Medicine word of the day

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Word Of The Day

Dorland’s Word of the Day is a great way to broaden your knowledge of medical terminology. With a new and interesting term brought to you from the 32nd edition of Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary each day, it’s an easy and fun way to increase your medical vocabulary!

You can view a new word on this website each day.

Today’s Word

bacteriopsonic

exerting an opsonic effect on bacteria.

Word of the Day Archive

copper reduction test

any of various tests that use copper compounds as reagents for detecting sugars in urine.

antipruritic

1. relieving or preventing itching. 2. an agent that relieves or prevents itching.

mesenterium commune

dorsal common mesentery: the primordial embryonic mesentery, a double-layered median partition formed by association of the splanchnic mesoderm with the endoderm, extending from the roof of the coelom toward the midventral wall, and dividing the coelom into halves; it contains the primordial gut, and encloses the heart, lungs, and liver as they develop.

myeloradiculopathy

disease of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots; called also radiculomyelopathy.

entoectad

directed or proceeding from within outward.

decrudescence

diminution or abatement of the intensity of symptoms or physical signs.

pseudoaneurysm

dilatation of a vessel, sometimes with tortuosity, giving the appearance of an aneurysm. Called also false or spurious aneurysm and pulsating hematoma.

Full list of words from this list:

1. abdominal

   relating to or near the middle region of the body

2. abdominoplasty

   cosmetic surgery of the abdomen to remove wrinkles and tighten the skin over the stomach

3. abdominocentesis

   centesis of the belly to remove fluid for diagnosis

4. abdominal aorta

   a branch of the descending aorta

5. abdominous

   having a large belly

6. abduction

   the criminal act of carrying someone away by force

7. aberrant

   markedly different from an accepted norm
8. abiogenesis

   a hypothetical organic phenomenon by which living organisms are created from nonliving matter

9. acrocyanosis

   cyanosis of the extremities

10. acrophobia

    a morbid fear of great heights

11. acromegaly

    enlargement of bones of hands and feet and face

12. active

    characterized by energetic movement
13. acute

    ending in a sharp point

14. acute gastritis

    gastritis caused by ingesting an irritant

15. acute pyelonephritis

    pyelonephritis resulting from the spread of a bladder infection

16. tendon

    a band of tissue connecting a muscle to its bony attachment

17. adduction

    moving of a body part toward the central axis of the body
18. adenitis

    inflammation of a gland or lymph node
19. adenocarcinoma

    malignant tumor originating in glandular epithelium

20. adenoma

    a benign epithelial tumor of glandular origin

21. adhesion

    the property of sticking together

22. afebrile

    having no fever
23. akinesia

    motionlessness attributable to a temporary paralysis

24. alopecia

    partial or complete loss of hair

25. amenia

    absence or suppression of normal menstrual flow

26. amenorrhea

    absence or suppression of normal menstrual flow

27. amniocentesis

    (pregnancy) extraction by centesis of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman (after the 15th week of pregnancy) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities

28. amnion

    thin innermost membranous sac enclosing the developing embryo of higher vertebrates (reptiles, birds and mammals)

29. amniotic

    of or related to the amnion or characterized by developing an amnion

30. amniotic fluid

    the serous fluid in which the embryo is suspended inside the amnion

31. amniotic sac

    thin innermost membranous sac enclosing the developing embryo of higher vertebrates (reptiles, birds and mammals)

32. analgesia

    absence of the sense of pain without loss of consciousness

33. anastomosis

    a natural or surgical joining of parts or branches of tubular structures so as to make or become continuous

34. anemia

    a deficiency of red blood cells

35. anemic

    relating to or having a deficiency of red blood cells

36. anencephalous

    characterized by partial or total absence of a brain

37. anesthesia

    loss of bodily sensation

38. anesthesiologist

    a specialist who administers an anesthetic to a patient before he is treated

39. anesthesiology

    the branch of medical science that studies and applies anesthetics

40. aneurysm

    an abnormal bulge caused by weakening of an artery wall

41. angioplasty

    an operation to repair a damaged blood vessel or unblock a coronary artery

42. neurofibroma

    tumor of the fibrous covering of a peripheral nerve

43. angiology

    the branch of medical science that studies the blood and lymph vessels and their disorders

44. Anodonta

    thin-shelled freshwater mussels

45. anomaly

    deviation from the normal or common order, form, or rule

46. anopia

    sightlessness

47. anorexia

    a prolonged disorder of eating due to loss of appetite

48. antepartum

    occurring or existing before birth

49. antipyretic

    preventing or alleviating fever

50. anuresis

    inability to urinate

51. anuria

    inability to urinate

52. aphasia

    inability to use language because of a brain lesion

53. aplasia

    failure of some tissue or organ to develop

54. apnea

    temporary cessation of breathing, especially while sleeping

55. apneic

    of or relating to apnea

56. arteriosclerosis

    sclerosis of the arterial walls

57. arthritis

    inflammation of a joint or joints

58. arthroplasty

    surgical reconstruction or replacement of a malformed or degenerated joint

59. asepsis

    the process of inhibiting the growth and multiplication of microorganisms

60. asymptomatic

    having no signs or manifestations of an illness or disease

61. atherosclerotic

    of or relating to atherosclerosis

62. atrophy

    a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse

63. benign

    kind in disposition or manner

64. biopsy

    the removal and examination of tissue from a living body

65. blastoderm

    a layer of cells on the inside of the blastula

66. blastoderm

    a layer of cells on the inside of the blastula

67. blepharitis

    inflammation of the eyelids characterized by redness and swelling and dried crusts

68. blepharitis

    inflammation of the eyelids characterized by redness and swelling and dried crusts

69. blepharospasm

    spasm of the eyelid muscle resulting in closure of the eye

70. blepharism

    condition in which a person blinks continuously

71. bradycardia

    abnormally slow heartbeat

72. bradycardia

    abnormally slow heartbeat

73. bronchiolitis

    inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchioles

74. bronchitis

    inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchial tubes

75. bronchopneumonia

    pneumonia characterized by acute inflammation of the walls of the bronchioles

76. bronchoscope

    a slender tubular instrument used to examine the bronchial tubes

77. bronchospasm

    a spasm of the bronchi that makes exhalation difficult and noisy; associated with asthma and bronchitis

78. carcinogenic

    causing or tending to cause cancer

79. carcinoma

    any malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue

80. cardiac arrest

    absence of systole

81. cardiology

    the branch of medicine dealing with the heart and its diseases

82. cardiologist

    a specialist in the structure and function of the heart

83. cardiology

    the branch of medicine dealing with the heart and its diseases

84. cardiomegaly

    an abnormal enlargement of the heart

85. carditis

    inflammation of the heart

86. cauterization

    the act of coagulating blood and destroying tissue with a hot iron or caustic agent or by freezing

87. central

    in or near an inner area
88. cephalalgia

    pain in the head caused by dilation of cerebral arteries or muscle contractions or a reaction to drugs

89. cephalic

    of or relating to the head

90. cephalometry

    measurement of human heads

91. cerebrospinal

    of or relating to the brain and spinal cord

92. cerebrovascular

    of or relating to the brain and the blood vessels that supply it
93. cerebrum

    anterior part of the brain consisting of two hemispheres

94. cheilitis

    inflammation and cracking of the skin of the lips

95. cheiloschisis

    a congenital cleft in the middle of the upper lip

96. cheilosis

    a disorder of the lips marked by scaling and fissures at the corners of the mouth; caused by a deficiency of riboflavin

97. chemotherapy

    the use of drugs to treat disease, especially cancer

98. Cheyne-Stokes respiration

    abnormal respiration in which periods of shallow and deep breathing alternate
99. cholecystectomy

    surgical removal of the gall bladder

100. cholecystitis

     inflammation of the gall bladder

101. cholecalciferol

     a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

102. abdominous

     having a large belly

103. chondrodystrophy

     an inherited skeletal disorder beginning before birth

104. chronic

     long-lasting or characterized by long suffering

105. chronic pyelonephritis

     pyelonephritis that develops slowly and can lead to renal failure if untreated; often associated with a kidney stone or with narrowing of the urinary passageways

106. circumduction

     a circular movement of a limb or eye
107. climacteric

     the time in a woman’s life in which the menstrual cycle ends

108. colic

     acute abdominal pain, especially in infants

109. colitis

     inflammation of the colon

110. celiocentesis

     removal of fluid from the abdomen by centesis

111. colonoscope

     an elongated fiberoptic endoscope for examining the entire colon from cecum to rectum

112. conception

     the creation of something in the mind

113. corneal

     of or related to the cornea

114. coronary thrombosis

     obstruction of blood flow in a coronary artery by a blood clot (thrombus)

115. craniotomy

     a surgical opening through the skull

116. craniometer

     an instrument for measuring skull sizes

117. uranoplasty

     surgical correction of a defect of the palate

118. cranium

     the part of the skull that encloses the brain

119. cryptorchidism

     failure of one or both testes to move into the scrotum as the male fetus develops

120. cyanosis

     a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes

121. cystoparalysis

     paralysis of the urinary bladder

122. cystoplegia

     paralysis of the urinary bladder

123. cystitis

     inflammation of the urinary bladder and ureters

124. cytoplast

     the intact cytoplasmic content of a cell

125. defibrillation

     treatment by stopping fibrillation of heart muscles

126. dehiscence

     release of material by splitting open of an organ or tissue

127. dental

     of or relating to the teeth

128. odontalgia

     an ache localized in or around a tooth

129. dermatitis

     inflammation of the skin

130. dermatologist

     a doctor who specializes in the physiology of the skin

131. dermatome

     a surgical instrument used to cut very thin slices of skin

132. dermatosis

     disorder involving lesions or eruptions of the skin

133. diagnosis

     identifying the nature or cause of some phenomenon

134. diagnostician

     a doctor who specializes in medical diagnosis

135. diaphragm

     a muscular partition in the chest used in respiration

136. dilation

     the act of making an opening wider

137. diplococcus

     Gram-positive bacteria usually occurring in pairs

138. diplopia

     visual impairment in which an object is seen as two objects

139. disease

     an impairment of health

140. distal

     situated farthest from point of attachment or origin, as of a limb or bone

141. dorsally

     in a dorsal location or direction

Created on April 4, 2013
(updated April 4, 2013)

Abnormal to be not normal Her heart rate was abnormal. It had an inconsistent rhythm. Ache consistent pain or discomfort, often dull I had a backache all day after lifting those boxes Allergies a hypersensitive immune response to a foreign substance, usually food, dust or plants My son has a severe allergy to peanuts, so he can’t eat peanut butter. Ambulance an emergency vehicle that takes you to the hospital The ambulance had its sirens on, so we knew to pull over to let it go by. Amnesia a condition that results in the loss of memory The woman suffered amnesia from her fall, and couldn’t remember her accident. Amputate permanent removal of a limb The doctor had to amputate his toes after he suffered from frostbite. Anemic (US)/Anaemic (UK) to have a low red blood cell count I need to take iron supplements because I am anemic. Antibiotics medication that kills bacteria and fights infections I will have to take antibiotics to fight the infection in my cut. Anti-depressants medicine that alleviate clinical depression After she was diagnosed with clinical depression, she began taking anti-depressants to feel better. Appointment an arranged time to meet with a medical professional I’d like to schedule an appointment with a specialist soon. Asthma a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe They carry an inhaler when they run because of their asthma. Bacteria small unicellular micro-organisms. Some types can cause infections Washing your hands prevents the spread of bacteria. Benign non-harmful or not dangerous, not cancerous The tumor is benign, so it may grow larger but won’t spread to other parts of the body Biopsy examination of human tissue to determine a diagnosis The doctor recommended a mole biopsy to check that it isn’t cancerous. Bite a wound resulting from a human or animal’s teeth Insect bites usually itch, so it’s good to put some cream on it. Blood count The amount and type of blood cells in your body The physical includes a blood count test to look for immune disorders. Blood donor someone who gives blood for hospitals or clinics, so that patients who suffer from blood less can receive blood transfusions. I donate blood every year. Blood pressure the pressure of blood in the circulatory system First, we’ll take your blood pressure to make sure it isn’t too high. High blood pressure can put you at risk of a heart attack. Brace a medical device that protects and holds an injured body part in place Wearing a knee brace will help your knee while you walk. Broken a bone that has split into two or more parts due to an injury She broke her arm after falling from the tree. Bruise or bruised a discolored, sensitive spot on the skin after a blow or impact, causing injury to the tissue and blood vessels. Ow! I hit my shin on the coffee table again! That will leave a bruise. Bump or lump a swelling or hard round spot on or under the skin She went to see the doctor after finding a lump during a self-breast exam. Caesarean section (C-Section) an operation to remove a baby from its mother’s uterus The baby was too big so the doctor decided to deliver it through C-Section. Cancer a disease caused by uncontrolled reproduction of abnormal cells in the body It’s important to wear sunscreen to lower your risk of skin cancer. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) a life-saving technique to manually provide air flow with hard and fast chest compressions after someone’s breathing or heart has stopped He took a CPR course before he became a babysitter. Cast a hard shell made of bandages and plaster, worn around a broken body part to keep it in place and promote healing She’ll need to wear a cast for six to eight weeks while her leg heals. Chaplain a priest or religious person who visits patients in a hospital The chaplain came by to pray with us. Chemotherapy a type of treatment used to eliminate cancer. This is my first round of chemotherapy. Clinic a department or smaller establishments for medical treatment You should go to the walk-in clinic for your cough. Concussion temporary unconsciousness or confusion resulting from trauma to the head. He suffered from a concussion after he fell, so he should stay awake while we monitor him. Coroner a person who determines the cause of death after a person dies They called the coroner because they though the death was suspicious. Critical Condition a severe health state which requires immediate medical attention My teacher was in critical condition after their car accident. Crutches devices to help a person with injured legs or feet walk I had to use crutches after I sprained my ankle. Cyst a fluid-filled sac in the body tissue, sometimes infected The doctor can remove the cyst safely. Deaf a person who can not hear My mother is Deaf, so she requires an ASL interpreter for this appointment. Deficiency a lack of something necessary for one’s health, such as vitamins You have a Vitamin D deficiency, so you should get some sun or take supplements. Dehydrated someone who is not hydrated, who needs more water. Bring water for your hike so you don’t get dehydrated. Dementia a condition which results in the loss of memory or mental capacity My uncle suffers from dementia, which is difficult for our family. Diabetes type of disease in which the body can’t produce or respond to insulin My sister was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was young. Diagnosis identifying a disease, condition or injury We’ll need a blood test to make a diagnosis. Discomfort unease or pain in a part of the body I feel discomfort in my stomach after eating greasy food. Disease a harmful condition that creates symptoms or affects a part of the body Chickenpox is a disease found in children. Dislocated a condition in which a body part is out of place I did physical therapy after I dislocated my shoulder. Drowsy sleepiness or fatigue This medication might cause drowsiness so you shouldn’t operate heavy machinery. Emergency room (ER) The room or department in a hospital for patients requiring serious or immediate medical care The nurse works in the ER. She’s seen many grievous injuries. External outside the body or a body part The external damage wasn’t as bad as the internal damage. False negative a test result that wrongly shows a negative result Her first COVID test results was a false negative. When she took a second test, it was positive. Family history common or inherited conditions or traits in the medical history of your family Do you have a family history of high cholesterol? Fatal a condition that results in death The blunt force trauma to his chest was fatal. Fever an abnormally high body temperature Please call your health care provider if you have a fever over 103F (39.4C). First responder a person such as an EMT or fire fighter who arrives immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency The first responders came quickly to help the victims. Flu (influenza) an infectious disease similar to a very bad cold Remember to get your flu vaccine this year. Fracture a partial or complete crack or break in a bone. She had a fracture in her left leg. Germ a microorganism that can cause disease Hand sanitizer will kill 99% of germs. Genetic (hereditary) related to genes, something inherited or passed down from parents to offspring. Cystic fibrosis is a fatal hereditary disease. Growth increase in size, or a mass of tissue somewhere in or on the body The growth in his throat could be dangerous. Heart attack when the flow of oxygen rich blood in an artery becomes blocked, and the heart can’t get enough oxygen Heart attacks can be fatal, so it’s important to know the early signs and call 911. HIV a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, and can lead to AIDS if not treated HIV attacks the white blood cells in your body. Hives a rash of red welts, sometimes with swelling, caused by an allergic reaction I broke out in hives after I ate the shrimp. Hospital a medical center, usually with multiple departments I work in the hospital as a nurse. Illness a disorder or disease affecting the body or mind My grandmother’s illness left her weak and unable to eat solid foods. Immune system the complex network in your body, including white blood cells, that fights infections and other diseases Vitamin C can help strengthen your immune system so you don’t get sick. Immunization vaccines or inoculations that can help protect your body from certain diseases You’ll need to provide an immunization record before you can enroll in classes. Insurance (health or medical) an agreement or arrangement with a company or government to provide financial compensation in the event of illness, disease, or death in return for a regular payment (usually monthly or yearly) This procedure is free under your health insurance. Insurance provider the company that provides your health insurance Who is your insurance provider? Incision a cut into body tissue The incision was small. Inconclusive test results that do not give a clear indication one way or another. The study was inconclusive, so some doctors still have doubts about the medication’s effectiveness. Infant a baby that is three months old or younger Infants need constant attention and care. Infection the invasion of germs in the body, resulting in harmful symptoms Please keep your cut clean to prevent infection. Injury damage to the body Her arm was injured and required surgery. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) the department of a medical center or hospital for patients who need immediate and consistent care We’re transferring her to the ICU. Internal under the skin, inside the body The doctors will monitor her for any internal bleeding. Itchy discomfort and inflammation on the skin Bug bites can result in itching. IV (intravenous therapy) a thing tube that transfers liquids and medications into a patient’s body He couldn’t drink enough water on his own, so the doctors put in an IV so he wouldn’t be so dehydrated. Laboratory (lab) a scientific or medical center that takes samples and examines them Please send these blood samples to the lab. Lab results test results that come back fro ma laboratory and help the doctors make a diagnosis The lab results have come back, and it’s good news! Life support machines that help keep patients alive, usually by helping them breathe She’s in the ICU on life support because she can’t breathe on her own. Light-headed feeling dizzy or faint After all day in the hot sun, she felt light-headed and needed to sit down. Malignant a dangerous or aggressive growth, usually associated with cancer The tumor was malignant, meaning it would spread to his lungs. Medical school the school or place you train to be a doctor Medical school takes a lot time. Newborn a baby that is less than three months old The neonatal department looks after newborns. Numb loss of feeling or sensation in a body part The cold air made her fingers go numb. Nurse a licensed medical practitioner who cares for the sick, often in association with a surgeon or physician She wants to be a nurse one day to help those who need it most. Operating room (OR) the room or department where major surgeries and operations take place You cannot go into the OR without a mask and gloves. Operation a medical procedure that involves creating an incision to go inside a person’s body to fix or remove a problem. The operation took over eight hours. Over-the-counter medicine that does not require a prescription from a doctor Minor pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, is over-the-counter. Pain killer/pain reliever medicine the relieves or eliminates pain or discomfort from an injury or illness She she will need pain killers after the orthodontist takes her wisdom teeth out. Pandemic a widespread outbreak of a disease or virus over multiple continents, as classified by the WHO (World Health Organization) The outbreak of COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the WHO on March 11. Paralyzed unable to move areas of the body His legs are paralyzed, so he uses a wheelchair. Patient a person is seeking medical care, often staying in a hospital or medical facility The patients are sleeping in their rooms. Pharmacy/Drugstore a store where people buy medication Pharmacies sell bandages, too. Pharmacist a licensed professional who fills a doctor’s prescription and offers advice about medication The pharmacist explained the medication, including how often to take it. Pills medication that comes in the forms of capsules Her medicine comes in a pill bottle, and she takes two pills a day. Poison/poisonous a dangerous substance Call the Poison Control line if your child swallows something they shouldn’t. Prenatal a state of time before a person gives birth Take these prenatal vitamins so you aren’t deficient in anything before giving birth. Prescription (Rx) a type and dosage of medication used to cure or treat an illness or symptoms. Ordered by doctor, and usually not available over-the-counter Only the doctor can prescribe this medication. Routine check-up a standard procedure to check that the body is healthy I’m just here for a routine check-up before I travel. Scrubs a uniform that medical practitioners wear Put on your scrubs before you head to the OR. Second opinion advice or a diagnosis from a second medical practitioner about an illness or symptom I went to another doctor for a second opinion. Seizure uncontrollable, sudden violent movements or unconsciousness He was diagnosed with epilepsy after his seizure. Sensitive an area or spot on the body has heightened feeling or discomfort The spot where I hit my head was a bit sensitive the next day Shock a medical condition where a patient experiences a fall in blood pressure and other symptoms, caused by blood loss, burns, or sudden emotional stress She experienced shock after the accident. Side effects secondary symptoms caused by an illness, condition, or medication that can be undesirable Common side effects of this medication include weight gain and headaches. Sore pain, discomfort or exhaustion in the muscles I am so sore after that run yesterday. Spasm an uncontrollable twitch or movement in a muscle His leg muscle was spasming after he worked it too much. Specialist a medical practitioner who specializes in a specific field or area of the body I want to see a specialist about this issue. Sprain an injury to a ligament, resulting in pain and swelling but not dislocation I sprained my ankle during the football game. Stable condition a state in which the patient is in consistent health and has good vital signs He’s in stable condition, so he’ll be moved from the ICU to the regular wards. Swelling/swollen a growth or enlargement of an area of the body, caused by inflammation or trauma After I twisted my ankle, it was swollen to twice its normal size. I put ice on it to reduce the swelling. Symptoms how a condition or illness manifests, the signs of a condition, usually uncomfortable or painful Do you have any other symptoms besides a cough? Temperature the measurement of how hot something is, including your body in order to check for a fever. I took his temperature last night. Tender an area of the body that is sensitive or feels painful The bruise on my knee was tender. Test results the report that comes back from a lab after examination We finally have your test results, so we can discuss them now. Transplant the transfer of an organ from one body to another He’s on the wait-list for a kidney transplant. Ultrasound a type of medical scan, usually a test a pregnant person undertakes to examine the fetus Here are the pictures from my ultrasound! Unconscious a person who is not conscious, or who can not wake up or respond to their environment He went unconscious after he lost so much blood. Urine sample a test of someone’s urine to check for diseases or drugs Please give your urine sample to the nurse so we can send it to the lab for testing. Virus an infectious microbe that requires a host to make copies of its cells COVID-19 is a virus that spreads from one person to another. Visiting hours the time period in which a hospital lets you visit a patient Our visiting hours are from 8am to 10pm. Vomit the act of ejecting contents from your stomach, or the matter that is ejected from your stomach She vomited after she got food poisoning from that undercooked chicken. Wheelchair a device or chair with wheels that allows someone who is unable or has difficulty walking to move freely or be transported. She’s been using a wheelchair for almost a decade now. Wound/wounded an injured or hurt part of the body He was wounded in battle but recovered quickly. X-ray a medical scan that examines the internal parts of a body, such as bones We’ll know if it’s broken or not once we take an X-ray.