A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W
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A
Abortifacient: a drug or chemical agent that induces abortion
Absorption: uptake of a substance into the body or a tissue through skin or mucous membrane
Accommodation disturbance: disturbance in the ability of the eye to focus
Acetyl–cholinesterase: neurotransmitter enzyme that hydrolyses acetylcholine, affecting functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system
Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor: agent that counteracts hydrolysis of acetyl- choline to acetate and choline
Acid: a solution having a pH of less than seven
Acinus: small sac-like dilatation
Acne: a chronic skin disorder due to inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (secretion glands in the skin)
Active transport: movement of particles across cell membranes requiring the expenditure of energy
Acute: an illness or symptom of sudden onset which generally has a short duration
Addiction: habitual dependence on a substance
Addison’s disease: characterized by the chronic destruction of the adrenal cortex, which leads to an increased loss of sodium and water in the urine, muscle weakness and low blood pressure. The bronze colour of the skin is due to the in- creased production of the skin pigment, melanin
Additive: the substance being added to another to obtain the desired product (e.g., food colours and food processing)
Adenoma: an ordinarily benign growth of epithelial tissue in which the tumour cells form glands or gland-like structures that tend to exhibit glandular function
Adjuvant: a substance added to a drug that affects the action of the active ingredient in a predictable way
Adnexitis: inflammation of organ appendages, typically referring to the fallopian tube
Adsorbent: a solid substance which binds other substances to its surface but does not interact chemically with them
Adsorption: the property of a solid sub- stance to attract and hold other molecules to its surface
Aglycone: non-carbohydrate portion of a glycoside
Agranulocytosis: condition characterized by a marked decrease in the number of white blood cells called granulocytes
AIDS: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a syndrome of the immune system caused by the HIV virus which weakens the immune system by destroying T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes
Akathisia: condition of motor restlessness that can range from a sense of inner disquiet to inability to sleep, seen in toxic reaction to neuroleptic and anti- psychotic medication
Alcoholic solution: in the case of herb preparations, mixture of water and ethanol used to dissolve an herb or its constituents
Alkaline: a solution having a pH greater than seven
Allergic keratitis: inflammation of the cornea due to allergic response
Allergy: hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences
Alopecia: loss of hair
Alterative: a term used in botanical medicine referring to a substance that restores health gradually; similar to a tonic
Alveolar: pertaining to a small hollow space, as in the lung (e.g., pulmonary alveolus)
Amantadine (amantadine hydrochloride): antiviral agent used to prevent or treat influenza; also used to treat Parkinson’s disease
Amarum: bitter vegetable drug
Analeptic: central nervous system stimulant
Analgesic: an agent that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness
Anancastic: pertaining to any form of repetitious stereotyped behaviour that causes anxiety if prevented
Anaphylactic: intense allergic reaction to a foreign substance
Anaphylactic shock: life-threatening allergic response characterized by de- creased blood pressure and impaired respiration
Ancyclostoma: parasitic hookworm in the human duodenum
Anaemia: low amounts of red blood cells with clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations
Anaesthesia: loss of sensation caused by neurological dysfunction or a pharmacological depression of nerve function
Anaesthetic: agent causing loss of sensation by neurological dysfunction or a pharmacological depression of nerve function
Aneurysm: localized enlargement of an artery
Angina: severe, restricting pain, usually referring to the pectoris
Angina pectoris: severe chest pain
Angioedema: recurring attacks of transient, subcutaneous oedema, often due to an allergic reaction
Angioneuropathy: any neuropathy affecting primarily blood vessels as angiospasm, angioparalysis, or vasomotor paralysis
Angioneurosis: vasomotor (causing dilation or constriction of the blood vessels) nervous disease for which there is no detectable damage to nerve tissue
Anhydrous: water deficient
Anorectic: agent that decreases appetite
Anterior: in the front or forward part of the organ or toward the head of the body
Anthelmintic: agent that expels or destroys intestinal worms
Ant–androgenic: substance capable of preventing full expression of the biological effects of androgenic hormones on responsive tissues, either by producing an antagonistic effect, as in the case of oestrogen, or by competing for receptor sites on the cell surface
Antiarrhythmic: combating an irregular heart beat
Antibacterial: destroying or inhibiting the growth of bacteria
Antibody: immunoglobulin molecule evoked as a response to an antigen which then interacts with the antigen
Anti–chemotactic: preventing the movement of cells or organisms in response to chemicals
Anticoagulant: preventing clotting
Antiedamatous: preventing swelling antiemetic: preventing vomiting
Antifungal: destroying or combating fungi
Antigonadotropic: agent preventing growth or function of the testes or ovaries
Antihistamine: drugs used to treat allergy symptoms, which block the action of histamine
Anti–inflammatory: reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation (e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin)
Antimicrobial: tending to destroy microbes, hinder their multiplication or growth
Antimitotic: fungicidal
Antiparastic: destructive to parasites
Antichloristic: preventing inflammation
Antiseptic: inhibiting growth of infectious organisms
Antisialagogue: counteracts formation of saliva
Antispasmodic: preventing spasms
Antithyrotropic: inhibiting thyroid hormones
Antitussive: cough suppressant
Anuria: inability to urinate
Anxiety: apprehension of danger or dread unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus but accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath
Aortic stenosis: narrowing of the aortic valve of the heart
Aphrodisiac: substance increasing or arousing sexual desire
Aplasia: absence of tissue or defective organ development
Aplastic anaemia: anaemia caused by failure of red blood cells to regenerate
Apnoea: cessation of breathing
Apoplexy: sudden neurologic impairment due to a cerebrovascular disorder (e.g., cerebral stroke)
Aqueous extract: water extract
Aroma corrigent: substance that reduces, neutralizes or enhances an odour
Aromatic bitter: bitter used as a flavouring due to its volatile oils
Arrhythmia: any deviation from the nor- mal rhythm of the heart
Arrythmogenic: causing a change in the normal rhythm of the heart
Arteriosclerosis: arterial hardening
Arthralgia: joint pain arthritis: joint inflammation
Arthrosis: joint disease
Arthrosis deformans: non-infectious degeneration of a joint characterized by pain, cracking, and loss of bone
Ascarid: large, heavy-bodied round- worms parasitic in the human intestine
Ascites: accumulation of serous fluid in the abdominal cavity
Aspiration: inhalation, or removal of fluids or gases from a cavity using suction`
Asthenia: diminishing strength and energy
Astringent: agent causing contraction, especially after topical application
Ataxia: failed muscular coordination, irregular muscular action
Atelectasis: incomplete lung expansion or lung collapse and airlessness
Atherosclerosis: common form of arteriosclerosis with deposits of yellow plaques containing cholesterol, lipids, and lipophages within the intima and inner media of arteries
Atopic: genetically predisposed toward developing immediate hypersensitivity reactions to common environmental allergens
Atopic allergy: genetically determined state of hypersensitivity to environmental allergens
Atropine–like effect: anticholinergic effect, resulting in tachycardia, mydriasis, constipation, retention of urine, limited perspiration attributable to the blockade of acetylcholine at muscarinic type cholinergic receptors in the nervous system
Auerbach’s myenteric plexus: network of nerves in the muscular layer of the wall of the digestive tract
Autoimmune disease: immune response directed against tissues within one’s own body
Axon: an extended process of a neuron that conducts impulses traveling away from the cell body
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B
Bacteriostatic: preventing multiplication of bacteria
Balneological treatment: treatment by immersing part of the body in a bath
Balneotherapy: healing bath
Bathmotropic: a response to stimulants which influences nervous and muscular irritability; negatively bathmotropic lessening nervous or muscular irritability; positively bathmotropic-increasing nervous or muscular irritability
Biliary dyskinesia: inability to secrete bile
Biliary excretion (of drug): removal of the drug metabolites formed in the body through bile, usually important for com- pounds with higher molecular weights (greater than 500)
Bilirubinuria: presence of bilirubin (yellow-red pigment of bile) in urine
Binding to plasma protein: attachment of a compound, usually pharmaceutically active, to proteins in the blood; an important consideration when two or more drugs are simultaneously administered and displace each other
Bitter: a bitter-tasting infusion or tonic that affects digestion or appetite by stimulating an increased output of saliva and gastric juices; gentian and hops are among the plants used for this purpose
Bitterness value: inverse of the dilution at which a compound imparts a perceptible, bitter taste (e.g., a bitterness value of 50,000 means a part of the compound in 50,000 parts of water still tastes bitter)
Bladder and kidney congestion: accumulation of fluid in the tissues resulting from congestive heart failure
Blennorrhoea: excess discharge from mucous surfaces, such as the urethra or vagina; term used in the past for gonorrhoea
Blood purification: the process by which an agent or organ enhances the body’s normal function of removing impurities from the blood stream
Blood viscosity: fluid flexibility of the blood
Brachialgia: arm pain
Bradycardia: slow heart rate
Bronchitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, frequently accompanied by cough, hyper- secretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum
Bronchiolitis: agent that reduces viscosity of bronchial secretions
Broncho spasmolytic: reducing spasms of the bronchial tubes
Bronchospasm: sudden involuntary contraction of the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes
Bruise: injury producing a hematoma or diffuse extravasation of blood without breaking the skin
Buccal: pertaining to or located near the cheek
Bunion: localized swelling at the first metatarsophalangeal joint (between the instep and the toes) due to an inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac)
Bursitis: inflammation of bursa or fluid- filled sacs which normally function to reduce friction
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C
Cachexia: weight loss due to chronic disease or prolonged emotional stress
Cancer: refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms which contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which can metastasize to distant tissues
Candidiasis: infection with Candida, especially Candida albicans, often resulting from debilitation (AIDS, prolonged administration of antibiotics, etc.)
Canker sore: a small, painful ulcer that occurs on the inside of the cheek, lip or underside of the tongue
Carbon clearance test: method of measuring the activity of the immune system
Carcinogenicity: tendency to cause cancer
Carcinoma: malignant growth of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate the surrounding tissue and giving rise to metastasis
Cardiac: pertaining to the heart; also, pertaining to the stomach area adjacent to the oesophagus
Cardiac asthma: sudden intensification of impaired breathing associated with heart disease such as left ventricular failure; cardiasthma
Cardiac dysrhythmia: any irregularity of heart beat
Cardiac glycoside: compound consisting of a plant steroid with one or more sugars that exerts an effect on the con- traction and conduction of the heart muscle
Cardiac neurasthenia: general fatigue originating from dysfunction of the heart
Cardiac neurosis: heart irregularity of psychogenic origin
Cardiomegaly: enlargement of the heart
Carminative: agent relieving flatulence or gas
Cataplasme: poultice
Catarrhe: mucus membrane inflammation
Celery–carrot–mugwort syndrome: skin photosensitivity caused by massive consumption of vegetables containing psoralens, chemicals which can cause toxic effects when exposed to sunlight
Cephalalgia: headache cephalic: pertaining to the head
Cervical syndrome: syndrome involving neck pain
Cheilitis: inflammation of affecting the lips
Chloralized: anesthetized using chloral hydrate
Cholagogue: agent that stimulates bile flow from the gallbladder into the duodenum
Cholangitis: bile duct inflammation
Cholécystites: gallbladder inflammation
Cholecystokinetic: increasing secretion of the gastrointestinal hormone choleocystokinin, which promotes emptying of the gallbladder
Cholelithiasis: presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile duct
Choleretic: agent stimulating the liver to increase bile production
Cholestasis: cessation or suppression of bile flow
Cholestatic liver disorder: an arrest in the flow of bile from the liver
Choline absorption: intake of choline in free form or as lecithin (phosphatidyl choline), acetate (acetylcholine) from the vitamin B complex, or cytidine di- phosphate
Chologenic: producing bile
Chondrosis: formation of cartilaginous tissue; term used in the past for a cartilaginous tumour
Chronic illness: illness extending over a long period of time
Chronotropic: affecting time or rate, especially heart rate
Cicatricial keloid: nodular, firm, moveable, none capsulated mass of scar tis- sue; tender and frequently painful
Cirrhosis: disease of liver characterized by loss of normal microscopic lobular structure
Claudication (intermittent): condition caused by interruptions of blood supply to the muscles, characterized by limping and pain chiefly in the calf muscles
Climacteric: period of transition from fertility to menopause
Colitis ulcerous (ulcerative colitis): ulceration of the colon and rectum characterized by rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and diarrhoea
Collagen: primary protein within white fibers of connective tissue, cartilage, and bone
Collagenosis: a disease affecting collagen
Collateral circulation: blood flow through a side branch of a blood vessel
Comminuted: crushed, pulverised
Congestive: pertaining to accumulation of blood or fluid within a vessel or organ
Conjunctiva: mucous membrane cover- ing the posterior surface of the eyelids and the anterior surface of the eyeball
Constipation: infrequent or incomplete bowel movements
Convulsant poison: a substance causing violent spasms of the face, trunk, and/or extremities
Cornea: transparent structure forming the anterior part of the eye
Coronary infarction: sudden lack of blood supply to the heart that results in an area of dead cardiac tissue
Coronary / myocardial perfusion: flow of blood to the heart and/or blood vessels surrounding the heart
Corpulmonale: hypertrophy of the right ventricle of the heart resulting from excessive pressure in the pulmonary artery
Corpus luteum: yellow endocrine body formed in the ovary that secretes oestrogen
Corticosteroid: steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex
Crohn’s disease: chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract
Cross reaction: reaction between an antibody and antigen, separate from the reaction which initially evoked formation of the antibody
Curare-like effect: paralysis of skeletal muscle
Visceral reflex: reaction of the digestive, respiratory, urogenital, or endocrine system to sensation on the skin
Cystitis: inflammation of the urinary bladder
Cytoplasmic: pertaining to the contents of a cell outside the nucleus
Cytostatic: characterized by the slow- ing of movement and accumulation of blood cells
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D
Decoction: liquid prepared by boiling plant material in water for a period of time
Decubitus ulcer: bed sore
Demulcent: an agent which soothes and relieves irritation, especially of the mucous membranes
Dermatitis: inflammatory skin condition
Diabetes insipidus: excessive production of urine, usually due to insufficient production of antidiuretic hormone
Diabetes mellitus: a disease with in- creased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin
Diaphoretic: sudorific, an agent promoting sweating
Diarrhoea: excessive discharge of con- tents of the bowel
Diastole: relaxation phase of the heart beat
Diathesis: constitutional state of increased susceptibility to disease disorders of kidney secretions: insufficient kidney flow
Diuresis: excretion of urine
Diuretic: agent increasing urine output
Dopamine: a neurohormone; precursor to norepinephrine, which acts as a stimulant to the nervous system
Dosage: amount of therapeutic sub- stance
Dose: amount of a therapeutic sub- stance to be taken during a specified time period
Dragée: pill or capsule with a sugar coating
Dromotropic: affecting conductivity of nerve fibers
Dropsy: oedema; abnormal accumulation of water in the body, usually associated with weak heart performance
Duodenum: first portion of the small intestine between the pylorus and jejunum
Dyscrasia: abnormal or pathological imbalance due to excessive material in the blood
Dyskinesia: a condition characterized by spasmodic, uncoordinated, or other abnormal movements (i.e., those which result from a reaction to phenothiazines)
Dysmenorrhea: difficult or painful menstruation
Dyspepsia: indigestion
Dysplasia: abnormal development of tissue
Dyspnoea: difficult breathing
Dystonia: persistent attitude or posture due to the co-contraction of agonists and antagonist muscles in one region of the body. It most often affects the large axial muscles of the trunk and limb girdles
Dystrophic nervous disturbance: progressive changes that may result from defective nutrition of nervous tissue
Dysuria: painful urination
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E
Ecchymosis: small, flat haemorrhagic spots on the skin or mucous membranes
Eclampsia: convulsions, unrelated to other cerebral conditions, in pregnant or puerperal women (i.e., women who have just given birth)
Ectopic: located outside normal position (e.g., location of foetus in pregnancy)
Eczema: inflammatory skin condition
Oedema: abnormal accumulation of flu- ids within tissues
Oedematous dermatitis: skin irritation marked by an accumulation of watery fluid
Ejaculation praecox: premature ejaculation during sexual intercourse
Electrolyte: substance in solution that conducts an electrical current
Embolism: obstruction of a vessel by an abnormal body, usually a detached blood clot
Embrocation: Liniment; external application of a liniment
Embryo toxic: poisonous to a developing embryo
Emetic: substance that causes vomiting
Empyema: pus located in a body cavity
Emulsion: system containing two unmixable liquids in which one is dispersed in the form of small globules throughout the other
Endangiitis obliterans: inflammation of the inner blood vessel membrane lead- ing to vessel occlusion
Endogenous depression: depressive mental state not resulting from life events
Endplate: termination, referring to a motor nerve fiber that enervates to a skeletal muscle fiber
Enteral: referring to the inside of the intestinal tract
Enteral Absorption: by means of the intestine
Enteritis regionalis: localized inflammation of the intestine
Enuresis nocturna: bed-wetting
Epicondylitis: infection or inflammation of a projection from a long bone near the extremity
Epidermis: superficial epithelial layers of the skin
Epigastria: relating to the area immediately above the stomach
Epilemma: interstitial sheath-like connective tissue in a peripheral nerve that separates the individual nerve fibers
Epilepsy: chronic brain disorder associated with some seizures and, typically, alteration of consciousness
Epileptiform convulsion: violent spasms; similar to those of epilepsy
Erythema nodosum: acute inflammation of skin with red nodules
Essential oil: volatile terpene derivatives responsible for the odour or taste of a plant
Oestrogen receptor site binding: site on the surface of a cell receiving oestrogen from circulation
Oestrogen–like: exerting biological effects similar to the effect of oestrogen
Exanthema: rash, symptomatic of viral or bacterial diseases
Exocrine pancreas insufficiency: inability of the pancreas to secrete enzymes into the gastrointestinal tract for the digestion of proteins and fat
Expectorant: promoting mucous secretion of the bronchi or facilitating its expulsion
Extrapyramidal: referring to brain structures other than those needed for motor activities
Extra systole: an ectopic or asynchronous beat from any source in the heart
Exudative diathesis: a constitutional or inborn predisposition to loss of fluids
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F
Familial Mediterranean fever: transient, recurrent attacks of fever with or without abdominal or joint pain, found usually among persons of Armenian or Sephardic (Jewish) descent
Fatty liver: accumulation of triglycerides in the liver
Febrifuge: antipyretic; agent that fights fever
Febrile: having to do with a fever
Fenestrated: anatomical, window-like opening fermentative dyspepsia, fermentative
Digestive disturbances: impaired digestion associated with fermented foods
Fibrinolytic activity: clot removal
First–degree burn: burn involving only the epidermis and causing irritation and oedema without blisters
Fistula: an abnormal passageway that allows movement between organs
Flatulence: abnormal amount of gas in the stomach and intestines
Flux: profuse discharge from a body cavity
Frostbite: damage to local tissue from exposure to extreme cold
Furunculosis: localized skin infection
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G
Galactogogue: stimulating the secretion of milk
Gallstone: a gallbladder or bile duct concretion composed of cholesterol, occasionally mixed with calcium
Ganglions: nerve cell bodies grouped in the peripheral nervous system
Gargle: fluid used therapeutically as a throat wash
Gastroenteritis: gastrointestinal tract inflammation characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting; may be caused by bacteria, parasites or a virus
Gingivitis: inflammation of the fibrous tissues that surround the teeth
Glaucoma: eye disease with increased ocular pressure
Glaucoma, narrow-angle: form of glaucoma in which contact of the iris with the peripheral cornea prevents normal drainage of aqueous humour
Glosso-: in botany, tongue-like
Glucocorticoid: any steroid-like com- pound capable of significantly influencing intermediary metabolism, such as the promotion of deposition of glycogen in the liver, and of exerting a useful anti- inflammatory effect
Glycosuria: glucose in the urine
Glycine: the simplest amino acid which is a constituent of normal protein and an inhibitory transmitter; used as a dietary supplement
Glycogen lytic: breaking down glycogen to glucose
Glycoside: a molecule which upon hydrolysis produces at least one simple sugar and non-sugar component
Goitre: chronic thyroid gland enlargement, not due to cancerous growth
Gout: a disease characterized by an in- creased blood uric acid level and sudden onset of episodes of acute arthritis
Granulation: pink, fleshy overgrowth of capillaries and collagen within a wound
Granulatory: encouraging granulation
Granulocyte: a mature white blood cell with cytoplasm containing granules
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H
Hallucination: perception of objects or events that are not actually present
Hallux valgus: twisting of the big toe to- ward the outer side of the foot
Helminthiasis: diseased state due to intestinal parasites such as nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, and acanthocephalans
Hematoma: localized blood clot within an organ or tissue
Haematuria: blood in the urine
Haemodialysis: process of separating water and small soluble substances from the blood
Haemolysis: breaking down of red blood cells
Haemolytic icterus: jaundice due to haemolysis
Haemorrhage: profuse blood flow
Haemorrhagic nephritis: acute glomerulonephritis or inflammation of glomeruli (glomerulus is a collection of small blood vessels at the origin of the kidney) of the kidneys accompanied by haematuria
Haemorrhoids: varicose disorder causing painful swellings at the anus; piles
Haemostatic: stopping blood flow; anti- haemorrhagic agent
Hepatitis: liver inflammation; typically due to a virus or toxic substance
Hepatotoxic: poisonous to the liver
Herpes simplex: infection, often recur- rent, caused by herpes virus type 1 and 2; typically found on the lip or genitalia
Hippocampus: brain structure that forms the edge of the cortical mantle of the cerebral hemisphere
HIV: abbreviation for human immuno-deficiency virus
Homeopathic: a product containing infinitesimal doses of a drug that would, in normal doses, produce symptoms of the disease that it is intended to treat
HPLC: high performance liquid chromatography
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): a retrovirus associated with onset of advanced immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Hybrid: an individual (plant or animal) whose parents are different varieties of the same species or belong to different but closely allied species
Hydrops (dropsy): an excessive accumulation of clear, watery fluid in any of the tissues or cavities of the body; oedema, ascites, anasarca
Hypercalcemia: excess calcium in the blood
Hypercholesterolemia: excess cholesterol in the blood
Hypercrinia: excessive secretion of mucus
Hyperaemia: condition of increased blood accumulation in a portion of the body due to inflammation, obstruction to blood flow, or local relaxation of arterioles
Hyperaemic: causing increased blood accumulation in a portion of the body; relating to hyperaemia
Hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating
Hypertension: high blood pressure
Hyperthyroidism: an abnormal condition of the thyroid thyroid gland resulting in excessive secretion of thyroid hormones characterized by an increased metabolism and weight loss
Hypertonia: excessive concentration of salts in the blood; condition of having a greater osmotic pressure than a reference solution (blood or interstitial fluid), having a fluid in which cells shrink
Hypertrophy: increase in the size of an organ due to enlargement of its cells; frequently with a corresponding in- crease in functional capacity
Hypokalaemia: abnormally low blood potassium
Hypothermia: abnormally low body temperature
Hypothrombinemia: abnormally low amounts of thrombin circulating in the blood, resulting in an increased tendency to bleed
Hypothyroidism: diminished production of thyroid hormone, leading to low metabolic rate, tendency to gain weight, and somnolence
Hypotonia: lessened tension; arterial relaxation
Hypotonic–asthenic dyskinesia: condition characterized by weakened voluntary movements
Hypoxic tolerance: ability to function despite below-normal availability of oxy- gen to tissue
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I
Ichthyosis: skin disease with extreme scaling
Icterus: jaundice
Ileus: bowel obstruction
In vitro: in an artificial environment, such as the test tube
In vivo: in a living animal
Inotropic: affecting the force of a muscle contraction
Intermittent claudication: symptom characterized by pain during walking
Intestinal flora: bacteria living in the large intestine
Intraperitoneal: in the peritoneal cavity underlying the abdomen, often referring to the location of experimental injections
Involutional: reducing an enlarged organ to normal size
Irrigation therapy: washing out a cavity or wound with a fluid; irrigation of the kidney parenchyma and the urinary tract by addition of increased amounts of liquid, usually a mild herbal tea with aquaretic or diuretic properties
Ischialgia: hip pain
Ischuria: retention or suppression of urine
Itch: irritating sensation of the skin that arouses the urge to scratch; pruritis
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J
Jaundice: increased blood plasma level of bile pigments causing yellowish stain- ing of the integument, sclera, deeper tis- sues, and excreta
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K
Kali: pertaining to potassium
Kaliuretic: substance that increases the elimination of potassium into the urine
Keloid: a nodular, firm, movable, none capsulated, often linear mass of scar tis- sue that is tender and frequently painful, consisting of wide, irregularly distributed bands of collagen, usually occurring after trauma, surgery, a burn, or severe acne; more common among people of African origin.
Kidney gravel: small concretions formed in the kidney
Kyphosis: spinal deformity characterized by extensive flexion
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L
Lactation: production of milk; period after giving birth during which milk is secreted in the breasts
Laxative: mild cathartic; agent having the property of loosening the bowels
Leukopenia: low white blood cell count
Leukoplakia: thickened, white patch on mucous membrane of the mouth; in some cases precancerous
Leucorrhoea: discharge from the vagina of a white or yellowish viscous fluid with pus and mucus cells
Leucosis: abnormal proliferation of any of the tissues that produce white blood cells
Limbic system: brain structures, including hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and amygdala
Lipid: fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by non- polar solvents (e.g., ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes
Lipid peroxidation: the introduction of a great number of oxygen molecules into unsaturated fatty acids
Lipid–lowering: reducing levels of serum lipids in the circulation; usually refers to serum cholesterol
Lipolytic: breaking down fat
Lipophilic: agent that dissolves
Loop diuretic: fast-acting, highly effective agents that increase the excretion of urine by acting on the loop of Henle in the kidney
Lumbago: pain in the mid- and lower back
Lumen: space in the interior of a tubular structure
Luteinizing hormone: anterior pituitary hormone stimulating oestrogen production by the ovary; promoting formation of progesterone by the corpus luteum in women and stimulating testosterone release in men
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M
Manager disease: obesity and/or congestive heart failure associated with sedentary lifestyle and high emotional stress
MAO inhibitor: monoamine oxidase inhibitor
Mastodynia: breast pain
Mega colon: massive dilation of the colon
Meniere’s disease: affliction of the middle ear characterized by vertigo, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and progressive deafness
Menopause: permanent cessation of menstruation
Menorrhagia: abnormally heavy menstrual period
Mesenchyme: cells developing into the synovial membrane of a joint
Mesenchymal: refers to connective tis- sue, blood, and lymphatic fluids that originate from embryonic mesoderm
Metabolite: any product (i.e., foodstuff, intermediate, waste product) of metabolism
Meteorism: tympania; swelling of the abdomen from gas in the intestinal or peritoneal cavity
Methemoglobinuria: excretion of met- haemoglobin, a transformation product of haemoglobin, into urine
Metrorrhagia: any irregular, acyclic bleeding from the uterus between periods
Micturition: urination
Migraine: a symptom complex occur- ring periodically and characterized by pain in the head, dizziness, nausea, Vomiting, photophobia, and visual disturbance
Milk scall: seborrhoea of the scalp in infants; cradle cap
Mineralocorticoid: one of the steroids of the adrenal cortex that influences salt (sodium, potassium) metabolism
Mitosis: cell division
Monoamine oxidase (MAO): enzyme catalysing the removal of an amine group from a variety of substrates, including norepinephrine and dopamine
Motility: capacity for spontaneous movement; frequently in reference to the intestine
Mucilage: preparation consisting of a solution in water of the viscous principles of plants; used as a soothing application to mucous membranes
Mucolytic: agent breaking down or dis- solving mucus
Mucosa: mucous tissue layer lining tubular structures (e.g., nasal passages, ear canal, etc.)
Mucous: containing or producing mucus
Mucus: the clear secretion of a mucous membrane
Multiple sclerosis: demyelinating dis- order of the central nervous system, causing patches of sclerosis (plaques) in the brain and spinal cord, manifested by loss of normal neurological functions (e.g., muscle weakness, loss of vision, and mood alterations)
Muscarine–like effect: having an effect similar to a muscarinic, cholinergic compound (e.g., causing vasodilation, salivation, bronchoconstriction, and gastrointestinal stimulation)
Muscarinergic cholinoceptors: parasympathetic receptors
Musculotropic: affecting, attracted to, or acting upon muscle tissue
Mutagenicity: production of genetic alterations
Myalgia: diffuse muscle pain
Mydriasis: dilation of the pupil
Myocardium: heart muscle
Myodegenenation: muscular degeneration
Myogelosis: a localized hardened mass found in muscle tissue
Myoglobinuria: excretion of myoglobin (the muscle’s oxygen-transport protein,) in the urine
Myopathy: any disease or abnormal condition of the muscular tissues
Myxoedema: a condition arising from diminished thyroid function, characterized by hard swelling of subcutaneous tis- sue, hair loss, lower temperature, muscle debility, hoarseness and the slow return of a muscle to neutral position after a tendon jerk
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N
Natriuretic: agent causing sodium to be excreted into the urine
Nausea: symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit
Necrosis: death of one or more cells, or of a portion of a tissue or organ
Neonate: new-born
Nephritis: kidney inflammation
Nephrolithiasis: presence of kidney stones or gravel
Nephrosclerosis: hardening of the kidney from overgrowth and contraction of the interstitial connective tissue
Nervous bladder: tendency to urinate in response to emotional or physical, such as cold temperature, stressors
Neuralgia/neuralgic ailment: pain of severe throbbing or stabbing nature along a nerve
Neurasthenia: ill-defined condition, ac- companying or following depression, characterized by vague fatigue believed to be brought about by psychological factors
Neuritis: nerve inflammation
Neuroleptic: a therapeutic agent which produces a state of altered awareness and tranquilization
Neurotoxic: poisonous to the nerves
Neurovegetative (neurovisceral): referring to the innervation of the internal organs by the autonomic nervous system
Nicotine–like effects: producing an effect which stimulates (in small doses) and then depresses (in large doses) autonomic nervous function
Noradrenaline, norepinephrine: a catecholamine hormone secreted from the adrenal medulla and post-ganglionic adrenergic fibers in response to hypo- tension or emotional stress
NYHA guidelines: New York Heart Association guidelines specifying degrees of heart failure:
Stage I – no effect on physical performance;
Stage II – performance of patient under major stress is decreased;
Stage III – performance affected even during normal activity but not during rest
Stage IV – symptoms during rest, no physical stress is possible, patient must remain in bed
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O
Ointment: semisolid preparation usually containing medicinal substances and intended for external therapeutic application
Oral: by or of the mouth
Organ neurosis: organ dysfunction for which there is no apparent organic cause
Orthostatic circulatory disturbance: changes in circulation upon assuming an upright position
Osteochondritis: inflammation of a bone and its cartilage
Oxytocin: a peptide hormone from the pituitary that stimulates lactation; used to induce labour, manage postpartum haemorrhage, and reduce painful breast engorgement
Oxyurid: pin worm
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P
PAF antagonist: platelet activating factor inhibitor; PAF activates platelets to secrete serotonin and other mediators to cause smooth-muscle contraction and vascular permeability; involved in asthma; a PAF antagonist counters these effects
Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas
Papaverine–like: mildly analgesic, powerfully antispasmodic
Paracrine: hormonal response from cell to cell near a secretory site
Parametritis: inflammation of the tis- sues adjacent to the uterus
Parasympathetic nervous system: portion of the autonomic nervous sys- tem that is generally associated with in- creasing digestion and intestinal muscle activity and decreasing blood circulation and respiration
Parasympatholytic: agent, such as atropine, that annuls or antagonizes the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system
Parasympathomimetic: drugs or chemicals having an action resembling that caused by stimulation of the para- sympathetic nervous system (e.g., acetylcholine)
Parenteral administration: administration by means other than the digestive tract, such as intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intramedullary injection
Paraesthesia: abnormal sensation, such as burning or prickling
Pericarditis sicca: fibrinous inflammation of the external surface of the heart and its surrounding membrane without the accumulation of fluid
Periodontitis: inflammation of the area around a tooth
Periostitis: inflammation of the thick fibrous membrane surrounding a bone
Peristalsis: movement characterized by alternate circular contraction and re- laxation of the intestine or other tubular structure which propels the contents onward
Peritoneum: serous sac lining the abdominal cavity and covering most of the organs inside it
Phagocytosis: process of ingestion and digestion by cells of solid substances such as other cells, bacteria, dead tis- sue, and foreign particles
Pharmacokinetics: the study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs and other substances in living organisms
Pharyngeal: related to the upper expanded portion of the digestive tube, between the oesophagus below and the mouth and nasal cavities above and in front
Pheochromocytoma: encapsulated tumour of the adrenal gland secreting epinephrine and norepinephrine
Phlebectasia: dilation of the veins phlebitis: inflammation of a vein phospholipid: a phosphorus containing lipid; an important constituent of cell membranes
Photosensitization: process of increasing sensitivity to sunlight
Polydipsia: chronic excessive thirst
Portal circulation: circulation in which the outflow from one organ goes directly to a second organ; most commonly used to refer to the venous circulation of the intestine which goes to the liver
Poultice: soft mass prepared by moistening botanicals or other absorbent substances with oil or water; usually applied hot to the skin
Proctitis: inflammation of the mucous membranes of the rectum
Prodrug: a drug whose actions result from its conversion by metabolic pro- cesses within the body
Prolactin: an anterior pituitary peptide hormone that initiates and maintains lactation
Prostaglandin: any of a class of physiologically active substances present in many tissues, with effects such as vasodilation, vasoconstriction, stimulation of the smooth muscles of the bronchus or intestine, uterine stimulation; also involved in pain, inflammation, fever, allergic diarrhoea, and dysmenorrhea
Prostatectomy: removal of the prostate gland
Prothrombin: protein needed for clot- ting of the blood
Pruritis ani: anal itching
Pruritus: itching
Pseudomelanosis coli: changes in the pigmentation of the colon
Psoriasis: inherited condition characterized by the eruption of reddish, scaled papules on the skin of the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk
Psychoanaleptic drugs: central nervous system stimulants that reverse depression
Psychogenic: of a psychological origin
Pulmonary enema: accumulation of fluid in the lung
Purpura: bleeding into the tissues directly beneath skin or mucous membranes
Pustule: small elevation of the skin containing pus
Pyelonephritis: inflammation of the renal pelvis
Pylorospasm: abnormal contraction of the lower sphincter of the stomach
Pyretic: fever-inducing agent
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R
Radiculitis: disorder of the roots of the nerves
Ranunculus dermatitis: type of dermatitis resulting from contact of skin with plants of the genus Ranunculus
Raynaud’s disease: neurovascular disorder characterized by local vascular contractions resulting in attacks of decreased blood flow to the extremities upon exposure to cold
Rectification: purification, usually through repeated steam distillations
Retina: receptive field of the eye
Retinal oedema: accumulation of fluid in the retina
Rhagades: chaps, cracks, or fissures
Rheological: deformative flow of materials, usually blood
Rheumatism: general term applied to conditions of pain, or inability to articulate, various elements of the musculoskeletal system
Rhinitis: inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane
Rickets: vitamin-D deficiency characterized by abnormal calcification of bone tissues
Roborant: strengthening agent, tonic
Roemheld’s syndrome: gastro-cardiac syndrome
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S
Saluretic: substance increasing elimination of salts into the urine
Scabies: skin eruption due to a mite
Scar tissue: fibrous tissue replacing normal tissues destroyed by injury or disease
Sciatica: pain in the lower back and hip radiating down the back of the thigh into the leg; often due to herniated lumbar disk
Seborrhoea: seborrheic skin disease; skin inflammation characterized by dry or moist, greasy, yellow crusts or scales
Secretagogue: agent promoting secretion
Secretolytic: agent breaking down secretions
Secretomotory: stimulating secretion
Sedative: calming, quieting; drug that quiets nervous excitement
Sequalae: consequences, subsequent events
Sexual neurasthenia: psychogenic inhibition of sexual performance
Sitz bath: immersion bath
Soporific: sleep-inducing agent
Spasm: involuntary contraction of one or more muscle groups
Spondylarthritis: intervertebral arthritis
Spondylitis: inflammation of one or more vertebrae
Static oedema: fluid accumulation in condition of confinement
Status lymphaticus: thymicolymphaticus, old term for a syndrome of sup- posed enlargement of the thymus and lymph nodes in infants and young children, formerly believed to be associated with unexplained sudden death
Stenocardia: angina pectoris
Stenosis (oesophageal, GI tract): narrow- ing
Stomachic: agent that improves appetite and digestion; stomach-strengthen- ing remedy
Stomatitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth
Strongyloid: nematode parasite
Struma: goitre; any enlargement of a tissue
Subsidence: sinking or settling in bone, as in the case of prosthetic component of an artificial joint
Sunburn: reddening of the skin, with or without blistering, caused by exposure to ultraviolet light
Sympathetic nervous system: portion of the autonomic nervous system that is generally associated with “flight or fight” reactions by increasing blood circulation and respiration and decreasing digestion
Sympathomimetic effect: mimicking the action of the sympathetic nervous system
Synergistic: having the property that the total combined effect of two or more factors exceeds the sum of their individual effects
Syrup: a liquid preparation of medicinal substances in a concentrated aqueous solution of sucrose
Systole: contraction of the heart
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T
T4: thyroxine; thyroid hormone also prepared synthetically, for treatment of hypothyroidism and myxoedema
Tachycardia: excessively rapid heart rate
Tachyphylaxis: progressive decrease in response following repetitive administration of a pharmacologically or physiologically active substance
Tendovaginitis: inflammation of a tendon and its sheath
Tenesmus: painful spasm of the anal sphincter accompanied by an urgent desire to evacuate the bowel or bladder, involuntary straining, and the passage of little faecal matter or urine
Teratogenic: causing abnormal embryonic growth processes
Teratogenicity: property of an agent that causes physical defects in the developing embryo
Thermolabile: altered or destroyed by heat
Thiazide: a class of diuretics that in- crease the excretion of sodium and chloride and accompanying volume of water
Thrombasthenia: platelet defect with impaired ability to form blood clots
Thrombocyte: platelet
Thrombocytopenia: condition of abnormally small number of platelets circulating in the blood, characterized by inability to properly clot blood and easy bruising
Thrombophlebitis: venous inflammation with formation of clots
Thrombosis: formation of blood clots causing vascular obstruction
Thyrotoxicosis: state produced by excessive thyroid hormone
Tincture: an alcohol or water-alcohol solution, usually referring to a preparation from herbal materials
Tinnitus: ringing or roaring in the ear
T–lymphocyte: long-lived white blood cell responsible for cell-mediated immunity
Tonic: remedy utilized to restore strength and vigour; typically taken for an extended period of time
Tonic for the kidneys: diuretic
Tonic–clonic: a muscle spasm which is comprised of rapid repetitions of contractions and relaxations of the muscle groups
Topical application: administration to the skin
Tracheobronchitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi
Trigeminal neuralgia: pain in the trigeminus, the chief sensory nerve of the face and the motor nerve enabling chewing
Tuberculosis: a specific disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which may affect almost any tissue or organ of the body, but most commonly the lungs
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U
Ulcer: lesion on the skin or mucous membrane
Ulcus cruris: indolent leg ulcer, ulcer of the diaphragm
Uraemia: condition characterized by excessive urea and other nitrogen com- pounds in the blood due to renal insufficiency
Uric acid diathesis: inherited tendency to gout
Urinary calculi: concretions in the urethra
Urticaria: hives, vascular reaction of up- per layers of skin marked by wheals
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V
Varicosis: unnatural and permanent distention of the veins
Vascular dementia: mental incapacity due to inadequate blood flow to the brain
Vasodilator: agent causing widening of the lumen (interior space) of blood vessels
Vasomotor cephalalgia: migraine headache
Vasomotor dysfunction: disorder involving blood vessel constriction
Vasoneurosis: vascular abnormality without discernible physiological cause
Vegetative dystonia: abnormal tissue tonicity resulting from autonomic nervous system dysfunction
Vegetative nervous system: portion of the nervous system associated with involuntary functions; autonomic nervous system
Venectasia: phlebectasia; dilation of the veins
Venous tone: firmness or tension of vascular walls
Ventricular tachycardia: excessively rapid heartbeat due to uncontrolled ectopic focus in the ventricle
Vermifuge: agent used to treat worm infestation
Vertigo: dizziness
Vesicle: small sac
Villi: small processes protruding from absorptive or secretory surfaces
Virustatic: inhibiting viral action
Vomit: to eject matter from the stomach through the mouth
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W
Whooping cough: cough characterized by spasm of the larynx; pertussis