
regeneration /r!1en$re()n/ noun the heart was rejected by the body. ! They gave the
regeneration
| |
process where tissue that has been destroyed patient drugs to prevent the transplant being
grows again rejected. 3. to be unable to keep food down and
vomit it up again
regimen /$red+mn/ noun a fixed course of
regimen
rejection /r$d+ekn/ noun the act of rejecting

rejection
treatment, e.g. a course of drugs or a special diet |
tissue ! The patient was given drugs to reduce

regional /$ri%d+()nl/ adjective in a particular
regional
the possibility of tissue rejection.

region, referring to a particular region
relapse /$ri%l'ps, r$l'ps/ noun a situation in
relapse
register /$red+st/ noun an official list " verb

register |
which someone gets worse after seeming to be

to write a name on an official list, especially the getting better, or where a disease appears again
official list of patients treated by a GP or dentist, after seeming to be cured " verb to return to an
or the list of people with a particular disease ! He earlier and worse state, especially to get ill again
is a registered heroin addict. ! They went to reg- after getting better ! She relapsed into a coma.
ister the birth with the Registrar of Births, Mar-
riages and Deaths. # to register with someone relapsing fever /r$l'ps !fi%v/ noun a dis-
relapsing fever
to put your name on someones official list, espe- ease caused by a bacterium, where attacks of
cially the list of patients treated by a GP or dentist fever recur from time to time
! Before registering with the GP, she asked if she relative density /!reltv $densti/ noun the
relative density
could visit him. ! All practising doctors are reg- ratio of the density of a substance to the density of
istered with the General Medical Council. a standard substance at the same temperature and
261 rep
pressure. For liquids and solids the standard sub- renal calculus /!ri%n()l $k'lkjls/ noun a
renal calculus
stance is usually water, and for gases, it is air. small hard mineral mass called a stone in the kid-
relative risk /!reltv $rsk/ noun a measure of ney
relative risk
the likelihood of developing a disease for people renal capsule /!ri%n()l $k'psju%l/ noun same
renal capsule
who are exposed to a particular risk, relative to as fibrous capsule

people who are not exposed to the same risk. For renal colic /!ri%n()l $klk/ noun a sudden pain
renal colic
example, the relative risk of myocardial infarction caused by a kidney stone or stones in the ureter
for oral contraceptive users is 1.6 times that of
renal corpuscle /!ri%n()l $k%p.s()l/ noun
renal corpuscle
non-users. Abbreviation RR
part of a nephron in the cortex of a kidney. Also
relaxant /r$l'ksnt/ noun a substance which
relaxant
|
called Malpighian body
relieves strain " adjective relieving strain
renal cortex /!ri%n()l $k%teks/ noun the outer
renal cortex
relaxation /!ri%l'k$se()n/ noun the process

relaxation
|
covering of the kidney, immediately beneath the
of reducing strain in a muscle capsule. See illustration at KIDNEY in Supplement
relaxation therapy /!ri%l'k$se()n !erpi/
relaxation therapy
renal dialysis /!ri%n()l da$'lss/ noun a

renal dialysis
|
noun a treatment in which people are encouraged

|
method of artificially maintaining the chemical

to relax their muscles to reduce stress balance of the blood when the kidneys have
relaxin /r$l'ksn/ noun a hormone which is
relaxin
|
failed, or the process of using this method. Also
secreted by the placenta to make the cervix relax called dialysis
and open fully in the final stages of pregnancy
renal hypertension /!ri%n()l !hap$tenn/
renal hypertension
before childbirth
|
noun high blood pressure linked to kidney disease

release /r$li%s/ noun the process of allowing
release
renal medulla /!ri%n()l me$d.l/ noun the

| renal medulla
something to go out ! the slow release of the drug

|
inner part of a kidney containing no glomeruli.

into the bloodstream " verb to let something out
See illustration at KIDNEY in Supplement
! Hormones are released into the body by glands.
renal pelvis /!ri%n()l $pelvs/ noun the upper
renal pelvis
releasing factor /r$li%s !f'kt/ noun a sub-

releasing factor
and wider part of the ureter leading from the kid-

|
stance produced in the hypothalamus which

encourages the release of hormones ney where urine is collected before passing down
the ureter into the bladder. Also called pelvis of
releasing hormone /r$li%s !h%mn/
releasing hormone
|
the kidney. See illustration at KIDNEY in Supple-
noun a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus ment
which makes the pituitary gland release particular
renal transplant /!ri%n()l $tr'nspl%nt/ noun
renal transplant
hormones. Also called hypothalamic hormone

a kidney transplant
rem /rem/ noun a unit for measuring amounts of
rem
renal tubule /!ri%n()l $tju%bju%l/ noun a tiny

renal tubule
radiation, equal to the effect that one roentgen of

X-rays or gamma-rays would produce in a human tube which is part of a nephron. Also called
being. It is used in radiation protection and moni- uriniferous tubule
reni- /ri%ni/ prefix referring to the kidneys
reni-
toring.
renin /$ri%nn/ noun an enzyme secreted by the
renin
REM /rem/ abbreviation rapid eye movement. !

REM
REM sleep kidney to prevent loss of sodium, and which also

remission /r$m()n/ noun a period when an
remission
|
affects blood pressure
rennin /$renn/ noun an enzyme which makes
rennin
illness or fever is less severe

re. mist. /!ri% $mst/ adverb (on a prescription)
re. mist.
milk coagulate in the stomach, so as to slow down
repeat the same mixture. Full form repetatur the passage of the milk through the digestive sys-
mistura tem
reno- /ri%n/ prefix referring to the kidneys
reno-
REM sleep /$rem sli%p/ noun a stage of sleep

REM sleep
renovascular system /!ri%n$v'skjl

renovascular system
which happens several times each night and is |
characterised by dreaming, rapid eye movement !sstm/ noun the blood vessels associated with
and increased pulse rate and brain activity. Also the kidney
called rapid eye movement sleep reorganisation /ri%!%1na$ze()n/, reor-
reorganisation
| |
COMMENT: During REM sleep, a person ganization noun 1. a change in the way some-
dreams, breathes lightly and has a raised thing is organised or done 2. the process of chang-
blood pressure and an increased rate of ing the way something is organised or done 3. an
heartbeat. The eyes may be half-open, and occasion when a business or organisation is given
the sleeper may make facial movements. a completely new structure
ren- /ri%n/ prefix same as reno- (used before
ren-
reovirus /$ri%!vars/ noun a virus which

reovirus
vowels) affects both the intestine and the respiratory sys-

renal /$ri%n()l/ adjective referring to the kidneys tem, but does not cause serious illness. Compare
renal
renal artery /!ri%n()l $%tri/ noun one of two

renal artery
echovirus
arteries running from the abdominal aorta to the rep /rep/ adverb (written on a prescription)
rep
kidneys repeat. Full form repetatur

repetitive strain injury 262
repetitive strain injury /r!pettv $stren resection /r$sekn/ noun the surgical
repetitive strain injury resection
| |
!nd+ri/, repetitive stress injury /r!pettv | removal of any part of the body
$stres !nd+ri/ noun pain, usually in a limb, felt resection of the prostate /r!sekn v
resection of the prostate
by someone who performs the same movement $prstet/ noun same as transurethral prosta-
many times over a period, e.g. when operating a tectomy
computer terminal or playing a musical instru-
resectoscope /r$sektskp/ noun a surgical
resectoscope
ment. Abbreviation RSI

|
instrument used to carry out a transurethral resec-

replantation /!ri%pl%n$te()n/ noun a surgi-
replantation
|
tion
cal technique which reattaches parts of the body
reservoir /$rezvw%/ noun 1. a cavity in an
reservoir
which have been accidentally cut or torn off

organ or group of tissues in which fluids collect
replication /!repl$ke()n/ noun the process
replication
|
and are stored 2. an organism in which a parasite
in the division of a cell, where the DNA makes lives and develops without damaging it, but from
copies of itself which the parasite then passes to another species
repolarisation /ri%!plra$ze()n/, repo-
repolarisation
| | which is damaged by it 3. a part of a machine or

larization noun the restoration of the usual elec- piece of equipment where liquid is stored for it to
trical polarity of a nerve or muscle cell membrane use
after reversal of its polarity while a nerve impulse resident /$rezd()nt/ adjective living in a place
resident
or muscle contraction travelled along it

residential /!rez$denl/ adjective 1. living in
residential
reportable diseases /r!p%tb()l d$zi%zz/

reportable diseases |
| |
a hospital 2. living at home
plural noun diseases such as asbestosis, hepatitis
residential care /!rez$denl !ke/ noun the
residential care
or anthrax which may be caused by working con- |
ditions or may infect other workers and must be care of patients either in a hospital or at home, but
reported to the District Health Authority not as outpatients
residual /r$zdjul/ adjective remaining,
residual
repositor /r$pzt/ noun a surgical instru-

repositor
|
|
ment used to push a prolapsed organ back into its which is left behind
residual air /r!zdjul $e/, residual volume
residual air
usual position |
repression /r$pre()n/ noun (in psychiatry)

repression
|
/r!zdjul $vlju%m/ noun air left in the lungs
|
the act of ignoring or forgetting feelings or after a person has breathed out as much air as pos-
thoughts which might be unpleasant sible
residual urine /r!zdjul $jrn/ noun urine
residual urine
reproduction /!ri%pr$d.k()n/ noun the

reproduction
|
|
process of making new living beings by existing left in the bladder after a person has passed as
ones, e.g. producing children or derived other much urine as possible
resistance /r$zstns/ noun 1. the ability of a
resistance
descendants |
reproductive /!ri%pr$d.ktv/ adjective refer-

reproductive
|
person not to get a disease 2. the ability of bacte-
ring to reproduction ria or a virus to remain unaffected by a drug !
The bacteria have developed a resistance to cer-
reproductive organs /!ri%pr$d.ktv
reproductive organs
tain antibiotics. 3. opposition to a force

|
!%1nz/ plural noun parts of the bodies of men

resolution /!rez$lu%()n/ noun the amount of
resolution
and women which are involved in the conception |
and development of a fetus detail which can be seen in a microscope or on a

reproductive
reproductive system
system /!ri%pr$d.ktv |
computer monitor
resonance /$rez()nns/ noun a sound made
resonance
!sstm/ noun the arrangement of organs and

ducts in the bodies of men and women which pro- by a hollow part of the body when hit. ! mag-
duce spermatozoa or ova netic
resorption /r$s%pn/ noun the process of
resorption
COMMENT: In the human male, the testes |
produce the spermatozoa which pass absorbing a substance produced by the body back
through the vasa efferentia and the vasa def- into the body
erentia where they receive liquid from the respiration /!resp$re()n/ noun the act of
respiration
seminal vesicles, then out of the body taking air into the lungs and blowing it out again
through the urethra and penis on ejaculation. through the mouth or nose. Also called breathing
In the female, an ovum, produced by one of
respiration rate /!resp$re()n !ret/ noun
respiration rate
the two ovaries, passes through the Fallopi- |
an tube where it is fertilised by a spermato- the number of times a person breathes per minute
respirator /$respret/ noun 1. same as venti-
respirator
zoon from the male. The fertilised ovum

moves down into the uterus where it devel- lator 2. a mask worn to prevent someone breath-
ops into an embryo. ing harmful gas or fumes
RES abbreviation reticuloendothelial system respiratory /r$sprt()ri/ adjective referring
RES respiratory
research and development /r!s-%t n d

research and development
| |
to breathing
$velpmnt/ noun the process by which pharma- respiratory centre /r!sprt()ri $sent/
respiratory centre
ceutical companies find new drugs and test their noun a nerve centre in the brain which regulates
suitability. Abbreviation R & D the breathing
263 retino-
respiratory distress syndrome /r rete /$ri%ti%/ noun a network of veins, arteries or

respiratory distress syndrome rete
!sprt()ri d$stres !sndrm/ noun a condi-

| nerve fibres in the body. ! reticular (NOTE: The
tion of newborn babies, and especially common plural is retia.)
in premature babies, in which the lungs do not retention /r$ten()n/ noun the act of not let-
retention
expand properly, due to lack of surfactant. Also ting out something, especially a fluid, which is
called hyaline membrane disease usually released from the body, e.g. holding back
respiratory failure /r!sprt()ri $felj/ urine in the bladder
respiratory failure
noun failure of the lungs to oxygenate the blood retention cyst /r$tenn sst/ noun a cyst
retention cyst
correctly which is formed when a duct from a gland is

respiratory
respiratory quotient
quotient /r!sprt()ri |
blocked
retention of urine /r!ten()n v $jrn/
retention of urine
$kw()nt/ noun the ratio of the amount of car- |
bon dioxide taken into the alveoli of the lungs noun a condition in which passing urine is diffi-
from the blood to the amount of oxygen which the cult or impossible because the urethra is blocked
alveoli take from the air. Abbreviation RQ or because the prostate gland is enlarged
rete testis /!ri%ti% $tests/ noun a network of
rete testis
respiratory syncytial virus /r!sprt()ri

respiratory syncytial virus
sn$stil !vars/ noun a virus which causes

|
channels in the testis which take the sperm to the
infections of the nose and throat in adults, but epididymis
serious bronchiolitis in children. Abbreviation retia /$ri%i/ plural of rete
retia
RSV reticular /r$tkjl/ adjective relating to or in

reticular
respiratory system /r$sprt()ri !sstm/, the form of a network

respiratory system
respiratory tract /r$sprt()ri tr'kt/ noun the reticular fibres /r!tkjl $fabs/ plural
reticular fibres
|
|
series of organs and passages which take air into noun fibres in connective tissue which support,
the lungs, and exchange oxygen for carbon diox- e.g., organs or blood vessels
ide reticulocyte /r$tkjlsat/ noun a red blood
reticulocyte
respite care /$respat ke/ noun temporary

respite care
cell which has not yet fully developed

care provided to people with disabilities, serious reticulocytosis /r!tkjlsa$tss/ noun
reticulocytosis
| |
conditions or terminal illness, so that their fami- a condition in which the number of reticulocytes
lies can have a rest from the daily routine in the blood increases unusually
response /r$spns/ noun a reaction by an
response
reticuloendothelial cell /r!tkjl!end

reticuloendothelial cell
| | | |
organ, tissue or a person to an external stimulus $i%lil sel/ noun a phagocytic cell in the reticu-
responsibility /r!spns$blti/ noun 1. some-
responsibility
| |
loendolethial system
reticuloendothelial system /r!tkjl
reticuloendothelial system
body or something which a person or organisation | |
has a duty to take care of ! Checking the drip is !end$i%lil !sstm/ noun a series of phago-
|
your responsibility. 2. the blame for something cytic cells in the body, found especially in bone
bad which has happened ! She has taken full marrow, lymph nodes, liver and spleen, which
responsibility for the mix-up. 3. the position of attack and destroy bacteria and form antibodies.
having to explain to somebody why something Abbreviation RES
was done ! Whose responsibility is it to talk to retin- /retn/ prefix same as retino- (used before
retin-
the family? vowels)

rest /rest/ noun a period of time spent relaxing
rest
retina /$retn/ noun the inside layer of the eye

retina
or sleeping ! What you need is a good nights which is sensitive to light. ! detached retina.
rest. " verb 1. to spend time relaxing or sleeping See illustration at EYE in Supplement (NOTE: The
2. to use a body part less for a period of time ! plural is retinae.)
Rest your arm for a week. retinal /$retn()l/ adjective referring to the ret-
retinal
restenosis /!ri%st$nss/ noun an occasion ina

restenosis
when something becomes narrow again, e.g. a retinal artery /$retn()l !%tri/ noun the only
retinal artery
coronary artery which has previously been wid- artery of the retina, which accompanies the optic
ened by balloon angioplasty (NOTE: The plural is nerve
restenoses.)
retinal detachment /!retn()l d$t'tmnt/
retinal detachment
resuscitation /r!s.s$te()n/ noun the act of

resuscitation
| | noun a condition in which the retina is partly

reviving someone who seems to be dead, by mak- detached from the choroid
ing him or her breathe again and restarting the retinitis /!ret$nats/ noun inflammation of the
retinitis
heart retina
retardation /!ri%t%$de()n/ noun the process
retardation
retinitis pigmentosa /!ret!nats !p1men

retinitis pigmentosa
|
| |
of making something slower $ts/ noun a hereditary condition in which

retching /$ret/ noun the fact of attempting to
retching
inflammation of the retina can result in blindness
vomit without being able to do so retino- /retn/ prefix referring to the retina
retino-
retinol 264
retinol /$retnl/ noun a vitamin found in liver, retroversion /!retr$v-%()n/ noun the fact
retinol retroversion
vegetables, eggs and cod liver oil which is essen- of sloping backwards # retroversion of the
tial for good vision. Also called Vitamin A uterus Same as retroverted uterus
retroverted uterus /!retrv-%td $ju%trs/
retroverted uterus
retinopathy /!ret$npi/ noun any disease of

retinopathy
the retina noun a condition in which the uterus slopes back-

retinoscope /$retnskp/ noun an instru-
retinoscope
wards away from its usual position. Also called
retroversion of the uterus, tipped womb
ment with various lenses, used to measure the
retrovirus /$retrvars/ noun a virus whose
retrovirus
refraction of the eye

genetic material contains RNA from which DNA
retraction /r$tr'kn/ noun the fact of moving
retraction
|
is synthesised (NOTE: The AIDS virus and many
backwards or becoming shorter ! There is retrac- carcinogenic viruses are retroviruses.)
tion of the overlying skin.
revascularisation /ri%!v'skjlra
revascularisation
retraction ring /r$tr'kn r/ noun a groove

retraction ring | | |
|
$ze()n/, revascularization noun 1. the act of
round the uterus, separating its upper and lower restoring an adequate blood supply to an organ or
parts, which, in obstructed labour, prevents the tissue, especially in a surgical operation using a
baby from moving forward as expected into the blood vessel graft 2. the condition of having an
cervical canal. Also called Bandls ring adequate blood supply restored
retractor /r$tr'kt/ noun a surgical instrument
retractor
reverse isolation /r!v-%s !as$le()n/

reverse isolation
|
| |
which pulls and holds back the edge of the inci- noun same as protective isolation
sion in an operation
revision /r$v+()n/ noun an examination of a
revision
retro- /retr/ prefix at the back, behind

retro-
surgical operation after it has been carried out !

retrobulbar /!retr$b.lb/ adjective behind a revision of a radical mastoidectomy
retrobulbar
the eyeball Reyes syndrome /$raz !sndrm/ noun a

Reyes syndrome
retrobulbar neuritis /!retrb.lb nju%

retrobulbar neuritis
|
form of brain disease affecting young children,
$rats/ noun inflammation of the optic nerve which is possibly due to viral infection and has a
which makes objects appear blurred. Also called suspected link with aspirin
RGN abbreviation Registered General Nurse
RGN
optic neuritis
Rh abbreviation rhesus
Rh
retroflexion /!retr$flek()n/ noun the fact

retroflexion
of being bent backwards rhabdomyosarcoma /!r'bd!mas%

rhabdomyosarcoma
| |
retrograde /$retr1red/ adjective going

retrograde
$km/ noun a malignant tumour of striated
backwards or deteriorating, getting worse muscle tissue. It occurs mostly in children.
rhabdovirus /$r'bdvars/ noun any of a
rhabdovirus
retrograde pyelography /!retr1red !pa

retrograde pyelography
$l1rfi/ noun an X-ray examination of the kid- group of viruses containing RNA, one of which
ney where a catheter is passed into the kidney and causes rabies
rhachio- /reki/ prefix referring to the spine
rhachio-
an opaque liquid is injected directly into it

Rh disease /!%r $et d!zi%z/ noun same as
Rh disease
retrolental fibroplasia /!retrlent()l

retrolental fibroplasia
|
!fabr$plezi/ noun a condition in which

|
rhesus factor disease
fibrous tissue develops behind the lens of the eye, rheo- /ri%/ prefix 1. relating to the flow of liq-
rheo-
resulting in blindness uids 2. relating to the flow of electrical current

retro-ocular /!retr $kjl/ adjective at the rhesus baby /$ri%ss !bebi/ noun a baby with
retro-ocular rhesus baby
back of the eye erythroblastosis fetalis

rhesus factor /$ri%ss !f'kt/ noun an antigen
rhesus factor
retroperitoneal /!retr!pert$ni%l/ adjec-

retroperitoneal
| |
tive at the back of the peritoneum in red blood cells, which is an element in blood
grouping. Also called Rh factor
retroperitoneal space /!retrpert!ni%l
retroperitoneal space
rhesus factor disease /$ri%ss !f'kt d

rhesus factor disease
$spes/ noun the area between the posterior pari- |
etal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall, !zi%z/ noun a disease which occurs when the
containing the kidneys, adrenal glands, duode- blood of a fetus has a different rhesus factor from
num, ureters and pancreas that of the mother. Also called Rh disease
rheumatic /ru%$m'tk/ adjective referring to
rheumatic
retropharyngeal /!retr!f'rn$d+i%l/
retropharyngeal
|
| |
adjective at the back of the pharynx rheumatism

rheumatic fever /ru%!m'tk $fi%v/ noun a
rheumatic fever
retropubic /!retr$pju%bk/ adjective at the

retropubic
|
collagen disease of young people and children,

|
back of the pubis

caused by haemolytic streptococci, where the
retrospection /!retr$spekn/ noun the act
retrospection
|
joints and also the valves and lining of the heart
of recalling what happened in the past become inflamed. Also called acute rheuma-
retrospective /!retr$spektv/ adjective tism
retrospective
applying to the past, tracing what has happened COMMENT: Rheumatic fever often follows
already to selected people another streptococcal infection such as a
265 rickets
strep throat or tonsillitis. Symptoms are high rhizotomy /ra$ztmi/ noun a surgical opera-
rhizotomy
fever, pains in the joints, which become red, tion to cut or divide the roots of a nerve to relieve
formation of nodules on the ends of bones severe pain
and difficulty in breathing. Although recovery
Rh-negative /!% et $ne1tv/ adjective who
Rh-negative
can be complete, rheumatic fever can recur

and damage the heart permanently. does not have the rhesus factor in his or her blood
rhodopsin /r$dpsn/ noun a light-sensitive
rhodopsin
rheumatism /$ru%mtz()m/ noun pains and

rheumatism
|
purple pigment in the rods of the retina, which

stiffness in the joints and muscles (informal) ! makes it possible to see in dim light. Also called
She has rheumatism in her hips. ! He com- visual purple
plained of rheumatism in the knees.
rhomboid /$rmbd/ noun one of two muscles
rhomboid
rheumatoid /$ru%mtd/ adjective relating to

rheumatoid
in the top part of the back which move the shoul-

rheumatism der blades
rheumatoid arthritis /!ru%mtd %$rats/
rheumatoid arthritis
rhonchus /$rks/ noun an unusual sound in

rhonchus
|
noun a general painful disabling collagen disease the chest, heard through a stethoscope, caused by
affecting any joint, but especially the hands, feet a partial blockage in the bronchi (NOTE: The plu-
and hips, making them swollen and inflamed. ! ral is rhonchi.)
osteoarthritis
Rh-positive /!% et $pztv/ adjective who
Rh-positive
rheumatologist /!ru%m$tld+st/ noun a

rheumatologist
|
has the rhesus factor in his or her blood
doctor who specialises in rheumatology rhythm method /$r()m !med/ noun a
rhythm method
rheumatology /!ru%m$tld+i/ noun a branch

rheumatology
| method of birth control where sexual intercourse

of medicine dealing with rheumatic disease of should take place only during the safe periods
muscles and joints when conception is least likely to occur, i.e. at the
Rh factor /!%r $et !f'kt/ noun same as rhe-
Rh factor
beginning and at the end of the menstrual cycle
sus factor COMMENT: This method is not as safe or re-
liable as other methods of contraception be-
rhin- /ran/ prefix same as rhino- (used before
rhin-
cause the time when ovulation takes place

vowels) cannot be accurately calculated if a woman
rhinitis /ra$nats/ noun inflammation of the
rhinitis
| does not have regular periods.

mucous membrane in the nose, which makes the rib /rb/ noun one of twenty-four curved bones
rib
nose run, caused, e.g., by a virus infection or an which protect the chest (NOTE: For other terms
allergic reaction to dust or flowers referring to the ribs, see words beginning with
rhino- /ran/ prefix referring to the nose cost-, costo-.)
rhino-
ribavirin /$rab!varn/ noun a synthetic drug

ribavirin
rhinology /ra$nld+i/ noun a branch of med-

rhinology
|
|
icine dealing with diseases of the nose and the which helps to prevent the synthesis of viral DNA
nasal passages and RNA, used in the treatment of viral diseases
rib cage /$rb ked+/ noun the ribs and the space
rib cage
rhinophyma /!ran$fam/ noun a condition

rhinophyma
caused by rosacea, in which the nose becomes enclosed by them

riboflavine /!rab$flevn/ same as Vitamin
riboflavine
permanently red and swollen |
rhinoplasty /$ranpl'sti/ noun plastic sur-

rhinoplasty
B2
ribonuclease /!rab$nju%kliez/ noun an
ribonuclease
gery to correct the appearance of the nose |
enzyme which breaks down RNA

rhinorrhoea /!ran$r/ noun a watery dis-
rhinorrhoea
ribonucleic acid /!rabnju%!kli%k $'sd/

ribonucleic acid
charge from the nose |
noun one of the nucleic acids in the nucleus of all

rhinoscope /$ranskp/ noun an instrument
rhinoscope
living cells, which takes coded information from

for examining the inside of the nose DNA and translates it into specific enzymes and
rhinoscopy /ra$nskpi/ noun an examina-
rhinoscopy
| proteins. ! DNA. Abbreviation RNA

tion of the inside of the nose ribosome /$rabsm/ noun a tiny particle in
ribosome
rhinosinusitis /!ran!san$sats/ noun a cell, containing RNA and protein, where protein
rhinosinusitis
| |
swelling of the lining of the nose and paranasal is synthesised

sinuses, as a result of either a viral infection or ricewater stools /$rasw%t stu%lz/ plural
ricewater stools
allergic rhinitis. It is usually treated with antibiot- noun watery faeces that are typically passed by
ics, antihistamines or steroids. people who have cholera
rhinovirus /$ran!vars/ noun a group of
rhinovirus
ricin /$rasn/ noun a highly toxic albumin found

ricin
viruses containing RNA, which cause infection of in the seeds of the castor oil plant
the nose and include the virus which causes the rickets /$rkts/ noun a disease of children,
rickets
common cold where the bones are soft and do not develop prop-
rhiz- /raz/, rhizo- /raz/ prefix referring to a
rhiz-
erly due to lack of Vitamin D. Also called rachi-

root tis
ridge 266
ridge /rd+/ noun a long raised part on the sur- spreading to other members of the family. # at
ridge
face of a bone or organ risk in danger of being harmed ! Businessmen

rifampicin /rf$'mpsn/ noun an antibiotic
rifampicin
|
are particularly at risk of having a heart attack. "
which works by interfering with RNA synthesis verb to do something which may possibly cause
in the infecting bacteria, used in the treatment of harm or have bad results ! If the patient is not
tuberculosis, leprosy and other bacterial infec- moved to an isolation ward, all the patients and
tions staff in the hospital risk catching the disease.
risk factor /$rsk !f'kt/ noun a characteristic
risk factor
right-left shunt /!rat left $.nt/ noun a mal-

right-left shunt
formation in the heart, allowing blood to flow that increases a persons likelihood of getting a
from the pulmonary artery to the aorta particular disease ! Smoking is a risk factor for
rigidity /r$d+dti/ noun the fact of being rigid,
rigidity
lung cancer. ! Obesity is a risk factor for diabe-
tes.
|
bent or not able to be moved. ! spasticity

risus sardonicus /!rass s%$dnks/ noun
risus sardonicus
rigor /$r1/ noun an attack of shivering, often

rigor
|
with fever a twisted smile which is a symptom of tetanus

rite of passage /!rat v $p'sd+/ noun a cer-
rite of passage
rigor mortis /!r1 $m%ts/ noun a condition in

rigor mortis
which the muscles of a dead body become stiff emony which shows that somebody is moving
after death and then become relaxed again from one stage of their life to another, e.g. from
COMMENT: Rigor mortis starts about eight
childhood to puberty or from unmarried to mar-
hours after death, and begins to disappear ried life
RM abbreviation Registered Midwife
RM
several hours later. Environment and tem-

perature play a large part in the timing. RMN abbreviation Registered Mental Nurse
RMN
rima /$ram/ noun a narrow crack or cleft

rima
RN abbreviation Registered Nurse

RN
rima glottidis /!ri%m $1ltds/ noun a space

rima glottidis
RNA abbreviation ribonucleic acid

RNA
between the vocal cords

RNMH abbreviation Registered Nurse for the
RNMH
ring /r/ noun a circle of tissue, or tissue or

ring
Mentally Handicapped
muscle shaped like a circle
Rocky Mountain spotted fever /!rki
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
ring block /$r blk/ noun the process of

ring block
inserting local anaesthetic all the way round a !mantn !sptd $fi%v/ noun a type of typhus
digit, e.g a finger, in order to perform a procedure caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted to
distal to the block. humans by ticks
rod /rd/ noun 1. a stick shape with rounded
rod
Ringers solution /$rz s!lu%()n/ noun a

Ringers solution
ends ! Some bacteria are shaped like rods or are

|
solution of inorganic salts which is used both to

treat burns and cuts and to keep cells, tissues or rod-shaped. 2. one of two types of light-sensitive
organs alive outside the body cell in the retina of the eye. Rods are sensitive to
dim light, but not to colour. ! cone
ring finger /$r !f1/ noun the third finger,
ring finger
rodent ulcer /!rd()nt $.ls/ noun a malig-

rodent ulcer
the finger between the little finger and the middle

finger nant tumour on the face
roentgen /$rnt1n/ noun a unit of radiation
roentgen
ringworm /$rw-%m/ noun any of various

ringworm
infections of the skin by a fungus, in which the used to measure the exposure of someone or
infection spreads out in a circle from a central something to X-rays or gamma rays. Symbol R
point. It is very contagious and difficult to get rid [After Wilhelm Konrad von Rntgen (1845
of. Also called tinea 1923), physicist at Strasbourg, Geissen, Wrz-
burg and Munich, and then Director of the phys-
Rinnes test /$rniz test/ noun a hearing test in
Rinnes test
ics laboratory at Wrzburg where he discovered

which a tuning fork is hit and its handle placed
X-rays in 1895. Nobel prize for Physics 1901.]
near the ear, to test for air conduction, and then on
role /rl/ noun 1. the usual or expected function
role
the mastoid process, to test for bone conduction.

It is then possible to determine the type of lesion of somebody or something in a particular process
which exists by finding if the sound is heard for a or event ! the role of haemoglobin in blood clot-
longer period by air or by bone conduction. ting 2. the characteristic or expected pattern of
[Described 1855. After Friedrich Heinrich Rinne behaviour of a particular member of a social
(181968), otologist at Gttingen, Germany.] group ! the eldest childs role in the family
ripple bed /$rp()l bed/ noun a type of bed role playing /$rl !ple/ noun the act of pre-
ripple bed role playing
with an air-filled mattress divided into sections, in tending to be somebody else in a situation, so that
which the pressure is continuously being changed you have to imagine how that person feels and
so that the body can be massaged and bedsores thinks. It usually involves several people. It is
can be avoided used in many training exercises and psychiatric
risk /rsk/ noun the possibility of something
risk
evaluations.
harmful happening ! There is a risk of a cholera rolled bandage /!rld $b'ndd+/, roller
rolled bandage
epidemic. ! There is no risk of the disease bandage /$rl !b'ndd+/ noun a bandage in
267 rubefacient
the form of a long strip of cloth which is rolled up Arthur Cecil Hamel Rothera (18801915), bio-
from one or both ends chemist in Melbourne, Australia.]
Rombergs sign /$rmb-%1z san/ noun a Roth spot /$rt spt/ noun a pale spot which
Rombergs sign Roth spot
swaying of the body or falling when standing with sometimes occurs on the retina of a person who
the feet close together and the eyes closed, the has leukaemia or some other diseases [After
result of loss of the joint position sense Moritz Roth (18391915), Swiss pathologist and
[Described 1846. After Moritz Heinrich Romberg physician.]
(17951873), German physician and pioneer rotunda /r$t.nd/ " fenestra
rotunda
neurologist.] roughage /$r.fd+/ noun same as dietary fibre

roughage
rongeur /r$1-%/ noun a strong surgical instru-

rongeur
round /rand/ adjective shaped like a circle "

round
|
ment like a pair of pliers, used for cutting bone noun a regular visit
root /ru%t/ noun 1. a point from which a part of
root
round ligament /$rand !l1mnt/ noun a

round ligament
the body grows ! root of hair or hair root ! root band of muscle which stretches from the uterus to
of nerve or nerve root 2. part of a tooth which is the labia
connected to a socket in the jaw $ also called
round window /$rand !wnd/ noun a round
round window
radix
opening between the middle ear and the cochlea,
root canal /$ru%t k!n'l/ noun a canal in the
root canal
|
and closed by a membrane. Also called fenestra
root of a tooth through which the nerves and rotunda. See illustration at EAR in Supplement
blood vessels pass Rovsings sign /$rvsz san/ noun pain in
Rovsings sign
rooting reflex /$ru%t !ri%fleks/ noun the

rooting reflex
the right iliac fossa when the left iliac fossa is

instinct in new babies to turn their heads towards pressed, which is a sign of acute appendicitis
a touch on the cheek or mouth, which is important [Described 1907. After Nils Thorkild Rovsing
for breastfeeding (18621927), Professor of Surgery at Copenha-
Roper, Logan and Tierney model /!rp gen, Denmark.]
Roper, Logan and Tierney model
!l1n n $tni !md()l/ noun an important Royal College of General Practitioners

Royal College of General Practitioners
model of nursing developed in the UK in 1980. /!rl !kld+ v $d+en()rl/ noun a profes-
Various factors such as necessary daily tasks, sional association which represents family doc-
lifespan and health status are used to assess the tors. Abbreviation RCGP
relative independence of an individual, which the Royal College of Nursing /!rl !kld+ v
Royal College of Nursing
nurse will help them to increase. $n-%s/ noun a professional association which
Rorschach test /$r%%k test/ noun the ink represents nurses. Abbreviation RCN
Rorschach test
blot test, used in psychological diagnosis, where Roys model /$rz !md()l/ noun a model for
Roys model
someone is shown a series of blots of ink on paper nursing developed in the US in the 1970s. It
and is asked to say what each blot reminds him or describes a persons health as being a state of suc-
her of. The answers give information about the cessful positive adaptation to all those stimuli
persons psychological state. [Described 1921. from the environment which could interfere with
After Hermann Rorschach (18841922), Ger- their basic need satisfaction. Illness results from
man-born psychiatrist who worked in Bern, Swit- an inability to adapt to such stimuli, so nurses
zerland.] should help patients to overcome this.
rosacea /r$ze/ noun a common skin dis-
rosacea
RQ abbreviation respiratory quotient

RQ
ease seen from middle age affecting the face, and RR abbreviation 1. recovery room 2. relative risk
RR
especially the nose, which becomes red because

-rrhage /rd+/, -rrhagia /$red+/ suffix refer-
-rrhage
of enlarged blood vessels. The cause is not

known. Also called acne rosacea (NOTE: ring to an unusual flow or discharge of blood
-rrhaphy /rfi/ suffix referring to surgical sew-
-rrhaphy
Despite its alternative name, rosacea is not a

type of acne.) ing or suturing
-rrhexis /rekss/ suffix referring to splitting or
-rrhexis
rosea /$rzi/ " pityriasis

rosea
rupture
rostrum /$rstrm/ noun a projecting part of a
rostrum
-rrhoea /r/ suffix referring to an unusual flow

-rrhoea
bone or structure shaped like a beak (NOTE: The

plural is rostra.) or discharge of fluid from an organ
RSCN abbreviation Registered Sick Childrens
RSCN
rotation /r$te()n/ noun the act of moving

rotation
in a circle. See illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS Nurse

RSI abbreviation repetitive strain injury
RSI
in Supplement
RSV abbreviation respiratory syncytial virus
RSV
rotator /r$tet/ noun a muscle which makes

rotator
a limb rotate RTN abbreviation Registered Theatre Nurse

RTN
Rotheras test /$rrz test/ noun a test to rubefacient /!ru%b$fe()nt/ noun a sub-
Rotheras test rubefacient
see if acetone is present in urine, a sign of ketosis stance which makes the skin warm, and pink or
which is a complication of diabetes mellitus [After red " adjective causing the skin to become red
rubella 268
rubella /ru%$bel/ noun a common infectious running /$r.n/ adjective from which liquid is
rubella running
viral disease of children with mild fever, swollen flowing ! running eyes
lymph nodes and rash. Also called German mea- running sore /!r.n $s%/ noun a sore which is
running sore
sles discharging pus

COMMENT: Rubella can cause stillbirth or runs /r.nz/ noun the runs same as diarrhoea
runs
malformation of an unborn baby if the mother (informal) ! Ive got the runs again. (NOTE:
catches the disease while pregnant. One Takes a singular or plural verb.)
component of the MMR vaccine immunises
rupture /$r.pt/ noun 1. the breaking or tear-
rupture
against rubella.
ing of an organ such as the appendix 2. same as
rubeola /ru%$bi%l/ noun same as measles
rubeola
|
hernia " verb to break or tear something
rubor /$ru%b/ noun redness of the skin or tissue
rubor
ruptured spleen /!r.ptd $spli%n/ noun a

ruptured spleen
Ruffini corpuscles /ru%$fi%ni !k%p.s()lz/,

Ruffini corpuscles
|
spleen which has been torn by piercing or by a
Ruffini nerve endings /ru%$fi%ni n-%v !endz/
|
blow
plural noun branching nerve endings in the skin, Russell traction /$r.s()l !tr'k()n/ noun a
Russell traction
which are thought to be sensitive to heat type of traction with weights and slings used to
ruga /$ru%1/ noun a fold or ridge, especially in
ruga
straighten a femur which has been fractured

a mucous membrane such as the lining of the [Described 1924. After R. Hamilton Russell
stomach (NOTE: The plural is rugae.) (18601933), Australian surgeon.]
rumination /!ru%m$ne()n/ noun 1. a condi-
rumination
Ryles tube /$ralz !tju%b/ noun a thin tube

Ryles tube
|
tion in which someone has constant irrational which is passed into the stomach through either
thoughts which they cannot control 2. the regurgi- the nose or mouth, used to pump out the contents
tation of food from the stomach which is then of the stomach or to introduce a barium meal in
swallowed again the stomach [Described 1921. After John Alfred
run-down /!r.n $dan/ adjective exhausted and Ryle (18821950), physician at London, Cam-
run-down
unwell bridge and Oxford, UK]

S
Sabin vaccine /$sebn !v'ksi%n/ noun an oral sacro- /sekr/ prefix referring to the sacrum
Sabin vaccine sacro-
vaccine against poliomyelitis, consisting of weak sacrococcygeal

sacrococcygeal
/!sekrkk$si%d+il/
|
live polio virus. Compare Salk vaccine (NOTE: adjective referring to the sacrum and the coccyx
This is the vaccine used in the UK) [Developed
sacroiliac /!sekr$li'k/ adjective referring
sacroiliac
1955. After Albert Bruce Sabin (190693), Rus-

|
sian-born New York bacteriologist.]

to the sacrum and the ilium
sacroiliac joint /!sekr$li'k !d+nt/ noun
sacroiliac joint
sac /s'k/ noun a part of the body shaped like a

sac
|
bag a joint where the sacrum joins the ilium

sacroiliitis /!sekrli$ats/ noun inflamma-
sacroiliitis
saccades /s'$kedz/ plural noun controlled

saccades
|
tion of the sacroiliac joint

|
rapid movements of the eyes made when a person

sacrum /$sekrm/ noun a flat triangular bone,
sacrum
is changing the direction in which they are focus-

ing, e.g. when they are reading formed of five sacral vertebrae fused together,
sacchar- /s'k/ prefix same as saccharo-
sacchar-
located between the lumbar vertebrae and the
(used before vowels) coccyx. It articulates with the coccyx and also
with the hip bones. See illustration at PELVIS in
saccharide /$s'krad/ noun a form of carbo-
saccharide
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is sacra.)

hydrate
SAD abbreviation seasonal affective disorder
SAD
saccharin /$s'krn/ noun a white crystalline

saccharin
saddle joint /$s'd()l d+nt/ noun a synovial

saddle joint
substance, used in place of sugar because,

although it is nearly 500 times sweeter than sugar, joint where one element is concave and the other
it contains no carbohydrates convex, like the joint between the thumb and the
wrist
saccharine /$s'kran/ adjective relating to,
saccharine
sadism /$sedz()m/ noun a sexual condition

sadism
resembling or containing sugar

in which a person finds sexual pleasure in hurting
saccharo- /s'kr/ prefix referring to sugar
saccharo-
others
saccule /$s'kju%l/, sacculus /$s'kjls/ noun
saccule
sadist /$sedst/ noun a person whose sexual

sadist
the smaller of two sacs in the vestibule of the

inner ear which is part of the mechanism which urge is linked to sadism
sadistic /s$dstk/ adjective referring to sad-
sadistic
relates information about the position of the head |
in space ism. Compare masochism

SADS abbreviation seasonal affective disorder
SADS
sacral /$sekrl/ adjective referring to the sac-

sacral
rum syndrome
safe /sef/ adjective 1. not likely to cause harm
safe
sacral foramen /!sekrl f$remn/ noun one

sacral foramen
of the openings in the sacrum through which the ! Is it safe to use this drug on someone who is
sacral nerves pass. See illustration at PELVIS in diabetic? 2. in a protected place or situation and
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is sacral not likely to be harmed or lost ! Keep the drugs
foramina.) in a safe place. ! Hes safe in hospital being
sacral nerve /$sekrl n-%v/ noun one of the
sacral nerve
looked after by the doctors and nurses. (NOTE:
nerves which branch from the spinal cord in the safer safest)
safe dose /$sef ds/ noun the amount of a
safe dose
sacrum and govern the legs, the arms and the gen-
ital area drug which can be given without being harmful
sacral plexus /!sekrl $plekss/ noun a group safe sex /!sef $seks/ noun the use of measures
sacral plexus safe sex
of nerves inside the pelvis near the sacrum which such as a contraceptive sheath and having only
lead to nerves in the buttocks, back of the thigh one sexual partner to reduce the possibility of
and lower leg and foot catching a sexually transmitted disease
sacral vertebrae /!sekrl $v-%tbri%/ plural sagittal /$s'd+t()l/ adjective going from the
sacral vertebrae sagittal
noun the five vertebrae in the lower part of the front of the body to the back, dividing it into right
spine which are fused together to form the sacrum and left
sagittal plane 270
sagittal plane /!s'd+t()l $plen/ noun the [Developed 1954. After Jonas Edward Salk
sagittal plane
division of the body along the midline, at right (191495), virologist in Pittsburgh, USA.]
angles to the coronal plane, dividing the body into salmeterol /s'l$metrl/ noun a drug which
salmeterol
right and left parts. Also called median plane. relaxes and widens the airways, used to treat
See illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supple- severe asthma
ment Salmonella /!s'lm$nel/ noun a genus of
Salmonella
sagittal section /!s'd+t()l $sekn/ noun

sagittal section
pathogenic bacteria which live in the intestines

any section or cut through the body, going from and are usually acquired by eating contaminated
the front to the back along the length of the body food, responsible for many cases of gastroenteri-
sagittal suture /!s'd+t()l $su%t/ noun a
sagittal suture
tis and for typhoid or paratyphoid fever (NOTE:
joint along the top of the head where the two pari- The plural is Salmonellae.)
etal bones are fused Salmonella poisoning /!s'lm$nel
Salmonella poisoning
St Vituss dance /snt $vatsz !d%ns/ noun

St Vituss dance
!pz()n/ noun poisoning caused by Salmo-
a former name for Sydenhams chorea nellae which develop in the intestines ! Five peo-
salbutamol /s'l$bju%tml/ noun a drug
salbutamol
ple were taken to hospital with Salmonella poi-
soning.
|
which relaxes and dilates the bronchi, used in the

salmonellosis /!s'lmne$lss/ noun food
salmonellosis
relief of asthma, emphysema and chronic bron- |
chitis poisoning caused by Salmonella in the digestive

system
salicylate /s$lslet/ noun one of various
salicylate
salping- /s'lpnd+/ prefix same as salpingo-

salping-
pain-killing substances derived from salicylic

acid, e.g. aspirin (used before vowels)
salpingectomy /!s'lpn$d+ektmi/ noun a
salpingectomy
salicylic acid /!s'lslk $'sd/ noun a white

salicylic acid
|
antiseptic substance which destroys bacteria and surgical operation to remove or cut a Fallopian
fungi and which is used in ointments to treat tube, used as a method of contraception
salpingitis /!s'lpn$d+ats/ noun inflamma-
salpingitis
corns, warts and other skin disorders |
salicylism /$s'lslz()m/ noun the effects of

salicylism
tion, usually of a Fallopian tube
salpingo- /s'lp1/ prefix 1. referring to the
salpingo-
poisoning due to too much salicylic acid. Symp-

toms include headache, tinnitus, faintness and Fallopian tubes 2. referring to the auditory meatus
vomiting. salpingography /!s'lp$11rfi/ noun an
salpingography
saline /$selan/ adjective referring to or con- X-ray examination of the Fallopian tubes
saline
taining salt ! The patient was given a saline salpingolysis /!s'lp$1lss/ noun a surgi-
salpingolysis
transfusion. " noun same as saline solution cal operation to open up blocked Fallopian tubes
saline drip /!selan $drp/ noun a drip contain- by removing any adhesions near the ovaries
saline drip
ing a saline solution salpingo-oophorectomy

salpingo-oophorectomy
/s'l!p1 |
saline solution /$selan s!lu%()n/ noun a !f$rektmi/ noun a surgical operation to

saline solution
| |
solution made of distilled water and sodium chlo- remove a Fallopian tube and ovary
ride, which is introduced into the body intrave- salpingo-oophoritis /s'l!p1 !f
salpingo-oophoritis
| |
nously through a drip $rats/, salpingo-oothecitis /s'l!p1 |
saliva /s$lav/ noun a fluid in the mouth, !$sats/ noun inflammation of a Fallopian
saliva
|
|
secreted by the salivary glands, which starts the tube and the ovary connected to it
process of digesting food (NOTE: For terms refer- salpingo-oophorocele /s'l!p1
salpingo-oophorocele
| |
ring to saliva, see words beginning with ptyal-, $frsi%l/, salpingo-oothecocele /s'l |
ptyalo- or sial-, sialo-.) !p1 !$i%ksi%l/ noun a hernia where a

|
salivary /s$lav()ri/ adjective referring to Fallopian tube and its ovary pass through a weak
salivary
saliva point in the surrounding tissue

salpingostomy /!s'lp$1stmi/ noun a sur-
salpingostomy
salivary calculus /s!lav()ri $k'lkjls/

salivary calculus
|
|
noun a stone which forms in a salivary gland gical operation to open up a blocked Fallopian
salivary gland /s$lav()ri 1l'nd/ noun a
salivary gland
|
tube
salpinx /$s'lpks/ noun same as Fallopian
salpinx
gland which secretes saliva, situated under the

tongue (the sublingual gland), beneath the lower tube (NOTE: The plural is salpinges.)
jaw (the submandibular gland) and in the neck salt /s%lt/ noun 1. small white crystals mainly of
salt
at the back of the lower jaw joint (the parotid sodium chloride used to flavour and preserve food
gland) 2. a crystalline compound, usually containing a
salivation /!s'l$ve()n/ noun the production
salivation
|
metal, formed when an acid is neutralised by an
of saliva alkali
salt-free diet /!s%lt fri% $dat/ noun a diet in
salt-free diet
Salk vaccine /$s%k !v'ksi%n/ noun an injected

Salk vaccine
vaccine against poliomyelitis, consisting of inac- which no salt is allowed

tivated polio virus. Compare Sabin vaccine salve /s'lv/ noun an ointment
salve
271 scalenus syndrome
sample /$s%mpl/ noun a small quantity of sarcolemma /!s%k$lem/ noun a membrane

sample sarcolemma
something used for testing ! Blood samples were surrounding a muscle fibre
taken from all the staff in the hospital. ! The doc- sarcoma /s%$km/ noun a cancer of connec-
sarcoma
tor asked her to provide a urine sample. tive tissue such as bone, muscle or cartilage
sanatorium /!s'n$t%rim/ noun an institu- sarcomatosis /s%!km$tss/ noun a
sanatorium sarcomatosis
| | |
tion, similar to a hospital, which treats particular condition in which a sarcoma has spread through
types of disorder such as tuberculosis, or offers the bloodstream to many parts of the body
special treatment such as hot baths or massage sarcoptes /s%$kpti%z/ noun a type of mite
sarcoptes
(NOTE: The plural is sanatoria or sanatoriums.) which causes scabies

sandfly fever /$s'ndfla !fi%v/ noun a virus
sandfly fever
SARS /s%z/ noun a serious, sometimes fatal,

SARS
infection like influenza, which is transmitted by infection affecting the respiratory system, first
the bite of the sandfly Phlebotomus papatasii and seen in China. Suspected cases of SARS must be
is common in the Middle East isolated with full barrier nursing precautions. Full
sandwich therapy /$s'nwd+ !erpi/ noun a form severe acute respiratory syndrome
sandwich therapy
system in which one type of treatment is used sartorius /s%$t%ris/ noun a very long mus-
sartorius
between exposures to a different treatment, e.g., cle, the longest muscle in the body, which runs
chemotherapy given before and after radiation, or from the anterior iliac spine, across the thigh
radiation given before and after surgery down to the tibia
sangui- /s'1w/ prefix relating to blood saturated fat /!s'tretd $f't/ noun a fat
sangui- saturated fat
sanguineous /s'$1wnis/ adjective refer-

sanguineous
|
which has the largest amount of hydrogen possi-
ring to blood, containing blood ble
satyriasis /!s't$rass/ noun an obsessive
satyriasis
sanies /$senii%z/ noun a discharge from a sore

sanies
|
or wound which has an unpleasant smell sexual urge in a man (NOTE: A similar condition in
a woman is called nymphomania.)
sanitary towel /$s'nt()ri !tal/ noun a dis-
sanitary towel
saucerisation /!s%sra$ze()n/, sauceri-

saucerisation
posable pad of absorbent material worn by |
women to absorb the blood flow during menstru- zation noun 1. a surgical operation in which tis-
ation sue is cut out in the form of a saucer-like depres-
sion, usually in order to help material drain away
SA node /!es $e !nd/, S-A node /!es $e
SA node
from infected areas of bone 2. the shallow saucer-

!nd/ noun same as sinoatrial node like appearance of the upper surface of a vertebra
saphena /s$fi%n/ noun same as saphenous
saphena
|
after a compression fracture
vein (NOTE: The plural is saphenae.) s.c. abbreviation subcutaneous
s.c.
saphenous /s$fi%ns/ adjective relating to the

saphenous
scab /sk'b/ noun a crust of dry blood which

scab
|
saphenous veins forms over a wound and protects it

saphenous nerve /s$fi%ns n-%v/ noun a
saphenous nerve
scabicide /$skebsad/ noun a solution which

scabicide
|
branch of the femoral nerve which connects with kills mites " adjective killing mites
the sensory nerves in the skin of the lower leg scabies /$skebi%z/ noun a very irritating infec-
scabies
saphenous vein /s$fi%ns ven/ noun one of

saphenous vein
| tion of the skin caused by a mite which lives under

two veins which take blood from the foot up the the skin
leg. Also called saphena scala /$sk%l/ noun a spiral canal in the cochlea
scala
COMMENT: The long (internal) saphenous scald /sk%ld/ noun an injury to the skin caused
scald
vein, the longest vein in the body, runs from by touching a very hot liquid or steam. Also
the foot up the inside of the leg and joins the called wet burn " verb to injure the skin with a
femoral vein. The short (posterior) saphen-
very hot liquid or steam
ous vein runs up the back of the lower leg
scale /skel/ noun 1. a thin flat piece of some-
scale
and joins the popliteal vein.

thing such as dead skin 2. same as tartar 3. a sys-
sapphism /$s'fz()m/ noun same as lesbian-
sapphism
tem of measurement or valuation based on a

ism series of marks or levels with regular intervals
sarc- /s%k/, sarco- /s%k/ prefix 1. referring
sarc-
between them ! a pay scale 4. same as scales "

to flesh 2. referring to muscle verb to remove the calcium deposits from teeth
sarcoid /$s%kd/ noun a tumour which is like scalenus /ske$li%ns/, scalene /$skeli%n/
sarcoid scalenus
a sarcoma " adjective like a sarcoma noun one of a group of muscles in the neck which
sarcoidosis /!s%k$dss/ noun a disease
sarcoidosis
|
bend the neck forwards and sideways, and also
causing enlargement of the lymph nodes, where help expand the lungs in deep breathing
small nodules or granulomas form in certain tis- scalenus syndrome /ske$li%ns !sndrm/
scalenus syndrome
sues, especially in the lungs or liver and other noun a pain in an arm, caused by the scalenus
parts of the body. Also called Boecks disease, anterior muscle pressing the subclavian artery and
Boecks sarcoid (NOTE: The Kveim test con- the brachial plexus against the vertebrae. Also
firms the presence of sarcoidosis.) called thoracic outlet syndrome
scaler 272
scaler /$skel/ noun a surgical instrument for Scheuermanns disease /$mnz d

scaler Scheuermanns disease
scaling teeth !zi%z/ noun inflammation of the bones and carti-

scales /skelz/ noun a machine for weighing !
scales
lage in the spine, usually affecting adolescents
The nurses weighed the baby on the scales. [Described 1920. After Holger Werfel Scheuer-
mann (18771960), Danish orthopaedic sur-
scalp /sk'lp/ noun the thick skin and muscle,
scalp
geon and radiologist.]

with the hair, which covers the skull
Schick test /$k test/ noun a test to see if a
Schick test
scalpel /$sk'lpl/ noun a small sharp-pointed

scalpel
person is immune to diphtheria [Described 1908.

knife used in surgery After Bela Schick (18771967), paediatrician in
scan /sk'n/ noun an examination of part of the
scan
Vienna, Austria, and New York, USA.]

body using computer-interpreted X-rays to create Schilling test /$l test/ noun a test to see if
Schilling test
a picture of the part on a screen " verb to examine someone can absorb Vitamin B12 through the
part of the body using computer-interpreted X- intestines, to determine cases of pernicious anae-
rays to create a picture of the part on a screen mia [After Robert Frederick Schilling (b. 1919),
scanning /$sk'n/ noun 1. the act of examin-
scanning
US physician.]
ing an area with the eyes 2. the act of examining -schisis /skass/ suffix referring to a fissure or
-schisis
internal organs of the body with a piece of elec- split

tronic equipment
schisto- /st/ prefix referring to something
schisto-
scaphocephalic /!sk'fs$f'lk/ adjective

scaphocephalic
|
which is split
having a long narrow skull
Schistosoma /!st$sm/, schistosome
Schistosoma
scaphocephaly /!sk'f$kefli, !sk'f

scaphocephaly |
| |
/$stsm/ same as bilharzia
$sefli/ noun a condition in which the skull is
schistosomiasis /!sts$mass/ noun
schistosomiasis
unusually long and narrow |
same as bilharziasis
scaphoid /$sk'fd/, scaphoid bone
scaphoid
schiz- /skts/, schizo- /skts/ prefix referring

schiz-
/$sk'fd bn/ noun one of the carpal bones in

the wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement to something which is split
schizoid /$sktsd/ adjective referring to
schizoid
scapula /$sk'pjl/ noun one of two large flat

scapula
bones covering the top part of the back. Also schizophrenia " noun a person who has a less
called shoulder blade (NOTE: The plural is severe form of schizophrenia
schizoid personality /!sktsd !p-%s
schizoid personality
scapulae.) |
scapular /$sk'pjl/ adjective referring to the

scapular
$n'lti/ noun a disorder in which someone is cold
shoulder blade towards other people, thinks mainly about himself
or herself and behaves in an odd way. Also called
scapulo- /sk'pjl/ prefix relating to the
scapulo-
split personality
scapula
schizophrenia /!skts$fri%ni/ noun a men-
schizophrenia
scapulohumeral
|
/!sk'pjl$hju%mrl/
scapulohumeral
|
tal disorder in which someone withdraws from
adjective referring to the scapula and humerus contact with other people, has delusions and
scar /sk%/ noun the mark left on the skin after a
scar
seems to lose contact with the real world

wound or surgical incision has healed ! He still schizophrenic /!skts$frenk/ noun some-
schizophrenic
has the scar of his appendicectomy. Also called one who has schizophrenia " adjective having
cicatrix " verb to leave a scar on the skin ! The schizophrenia
burns have scarred him for life. ! Plastic sur-
Schlemms canal /$lemz k!n'l/ noun a cir-
Schlemms canal
geons have tried to repair the scarred arm. ! |
Patients were given special clothes to reduce cular canal in the sclera of the eye, which drains
hypertrophic scarring. the aqueous humour [Described 1830. After Frie-
drich Schlemm (17951858), Professor of Anat-
scarlatina /!sk%l$ti%n/, scarlet fever
scarlatina
|
omy in Berlin, Germany.]
/!sk%lt $fi%v/ noun an infectious disease with a
SchnleinHenoch purpura /!-%nlan
SchnleinHenoch purpura
fever, sore throat and a red rash. It is caused by a

haemolytic streptococcus and can sometimes $henk !p-%pjr/, Schnleins purpura
have serious complications if the kidneys are /$-%nlanz !p-%pjr/ noun a blood disorder of
infected. children, in which the skin becomes purple on the
buttocks and lower legs, the joints are swollen and
scar tissue /$sk% !tu%/ noun fibrous tissue
scar tissue
painful and there are gastrointestinal problems

which forms a scar
school health service /sku%l $hel !s-%vs/
school health service
scat- /sk't/, scato- /sk't/ prefix referring to

scat-
noun a special service, part of the local health

the faeces authority, which looks after the health of children
scatole /$sk'tl/ noun a substance in faeces,
scatole
in school
formed in the intestine, which causes a strong school nurse /$sku%l n-%s/ noun a nurse who
school nurse
smell (NOTE: Also spelled skatole.) works in a school, treating health problems and
SCC abbreviation squamous cell carcinoma
SCC
promoting health and safety

273 screen
Schwann cells /$vn selz/ plural noun the sclerosis /skl$rss/ noun a condition in
Schwann cells sclerosis
cells which form the myelin sheath around a which tissue becomes hard
nerve fibre. See illustration at NEURONE in Sup- sclerotherapy /!sklr$erpi/ noun the
sclerotherapy
plement [Described 1839. After Friedrich Theo- treatment of a varicose vein by injecting a sclero-
dor Schwann (181082), German anatomist.] sant agent into the vein, and so encouraging the
sciatic /sa$'tk/ adjective 1. referring to the blood in the vein to clot
sciatic
hip 2. referring to the sciatic nerve sclerotic /skl$rtk/ adjective referring to

sclerotic
sciatica /sa$'tk/ noun pain along the sciatic sclerosis, or having sclerosis " noun same as
sciatica
nerve, usually at the back of the thighs and legs sclera

sciatic nerve /sa$'tk n-%v/ noun one of two sclerotic coat /skl!rtk $kt/ noun same as
sciatic nerve sclerotic coat
| |
main nerves which run from the sacral plexus into sclera
each of the thighs, dividing into a series of nerves sclerotome /$sklrtm/ noun a sharp knife
sclerotome
in the lower legs and feet. They are the largest used in sclerotomy
nerves in the body.
sclerotomy /skl$rtmi/ noun a surgical
sclerotomy
scintigram /$snt1r'm/ noun an image

scintigram
operation to cut into the sclera

recording radiation from radioactive isotopes scolex /$skleks/ noun the head of a tape-
scolex
injected into the body worm, with hooks which attach it to the wall of
scirrhous /$srs/ adjective hard ! a scirrhous
scirrhous
the intestine (NOTE: The plural is scolices or

tumour scolexes.)
scirrhus /$srs/ noun a hard malignant tumour,
scirrhus
scoliosis /!skli$ss/ noun a condition in

scoliosis
especially in the breast which the spine curves sideways

scissor leg /$sz le1/ noun a condition in
scissor leg
scoliotic /!skli$tk/ adjective referring to a

scoliotic
which someone walks with one leg crossing over spine which curves sideways
the other, usually as a result of spasticity of the SCOPE /skp/ noun a UK organisation that
SCOPE
legs adductor muscles offers support and services to people with cere-
scissor legs /$sz le1z/ plural noun mal-
scissor legs
bral palsy
formed legs, where one leg is permanently -scope /skp/ suffix referring to an instrument
-scope
crossed over in front of the other for examining by sight

scissura /$sr/ noun an opening in some-
scissura
scopolamine /sk$plmi%n/ noun a colour-

scopolamine
thing or a splitting of something

|
less thick liquid poisonous alkaloid found in some

scler- /skl/ prefix same as sclero- (used
scler-
plants of the nightshade family. It is used espe-

before vowels) cially to prevent motion sickness and as a seda-
sclera /$sklr/ noun the hard white outer cov- tive.
sclera
ering of the eyeball. See illustration at EYE in scorbutic /sk%$bju%tk/ adjective referring to
scorbutic
Supplement. Also called sclerotic, sclerotic scurvy

coat, albuginea oculi scorbutus /sk%$bju%ts/ noun same as
scorbutus
scleral /$sklrl/ adjective referring to the

scleral
scurvy
sclera scoto- /skt/ prefix dark
scoto-
scleritis /skl$rats/ noun inflammation of the

scleritis
scotoma /sk$tm/ noun a small area in the

scotoma
|
|
sclera field of vision where someone cannot see

sclero- /sklr/ prefix 1. hard, thick 2. refer-
sclero-
scotometer /sk$tmt/ noun an instrument

scotometer
ring to the sclera used to measure areas of impaired vision

scleroderma /!sklr$d-%m/ noun a collagen
scleroderma
scotopia /sk$tpi/ noun the power of the

scotopia
|
|
disease which thickens connective tissue and pro- eye to adapt to poor lighting conditions and dark-
duces a hard thick skin ness
scleromalacia /!sklrm!lei p
scleromalacia
scotopic /sk$tpk/ adjective referring to

scotopic
| |
|
$f%rns/, scleromalacia perforans scotopia

/!sklrm$lei/ noun a condition of the
scotopic vision /sk!tpk $v+()n/ noun
| scotopic vision
sclera in which holes appear in it |
vision in the dark and in dim light, where the rods

sclerosant agent /skl$rs()nt !ed+nt/
sclerosant agent
|
of the retina are used instead of the cones, which
noun an irritating liquid injected into tissue to are used for photopic vision. ! dark adaptation
harden it
screen /skri%n/ noun 1. a light wall, sometimes
screen
sclerosing /skl$rs/ adjective becoming

sclerosing
|
with a curtain, which can be moved about and put
hard, or making tissue hard round a bed to shield a person 2. same as screen-
sclerosing agent /skl$rs !ed+()nt/, ing " verb to examine large numbers of people to
sclerosing agent
sclerosing solution /skl$rs s!lu%()n/ | | test them for a disease ! The population of the
noun same as sclerosant agent village was screened for meningitis.
screening 274
screening /$skri%n/ noun the process of test- sebaceous cyst /s!bes $sst/ noun a cyst
screening sebaceous cyst
ing large numbers of people to see if any of them which forms when a sebaceous gland is blocked.
have a particular type of disease. ! genetic ! steatoma
screening sebaceous gland /s!bes $1l'nd/ noun a
sebaceous gland
screening test /$skri%n test/ noun a test for gland in the skin which secretes sebum at the base
screening test
a particular disease which is given to people who of each hair follicle

have no symptoms in order to identify how many seborrhoea /!seb$ri%/ noun an excessive
seborrhoea
of them have that disease or are showing early secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands, com-
signs of it mon in young people at puberty, and sometimes
scrotal /$skrt()l/ adjective referring to the
scrotal
linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis (NOTE: The US
scrotum spelling is seborrhea.)
seborrhoeic /!seb$ri%k/ adjective caused by
seborrhoeic
scrototomy /skr$ttmi/ noun a surgical

scrototomy
|
|
operation to open up and examine the scrotum seborrhoea (NOTE: The US spelling is sebor-
(NOTE: The plural is scrototomies.) rheic.)
seborrhoeic dermatitis /!sebri%k !d-%m
seborrhoeic dermatitis
scrotum /$skrtm/ noun a bag of skin hang-

scrotum
|
ing from behind the penis, containing the testes, $tats/, seborrhoeic eczema /!sebri%k
epididymides and part of the spermatic cord. See $eksm/ noun a type of eczema where scales
illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in form on the skin
sebum /$si%bm/ noun an oily substance
sebum
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is scrotums or

scrota.) secreted by a sebaceous gland, which makes the
skin smooth. It also protects the skin against bac-
scrub up /!skr.b $.p/ verb (of a surgeon or
scrub up
teria and the body against rapid evaporation of

theatre nurse) to clean the hands and arms thor-
water.
oughly before performing surgery (NOTE: scrub-
secondary /$seknd()ri/ adjective 1. occur-
secondary
bing up scrubbed up)

ring after the first stage 2. less important than
scrumpox /$skr.mpks/ noun a form of herpes
scrumpox
something else " noun a malignant tumour

simplex found especially in male sports players, which has developed and spread from another
passed on easily due to the presence of small cuts malignant tumour. ! primary (NOTE: The plural is
in the skin combined with the abrasive effects of secondaries.)
facial stubble
secondary amenorrhoea /!seknd()ri e
secondary amenorrhoea
scurf /sk-%f/ noun same as dandruff

scurf |
!men$ri%/ noun a situation in which a premen-

|
scurvy /$sk-%vi/ noun a disease caused by lack

scurvy
opausal womans menstrual periods have stopped

of vitamin C or ascorbic acid which is found in secondary biliary cirrhosis /!seknd()ri
secondary biliary cirrhosis
fruit and vegetables. Also called scorbutus !bliri s$rss/ noun cirrhosis of the liver
|
scybalum /$sblm/ noun very hard faeces caused by an obstruction of the bile ducts
scybalum
secondary care /!seknd()ri $ke/ noun

secondary care
seasickness /$si%skns/ noun illness, with

seasickness
nausea, vomiting and sometimes headache, treatment provided by the professional team in a
caused by the movement of a ship ! Take some hospital, rather than by a GP or other primary care
seasickness tablets if you are going on a long provider and the primary health care team. Com-
journey. pare primary care, tertiary care. Also called
secondary health care
seasonal affective disorder /!si%z()n()l
seasonal affective disorder
secondary growth /!seknd()ri $1r/

| secondary growth
$fektv ds!%d/, seasonal affective disorder

|
syndrome /!si%z()n()l $fektv ds!%d | |

noun same as metastasis
!sndrm/ noun a condition in which a person secondary haemorrhage /!seknd()ri
secondary haemorrhage
becomes depressed and anxious during the winter $hem()rd+/ noun a haemorrhage which occurs
when there are fewer hours of daylight. Its precise some time after an injury, usually due to infection
cause is not known, but it is thought that the short- of the wound
age of daylight may provoke a reaction between secondary health care /!seknd()ri $hel
secondary health care
various hormones and neurotransmitters in the !ke/ noun same as secondary care
brain. Abbreviation SAD, SADS
secondary infection /!seknd()ri n
secondary infection
seat /si%t/ noun same as buttock (informal)

seat
$fekn/ noun an infection which affects a person

seat-belt syndrome /$si%t belt !sndrm/ while he or she is weakened through having
seat-belt syndrome
noun a group of injuries between the neck and the another infection
abdomen which occur in a car accident when a secondary medical care /!seknd()ri
secondary medical care
person is using either a lap belt or a shoulder belt $medk()l !ke/ noun specialised treatment pro-
incorrectly, not over the strongest part of the chest vided by a hospital
sebaceous /s$bes/ adjective referring to secondary peritonitis /!seknd()ri !pert
sebaceous secondary peritonitis
| |
sebum $nats/ noun peritonitis caused by infection from

275 self-catheterisation
an adjoining tissue, e.g. from the rupturing of the tives by the doctor. " adjective acting to help a
appendix person sleep or to relieve stress
sedentary /$sed()nt()ri/ adjective involving
sedentary
secondary prevention /!seknd()ri pr

secondary prevention
$venn/ noun the use of methods such as screen- a lot of sitting and little exercise
ing tests which avoid a serious disease by detect- sedentary occupation /!sed()nt()ri !kj
sedentary occupation
ing it early $pe()n/ noun a job where the workers sit down
secondary sexual
secondary sexual characteristic
characteristic for most of the time

sedimentation /!sedmen$te()n/ noun the
sedimentation
/!seknd()ri !sekul !k'rkt$rstk/ noun a | |
sexual characteristic which develops after action of solid particles falling to the bottom of a
puberty, e.g. pubic hair or breasts liquid
sedimentation rate /!sedmen$te()n !ret/
sedimentation rate
second-degree burn /!seknd d!1ri% $b-%n/

second-degree burn
|
|
noun a burn where the skin becomes very red and noun the rate at which solid particles are depos-
blisters ited from a solution, measured especially in a cen-
trifuge
second-level nurse /!seknd !lev()l $n-%s/,
second-level nurse
segment /$se1mnt/ noun a part of an organ or

segment
second-level registered nurse /!seknd

!lev()l !red+std $n-%s/ noun a trained person piece of tissue which is clearly separate from
who delivers nursing care under the direction and other parts
segmental /se1$ment()l/ adjective formed of
segmental
supervision of a first-level nurse. Compare first- |
level nurse segments

segmental ablation /se1!ment()l '
segmental ablation
secretin /s$kri%tn/ noun a hormone secreted

secretin
| |
|
by the duodenum which encourages the produc- $ble()n/ noun a surgical operation to remove
tion of pancreatic juice part of a nail, e.g. treatment for an ingrowing toe-
nail
secretion /s$kri%()n/ noun 1. the process by
secretion
segregation /!se1r$1e()n/ noun 1. the act

| segregation
which a substance is produced by a gland ! The |
pituitary gland stimulates the secretion of hor- of separating one person, group or thing from oth-
mones by the adrenal gland. 2. a substance pro- ers, or of dividing people or things into separate
duced by a gland ! Sex hormones are bodily groups which are kept apart from each other 2. the
secretions. separation of the alleles of each gene and their
distribution to separate sex cells during the forma-
secretor /s$kri%t/ noun a person who secretes
secretor
|
tion of these cells in organisms with paired chro-
substances indicating ABO blood group into mosomes
mucous fluids such as semen or saliva seizure /$si%+/ noun a fit, convulsion or sudden
seizure
secretory otitis media /s!kri%tri !tats

secretory otitis media
| | contraction of the muscles, especially in a heart

$mi%di/ noun same as glue ear attack, stroke or epileptic fit
section /$sekn/ noun 1. a part of something ! selective /s$lektv/ adjective choosing only
section selective
the middle section of the aorta 2. the action of cut- one person, thing or group, and not others
ting tissue 3. a slice of tissue cut for examination selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor
selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor
under a microscope 4. a part of a document such /s!lektv ser!tnn ri%$.ptek n!hbt/

| | | |
as an Act of Parliament ! She was admitted under noun a drug which causes a selective accumula-
section 5 of the Mental Health Act. tion of serotonin in the central nervous system,
Section 47 /!sekn !f%ti $sev()n/ noun a UK
Section 47
and is used in the treatment of depression, e.g.
law under which a local authority has the power fluoxetine. Abbreviation SSRI
to seek an order from a magistrates court author- COMMENT: The drug should not be started
ising the removal of a person at severe risk from immediately after stopping an MAOI and
their home. The authority must have a doctors should be withdrawn slowly.
certificate that the person is either suffering from selenium /s$li%nim/ noun a non-metallic
selenium
a grave and chronic disease or is unable to look trace element (NOTE: The chemical symbol is
after himself or herself and is not receiving proper Se.)
care and attention from other people. self- /self/ prefix yourself
self-
security blanket /s$kjrti !bl'kt/ noun

security blanket
self-abuse /!self $bju%s/ noun same as self-

self-abuse
| |
a familiar blanket, toy or other object which a harm

child carries around because it makes him or her self-actualisation /self !'ktjula$ze()n/,
self-actualisation
feel safe self-actualization noun the successful develop-

sedation /s$de()n/ noun the act of calming ment and use of personal talents and abilities
sedation
someone using a sedative self-care /!self $ke/ noun the act of looking
self-care
sedative /$sedtv/ noun an anxiolytic or hyp- after yourself properly, so that you remain healthy
sedative
notic drug such as benzodiazepine, which acts on self-catheterisation /!self !k'tra

self-catheterisation
the nervous system to help a person sleep or to $ze()n/, self-catheterization noun a proce-
relieve stress (dated) ! She was prescribed seda- dure in which a person puts a catheter through the
self-governing hospital 276

urethra into his or her own bladder to empty out seminal fluid /$semn()l !flu%d/ noun the
seminal fluid
the urine fluid part of semen, formed in the epididymis and

self-governing hospital /!self !1.vn seminal vesicles
self-governing hospital
$hspt()l/ noun in the UK, a hospital which seminal vesicle /!semn()l $vesk()l/ noun
seminal vesicle
earns its revenue from services provided to the one of two glands at the end of the vas deferens
District Health Authorities and family doctors. which secrete the fluid part of semen. See illustra-
Also called hospital trust tion at urogenital system (male) in Supple-
self-harm /!self $h%m/ noun a deliberate act by
self-harm
ment
which someone injures part of their body as the seminiferous tubule /semi!nfrs
seminiferous tubule
result of a personal trauma. Cutting and burning $tju%bju%l/ noun a tubule in the testis which car-
are two of the most common forms of self-harm. ries semen
Also called self-abuse, self-injury, self-mutila- seminoma /!sem$nm/ noun a malignant
seminoma
tion, self-wounding tumour in the testis (NOTE: The plural is semino-

self-image /!self $md+/ noun the opinion
self-image
mas or seminomata.)
which a person has about how worthwhile, attrac- semipermeable /!semi$p-%mib()l/ adjec-
semipermeable
tive, or intelligent he or she is tive allowing some types of particle to pass

self-injury /!self $nd+ri/, self-mutilation
self-injury
through but not others

/!self !mju%t$le()n/ noun same as self-harm
|
semipermeable
semipermeable membrane
membrane /!semi |
self-retaining catheter /!self r!ten

self-retaining catheter
| !p-%mib()l $membren/ noun a membrane

$k't/ noun a catheter which remains in place which allows some substances in liquid solution
until it is deliberately removed to pass through but not others
self-wounding /!self $wu%nd/ noun same as semiprone /!semi$prn/ adjective referring to
self-wounding semiprone
self-harm a position in which someone lies face downwards,

sella turcica /!sel $t-%sk/ noun a hollow in
sella turcica
with one knee and one arm bent forwards and the
the upper surface of the sphenoid bone in which face turned to one side
the pituitary gland sits. Also called pituitary SEN abbreviation State Enrolled Nurse
SEN
fossa senescence /s$nesns/ noun the ageing proc-

senescence
semeiology /!si%ma$ld+i/ noun same as

semeiology
| ess
symptomatology senescent /s$nesnt/ adjective approaching
senescent
semen /$si%mn/ noun a thick pale fluid con-

semen
the last stages of the natural life span

taining spermatozoa, produced by the testes and Sengstaken tube /$seztekn tju%b/ noun a
Sengstaken tube
seminal vesicles and ejaculated from the penis tube with a balloon, which is passed through the
semi- /semi/ prefix half
semi-
mouth into the oesophagus to stop oesophageal

semicircular
semicircular
/!semi$s-%kjl/ adjective
|
bleeding [After Robert William Sengstaken (b.
shaped like half a circle 1923), US surgeon.]
senile /$si%nal/ adjective referring to the last
senile
semicircular canal /!semis-%kjl k$n'l/

semicircular canal
noun any one of three tubes in the inner ear which stages of the natural life span or to the medical
are partly filled with fluid and help to maintain conditions associated with it
balance. See illustration at EAR in Supplement senile dementia /!si%nal d$men/ noun
senile dementia
COMMENT: The three semicircular canals are mental degeneration affecting elderly people
on different planes. When a persons head (dated)
moves, as when he or she bends down, the senilis /s$nals/ " arcus senilis
senilis
fluid in the canals moves and this movement

senility /s$nlti/ noun the deterioration of
senility
is communicated to the brain through the

|
vestibular section of the auditory nerve.

mental activity associated with the last stages of
the natural life span
semicomatose /!semi$kmts/ adjective
semicomatose
senna /$sen/ noun a laxative made from the

| senna
almost unconscious or half asleep, but capable of

dried fruit and leaves of a tropical tree
being woken up
sensation /sen$se()n/ noun a feeling or
sensation
semilunar /!semi$lu%n/ adjective shaped like

semilunar
|
information about something which has been

|
half a moon
sensed by a sensory nerve and is passed to the
semilunar cartilage /!semilu%n $k%tld+/
semilunar cartilage
brain
noun same as meniscus
sense /sens/ noun 1. one of the five faculties by
sense
semilunar valve /!semilu%n $v'lv/ noun

semilunar valve
which a person notices things in the outside

either of two valves in the heart, the pulmonary world: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch !
valve and the aortic valve, through which blood When she had a cold, she lost her sense of smell.
flows out of the ventricles 2. the ability to discern or judge something "
seminal /$semn()l/ adjective referring to verb to notice something by means other than
seminal
semen sight ! Teeth can sense changes in temperature.

277 sequestration
sense organ /$sens !%1n/ noun an organ in environment, e.g. cold or pressure, and reacts to it
sense organ
which there are various sensory nerves which can by sending out an impulse through the nervous
detect environmental stimuli such as scent, heat system. Also called nerve ending
or pain, and transmit information about them to sepsis /$sepss/ noun the presence of bacteria
sepsis
the central nervous system, e.g. the nose or the and their toxins in the body, which kill tissue and
skin produce pus, usually following the infection of a
sensibility /!sens$blti/ noun the ability to wound
sensibility
detect and interpret sensations sept- /sept/ prefix same as septi- (used before
sept-
sensible /$sensb()l/ adjective 1. showing vowels)

sensible
common sense or good judgment 2. able to be septa /$sept/ plural of septum

septa
detected by the senses septal /$sept()l/ adjective referring to a septum

septal
sensible perspiration /!sensb()l !p-%sp

sensible perspiration
septal defect /!sept()l $di%fekt/ noun a con-

septal defect
|
$re()n/ noun drops of sweat which can be seen genital condition in which a hole exists in the wall
on the skin, secreted by the sweat glands between the left and right sides of the heart allow-
sensitisation /!sensta$ze()n/, sensitiza-
sensitisation
|
ing an excessive amount of blood to flow through
tion noun 1. the process of making a person sen- the lungs, leading in severe cases to pulmonary
sitive to something 2. an unexpected reaction to hypertension and sometimes heart failure
an allergen or to a drug, caused by the presence of septate /$septet/ adjective divided by a septum
septate
antibodies which were created when the person

septi- /sept/ prefix referring to sepsis
septi-
was exposed to the drug or allergen in the past

septic /$septk/ adjective referring to or pro-
septic
sensitive /$senstv/ adjective 1. able to detect

sensitive
and respond to an outside stimulus 2. having an duced by sepsis

septicaemia /!sept$si%mi/ noun a condition
septicaemia
unexpected reaction to an allergen or to a drug, |
caused by the presence of antibodies which were in which bacteria or their toxins are present in the
created when the person was exposed to the drug blood, multiply rapidly and destroy tissue (NOTE:
or allergen in the past The US spelling is septicemia.)
sensitivity /!sens$tvti/ noun 1. the fact of septic shock /!septk $k/ noun shock caused
sensitivity septic shock
being able to detect and respond to an outside by bacterial toxins in the blood as a result of
stimulus 2. the rate of positive responses in a test infection. There is a dramatic drop in blood pres-
from persons with a specific disease. A high rate sure, preventing the delivery of blood to the
of sensitivity means a low rate of people being organs. Toxic shock syndrome is one type of sep-
incorrectly classed as negative. Compare specif- tic shock.
icity septo- /sept/ prefix referring to a septum
septo-
sensorineural deafness /!sensri!njrl

sensorineural deafness
septoplasty /$septpl'sti/ noun a surgical

septoplasty
|
$defns/, sensorineural hearing loss /!sensri |

operation to straighten the cartilage in the septum
!njrl $hr !ls/ noun deafness caused by a (NOTE: The plural is septoplasties.)
disorder in the auditory nerves or the brain centres Septrin /$septrn/ a trade name for co-trimoxa-
Septrin
which receive impulses from the nerves. Also

zole
called perceptive deafness
septum /$septm/ noun a wall between two
septum
sensory /$sensri/ adjective referring to the

sensory
parts of an organ, e.g. between two parts of the

detection of sensations by nerve cells
heart or between the two nostrils in the nose. See
sensory cortex /!sensri $k%teks/ noun the
sensory cortex
illustration at HEART in Supplement (NOTE: The

area of the cerebral cortex which receives infor- plural is septa.)
mation from nerves in all parts of the body
sequela /s$kwi%l/ noun a disease or disorder
sequela
(dated)
|
that is caused by a disease or injury which the per-

sensory deprivation /$sensri
sensory deprivation
son had previously ! a case of osteomyelitis as a

!deprve()n/ noun a condition in which a per- sequela of multiple fractures of the mandible !
son becomes confused because they lack sensa- biochemical and hormonal sequelae of the eating
tions disorders ! Kaposis sarcoma can be a sequela of
sensory nerve /$sensri n-%v/ noun a nerve Aids. (NOTE: The plural is sequelae.)
sensory nerve
which registers a sensation such as heat, taste or sequestra /s$kwestr/ plural noun plural of
sequestra
smell and carries impulses to the brain and spinal sequestrum

cord. Also called afferent nerve
sequestration /!si%kwe$stre()n/ noun 1.
sequestration
sensory neurone /$sensri !njrn/ noun

sensory neurone
the act of putting someone in an isolated place 2.

a nerve cell which transmits impulses relating to the loss of blood into spaces in the body, reducing
sensations from the receptor to the central nerv- the circulating volume. It can occur naturally or
ous system can be produced artificially by applying tourni-
sensory receptor /$sensri r!sept/ noun a quets. ! pulmonary sequestration ! A dry hack-
sensory receptor
cell which senses a change in the surrounding ing cough can cause sequestration of the perito-
sequestrectomy 278
neum in the upper abdomen. 3. the formation of a tis [Described 1865. After Enrico Sertoli (1842
sequestrum 1910), Italian histologist, Professor of Experi-
sequestrectomy /!si%kw$strektmi/ noun a
sequestrectomy
|
mental Physiology at Milan, Italy.]
surgical operation to remove a sequestrum (NOTE: sertraline /$s-%trli%n/ noun an antidepressant
sertraline
The plural is sequestrectomies.) drug which extends the action of the neurotrans-
sequestrum /s$kwestrm/ noun a piece of mitter serotonin. It is also used in the treatment of
sequestrum
dead bone which is separated from whole bone obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-trau-
(NOTE: The plural is sequestra.) matic stress disorder.
ser- /sr/ prefix same as sero- (used before serum /$srm/ noun 1. a fluid which separates
ser- serum
vowels) from clotted blood and is similar to plasma except

sera /$sr/ plural noun plural of serum
sera
that it has no clotting agents. Also called blood
serum 2. blood serum taken from an animal
SERM abbreviation selective (o)estrogen recep-
SERM
which has developed antibodies to bacteria, used

tor modulator
to give humans temporary immunity to a disease.
sero- /sr/ prefix 1. referring to blood serum
sero-
Also called antiserum 3. any clear watery body

2. referring to the serous membrane fluid, especially a fluid that comes from a serous
seroconvert /!srkn$v-%t/ verb to produce
seroconvert
| membrane (NOTE: The plural is serums or sera.)

specific antibodies in response to the presence of serum albumin /!srm $'lbjmn/ noun a
serum albumin
an antigen such as a bacterium or virus major protein in blood plasma

serological /!sr$ld+k()l/ adjective refer-
serological
serum bilirubin /!srm !bl$ru%bn/ noun

serum bilirubin
|
ring to serology
|
bilirubin in serum, converted from haemoglobin

serological type /!srld+k()l $tap/ noun
serological type
as red blood cells are destroyed

same as serotype
serum globulin /!srm $1lbjln/ noun a
serum globulin
serology /s$rld+i/ noun the scientific study

serology
|
major protein in blood serum that is an antibody
of serum and the antibodies contained in it
serum glutamicoxalacetic transami-
serum glutamicoxalacetic transaminase
seropus /$sr!p.s/ noun a mixture of serum

seropus
nase /!srm 1lu%!t'mk !ks'lsi%tk tr'ns

|
and pus
| |
$'mnez/ noun an enzyme excreted by damaged

serosa /s$rs/ noun same as serous mem-
serosa
|
heart muscle, which appears in the blood of peo-
brane (NOTE: The plural is serosas or serosae.) ple who have had a heart attack. Abbreviation
serositis /!sr$sats/ noun inflammation of SGOT
serositis
a serous membrane serum glutamicpyruvic transaminase

serum glutamicpyruvic transaminase
serotherapy /!sr$erpi/ noun treatment

serotherapy
|
/!srm 1lu%!t'mk pa!ru%vk tr'ns | | |
of a disease using serum from immune people or $'mnez/ noun an enzyme secreted by the
immunised animals parenchymal cells of the liver, occurring in
serotonin /!sr$tnn/ noun a compound increased amounts in the blood of people with
serotonin
which is a neurotransmitter and exists mainly in infectious hepatitis. Abbreviation SGPT

blood platelets. It is released after tissue is injured serum hepatitis /!srm !hep$tats/ noun
serum hepatitis
and is important in sleep, mood and vasoconstric- a serious form of hepatitis transmitted by infected
tion. blood, unsterilised surgical instruments, shared
serotype /$srtap/ noun a group of closely needles or sexual intercourse. Also called hepati-
serotype
related microorganisms which all have the same tis B, viral hepatitis
type of antigens serum sickness /$srm !skns/ noun an
serum sickness
serous /$srs/ adjective referring to, produc-

serous
allergic reaction to serum therapy which was for-

ing, or like serum merly used as a way of boosting passive immunity
serous membrane /!srs $membren/ noun
serous membrane
serum therapy /$srm !erpi/ noun the

serum therapy
a membrane which both lines an internal cavity administration of treated serum, often from
and covers the organs in the cavity, e.g. the peri- horses, formerly used as a way of boosting pas-
toneum lining the abdominal cavity or pleura lin- sive immunity
ing the chest cavity. Also called serosa
serve /s-%v/ verb 1. to give a person food or
serve
serpiginous /s$pd+ns/ adjective referring

serpiginous
|
drink ! Lunch is served in the ward at 12:30. 2.
to an ulcer or eruption which creeps across the to be useful or helpful to a person or group ! The
skin clinic serves the local community well. 3. to have
serrated /s$retd/ adjective with a zigzag or
serrated
|
a particular effect or result ! The letter serves to
saw-like edge remind you of your outpatients appointment.
serration /s$re()n/ noun one of the points (NOTE: [all senses] serves serving served)
serration
in a zigzag or serrated edge sesamoid /$sesmd/, sesamoid bone

sesamoid
Sertoli cells /s$tli selz/ plural noun cells /$sesmd bn/ noun any small bony nodule in
Sertoli cells
which support the seminiferous tubules in the tes- a tendon, the largest being the kneecap
279 shock
severe acute respiratory disorder /s!v shaky /$eki/ adjective feeling weak and
severe acute respiratory disorder shaky
!kju%t r$sprt()ri ds!%d/ noun full form of

| | | unsteady
SARS share /e/ verb 1. to use or do something
share
sex /seks/ noun one of two groups, male and together with others 2. to divide something and
sex
female, into which animals and plants can be give parts of it to different people or groups
divided ! The sex of a baby can be identified (NOTE: [all verb senses] shares sharing
before birth. shared) " noun a single part of something
sexarche /$seks%ki/ noun the age when a per-
sexarche
divided among different people or groups
shared care /!ed $ke/ noun antenatal care
shared care
son first has sexual intercourse

sex chromosome /$seks !krmsm/
sex chromosome
given jointly by an obstetrician in a hospital
noun a chromosome which determines if a person
together with a general practitioner or a midwife
is male or female working in the community
sharps /%ps/ plural noun objects with points,
sharps
sex determination /$seks dt-%m!ne()n/

sex determination
e.g. syringes (informal)

|
noun the way in which the sex of an individual

sheath /i%/ noun 1. a layer of tissue which sur-
sheath
organism is fixed by the number of chromosomes

which make up its cell structure rounds a muscle or a bundle of nerve fibres 2.
same as condom
sex hormone /$seks !h%mn/ noun an oes-
sex hormone
shiatsu /i$'tsu%/ noun a form of healing mas-

shiatsu
trogen or androgen which promotes the growth of |
secondary sexual characteristics sage in which the hands are used to apply pressure
at acupuncture points on the body in order to
sex-linked /$seks lkt/ adjective referring to
sex-linked
stimulate and redistribute energy

genes which are linked to X chromosomes
Shigella /$1el/ noun a genus of bacteria
Shigella
sexology /sek$sld+i/ noun the study of sex

sexology
|
which causes dysentery
and sexual behaviour shigellosis /!1e$lss/ noun infestation of
shigellosis
sextuplet /$sekstjplt/ noun one of six babies

sextuplet
the digestive tract with Shigella, causing bacillary

born to a mother at the same time dysentery
sexual /$sekul/ adjective referring to sex
sexual
shin /n/ noun the front part of the lower leg

shin
sexual act /$sekul 'kt/ noun an act of sexual shinbone /$nbn/ noun same as tibia
sexual act shinbone
intercourse shiner /$an/ noun same as black eye

shiner
sexual deviation /!sekul di%vi$e()n/

sexual deviation
| (informal)
noun any sexual behaviour which is not accepted shingles /$1lz/ noun same as herpes
shingles
as usual in the society in which you live. Exam- zoster

ples in Western society are sadism and voyeurism. shin splints /$n splnts/ plural noun
shin splints
sexually transmitted disease /!sekuli

sexually transmitted disease
extremely sharp pains in the front of the lower leg,

tr'ns!mtd d$zi%z/, sexually transmitted
| | felt by athletes
infection /!sekuli tr'ns!mtd n$fek()n/ | |
Shirodkars operation /$rdk%z p
Shirodkars operation
| |
noun a disease or infection transmitted from an !re()n/, Shirodkar pursestring /!rdk%|
infected person to another person during sexual $p-%sstr/ noun a surgical operation to narrow
intercourse. Abbreviation STD, STI the cervix of the uterus in a woman who experi-
sexual reproduction /!sekul !ri%pr
sexual reproduction
| ences habitual abortion in order to prevent

$d.kn/ noun reproduction in which gametes another miscarriage, the suture being removed
from two individuals fuse together before labour starts. Also called pursestring
SFD abbreviation small for dates
SFD
operation [After N. V. Shirodkar (190071),
Indian obstetrician.]
SGOT abbreviation serum glutamic-oxalacetic
SGOT
Shirodkar suture /$rdk% !su%t/ noun a

Shirodkar suture
transaminase |
type of suture which is placed around a cervix to

SGPT abbreviation serum glutamic-pyruvic
SGPT
tighten it during pregnancy and prevent miscar-

transaminase riage. Also called pursestring stitch
SHA abbreviation Strategic Health Authority
SHA
shivery /$vri/ adjective trembling from cold,

shivery
shaft /%ft/ noun the long central section of a

shaft
fear or a medical condition

long bone shock /k/ noun a state of weakness caused by
shock
shaken baby syndrome /!ekn $bebi illness or injury that suddenly reduces the blood
shaken baby syndrome
!sndrm/, shaken infant syndrome /!ekn pressure ! The patient went into shock. ! Several
$nfnt !sndrm/ noun a series of internal head of the passengers were treated for shock. " verb
injuries in a very young child, caused by being to give someone an unpleasant surprise, and so
shaken violently. It can result in brain damage put him or her in a state of shock ! She was still
leading to speech and learning disabilities, paral- shocked several hours after the accident. (NOTE:
ysis, seizures and hearing loss, and may be life- You say that someone is in shock, in a state of
threatening. shock or that they went into shock.)
shock lung 280
shock lung /$k l./ noun a serious condition sial- /sal/ prefix same as sialo- (used before
shock lung sial-
in which a persons lungs fail to work following a vowels)

trauma sialadenitis /!sal!'d$nats/ noun inflam-
sialadenitis
| |
shock syndrome /$k !sndrm/ noun a

shock syndrome
mation of a salivary gland. Also called siaload-

group of symptoms, a pale face, cold skin, low enitis, sialitis
blood pressure and rapid and irregular pulse, sialitis /!sa$lats/ noun same as sialadenitis
sialitis
which show that someone is in a state of shock. !

sialo- /sal/ prefix 1. referring to saliva 2.
sialo-
anaphylactic shock
referring to a salivary gland
shock therapy /$k !erpi/, shock treat-
shock therapy
sialoadenitis /!sal!'d$nats/ noun same

sialoadenitis
ment /$k !tri%tmnt/ noun a method of treating | |
some mental disorders by giving an anaesthetised as sialadenitis

sialography /!sa$l1rfi/ noun X-ray exami-
sialography
patient an electric shock to induce an epileptic |
convulsion nation of a salivary gland. Also called ptyalogra-

shoot /u%t/ verb (of pain) to seem to move sud-
shoot
phy
sialolith /sa$'ll/ noun a stone in a salivary
sialolith
denly through the body with a piercing feeling ! |
The pain shot down his arm. gland. Also called ptyalith
shooting /$u%t/ adjective (of pain) sudden sialorrhoea /!sal$ri%/ noun the production
shooting sialorrhoea
and intense of an excessive amount of saliva (NOTE: The US

short of breath /!%t v $bre/ adjective una-
short of breath
spelling is sialorrhea.)
ble to breathe quickly enough to supply the oxy- Siamese twins /!sami%z $twnz/ plural noun
Siamese twins
gen needed ! After running up the stairs he was same as conjoined twins
short of breath. sib /sb/ noun same as sibling (informal)
sib
shortsighted /%t$satd/ adjective same as

shortsighted
sibling /$sbl/ noun a brother or sister

sibling
|
myopic
sick /sk/ adjective 1. having an illness ! He
sick
shortsightedness /%t$satdns/ noun was sick for two weeks. # to report or call in sick
shortsightedness
same as myopia to say officially that you are unwell and cannot
shot /t/ noun same as injection (informal) !
shot
work 2. about to vomit ! The patient got up this

The doctor gave her a tetanus shot. ! He needed morning and felt sick. # to be sick to vomit ! The
a shot of morphine to relieve the pain. child was sick all over the floor. # to make some-
shoulder /$ld/ noun a joint where the top of one sick to cause someone to vomit ! He was
shoulder
the arm joins the main part of the body ! He dis- given something to make him sick.
located his shoulder. ! She was complaining of sick building syndrome /!sk $bld
sick building syndrome
pains in her shoulder or of shoulder pains. !sndrm/ noun a condition in which many peo-
shoulder blade /$ld bled/ noun same as ple working in a building feel ill or have head-
shoulder blade
scapula aches, caused by blocked air-conditioning ducts

shoulder girdle /$ld !1-%d()l/ noun same
shoulder girdle
in which stale air is recycled round the building,
as pectoral girdle often carrying allergenic substances or bacteria
shoulder joint /$ld d+nt/ noun a ball
shoulder joint
(informal)
sickle cell /$sk()l sel/ noun a red blood cell
sickle cell
and socket joint which allows the arm to rotate

and move in any direction shaped like a sickle, formed as a result of the pres-
shoulder presentation /$ld !prez()n
shoulder presentation
|
ence of an unusual form of haemoglobin. Also
!te()n/ noun a position of a baby in the uterus, called drepanocyte
sickle-cell anaemia /$sk()l sel !ni%mi/
sickle-cell anaemia
in which the shoulder will first appear |
show // noun the first discharge of blood at

show
noun an inherited condition in which someone
the beginning of childbirth " verb 1. to cause or develops sickle cells which block the circulation,
allow something to be visible 2. to provide con- causing anaemia and pains in the joints and abdo-
vincing evidence of something men. Also called drepanocytosis, sickle cell
disease
shunt /.nt/ noun the passing of fluid through a
shunt
channel which is not the usual one " verb (of COMMENT: Sickle-cell anaemia is a heredi-
blood) to pass through a channel which is not the tary condition which is mainly found in peo-
usual one ! As much as 5% of venous blood can ple from Africa and the West Indies.
sickle-cell chest syndrome /!sk()l sel
sickle-cell chest syndrome
be shunted unoxygenated back to the arteries.

shunting /$.nt/ noun a condition in which
shunting
$test !sndrm/ noun a common complication
some of the deoxygenated blood in the lungs does of sickle-cell disease, with chest pain, fever and
not come into contact with air, and full gas leucocytosis
sickle-cell disease /$sk()l sel d!zi%z/ noun
sickle-cell disease
exchange does not take place |
SI abbreviation the international system of metric

SI
abbreviation SCD. Same as sickle-cell anaemia
measurements. Full form Systme Interna- sickle-cell trait /$sk()l sel !tret/ noun a
sickle-cell trait
tional hereditary condition of the blood in which some

281 sinusoid
red cells become sickle-shaped, but there are not silver nitrate /!slv $natret/ noun a salt of
silver nitrate
enough affected cells to cause anaemia silver that is mixed with a cream or solution and
side-effect /$sad !fekt/ noun an effect pro-
side-effect
|
used, e.g., to disinfect burns or to kill warts
duced by a drug or treatment which is not the Simmonds disease /$smndz d!zi%z/ noun
Simmonds disease
main effect intended ! One of the side-effects of a condition of women due to postpartum haemor-
chemotherapy is that the patients hair falls out. rhage, in which there is lack of activity in the pitu-
sidero- /sadr/ prefix referring to iron
sidero-
itary gland, resulting in wasting of tissue, brittle
bones and premature senility [Described 1914.
sideropenia /!sadr$pi%ni/ noun a lack of
sideropenia
|
After Morris Simmonds (18551925), German
iron in the blood usually caused by insufficient physician and pathologist.]
iron in the diet
simple fracture /!smpl $fr'kt/ noun a
simple fracture
siderophilin /!sad$rfln/ noun same as

siderophilin
|
fracture where the skin surface around the dam-
transferrin aged bone has not been broken and the broken
siderosis /!sad$rss/ noun a condition in ends of the bone are close together. Also called
siderosis
which iron deposits form in tissue closed fracture

simple tachycardia /!smpl !t'ki$k%di/
simple tachycardia
SIDS abbreviation sudden infant death syndrome

SIDS
noun same as sinus tachycardia

sigmoid /$s1md/ adjective 1. shaped like the
sigmoid
simplex /$smpleks/ " herpes simplex

simplex
letter S 2. referring to the sigmoid colon " noun

same as sigmoid colon Sims position /$smz p!z()n/ noun a
Sims position
sigmoid colon /!s1md $kln/ noun the

sigmoid colon
position of the body in which the person lies on
fourth section of the colon which continues as the his or her left side with their left arm behind their
rectum. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in back and their right knee and thigh flexed. It is
Supplement. Also called pelvic colon, sig- used to allow the anal or vaginal area to be exam-
moid, sigmoid flexure ined easily.
simvastatin /sm$v'stn/ noun a drug which
simvastatin
sigmoidectomy /!s1m$dektmi/ noun a

sigmoidectomy
|
lowers lipid levels in the blood, used in the treat-

|
surgical operation to remove the sigmoid colon

(NOTE: The plural is sigmoidectomies.) ment of high cholesterol
sinew /$snju%/ noun same as tendon
sinew
sigmoid flexure /!s1md $flek/ noun

sigmoid flexure
singers nodule /!sz $ndju%l/ noun a

singers nodule
same as sigmoid colon

small white polyp which can develop in the lar-
sigmoidoscope /s1$mdskp/ noun a
sigmoidoscope
|
ynx of people who use their voice too much or too
surgical instrument with a light at the end which loudly
can be passed into the rectum so that the sigmoid
singultus /s$1.lts/ noun same as hiccup
singultus
colon can be examined |
sino- /san/ prefix referring to a sinus

sino-
sigmoidoscopy /!s1m$dskpi/ noun a

sigmoidoscopy
sinoatrial /!san$etril/ adjective relating to

sinoatrial
procedure in which the rectum and sigmoid colon |
are examined with a sigmoidoscope the sinus venosus and the right atrium of the heart
sinoatrial node /!san$etril nd/ noun a
sinoatrial node
sigmoidostomy /!s1m$dstmi/ noun a

sigmoidostomy
|
|
surgical operation to bring the sigmoid colon out node in the heart at the junction of the superior
through a hole in the abdominal wall (NOTE: The vena cava and the right atrium, which regulates
plural is sigmoidostomies.) the heartbeat. Also called SA node, sinus node
sinogram /$san1r'm/ noun an X-ray pho-
sinogram
sign /san/ noun a movement, mark, colouring

sign
or change which has a meaning and can be recog- tograph of a sinus

nised by a doctor as indicating a condition (NOTE: sinography /sa$n1rfi/ noun examination of
sinography
A change in function which is also noticed by the a sinus by taking an X-ray photograph
patient is a symptom.) sinu- /san/ prefix same as sino-
sinu-
sign language /$san !l'1wd+/ noun a set of

sign language
sinuatrial /!san$etril/ adjective same as

sinuatrial
agreed signs made with the fingers and hands, sinoatrial

used to indicate words by or for people who can-
sinus /$sans/ noun a cavity inside the body,
sinus
not hear or speak

including the cavities inside the head behind the
sildenafil citrate /!sldnfl $satret/ noun
sildenafil citrate
cheekbone, forehead and nose ! The doctor diag-

an enzyme-inhibiting drug used in the treatment nosed a sinus infection.
of male impotence sinusitis /!san$sats/ noun inflammation of
sinusitis
silicon /$slkn/ noun a non-metallic chemical

silicon
the mucous membrane in the sinuses, especially

element (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Si.) the maxillary sinuses
silicosis /!sl$kss/ noun a disease of the sinusoid /$sansd/ noun a specially shaped
silicosis sinusoid
lungs caused by inhaling silica dust from mining small blood vessel in the liver, adrenal glands and
or stone-crushing operations other organs
sinus tachycardia 282
sinus tachycardia /!sans !t'ki$k%di/ skull /sk.l/ noun the eight bones which are
sinus tachycardia skull
noun rapid beating of the heart caused by stimu- fused or connected together to form the head,
lation of the sinoatrial node. Also called simple along with the fourteen bones which form the
tachycardia face. Also called cranium
sinus trouble /$sans !tr.b()l/ noun same as SLE abbreviation systemic lupus erythematosus
sinus trouble SLE
sinusitis (informal) sleep /sli%p/ noun the state or a period of resting,

sleep
sinus venosus /!sans v$nss/ noun a usually at night, when the eyes are closed and you
sinus venosus
cavity in the heart of an embryo, part of which are not conscious of what is happening ! You
develops into the coronary sinus and part of need to get a good nights sleep if you have a lot
which is absorbed into the right atrium of work to do tomorrow. ! He had a short sleep
siphonage /$safnd+/ noun the removal of
siphonage
in the middle of the afternoon.
sleep apnoea /$sli%p 'p!ni%/ noun a condition
sleep apnoea
liquid from one place to another with a tube, as |
used to empty the stomach of its contents related to heavy snoring, with prolonged respira-
sit /st/ verb 1. to rest with your weight largely
sit
tory pauses leading to cerebral hypoxia and sub-
supported by the buttocks 2. to cause a person to sequent daytime drowsiness
sleeping sickness /$sli%p !skns/ noun an
sleeping sickness
sit somewhere (NOTE: [all senses] sitting sat)

African disease, spread by the tsetse fly, where
situs inversus /!sats n$v-%ss/, situs
situs inversus
trypanosomes infest the blood. Also called Afri-

|
inversus viscerum /!sats n!v-%ss

can trypanosomiasis
|
$vsrm/ noun a congenital condition, in which

sleeping tablet /$sli%p !t'blt/ noun a tablet
sleeping tablet
the organs are not on the usual side of the body,

i.e. where the heart is on the right side and not the containing a drug, usually a barbiturate, which
left makes a person sleep
sleepwalker /$sli%pw%k/ noun same as som-
sleepwalker
sitz bath /$sts b%/ noun a small low bath

sitz bath
where someone can sit, but not lie down nambulist

sleepwalking /$sli%pw%k/ noun same as
sleepwalking
SI units /!es $a !ju%nts/ plural noun the units

SI units
used in an international system of units for meas- somnambulism

sliding sheet /!slad $i%t/ noun a silicon-
sliding sheet
uring physical properties such as weight, speed

and light coated nylon sheet used for transferring and repo-
sitioning patients
skatole /$sk'tl/ noun another spelling of
skatole
sling /sl/ noun a triangular bandage attached

sling
scatole
round the neck, used to support an injured arm
skeletal /$skelt()l/ adjective referring to the
skeletal
and prevent it from moving ! She had her left

skeleton arm in a sling.
skeletal muscle /$skelt()l !m.s()l/ noun a
skeletal muscle
slipped disc /!slpt $dsk/ noun same as pro-

slipped disc
muscle attached to a bone, which makes a limb lapsed intervertebral disc

move
slit lamp /$slt l'mp/ noun a piece of equip-
slit lamp
skeleton /$skelt()n/ noun all the bones which

skeleton
ment which provides a narrow beam of light and

make up a body is connected to a special microscope, used to
skia- /ska/ prefix referring to shadow
skia-
examine the eye

skiers thumb /!ski%z $.m/ noun an injury to slough /sla/ noun dead tissue, especially dead
skiers thumb slough
the thumb caused by falling directly onto it when skin, which has separated from healthy tissue "
it is outstretched, resulting in tearing or stretching verb to lose dead skin which falls off
of the ligaments of the main thumb joint slow-release vitamin tablet /!sl r!li%s
slow-release vitamin tablet
skill /skl/ noun an ability to do difficult work, $vtmn !t'blt/ noun a vitamin tablet which
skill
which is acquired by training ! You need special will dissolve slowly in the body and give a longer
skills to become a doctor. and more constant effect
skill mix /$skl mks/ noun the range of different small for dates /!sm%l f $dets/ adjective
skill mix small for dates
skills possessed by the members of a group or referring to an unborn baby which is small in
required for a particular job comparison to the average size for that number of
skin /skn/ noun the tissue which forms the out-
skin
weeks. Abbreviation SFD
small intestine /!sm%l n$testn/ noun a sec-
small intestine
side surface of the body ! His skin turned brown |
in the sun. ! Skin problems in adolescents may be tion of the intestine from the stomach to the cae-
caused by diet. (NOTE: For other terms referring cum, consisting of the duodenum, the jejunum
to skin, see words beginning with cut-, derm-, and the ileum
derma-, dermato-, dermo-.) small of the back /!sm%l v $b'k/ noun
small of the back
skin graft /$skn 1r%ft/ noun a layer of skin

skin graft
the middle part of the back between and below the
transplanted from one part of the body to cover an shoulder blades
area where the skin has been destroyed ! After smallpox /$sm%lpks/ noun a very serious,
smallpox
the operation she had to have a skin graft. usually fatal, contagious disease caused by the
283 soft palate

pox virus, with a severe rash, leaving masses of of the common cold, but can sometimes be a sign
small scars on the skin. Also called variola of congenital syphilis (informal; used to children)
smear /sm/ noun a sample of soft tissue, e.g. social /$s()l/ adjective referring to society
smear social
blood or mucus, taken from a person and spread or to groups of people

over a glass slide to be examined under a micro- socialisation /!s()la$ze()n/, sociali-
socialisation
scope zation noun the process involved when young

smear test /$sm test/ noun same as Papani- children are becoming aware of society and learn-
smear test
colaou test ing how they are expected to behave

smegma /$sme1m/ noun an oily secretion social services /!s()l $s-%vsz/ plural
smegma social services
with an unpleasant smell which collects on and noun the special facilities which the government
under the foreskin of the penis or local authorities provide to people in the com-
Smith-Petersen nail /!sm $pi%ts()n nel/
Smith-Petersen nail
munity who need help, such as the elderly, chil-
noun a metal nail used to attach the fractured neck dren whose parents have died or the unemployed
of a femur [Described 1931. After Marius Nyg- social worker /$s()l !w-%k/ noun a gov-
social worker
aard Smith-Petersen (18861953), Norwegian- ernment employee who works to provide social
born Boston orthopaedic surgeon.] services to people in need and improve their liv-
Smiths fracture /$sms !fr'kt/ noun a
Smiths fracture
ing standards
fracture of the radius just above the wrist society /s$sati/ noun 1. the community of
society
smoke inhalation /$smk nh!le()n/

smoke inhalation
|
people who live in a particular country and share
noun the breathing in of smoke, as in a fire its institutions and customs 2. an organisation of
people who have a shared interest
smoking /$smk/ noun the action of smok-
smoking
sociology /!ssi$ld+i/ noun 1. the study of

sociology
ing a cigarette, pipe or cigar ! Smoking can injure |
your health. the origin, development and structure of human

societies and the behaviour of individual people
smooth /smu%/ adjective flat, not rough "
smooth
and groups in society 2. the study of a particular

verb to make something smooth ! She smoothed
social institution and the part it plays in society
down the sheets on the bed.
sociopath /$ssip'/ noun same as psycho-
sociopath
smooth muscle /$smu% !m.s()l/ noun a

smooth muscle
path
type of muscle found in involuntary muscles.
socket /$skt/ noun a hollow part in a bone,
socket
Also called unstriated muscle

into which another bone or organ fits ! The tip of
SMR abbreviation submucous resection
SMR
the femur fits into a socket in the pelvis.

snare /sne/ noun a surgical instrument made of
snare
sodium /$sdim/ noun a chemical element

sodium
a loop of wire, used to remove growths without

which is the basic substance in salt (NOTE: The
the need of an incision
chemical symbol is Na.)
sneeze /sni%z/ noun a reflex action to blow air
sneeze
sodium balance /$sdim !b'lns/ noun the

sodium balance
suddenly out of the nose and mouth because of

balance maintained in the body between salt lost
irritation in the nasal passages ! She gave a loud
in sweat and urine and salt taken in from food.
sneeze. " verb to blow air suddenly out of the
The balance is regulated by aldosterone.
nose and mouth because of irritation in the nasal
sodium bicarbonate /!sdim ba
sodium bicarbonate
passages ! The smell of flowers makes her |
sneeze. ! He was coughing and sneezing and $k%bnt/ noun sodium salt used in cooking,
decided to stay in bed. (NOTE: sneezing and also as a relief for indigestion and acidity.
sneezed) Also called bicarbonate of soda
sodium fusidate /!sdim $fju%sdet/ noun
sodium fusidate
Snellen chart /$sneln t%t/ noun a chart

Snellen chart
commonly used by opticians to test eyesight an antibiotic used mainly to treat penicillin-resist-
[Described 1862. After Hermann Snellen (1834 ant staphylococcal infections
sodium pump /$sdim p.mp/ noun a cellu-
sodium pump
1908), Dutch ophthalmologist.]

sniffles /$snf()lz/ plural noun a slight head
sniffles
lar process in which sodium is immediately
cold, or an allergy that causes a running nose excreted from any cell which it enters and potas-
(informal; used to children) ! Dont go out into sium is brought in
the cold when you have the sniffles. sodium valproate /!sdim v'l$pret/
sodium valproate
snoring /$sn%r/ noun noisy breathing while

snoring
noun an anticonvulsant drug used especially to
asleep treat migraines, seizures and epilepsy
soft /sft/ adjective not hard or not resistant to
soft
snow blindness /$sn !blandns/ noun

snow blindness
temporary painful blindness caused by bright sun- pressure

light shining on snow soft chancre /!sft $'k/ noun same as soft
soft chancre
snuffles /$sn.f()lz/ plural noun the condition

snuffles
sore
of breathing noisily through a nose which is soft palate /!sft $p'lt/ noun the back part of
soft palate
blocked with mucus, which is usually a symptom the palate leading to the uvula. ! cleft palate
soft sore 284
soft sore /!sft $s%/ noun a venereal sore with somnambulism /sm$n'mbjlz()m/ noun
soft sore somnambulism
a soft base, situated in the groin or on the genitals a condition especially affecting children where
and caused by the bacterium Haemophilus the person gets up and walks about while still
ducreyi. Also called chancroid, soft chancre asleep. Also called sleepwalking
soft tissue /!sft $tu%/ noun skin, muscles, somnambulist /sm$n'mbjlst/ noun a per-
soft tissue somnambulist
ligaments or tendons son who walks in his or her sleep. Also called
solar plexus /!sl $plekss/ noun a nerve
solar plexus
sleepwalker
somnolent /$smnlnt/ adjective sleepy
somnolent
network situated at the back of the abdomen

between the adrenal glands somnolism /$smnlz()m/ noun a trance
somnolism
solar retinopathy /!sl ret$npi/ noun which is induced by hypnotism

solar retinopathy
irreparable damage to the most sensitive part of Somogyi effect /$md+i !fekt/, Somogyi
Somogyi effect
the retina, the macula, caused by looking at the phenomenon /$md+i f!nmnn/ noun in
|
sun with no protection or inadequate protection, diabetes mellitus, a swing to a high level of glu-
as when looking at an eclipse of the sun cose in the blood from an extremely low level,
soleus /$slis/ noun a flat muscle which goes usually occurring after an untreated insulin reac-
soleus
down the calf of the leg (NOTE: The plural is tion during the night. It is caused by the release of
solei.) stress hormones to counter low glucose levels.
-somy /smi/ suffix the presence of chromo-
-somy
solids /$sldz/ noun solid food

solids
soluble /$sljb()l/ adjective able to dissolve

soluble
somes
son /s.n/ noun a male child of a parent ! They
son
! a tablet of soluble aspirin

soluble fibre /!sljb()l $fab/ noun a fibre
soluble fibre
have two sons and one daughter.
Sonne dysentery /$sn !dsntri/ noun a
Sonne dysentery
in vegetables, fruit and pulses and porridge oats

which is partly digested in the intestine and common form of mild dysentery in the UK,
reduces the absorption of fats and sugar into the caused by Shigella sonnei [Described 1915. After
body, so lowering the level of cholesterol Carl Olaf Sonne (18821948), Danish bacteriol-
ogist and physician.]
solute /$slju%t/ noun a solid substance which is
solute
sonogram /$sn1r'm/ noun a chart pro-

sonogram
dissolved in a solvent to make a solution

duced using ultrasound waves to find where
solution /s$lu%()n/ noun a mixture of a solid
solution
something is situated in the body

|
substance dissolved in a liquid

sonography /s$n1rfi/ noun same as ultra-
sonography
solvent /$slv()nt/ noun a liquid in which a

solvent |
sonography
solid substance can be dissolved
sonotopography /!snt$p1rfi/ noun
sonotopography
solvent abuse /$slvnt !bju%s/, solvent

solvent abuse |
the use of ultrasound waves to produce a sono-

|
inhalation /!slvnt !nh$le()n/ noun a type

|
gram
of drug abuse in which someone inhales the toxic
soporific /!sp$rfk/ noun a drug which
soporific
fumes given off by particular types of volatile |
chemical. Also called glue-sniffing makes a person go to sleep " adjective causing
sleep
soma /$sm/ noun the body, as opposed to the
soma
sorbitol /$s%btl/ noun a white crystalline

sorbitol
mind (NOTE: The plural is somata or somas.)

sweet alcohol which is used as a sweetener and a
somat- /smt/ prefix same as somato- (used
somat-
moisturiser, and in the manufacture of Vitamin C

before vowels)
sordes /$s%di%z/ plural noun dry deposits round
sordes
somata /$smt/ plural noun plural of soma

somata
the lips of someone who has a fever

somatic /s$m'tk/ adjective referring to the
somatic
sore /s%/ noun a small wound on any part of the

sore
|
body, either as opposed to the mind, or as opposed skin, usually with a discharge of pus " adjective
to the intestines and inner organs. Compare psy- 1. rough and inflamed ! a sore patch on the skin
chosomatic 2. painful ! My ankle still feels very sore.
somato- /smt/ prefix referring to the
somato-
sore throat /!s% $rt/ noun a condition in

sore throat
body which the mucous membrane in the throat is

somatostatin /!smt$st'tn/ noun a hor-
somatostatin
| inflamed, sometimes because the person has been

mone produced in the hypothalamus which helps talking too much, but usually because of an infec-
to prevent the release of the growth hormone tion (informal)
somatotrophic hormone /!smt!trfk s.o.s. adverb (on prescriptions) if necessary.
somatotrophic hormone s.o.s.
$h%mn/, somatotrophin /!smt$trfn/ | Full form si opus sit (NOTE: It means that the
noun a growth hormone, secreted by the pituitary dose should be taken once.)
gland, which stimulates the growth of long bones sotalol /$stll/ noun a drug used to treat an
sotalol
somatropin /!sm$trpn/ noun same as

somatropin
| irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure

growth hormone souffle /$su%f()l/ noun a soft breathing sound,
souffle
-some /sm/ suffix tiny cell bodies heard through a stethoscope

-some
285 spectrum
sound /sand/ noun 1. something which can be makes them a potential danger to themselves
sound
heard ! The doctor listened to the sounds of the and/or others

patients lungs. ! His breathing made a whistling specialise /$spelaz/, specialize verb 1. to
specialise
sound. 2. a long rod, used to examine or to dilate concentrate on a specific subject or activity 2. to
the inside of a cavity in the body " verb to exam- be an expert in a specific subject or area of knowl-
ine the inside of a cavity using a rod edge (NOTE: specialising specialised)
spansule /$sp'nsju%l/ noun a drug in the form
spansule
specialised /$spelazd/, specialized adjec-

specialised
of a capsule which is specially designed to release tive 1. designed for a particular purpose 2. con-
its contents slowly in the stomach centrating on a particular activity or subject !
spasm /$sp'z()m/ noun a sudden, usually specialised skills
spasm
painful, involuntary contraction of a muscle, as in specialist registrar /!spe()lst $red+

specialist registrar
cramp ! The muscles in his leg went into spasm. !str%/ noun a junior doctor in a hospital who is
! She had painful spasms in her stomach. doing further specialist training
spasmo- /sp'zm/ prefix referring to a spasm
spasmo-
speciality /!spei$'lti/ noun a particular

speciality
spasmodic /sp'z$mdk/ adjective occurring activity or type of work which someone is spe-
spasmodic
in spasms cially trained for or very interested in. Also called

spasmolytic /!sp'zm$ltk/ noun a drug
spasmolytic
|
specialism, specialty
special school /$spe()l sku%l/ noun a school
special school
which relieves muscle spasms

spasmus nutans /!sp'zms $nju%tnz/ noun
spasmus nutans
for children with disabilities
a condition in which someone nods his or her specialty /$spe()lti/ noun US same as speci-
specialty
head and at the same time has spasms in the neck ality
muscles and rapid movements of the eyes species /$spi%i%z/ noun a group of living things
species
spastic /$sp'stk/ adjective with spasms or

spastic
with the same characteristics and which can inter-

sudden contractions of muscles " noun a person breed (NOTE: The plural is species.)
affected with cerebral palsy (NOTE: The noun specific /sp$sfk/ adjective referring to a dis-
specific
sense is now considered to be offensive.) ease caused by one type of microorganism only.
spastic colon /!sp'stk $kln/ noun same
spastic colon
Opposite non-specific " noun a drug which is

as mucous colitis only used to treat one disease
spastic diplegia /!sp'stk da$pli%d+/ noun specific gravity /sp!sfk $1r'vti/ noun
spastic diplegia specific gravity
| |
a congenital form of cerebral palsy which affects same as relative density

mainly the legs. Also called Littles disease specificity /!spes$fsti/ noun the rate of neg-
specificity
spastic gait /!sp'stk $1et/ noun a way of

spastic gait
ative responses in a test from persons free from a

walking where the legs are stiff and the feet not disease. A high specificity means a low rate of
lifted off the ground false positives. Compare sensitivity
spasticity /sp'$ststi/ noun a condition in
spasticity
specific urethritis /sp!sfk jr$rats/

specific urethritis
|
| |
which a limb resists passive movement. ! rigidity noun inflammation of the urethra caused by gon-
spastic paralysis /!sp'stk p$r'lss/ noun orrhoea
spastic paralysis
same as cerebral palsy specimen /$spesmn/ noun a small quantity of

specimen
spastic paraplegia /!sp'stk !p'r$pli%d+/ something given for testing ! He was asked to
spastic paraplegia
noun paralysis of one side of the body after a bring a urine specimen.
stroke spectacles /$spektk()lz/ plural noun glasses
spectacles
spatula /$sp'tjl/ noun 1. a flat flexible tool which are worn in front of the eyes to help correct
spatula
with a handle, used to scoop, lift, spread or mix problems in vision

things 2. a flat wooden stick used to press the spectrography /spek$tr1rfi/ noun the
spectrography
tongue down when the mouth or throat is being recording of a spectrum on photographic film
examined
spectroscope /$spektrskp/ noun an
spectroscope
special care baby unit /!spe()l ke $bebi

special care baby unit
instrument used to analyse a spectrum

!ju%nt/ noun a unit in a hospital which deals with
spectrum /$spektrm/ noun 1. the range of col-
spectrum
premature babies or babies with serious disorders

ours, from red to violet, into which white light can
special health authority /!spe()l $hel %
special health authority
|
be split when it is passed through something
!rti/ noun a health authority which has unique (NOTE: Different substances in solution have dif-
national functions, or covers various regions. An ferent spectra.) 2. the range of organisms that an
example is UK Transplant, which manages the antibiotic or chemical can kill (NOTE: The plural
National Transplant Database and provides a 24- is spectra or spectrums.) # broad-spectrum
hour service for the matching and allocation of antibiotic an antibiotic which kills a large
donor organs. number of different organisms # narrow-spec-
special hospital /!spe()l $hspt()l/ noun trum antibiotic an antibiotic which is targeted at
special hospital
a hospital for people whose mental condition a few particular organisms

speculum 286
speculum /$spekjlm/ noun a surgical instru- sperm count /$sp-%m kant/ noun a calcula-
speculum sperm count
ment which is inserted into an opening in the tion of the number of sperm in a quantity of
body such as a nostril or the vagina to keep it open semen
in order to allow a doctor to examine the inside sperm donor /$sp-%m !dn/ noun a male
sperm donor
(NOTE: The plural is specula or speculums.) who gives sperm, for a fee, to allow a childless
speech /spi%t/ noun 1. the ability to make woman to bear a child
speech
intelligible sounds with the vocal cords 2. a talk spermi- /sp-%mi/ prefix referring to sperm and
spermi-
given to an audience semen

speech block /$spi%t blk/ noun a temporary
speech block
spermicidal /!sp-%m$sad()l/ adjective kill-

spermicidal
inability to speak, caused by the effect of nervous ing or able to kill sperm
stress on the mental processes spermicidal jelly /!sp-%msad()l $d+eli/
spermicidal jelly
speech impediment /$spi%t m!pedmnt/

speech impediment
|
noun a jelly-like product which acts as a contra-
noun an inability to speak easily or in the usual ceptive
way because of the physical structure of the spermicide /$sp-%msad/ noun a substance
spermicide
mouth or other disorders which kills sperm

speech therapist /$spi%t !erpst/ noun a
speech therapist
spermio- /sp-%mi/ prefix same as spermi-

spermio-
qualified person who practises speech therapy

spermiogenesis /!sp-%mi$d+enss/ noun
spermiogenesis
speech therapy /$spi%t !erpi/ noun treat-

speech therapy |
the stage of spermatogenesis during which a sper-

ment for a speech disorder such as stammering or matid changes into a spermatozoon
one which results from a stroke or physical mal-
spheno- /sfi%n/ prefix referring to the sphe-
spheno-
formation
noid bone
sperm /sp-%m/ noun same as spermatozoon
sperm
sphenoid /$sfi%nd/ adjective 1. relating to the

sphenoid
(NOTE: The plural is sperm.)

sphenoid bone 2. shaped like a wedge " noun
spermat- /sp-%mt/ prefix same as spermato-
spermat-
same as sphenoid bone

sphenoid bone /$sfi%nd bn/ noun one of
sphenoid bone
spermatic /sp-%$m'tk/ adjective referring to

spermatic
|
two bones in the skull which form the side of the
sperm socket of the eye. Also called sphenoid
spermatic artery /sp-%!m'tk $%tri/ noun
spermatic artery
sphenoid sinus /!sfi%nd $sans/ noun one

sphenoid sinus
|
an artery which leads into the testes. Also called of the sinuses in the skull behind the nasal pas-
testicular artery sage
spermatic cord /sp-%!m'tk $k%d/ noun a
spermatic cord
spherocyte /$sfrsat/ noun a red blood

spherocyte
|
cord running from the testis to the abdomen car- cell that is round rather than than the usual disc
rying the vas deferens, the blood vessels, nerves shape
and lymphatics of the testis
spherocytosis /!sfrsa$tss/ noun a
spherocytosis
spermatid /$sp-%mtd/ noun an immature

spermatid |
condition in which someone has spherocytes in

male sex cell that develops into a spermatozoon the blood, causing anaemia, enlarged spleen and
spermato- /sp-%mt/ prefix 1. referring to
spermato-
gallstones, as in acholuric jaundice

sperm 2. referring to the male reproductive sys- sphincter /$sfkt/, sphincter muscle
sphincter
tem /$sfkt !m.s()l/ noun a circular band of mus-

spermatocele /$sp-%mtsi%l/ noun a cyst
spermatocele
cle which surrounds an opening or passage in the

which forms in the scrotum body, especially the anus, and can narrow or close
spermatogenesis
spermatogenesis
/!sp-%mt$d+enss/ |
the opening or passage by contracting
noun the formation and development of sperma- sphincterectomy /!sfkt$rektmi/ noun 1.
sphincterectomy
tozoa in the testes a surgical operation to remove a sphincter 2. a

spermatorrhoea /!sp-%mt$r/ noun the
spermatorrhoea
|
surgical operation to remove part of the edge of
discharge of a large amount of semen frequently the iris in the eye (NOTE: The plural is sphincter-
and without an orgasm (NOTE: The US spelling is ectomies.)
spermatorrhea.) sphincteroplasty /$sfktr!pl'sti/ noun a
sphincteroplasty
spermatozoon /!sp-%mt$zn/ noun a

spermatozoon
|
surgical operation to relieve a tightened sphincter
mature male sex cell, which is ejaculated from the (NOTE: The plural is sphincteroplasties.)
penis and is capable of fertilising an ovum. Also sphincterotomy /!sfkt$rtmi/ noun a
sphincterotomy
called sperm (NOTE: The plural is spermato- surgical operation to make an incision into a
zoa.) sphincter (NOTE: The plural is sphincteroto-
spermaturia /!sp-%m$tjri/ noun sperm in
spermaturia
|
mies.)
the urine sphyg /sf1/ noun same as sphygmomanome-
sphyg
sperm bank /$sp-%m b'k/ noun a place

sperm bank
ter (informal)
where sperm can be stored for use in artificial sphygmo- /sf1m/ prefix referring to the
sphygmo-
insemination pulse
287 Spitz-Holter valve
sphygmocardiograph /!sf1m the main axons of which form the posterior root
sphygmocardiograph
$k%di1r%f/ noun a device which records of the spinal nerve

heartbeats and pulse rate spinal nerve /$span()l n-%v/ noun one of the
spinal nerve
sphygmograph /$sf1m1r%f/ noun a device 31 pairs of nerves which lead from the spinal cord
sphygmograph
which records the pulse and govern mainly the trunk and limbs
sphygmomanometer /!sf1mm$nmt/ spinal puncture /!span()l $p.kt/ noun
sphygmomanometer spinal puncture
noun an instrument which measures blood pres- same as lumbar puncture

sure in the arteries spinal shock /$span()l $k/ noun a loss of
spinal shock
spica /$spak/ noun a way of bandaging a joint feeling in the lower part of the body below a point
spica
where the bandage crosses over itself like the fig- at which the spine has been injured
ure 8 on the inside of the bend of the joint (NOTE: spindle /$spnd()l/ noun 1. a long thin struc-
spindle
The plural is spicae or spicas.) ture 2. a structure formed in cells during division
spicule /$spkju%l/ noun a small splinter of bone
spicule
to which the chromosomes are attached by their

spigot /$sp1t/ noun the end of a pipe which is
spigot
centromeres
joined by insertion into the enlarged end of spine /span/ noun the series of bones, the ver-
spine
another pipe tebrae, linked together to form a flexible support-

spina /$span/ noun 1. a thin sharp piece of ing column running from the pelvis to the skull !
spina
bone 2. the vertebral column She injured her spine in the crash. Also called
spina bifida /!span $bfd/ noun a serious
spina bifida
backbone, spinal column, vertebral column
Spinhaler /spn$hel/ a trade name for a
Spinhaler
condition in which part of the spinal cord pro- |
trudes through the spinal column. Also called device from which a person with breathing prob-
rachischisis lems can inhale a preset dose of a drug
spinal /$span()l/ adjective referring to the spinnbarkeit /$spnb%kat/ noun a thread of
spinal spinnbarkeit
spine ! She suffered spinal injuries in the crash. mucus formed in the cervix which is used in
spinal accessory nerve /!span()l k
spinal accessory nerve
|
determining the time of ovulation. At this time it
$sesri n-%v/ noun the eleventh cranial nerve can be drawn out on a glass slide to its maximum
which supplies the muscles in the neck and shoul- length.
ders spino- /span/ prefix 1. referring to the spine
spino-
spinal anaesthesia /!span()l !'ns$i%zi/

spinal anaesthesia
|
2. referring to the spinal cord
noun local anaesthesia in which an anaesthetic is spiral /$sparl/ adjective running in a continu-
spiral
injected into the cerebrospinal fluid ous circle upwards

spinal anaesthetic /!span()l !'ns$etk/
spinal anaesthetic
spiral bandage /!sparl $b'ndd+/ noun a

spiral bandage
noun an anaesthetic given by injection into the bandage which is wrapped round a limb, each
spine, which results in large parts of the body los- turn overlapping the one before
ing the sense of feeling spiral organ /!sparl $%1n/ noun same as
spiral organ
spinal block /!span()l $blk/ noun analgesia

spinal block
organ of Corti
produced by injecting the spinal cord with an spiro- /spar/ prefix 1. referring to a spiral 2.
spiro-
anaesthetic referring to respiration

spinal canal /!span()l k$n'l/ noun the hol-
spinal canal
spirogram /$spar1r'm/ noun a record of

spirogram
|
low channel running down the back of the verte-

someones breathing made by a spirograph
brae, containing the spinal cord. Also called ver-
spirograph /$spar1r%f/ noun a device
spirograph
tebral canal
which records depth and rapidity of breathing
spinal column /$span()l !klm/ noun same
spinal column
spirography /spa$r1rfi/ noun the recording

spirography
as spine |
spinal cord /$span()l k%d/ noun part of the

spinal cord
of a someones breathing by use of a spirograph
spirometer /spa$rmt/ noun an instrument
spirometer
central nervous system, running from the medulla |
oblongata to the filum terminale, in the vertebral which measures the amount of air a person
canal of the spine (NOTE: For other terms refer- inhales or exhales
ring to the spinal cord, see words beginning with spirometry /spa$rmtri/ noun a measure-
spirometry
myel-, myelo-.) ment of the vital capacity of the lungs by use of a

spinal curvature /!span()l $k-%vt/ noun spirometer
spinal curvature
unusual bending of the spinal column spironolactone /!sparn$l'ktn/ noun a

spironolactone
spinal fusion /!span()l $fju%+()n/ noun a steroid which helps the body produce urine, used
spinal fusion
surgical operation to join two vertebrae together in the treatment of oedema and hypertension
to make the spine more rigid. Also called spond- Spitz-Holter valve /!spts $hlt !v'lv/ noun
Spitz-Holter valve
ylosyndesis a valve with a one-way system, surgically placed

spinal ganglion /!span()l $1'1lin/ noun in the skull and used to drain excess fluid from the
spinal ganglion
a cone-shaped mass of cells on the posterior root, brain in hydrocephalus

splanchnic 288
splanchnic /$spl'knk/ adjective referring to spondylitis /!spnd$lats/ noun inflamma-

splanchnic spondylitis
viscera tion of the vertebrae

splanchnic nerve /$spl'knk n-%v/ noun spondylo- /spndl/ prefix referring to the
splanchnic nerve spondylo-
any sympathetic nerve which supplies organs in vertebrae

the abdomen spondylolisthesis
spondylolisthesis
/!spndl$lsss/ |
spleen /spli%n/ noun an organ in the top part of

spleen
noun a condition in which one of the lumbar ver-

the abdominal cavity behind the stomach and tebrae moves forwards over the one beneath
below the diaphragm, which helps to destroy old spondylosis /!spnd$lss/ noun stiffness in
spondylosis
red blood cells, form lymphocytes and store the spine and degenerative changes in the
blood. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in intervertebral discs, with osteoarthritis. This con-
Supplement dition is common in older people.
splen- /splen/ prefix same as spleno- (used
splen-
spondylosyndesis /!spndlsn$di%ss/
spondylosyndesis
before vowels) noun same as spinal fusion

splenectomy /sple$nektmi/ noun a surgical
splenectomy
sponge bath /$sp.n+ b%/ noun the act of

sponge bath
|
operation to remove the spleen (NOTE: The plural washing someone in bed, using a sponge or damp
is splenectomies.) cloth ! The nurse gave the elderly lady a sponge
splenic /$splenk/ adjective referring to the
splenic
bath.
spleen spongiform encephalopathy /!sp.n+if%m
spongiform encephalopathy
splenic anaemia /!splenk $ni%mi/ noun a

splenic anaemia
| en!kef$lpi/ noun a brain disease in humans

| |
type of anaemia, caused by cirrhosis of the liver, and animals in which areas of the brain slowly
in which the person has portal hypertension, an develop holes in their cells and begin to look like
enlarged spleen and haemorrhages. Also called a sponge
Bantis syndrome spontaneous /spn$tenis/ adjective hap-
spontaneous
splenic flexure /!splenk $flek/ noun a bend

splenic flexure
pening without any particular outside cause

in the colon where the transverse colon joins the spontaneous delivery /spn!tenis d
spontaneous delivery
descending colon
| |
$lv()ri/ noun a delivery of a baby which takes

splenitis /spl$nats/ noun inflammation of
splenitis
|
places naturally, without any medical or surgical
the spleen help
spleno- /spli%n/ prefix referring to the spleen
spleno-
spontaneous pneumothorax /spn!tenis

spontaneous pneumothorax
splenomegaly /!spli%n$me1li/ noun a con- !nju%m$%r'ks/ noun a condition occurring

splenomegaly
|
|
dition in which the spleen is unusually large, when an opening is created on the surface of the
associated with several disorders including lung allowing air to leak into the pleural cavity
malaria and some cancers spontaneous version /spn!tenis
spontaneous version
splenorenal /!spli%n$ri%n()l/ adjective $v-%()n/ noun a movement of a fetus to take up

splenorenal
relating to both the spleen and the kidneys another position in the uterus, caused by the con-
splenorenal anastomosis
splenorenal anastomosis
/!spli%n tractions of the uterus during childbirth or by the

movements of the baby itself before birth
|
!ri%n()l !n'st$mss/ noun a surgical opera-

| |
sporadic /sp$r'dk/ adjective referring to out-

sporadic
tion to join the splenic vein to a renal vein, as a |
treatment for portal hypertension breaks of disease that occur as separate cases, not
splenovenography
splenovenography
/!spli%nv$n1rfi/ |
in epidemics
spore /sp%/ noun a reproductive body of partic-
spore
noun X-ray examination of the spleen and the

veins which are connected to it ular bacteria and fungi which can survive in
splint /splnt/ noun a stiff support attached to a
splint
extremely hot or cold conditions for a long time
sporicidal /!sp%r$sad()l/ adjective killing
sporicidal
limb to prevent a broken bone from moving ! He |
had to keep his arm in a splint for several weeks. spores

! shin splints sporicide /$sp%rsad/ noun a substance which
sporicide
splinter haemorrhage /$splnt kills bacterial spores

splinter haemorrhage
!hem()rd+/ noun a tiny line of haemorrhaging Sporozoa /!sp%r$z/ noun a type of para-
Sporozoa
under the nails or in the eyeball sitic Protozoa which includes Plasmodium, the
split personality /!splt !p-%s$n'lti/ noun cause of malaria
split personality
same as schizoid personality sports injury /$sp%ts !nd+ri/ noun an injury

sports injury
split-skin graft /!splt !skn $1r%ft/ noun a caused by playing a sport, e.g. a sprained ankle or
split-skin graft
type of skin graft in which thin layers of skin are tennis elbow
grafted over a wound. Also called Thiersch graft sports medicine /$sp%ts !med()sn/ noun
sports medicine
spondyl /$spndl/ noun same as vertebra the study of the treatment of sports injuries
spondyl
spondyl- /spndl/ prefix same as spondylo- spotted fever /!sptd $fi%v/ noun same as
spondyl- spotted fever
(used before vowels) meningococcal meningitis

289 Standard Precautions
sprain /spren/ noun a condition in which the stadium /$stedim/ noun a particular stage of
sprain stadium
ligaments in a joint are stretched or torn because a disease (NOTE: The plural is stadia.)
of a sudden movement " verb to tear the liga- stadium invasioni /!stedim n!vei$ni/
stadium invasioni
| |
ments in a joint with a sudden movement ! She noun same as incubation period
sprained her wrist when she fell.
staff nurse /$st%f n-%s/ noun a nurse who is on
staff nurse
Sprengels deformity /$spre1lz d

Sprengels deformity
|
the permanent staff of a hospital
!f%mti/, Sprengels shoulder /!spre1lz
stage /sted+/ noun a point in the development
stage
$ld/ noun a congenitally malformed shoul-

der, in which one scapula is smaller and higher of a disease at which a decision can be taken
than the other [Described 1891. After Otto Ger- about the treatment which should be given or at
hard Karl Sprengel (18521915), German sur- which distinctive developments take place ! The
geon.] disease has reached a critical stage. ! This is a
symptom of the second stage of syphilis.
sprue /spru%/ noun same as psilosis
sprue
staging /$sted+/ noun the process of per-

staging
spud /sp.d/ noun a needle used to get a piece of

spud
forming tests to learn the extent of a disease

dust or other foreign body out of the eye within the body, in order to decide the best treat-
spur /sp-%/ noun a sharp projecting part of a
spur
ment for someone

bone
stain /sten/ noun a substance used to give col-
stain
sputum /$spju%tm/ noun mucus which is

sputum
our to tissues which are going to be examined

formed in the inflamed nose, throat or lungs and under the microscope " verb to treat a piece of
is coughed up ! She was coughing up blood- tissue with a dye to increase contrast before it is
stained sputum. Also called phlegm examined under the microscope
squama /$skwem/ noun a thin piece of hard
squama
Stamey procedure /$stemi pr!si%d+/ noun

Stamey procedure
tissue,e.g. a thin flake of bone or scale on the skin a surgical operation to cure stress incontinence in
(NOTE: The plural is squamae.) women. A minor abdominal incision is made as
squamo- /skwem/ prefix 1. relating to the
squamo-
well as a vaginal incision, and the neck of the

squamous part of the temporal bone 2. scaly bladder is stitched to the abdominal wall.
squamous /$skwems/ adjective thin and
squamous
stammer /$st'm/ noun a speech difficulty in

stammer
hard like a scale which someone repeats parts of a word or the

squamous bone /$skwems bn/ noun a whole word several times or stops to try to pro-
squamous bone
part of the temporal bone which forms the side of nounce a word ! He has a bad stammer. " verb
the skull to speak with a stammer
squamous cell carcinoma /!skwems sel stammerer /$st'mr/ noun a person who
squamous cell carcinoma stammerer
!k%s$nm/ noun a common type of cancer

| stammers
which usually develops in the outer layer of the stammering /$st'mr/ noun difficulty in
stammering
skin, on the lips, or inside the mouth or oesopha- speaking, in which the person repeats parts of a
gus. Abbreviation SCC word or the whole word several times or stops to
squamous epithelium /!skwems !ep
squamous epithelium
|
try to pronounce a word. Also called dysphemia
$i%lim/ noun epithelium with flat cells like stand /st'nd/ verb 1. to be in an upright posi-
stand
scales, which forms the lining of the pericardium, tion with your bodyweight resting on your feet, or
the peritoneum and the pleura. Also called pave- to put a person in this position 2. to get to your
ment epithelium feet from a sitting position (NOTE: stood)
squint /skwnt/ noun a condition in which the
squint
standard /$st'ndd/ adjective usual, recom-

standard
eyes focus on different points. Also called stra- mended or established ! It is standard practice to
bismus " verb to have one eye or both eyes look-
take the patients temperature twice a day. "
ing towards the nose ! Babies often appear to noun 1. something which has been agreed upon
squint, but it is corrected as they grow older. and is used to measure other things by 2. a level
SRN abbreviation State Registered Nurse
SRN
of quality achieved by someone or something !

SSRI abbreviation selective serotonin re-uptake
SSRI
The standard of care in hospitals has increased

inhibitor over the last years. ! The report criticised the
stabbing pain /$st'b pen/ noun pain which standards of hygiene in the clinic.
stabbing pain
comes in a series of short sharp bursts ! He had standardise /$st'nddaz/, standardize verb
standardise
stabbing pains in his chest. to make all things of the same type follow the
staccato speech /st!k%t $spi%t/ noun an same standard
staccato speech
unusual way of speaking with short pauses Standard Precautions /!st'ndd pr

Standard Precautions
between each word $k%()nz/ plural noun the most recent set of
Stackes operation /$st'kiz p!re()n/ guidelines for health care workers on dealing with
Stackes operation
noun a surgical operation to remove the posterior blood, all body fluids, secretions and excretions
and superior wall of the auditory meatus [After (except sweat), non-intact skin and mucous mem-
Ludwig Stacke (18591918), German otologist.] branes. They are designed to reduce the risk of
stapedectomy 290
transmission of microorganisms. The Standard State Registered Nurse /!stet !red+std
State Registered Nurse
Precautions are implemented automatically for $n-%s/ noun abbreviation SRN. Now called first-
everyone, as all patients are presumed to be level nurse
potentially infectious. -statin /st'tn/ suffix used in generic names of
-statin
stapedectomy /!stepi$dektmi/ noun a sur- lipid-lowering drugs ! pravastatin

stapedectomy
gical operation to remove the stapes (NOTE: The statistics /st$tstks/ plural noun official fig-
statistics
plural is stapedectomies.) ures which show facts ! Population statistics

stapedial mobilisation show that the birth rate is slowing down.
stapedial mobilisation
/st!pi%dil |
!mbla$ze()n/, stapediolysis /st!pi%d status /$stets/ noun a state or condition

status
| | |
$lss/ noun a surgical operation to relieve deaf- status asthmaticus /!stets 's$m'tks/
status asthmaticus
ness by detaching the stapes from the fenestra noun an attack of bronchial asthma which lasts
ovalis (NOTE: The plural of stapediolysis is sta- for a long time and results in exhaustion and col-
pediolyses.) lapse
stapes /$stepi%z/ noun one of the three ossicles
stapes
status epilepticus /!stets ep$leptks/

status epilepticus
in the middle ear, shaped like a stirrup. See illus- noun repeated and prolonged epileptic seizures
tration at EAR in Supplement without recovery of consciousness between them
staphylectomy /!st'f$lektmi/ noun a surgi- status lymphaticus /!stets lm$f'tks/
staphylectomy status lymphaticus
| |
cal operation to remove the uvula (NOTE: The plu- noun a condition in which the glands in the lym-
ral is staphylectomies.) phatic system are enlarged
statutory bodies /!st'tjt()ri $bdiz/ plural
statutory bodies
staphylococcal /!st'fl$kk()l/ adjective

staphylococcal
referring to Staphylococci noun organisations set up by Acts of Parliament

to carry out specific functions, e.g. the Nursing
Staphylococcus /!st'fl$kks/ noun a bac-
Staphylococcus
|
and Midwifery Council, set up to regulate the
terium which grows in a bunch like a bunch of nursing and midwifery professions
grapes, and causes boils and food poisoning
STD abbreviation sexually transmitted disease
STD
(NOTE: The plural is Staphylococci.)

steam inhalation /!sti%m nh$le()n/ noun
steam inhalation
staphyloma /!st'f$lm/ noun a swelling of

staphyloma
|
a treatment for respiratory disease in which some-

|
the cornea or the white of the eye (NOTE: The plu-

one breathes in steam with medicinal substances
ral is staphylomas or staphylomata.)
in it
staphylorrhaphy /!st'f$l%rfi/ noun same
staphylorrhaphy
steat- /sti%t/, steato- /sti%t/ prefix referring

steat-
|
as palatorrhaphy (NOTE: The plural is staphyl- to fat

orrhaphies.)
steatoma /!sti%$tm/ noun a cyst in a
steatoma
staple /$step()l/ noun a small piece of bent

staple
blocked sebaceous gland. ! sebaceous cyst

metal, used to attach tissues together " verb to (NOTE: The plural is steatomata.)
attach tissues with staples steatopygia /!sti%t$pd+i/ noun excessive
steatopygia
stapler /$stepl/ noun a device used in surgery

stapler
fat on the buttocks

to attach tissues with staples, instead of suturing steatorrhoea /!sti%t$r/ noun a condition in
steatorrhoea
starch /st%t/ noun the usual form in which which fat is passed in the faeces
starch
carbohydrates exist in food, especially in bread, Stein-Leventhal syndrome /!stan

Stein-Leventhal syndrome
rice and potatoes. It is broken down by the diges- $levnt%l !sndrm/ noun " polycystic ovary
tive process into forms of sugar. syndrome [Described 1935. After Irving F. Stein
startle reflex /$st%t()l !ri%fleks/ noun the (18871976), US gynaecologist; Michael Leo
startle reflex
usual response of a young baby to a sudden loud Leventhal (190171), US obstetrician and
noise or a sudden fall through the air, by contract- gynaecologist.]
ing the limb and neck muscles Steinmanns pin /!stanm'nz $pn/ noun a
Steinmanns pin
starvation /st%$ve()n/ noun the fact of hav-

starvation
|
pin for attaching traction wires to a fractured bone
ing had very little or no food [Described 1907. After Fritz Steinmann (1872
1932), Swiss surgeon.]
stasis /$stess/ noun a stoppage or slowing in
stasis
stellate /$stelet/ adjective shaped like a star

stellate
the flow of a liquid, such as blood in veins, or

stellate fracture /!stelet $fr'kt/ noun a
stellate fracture
food in the intestine

fracture of the kneecap shaped like a star
-stasis /stess/ suffix referring to stoppage in
-stasis
stellate ganglion /!stelet $1'1lin/ noun a

stellate ganglion
the flow of a liquid

group of nerve cells in the neck, shaped like a star
stat. /st't/ adverb (written on prescriptions)
stat.
Stellwags sign /$stelv%1z san/ noun a

Stellwags sign
immediately. Full form statim symptom of exophthalmic goitre, where someone

State Enrolled Nurse /!stet n!rld $n-%s/
State Enrolled Nurse
| does not blink often, because the eyeball is pro-

noun abbreviation SEN. Now called second- truding [After Carl Stellwag von Carion (1823
level nurse 1904), ophthalmologist in Vienna, Austria.]
291 Stevens-Johnson syndrome
stem /stem/ noun a thin piece of tissue which sterility /st$rlti/ noun 1. the state of being
stem sterility
attaches an organ or growth to the main tissue free from microorganisms 2. the state of being
steno- /sten/ prefix narrow or constricted
steno-
unable to have children
Steri-Strips /$steri strps/ a trademark for thin
Steri-Strips
stenosed valve /ste!nst $v'lv/ noun a

stenosed valve
valve which has become narrow or constricted paper strips which are placed over an incision in
stenosis /ste$nss/ noun a condition in
stenosis
|
the skin. They help its edges to come together and
which a passage becomes narrow form a scar.
sternal /$st-%n()l/ adjective referring to the
sternal
stenostomia /!sten$stmi/, stenostomy

stenostomia
/ste$nstmi/ noun the narrowing of an opening

|
breastbone
sternal angle /!st-%n()l $'1()l/ noun the
sternal angle
Stensens duct /!stensnz $d.kt/ noun a duct

Stensens duct
which carries saliva from the parotid glands ridge of bone where the manubrium articulates
[Described 1661. After Niels Stensen (1638 with the body of the sternum
86), Danish physician and priest, anatomist, sterno- /st-%n/ prefix relating to the breast-
sterno-
physiologist and theologian.] bone

stent /stent/ noun a support of artificial material
stent
sternocleidomastoid muscle /!st-%n

sternocleidomastoid muscle
often inserted in a tube or vessel which has been !klad$m'std !m.s()l/ noun a muscle in
|
sutured the neck, running from the breastbone to the mas-

sterco- /st-%k/ prefix referring to faeces toid process
sterco-
stercobilin /!st-%k$baln/ noun a brown pig- sternocostal joint /!st-%n$kst()l

stercobilin sternocostal joint
| |
ment which colours the faeces !d+nt/ noun a joint where the breastbone joins
stercolith /$st-%kl/ noun a hard ball of dried
stercolith
a rib
faeces in the bowel sternohyoid /!st-%n$had/ adjective relat-
sternohyoid
stereognosis /!steri1$nss/ noun the abil-

stereognosis
|
ing to the sternum and the hyoid bone
ity to tell the shape of an object in three dimen- sternohyoid muscle /!st-%n$had
sternohyoid muscle
sions by means of touch !m.s()l/ noun a muscle in the neck which runs
stereoscopic vision /!steriskpk $v+()n/ from the breastbone into the hyoid bone
stereoscopic vision
noun the ability to judge the distance and depth of sternomastoid /!st-%n$m'std/ adjective
sternomastoid
an object by binocular vision referring to the breastbone and the mastoid

stereotactic /!steri$t'ktk/ adjective refer-
stereotactic
sternomastoid tumour /!st-%n!m'std

sternomastoid tumour
|
|
ring to procedures which use coordinates put into $tju%m/ noun a benign tumour which appears in
a computer or scanner in order to locate and oper- the sternomastoid muscle in newborn babies
ate upon tumours precisely. Examples are biop-
sternotomy /st-%$ntmi/ noun a surgical
sternotomy
sies, surgery or radiation therapy. |
operation to cut through the breastbone, so as to

stereotaxy /!steri$t'ksi/, stereotaxic sur-
stereotaxy
|
be able to operate on the heart
gery /!sterit'ksk $s-%d+ri/ noun a surgical
sternum /$st-%nm/ noun same as breastbone
sternum
procedure to identify a point in the interior of the

steroid /$strd/ noun any of several chemical
steroid
brain, before an operation can begin, to locate

exactly the area to be operated on compounds, including the sex hormones, which
Sterets /$sterts/ a trademark for a type of swab
Sterets
have characteristic ring systems and which affect
used for cleaning the skin before an injection the body and its functions
stertor /$st-%t/ noun noisy breathing sounds in
stertor
sterile /$steral/ adjective 1. with no harmful

sterile
microorganisms present ! a sterile environment someone unconscious

2. not able to produce children stertorous /$st-%t()rs/ adjective character-
stertorous
sterile dressing /!steral $dres/ noun a

sterile dressing
ised by heavy snoring
dressing which is sold in a sterile pack, ready for steth- /ste/, stetho- /ste/ prefix referring to
steth-
use the chest

sterilisation /!sterla$ze()n/, sterilization
sterilisation
stethoscope /$steskp/ noun a surgical

stethoscope
|
noun 1. the action of making instruments or areas instrument with two earpieces connected to a tube
completely free from microorganisms which and a metal disc, used by doctors to listen to
might cause infection 2. a procedure that makes sounds made inside the body, e.g. the sounds of
someone unable to have children the heart or lungs
sterilise /$sterlaz/, sterilize verb 1. to make
sterilise
Stevens-Johnson syndrome /!sti%vnz

Stevens-Johnson syndrome
something completely free from microorganisms $d+nsn !sndrm/ noun a severe form of ery-
which might cause infection 2. to make someone thema multiforme affecting the face and genitals,
unable to have children caused by an allergic reaction to drugs [Described
sterilising /$sterlaz/ adjective able to kill
sterilising
1922. After Albert Mason Stevens (18841945);

microorganisms ! Wipe the surface with sterilis- Frank Chambliss Johnson (18941934), physi-
ing fluid. cians in New York, USA.]
sthenia 292
sthenia /$si%ni/ noun a condition of great being swallowed and where the process of diges-
sthenia
strength or vitality tion continues ! She complained of pains in the

STI abbreviation sexually transmitted infection
STI
stomach or of stomach pains. ! He has had stom-
ach trouble for some time. See illustration at
sticking plaster /$stk !pl%st/ noun an
sticking plaster
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement 2. the abdo-

adhesive plaster or tape used to cover a small
men (informal) ! He had been kicked in the stom-
wound or to attach a pad of dressing to the skin
ach. (NOTE: For other terms referring to the
stiff neck /!stf $nek/ noun a condition in which
stiff neck
stomach, see words beginning with gastr-,

moving the neck is painful, usually caused by a gastro-.)
strained muscle or by sitting in a cold wind
stomach ache /$st.mk ek/ noun pain in the
stomach ache
stigma /$st1m/ noun a visible symptom which

stigma
abdomen or stomach, caused by eating too much

shows that someone has a particular disease food or by an infection
(NOTE: The plural is stigmas or stigmata.)
stomach cramp /$st.mk kr'mp/ noun a
stomach cramp
stilet /sta$let/ noun 1. a fine wire used as a

stilet
|
sharp spasm of the stomach muscles
probe in surgery 2. a wire inserted in a catheter to
stomach hernia /$st.mk !h-%ni/ noun same
stomach hernia
give it rigidity
as gastrocele
stillbirth /$stlb-%/ noun the birth of a dead
stillbirth
stomach pump /$st.mk p.mp/ noun an

stomach pump
fetus, more than 28 weeks after conception

(informal)
instrument for sucking out the contents of the
stomach, e.g. to extract a poison that has been
Stills disease /$stlz d!zi%z/ noun arthritis
Stills disease
|
swallowed
affecting children, similar to rheumatoid arthritis
stomach upset /$st.mk !.pset/ noun a
stomach upset
in adults [Described 1896. After Sir George Fre-

deric Still (18681941), British paediatrician and
slight infection of the stomach ! She is in bed
physician to the king.]
with a stomach upset. Also called upset stom-
ach
stimulant /$stmjlnt/ noun a substance
stimulant
stomach washout /!st.mk $wat/ noun

stomach washout
which makes part of the body function faster !

Caffeine is a stimulant. " adjective increasing same as gastric lavage
stomal /$stm()l/ adjective referring to a
stomal
body function
stimulate /$stmjlet/ verb to make a person
stimulate
stoma
stomat- /stmt/ prefix same as stomato-
stomat-
or organ react, respond or function ! The therapy

should stimulate the patient into attempting to (used before vowels)
walk unaided. ! The drug stimulates the heart. stomatitis /!stm$tats/ noun inflammation
stomatitis
stimulus /$stmjls/ noun something which

stimulus
of the inside of the mouth
stomato- /stmt/ prefix referring to the
stomato-
has an effect on a person or a part of the body and

makes them react (NOTE: The plural is stimuli.) mouth
stinging /$st/ adjective referring to a sharp stomatology /!stm$tld+i/ noun a branch
stinging stomatology
unpleasant feeling of pricking or burning ! a sud- of medicine which studies diseases of the mouth
den stinging sensation in the back of her leg -stomy /stmi/ suffix meaning an operation to
-stomy
stirrup /$strp/ noun same as stapes make an opening

stirrup
stitch /stt/ noun 1. same as suture noun 2 ! stone /stn/ noun 1. same as calculus
stitch stone
He had three stitches in his head. ! The doctor (informal) (NOTE: For other terms referring to
told her to come back in ten days time to have the stones, see words beginning with lith-, litho-, or
stitches taken out. 2. pain caused by cramp in the ending with -lith.) 2. a measure of weight equal to
side of the body after running ! He had to stop 14 pounds or 6.35 kilograms ! He tried to lose
running because he developed a stitch. " verb weight and lost three stone. ! She weighs eight
same as suture ! They tried to stitch back the fin- stone ten (i.e. 8 stone 10 pounds).
ger which had been cut off in an accident. stool /stu%l/ noun 1. an act of emptying the bow-
stool
stitch abscess /$stt !'bses/ noun an els 2. a piece of solid waste matter which is
stitch abscess
abscess which forms at the site of a stitch or passed out of the bowels ! an abnormal stool !
suture loose stools ! a stool test (NOTE: Often used in
StokesAdams
StokesAdams syndrome
syndrome /!stks the plural.) " verb to pass a piece of solid matter
$'dmz !sndrm/ noun a loss of conscious- out of the bowels
ness due to the stopping of the action of the heart strabismal /str$bzm()l/ adjective with the
strabismal
because of asystole or fibrillation [After William eyes focusing on different points

Stokes (180478), Irish physician; Robert strabismus /str$bzms/ noun a condition in
strabismus
Adams (17911875), Irish surgeon.] which the eyes focus on different points. Also
stoma /$stm/ noun any opening into a cavity called squint, heterotropia
stoma
in the body (NOTE: The plural is stomata.) strabotomy /str$btmi/ noun a surgical
strabotomy
stomach /$st.mk/ noun 1. the part of the body operation to divide the muscles of the eye in order
stomach
shaped like a bag, into which food passes after to correct a squint
293 stroke
strain /stren/ noun 1. a condition in which a stress /stres/ noun 1. physical pressure on an
strain stress
muscle has been stretched or torn by a strong or object or part of the body 2. a factor or combina-
sudden movement 2. a group of microorganisms tion of factors in a persons life which make him
which are different from others of the same type or her feel tired and anxious 3. a condition in
! a new strain of influenza virus 3. nervous ten- which an outside influence such as overwork or a
sion and stress ! Her work is causing her a lot of mental or emotional state such as anxiety changes
strain. ! He is suffering from nervous strain and the working of the body and can affect the hor-
needs to relax. " verb to stretch a muscle too far mone balance
! He strained his back lifting the table. ! She stress disorder /$stres ds!%d/ noun a disor-
stress disorder
had to leave the game with a strained calf muscle. der caused by stress
! The effort of running upstairs strained his
stress fracture /$stres !fr'kt/ noun a frac-
stress fracture
heart.
ture of a bone caused by excessive force, as in
strangulated /$str'1jletd/ adjective
strangulated
some types of sport. Also called fatigue fracture

referring to part of the body which is caught in an stress incontinence /$stres n!kntnns/
stress incontinence
opening in such a way that the circulation of

|
noun a condition in women in which the muscles

blood is stopped in the floor of the pelvis become incapable of
strangulated hernia /!str'1jletd
strangulated hernia
retaining urine when the intra-abdominal pressure

$h-%ni/ noun a condition in which part of the is raised by coughing or laughing
intestine is squeezed in a hernia and the supply of stress reaction /$stres ri!'kn/ noun a
stress reaction
blood to it is cut off response to an outside stimulus which disturbs the

strangulation /!str'1j$le()n/ noun the
strangulation
| usual physiological balance of the body

act of squeezing a passage in the body stress-related illness /!stres r!letd $lns/
stress-related illness
strangury /$str'1jri/ noun a condition in

strangury
noun an illness which is due in part or completely

which very little urine is passed, although the per- to stress
son wants to urinate, caused by a bladder disorder stretch /stret/ verb to pull something out, or
stretch
or by a stone in the urethra make something longer

Strategic Health Authority /str!ti%d+k
Strategic Health Authority
stretch mark /$stret m%k/ noun a mark on

stretch mark
|
$hel %!rti/ noun in the UK, an organisation,

|
the skin of the abdomen of a pregnant woman or
accountable to government, that assesses the of a woman who has recently given birth. ! striae
health needs of local people and ensures that local gravidarum
health services are commissioned and provided to stretch reflex /$stret !ri%fleks/ noun a reflex
stretch reflex
meet those needs. Abbreviation SHA reaction of a muscle which contracts after being
stratified /$str'tfad/ adjective made of sev-
stratified
stretched
eral layers stria /$stra/ noun a pale line on skin which is
stria
stratified epithelium /!str'tfad ep

stratified epithelium
| stretched, as in obese people (NOTE: The plural is

$i%lim/ noun epithelium formed of several lay- striae.)
ers of cells striae gravidarum /!strai% !1r'v$derm/
striae gravidarum
strawberry mark /$str%b()ri m%k/ noun a

strawberry mark
plural noun the lines on the skin of the abdomen

red birthmark in children, which will often disap- of a pregnant woman or of a woman who has
pear in later life recently given birth
streak /stri%k/ noun a long thin line of a differ- striated /stra$etd/ adjective marked with
streak striated
ent colour pale lines

strepto- /strept/ prefix referring to organisms striated muscle /stra$etd !m.s()l/ noun a
strepto- striated muscle
which grow in chains type of muscle found in skeletal muscles whose

streptococcal /!strept$kk()l/ adjective
streptococcal
|
movements are controlled by the central nervous
caused by a streptococcus system. Also called striped muscle
stricture /$strkt/ noun the narrowing of a
stricture
streptococcus /!strept$kks/ noun a genus

streptococcus
passage in the body

|
of bacteria which grows in long chains, and

stricturoplasty /$strktr!pl'sti/ noun a
stricturoplasty
causes fevers such as scarlet fever, tonsillitis and |
rheumatic fever (NOTE: The plural is strepto- surgical operation in which a part of the intestine
cocci.) is widened
stridor /$strad%/, stridulus /$stradjls/
stridor
streptokinase /!strept$kanez/ noun an

streptokinase
enzyme formed by streptococci which can break noun a sharp high sound made when air passes an
down blood clots and is therefore used in the obstruction in the larynx. ! laryngismus
treatment of myocardial infarction striped muscle /$strapt !m.s()l/ noun same
striped muscle
streptolysin /strep$tlsn/ noun a toxin pro-

streptolysin
|
as striated muscle
duced by streptococci in rheumatic fever, which stroke /strk/ noun same as cerebrovascular
stroke
acts to destroy red blood cells accident ! He had a stroke and died. ! She was
stroke patient 294

paralysed after a stroke. " verb to touch some- styloid process /$stald !prses/ noun a
styloid process
thing or someone softly with the fingers piece of bone which projects from the bottom of
stroke patient /$strk !pe()nt/ noun a per-
stroke patient
the temporal bone
son who has had a stroke stylus /$stals/ noun a long thin instrument
stylus
stroke volume /$strk !vlju%m/ noun the

stroke volume
used for applying antiseptics or ointments to the
amount of blood pumped out of the ventricle at skin
styptic /$stptk/ noun a substance which stops
styptic
each heartbeat
stroma /$strm/ noun tissue which supports
stroma
bleeding " adjective used to stop bleeding
styptic pencil /!stptk $pens()l/ noun a stick
styptic pencil
an organ, as opposed to the parenchyma or func-

tioning tissues in the organ of alum, used to stop bleeding from small cuts
sub- /s.b/ prefix underneath or below
sub-
strontium /$strntim/ noun a metallic ele-

strontium
subacute /!s.b$kju%t/ adjective referring to a

subacute
ment (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Sr.) |
strontium-90 /!strntim $nanti/ noun an

strontium-90
condition which is not acute but may become
isotope of strontium which is formed in nuclear chronic
subacute bacterial endocarditis
subacute bacterial endocarditis
reactions and, because it is part of the fallout of

nuclear explosions, can enter the food chain, /!s.bkju%t b'k!tiril !endk%$dats/, | | |
attacking in particular the bones of humans and subacute infective endocarditis /!s.bkju%t
animals n!fektv !endk%$dats/ noun an infection
| |
of the membrane covering the inner surfaces of

strychnine /$strkni%n/ noun a poisonous alka-
strychnine
the heart caused by bacteria

loid drug, made from the seeds of a tropical tree,
subacute combined degeneration of the
subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord
and formerly used in small doses as a tonic

spinal cord /!s.bkju%t km!band d
Stryker frame /$strak frem/ noun a special
Stryker frame | |
!d+enre()n v $span()l k%d/ noun a

piece of equipment on which a patient can easily condition, caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency, in
be rotated by a nurse, used for patients with spinal which the sensory and motor nerves in the spinal
injuries cord become damaged and the person has diffi-
ST segment /!es $ti% !se1mnt/, S-T segment
ST segment
culty in moving
noun the part of an electrocardiogram, between subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
the points labelled S and T, immediately before /s.b!kju%t skl!rs !p'nenkef$lats/

| | |
the last phase of the cardiac cycle. ! PQRST noun a rare inflammatory disease of the brain,
complex mostly affecting children. It is linked to having
study /$st.di/ noun the act of examining some- measles at a very young age, and is usually fatal.
study
thing to learn about it ! Shes making a study of subarachnoid /!s.b$r'knd/ adjective

subarachnoid
diseases of small children. ! They have finished beneath the arachnoid membrane
their study of the effects of the drug on pregnant subarachnoid haemorrhage
subarachnoid haemorrhage
/!s.b |
women. " verb to examine something to learn !r'knd $hem()rd+/ noun bleeding into the
about it ! Hes studying pharmacy. ! Doctors cerebrospinal fluid of the subarachnoid space
are studying the results of the screening pro-
subarachnoid space /!s.b!r'knd $spes/
subarachnoid space
gramme.
|
noun a space between the arachnoid membrane

stupe /stju%p/ noun a wet medicated dressing
stupe
and the pia mater in the brain, containing cerebro-

used as a compress spinal fluid
stupor /$stju%p/ noun a state of being semi-
stupor
subclavian /s.b$klevin/ adjective under-

subclavian
conscious ! After the party several people were neath the clavicle
found lying on the floor in a stupor. subclavian artery /s.b!klevin $%tri/
subclavian artery
Sturge-Weber syndrome /!st-%d+ $web noun one of two arteries branching from the aorta
Sturge-Weber syndrome
!sndrm/ noun a dark red mark on the skin on the left and from the innominate artery on the
above the eye, together with similar marks inside right, continuing into the brachial arteries and
the brain, possibly causing epileptic fits supplying blood to each arm
subclavian vein /s.b!klevin $ven/ noun
subclavian vein
stuttering /$st.tr/ noun same as stammer-

stuttering
ing one of the veins which continue the axillary veins

stye /sta/ noun same as hordeolum
stye
into the brachiocephalic vein
subclinical /s.b$klnk()l/ adjective referring
subclinical
stylet /$stalt/ noun 1. a very thin piece of wire

stylet |
to a disease which is present in the body, but

which is put into a catheter or hollow needle so which has not yet developed any symptoms
that it will not become blocked when it is not
subconscious /s.b$kns/ noun the part of a
subconscious
being used 2. any long thin pointed instrument |
persons mental processes which he or she is not

stylo- /stal/ prefix referring to the styloid
stylo-
aware of most of the time, but which can affect his

process or her actions " adjective present in the mind
styloid /$stald/ adjective pointed
styloid
although a person is not aware of it

295 sudden
subcostal plane /s.b!kst()l $plen/ noun submucous resection /s.b!mju%ks r

subcostal plane submucous resection
| | |
an imaginary horizontal line drawn across the $sekn/ noun the removal of a bent cartilage
front of the abdomen below the ribs from the septum in the nose. Abbreviation SMR
subcutaneous /!s.bkju%$tenis/ adjective subnormal /s.b$n%m()l/ adjective with a
subcutaneous subnormal
| |
under the skin. Abbreviation s.c. mind which has not developed fully (NOTE: This
subcutaneous injection /!s.bkju%!tenis
subcutaneous injection
|
term is regarded as offensive.)
subphrenic /s.b$frenk/ adjective under the
subphrenic
n$d+ekn/ noun same as hypodermic injec-

|
|
tion diaphragm
subphrenic abscess /s.b!frenk $'bses/
subphrenic abscess
subcutaneous oedema /!s.bkju%!tenis

subcutaneous oedema
|
| |
$di%m/ noun a fluid collecting under the skin, noun an abscess which forms between the dia-
usually at the ankles phragm and the liver
substance /$s.bstns/ noun a chemical mate-
substance
subcutaneous tissue /!s.bkju%!tenis

subcutaneous tissue
$tu%/ noun fatty tissue under the skin rial, e.g. a drug ! toxic substances released into
the bloodstream ! He became addicted to certain
subdural /s.b$djrl/ adjective between the
subdural
|
substances.
dura mater and the arachnoid
substance abuse /$s.bstns !bju%s/, sub-
substance abuse
subdural haematoma /s.b!djrl !hi%m

subdural haematoma |
| |
stance misuse /$s.bstns ms!ju%z/ noun the
$tm/ noun a haematoma between the dura
|
misuse or excessive use of drugs, alcohol or other

mater and the arachnoid which displaces the substances for pleasure or to satisfy addiction,
brain, caused by a blow on the head which often causes health, emotional or social
subglottis /s.b$1lts/ noun the lowest part of
subglottis
| problems for the user

the laryngeal cavity, below the vocal folds substitution /!s.bst$tju%()n/ noun the act
substitution
subinvolution /!s.bnv$lu%()n/ noun a con-

subinvolution
| of replacing one thing with another

dition in which a part of the body does not go back substitution therapy /!s.bst$tju%()n
substitution therapy
to its former size and shape after having swollen !erpi/ noun a way of treating a condition by
or stretched, as in the case of the uterus after using a different drug from the one used before
childbirth
substrate /$s.bstret/ noun a substance which
substrate
subjective /sb$d+ektv/ adjective represent-

subjective
|
is acted on by an enzyme
ing the views or feelings of the person concerned subsultus /s.b$s.lts/ noun a twitching of the
subsultus
and not impartial ! The psychiatrist gave a sub-

|
muscles and tendons, caused by fever

jective opinion on the patients problem. Com-
subtertian fever /s.b!t-%()n $fi%v/ noun a
subtertian fever
pare objective |
type of malaria, where the fever is present most of

sublimate /$s.blmet/ noun a deposit left
sublimate
the time
when a vapour condenses " verb to convert vio-
subtotal gastrectomy /!s.btt()l 1'
subtotal gastrectomy
lent emotion into action which is not antisocial |
$strektmi/ noun the surgical removal of all but

sublimation /!s.bl$me()n/ noun a psycho-
sublimation
|
the top part of the stomach in contact with the dia-
logical process in which violent emotions which phragm
would otherwise be expressed in antisocial
subtotal hysterectomy /!s.btt()l !hst
subtotal hysterectomy
behaviour are directed into actions which are

|
$rektmi/ noun the surgical removal of the

socially acceptable
uterus, but not the cervix
subliminal /s.b$lmn()l/ adjective too slight
subliminal
subtotal pancreatectomy /!s.btt()l

subtotal pancreatectomy
|
to be noticed by the senses !p'kri$tektmi/ noun the surgical removal of

|
sublingual /s.b$l1wl/ adjective under the

sublingual
|
most of the pancreas
tongue subungual /s.b$.1wl/ adjective under a nail
subungual
sublingual gland /s.b$l1wl 1l'nd/ noun

sublingual gland
succus /$s.ks/ noun juice secreted by an organ

succus
|
a salivary gland under the tongue

succus entericus /!s.ks en$terks/ noun
succus entericus
subluxation /!s.bl.k$se()n/ noun a condi-

subluxation
|
juice formed of enzymes, produced in the intes-
tion in which a joint is partially dislocated tine to help the digestive process
submandibular gland /!s.bm'n$dbjl
submandibular gland
succussion /s$k.()n/ noun a splashing

succussion
|
|
!1l'nd/, submaxillary gland /s.b$m'kslri |

sound made when there is a large amount of liquid
!1l'nd/ noun a salivary gland on each side of the inside a cavity in the body, e.g. the stomach
lower jaw sucrose /$su%krs/ noun a sugar, formed of
sucrose
submental /s.b$ment()l/ adjective under the

submental
| glucose and fructose, found in plants, especially

chin in sugar cane, beet and maple syrup
submucosa /!s.bmju%$ks/ noun tissue suction /$s.kn/ noun a force created by the
submucosa suction
under a mucous membrane action of sucking ! The dentist hooked a suction

submucous /s.b$mju%ks/ adjective under a
submucous
|
tube into the patients mouth.
mucous membrane sudden /$s.d()n/ adjective happening quickly
sudden
sudden death 296
sudden death /!s.d()n $de/ noun death sulfonylurea /!s.lfnalj$ri%/ noun any of a
sudden death sulfonylurea
without any identifiable cause, not preceded by an group of drugs which lower blood sugar, used in
illness the treatment of diabetes
sudden infant death syndrome /!s.d()n sulfur /$s.lf/ noun another spelling of sulphur
sudden infant death syndrome sulfur
!nfnt $de !sndrm/ noun the sudden death sulphur /$s.lf/ noun a yellow non-metallic
sulphur
of a baby under the age of about twelve months in chemical element which is contained in some
bed, without any identifiable cause. Abbreviation amino acids and is used in creams to treat some
SIDS. Also called cot death skin disorders (NOTE: The chemical symbol is S.)
sudor /$su%d%/ noun sweat
sudor
sulphuric acid /s.l!fjrk $'sd/ noun a

sulphuric acid
sudorific /!su%d$rfk/ noun a drug which

sudorific
| strong colourless oily corrosive acid which has

makes someone sweat many uses
suffer /$s.f/ verb 1. to have an illness for a long sumatriptan /!su%m$trpt'n/ noun a drug
suffer sumatriptan
period of time ! I suffer from headaches. 2. to which helps to narrow the blood vessels, used in
feel pain ! I didnt suffer much. 3. to receive an the treatment of acute migraine
injury ! He suffered multiple injuries in the acci- sun blindness /$s.n !blandns/ noun same
sun blindness
dent. as photoretinitis
suffering /$s.f()r/ noun the experiencing of
suffering
sunburn /$s.nb-%n/ noun damage to the skin by

sunburn
pain over a long period of time excessive exposure to sunlight

suffocation /!s.f$ke()n/ noun the act of
suffocation
sunstroke /$s.nstrk/ noun a serious condi-

sunstroke
|
making someone become unconscious by cutting tion caused by excessive exposure to the sun or to
off his or her supply of air hot conditions, in which the person becomes
suffusion /s$fju%+()n/ noun the spreading of
suffusion
|
dizzy and has a high body temperature but does
a red flush over the skin not perspire
sugar /$1/ noun any of several sweet carbo-
sugar
super- /su%p/ prefix 1. above 2. extremely

super-
hydrates (NOTE: For other terms referring to superciliary /!su%p$sliri/ adjective referring
superciliary
sugar, see words beginning with glyc-, glyco-.)

|
to the eyebrows
sugar intolerance /$1r n!tlrns/ noun
sugar intolerance
superego /!su%pr$i%1/ noun (in psychology)

superego
|
diarrhoea caused by sugar which has not been

|
the part of the mind which is a persons con-

absorbed science, which is concerned with right and wrong
suggestibility /s!d+est$blti/ noun a mental
suggestibility
superfecundation /!su%pfi%kn$de()n/
superfecundation
| |
state in which somebody just accepts other peo-

|
noun a condition in which two or more ova pro-

ples ideas, attitudes or instructions, without duced at the same time are fertilised by different
questioning them. It is usually increased under males
hypnosis.
superfetation /!su%pfi%$te()n/ noun a con-
superfetation
suggestible /s$d+estb()l/ adjective easily

suggestible |
|
dition in which an ovum is fertilised in a woman
influenced by other people who is already pregnant
suggestion /s$d+estn/ noun 1. an idea
suggestion
superficial /!su%p$f()l/ adjective on the sur-

superficial
|
which has been mentioned ! The doctor didnt

|
face, close to the surface or on the skin

agree with the suggestion that the disease had
superficial thickness burn /!su%pf()l
superficial thickness burn
been caught in the hospital. 2. (in psychiatry) the

process of making a persons ideas change, by $kns !b-%n/ noun same as partial thickness
suggesting different ideas which the person can burn
superinfection /$su%prn!fekn/ noun a
superinfection
accept, such as that he or she is in fact cured |
suicide /$su%sad/ noun the act of killing one-

suicide
second infection which affects the treatment of
self the first infection, because it is resistant to the
drug used to treat the first
sulcus /$s.lks/ noun a groove or fold, espe-
sulcus
superior /s$pri/ adjective (of part of the

superior
cially between the gyri in the brain |
body) higher up than another part

sulfa drug /$s.lf dr.1/, sulfa compound
sulfa drug
superior aspect /s!pri $'spekt/ noun a

superior aspect
/$s.lf !kmpand/ noun same as sulfonamide |
sulfasalazine /!s.lf$s'lzi%n/ noun a drug

sulfasalazine
|
view of the body from above
superiority complex /s!pri$rti
superiority complex
belonging to the sulfonamide group of antibacte- | |
rial drugs. It is used in the treatment of ulcerative !kmpleks/ noun a condition in which a person
colitis and Crohns disease, and also of severe feels he or she is better and more important than
rheumatoid arthritis. others and pays little attention to them
superior mesenteric artery /s!pri
superior mesenteric artery
sulfonamide /s.l$fnmad/ noun a bacterio-

sulfonamide
|
|
static drug, e.g. trimethoprim, used to treat bacte- mes(e)n!terk $%tri/ noun one of the arteries
|
rial infection, especially in the intestine and uri- which supply the small intestine
nary system, but now less important due to superior vena cava /s!pri !vi%n $kev/
superior vena cava
increasing bacterial resistance noun a branch of the large vein into the heart, car-
297 surgical
rying blood from the head and the top part of the suppression /s$pre()n/ noun the act of sup-
suppression
body. See illustration at HEART in Supplement pressing something ! the suppression of allergic
supernumerary /!su%p$nju%mrri/ adjec- responses ! the suppression of a hormone
supernumerary
tive extra, more than the usual number suppressor T-cell /s!pres $ti% !sel/ noun a
suppressor T-cell
superovulation /!su%pr!vj$le()n/ noun

superovulation
| |
T-cell which stops or reduces the immune
an increased frequency of ovulation, or produc- response to an antigen of B-cells and other T-cells
tion of a large number of ova at one time. It is suppuration /!s.pj$re()n/ noun the for-
suppuration
often caused by giving a woman with infertility mation and discharge of pus
problems gonadotrophin hormones to stimulate supra- /su%pr/ prefix above or over
supra-
ovulation.
supraglottis /!su%pr$1lts/ noun the part of
supraglottis
supination /!su%p$ne()n/ noun the act of

supination
|
the larynx above the vocal folds, including the
turning the hand so that the palm faces upwards. epiglottis
Opposite pronation. See illustration at ANATOMI-
supraorbital /!su%pr$%bt()l/ adjective
supraorbital
CAL TERMSin Supplement |
above the orbit of the eye

supinator /$su%pnet/ noun a muscle which
supinator
supraorbital ridge /!su%pr!%bt()l $rd+/

supraorbital ridge
turns the hand so that the palm faces upwards

|
noun the ridge of bone above the eye, covered by

supine /$su%pan/ adjective lying on the back.
supine
the eyebrow
Opposite prone
suprapubic /!su%pr$pju%bk/ adjective above
suprapubic
supplement /$s.plmnt/ noun 1. any extra

supplement
the pubic bone or pubic area

nutrients that are taken to help a specific condi- suprarenal /!su%pr$ri%n()l/ adjective above
suprarenal
tion when someone is not getting all they need

|
the kidneys " noun same as suprarenal gland

from their food ! vitamin and folic acid supple-
suprarenal gland /!su%pr$ri%n()l 1l'nd/,
suprarenal gland
ments 2. a pill or product regarded as helpful in |
improving health that can be bought without a suprarenal /!su%pr$ri%n()l/ noun one of two
|
prescription. Supplements are not tested in the endocrine glands at the top of the kidneys, which
same way as prescription drugs. ! dietary or food secrete adrenaline and other hormones
suprarenal medulla /!su%prri%n()l me
suprarenal medulla
supplements " verb to add on or increase above |
what is taken usually ! She supplemented her $d.l/ noun same as adrenal medulla
diet with folic acid when she was planning a preg- suprasternal /!su%pr$st-%n()l/ adjective
suprasternal
nancy. above the sternum

supplementary prescriber /!s.pl
supplementary prescriber
supraventricular tachycardia /!s.bven

supraventricular tachycardia
|
|
$ment()ri pr!skrab/ noun a healthcare pro-

|
!trkjl !t'ki$k%di/ noun tachycardia coming
|
fessional who, in agreement with a patients doc- from the upper chambers of the heart
tor, implements an agreed course of treatment surfactant /s-%$f'ktnt/ noun a substance in
surfactant
support hose /s$p%t hz/ plural noun

support hose
|
the alveoli of the lungs which keeps the surfaces
stockings that fit tightly to the legs, worn to help of the lungs wet and prevents lung collapse
the flow of blood surgeon /$s-%d+n/ noun a doctor who special-
surgeon
supportive /s$p%tv/ adjective helping or

supportive
| ises in surgery (NOTE: Although surgeons are

comforting someone in trouble ! Her family was doctors, in the UK they are traditionally called
very supportive when she was in hospital. ! The Mr and not Dr, so Dr Smith may be a GP, but
local health authority has been very supportive of Mr Smith is a surgeon.)
the hospital management. surgeon general /!s-%d+n $d+en()rl/ noun
surgeon general
support worker /s$p%t !w-%k/ noun some-

support worker
| US a government official responsible for all

one who assists registered health service profes- aspects of public health
sionals as part of a team, e.g. as a nursing auxil- surgery /$s-%d+ri/ noun 1. the treatment of dis-
surgery
iary or assistant, or in specialist areas such as eases or disorders by procedures which require an
mental health, speech therapy or physiotherapy operation to cut into, to remove or to manipulate
suppository /s$pzt()ri/ noun a piece of a
suppository
| tissue, organs or parts ! The patient will need

soluble material such as glycerine jelly contain- plastic surgery to remove the scars he received in
ing a drug, which is placed in the rectum to act as the accident. ! The surgical ward is for patients
lubricant, or in the vagina, to treat disorders such waiting for surgery. ! Two of our patients had to
as vaginitis, and is dissolved by the bodys fluids have surgery. ! She will have to undergo surgery.
suppress /s$pres/ verb to reduce the action of
suppress
|
2. a room where a doctor or dentist sees and
something completely, e.g. to remove a symptom examines patients ! There are ten patients wait-
or to stop the release of a hormone ! a course of ing in the surgery. ! Surgery hours are from 8.30
treatment which suppresses the painful irritation in the morning to 6.00 at night.
! The drug suppresses the bodys natural instinct surgical /$s-%d+k()l/ adjective referring to
surgical
to reject the transplanted tissue. ! The release of surgery ! All surgical instruments must be steri-
adrenaline from the adrenal cortex is suppressed. lised.
surgical diathermy 298
surgical diathermy /!s-%d+k()l !da wound, to apply ointment or to take a specimen 2.

surgical diathermy
$-%mi/ noun a procedure which uses a knife or a specimen taken with a swab ! a cervical swab
electrode which is heated by a strong electric cur- swallowing /$swl/ noun same as degluti-
swallowing
rent until it coagulates tissue tion

surgical fixation /!s-%d+k()l fk$se()n/ Swan-Ganz catheter /!swn $1'ntz
surgical fixation Swan-Ganz catheter
noun a method of immobilising something such !k'it/ noun a special catheter which can be
as a bone either externally by the use of a splint or floated through the right chamber of the heart into
internally by a metal plate and screws the pulmonary artery. The balloon at its tip is then
surgical gloves /$s-%d+k()l 1l.vz/ plural inflated to measure arterial pressure.
surgical gloves
noun thin plastic gloves worn by surgeons sweat /swet/ noun a salty liquid produced by the
sweat
surgical intervention /!s-%d+k()l !nt

surgical intervention
|
sweat glands to cool the body as the liquid evapo-
$venn/ noun the treatment of disease or other rates from the skin ! Sweat was running off the
condition by surgery end of his nose. ! Her hands were covered with
surgical neck /!s-%d+k()l $nek/ noun the
surgical neck
sweat. Also called perspiration " verb to pro-
narrow part at the top of the humerus, where the duce moisture through the sweat glands and onto
arm can easily be broken the skin ! After working in the fields she was
sweating.
surgical ward /$s-%d+k()l w%d/ noun a ward
surgical ward
sweat duct /$swet d.kt/ noun a thin tube con-

sweat duct
for patients who have undergone surgery

necting the sweat gland with the surface of the
surgical wound /$s-%d+k()l wu%nd/ noun an
surgical wound
skin
incision made during a surgical operation
sweat gland /$swet 1l'nd/ noun a gland
sweat gland
surrogate /$s.r1t/ adjective taking the place

surrogate
which produces sweat, situated beneath the der-

of " noun someone or something that takes the mis and connected to the skin surface by a sweat
place of another person or thing duct
surrogate mother a woman who has a child by
surrogate mother
sweat pore /$swet p%/ noun a hole in the skin

sweat pore
artificial insemination for a woman who cannot through which the sweat comes out
become pregnant, with the intention of handing
swell /swel/ verb to become larger, or cause
swell
the child over to her when it is born

something to become larger ! The disease affects
susceptibility /s!sept$blti/ noun lack of
susceptibility
| |
the lymph glands, making them swell. ! The doc-
resistance to a disease tor noticed that the patient had swollen glands in
suspension /s$spenn/ noun a liquid with
suspension
| his neck. ! She finds her swollen ankles painful.

solid particles in it (NOTE: swelling swelled swollen)
suspensory /s$spensri/ adjective hanging swelling /$swel/ noun a condition in which
suspensory swelling
down fluid accumulates in tissue, making the tissue

suspensory
suspensory bandage
bandage /s!spensri |
become large ! They applied a cold compress to
$b'ndd+/ noun a bandage to hold a part of the try to reduce the swelling.
body which hangs sycosis /sa$kss/ noun a bacterial infection
sycosis
suspensory
suspensory ligament
ligament /s!spensri |
of hair follicles
$l1mnt/ noun a ligament which holds a part of sycosis barbae /sa!kss $b%bi/ noun an
sycosis barbae
the body in position. See illustration at EYE in infection of hair follicles on the sides of the face
Supplement and chin. Also called barbers itch, barbers
sustentacular /!s.stn$t'kjl/ adjective rash
sustentacular
referring to a sustentaculum Sydenhams chorea /!sdnmz k$ri%/

Sydenhams chorea
sustentaculum /!s.stn$t'kjlm/ noun a

sustentaculum
|
noun temporary chorea affecting children, fre-
part of the body which supports another part quently associated with endocarditis and rheuma-
suture /$su%t/ noun 1. a fixed joint where two
suture
tism [Described 1686. After Thomas Sydenham
bones are fused together, especially the bones in (162489), English physician.]
symbiosis /!smba$ss/ noun a condition in
symbiosis
the skull 2. a procedure for attaching the sides of |
an incision or wound with thread, so that healing which two organisms exist together and help each
can take place. Also called stitch 3. a thread used other to survive
for attaching the sides of a wound so that they can symblepharon /sm$blefrn/ noun a condi-
symblepharon
heal " verb to attach the sides of a wound or inci- tion in which the eyelid sticks to the eyeball
sion together with thread so that healing can take symbol /$smbl/ noun a sign or letter which
symbol
place. Also called stitch means something

suxamethonium /!s.ksm$nim/ noun a
suxamethonium
Symes amputation /!samz 'mpj

Symes amputation
|
|
drug similar to acetylcholine in structure, used as $te()n/ noun a surgical operation to amputate
a muscle relaxant during surgery the foot above the ankle [Described 1842. After
swab /swb/ noun 1. a cotton wool pad, often
swab
James Syme (17991870), Edinburgh surgeon

attached to a small stick, used, e.g., to clean a and teacher; one of the first to adopt antisepsis
299 synostosed
(Joseph Lister was his son-in-law), and also symptomatology /!smptm$tld+i/ noun
symptomatology
among the early users of anaesthesia.] a branch of medicine concerned with the study of
symmetry /$smtri/ noun the regularity of symptoms. Also called semeiology
symmetry
structure and distribution of parts of the body, syn- /sn/ prefix joint, or fused
syn-
each side of the body being structurally similar to synalgia /s$n'ld+/ noun a pain which is felt
synalgia
the other in one part of the body, but is caused by a condi-

sympathectomy /!smp$ektmi/ noun a
sympathectomy
|
tion in another part, e.g. pain in the groin which
surgical operation to cut part of the sympathetic can be a symptom of a kidney stone or pain in the
nervous system, as a treatment of high blood pres- right shoulder which can indicate gall bladder
sure infection. Also called referred pain
sympathetic /!smp$etk/ adjective 1. feel-
sympathetic
synapse /$san'ps/ noun a point in the nervous

synapse
|
ing or showing shared feelings, pity or compas- system where the axons of neurones are in contact
sion 2. relating to or belonging to the sympathetic with the dendrites of other neurones " verb to
nervous system, or to one of its parts link something with a neurone
sympathetic nervous system
sympathetic nervous system
synaptic /sn$'ptk/ adjective referring to a

synaptic
/!smpetk $n-%vs !sstm/, sympathetic synapse

system /!smpetk $sstm/ noun part of the synarthrosis /!sn%$rss/ noun a joint, e.g.
synarthrosis
autonomic nervous system, which leaves the spi- in the skull, where the bones have fused together
nal cord from the thoracic and lumbar regions to
synchondrosis /!snkn$drss/ noun a
synchondrosis
go to various important organs such as the heart, |
the lungs and the sweat glands, and which pre- joint, as in children, where the bones are linked by
pares the body for emergencies and vigorous cartilage, before the cartilage has changed to bone
synchysis /$skss/ noun a condition in
synchysis
muscular activity. ! parasympathetic nervous

system which the vitreous humour in the eye becomes
sympatholytic /!smp$ltk/ noun a drug
sympatholytic
|
soft
syncope /$skpi/ noun a condition in which
syncope
which stops the sympathetic nervous system

working someone becomes unconscious for a short time
sympathomimetic
sympathomimetic
/!smpm$metk/ because of reduced flow of blood to the brain.

Also called fainting fit
| |
adjective referring to a drug such as dopamine

syndactyly /sn$d'ktli/, syndactylism /sn
syndactyly
hydrochloride which stimulates the activity of the | |
sympathetic nervous system and is used in car- $d'ktlz()m/ noun a condition in which two
diac shock following myocardial infarction and in toes or fingers are joined together with tissue
cardiac surgery syndesm- /sndesm/, syndesmo-
syndesm-
sympathy /$smpi/ noun 1. the feeling or /sndesm/ prefix referring to ligaments

sympathy
expression of pity or sorrow for the pain or dis- syndesmology /!sndes$mld+i/ noun a
syndesmology
tress of somebody else 2. the relationship branch of medicine which studies joints
between people which causes one of them to pro- syndesmosis /!sndes$mss/ noun a joint
syndesmosis
voke a similar condition to their own in the other where the bones are tightly linked by ligaments
one. For example, when the first person yawns,
syndrome /$sndrm/ noun a group of symp-
syndrome
the second feels an urge to yawn too. 3. the influ-

toms and other changes in the bodys functions
ence produced on any part of the body by disease
which, when taken together, show that a particu-
or change in another part
lar disease is present
symphysis /$smfss/ noun the point where
symphysis
synechia /s$neki/ noun a condition in which

synechia
two bones are joined by cartilage which makes

|
the iris sticks to another part of the eye

the joint rigid
synergism /$snd+z()m/ noun a situation
synergism
symphysis pubis /!smfss $pju%bs/ noun

symphysis pubis
same as pubic symphysis where two or more things are acting together in
such a way that both are more effective. Also
symptom /$smptm/ noun a change in the way
symptom
called synergy
the body works or a change in the bodys appear-
synergist /$snd+st/ noun a muscle or drug
synergist
ance, which shows that a disease or disorder is

present and which the person is aware of ! The which acts with another and increases the effec-
symptoms of hay fever are a running nose and tiveness of both
synergy /$snd+i/ noun same as synergism
synergy
eyes. ! A doctor must study the symptoms before

making his diagnosis. ! The patient presented all syngeneic /!snd+$ni%k/ adjective referring
syngeneic
the symptoms of rheumatic fever. (NOTE: If a to individuals or tissues that have an identical or
symptom is noticed only by the doctor, it is a closely similar genetic make-up, especially one
sign.) that will allow the transplanting of tissue without
symptomatic /!smpt$m'tk/ adjective
symptomatic
|
provoking an immune response
being a symptom of something ! The rash is synostosed /$sn!stzd/ adjective (of
synostosed
symptomatic of measles. bones) fused together with new bone tissue

synostosis 300
synostosis /!sn$stss/ noun the fusing of syringe /s$rnd+/ noun a medical instrument
synostosis syringe
| |
two bones together by the formation of new bone made of a tube with a plunger which either slides
tissue down inside the tube, forcing the contents out
synovectomy /!sn$vektmi/ noun a surgi- through a needle as in an injection, or slides up
synovectomy
cal operation to remove the synovial membrane of the tube, allowing a liquid to be sucked into it "
a joint verb to wash out the ears using a syringe
synovia /sa$nvi/ noun same as synovial syringo- /sr1/ prefix referring to tubes,
synovia syringo-
fluid especially the central canal of the spinal cord

synovial /sa$nvil/ adjective referring to the
synovial
syringomyelia /s!r1ma$i%li/ noun a

syringomyelia
|
| |
synovium disease which forms cavities in the neck section

synovial fluid /sa!nvil $flu%d/ noun a of the spinal cord, affecting the nerves so that the
synovial fluid
fluid secreted by a synovial membrane to lubri- person loses the sense of touch and pain
cate a joint. See illustration at SYNOVIAL JOINT in syringomyelitis /s!r1ma$lats/ noun
syringomyelitis
Supplement
| | |
a swelling of the spinal cord, which results in the

synovial joint /sa!nvil $d+nt/ noun a
synovial joint
|
formation of cavities in it
joint where the two bones are separated by a space
syringomyelocele /s!r1$malsi%l/
syringomyelocele
filled with synovial fluid which nourishes and | |
noun a severe form of spina bifida where the spi-

lubricates the surfaces of the bones. Also called
nal cord pushes through a hole in the spine
diarthrosis
system /$sstm/ noun 1. the body as a whole !
system
synovial membrane /sa!nvil

synovial membrane
$membren/, synovium noun a smooth mem- Amputation of a limb gives a serious shock to the
brane which forms the inner lining of the capsule system. 2. the arrangement of particular parts of
covering a joint and secretes the fluid which lubri- the body so that they work together ! the lym-
cates the joint. See illustration at SYNOVIAL JOINT phatic system
in Supplement systemic /s$sti%mk/ adjective referring to or
systemic
synovitis /!san$vats/ noun inflammation of

synovitis
|
affecting the whole body ! Septicaemia is a sys-
the synovial membrane temic infection.
synthesis /$snss/ noun 1. the process of systemic circulation /s!sti%mk !s-%kj
synthesis systemic circulation
| |
combining different ideas or objects into a new $le()n/ noun the circulation of blood around
whole 2. a new unified whole resulting from the the whole body, except the lungs, starting with the
combination of different ideas or objects 3. the aorta and returning through the venae cavae
formation of compounds through chemical reac- systemic lupus erythematosus /s!sti%mk
systemic lupus erythematosus
tions involving simpler compounds or elements 4. !lu%ps !eri%m$tss/ noun one of several
|
in psychiatry, the fusing together of all the various collagen diseases which are forms of lupus, where
elements of the personality (NOTE: The plural is red patches form on the skin and spread through-
syntheses.) out the body. Abbreviation SLE
synthesise /$snsaz/, synthesize verb to
synthesise
systole /$sstli/ noun a phase in the beating of

systole
make a chemical compound from its separate

the heart when it contracts as it pumps blood out
components ! Essential amino acids cannot be
systolic /s$stlk/ adjective referring to the
systolic
synthesised. ! The body cannot synthesise essen- |
tial fatty acids and has to absorb them from food. systole
synthetic /sn$etk/ adjective made by systolic murmur /s!stlk $m-%m/ noun a
synthetic systolic murmur
| |
humans, made artificially sound produced during systole which indicates an

syphilis /$sfls/ noun a sexually transmitted
syphilis
unusual condition of a heart valve
disease caused by a spirochaete Treponema palli- systolic pressure /s!stlk $pre/ noun the
systolic pressure
dum high point of blood pressure which occurs during

syring- /srnd+/ prefix same as syringo- (used the systole. Systolic pressure is always higher
syring-
before vowels) than diastolic pressure.

T
TAB abbreviation typhoid-paratyphoid A and B talc /t'lk/ noun a soft white powder used to dust
TAB talc
! He was given a TAB injection. ! TAB injec- on irritated skin

tions give only temporary immunity against para- talipes /$t'lpi%z/ noun a foot with a shape that
talipes
typhoid. ! TAB vaccine does not allow usual walking, a congenital condi-
tabes /$tebi%z/ noun a condition in which some-
tabes
tion. Also called cleft foot, club foot

one is wasting away
talo- /tel/ prefix referring to the ankle bone
talo-
tabes dorsalis /!tebi%z d%$sels/ noun a dis-

tabes dorsalis
talus /$tels/ noun the top bone in the tarsus

talus
ease of the nervous system, caused by advanced

syphilis, in which the person loses the sense of which articulates with the tibia and fibula in the
feeling, control of the bladder and the ability to leg, and with the calcaneus in the heel. Also called
coordinate movements of the legs, and has severe anklebone. See illustration at FOOT in Supple-
pains. Also called locomotor ataxia ment (NOTE: The plural is tali.)
tamoxifen /t$mksfen/ noun a drug which
tamoxifen
tablet /$t'blt/ noun 1. a small flat round object

tablet
|
containing medicine that is taken by swallowing helps to prevent the actions of oestrogen, used
! a bottle of aspirin tablets ! Take two tablets especially in the treatment of breast cancer and
three times a day. 2. any tablet, pill or capsule some types of infertility
taken by swallowing (informal) tampon /$t'mpn/ noun 1. a wad of absorbent
tampon
taboparesis /!tebp$ri%ss/ noun the final material put into a wound to soak up blood during
taboparesis
stage of syphilis in which the person has locomo- an operation 2. a cylindrical plug of soft material
tor ataxia, general paralysis and mental deteriora- put into the vagina to absorb blood during men-
tion struation
TAB vaccine /!ti% ei% $bi% !v'ksi%n/ noun a vac- tamponade /!t'mp$ned/ noun the action of
TAB vaccine tamponade
cine which immunises against typhoid fever and putting a tampon into a wound
paratyphoid A and B
tan /t'n/ verb (of skin) to become brown in sun-
tan
tachy- /t'ki/ prefix fast

tachy-
light ! He tans easily. ! She is using a tanning

tachycardia /!t'ki$k%di/ noun a rapid beat- lotion.
tachycardia
ing of the heart tantalum /$t'ntlm/ noun a rare metal, used

tantalum
tachyphrasia /!t'ki$frezi/, tachyphasia

tachyphrasia
| to repair damaged bones (NOTE: The chemical

/!t'ki$fezi/ noun a particularly rapid way of
| symbol is Ta.)
speaking, as occurs with some people with mental tantalum mesh /$t'ntlm me/ noun a type
tantalum mesh
disorders of net made of tantalum wire, used to repair cra-

tachypnoea /!t'kp$ni%/ noun very fast
tachypnoea
|
nial conditions
breathing
tantrum /$t'ntrm/ noun a sudden episode of
tantrum
tacrolimus /!t'kr$li%ms/ noun a powerful

tacrolimus
|
bad behaviour, usually in a child, where the child
immunosuppressant drug used to reduce the risk throws things or lies on the floor and screams
of organ transplant rejection
tap /t'p/ noun a surgical procedure to drain off
tap
tactile /$t'ktal/ adjective able to be sensed by

tactile
body fluid with a hollow needle or a tube " verb

touch to remove or drain liquid from part of the body. !
taeniasis /ti%$nass/ noun infestation of the
taeniasis
|
spinal
intestines with tapeworms
tapeworm /$tepw-%m/ noun a parasitic worm
tapeworm
Tagamet /$t'1met/ a trade name for a prepa-

Tagamet
with a small head and long body like a ribbon.

ration of cimetidine Tapeworms enter the intestine when a person eats
tai chi /!ta $ti%/, tai chi noun an ancient Chi- raw meat or fish. The worms attach themselves
tai chi
nese system of exercises designed for health, self- with hooks to the side of the intestine and grow
defence and spiritual development longer by adding sections to their bodies.
tapotement 302
tapotement /t$ptmnt/ noun a type of buds are received by the taste cortex in the
tapotement
massage where the therapist taps the person with temporal lobe of the cerebral hemisphere.
his or her hands taxis /$t'kss/ noun the procedure of pushing or
taxis
tapping /$t'p/ noun same as paracentesis

tapping
massaging dislocated bones or hernias to make
tarry stool /!t%ri $stu%l/ noun dark and sticky
tarry stool
them return to their usual position
-taxis /t'kss/ suffix manipulation
-taxis
solid matter which is passed out of the bowels

taxonomy /t'k$snmi/ noun 1. the practice
taxonomy
tars- /t%s/ prefix same as tarso- (used before

tars-
|
vowels) or principles of classification generally ! Any

tarsal /$t%s()l/ adjective referring to the tarsus
tarsal
diagnostic task can be aided by a taxonomy of
" noun same as tarsal bone symptoms and a taxonomy of causes together with
connections between them. 2. the science of clas-
tarsal bone /$t%s()l bn/ noun one of seven
tarsal bone
sifying plants, animals and microorganisms into

small bones in the ankle, including the talus and increasingly broader categories based on shared
calcaneus. Also called tarsal features. Traditionally, organisms were grouped
tarsalgia /t%$s'ld+/ noun a pain in the ankle
tarsalgia
|
by physical resemblances, but recently other cri-
tarsal gland /$t%s()l 1l'nd/ noun same as teria such as genetic matching have also been
tarsal gland
meibomian gland used.

tarsectomy /t%$sektmi/ noun 1. a surgical Tay-Sachs disease /!te $s'ks d!zi%z/ noun
tarsectomy Tay-Sachs disease
| |
operation to remove one of the tarsal bones in the an inherited condition affecting the metabolism,
ankle 2. a surgical operation to remove the tarsus characterised by progressive paralysis of the legs,
of the eyelid blindness and learning disabilities [Described
tarsitis /t%$sats/ noun an inflammation of the
tarsitis
|
1881. After Warren Tay (18431927), British
edge of the eyelid ophthalmologist; Bernard Sachs (18581944),
tarso- /t%s/ prefix 1. relating to the ankle 2.
tarso-
US neurologist.]
TB abbreviation tuberculosis ! He is suffering
TB
relating to the edge of the eyelid

tarsorrhaphy /t%$srfi/ noun an operation to
tarsorrhaphy
from TB. ! She has been admitted to a TB sana-
torium.
|
join the two eyelids together to protect the eye

TBI abbreviation total body irradiation
TBI
after an operation
T-cell /$ti% sel/ noun same as T-lymphocyte
T-cell
tarsus /$t%ss/ noun 1. the seven small bones

tarsus
of the ankle. See illustration at FOOT in Supple- TCP /!ti% si% $pi%/ a trade name for various mild
TCP
ment 2. a connective tissue which supports an antiseptic liquids

eyelid (NOTE: The plural is tarsi.) t.d.s. /!ti% di% $es/, TDS adverb (written on pre-
t.d.s.
tartar /$t%t/ noun a hard deposit of calcium scriptions) three times a day. Full form ter in
tartar
which forms on teeth, and has to be removed by diem sumendus

scaling. Also called scale teaching hospital /$ti%t !hspt()l/ noun
teaching hospital
task allocation /$t%sk 'l!ke()n/ noun a a hospital attached to a medical school where stu-
task allocation
system in which patient care is divided into tasks dent doctors work and study as part of their train-
which are given to different nurses with specific ing
skills team nursing /$ti%m !n-%s/ noun a system in
team nursing
taste /test/ noun one of the five senses, where which the care of a group of patients is assigned
taste
food or substances in the mouth are noticed to a team of four or five health workers, led by a
through the tongue ! She doesnt like the taste of professional nurse who assigns them various
onions. ! He has a cold, so food seems to have tasks. They meet at the beginning and end of each
lost all taste or seems to have no taste. " verb to shift to exchange information.
notice the taste of something with the tongue ! I tear /t/ noun a drop of the salty fluid which
tear
have a cold so I cant taste anything ! You can forms in the lacrimal gland. The fluid keeps the
taste the salt in this butter. eyeball moist and clean and is produced in large
taste bud /$test b.d/ noun a tiny sensory quantities when a person cries. ! Tears ran down
taste bud
receptor in the vallate and fungiform papillae of her face. (NOTE: For other terms referring to
the tongue and in part of the back of the mouth tears, see words beginning with dacryo- or lac-
COMMENT: The taste buds can tell the differ- rimal.)
ence between salt, sour, bitter and sweet tear duct /$t d.kt/ noun same as lacrimal
tear duct
tastes. The buds on the tip of the tongue duct

identify salt and sweet tastes, those on the tear gland /$t 1l'nd/ noun same as lacrimal
tear gland
sides of the tongue identify sour, and those gland

at the back of the mouth the bitter tastes.
teat /ti%t/ noun a rubber nipple on the end of a
teat
Note that most of what we think of as taste is

in fact smell, and this is why when someone babys feeding bottle
TED abbreviation thrombo-embolic deterrent
TED
has a cold and a blocked nose, food seems

to lose its taste. The impulses from the taste stocking
303 tenesmus
teeth /ti%/ plural of tooth temporal arteritis /!temp()rl !%t$rats/

teeth temporal arteritis
Teflon /$tefln/ trademark a synthetic polymer

Teflon
noun a headache caused by inflammation of the
injected into the joints of the larynx to increase region over the temporal artery, usually occurring
movement and help hoarseness of voice in older people
temporal bone /$temprl bn/ noun one of
temporal bone
tegmen /$te1mn/ noun the covering for an

tegmen
organ (NOTE: The plural is tegmina.) the bones which form the sides and base of the
tegument /$te1jmnt/ noun a covering, espe-
tegument
cranium. See illustration at EAR in Supplement
temporalis /!temp$rels/, temporalis mus-
temporalis
cially the protective outer covering of an organ- |
ism cle /!temp$rels !m.s()l/ noun a flat muscle

|
tel- /tel/ prefix same as tele- (used before vow-

tel-
running down the side of the head from the tem-
els) poral bone to the coronoid process, which makes
tela /$ti%l/ noun a delicate part or tissue in the
tela
the jaw move up
temporal lobe /$temp()rl lb/ noun the
temporal lobe
body with a fine or intricate pattern like a web

telangiectasis
telangiectasis
/te!l'nd+i$ektss/,
| tel- |
lobe above the ear in each cerebral hemisphere
temporal lobe epilepsy /!temp()rl lb
temporal lobe epilepsy
angiectasia /te!l'nd+iek$tesi/ noun small

| |
dark red spots on the skin, formed by swollen cap- $eplepsi/ noun epilepsy due to a disorder of the
illaries temporal lobe and causing impaired memory, hal-
telangioma /te!l'nd+i$m/ noun a tumour
telangioma
| |
lucinations and automatism
temporo- /tempr/ prefix 1. referring to the
temporo-
or haematoma of the blood capillaries

tele- /teli/ prefix referring to distance
tele-
temple 2. referring to the temporal lobe
temporomandibular /!temprm'n
temporomandibular
teleceptor /$telsept/ noun a sensory receptor

teleceptor
| |
which receives sensations from a distance. These $dbjl/ adjective relating to the temporal bone
occur in the eyes, ears and nose. Also called tel- and the mandible
ereceptor temporomandibular joint /!temprm'n
temporomandibular joint
| |
telemedicine /$telimed()sn/ noun the provi- $dbjl !d+nt/ noun a joint between the jaw
telemedicine
sion of diagnosis and health care from a distance and the skull, in front of the ear
using media such as interactive computer pro- tenacious /t$nes/ adjective sticking or
tenacious
grams or off-site advisers clinging to something else, especially a surface

telencephalon /!telen$kefln/ noun same as
telencephalon
tenaculum /t$n'kjlm/ noun a surgical

tenaculum
|
|
cerebrum instrument shaped like a hook, used to pick up

telepathy /t$lepi/ noun the apparent com-
telepathy
| small pieces of tissue during an operation

munication directly from one persons mind to tender /$tend/ adjective referring to skin or a
tender
another persons, without the use of speech, writ- body part which is painful when touched ! The
ing or other signs or symbols bruise is still tender. ! Her shoulders are still ten-
teleradiology /!teliredi$ld+i/ noun the
teleradiology
|
der where she got sunburnt. ! A tender spot on
process of transmitting scans and other images the abdomen indicates that an organ is inflamed.
electronically so that they can be viewed by sur- tendinitis /!tend$nats/ noun an inflamma-
tendinitis
geons or other health care workers in different

|
tion of a tendon, especially after playing sport,

locations at the same time and often associated with tenosynovitis
telereceptor /$telir!sept/ noun same as tele-
telereceptor
tendinous /$tendns/ adjective referring to a

| tendinous
ceptor
tendon
telophase /$telfez/ noun the final stage of
telophase
tendon /$tendn/ noun a strip of connective tis-

tendon
mitosis, the stage in cell division after anaphase

sue which attaches a muscle to a bone. Also called
temazepam /t$m'zp'm/ noun a hypnotic
temazepam
|
sinew (NOTE: For other terms referring to a ten-
drug used in the short-term treatment of insomnia don, see words beginning with teno-.)
temperature /$temprt/ noun the heat of the
temperature
tendonitis /!tend$nats/ noun same as tend-

tendonitis
body or of the surrounding air, measured in

|
initis
degrees ! The doctor asked the nurse what the
tendon sheath /$tendn i%/ noun a tube of
tendon sheath
patients temperature was. ! His temperature

was slightly above normal. ! The thermometer membrane which covers and protects a tendon
showed a temperature of 99F. tendovaginitis /!tendv'd+$nats/ noun
tendovaginitis
temperature chart /$temprt t%t/ noun a

temperature chart
an inflammation of a tendon sheath, especially in
chart showing changes in a persons temperature the thumb
over a period of time tenens /$tennz/ " locum
tenens
temple /$templ/ noun the flat part of the side of

temple
tenesmus /t$nezms/ noun a condition in

tenesmus
the head between the top of the ear and the eye which someone feels the need to pass faeces, or
temporal /$temp()rl/ adjective referring to sometimes urine, but is unable to do so and expe-
temporal
the temple riences pain

tennis elbow 304
tennis elbow /!tens $elb/ noun an inflam- an embryo or fetus 2. relating to the production of
tennis elbow
mation of the tendons of the extensor muscles in physical disorders in an embryo or fetus
the hand which are attached to the bone near the teratology /!ter$tld+i/ noun the study of the
teratology
elbow. Also called lateral epicondylitis unhealthy development of embryos and fetuses
teno- /ten/ prefix referring to a tendon
teno-
teratoma /!ter$tm/ noun a tumour, espe-

teratoma
tenonitis /!ten$nats/ noun the inflamma- cially in an ovary or testis, which is formed of tis-
tenonitis
tion of a tendon sue not usually found in that part of the body
Tenons capsule /$ti%nns !k'psju%l/ noun a terbutaline /t-%$bju%tli%n/ noun a drug which
Tenons capsule terbutaline
tissue which lines the orbit of the eye [After relaxes muscles, used in the treatment of respira-
Jacques Ren Tenon (17241816), French sur- tory disorders and to control premature labour
geon.] teres /$tri%z/ noun one of two shoulder mus-
teres
tenoplasty /$tenpl'sti/ noun a surgical oper- cles running from the shoulder blade to the top of
tenoplasty
ation to repair a torn tendon the humerus. The larger of the two muscles, the
tenorrhaphy /te$nrfi/ noun a surgical opera-
tenorrhaphy
|
teres major, makes the arm turn towards the
tion to stitch pieces of a torn tendon together inside, and the smaller, the teres minor, makes it
turn towards the outside.
tenosynovitis /!ten!san$vats/ noun a
tenosynovitis
terfenadine /t-%$fendi%n/ noun an antihista-

| | terfenadine
painful inflammation of the tendon sheath and the |
tendon inside. Also called peritendinitis mine used in the treatment of hay fever and urti-
caria
tenotomy /t$ntmi/ noun a surgical opera-
tenotomy
terminal branch /$t-%mn()l br%nt/ noun

| terminal branch
tion to cut through a tendon

the end part of a neurone which is linked to a mus-
tenovaginitis /!ten!v'd+$nats/ noun
tenovaginitis
cle. See illustration at NEURONE in Supplement

| |
inflammation of the tendon sheath, especially in

terminal illness /!t-%mn()l $lns/ noun an
terminal illness
the thumb
illness from which someone will soon die
TENS /tens/ abbreviation a method of treating
TENS
terminally ill /!t-%mnli $l/ adjective very ill

terminally ill
pain by applying electrodes to the skin. Small

electric currents are passed through sensory and about to die ! She was admitted to a hospice
nerves and the spinal cord. This suppresses the for terminally ill patients or for the terminally ill.
-terol /terl/ suffix used in names of bronchodi-
-terol
transmission of pain signals. ! a TENS unit or

machine Full form transcutaneous electrical lators
nerve stimulation tertian /$t-%()n/ adjective referring to a fever
tertian
tension /$tenn/ noun 1. the act of stretching with symptoms which appear every other day "
tension
or the state of being stretched 2. an emotional noun a tertian fever or set of symptoms
strain or stress tertian fever /$t-%()n !fi%v/ noun a type of
tertian fever
tension headache /$tenn !hedek/ noun a malaria where the fever returns every two days. !
tension headache
headache all over the head, caused by worry and quartan fever
stress tertiary /$t-%ri/ adjective third, coming after
tertiary
tension pneumothorax /$tenn nju%m secondary and primary

tension pneumothorax
!%r'ks/ noun a condition of the pneumothorax tertiary bronchi /!t-%ri $brki%/ plural
tertiary bronchi
in which rupture of the pleura forms an opening noun " syphilis

like a valve, through which air is forced during tertiary care /!t-%ri $ke/, tertiary health
tertiary care
coughing but cannot escape care /!t-%ri $hel !ke/ noun highly specialised
tensor /$tens/ noun a muscle which makes a
tensor
treatment given in a health care centre, often

joint stretch out using very advanced technology. Compare pri-
tent /tent/ noun a small shelter put over and mary care, secondary care
tent
around someones bed so that gas or vapour can test /test/ noun a short examination to see if a
test
be passed inside sample is healthy or if part of the body is working

tera- /ter/ prefix 1012. Symbol T well ! He had an eye test this morning. ! Labo-
tera-
terat- /tert/, terato- /tert/ prefix congeni-

terat-
ratory tests showed that she was a meningitis car-
tally unusual rier. ! Tests are being carried out on swabs taken
teratogen /t$r'td+en/ noun a substance
teratogen
|
from the operating theatre.
testicle /$testk()l/ noun same as testis
testicle
which causes the usual development of an embryo

or fetus to be disrupted, e.g. the German measles testicular /te$stkjl/ adjective referring to
testicular
virus the testes ! Testicular cancer comprises only 1%

teratogenesis /!tert$d+enss/ noun an
teratogenesis
|
of all malignant neoplasms in the male.
unusual pattern of development in an embryo and testicular artery /te!stkjl $%tri/ noun
testicular artery
fetus same as spermatic artery

teratogenic /!tert$d+enk/ adjective 1. hav- testis /$tests/ noun one of two male sex glands
teratogenic testis
ing the tendency to produce physical disorders in in the scrotum. See illustration at UROGENITAL
305 therapeutic index

SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement. Also called tes- thalamo- /'lm/ prefix referring to the tha-
thalamo-
ticle (NOTE: The plural is testes. For other terms lamus

referring to the testes, see words beginning with
thalamus /$'lms/ noun one of two masses
thalamus
orchi-.)
of grey matter situated beneath the cerebrum
COMMENT: The testes produce both sperma- where impulses from the sensory neurones are
tozoa and the sex hormone, testosterone. transmitted to the cerebral cortex. See illustration
Spermatozoa are formed in the testes, and at BRAIN in Supplement (NOTE: The plural is tha-
passed into the epididymis to be stored. lami.)
From the epididymis they pass along the vas
thalassaemia /!'l'$si%mi/ noun a heredi-
thalassaemia
deferens through the prostate gland which |
secretes the seminal fluid, and are ejaculat- tary disorder of which there are several forms
ed through the penis. caused by an anomalies in the protein component
of the haemoglobin, leading to severe anaemia. It
test meal /$test mi%l/ noun a test to check the
test meal
is found especially in people from Mediterranean

secretion of gastric juices, no longer much used countries, the Middle East and East Asia. Also
testosterone /te$ststrn/ noun a male sex
testosterone
| called Cooleys anaemia

hormone, secreted by the Leydig cells in the tes- thalidomide /$ldmad/ noun a synthetic
thalidomide
tes, which causes physical changes, e.g. the devel-

|
drug given to pregnant women for morning sick-

opment of body hair and a deep voice, to take ness in the 1960s which caused babies to be born
place in males as they become sexually mature with stunted limbs. It is now used in the treatment
test tube /$test tju%b/ noun a small glass tube
test tube
of leprosy.
with a rounded bottom, used in laboratories to thallium scan /$'lim sk'n/ noun a method
thallium scan
hold samples of liquids of finding out about the blood supply to the heart
test-tube baby /$test tju%b !bebi/ noun a
test-tube baby
muscle by scanning to see how the radioactive

baby conceived through in vitro fertilisation in element thallium moves when injected into the
which the mothers ova are removed from the ova- bloodstream and where it attaches itself to the
ries, fertilised with a mans spermatozoa in a lab- heart wall
oratory, and returned to the mothers uterus to thanatology /!'n$tld+i/ noun the study of
thanatology
continue developing in the usual way the medical, psychological and sociological
tetanic /te$t'nk/ adjective referring to tetanus
tetanic
| aspects of death and the ways in which people

tetano- /tetn/ prefix 1. relating to tetanus 2.
tetano-
deal with it
theatre nurse /$t n-%s/ noun a nurse who
theatre nurse
relating to tetany
tetanus /$tet()ns/ noun 1. the continuous
tetanus
is specially trained to assist a surgeon during an
contraction of a muscle, under repeated stimuli operation
theca /$i%k/ noun tissue shaped like a sheath
theca
from a motor nerve 2. an infection caused by

Clostridium tetani in the soil, which affects the thelarche /$el%ki/ noun the beginning of the
thelarche
spinal cord and causes spasms in the muscles process of breast development in young women
which occur first in the jaw. Also called lockjaw
thenar /$i%n/ adjective referring to the palm of
thenar
tetany /$tetni/ noun spasms of the muscles in

tetany
the hand " noun the palm of the hand. Compare

the feet and hands, caused by a reduction in the hypothenar
level of calcium in the blood or by lack of carbon
thenar eminence /!i%nr $emnns/ noun the
thenar eminence
dioxide
ball of the thumb, the lump of flesh in the palm of
tetra- /tetr/ prefix four
tetra-
the hand below the thumb

tetracycline /!tetr$sakli%n/ noun an antibi-
tetracycline
theophylline /i$fli%n/ noun a compound

theophylline
| |
otic of a group used to treat a wide range of bac- made synthetically or extracted from tea leaves
terial diseases such as chlamydia. However, they which helps to widen blood vessels and airways,
are deposited in bones and teeth and cause a per- and to stimulate the central nervous system and
manent yellow stain in teeth if given to children. heart. It is used in the treatment of breathing dis-
tetralogy of Fallot /te!tr'ld+i v $f'l/
tetralogy of Fallot
|
orders.
noun a disorder of the heart which makes a childs therapeutic /!er$pju%tk/ adjective given in
therapeutic
skin blue. Also called Fallots tetralogy. ! Bla- order to cure a disorder or disease
locks operation, Waterstons operation therapeutic abortion /!erpju%tk
therapeutic abortion
[Described 1888. After Etienne-Louis Arthur Fal- $b%()n/ noun an abortion which is carried out
lot (18501911), Professor of Hygiene and because the health of the mother is in danger
Legal Medicine at Marseilles, France.]
therapeutic index /!erpju%tk $ndeks/
therapeutic index
tetraplegia /!tetr$pli%d+/ same as quadriple-

tetraplegia
|
noun the ratio of the dose of a drug which causes
gia cell damage to the dose of that drug which is typ-
thalam- /'lm/ prefix same as thalamo- (used
thalam-
ically needed to effect a cure, by which the safety

before vowels) of the drug is decided
therapeutic radiographer 306
therapeutic radiographer /!er!pju%tk thioridazine /!a$rdzi%n/ noun a synthetic

therapeutic radiographer thioridazine
| |
!redi$1rf/ noun someone specially trained to

| compound used as a tranquilliser for people who
use X-rays or radioactive isotopes in the treatment are suffering from a psychosis
of patients third-degree haemorrhoids /!-%d d!1ri%
third-degree haemorrhoids
therapeutics /!er$pju%tks/ noun the study $hemrdz/ plural noun haemorrhoids which
therapeutics
of various types of treatment and their effect on protrude into the anus permanently
patients third molar /!-%d $ml/ noun one of the four
third molar
therapist /$erpst/ noun a person specially molars at the back of the jaw, which only appears
therapist
trained to give therapy ! an occupational thera- at about the age of 20 and sometimes does not
pist ! psychotherapist appear at all. Same as wisdom tooth
thirst /-%st/ noun a feeling of wanting to drink
thirst
therapy /$erpi/ noun the treatment of a person

therapy
to help cure a disease or disorder ! He had a fever and a violent thirst.

Thomass splint /$tmsz splnt/, Thomas
Thomass splint
therm /-%m/ noun a unit of heat equal to

therm
100,000 British thermal units or 1.055 x 108 splint /$tms splnt/ noun a metal splint used to
joules keep a fractured leg still. It has a padded ring at
thermal /$-%m()l/ adjective referring to heat
thermal
the hip attached to rods to which bandages are
bound and a bar under the foot at the lower end.
thermo- /-%m/ prefix referring to heat or
thermo-
[Described 1875. After Hugh Owen Thomas

temperature (183491), British surgeon and bonesetter.]
thermoanaesthesia /!-%m!'ns$i%zi/
thermoanaesthesia
thorac- /%rs/ prefix same as thoraco- (used

thorac-
| |
noun a condition in which someone cannot tell before vowels)

the difference between hot and cold
thoracectomy /!%r$sektmi/ noun a surgi-
thoracectomy
thermocautery /!-%m$k%tri/ noun the

thermocautery
|
cal operation to remove one or more ribs
procedure of removing dead tissue by heat thoracentesis /!%rsen$ti%ss/ noun same as
thoracentesis
thermogram /$-%m1r'm/ noun an infrared

thermogram
thoracocentesis
photograph of part of the body thoracic /%$r'sk/ adjective referring to the
thoracic
thermography /-%$m1rfi/ noun a tech-

thermography
|
chest or thorax
nique, used especially in screening for breast can- thoracic cavity /%!r'sk $k'vti/ noun the
thoracic cavity
cer, where part of the body is photographed using chest cavity, containing the diaphragm, heart and
infrared rays which record the heat given off by lungs
the skin and show variations in the blood circulat-
thoracic duct /%$r'sk d.kt/ noun one of
thoracic duct
ing beneath the skin |
the main terminal ducts carrying lymph, on the

thermolysis /-%$mlss/ noun a loss of body
thermolysis
|
left side of the neck
temperature, e.g. by sweating
thoracic vertebrae /%!r'sk $v-%tbri%/ plu-
thoracic vertebrae
thermometer /$mmt/ noun an instrument

thermometer |
|
ral noun the twelve vertebrae in the spine behind
for measuring temperature the chest, to which the ribs are attached
thermoreceptor /!-%mr$sept/ noun a
thermoreceptor
thoraco- /%rk/ prefix relating to the thorax

thoraco-
|
sensory nerve which registers heat

thoracocentesis /!%rksen$ti%ss/ noun
thoracocentesis
thermotaxis /!-%m$t'kss/ noun an auto-

thermotaxis
|
an operation in which a hollow needle is inserted
matic regulation of the bodys temperature into the pleura to drain fluid
thermotherapy /!-%m$erpi/ noun treat-
thermotherapy
thoracoscope /$%rkskp/ noun a surgi-

thoracoscope
|
ment using heat, e.g. from hot water or infrared cal instrument, like a tube with a light at the end,
lamps, to treat conditions such as arthritis and bad used to examine the inside of the chest
circulation. Also called heat therapy thoracoscopy /!%r$kskpi/ noun an
thoracoscopy
thiamine /$ami%n/, thiamin /$amn/ noun

thiamine
examination of the inside of the chest, using a tho-

same as Vitamin B1 racoscope
Thiersch graft /$t 1r%ft/, Thierschs graft
Thiersch graft
thoracotomy /!%r$ktmi/ noun a surgical

thoracotomy
/$tz 1r%ft/ noun same as split-skin graft operation to make a hole in the wall of the chest
thigh /a/ noun the top part of the leg from the thorax /$%r'ks/ noun the cavity in the top part
thigh thorax
knee to the groin of the front of the body above the abdomen, con-
thiopental
thiopental sodium
sodium /!apent()l taining the diaphragm, heart and lungs, and sur-
$sdim/ noun a barbiturate drug used as a rounded by the ribcage
rapid-acting intravenous general anaesthetic. threadworm /$redw-%m/ noun a thin parasitic
threadworm
Also called thiopentone worm, Enterobius vernicularis, which infests the

thiopentone /!a$pentn/, thiopentone
thiopentone
|
large intestine and causes itching round the anus.
sodium /!apentn $sdim/ noun same ! Enterobius. Also called pinworm
as thiopental sodium (NOTE: Its chemical for- thready pulse /!redi $p.ls/ noun a very weak
thready pulse
mula is C11H17N2O2SNa.) pulse which is hard to detect

307 thyroid
threatened abortion /!ret()nd $b%()n/ thromboendarteritis /!rmb!end%t

threatened abortion thromboendarteritis
| | |
noun a possible abortion in the early stages of $rats/ noun inflammation of the inside of an
pregnancy, indicated by bleeding artery, caused by thrombosis
threshold /$rehld/ noun the point at which thrombokinase /!rmb$kanez/ noun an
threshold thrombokinase
something starts, e.g. where something can be enzyme which converts prothrombin into
perceived by the body or where a drug starts to thrombin, so starting the sequence for coagulation
have an effect ! She has a low hearing threshold. of blood. Also called thromboplastin
thrill /rl/ noun a vibration which can be felt thrombolysis /rm$blss/ noun same as
thrill thrombolysis
with the hands fibrinolysis

-thrix /rks/ suffix relating to a hair thrombolytic /rmb$ltk/ adjective same
-thrix thrombolytic
throat /rt/ noun the top part of the tube

throat
as fibrinolytic
which goes down from the mouth to the stomach thrombophlebitis /!rmbfl$bats/ noun
thrombophlebitis
throbbing pain /!rb $pen/ noun pain

throbbing pain
the blocking of a vein by a blood clot, sometimes
which continues in repeated short attacks causing inflammation
thromboplastin /!rmb$pl'stn/ noun
thromboplastin
thrombectomy /rm$bektmi/ noun a surgi-

thrombectomy
|
|
cal operation to remove a blood clot same as thrombokinase

thrombosis /rm$bss/ noun the blocking
thrombosis
thrombin /$rmbn/ noun a substance which

thrombin
|
converts fibrinogen to fibrin and so coagulates of an artery or vein by a mass of coagulated blood
blood thrombus /$rmbs/ noun same as blood clot
thrombus
thrombo- /rmb/ prefix 1. referring to a throw up /!r $.p/ verb same as vomit
thrombo- throw up
blood clot 2. referring to thrombosis (informal)

thromboangiitis /!rmb!'nd+i$ats/ thrush /r./ noun an infection of the mouth or
thromboangiitis thrush
| |
noun a condition in which the blood vessels swell the vagina with the bacterium Candida albicans
and develop blood clots along their walls thumb /.m/ noun the short thick finger, with
thumb
thromboangiitis obliterans
thromboangiitis obliterans
only two bones, which is separated from the other

/!rmb'nd+i!ats b$ltrnz/ noun a dis-
| | four fingers on the hand
ease of the arteries in which the blood vessels in a thym- /am/ prefix referring to the thymus
thym-
limb, usually the leg, become narrow, causing gland

gangrene. Also called Buergers disease
thymectomy /a$mektmi/ noun a surgical
thymectomy
thromboarteritis /!rmb!%t$rats/
thromboarteritis |
| |
operation to remove the thymus gland
noun inflammation of an artery caused by throm-
-thymia /ami/ suffix referring to a state of
-thymia
bosis
mind
thrombocyte /$rmbsat/ noun same as
thrombocyte
thymic /$amk/ adjective referring to the thy-

thymic
platelet
mus gland
thrombocythaemia /!rmbsa$i%mi/
thrombocythaemia
thymine /$ami%n/ noun one of the four basic

| thymine
noun a disease in which someone has an unusu-

ally high number of platelets in the blood chemicals in DNA
thymol /$aml/ noun a colourless compound
thymol
thrombocytopenia /!rmb!sat$pi%ni/
thrombocytopenia
| |
noun a condition in which someone has an unusu- which is made synthetically or extracted from
ally low number of platelets in the blood thyme oil, used as an antiseptic
thymus /$ams/, thymus gland /$ams
thymus
thrombocytopenic /!rmb!sat$penk/
thrombocytopenic
| |
adjective referring to thrombocytopenia 1l'nd/ noun an endocrine gland in the front part
of the top of the thorax, behind the breastbone
thrombocytosis /!rmbsa$tss/ noun
thrombocytosis
thyro- /ar/ prefix referring to the thyroid

| thyro-
an increase in the number of platelets in some-

ones blood gland
thyrocalcitonin /!ark'lsi$tnn/ noun
thyrocalcitonin
thrombo-embolic deterrent stocking

thrombo-embolic deterrent stocking
|
/!rmb em!blk d$ternt !stk/ noun a

| |
same as calcitonin
thyroglossal /!ar$1ls()l/ adjective
thyroglossal
support stocking to prevent thrombus formation |
following surgery. Abbreviation TED referring to the thyroid gland and the throat
thromboembolism /!rmb$emblz()m/ thyroglossal cyst /!ar1ls()l $sst/
thromboembolism thyroglossal cyst
noun a condition in which a blood clot forms in noun a cyst in the front of the neck
one part of the body and moves through the blood thyroid /$ard/, thyroid gland noun
thyroid
vessels to block another, usually smaller, part /$ard 1l'nd/ an endocrine gland in the neck,
thromboendarterectomy /!rmb which is activated by the pituitary gland and
thromboendarterectomy
!end%t$rektmi/ noun a surgical operation to

| secretes a hormone which regulates the bodys
open an artery to remove a blood clot which is metabolism " adjective referring to the thyroid
blocking it gland
thyroid cartilage 308
thyroid cartilage /!ard $k%tld+/ noun a tibiofibular /!tbi$fbjl/ adjective refer-

thyroid cartilage tibiofibular
large cartilage in the larynx, part of which forms ring to both the tibia and the fibula
the Adams apple. See illustration at LUNGS in tic /tk/ noun an involuntary twitch of the mus-
tic
Supplement cles usually in the face (informal)

thyroidectomy /!ar$dektmi/ noun a sur-
thyroidectomy
tic douloureux /!tk !du%l$ru%/ noun same as

tic douloureux
|
|
gical operation to remove all or part of the thyroid trigeminal neuralgia

gland
tick /tk/ noun a tiny parasite which sucks blood
tick
thyroid gland /$ard 1l'nd/ noun same as

thyroid gland
from the skin

thyroid
t.i.d. /!ti% a $di%/, TID adverb (used on prescrip-
t.i.d.
thyroid hormone /$ard !h%mn/ noun a

thyroid hormone
tions) three times a day. Full form ter in die

hormone produced by the thyroid gland
tidal air /$tad()l !e/, tidal volume /!tad()l
tidal air
thyroiditis /!ar$dats/ noun inflammation

thyroiditis
$vlju%m/ noun the amount of air that passes in

|
of the thyroid gland

and out of the body in breathing
thyroid-stimulating hormone /$ard
thyroid-stimulating hormone
-tidine /tdi%n/ suffix used for antihistamine

-tidine
!stmjlet !h%mn/ noun a hormone

drugs
secreted by the pituitary gland which stimulates
timolol /$tmll/ noun a beta-blocker used in
timolol
the thyroid gland. Abbreviation TSH. Also called

thyrotrophin the treatment of migraine, high blood pressure
thyroparathyroidectomy
thyroparathyroidectomy
/!ar!p'r | |
and glaucoma
tincture /$tkt/ noun a medicinal substance
tincture
!ar$dektmi/ noun a surgical operation to

|
remove the thyroid and parathyroid glands dissolved in alcohol

tincture of iodine /!tktr v $adi%n/
tincture of iodine
thyroplasty /$arpl'sti/ noun a surgical

thyroplasty
procedure performed on the cartilages of the lar- noun a weak solution of iodine in alcohol, used as
ynx to improve the quality of the voice an antiseptic
thyrotoxic /!ar$tksk/ adjective referring tinea /$tni/ noun " ringworm
thyrotoxic tinea
to severe hyperthyroidism tinea barbae /!tni $b%bi%/ noun a fungal

tinea barbae
thyrotoxic crisis /!ar!tksk $krass/ infection in the beard

thyrotoxic crisis
noun a sudden illness caused by hyperthyroidism tinea capitis /!tni k$pats/ noun a fungal
tinea capitis
thyrotoxic goitre /!ar!tksk $1t/ infection on the scalp

thyrotoxic goitre
noun overactivity of the thyroid gland, as in tinea pedis /!tni $peds/ noun same as ath-
tinea pedis
hyperthyroidism letes foot

thyrotoxicosis /!artks$kss/ noun
thyrotoxicosis
tingle /$t1l/ verb to have a pricking or sting-

tingle
|
same as hyperthyroidism ing sensation in a body part

thyrotrophin /!ar$trfn/ noun same as
thyrotrophin
tingling /$t1l/ noun a feeling of pricking or

tingling
|
thyroid-stimulating hormone stinging in a body part ! an unpleasant tingling

thyrotrophin-releasing hormone /!ar
thyrotrophin-releasing hormone
|
down her arm " adjective pricking or stinging !
!trfn r$li%s !h%mn/ noun a hormone
|
a tingling sensation
secreted by the hypothalamus, which makes the tinnitus /$tnts/ noun a condition in which
tinnitus
pituitary gland release thyrotrophin, which in turn someone hears a ringing sound in the ears
stimulates the thyroid gland. Abbreviation TRH
tissue /$tu%/ noun a group of cells that carries
tissue
thyroxine /a$rksi%n/ noun a hormone pro-

thyroxine
|
out a specific function (NOTE: For other terms
duced by the thyroid gland which regulates the referring to tissue, see words beginning with
bodys metabolism and the conversion of food hist-, histo-.)
into heat, used in treatment of hypothyroidism
COMMENT: Most of the body is made up of
TIA abbreviation transient ischaemic attack
TIA
soft tissue, with the exception of the bones

tibia /$tbi/ noun the larger of the two long
tibia
and cartilage. The main types of body tissue

bones in the lower leg between the knee and the are connective, epithelial, muscular and
ankle. Also called shinbone. Compare fibula nerve tissue.
tibial /$tbil/ adjective referring to the tibia tissue culture /$tu% !k.lt/ noun tissue
tibial tissue culture
tibialis /!tbi$els/ noun one of two muscles in grown in a culture medium in a laboratory
tibialis
the lower leg running from the tibia to the foot tissue plasminogen activator /!tu% pl'z
tissue plasminogen activator
tibial torsion /!tbil $t%()n/ noun a persist- $mnd+n !'ktvet/ noun an agent given to
tibial torsion
ent slight twist in the tibia, caused by a cramped cause fibrinolysis in blood clots. Abbreviation
position in the uterus. It makes the feet of young TPA
children point inwards for up to a year after they tissue typing /$tu% !tap/ noun the process
tissue typing
begin to walk on their own, but it corrects itself as of identifying various elements in tissue from a
the leg grows. donor and comparing them to those of the recipi-
tibio- /tbi/ prefix referring to the tibia ent to see if a transplant is likely to be rejected
tibio-
309 tophus
titanium /ta$tenim/ noun a light metallic ele- tone /tn/ noun the slightly tense state of a
titanium tone
ment which does not corrode (NOTE: The chemi- healthy muscle when it is not fully relaxed. Also
cal symbol is Ti.) called tonicity, tonus
titration /ta$tre()n/ noun the process of tongue /t./ noun the long muscular organ
titration tongue
measuring the strength of a solution inside the mouth which can move and is used for
titre /$ti%t/ noun a measurement of the quantity
titre
tasting, swallowing and speaking. The top surface
of antibodies in a serum is covered with papillae, some of which contain
taste buds. ! The doctor told him to stick out his
T-lymphocyte /$ti% !lmfsat/ noun a lym-
T-lymphocyte
tongue and say Ah. Also called glossa (NOTE:

phocyte formed in the thymus gland. Also called For other terms referring to the tongue, see lin-
T-cell gual and words beginning with gloss-,
TNM classification /!ti% en $em kl'sf
TNM classification
| glosso-.)
!ke()n/ noun an internationally agreed stand- tongue depressor /$t. d!pres/ noun an
tongue depressor
ard which is the most widely used means for clas-

|
instrument, usually a thin piece of wood, used by

sifying the extent of cancer. T refers to the size of a doctor to hold someones tongue down while the
the tumour, N to the lymph node involvement and throat is being examined
M to the presence or absence of metastasis.
tongue-tie /$t. ta/ noun the condition of
tongue-tie
toco- /tk/ prefix referring to childbirth

toco-
being unable to move your tongue with the usual

tocography /t$k1rfi/ noun the process of
tocography
| amount of freedom, because the small membrane

recording the contractions of the uterus during which attaches the tongue to the floor of the
childbirth mouth is unusually short
tocopherol /t$kfrl/ noun one of a group of
tocopherol
tonic /$tnk/ adjective referring to a muscle

tonic
fat-soluble compounds which make up vitamin E, which is contracted " noun a substance which
found in vegetable oils and leafy green vegetables improves the someones general health or which
toddlers diarrhoea /!tdlz da$ri%/ noun
toddlers diarrhoea
|
makes a tired person more energetic ! He is tak-
a condition in which recurrent loose stools are ing a course of iron tonic tablets. ! She asked the
produced, often containing partially digested doctor to prescribe a tonic for her anaemia.
food. It usually occurs in children between the tonicity /t$nsti/ noun same as tone
tonicity
ages of one and three years. tono- /tn/ prefix referring to pressure
tono-
toileting /$tlt/ noun the act of helping

toileting
tonography /t$n1rfi/ noun a measure-

tonography
someone to perform the actions of urinating or

|
ment of the pressure inside an eyeball

opening their bowels, including helping them to
tonometer /t$nmt/ noun an instrument
tonometer
do so if they are unable to get out of bed or are |
incontinent which measures the pressure inside an organ,

especially the eye
tolbutamide /tl$bju%tmad/ noun a drug
tolbutamide
tonometry /t$nmtri/ noun a measurement

| tonometry
which lowers blood-glucose levels by stimulating |
the pancreas to produce more insulin. It is used in of pressure inside an organ, especially the eye
tonsil /$tns()l/ noun an area of lymphoid tis-
tonsil
the treatment of Type II diabetes.

tolerance /$tlrns/ noun the ability of the
tolerance
sue at the back of the throat in which lymph cir-
body to tolerate a substance or an action ! He has culates and protects the body against germs enter-
been taking the drug for so long that he has devel- ing through the mouth. Also called palatine
oped a tolerance to it. tonsil
tonsillar /$tnsl/ adjective referring to the
tonsillar
tolerate /$tlret/ verb 1. not to be affected by

tolerate
the unpleasant effects of something, especially tonsils

tonsillectomy /!tns$lektmi/ noun a surgi-
tonsillectomy
not to experience bad effects from being exposed |
to something harmful 2. not to react to a drug cal operation to remove the tonsils
through having developed a resistance to it tonsillitis /!tns$lats/ noun inflammation of
tonsillitis
-tome /tm/ suffix 1. a cutting instrument 2. a

-tome
the tonsils
segment ! a dermatome tonsillotomy /!tns$ltmi/ noun a surgical
tonsillotomy
tomo- /tm/ prefix referring to cutting or a

tomo-
operation to make a cut into the tonsils

section tonus /$tns/ noun same as tone
tonus
tomogram /$tm1r'm/ noun a picture of

tomogram
tooth /tu%/ noun one of a set of bones in the

tooth
part of the body taken by tomography mouth which are used to chew food (NOTE: The
tomography /t$m1rfi/ noun the scanning
tomography
| plural is teeth. For other terms relating to the

of a particular part of the body using X-rays or teeth, see words beginning with dent-.)
ultrasound tophus /$tfs/ noun a deposit of solid crystals
tophus
-tomy /tmi/ suffix referring to a surgical opera-

-tomy
in the skin or in the joints, especially in someone

tion with gout (NOTE: The plural is tophi.)
topical 310
topical /$tpk()l/ adjective referring to a spe- toxicosis /!tks$kss/ noun poisoning

topical toxicosis
cific area of the external surface of the body ! toxic shock syndrome /!tksk $k
toxic shock syndrome
suitable for topical application !sndrm/ noun a serious condition caused by a

topical drug /$tpk()l dr.1/ noun a drug staphylococcus infection of the skin or soft tissue.
topical drug
which is applied to a specific external part of the Its symptoms include vomiting, high fever, faint-
body only ness, muscle aches, a rash and confusion. Abbre-
topically /$tpkli/ adverb by putting on a spe-
topically
viation TSS
cific external part of the body only ! The cream toxin /$tksn/ noun a poisonous substance pro-
toxin
is applied topically. duced in the body by microorganisms, and which,

topo- /tp/ prefix a place or region
topo-
if injected into an animal, stimulates the produc-
topographical /!tp$1r'fk()l/ adjective
topographical
|
tion of antitoxins
toxo- /tks/ prefix referring to poison
toxo-
referring to topography
toxocariasis /!tksk$rass/ noun the
toxocariasis
topography /t$p1rfi/ noun the description

topography
|
|
of each particular part of the body infestation of the intestine with worms from a dog
or cat. Also called visceral larva migrans
torpor /$t%p/ noun a condition in which some-
torpor
toxoid /$tksd/ noun a toxin which has been

toxoid
one seems sleepy or slow to react

treated and is no longer poisonous, but which can
torsion /$t%()n/ noun 1. the twisting of some-
torsion
still provoke the formation of antibodies. Toxoids

thing, or a twisted state 2. the stress placed on an
are used as vaccines, and are injected into a
object which has been twisted
patient to give immunity against specific diseases.
torso /$t%s/ noun the main part of the body,
torso
toxoplasmosis /!tkspl'z$mss/ noun a

toxoplasmosis
not including the arms, legs and head. Also called

|
disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma which

trunk
is carried by animals. Toxoplasmosis can cause
torticollis /!t%t$kls/ noun a condition of the
torticollis
|
encephalitis or hydrocephalus and can be fatal.
neck, where the head is twisted to one side by
TPA abbreviation tissue plasminogen activator
TPA
contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

trabecula /tr$bekjl/ noun a thin strip of stiff
trabecula
Also called wry neck |
tissue which divides an organ or bone tissue into

total recall /!tt()l r$k%l/ noun the fact of
total recall
|
sections (NOTE: The plural is trabeculae.)
being able to remember something in complete
trabeculectomy /tr!bekj$lektmi/ noun a
trabeculectomy
detail | |
surgical operation to treat glaucoma by cutting a

Tourettes syndrome /tu%$rets !sndrm/,
Tourettes syndrome
|
channel through trabeculae to link with Sch-
Tourette syndrome /tu%$ret !sndrm/ noun a |
lemms canal
condition which includes involuntary move-
trace /tres/ noun a very small amount ! There
trace
ments, tics, use of foul language and respiratory

disorders. Also called Gilles de la Tourette Syn- are traces of the drug in the blood sample. ! The
drome doctor found traces of alcohol in the patients
urine. " verb to find someone or something that
tourniquet /$t%nke/ noun an instrument or
tourniquet
you are looking for

tight bandage wrapped round a limb to constrict
trace element /$tres !elmnt/ noun a sub-
trace element
an artery, so reducing the flow of blood and stop-

ping bleeding from a wound stance which is essential to the human body, but
only in very small quantities
tox- /tks/ prefix same as toxo- (used before
tox-
COMMENT: The trace elements are cobalt,

vowels)
chromium, copper, magnesium, manga-
toxaemia /tk$si%mi/ noun the presence of
toxaemia
|
nese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc.
poisonous substances in the blood
tracer /$tres/ noun a substance, often a radio-
tracer
toxaemia of pregnancy /tk!si%mi v

toxaemia of pregnancy
|
active one, injected into a substance in the body,
$pre1nnsi/ noun a condition which can affect so that doctors can follow its passage round the
women towards the end of pregnancy, in which body
they develop high blood pressure and pass protein trache- /treki/ prefix same as tracheo- (NOTE:
trache-
in the urine used before vowels)

toxic /$tksk/ adjective poisonous
toxic
trachea /tr$ki%/ noun the main air passage

trachea
toxicity /tk$ssti/ noun 1. the degree to which

toxicity
|
which runs from the larynx to the lungs, where it
a substance is poisonous or harmful 2. the amount divides into the two main bronchi. It is about 10
of poisonous or harmful material in a substance cm long, and is formed of rings of cartilage and
toxico- /tksk/ prefix referring to poison connective tissue. See illustration at LUNGS in
toxico-
toxicologist /!tks$kld+st/ noun a scien-

toxicologist
|
Supplement. Also called windpipe
tist who specialises in the study of poisons tracheal /tr$ki%l/ adjective referring to the tra-
tracheal
toxicology /!tks$kld+i/ noun the scientific

toxicology
|
chea
study of poisons and their effects on the human tracheal tugging /tr!ki%l $t.1/ noun the
tracheal tugging
body feeling that something is pulling on the windpipe

311 transplant
when the person breathes in, a symptom of aneu- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimula-
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
rysm tion /!tr'nskju%!tenis !lektrk()l $n-%v | |
tracheitis /!treki$ats/ noun inflammation of

tracheitis
|
stmj!le()n/ noun full form of TENS
|
the trachea due to an infection transdermal /tr'nz$d-%m()l/ adjective refer-

transdermal
trachelorrhaphy /!treki$lrfi/ noun a surgi-

trachelorrhaphy
|
ring to a drug which is released through the skin
transference /$tr'nsf()rns/ noun (in psy-
transference
cal operation to repair tears in the cervix of the

uterus chiatry) a condition in which someone transfers to
tracheo- /treki/ prefix relating to the trachea
tracheo-
the psychoanalyst the characteristics belonging to
a strong character from his or her past such as a
tracheobronchitis /!trekibr$kats/
tracheobronchitis
|
parent, and reacts as if the analyst were that per-
noun inflammation of both the trachea and the son
bronchi transferrin /tr'ns$fern/ noun a substance
transferrin
tracheostomy /!tr'ki$stmi/, tracheotomy

tracheostomy
| found in the blood, which carries iron in the

/!tr'ki$tmi/ noun a surgical operation to make
| bloodstream. Also called siderophilin
a hole through the throat into the windpipe, so as transfer RNA /!tr'nsf-% !%r en $e/ noun
transfer RNA
to allow air to get to the lungs in cases where the RNA which attaches amino acids to protein
trachea is blocked, as in pneumonia, poliomyelitis chains being made at ribosomes
or diphtheria
transfusion /tr'ns$fju%+()n/ noun the proce-
transfusion
tract /tr'kt/ noun a series of organs or tubes

tract
dure of transferring blood or saline fluids from a

which allow something to pass from one part of container into a someones bloodstream
the body to another transient /$tr'nzint/ adjective not lasting
transient
traction /$tr'kn/ noun a procedure that con-

traction
long
sists of using a pulling force to straighten a bro- transient ischaemic attack /!tr'nzint
transient ischaemic attack
ken or deformed limb ! The patient was in trac- $ski%mk !t'k/ noun a mild stroke caused by a
|
tion for two weeks. brief stoppage of blood supply to the brain.
tragus /$tre1s/ noun a piece of cartilage in the Abbreviation TIA
tragus
outer ear which projects forward over the transillumination /!tr'ns!lu%m$ne()n/

transillumination
| |
entrance to the auditory canal noun an examination of an organ by shining a

trait /tret/ noun 1. a typical characteristic of bright light through it
trait
someone 2. a genetically controlled characteristic transitional epithelium /tr'n!z()nl ep

transitional epithelium
| |
trance /tr%ns/ noun a condition in which a per-

trance
$i%lim/ noun a type of epithelium found in the
son is in a dream, but not asleep, and seems not to urethra
translation /tr'ns$le()n/ noun 1. the act of
translation
be aware of what is happening round him or her |
! a hypnotic trance putting something written or spoken in one lan-

tranexamic acid /!tr'nek!s'mk $'sd/
tranexamic acid
guage into words of a different language 2. the
process by which information in messenger RNA
|
noun a drug used to control severe bleeding

controls the sequence of amino acids assembled
tranquilliser /$tr'kwlaz/, tranquillizer,
tranquilliser
by a ribosome during protein synthesis

tranquillising drug /$tr'kwlaz dr.1/
translocation /!tr'nsl$ke()n/ noun the
translocation
noun an antipsychotic, anxiolytic or hypnotic

|
movement of part of a chromosome to another

drug which relieves someones anxiety and calms
part of the same chromosome or to a different
him or her down (informal) ! Shes taking tran-
chromosome pair, leading to genetic disorders
quillisers to calm her nerves. ! Hes been on
translucent /tr'ns$lu%s()nt/ adjective allow-
translucent
tranquillisers ever since he started his new job. |
ing light to pass through, but not enough to allow

trans- /tr'nz/ prefix through or across
trans-
objects on the other side to be clearly distin-

transaminase /tr'n$s'mnez/ noun an
transaminase
| guished
enzyme involved in the transamination of amino transmission-based precautions /tr'ns
transmission-based precautions
acids !m()n best pr$k%()nz/ plural noun the |
transcendental meditation most recent set of guidelines for health care work-
transcendental meditation
/!tr'nsendent()l !med$te()n/ noun a type

| ers on dealing with highly infectious diseases, to
of meditation in which the same words or sounds be used in addition to the Standard Precautions.
are repeated silently There are three categories: Airborne Precautions,
transcription /tr'n$skrpn/ noun 1. the act
transcription
Droplet Precautions and Contact Precautions,
sometimes used in combination for diseases
|
of copying something written, or of putting some-

thing spoken into written form 2. the first step in which can be transmitted in various ways.
transplacental /!tr'nspl$sent()l/ adjective
transplacental
carrying out genetic instructions in living cells, in |
which the genetic code is transferred from DNA through the placenta
to molecules of messenger RNA, which then transplant noun /$tr'nspl%nt/ 1. a procedure
transplant
direct protein manufacture which involves taking an organ such as the heart
transplantation 312
or kidney, or tissue such as skin, and grafting it transverse arch /!tr'nz$v-%s %t/ noun same
transverse arch
into someone to replace an organ or tissue which as metatarsal arch

is diseased or not functioning properly ! She had transverse colon /!tr'nzv-%s $kln/ noun
transverse colon
a heart-lung transplant. 2. the organ or tissue the second section of the colon which crosses the
which is grafted ! The kidney transplant was body below the stomach. See illustration at
rejected. " verb /tr'ns$pl%nt/ to graft an organ
|
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement
or tissue onto or into someone to replace an organ
transverse fracture /!tr'nzv-%s $fr'kt/
transverse fracture
or tissue which is diseased or not functioning cor-

noun a fracture where the bone is broken straight
rectly
across
transplantation /!tr'nspl%n$te()n/ noun
transplantation
transverse lie /!tr'nzv-%s $la/ noun the posi-

transverse lie
|
the act of transplanting something tion of a fetus across the body of the mother
transposition /!tr'nsp$z()n/ noun a con-
transposition
transverse plane /!tr'nzv-%s $plen/ noun a

transverse plane
|
genital condition where the aorta and pulmonary plane at right angles to the sagittal plane, running
artery are placed on the opposite side of the body horizontally across the body. See illustration at
to their usual position ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement
transpyloric plane /!tr'nspalrk $plen/ transverse presentation
transpyloric plane
/!tr'nzv-%s
transverse presentation
noun a plane at right angles to the sagittal plane, !prez()n$te()n/ noun a position of the baby
|
passing midway between the suprasternal notch in the uterus, where the babys side will appear
and the symphysis pubis. See illustration at ANA- first, usually requiring urgent manipulation or
TOMICAL TERMS in Supplement caesarean section to prevent complications
transsexual /tr'nz$sekul/ adjective feeling transverse process /!tr'nzv-%s $prses/
transsexual transverse process
uncomfortable with the birth gender " noun a noun the part of a vertebra which protrudes at the
person, especially a man, who feels uncomforta- side
ble with their birth gender transvesical prostatectomy /tr'ns
transvesical prostatectomy
transsexualism /tr'nz$sekulz()m/ noun

transsexualism
|
!vesk()l !prst$tektmi/ noun an operation |
a condition in which a person, especially a man, to remove the prostate gland, carried out through
feels uncomfortable with their birth gender the bladder
transvestism /tr'nz$vestz()m/ noun the
transvestism
transtubercular plane /!tr'nstj!b-%kjl

transtubercular plane
|
|
$plen/ noun an imaginary horizontal line drawn condition of liking to dress and behave as a mem-
across the lower abdomen at the level of the pro- ber of the opposite sex
transvestite /tr'nz$vestat/ noun a person
transvestite
jecting parts of the iliac bones. See illustration at |
ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement. Also called who dresses and behaves as a member of the
intertubercular plane opposite sex
trapezium /tr$pi%zim/ noun one of the eight
trapezium
transudate /$tr'nsju%det/ noun a fluid which

transudate
|
passes through the pores of a membrane. It con- small carpal bones in the wrist, below the thumb.
tains less protein or solid material than an exu- See illustration at HAND in Supplement (NOTE:
date. The plural is trapeziums or trapezia.)
trapezius /tr$pi%zis/ noun a triangular mus-
trapezius
transudation /!tr'nsju%$de()n/ noun the

transudation
|
cle in the upper part of the back and the neck,

|
process of passing a fluid from the bodys cells

which moves the shoulder blade and pulls the
through the pores of a membrane
head back
transuretero-ureterostomy /tr'ns
transuretero-ureterostomy
trapezoid /$tr'pzd/, trapezoid bone

trapezoid
|
!jri%tr !jri%t$rstmi/ noun a surgical

|
/$tr'pzd bn/ noun one of the eight small
operation in which both ureters are brought to the carpal bones in the wrist, below the first finger.
same side in the abdomen, because one is dam- See illustration at HAND in Supplement
aged or obstructed
trauma /$tr%m/ noun a wound or injury
trauma
transurethral /!tr'nsj$ri%rl/ adjective

transurethral
traumatic /tr%$m'tk/ adjective 1. caused by

traumatic
|
through the urethra

|
an injury 2. extremely frightening, distressing or

transurethral prostatectomy
transurethral prostatectomy
shocking
/!tr'nsjri%rl !prst$tektmi/, transure- |
traumatic fever /tr%!m'tk $fi%v/ noun a
traumatic fever
thral resection /!tr'nsjri%rl r$sekn/ |

fever caused by an injury
noun a surgical operation to remove the prostate
traumatic pneumothorax /tr%!m'tk
traumatic pneumothorax
gland, where the operation is carried out through

|
!nju%m$%r'ks/ noun pneumothorax which

the urethra. Abbreviation TUR. Also called
|
results from damage to the lung surface or to the

resection of the prostate
wall of the chest, allowing air to leak into the
transvaginal /!tr'nsv$d+an()l/ adjective
transvaginal
|
space between the pleurae
across or through the vagina travellers diarrhoea /!tr'v()lz !da$ri%/
travellers diarrhoea
transverse /tr'nz$v-%s/ adjective across, at

transverse
| noun diarrhoea that affects people who travel to

right angles to an organ foreign countries and which is due to contact with
313 tricyclic antidepressant

a different type of E. coli from the one they are trial /$tral/ noun a process of testing something
trial
used to. (informal) such as a drug or treatment to see how effective it

travel sickness /$tr'v()l !skns/ noun same
travel sickness
is, especially before allowing it to be used gener-
as motion sickness ally ! clinical trials ! a six-month trial period !
Were supplying it on a trial basis. " verb to test
trazodone /$tr'zdn/ noun an antidepres-
trazodone
something as part of a trial

sant drug which has a strong sedative effect, used
triamcinolone /!tra'm$snln/ noun a
triamcinolone
in the treatment of depressive disorders accompa- |
nied by insomnia synthetic corticosteroid drug used in the treat-

ment of skin, mouth and joint inflammations
Treacher Collins syndrome /!tri%t
Treacher Collins syndrome
triangular bandage /tra!'1jl $b'ndd+/

triangular bandage
$klnz !sndrm/ noun a hereditary disorder in |
which the lower jaw, the cheek bones, and the ear noun a bandage made of a triangle of cloth, used
are not fully developed to make a sling for the arm
triceps /$traseps/ noun a muscle formed of
triceps
treat /tri%t/ verb to use medical methods to cure

treat
a disease or help a sick or injured person to three parts, which are joined to form one tendon
trich- /trk/ prefix same as tricho- (used before
trich-
recover ! She has been treated with a new antibi-

otic. ! Shes being treated by a specialist for vowels)
heart disease. trichiasis /tr$kass/ noun a painful condition
trichiasis
treatment /$tri%tmnt/ noun 1. actions taken to

treatment
in which the eyelashes grow in towards the eye
look after sick or injured people or to cure disease and scratch the eyeball
! He is receiving treatment for a slipped disc. 2. trichinosis /!trk$nss/, trichiniasis /!trk
trichinosis
| |
a particular way of looking after a sick or injured $nass/ noun a disease caused by infestation of
person or trying to cure a disease ! cortisone the intestine by larvae of roundworms or nema-
treatment ! This is a new treatment for heart dis- todes, which pass round the body in the blood-
ease. stream and settle in muscles
tremens /$tri%menz/ " delirium tremens tricho- /trk/ prefix referring to hair
tremens tricho-
trichology /tr$kld+i/ noun the study of hair

trichology
tremor /$trem/ noun slight involuntary move-

tremor
|
ments of a limb or muscle and the diseases which affect it

Trichomonas /!trk$mns/ noun a species
Trichomonas
trench foot /!trent $ft/ noun a condition,

trench foot
|
caused by exposure to cold and damp, in which of long thin parasite which infests the intestines
the skin of the foot becomes red and blistered and Trichomonas vaginalis /trk!mns
Trichomonas vaginalis
in severe cases turns black when gangrene sets in. v'd+$nels/ noun a parasite which infests the
|
Also called immersion foot (NOTE: Trench foot vagina and causes an irritating discharge
was common among soldiers serving in the trichomoniasis /!trkm$nass/ noun
trichomoniasis
trenches during the First World War.) infestation of the intestine or vagina with Tri-
Trendelenburgs operation /tren chomonas
Trendelenburgs operation
$delnb-%1z p!re()n/ noun an operation to Trichophyton /tra$kftn/ noun a fungus

Trichophyton
|
|
tie a saphenous vein in the groin before removing which affects the skin, hair and nails
varicose veins [After Friedrich Trendelburg trichophytosis /!trkfa$tss/ noun an
trichophytosis
(18441924), German surgeon.] infection caused by Trichophyton

Trendelenburgs position /tren$delnb-%1z
Trendelenburgs position
trichosis /tra$kss/ noun any unusual condi-

trichosis
|
|
p!z()n/, Trendelenburg position /tren

| |
tion of the hair
$delnb-%1 p!z()n/ noun a position in which
trichromatism /tra$krmtz()m/ noun
| trichromatism
someone lies on a sloping bed, with the head |
lower than the feet, and the knees bent. It is used vision which allows the difference between the
in surgical operations to the pelvis and for people three primary colours to be seen. Compare
dichromatism, monochromatism
who have shock.
tricuspid /tra$k.spd/ noun something which
tricuspid
Trendelenburgs sign /tren$delnb-%1z

Trendelenburgs sign |
|
has three cusps, e.g. a tooth or leaf " adjective 1.
san/ noun a symptom of congenital dislocation having three cusps or points 2. referring to a tri-
of the hip, where the persons pelvis is lower on cuspid valve or tooth
the opposite side to the dislocation
tricuspid valve /tra$k.spd v'lv/ noun an
tricuspid valve
trephine /tr$fi%n/ noun a surgical instrument

trephine |
|
inlet valve with three cusps between the right
for making a round hole in the skull or for remov- atrium and the right ventricle in the heart. See
ing a round piece of tissue illustration at HEART in Supplement
TRH abbreviation thyrotrophin-releasing hor-
TRH
tricyclic antidepressant /tra!saklk

tricyclic antidepressant
mone !'ntid$pres()nt/, tricyclic antidepressant

|
triage /$tri%%+/ noun the system in which a doc- drug /tra!saklk !'ntid$pres()nt !dr.1/
triage
| |
tor or nurse sees patients briefly in order to decide noun a drug used to treat depression and panic
who should be treated first disorder, e.g. amitriptyline and nortriptyline
tridactyly 314
tridactyly /tra$d'ktli/ noun the condition of eases e.g. diphtheria, tetanus and whooping
tridactyly
having only three fingers or toes cough

triquetrum /tra$kwetrm/, triquetral /tra
triquetrum
trifocal lenses /tra!fk()l $lenzz/, trifocal

trifocal lenses
| |
|
glasses /tra!fk()l $1l%sz/, trifocals /tra

| |
$kwetr()l/, triquetral bone /tra$kwetr()l
|
$fk()lz/ plural noun spectacles which have bn/ noun one of the eight small carpal bones in
three lenses combined in one piece of glass to the wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement
give clear vision over different distances. ! bifo- trismus /$trzms/ noun a spasm in the lower
trismus
cal jaw, which makes it difficult to open the mouth, a

trigeminal /tra$d+emn()l/ adjective in three
trigeminal
|
symptom of tetanus
parts trisomy /$trasmi/ noun a condition in which
trisomy
trigeminal nerve /tra$d+emn()l n-%v/ noun

trigeminal nerve
|
someone has three chromosomes instead of a pair
trisomy 21 /!trasmi !twenti $w.n/ noun
trisomy 21
the fifth cranial nerve, formed of the ophthalmic

nerve, the maxillary nerve and the mandibular same as Downs syndrome
nerve, which controls the sensory nerves in the trocar /$trk%/ noun a surgical instrument or
trocar
forehead, face and chin, and the muscles in the pointed rod which slides inside a cannula to make
jaw a hole in tissue to drain off fluid
trigeminal neuralgia /tra!d+emn()l nj
trigeminal neuralgia
trochanter /tr$k'nt/ noun two bony lumps

trochanter
| | |
$r'ld+/ noun a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, on either side of the top end of the femur where
which sends intense pains shooting across the muscles are attached
face. Also called tic douloureux trochlea /$trkli/ noun any part of the body
trochlea
trigeminy /tra$d+emni/ noun an irregular

trigeminy
| shaped like a pulley, especially part of the lower

heartbeat, where a regular beat is followed by two end of the humerus, which articulates with the
ectopic beats ulna, or a curved bone in the frontal bone through
trigger finger /$tr1 !f1/ noun a condition
trigger finger
which one of the eye muscles passes (NOTE: The
in which a finger can bend but is difficult to plural is trochleae.)
straighten, probably because of a nodule on the trochlear /$trkli/ adjective referring to a ring
trochlear
flexor tendon in a bone

triglyceride /tra$1lsrad/ noun a substance trochlear nerve /$trkli n-%v/ noun the
triglyceride trochlear nerve
such as fat which contains three fatty acids fourth cranial nerve which controls the muscles of
trigonitis /!tr1$nats/ noun inflammation of
trigonitis
|
the eyeball
trochoid joint /$trkd d+nt/ noun a joint
trochoid joint
the bottom part of the wall of the bladder

trigonocephalic /tra!1nk$f'lk/ adjec-
trigonocephalic
| |
where a bone can rotate freely about a central axis
tive referring to a skull which shows signs of trig- as in the neck, where the atlas articulates with the
onocephaly axis. Also called pivot joint
troph- /trf/ prefix same as tropho- (used
troph-
trigonocephaly /tra!1n$kef()li/ noun a

trigonocephaly
| |
condition in which the skull is in the shape of a tri- before vowels)

trophic /$trfk/ adjective relating to food and
trophic
angle, with points on either side of the face in

front of the ears nutrition
trophic ulcer /!trfk $.ls/ noun an ulcer
trophic ulcer
triiodothyronine /tra!ad$arni%n/
triiodothyronine
| |
noun a hormone synthesised in the body from caused by lack of blood, e.g. a bedsore
thyroxine secreted by the thyroid gland tropho- /trf/ prefix referring to food or nutri-
tropho-
trimeprazine /tra$meprzi%n/ noun an anti-

trimeprazine
|
tion
histamine used to relieve the itching caused by -trophy /trfi/ suffix 1. nourishment 2. referring
-trophy
eczema and various skin rashes, including allergic to the development of an organ
skin rashes caused by poison ivy tropia /$trpi/ noun same as squint
tropia
trimester /tra$mest/ noun one of the three 3-

trimester
-tropic /trpk/ suffix 1. turning towards 2.

-tropic
|
month periods of a pregnancy referring to something which influences

trimethoprim /tra$mi%prm/ noun a syn-
trimethoprim
tropical /$trpk()l/ adjective located in or

tropical
|
thetic drug used in the treatment of malaria coming from areas around the equator where the
triple marker test /!trp()l $m%k test/ climate is generally very hot and humid
triple marker test
noun a blood test performed on pregnant women tropical disease /!trpk()l d$zi%z/ noun a
tropical disease
which can detect Downs syndrome in a fetus by disease which is found in tropical countries, e.g.
analysing the relative levels of substances pro- malaria, dengue or Lassa fever
duced by the mothers placenta and the fetus itself tropical medicine /!trpk()l $med()sn/
tropical medicine
triplet /$trplt/ noun one of three babies born to

triplet
noun a branch of medicine which deals with trop-

a mother at the same time ical diseases
triple vaccine /!trp()l $v'ksi%n/ noun a vac- tropical ulcer /!trpk()l $.ls/ noun a large
triple vaccine tropical ulcer
cine which induces protection against three dis- area of infection which forms around a wound,
315 tumescence
found especially in tropical countries. Also called tube feeding /$tju%b !fi%d/ noun the process
tube feeding
Naga sore of giving someone nutrients through a tube

trots /trts/ # the trots an attack of diarrhoea directly into their stomach or small intestine
trots
tuber /$tju%b/ noun a swollen or raised area

tuber
(informal)
tubercle /$tju%bk()l/ noun 1. a small bony
tubercle
trouble /$tr.b()l/ noun a disorder or condition

trouble
(informal) ! treatment for back trouble ! She has projection, e.g. on a rib 2. a small infected lump
kidney trouble. characteristic of tuberculosis, where tissue is
destroyed and pus forms
Trousseaus sign /$tru%sz san/ noun a
Trousseaus sign
tubercular /tj$b-%kjl/ adjective causing or

tubercular
spasm in the muscles in the forearm when a tour- |
niquet is applied to the upper arm, which causes referring to tuberculosis

tuberculin /tj$b-%kjln/ noun a substance
tuberculin
the index and middle fingers to extend. It is a sign |
of latent tetany, showing that the blood contains which is derived from the culture of the tubercu-
too little calcium. [After Armand Trousseau losis bacillus and is used to test people for the
(180167), French physician.] presence of tuberculosis
tuberculin test /tj$b-%kjln test/ noun a
tuberculin test
true vocal cords /!tru% $vk()l !k%dz/ plu-

true vocal cords
|
ral noun the cords in the larynx which can be test to see if someone has tuberculosis, in which
brought together to make sounds as air passes someone is exposed to tuberculin and the reaction
between them of the skin is noted
tuberculosis /tj!b-%kj$lss/ noun an
tuberculosis
trunk /tr.k/ noun same as torso

trunk
| |
infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis

truss /tr.s/ noun a belt worn round the waist,
truss
bacillus, where infected lumps form in the tissue.

with pads, to hold a hernia in place Abbreviation TB
trust status /$tr.st !stets/ noun the position
trust status
tuberculous /tj$b-%kjls/ adjective refer-

tuberculous
of a hospital which is a self-governing trust ring to tuberculosis

trypanosome /$trpnsm/ noun a micro- tuberose sclerosis /!tju%brs skl$rss/
trypanosome tuberose sclerosis
scopic organism which lives as a parasite in noun same as epiloia

human blood. It is transmitted by the bite of tuberosity /!tju%b$rsti/ noun a large lump
tuberosity
insects such as the tsetse fly and causes sleeping on a bone

sickness and other serious illnesses. tuberous /$tju%brs/ adjective with lumps or
tuberous
trypsin /$trpsn/ noun an enzyme converted

trypsin
nodules
from trypsinogen by the duodenum and secreted tubo- /tju%b/ prefix referring to a Fallopian
tubo-
into the digestive system where it absorbs protein tube or to the internal or external auditory meatus
trypsinogen /trp$snd+n/ noun an enzyme
trypsinogen
tuboabdominal /!tju%b'b$dmn()l/
tuboabdominal
|
|
secreted by the pancreas into the duodenum adjective referring to a Fallopian tube and the
tryptophan /$trptf'n/ noun an essential abdomen
tryptophan
amino acid tubocurarine /!tju%b$kjrri%n/ noun a

tubocurarine
tsetse fly /$tetsi fla, $setsi fla/ noun an Afri-

tsetse fly
toxic alkaloid which is the active constituent of
can insect which passes trypanosomes into the curare, used as a muscle relaxant
tubo-ovarian /!tju%b $verin/ adjective
tubo-ovarian
human bloodstream, causing sleeping sickness |
TSH abbreviation thyroid-stimulating hormone

TSH
referring to a Fallopian tube and an ovary
tubotympanal /!tju%b$tmpn()l/ adjec-
tubotympanal
TSS abbreviation toxic shock syndrome

TSS
|
tive referring to the Eustachian tube and the tym-

tubal /$tju%b()l/ adjective referring to a tube
tubal
panum
tubal ligation /!tju%b()l la$1e()n/ noun a tubular /$tju%bjl/ adjective shaped like a tube
tubal ligation tubular
surgical operation to tie up the Fallopian tubes as tubular bandage /!tju%bjl $b'ndd+/ noun
tubular bandage
a sterilisation procedure a bandage made of a tube of elastic cloth

tubal occlusion /!tju%b()l $klu%+()n/ noun tubular reabsorption /!tju%bjl !ri%b
tubal occlusion
tubular reabsorption
| |
a condition in which the Fallopian tubes are $s%pn/ noun the process by which some of the
blocked, either as a result of disease or surgery substances filtered into the kidney are absorbed
tubal pregnancy /!tju%b()l $pre1nnsi/ noun
tubal pregnancy
back into the bloodstream by the tubules
tubule /$tju%bju%l/ noun a small tube in the
tubule
the most common form of ectopic pregnancy, in

which the fetus develops in a Fallopian tube body. ! renal tubule
instead of the uterus tumefaction /!tju%m$f'kn/ noun swelling
tumefaction
tube /tju%b/ noun 1. a long hollow passage in the

tube
within body tissue, usually caused a build-up of
body 2. a soft flexible pipe for carrying liquid or blood or water
gas 3. a soft plastic or metal pipe, sealed at one tumescence /tju%$mes()ns/ noun swollen tis-
tumescence
end and with a lid at the other, used to dispense a sue where liquid has accumulated underneath. !
paste or gel oedema
tumid 316
tumid /$tju%md/ adjective swollen turricephaly /!t.r$sefli/ same as oxyceph-

tumid turricephaly
tummy /$t.mi/ noun stomach or abdomen

tummy
aly
(informal) tussis /$t.ss/ noun coughing
tussis
tummy ache /$t.mi ek/ noun stomach pain

tummy ache
twenty-twenty vision /!twenti !twenti

twenty-twenty vision
(informal) $v+()n/ noun perfect vision

tumoral /$tju%mrl/, tumorous /$tju%mrs/
tumoral
twilight sleep /$twalat !sli%p/ noun a type of

twilight sleep
adjective referring to a tumour anaesthetic sleep, in which the patient is semi-

tumour /$tju%m/ noun an unusual swelling or conscious but cannot feel any pain
tumour
growth of new cells ! The X-ray showed a twilight state /$twalat stet/ noun a condi-
twilight state
tumour in the breast. ! a brain tumour. (NOTE: tion of epileptics and alcoholics in which the per-
For other terms referring to tumours, see words son can do some automatic actions, but is not con-
beginning with onco-.) scious of what he or she is doing
tunica /$tju%nk/ noun a layer of tissue which
tunica
COMMENT: Twilight state is induced at child-

covers an organ birth, by introducing anaesthetics into the
tunica albuginea testis /!tju%nk 'lbj rectum.
tunica albuginea testis
!d+ni $tests/ noun a white fibrous membrane twin /twn/ noun one of two babies born to a
twin
covering the testes and the ovaries mother at the same time
tunica intima /!tju%nk $ntm/ noun the
tunica intima
tylosis /ta$lss/ noun the development of a

tylosis
inner layer of the wall of an artery or vein. Also callus

called intima
tympan- /tmpn/ prefix same as tympano-
tympan-
tunica media /!tju%nk $mi%di/ noun the

tunica media
(NOTE: used before vowels)

middle layer of the wall of an artery or vein. Also
tympanectomy /!tmp$nektmi/ noun a sur-
tympanectomy
called media |
gical operation to remove the tympanic mem-

tunica vaginalis /!tju%nk !v'd+$nels/
tunica vaginalis
|
brane
noun a membrane covering the testes and epidi-
tympanic /tm$p'nk/ adjective referring to
tympanic
dymis |
the eardrum
tuning fork /$tju%n f%k/ noun a metal fork
tuning fork
tympanic membrane /tm!p'nk

tympanic membrane
which, if hit, gives out a perfect note, used in |
hearing tests such as Rinnes test $membren/ noun the membrane at the inner end
of the external auditory meatus leading from the
tunnel /$t.n()l/ noun a passage or channel
tunnel
outer ear, which vibrates with sound and passes

through or under something ! the carpal tunnel
the vibrations on to the ossicles in the middle ear.
" verb 1. to make a tunnel under or through
Also called tympanum, eardrum. See illustra-
something 2. to produce or dig something which
tion at EAR in Supplement
is shaped like a tunnel
tympanites /!tmp$nati%z/ noun the expan-
tympanites
tunnel vision /!t.n()l $v+()n/ noun vision

tunnel vision
|
which is restricted to the area directly in front of sion of the stomach with gas. Also called meteor-
the eye ism
tympanitis /!tmp$nats/ noun same as otitis
tympanitis
turbinate /$t-%bnt/ adjective 1. having a

turbinate
|
shape like a spiral or an inverted cone 2. referring media

tympano- /tmpn/ prefix referring to the
tympano-
to any of the three bones found on the walls of the

nasal passages of mammals eardrum
turbinate bone /$t-%bnt bn/ noun " nasal tympanoplasty /$tmpnpl'sti/ noun
turbinate bone tympanoplasty
conchae same as myringoplasty

turbinectomy /!t-%b$nektmi/ noun a surgi- tympanosclerosis /!tmpnskl$rss/
turbinectomy tympanosclerosis
| |
cal operation to remove a turbinate bone noun irreversible damage to the tympanic mem-
turgescence /t-%$d+es()ns/ noun a swelling
turgescence
|
brane and middle ear, starting with the replace-
in body tissue caused by the accumulation of fluid ment of tissues or fibrin by collagen and hyalin.
turgid /$t-%d+d/ adjective swollen with blood
turgid
Then calcification occurs, leading to deafness.
tympanotomy /!tmp$ntmi/ noun same as
tympanotomy
turgor /$t-%1/ noun the condition of being

turgor
|
swollen myringotomy
tympanum /$tmpnm/ noun same as tym-
tympanum
Turners syndrome /$t-%nz !sndrm/

Turners syndrome
noun a congenital condition in females, caused by panic membrane

type A behaviour /!tap $e b!hevj/ noun a
type A behaviour
the absence of one of the pair of X chromosomes, |
in which sexual development is retarded and no behaviour pattern which may contribute to coro-
ovaries develop [Described 1938. After Henry nary heart disease, in which an individual is
Hubert Turner (18921970), US endocrinologist, aggressive and over-competitive, and usually
Clinical professor of Medicine, Oklahoma Uni- lives at a stressful pace. Compare type B behav-
versity, USA.] iour
317 tyrosine
type B behaviour /!tap $bi% b!hevj/ noun trations in the blood, or insulin injections, so that
type B behaviour
a behaviour pattern which is unlikely to contrib- even cells with a poor uptake will capture enough
ute to coronary heart disease, in which an individ- insulin. Also called non-insulin-dependent
ual is patient, tolerant, not very competitive and diabetes
lives at a more relaxed pace. Compare type A typho- /taf/ prefix 1. relating to typhoid fever
typho-
behaviour 2. relating to typhus

Type I diabetes mellitus /!tap !w.n da
Type I diabetes mellitus
typhoid /$tafd/, typhoid fever /!tafd

typhoid
|
!bi%ti%z m$lats/ noun the type of diabetes mel-

|
$fi%v/ noun an infection of the intestine caused
litus in which the beta cells of the pancreas pro- by Salmonella typhi in food and water
duce little or no insulin, and the person is com-
typhus /$tafs/ noun one of several fevers
typhus
pletely dependent on injections of insulin for

survival. It is more likely to develop in people caused by the Rickettsia bacterium, transmitted
under 30. Symptoms are usually severe and occur by fleas and lice, producing a fever, extreme
suddenly. Also called insulin-dependent diabe- weakness and a dark rash on the skin. The test for
tes typhus is the Weil-Felix reaction.
tyramine /$tarmi%n/ noun an enzyme found in
tyramine
Type II diabetes mellitus /!tap !tu% da

Type II diabetes mellitus
!bi%ti%z m$lats/ noun the type of diabetes mel-

|
cheese, beans, tinned fish, red wine and yeast
litus in which cells throughout the body lose some extract, which can cause high blood pressure if
or most of their ability to use insulin. It is more found in excessive quantities in the brain. !
likely to develop in people who are over 40, who monoamine oxidase
tyrosine /$tarsi%n/ noun an amino acid in pro-
tyrosine
are overweight or obese, and who do not exercise

regularly. It can be controlled in some cases with tein which is a component of thyroxine, and is a
diet and exercise, but more severe cases may need precursor to the catecholamines dopamine,
oral medication which reduces glucose concen- noradrenaline and adrenaline
U
UKCC abbreviation United Kingdom Central ultrasonogram /!.ltr$sn1r'm/ noun a
UKCC ultrasonogram
Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visit- picture made with ultrasound for the purpose of
ing medical examination or diagnosis
ulcer /$.ls/ noun an open sore in the skin or in ultrasonograph /!.ltr$sn1r%f/ noun a
ulcer ultrasonograph
a mucous membrane, which is inflamed and diffi- machine which takes pictures of internal organs,
cult to heal ! stomach ulcer using ultrasound
ulcerative /$.ls()rtv/ adjective referring to ultrasonography /!.ltrs$n1rfi/ noun the
ulcerative ultrasonography
ulcers, or characterised by ulcers procedure of passing ultrasound waves through

ulcerative colitis /!.ls()rtv k$lats/ the body and recording echoes which show details
ulcerative colitis
noun severe pain in the colon, with diarrhoea and of internal organs. Also called echography
ulcers in the rectum, often with a psychosomatic ultrasound /$.ltrsand/ noun very high fre-
ultrasound
cause quency sound waves which can be reflected off

ulceromembranous gingivitis /!.lsr internal body parts or off a fetus in the womb to
ulceromembranous gingivitis
!membrns !d+nd+$vats/ noun inflamma-

| create images for medical examination (NOTE: No
tion of the gums, which can also affect the plural for ultrasound.)
mucous membrane in the mouth ultrasound marker /$.ltrsand !m%k/
ultrasound marker
ule- prefix relating to a scar, or to scar tissue noun an unusual physical characteristic seen in an
ule-
ulna /$.ln/ noun the longer and inner of the two

ulna
ultrasound examination of a fetus which is an
bones in the forearm between the elbow and the indication of the existence of a genetic or devel-
wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement. opmental disorder
Compare radius ultrasound probe /$.ltrsand prb/ noun
ultrasound probe
ulnar /$.ln/ adjective referring to the ulna same as ultrasonic probe

ulnar
ulnar artery /$.lnr !%tri/ noun an artery ultrasound scanning /$.ltrsand

ulnar artery ultrasound scanning
which branches from the brachial artery at the !sk'n/, ultrasound screening /$.ltrsand
elbow and runs down the inside of the forearm to !skri%n/ noun a method of gathering informa-
join the radial artery in the palm of the hand tion about the body by taking images using high-
ulnar nerve /$.ln n-%v/ noun a nerve which
ulnar nerve
frequency sound waves
runs from the neck to the elbow and controls the ultrasound treatment /$.ltrsand
ultrasound treatment
muscles in the forearm and some of the fingers !tri%tmnt/ noun the treatment of soft tissue
COMMENT: The ulnar nerve passes near the inflammation using ultrasound waves
surface of the skin at the elbow, where it can ultraviolet /!.ltr$valt/ adjective referring
ultraviolet
easily be hit, giving the effect of the funny to the short invisible rays beyond the violet end of
bone. the spectrum, which form the element in sunlight
ultra- prefix 1. further than 2. extremely which tans the skin, helps the skin produce Vita-
ultra-
ultrafiltration /!.ltrfl$tre()n/ noun the

ultrafiltration
|
min D and kills bacteria. Abbreviation UV
process of filtering the blood to remove tiny par- ultraviolet lamp /!.ltrvalt $l'mp/ noun a
ultraviolet lamp
ticles, e.g. when the blood is filtered by the kidney lamp which gives off ultraviolet rays
ultrasonic /!.ltr$snk/ adjective referring to ultraviolet radiation /!.ltrvalt !redi
ultrasonic ultraviolet radiation
| |
ultrasound $e()n/, ultraviolet rays /!.ltr$valt res/

|
ultrasonic probe /!.ltrsnk $prb/ noun noun short invisible rays of ultraviolet light.
ultrasonic probe
an instrument which locates organs or tissues Abbreviation UVR

inside the body using ultrasound umbilical /.m$blk()l/ adjective referring to
umbilical
ultrasonics /!.ltr$snks/ noun the study of the navel

ultrasonics
ultrasound and its use in medical treatments umbilical cord /.m$blk()l k%d/ noun a
umbilical cord
ultrasonic waves /!.ltrsnk $wevz/ plural cord containing two arteries and one vein which
ultrasonic waves
noun same as ultrasound links the fetus inside the uterus to the placenta
319 uran-
umbilical hernia /.m!blk()l $h-%ni/ noun uniovular twins /!ju%nivjl $twnz/ plural
umbilical hernia uniovular twins
a hernia which bulges at the navel, usually in noun same as identical twins
young children. Also called exomphalos unipara /ju%$npr/ noun same as primipara
unipara
umbilicated /.m$blketd/ adjective with a

umbilicated
unipolar neurone /ju%n!pl $njrn/

unipolar neurone
|
|
small depression, like a navel, in the centre noun a neurone with a single process. Compare
umbilicus /.m$blks/ noun same as navel multipolar neurone, bipolar neurone. See
umbilicus
umbo /$.mb/ noun a projecting part in the

umbo
illustration at NEURONE in Supplement
unit /$ju%nt/ noun 1. a single part of a larger
unit
middle of the outer side of the eardrum

un- /.n/ prefix not
un-
whole 2. a part of a hospital that has a specialised
function ! a burns unit 3. a named and agreed
unciform bone /$.nsf%m bn/ noun one of
unciform bone
standard amount used for measuring something !

the eight small carpal bones in the wrist, shaped A gram is an SI unit of weight. 4. a quantity of a
like a hook. Also called hamate bone drug, enzyme, hormone or of blood, taken as a
uncinate /$.nsnt/ adjective shaped like a
uncinate
standard for measurement and producing a given

hook effect ! three units of blood ! a unit of insulin 5.
unconditioned response /!.nknd()nd
unconditioned response
a machine or device ! a waste-disposal unit
r$spns/ noun a response to a stimulus which United Kingdom Central Council for
United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Visiting
occurs automatically, by instinct, and has not Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Visiting
been learned /ju%!natd !kdm !sentrl !kansl f
|
unconscious /.n$kns/ adjective not aware

unconscious
|
!n-%s md!wfri nd $hel !vzt/ noun in
|
of what is happening ! She was unconscious for the UK from 1979 until April 2002, an organisa-
two days after the accident. " noun # the uncon- tion which regulated nurses, midwives, and health
scious (in psychology) the part of the mind which visitors. The UKCC and the four National Boards
stores feelings, memories or desires that someone have now been replaced by the Nursing and Mid-
cannot consciously call up. ! subconscious wifery Council. Abbreviation UKCC
universal donor /!ju%nv-%s()l $dn/ noun
universal donor
unconsciousness /.n$knsns/ noun the

unconsciousness
state of being unconscious, e.g. as a result of lack a person with blood group O, whose blood may be
of oxygen or from some other external cause such given to anyone
Universal Precautions /!ju%nv-%s()l pr
Universal Precautions
as a blow on the head |
undecenoic acid /.n!desnk $'sd/,

undecenoic acid
|
$k%()nz/ abbreviation UP. ! Standard Pre-
undecylenic acid /.n!dslenk $'sd/ noun a |
cautions
universal recipient /!ju%nv-%s()l r
universal recipient
substance made from castor bean oil, used in the |
treatment of fungal infections such as thrush $spint/ noun a person with blood group AB
undine /$.ndi%n/ noun a glass container for a
undine
who can receive blood from all the other blood
solution to bathe the eyes groups
unsaturated fat /.n!s'tretd $f't/ noun
unsaturated fat
undulant fever /$.ndjlnt !fi%v/ same as

undulant fever
|
brucellosis fat which does not have a large amount of hydro-

gen, and so can be broken down more easily
ungual /$.1wl/ adjective referring to the fin-
ungual
unstable angina /.n!steb()l 'n$d+an/

unstable angina
gernails or toenails | |
noun angina which has suddenly become worse

unguentum /.$1wentm/ noun (in phar-
unguentum
unstriated muscle /!.nstra!etd $m.s()l/

| unstriated muscle
macy) an ointment
|
noun same as smooth muscle

unguis /$.1ws/ same as nail
unguis
upper respiratory infection /!.p r

upper respiratory infection
uni- /ju%ni/ prefix one

uni-
$sprt()ri n!fekn/ noun an infection in the|
unicellular /!ju%n$seljl/ adjective referring upper part of the respiratory system

unicellular
to an organism formed of one cell UPPP abbreviation uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

UPPP
unigravida /!ju%ni$1r'vd/ noun same as

unigravida
upset stomach /.p!set $st.mk/ noun same

upset stomach
|
|
primigravida as stomach upset

unilateral /!ju%n$l't()rl/ adjective affecting
unilateral
uracil /$jrsl/ noun a pyrimidine base, one of

uracil
one side of the body only the four bases in RNA in which it pairs with thym-
unilateral oophorectomy /!ju%nl't()rl
unilateral oophorectomy
ine
!f$rektmi/ noun the surgical removal of uraemia /j$ri%mi/ noun a disorder caused by
uraemia
| |
one ovary kidney failure, where urea is retained in the blood,

union /$ju%njn/ noun the joining together of
union
and the person develops nausea, convulsions and
two parts of a fractured bone. Opposite non- in severe cases goes into a coma
union. ! malunion uraemic /j$ri%mk/ adjective referring to urae-
uraemic
uniovular /!ju%ni$vjl/ noun consisting of, or

uniovular
|
mia, or having uraemia
coming from, one ovum uran- /jrn/ prefix referring to the palate
uran-
urate 320
urate /$jret/ noun a salt of uric acid found in ureter and the pelvis of the kidney to which it is
urate
urine attached
uraturia /!jr$tjri/ noun the presence of ureteroscope /j$ri%trskp/ noun an
uraturia ureteroscope
| |
excessive amounts of urates in the urine, e.g. in instrument which is passed into the ureter and up
gout into the kidneys, usually used to locate or remove
urea /j$ri%/ noun a substance produced in the
urea
|
a stone
ureteroscopy /!jrt$rskpi/ noun an
ureteroscopy
liver from excess amino acids, and excreted by the |
kidneys into the urine examination of the ureter with a ureteroscope

uresis /j$ri%ss/ noun the act of passing urine ureterosigmoidostomy /j!ri%trs1m
uresis ureterosigmoidostomy
| | | |
ureter /j$ri%t, $jrt/ noun one of the two

ureter
|
$dstmi/ same as ureterocolostomy
tubes which take urine from the kidneys to the uri- ureterostomy /!jrt$rstmi/ noun a surgi-
ureterostomy
nary bladder. See illustration at KIDNEY in Sup- cal operation to make an artificial opening for the
plement. Also called urinary duct ureter into the abdominal wall, so that urine can
ureter- /jri%t/ prefix same as uretero- (used
ureter-
be passed directly out of the body
before vowels) ureterotomy /!jrt$rtmi/ noun a surgical
ureterotomy
ureteral /j$ri%trl/ adjective referring to the

ureteral
|
operation to make an incision into the ureter,
ureters mainly to remove a stone
ureterovaginal /j!ri%trv$d+an()l/
ureterovaginal
ureterectomy /!jrt$rektmi/ noun the

ureterectomy
| |
|
surgical removal of a ureter adjective referring to the ureter and the vagina
urethra /ju$ri%r/ noun a tube which takes
urethra
ureteric /!jr$terk/ adjective same as ure-

ureteric
|
|
teral urine from the bladder to be passed out of the

ureteric calculus /!jrterk $k'lkjls/
ureteric calculus
body. See illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM in
noun a kidney stone in the ureter Supplement
urethral /ju$ri%r()l/ adjective referring to the
urethral
ureteric catheter /!jrterk $k't/ noun

ureteric catheter
|
a catheter passed through the ureter to the kidney, urethra

urethral catheter /ju!ri%r()l $k't/ noun
urethral catheter
to inject an opaque solution into the kidney before |
taking an X-ray a catheter passed up the urethra to allow urine to

ureteritis /!jrt$rats/ noun inflammation
ureteritis
|
flow out of the bladder, used to empty the bladder
of a ureter before an abdominal operation. Also called uri-
nary catheter
uretero- /jri%tr/ prefix referring to the ure-
uretero-
urethral stricture /ju!ri%rl $strkt/ noun a

urethral stricture
ter |
condition in which the urethra is narrowed or

ureterocele /j$ri%trsi%l/ noun swelling in a
ureterocele
|
blocked by a growth. Also called urethrosteno-
ureter caused by narrowing of the opening where sis
the ureter enters the bladder
urethritis /!jr$rats/ noun inflammation
urethritis
ureterocolostomy /j!ri%trk$lstmi/
ureterocolostomy |
of the urethra
| |
noun a surgical operation to implant the ureter

urethro- /juri%r/ prefix referring to the ure-
urethro-
into the sigmoid colon, so as to bypass the bladder

thra
ureteroenterostomy /j!ri%tr!ent
ureteroenterostomy
| | |
urethrocele /ju$ri%rsi%l/ noun a swelling

urethrocele
$rstmi/ noun an artificially formed passage |
between the ureter and the intestine formed in a weak part of the wall of the urethra
urethrogram /ju$ri%r1r'm/ noun an X-ray
urethrogram
ureterolith /j$ri%trl/ noun a stone in a

ureterolith
|
|
ureter photograph of the urethra

urethrography /!jr$r1rfi/ noun X-ray
urethrography
ureterolithotomy /j!ri%trl$tmi/ noun

ureterolithotomy
|
| |
the surgical removal of a stone from the ureter examination of the urethra
urethroplasty /ju$ri%rpl'sti/ noun a surgi-
urethroplasty
ureterolysis /!jrt$rlss/ noun a surgical

ureterolysis
| |
operation to free one or both ureters from adhe- cal operation to repair a urethra
sions or surrounding tissue urethrorrhaphy /!jr$rrfi/ noun a surgi-
urethrorrhaphy
ureteroneocystostomy /j!ri%tr cal operation to repair a torn urethra

ureteroneocystostomy
| |
!ni%sa$ststmi/ noun a surgical operation to

|
urethrorrhoea /j!ri%r$ri%/ noun the dis-
urethrorrhoea
| |
transplant a ureter to a different location in the charge of fluid from the urethra, usually associ-
bladder ated with urethritis
ureteronephrectomy /j!ri%trn
ureteronephrectomy
urethroscope /j$ri%rskp/ noun a surgi-

urethroscope
| |
|
$frektmi/ noun same as nephroureterectomy cal instrument, used to examine the interior of a
ureteroplasty /j$ri%trpl'sti/ noun a sur- mans urethra
ureteroplasty
gical operation to repair a ureter urethroscopy /!jr$rskpi/ noun an

urethroscopy
ureteropyelonephritis /j!ri%tr examination of the inside of a mans urethra with

ureteropyelonephritis
| |
!paln$frats/ noun inflammation of the a urethroscope

321 urticaria
urethrostenosis /j!ri%rst$nss/ noun urinate /$jrnet/ verb to pass urine from the
urethrostenosis urinate
| |
same as urethral stricture body

urethrostomy /!jr$rstmi/ noun a surgi- urination /!jr$ne()n/ noun the passing of
urethrostomy urination
| |
cal operation to make an opening for a mans ure- urine out of the body. Also called micturition
thra between the scrotum and the anus urine /$jrn/ noun a yellowish liquid, contain-
urine
urethrotomy /!jr$rtmi/ noun a surgical ing water and waste products, mainly salt and
urethrotomy
operation to open a blocked or narrowed urethra. urea, which is excreted by the kidneys and passed
Also called Wheelhouses operation out of the body through the ureters, bladder and
urge incontinence /$-%d+ n!kntnns/
urge incontinence
|
urethra
urine retention /$jrn r!ten()n/ noun
urine retention
noun a condition in which someone feels a very |
strong need to urinate and cannot retain their same as urinary retention
urine uriniferous tubule /!jr!nf()rs
uriniferous tubule
-uria /jri/ suffix 1. a condition of the urine 2.

-uria
$tju%bju%l/ noun same as renal tubule
urino- /jrn/ prefix referring to urine
urino-
a disease characterised by a condition of the urine

uric acid /!jrk $'sd/ noun a chemical com- urinogenital /!jrn$d+ent()l/ adjective
uric acid urinogenital
pound which is formed from nitrogen in waste same as urogenital

products from the body and which also forms urinometer /!jr$nmt/ noun an instru-
urinometer
crystals in the joints of people who have gout ment which measures the specific gravity of urine
urin- /jrn/ prefix same as urino- (used before urobilin /!jr$baln/ noun a yellow pig-
urin- urobilin
vowels) ment formed when urobilinogen comes into con-

urinalysis /!jr$n'lss/ noun the analysis of
urinalysis
|
tact with air
urine, to detect diseases such as diabetes mellitus urobilinogen /!jrba$lnd+n/ noun a
urobilinogen
urinary /$jrn()ri/ adjective referring to

urinary
colourless pigment formed when bilirubin is
urine reduced to stercobilinogen in the intestines
urochrome /$jrkrm/ noun the pigment
urochrome
urinary bladder /!jrn()ri $bl'd/ noun a

urinary bladder
sac where the urine collects after passing from the which colours the urine yellow
urodynamics /!jrda$n'mks/ plural
urodynamics
kidneys through the ureters, before being passed |
out of the body through the urethra. See illustra- noun the active changes which occur during the
tion at KIDNEY, UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in function of the bladder, urethral sphincter and
Supplement pelvic floor muscles
urogenital /!jr$d+ent()l/ adjective
urogenital
urinary catheter /!jrn()ri $k't/ noun

urinary catheter
|
same as urethral catheter referring to the urinary and genital systems. Also
urinary duct /$jrn()ri d.kt/ noun same as
urinary duct
called urinogenital
urogenital system /!jr$d+ent()l
urogenital system
ureter |
!sstm/ noun the whole of the urinary tract and

urinary incontinence /!jrn()ri n
urinary incontinence
reproductive system
|
$kntnns/ noun the involuntary emission of

urogram /$jr1r'm/ noun an X-ray picture
urogram
urine
of the urinary tract, or of a part of it
urinary obstruction /!jrn()ri b
urinary obstruction
urography /j$r1rfi/ noun an X-ray exami-

| urography
$str.kn/ noun a blockage of the urethra, which |
prevents urine being passed nation of part of the urinary system after injection
of radio-opaque dye
urinary retention /!jrn()ri r$tenn/
urinary retention
urokinase /!jr$kanez/ noun an enzyme

| urokinase
noun the inability to pass urine, usually because |
the urethra is blocked or because the prostate formed in the kidneys, which begins the process
gland is enlarged. Also called urine retention of breaking down blood clots
urolith /$jrl/ noun a stone in the urinary
urolith
urinary system /!jrn()ri $sstm/ noun a

urinary system
system
system of organs and ducts which separate waste
urological /!jr$ld+k()l/ adjective refer-
urological
liquids from the blood and excrete them as urine, |
including the kidneys, bladder, ureters and ure- ring to urology

urologist /j$rld+st/ noun a doctor who
urologist
thra |
urinary tract /$jrn()ri tr'kt/ noun the set

urinary tract
specialises in urology
urology /j$rld+i/ noun the scientific study of
urology
of tubes down which the urine passes from the |
kidneys to the bladder and from the bladder out of the urinary system and its diseases
the body urostomy /j$rstmi/ noun the surgical crea-
urostomy
urinary tract infection /$jrn()ri tr'kt n

urinary tract infection
|
tion of an artificial urethra
!fekn/ noun a bacterial infection of any part of urticaria /!-%t$keri/ noun an allergic reaction
urticaria
the urinary system. Symptoms are usually a need to injections, particular foods or plants where the
to urinate frequently and pain on urination. skin forms irritating reddish patches. Also called
Abbreviation UTI hives, nettle rash
usual 322
usual /$ju%+ul/ adjective expected or typical before birth. Also called womb. See illustration
usual
uter- /ju%t/ prefix same as utero- (used before

uter-
at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (FEMALE) in Supplement
vowels) (NOTE: For other terms referring to the uterus,
see words beginning with hyster-, hystero-,
uterine /$ju%tran/ adjective referring to the
uterine
metr-, metro-.)
uterus
uterus didelphys /!ju%t()rs da$delfs/
uterus didelphys
uterine cavity /!ju%tran $k'vti/ noun the

uterine cavity
|
inside of the uterus noun same as double uterus

utricle /$ju%trk()l/, utriculus /j$trkjls/
utricle
uterine procidentia /!ju%tran !prs

uterine procidentia
|
|
$den/, uterine prolapse /!ju%tran noun a large sac inside the vestibule of the ear,
$prl'ps/ noun a condition in which part of the which relates information about the upright posi-
uterus has passed through the vagina, usually tion of the head to the brain
after childbirth UV abbreviation ultraviolet
UV
COMMENT: Uterine procidentia has three uvea /$ju%vi/ noun a layer of organs in the eye
uvea
stages of severity: in the first the cervix de- beneath the sclera, formed of the iris, the ciliary
scends into the vagina, in the second the body and the choroid. Also called uveal tract
cervix is outside the vagina, but part of the
uveal /$ju%vil/ adjective referring to the uvea
uveal
uterus is still inside, and in the third stage,

the whole uterus passes outside the vagina. uveal tract /$ju%vil tr'kt/ noun same as uvea
uveal tract
uterine retroflexion /!ju%tran !retr

uterine retroflexion
uveitis /!ju%vi$ats/ noun inflammation of any

uveitis
|
|
$flek()n/ noun a condition in which the uterus part of the uvea

bends backwards away from its usual position
UVR abbreviation ultraviolet radiation
UVR
uterine retroversion /!ju%tran retr

uterine retroversion
uvula /$ju%vjl/ noun a piece of soft tissue

| uvula
$v-%()n/ noun a condition in which the uterus

slopes backwards away from its usual position which hangs down from the back of the soft palate
uvular /$ju%vjl/ adjective referring to the
uvular
utero- /ju%tr/ prefix referring to the uterus

utero-
uterography /!ju%t$r1rfi/ noun an X-ray

uterography
|
uvula
uvulectomy /!ju%vj$lektmi/ noun the surgi-
uvulectomy
examination of the uterus |
uterosalpingography
uterosalpingography
/!ju%trs'lp|
cal removal of the uvula
$11rfi/ noun same as hysterosalpingogra- uvulitis /!ju%vj$lats/ noun inflammation of
uvulitis
phy the uvula

uterovesical /!ju%tr$vesk()l/ adjective
uterovesical
uvulopalatopharyngoplasty /!ju%vjl
uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
|
|
referring to the uterus and the bladder !p'ltf$r1pl'sti/ noun a surgical oper-
|
uterus /$ju%t()rs/ noun the hollow organ in a ation to remove the uvula and other soft tissue in
uterus
womans pelvic cavity, behind the bladder and in the palate, in order to widen the airways and treat
front of the rectum in which the embryo develops the problem of snoring. Abbreviation UPPP
V
vaccinate /$v'ksnet/ verb to introduce vac- vaginal delivery /v!d+an()l d$lv()ri/
vaccinate vaginal delivery
| |
cine into a persons body in order to make the noun the birth of a baby through the mothers
body create its own antibodies, so making the per- vagina, without surgical intervention
son immune to the disease (NOTE: You vaccinate vaginal diaphragm /v!d+an()l $dafr'm/
vaginal diaphragm
someone against a disease.) noun a circular contraceptive device for women,

vaccination /!v'ks$ne()n/ noun the action
vaccination
|
which is inserted into the vagina and placed over
of vaccinating someone the neck of the uterus before sexual intercourse
vaginal discharge /v!d+an()l $dst%d+/
vaginal discharge
COMMENT: Originally the words vaccination |
and vaccine applied only to smallpox immu- noun the flow of liquid from the vagina
vaginal douche /v!d+an()l $du%/ noun 1.
vaginal douche
nisation, but they are now used for immuni- |
sation against any disease. Vaccination is the process of washing out the vagina 2. a device
mainly given against cholera, diphtheria, ra- or liquid for washing out the vagina
bies, smallpox, tuberculosis, and typhoid. vaginal examination /v!d+an()l 1!z'm
vaginal examination
| | |
vaccine /$v'ksi%n/ noun a substance which

vaccine
$ne()n/ noun the act of checking the vagina for
contains antigens to a disease or a weak form of a signs of disease or growth
vaginal suppository /!v'd+n()l s
vaginal suppository
disease, used to protect people against it |
$pzt()ri/ noun same as pessary 1

vacuum /$v'kju%m/ noun a space which is
vacuum
vaginismus /!v'd+$nzms/ noun a painful

vaginismus
completely empty of all matter, including air |
contraction of the vagina which prevents sexual

vacuum extraction /$v'kjum k!str'kn/
vacuum extraction
|
intercourse
noun the procedure of pulling on the head of the
vaginitis /!v'd+$nats/ noun inflammation of
vaginitis
baby with a suction instrument to aid birth

|
the vagina which is mainly caused by the bacte-

vacuum extractor /$v'kjum k!str'kt/
vacuum extractor
| rium Trichomonas vaginalis or by a fungus Can-

noun a surgical instrument formed of a rubber dida albicans
suction cup which is used in vacuum extraction vaginoplasty /v$d+anpl'sti/ noun a surgi-
vaginoplasty
during childbirth cal operation to graft tissue on to the vagina

vacuum suction /$v'kjum !s.kn/ noun a vaginoscope /$v'd+nskp/ noun same
vacuum suction vaginoscope
method used to achieve an abortion, after dilata- as colposcope

tion of the cervix. Also called aspiration vago- /ve1/ prefix referring to the vagus nerve
vago-
vagal /$ve1()l/ adjective referring to the vagus vagotomy /ve$1tmi/ noun a surgical opera-
vagal vagotomy
nerve tion to cut through the vagus nerve which controls

the nerves in the stomach, as a treatment for pep-
vagal tone /!ve1()l $tn/ noun the action of
vagal tone
tic ulcers
the vagus nerve to slow the beat of the sinoatrial
vagus /$ve1s/, vagus nerve /$ve1s n-%v/
vagus
node
noun either of the tenth pair of cranial nerves
vagin- /vd+an/ prefix referring to the vagina
vagin-
which carry sensory and motor neurons serving

vagina /v$d+an/ noun a passage in a the heart, lungs, stomach, and various other
vagina
womans reproductive tract between the entrance organs and control swallowing. Also called
to the uterus, the cervix, and the vulva, able to pneumogastric nerve
stretch enough to allow a baby to pass through valgus /$v'l1s/, valgum /$v'l1m/, valga
valgus
during childbirth. See illustration at UROGENITAL /$v'l1/ adjective turning outwards. ! hallux
SYSTEM (FEMALE) in Supplement (NOTE: For valgus. Compare varus
other terms referring to the vagina, see words validity /v$ldti/ noun (of a study) the fact of
validity
beginning with colp-, colpo-.) being based on sound research and methods
vaginal bleeding /v!d+an()l $bli%d/ noun which exclude alternative explanations of a result
vaginal bleeding
bleeding from the vagina valine /$veli%n/ noun an essential amino acid
valine
Valium 324
Valium /$v'lim/ a trade name for diazepam varicose ulcer /!v'rks $.ls/ noun an
Valium varicose ulcer
vallate papillae /!v'let p$pili%/ plural noun

vallate papillae
|
ulcer in the leg as a result of bad circulation and
large papillae which form a line towards the back varicose veins
of the tongue and contain taste buds varicose vein /!v'rks $ven/ noun a vein,
varicose vein
Valsalvas manoeuvre /v'l$s'lvz m

Valsalvas manoeuvre
| |
usually in the legs, which becomes twisted and
!nu%v/ noun the process of breathing out while swollen
varicosity /!v'r$ksti/ noun (of veins) the
varicosity
holding the nostrils closed and keeping the mouth |
shut, used in order to test the functioning of the condition of being swollen and twisted
Eustachian tubes or to adjust the pressure in the varicotomy /!v'r$ktmi/ noun a surgical
varicotomy
middle ear operation to make a cut into a varicose vein

valve /v'lv/ noun a flap which opens and closes
valve
varifocals /$veri!fk()lz/ plural noun spec-

varifocals
to allow liquid to pass in one direction only, e.g. tacles with lenses which have varying focal
in the heart, blood vessels or lymphatic vessels lengths from top to bottom, for looking at things
valvotomy /v'l$vtmi/ noun a surgical oper- at different distances from the wearer
valvotomy
ation to cut into a valve to make it open wider variola /v$ral/ noun same as smallpox
variola
valvula /$v'lvjl/ noun a small valve (NOTE: varix /$verks/ noun a swollen blood vessel,
valvula varix
The plural is valvulae.) especially a swollen vein in the leg (NOTE: The
valvulitis /!v'lvj$lats/ noun inflammation plural is varices.)
valvulitis
of a valve in the heart varus /$vers/, varum /$verm/, vara

varus
valvuloplasty /$v'lvjlpl'sti/ noun sur- /$ver/ adjective turning inwards. ! coxa vara.
valvuloplasty
gery to repair valves in the heart without opening Compare valgus

the heart vas /v's/ noun a tube in the body (NOTE: The
vas
valvulotomy /!v'lvj$ltmi/ noun same as plural is vasa.)

valvulotomy
valvotomy vas- /v's/ prefix same as vaso-

vas-
vancomycin /!v'k$masn/ noun an anti- vasa efferentia /!ves !ef$renti/ plural

vancomycin vasa efferentia
| |
biotic which is effective against some bacteria noun the group of small tubes which sperm travel
which are resistant to other antibiotics. Strains of down from the testis to the epididymis
bacteria resistant to vancomycin have now devel- vasa vasorum /!ves ve$s%rm/ plural
vasa vasorum
oped. noun tiny blood vessels in the walls of larger

van den Bergh test /!v'n den $b-%1 !test/ blood vessels
van den Bergh test
noun a test of blood serum to see if a case of jaun- vascular /$v'skjl/ adjective referring to
vascular
dice is caused by an obstruction in the liver or by blood vessels

haemolysis of red blood cells [After A.A. Hijmans vascularisation
vascularisation
/!v'skjlra$ze()n/, |
van den Bergh (18691943), Dutch physician.] vascularization noun the development of new
vaporiser /$vepraz/, vaporizer noun a
vaporiser
blood vessels
device which warms a liquid to which medicinal vascular lesion /!v'skjl $li%+()n/ noun
vascular lesion
oil has been added, so that it provides a vapour damage to a blood vessel
which someone can inhale
vascular system /$v'skjl !sstm/ noun
vascular system
vapour /$vep/ noun 1. a substance in the form

vapour
the series of vessels such as veins, arteries and

of a gas 2. steam from a mixture of a liquid and a capillaries, carrying blood around the body
medicinal oil
vasculitis /!v'skj$lats/ noun inflammation
vasculitis
vara /$ver/ adjective same as varus

vara |
of a blood vessel
variant CJD /!verint !si%d+e $di%/ noun a
variant CJD
vas deferens /!v's $defrnz/ noun see illus-

vas deferens
form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease which was tration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supple-
observed first in the 1980s, especially affecting ment. Also called ductus deferens, sperm
younger people. Abbreviation vCJD duct (NOTE: The plural is vasa deferentia.)
varicectomy /!v'ri$sektmi/ noun a surgical
varicectomy
vasectomy /v$sektmi/ noun a surgical oper-

vasectomy
|
|
operation to remove a vein or part of a vein ation to cut a vas deferens, in order to prevent
varicella /!v'ri$sel/ noun same as chicken-
varicella
| sperm travelling from the epididymis up the duct

pox vas efferens /!v's $efrenz/ noun one of
vas efferens
varices /$v'rsi%z/ plural of varix

varices
many tiny tubes which take the spermatozoa from

varicose /$v'rks/ adjective 1. affected with
varicose
the testis to the epididymis (NOTE: The plural is
or having varicose veins 2. designed for the treat- vasa efferentia.)
ment of varicose veins 3. relating to or producing vaso- /vez/ prefix 1. referring to a blood ves-
vaso-
swelling sel 2. referring to the vas deferens

varicose eczema /!v'rks $eksm/ noun vasoactive /!vez$'ktv/ adjective having
varicose eczema vasoactive
eczema which develops on the legs, caused by an effect on the blood vessels, especially con-
bad circulation. Also called hypostatic eczema stricting the arteries
325 venogram
vasoconstriction /!vezkn$strkn/ vector /$vekt/ noun an insect or animal which

vasoconstriction vector
noun a contraction of blood vessels which makes carries a disease and can pass it to humans ! The
them narrower tsetse fly is a vector of sleeping sickness.
vasoconstrictor /!vezkn$strkt/ noun a vegan /$vi%1n/ noun someone who does not eat
vasoconstrictor vegan
chemical substance which makes blood vessels meat, dairy produce, eggs or fish and eats only
become narrower, so that blood pressure rises, vegetables and fruit " adjective involving a diet
e.g. ephedrine hydrochloride of only vegetables and fruit
vasodilatation /!vez!dal$te()n/, vegetarian /!ved+$terin/ noun someone
vasodilatation vegetarian
| | |
vasodilation /!vezda$le()n/ noun the| who does not eat meat, but eats mainly vegetables
relaxation of blood vessels, especially the arter- and fruit and sometimes dairy produce, eggs or
ies, making them wider and leading to increased fish " adjective involving a diet without meat
blood flow or reduced blood pressure vegetation /!ved+$te()n/ noun a growth on
vegetation
vasodilator /!vezda$let/ noun a chemi- a membrane, e.g. on the cusps of valves in the
vasodilator
cal substance which makes blood vessels become heart

wider, so that blood flows more easily and blood vegetative /$ved+ttv/ adjective referring to
vegetative
pressure falls, e.g. hydralazine hydrochloride growth of tissue or organs

vaso-epididymostomy /!vez !epdd
vaso-epididymostomy
vehicle /$vi%k()l/ noun a liquid in which a dose

vehicle
|
$mstmi/ noun a surgical operation to reverse a of a drug is put

vasectomy in which the cut end of the vas defer-
vein /ven/ noun a blood vessel which takes
vein
ens is joined to a tubule within the epididymis

deoxygenated blood containing waste carbon
above a blockage in it
dioxide from the tissues back to the heart (NOTE:
vasomotion /vez$m()n/ noun the con-
vasomotion
|
For other terms referring to veins see words
trol of the diameter of blood vessels and thus of beginning phleb-, phlebo- or vene-, veno-.)
blood flow. ! vasoconstriction, vasodilatation
vena cava /!vi%n $kev/ noun one of two
vena cava
vasomotor /!vez$mt/ adjective refer-

vasomotor
|
large veins which take deoxygenated blood from
ring to the control of the diameter of blood vessels all the other veins into the right atrium of the
vasomotor centre /!vez$mt !sent/ heart. See illustration at HEART in Supplement,
vasomotor centre
noun a nerve centre in the brain which changes KIDNEY in Supplement (NOTE: The plural is
the rate of heartbeat and the diameter of blood venae cavae.)
vessels and so regulates blood pressure vene- /ven/ prefix referring to veins
vene-
vasomotor nerve /!vez$mt !n-%v/

vasomotor nerve
venepuncture /$venp.kt/ noun the act of

venepuncture
|
noun a nerve in the wall of a blood vessel which puncturing a vein either to inject a drug or to take
affects the diameter of the vessel a blood sample
vasopressor /!vez$pres/ noun a sub-
vasopressor
venereal /v$nril/ adjective 1. relating to sex

venereal
|
|
stance which increases blood pressure by narrow- acts or sexual desire 2. relating to the genitals 3.
ing the blood vessels referring to an infection or disease which is trans-
vasospasm /$vezsp'zm/ noun a muscle mitted through sexual intercourse ! venereal
vasospasm
spasm causing the fingers to become cold, white warts

and numb. ! Raynauds disease venereal disease /v$nril d!zi%z/ noun a
venereal disease
| |
vasovagal /!vez$ve1()l/ adjective refer- disease which is passed from one person to
vasovagal
ring to the vagus nerve and its effect on the heart- another during sexual intercourse. Abbreviation
beat and blood circulation VD (NOTE: Now usually called a sexually trans-
vasovagal attack /!vez$ve1()l !t'k/
vasovagal attack
| |
mitted infection (STI).)
noun a fainting fit as a result of a slowing down of venereal wart /v!nril $w%t/ noun a wart
venereal wart
the heartbeats caused by excessive activity of the on the genitals or in the urogenital area
vagus nerve venereology /v!nri$ld+i/ noun the scien-
venereology
| |
vasovasostomy /!vezv$sstmi/ noun a tific study of venereal diseases

vasovasostomy
surgical operation to reverse a vasectomy venesection /!ven$sekn/ noun an operation

venesection
vasovesiculitis /!vezveskju$lats/ noun where a vein is cut so that blood can be removed,
vasovesiculitis
inflammation of the seminal vesicles and a vas e.g. when taking blood from a donor
deferens venipuncture /$venp.kt/ noun same as
venipuncture
VBAC abbreviation vaginal birth after Caesarean venepuncture

VBAC
section veno- /vi%n/ prefix referring to veins

veno-
vCJD abbreviation variant CJD

vCJD
venoclysis /v$nklss/ noun the procedure

venoclysis
VD abbreviation venereal disease of slowly introducing a saline or other solution

VD
VD clinic /!vi% $di% !klnk/ noun a clinic spe-

VD clinic
into a vein
cialising in the diagnosis and treatment of vene- venogram /$vi%n1r'm/ noun same as phle-
venogram
real diseases bogram

venography 326
venography /v$n1rfi/ noun same as phle- ventriculo-peritoneal shunt /ven!trkjl

venography ventriculo-peritoneal shunt
| |
bography !pert!ni%l $.nt/ noun an artificial drain used

|
venom /$venm/ noun a poison in the bite of a

venom
in hydrocephalus to drain cerebrospinal fluid
snake or insect from the ventricles
ventriculoscopy /ven!trkj$lskpi/ noun
ventriculoscopy
venous /$vi%ns/ adjective referring to the veins

venous
| |
an examination of the brain using an endoscope

venous blood /$vi%ns bl.d/ noun same as
venous blood
ventriculostomy /ven!trkj$lstmi/ noun a

ventriculostomy
deoxygenated blood | |
surgical operation to pass a hollow needle into a

venous system /$vi%ns !sstm/ noun a sys-
venous system
ventricle of the brain so as to reduce pressure,

tem of veins which brings blood back to the heart take a sample of fluid or enlarge the ventricular
from the tissues opening to prevent the need for a shunt
venous thrombosis /!vi%ns rm$bss/
venous thrombosis
ventro- /ventr/ prefix ventral

ventro-
|
noun the blocking of a vein by a blood clot

ventrofixation /!ventrfk$se()n/ noun a
ventrofixation
venous ulcer /!vi%ns $.ls/ noun an ulcer in

venous ulcer |
surgical operation to treat retroversion of the

the leg, caused by varicose veins or by a blood uterus by attaching the uterus to the wall of the
clot abdomen
ventilation /!vent$le()n/ noun the act of
ventilation
ventrosuspension /!ventrs$spenn/
ventrosuspension
|
breathing air in or out of the lungs, so removing

|
noun a surgical operation to treat retroversion of

waste products from the blood in exchange for the uterus
oxygen. ! dead space
Venturi mask /ven$tjri m%sk/ noun a type
Venturi mask
ventilator /$ventlet/ noun a machine which

ventilator |
of disposable mask which gives the person a con-

pumps air into and out of the lungs of someone trolled mixture of oxygen and air
who has difficulty in breathing ! The newborn
Venturi nebuliser /ven$tjri !nebjlaz/
Venturi nebuliser
baby was put on a ventilator. Also called respira- |
tor noun a type of nebuliser which is used in aerosol

therapy
Ventimask /$ventim%sk/ a trademark for a
Ventimask
venule /$venju%l/ noun a small vein or vessel

venule
type of oxygen mask

leading from tissue to a larger vein
Ventolin /$ventln/ a trade name for salbuta-
Ventolin
vera /$vr/ " decidua

vera
mol
verapamil /v$r'pml/ noun a synthetic com-
verapamil
ventouse /$ventu%s/ noun a cup-like vacuum

ventouse
|
device attached to the top of an unborn babys pound which helps to prevent the movement of
head in the process of delivery, used to enable a calcium ions across membranes. It is used in the
distressed baby to be born quickly treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension and
irregular heartbeat.
ventral /$ventr()l/ adjective 1. referring to the
ventral
vermiform appendix /!v-%mf%m

vermiform appendix
abdomen 2. referring to the front of the body. |
Opposite dorsal $pendks/ noun same as appendix 1

vermillion border /v!mlin $b%d/ noun
vermillion border
ventricle /$ventrk()l/ noun a cavity in an

ventricle
|
organ, especially in the heart or brain. See illus- the external red parts of the lips
tration at HEART in Supplement vermix /$v-%mks/ noun a vermiform appendix
vermix
ventricul- /ventrkjl/ prefix referring to a ven- vernix caseosa /!v-%nks kesi$s/ noun an
ventricul- vernix caseosa
tricle in the brain or heart oily substance which covers a babys skin at birth
ventricular /ven$trkjl/ adjective referring verruca /v$ru%k/ noun a small hard harmless
ventricular verruca
| |
to the ventricles growth on the sole of the foot, caused by a virus

ventricular fibrillation /ven!trkjl !fabr
ventricular fibrillation
| |
(NOTE: Verrucas are a type of wart. The plural is
$le()n/ noun a serious heart condition where verrucas or verrucae.)
the ventricular muscles flutter and the heart no version /$v-%()n/ noun the procedure of turn-
version
longer beats. Abbreviation VF ing a fetus in a uterus so as to put it in a better

ventricular folds /ven$trkjl fldz/ plural
ventricular folds
|
position for birth
noun same as vocal cords vertebra /$v-%tbr/ noun one of twenty-four
vertebra
ventricular septal defect /ven!trkjl

ventricular septal defect
|
ring-shaped bones which link together to form the
$sept()l d!fekt/ noun a condition in which
|
backbone. See illustration at CARTILAGINOUS
blood can flow between the two ventricles of the JOINT in Supplement (NOTE: The plural is verte-
heart, because the intraventricular septum has not brae.)
developed properly. Abbreviation VSD vertebral /$v-%tbrl/ adjective referring to the
vertebral
ventriculoatriostomy /ven!trkjl!etri
ventriculoatriostomy
| | |
vertebrae
$stmi/ noun an operation to relieve pressure vertebral artery /!v-%tbrl $%tri/ noun one
vertebral artery
caused by excessive quantities of cerebrospinal of two arteries which go up the back of the neck
fluid in the brain ventricles into the brain
327 victim
vertebral canal /!v-%tbrl k$n'l/ noun same vesiculopapular /v!skjl$p'pjl/

vertebral canal vesiculopapular
| | |
as spinal canal adjective referring to a skin disorder which has

vertebral column /$v-%tbrl !klm/ noun
vertebral column
both blisters and papules
the series of bones and discs linked together to vesiculopustular /v!skjl$p.stjl/
vesiculopustular
| |
form a flexible column running from the base of adjective referring to a skin disorder which has
the skull to the pelvis. Also called backbone, both blisters and pustules
spinal column. See illustration at PELVIS in Sup- vessel /$ves()l/ noun 1. a tube in the body
vessel
plement along which liquid flows, especially a blood ves-

vertebral disc /!v-%tbrl $dsk/ noun same as sel 2. a container for fluids
vertebral disc
intervertebral disc vestibular /ve$stbjl/ adjective referring to a

vestibular
vertebral foramen /!v-%tbrl f$remn/ vestibule, especially the vestibule of the inner ear
vertebral foramen
noun a hole in the centre of a vertebra which links vestibular glands /ve$stbjl 1l'ndz/ plu-
vestibular glands
with others to form the vertebral canal through ral noun the glands at the point where the vagina
which the spinal cord passes and vulva join, which secrete a lubricating sub-
vertex /$v-%teks/ noun the top of the skull stance
vertex
vertex delivery /$v-%teks d!lv()ri/ noun a vestibular nerve /ve$stbjl n-%v/ noun the
vertex delivery vestibular nerve
| |
normal birth, where the babys head appears first part of the auditory nerve which carries informa-
vertigo /$v-%t1/ noun 1. feelings of dizziness
vertigo
tion about balance to the brain
or giddiness caused by a malfunction of the sense vestibule /$vestbju%l/ noun a cavity in the
vestibule
of balance 2. a fear of heights, as a result of a sen- body at the entrance to an organ, especially the
sation of dizziness which is felt when high up, first cavity in the inner ear or the space in the lar-
especially on a tall building ! She wont sit near ynx above the vocal cords or a nostril. See illus-
the window she suffers from vertigo. tration at EAR in Supplement
vesical /$vesk()l/ adjective referring to the vestibulocochlear nerve /ve!stbjl
vesical vestibulocochlear nerve
| |
bladder $kkli !n-%v/ noun the eighth cranial nerve

vesicle /$vesk()l/ noun 1. a small blister on
vesicle
which governs hearing and balance. Also called
the skin, e.g. caused by eczema 2. a sac which acoustic nerve, auditory nerve
contains liquid vestigial /ves$td+il/ adjective existing in a
vestigial
vesico- /vesk/ prefix referring to the urinary

vesico-
rudimentary form ! The coccyx is a vestigial tail.
bladder VF abbreviation ventricular fibrillation
VF
vesicostomy /!ves$kstmi/, vesicotomy viable /$vab()l/ adjective referring to a fetus

vesicostomy viable
/!ves$ktmi/ noun same as cystostomy

| which can survive if born ! A fetus is viable by
vesicoureteric reflux /!veskjr!terk
vesicoureteric reflux
|
about the 28th week of pregnancy.
$ri%fl.ks/ noun the flowing of urine back from the Viagra /va$'1r/ a trade name for sildenafil cit-
Viagra
bladder up the ureters during urination, which rate

may carry infection from the bladder to the kid- vial /$val/ noun same as phial
vial
neys. Also called vesicouretic reflux Vibramycin /!vabr$masn/ a trade name for
Vibramycin
vesicouretic /!veskj$retk/ adjective

vesicouretic
|
doxycycline
relating to the urinary bladder and the ureters vibrate /va$bret/ verb to move rapidly and
vibrate
vesicouretic reflux /!veskj!retk

vesicouretic reflux
|
continuously
$ri%fl.ks/ noun same as vesicoureteric reflux vibration /va$bre()n/ noun rapid and con-
vibration
vesicovaginal /!veskv$d+an()l/ adjec-

vesicovaginal
|
tinuous movement ! Speech is formed by the
tive referring to the bladder and the vagina vibrations of the vocal cords.
vesicovaginal fistula /!veskv!d+an()l
vesicovaginal fistula
Vibrio /$vbri/ noun a genus of Gram-negative

Vibrio
|
$fstjl/ noun an unusual opening between the bacteria which are found in water and cause chol-
bladder and the vagina era
vesicular /v$skjl/ adjective referring to a
vesicular
vibrissae /va$brsi%/ plural noun hairs in the

vibrissae
|
|
vesicle nostrils or ears

vesicular breathing /v!skjl $bri%/,
vesicular breathing
vicarious /v$keris/ adjective done by one

vicarious
|
|
vesicular breath sound /v!skjl $bre |

organ or agent in place of another
sand/ plural noun the sound made during the vicarious menstruation
vicarious menstruation
/v!keris
normal breathing process
|
!menstru$e()n/ noun the discharge of blood

|
vesiculation /v!skj$le()n/ noun the for-

vesiculation
| |
other than by the vagina during menstrual periods
mation of blisters on the skin victim /$vktm/ noun a person who is injured in
victim
vesiculitis /v!skj$lats/ noun inflamma-

vesiculitis
| |
an accident or who has caught a disease ! The
tion of the seminal vesicles victims of the rail crash were taken to the local
vesiculography /v!skj$l1rfi/ noun an hospital. # to fall victim to something to
vesiculography
| |
X-ray examination of the seminal vesicles become a victim of or to experience bad effects
vigour 328
from something ! Half the people eating at the visceral pleura /!vsrl $plr/ noun a
visceral pleura
restaurant fell victim to salmonella poisoning. membrane attached to the surface of a lung. See
vigour /$v1/ noun a combination of positive
vigour
illustration at LUNGS in Supplement
attributes expressed in rapid growth, large size, visceral pouch /$vsrl pat/ noun same as
visceral pouch
high fertility and long life in an organism pharyngeal pouch

villous /$vls/ adjective shaped like a villus, or viscero- /vsr/ prefix relating to the viscera
villous viscero-
formed of villi viscid /$vsd/ adjective referring to a liquid

viscid
villus /$vls/ noun a tiny projection like a finger

villus
which is sticky and slow-moving
on the surface of a mucous membrane (NOTE: The viscosity /v$sksti/ noun the state of a liquid
viscosity
plural is villi.) which moves slowly

vinblastine /vn$bl'sti%n/ noun an alkaloid viscous /$vsks/ adjective referring to a liquid
vinblastine viscous
drug used in the treatment of cancer which is thick and slow-moving

viscus /$vsks/ " viscera
viscus
vincristine /vn$krsti%n/ noun an alkaloid

vincristine
drug similar to vinblastine, also used in the treat- vision /$v+()n/ noun the ability to see, eye-
vision
ment of cancer. It works by blocking cell division sight ! After the age of 50, many peoples vision
and is highly toxic. begins to fail.
viraemia /va$ri%mi/ noun a virus in the blood visual /$v+l/ adjective referring to sight or
viraemia visual
viral hepatitis /!varl !hep$tats/ noun

viral hepatitis
|
vision
visual acuity /!v+l $kju%ti/ noun the abil-
visual acuity
same as serum hepatitis |
ity to see objects clearly

viral infection /$varl n!fekn/ noun an
viral infection
visual cortex /!v+ul $k%teks/ noun the part

| visual cortex
infection caused by a virus

of the cerebral cortex which receives information
viral pneumonia /!varl nju%$mni/ noun
viral pneumonia
|
about sight
a type of inflammation of the lungs caused by a
visual field /$v+l fi%ld/ noun the area which
visual field
virus. Also called virus pneumonia

can be seen without moving the eye. Also called
virilisation /!vrla$ze()n/, virilization
virilisation
|
field of vision
noun the development of male characteristics in a
visualisation /!v+ula$ze()n/, visualiza-
visualisation
woman, caused by a hormone imbalance or ther-

|
tion noun 1. a technique in which an image of an

apy internal organ or other part of the body is pro-
virilism /$vrlz()m/ noun male characteristics
virilism
duced by using X-rays or other means such as

such as body hair and a deep voice in a woman magnetic resonance imaging 2. a technique in
virology /va$rld+i/ noun the scientific study
virology
|
which someone creates a strongly positive mental
of viruses picture of something such as the way in which
they would like to solve a problem, in order to
virulence /$vrlns/ noun 1. the ability of a
virulence
help them cope with it

microorganism to cause a disease 2. the degree of
visually impaired person /!v+li m!ped
visually impaired person
effect of a disease |
$p-%s()n/ noun a person whose eyesight is not

virulent /$vrlnt/ adjective 1. referring to the
virulent
clear
ability of a microorganism to cause a disease ! an
visual purple /!v+l $p-%p()l/ noun same as
visual purple
unusually virulent strain of the virus 2. referring

rhodopsin
to a disease which develops rapidly and has
vital /$vat()l/ adjective very important or nec-
vital
strong effects
essary for life ! If circulation is stopped, vital
virus /$vars/ noun a parasite consisting of a
virus
nerve cells begin to die in a few minutes. ! Oxy-

nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat that can gen is vital to the human system.
only develop in other cells. Viruses cause many
vital capacity /!vat()l k$p'sti/ noun the
vital capacity
diseases including the common cold, AIDS, her- |
pes and polio. (NOTE: Antibiotics have no effect largest amount of air which a person can exhale at
on viruses, but effective vaccines have been one time
vital organs /!vat()l $%1nz/ plural noun the
vital organs
developed for some viral diseases.)

virus pneumonia /!vars nju%$mni/
virus pneumonia
most important organs in the body, without which
a human being cannot live, e.g. the heart, lungs
|
noun same as viral pneumonia

and brain
viscera /$vsr/ plural noun the internal
viscera
vital signs /!vat()l $sanz/ plural noun meas-

vital signs
organs, e.g. the heart, lungs, stomach and intes- urements of pulse, breathing and temperature
tines
vital statistics /!vat()l st$tstks/ plural
vital statistics
visceral /$vsrl/ adjective referring to the

visceral |
noun a set of official statistics relating to the pop-

internal organs ulation of a place, such as the percentage of live
visceral larva migrans /!vsrl !l%v
visceral larva migrans
births per thousand, the incidence of particular

$ma1r'nz/ noun same as toxocariasis diseases and the numbers of births and deaths
329 voluntary movement
vitamin /$vtmn/ noun an essential substance vitreous humour /!vtris $hju%m/ noun a
vitamin vitreous humour
not synthesised in the body, but found in most transparent jelly which fills the main cavity
foods, and needed for good health behind the lens in the eye. See illustration at EYE
Vitamin A /!vtmn $e/ noun a vitamin which
Vitamin A
in Supplement
is soluble in fat and can be formed in the body vitritis /v$trats/ noun same as hyalitis
vitritis
from precursors but is mainly found in food such vitro /$vi%tri/ " in vitro
vitro
as liver, vegetables, eggs and cod liver oil. Also

Vitus /$vats/ " St Vituss dance
Vitus
called retinol
vivisection /!vv$sekn/ noun the act of dis-
vivisection
Vitamin B1 /!vtmn bi% $w.n/ noun a vitamin

Vitamin B
|
found in yeast, liver, cereals and pork. Also called secting a living animal as an experiment
thiamine vocal /$vk()l/ adjective referring to the voice
vocal
Vitamin B2 /!vtmn bi% $tu%/ noun a vitamin

Vitamin B
vocal cords /$vk()l k%dz/ plural noun a

vocal cords
found in eggs, liver, green vegetables, milk and pair of fibrous sheets of tissue which span the cav-
yeast. Also called riboflavine ity of the voice box (larynx) and produce sounds
Vitamin B6 /!vtmn bi% $sks/ noun a vitamin by vibrating. Also called ventricular folds
Vitamin B
found in meat, cereals and molasses. Also called vocal folds /$vk()l fldz/ plural noun
vocal folds
pyridoxine same as vocal cords

Vitamin B12 /!vtmn bi% $twelv/ noun a vita-
Vitamin B
vocal folds abducted /!vk()l fldz b

vocal folds abducted
min found in liver and kidney, but not present in

|
$d.ktd/ noun the usual condition of the vocal

vegetables. Also called cyanocobalamin cords in quiet breathing
Vitamin B complex /!vtmn bi% $kmpleks/
Vitamin B complex
vocal folds adducted /!vk()l fldz

vocal folds adducted
noun a group of vitamins such as folic acid, ribo-

|
$d.ktd/ noun the position of the vocal cords for

flavine and thiamine
speaking
Vitamin C /!vtmn $si%/ noun a vitamin which
Vitamin C
vocal fremitus /!vk()l $fremts/ noun a

vocal fremitus
is soluble in water and is found in fresh fruit,

especially oranges and lemons, raw vegetables vibration of the chest when a person speaks or
and liver. Also called ascorbic acid coughs
vocal resonance /!vk()l $reznns/ noun
vocal resonance
Vitamin D /!vtmn $di%/ noun a vitamin which

Vitamin D
is soluble in fat and is found in butter, eggs and a sound heard by a doctor when he or she listens
fish. It is also produced by the skin when exposed through a stethoscope to the chest while a person
to sunlight. It helps in the formation of bones, and is speaking
volar /$vl/ adjective referring to the palm of
volar
lack of it causes rickets in children.

vitamin deficiency /$vtmn d!f()nsi/
vitamin deficiency
|
the hand or sole of the foot
noun a lack of necessary vitamins ! He is suffer- volatile /$vltal/ adjective referring to a liquid
volatile
ing from Vitamin A deficiency. ! Vitamin C defi- which turns into gas at room temperature
ciency causes scurvy. volitantes /vl$t'nti%z/ " muscae volitantes
volitantes
Vitamin E /!vtmn $i%/ noun a vitamin found

Vitamin E
volition /v$l()n/ noun the ability to use the

volition
in vegetables, vegetable oils, eggs and wholemeal

|
will
bread
Volkmanns contracture /$flkm%nz kn
Volkmanns contracture
Vitamin K /!vtmn $ke/ noun a vitamin

Vitamin K
|
found in green vegetables such as spinach and !tr'kt/ noun a fibrosis and tightening of the
cabbage, and which helps the clotting of blood muscles of the forearm because blood supply has
and is needed to activate prothrombin been restricted, leading to contraction of the fin-
gers
vitiligo /!vti$la1/ noun a condition in which
vitiligo
volsella /vl$sel/ noun a type of surgical for-

| volsella
white patches appear on the skin. Also called leu- |
coderma ceps with claw-like hooks at the end of each arm.

Also called vulsella
vitrectomy /v$trektmi/ noun a surgical oper-
vitrectomy
volume /$vlju%m/ noun an amount of a sub-

volume
ation to remove some or all of the vitreous

humour of the eye stance
voluntary /$vlnt()ri/ adjective done because
voluntary
vitreous /$vtris/ adjective 1. having the char-

vitreous
acteristics of glass 2. relating to the vitreous one wishes to do it

humour of the eye voluntary admission /!vlnt()ri d
voluntary admission
vitreous body /$vtris !bdi/ noun same as $m()n/ noun the process of taking someone
vitreous body
vitreous humour into a psychiatric hospital with the persons con-

vitreous detachment /!vtris d$t'tmnt/
vitreous detachment
|
sent
voluntary movement /!vlnt()ri
voluntary movement
noun the separation of the vitreous humour from

the retina, often due to natural ageing when the $mu%vmnt/ noun a movement directed by the
vitreous humour thins, but also occurring in other persons willpower, using voluntary muscles, e.g.
conditions such as diabetes walking or speaking
voluntary muscle 330
voluntary muscle /$vlnt()ri !m.s()l/ cystica [Described 1882. After Friedrich Daniel
voluntary muscle
noun a muscle which is consciously controlled. It von Recklinghausen (18331910), Professor of

is usually made up of striated fibres. Pathology at Strasbourg, France.]
COMMENT: Voluntary muscles work in pairs, von Willebrands disease /!vn
von Willebrands disease
where one contracts and pulls, while the oth- $vlbr'ndz d!zi%z/ noun a hereditary blood dis-
|
er relaxes to allow the bone to move. ease, occurring in both sexes, in which the
volvulus /$vlvjls/ noun a condition in mucous membrane starts to bleed without any
volvulus
which a loop of intestine is twisted and blocked, apparent reason. It is caused by a deficiency of a
so cutting off its blood supply clotting factor in the blood, called von Wille-
vomer /$vm/ noun a thin flat vertical bone in
vomer
brands factor. [Described 1926. After E. A. von
the septum of the nose Willebrand (18701949), Finnish physician.]
von Willebrands factor /!vn $vlbr'ndz
von Willebrands factor
vomica /$vmk/ noun 1. a cavity in the lungs

vomica
containing pus 2. the act of vomiting pus from the !f'kt/ noun a protein substance in plasma
throat or lungs involved in platelet aggregation
VSD abbreviation ventricular septal defect
VSD
vomit /$vmt/ noun partly digested food which

vomit
has been brought up from the stomach into the vulgaris /v.l$1ers/ " lupus vulgaris
vulgaris
mouth ! His bed was covered with vomit. ! She vulsella /v.l$sel/, vulsellum /v.l$selm/
vulsella
died after choking on her own vomit. Also called

| |
noun same as volsella

vomitus " verb to bring up partly digested food
vulv- /v.lv/ prefix referring to the vulva (used
vulv-
from the stomach into the mouth ! He had a

fever, and then started to vomit. ! She vomited before vowels)
vulva /$v.lv/ noun a womans external sexual
vulva
her breakfast.
vomiting /$vmt/ noun the act of bringing up
vomiting
organs, at the opening leading to the vagina. !
vomit into the mouth. Also called emesis kraurosis vulvae (NOTE: For other terms refer-
vomitus /$vmts/ noun same as vomit
vomitus
ring to the vulva, see words beginning with
episi-.)
von Hippel-Lindau syndrome /vn !hp()l
von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
vulvectomy /v.l$vektmi/ noun a surgical

vulvectomy
$lnda !sndrm/ noun a disease in which |
angiomas of the brain are related to angiomas and operation to remove the vulva
vulvitis /v.l$vats/ noun inflammation of the
vulvitis
cysts in other parts of the body |
von Recklinghausens disease /!vn

von Recklinghausens disease
vulva, causing intense irritation
$reklhaz()nz d!zi%z/ noun 1. same as neu- vulvovaginitis /!v.lvv'd+$nats/ noun
vulvovaginitis
| |
rofibromatosis 2. same as osteitis fibrosis inflammation of the vulva and vagina

W
waiting list /$wet lst/ noun a list of people nurse asked him to give a sample of his water. "
waiting list
waiting for admission to hospital usually for treat- plural noun waters the fluid in the amnion in
ment of non-urgent disorders ! The length of which a fetus floats (informal) Also called amni-
waiting lists for non-emergency surgery varies otic fluid
enormously from one region to another. ! It is water bed /$w%t bed/ noun a mattress made
water bed
hoped that hospital waiting lists will get shorter. of a large heavy plastic bag filled with water, used
walking distance /$w%k !dstns/ noun the to prevent bedsores
walking distance
distance which someone can walk before they waterbrash /$w%tbr'/ noun a condition
waterbrash
experience pain in their muscles, which shows the caused by dyspepsia, in which there is a burning
effectiveness of the blood supply to their legs feeling in the stomach and the mouth suddenly
walking frame /$w%k frem/ noun a metal fills with acid saliva
walking frame
frame used by people who have difficulty in walk- water-hammer pulse /$w%t !h'm p.ls/
water-hammer pulse
ing. ! Zimmer frame noun same as Corrigans pulse

Wangensteen tube /$w'1nsti%n tju%b/
Wangensteen tube
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
noun a tube which is passed into the stomach to /!w%thas $fri%drksn !sndrm/ noun a
remove the stomachs contents by suction condition caused by blood poisoning with menin-
[Described 1832. After Owen Harding Wangen- gococci, in which the tissues of the adrenal glands
steen (18981980), US surgeon.] die and haemorrhage [Described 1911 by Rupert
ward /w%d/ noun a room or set of rooms in a Waterhouse (18731958), physician at Bath,
ward
hospital, with beds for the patients ! He is in UK; described 1918 by Carl Friderichsen (1886
Ward 8B. ! The childrens ward is at the end of 1979), Danish physician.]
the corridor. Waterstons operation
Waterstons operation
/$w%tstnz
ward manager /$w%d !m'nd+/ noun a !pre()n/ noun a surgical operation to treat
ward manager
nurse in charge of a ward Fallots tetralogy, in which the right pulmonary

ward nurse /$w%d n-%s/ noun a nurse who
ward nurse
artery is joined to the ascending aorta [After David
works in a hospital ward James Waterston (191085), paediatric surgeon
in London, UK]
ward sister /$w%d !sst/ noun a senior nurse
ward sister
waterworks /$w%tw-%ks/ plural noun same

waterworks
in charge of a ward
as urinary system (informal)
warfarin /$w%f()rn/ noun a colourless crys-
warfarin
Watson-Crick helix /!wts()n $krk !hi%lks/

Watson-Crick helix
talline compound used to help prevent the blood

clotting noun a molecular model for DNA in which the
organic base pairs are linked by hydrogen bonds
wart /w%t/ noun a small hard harmless growth
wart
which form the rungs of a ladder spiralling in the

on the skin, usually on the hands, feet or face, form of a helix
caused by a virus (NOTE: Warts on the feet are
WBC abbreviation white blood cell
WBC
called verrucas.)
weal /wi%l/ noun a small area of skin which
weal
wasting disease /$west d!zi%z/ noun a

wasting disease
disease which causes severe loss of weight or swells because of a sharp blow or an insect bite
wean /wi%n/ verb to make a baby stop breast-
wean
reduction in size of an organ

water /$w%t/ noun 1. the liquid essential to life
water
feeding and take other liquid or solid food, or to
which makes up a large part of the body ! Can I make a baby start to eat solid food after having
have a glass of water please? ! They suffered only had liquids to drink ! The baby was breast-
dehydration from lack of water. # water on the fed for two months and then was gradually
knee fluid in the knee joint under the kneecap, weaned onto the bottle.
caused by a blow on the knee 2. urine (informal) webbing /$web/ noun the condition of having
webbing
! He passed a lot of water during the night. ! an extra membrane of skin joining two structures
She noticed blood streaks in her water. ! The in the body together
Weber-Christian disease 332
Weber-Christian disease /!veb $krstn wen /wen/ noun a cyst which forms in a seba-
Weber-Christian disease wen
d!zi%z/ noun a type of panniculitis where the

| ceous gland
liver and spleen become enlarged [After Frederick Werdnig-Hoffmann disease /!v-%dn1
Werdnig-Hoffmann disease
Parkes Weber (18631962), British physician; $hfmn d!zi%z/ noun a disease in which the spi-
|
Henry Asbury Christian (18761951), US physi- nal muscles atrophy, making the muscles of the
cian.] shoulders, arms and legs weak. In its most severe
Webers test /$vebz test/ noun a test to see if form, infants are born floppy, have feeding and
Webers test
both ears hear correctly, where a tuning fork is breathing problems and rarely live more than two
struck and the end placed on the head [After Frie- or three years.
drich Eugen Weber-Liel (183291), German Werners syndrome /$w-%nz !sndrm/
Werners syndrome
otologist.] noun an inherited disorder involving premature

web space /$web spes/ noun the soft tissue ageing, persistent hardening of the skin, underde-
web space
between the bases of the fingers and toes velopment of the sex organs and cataracts
Wernickes encephalopathy /!v-%nkz en
Wernickes encephalopathy
Wechsler scales /$veksl skelz/ plural noun

Wechsler scales
|
a set of standardised scales for measuring some- !kef$lpi/ noun a condition caused by lack of
|
ones IQ. There are three separate versions devel- Vitamin B, which often affects alcoholics and in
oped for different age groups. which the person is delirious, moves the eyes
about rapidly, walks unsteadily and is subject to
wee /wi%/ verb same as urinate (informal)
wee
constant vomiting [Described 1875. After Karl

weep /wi%p/ verb 1. to cry 2. (of a wound) to
weep
Wernicke (18481905), Breslau psychiatrist and

ooze fluid neurologist.]
Wegeners granulomatosis /!ve1nz Wertheims operation /$v-%thamz p
Wegeners granulomatosis Wertheims operation
!1r'njlm$tss/ noun a disease of connec-

| !re()n/ noun a surgical operation to remove the
tive tissue, where the nasal passages, lungs and uterus, the lymph nodes which are next to it and
kidneys are inflamed and ulcerated, with forma- most of the vagina, the ovaries and the Fallopian
tion of granulomas. It is usually fatal. tubes, as treatment for cancer of the uterus
Weil-Felix reaction /!val $felks r!'kn/,
Weil-Felix reaction
|
[Described 1900. After Ernst Wertheim (1864
Weil-Felix test /!val $felks test/ noun a test to 1920), Austrian gynaecologist.]
wet burn /$wet b-%n/ noun same as scald
wet burn
see if someone has typhus, in which the persons

serum is tested for antibodies against Proteus vul- Whartons duct /!w%t()nz $d.kt/ noun a
Whartons duct
garis [Described 1916. After Edmund Weil duct which takes saliva into the mouth from the
(18801922) Austrian physician and bacteriolo- salivary glands under the lower jaw [After Tho-
gist; Arthur Felix (18871956), British bacteriol- mas Wharton (161473), English physician and
ogist.] anatomist at St Thomass Hospital, London, UK]
Weils disease /$welz d!zi%z/ noun same as
Weils disease
Whartons jelly /!w%t()nz $d+eli/ noun a

Whartons jelly
leptospirosis [Described 1886. After Adolf Weil jelly-like tissue in the umbilical cord
(18481916), physician in Estonia who also wheal /wi%l/ same as weal
wheal
practised in Wiesbaden, Germany.]

wheeze /wi%z/ noun a whistling noise in the
wheeze
well /wel/ adjective healthy ! Hes not a well

well
bronchi ! The doctor listened to his wheezes. "

man. ! Youre looking very well after your holi- verb to make a whistling sound when breathing !
day. ! Hes quite well again after his flu. ! Shes When she has an attack of asthma, she wheezes
not very well, and has had to stay in bed. and has difficulty in breathing.
well-baby clinic /!wel $bebi !klnk/ noun a
well-baby clinic
wheezing /$wi%z/ noun whistling noises in the

wheezing
clinic where parents can ask a doctor or nurse any bronchi when breathing. Wheezing is often found
questions they have about their childs growth and in people with asthma and is also associated with
development. Their babies can be weighed and bronchitis and heart disease.
measured and their development monitored.
whiplash injury /$wpl' !nd+ri/ noun an
whiplash injury
wellbeing /$wel !bi%/ noun the state of being

wellbeing
injury to the vertebrae in the neck, caused when

in good health and having good living conditions the head jerks backwards, often occurring in a car
! She is responsible for the wellbeing of the that is struck from behind
patients under her care. whiplash shake syndrome /!wpl' $ek
whiplash shake syndrome
well-man clinic /!wel $m'n !klnk/ noun a

well-man clinic
!sndrm/ noun in young babies, a series of

clinic just for men where they can get check-ups, internal head injuries caused by being shaken vio-
advice and health information lently. They can result in brain damage leading to
well-woman clinic /!wel $wmn !klnk/
well-woman clinic
speech and learning disabilities, paralysis, sei-
noun a clinic which specialises in preventive zures, blindness and hearing loss. They are often
medicine for women, e.g. breast screening and life-threatening.
cervical smear tests, and gives advice on preg- Whipples disease /$wp()lz d!zi%z/ noun a
Whipples disease
nancy, contraception and the menopause disease in which someone has difficulty in
333 World Health Organization

absorbing nutrients and passes fat in the faeces, Fernand Isidore Widal (18621929), French
the joints are inflamed and the lymph glands physician and teacher.]
enlarged [Described 1907. After George Hoyt Willis /$wls/ " circle of Willis
Willis
Whipple (18781976), US pathologist. Nobel

Wilms tumour /$vlmz !tju%m/ noun same as
Wilms tumour
prize for Pathology and Medicine 1934.]

nephroblastoma [Described 1899. After Max
Whipples operation /$wp()lz p
Whipples operation
|
Wilms (18671918), Professor of Surgery at
!re()n/ noun same as pancreatectomy Leipzig, Basle and Heidelberg.]
white /wat/ adjective of a colour like snow or
white
Wilsons disease /$wlsnz d!zi%z/ noun a

Wilsons disease
milk ! White patches developed on his skin. ! hereditary disease where copper deposits accu-
Her hair has turned quite white. (NOTE: whiter mulate in the liver and the brain, causing cirrho-
whitest) " noun the main part of the eye which sis. Also called hepatolenticular degeneration
is white ! The whites of his eyes turned yellow [Described 1912. After Samuel Alexander Kin-
when he developed jaundice. nier Wilson (18781937), British neurologist.]
white blood cell /!wat $bl.d !sel/ noun a col-
white blood cell
windpipe /$wndpap/ noun same as trachea

windpipe
ourless blood cell which contains a nucleus but wiring /$war/ noun 1. a network of wires 2.
wiring
has no haemoglobin, is formed in bone marrow a neurological or physiological structure or proc-

and creates antibodies. Abbreviation WBC. Also ess which controls a function in the body 3. the
called leucocyte act of fixing a piece of bone in place using wires
white finger /$wat !f1/ noun a condition in
white finger
wisdom tooth /$wzdm tu%/ noun one of the

wisdom tooth
which a finger has a mottled discoloured appear- four teeth in the back of the jaw which only
ance because its blood vessels are damaged. The appear at about the age of 20 and sometimes do
thumb is usually not affected. Very severe cases not appear at all. Also called third molar
can result in finger loss. It occurs most commonly
witch hazel /$wt !hez()l/ noun a lotion
witch hazel
in Raynauds disease.
made from the bark of a tree, used to check bleed-
white leg /$wat le1/ noun a condition which
white leg
ing and harden inflamed tissue and bruises. Also

affects women after childbirth, in which a leg called hamamelis
becomes pale and inflamed as a result of lym-
withdrawal /w$dr%l/ noun 1. a loss of inter-
withdrawal
phatic obstruction. Also called milk leg, phleg-

|
est in having contact with other people, which

masia alba dolens
leads to a person becoming isolated 2. a period
white matter /$wat !m't/ noun nerve tissue
white matter
during which a person who has been addicted to a

in the central nervous system which contains drug stops taking it and experiences unpleasant
more myelin than grey matter symptoms
white noise instrument /!wat $nz
white noise instrument
withdrawal symptom /w$dr%l

withdrawal symptom
!nstrmnt/ noun a small electronic device !smptm/ noun an unpleasant physical condi-
worn in the ear. It combines sounds of many dif- tion, e.g. vomiting, headaches or fever, which
ferent frequencies. It is used to mask internal occurs when someone stops taking an addictive
noise in the ear due to tinnitus. drug
whites /wats/ plural noun same as leucor-
whites
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome /wlf

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
rhoea (informal) !p%kns()n $wat !sndrm/ noun a condition

whitlow /$wtl/ noun an inflammation caused within the hearts conducting tissue which makes
whitlow
by infection near the nail in the fleshy part of the the heart beat dangerously fast. It can be fatal.
tip of a finger. Also called felon womb /wu%m/ noun same as uterus (NOTE: For
womb
WHO abbreviation World Health Organization other terms referring to the womb, see words
WHO
whoop /wu%p, hu%p/ noun a loud noise made

whoop
beginning with hyster-, hystero-, metr-,
when inhaling by a person who has whooping metro-, uter-, utero-.)
Woods lamp /$wdz l'mp/ noun an ultravio-
Woods lamp
cough
whooping cough /$hu%p kf/ noun an
whooping cough
let lamp which allows a doctor to see fluores-
infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis cence, e.g. in the hair of someone who has a fun-
affecting the bronchial tubes, common in chil- gal infection [After Robert Williams Wood
dren, and sometimes very serious. Also called (18681955), US physicist.]
word blindness /$w-%d !blandns/ noun
word blindness
pertussis
Widal reaction /vi%$d%l r!'kn/, Widal test
Widal reaction
| |
same as alexia
work-related upper limb disorder /!w-%k
work-related upper limb disorder
/vi%$d%l test/ noun a test to detect typhoid fever.

|
A sample of the persons blood is put into a solu- r!letd !.p $lm ds!%d/ same as repetitive
| |
tion containing typhoid bacilli, or anti-typhoid strain injury. Abbreviation WRULD.

serum is added to a sample of bacilli from the per- World Health Organization /!w-%ld $hel
World Health Organization
sons faeces. If the bacilli agglutinate, i.e. form %1na!ze()n/ noun an organisation, part of
|
into groups, this indicates that the person has the United Nations, which aims to improve health
typhoid fever. [Described 1896. After Georges in the world. Abbreviation WHO
worm 334
worm /w-%m/ noun a long thin animal with no tennis tomorrow. See illustration at HAND in Sup-
worm
legs or backbone, which can infest the human plement (NOTE: For other terms referring to the
body, especially the intestines wrist, see words beginning with carp-, carpo-.)
wound /wu%nd/ noun damage to external tissue
wound
wrist drop /$rst drp/ noun paralysis of the

wrist drop
which allows blood to escape ! He had a knife wrist muscles, caused by damage to the radial
wound in his leg. ! The doctors sutured the nerve in the upper arm, which causes the hand to
wound in his chest. " verb to harm someone by hang limp
making a hole in the tissue of the body ! She was
writers cramp /!ratz $kr'mp/ noun a pain-
writers cramp
wounded three times in the head.

ful spasm of the muscles in the forearm and hand
wound dehiscence /$wu%nd di%!hs()ns/
wound dehiscence
which comes from writing too much

|
noun the splitting open of a surgical incision

WRULD abbreviation work-related upper limb
WRULD
wound healing /$wu%nd !hi%l/ noun the

wound healing
replacement of dead tissue with new tissue disorder

wry neck /$ra nek/, wryneck /$ranek/ noun
wry neck
wrist /rst/ noun a joint between the hand and

wrist
forearm ! He sprained his wrist and cant play same as torticollis

XYZ
xanth- /z'n/ prefix same as xantho- (used xerostomia /!zr$stmi/ noun dryness of
xanth- xerostomia
before vowels) the mouth, caused by lack of a saliva

xanthaemia /z'n$i%mi/ noun same as caro- xiphi- /zf/ prefix relating to the xiphoid process
xanthaemia xiphi-
tenaemia xiphisternal plane /!zfst-%n()l $plen/

xiphisternal plane
xanthelasma /!z'n$l'zm/ noun the for-

xanthelasma
| noun an imaginary horizontal line across the mid-

mation of little yellow fatty tumours on the eye- dle of the chest at the point where the xiphoid
lids process starts
xanthine /$z'ni%n/ noun 1. an intermediate xiphisternum /!zf$st-%nm/ noun same as
xanthine xiphisternum
product in the breakdown of nucleic acids to uric xiphoid process

acid, found in blood, body tissue and urine 2. a xiphoid process /$zfd !prses/, xiphoid
xiphoid process
derivative of xanthine, e.g. caffeine or theophyl- cartilage /$zfd !k%tld+/ noun the bottom
line part of the breastbone which is cartilage in young
xantho- /z'n/ prefix yellow
xantho-
people but becomes bone by middle age. Also

xanthochromia /!z'n$krmi/ noun yel-
xanthochromia
|
called ensiform cartilage, xiphisternum
low colour of the skin as in jaundice X-linked /$eks !lkt/ adjective relating to the
X-linked
xanthoma /z'n$m/ noun a yellow fatty genes situated on the X chromosome

xanthoma
mass, often on the eyelids and hands, found in X-linked disease /$eks !lkt d!zi%z/ noun a
X-linked disease
people with a high level of cholesterol in the genetic disorder caused by a mutation on the X
blood (NOTE: The plural is xanthomata.) chromosome which only appears in males, e.g.
xanthomatosis /!z'nm$tss/ noun a one form of haemophilia
xanthomatosis
condition in which several small masses of yellow X-ray /$eks !re/, x-ray noun 1. a ray with a very
X-ray
fatty substance appear in the skin or some internal short wavelength, which is invisible, but can go
organs, caused by an excess of fat in the body through soft tissue and register as a photograph on
xanthopsia /z'n$psi/ noun a disorder of a film. X-rays are used in diagnosis in radiogra-
xanthopsia
the eyes, making everything appear yellow phy, and in treating disease by radiotherapy. !
xanthosis /z'n$ss/ noun yellow colouring
xanthosis
|
The X-ray examination showed the presence of a
of the skin, caused by eating too much food con- tumour in the colon. 2. a photograph taken using
taining carotene X-rays ! The dentist took some X-rays of the
patients teeth. ! He pinned the X-rays to the
X chromosome /$eks !krmsm/ noun a
X chromosome
light screen. 3. an examination in which X-ray

chromosome that determines sex. Compare Y photographs are taken ! All the staff had to have
chromosome. ! sex chromosome chest X-rays. " verb to take an X-ray photograph
xeno- /zen/ prefix different
xeno-
of a patient ! There are six patients waiting to be

xenotransplantation /!zentr'nspl%n X-rayed.
xenotransplantation
$te()n/ noun the process of transplanting X-ray imaging /$eks re !md+/ noun the
X-ray imaging
organs from one species to another, especially process of showing X-ray pictures of the inside of
from animals to humans part of the body on a screen
xero- /zr/ prefix dry
xero-
X-ray screening /$eks re !skri%n/ noun a

X-ray screening
xeroderma /!zr$d-%m/ noun a skin disor- method of gathering information about the body
xeroderma
der where dry scales form on the skin by taking images using X-rays. It is carried out by
xerophthalmia /!zrf$'lmi/ noun a con-
xerophthalmia
|
a radiographer or radiologist.
Xylocaine /$zalken/ a trade name for a prep-
Xylocaine
dition of the eye, in which the cornea and con-

junctiva become dry because of a lack of Vitamin aration of lignocaine
A xylometazoline hydrochloride /!zalm
xylometazoline hydrochloride
xerosis /z$rss/ noun extreme dryness of !t'zli%n !hadr$kl%rad/, xylometazoline

xerosis
| |
skin or mucous membrane /!zalm$t'zli%n/ noun a drug which helps to

|
XYY syndrome 336

narrow blood vessels, used in the treatment of AIDS, which helps to slow the progress of the dis-
colds and sinusitis ease
XYY syndrome /!eks wa $wa !sndrm/ Zimmer frame /$zm frem/ a trademark for a
XYY syndrome Zimmer frame
noun an extremely rare condition in males in metal frame used by people who have difficulty in
which they have two Y chromosomes instead of walking ! She managed to walk some steps with
one. They grow faster than normal, and their final a Zimmer frame. ! walking frame
height is approximately 7cm above average. zinc /zk/ noun a white metallic trace element
zinc
Many experience severe acne during adolescence. (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Zn.)
yawn /j%n/ noun a reflex action when tired or
yawn
zinc ointment /$zk !ntmnt/ noun a sooth-

zinc ointment
sleepy, in which the mouth is opened wide and

after a deep intake of air, the breath exhaled ing ointment made of zinc oxide and oil
zinc oxide /!zk $ksad/ noun a compound of
zinc oxide
slowly ! His yawns made everyone feel sleepy. "

verb to open the mouth wide and breathe in zinc and oxygen, which forms a soft white sooth-
deeply and then breathe out slowly ing powder used in creams and lotions (NOTE: Its
yawning /$j%n/ noun the act of opening the
yawning
chemical formula is ZnO.)
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome /!zlnd+r
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
mouth wide without conscious control and slowly

releasing a deep breath, usually a sign of tiredness $els()n !sndrm/ noun a condition in which
or boredom tumours are formed in the islet cells of the pan-
Y chromosome /$wa !krmsm/ noun a
Y chromosome
creas together with peptic ulcers [Described
chromosome that determines sex, it is carried by 1955. After Robert Milton Zollinger (190392),
males and is shorter than an X chromosome. Professor of Surgery at Ohio State University,
Compare X chromosome. ! sex chromosome USA; Edwin H. Ellison (191870), Associate
Professor of Surgery at Ohio State University,
yeast /ji%st/ noun a fungus which is used in the
yeast
USA.]
fermentation of alcohol and in making bread. It is
zona /$zn/ noun a zone or area
zona
a good source of Vitamin B.

zone /zn/ noun an area of the body
zone
yellow /$jel/ adjective of a colour like that of

yellow
the sun or of gold ! His skin turned yellow when zonula /$znjl/, zonule /$znju%l/ noun a
zonula
he had hepatitis. ! The whites of the eyes become small area of the body
yellow as a symptom of jaundice. " noun a colour
zoo- /z, zu%/ prefix relating to animals
zoo-
like that of the sun or of gold

zoonosis /!z$nss/ noun a disease which
zoonosis
yellow fever /$jel !fi%v/ noun an infectious

yellow fever
|
disease, occurring especially in Africa and South a human can catch from an animal (NOTE: The
America, caused by an arbovirus carried by the plural is zoonoses.)
mosquito Aedes aegypti. It affects the liver and zoster /$zst/ " herpes zoster
zoster
causes jaundice. There is no known cure and it

Z-plasty /$zed !pl'sti/ noun a technique used in
Z-plasty
can be fatal, but vaccination can prevent it.

plastic surgery. A deep Z-shaped incision is made
yellow marrow /!jel $m'r/ noun " mar-
yellow marrow
to relieve tension in the area of a scar, or to change

row the direction of a scar.
yellow spot /$jel spt/ noun same as mac-
yellow spot
zygoma /za$1m/ noun same as zygomatic

zygoma
ula lutea arch (NOTE: The plural is zygomata.)

yin and yang /!jn nd $j'/ noun the two
yin and yang
zygomatic /!za1$m'tk/ adjective referring

zygomatic
opposite and complementary principles of Chi- to the zygomatic arch

nese philosophy which are thought to exist in var-
zygomatic arch /!za1m'tk $%t/ noun the
zygomatic arch
ying proportions in all things. They are some-

times thought of as femininity and masculinity. ridge of bone across the temporal bone, running
between the ear and the bottom of the eye socket.
yoga /$j1/ noun 1. a Hindu discipline which
yoga
Also called zygoma

promotes spiritual unity with a Supreme Being
zygomatic bone /!za1m'tk $bn/ noun a
zygomatic bone
through a system of postures and rituals 2. any

one of dozens of systems and methods derived bone which forms the prominent part of the cheek
from or based on Hindu yoga. Many include and the lower part of the eye socket. Also called
breathing exercises and postures which are cheekbone, malar bone
thought to aid health. zygomatic process /!za1m'tk $prses/
zygomatic process
Zadiks operation /$zedks p!re()n/ noun one of the bony projections which form the
Zadiks operation
noun a surgical operation to remove the whole of zygomatic arch

an ingrowing toenail zygote /$za1t/ noun a fertilised ovum, the
zygote
Zantac /$z'nt'k/ a trade name for ranitidine first stage of development of an embryo
Zantac
zidovudine /z$dvjdi%n/ noun azidothymi- zym- /zam/ prefix (used before vowels) 1.
zidovudine zym-
dine or AZT, a drug used in the treatment of enzymes 2. fermentation

Supplement
Anatomical Terms
The body is always described as if standing upright with the palms of the hands
facing forward. There is only one central vertical plane, termed the median or sagittal
plane, and this passes through the body from front to back. Planes parallel to this on
either side are parasagittal or paramedian planes. Vertical planes at right angles to
the median are called coronal planes. The term horizontal (or transverse) plane
speaks for itself. Two specific horizontal planes are (a) the transpyloric, midway
between the suprasternal notch and the symphysis pubis, and (b) the transtubercular
or intertubercular plane, which passes through the tubercles of the iliac crests. Many
other planes are named from the structures they pass through.
Views of the body from some different points are shown on the diagram; a view of
the body from above is called the superior aspect, and that from below is the inferior
aspect.
Cephalic means toward the head; caudal refers to positions (or in a direction)
towards the tail. Proximal and distal refer to positions respectively closer to and
further from the centre of the body in any direction, while lateral and medial relate
more specifically to relative sideways positions, and also refer to movements. Ventral
refers to the abdomen, front or anterior, while dorsal relates to the back of a part or
organ. The hand has a dorsal and a palmar surface, and the foot a dorsal and a
plantar surface.
Note that flexion of the thigh moves it forward while flexion of the leg moves it
backwards; the movements of extension are similarly reversed. Movement and
rotation of limbs can be medial, which is with the front moving towards the centre
line, or lateral, which is in the opposite direction. Specific terms for limb movements
are adduction, towards the centre line, and abduction, which is away from the centre
line. Other specific terms are supination and pronation for the hand, and inversion
and eversion for the foot.
LUNGS
1. thyroid cartridge 11. oblique fissure HEART
2. cricoid cartridge 12. horizontal fissure
3. trachea 13. cardiac notch 1. superior vena cava 9. bicuspid valve
4. main bronchus 14. visceral pleura 2. inferior vena cava 10. pulmonary artery
5. superior lobe bronchus 15. parietal pleura 3. right atrium 11. pulmonary veins
6. middle lobe bronchus 16. pleural cavity 4. left atrium 12. epicardium
7. inferior lobe bronchus 17. alveolus 5. right ventricle 13. myocardium
8. superior lobe 18. alveolar duct 6. left ventricle 14. endocardium
9. middle lobe 19. bronchiole 7. aorta 15. septum
10. inferior lobe 8. tricuspid valve
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
1. liver 9. ascending colon
2. pancreas 10. transverse colon KIDNEY
3. spleen 11. descending colon
4. gall bladder 12. sigmoid colon 1. kidney 7. adrenal gland
5. stomach 13. caecum 2. calyx 8. abdominal aorta
6. duodenum 14. appendix 3. pyramid 9. inferior vena cava
7. jejunum 15. rectum 4. cortex 10. ureter
8. ileum 16. anus 5. medulla 11. urinary bladder
6. renal pelvis
BRAIN
1. corpus callosum 7. inferior colliculi
NEURONE 2. thalamus 8. cerebellum
3. hypothalamus 9. cerebral peduncle
(a) multipolar (b) bipolar (c) unipolar 4. pineal body 10. fornix
5. pituitary gland 11. pons
1. nucleus 6. myelin sheath 6. superior colliculi
2. Nissi granules 7. Schwann cell nucleus
3. neurofibrilla 8. node of Ranvier
4. dendrite 9. neurilemma
5. axon 10. terminal branch
EAR
1. pinna 9. incus
EYE
2. temporal bone 10. stapes 1. optic nerve 9. iris
3 external auditory 11. tympanic membrane 2. vitreous humour 10. cornea
meatus (eardrum) 3. sclera 11. ciliary body
4. ceruminous glands 12. round window 4. choroid 12. suspensory ligament
5. semicircular canals 13. auditory nerve 5. retina 13. fovea
6. cochlea 14. vestibule 6. conjunctiva 14. muscle
7. Eustachian tube 15. oval window 7. aqueous humour 15. ciliary muscle
8. malleus 8. lens 16. pupil
UROGENITAL SYSTEM (male) UROGENITAL SYSTEM (female)
1. penis 9. glans 1. pubic bone 7. uterus
2. scrotum 10. urinary bladder 2. labia majora 8. fallopian tube
3. testis 11. urethra 3. labia minora 9. ovary
4. epididymis 12. rectum 4. urethra 10. clitoris
5. ductus deferens 13. anus 5. urinary bladder 11. rectum
6. seminal vesicle 14. corpus cavernosum 6. vagina 12. anus
7. ejaculatory duct 15. corpus spongiosum
8. prostate gland 16. pubic bone
PELVIS (anterior view)
1. iliac crest 6. vertebral column HAND
2. ilium 7. femur
3. ischium 8. hip joint FOOT 1. carpus 8. trapezium
4. pubis 9. sacral foramen 2. metacarpus 9. trapezoid
5. sacrum 10. obdurator foramen 1. tarsus 5. navicular
2. metatarsus 6. cuboid 3. phalanges 10. capitate
3. phalanges 7. calcaneus 4. scaphoid 11. hamate
4. cuneiforms 8. talus 5. lunate 12. ulna
6. triquetrum 13. radius
7. pisiform 14. wrist
CARTILAGINOUS JOINT
1. intervertebral disc 3. hyaline cartridge
2. vertebra
TEETH
1. incisors 3. premolars
2. canines 4. molars
BONE STRUCTURE
1. periosteum 5. articular cartilage
2. compact bone 6. epiphysis
3. cancellous (spongy) 7. diaphysis
bone (red marrow)
4. medullary cavity
SYNOVIAL JOINT (yellow marrow)
1. bone 4. synovial cavity and

2. articular membrane fluid
3. synovial membrane 5. joint capsule

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DICTIONARY OF

A & C Black ! London

This second edition published 2007 by

Copyright A&C Black 2007

ISBN: 978 0 7136 8287 8

Text Production and Proofreading

Text processed and typeset by A&C Black

A & E /!e nd $i%/, A & E department /!e nd

$i% d!p%tmnt/ noun same as accident and

emergency department $stri/ adjective referring to a position of a

ab- /'b/ prefix away from

a casualtys condition. Full form airway, breath- | |

ing and circulation adjective referring to the abdomen and thorax

abdomen /$'bdmn/ noun a space inside the

the abdomen, see words beginning with coeli-,

to a muscle which brings parts of the body away

central line of the body or a limb. Compare addu-

abduct /'b$d.kt/ verb (of a muscle) to pull a

more serious disorders $d.kt !m.s()l/ noun a muscle which pulls a

abdominal wall /'b$dmn()l w%l/ noun

muscular tissue which surrounds the abdomen expected

abdomino- /'bdmn/ prefix referring to

the abdomen growth which is not usual or expected

mnper!ni%l k$s+()n/ noun a surgical

abort /$b%t/ verb to eject an embryo or fetus,

acapnia /e$k'pni/ noun the condition of not

especially during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, kills mites or ticks

abortive /$b%tv/ adjective not successful !

accessory /k$sesri/ noun something which

brucellosis helping something else to happen or operate

think again about past bad experiences

comes away from the uterus earlier than it should,

abscess /$'bses/ noun a painful swollen area

accompanied by a high temperature. The plural

absorbable suture /b!z%bb()l $su%t/

which a liquid is taken into a solid casualty ward

abstinence /$'bstnns/ noun a deliberate act

abuse noun /$bju%s/ 1. the act of using some-

stance abuse 3. same as child abuse 4. bad treat- |

an accretion of calcium around the joint |

acebutolol /!'s$bju%tll/ noun a drug which

reduces both the heart rate and how strongly the |

angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor hydrochloric acid, a symptom of stomach cancer

noun a surgical operation to repair or rebuild the |

acetabulum bile colouring in the urine

acetabulum /!'s$t'bjlm/ noun the part of

acetaminophen /!si%t$mnfn/ noun US

same as paracetamol inherited condition in which the long bones in the

drug which helps a person to produce more urine,

acetonaemia /!si%t$ni%mi/ same as keto-

acetone /$'stn/ noun a colourless volatile

substance formed in the body after vomiting or body (informal)

during diabetes. ! ketone |

acetonuria /!si%t$nju%ri/ noun the pres-

ence of acetone in the urine, shown by the fact

that the urine gives off a sweet smell |

the blood has too much acid in it. It is a feature of

untreated severe diabetes.

stance released from nerve endings, which allows

nerve impulses to move from one nerve to another