Dictionary of Medical Terms 4th Ed

aortic /e ɔ t k/ adjective relating to the aorta aortic aneurysm /e ɔ t k njə r z(ə)m/

noun a serious aneurysm of the aorta, associated with atherosclerosis

aortic arch /e ɔ t k ɑ tʃ/ noun a bend in the aorta which links the ascending aorta to the de-

scending aorta

aortic hiatus /e ɔ t k ha e təs/ noun an opening in the diaphragm through which the aorta passes

aortic incompetence /e ɔ t k

nkɒmp t(ə)ns/ noun a condition in which the aortic valve does not close properly, causing regurgitation

aortic regurgitation /e ɔ t k r &! d te ʃ(ə)n/ noun a backward flow of blood

caused by a malfunctioning aortic valve aortic sinuses /e ɔ t k sa nəs z/ plural

noun swellings in the aorta from which the

coronary arteries lead back into the heart itself aortic stenosis /e ɔ t k ste nəυs s/ noun a

condition in which the aortic valve is narrow,

caused by rheumatic fever

aortic valve /e ɔ t k v lv/ noun a valve with three flaps, situated at the opening into the aorta

aortitis / e ɔ ta t s/ noun inflammation of

the aorta

aortography / e ɔ tɒ&rəfi/ noun an X-ray examination of the aorta after an opaque substance has been injected into it

a.p. adverb before a meal. Full form ante prandium

apathetic / pə θet k/ adjective referring to

a person who takes no interest in anything apathy / pəθi/ noun the condition of not be-

ing interested in anything, or of not wanting to

do anything

aperient /ə p əriənt/ noun a substance which causes a bowel movement, e.g. a laxative or purgative adjective causing a bowel movement

aperistalsis / e per st lsis/ noun a lack of

the peristaltic movement in the bowel

Apert’s syndrome / p! ts s ndrəυm/ noun a condition in which the skull grows tall and the lower part of the face is underdevel-

oped

aperture / pətʃə/ noun a hole

apex / e peks/ noun 1. the top of the heart or lung 2. the end of the root of a tooth

apex beat / e peks bi t/ noun a heartbeat which can be felt if the hand is placed on the

heart

Apgar score / p&ɑ skɔ / noun a method of judging the condition of a newborn baby in which the baby is given a maximum of two points on each of five criteria: colour of the skin, heartbeat, breathing, muscle tone and reaction to stimuli [Described 1952. After Virginia Apgar (1909–74), US anaesthesiologist.]

‘…in this study, babies having an Apgar score of four or less had 100% mortality. The lower the Apgar score, the poorer the chance of survival’ [Indian Journal of Medical Sciences]

APH abbr antepartum haemorrhage aphagia /e fe d iə/ noun a condition in which a person is unable to swallow aphakia /e fe kiə/ noun the absence of the crystalline lens in the eye

aphakic /e fe k k/ adjective referring to aphakia

aphasia /e fe ziə/ noun a condition in which a person is unable to speak or write, or to understand speech or writing because of damage to the brain centres controlling speech apheresis / fə ri s s/ noun the transfusion of blood, from which some components have

been removed, back into a patient

aphonia /e fəυniə/ noun a condition in which a person is unable to make sounds aphrodisiac / frə d zi k/ noun a substance which increases sexual urges adjective increasing sexual desire

aphtha / fθə/ noun a small white ulcer which appears in groups in the mouth in people who have the fungal condition thrush

(NOTE: The plural is apthae.)

aphthous stomatitis / fθəs stəυmə ta t s/ noun canker sores which affect the mucous membrane in the mouth

aphthous ulcer / fθəs "lsə/ noun same as mouth ulcer

apical / p k(ə)l/ adjective situated at the top

or tip of something

apical abscess / p k(ə)l bses/ noun an

abscess in the socket around the root of a tooth apicectomy / p sektəmi/ noun the surgi-

cal removal of the root of a tooth

aplasia /e ple ziə/ noun a lack of growth of tissue

aplastic /e pl st k/ adjective unable to de-

velop new cells or tissue

aplastic anaemia /e pl st k ə ni miə/ noun anaemia caused by the bone marrow failing to form red blood cells

apnea / p ni ə/ noun US same as apnoea apneusis / pnu s s/ noun a breathing pattern caused by brain damage, in which each breath is held for a long time

apnoea / p ni ə/ noun the stopping of breathing (NOTE: The US spelling is apnea.) apnoeic / p ni k/ adjective where breathing has stopped (NOTE: The US spelling is apneic.) apocrine / pəkra n/ adjective referring to

apocrine glands

apocrine gland / pəkra n &l nd/ noun a gland producing body odour where parts of the gland’s cells break off with the secretions, e.g. a sweat gland

apocrinitis / pəkr na t s/ noun the formation of abscesses in the sweat glands

apolipoprotein E /ə pɒl pəprəυti n i / noun a compound found in three varieties which transport lipids within the cell and across cell membranes, the genes for two of which are linked with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Abbr ApoE

apomorphine / pəυ mɔ fi n/ noun a substance that comes from morphine, used to make a person cough, sleep or be sick (NOTE: It is administered under the skin and is used to treat drug overdose, accidental poisoning and

Parkinson’s disease.)

aponeurosis / pəυnjυ rəυs s/ noun a band of tissue which attaches muscles to each other

apophyseal / pə f ziəl/ adjective referring

to apophysis

apophysis /ə pɒfəs s/ noun a growth of bone, not at a joint

apophysitis / pəf sa t s/ noun inflamma-

tion of an apophysis

apoplexy / pəpleksi/ noun same as cere-

brovascular accident (dated)

apoptosis /ə pɒptəs s/ noun a form of cell death that is necessary both to make room for new cells and to remove cells whose DNA has been damaged and which may become cancerous

APP abbr amyloid precursor protein apparatus / pə re təs/ noun equipment used in a laboratory or hospital The hospital has installed new apparatus in the physiotherapy department. The blood sample was tested in a special piece of apparatus. (NOTE: No plural: use a piece of apparatus; some new ap-

paratus.)

appendage /ə pend d / noun a part of the body or piece of tissue which hangs down

from another part

appendectomy / pən dektəmi/ noun US same as appendicectomy

appendiceal / pən d siəl/ adjective relating to the appendix There is a risk of appen-

diceal infection.

appendiceal colic / pənd siəl kɒl k/

noun colic caused by an inflamed appendix appendicectomy /ə pend sektəmi/ noun

the surgical removal of an appendix appendicitis /ə pend sa t s/ noun inflammation of the vermiform appendix

COMMENT: Appendicitis takes several forms. In acute appendicitis there is a sudden attack of severe pain in the right lower part of the abdomen, accompanied by a fever. Acute appendicitis usually requires urgent surgery. In chronic appendicitis, the appendix is slightly inflamed, giving a dull pain or a feeling of indigestion over a period of time (a ‘grumbling appendix’).

appendicular / pən d kjυlə/ adjective 1. referring to body parts which are associated with the arms and legs 2. relating to the appendix

appendicular skeleton / pən d kjυləskel t(ə)n/ noun part of the skeleton, formed of the pelvic girdle, pectoral girdle and the bones of the arms and legs. Compare axial skeleton

appendix /ə pend ks/ noun 1. a small tube attached to the caecum which serves no function but can become infected, causing appendicitis. Also called vermiform appendix. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement 2. any small tube or sac hanging from an organ

apperception / pə sepʃ(ə)n/ noun the conscious recognition of a stimulus

appetite / p ta t/ noun the feeling of wanting food good appetite interest in eating food loss of appetite becoming uninterested in eating food

applanation tonometry / plə ne ʃ(ə)n tə nɒmətri/ noun the measuring of the thickness

of the cornea

appliance /ə pla əns/ noun a piece of apparatus used on the body He was wearing a surgical appliance to support his neck.

application / pl ke ʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. the process of putting a medication or bandage on a body part Two applications of the lotion should be made each day. 2. the process of asking officially for something, usually in writing

If you are applying for the job, you must fill in an application form.

applicator / pl ke tə/ noun an instrument for applying a substance

appointment /ə pɔ ntmənt/ noun an arrangement to see someone at a particular time

I have an appointment with the doctor or to see the doctor on Tuesday.

apposition / pə z ʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. the relative positioning of two things 2. cell growth in which layers of new material are deposited on existing ones

appraisal /ə pre z(ə)l/ noun a judgment or opinion on something or somebody, especially one which decides how effective or useful they are

apprehension / pr henʃən/ noun a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen

approach /ə prəυtʃ/ noun 1. a way of dealing with a problem The authority has adopted a radical approach to the problem of patient waiting lists. 2. a method used by a surgeon when carrying out an operation

approve /ə pru v/ verb to approve of something to think that something is good I don’t approve of patients staying in bed. The Medical Council does not approve of this new treatment.

apraxia /e pr ksiə/ noun a condition in which someone is unable to make proper movements

apyrexia / e pa reksiə/ noun the absence of

fever

apyrexial / e pa reksiəl/ adjective no longer having any fever

aqua / kwə/ noun water

aqueduct / kw d"kt/ noun a tube which carries fluid from one part of the body to an-

other

aqueduct of Sylvius / kw d"kt əv s lviəs/

noun same as cerebral aqueduct

aqueous / e kwiəs, kwiəs/ adjective referring to a solution made with water noun a fluid in the eye between the lens and the cor-

nea

aqueous humour / e kwiəs hju mə/ noun same as aqueous. see illustration at EYE in Supplement

AR abbr attributable risk

arachidonic acid /ə r k dɒn k s d/ noun an essential fatty acid

arachnidism /ə r kn d z(ə)m/ noun poisoning by the bite of a spider arachnodactyly /ə r knəυ d kt li/ noun a congenital condition in which the fingers and toes are long and thin

arachnoid /ə r knɔ d/ noun the middle of the three membranes covering the brain. dura mater

arachnoiditis /ə r knɔ da t s/ noun in-

flammation of the arachnoid

arachnoid mater /ə r knɔ d me tə/, arachnoid membrane /ə r knɔ d membre n/ noun

same as arachnoid

arachnoid villi /ə r knɔ d v la / plural noun villi in the arachnoid which absorb cere-

brospinal fluid

arborisation / ɑ bəra ze ʃ(ə)n/, arborization noun the branching ends of some nerve fibres, of a motor nerve in muscle fibre or of venules, capillaries and arterioles

arbor vitae / ɑ bə va ti / noun the structure of the cerebellum or of the uterus which looks like a tree

arbovirus / ɑ bəυ va rəs/ noun a virus transmitted by blood-sucking insects

arc /ɑ k/ noun 1. a nerve pathway 2. part of a curved structure in the body

ARC abbr AIDS-related complex or AIDS-re- lated condition

arc eye / ɑ k a / noun temporary painful blindness caused by ultraviolet rays, especially in arc welding

arch /ɑ tʃ/ noun a curved part of the body, especially under the foot

arch- /ɑ tʃ/ prefix chief, most important

arcuate / ɑ kjuət/ adjective arched

arcuate artery / ɑ kjuət ɑ təri/ noun a

curved artery in the foot or kidney

arcuate ligaments / ɑ kjuət ɑ təri/ plural noun three ligaments forming a fibrous arch to which the diaphragm is attached

arcus / ɑ kəs/ noun an arch

arcus senilis / ɑ kəs sə na l s/ noun an opaque circle around the cornea of the eye which can develop in old age

ARDS /ɑ dz/ abbr adult respiratory distress syndrome

areata / ri e tə/ noun alopecia areata

areola /ə ri ələ/ noun 1. the coloured part round a nipple 2. in the eye, the part of the iris closest to the pupil

areolar tissue /ə ri ələ t ʃu / noun a type of connective tissue

arginine / ɑ d ni n/ noun an amino acid which helps the liver form urea

argon laser / ɑ &ɒn le zə/ noun a laser used in sealing blood vessels and destroying specific lesions

Argyll Robertson pupil /ɑ &a l rɒbətsənpju p(ə)l/ noun a condition of the eye, in which the lens is able to focus but the pupil does not react to light. It is a symptom of tertiary syphilis or of locomotor ataxia. ariboflavinosis /e ra bəυfle v nəυs s/ noun a condition caused by not having enough vitamin B2. The symptoms are very oily skin and hair and small cuts in the mouth.

arm /ɑ m/ noun the part of the body from the shoulder to the hand, formed of the upper arm, the elbow and the forearm She broke her arm skiing. Lift your arms up above your head. (NOTE: For other terms referring to the arm see words beginning with brachi-, brachio-.) arm bones / ɑ m bəυnz/ plural noun the humerus, the ulna and the radius

armpit / ɑ mp t/ noun the hollow under the shoulder, between the upper arm and the body, where the upper arm joins the shoulder, containing several important blood vessels, lymph nodes and sweat glands. Also called axilla

arm sling / ɑ m sl ŋ/ noun a support for an injured arm that prevents it from moving by tying it against the chest

Arnold-Chiari malformation / ɑ nəld ki eəri m lfɔ me ʃ(ə)n/ noun a congenital

condition in which the base of the skull is malformed, allowing parts of the cerebellum into the spinal canal [Described 1894. After Julius A. Arnold (1835–1915), Professor of Pathological Anatomy at Heidelberg, Germany, and Hans von Chiari (1851–1916), Professor of Pathological Anatomy at Strasbourg and later at Prague, Czech Republic.]

aromatherapist /ə rəυmə θerəp st/ noun a person specialising in aromatherapy aromatherapy /ə rəυmə θerəpi/ noun treatment to relieve tension and promote wellbeing in which fragrant oils and creams containing plant extracts are massaged into the skin arousal /ə raυz(ə)l/ noun 1. feelings and physical signs of sexual desire 2. the act of

waking up from sleep, unconsciousness or a

drowsy state

arrector pili /ə rektə pa la m"s(ə)l/ noun a small muscle which contracts and makes the hair on the skin stand up when someone is cold or afraid

arrest /ə rest/ noun the stopping of a bodily function. cardiac arrest

arrhythmia /ə r ðmiə/ noun a variation in the rhythm of the heartbeat

‘Cardiovascular effects may include atrial arrhythmias but at 30°C there is the possibility of spontaneous ventricular fibrillation’ [British Journal of Nursing]

arrhythmic /ə r ðm k/ adjective (of a heartbeat or breathing) rhythmically irregular. antiarrhythmic

arsenic / ɑ sn k/ noun a chemical element which forms poisonous compounds such as arsenic trioxide and which was formerly used in some medicines (NOTE: The chemical symbol is

As.)

ART abbr assisted reproductive technology artefact / ɑ t f kt/ noun something which is made or introduced artificially

arter- /ɑ tə/ prefix same as arterio- (used before vowels)

arterial /ɑ t əriəl/ adjective relating to arteries arterial supply to the brain the supply of blood to the brain by the internal carotid ar-

teries and the vertebral arteries

arterial bleeding /ɑ t əriəl bli d ŋ/ noun

bleeding from an artery

arterial block /ɑ t əriəl blɒk/ noun the

blocking of an artery by a blood clot

arterial blood /ɑ t əriəl bl"d/ noun same as oxygenated blood

arterial haemorrhage /ɑ t əriəl hem(ə)r d / noun a haemorrhage of bright

red blood from an artery

arteriectomy /ɑ t əri ektəmi/ noun the surgical removal of an artery or part of an artery

arterio- /ɑ t əriəυ/ prefix referring to arteries arteriogram /ɑ t əriəυ&r m/ noun an X-

ray photograph of an artery, taken after injec-

tion with an opaque dye

arteriography /ɑ t əri ɒ&rəfi/ noun the work of taking X-ray photographs of arteries

after injection with an opaque dye

arteriole /ɑ t əriəυl/ noun a very small ar-

tery

arteriopathy /ɑ t əri ɒpəθi/ noun a disease

of an artery

arterioplasty /ɑ t əriəυpl sti/ noun plastic surgery to make good a damaged or blocked artery

arteriorrhaphy /ɑ t əri ɔ rəfi/ noun the act of stitching an artery

arteriosclerosis /ɑ t əriəυsklə rəυs s/ noun the arterial disease atherosclerosis

(dated)

arteriosus /ɑ t əri əυsəs/ noun ductus ar-

teriosus

arteriotomy /ɑ t əri ɒtəmi/ noun a punc-

ture made in the wall of an artery arteriovenous /ɑ t əriəυ vi nəs/ adjective

referring to both an artery and a vein arteritis / ɑ tə ra t s/ noun inflammation of the walls of an artery

artery / ɑ təri/ noun a blood vessel taking blood from the heart to the tissues of the body

COMMENT: In most arteries the blood has been oxygenated in the lungs and is bright red in colour. In the pulmonary artery, the blood is deoxygenated and so is darker. The arterial system begins with the aorta which leaves the heart and from which all the arteries branch.

arthr- /ɑ θr/ prefix same as arthro- (used before vowels)

arthralgia /ɑ θr ld ə/ noun pain in a joint arthrectomy /ɑ θrektəmi/ noun the surgical

removal of a joint

arthritic /ɑ θr t k/ adjective affected by or relating to arthritis She has an arthritic hip.

noun a person suffering from arthritis arthritis /ɑ θra t s/ noun a painful inflammation of a joint. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis

arthro- /ɑ θrəυ/ prefix referring to a joint arthroclasia / ɑ θrəυ kle ə/ noun removal of ankylosis in a joint

arthrodesis / ɑ θrəυ di s s/ noun a surgical operation in which a joint is fused in position, so preventing pain from movement arthrodynia / ɑ θrəυ d niə/ noun pain in a

joint

arthrogram / ɑ θrəυ&r m/ noun an X-ray of

the inside of a damaged joint

arthrography /ɑ θrɒ&rəfi/ noun X-ray pho-

tography of a joint

arthrogryposis / ɑ θrəυ&r pəυs s/ noun a group of disorders in which movement becomes progressively restricted

arthropathy /ɑ θrɒpəθi/ noun a disease in a joint

arthroplasty / ɑ θrəυpl sti/ noun a surgical

operation to repair or replace a joint arthroscope / ɑ θrəυskəυp/ noun an instru-

ment which is inserted into the cavity of a joint

to inspect it

arthroscopy /ɑ θrɒskəpi/ noun a procedure to examine the inside of a joint by means of an arthroscope

arthrosis /ɑ θrəυs s/ noun the degeneration of a joint

arthrotomy /ɑ θrɒtəmi/ noun a procedure that involves cutting into a joint to drain pus articular /ɑ t kjυlə/ adjective referring to joints

articular cartilage /ɑ t kjυlə kɑ təl d / noun a layer of cartilage at the end of a bone where it forms a joint with another bone. See

illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in Supplement,

SYNOVIAL JOINT in Supplement

articular facet /ɑ t kjυlə f s t/ noun the

point at which a rib articulates with the spine articular process /ɑ t kjυlə prəυses/

noun a piece of bone which sticks out of the neural arch in a vertebra and links with the

next vertebra

articulate /ɑ t kjυle t/ verb to be linked

with another bone in a joint

articulating bone /ɑ t kjυle t ŋ bəυn/ noun a bone which forms a joint

prəυses/ noun same as articular process articulation /ɑ t kjυ le ʃ(ə)n/ noun a joint or series of joints

artificial / ɑ t f ʃ(ə)l/ adjective 1. made by humans and not a natural part of the body artificial cartilage artificial kidney artificial leg 2. happening not as a natural process but through action by a doctor or another person or a machine artificial feeding artificial insemination / ɑ t f ʃ(ə)l nsem ne ʃ(ə)n/ noun the introduction of semen into a woman’s uterus by artificial means

artificial insemination by donor / ɑ t * f ʃ(ə)l nsem ne ʃ(ə)n ba dəυnə/ noun

same as donor insemination. Abbr AID

artificial insemination by husband /

ɑ t f ʃ(ə)l nsem ne ʃ(ə)n ba h"zbənd/ noun artificial insemination using the semen of

the husband. Abbr AIH

artificial lung / ɑ t f ʃ(ə)l l"ŋ/ noun a machine through which a person’s deoxygenated blood is passed to absorb oxygen to take back to the bloodstream

artificial pneumothorax

nju məυ θɔ r ks/ noun a former method of treating tuberculosis, in which air was introduced between the layers of the pleura to make

the lung collapse

artificial respiration / ɑ t f ʃ(ə)l resp re*

ʃ(ə)n/ noun a way of reviving someone who has stopped breathing, e.g. mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

artificial rupture of membranes / ɑ t f ʃ(ə)l r"ptʃər əv membre nz/ noun the

breaking of the amniotic sac with an amni-

hook, so releasing the amniotic fluid artificial ventilation / ɑ t f ʃ(ə)l vent

le ʃ(ə)n/ noun breathing which is assisted or controlled by a machine

arytenoid / r ti nɔ d/ adjective located at

the back of the larynx

arytenoid cartilage / r ti nɔ d kɑ t l d /

noun a small cartilage at the back of the larynx arytenoidectomy / r ti nɔ d ektəmi/

noun an operation to remove the arytenoid car-

tilage

asbestosis / sbe stəυs s/ noun a disease of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos dust

COMMENT: Asbestos was formerly widely used in cement and cladding and other types of fireproof construction materials. It is now recognised that asbestos dust can cause many lung diseases, leading in some cases to forms of cancer.

ascariasis / skə ra əs s/ noun a disease of the intestine and sometimes the lungs, caused by infestation with Ascaris lumbricoides

Ascaris lumbricoides / skər s l"mbr kɔ di z/ noun a type of large roundworm which is a parasite in the human intestine ascending /ə send ŋ/ adjective going upwards

ascending aorta /ə send ŋ e ɔ tə/ noun the first section of the aorta as it leaves the heart and turns upwards. Compare descend-

ing aorta

ascending colon /ə send ŋ kəυlɒn/ noun the first part of the colon which goes up the right side of the body from the caecum. Compare descending colon. See illustration at DI-

GESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement

Aschoff nodules / ʃɒf nɒdju lz/, Aschoff’s nodules / ʃɒfs nɒdju lz/ plural

noun nodules which are formed mainly in or near the heart in rheumatic fever

ascites /ə sa ti z/ noun an unusual accumulation of fluid from the blood in the peritoneal cavity, occurring in heart and kidney failure or as a result of malignancy

ascorbic acid /ə skɔ b k s d/ noun same as Vitamin C

COMMENT: Ascorbic acid is found in fresh fruit, especially oranges and lemons and in vegetables. Lack of Vitamin C can cause anaemia and scurvy.

ASD abbr autistic spectrum disorders

-ase /e z, e s/ suffix enzyme

asepsis /e seps s/ noun the absence of microorganisms which cause infection, usually achieved by sterilisation

aseptic /e sept k/ adjective sterilised, or involving sterilisation, and therefore without infection

aseptic surgery /e sept k s! d əri/ noun surgery using sterilised equipment, rather than relying on antiseptic drugs to kill harmful mi-

croorganisms. Compare antiseptic

aseptic technique /e sept k tek ni ks/ noun a method of doing something using ster-

ilised equipment

asexual /e sekʃuəl/ adjective not sexual, not

involving sexual intercourse

asexual reproduction /e sekʃυəl ri prə d"kʃ(ə)n/ noun reproduction of a cell by

cloning

Asian flu / e (ə)n flu / noun flu

-asis /əs s/ -iasis

asleep /ə sli p/ adjective sleeping The patient is asleep and must not be disturbed.

(NOTE: Asleep cannot be used in front of a noun:

the patient is asleep but a sleeping patient.) she fell asleep she began to sleep fast asleep sleeping deeply

asparagine /ə sp rəd i n/ noun an amino acid

aspartame /ə spɑ te m/ noun a protein produced from aspartic acid, used to make substances sweeter

aspartate aminotransferase /ə spɑ te t əmi nəυ tr nsfəre z/ noun an enzyme found

in heart muscle, liver cells, skeletal muscle cells and some other tissues. It is used in the diagnosis of liver disease and heart attacks. aspartic acid /ə spɑ t k s d/ noun an amino acid

aspect / spekt/ noun a direction from which the body is viewed, e.g. the view from

above is the ‘superior aspect’

Asperger’s syndrome / sp! d əz s n drəυm/ noun a developmental disorder characterised by difficulty in social interaction and a restricted range of interests, more common in boys than girls [Described 1944. After Hans Asperger (1906–80), Austrian psychiatrist.] aspergillosis / sp! d ləυs s/ noun infection of the lungs with the fungus Aspergillus

aspermia /e sp! miə/ noun the absence of sperm in semen

asphyxia / s f ksiə/ noun a condition in which someone is prevented from breathing, e.g. by strangulation or breathing poisonous gas, and therefore cannot take oxygen into the bloodstream

asphyxia neonatorum / s f ksiə ni əυn* e tɔ rəm/ noun failure to breathe in a newborn baby

asphyxiate / s f ksie t/ verb to prevent someone from breathing, or be prevented from breathing An unconscious patient may become asphyxiated or may asphyxiate if left lying on his back. suffocate

asphyxiation /əs f ksi e ʃ(ə)n/ noun the state of being prevented from breathing, or the act of preventing someone from breathing. suffocation

aspirate / sp re t/ verb 1. to remove liquid or gas by suction from a body cavity 2. to inhale something, especially a liquid, into the lungs

aspiration / sp re ʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. the act of removing fluid from a cavity in the body, often using a hollow needle 2. same as vacuum suc-

tion

aspiration pneumonia / sp re ʃ(ə)n nju məυniə/ noun a form of pneumonia in

which infected matter is inhaled from the bronchi or oesophagus

aspirator / sp re tə/ noun an instrument used to suck fluid out of a cavity such as the mouth or the site of an operation

aspirin / spr n/ noun a common pain-kill- ing drug, or a tablet containing this drug. Also called acetylsalicylic acid

assay / se , ə se / noun the testing of a substance. bioassay, immunoassay assimilate /ə s m le t/ verb to take into the body’s tissues substances which have been absorbed into the blood from digested food assimilation /ə s m le ʃ(ə)n/ noun the action of assimilating food substances assistance /ə s st(ə)ns/ noun help assistant /ə s st(ə)nt/ noun a person who

helps someone, usually as a job

assisted conception /ə s st d kən sepʃ(ə)n/, assisted reproduction /ə s st dri prə d"kʃ(ə)n/ noun the use of a technique

such as in vitro fertilisation to help someone to

become pregnant

assisted respiration /ə s st d respə re*

ʃ(ə)n/ noun the use of a machine to help

breathing

assisted suicide /ə s st d su sa d/ noun the suicide of someone who is terminally ill with the help of a doctor or friend at the re-

quest of the person who is dying

associate /ə səυsie t/ verb to be related to or connected with something side effects which may be associated with the drug The condition is often associated with diabetes. associate nurse /ə səυsiət n! s/ noun a nurse who assists a primary nurse by carrying out agreed care for someone based on a plan

designed by a primary nurse

association area /ə səυsi e ʃ(ə)n eəriə/ noun an area of the cortex of the brain which is concerned with relating stimuli coming from different sources

association neuron /ə səυsi e ʃ(ə)nnjυərɒn/ noun a neuron which links an asso-

ciation area to the main parts of the cortex association tract /ə səυsi e ʃ(ə)n tr kt/

noun one of the tracts which link areas of the cortex in the same cerebral hemisphere asthenia / s θi niə/ noun a condition in which someone is weak and does not have any strength

asthenic / s θen k/ adjective referring to a general condition in which someone has no

strength and no interest in things asthenopia / sθ nəυpiə/ noun same as

eyestrain

asthma / smə/ noun a lung condition characterised by narrowing of the bronchial tubes, in which the muscles go into spasm and the person has difficulty breathing. cardiac asthma

asthmatic / s m t k/ adjective having the lung disease asthma, or relating to asthma

He has an asthmatic attack every spring. acute asthmatic attack a sudden attack of asthma noun a person who has asthma

asthmatic bronchitis / s m t k brɒŋ ka t s/ noun asthma associated with bronchitis

asthmaticus / s m t kəs/ adjective status asthmaticus

astigmatic / st & m t k/ adjective referring to astigmatism he is astigmatic he has

astigmatism

astigmatism /ə st &mət z(ə)m/ noun a condition in which the eye cannot focus vertical and horizontal lines simultaneously, leading to

blurring of vision

astragalus /ə str &ələs/ noun an old name for the talus (anklebone)

astringent /ə str nd ənt/ noun a substance which makes the skin tissues contract and

harden adjective referring to an astringent astrocyte / strəsa t/ noun a star-shaped

cell of the connective tissue of the nervous sys-

tem

astrocytoma / strəsa təυmə/ noun a type of brain tumour which develops slowly in the connective tissue of the nervous system asymmetric / s metr k/ adjective shaped or arranged so that the two sides do not match

or balance each other

asymmetry / s mətri/ noun a state in which the two sides of the body or of an organ

do not resemble each other

asymptomatic / e s mptə m t k/ adjective not showing any symptoms of disease asynclitism / s ŋkl t z(ə)m/ noun in childbirth, a situation in which the head of the baby

enters the vagina at an angle

asynergia / s n! d ə/, asynergy / s nəd i/ noun awkward movements and bad coordination, caused by a disorder of the cere-

bellum. Also called dyssynergia

asystole /e s stəli/ noun a state in which the heart has stopped beating

ataractic / tə r kt k/ noun a drug which

has a calming effect adjective calming ataraxia / tə r ksiə/, ataraxis / tə

r ks s/ noun the state of being calm and not worrying

ataraxic / tə r ks k/ noun, adjective same

as ataractic

ataxia /ə t ksiə/ noun a failure of the brain to control movements

ataxic /ə t ks k/ adjective having ataxia, or relating to ataxia

ataxic gait /ə t ks k &e t/ noun a way of walking in which the person walks unsteadily due to a disorder of the nervous system

ataxy /ə t ksi/ noun same as ataxia atelectasis / tə lektəs s/ noun the failure

of a lung to expand properly

atenolol /ə tenəlɒl/ noun a drug used in controlling blood pressure and angina

ateriovenous malformation /ɑ t əriəυvi nəs m lfɔ me ʃ(ə)n/ noun a condition in

which the arteries and veins in the brain are not properly formed, leading to strokes or epilep-

sy. Abbr AVM

atherogenesis / θerəυ d en s s/ noun the formation of fatty deposits (atheromas) in ar-

teries

atherogenic / θərəυ d en k/ adjective referring to something which may produce atheroma

atheroma / θə rəυmə/ noun thickening of the walls of an artery by deposits of a fatty substance such as cholesterol

atheromatous / θə rɒmətəs/ adjective re-

ferring to atheroma

atherosclerosis / θərəυsklə rəυs s/ noun a condition in which deposits of fats and minerals form on the walls of an artery, especially the aorta or one of the coronary or cerebral ar-

teries, and prevent blood from flowing easily atherosclerotic / θərəυsklə rɒt k/ adjec-

tive referring to atherosclerosis atherosclerotic plaque / θərəυsklərɒt k pl k/ noun a deposit on the walls of arteries

athetosis / θə təυs s/ noun repeated slow movements of the limbs, caused by a brain disorder such as cerebral palsy

athlete’s foot / θli ts fυt/ noun an infectious skin disorder between the toes, caused by

a fungus. Also called tinea pedis

atlas / tləs/ noun the top vertebra in the spine, which supports the skull and pivots on the axis or second vertebra

atmospheric pressure / tməsfer k preʃə/ noun the pressure of the air on the sur-

face of the Earth

COMMENT: Disorders due to variations in atmospheric pressure include mountain sickness and caisson diseases.

atomic cocktail /ə tɒm k kɒkte l/ noun a radioactive substance in liquid form, used to diagnose or treat cancer (informal)

atomiser / təma zə/ noun an instrument which sprays liquid in the form of very small drops like mist. Also called nebuliser atonic /e tɒn k/ adjective referring to lack of muscle tone or tension

atony / təni/ noun a lack of tone or tension

in the muscles

atopen / təpen/ noun an allergen which causes an atopy

atopic /e tɒp k/ adjective referring to conditions arising from an inherited tendency to react to specific allergens, as in hay fever, some

skin conditions and asthma

atopic eczema /e tɒp k eks mə/, atopic dermatitis /e tɒp k d! mə ta t s/ noun a

type of eczema often caused by a hereditary allergy

atopy / təpi/ noun a hereditary allergic reaction

ATP abbr adenosine triphosphate

atracurium / trə kjυəriəm/ noun a drug used as a relaxant

atresia /ə tri ziə/ noun an unusual closing or absence of a tube in the body

atretic /ə tret k/ adjective referring to atresia atretic follicle /ə tret k fɒl k(ə)l/ noun the scarred remains of an ovarian follicle

atri- /e tri/ prefix referring to an atrium atria / e triə/ plural of atrium

atrial / e triəl/ adjective referring to one or both of the atria of the heart

atrial fibrillation / e triəl fa br le ʃ(ə)n/ noun a rapid uncoordinated fluttering of the atria of the heart, which causes an irregular heartbeat

atrial septal defect / e triəl sept(ə)ldi fekt/ noun a congenital condition in which a hole in the wall between the two atria of the heart allows blood to flow through the heart and lungs. Compare ventricular septal defect atrioventricular / e triəυven tr kjυlə/ adjective referring to the atria and ventricles

atrioventricular bundle / e triəυventr kjυlə b"nd(ə)l/ noun a bundle of modi-

fied cardiac muscle which conducts impulses from the atrioventricular node to the septum and then divides to connect with the ventricles. Also called AV bundle, bundle of His

atrioventricular groove / e triəυventr kjυlə &ru v/ noun a groove round the out-

side of the heart, showing the division between the atria and ventricles

atrioventricular node / triəυven tr kjυlə nəυd/ noun a mass of conducting tissue in the right atrium of the heart, which continues as the atrioventricular bundle and passes impulses from the atria to the ventricles. Also called

AV node

at-risk /ət r sk/ adjective exposed to danger or harm of some kind at-risk children atrium / e triəm/ noun 1. one of the two upper chambers in the heart. See illustration at HEART in Supplement 2. a cavity in the ear behind the eardrum (NOTE: The plural is atria.)

COMMENT: The two atria in the heart both receive blood from veins. The right atrium receives venous blood from the superior and inferior venae cavae and the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins.

atrophic cirrhosis / trɒf k s rəυs s/ noun advanced portal cirrhosis in which the liver has become considerably smaller and clumps of new cells are formed on the surface of the liver where fibrous tissue has replaced damaged liver cells. Also called hobnail liver atrophic gastritis / trɒf k & stra t s/ noun inflammation of the stomach caused by being unable to produce enough acid to kill bacteria

atrophic vaginitis / trɒf k v d na t s/ noun inflammation, thinning and shrinking of

the tissues of the vagina caused by a lack of

oestrogen

atrophy / trəfi/ noun the wasting of an organ or part of the body verb (of an organ or

part of the body) to waste away

atropine / trəpi n/ noun an alkaloid substance derived from the poisonous plant belladonna and used, among other things, to enlarge the pupil of the eye, to reduce salivary and bronchial secretions during anaesthesia and as a muscarinic antagonist

ATS / e ti es/ abbr antitetanus serum attack /ə t k/ noun a sudden occurrence of an illness He had an attack of fever. She had two attacks of laryngitis during the winter. attempted suicide /ə tempt d su sa d/ noun an unsuccessful attempt to kill oneself attending physician / ə tend ŋ f z ʃ(ə)n/ noun a doctor who is looking after a particular patient He was referred to the hypertension unit by his attending physician.

attention deficit disorder /ə tenʃən de f s t d s ɔ də/ noun a condition in which a person is unable to concentrate, does things without considering their actions properly and has little confidence. It occurs mainly in children. Abbr ADD

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

/ə tenʃən def s t ha pər k t v ti d sɔ də/ noun a condition in which a child has an inability to concentrate and shows disruptive behaviour. Abbr ADHD

attention deficit syndrome /ə tenʃən de f s t s ndrəυm/ noun same as attention defi-

cit disorder

attenuation /ə tenju e ʃ(ə)n/ noun a reduction in the effect or strength of something such as a virus, either because of environmental conditions or as a result of a laboratory procedure

atticotomy / t kɒtəmi/ noun the removal of the wall in the inner ear. Also called cortical

mastoidectomy

attitude / t tju d/ noun 1. an opinion or general feeling about something a positive attitude towards the operation 2. a way of standing or sitting

attributable risk /ə tr bjυtəb(ə)l r sk/ noun a measure of the excess risk of disease due to exposure to a particular risk. The excess risk of bacteriuria in oral contraceptive users attributable to the use of oral contraceptives is 1,566 per 100,000. Abbr AR

attrition /ə tr ʃ(ə)n/ noun the condition of being worn away, as may be caused by friction

Examination showed attrition of two extensor tendons.

atypical /e t p k(ə)l/ adjective not usual or expected an atypical renal cyst

audi- /ɔ di/ prefix same as audio- (used before vowels)

autointoxication / ɔ təυ ntɒks ke ʃ(ə)n/ noun the poisoning of the body by toxins produced in the body itself

autologous /ɔ tɒlə&əs/ adjective referring to a graft or other material coming from the same source

autologous transfusion /ɔ tɒlə&əs tr ns fju (ə)n/ noun a blood transfusion in which the blood is removed from the body for later transfusion after an operation. transfu-

sion

autolysis /ɔ tɒləs s/ noun a situation in which cells destroy themselves with their own enzymes

automatic / ɔ tə m t k/ adjective 1. done without conscious thought an automatic reaction 2. (of a machine or process) able to work

by itself, without anyone giving instructions automatism /ɔ tɒmət z(ə)m/ noun a state

in which a person acts without consciously knowing that he or she is acting

COMMENT: Automatic acts can take place after concussion or epileptic fits. In law, automatism can be a defence to a criminal charge when the accused states that he or she acted without knowing what they were doing.

autonomic / ɔ tə nɒm k/ adjective governing itself independently

autonomic nervous system /ɔ tə nɒm k n! vəs s stəm/ noun the nervous system

formed of ganglia linked to the spinal column. It regulates the automatic functioning of the main organs such as the heart and lungs and works when a person is asleep or even unconscious. parasympathetic nervous system,

sympathetic nervous system

autonomy /ɔ tɒnəmi/ noun the state of be-

ing free to act as one wishes

autoplasty / ɔ təυpl sti/ noun the repair of someone’s body using tissue taken from an-

other part of their body

autopsy / ɔ tɒpsi/ noun the examination of a dead body by a pathologist to find out the cause of death The autopsy showed that he had been poisoned. Also called post mortem autosomal / ɔ təυ səυm(ə)l/ adjective refer-

ring to an autosome

autosome / ɔ təυsəυm/ noun a chromosome

that is not a sex chromosome autotransfusion / ɔ təυtr ns fju (ə)n/

noun an infusion into a person of their own blood

auxiliary /ɔ & z liəri/ adjective providing help The hospital has an auxiliary power supply in case the electricity supply breaks

down. noun an assistant

avascular /e v skjυlə/ adjective with no

blood vessels, or with a deficient blood supply avascular necrosis /ə v skjυlə ne

krəυs s/ noun a condition in which tissue cells die because their supply of blood has been cut

AV bundle / e vi b"nd(ə)l/ noun same as atrioventricular bundle

average / v(ə)r d / noun 1. the usual amount, size, rate, etc. Her weight is above (the) average. 2. a value calculated by adding together several quantities and then dividing the total by the number of quantities adjective 1. usual Their son is of above average weight. 2. calculated by adding together several quantities and then dividing the total by the number of quantities The average age of the group is 25.

aversion therapy /ə v! ʃ(ə)n θerəpi/ noun a treatment by which someone is cured of a type of behaviour by making him or her develop a great dislike for it

avitaminosis /e v təm nəυs s/ noun a disorder caused by a lack of vitamins

AVM abbr arteriovenous malformation

AV node / e vi nəυd/ noun same as atrioventricular node

AVPU noun a method of rating if a person is conscious: A = alert; V = verbal, responding to verbal commands; P = pain, responding to pain; U = unconscious

avulse /ə v"ls/ verb to tear tissue or a body part away by force

avulsion /ə v"lʃən/ noun an act of pulling

away tissue or a body part by force avulsion fracture /ə v"lʃ(ə)n fr ktʃə/ noun a fracture in which a tendon pulls away part of the bone to which it is attached

awake /ə we k/ adjective not asleep He was still awake at 2 o’clock in the morning. wide awake very awake

aware /ə weə/ adjective 1. conscious enough to know what is happening She is not aware of what is happening around her. 2. knowing about something The surgeon became aware

of a problem with the heart-lung machine. awareness /ə weənəs/ noun the fact of being aware, especially of a problem

‘…doctors should use the increased public awareness of whooping cough during epidemics to encourage parents to vaccinate children’ [Health Visitor]

axial / ksiəl/ adjective referring to an axis axial skeleton / ksiəl skel t(ə)n/ noun

the bones that make up the vertebral column and the skull. Compare appendicular skeleton

axilla / k s lə/ noun same as armpit

(technical) (NOTE: The plural is axillae.) axillary / k s ləri/ adjective referring to the armpit

axillary artery / k s ləri ɑ təri/ noun an artery leading from the subclavian artery in the armpit

axillary nodes / k s ləri nəυdz/ plural noun part of the lymphatic system in the arm axillary temperature / k s ləri tempr tʃə/ noun the temperature in the armpit