S.N. | Short Form | Long Form |
1 | Abdominal Muscles | A flat sheet of muscles on the front of the abdomen, between the ribcage and the pelvis |
2 | Abdominoplasty | A procedure to remove excess abdominal skin and tighten the underlying stomach muscles. Also known as a tummy tuck. |
3 | Abduction | Movement of a body part, such as an arm or leg, away from the center of the body. |
4 | ablation | A form of treatment that uses electrical energy, heat, cold, alcohol, or other modalities to destroy a small section of damaged tissue. |
5 | Abrasion | A scraping or rubbing away of the skin or other surface. |
6 | Abscess | Pus that collects in a pocket of swollen, red tissue. Often occurs on the surface of the skin. |
7 | Abutment | A tooth or implant to which a fixed prosthesis is anchored. |
8 | Acceptance-Based Therapies | Psychotherapy techniques that use mindfulness to help a person recognize and accept thoughts and feelings but not be controlled by them. |
9 | Accommodation | The eye’s ability to focus on objects that are close. |
10 | ACE | Abbreviation for angiotensin-converting enzyme, an enzyme that converts the inactive form of the protein angiotensin (angiotensin I) to its active form—angiotensin II. |
11 | ACE inhibitor | Abbreviation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, a drug used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. |
12 | Acetabulum | A curved, bowl-shaped depression in the outer part of the hipbone. The ball-shaped portion at the top of the thighbone fits into this space to form the hip joint. |
13 | Acetaldehyde | The main breakdown product of alcohol metabolism; accumulation of it in the bloodstream may produce flushing (a feeling of heat in the face or chest) and vomiting. |
14 | Acetaminophen | A common, over-the-counter drug used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain, but which does not reduce redness or swelling (inflammation). |
15 | Acetylcholine | A neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger that sends signals between brain cells) that plays roles in attention, learning, and memory. |
16 | Achilles’ tendon | A band of connective tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. This tissue is prone to swelling and/or rupture. |
17 | Achlorhydria | A condition in which the stomach produces little or no acid. This can affect digestion, cause stomach pain, and keep the body from absorbing vitamins and nutrients. |
18 | Acne | An inflammatory disease resulting from excess sebum production, follicle plugging, and increased bacterial production. |
19 | Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome | Usually abbreviated as AIDS. This is the most advanced stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can severely weaken the immune system. People with AIDS get many infections, often from diseases that don’t affect people with healthy immune systems. |
20 | Acquisition | The term given to the brain’s absorption of new information to begin creating a memory. |
21 | Acromioclavicular Joint | A shoulder joint that connects the clavicle to the scapula |
22 | Actin | One of the proteins that allows cells to move and muscles to contract. |
23 | Actinic Keratosis | Scaly pink or red-brown raised spots or patches on the skin caused by overexposure to the sun. Actinic keratosis may be a precursor to skin cancer. |
24 | Active Surveillance | A strategy for managing early prostate cancer in which a man has regular checkups but does not undergo treatment until the disease shows signs of worsening. |
25 | Acupressure | Using the thumb or fingers to apply pressure to particular spots, or pressure points, on the body in order to relieve pain. |
26 | Acupuncture | A treatment based on Chinese medicine. Thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific points on the body. This therapy is used to treat pain and various health problems and to reduce stress. |
27 | Acute | A condition that comes on suddenly, often with severe, but short-lived symptoms. |
28 | Acute pain | Severe pain that occurs suddenly and usually lasts a short while. |
29 | Acute Urinary Retention | A sudden inability to empty the bladder. Causes include an enlarged prostate gland (in men) or bladder muscle problems. |
30 | Adaptability | The ability of an organism to change genetically in a way that allows it to deal better with its environmental conditions. |
31 | Adaptive Immunity | The ability of the body to learn to fight specific infections after being exposed to the germs that cause them. |
32 | Addiction | Loss of control over indulging in a substance or performing an action or behavior, and continued craving for it despite negative consequences |
33 | B cell | White blood cells that come from bone marrow, and produce antibodies to fight off disease. |
34 | Bacteria | Tiny single-celled organisms. Some bacteria cause disease, although most are harmless. |
35 | Balance | Ability to maintain equilibrium while stationary or moving. |
36 | Balloon Angioplasty | A procedure to open clogged heart arteries. A surgeon inserts and inflates a tiny balloon. It widens the blocked artery then expands a small wire mesh tube to keep the artery open. |
37 | Balloon Dilation | A surgical procedure to open a narrowed vessel or tube, such as the urethra, esophagus, or artery. A small, deflated balloon is inserted into the area and inflated to widen it. |
38 | Bariatric Surgery | One of several types of weight loss surgery performed on people who are dangerously overweight, to restrict or reduce food intake and/or absorption. |
39 | Barium Study | An imaging test that allows doctors to see the inside of the esophagus and upper stomach. It involves swallowing a barium solution, which coats the esophagus and makes it possible for x-rays to see the inside of the intestine. |
40 | Barrett’s Esophagus | The abnormal growth of stomach or small intestine cells in the esophagus, resulting from damage caused by the reflux of stomach acid; occasionally may transform into cancer. |
41 | Basal Cell Carcinoma | The most common skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma doesn’t spread to internal organs. |
42 | Basal Ganglia | Clusters of nerve cells deep in the brain that play an important role in movement. |
43 | CABG | Abbreviation for coronary artery bypass graft. Surgery to improve blood flow to the heart by diverting blood around a blocked artery. |
44 | Calcification | The buildup of calcium deposits in soft tissue, causing it to harden. Often seen in breast tissue by mammography or in coronary arteries by x-ray or cardiac CT scans. |
45 | Calcitonin | A hormone that can stimulate bone growth and is sometimes used to treat osteoporosis. |
46 | Calcium | A mineral that the body needs for many vital functions, including bone formation, regulation of heart rate and blood pressure, and muscle contraction. |
47 | Calcium Channel Blockers | A class of drugs that lowers blood pressure, slows the heart rate, and decreases the heart’s need for oxygen by blocking the movement of calcium into the heart and the muscle cells surrounding blood vessels. |
48 | Callus | Hardened, thick skin that forms after repeated friction; often found on hands and the bottom of feet |
49 | Calorie | The unit for measuring the amount of energy in food. |
50 | Cancellous bone | One of two types of tissue that form bone; this type is commonly found at the center of long bones and makes up a large part of the hip and spine. Also known as trabecular bone. |
51 | Cancer | A group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way, sometimes forming tumors. |
52 | Capillaries | The body’s smallest blood vessels; they deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues. |
53 | D2 receptor | A type of dopamine receptor (see neurotransmitter receptors) that seems to be particularly important in addiction. |
54 | Daidzein | A substance found in soybeans. |
55 | Daily value | A guide to the amount of nutrients in a given food; Daily values are given in percentages based on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet. |
56 | Dandruff | A mild and common condition that is characterized by an itchy, flaky scalp and that may extend to the ears, face, and chest. Also known as seborrheic dermatitis. |
57 | De Quervain’s tendonitis | Painful swelling of the tendons at the wrist that move the thumb. |
58 | Debility | Weakness or a loss of physical strength. |
59 | Decibel | A unit of measurement for the loudness of a sound. The highest decibels indicate the loudest sounds. |
60 | Declarative memory | Memory for facts or events (episodic memory); also called explicit memory. |
61 | Decoction | An herbal product or tea made by boiling a plant in water. |
62 | Decongestant | Type of medication used to relieve nasal congestion. |
63 | Deep sleep | Stage of sleep where the brain is less responsive to outside stimuli. |
64 | Deep venous Thrombosis | A dangerous condition in which blood clots form in veins deep in the body, usually the legs. They may break off and block blood flow in the lungs, seriously damaging organs or causing death. |
65 | Defenses | Coping strategies a person adopts to make it easier to operate in the world. |
66 | Ear Canal | A tube leading from the eardrum to the outer ear. |
67 | Eardrum | A thin membrane separating the ear canal and middle ear. |
68 | Earwax | A substance that lubricates the inner ear and helps protect it from dirt, damage, and infections. |
69 | EBCT | Abbreviation for electron-beam computed tomography, a high-speed imaging technology use to evaluate the heart and measure calcium deposits in arteries. |
70 | Eccentric Action | When muscles move joints by lengthening. Also known as cerumen. |
71 | ECG | An abbreviation for electrocardiogram, a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and detects heart problems. |
72 | Echocardiography | A diagnostic tool that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to make images of the heart’s size, structure and motion. |
73 | Eclampsia | A serious condition related to high blood pressure that can threaten the life of a pregnant woman and her fetus. |
74 | Ectopic Pregnancy | Pregnancy in which a fertilized egg implants in an abnormal location outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. Ending the pregnancy is necessary. |
75 | Ectropion | When an eyelid, usually the lower one, flips outward so that the inner surface is exposed. |
76 | Eczema | A condition in which areas of the skin are dry, itchy, red, and cracked. Also known as atopic dermatitis. |
77 | Facet Joints | Paired joints that link a vertebra to its neighboring vertebrae. They allow the spine to move as a unit. |
78 | Facet Rhizotomy | Surgical destruction of certain nerves and nerve roots to relieve pain. |
79 | False Negative | Test results that show that a disease or substance isn’t present, even though it is. |
80 | Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia | An inherited disorder in which the liver overproduces very low-density lipoprotein, causing high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides, or both. |
81 | Familial Hypercholesterolemia | An inherited disorder in which the liver cannot properly remove low-density lipoprotein particles from the blood, causing a very high cholesterol level. |
82 | Fasting Lipid Profile | A laboratory test to determine the relative levels of high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol in the blood. Also referred to as a lipoprotein analysis, full lipid profile, or cholesterol profile. |
83 | Fasting Plasma Glucose Test | A blood test that determines the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood after an overnight fast of at least eight hours. |
84 | Fast-Twitch Fiber | One of two main types of skeletal muscle fibers. Fast-twitch fibers are recruited most heavily when bursts of power are needed, as in sprinting. See also slow-twitch fiber. |
85 | Fat | One of the three major nutrients, along with carbohydrates and proteins. |
86 | Gain | A hearing aid’s power, measured in the number of decibels that it can add to sound. |
87 | Gait Cycle | The cycle that the feet and legs make when walking, beginning when one heel hits the ground and ending when the same heel hits the ground again. |
88 | Galactogogue | A substance that promotes breast milk production. |
89 | Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid | A chemical messenger in the brain that may help decrease anxiety and promote slow-wave sleep. Often referred to as GABA. |
90 | Ganglion | An abnormal but harmless mass of tissue, usually nerve cells. |
91 | Ganglion Cyst | A harmless sac of fluid on top of a joint or tendon, usually on the wrist or back of the hand |
92 | Gangrene | Death of tissue in part of the body because blood has stopped flowing there. |
93 | Gastric: | Relating to the stomach. |
94 | Gastritis: | Inflammation of the lining of the stomach. |
95 | Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | A condition in which food and acid flow back into the esophagus from the stomach, causing heartburn. |
96 | Hair bulb | The root of the hair shaft. |
97 | Hair Cells | Cells in the ear that transmit sound messages to the brain and play a vital role in hearing. |
98 | Hair Shaft | The portion of hair that extends beyond the surface of the skin. It contains three layers: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla (not always present). |
99 | Hallucination | A perception of something that is not really there. |
100 | Hammertoe | A sometimes painful condition in which the toe curls up and under (resembling a hammer). |
101 | Happiness | Feelings of contentment or joy; the overall experience of pleasure and meaning in life. |
102 | Happiness set-point | An individual’s baseline level of happiness, determined largely by genetics, around which moods fluctuate. After reacting to positive or negative life changes, people tend to return to their happiness set-points. |
103 | Harm Reduction Therapy | A treatment strategy aimed at minimizing the harm associated with an object of addiction. This strategic approach helps people learn how to limit the degree to which they use their object of addiction, or limit the risks associated with their use, but they do not necessarily stop altogether. |
104 | Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis | A disease in which the body’s immune system prevents the thyroid gland from producing enough thyroid hormone. |
105 | Hay Fever | A commonly used term for allergic rhinitis—seasonal or year-round allergic condition marked by sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. The most common type of allergy, it is caused by an IgE-mediated immune response to inhaled airborne allergens. |
106 | HbA1c | Abbreviation for hemoglobin A1c, the product formed by the attachment of glucose (blood sugar) to hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells). A test for HbA1c is a useful measure of blood sugar control. |
107 | Iatrogenic | Complications or poor effects caused by medical treatment. |
108 | IBD | Abbreviation for inflammatory bowel disease, a general term for two disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—that cause the intestines to become swollen and inflamed. |
109 | ICD | Abbreviation for implantable cardioverter defibrillator, a device implanted in the chest and connected to the heart that delivers a shock to stop a potentially deadly rhythm and restore a normal (sinus) rhythm. |
110 | Ice Pick Headache | Stabbing, very intense headaches that come on suddenly and are very brief. |
111 | Idiopathic | A condition or disease of unknown origin. |
112 | IgE | Abbreviation for immunoglobulin E, the substance responsible for most allergic reactions. |
113 | Ileum | The final section of the small intestine. |
114 | Iliopsoas muscles | Two muscles, running from the end of the spine to the thighbone, that are responsible for lifting the knee. |
115 | Immediate Hypersensitivity | A category of allergic reaction, triggered by specific allergens and involving IgE. The majority of allergic reactions to pollens, pets, dust, mold, food, and insect venom are of this type. |
116 | Immobilize | To restrict the movement of a limb or other part of the body to help in healing. |
117 | Jejunum | The section of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum. |
118 | Jet lag | A feeling of fatigue that occurs as the biological clock resets itself after traveling across time zones, usually by airplane. |
119 | Joint: | A junction in the body where bones are linked together. |
120 | Julienne | To cut food into thin, matchstick strips. |
121 | Kegel | An exercise that helps prevent and treat incontinence by strengthening pelvic floor muscles. |
122 | keloid | An unusually hard or thick scar that forms after surgery or an injury. |
123 | keratectomy | A procedure in which a laser is used to correct vision problems by reshaping the cornea. |
124 | Keratin | A protein and the major component of the cuticle and cortex layers of hair; the same protein is found in nails, feathers, claws, and hooves. |
125 | Keratinocytes | Cells of the epidermis that produce a tough protein called keratin and form a soft, protective sheet for the body. |
126 | keratoconjunctivitis Sicca | Persistent dryness of the eye. |
127 | keratoderma Blennorrhagica | A skin rash that sometimes occurs along with an autoimmune condition called Reiter’s syndrome. |
128 | Keshan disease | Heart disease caused by a lack of selenium, an element that the body needs to function properly. |
129 | Ketones | Substances produced when the body burns fat for energy or when the body doesn’t have enough insulin. |
130 | Kidney failure | The final stage of chronic kidney disease. At this point, the kidneys can no longer eliminate waste products from the body. |
131 | yphoplasty | A surgical procedure that eases or eliminates the pain of spinal fractures. It also restores vertebrae that have collapsed due to fractures to their normal size. |
132 | Labile Hypertension | Blood pressure that frequently fluctuates between normal and abnormal during the course of a day, often within only a few minutes. |
133 | Labyrinth | The inner ear. It contains the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing, as well as structures that are needed for balance. |
134 | Laceration | A tear in the skin. |
135 | Lacrimal gland | The gland that produces tears. |
136 | Lactase | An enzyme that breaks down milk sugar (lactose) in the body. |
137 | Lactic acidosis | A rare but potentially lethal condition in which blood lactic acid levels increase. |
138 | Lactose | A sugar found in milk and dairy products. |
139 | Lactose intolerance | The inability of the body to easily digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. |
140 | Lacunar stroke | A small ischemic stroke caused by the blockage of one of the smaller blood vessels in the brain; the most common effect is weakness or disability on one side of the body. |
141 | Lamellar bone | Hard, dense tissue that forms the outer shell of bones. Also called compact bone. |
142 | Macrocytic anemia | The presence of larger-than-normal red blood cells in circulation—even though there are too few of them—caused by lack of folate and vitamin B12. |
143 | Macronutrients | Substances that provide energy and that the body needs for growth. The main categories are: fat, carbohydrate, and protein. |
144 | Macrophage | A type of white blood cell that destroys cell debris, bacteria, and foreign agents. |
145 | Macula | The area in the center of the retina that produces sharp, clear central vision and allows one to see fine detail. |
146 | Macular degeneration | An eye disease that slowly destroys sharp, clear central vision. |
147 | Macular edema | The build-up of fluid in the macula caused by fluid leaking from blood vessels in the eye. It can blur and damage vision. |
148 | Magenblase Syndrome | Swallowing too much air during a meal, causing excessive gas and discomfort. Also known as stomach bubble syndrome. |
149 | Magnetic resonance imaging | A scan that creates detailed pictures of internal organs; commonly referred to as MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves, a strong magnetic field, and a computer to produce images of organs and internal tissues. |
150 | Maintenance of wakefulness test | A test to measure sleepiness during the day. A tester measures how long it takes a person who is sitting up in a chair or bed to fall asleep after he or she has been asked to stay awake. |
151 | Major depression | Depression that interferes with daily life for an extended period. Episodes of major depression during bereavement can be distinguished from normal sadness by such symptoms as persistent feelings of worthlessness, thoughts about death, feelings of guilt, persistent trouble functioning, and marked mental and physical sluggishness. |
152 | Nanograms per milliliter | A small quantity of a substance; equivalent to one-billionth of a gram (454 grams make 1 pound) in one-thousandth of a liter (1 liter is approximately 1 quart). Abbreviated as ng/ml. |
153 | Narcolepsy | A sleep disorder that causes extreme sleepiness and uncontrollable sleep attacks, making a person fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day. |
154 | Nasolabial folds | Lines in the skin leading from the nose to the outer corners of the mouth. Also known as smile or laugh lines. |
155 | Natural killer cells | A type of white blood cell of the immune system. These cells destroy other cells that fail to display the right chemical flags signaling that they are normal cells. |
156 | Natural recoverers | People who overcome addiction without treatment or formal self-help programs. |
157 | Nebulizer | A device that converts a liquid medicine into a mist that can be breathed in. |
158 | Necrosis | The premature death of living cells or tissues. |
159 | Needle biopsy | Use of a hollow needle to remove a small sample of tissue for examination. |
160 | Neoadjuvant therapy | A helper treatment given before a primary treatment is started, such as when chemotherapy is done before surgery in order to shrink a tumor. |
161 | Neonatal | Relating to an infant younger than 4 weeks of age. |
162 | Obesity | A body weight that is much higher than is healthy. Defined as having a body mass index of 30 or more. Obesity puts a person at greater risk of developing numerous chronic diseases. |
163 | Object of addiction | The psychoactive drug or rewarding behavior with which a person with addiction has a pathological relationship. |
164 | Obstructive sleep apnea | A disorder marked by heavy snoring and interrupted breathing during sleep. It increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and having a stroke and is more common in people who are obese. |
165 | Occipital lobe | The region in the back of the brain responsible for visual processing. |
166 | Occlusion | The closing or blocking of a hollow organ or body part. |
167 | Occult | Something not visible to the naked eye but seen under a microscope or through lab tests. |
168 | Omega-3 fatty acids | Beneficial fats, also known as n-3 fatty acids. These are polyunsaturated fat found in fatty fish, such as salmon. |
169 | Omega-6 fatty acids | Fatty acids found in certain foods that the body needs for good health but can’t make on its own. Also known as n-6 fatty acids. |
170 | Oncogene | A gene that, under certain conditions, can cause cancer. |
171 | Oncologist | A physician who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. There are three types—medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists. |
172 | Ondine’s curse | A rare and potentially fatal disorder in which a person may stop breathing, especially at night. Also called congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. |
173 | Open prostatectomy | A surgical procedure in which an enlarged prostate is removed through an incision in the abdomen. |
174 | Pacemaker, artificial | A small electronic device generally placed in the chest to correct an irregular heartbeat. It generates small electrical pulses that prompt the heart to beat at a normal pace. |
175 | Pacemaker, natural | A specialized cluster of cells called the sinoatrial node in the top of the right atrium. The pacemaker produces a steady flow of beat now signals that flash across the atria and then pass through the atrioventricular node to the ventricles. |
176 | PAD | Abbreviation for peripheral artery disease, a condition caused by atherosclerosis in the arteries in the legs or leading to them. |
177 | Painkillers | Drugs that relieve pain. |
178 | Palate | The tissues that make up the roof of the mouth. |
179 | Palliative care | Treatment that relieves the symptoms of a serious illness, but does not cure the disease itself. |
180 | Palpate | To examine a part of the body by touching it carefully. |
181 | Palpitation | Sensation that the heart is beating rapidly or irregularly. |
182 | Palsy | Paralysis in part of the body, often with loss of sensation and uncontrolled body movements. |
183 | Pancreas | A gland in the abdomen that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. |
184 | Pandemic | A disease outbreak affecting large populations or a whole region, country, or continent. |
185 | Quadriplegia | Paralysis of all limbs, often caused by a severe neck injury. |
186 | Quantitative computed tomography | A modification of computed tomography that provides measurements of bone mass as well as an image. |
187 | Quarantine | A period of time in which a sick person is kept away from others to prevent the spread of disease. |
188 | Quick relievers | Medications that quickly open the bronchial tubes by relaxing the muscles surrounding these airways. |
189 | Quiet sleep | Any sleep other than REM sleep, in which thinking and most physiological activities slow, but movement still occurs. Also called non-REM sleep. |
190 | Radial tunnel syndrome | A condition in which the radial nerve is compressed at the elbow, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the hand and arm. |
191 | Radiation | Energy in the form of particles or waves, such as x-rays and gamma rays. Radiation is often used to help make a diagnosis, as in x-rays, or as a treatment for cancer. |
192 | Radiation therapy | Treatment with high-energy rays (from x-rays or other sources) designed to control disease and destroy cancer cells |
193 | Radical prostatectomy | Surgery to remove the entire prostate. |
194 | Radiculopathy | Pain caused by irritation of a nerve as it exits the spinal cord. |
195 | Radioactive iodine | A radioactive form of iodine that can be used as a tracer during a radioactive iodine uptake test or a radioactive thyroid scan. Much larger amounts are used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. |
196 | Radioallergosorbent test | A blood test used for identifying allergens. |
197 | Radiofrequency | A non-surgical technique using an electromagnetic current to penetrate deep into the body’s tissues, which can be used to treat pain, cancer, and heart rhythm disorders, among other conditions. |
198 | Radionuclide imaging or scan | Another name for nuclear tests: tests that use tiny amounts of short-lived radioactive substances that can target particular organs or cell receptors to diagnose disease. |
199 | Radionuclides | Short-lived radioactive chemicals that are used in nuclear imaging tests. |
200 | Sacroiliitis | Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the lower spine to the pelvis. |
201 | Sacrum | The larger triangular bone at the base of the spine. |
202 | SAD | Abbreviation for seasonal affective disorder, sadness and depression brought on by a lack of exposure to sunlight. SAD usually appears in the fall or winter and subsides in the spring. |
203 | Saline | A watery solution that contains a small amount of salt and is often used to administer drugs or as a substitute for plasma. |
204 | Salivary gland | One of three pairs of glands that pour lubricating fluids and digestive enzymes into the mouth. |
205 | Saphenous vein | A superficial blood vessel that extends from the thigh to the calf; it can be removed and used as a coronary bypass graft. |
206 | Sarcolemma | A membrane that covers the muscle fiber and ties the end of it to a tendon. |
207 | Sarcoma | A cancer that arises in the soft tissues of the body that connect, support, and separate other tissues or organs. Sarcomas can occur almost anywhere in the body. |
208 | Satisficer | A person who can make a choice and be satisfied with it when presented with an option that meets his or her standards, without needing to examine all options or find the absolute best. |
209 | Saturated fat | A type of fat found in animal foods such as meat, poultry skin, butter, and whole-milk dairy products, as well in as palm and coconut oils. A diet high in saturated fat tends to raise blood levels of unhealthy low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. |
210 | T cell | Abbreviation for T lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell that is produced in the bone marrow and is part of the body’s immune system. |
211 | T lymphocyte | A type of white blood cell that is produced in the bone marrow and is part of the body’s immune system. Also called a T cell. |
212 | Tachycardia | An abnormally fast heartbeat, usually above 100 beats per minute. |
213 | Tamoxifen | A drug used by women to prevent breast cancer or its recurrence. |
214 | Tamsulosin | A drug used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland. It relieves constriction of the urethra and improves urine flow by relaxing the smooth muscle tissues in the capsule that surrounds the prostate. Unlike other drugs in this class, tamsulosin does not decrease blood pressure. |
215 | Tangles | Also called neurofibrillary tangles—twisted strands of proteins that are found inside the dead or dying nerve cells of people with Alzheimer’s disease. |
216 | Tardive dyskinesia | Involuntary writhing movements of the arms, legs, and tongue caused by high doses of antipsychotic drugs over long periods of time. |
217 | Tarsal coalition | An inherited condition in which two bones of the foot are fused together; can result in rigid flat feet. |
218 | Tartar | A hardened layer of plaque that builds up on teeth. Also called calculus. |
219 | TDD | Abbreviation for telecommunications device for the deaf—machinery that allows a person who is deaf or hard of hearing to send and receive typed messages over the telephone. |
220 | Ulcer | A break in the skin or other surface that often occurs along with inflammation, infection, or cancerous growth. |
221 | Ultrasound | A painless, noninvasive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves. |
222 | Unopposed estrogen | Estrogen taken without an accompanying progestogen. |
223 | Unresolved losses | Personal losses that are not acknowledged and mourned. Many mental health experts believe that reactions to these losses crop up later, often skewing a person’s response to an entirely different loss. |
224 | Unsaturated fat | Healthy dietary fats from plant sources such as vegetable oils, nuts, and whole grains, as well as from fatty fish. Includes monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. |
225 | Unstable angina | Chest pain that occurs or worsens in frequency, severity, or duration when a person is at rest or engaging in mild activity. |
226 | Upper airway resistance syndrome | Inhalation that requires undue extra exertion; this extra work may cause insomnia and daytime sleepiness. |
227 | Upper esophageal sphincter | Muscular valve located at the upper portion of the esophagus that opens to allow food or liquid to enter the digestive system. |
228 | Urea | A waste product of protein digestion and metabolism. |
229 | Ureter | The tube that connects each kidney to the bladder. |
230 | Vaccination | A method of protecting the body against disease by injecting parts or all of a microorganism that will cause the body to develop antibodies against the microorganism and later fight off disease. |
231 | Vacuum erection devices | Various manual or battery-operated pumps that a man can use to draw blood into the penis to create an erection. |
232 | Vaginismus | Spasms of the muscles around the vaginal opening that prevent penile penetration. |
233 | Valves | Structures consisting of leaflets that divide the chambers of the heart and prevent the backflow of blood from one chamber to another during contraction of the heart. |
234 | Variant angina pectoris | Also called Prinzmetal’s angina, these are attacks of chest pain caused by spasms of one or more coronary arteries almost always while a person is at rest. |
235 | Vascular | Having to do with blood vessels and circulation. |
236 | Vascular dementia | Dementia caused by narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in the brain or by a stroke or series of tiny strokes. Also called multi-infarct dementia. |
237 | Vascular surgery | An operation to improve blood flow either by repairing leaks in blood vessels or by rerouting arteries to bypass blockages. |
238 | Vasculitis | Inflammation of blood vessels. |
239 | Vasectomy | An operation that ties off or cuts the tubes through which sperm travel from the testicles to the urethra; used as a form of birth control. |
240 | Wall stress | Force on the wall of the heart muscle caused by pressure inside the heart’s pumping chamber; excessive wall stress can impair the heart’s ability to pump and increase the heart’s need for oxygen. |
241 | Warfarin | An anticoagulant drug that prevents blood clotting; people taking it must have regular blood tests to determine that their blood does not clot too readily or too slowly. |
242 | Wart | An abnormal fibrous growth caused by a viral infection. |
243 | Water brash | Salty-tasting salivary secretions stimulated by gastroesophageal reflux. |
244 | Weber test | A hearing test that uses a tuning fork to diagnose one-sided hearing loss. |
245 | Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome | An irreversible state of acute confusion and amnesia that develops in alcoholics as a result of malnutrition-related thiamine deficiency. |
246 | Wernicke’s area | The brain region responsible for the comprehension of speech. |
247 | Whiplash | The popular term for muscle and ligament damage resulting from rapid and extreme extension and flexion of the neck. The term is also used for the accident causing the injury, most often a rear-end motor vehicle accident. |
248 | White matter | The inner portion of the brain, composed primarily of axons, each surrounded by a myelin sheath that insulates the nerve fibers (and appears white). Messages are sent between different regions of the brain (gray matter) via these nerve fibers. |
249 | White-coat hypertension | Blood pressure that is elevated in a doctor’s office but is normal at home. |
250 | Will | A legal document that describes what should be done with a person’s assets after his or her death. |
251 | Withdrawal | A response to danger or stress characterized by apathy, lethargy, and depression; or the physical or psychological response to a sudden lack of an addictive substance such as alcohol or nicotine. |
252 | Working memory | A type of short-term memory process that involves temporarily storing and manipulating information. |
253 | YAG capsulotomy | A laser technique to correct blurred vision caused by cloudiness that may develop in the skin of the cataract left in the eye after cataract surgery; a laser is used to create a hole in the membrane to allow light to enter clearly focused onto the retina. |
254 | Vohimbine | An extract of the bark of a West African tree sometimes used in treating erectile dysfunction. Yohimbine appears to increase blood flow to the penis and prevent blood from leaving it too quickly. |
255 | Xanthelasma | A xanthoma on the eyelid. |
256 | Xanthoma | A yellow, lipid-laden deposit in the skin or on a tendon. |
257 | Zonules | Thin, gelatinous ligaments that attach the lens to the ciliary body and support the lens centrally behind the pupil. |
258 | Zoonotic disease | An infectious disease that is transmissible under normal conditions from animals to humans. |
259 | aa | of each |
260 | ad | up to |
261 | a.c. | before meals |
262 | a.d | Right ear |
263 | admov. | apply |
264 | agit | Stir/shake |
265 | alt. h. | every other hour |
266 | a.m. | morning, before noon |
267 | amp | ampule |
268 | amt | amount |
269 | Aq | water |
270 | a.l.a.s. | Left ear |
271 | A.T.C. | around the clock |
272 | a.u. | Both ears |
273 | bis | twice |
274 | b.d/b.i.d. | Twice daily |
275 | B.M. | bowel movement |
276 | bol. | as a large single dose (usually intravenously) |
277 | B.S. | blood sugar |
278 | B.S.A | body surface areas |
279 | BUCC | inside cheek |
280 | Cap., caps. | capsule |
281 | cap. | capsule |
282 | C | with (usually written with a bar on top of the “c”) |
283 | c | food |
284 | Cc | with food, (but also cubic centimeter) |
285 | Cf | With food |
286 | comp. | compound |
287 | G | gram |
288 | Gr | grain |
289 | Gtt(s) | Drop(s) |
290 | H | hypodermic |
291 | h, hr | hour |
292 | h.s. | at bedtime |
293 | ID | intradermal |
294 | IM | Intramuscular(with respect to injections) |
295 | inj. | injection |
296 | IP | intraperitoneal |
297 | IV | intravenous |
298 | IVP | intravenous push |
299 | IVPB | intravenous piggyback |
300 | L.A.S. | label as such |
301 | LCD | Coal tar solution |
302 | Lin | liniment |
303 | Liq | solution |
304 | lot. | lotion |
305 | M. | mix |
306 | m, min | a minimum |
307 | mcg | microgram |
308 | m.d.u. | To be used as directed |
309 | mEq | mill equivalent |
310 | mg | milligram |
311 | mist. | mix |
312 | mitte | send |
313 | mL | milliliter |
314 | nebul | a spray |
315 | N.M.T. | not more than |
316 | noct. | at night |
317 | non rep. | no repeats |
318 | NS | normal saline (0.9%) |
319 | 1/2NS | half normal saline (0.45%) |
320 | N.T.E. | not to exceed |
321 | o_2 | both eyes, sometimes written as o2 |
322 | o.d. | Right eye |
323 | o.s. | Left eye |
324 | o.u. | Both eyes |
325 | oz | ounce |
326 | per | by or through |
327 | p.c. | after meals |
328 | p.m. | evening or afternoon |
329 | Prn | As needed |
330 | p.o. | By mouth or orally |
331 | p.r. | by rectum |
332 | pulv. | powder |
333 | q | every |
334 | q.a.d. | Every other day |
335 | q.a.m. | every day before noon |
336 | q.d.s. | four times a day |
337 | q.p.m. | every day after noon |
338 | q.h. | every hour |
339 | q.h.s. | every night at bedtime |
340 | q.1h | every 1 hour; (can replace “1” with other numbers) |
341 | q.d | Every day |
342 | q.i.d. | Four times a day |
343 | q.o.d. | Every other day |
344 | qqh | every four hours |
345 | q.s. | a sufficient quantity |
346 | QWK | Every week |
347 | R | rectal |
348 | rep., rept. | repeats |
349 | RL, R/L | Ringer’s lactate |
350 | s | without (usually written with a bar on top of the “s”) |
351 | s.a. | use your judgement |
352 | SC,subc,subcut,SQ | subcutaneous |
353 | sig | write on label |
354 | SL | sublingually, under the tongue |
355 | sol | solution |
356 | s.o.s., si op. sit | if there is a need |
357 | ss | one half |
358 | stat | immediately |
359 | supp | suppository |
360 | susp | suspension |
361 | syr | syrup |
362 | tab | tablet |
363 | tal., t | such |
364 |
| tablespoon |
365 | troche | lozenge |
366 | tsp | teaspoon |
367 | t.i.d. | Three times a day |
368 | t.d.s. | three times a day |
369 | t.i.w. | three times a week |
370 | top. | topical |
371 | T.P.N. | Total parenteral nutrition |
372 | tr, tinc., tinct. | tincture |
373 | u.d.ut.dict. | As directed |
374 | ung. | ointment |
375 | USP | United States Pharmacopoeia |
376 | vag | vaginally |
377 | w | With |
378 | w/o | Without |
379 | x | times |
380 | Y.O. | years old |
381 | aa, āā, ĀĀ | of each |
382 | AAA | apply to affected area |
383 | a.c. | before meals |
384 | a.c.h.s., ac&hs | before meals and at bedtime |
385 | a.d. | right ear |
386 | ad., add. | Add let there be added |
387 | ad lib. | Latin, “at one’s pleasure”; as much as one desires; freely |
388 | admov. | apply [or] add add; let there be added |
389 | ad us. | according to custom |
390 | æq. | Equal |
391 | agit. | Agitate (stir or shake) |
392 | alt. d., alt. dieb. | every other day; on alternate days |
393 | alt. h., alt. hor. | every other hour; at alternate hours |
394 | a.m. | morning, before noon |
395 | amp. | ampule(ampule, ampoule) |
396 | amt | Amount |
397 | aq. | Water |
398 | aq. bull. | boiling water |
399 | aq. com. | common water |
400 | aq. dest. | Distilled water |
401 | aq. ferv. | hot water |
402 | a.l., a.s. | left ear |
403 | ATC | around the clock |
404 | a.u. | both ears |
405 | BDS, b.d.s. | twice daily |
406 | bib. | Drink |
407 | bis | Twice |
408 | b.i.d., b.d. | twice daily |
409 | bis ind. | twice a day |
410 | bis in 7 d. | twice a week |
411 | BM | Bowel movement |
412 | BNF | British National Formulary |
413 | bol. | As a large dose(usually intravenously) |
414 | BP, Ph.Br. | British Pharmacopoeia |
415 | BS | Blood Sugar |
416 | BSA | Body Surface Area |
417 | b.t. | Bedtime |
418 | bucc. | Buccal(inside cheek) |
419 | cap., caps. | capsule |
420 | cap. | let him take (let the patient take) |
421 | c.m. | tomorrow morning |
422 | c.m.s. | to be taken tomorrow morning |
423 | c̄, c. | with (usually written with a bar on top of the c) |
424 | cib. | Food |
425 | c.c. | with food |
426 | cf. | compare |
427 | c.n. | tomorrow night |
428 | cochl. | spoonful |
429 | cochl. ampl. | an ample spoonful (a tablespoonful) |
430 | cochl. infant. | a small spoonful (a teaspoonful) |
431 | cochl. mag. | a large spoonful (a tablespoonful) |
432 | cochl. mod. | a modest spoonful (a dessert-spoonful) |
433 | cochl. parv. | a scant spoonful (a teaspoonful) |
434 | colet. | Let it be strained |
435 | comp. | compound |
436 | contin. | let it be continued |
437 | cpt. | let him take (let the patient take) |
438 | cr., crm | Cream |
439 | CST | continue same treatment |
440 | cuj. | of which |
441 | c.v. | tomorrow evening |
442 | cyath. | a glassful |
443 | cyath. vinos. | a wine-glassful |
444 | D, d. | days |
445 | da | Give |
446 | DAW | Dispense as written |
447 | DC, dc, D/C, disc | discontinue [or] |
448 | det. | let it be given |
449 | dieb. alt. | every other day; on alternate days |
450 | dil. | Dilute |
451 | dim. | one-half |
452 | d. in p. æ. | divide into equal parts |
453 | disp. | dispersible [or] |
454 | div. | divide; let it be divided |
455 | dl | deciliter |
456 | DS | double strength |
457 | d.t.d. | give of such doses |
458 | DTO | deodorized tincture of opium |
459 | DW | Distilled water |
460 | elix. | elixir |
461 | e.m.p. | as directed (in the manner prescribed) |
462 | emuls. | emulsion |
463 | et | And |
464 | EOD | every other day |
465 | ex aq. | in water; with water |
466 | exhib. | let it be given |
467 | f. | make; let it be made |
468 | f.h. | make a draught |
469 | fl., fld. | fluid (usually meaning specifically liquid in health care) |
470 | f.m. | make a mixture |
471 | f. pil. | Make a pill |
472 | f.s.a. | make according to art |
473 | ft. | make; let it be made |
474 | garg. | Gargle |
475 | gtt(s) | drop(s) |
476 | gutt. | drop(s) |
477 | h, hr, hor. | Hour |
478 | habt. | let him have |
479 | hor. alt. | every other hour (every second hour; at alternate hours) |
480 | hor. decub. | at bedtime |
481 | hor. intermed. | at intermediate hours |
482 | hor. tert. | every third hour |
483 | h.s. | at bedtime [or] |
484 | ID | intradermal |
485 | IJ, inj. | injection |
486 | i.m., IM | intramuscular |
487 | IN | intranasal |
488 | ind. | Daily |
489 | i | One tablet |
490 | ii | Two tablet |
491 | iii | Three tablet |
492 | IO | intraosseous |
493 | IP | intraperitoneal |
494 | IT | intrathecal |
495 | IU | International unit |
496 | i.v., IV | intravenous |
497 | kg | kilogram |
498 | LAS | label as such |
499 | lat. dol. | to the painful side |
500 | lb. | pound |
501 | lin | liniment |
502 | liq. | solution |
503 | lot. | lotion |
504 | M., m. | Mix |
505 | M., m., mit., mitt. | send or dispense, e.g. number of tablets provided |
506 | mane | in the morning |
507 | max. | maximum |
508 | mdi | metered dose inhaler |
509 | m.d.u. | to be used as directed |
510 | mg | milligram |
511 | mg/dL | milligrams per deciliter |
512 | midi | at midday |
513 | min. | minimum [or] |
514 | mist. | mixture |
515 | mod. prescript. | in the manner directed |
516 | NMT | not more than |
517 | noct. | at night |
518 | non rep. | no repeats (no refills) |
519 | NPO, n.p.o. | nothing by mouth |
520 | NS | Normal saline(0.9%) |
521 | NTE | not to exceed |
522 | o 2, o2 | both eyes |
523 | o.d. | every day (once daily) (preferred to “qd” in the UK[10]) |
524 | o.d. | right eye |
525 | o.m. | every morning |
526 | omn. bih. | every 2 hours |
527 | omn. hor. | every hour |
528 | o.n. | every night |
529 | OPD | once per day |
530 | o.s. | left eye |
531 | o.u. | both eyes |
532 | p. | continue |
533 | part. æq. | equal parts |
534 | per | by or through |
535 | p.c. | after meals |
536 | p.c.h.s., pc&hs | after meals and at bedtime |
537 | pig./pigm. | Paint |
538 | p.m. | evening or afternoon |
539 | p.o. | by mouth or orally |
540 | ppt. | prepared |
541 | p.r., PR | rectally |
542 | p.r.n., PRN | as needed |
543 | pt. | continue |
544 | pulv. | Powder |
545 | p.v., PV | vaginally |
546 | q | every, per |
547 | q.1 h, q.1° | every 1 hour (can replace 1 with other numbers) |
548 | q4PM | at 4:00 pm (can replace 4 with other numbers) |
549 | q.a.d. | every other day |
550 | q.a.m. | every morning (every day before noon) |
551 | q.d./q.1.d. | every day |
552 | q.d.a.m. | once daily in the morning |
553 | q.d.p.m. | once daily in the evening |
554 | q.d.s. | 4 times a day |
555 | q.p.m. | every evening (every day after noon) |
556 | q.h. | every hour |
557 | q.h.s. | every night at bedtime |
558 | q.i.d. | 4 times a day |
559 | q.l. | as much as is requisite |
560 | q.n. | every night |
561 | q.o.d. | every other day |
562 | q.q. | every;[11] each |
563 | q.q.h. | every 4 hours |
564 | q.v. | at will [or] |
565 | QWK | every week |
566 | rep., rept. | Repeats |
567 | Rx, Rx, RX, ℞, Rp | Take(often effectively a noun meaning-Prescription-medical prescription or prescription drug |
568 | rep. | let it be repeated |
569 | s. | write (write on the label) |
570 | SC | subcutaneous |
571 | s.i.d. | once a day |
572 | sig. | write (write on the label) |
573 | s̄ | without (usually written with a bar on top of the s) |
574 | sing. | of each |
575 | SL, s.l. | sublingually, under the tongue |
576 | SOB | Shortness of breath |
577 | sol. | solution |
578 | s.o.s., si op. sit | if there is a need |
579 | s.s., SS | one-half [or] |
580 | SSRI | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor |
581 | st. | let it stand (for example, for settling) |
582 | stat | immediately |
583 | SubQ., subcut | |
584 | sum. | let him take [or] |
585 | supp. | suppository |
586 | susp. | suspension |
587 | syr. | syrup |
588 | tab. | tablet |
589 | tal., t. | Such |
590 | tbsp | tablespoon |
591 | t.d.s., TDS | 3 times a day |
592 | t.i.d., t.d. | 3 times a day |
593 | tinct. | tincture |
594 | t.i.w. | 3 times a week |
595 | top. | topical |
596 | tsp | teaspoon |
597 | U | unit |
598 | u.d., ut. dict. | as directed |
599 | USP | United States Pharmacopeia |
600 | vag. | vaginally |
601 | w | with |
602 | w/a | while awake |
603 | w/f | with food (with meals) |
604 | w/o | without |
605 | X, x | times |
606 | YO, y.o. | years old |
607 | μg | microgram |
608 | at | |
609 | > | greater than |
610 | < | less than |
611 | ℔ | pound |
612 | ° | hour |
613 | aa | of each; as in take one of each of these pills before bed |
614 | AA | apply to affected area |
615 | a.c. | before meals |
616 | p.c. | after meals |
617 | a.d. | right ear |
618 | a.s. | left ear |
619 | a.u. | both ears |
620 | ad lib. | as much as desired |
621 | amt. | amount |
622 | APAP | acetaminophen; a pain reliever, Tylenol being one of the most widely known |
623 | aq. | water; as in take with water |
624 | ATC | around the clock; as in providing medications for 24 hours in intervals |
625 | bib. | drink |
626 | b.i.d. | twice a day |
627 | BP | blood pressure |
628 | c. | with |
629 | d.c. | discontinue |
630 | dil. | dilute |
631 | disp. | dispense |
632 | div. | divide |
633 | et | and |
634 | fl. | fluid |
635 | g | gram |
636 | gal | gallon |
637 | gtt. | drop |
638 | h., hr., hor. | hour |
639 | h.s. | At bedtime |
640 | ID | intradermal; as in administered intradermal or through the skin |
641 | IM | intramuscular; as in administered intramuscularly or through the muscle |
642 | IN | intranasal; as in administered intranasal or through the nose |
643 | inf. | infusion; as when drugs are given non-orally such as intravenously |
644 | Inh. | inhalation; as when drugs are delivered through inhalers |
645 | Inj. | injection |
646 | IV | intravenous; as when drugs are delivered through veins |
647 | lid | liquid |
648 | Max. | maximum |
649 | Min. | minimum |
650 | neb. | nebulizer; as in the device through which inhalant medications are administered |
651 | Oint. | ointment |
652 | OTC | over the counter; as in medications you can purchase without a prescription |
653 | p.o. | by mouth |
654 | p.r.n. | As needed |
655 | q | every |
656 | q12 | every 12 hours |
657 | q1-2 | every 1 to 2 hours |
658 | q.o.d. | every other day |
659 | q.a.m. | every morning |
660 | q. d. | every day |
661 | q.h.s. | every bedtime |
662 | q.i.d. | four times a day |
663 | q.p.m. | every evening |
664 | q.w. | every week |
665 | Rx | prescription |
666 | s. | without |
667 | w. | with |
668 | Sc. | subcutaneous; as in medications administered beneath the skin through injection or IV |
669 | SL | sublingually; as in medications administered under the tongue |
670 | SOB | shortness of breath |
671 | Soln. | solution |
672 | Syr. | syrup |
673 | t.i.d. | three times a day |
674 | Top. | topical; as in medications delivered topically or applied directly to the body |
675 | w/f | with food |
676 | X 10 d. | for 10 days |
Sun, 22 December, 2024; 9:03 pm
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