DICTIONARY OF

NURSING
 Specialist dictionaries
Dictionary of Accounting 978 0 7136 8286 1
Dictionary of Agriculture 978 0 7136 7778 2
Dictionary of Aviation 978 0 7136 8734 7
Dictionary of Banking and Finance 978 0 7136 7739 3
Dictionary of Business 978 0 7136 7918 2
Dictionary of Computing 978 0 7475 6622 9
Dictionary of Economics 978 0 7136 8203 8
Dictionary of Environment and Ecology 978 0 7475 7201 5
Dictionary of Food Science and Nutrition 978 0 7136 7784 3
Dictionary of Human Resources and Personnel Management 978 0 7136 8142 0
Dictionary of ICT 978 0 7475 6990 9
Dictionary of Information and Library Management 978 0 7136 7591 7
Dictionary of Law 978 0 7136 8318 9
Dictionary of Leisure, Travel and Tourism 978 0 7136 8545 9
Dictionary of Marketing 978 0 7475 6621 2
Dictionary of Media Studies 978 0 7136 7593 1
Dictionary of Medical Terms 978 0 7136 7603 7
Dictionary of Politics and Government 978 0 7475 7220 6
Dictionary of Publishing and Printing 978 0 7136 7589 4
Dictionary of Science and Technology 978 0 7475 6620 5
Dictionary of Sport and Exercise Science 978 0 7136 7785 0
Easier English titles
Easier English Basic Dictionary 978 0 7475 6644 1
Easier English Basic Synonyms 978 0 7475 6979 4
Easier English Intermediate Dictionary 978 0 7475 6989 3
Easier English Student Dictionary 978 0 7475 6624 3
Check Your English Vocabulary workbooks
Academic English 978 0 7136 8285 4
Banking and Finance 978 0 7136 8250 2
Business and Administration 978 0 7136 7916 8
Computers and Information Technology 978 0 7136 7917 5
Human Resources 978 0 7475 6997 8
IELTS 978 0 7136 7604 4
Law 978 0 7136 7592 4
Living in the UK 978 0 7136 7914 4
Medicine 978 0 7136 7590 0
PET 978 0 7475 6627 4
Phrasal Verbs and Idioms 978 0 7136 7805 5
TOEFL! 978 0 7136 8414 8
TOEIC! 978 0 7136 7508 5

Visit our website for full details of all our books: www.acblack.com
DICTIONARY OF
NURSING

second edition

A & C Black ! London

 First edition published in 2003 by
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

This second edition published 2007 by

A&C Black Publishers Ltd
38 Soho Square, London W1D 3HB

Copyright A&C Black 2007

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
or by any means without the prior written permission of the publishers.

A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN: 978 0 7136 8287 8

eISBN-13: 978-1-4081-0206-0

Text Production and Proofreading

Joel Adams, Sandra Anderson, Heather Bateman, Emma Djonokusumo,
Ruth Hillmore, Daisy Jackson, Irene Lakhani, Sarah Lusznat,
Katy McAdam, Howard Sargeant

This book is produced using paper that is made from wood grown in
managed, sustainable forests. It is natural, renewable and recyclable. The
logging and manufacturing processes conform to the environmental
regulations of the country of origin.

Text processed and typeset by A&C Black

Printed in Spain by GraphyCems
Preface
This fully-updated dictionary provides the user with a complete guide to the
vocabulary in current use by nurses and other health care professionals.

Over 11,000 terms are explained in clear, straightforward English. Areas covered
include diseases and conditions, instruments, drugs, treatments and patient care, as
well as medical specialisations such as surgery, psychiatry and physiotherapy. Many
informal and everyday terms used by patients in describing their condition are also
included.

A useful supplement also contains a guide to anatomical terms, illustrated with clear
and simple diagrams.

Thanks are due to Glenda Cornwell, Rosemary Cook, Stephen Curtis, Fiona
McIntosh, Lynn Davy and Dinah Jackson for their advice on the first edition of this
text, and to Kathryn Jones for her helpful comments during the production of this
second edition.

Publishers Note:
While every effort has been made to be as accurate as possible, the author,
advisors, editors and publishers of this book cannot be held liable for any errors
and omissions, or actions that may be taken as a consequence of using it.
Pronunciation
The following symbols have been used to show the pronunciation of the main
words in the dictionary.

Stress is indicated by a main stress mark ( ! ) and a secondary stress mark ( " ) .
Note that these are only guides, as the stress of the word changes according to its
position in the sentence.

Vowels Consonants
# back b buck
% harm d dead
stop other
a type d) jump
a how f fare
a hire , gold
a hour h head
% course j yellow
annoy k cab
e head l leave
e fair m mix
e make n nil
e go sing
/% word p print
i% keep r rest
i happy s save
about shop
fit t take
near t change
u annual theft
u% pool v value
book w work
tour x loch
2 shut ) measure
z zone
Nursing.fm Page 1 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

A
AA abbreviation Alcoholics Anonymous operation that involves cutting out tissue in both
AA

A & E /!e nd $i%/, A & E department /!e nd

A & E
the abdomen and the perineum
abdominoposterior /'b!dmnp
abdominoposterior

$i% d!p%tmnt/ noun same as accident and

| | |

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

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

ments | |

ab- /'b/ prefix away from

ab-
internal examination of the abdomen, usually
with an endoscope
ABC /!e bi% $si%/ noun the basic initial checks of
ABC

abdominothoracic /'b!dmn%$r'sk/
abdominothoracic

a casualtys condition. Full form airway, breath- | |

ing and circulation adjective referring to the abdomen and thorax

abduce /'b$dju%s/ verb same as abduct
abduce

abdomen /$'bdmn/ noun a space inside the

abdomen
|

body below the diaphragm, above the pelvis and abducens nerve /'b$dju%s()nz !n-%v/ noun
abducens nerve

in front of the spine, containing the stomach, the sixth cranial nerve, which controls the muscle
intestines, liver and other vital organs ! pain in which makes the eyeball turn outwards
the abdomen (NOTE: For other terms referring to abducent /'b$dju%s()nt/ adjective referring
abducent

the abdomen, see words beginning with coeli-,

|

to a muscle which brings parts of the body away

coelio-.) from each other or moves them away from the
abdomin- /'bdmn/ prefix same as abdom-
abdomin-

central line of the body or a limb. Compare addu-

ino- (used before vowels) cent
abdominal /'b$dmn()l/ adjective located in
abdominal

abduct /'b$d.kt/ verb (of a muscle) to pull a

abduct
|
|

the abdomen, or relating to the abdomen leg or arm in a direction which is away from the
abdominal aorta /'b!dmn()l e$%t/ centre line of the body, or to pull a toe or finger
abdominal aorta

| |

noun the part of the aorta which lies between the away from the central line of a leg or arm. Com-
diaphragm and the point where the aorta divides pare adduct
into the iliac arteries. See illustration at KIDNEY in abduction /'b$d.kn/ noun the movement of
abduction

Supplement a part of the body away from the centre line of the
abdominal cavity /'b!dmn()l $k'vti/ body or away from a neighbouring part. Opposite
abdominal cavity

noun the space in the body below the chest adduction. See illustration at ANATOMICAL
abdominal pain /'b$dmn()l pen/ noun TERMS in Supplement
abdominal pain

pain in the abdomen caused by indigestion or abductor /'b$d.kt/, abductor muscle /'b
abductor

| |

more serious disorders $d.kt !m.s()l/ noun a muscle which pulls a

abdominal viscera /'b!dmn()l $vsr/
abdominal viscera

|
part of the body away from the centre line of the
plural noun the organs which are contained in the body or away from a neighbouring part. Opposite
abdomen, e.g. the stomach, liver and intestines adductor
aberrant /'$bernt/ adjective not usual or
aberrant

abdominal wall /'b$dmn()l w%l/ noun

abdominal wall
|
|

muscular tissue which surrounds the abdomen expected

aberration /!'b$re()n/ noun an action or
aberration

abdomino- /'bdmn/ prefix referring to

abdomino-

the abdomen growth which is not usual or expected

ablation /$ble()n/ noun the removal of an
ablation

abdominopelvic /'b!dmn$pelvk/
abdominopelvic

| | |

adjective referring to the abdomen and pelvis organ or of a part of the body by surgery
abdominoperineal /'b!dmnper$ni%l/ abnormal /'b$n%m()l/ adjective not usual !
abdominoperineal abnormal

| | |

adjective referring to the abdomen and perineum abnormal behaviour ! an abnormal movement
abdominoperineal excision /'b!d abnormality /!'bn%$m'lti/ noun a form or
abdominoperineal excision abnormality

| | |

mnper!ni%l k$s+()n/ noun a surgical

| | condition which is not usual (NOTE: For other
Nursing.fm Page 2 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

abocclusion 2
terms referring to abnormality, see words begin- wrongly ! Heroin and cocaine are drugs which
ning with terat-, terato-.) are commonly abused. 2. to treat someone badly
abocclusion /!'b$klu%+()n/ noun a condi-
abocclusion

|
! sexually abused children ! He had physically
tion in which the teeth in the top and bottom jaws abused his wife and child.
do not touch a.c. adverb (used on prescriptions) before food.
a.c.

abort /$b%t/ verb to eject an embryo or fetus,

abort

|
Full form ante cibum
or to cause an embryo or fetus to be ejected, and acanthosis /!k'n$ss/ noun a disease of
acanthosis

| |

so end a pregnancy before the fetus is fully devel- the prickle cell layer of the skin, where warts
oped appear on the skin or inside the mouth
abortifacient /!b%t$fe()nt/ noun a drug
abortifacient

acapnia /e$k'pni/ noun the condition of not

acapnia

| |
|

or instrument which provokes an abortion having enough carbon dioxide in the blood and
abortion /$b%()n/ noun a situation where a tissues
abortion

fetus leaves the uterus before it is fully developed, acaricide /$k'rsad/ noun a substance which
acaricide

especially during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, kills mites or ticks

or a procedure which causes this to happen
acatalasia /e!k't$lezi/ noun an inherited
acatalasia

| |

abortive /$b%tv/ adjective not successful !

abortive

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

accessory /k$sesri/ noun something which

accessory
|
|

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

brucellosis helping something else to happen or operate

ABO system /!e bi% $ !sstm/ noun a sys- accident /$'ksd()nt/ noun 1. an unpleasant
ABO system accident

tem of classifying blood groups. ! blood group event which happens suddenly and harms some-
abrasion /$bre+()n/ noun a condition in ones health ! She had an accident in the kitchen
abrasion

which the surface of the skin has been rubbed off and had to go to hospital. ! Three people were
by a rough surface and bleeds killed in the accident on the motorway. 2. chance,
abreaction /!'bri$'kn/ noun the treatment
abreaction

|
or something which happens by chance ! I met
of a person with a neurosis by making him or her her by accident at the bus stop.
accidental injury /!'ksdent()l $nd+ri/
accidental injury

think again about past bad experiences

abruptio placentae /!br.pti pl$senti%/
abruptio placentae

| |
noun an injury that happens to someone in an
noun an occasion when the placenta suddenly accident
accident and emergency department
accident and emergency department

comes away from the uterus earlier than it should,

often causing shock and bleeding /!'ksd()nt nd $m-%d+nsi d!p%tmnt/ | |

abscess /$'bses/ noun a painful swollen area

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

accompanied by a high temperature. The plural

is abscesses.) report form /!'ksd()nt r$p%t f%m/ noun a |

absorbable suture /b!z%bb()l $su%t/

absorbable suture

|
form to be filled in with details of an accident
noun a suture which will eventually be absorbed accident prevention /!'ksd()nt pr
accident prevention

into the body, and does not need to be removed $venn/ noun the work of taking action or
absorbent cotton /b!z%bnt $kt()n/
absorbent cotton

|
changing procedures to prevent accidents from
noun a soft white material used as a dressing to happening
put on wounds accident ward /$'ksd()nt w%d/ noun a
accident ward

absorption /b$z%pn/ noun the process by ward for urgent accident victims. Also called
absorption

which a liquid is taken into a solid casualty ward

accommodation /!km$de()n/, accom-
accommodation

abstinence /$'bstnns/ noun a deliberate act

abstinence

| |

of not doing something over a period of time, modation reflex /!km$de()n !ri%fleks/ | |

especially not eating or drinking ! abstinence noun (of the lens of the eye) the ability to focus
from alcohol on objects at different distances, using the ciliary
abulia /$bu%li/ noun a lack of willpower
abulia

|
muscle
accommodative squint /!kmdetv
accommodative squint

abuse noun /$bju%s/ 1. the act of using some-

abuse
|
|

thing wrongly ! the abuse of a privilege 2. the $skwnt/ noun a squint when the eye is trying to
illegal use of a drug or overuse of alcohol ! sub- focus on an object which is very close
accouchement /$ku%m/ noun the time
accouchement

stance abuse 3. same as child abuse 4. bad treat- |

ment of a person ! physical abuse ! sexual when a woman is being looked after because her
abuse " verb /$bju%z/ 1. to use something | baby is being born, or has just been born
Nursing.fm Page 3 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

3 acid reflux

accountability /!kant$blti/ noun the state ache /ek/ noun a pain which goes on for a time,
accountability ache

| |

of being responsible to someone else for an action but is not very severe ! He complained of various
! developing and maintaining standards of aches and pains. " verb to have a pain in part of
accountability the body ! His tooth ached so much he went to
accountable /$kantb()l/ adjective respon-
accountable

|
the dentist.
sible to someone else for an action ! accountable Achilles tendon /!kli%z $tendn/ noun a ten-
Achilles tendon

to the public don at the back of the ankle which connects the
accretion /$kri%()n/ noun a gradual increase
accretion

|
calf muscles to the heel and which acts to pull up
in size, as through growth or external addition ! the heel when the calf muscle is contracted
achillorrhaphy /!'k$l%rfi/ noun a surgical
achillorrhaphy

an accretion of calcium around the joint |

acebutolol /!'s$bju%tll/ noun a drug which

acebutolol

|
operation to stitch a torn Achilles tendon
achillotomy /!'k$ltmi/ noun a surgical
achillotomy

reduces both the heart rate and how strongly the |

heart muscles contract, used in the treatment of operation to divide the Achilles tendon
high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms achlorhydria /!ekl%$hadri/ noun a condi-
achlorhydria

ACE inhibitor /$es n!hbt/ noun same as tion in which the gastric juices do not contain
ACE inhibitor

angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor hydrochloric acid, a symptom of stomach cancer

acephalus /e$sefls/ noun a fetus born with-
acephalus

|
or pernicious anaemia
acholia /e$kli/ noun the absence or failure
acholia

out a head |

acetabuloplasty
acetabuloplasty

/!'s$t'bjl!pl'sti/ | |
of the secretion of bile
acholuria /!ek$lu%ri/ noun the absence of
acholuria

noun a surgical operation to repair or rebuild the |

acetabulum bile colouring in the urine

acholuric jaundice /!eklu%rk $d+%nds/
acholuric jaundice

acetabulum /!'s$t'bjlm/ noun the part of

acetabulum

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

acetaminophen /!si%t$mnfn/ noun US

acetaminophen

|
| |

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

acetazolamide /!si%t$zlmad/ noun a
acetazolamide
arms and legs do not grow fully while the rest of
the bones in the body grow as usual, resulting in
| |

drug which helps a person to produce more urine,

used in the treatment of oedema, glaucoma and dwarfism
achromatopsia /!ekrm$tpsi/ noun a
achromatopsia

epilepsy |

acetonaemia /!si%t$ni%mi/ same as keto-

acetonaemia
rare condition in which a person cannot see any
colours, but only black, white and shades of grey
| |

naemia
achy /$eki/ adjective feeling aches all over the
achy

acetone /$'stn/ noun a colourless volatile

acetone

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

aciclovir /e$saklv/ noun a drug that is
aciclovir

during diabetes. ! ketone |

acetonuria /!si%t$nju%ri/ noun the pres-

acetonuria
effective against herpesviruses. Also called acy-
clovir
| |

ence of acetone in the urine, shown by the fact

acidaemia /!'s$di%mi/ noun a state in which
acidaemia

that the urine gives off a sweet smell |

the blood has too much acid in it. It is a feature of

acetylcholine /!'stal$kli%n/ noun a sub-
acetylcholine

untreated severe diabetes.

|

stance released from nerve endings, which allows

acidbase balance /!'sd $bes !b'lns/
acidbase balance

nerve impulses to move from one nerve to another

or from a nerve to the organ it controls noun the balance between acid and base, i.e. the
COMMENT: Acetylcholine receptors are of pH level, in plasma
acidity /$sdti/ noun 1. the level of acid in a
acidity

two types, muscarinic, found in parasympa- |

thetic post-ganglionic nerve junctions, and liquid ! The alkaline solution may help to reduce
nicotinic, found at neuromuscular junctions acidity. 2. same as hyperacidity
and in autonomic ganglia. Acetylcholine acts acidosis /!'s$dss/ noun 1. a condition
acidosis

on both types of receptors, but other drugs when there are more acid waste products such as
act on one or the other. urea than usual in the blood because of a lack of
acetylcoenzyme A /!'stalk!enzam $e/
acetylcoenzyme A

| alkali 2. same as acidity

noun a compound produced in the metabolism of acidotic /!'s$dtk/ adjective relating to aci-
acidotic

carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids dosis

acetylsalicylic acid /!'stal!s'lslk
acetylsalicylic acid

acid reflux /!'sd $ri%fl.ks/ noun a condition

acid reflux
|

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

achalasia /!'k$lezi/ noun the condition of allowing the acid in the stomach to pass into the
achalasia

being unable to relax the muscles oesophagus

Nursing.fm Page 4 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

acid stomach 4

acid stomach /!'sd $st.mk/ noun same as acromion /$krmin/ noun the pointed top of
acid stomach acromion

hyperacidity the scapula, which forms the tip of the shoulder

acinus /$'sns/ noun 1. a tiny sac which forms
acinus

acronyx /$'krnks, $ekrnks/ noun a con-

acronyx

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

acne /$'kni/ noun an inflammation of the seba-

acne |

a condition in which the patient experiences sharp

ceous glands during puberty which makes black- pains in the arms and numbness in the fingers
heads appear on the skin, usually on the face, neck after sleep
and shoulders. These blackheads often then
acrophobia /!'kr$fbi/ noun a fear of
acrophobia

become infected. ! She is using a cream to clear |

up her acne. heights

acrosclerosis /!'krskl$rss/ noun scle-
acrosclerosis

acne rosacea /!'kni r$ze/ noun same as

acne rosacea
|
|

rosacea rosis which affects the extremities

acne vulgaris /!'kni vl$1%rs/ noun same as ACTH abbreviation adrenocorticotrophic hor-
acne vulgaris ACTH

acne mone
acoustic /$ku%stk/ adjective relating to sound actinomycin /!'ktn$masn/ noun an anti-
acoustic actinomycin

|
|

or hearing biotic used in the treatment of children with can-

acoustic nerve /$ku%stk n-%v/ noun the cer
acoustic nerve

eighth cranial nerve which governs hearing and actinomycosis /!'ktnma$kss/ noun a
actinomycosis

balance fungal disease transmitted to humans from cattle,

acquired /$kwad/ adjective referring to a
acquired

| causing abscesses in the mouth and lungs (pul-

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

acquired immunity /!kwad $mju%nti/

acquired immunity

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

active immunity /!'ktv $mju%nti/ noun

active immunity
|

!kwad !mjnd$f()nsi !sndrm/,

|

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

acrivastine /$krv sti%n/ noun a drug which

acrivastine |

$lv/ noun a scale used by geriatricians and

|

reduces the amount of histamine produced by the

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

activity /'k$tvti/ noun 1. what someone does

activity

acrocephalia /!'krs$feli/ noun same as

acrocephalia |

|
! difficulty with activities such as walking and
oxycephaly dressing 2. the characteristic behaviour of a
acrocyanosis /!'krsa$nss/ noun a
acrocyanosis

|
chemical ! The drugs activity only lasts a few
blue coloration of the extremities, i.e. the fingers, hours. # antibacterial activity effective action
toes, ears and nose, which is due to poor circula- against bacteria
tion
acuity /$kju%ti/ noun keenness of sight, hear-
acuity

acrodynia /!'kr$dni/ noun a childrens

acrodynia |

|
ing or intellect
disease, caused by an allergy to mercury, where
acupressure /$'kjpre/ noun a treatment
acupressure

the childs hands, feet and face swell and become

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

acupuncture /$'kjp.kt/ noun a treat-

acupuncture

caused by excessive quantities of growth hor-

mone produced by the pituitary gland, causing a ment based on needles being inserted through the
slow enlargement of the hands, feet and jaws in skin into nerve centres in order to relieve pain or
adults treat a disorder
acromioclavicular /!'krmakl acute /$kju%t/ adjective referring to a disease or
acromioclavicular acute

| |

$vkjl/ adjective relating to the acromion and condition which develops rapidly and can be dan-
the clavicle gerous ! an acute abscess Opposite chronic
Nursing.fm Page 5 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

5 adenoids

acute abdomen /!kju%t $'bdmn/ noun ADD abbreviation attention deficit disorder
acute abdomen ADD

any serious condition of the abdomen which Addisons anaemia /!'ds()nz $ni%mi/
Addisons anaemia

requires surgery same as pernicious anaemia [Described 1849.

acute bed /$kju%t bed/ noun a hospital bed After Thomas Addison (17931860), from
acute bed

reserved for people requiring immediate treat- Northumberland, founder of the science of
ment endocrinology.]
acute care /$kju%t ke/ noun medical or sur- Addisons disease /$'ds()nz d!zi%z/ noun
acute care Addisons disease

| |

gical treatment in a hospital, usually for a short a disease of the adrenal glands, causing a change
period, for a patient with a sudden severe illness in skin colour to yellow and then to dark brown
or injury and resulting in general weakness, anaemia, low
acute disseminated encephalomyelitis /
acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

|
blood pressure and wasting away. Treatment is
!kju%t d!semnetd en!keflma$lats/
| | |
with corticosteroid injections. [Described 1849.
noun an encephalomyelitis or myelitis believed to After Thomas Addison (17931860), from
result from an autoimmune attack on the myelin Northumberland, founder of the science of
of the central nervous system endocrinology.]
adducent /$dju%s()nt/ adjective referring to a
adducent

acute glaucoma /!kju%t 1l%$km/ noun

acute glaucoma
|

muscle which brings parts of the body together or

| |

same as angle-closure glaucoma

moves them towards the central line of the body
acute hospital /$kju%t !hspt()l/ noun a
acute hospital

|
or a limb. Compare abducent
hospital where people go for major surgery or
adduct /$d.kt/ verb (of a muscle) to pull a leg
adduct

intensive care of medical or surgical conditions |

or arm towards the central line of the body, or to

acutely /$kju%tli/ adverb 1. having or causing
acutely

|
pull a toe or finger towards the central line of a leg
a suddenly developing medical condition ! or arm. Opposite abduct
acutely ill patients ! acutely toxic chemicals 2.
adducted /$d.ktd/ adjective referring to a
adducted

extremely (informal)
|

body part brought towards the middle of the body

acute respiratory distress syndrome /
acute respiratory distress syndrome

adduction /$d.kn/ noun the movement of a

adduction
|

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

|

| |
part of the body towards the midline or towards a
an infection of the lungs, often following injury,
neighbouring part. Compare abduction. See
which prevents them functioning properly.
illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement
Abbreviation ARDS
adductor /$d.kt/, adductor muscle /
adductor

acute rheumatism /!kju%t $ru%mtz()m/

acute rheumatism | |

|
$d.kt !m.s()l/ noun a muscle which pulls a
noun same as rheumatic fever part of the body towards the central line of the
acute rhinitis /!kju%t ra$nats/ noun a virus
acute rhinitis

| |
body. Opposite abductor
infection which causes inflammation of the aden- /'dn/ prefix same as adeno- (used
aden-

mucous membrane in the nose and throat before vowels)

acute suppurative arthritis /!kju%t
acute suppurative arthritis

adenectomy /!'d$nektmi/ noun the surgical

adenectomy
|

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

|

|
removal of a gland
sis
adenine /$'dni%n/ noun one of the four basic
adenine

acute toxicity /!kju%t tk$ssti/ noun a level

acute toxicity

| |
chemicals in DNA
of concentration of a toxic substance which
adenitis /!'d$nats/ noun inflammation of a
adenitis

makes people seriously ill or can cause death |

gland or lymph node. ! lymphadenitis

acyclovir /e$saklv/ noun same as aciclo-
acyclovir

adeno- /'dn/ prefix referring to glands

| adeno-

vir
adenocarcinoma /!'dnk%s$nm/
adenocarcinoma

acystia /e$ssti/ noun a condition in which a

acystia | |

noun a malignant tumour of a gland

|

baby is born without a bladder

adenohypophysis /!'dnha$pfss/
adenohypophysis

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

Adams apple | |

noun the front lobe of the pituitary gland which

the thyroid cartilage which projects from the neck secretes most of the pituitary hormones
below the chin in a man. Also called laryngeal
adenoid /$'dnd/ adjective like a gland
adenoid

prominence
adenoidal /!'d$nd()l/ adjective referring to
adenoidal

adapt /$d'pt/ verb 1. to change ones ideas or

adapt
|

the adenoids
|

behaviour to fit into a new situation ! She has

adenoidal tissue /!'dnd()l $tu%/ noun
adenoidal tissue

adapted very well to her new job in the childrens

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

patient. surgical removal of the adenoids

adaptation /!'d'p$te()n/ noun 1. a change adenoids /$'dndz/ plural noun a mass of tis-
adaptation adenoids

which has been or can be made to something 2. sue at the back of the nose and throat that can
the act of changing something so that it fits a new restrict breathing if enlarged. Also called pha-
situation ryngeal tonsils
Nursing.fm Page 6 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

adenoid vegetation 6

adenoid vegetation /!'dnd !ved+ adiposus /!'d$pss/ " panniculus adipo-

adenoid vegetation adiposus

| |

$te()n/ noun a condition in children where the sus

adenoidal tissue is covered with growths and can aditus /$'dts/ noun an opening or entrance to
aditus

block the nasal passages or the Eustachian tubes a passage

adenolymphoma /!'dnlm$fm/ noun
adenolymphoma

adjustment /$d+.stmnt/ noun a specific

adjustment
|
|

a benign tumour of the salivary glands directional high-speed movement of a joint per-
adenoma /!'d$nm/ noun a benign tumour formed by a chiropractor
adenoma

of a gland adjuvant /$'d+vnt/ adjective referring to

adjuvant

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

adenomyoma

benign tumour made up of glands and muscle gery for cancer " noun a substance added to a
adenopathy /!'d$npi/ noun a disease of a
adenopathy

|
drug to enhance the effect of the main ingredient
gland adjuvant therapy /$'d+vnt !erpi/ noun
adjuvant therapy

adenosclerosis /!'dnskl$rss/ noun

adenosclerosis

|
therapy using drugs or radiation after cancer sur-
the hardening of a gland gery
ADLs abbreviation activities of daily living
ADLs

adenosine /$densi%n/ noun a drug used to

adenosine

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

administer

adenosine diphosphate /!densi%n da

adenosine diphosphate

| |
medicine or a treatment # to administer orally to
$fsfet/ noun a chemical compound which pro- give a medicine by mouth
vides energy for processes to take place within admission /d$m()n/ noun the act of being
admission

living cells, formed when adenosine triphosphate registered as a hospital patient

reacts with water. Abbreviation ADP adnexa /'d$neks/ plural noun structures
adnexa

adenosine triphosphate /!densi%n tra

adenosine triphosphate

| | attached to an organ
$fsfet/ noun a chemical which occurs in all adolescence /!'d$les()ns/ noun the period
adolescence

cells, but mainly in muscle, where it forms the of life when a child is developing into an adult
energy reserve. Abbreviation ATP
adolescent /!'d$les()nt/ noun a person who
adolescent

adenosis /!'d$nss/ noun any disease or

adenosis

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

| or occurring at that stage of life ! adolescent

which produces upper respiratory infections and boys and girls ! adolescent fantasies
sore throats and can cause fatal pneumonia in adoptive immunotherapy
adoptive immunotherapy

/!dptv |

infants mjn$erpi/ noun a treatment for cancer in

|

ADH abbreviation antidiuretic hormone

ADH

which the patients own white blood cells are used

ADHD abbreviation attention deficit hyperactiv- to attack cancer cells
ADHD

ity disorder ADP abbreviation adenosine diphosphate

ADP

adhesion /d$hi%+()n/ noun a stable connec- adrenal /$dri%n()l/ adjective situated near the
adhesion adrenal

| |

tion between two parts in the body, either in a kidney " noun same as adrenal gland
healing process or between parts which are not adrenalectomy /!dri%n$lektmi/ noun the
adrenalectomy

| |

usually connected surgical removal of one of the adrenal glands

adhesive dressing /d!hi%sv $dres/ noun a
adhesive dressing

adrenal gland /$dri%n()l 1l'nd/ noun one of

adrenal gland
|
|

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

mones. Also called adrenal body, adrenal. See

made of fat illustration at KIDNEY in Supplement
adipose degeneration /!'dps d!d+en adrenaline /$drenln/ noun a hormone
adipose degeneration adrenaline
| | |

$re()n/ noun an accumulation of fat in the cells secreted by the medulla of the adrenal glands
of an organ such as the heart or liver, which makes which has an effect similar to stimulation of the
the organ less able to perform its proper function. sympathetic nervous system
Also called fatty degeneration adrenal medulla /!dri%n()l me$d.l/ noun
adrenal medulla

| |

adiposis /!'d$pss/ noun a state where too

adiposis

| the inner part of the adrenal gland which secretes

much fat is accumulated in the body adrenaline and noradrenaline. Also called supra-
adiposis dolorosa /'d!pss !dl$rs/ renal medulla
adiposis dolorosa

| |

noun a disease of middle-aged women in which adrenergic /!'dr$n-%d+k/ adjective referring

adrenergic

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

adrenergic receptor /!'drn-%d+k r

adrenergic receptor
| | |
|

noun same as Frhlichs syndrome $sept/ noun same as adrenoceptor

adiposuria /dps$ju%ri/ noun the presence
adiposuria

| COMMENT: Three types of adrenergic recep-

of fat in the urine tor act in different ways when stimulated by
Nursing.fm Page 7 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

7 afferent nerve
adrenaline. Alpha receptors constrict the adventitious bursa /!'dvnts $b-%s/
adventitious bursa

bronchi, beta 1 receptors speed up the noun a bursa which develops as a result of contin-
heartbeat and beta 2 receptors dilate the ued pressure or rubbing
bronchi.
adverse /$'dv-%s/ adjective harmful or unfa-
adverse

adrenoceptor /!dren$sept/ noun a cell or

adrenoceptor

| | vourable
neurone which is stimulated by adrenaline. Also adverse occurrence /!'dv-%s $k.rns/
adverse occurrence

called adrenoreceptor, adrenergic receptor noun a harmful event which occurs during treat-
adrenocortical /!dri%n$k%tk()l/ adjec-
adrenocortical

| | ment
tive relating to the cortex of the adrenal glands advocacy /$'dvksi/ noun active support for
advocacy

adrenocorticotrophic hormone /!dri%n something, especially in order to help people who

adrenocorticotrophic hormone

| |

!k%tktrfk $h%mn/ noun a hormone would have difficulty in gaining attention without
secreted by the pituitary gland, which makes the your help
cortex of the adrenal glands produce corticoster- adynamic ileus /e!dan'mk $lis/ noun
adynamic ileus

oids. Abbreviation ACTH. Also called cortico- same as paralytic ileus

trophin aegophony /i%$1fni/ noun a high sound of
aegophony

adrenocorticotrophin /!dri%nk%tk
adrenocorticotrophin

| | the voice heard through a stethoscope, where

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

rhages or to help asthmatic conditions els)

adrenogenital syndrome /!dri%n
adrenogenital syndrome

aeration /e$re()n/ noun the adding of air or

aeration
| |
|

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

by overproduction of male sex hormones, where aero- /er/ prefix referring to air
aero-

boys show rapid sexual development and females

aeroba /e$rb/, aerobe /$erb/ noun a
aeroba

develop male characteristics |

tiny organism which needs oxygen to survive

adrenolytic /dri%n$ltk/ adjective acting
adrenolytic

aerobic /e$rbk/ adjective needing oxygen

| aerobic

against the secretion of adrenaline |

to live, or taking place in the presence of oxygen

adrenoreceptor /!drenr$sept/ noun
adrenoreceptor

aerogenous /e$rd+ns/ adjective referring

aerogenous
| |

same as adrenoceptor
|

to a bacterium which produces gas

adsorbent /'d$s%bnt/ adjective being capa-
adsorbent

aerophagia /!er$fed+/, aerophagy /e

aerophagia
|
| |

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

adsorption /'d$s%p()n/ noun the attach-
adsorption

| suffering from indigestion, so making the stom-

ment of one substance to another, often the bond- ach pains worse
ing of a liquid with a gas or vapour which touches aerosol /$ersl/ noun tiny particles of a liquid
aerosol

its surface such as a drug or disinfectant suspended in a gas

adult /$'d.lt/ adjective grown-up ! Adoles- under pressure in a container and used as a spray
adult

cents reach the adult stage about the age of eight- aetiology /!i%ti$ld+i/ noun 1. the cause or ori-
aetiology

een or twenty. " noun someone who is no longer gin of a disease 2. the study of the causes and ori-
a child gins of diseases
adult coeliac disease /!'d.lt $si%li'k d AfC abbreviation Agenda for Change
adult coeliac disease AfC

!zi%z/ noun a condition in adults where the villi in afebrile /e$fi%bral/ adjective with no fever
afebrile

the intestine become smaller and so reduce the

affect /$fekt/ verb to make something or some-
affect

surface which can absorb nutrients

|

one change, especially to have a bad effect on

adult dentition /!'d.lt den$t()n/ noun the
adult dentition

|
something or someone ! Some organs are rap-
32 teeth which an adult has idly affected if the patient lacks oxygen for even a
adulteration /!d.lt$re()n/ noun the act of short time. " noun same as affection
adulteration

| |

making something less pure by adding another affection /$fek()n/, affect /$fekt/ noun the
affection

| |

substance general state of a persons emotions

adult respiratory distress syndrome affective /$fektv/ adjective relating to a per-
adult respiratory distress syndrome affective

/!'d.lt r!sprt()ri d$stres !sndrm/ noun

| | sons moods or feelings
a description of various lung infections which affective disorder /$fektv ds!%d/ noun a
affective disorder

| |

reduce the lungs efficiency. Abbreviation ARDS condition which changes someones mood, mak-
advanced trauma life support /d!v%nst ing him or her depressed or excited
advanced trauma life support

!tr%ma $laf s!p%t/ noun the management of a afferent /$'f()rnt/ adjective conducting liq-
afferent

trauma patient during the critical first hour after uid or electrical impulses towards the inside.
injury. Abbreviation ATLS Opposite efferent
adventitious /!'dvn$ts/ adjective on the afferent nerve /$'f()rnt !n-%v/ noun same
adventitious afferent nerve

outside or in an unusual place as sensory nerve

Nursing.fm Page 8 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
afferent vessel
afferent vessel /$'f()rnt !ves()l/ noun a
afferent vessel
tube which brings lymph to a gland
affinity /$fnti/ noun an attraction between
affinity
| |
two substances
aflatoxin /!'fl$tksn/ noun a poison pro-
aflatoxin
|
duced by some moulds in some crops such as pea-
nuts
African trypanosomiasis
African trypanosomiasis
/!'frkn
!trpns$mass/ noun same as sleeping
|
sickness
afterbirth /$%ftb-%/ noun the tissues, includ-
afterbirth
ing the placenta and umbilical cord, which are
present in the uterus during pregnancy and are
expelled after the birth of a baby
aftercare /$%ftke/ noun 1. the care of a per-
aftercare
son who has had an operation. Aftercare treat-
ment involves changing dressings and helping
people to look after themselves again. 2. the care
of a mother who has just given birth
after-effect /$%ftr !fekt/ noun a change
after-effect
which appears only some time after the cause !
The operation had some unpleasant after-effects.
after-image /$%ftr !md+/ noun an image of
after-image
an object which remains in a persons sight after
the object itself has gone
afterpains /$%ftpenz/ plural noun regular
afterpains
pains in the uterus which are sometimes experi-
enced after childbirth
afunctional /e $f.kn()l/ adjective which
afunctional
does not function properly
agalactia /!e1$l'kti/ noun a condition in
agalactia
|
which a mother is unable to produce milk after
childbirth
agammaglobulinaemia /e!1'm1lbjl
agammaglobulinaemia
| |
$ni%mi/ noun a deficiency or absence of immu-
noglobulins in the blood, which results in a
reduced ability to provide immune responses
agar /$e1%/, agar agar /!e1 $e1/ noun a
agar
culture medium based on an extract of seaweed
used for growing microorganisms in laboratories
age /ed+/ noun the number of years which a
age
person has lived ! Whats your age on your next
birthday? ! He was sixty years of age. ! The size
varies according to age. " verb to grow old
age group /$ed+ 1ru%p/ noun all the people of
age group
a particular age or within a particular set of ages
! the age group 2025
agency /$ed+nsi/ noun 1. an organisation
agency
which carries out work on behalf of another
organisation, e.g. one which recruits and employs
nurses and supplies them to hospitals temporarily
when full-time nursing staff are unavailable 2. the
act of causing something to happen ! The disease
develops through the agency of bacteria present
in the bloodstream.
Agenda for Change /!d+end f $tend+/
Agenda for Change
|
noun a pay and reform package designed to
ensure that all directly employed NHS staff are
paid on the basis of equal pay for work of equal
8
value, implemented in December 2004. Abbrevi-
ation AfC
agenesis /e$d+enss/ noun the absence of an
agenesis
organ, resulting from a failure in embryonic
development
agent /$ed+nt/ noun 1. a chemical substance
agent
which makes another substance react 2. a sub-
stance or organism which causes a disease or con-
dition 3. a person who acts as a representative of
another person or carries out some kinds of work
on his or her behalf
agglutination /!1lu%t$ne()n/ noun the act
agglutination
| |
of coming together or sticking to one another to
form a clump, as of bacteria cells in the presence
of serum, or blood cells when blood of different
types is mixed
agglutinin /$1lu%tnn/ noun a factor in a
agglutinin
|
serum which makes cells stick together in clumps
agglutinogen /!'1lu%$tnd+n/ noun a factor
agglutinogen
in red blood cells which reacts with a specific
agglutinin in serum
agitation /!'d+$te()n/ noun a state of being
agitation
very nervous and anxious
aglossia /e$1lsi/ noun the condition of not
aglossia
having a tongue from birth
agnosia /'1$nzi/ noun a brain disorder in
agnosia
which a person fails to recognise places, people,
tastes or smells which they used to know well
agonist /$'1nst/ noun 1. a muscle which
agonist
causes part of the body to move and another mus-
cle to relax when it contracts. Also called prime
mover 2. a substance which produces an observ-
able physiological effect by acting through spe-
cific receptors. ! antagonist
|
agony /$'1ni/ noun a very severe physical or
agony
emotional pain ! He lay in agony on the floor. !
She suffered the agony of waiting for weeks until
her condition was diagnosed.
agoraphobia /!'1()r$fbi/ noun a fear of
agoraphobia
being in open spaces. Compare claustrophobia
agoraphobic /!'1()r$fbk/ adjective
agoraphobic
afraid of being in open spaces. Compare claus-
trophobic
agranulocytosis /!1r'njlsa$tss/
agranulocytosis
| | |
noun a usually fatal disease where the number of
granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, falls
sharply because of a bone marrow condition
agraphia /e$1r'fi/ noun the condition of
agraphia
|
being unable to put ideas into writing
AHF abbreviation antihaemophilic factor
AHF
aid /ed/ noun 1. help 2. a machine, tool or drug
aid
which helps someone do something ! He uses a
walking frame as an aid to exercising his legs. "
verb to help someone or something ! The proce-
dure is designed to aid the repair of tissues after
surgery.
AID /!e a $di%/ noun full form artificial insem-
AID
ination by donor. Now called DI
Nursing.fm Page 9 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

9 aldosterone

AIDS /edz/, Aids noun a viral infection which tebrae [After Frederick Houdlett Albee (1876
AIDS

breaks down the bodys immune system. Full 1945), US surgeon.]

form acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, albinism /$'lbnz()m/ noun a condition in
albinism

acquired immune deficiency syndrome which a person lacks the pigment melanin and so
AIDS dementia /!edz d$men/ noun a form has pink skin and eyes and white hair. It is hered-
AIDS dementia

of mental degeneration resulting from infection itary and cannot be treated. ! vitiligo
with HIV albino /'l$bi%n/ noun a person who is defi-
albino

AIDS-related complex /!edz r!letd cient in melanin and has little or no pigmentation
AIDS-related complex

$kmpleks/, AIDS-related condition /!edz r | in the skin, hair or eyes

!letd kn$d()n/ noun early symptoms shown albuginea oculi /!'lbjd+ni $kjla/ noun
albuginea oculi

by someone infected with the HIV virus, e.g. same as sclera

weight loss, fever and herpes zoster. Abbreviation albumin /$'lbjmn/ noun a common protein,
albumin

ARC which is soluble in water, found in plant and ani-

AIH abbreviation artificial insemination by hus-
AIH

mal tissue and digested in the intestine

band albuminuria /!'lbjm$njri/ noun a condi-
albuminuria

ailment /$elmnt/ noun an illness, though not

ailment

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

generally a very serious one ! Chickenpox is one ally a sign of kidney disease, but also sometimes
of the common childhood ailments. of heart failure
air bed /$e bed/ noun a mattress which is filled albumose /$'lbjmz/ noun an intermediate
air bed albumose

with air, used to prevent the formation of bed- product in the digestion of protein
sores. ! conduction alcohol /$'lkhl/ noun a pure colourless liq-
alcohol

airborne infection /!eb%n n$fekn/ noun

airborne infection

| uid which is formed by the action of yeast on

an infection which is carried in the air sugar solutions and forms part of drinks such as
air conduction /$e kn!d.kn/ noun the
air conduction

|
wine and whisky
process by which sounds pass from the outside to alcohol abuse /$'lkhl !bju%s/ noun the
alcohol abuse

the inner ear through the auditory meatus excessive use of alcohol adversely affecting a per-
air embolism /$er !emblz()m/ noun a
air embolism
sons health
blockage caused by bubbles of air, that stops the alcohol addiction /$'lkhl !dkn/ noun a
alcohol addiction

flow of blood in vessels condition in which a person is dependent on the

air passage /$e !p'sd+/ noun any tube which
air passage
use of alcohol
takes air to the lungs, e.g. the nostrils, pharynx, alcohol-fast /$'lkhl f%st/ adjective refer-
alcohol-fast

larynx, trachea and bronchi ring to an organ stained for testing which is not
airsickness /$eskns/ noun a queasy feeling,
airsickness
discoloured by alcohol
usually leading to vomiting, caused by the move- alcoholic /!'lk$hlk/ adjective containing
alcoholic

ment of an aircraft alcohol " noun a person who is addicted to drink-

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

akathisia /!ek$si/ noun restlessness

akathisia
|
|

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

akinesia

|
noun cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcoholism
Alcoholics Anonymous /!'lkhlks
Alcoholics Anonymous

movement, as in Parkinsons disease |

akinetic /!ek$netk/ adjective without move-

akinetic

|
$nnms/ noun an organisation of former alco-
ment holics which helps people to overcome their
dependence on alcohol by encouraging them to
alacrima /e$l'krm/ noun same as xerosis
alacrima

|
talk about their problems in group therapy.
alactasia /!el'k$tezi/ noun a condition in
alactasia

|
Abbreviation AA
which there is a deficiency of lactase in the intes- alcoholism /$'lkhlz()m/ noun excessive
alcoholism

tine, making the patient incapable of digesting drinking of alcohol which becomes addictive
lactose, the sugar in milk
alcohol poisoning /$'lkhl !pz()n/
alcohol poisoning

alalia /e$leli/ noun a condition in which a per-

alalia

|
noun poisoning and disease caused by excessive
son completely loses the ability to speak drinking of alcohol
alanine /$'lni%n/ noun an amino acid
alanine

alcoholuria /!'lkh$ljri/ noun a condi-

alcoholuria

alanine aminotransferase /!'lni%n

alanine aminotransferase

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

aldosterone /'l$dstrn/ noun a hormone

aldosterone

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

Albees operation /$%lbi%z p!re()n/ regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in
Albees operation

noun a surgical operation to fuse two or more ver- the body and the amount of body fluid
Nursing.fm Page 10 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

aldosteronism 10

aldosteronism /'l$dst()rnz()m/ noun a alkalinity /!'lk$lnti/ noun the level of alkali

aldosteronism alkalinity

| |

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

aleukaemic /!elu%$ki%mk/ adjective referring

aleukaemic

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

alkalosis /!'lk$lss/ noun a condition in

alkalosis
| |
|

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

alexia /e$leksi/ noun a condition in which the

alexia |

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

alfacalcidol /!'lf$k'lsdl/ noun a substance

alfacalcidol |

|
branes in the embryo, shaped like a sac, which
related to vitamin D, used by the body to maintain grows out of the embryonic hindgut
the right levels of calcium and phosphate, and
allele /$li%l/ noun one of two or more alternative
allele

also as a drug to help people who do not have |

enough vitamin D forms of a gene, situated in the same area on each

algesimeter /!'ld+$smt/ noun an instru-
algesimeter
of a pair of chromosomes and each producing a
different effect
|

ment to measure the sensitivity of the skin to pain

allergen /$'ld+n/ noun a substance which
allergen

-algia /'ld+i/ suffix a word ending that indi-

-algia

cates a painful condition produces hypersensitivity

allergenic agent /!'ld+enk $ed+nt/ noun
allergenic agent

algid /$'ld+d/ adjective referring to a stage in a

algid

disease that causes fever during which the body a substance which produces an allergy
becomes cold allergic /$l-%d+k/ adjective having an allergy
allergic

alienation /!eli$ne()n/ noun a psychologi-

alienation

|
to something ! She is allergic to cats. ! Im
cal condition in which a person develops the feel- allergic to penicillin.
ing of not being part of the everyday world, and as allergy /$'ld+i/ noun an unusual sensitivity to
allergy

a result often becomes hostile to other people some substances such as pollen or dust, which
alignment /$lanmnt/ noun the arrangement cause a physical reaction such as sneezing or a
alignment

of something in a straight line, or in the correct rash in someone who comes into contact with
position in relation to something else them ! She has an allergy to household dust. !
alimentary /!'l$ment()ri/ adjective provid-
alimentary

|
He has a penicillin allergy. (NOTE: You have an
ing food, or relating to food or nutrition allergy or you are allergic to something.)
allergy bracelet /$'ld+i !breslt/ noun "
allergy bracelet

alimentary canal /'l!ment()ri k$n'l/

alimentary canal

| |

noun a tube in the body going from the mouth to medical alert bracelet
the anus and including the throat, stomach and allied health professional /!'lad $hel pr
allied health professional

intestine, through which food passes and is !fe()n()l/ noun a professional working in
digested medicine who is not a doctor or nurse, e.g. a phys-
COMMENT: The alimentary canal is formed of iotherapist or paramedic
the mouth, throat, oesophagus stomach and allo- /'l/ prefix different
allo-

small and large intestines. Food is broken

allocation /!'l$ke()n/ noun the way an
allocation

down by digestive juices in the mouth, stom- |

ach and small intestine, water is removed in
the large intestine, and the remaining matter
is passed out of the body as faeces.
amount of something is divided among the vari-
ous departments of an organisation, or the amount
which is received by a particular department
allodynia /!'l$dni/ noun pain of the skin
allodynia

alimentation /!'lmen$te()n/ noun the act

alimentation

| |

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

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

especially a sample of something which is taken

to be examined ograft
alkalaemia /!'lk$li%mi/ noun an excess of allopathy /$lpi/ noun the treatment of a
alkalaemia allopathy

| |

alkali in the blood condition using drugs which produce opposite

alkali /$'lkla/ noun one of many substances symptoms to those of the condition. Compare
alkali

which neutralise acids and form salts (NOTE: The homeopathy

plural is alkalis.) allopurinol /!'l$pjrnl/ noun a drug
allopurinol

alkaline /$'lklan/ adjective containing more which helps to stop the body producing uric acid,
alkaline

alkali than acid used in the treatment of gout

Nursing.fm Page 11 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

11 amentia

all or none law /!%l % $n.n l%/ noun the rule into which a tooth fits. See illustration at LUNGS in
all or none law

that the heart muscle either contracts fully or does Supplement (NOTE: The plural is alveoli.)
not contract at all Alzheimer plaque /$'ltsham pl'k/ noun a
Alzheimer plaque

allylestrenol /!'lal$estrnl/ noun a steroid

allylestrenol

|
disc-shaped plaque of amyloid found in the brain
used to encourage pregnancy in people who have Alzheimers disease
Alzheimers disease /$'ltshamz d!zi%z/
Alzheimers disease

alopecia /!'l$pi%/ noun a condition in which

alopecia
|
|

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

condition in which the hair falls out in patches

ties including memory [Described 1906. After
alpha /$'lf/ noun the first letter of the Greek
alpha

Alois Alzheimer (18641915), Bavarian physi-

alphabet cian.]
alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist /!'lf
alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist

amalgam /$m'l1m/ noun a mixture of met-

amalgam
|
|

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

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

nary retention and hypertension. Also called

|

caused by disease of the optic nerve

alpha blocker
amaurotic familial idiocy /!'m%rtk f
amaurotic familial idiocy

alpha-fetoprotein /!'lf !fi%t$prti%n/

alpha-fetoprotein |

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

centesis in the antenatal diagnosis of spina bifida

or Downs syndrome, respectively. vowels)
ambi- /'mbi/ prefix both
ambi-

Alports syndrome /$%lp%ts !sndrm/

Alports syndrome

ambidextrous /!'mb$dekstrs/ adjective

ambidextrous

noun a genetic disease of the kidneys which |

sometimes causes a person to lose his or her hear- referring to a person who can use both hands
ing and sight equally well and who is not right- or left-handed
ambisexual /!'mb$sekul/ adjective, noun
ambisexual

alprostadil /'l$prstdl/ noun a drug which

alprostadil
|
|

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

tence, prevent coagulation, and maintain babies amblyopia /!'mbli$pi/ noun a lack of nor-
amblyopia

with congenital heart conditions mal vision without a structural cause. A common
ALT abbreviation alanine aminotransferase
ALT
example is squint and other forms may be caused
by the cyanide in tobacco smoke or by drinking
alternative medicine /%l!t-%ntv
alternative medicine

methylated spirits.
|

$med()sn/ noun the treatment of illness using

amblyopic /!'mbli$pk/ adjective affected by
amblyopic

therapies such as homoeopathy or naturopathy |

which are not considered part of conventional amblyopia

Western medicine. ! complementary medicine amblyoscope /$'mbliskp/ noun an
amblyoscope

altitude sickness /$'lttju%d !skns/ noun a

altitude sickness
instrument for measuring the angle of a squint and
condition caused by reduced oxygen in the air how effectively someone uses both their eyes
above altitudes of 7000 to 8000 feet (3600 together. Also called orthoptoscope
ambulatory /!'mbju$let()ri/ adjective refer-
ambulatory

metres). Symptoms include headaches, breath- |

lessness, fatigue, nausea and swelling of the face, ring to a patient who is not confined to bed but is
hands and feet. Also called high-altitude sick- able to walk
ness, mountain sickness ambulatory care /!'mbju!let()ri $ke/
ambulatory care

aluminium hydroxide /'l!mnim ha noun treatment of a patient which does not

aluminium hydroxide

| |

$drksad/ noun a chemical substance used as an involve staying in hospital during the night
antacid to treat indigestion. Formula: Al(OH)3 or amelia /$mi%li/ noun the absence of a limb
amelia

Al2O3.3H2O. from birth, or a condition in which a limb is short

alveolar /!'lv$l, 'l$vi%l/ adjective refer- from birth
alveolar

| |

ring to the alveoli amelioration /!mi%li$re()n/ noun the

amelioration

| |

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

alveolar duct

|
process of getting better
the lung which leads from the respiratory bron- ameloblastoma /!'mlbl'$stm/ noun
ameloblastoma

chioles to the alveoli. See illustration at LUNGS in a tumour in the jaw, usually in the lower jaw
Supplement amenorrhoea /!emen$ri%/ noun the absence
amenorrhoea

alveolitis /!'lvi$lats/ noun inflammation of

alveolitis

| of one or more menstrual periods, usual during

an alveolus in the lungs or the socket of a tooth pregnancy and after the menopause
alveolus /!'lv$ls, 'l$vi%ls/ noun a small amentia /e$men/ noun the fact of being men-
alveolus amentia

| | |

cavity, e.g. an air sac in the lungs or the socket tally underdeveloped
Nursing.fm Page 12 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

ametropia 12

ametropia /!'m$trpi/ noun a condition in amniotic /!'mni$tk/ adjective relating to the

ametropia amniotic

| |

which the eye cannot focus light correctly onto amnion

the retina, as in astigmatism, hypermetropia and amniotic fluid /!'mnitk $flu%d/ noun the
amniotic fluid

myopia. Compare emmetropia fluid contained in the amnion which surrounds an

amfetamine /'m$fetmi%n/ noun an addictive unborn baby
amfetamine

drug, similar to adrenaline, used to give a feeling amniotomy /!'mni$tmi/ noun a puncture of
amniotomy

of wellbeing and wakefulness. Also called the amnion to help induce labour
amphetamine
amoeba /$mi%b/ noun a form of animal life,
amoeba

amikacin /!'m$kesn/ noun a type of antibi-

amikacin

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

amiloride /$mlrad/ noun a drug which helps

amiloride

|
caused by amoebae which can result in amoebic
to increase the production of urine and preserve dysentery in the large intestine (intestinal amoe-
the bodys supply of potassium biasis) and sometimes affects the lungs (pulmo-
amino acid /!mi%n $'sd/ noun a chemical nary amoebiasis)
amino acid

compound which is broken down from proteins in amoebic /$mi%bk/ adjective relating to or
amoebic

the digestive system and then used by the body to caused by amoebae
form its own protein
amorphous /$m%fs/ adjective with no regu-
amorphous

aminobutyric acid /!mi%nbjtrk $'sd/

aminobutyric acid

|
lar shape
noun " gamma aminobutyric acid
amoxicillin /$mkssln/ noun an antibiotic
amoxicillin

aminoglycoside /!mi%n$1laksad/ noun

aminoglycoside

Amoxil /$mksl/ a trade name for amoxicillin

Amoxil
| |

a drug used to treat many Gram-negative and

|

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

amphetamine

some Gram-positive bacterial infections (NOTE: |

Aminoglycosides include drugs with names end- amfetamine

amphiarthrosis /!'mfi%$rss/ noun a
amphiarthrosis

ing in -cin: gentamicin.) |

aminophylline /!'m$nfli%n/ noun a drug

aminophylline

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

treatment of asthma |

amiodarone /!'mi$drn/ noun a drug that

amiodarone

|
fungal agent, used against Candida
ampicillin /!'mp$sln/ noun a type of penicil-
ampicillin

makes the blood vessels wider, used in the treat- |

ment of irregular heartbeat lin, used as an antibiotic

amitosis /!'m$tss/ noun the multiplication ampoule /$'mpu%l/, ampule /$'mpju%l/ noun
amitosis ampoule

of a cell by splitting of the nucleus a small glass container, closed at the neck, used to
amitriptyline /!'m$trptli%n/ noun a sedative
amitriptyline

|
contain sterile drugs for use in injections
drug used to treat depression and persistent pain ampulla /'m$pl/ noun a swelling of a canal
ampulla

amlodipine /'m$ldpi%n/ noun a drug that

amlodipine

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

tension and angina. cal removal of a limb or part of a limb

ammonia /$mni/ noun a gas with a strong amputee /!'mpj$ti%/ noun someone who has
ammonia amputee

| |

smell, a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, had a limb or part of a limb removed in a surgical
which is a usual product of human metabolism operation
amnesia /'m$ni%zi/ noun loss of memory amygdala /$m1dl/ noun an almond-shaped
amnesia amygdala

| |

amnihook /$'mnihk/ noun a hooked instru-

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

amniocentesis /!'mnisen$ti%ss/ noun a

amniocentesis
|
|

procedure which involves taking a test sample of same as amygdala

the amniotic fluid during pregnancy using a hol- amyl- /'m()l/ prefix referring to starch
amyl-

low needle and syringe amylase /$'mlez/ noun an enzyme which

amylase

amnion /$'mnin/ noun the thin sac containing converts starch into maltose
amnion

the amniotic fluid which covers an unborn baby in amyl nitrate /!'m()l $natret/ noun a drug
amyl nitrate

the uterus. Also called amniotic sac used to reduce blood pressure (NOTE: Amyl nitrate
amnioscope /$'mniskp/ noun an instru-
amnioscope

is also used as a recreational drug.)

ment used to examine a fetus through the cervical amyloid /$'mld/ noun a waxy protein that
amyloid

channel, before the amniotic sac is broken forms in some tissues during the development of
amnioscopy /!'mni$skpi/ noun an exami- various diseases, e.g. forming disc-shaped
amnioscopy

nation of the amniotic fluid during pregnancy plaques in the brain in Alzheimers disease
Nursing.fm Page 13 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

13 anastomose

amyloid disease /$'mld d!zi%z/ noun anaesthetic /!'ns$etk/ adjective inducing

amyloid disease anaesthetic

| |

same as amyloidosis loss of feeling " noun a substance given to some-

amyloidosis /!'ml$dss/ noun a disease
amyloidosis

|
one to remove feeling, so that he or she can
of the kidneys and liver, where amyloid develops undergo an operation without pain
anaesthetic induction /!'nsetk n
anaesthetic induction

in the tissues. Also called amyloid disease |

amylopsin /!'m$lpsn/ noun an enzyme

amylopsin
$d.kn/ noun a method of inducing anaesthesia
in a patient
|

which converts starch into maltose

anaesthetic risk /!'nsetk $rsk/ noun the
anaesthetic risk

amylose /$'mlz/ noun a carbohydrate of

amylose

starch risk that an anaesthetic may cause serious

unwanted side effects
amyotonia /!ema$tni/ noun a lack of
amyotonia

anaesthetise /$ni%staz/, anaesthetize

anaesthetise
|

muscle tone
|

verb to produce a loss of feeling in a person or in

amyotonia congenita /!ematni kn
amyotonia congenita

|
part of the persons body
$d+ent/ noun a congenital disease of children in anaesthetist /$ni%stst/ noun a specialist
anaesthetist

which the muscles lack tone. Also called floppy

|

who administers anaesthetics

baby syndrome
anal /$en()l/ adjective relating to the anus
anal

amyotrophia /e!ma$trfi/ noun a condi-

amyotrophia

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

| | analeptic

tion in which a muscle wastes away |

make someone regain consciousness or to stimu-

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis /e
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

|
late a patient
!matrfk !l'tr()l skl$rss/ noun a |
analgesia /!'n()l$d+i%zi/ noun a reduction of
analgesia

motor neurone disease in which the limbs twitch

|

the feeling of pain without loss of consciousness

and the muscles gradually waste away. Also
analgesic /!'n()l$d+i%zk/ adjective relating
analgesic

called Gehrigs disease. Abbreviation ALS |

to analgesia " noun a painkilling drug which pro-

amyotrophy /e!ma$trfi/ same as amyo-
amyotrophy

| |
duces analgesia and reduces pyrexia
trophia
anally /$en()li/ adverb through the anus ! The
anally

an- /'n/ prefix same as ana- (used before vow-

an-

patient is not able to pass faeces anally.

els)
analyse /$'nlaz/ verb to examine something
analyse

ana- /'n/ prefix without or lacking

ana-

in detail ! The laboratory is analysing the blood

anabolic /!'n$blk/ adjective referring to a samples. ! When the food was analysed it was
anabolic

substance which synthesises protein found to contain traces of bacteria.

anabolic steroid /'n!blk $strd/ noun analysis /$n'lss/ noun an examination of a
anabolic steroid analysis

| |

a drug which encourages the synthesis of new liv- substance to find out what it is made of (NOTE:
ing tissue, especially muscle, from nutrients The plural is analyses.)
analyst /$'nlst/ noun a person who examines
analyst

anabolism /'$n'blz()m/ noun the process

anabolism

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

anacrotism /$n'krtz()m/ noun a second

anacrotism

stroke in the pulse sion, after the metaphase and before the telophase
anaphylactic /!'nf$l'ktk/ adjective relat-
anaphylactic

anaemia /$ni%mi/ noun a condition in which

anaemia
|
|

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

difficult for the blood to carry oxygen. The symp-

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

anaemic /$ni%mk/ adjective having anaemia

anaemic
|
|

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

anaerobe
sensitivity to a substance introduced into the body
2. same as anaphylactic shock
|

microorganism which lives without oxygen, e.g.

anaplasia /!'n$plesi/ noun the loss of a
anaplasia

the tetanus bacillus |

cells typical characteristics, caused by cancer

anaerobic /!'n$rbk/ adjective 1. not need-
anaerobic

anaplastic /!'n$pl'stk/ adjective referring

| anaplastic

ing oxygen for metabolism ! anaerobic bacteria |

2. without oxygen ! anaerobic conditions to anaplasia

anarthria /'n$%ri/ noun the loss of the abil-
anarthria

anaesthesia /!'ns$i%zi/ noun 1. a state,

anaesthesia
|

ity to speak words properly

|

deliberately produced in a patient by a medical

anasarca /!'n$s%k/ noun the presence of
anasarca

procedure, in which he or she can feel no pain, |

either in a part or in the whole of the body 2. a loss fluid in the body tissues. ! oedema
of feeling caused by damage to nerves (NOTE: anastomose /$n'stmz/ verb to join two
anastomose

The US spelling is anesthesia.) blood vessels or tubular structures together

Nursing.fm Page 14 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

anastomosis 14

anastomosis /!n'st$mss/ noun a con- monly treated with nitrates or calcium channel
anastomosis

| |

nection made between two blood vessels or tubu- blocker drugs.

lar structures, either naturally or by surgery angina pectoris /'n!d+an $pektrs/ noun
angina pectoris

anatomical /!'n$tmk()l/ adjective relating same as angina

anatomical

to the anatomy ! the anatomical features of a angio- /'nd+i/ prefix referring to a blood ves-
angio-

fetus sel
anatomy /$n'tmi/ noun 1. the structure,
anatomy

angiocardiogram /!'nd+i$k%di1r'm/
angiocardiogram
|
|

especially the internal structure, of the body 2. the noun a series of pictures resulting from angiocar-
branch of science that studies the structure of the diography
bodies of humans, animals and plants ! They are
angiocardiography /!'nd+ik%di$1rfi/
angiocardiography

studying anatomy.
| |

noun an X-ray examination of the cardiac system

ancillary worker /'n$slri !w-%k/ noun
ancillary worker

|
after injection with an opaque dye so that the
someone who does a job for patients such cooking organs show up clearly on the film
or cleaning which is supplementary to medical
angiodysplasia /!'nd+ids$plezi/ noun a
angiodysplasia

care
|

condition where the blood vessels in the colon

anconeus /'$knis/ noun a small triangu-
anconeus

|
dilate, resulting in loss of blood
lar muscle at the back of the elbow
angiogenesis /!'nd+i$d+enss/ noun the
angiogenesis

Ancylostoma /!'nsl$stm/ noun a para-

Ancylostoma

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

blood and protein of the carrier

picture of blood vessels
ancylostomiasis /!'nslst$mass/
ancylostomiasis

angiography /!'nd+i$1rfi/ noun an X-ray

| angiography

noun a disease of which the symptoms are weak- |

ness and anaemia, caused by a hookworm which examination of blood vessels after injection with
lives on the blood of the carrier. In severe cases an opaque dye so that they show up clearly on the
the person may die. film
angiology /!'nd+i$ld+i/ noun the branch of
angiology

androgen /$'ndrd+n/ noun a male sex hor-

androgen
|

mone, testosterone or androsterone, which medicine which deals with blood vessels and the
increases the male characteristics of the body lymphatic system
angioma /!'nd+i$m/ noun a benign tumour
angioma

androgenic /!'ndr$d+enk/ adjective pro-

androgenic
|
|

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

angioneurotic oedema /!'nd+inj!rtk
angioneurotic oedema

andrology /'n$drld+i/ noun the study of

andrology
| |
|

male sexual characteristics and subjects such as $di%m/ noun a sudden accumulation of liquid
|

impotence, infertility and the male menopause under the skin, similar to nettle rash
angiopathy /!'nd+i$pi/ noun a disease of
angiopathy

androsterone /'n$drstrn/ noun one of

androsterone
|
|

the male sex hormones vessels such as blood and lymphatic vessels
angioplasty /$'nd+i!pl'sti/ noun plastic
angioplasty

anencephalous /!'nen$kefls/ adjective

anencephalous
|
|

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

coronary artery
anencephaly /!'nen$kefli/ noun the absence
anencephaly

angiosarcoma /!'nd+is%$km/ noun a

angiosarcoma

of a brain, which causes a fetus to die a few hours |

after birth malignant tumour in a blood vessel

angiospasm /$'nd+isp'z()m/ noun a
angiospasm

anergy /$'nd+i/ noun a state of severe weak-

anergy

ness and lack of energy spasm which constricts blood vessels

angiotensin /$'nd+itensn/ noun a
angiotensin

aneurine /$njrn/ noun same as Vitamin B1

aneurine

polypeptide which affects blood pressure by caus-

aneurysm /$'njrz()m/ noun a swelling
aneurysm

ing vasoconstriction and increasing extracellular

caused by the weakening of the wall of a blood
volume
vessel
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibi-
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor

angi- /'nd+i/ prefix same as angio- (used

angi-

before vowels)
tor /!'nd+itensn kn!v-%t $enzam n | |

!hbt/ noun a drug which inhibits the conver-

angiectasis /!'nd+i$ektss/ noun a swelling
angiectasis

|
sion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which con-
of the blood vessels stricts arteries, used in the treatment of hyperten-
angiitis /!'nd+i$ats/ noun an inflammation of sion and heart failure. Also called ACE inhibitor
angiitis

a blood vessel (NOTE: ACE inhibitors have names ending in

angina /'n$d+an/ noun a pain in the chest fol-
angina

|
-pril: captopril.)
angle-closure glaucoma /!'1l !kl+
angle-closure glaucoma

lowing exercise or eating, which is caused by an

inadequate supply of blood to the heart muscles 1l%$km/ noun an unusually high pressure of
|

because of narrowing of the arteries. It is com- fluid inside the eyeball caused by pressure of the
Nursing.fm Page 15 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

15 anteflexion
iris against the lens, trapping the aqueous humour. anomie /$'nmi/ noun a psychological condi-
anomie

Also called acute glaucoma tion in which a person develops the feeling of not
angular vein /$'1jl ven/ noun a vein being part of the everyday world, and behaves as
angular vein

which continues the facial vein at the side of the though they do not have any supporting social or
nose moral framework
anonychia /!'n$nki/ noun a congenital
anonychia

anhedonia /!'nh$dni/ noun a psychologi-

anhedonia
|
|

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

anhidrosis /!'nh$drss/ noun a condition

anhidrosis

|
carries the malaria parasite
anoplasty /$enpl'sti/ noun surgery to
anoplasty

in which sweating by the body is reduced or stops

completely repair the anus, as in treating haemorrhoids
anhidrotic /!'nh$drtk/ adjective referring anorchism /'n$%kz()m/ noun a congenital
anhidrotic anorchism

| |

to a drug which reduces sweating absence of testicles

anorectal /!en$rekt()l/ adjective referring
anorectal

anhydraemia /!'nha$dri%mi/ noun a lack of

anhydraemia
|
|

sufficient fluid in the blood to both the anus and rectum

anorexia /!'n$reksi/ noun loss of appetite
anorexia

anhydrous /'n$hadrs/ adjective referring to

anhydrous
|
|

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

anorexia nervosa

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

anidrosis

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

anosmia /'n$zmi/ noun the lack of the sense

| anosmia

of the iris |

of smell
anisocytosis /!'nassa$tss/ noun a
anisocytosis

anovular /'n$vjl/ adjective without an

| anovular

variation in size of red blood cells |

ovum
anisomelia /!'nas$mi%li/ noun a differ-
anisomelia

anovular bleeding /'n!vjl $bli%d/ noun

| anovular bleeding

ence in length of the legs |

bleeding from the uterus when ovulation has not

anisometropia /!'nasm$trpi/ noun a
anisometropia

|
taken place
state where the refraction in the two eyes is differ-
anovulation /'n!vj$le()n/ noun a condi-
anovulation

ent
| |

tion in which a women does not ovulate and is

ankle /$'kl/ noun the part of the body where
ankle

therefore infertile
the foot is connected to the leg
anoxaemia /!'nk$si%mi/ noun a reduction of
anoxaemia

ankyloblepharon /!'kl$blefrn/ noun a

ankyloblepharon

|
the amount of oxygen in the blood
state where the edges of the eyelids are stuck anoxia /'$nksi/ noun a lack of oxygen in
anoxia

together
|

body tissue
ankylosing spondylitis /!'klz
ankylosing spondylitis

anoxic /'n$ksk/ adjective referring to anoxia

anoxic

spnd$lats/ noun a condition occurring more

|

|
or lacking oxygen
frequently in young men, in which the vertebrae
antacid /'nt$'sd/ adjective preventing too
antacid

and sacroiliac joints are inflamed and become |

stiff much acid forming in the stomach or altering the

amount of acid in the stomach " noun a sub-
ankylosis /!'k$lss/ noun a condition in
ankylosis

|
stance that stops too much acid forming in the
which the bones of a joint fuse together stomach, used in the treatment of gastro-intestinal
Ankylostoma /!'kl$stm/ noun same as
Ankylostoma

| conditions such as ulcers, e.g. calcium carbonate

Ancylostoma or magnesium trisilicate
ankylostomiasis /!'klst$mass/ antagonist /'n$t'1nst/ adjective 1. refer-
ankylostomiasis antagonist

| |

noun same as ancylostomiasis ring to a muscle which opposes another muscle in

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

which acts through specific receptors to block the

a ring action of another substance, but which has no
ano- /'n/ prefix referring to the anus
ano-

observable physiological effect itself ! Atropine

anodyne /$'ndan/ noun a drug which is a cholinergic antagonist and blocks the effects
anodyne

reduces pain, e.g. aspirin or codeine " adjective of acetylcholine.

referring to drugs that bring relief from pain or ante- /'nti/ prefix before
ante-

discomfort ante cibum /!'nti $tbm, !'nti $si%bm/

ante cibum

anomalous /$nmls/ adjective different

anomalous

| adverb full form of a.c.

from what is usual anteflexion /!'nti$flekn/ noun the curving
anteflexion

anomaly /$nmli/ noun something which is forward of an organ, e.g. the usual curvature of
anomaly

different from the usual the uterus

Nursing.fm Page 16 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

antemortem 16

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

antemortem antiarrhythmic

| |

before death referring to a drug which corrects an irregular

antenatal /!'nti$net()l/ adjective during the
antenatal

|
heartbeat
antiasthmatic /!'nti's$m'tk/ adjective
antiasthmatic

period between conception and childbirth |

antenatal clinic /!'nti$net()l !klnk/ noun

antenatal clinic

|
referring to a drug that is used to treat asthma
antibacterial /!'ntib'k$tril/ adjective
antibacterial

a clinic where expectant mothers are taught how |

to look after babies, do exercises and have medi- destroying bacteria

cal checkups. Also called maternity clinic antibiotic /!'ntiba$tk/ adjective stopping
antibiotic

antenatal diagnosis /!'nti!net()l !da1 the spread of bacteria " noun a drug which is
antenatal diagnosis

| |

$nss/ noun a medical examination of a preg- developed from living substances and which stops
nant woman to see if the fetus is developing in the the spread of bacteria, e.g. penicillin ! He was
usual way. Also called prenatal diagnosis given a course of antibiotics. ! Antibiotics have
antepartum /!'nti$p%tm/ noun the period of
antepartum

|
no effect against viral diseases.
antibody /$'ntbdi/ noun a protein that is
antibody

three months before childbirth " adjective refer-

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

$hemrd+/ noun bleeding from the vagina

before labour. Abbreviation APH his blood.
antibody-negative /!'ntbdi $ne1tv/
antibody-negative

anterior /'n$tri/ adjective in front. Opposite

anterior

adjective showing none of a particular antibody in

|

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

antibody-positive /!'ntbdi $pztv/

antibody-positive
|

view of the front of the body, or of the front of part

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

anticholinergic /!'ntikl$n-%d+k/ adjec-

anticholinergic
| |

noun the cartilage at the top of the head where the

|

tive blocking nerve impulses which are part of the

frontal bone joins the two parietals
stress response " noun one of a group of drugs
anterior nares /'n!tri $neri%z/ plural
anterior nares

|
which are used to control stress
noun the two nostrils. Also called external nares
anticholinesterase /!'ntikln$estrez/
anticholinesterase

| |

anterograde amnesia /!'ntr1red 'm

anterograde amnesia

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

recently
|

slowing or stopping the clotting of blood " noun

anteversion /!'nti$v-%()n/ noun the tilting
anteversion

| a drug which slows down or stops the clotting of

forward of an organ, whether usual, as of the blood, used to prevent the formation of a throm-
uterus, or unusual bus (NOTE: Anticoagulants have names ending
anthelmintic /!'nel$mntk/ noun a sub- in -parin: heparin.)
anthelmintic

stance which removes worms from the intestine " anticonvulsant /!'ntikn$v.ls()nt/ adjec-
anticonvulsant

adjective removing worms from the intestine tive acting to control convulsions " noun a drug
anthracosis /!'nr$kss/ noun a lung dis-
anthracosis

|
used to control convulsions, as in the treatment of
ease caused by breathing coal dust epilepsy, e.g. carbamazepine
anti-D /!'nti $di/, anti-D gamma-globulin
anti-D

anthrax /$'nr'ks/ noun a disease of cattle and

anthrax

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

develop antibodies when the mother is Rh-nega-

beings tive and the fetus is Rh-positive
anthropology /!'nr$pld+i/ noun the
anthropology

antidepressant /!'ntid$pres()nt/ adjective

antidepressant
|
|

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

| and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

study of human body measurements (NOTE: The anti-D immunoglobulin /'nti !di% mjn
anti-D immunoglobulin

uses of anthropometry include the design of $1lbjln/ noun immunoglobulin administered

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

the newborn in the next pregnancy

Nursing.fm Page 17 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

17 antitetanus serum

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

antidiuretic antimicrobial

| |

stance which stops the production of excessive acting against microorganisms that cause disease
amounts of urine ! hormones which have an anti- antimigraine /!'nti$ma1ren/ noun a drug
antimigraine

diuretic effect on the kidneys " adjective prevent-

|

used in the treatment of migraine

ing the excessive production of urine
antimitotic /!'ntima$ttk/ adjective prevent-
antimitotic

antidote /$'ntdt/ noun a substance which

antidote
|

counteracts the effect of a poison ! There is no ing the division of a cell by mitosis
antimuscarinic /!'ntim.sk$rnk/ adjective
antimuscarinic

satisfactory antidote to cyanide. |

antiembolic /!'ntiem$blk/ adjective pre-

antiembolic

|
referring to a drug which blocks acetylcholine
venting embolism receptors found on smooth muscle in the gut and
eye
antiemetic /!'nti$metk/ noun a drug which
antiemetic

antimycotic /!'ntima$ktk/
antimycotic

prevents vomiting " adjective acting to prevent adjective |

vomiting destroying fungi

antiepileptic drug /!'ntiep$leptk dr.1/ antinauseant /!'nti$n%zint/ adjective refer-
antiepileptic drug antinauseant

| |

noun a drug used in the treatment of epilepsy and ring to a drug which helps to suppress nausea
convulsions, e.g. carbamazepine antioxidant /!'nti$ksd()nt/ noun a sub-
antioxidant

antifibrinolytic /!'ntifabrn$ltk/ adjective

antifibrinolytic

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

acting to reduce fibrosis the body or in foods or plastics ! antioxidant
antifungal /!'nti$f.1l/ adjective referring to vitamins
antifungal

a substance which kills or controls fungal and antiperistalsis /!'ntiper$st'lss/ noun a

antiperistalsis

yeast infections, e.g. candida and ringworm movement in the oesophagus or intestine which
(NOTE: Antifungal drugs have names ending in causes their contents to move in the opposite
-conazole: fluconazole.) direction to usual peristalsis, so leading to vomit-
antigen /$'ntd+n/ noun a substance that
antigen

ing
stimulates the body to produce antibodies, e.g. a antiperspirant /!'nti$p-%sp()rnt/ noun a
antiperspirant

protein on the surface of a cell or microorganism

|

substance which prevents sweating " adjective

antigenic /!'nt$d+enk/ adjective referring to
antigenic

|
preventing sweating
a substance which stimulates the formation of
antipruritic /!'ntipr$rtk/ noun a substance
antipruritic

antibodies |

which prevents itching " adjective preventing

antihaemophilic factor /!'ntihi%m$flk
antihaemophilic factor

|
itching
!f'kt/ noun factor VIII, used to encourage
antipsychotic /!'ntisa$ktk/ noun a neu-
antipsychotic

blood-clotting in haemophiliacs. Abbreviation |

AHF roleptic or major tranquilliser drug which calms

disturbed people without causing sedation or con-
antihelminthic /!'ntihel$mnk/ noun a drug
antihelminthic

fusion by blocking dopamine receptors in the

|

used in the treatment of worm infections such as brain

threadworm, hookworm or roundworm
antipyretic /!'ntipa$retk/ noun a drug which
antipyretic

antihistamine /!'nti$hstmi%n/ noun a drug

antihistamine
|

helps to reduce a fever " adjective reducing fever

|

used to control the effects of an allergy which

anti-Rh body /!'nti %r $et !bdi/ noun an
anti-Rh body

releases histamine, or reduces gastric acid in the

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

ulcers.) intended to prevent sepsis

antihypertensive /!'ntihap$tensv/ adjec-
antihypertensive

antiseptic /!'nt$septk/ adjective preventing

antiseptic
|

tive acting to reduce blood pressure " noun a

|

harmful microorganisms from spreading ! She

drug used to reduce high blood pressure gargled with an antiseptic mouthwash. " noun a
anti-inflammatory /!'nti n$fl'mt()ri/
anti-inflammatory

|
substance which prevents germs growing or
adjective referring to a drug which reduces spreading ! The nurse painted the wound with
inflammation antiseptic.
antilymphocytic serum /!'ntilmf$stk
antilymphocytic serum

antiserum /!'nti$srm/ noun " serum

antiserum
| |

!srm/ noun a serum used to produce immuno-

|

(NOTE: The plural is antisera.)

suppression in people undergoing transplant
antisocial /!'nti$s()l/ adjective referring
antisocial

operations. Abbreviation ALS |

to behaviour which is harmful to other people

antimalarial /!'ntim$leril/ noun a drug
antimalarial

antispasmodic /!'ntisp'z$mdk/ noun a

antispasmodic

used to treat malaria and in malarial prophylaxis |

" adjective treating or preventing malaria drug used to prevent spasms

antimetabolite /!'ntim$t'blat/ noun a antitetanus serum /'nti$tetns !srm/
antimetabolite antitetanus serum

| |

substance which can replace a cell metabolism, noun a serum which protects a patient against tet-
but which is not active anus. Abbreviation ATS
Nursing.fm Page 18 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

antithrombin 18

antithrombin /'nti$rmbn/ noun a sub- anxiety neurosis /'$zati nj!rss/

antithrombin anxiety neurosis

| | |

stance present in the blood which prevents clot- noun a neurotic condition where the patient is
ting anxious and has morbid fears
anxiolytic /!'ksi$ltk/ noun a drug used in
anxiolytic

antitoxic serum /!'ntitksk $srm/ noun

antitoxic serum
|

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

ease which sends blood containing oxygen from the

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

duced by the body to counteract a poison in the

aortic /e$%tk/ adjective relating to the aorta
aortic

body |

aortic aneurysm /e!%tk !'nj$rz()m/

aortic aneurysm

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

antitragus
| |
|

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

aortitis /!e%$tats/ noun inflammation of the

| aortitis

reduce coughing
|

aorta
antivenin /!'nti$venn/, antivenom /!'nti
antivenin

aortography /!e%$t1rfi/ noun an X-ray

aortography
| |
|

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

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

antiviral /!'nti$varl/ adjective referring to a

antiviral

|
person who takes no interest in anything
drug or treatment which stops or reduces the dam- apathy /$'pi/ noun the condition of not being
apathy

age caused by a virus " noun same as antiviral interested in anything, or of not wanting to do
drug anything
antiviral drug /!'nti$varl dr.1/ noun a drug
antiviral drug

aperient /$print/ noun a substance which

aperient
|
|

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

antrectomy /'n$trektmi/ noun the surgical

antrectomy

|
the peristaltic movement in the bowel
Aperts syndrome /$'p-%ts !sndrm/ noun
Aperts syndrome

removal of an antrum in the stomach to prevent

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

aperture /$'pt/ noun a hole

aperture

tion of an antrum
apex /$epeks/ noun 1. the top of the heart or
apex

antrostomy /'n$trstmi/ noun a surgical

antrostomy

lung 2. the end of the root of a tooth

|

operation to make an opening in the maxillary

Apgar score /$'p1% sk%/ noun a method of
Apgar score

sinus to drain an antrum

judging the condition of a newborn baby in which
antrum /$'ntrm/ noun any cavity inside the
antrum

the baby is given a maximum of two points on

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

| [Described 1952. After Virginia Apgar (1909

the patient does not make urine, either because of 74), US anaesthesiologist.]
a deficiency in the kidneys or because the urinary APH abbreviation antepartum haemorrhage
APH

tract is blocked aphagia /e$fed+i/ noun a condition in which

aphagia

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

anus

a person is unable to swallow

tum at the end of the alimentary canal, leading aphakia /e$feki/ noun the absence of the
aphakia

outside the body between the buttocks and crystalline lens in the eye
through which faeces are passed. See illustration
aphakic /e$fekk/ adjective referring to apha-
aphakic

at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement, UROGENI-

|

kia
TAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement (NOTE: For
aphasia /e$fezi/ noun a condition in which a
aphasia

other terms referring to the anus, see anal and |

words beginning with ano-.) person is unable to speak or write, or to under-

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

brain centres controlling speech

anxiety /'$zati/ noun the state of being very
anxiety

aphonia /e$fni/ noun a condition in which

aphonia
|
|

worried and afraid a person is unable to make sounds

anxiety disorder /'$zati ds!%d/ noun a aphrodisiac /!'fr$dzi'k/ noun a substance
anxiety disorder aphrodisiac

| | |

mental disorder where someone is very worried which increases sexual urges " adjective increas-
and afraid, e.g. a phobia ing sexual desire
Nursing.fm Page 19 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

19 aqueous humour

aphtha /$'f/ noun a small white ulcer which appendiceal /!'pn$dsil/ adjective relating
aphtha appendiceal

appears in groups in the mouth in people who to the appendix ! There is a risk of appendiceal
have the fungal condition thrush (NOTE: The plu- infection.
ral is apthae.) appendicectomy /!pend$sektmi/ noun the
appendicectomy

| |

aphthous stomatitis /!'fs !stm$tats/ surgical removal of an appendix

aphthous stomatitis

noun canker sores which affect the mucous mem- appendicitis /!pend$sats/ noun inflamma-
appendicitis

| |

brane in the mouth tion of the vermiform appendix

apical /$'pk()l/ adjective situated at the top or appendicular /!'pn$dkjl/ adjective 1.
apical appendicular

tip of something referring to body parts which are associated with

apical abscess /!'pk()l $'bses/ noun an
apical abscess
the arms and legs 2. relating to the appendix
appendicular skeleton /!'pen!dkjl
appendicular skeleton

abscess in the socket around the root of a tooth |

apicectomy /!'p$sektmi/ noun the surgical

apicectomy

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

appendix /$pendks/ noun 1. a small tube

| appendix

sue |

attached to the caecum which serves no function

aplastic /e$pl'stk/ adjective unable to
aplastic

|
but can become infected, causing appendicitis.
develop new cells or tissue Also called vermiform appendix. See illustra-
aplastic anaemia /e!pl'stk $ni%mi/ noun tion at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement 2. any
aplastic anaemia

| |

anaemia caused by the bone marrow failing to small tube or sac hanging from an organ
form red blood cells apperception /!'p$sep()n/ noun the con-
apperception

apnea /'p$ni%/ noun US same as apnoea scious recognition of a stimulus

apnea

appetite /$'ptat/ noun the feeling of wanting

appetite

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

apnoea

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

applanation tonometry /'pl!ne()n t
applanation tonometry

apnoeic /'p$ni%k/ adjective where breathing

apnoeic
| |
|

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

the cornea
apocrine /$'pkran/ adjective referring to
apocrine

appliance /$plans/ noun a piece of apparatus

appliance

apocrine glands |

used on the body ! He was wearing a surgical

apocrine gland /$'pkran 1l'nd/ noun a
apocrine gland

appliance to support his neck.

gland producing body odour where parts of the
applicator /$'plket/ noun an instrument for
applicator

glands cells break off with the secretions, e.g. a

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

apocrinitis /!'pkr$nats/ noun the forma-

apocrinitis |

|
positioning of two things 2. cell growth in which
tion of abscesses in the sweat glands layers of new material are deposited on existing
apomorphine /!'p$m%fi%n/ noun a sub-
apomorphine

|
ones
stance that comes from morphine, used to make a appraisal /$prez()l/ noun a judgment or
appraisal

person cough, sleep or be sick (NOTE: It is admin- opinion on something or somebody, especially
istered under the skin and is used to treat drug one which decides how effective or useful they
overdose, accidental poisoning and Parkinsons are
disease.)
apprehension /!'pr$hen()n/ noun a feel-
apprehension

aponeurosis /!'pnj$rss/ noun a band

aponeurosis

|
ing of anxiety or fear that something bad or
of tissue which attaches muscles to each other unpleasant will happen
apophyseal /'p$fzil/ adjective referring to
apophyseal

apraxia /e$pr'ksi/ noun a condition in which

apraxia
|
|

apophysis someone is unable to make proper movements

apophysis /$pfss/ noun a growth of bone,
apophysis

apyrexia /!epa$reksi/ noun the absence of

apyrexia
| |

not at a joint fever

apophysitis /'pf$sats/ noun inflammation apyrexial /!epa$reksil/ adjective no longer
apophysitis apyrexial

| |

of an apophysis having any fever

apoplexy /$'ppleksi/ noun same as cere- aqua /$'kw/ noun water
apoplexy aqua

brovascular accident (dated) aqueduct /$'kwd.kt/ noun a tube which car-

aqueduct

apoptosis /$pptss/ noun a form of cell ries fluid from one part of the body to another
apoptosis

death that is necessary both to make room for new aqueous /$ekwis, $'kwis/ adjective refer-
aqueous

cells and to remove cells whose DNA has been ring to a solution made with water " noun a fluid
damaged and which may become cancerous in the eye between the lens and the cornea
appendage /$pendd+/ noun a part of the aqueous humour /!ekwis $hju%m/ noun
appendage aqueous humour

body or piece of tissue which hangs down from same as aqueous. See illustration at EYE in Sup-
another part plement
Nursing.fm Page 20 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

AR 20

AR abbreviation attributable risk Arnold-Chiari malformation /!%nld ki

AR Arnold-Chiari malformation

arachidonic acid /!r'kdnk $'sd/ noun

arachidonic acid

|
$eri m'lf%!me()n/ noun a congenital condi-
|

an essential fatty acid tion in which the base of the skull is malformed,
allowing parts of the cerebellum into the spinal
arachnodactyly /!r'kn$d'ktli/ noun a
arachnodactyly

| |
canal [Described 1894. After Julius A. Arnold
congenital condition in which the fingers and toes (18351915), Professor of Pathological Anat-
are long and thin omy at Heidelberg, Germany, and Hans von Chi-
arachnoid /$r'knd/ noun the middle of th
arachnoid

|
ari (18511916), Professor of Pathological Anat-
three membranes covering the brain. ! dura omy at Strasbourg and later at Prague, Czech
mater Republic.]
arachnoiditis /!r'kn$dats/ noun inflam-
arachnoiditis

aromatherapy /!rm$erpi/ noun treat-

aromatherapy
| |
| |

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

arachnoid mater /!r'knd $met/, arach- which fragrant oils and creams containing plant
arachnoid mater

noid membrane /$r'knd !membren/ noun | extracts are massaged into the skin
same as arachnoid arousal /$raz()l/ noun 1. feelings and phys-
arousal

arachnoid villi /!r'knd $vla/ plural noun ical signs of sexual desire 2. the act of waking up
arachnoid villi

villi in the arachnoid which absorb cerebrospinal from sleep, unconsciousness or a drowsy state
fluid arrector pili /!rekt $pala !m.s()l/ noun a
arrector pili

arborisation /!%bra$ze()n/, arboriza- small muscle which contracts and makes the hair
arborisation

tion noun the branching ends of some nerve on the skin stand up when someone is cold or
fibres, of a motor nerve in muscle fibre or of afraid
venules, capillaries and arterioles arrest /$rest/ noun the stopping of a bodily
arrest

arbovirus /$%bvars/ noun a virus transmit- function. ! cardiac arrest

arbovirus

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

arrhythmia

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

arc

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

ARC arsenic

AIDS-related condition which forms poisonous compounds such as

arch /%t/ noun a curved part of the body, espe-
arch
arsenic trioxide and which was formerly used in
cially under the foot some medicines (NOTE: The chemical symbol is
As.)
arch- /%t/ prefix chief, most important
arch-

artefact /$%tf'kt/ noun something which is

artefact

arcuate /$%kjut/ adjective arched

arcuate

made or introduced artificially

arcuate artery /$%kjut !%tri/ noun a
arcuate artery

arter- /%t/ prefix same as arterio- (used before

arter-

curved artery in the foot or kidney vowels)

arcuate ligaments /$%kjut !%tri/ plural
arcuate ligaments

arterial /%$tril/ adjective relating to arteries

arterial

noun three ligaments forming a fibrous arch to

|

arterial haemorrhage /%!tril

arterial haemorrhage

which the diaphragm is attached |

$hem()rd+/ noun a haemorrhage of bright red

arcus /$%ks/ noun an arch
arcus

blood from an artery

arcus senilis /!%ks s$nals/ noun an
arcus senilis

arteriectomy /%!tri$ektmi/ noun the surgi-

arteriectomy
|

opaque circle around the cornea of the eye which

| |

cal removal of an artery or part of an artery

can develop in old age
arterio- /%tri/ prefix referring to arteries
arterio-

ARDS /%dz/ abbreviation adult respiratory dis-

ARDS

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

arteriogram

tress syndrome |

photograph of an artery, taken after injection with

areola /$ri%l/ noun the coloured part round a
areola

|
an opaque dye
nipple
arteriography /%!tri$1rfi/ noun the work
arteriography

areolar tissue /$ri%l !tu%/ noun a type of

areolar tissue | |

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

arteriole /%$tril/ noun a very small artery

arteriole

helps the liver form urea

|

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

arteriopathy

Argyll Robertson pupil /%!1al $rbtsn

Argyll Robertson pupil | |

|
an artery
!pju%p()l/ noun a condition of the eye, in which
arterioplasty /%$tripl'sti/ noun plastic
arterioplasty

the lens is able to focus but the pupil does not |

react to light. It is a symptom of tertiary syphilis surgery to make good a damaged or blocked
or of locomotor ataxia. artery
arteriorrhaphy /%!tri$%rfi/ noun the act of
arteriorrhaphy

ariboflavinosis /e!rabflev$nss/
ariboflavinosis
| |
| |

noun a condition caused by not having enough stitching an artery

vitamin B2. The symptoms are very oily skin and arteriosclerosis /%!triskl$rss/ noun
arteriosclerosis

| |

hair and small cuts in the mouth. the arterial disease atherosclerosis (dated)
Nursing.fm Page 21 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

21 ascites

arteriotomy /%!tri$tmi/ noun a puncture artificial /!%t$f()l/ adjective 1. made by

arteriotomy artificial

| | |

made in the wall of an artery humans and not a natural part of the body ! arti-
arteriovenous /%!tri$vi%ns/ adjective
arteriovenous

| |
ficial cartilage ! artificial kidney ! artificial leg
referring to both an artery and a vein 2. happening not as a natural process but through
arteritis /!%t$rats/ noun inflammation of the
arteritis
action by a doctor or another person or a machine
! artificial feeding
|

walls of an artery
artificial insemination /!%tf()l n!sem
artificial insemination

artery /$%tri/ noun a blood vessel taking blood

artery
| |

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

artificial insemination by donor

artificial insemination by donor

vowels)
/!%tf()l nsem!ne()n ba $dn/ noun
arthralgia /%$r'ld+/ noun pain in a joint
arthralgia |

|
same as donor insemination. Abbreviation AID
arthrectomy /%$rektmi/ noun the surgical
arthrectomy

artificial insemination by husband

artificial insemination by husband
|

removal of a joint
/!%tf()l nsem!ne()n ba $h.zbnd/ |

arthritic /%$rtk/ adjective affected by or

arthritic

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

arthritis /%$rats/ noun a painful inflamma-

arthritis

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

artificial respiration /!%tf()l !resp

artificial respiration

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

arthroclasia

|
$re()n/ noun a way of reviving someone who
ankylosis in a joint has stopped breathing, e.g. mouth-to-mouth
arthrodesis /!%r$di%ss/ noun a surgical resuscitation
arthrodesis

operation in which a joint is fused in position, so artificial rupture

artificial rupture of membranes

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

joint so releasing the amniotic fluid

arthrography /%$r1rfi/ noun X-ray pho- arytenoid /!'r$ti%nd/ adjective located at the
arthrography arytenoid

| |

tography of a joint back of the larynx

arthrogryposis /!%r1r$pss/ noun a arytenoid cartilage /'r$ti%nd !k%tld+/
arthrogryposis arytenoid cartilage

| |

group of disorders in which movement becomes noun a small cartilage at the back of the larynx
progressively restricted arytenoidectomy /!'r!ti%nd$ektmi/ noun
arytenoidectomy

| |

arthropathy /%$rpi/ noun a disease in a

arthropathy

| an operation to remove the arytenoid cartilage

joint asbestosis /!'sbe$stss/ noun a disease of
asbestosis

arthroplasty /$%rpl'sti/ noun a surgical

arthroplasty

the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos dust

operation to repair or replace a joint ascariasis /!'sk$rass/ noun a disease of
ascariasis

arthroscope /$%rskp/ noun an instru-

arthroscope

the intestine and sometimes the lungs, caused by

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

arthroscopy /%$rskpi/ noun a procedure to

arthroscopy

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

arthrosis /%$rss/ noun the degeneration of

arthrosis | |

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

ascending colon /!send $kln/ noun the

ascending colon
|
|

involves cutting into a joint to drain pus first part of the colon which goes up the right side
articular /%$tkjl/ adjective referring to
articular

|
of the body from the caecum. Compare descend-
joints ing colon. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
articular cartilage /%!tkjl $k%tld+/ in Supplement
articular cartilage

noun a layer of cartilage at the end of a bone Aschoff nodules /$'f !ndju%lz/,
Aschoff nodules

where it forms a joint with another bone. See Aschoffs nodules /$'fs !ndju%lz/ plural
illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in Supplement, noun nodules which are formed mainly in or near
SYNOVIAL JOINT in Supplement the heart in rheumatic fever
articulate /%$tkjlet/ verb to be linked with
articulate

ascites /$sati%z/ noun an unusual accumula-

ascites
|
|

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

| |

series of joints result of malignancy

Nursing.fm Page 22 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

ascorbic acid 22

ascorbic acid /!sk%bk $'sd/ noun same as aspirin /$'sprn/ noun a common pain-killing
ascorbic acid aspirin

Vitamin C drug, or a tablet containing this drug. Also called

ASD abbreviation autistic spectrum disorders acetylsalicylic acid
ASD

-ase /ez, es/ suffix enzyme assay /$'se, $se/ noun the testing of a sub-
-ase assay

asepsis /e$sepss/ noun the absence of micro-

asepsis

|
stance. ! bioassay, immunoassay
organisms which cause infection, usually assessment /$sesmnt/ noun 1. a judgment
assessment

achieved by sterilisation about something ! Further treatment will be

aseptic /e$septk/ adjective sterilised, or
aseptic

|
based on your doctors assessment of your condi-
involving sterilisation, and therefore without tion. 2. a method of deciding whether a student is
infection learning and progressing well ! continuous
aseptic technique /e!septk tek$ni%ks/ noun
aseptic technique

| |
assessment
assimilation /!sm$le()n/ noun the action
assimilation

a method of doing something using sterilised | |

equipment of assimilating food substances

asexual /e$sekul/ adjective not sexual, not assisted suicide /!sstd $su%sad/ noun the
asexual assisted suicide

| |

involving sexual intercourse suicide of someone who is terminally ill with the
Asian flu /!e+()n $flu%/ noun " flu
Asian flu
help of a doctor or friend at the request of the per-
-asis /ss/ " -iasis
-asis
son who is dying
associate /$ssiet/ verb to be related to or
associate

asparagine /$sp'rd+i%n/ noun an amino

asparagine
|
|

acid connected with something ! side effects which

may be associated with the drug ! The condition
aspartame /$sp%tem/ noun a protein pro-
aspartame

|
is often associated with diabetes.
duced from aspartic acid, used to make sub-
associate nurse /!ssit $n-%s/ noun a
associate nurse

stances sweeter |

aspartate aminotransferase /!sp%tet

aspartate aminotransferase
nurse who assists a primary nurse by carrying out
agreed care for someone based on a plan designed
| |

!mi%n$tr'nsfrez/ noun an enzyme found in

by a primary nurse
|

heart muscle, liver cells, skeletal muscle cells and

asthenia /'s$i%ni/ noun a condition in which
asthenia

some other tissues. It is used in the diagnosis of |

liver disease and heart attacks. someone is weak and does not have any strength
aspartic acid /!sp%tk $'sd/ noun an amino asthenic /'s$enk/ adjective referring to a
aspartic acid asthenic

| |

acid general condition in which someone has no

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

superior aspect strain

Aspergers syndrome /$'sp-%d+z
Aspergers syndrome

asthma /$'sm/ noun a lung condition charac-

asthma

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

Asperger (190680), Austrian psychiatrist.]

|

lung disease asthma, or relating to asthma ! He

aspergillosis /!'sp-%d+$lss/ noun infec-
aspergillosis

|
has an asthmatic attack every spring. " noun a
tion of the lungs with the fungus Aspergillus person who has asthma
aspermia /e$sp-%mi/ noun the absence of
aspermia

asthmaticus /'s$m'tks/ adjective " status

asthmaticus
|
|

sperm in semen asthmaticus

asphyxia /'s$fksi/ noun a condition in which
asphyxia

astigmatism /$st1mtz()m/ noun a condi-

astigmatism
|

someone is prevented from breathing, e.g. by

|

tion in which the eye cannot focus vertical and

strangulation or breathing poisonous gas, and horizontal lines simultaneously, leading to blur-
therefore cannot take oxygen into the blood- ring of vision
stream
astringent /$strnd+nt/ noun a substance
astringent

asphyxiation /s!fksi$e()n/ noun the state

asphyxiation |

which makes the skin tissues contract and harden

| |

of being prevented from breathing, or the act of

" adjective referring to an astringent
preventing someone from breathing. ! suffoca-
astrocyte /$'strsat/ noun a star-shaped cell
astrocyte

tion
aspiration /!'sp$re()n/ noun 1. the act of
aspiration

|
of the connective tissue of the nervous system
astrocytoma /!'strsa$tm/ noun a type
astrocytoma

removing fluid from a cavity in the body, often |

using a hollow needle 2. same as vacuum suc- of brain tumour which develops slowly in the con-
tion nective tissue of the nervous system
aspirator /$'spret/ noun an instrument used asymmetric /!'s$metrk/ adjective shaped or
aspirator asymmetric

to suck fluid out of a cavity such as the mouth or arranged so that the two sides do not match or bal-
the site of an operation ance each other
Nursing.fm Page 23 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

23 atrophy

asymmetry /'$smtri/ noun a state in which atlas /$'tls/ noun the top vertebra in the spine,
asymmetry atlas

the two sides of the body or of an organ do not which supports the skull and pivots on the axis or
resemble each other second vertebra
asymptomatic /!esmpt$m'tk/ adjective atom /$'tm/ noun the smallest part into which
asymptomatic atom

not showing any symptoms of disease an element can be divided and still keep its prop-
asynclitism /'$skltz()m/ noun in child-
asynclitism

|
erties. It consists of a dense, positively charged
birth, a situation in which the head of the baby nucleus surrounded by a system of electrons.
atomiser /$'tmaz/ noun an instrument
atomiser

enters the vagina at an angle

asynergia /!'s$n-%d+/, asynergy /'
asynergia

| |
which sprays liquid in the form of very small
$snd+i/ noun awkward movements and bad drops like mist. Also called nebuliser
atony /$'tni/ noun a lack of tone or tension in
atony

coordination, caused by a disorder of the cerebel-

lum. Also called dyssynergia the muscles
atopen /$'tpen/ noun an allergen which
atopen

asystole /e$sstli/ noun a state in which the

asystole

heart has stopped beating causes an atopy

atopic eczema /e!tpk $eksm/, atopic
atopic eczema

ataractic /!'t$r'ktk/ noun a drug which has

ataractic
|
|

a calming effect " adjective calming dermatitis /e!tpk d-%m$tats/ noun a type
| |

ataraxia /!'t$r'ksi/, ataraxis /!'t$r'kss/

ataraxia

| |
of eczema often caused by a hereditary allergy
atopy /$'tpi/ noun a hereditary allergic reac-
atopy

noun the state of being calm and not worrying

tion
ataraxic /!'t$r'ksk/ noun, adjective same as
ataraxic

ATP abbreviation adenosine triphosphate

ATP

ataractic
atracurium /!'tr$kjrim/ noun a drug used
atracurium

ataxia /$t'ksi/ noun a failure of the brain to

ataxia
|
|

control movements as a relaxant

atresia /$tri%zi/ noun an unusual closing or
atresia

ataxic /$t'ksk/ adjective having ataxia, or

ataxic
|
|

relating to ataxia absence of a tube in the body

atretic /$tretk/ adjective referring to atresia
atretic

ataxic gait /!t'ksk $1et/ noun a way of

ataxic gait
|
|

atri- /etri/ prefix referring to an atrium

atri-

walking in which the person walks unsteadily due

to a disorder of the nervous system atrial /$etril/ adjective referring to one or both
atrial

ataxy /$t'ksi/ noun same as ataxia

ataxy

|
of the atria of the heart
atrial fibrillation /!etril fabr$le()n/
atrial fibrillation

atelectasis /!'t$lektss/ noun the failure of

atelectasis
|
|

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

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

atrioventricular /!etriven$trkjl/ adjec-

atrioventricular

trolling blood pressure and angina |

tive referring to the atria and ventricles

ateriovenous malformation /%!tri
ateriovenous malformation

atrioventricular bundle
| |

/!etriven
atrioventricular bundle

!vi%ns m'lf%$me()n/ noun a condition in |

|

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

|
AV bundle, bundle of His
ring to something which may produce atheroma
atrioventricular node /!'triven$trkjl
atrioventricular node

atheroma /!'$rm/ noun thickening of the

atheroma |

|
!nd/ noun a mass of conducting tissue in the
walls of an artery by deposits of a fatty substance right atrium of the heart, which continues as the
such as cholesterol atrioventricular bundle and passes impulses from
atheromatous /!'$rmts/ adjective refer-
atheromatous

|
the atria to the ventricles. Also called AV node
ring to atheroma at-risk /t $rsk/ adjective exposed to danger or
at-risk

atherosclerosis /!'rskl$rss/ noun a

atherosclerosis

| harm of some kind ! at-risk children

condition in which deposits of fats and minerals atrium /$etrim/ noun one of the two upper
atrium

form on the walls of an artery, especially the aorta chambers in the heart. See illustration at HEART in
or one of the coronary or cerebral arteries, and Supplement
prevent blood from flowing easily
atrophic cirrhosis /'!trfk s$rss/ noun
atrophic cirrhosis

| |

atherosclerotic /!'rskl$rtk/ adjective

atherosclerotic

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

| cells are formed on the surface of the liver where

movements of the limbs, caused by a brain disor- fibrous tissue has replaced damaged liver cells.
der such as cerebral palsy Also called hobnail liver
athletes foot /!'li%ts $ft/ noun an infectious atrophy /$'trfi/ noun the wasting of an organ
athletes foot atrophy

skin disorder between the toes, caused by a fun- or part of the body " verb (of an organ or part of
gus. Also called tinea pedis the body) to waste away
Nursing.fm Page 24 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

atropine 24

atropine /$'trpi%n/ noun an alkaloid substance audit /$%dt/ noun a check on figures, scientific
atropine audit

derived from the poisonous plant belladonna and data or procedures ! a medical audit regarding
used, among other things, to enlarge the pupil of the outpatient appointment system
the eye, to reduce salivary and bronchial secre- audit commission /$%dt k!m()n/ noun a
audit commission

tions during anaesthesia and as a muscarinic government body which examines the accounts of
antagonist public bodies such as hospital trusts to ensure that
ATS abbreviation antitetanus serum public money is being spent wisely
ATS

audit cycle /$%dt !sak()l/ noun the cycle in

audit cycle

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

attack

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

auditory /$%dt()ri/ adjective relating to hear-

| auditory

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

|

unable to concentrate, does things without con- ing

auditory acuity /!%dt()ri $kju%ti/ noun
auditory acuity

sidering their actions properly and has little con- |

fidence. It occurs mainly in children. Abbrevia- the ability to hear sounds clearly
tion ADD auditory canals /!%dt()ri k$n'lz/ plural
auditory canals

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder /

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

|
noun the external and internal passages of the ear
!tenn !defst !hapr'k$tvti ds!%d/ auditory nerve /$%dt()ri n-%v/ noun the
auditory nerve

| |

noun a condition in which a child has an inability eighth cranial nerve which governs hearing and
to concentrate and shows disruptive behaviour. balance. See illustration at EAR in Supplement.
Abbreviation ADHD Also called vestibulocochlear nerve
attention deficit syndrome /!tenn auditory ossicles /!%dt()ri $sk()lz/ plu-
attention deficit syndrome auditory ossicles

$defst !sndrm/ noun same as attention ral noun the three little bones, the malleus, incus
deficit disorder and stapes, in the middle ear
Auerbachs plexus /!arb%ks $plekss/
Auerbachs plexus

attenuation /!tenju$e()n/ noun a reduction

attenuation

| |

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

aura /$%r/ noun a warning sensation which is

| aura

the wall in the inner ear. Also called cortical

mastoidectomy experienced before an attack of epilepsy,
migraine or asthma
attitude /$'ttju%d/ noun 1. an opinion or gen-
attitude

aural /$%rl/ adjective referring to the ear

aural

eral feeling about something ! a positive attitude

auricle /$%rk()l/ noun the tip of each atrium in
auricle

towards the operation 2. a way of standing or sit-

ting the heart
auricular /%$rkjl/ adjective referring to the
auricular

attributable risk /!trbjtb()l $rsk/ noun

attributable risk
|
|

a measure of the excess risk of disease due to ear

auricular vein /%$rkjl ven/ noun a vein
auricular vein

exposure to a particular risk. The excess risk of |

bacteriuria in oral contraceptive users attributable which leads into the posterior facial vein
to the use of oral contraceptives is 1,566 per auriscope /$%rskp/ noun an instrument for
auriscope

100,000. Abbreviation AR examining the ear and eardrum. Also called oto-
atypical /e$tpk()l/ adjective not usual or scope
atypical

expected ! an atypical renal cyst auscultation /!%skl$te()n/ noun the act of

auscultation

audio- /%di/ prefix referring to hearing or

audio-
listening to the sounds of the body using a stetho-
sound scope
auscultatory /%$sk.ltt()ri/ adjective refer-
auscultatory

audiogram /$%di1r'm/ noun a graph drawn

audiogram
|

by an audiometer ring to auscultation

Australia antigen /%$streli !'ntd+n/
Australia antigen

audiologist /!%di$ld+st/ noun a specialist

audiologist
|

noun an antigen produced on the surface of liver

|

who deals in the treatment of hearing disorders

cells infected with the hepatitis B virus
audiology /!%di$ld+i/ noun the scientific
audiology

autism /$%tz()m/ noun a condition develop-

autism
|

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

| problems, learning difficulties and obsessional

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

| |

testing hearing relating to, autism

Nursing.fm Page 25 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

25 azathioprine

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

autistic spectrum disorders

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

|
thetic nervous system
its different forms and degrees of severity. Abbre- autonomy /%$tnmi/ noun the state of being
autonomy

viation ASD free to act as one wishes

auto- /%t/ prefix self autoplasty /$%tpl'sti/ noun the repair of
auto- autoplasty

autoantibody /!%t$'ntbdi/ noun an anti-

autoantibody

|
someones body using tissue taken from another
body formed to attack antigens in the bodys own part of their body
autopsy /$%tpsi/ noun the examination of a
autopsy

cells
autoclave /$%tklev/ noun equipment for
autoclave
dead body by a pathologist to find out the cause of
sterilising surgical instruments using heat under death ! The autopsy showed that he had been
high pressure " verb to sterilise equipment using poisoned. Also called post mortem
autosomal /!%t$sm()l/ adjective refer-
autosomal

heat under high pressure ! Autoclaving is the best |

method of sterilisation. ring to an autosome

autosome /$%tsm/ noun a chromosome
autosome

autogenous /%$td+ns/, autogenic /!%t

autogenous

| |

$d+enk/ adjective produced either in the persons that is not a sex chromosome
body, or using tissue from the persons own body autotransfusion /!%ttr'ns$fju%+()n/
autotransfusion

! an autogenous vein graft noun an infusion into a person of their own blood
autograft /$%t1r%ft/ noun a transplant made avascular /e$v'skjl/ adjective with no
autograft avascular

using parts of the persons own body blood vessels, or with a deficient blood supply
AV bundle /!e $vi% $b.nd()l/ noun same as
AV bundle

autoimmune /!%t$mju%n/ adjective refer-

autoimmune

ring to an immune reaction in a person against atrioventricular bundle

antigens in their own cells aversion therapy /$v-%()n !erpi/ noun a
aversion therapy

autoimmune disease /!%t!mju%n d$zi%z/ treatment by which someone is cured of a type of

autoimmune disease

| |

noun a disease in which the persons own cells are behaviour by making him or her develop a great
attacked by autoantibodies ! Rheumatoid arthri- dislike for it
tis is thought to be an autoimmune disease. avitaminosis /e!vtm$nss/ noun a disor-
avitaminosis

| |

autoimmunisation
autoimmunisation

/!%t!mjna | |
der caused by a lack of vitamins
$ze()n/, autoimmunization noun the process AVM abbreviation arteriovenous malformation
AVM

leading to an immune reaction in a person to anti- AV node /!e $vi% nd/ noun same as atrioven-
AV node

gens produced in their own body tricular node

autoimmunity /!%t$mju%nti/ noun a con-
autoimmunity

AVPU /!e vi% pi% $ju%/ noun a method of rating

AVPU
|

dition in which a persons own cells are attacked if a person is conscious: A = alert; V = verbal,
by autoantibodies responding to verbal commands; P = pain,
autoinfection /!%tn$fek()n/ noun an responding to pain; U = unconscious
autoinfection

infection by a microorganism already in the body, avulsion /$v.ln/ noun an act of pulling away
avulsion

or infection of one part of the body by another tissue or a body part by force
part
avulsion fracture /!v.l()n $fr'kt/ noun
avulsion fracture

autointoxication
autointoxication

/!%tntks$ke()n/ | a fracture in which a tendon pulls away part of the

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

autologous /%$tl1s/ adjective referring to

autologous

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

axial skeleton
|

a graft or other material coming from the same bones that make up the vertebral column and the
source skull. Compare appendicular skeleton
autolysis /%$tlss/ noun a situation in which
autolysis

axillary /'k$slri/ adjective referring to the

axillary
|
|

cells destroy themselves with their own enzymes armpit

automatism /%$tmtz()m/ noun a state in
automatism

axis /$'kss/ noun 1. an imaginary line through

axis
|

which a person acts without consciously knowing the centre of the body 2. a central vessel which
that he or she is acting divides into other vessels 3. the second vertebra
autonomic /!%t$nmk/ adjective governing on which the atlas sits (NOTE: The plural is axes.)
autonomic

itself independently axon /$'ksn/ noun a nerve fibre which sends

axon

autonomic nervous system /!%tnmk

autonomic nervous system
impulses from one neurone to another, linking
$n-%vs !sstm/ noun the nervous system with the dendrites of the other neurone. See illus-
formed of ganglia linked to the spinal column. It tration at NEURONE in Supplement
azathioprine /!ez$apri%n/ noun a drug
azathioprine

regulates the automatic functioning of the main |

organs such as the heart and lungs and works which suppresses the immune response, used
when a person is asleep or even unconscious. ! after transplant surgery to prevent rejection
Nursing.fm Page 26 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

-azepam 26

-azepam /'zp'm/ suffix used in names of ben- azoturia /!ez$tjri/ noun the presence of
-azepam azoturia

zodiazepines ! diazepam urea or other nitrogen compounds in the urine,

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

AZT abbreviation azidothymidine

| AZT

drug used in the treatment of AIDS. Abbreviation

azygous /$'z1s/ adjective single, not one of
azygous

AZT. Also called zidovudine

a pair
azo- /ez/ prefix containing a nitrogen group
azo-

azygous vein /$'z1s ven/ noun a vein

azygous vein

azoospermia /ez$sp-%mi/ noun the

azoospermia

| which brings blood back into the vena cava from

absence of sperm the abdomen
Nursing.fm Page 27 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
Babinski reflex /b!bnski $ri%fleks/, Babin-
Babinski reflex
skis reflex /b!bnskiz $ri%fleks/ noun an unu-
| /!b'k1rand k%!bksi hi%m$1lbn !lev()l/ |
sual curling upwards of the big toe when a finger
is lightly run across the sole of the foot, while the
others turn down and spread out, a sign of hemi-
plegia and pyramidal tract disease. Compare
plantar reflex [Described 1896. After Joseph
Franois Felix Babinski (18571932), French-
born son of Polish refugees. A pupil of Charcot,
he was head of the Neurological clinic at Hpital
de la Piti, 18901927.]
Babinski test /b$bnski test/ noun a test for a
Babinski test
|
Babinski reflex
baby /$bebi/ noun a very young child who is not
baby
yet old enough to talk or walk ! Babies start to
walk when they are about 12 months old. (NOTE:
If you do not know the sex of a baby you can
refer to the child as it: The baby was sucking its
thumb)
baby blues /$bebi blu%z/ plural noun same as
baby blues
postnatal depression (informal)
bacillaemia /!b's$li%mi/ noun an infection of
bacillaemia
the blood by bacilli
bacillary /b$slri/ adjective referring to bacilli
bacillary
bacille Calmette-Gurin /b'!si%l !k'lmet
bacille Calmette-Gurin
|
$1er'n/ noun full form of BCG [After A. Cal-
mette (18631933) and C. Gurin (18721961),
French bacteriologists.]
bacilluria /!b's$ljri/ noun the presence of
bacilluria
|
bacilli in the urine
bacillus /b$sls/ noun a bacterium shaped like
bacillus
|
a rod (NOTE: The plural is bacilli.)
back /b'k/ noun 1. the part of the body from the
back
neck downwards to the waist, which is made up of
the spine and the bones attached to it (NOTE: For
other terms referring to the back, see dorsal and
words beginning with dorsi-, dorso-.) 2. the
other side from the front ! She has a swelling on
the back of her hand. ! dorsum
backache /$b'kek/ noun pain in the back,
backache
often without a specific cause
backbone /$b'kbn/ noun a series of bones,
backbone
the vertebrae, linked together to form a flexible
column running from the pelvis to the skull. Also
called rachis, spine
B
background carboxyhaemoglobin level
background carboxyhaemoglobin level
|
noun the level of carboxyhaemoglobin in the
blood of a person who is not exposed to high lev-
els of carbon monoxide
back pain /$b'k pen/ noun pain in the back,
back pain
especially long-lasting or severe pain
backside /$b'ksad/ noun someones buttocks
backside
(informal)
back strain /$b'k stren/ noun a condition in
back strain
which the muscles or ligaments in the back have
been strained
bacteraemia /!b'kt$ri%mi/ noun the fact of
bacteraemia
|
having bacteria in the blood. Bacteraemia is not
necessarily a serious condition. Compare septi-
caemia
bacteria /b'k$tri/ plural of bacterium
bacteria
bacterial /b'k$tril/ adjective relating to
bacterial
bacteria or caused by bacteria ! Children with
sickle-cell anaemia are susceptible to bacterial
infection.
bacterial plaque /b'k$tril !pl'k/ noun a
bacterial plaque
hard smooth bacterial deposit on teeth
bactericidal /b'k!tr$sadl/ adjective refer-
bactericidal
| |
ring to a substance which destroys bacteria
bactericide /b'k$trsad/ noun a substance
bactericide
which destroys bacteria
bacteriological /b'ktri$ld+k()l/ adjec-
bacteriological
|
tive referring to bacteriology
bacteriologist /b'k!tri$ld+st/ noun a
bacteriologist
| |
doctor who specialises in the study of bacteria
bacteriology /b'k!tri$ld+i/ noun the sci-
bacteriology
| |
entific study of bacteria
bacteriolysin /b'k!tri$lsn/ noun a pro-
bacteriolysin
| |
tein, usually an immunoglobulin, which destroys
bacterial cells
bacteriolysis /b'k!tri$lss/ noun the
bacteriolysis
| |
destruction of bacterial cells
bacteriolytic /b'k!tri$ltk/ adjective
bacteriolytic
| |
referring to a substance which can destroy bacte-
ria
bacteriophage /b'k$trifed+/ noun a virus
bacteriophage
|
which affects bacteria
Nursing.fm Page 28 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
bacteriostatic
bacteriostatic /b'k!tri$st'tk/ adjective
bacteriostatic
| |
referring to a substance which does not kill bacte-
ria but stops them from multiplying
bacterium /b'k$trim/ noun a microscopic
bacterium
organism. Some types are permanently present in
the gut and can break down food tissue, but many
can cause disease. (NOTE: The plural is bacteria.)
COMMENT: Bacteria can be shaped like rods
(bacilli), like balls (cocci) or have a spiral
form (spirochaetes). Bacteria, especially ba-
cilli and spirochaetes, can move and repro-
duce very rapidly.
bacteriuria /b'k!tri$jri/ noun a condi-
bacteriuria
| |
tion in which bacteria are present in the urine
Bactrim /$b'ktrm/ a trade name for co-trimox-
Bactrim
azole
Baghdad boil /!b'1d'd $bl/, Baghdad
Baghdad boil
sore /!b'1d'd $s%/ noun a skin disease of trop-
ical countries caused by the parasite Leishmania.
Also called Oriental sore
BAHA abbreviation bone anchored hearing aid
BAHA
Bakers cyst /!bekz $sst/ noun a swelling
Bakers cyst
filled with synovial fluid, at the back of the knee,
caused by weakness of the joint membrane
[Described 1877. After William Morrant Baker
(183896), member of staff at St Bartholomews
Hospital, London, UK]
bakers itch /!bekz $t/, bakers dermatitis
bakers itch
/$bekz d-%m$tats/ noun an irritation of the
|
skin caused by handling yeast
BAL abbreviation British anti-lewisite
BAL
balanced diet /!b'lnst $dat/ noun a diet
balanced diet
which provides all the nutrients needed in the cor-
rect proportions
balanitis /!b'l$nats/ noun inflammation of
balanitis
|
the glans of the penis
balanoposthitis /!b'lnps$ats/ noun
balanoposthitis
|
inflammation of the foreskin and the end of the
penis
balantidiasis /!b'lnt$dass/ noun an
balantidiasis
| Bantis syndrome
infestation of the large intestine by a parasite Bal-
antidium coli, which causes ulceration of the wall
of the intestine, leading to diarrhoea and finally
dysentery
balanus /$b'lns/ noun the round end of the
balanus
penis. ! glans
bald /b%ld/ adjective with no hair, especially on
bald
the head
baldness /$b%ldns/ noun the state of not hav-
baldness
ing any hair
COMMENT: Baldness in men is hereditary; it
can also occur in both men and women as a
reaction to an illness or to a drug.
Balkan frame /!b%lkn $frem/, Balkan
Balkan frame
beam /!b%lkn $bi%m/ noun a frame fitted above
a bed to which a leg in plaster can be attached. !
Pearson bed
ball and cage valve /!b%l n $ked+ v'lv/
ball and cage valve
noun an artificial heart valve, formed of a silicon
28
ball which moves inside a metal cage to open and
shut the valve
ball and socket joint /!b%l nd $skt
ball and socket joint
d+nt/ noun a joint where the round end of a
long bone is attached to a cup-shaped hollow in
another bone in such a way that the long bone can
move in almost any direction. Compare gingly-
mus
balloon /b$lu%n/ noun a bag of light material
balloon
inflated with air or a gas, used to unblock arteries
balloon angioplasty /b!lu%n !'nd+i
balloon angioplasty
| |
$pl'sti/ noun same as percutaneous angi-
oplasty
ballottement /b$ltmnt/ noun a method of
ballottement
|
examining the body by tapping or moving a part,
especially during pregnancy
balneotherapy /!b'lni$erpi/ noun the
balneotherapy
|
treatment of diseases by bathing in hot water or
water containing beneficial natural chemicals
balsam /$b%ls()m/ noun a mixture of resin and
balsam
oil, used to rub on sore joints or to put in hot water
and use as an inhalant. ! friars balsam
ban /b'n/ verb to say that something is not per-
ban
mitted ! Smoking is banned throughout the
building. ! Use of this drug has been banned.
bandage /$b'ndd+/ noun a piece of cloth
bandage
which is wrapped around a wound or an injured
limb ! His head was covered with bandages. "
verb to wrap a piece of cloth around a wound !
She bandaged his leg. ! His arm is bandaged up.
Bandls ring /$b'nd()lz r/ same as retrac-
Bandls ring
tion ring [After Ludwig Bandl (184292), Ger-
man obstetrician.]
Bankarts operation /$b'k%ts p
Bankarts operation
|
!re()n/ noun an operation to repair a recurrent
dislocation of the shoulder [First performed
1923. After Arthur Sydney Blundell Bankart
(18791951), first orthopaedic surgeon at the
Middlesex Hospital, London, UK]
Bantis syndrome /$b'ntiz !sndrm/,
Bantis disease /$b'ntiz d!zi%z/ noun same as
|
splenic anaemia [Described 1882. After Guido
Banti (18521925), Florentine pathologist and
physician.]
Barbados leg /b%!beds $le1/ noun a form
Barbados leg
|
of elephantiasis, a large swelling of the leg due to
a Filaria worm
barbers itch /!b%bz $t/, barbers rash
barbers itch
/!b%bz $r'/ noun same as sycosis barbae
barbiturate /b%$btrt/ noun a sedative
barbiturate
|
drug
barbotage /!b%b$t%+/ noun a method of spi-
barbotage
nal analgesia by which cerebrospinal fluid is
withdrawn and then injected back
barium /$berim/ noun a chemical element,
barium
forming poisonous compounds, used as a contrast
medium when taking X-ray photographs of soft
tissue (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Ba.)
Nursing.fm Page 29 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
barium enema /!berim $enm/ noun a liq-
barium enema
uid solution containing barium sulphate which is
put into the rectum to increase the contrast of an
X-ray of the lower intestine
barium meal /!berim $mi%l/, barium solu-
barium meal
tion /!berim s$lu%()n/ noun a liquid solu-
| |
tion containing barium sulphate which someone
drinks to increase the contrast of an X-ray of the
alimentary tract
Barlows disease /$b%lz d!zi%z/ noun
Barlows disease
| |
scurvy in children, caused by a lack of vitamin C
[Described 1882. After Sir Thomas Barlow
(18451945), physician at various London hos-
pitals and to Queen Victoria, King Edward VII
and King George V.]
Barlows sign /$b%lz san/ noun a test for
Barlows sign
congenital dislocation of the hip, in which a sud-
den movement is felt and sometimes a sound is
heard when the joint is manipulated
baroreceptor /!b'rr$sept/ noun one of a
baroreceptor
|
group of nerves near the carotid artery and aortic
arch, which senses changes in blood pressure
barotrauma /!b'r$tr%m/ noun an injury
barotrauma
| Battens disease
caused by a sharp increase in pressure
Barr body /$b% !bdi/ noun a dense clump of
Barr body
chromatin found only in female cells, which can
be used to identify the sex of a baby before birth
[Described 1949. After Murray Llewellyn Barr
(190895), head of the Department of Anatomy
at the University of Western Ontario, Canada.]
Barr-Guillain syndrome /!b're $1i% j'n
Barr-Guillain syndrome
!sndrm/ noun " Guillain-Barr syndrome
barrel chest /!b'rl $test/ noun a chest
barrel chest
formed like a barrel, caused by asthma or emphy-
sema
barrier cream /$b'ri kri%m/ noun a cream put
barrier cream
on the skin to prevent the skin coming into contact
with irritating substances
barrier nursing /$b'ri !n-%s/ noun the
barrier nursing
nursing of someone who has an infectious dis-
ease. It involves keeping them away from other
patients and making sure that faeces and soiled
bedclothes do not carry the infection to other
patients.
bartholinitis /!b%l$nats/ noun inflamma-
bartholinitis
tion of the Bartholins glands
Bartholins glands /$b%lnz 1l'ndz/ plu-
Bartholins glands
ral noun two glands at the side of the vagina and
between it and the vulva, which secrete a lubricat-
ing substance. Also called greater vestibular
glands [After Caspar Bartholin (16551748),
Danish anatomist.]
basal /$bes()l/ adjective located at the bottom
basal
of something, or forming its base
basal metabolic rate /!besk met$blk
basal metabolic rate
|
ret/ noun the amount of energy used by the body
in exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide when
at rest. It was formerly used as a way of testing
thyroid gland activity. Abbreviation BMR
29 Beck inventory of depression
base /bes/ noun 1. the bottom part ! the base
base
of the spine 2. the main ingredient of an ointment,
as opposed to the active ingredient 3. a substance
which reacts with an acid to form a salt " verb to
use something as a base
Basedows disease /$b'zdz d!zi%z/
Basedows disease
noun a form of hyperthyroidism [Described
1840. After Carl Adolph Basedow (17991854),
general practitioner in Mersburg, Germany.]
basement membrane /!besmnt !mem
basement membrane
$bren/ noun a membrane at the base of an epithe-
lium
basilar /$b'zl/ adjective referring to a base
basilar
basilic vein /b!zlk $ven/ noun a large vein
basilic vein
running along the inside of the arm
basophil /$besfl/ noun a type of white blood
basophil
cell which has granules in its cytoplasm and con-
tains histamine and heparin
basophilia /!bes$fli/ noun an increase in
basophilia
|
the number of basophils in the blood
basophilic granulocyte /!besflk
basophilic granulocyte
$1r'njlsat/ noun same as basophil
Battens disease /$b't()nz d!zi%z/ noun a
|
hereditary disease which affects the enzymes of
the brain, causing cells in the brain and eye to die
battered baby syndrome /$b'td !bebi
battered baby syndrome
!sndrm/, battered child syndrome /$b'td
$tald $sndrm/ noun a condition in which a
baby or small child is frequently beaten, usually
by one or both of its parents, sustaining injuries
such as multiple fractures
battledore placenta /$b't()ld% pl!sent/
battledore placenta
noun a placenta where the umbilical cord is
attached at the edge and not at the centre
Bazins disease /$beznz d!zi%z/ noun same
Bazins disease
as erythema induratum [Described 1861. After
Pierre Antoine Ernest Bazin (180778), derma-
tologist at Hpital St Louis, Paris, France. He
was an expert in parasitology associated with
skin conditions.]
BC abbreviation bone conduction
BC
BCC abbreviation Breast Cancer Campaign
BCC
B cell /$bi% sel/ noun same as beta cell
B cell
BCG /!bi% si% $d+i% !v'ksi%n/, BCG vaccine
BCG
noun a vaccine which immunises against tubercu-
losis. Full form bacille Calmette-Gurin
BCh abbreviation Bachelor of Surgery
BCh
BDA abbreviation British Dental Association
BDA
bearing down /!ber $dan/ noun a stage in
bearing down
childbirth when the woman starts to push out the
baby from the uterus
bearing-down pain /!ber $dan !pen/
bearing-down pain
noun pain felt in the uterus during the second
stage of labour (NOTE: Bearing-down pain is also
associated with uterine prolapse.)
Beck inventory of depression /!bek
Beck inventory of depression
!nvnt()ri v d$pre()n/ noun one of the rat-
|
ing scales for depression, in which a series of 21
Nursing.fm Page 30 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
beclomethasone
questions refers to attitudes frequently shown by
people suffering from depression
beclomethasone /!bekl$mesn/ noun a
beclomethasone
| |
steroid drug usually used in an inhaler to treat
asthma or hay fever
becquerel /$bekrel/ noun an SI unit of meas-
becquerel
urement of radiation. Abbreviation Bq (NOTE:
Now used in place of the curie.)
bed bath /$bed b%/ noun an act of washing the
bed bath
whole body of someone who is unable to get up to
wash. Also called blanket bath
bed blocking /$bed !blk/ noun the fact of
bed blocking
people being kept in hospital because other forms
of care are not available, which means that other
people cannot be treated
bedbug /$bedb.1/ noun a small insect which
bedbug
lives in dirty bedclothes and sucks blood
bed occupancy /$bed !kjpnsi/ noun the
bed occupancy
percentage of beds in a hospital which are occu-
pied
bedpan /$bedp'n/ noun a dish into which
bedpan
someone can urinate or defecate without getting
out of bed
bed rest /$bed rest/ noun a period of time spent
bed rest
in bed in order to rest and recover from an illness
bedridden /$bed!rd()n/ adjective referring to
bedridden
someone who has been too ill to get out of bed
over a long period of time
bedside manner /!bedsad $m'n/ noun the
bedside manner
way in which a doctor behaves towards a patient,
especially a patient who is in bed # a good bed-
side manner the ability to make patients feel
comforted and reassured
bedsore /$beds%/ noun an inflamed patch of
bedsore
skin on a bony part of the body, which develops
into an ulcer, caused by pressure of the part on the
mattress after lying for some time in one position.
Special beds such as air beds, ripple beds and
water beds are used to try to prevent the formation
of bedsores. Also called pressure sore, decubi-
tus ulcer
bedstate /$bedstet/ noun a record of the cur-
bedstate
rent level of occupancy of beds in a hospital or
care unit, updated as admissions and discharges
occur
bedwetting /$bedwet/ noun same as noctur-
bedwetting
nal enuresis (NOTE: This term is used mainly
about children.)
Beers knife /$bz naf/ noun a knife with a
Beers knife
triangular blade, used in eye operations [After
George Joseph Beer (17631821), German
ophthalmologist.]
behaviour /b$hevj/ noun a way of acting !
behaviour
|
His behaviour was very aggressive.
behavioural /b$hevjrl/ adjective relating
behavioural
|
to behaviour
behaviourism /b$hevjrz()m/ noun a psy-
behaviourism
| After Henry Bence Jones (181473), physician
chological theory proposing that only someones
30
behaviour should be studied to discover their psy-
chological problems
behaviourist /b$hevjrst/ noun a psycholo-
behaviourist
gist who follows behaviourism
behaviour therapy /b!hevj $erpi/ noun a
behaviour therapy
form of psychiatric treatment in which someone
learns how to improve their condition
Behets syndrome /$besets !sndrm/
Behets syndrome
noun a chronic condition of the immune system
with no known cause, experienced as a series of
attacks of inflammation of small blood vessels
accompanied by mouth ulcers and sometimes
genital ulcers, skin lesions and inflamed eyes
[Described 1937. After Halushi Behet (1889
1948), Turkish dermatologist.]
behind /b$hand/ noun same as buttock
behind
(informal)
bejel /$bed+l/ noun a non-venereal form of
bejel
syphilis which is endemic among children in
some areas of the Middle East and elsewhere and
is caused by a spirochaete strain of bacteria
belch /belt/ noun the action of allowing air in
belch
the stomach to come up through the mouth " verb
to allow air in the stomach to come up through the
mouth
belching /$belt/ noun the action of allowing
belching
air in the stomach to come up through the mouth.
Also called eructation
belladonna /!bel$dn/ noun 1. a poisonous
belladonna
plant with berries containing atropine. Also called
deadly nightshade 2. a form of atropine
extracted from the belladonna plant
belle indiffrence /!bel 'n$dfer%ns/ noun
belle indiffrence
an excessively calm state in a person, in a situa-
tion which would usually produce a show of emo-
tion
Bellocqs cannula /be!lks $k'njl/, Bel-
Bellocqs cannula
locqs sound /be!lks $sand/ noun an instru-
|
ment used to control a nosebleed [After Jean
Jacques Bellocq (17321807), French surgeon.]
Bells mania /!belz $meni/ noun a form of
Bells mania
acute mania with delirium [After Luther Vose Bell
(180662), American physiologist.]
Bells palsy /!belz $p%lzi/ noun paralysis of
Bells palsy
the facial nerve on one side of the face, preventing
one eye being closed. Also called facial paraly-
sis [Described 1821. After Sir Charles Bell
(17741842), Scottish surgeon. He ran anatomy
schools, first in Edinburgh and then in London.
Professor of Anatomy at the Royal Academy.]
belly /$beli/ noun 1. same as abdomen 2. the
belly
fatter central part of a muscle
Bence Jones protein /!bens $d+nz
Bence Jones protein
!prti%n/ noun a protein found in the urine of
people who have myelomatosis, lymphoma, leu-
kaemia and some other cancers [Described 1848.
at St Georges Hospital, London, UK]
Nursing.fm Page 31 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

31 bifocal

bends /bendz/ plural noun # the bends " cais- that respond to adrenaline by speeding up the
bends

son disease heart rate or dilating the bronchi

beta blocker /$bi%t !blk/ noun a drug which
beta blocker

Benedicts solution /$bendkts s!lu%()n/

Benedicts solution

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

1915. After Stanley Rossiter Benedict (1884

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

benign growth /b$nan 1r/ noun same as

benign growth

|
form of iodine
betamethasone /!bi%t$mesn/ noun a
betamethasone

benign tumour |

benign pancreatic disease /b!nan

benign pancreatic disease

|
very strong corticosteroid drug
betaxolol /b$t'ksll/ noun a beta blocker
betaxolol

!p'kri$'tk d!zi%z/ noun chronic pancreatitis

| | |

benign prostatic hypertrophy /b!nan pr

benign prostatic hypertrophy

| |
drug used in the treatment of high blood pressure
!st'tk ha$p-%trfi/ noun a nonmalignant
|
and glaucoma
bethanechol /be$'nkl/ noun an agonist
bethanechol

enlargement of the prostate. Abbreviation BPH |

benign tumour /b!nan $tju%m/ noun a

benign tumour

|
drug used to increase muscle tone after surgery
Betnovate /$betnvet/ noun a trade name for
Betnovate

tumour which will not grow again or spread to

other parts of the body if it is removed surgically, an ointment containing betamethasone
but which can be fatal if not treated. Also called bi- /ba/ prefix two or twice
bi-

benign growth. Opposite malignant tumour bias /$bas/ noun a systematic error in the
bias

Bennetts fracture /!bents $fr'kt/ noun a

Bennetts fracture

design or conduct of a study which could explain

fracture of the first metacarpal, the bone between the results
the thumb and the wrist [Described 1886. After bicarbonate of soda /ba!k%bnt v
bicarbonate of soda

Edward Halloran Bennett (18371907), Irish

|

$sd/ noun same as sodium bicarbonate

anatomist, later Professor of Surgery at Trinity
bicellular /ba$seljl/ adjective having two
bicellular

College, Dublin, Ireland.] |

cells
benzocaine /$benzken/ noun a drug with
benzocaine

biceps /$baseps/ noun any muscle formed of

biceps

anaesthetic properties used in some throat loz-

enges and skin creams two parts joined to form one tendon, especially
the muscles in the front of the upper arm (biceps
benzodiazepine /!benzda$'zpi%n/ noun
benzodiazepine

|
brachii) and the back of the thigh (biceps femo-
a drug which acts on receptors in the central nerv- ris). ! triceps (NOTE: The plural is biceps.)
ous system to relieve symptoms of anxiety and
bicipital /ba$spt()l/ adjective referring to a
bicipital

insomnia, although prolonged use is to be avoided |

(NOTE: Benzodiazepines have names ending in biceps muscle

biconcave /ba$kkev/ adjective referring to
biconcave

-azepam: diazepam.) |

benzoin /$benzn/ noun a resin used to make

benzoin
a lens which is concave on both sides
biconvex /ba$knveks/ adjective referring to a
biconvex

friars balsam |

benzyl benzoate /!benzl $benzet/ noun a

benzyl benzoate
lens which is convex on both sides
bicornuate /ba$k%njut/ adjective divided
bicornuate

colourless oily liquid which occurs naturally in |

balsams, used in medicines and perfumes into two parts (NOTE: The word is sometimes
bereavement /b$ri%vmnt/ noun the loss of
bereavement

|
applied to a malformation of the uterus.)
bicuspid /ba$k.spd/ adjective with two
bicuspid

someone, especially a close relative or friend, |

through death points " noun a premolar tooth

beriberi /!beri$beri/ noun a disease of the nerv- bicuspid valve /!ba$k.spd !v'lv/ noun
beriberi bicuspid valve

| |

ous system caused by lack of vitamin B1 same as mitral valve. See illustration at HEART in
berylliosis /b!rli$ss/ noun poisoning
berylliosis

| |
Supplement
b.i.d. adverb (used on prescriptions) twice
b.i.d.

caused by breathing in particles of the poisonous

chemical compound beryllium oxide daily. Full form bis in die
Besniers prurigo /!beniez pr$ra1/ bidet /$bi%de/ noun an object for washing the
Besniers prurigo bidet

noun an itchy skin rash on the backs of the knees genital and anal areas. It looks like a low toilet.
and the insides of the elbows [After Ernest Bes- bifid /$bafd/ adjective in two parts
bifid

nier (18311909), French dermatologist.]

bifocal /ba$fk()l/ adjective referring to
bifocal

beta /$bi%t/ noun the second letter of the Greek

beta

lenses made with two sections which have differ-

alphabet ent focal lengths, one for looking at things which
beta-adrenergic receptor /!bi%t !'dr are near, the other for looking at things which are
beta-adrenergic receptor

$n-%d+k/ noun one of two types of nerve endings far away

Nursing.fm Page 32 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

bifocal glasses 32

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

cal lenses /ba$fk()l $lenzz/, bifocals /ba

| | method of birth control which uses the colour and
$fk()lz/ plural noun spectacles with lenses consistency of the cervical mucus as guides to
which have two types of lens combined in the whether ovulation is taking place
same piece of glass, the top part being used for Billroths operations
Billroths operations

/$blrs p |

seeing at a distance and the lower part for reading !re()nz/ plural noun surgical operations in
bifurcate adjective /ba$f-%ket/ separating or which the lower part of the stomach is removed
bifurcate

branching off into two parts " verb /$bafket/ and the part which is left is linked to the duode-
to split or branch off into two parts num (Billroth I) or jejunum (Billroth II)
bifurcation /!baf$ke()n/ noun a place
bifurcation

|
[Described 1881. After Christian Albert Theod-
where something divides into two parts ore Billroth (182994), Prussian surgeon.]
bimanual /ba$m'njul/ adjective done with
bimanual

bigeminy /ba$d+emni/ noun same as pulsus

bigeminy
|
|

bigeminus two hands, or needing both hands to be done

binary /$banri/ adjective made of two parts
binary

big toe /!b1 $t/ noun the largest of the five

big toe

toes, on the inside of the foot. Also called great binary fission /!banri $f()n/ noun the
binary fission

toe process of splitting into two parts in some types of

biguanide /ba$1w%nad/ noun a drug which
biguanide

|
cell division
lowers blood sugar, used in the treatment of Type binaural /ban$%rl/ adjective using, or relat-
binaural

II diabetes ing to, both ears

bilateral /ba$l't()rl/ adjective affecting both binder /$band/ noun a bandage which is
bilateral binder

sides wrapped round a limb to support it

bilateral pneumonia /ba!l't()rl nju% Binets test /$bnez test/ noun an intelligence
bilateral pneumonia Binets test

| |

$mni/ noun pneumonia affecting both lungs test for children [Originally described 1905 but
bile /bal/ noun a thick bitter brownish yellow
bile
later modified at Stanford University, California,
fluid produced by the liver, stored in the gall blad- USA. After Alfred Binet (18571911), French
der and used to digest fatty substances and neu- psychologist and physiologist.]
tralise acids (NOTE: For other terms referring to binocular /b$nkjl/ adjective referring to
binocular

bile, see words beginning with chol-.) the two eyes

bilharzia /bl$h%tsi/ noun 1. a fluke which binovular /b$nvjl/ adjective referring to
bilharzia binovular

| |

enters the bloodstream and causes bilharziasis. twins who develop from two different ova
Also called Schistosoma 2. same as bilharzia- bio- /ba/ prefix referring to living organisms
bio-

sis (NOTE: Although strictly speaking, bilharzia

bioassay /!ba$se/ noun a test of the
bioassay

is the name of the fluke, it is also generally used

|

for the name of the disease: bilharzia patients;

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

bioavailability /!bavel$blti/ noun the

| bioavailability

disease caused by flukes in the intestine or blad- |

der. Also called bilharzia, schistosomiasis extent to which a nutrient or medicine can be
taken up by the body
bili- /bli/ prefix referring to bile (NOTE: For
bili-

biochemistry /!ba$kemstri/ noun the

biochemistry

other terms referring to bile, see words begin-

|

ning with chol-, chole-.)

chemistry of living tissues
biocide /$basad/ noun a substance which
biocide

biliary /$blir/ adjective referring to bile

biliary

kills living organisms

biliary colic /!blir $klk/ noun pain in the
biliary colic

biodegradable /!bad$1redb()l/ adjec-

biodegradable

abdomen caused by gallstones in the bile duct or |

tive easily decomposed by organisms such as bac-

by inflammation of the gall bladder
teria or by the effect of sunlight, the sea, etc.
bilious /$blis/ adjective 1. referring to bile 2.
bilious

biofeedback /!ba$fi%db'k/ noun the con-

biofeedback

referring to nausea (informal) |

trol of the autonomic nervous system by some-

biliousness /$blisns/ noun a feeling of indi-
biliousness

ones conscious thought, as he or she sees the

gestion and nausea (informal) results of tests or scans
bilirubin /!bli$ru%bn/ noun a red pigment in
bilirubin

biohazard /$ba!h'zd/ noun a danger to

biohazard
|
|

bile human beings or their environment, especially

bilirubinaemia /!bliru%b$ni%mi/ noun an one from a poisonous or infectious agent
bilirubinaemia

excess of bilirubin in the blood biological /!ba$ld+k()l/ adjective refer-

biological

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

biliuria

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

biological parent

biliverdin /!bli$v-%dn/ noun a green pigment noun a parent who was physically involved in
biliverdin

in bile, produced by oxidation of bilirubin producing a child

Nursing.fm Page 33 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
biologist /ba$ld+st/ noun a scientist who
biologist
| |
specialises in biology
biology /ba$ld+i/ noun the study of living
biology
|
organisms
biomaterial /!bam$tril/ noun a syn-
biomaterial
| birth
thetic material which can be used as an implant in
living tissue
biometry /ba$mtri/ noun the science which
biometry
|
applies statistics to the study of living things #
biometry of a fetus the measurement of the key
parameters of growth of a fetus by ultrasound
bionic ear /ba!nk $/ noun a cochlear
bionic ear
|
implant (informal)
bionics /ba$nks/ noun the process of apply-
bionics
|
ing knowledge of biological systems to mechani-
cal and electronic devices
biophysical
biophysical profile
profile /!bafzk()l
$prfal/ noun a profile of a fetus, based on such
things as its breathing movement and body move-
ment
biopsy /$bapsi/ noun the process of taking a
biopsy
small piece of living tissue for examination and
diagnosis ! The biopsy of the tissue from the
growth showed that it was benign.
biorhythm /$bar()m/ noun a regular
biorhythm
process of change which takes place within living
organisms, e.g. sleeping, waking or the reproduc-
tive cycle (NOTE: Some people believe that bio-
rhythms affect behaviour and mood.)
biostatistics /!bast$tstks/ plural noun
biostatistics
statistics used in medicine and the study of dis-
ease
biotechnology /!batek$nld+i/ noun 1.
biotechnology
the use of biological processes in industrial pro-
duction, e.g. in the production of drugs 2. same as
genetic modification
biotin /$batn/ noun a type of vitamin B found
biotin
in egg yolks, liver and yeast
BiPAP /$bap'p/ noun a breathing apparatus
BiPAP
that allows air delivered through a mask to be set
at one pressure for inhaling and another for exhal-
ing, maximising breathing efficiency and mini-
mising natural muscular effort. Full form bi-level
positive airway pressure
biparietal /!bap$rat()l/ adjective referring
biparietal
|
to the two parietal bones
biparous /$bprs/ adjective producing twins
biparous
bipennate /ba$penet/ adjective referring to a
bipennate
muscle with fibres which rise from either side of
the tendon
bipolar /ba$pl/ adjective with two poles.
bipolar
| teeth ! He bit a piece out of the apple. 2. (of an
See illustration at NEURONE in Supplement
bipolar disorder /!bapl ds$%d/ noun a
bipolar disorder
|
psychological condition in which someone moves
between mania and depression and experiences
delusion. Also called manic-depressive ill-
ness, manic depression
33 bite wing
bipolar neurone /ba!pl $njrn/ noun
bipolar neurone
a nerve cell with two processes, a dendrite and an
axon, found in the retina. See illustration at NEU-
RONE in Supplement. Compare multipolar neu-
rone, unipolar neurone
birth /b-%/ noun the act of being born
birth canal /$b-% k!n'l/ noun the uterus,
birth canal
|
vagina and vulva
birth control /$b-% kn!trl/ noun same as
birth control
contraception
birth control pill /$b-% kn!trl pl/ noun
birth control pill
same as oral contraceptive
birthing chair /$b-% te/ noun a special
birthing chair
chair in which a woman sits to give birth
birthing pool /$b-% pu%l/ noun a special
birthing pool
large bath in which pregnant women can relax
before and when giving birth
birthmark /$b-%m%k/ noun an unusual col-
birthmark
oured or raised area on the skin which someone
has from birth. Also called naevus
birth mother /$b-% !m./ noun the woman
birth mother
who gave birth to a child
birth parent /$b-% !pernt/ noun one of the
birth parent
parents that physically produced a child
birth plan /$b-% pl'n/ noun a list of a pregnant
birth plan
womans wishes about how the birth of her baby
should take place, e.g. whether she wants a natu-
ral birth and what pain relief she should be given
birth rate /$b-% ret/ noun the number of births
birth rate
per year, shown per thousand of the population !
a birth rate of 15 per thousand ! There has been
a severe decline in the birth rate.
birth trauma /$b-% !tr%m/ noun an injury
birth trauma
caused to a baby during delivery
birth weight /$b-% wet/ noun the weight of a
birth weight
baby at birth
bisacodyl /!bas$kdl/ noun a laxative drug
bisacodyl
bisexual /ba$sekul/ adjective referring to a
bisexual
person who is sexually attracted to both males and
females
bisexuality /!baseku$'lti/ noun the state of
bisexuality
being sexually attracted to both males and
females
bis in die /!bs n $di%e/ adverb full form of
bis in die
b.i.d.
bismuth /$bzm/ noun a chemical element
bismuth
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is Bi.)
bistoury /$bstri/ noun a sharp thin surgical
bistoury
knife
bite /bat/ verb 1. to cut into something with the
bite
insect) to puncture someones skin " noun 1. the
action of biting or of being bitten 2. a place or
mark where someone has been bitten ! a dog bite
! an insect bite
bite wing /$bat w/ noun a holder for dental
bite wing
X-ray film, which a person clenches between the
Nursing.fm Page 34 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
Bitots spots
teeth, so allowing an X-ray of both upper and
lower teeth to be taken
Bitots spots /!bi%tz $spts/ plural noun
Bitots spots
small white spots on the conjunctiva, caused by
vitamin A deficiency [Described 1863. After
Pierre A. Bitot (182288), French physician.]
bivalve /$bav'lv/ noun an organ which has two
bivalve
valves " adjective referring to a bivalve organ
black eye /!bl'k $a/ noun bruising and swell-
black eye
ing of the tissues round an eye, usually caused by
a blow
blackhead /$bl'khed/ noun same as comedo
blackhead
(informal)
black heel /$bl'k !hi%l/ noun a haemorrhage
black heel
inside the heel, characterised by black spots
black out /$bl'k at/ verb to have sudden loss
black out
of consciousness ! I suddenly blacked out and I
cant remember anything more
blackout /$bl'kat/ noun a sudden loss of con-
blackout
sciousness (informal) ! She must have had a
blackout while driving. Also called fainting fit
blackwater fever /$bl'kw%t !fi%v/ noun a
blackwater fever
form of malaria where haemoglobin from red
blood cells is released into plasma and makes the
urine dark
bladder /$bl'd/ noun any sac in the body,
bladder
especially the sac where the urine collects before
being passed out of the body ! He is suffering
from bladder trouble. ! She is taking antibiotics
for a bladder infection.
Blalocks operation /$blelks p!re()n/,
Blalocks operation
|
Blalock-Taussig operation /!blelk $t%s1
p!re()n/ noun a surgical operation to con-
|
nect the pulmonary artery to the subclavian artery,
in order to increase blood flow to the lungs of
someone who has tetralogy of Fallot
bland /bl'nd/ adjective referring to food which
bland
is not spicy, irritating or acid
blanket bath /$bl'kt b%/ noun same as
blanket bath
bed bath
blast /bl%st/ noun 1. a wave of air pressure
blast
from an explosion which can cause concussion 2.
an immature form of a cell before distinctive
characteristics develop
-blast /bl'st/ suffix referring to a very early
-blast
stage in the development of a cell
blasto- /bl'st/ prefix referring to a germ cell
blasto-
blastocoele /$bl'stsi%l/ noun a cavity filled
blastocoele
with fluid in a morula
blastocyst /$bl'stsst/ noun an early stage
blastocyst
in the development of an embryo
Blastomyces /!bl'st$masi%z/ noun a type
Blastomyces
|
of parasitic fungus which affects the skin
blastomycosis /!bl'stma$kss/ noun
blastomycosis
|
an infection caused by Blastomyces
blastula /$bl'stjl/ noun the first stage of the
blastula
development of an embryo in animals
bleb /bleb/ noun a blister. Compare bulla
bleb
34
bleeder /$bli%d/ noun 1. a blood vessel which
bleeder
bleeds during surgery 2. a person who has haemo-
philia (informal)
bleeding /$bli%d/ noun an unusual loss of
bleeding
blood from the body through the skin, through an
orifice or internally
bleeding time /$bli%d tam/ noun a test of the
bleeding time
clotting ability of someones blood, by timing the
length of time it takes for the blood to congeal
blennorrhagia /!blen$red+/ noun the dis-
blennorrhagia
charge of mucus
blennorrhoea /!blen$ri%/ noun the discharge
blennorrhoea
of watery mucus
bleomycin /!bli%$masn/ noun an antibiotic
bleomycin
used to treat forms of cancer such as Hodgkins
disease
blephar- /blefr/ prefix same as blepharo-
blephar-
(used before vowels)
blepharitis /!blef$rats/ noun inflammation
blepharitis
of the eyelid
blepharo- /blefr/ prefix referring to the eye-
blepharo-
lid
blepharoconjunctivitis
blepharoconjunctivitis
/!blefrkn|
!d+.kt$vats/ noun inflammation of the con-
|
junctiva of the eyelids
blepharon /$blefrn/ noun an eyelid
blepharon
blepharospasm /$blefrsp'z()m/ noun a
blepharospasm
sudden contraction of the eyelid, as when a tiny
piece of dust gets in the eye
blepharotosis /!blefr$tss/ noun a con-
blepharotosis
|
dition in which the upper eyelid is half closed
because of paralysis of the muscle or nerve
blind /bland/ adjective not able to see
blind
blind loop syndrome /!bland $lu%p
blind loop syndrome
!sndrm/ noun a condition which occurs in
cases of diverticulosis or of Crohns disease, with
steatorrhoea, abdominal pain and megaloblastic
anaemia
blindness /$blandns/ noun the fact of not
blindness
being able to see
blind spot /$bland spt/ noun the point in the
blind spot
retina where the optic nerve joins it, which does
not register light
blind study /!bland $st.di/ noun an investiga-
blind study
tion to test an intervention such as giving a drug,
in which a person does not know if he or she has
taken the active medicine or the placebo
blister /$blst/ noun a swelling on the skin con-
blister
taining serum from the blood, caused by rubbing,
burning or a disease such as chickenpox " verb to
produce blisters
bloated /$bltd/ adjective experiencing the
bloated
uncomfortable sensation of a very full stomach
block /blk/ noun 1. the stopping of a function
block
2. a large piece of something ! A block of wood
fell on his foot. 3. a period of time ! The training
is in two three-hour blocks. " verb to fill the
space in something and stop other things passing
Nursing.fm Page 35 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
35
through it ! The artery was blocked by a clot. !
He swallowed a piece of plastic which blocked his
oesophagus.
blocking /$blk/ noun a psychiatric disorder,
blocking
in which someone suddenly stops one train of
thought and switches to another
blood /bl.d/ noun a red liquid moved around the
blood
body by the pumping action of the heart (NOTE:
For other terms referring to blood, see words
beginning with haem-, haemo-, haemato-.)
blood bank /$bl.d b'k/ noun a section of a
blood bank
hospital or a special centre where blood given by
donors is stored for use in transfusions
blood blister /$bl.d !blst/ noun a swelling on
blood blister
the skin with blood inside, caused by nipping the
flesh
blood-borne virus /!bl.d b%n $vars/ noun
blood-borne virus
a virus carried by the blood
blood-brain barrier /!bl.d bren $b'ri/
blood-brain barrier
noun the process by which some substances,
which in other parts of the body will diffuse from
capillaries, are held back by the endothelium of
cerebral capillaries, preventing them from com-
ing into contact with the fluids round the brain
blood clot /$bl.d klt/ noun a soft mass of
blood clot
coagulated blood in a vein or an artery. Also
called thrombus
blood count /$bl.d kant/ noun a test to count
blood count
the number and types of different blood cells in a
sample of blood, in order to give an indication of
the condition of the persons blood as a whole
blood donor /$bl.d !dn/ noun a person
blood donor
who gives blood which is then used in transfu-
sions to other people
blood dyscrasia /!bl.d ds$krezi/ noun any
blood dyscrasia
|
unusual blood condition such as a low cell count
or platelet count
blood gas /$bl.d 1's/ noun oxygen and carbon
blood gas
dioxide that are naturally present in blood, an
imbalance of which may indicate a respiratory
disorder
blood-glucose level /!bl.d $1lu%kz
blood-glucose level
!lev()l/ noun the amount of glucose present in
the blood. The usual blood-glucose level is about
60100 mg of glucose per 100 ml of blood.
blood group /$bl.d 1ru%p/ noun one of the dif-
blood group
ferent groups into which human blood is classi-
fied. Also called blood type
COMMENT: Blood is classified in various
ways. The most common classifications are
by the agglutinogens (factors A and B) in red
blood cells and by the Rhesus factor. Blood
can therefore have either factor (Group A
and Group B) or both factors (Group AB) or
neither (Group O) and each of these groups
can be Rhesus negative or positive.
blood grouping /$bl.d !1ru%p/ noun the
blood grouping
process of classifying people according to their
blood groups
blurred vision
blood-letting /$bl.d !let/ noun same as phle-
blood-letting
botomy
blood loss /$bl.d ls/ noun loss of blood from
blood loss
the body by bleeding
blood pigment /$bl.d !p1mnt/ noun same
blood pigment
as haemoglobin
blood pressure /$bl.d !pre/ noun the pres-
blood pressure
sure, measured in millimetres of mercury, at
which the blood is pumped round the body by the
heart
blood relationship /!bl.d r$le()np/
blood relationship
|
noun a relationship between people who come
from the same family and have the same parents,
grandparents or ancestors, as opposed to a rela-
tionship by marriage
blood sample /$bl.d !s%mpl/ noun a sample
blood sample
of blood, taken for testing
bloodshot /$bl.dt/ adjective referring to an
bloodshot
eye with small specks of blood in it from a small
damaged blood vessel
blood sugar /!bl.d $1/ noun glucose
blood sugar
present in the blood
blood sugar level /!bl.d $1 !lev()l/ noun
blood sugar level
the amount of glucose in the blood, which is
higher after meals and in people with diabetes
blood test /$bl.d test/ noun a laboratory test of
blood test
a blood sample to analyse its chemical composi-
tion ! The patient will have to have a blood test.
blood transfusion /$bl.d tr'ns!fju%+()n/
blood transfusion
|
noun a procedure in which blood given by
another person or taken from the patient at an ear-
lier stage is transferred into the patients vein
blood type /$bl.d tap/ noun same as blood
blood type
group
blood typing /$bl.d !tap/ noun the analysis
blood typing
of blood for transfusion factors and blood group
blood vessel /$bl.d !ves()l/ noun any tube
blood vessel
which carries blood round the body, e.g. an artery,
vein or capillary (NOTE: For other terms referring
to blood vessels, see words beginning with
angi-, angio-.)
blood volume /$bl.d !vlju%m/ noun the total
blood volume
amount of blood in the body
blot test /$blt test/ noun " Rorschach test
blot test
blue baby /!blu% $bebi/ noun a baby who has
blue baby
congenital cyanosis, born either with a congenital
heart condition or with a collapsed lung, which
prevents an adequate supply of oxygen reaching
the tissues, giving the babys skin a slight blue
colour (informal)
blue litmus /!blu% $ltms/ noun treated paper
blue litmus
which indicates the presence of acid by turning
red
blurred vision /!bl-%d $v+()n/ noun a condi-
blurred vision
tion in which someone does not see objects
clearly
Nursing.fm Page 36 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

blush 36

blush /bl./ noun a rush of red colour to the skin gically into the skull, usually behind the ear.
blush

of the face, caused by emotion " verb to go red in Abbreviation BAHA

the face because of emotion bone marrow /$bn !m'r/ noun soft tissue
bone marrow

BM abbreviation Bachelor of Medicine in cancellous bone (NOTE: For other terms refer-
BM

BMA abbreviation British Medical Association

BMA
ring to bone marrow, see words beginning with
myel-, myelo-.)
BMI abbreviation body mass index
BMI

bone marrow transplant /!bn $m'r

bone marrow transplant

BMR abbreviation basal metabolic rate

BMR

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

BNF abbreviation British National Formulary
BNF

from a donor to a recipient

body fluid /$bdi !flu%d/ noun a liquid in the
body fluid

bone scan /$bn sk'n/ noun a scan which

bone scan

body, e.g. water, blood or semen tracks a radioactive substance injected into the
body image /!bdi $md+/ noun the mental
body image

body to find areas where a bone is breaking down

image which a person has of their own body. Also or repairing itself
called body schema Bonneys blue /!bniz $blu%/ noun a blue dye
Bonneys blue

body language /$bdi !l'1wd+/ noun the

body language

used as a disinfectant [After William Francis Vic-

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

sciously revealing your feelings made of bone

body odour /!bdi $d/ noun an unpleasant
body odour

bony labyrinth /!bni $l'brn/ noun a hard

bony labyrinth

smell caused by perspiration part of the temporal bone surrounding the mem-
body scan /$bdi sk'n/ noun an examination
body scan

branous labyrinth in the inner ear. Also called

of the whole of the body using ultrasound or other osseous labyrinth
scanning techniques boob /bu%b/ noun a womans breast (informal)
boob

body schema /!bdi $ski%m/ noun same as

body schema

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

booster

body image
|

injection noun a repeat injection of vaccine given

body substance isolation /$bdi !s.bstns
body substance isolation

some time after the first injection to maintain the

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

infection from moist body substances

|

white powder used as a general disinfectant. Also

body temperature /$bdi !temprt/ noun
body temperature

called boric acid

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

ally about 37C

household cleaner and disinfectant
Boecks disease /$beks d!zi%z/, Boecks
Boecks disease

borborygmus /!b%b$r1ms/ noun a rum-

| borborygmus

sarcoid /$beks !s%kd/ noun same as sar- |

coidosis [Described 1899. After Caesar Peter bling noise in the abdomen, caused by gas in the
Moeller Boeck (18451913), Professor of Der- intestine (NOTE: The plural is borborygmi.)
borderline /$b%dlan/ adjective 1. not clearly
borderline

matology at Oslo, Norway.]

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

ral noun tiny cysts found in the mouths of healthy

infants made to prevent it 3. characterised by emotional
instability and self-destructive behaviour ! a bor-
boil /bl/ noun a tender raised mass of infected
boil

derline personality
tissue and skin, usually caused by infection of a
Bordetella /!b%d$tel/ noun a bacterium of
Bordetella

hair follicle by the bacterium Staphylococcus |

aureus. Also called furuncle the family Brucellaceae (NOTE: Bordetella per-
tussis causes whooping cough.)
bolus /$bls/ noun 1. a mass of food which
bolus

boric acid /!b%rk $'sd/ noun same as

boric acid

has been chewed and is ready to be swallowed 2.

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

bonding /$bnd/ noun the process by which a

bonding

psychological link is formed between a baby and is present in borax, and essential for healthy plant
its mother ! In autistic children bonding is diffi- growth (NOTE: The chemical symbol is B.)
bosom /$bz()m/ noun a womans chest or
bosom

cult.
bone /bn/ noun 1. calcified connective tissue
bone
breasts
bottom /$btm/ noun 1. the part of the body on
bottom

2. one of the calcified pieces of connective tissue

which make the skeleton ! There are several which you sit. ! buttock 2. the anus (informal)
small bones in the human ear. See illustration at bottom shuffling /$btm !.f()l/ noun
bottom shuffling

in Supplement
SYNOVIAL JOINT the process by which a baby who cannot yet walk
bone-anchored hearing aid /!bn !'kd moves around by moving itself along on its hands
bone-anchored hearing aid

$hr ed/ noun a hearing aid that is fitted sur- and buttocks
Nursing.fm Page 37 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
botulinum toxin /!btj$lanm !tksn/
botulinum toxin
| |
noun a poison produced by the bacterium
Clostridium botulinum and used, in small doses,
to treat muscular cramps and spasms
botulism /$btlz()m/ noun a type of food
botulism
poisoning, often fatal, caused by a toxin of
Clostridium botulinum in badly canned or pre-
served food. Symptoms include paralysis of the
muscles, vomiting and hallucinations.
bougie /$bu%+i%/ noun a thin tube which can be
bougie
inserted into passages in the body such as the
oesophagus or rectum, either to allow liquid to be
introduced or to dilate the passage
bovine spongiform encephalopathy
bovine spongiform encephalopathy
/!bvan !sp.nd+f%m en!kef$lpi/ noun
| |
a fatal brain disease of cattle. Abbreviation BSE.
! Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Also called mad
cow disease
bowel /$bal/ noun the intestine, especially the
bowel
large intestine (NOTE: Bowel is often used in the
plural in everyday language.)
bowel movement /$bal !mu%vmnt/ noun
bowel movement
1. an act of passing faeces out of the body through
the anus ! The patient had a bowel movement
this morning. Also called motion. ! defecation
2. the amount of faeces passed through the anus
bowels /$balz/ plural noun same as bowel
bowels
Bowens disease /$binz d!zi%z/ noun a
Bowens disease
form of carcinoma, appearing as red plaques on
the skin
bow legs /!b $le1z/ noun a state where the
bow legs
ankles touch and the knees are apart when a per-
son is standing straight. Also called genu varum
Bowmans capsule /!bmnz $k'psju%l/
Bowmans capsule
noun the expanded end of a renal tubule, sur-
rounding a glomerular tuft in the kidney, which
filters plasma in order to reabsorb useful food-
stuffs and eliminate waste. Also called Mal-
pighian glomerulus, glomerular capsule
[Described 1842. After Sir William Paget Bow-
man (181692), surgeon in Birmingham and
later in London, who was a pioneer in work on
the kidney and in ophthalmology.]
BP abbreviation 1. blood pressure 2. British
BP
Pharmacopoeia
BPH abbreviation benign prostatic hypertrophy
BPH
Bq symbol becquerel
Bq
brace /bres/ noun any type of splint or appli-
brace
ance worn for support, e.g. a metal support used
on childrens legs to make the bones straight or on
teeth which are forming badly ! She wore a
brace on her front teeth.
brachi- /breki/ prefix same as brachio- (used
brachi-
before vowels)
brachial /$brekil/ adjective referring to the
brachial
arm, especially the upper arm
brachialis muscle /!breki$els !m.s()l/
brachialis muscle
noun a muscle that causes the elbow to bend
brachio- /breki/ prefix referring to the arm
brachio-
37 brain scan
brachiocephalic artery /!brekis!f'lk
brachiocephalic artery
$%tri/ noun the largest branch of the arch of the
aorta, which continues as the right common
carotid and right subclavian arteries
brachiocephalic vein /!brekis!f'lk
brachiocephalic vein
$ven/ noun one of a pair of large veins on oppo-
site sides of the neck that join to form the superior
vena cava. Also called innominate vein
brachium /$brekim/ noun an arm, especially
brachium
the upper arm between the elbow and the shoulder
(NOTE: The plural is brachia.)
brachy- /br'ki/ prefix short
brachy-
brachycephaly /!br'ki$sefli/ noun a condi-
brachycephaly
|
tion in which the skull is shorter than usual
brachytherapy /!br'ki$erpi/ noun a radio-
brachytherapy
|
active treatment in which the radioactive material
actually touches the tissue being treated
Bradfords frame /$br'dfdz frem/ noun a
Bradfords frame
frame of metal and cloth, used to support a patient
[After Edward Hickling Bradford (18481926),
US orthopaedic surgeon.]
brady- /br'd/ prefix slow
brady-
bradycardia /!br'd$k%di/ noun a slow rate
bradycardia
of heart contraction, shown by a slow pulse rate of
less than 70 beats per minute
bradykinesia /!br'dka$ni%zi/ noun a condi-
bradykinesia
tion in which the someone walks slowly and
makes slow movements because of disease
bradykinin /!br'd$kann/ noun a chemical
bradykinin
produced in the blood when tissues are injured,
that plays a role in inflammation. ! kinin
bradypnoea /!br'dp$ni%/ noun unusually
bradypnoea
slow breathing
Braille /brel/ noun a system of writing using
Braille
raised dots on the paper to indicate letters which
a blind person can read by passing their fingers
over the page ! The book has been published in
Braille. [Introduced 182930. After Louis Braille
(180952), blind Frenchman and teacher of the
blind; he introduced the system which had origi-
nally been proposed by Charles Barbier in
1820.]
brain /bren/ noun the part of the central nervous
brain
system situated inside the skull. Also called
encephalon. See illustration at BRAIN in Supple-
ment
brain damage /$bren !d'md+/ noun damage
brain damage
caused to the brain as a result of oxygen and sugar
deprivation, e.g. after a haemorrhage, accident, or
though disease
brain death /$bren de/ noun a condition in
brain death
which the nerves in the brain stem have died, and
the person can be certified as dead, although the
heart may not have stopped beating
brain haemorrhage /bren $hem()rd+/
brain haemorrhage
noun same as cerebral haemorrhage
brain scan /$bren sk'n/ noun an examination
brain scan
of the inside of the brain, made by passing X-rays
Nursing.fm Page 38 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
brain stem
through the head, using a scanner, and reconstitut-
ing the images on a computer monitor
brain stem /$bren stem/ noun the lower nar-
brain stem
row part of the brain which connects the brain to
the spinal cord
brain tumour /$bren !tju%m/ noun a tumour
brain tumour
which grows in the brain
bran /br'n/ noun the outside covering of the
bran
wheat seed, removed when making white flour,
but an important source of roughage in the diet
branchia /$br'ki/ noun a breathing organ
branchia
similar to the gill of a fish found in human
embryos in the early stages of development
(NOTE: The plural is branchiae.)
branchial /$br'kil/ adjective referring to the
branchial
branchiae
branchial cyst /!br'kil $sst/ noun a cyst on
branchial cyst
the side of the neck of an embryo
branchial pouch /!br'kil $pat/ noun a
branchial pouch
pouch on the side of the neck of an embryo
Brauns frame /!branz $frem/, Brauns
Brauns frame
splint /!branz $splnt/ noun a metal splint and
frame to which pulleys are attached, used for
holding up a fractured leg while the person is
lying in bed [After Heinrich Friedrich Wilhelm
Braun (18621934), German surgeon.]
Braxton-Hicks contractions /!br'kstn
Braxton-Hicks contractions
$hks kn!tr'knz/ plural noun contractions of
|
the uterus which occur throughout a pregnancy
and become more frequent and stronger towards
the end [After Dr Braxton-Hicks, 19th century
British physician.]
breakbone fever /$brekbn !fi%v/ noun
breakbone fever
same as dengue
break down /!brek $dan/ verb 1. to experi-
break down
ence a sudden physical or psychological illness
(informal) ! After she lost her husband, her
health broke down. 2. to start to cry and become
upset (informal) ! She broke down as she
described the symptoms to the doctor. 3. to split or
cause to split into smaller chemical components,
as in the digestion of food
breast /brest/ noun one of two glands in a
breast
woman which secrete milk. Also called mamma
(NOTE: For other terms referring to breasts, see
words beginning with mamm-, mammo-,
mast-, masto-.)
breastbone /$brestbn/ noun a bone which is
breastbone
in the centre of the front of the thorax and to
which the ribs are connected. Also called ster-
num
breast cancer /$brest !k'ns/ noun a malig-
breast cancer
nant tumour in a breast
breast-fed /$brest fed/ adjective referring to a
breast-fed
baby which is fed from the mothers breasts ! She
was breast-fed for the first two months.
breast implant /$brest !mpl%nt/ noun a sac
breast implant
containing silicone, implanted to improve the
appearance of a breast
38
breast milk /$brest mlk/ noun the milk pro-
breast milk
duced by a woman who has recently had a baby
breast palpation /$brest p'l!pe()n/ noun
breast palpation
feeling a breast to see if a lump is present which
might indicate breast cancer
breast pump /$brest p.mp/ noun an instru-
breast pump
ment for taking milk from a breast
breast reconstruction /$brest ri%kn
breast reconstruction
!str.k()n/ noun the construction of a new
breast for a woman who has had a breast removed
because of cancer
breath /bre/ noun air which goes in and out of
breath
the body when you breathe ! He ran so fast he
was out of breath. ! Stop for a moment to get
your breath back. ! She took a deep breath and
dived into the water.
breathe /bri%/ verb to take air in and blow air
breathe
out through the nose or mouth ! The patient has
begun to breathe normally.
breath-holding attack /$bre !hld
breath-holding attack
|
!t'k/ noun a period when a young child stops
breathing, usually because he or she is angry
breathing /$bri%/ noun same as respiration
breathing
! If breathing is difficult or has stopped, begin
artificial ventilation immediately. (NOTE: For
other terms referring to breathing see words
beginning with pneum-, pneumo-, pneumat-,
pneumato-.)
breathlessness /$brelsns/ noun difficulty
breathlessness
in breathing enough air
breech /bri%t/ noun the buttocks, especially of
breech
a baby " adjective describes a birth in which the
baby is delivered buttocks first, not in the normal
head first position, or describes a buttocks-first
presentation
breech birth /$bri%t !b-%/, breech delivery
breech birth
/$bri%t d!lv()ri/ noun a birth in which the
|
babys buttocks appear first rather than its head
breech presentation /bri%t !prez()n
breech presentation
$te()n/ noun a position of the baby in the
uterus in which the buttocks will appear first dur-
ing childbirth
bregma /$bre1m/ noun the point at the top of
bregma
the head where the soft gap between the bones of
a babys skull hardens
bretylium tosylate /br!tlim $tslet/
bretylium tosylate
|
noun an agent used to block adrenergic transmit-
ter release
bridge /brd+/ noun 1. the top part of the nose
bridge
where it joins the forehead 2. an artificial tooth or
set of teeth which is joined to natural teeth which
hold it in place 3. a part joining two or more other
parts
Brights disease /$brats d!zi%z/ noun
Brights disease
inflammation of the kidneys, characterised by
albuminuria and high blood pressure. Also called
glomerulonephritis [Described 1836. After
Richard Bright (17891858), physician at Guys
Hospital, London, UK]
Nursing.fm Page 39 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
British anti-lewisite /!brt !'nti$lu%sat/
British anti-lewisite
noun an antidote for gases which cause blistering,
also used to treat cases of poisoning such as mer-
cury poisoning. Abbreviation BAL
British Dental Association /!brt
British Dental Association
$dent()l ssi!e()n/ noun in the UK, a pro-
|
fessional association of dentists. Abbreviation
BDA
British Medical Association /!brt
British Medical Association
$medk()l ssi!e()n/ noun in the UK, a
professional association of doctors. Abbreviation
BMA
British National Formulary /!brt
British National Formulary
!n'()nl $f%mjlri/ noun a book listing key
information on the prescribing, dispensing and
administration of prescription drugs used in the
UK. Abbreviation BNF
British Pharmacopoeia /!brt !f%mk
British Pharmacopoeia
$pi%/ noun a book listing drugs approved in the
UK and their dosages. Abbreviation BP
brittle bone disease /!brt()l $bn d!zi%z/
brittle bone disease
noun 1. same as osteogenesis imperfecta 2.
same as osteoporosis
broad /br%d/ adjective wide in relation to
broad
length
Broadbents sign /$br%dbents san/ noun a
Broadbents sign
movement of someones left side near the lower
ribs at each beat of the heart, indicating adhesion
between the diaphragm and pericardium in cases
of pericarditis [After Sir William Henry Broad-
bent (18351907), British physician.]
broad-spectrum antibiotic /!br%d
broad-spectrum antibiotic
!spektrm !'ntiba$tk/ noun an antibiotic
| the mucous membrane of the bronchi
used to control many types of microorganism
Brocas aphasia /!brkz $fezi/ noun a
Brocas aphasia
condition in which someone is unable to speak or
write, as a result of damage to Brocas area
Brocas area /$brkz !eri/ noun an area on
Brocas area
the left side of the brain which governs the motor
aspects of speaking [Described 1861. After
Pierre Henri Paul Broca (182480), French sur-
geon and anthropologist. A pioneer of neurosur-
gery, he also invented various instruments,
described muscular dystrophy before Duch-
enne, and recognised rickets as a nutritional dis-
order before Virchow.]
Brodies abscess /!brdiz $'bses/ noun an
Brodies abscess
abscess of a bone, caused by staphylococcal
osteomyelitis [Described 1832. After Sir Ben-
jamin Collins Brodie (17831862), British sur-
geon.]
bromhidrosis /!brmh$drss/ noun a con-
bromhidrosis
|
dition in which body sweat has an unpleasant
smell
bromide /$brmad/ noun a bromine salt
bromide
(NOTE: Bromides are used as sedatives.)
bromine /$brmi%n/ noun a chemical element
bromine
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is Br.)
39 bronchopneumonia
bromism /$brmz()m/ noun chronic ill
bromism
health caused by excessive use of bromides
bromocriptine /!brm$krpti%n/ noun a
bromocriptine
drug which functions like dopamine, used to treat
excessive lactation, breast pain, some forms of
infertility, growth disorder and Parkinsons dis-
ease
bronch- /brk/, bronchi- /brki/ prefix same
bronch-
as broncho- (used before vowels)
bronchi /$brka/ plural of bronchus
bronchi
bronchial /$brkil/ adjective referring to the
bronchial
bronchi
bronchial breath sounds /!brkil $bre
bronchial breath sounds
!sandz/ plural noun distinctive breath sounds
from the lungs which help diagnosis
bronchiectasis /!brki$ektss/ noun a dis-
bronchiectasis
order of the bronchi which become wide, infected
and filled with pus (NOTE: Bronchiectasis can
lead to pneumonia.)
bronchio- /brki/ prefix referring to the
bronchio-
bronchioles
bronchiolar /!brki$l/ adjective referring
bronchiolar
to the bronchioles
bronchiole /$brkil/ noun a very small air
bronchiole
tube in the lungs leading from a bronchus to the
alveoli. See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement
bronchiolitis /!brki$lats/ noun inflam-
bronchiolitis
|
mation of the bronchioles, usually in small chil-
dren
bronchitic /br$ktk/ adjective referring to
bronchitic
bronchitis
bronchitis /br$kats/ noun inflammation of
bronchitis
broncho- /brk/ prefix referring to the
broncho-
windpipe
bronchoconstrictor /!brkkn$strkt/
bronchoconstrictor
| |
noun a drug which narrows the bronchi
bronchodilator /!brkda$let/ noun a
bronchodilator
drug which makes the bronchi wider, used in the
treatment of asthma and allergy (NOTE: Bron-
chodilators usually have names ending in -terol;
however, the most common bronchodilator is
salbutamol.)
bronchography /br$k1rfi/ noun an X-
bronchography
ray examination of the lungs after an opaque sub-
stance has been put into the bronchi
bronchomediastinal trunk /!brk
bronchomediastinal trunk
mi%di!stan()l $tr.k/ noun the set of lymph
|
nodes draining part of the chest
bronchomycosis
bronchomycosis
/!brkma$kss/ | |
noun an infection of the bronchi by a fungus
bronchophony /br$kfni/ noun vibrations
bronchophony
|
of the voice heard over the lungs, indicating solid-
ification in the lungs
bronchopleural /!brk$plrl/ adjective
bronchopleural
referring to a bronchus and the pleura
bronchopneumonia /!brknju%$mni/
bronchopneumonia
| |
noun an infectious inflammation of the bronchi-
Nursing.fm Page 40 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

bronchopulmonary 40
oles, which may lead to general infection of the bruised /bru%zd/ adjective painful after a blow
bruised

lungs or showing the marks of a bruise ! a badly

bronchopulmonary /!brk$p.lmn()ri/ bruised leg
bronchopulmonary

adjective referring to the bronchi and the lungs bruising /$bru%z/ noun an area of bruises !
bruising

bronchorrhoea /!brk$ri%/ noun the The baby has bruising on the back and legs.
bronchorrhoea

secretion of mucus by the bronchi bruit /bru%t/ noun an unusual noise heard
bruit

bronchoscope /$brkskp/ noun an

bronchoscope

through a stethoscope
instrument which is passed down the trachea into Brunners glands /$brnz !1l'ndz/ plural
Brunners glands

the lungs, which a doctor can use to inspect the noun glands in the duodenum and jejunum
inside passages of the lungs [Described 1687. After Johann Konrad Brunner
bronchoscopy /br$kskpi/ noun an exam-
bronchoscopy

| (16531727), Swiss anatomist at Heidelberg,

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

bronchospasm /$brksp'z()m/ noun a

bronchospasm

grinding the teeth, as a habit

tightening of the bronchial muscles which causes
BSE abbreviation bovine spongiform encepha-
BSE

the tubes to contract, as in asthma

lopathy
bronchospirometry /!brkspa$rmtri/
bronchospirometry

bubo /$bju%b/ noun a swelling of a lymph

| | bubo

noun a procedure for measuring the volume of the

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

bronchostenosis /!brkste$nss/ noun

bronchostenosis
|
| |

an unusual constriction of the bronchial tubes usually fatal infectious disease caused by Yersinia
pestis in the lymph system, transmitted to humans
bronchotracheal /!brktr$ki%l/ adjec-
bronchotracheal

|
by fleas from rats
tive referring to the bronchi and the trachea
buccal /$b.k()l/ adjective referring to the
buccal

bronchus /$brks/ noun one of the two air

bronchus

cheek or mouth
passages leading from the trachea into the lungs,
buccinator /$b.ksnet/ noun a cheek muscle
buccinator

where they split into many bronchioles. See illus-

tration at LUNGS in Supplement (NOTE: The plu- which helps the jaw to move when chewing
ral is bronchi.) BuddChiari syndrome /!b.d k$eri
BuddChiari syndrome

bronze diabetes /!brnz da$bi%ti%z/ noun !sndrm/ noun a disease of the liver, where
bronze diabetes

same as haemochromatosis thrombosis has occurred in the hepatic veins

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

nese pathologist who was Professor of Patho-

brown fat /!bran $f't/ noun dark-coloured
brown fat

logical Anatomy at Strasbourg and later at

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

Brown-Squard syndrome /!bran $sek%

Brown-Squard syndrome

teroid drug taken by inhalation or in tablets, used

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

the result that the lower half of the body is para-

|

same as thromboangiitis obliterans [Described

lysed on one side and loses feeling in the other
1908. After Leo Buerger (18791943), New York
side [Described 1851. After Charles Edouard
physician of Viennese origin.]
Brown-Squard (181794), French physiolo-
buffer /$b.f/ noun a substance that keeps a con-
buffer

gist.]
brucellosis /!bru%s$lss/ noun a disease
brucellosis
stant balance between acid and alkali " verb to
prevent a solution from becoming acid
|

which can be caught from cattle or goats or from

buffer action /$b.fr !'kn/ noun the balanc-
buffer action

drinking infected milk, spread by a species of the

bacterium Brucella. The symptoms include tired- ing process between acid and alkali
ness, arthritis, headache, sweating, irritability and buffered /$b.fd/ adjective prevented from
buffered

swelling of the spleen. Also called abortus becoming acid ! buffered aspirin
fever, Malta fever, mountain fever, undulant
bug /b.1/ noun an infectious disease (informal)
bug

fever
! He caught a bug on holiday. ! Half the staff
bruise /bru%z/ noun a dark painful area on the
bruise

have got a stomach bug.

skin, where blood has escaped under the skin fol-
bulb /b.lb/ noun a round part at the end of an
bulb

lowing a blow. ! black eye " verb to cause a

bruise on part of the body ! She bruised her knee organ or bone
on the corner of the table. # she bruises easily bulbar /$b.lb/ adjective 1. referring to a bulb 2.
bulbar

even a soft blow will give her a bruise referring to the medulla oblongata
Nursing.fm Page 41 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

41 byssinosis

bulbospongiosus muscle /!b.lbsp.nd+i Burkitts tumour /!b-%kts $tju%m/, Burkitts

bulbospongiosus muscle Burkitts tumour

| |

$ss !m.sl/ noun a muscle in the perineum lymphoma /!b-%kts lm$fm/ noun a malig-
|

behind the penis nant tumour, usually on the maxilla, found espe-
bulbourethral gland /!b.lbj$ri%rl
bulbourethral gland

|
cially in children in Africa [Described 1957.
!1l'nd/ noun one of two glands at the base of the After Denis Parsons Burkitt (191193), formerly
penis which secrete into the urethra. ! gland Senior Surgeon, Kampala, Uganda; later a
member of the Medical Research Council (UK).]
bulimia /bu$lmi/, bulimia nervosa /bu!lmi
bulimia

burn /b-%n/ noun an injury to skin and tissue

| | burn

n$vs/ noun a psychological condition in

caused by light, heat, radiation, electricity or
|

which a person eats too much and is incapable of

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

bulla /$bl/ noun a large blister (NOTE: The plu-

bulla

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

ral is bullae.)
a burning pain or in her chest.
bumetanide /bju%$metnad/ noun a drug
bumetanide

burr /b-%/ noun a bit used with a drill to make

burr
|

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

ing in the tissues

ing part of the usual structure of a joint such as the
bumper fracture /$b.mp !fr'kt/ noun a
bumper fracture

knee and elbow, where it protects against frequent

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

bundle branch block /$b.nd()l br%nt

bundle branch block

bursa, especially in the shoulder

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

conduction tissue form of hyoscine

bundle of His /!b.nd()l v $hs/ noun same as
bundle of His

butobarbitone /!bju%t$b%btn/ noun a

butobarbitone

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

successively at Leipzig, Basle, Gttingen and

Berlin.]
parts below the back, on which a person sits,
made up mainly of the gluteal muscles. Also
bunion /$b.njn/ noun an inflammation and
bunion

called nates
swelling of the big toe, caused by tight shoes buttonhole surgery /$b.t()nhl !s-%d+ri/
buttonhole surgery

which force the toe sideways so that a callus
develops over the joint between the toe and the
metatarsal
noun a surgical operation through a small hole in
the body, using an endoscope
bypass /$bap%s/ noun 1. a surgical operation
bypass

buphthalmos /b.f$'lms/ noun a type of

buphthalmos

|
to redirect the blood, usually using a grafted
congenital glaucoma occurring in infants blood vessel and usually performed when one of
bupivacaine /bju%$pvken/ noun a powerful
bupivacaine

| the persons own blood vessels is blocked 2. a

local anaesthetic, used in epidural anaesthesia new route for the blood created by a bypass oper-
buprenorphine /bju%$prenfi%n/ noun an opi-
buprenorphine

|
ation
ate drug used in the relief of moderate to severe byssinosis /!bs$nss/ noun a lung disease
byssinosis

pain, and as an opioid substitute in treating drug which is a form of pneumoconiosis caused by
addiction inhaling cotton dust
Nursing.fm Page 42 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
C
c symbol centi-
c caisson disease
C symbol Celsius
C
CABG abbreviation coronary artery bypass graft
CABG
cachet /$k'e/ noun a quantity of a drug
cachet
wrapped in paper, to be swallowed
cachexia /k'$keksi/ noun a state of ill health
cachexia
|
characterised by wasting and general weakness
cadaver /k$d'v/ noun a dead body, espe-
cadaver
cially one used for dissection
cadaveric /k$d'vrk/, cadaverous /k
cadaveric
| |
$d'v()rs/ adjective referring to a person who is
thin or wasting away
caecal /$si%k()l/ adjective referring to the cae-
caecal
cum
caecosigmoidostomy /!si%k!s1m
caecosigmoidostomy
| |
$dstmi/ noun an operation to open up a con-
nection between the caecum and the sigmoid
colon
caecostomy /si%$kstmi/ noun a surgical
caecostomy
|
operation to make an opening between the cae-
cum and the abdominal wall to allow faeces to be
passed without going through the rectum and
anus
caecum /$si%km/ noun the wider part of the
caecum
large intestine in the lower right-hand side of the
abdomen at the point where the small intestine
joins it and which has the appendix attached to it.
See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supple-
ment. Also called cecum (NOTE: The plural is
caeca.)
caesarean /s$zerin/, caesarean section
caesarean
|
/s$zerin !sekn/ noun a surgical operation to
|
deliver a baby by cutting through the abdominal
wall into the uterus. Compare vaginal delivery
caesium /$si%zim/ noun a radioactive element,
caesium
used in treatment by radiation (NOTE: The chem-
ical symbol is Cs.)
caesium-137 /!si%zim w.n ri% $sev()n/
caesium-137
noun a radioactive substance used in radiology
caf au lait spots /!k'fe $le spts/ plural
caf au lait spots
noun brown spots on the skin, which are an indi-
cation of von Recklinghausens disease
caffeine /$k'fi%n/ noun an alkaloid found in
caffeine
coffee, tea and chocolate, which acts as a stimu-
lant
caisson disease /$kes()n d!zi%z/ noun a
condition in which a person experiences pains in
the joints and stomach, and dizziness caused by
nitrogen in the blood. Also called the bends,
compressed air sickness, decompression
sickness
calamine /$k'lman/, calamine lotion
calamine
/$k'lman !l()n/ noun a lotion, based on
zinc oxide, which helps relieve skin irritation,
caused e.g. by sunburn or chickenpox
calc- /k'lk/ prefix same as calci- (used before
calc-
vowels)
calcaemia /k'l$si%mi/ noun a condition in
calcaemia
which the blood contains an unusually large
amount of calcium
calcaneal /k'l$kenil/ adjective referring to
calcaneal
|
the calcaneus
calcaneus /k'l$kenis/, calcaneum /k'l
calcaneus
| |
$kenim/ noun the heel bone, situated under-
neath the talus. See illustration at FOOT in Sup-
plement
calcareous degeneration /k'l!keris d
calcareous degeneration
| |
!d+en$re()n/ noun the formation of calcium
|
on bones or at joints in old age
calci- /k'ls/ prefix referring to calcium
calci-
calcification /!k'lsf$ke()n/ noun a proc-
calcification
ess of hardening caused by the formation of
deposits of calcium salts
calcified /$k'lsfad/ adjective made hard !
calcified
Bone is calcified connective tissue.
calcinosis /!k'ls$nss/ noun a medical con-
calcinosis
|
dition where deposits of calcium salts form in
joints, muscles and organs
calcitonin /!k'ls$tnn/ noun a hormone
calcitonin
|
produced by the thyroid gland, which is believed
to regulate the level of calcium in the blood. Also
called thyrocalcitonin
calcium /$k'lsim/ noun a metallic chemical
calcium
element which is a major component of bones and
teeth and which is essential for various bodily
processes such as blood clotting (NOTE: The
chemical symbol is Ca.)
calcium antagonist /$k'lsim 'n!t'1nst/
calcium antagonist
noun a drug which makes the arteries wider and
slows the heart rate. It is used in the treatment of
angina.
Nursing.fm Page 43 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
calcium channel blocker /$k'lsim
calcium channel blocker
!t'n()l !blk/, calcium blocker /$k'lsim
!blk/ noun a drug which affects the smooth
muscle of the cardiovascular system, used in the
treatment of angina and hypertension (NOTE: Cal-
cium channel blockers have names ending in
-dipine: nifedipine. Not to be used in heart fail-
ure as they reduce cardiac function further.)
calculosis /!k'lkj$lss/ noun a condition
calculosis
|
in which calculi exist in an organ
calculus /$k'lkjls/ noun a hard mass like a
calculus
little piece of stone, which forms inside the body.
Also called stone (NOTE: The plural is calculi.)
CaldwellLuc operation /!k%ldwel $lu%k
CaldwellLuc operation
p!re()n/ noun a surgical operation to drain
|
the maxillary sinus by making an incision above
the canine tooth [Described 1893. After George
Walter Caldwell (18341918), US physician;
Henri Luc (18551925), French laryngologist.]
calibrator /$k'lbret/ noun an instrument
calibrator
used to enlarge a tube or passage
caliectasis /!keli$ektss/ noun swelling of
caliectasis
the calyces
callisthenic /!k'ls$enk/ adjective relating
callisthenic
|
to callisthenics
callisthenics /!k'ls$enks/ plural noun ener-
callisthenics
| cancerophobia
getic physical exercises for improving fitness and
muscle tone, including push-ups, sit-ups and star
jumps
callosity /k$lsti/ noun a hard patch on the
callosity
|
skin, e.g. a corn, resulting from frequent pressure
or rubbing. Also called callus
callus /$k'ls/ noun 1. same as callosity 2. tis-
callus
sue which forms round a broken bone as it starts
to mend, leading to consolidation ! Callus for-
mation is more rapid in children and young adults
than in elderly people.
calor /$k'l/ noun heat
calor
caloric /k$lrk/ adjective referring to calories
caloric
or to heat
calorie /$k'lri/ noun 1. a unit of measurement
calorie
of heat or energy, equivalent to the amount of heat
needed to raise the temperature of 1g of water by
1C. Now called joule 2. also Calorie a unit of
measurement of energy in food (informal) ! a
low-calorie diet Now called joule # to count cal-
ories to be careful about how much you eat
calvaria /k'l$veri/, calvarium /k'l
calvaria
| |
$verim/ noun the top part of the skull
calyx /$kelks/ noun a part of the body shaped
calyx
like a cup especially the tube leading to a renal
pyramid. See illustration at KIDNEY in Supple-
ment (NOTE: The plural is calyces.)
CAM /!si% e $em/ abbreviation complementary
CAM
and alternative medicine
camphor /$k'mf/ noun white crystals with a
camphor
strong smell, made from a tropical tree, used to
keep insects away or as a liniment
43 canthoplasty
Campylobacter /$k'mpl!b'kt/ noun a
Campylobacter
bacterium which is a common cause of food poi-
soning in humans and of spontaneous abortion in
farm animals
canal /k$n'l/ noun a tube along which some-
canal
thing flows
canaliculitis /!k'nlkj$lats/ noun inflam-
canaliculitis
|
mation of the tear duct canal
canaliculus /!k'n$lkjls/ noun a little
canaliculus
|
canal, e.g. a canal leading to the Haversian sys-
tems in compact bone, or a canal leading to the
lacrimal duct (NOTE: The plural is canaliculi.)
cancellous bone /$k'nsls !bn/ noun a
cancellous bone
light spongy bone tissue which forms the inner
core of a bone and also the ends of long bones.
See illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in Supple-
ment
cancer /$k'ns/ noun a malignant growth or
cancer
tumour which develops in tissue and destroys it,
which can spread by metastasis to other parts of
the body and which cannot be controlled by the
body itself ! Cancer cells developed in the
lymph. ! She has been diagnosed as having lung
cancer or as having cancer of the lung. (NOTE:
For other terms referring to cancer, see words
beginning with carcin-.)
cancerophobia /!k'nsr$fbi/ noun a
|
fear of cancer
cancer phobia /$k'ns !fbi/ noun same as
cancer phobia
cancerophobia
cancrum oris /!k'krm $%rs/ noun severe
cancrum oris
ulcers in the mouth, leading to gangrene. Also
called noma
candidiasis /!k'nd$dass/, candidosis
candidiasis
|
/!k'nd$dss/ noun infection with a species of
|
the fungus Candida
canicola fever /k$nkl !fi%v/ noun a form
canicola fever
of leptospirosis, giving high fever and jaundice
canine /$kenan/, canine tooth /$kenan
canine
!tu%/ noun a pointed tooth next to an incisor. See
illustration at TEETH in Supplement
canities /k$nii%z/ noun a loss of pigments,
canities
|
which makes the hair turn white
cannabis /$k'nbs/ noun a drug made from
cannabis
the dried leaves or flowers of the Indian hemp
plant. Recreational use of cannabis is illegal and
its use to relieve the pain associated with condi-
tions such as multiple sclerosis is controversial.
Also called hashish, marijuana
cannula /$k'njl/ noun a tube with a trocar or
cannula
blunt needle inside, inserted into the body to
introduce fluids
canthal /$k'nl/ adjective referring to the cor-
canthal
ner of the eye
cantholysis /k'n$lss/ noun same as can-
cantholysis
thoplasty
canthoplasty /$k'npl'sti/ noun 1. an oper-
canthoplasty
ation to repair the canthus of the eye 2. an opera-
Nursing.fm Page 44 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
canthus
tion to cut through the canthus to enlarge the
groove in the eyelid
canthus /$k'ns/ noun a corner of the eye
canthus
cap /k'p/ noun 1. a covering which protects
cap
something 2. an artificial hard covering for a
damaged or broken tooth
CAPD abbreviation continuous ambulatory peri-
CAPD
toneal dialysis
capeline bandage /$k'plan !b'ndd+/
capeline bandage
noun a bandage shaped like a cap, either for the
head, or to cover a stump after amputation
capillary /k$plri/ noun a tiny blood vessel
capillary
|
between the arterioles and the venules, which car-
ries blood and nutrients into the tissues
capita /$k'pt/ plural of caput
capita
capitate /$k'ptet/, capitate bone /$k'ptet
capitate
!bn/ noun the largest of the eight small carpal
bones in the wrist. See illustration at HAND in
Supplement
capitellum /!k'p$telm/ noun a rounded
capitellum
enlarged part at the end of a bone, especially this
part of the upper arm bone, the humerus, that
forms the elbow joint with one of the lower bones,
the radius. Also called capitulum of humerus
(NOTE: The plural is capitella.)
capitulum /k$ptjlm/ noun the rounded end
capitulum
of a bone which articulates with another bone,
e.g. the distal end of the humerus (NOTE: The plu-
ral is capitula.)
capitulum of humerus /k!ptjlm v
capitulum of humerus
$hju%mrs/ noun same as capitellum
caplet /$k'plt/ noun a small oblong tablet with
caplet
a covering that dissolves easily and which usually
cannot be broken in two
capsular /$k'psjl/ adjective referring to a
capsular
capsule
capsule /$k'psju%l/ noun 1. a membrane round
capsule
an organ or joint 2. a small hollow digestible case
filled with a drug that is taken by swallowing !
She swallowed three capsules of painkiller. ! The
doctor prescribed the drug in capsule form.
capsulectomy /!k'psj$lektmi/ noun the
capsulectomy
|
surgical removal of the capsule round a joint
capsulitis /!k'psj$lats/ noun inflammation
capsulitis
| in carbon monoxide from tobacco smoke or car
of a capsule
capsulotomy /!k'psj$ltmi/ noun a surgi-
capsulotomy
| |
cal procedure involving cutting into the capsule
around a body part, e.g. cutting into the lens of the
eye during the removal of a cataract
captopril /$k'ptprl/ noun a drug which helps
captopril
to prevent the arteries from being made narrower
by an angiotensin. It is used to control high blood
pressure.
caput /$k'pt/ noun the head (NOTE: The plural
caput
is capita.)
carbamazepine /!k%b$m'zpi%n/ noun a
carbamazepine
| |
drug which reduces pain and helps to prevent con-
44
vulsions. It is used in the treatment of epilepsy,
pain and bipolar disorder.
carbenoxolone /!k%b$nksln/ noun a
carbenoxolone
liquorice agent, used to treat stomach ulcers
carbidopa /!k%b$dp/ noun an inhibitor
carbidopa
|
used to enable levodopa to enter the brain in
larger quantities in the treatment of Parkinsons
disease
carbimazole /k%$bmzl/ noun a drug
carbimazole
|
which helps to prevent the formation of thyroid
hormones, used in the management of hyperthy-
roidism
carbohydrate /!k%b$hadret/ noun 1. a
carbohydrate
|
biological compound containing carbon, hydro-
gen and oxygen. Carbohydrates derive from sugar
and are an important source of food and energy. 2.
food containing carbohydrates ! high carbohy-
drate drinks
carbolic acid /k%!blk $'sd/ noun same as
carbolic acid
phenol
carbon /$k%bn/ noun one of the common non-
carbon
metallic elements, an essential component of liv-
ing matter and organic chemical compounds
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is C.)
carbon dioxide /!k%bn da$ksad/ noun a
carbon dioxide
colourless gas produced by the bodys metabo-
lism as the tissues burn carbon, and breathed out
by the lungs as waste (NOTE: The chemical sym-
bol is CO2.)
carbon dioxide snow /!k%bn da!ksad
carbon dioxide snow
$sn/ noun solid carbon dioxide, used in treating
skin growths such as warts, or to preserve tissue
samples
carbonic anhydrase /k%!bnk 'n
carbonic anhydrase
| |
$hadrez/ noun an enzyme which acts as a buffer
and regulates the bodys water balance, including
gastric acid secretion and aqueous humour pro-
duction
carbon monoxide /!k%bn m$nksad/
carbon monoxide
|
noun a poisonous gas found in fumes from car
engines, from burning gas and cigarette smoke
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is CO.)
carboxyhaemoglobin /k%!bksihi%m
carboxyhaemoglobin
| | |
$1lbn/ noun a compound of carbon monoxide
and haemoglobin formed when a person breathes
exhaust fumes
carboxyhaemoglobinaemia /k%
carboxyhaemoglobinaemia
!bksihi%m!1lb$ni%mi/ noun the presence
| |
of carboxyhaemoglobin in the blood
carbuncle /$k%b.kl/ noun a localised sta-
carbuncle
phylococcal infection, which goes deep into the
tissue
carcin- /k%sn/ prefix same as carcino- (used
carcin-
before vowels)
carcino- /k%sn/ prefix referring to carcinoma
carcino-
or cancer
carcinogen /k%$snd+n/ noun a substance
carcinogen
which produces a carcinoma or cancer
Nursing.fm Page 45 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

45 cardiography

carcinogenesis /!k%sn$d+enss/ noun the cardiac index /!k%di'k $ndeks/ noun the
carcinogenesis cardiac index

process of forming a carcinoma in tissue cardiac output per square metre of body surface,
carcinogenic /!k%sn$d+enk/ adjective
carcinogenic

|
usually between 3.1 and 3.8l/min/m2 (litres per
causing a carcinoma or cancer minute per square metre)
cardiac infarction noun same as myocardial
cardiac infarction

carcinoid /$k%snd/, carcinoid tumour

carcinoid

/$k%snd !tju%m/ noun an intestinal tumour, infarction

especially in the appendix, which causes diar- cardiac monitor /!k%di'k $mnt/ noun
cardiac monitor

rhoea same as electrocardiograph

carcinoma /!k%s$nm/ noun a cancer of
carcinoma

cardiac murmur /!k%di'k $m-%m/ noun

cardiac murmur
|

the epithelium or glands same as heart murmur

carcinomatosis /!k%snm$tss/ noun a
carcinomatosis

cardiac muscle /$k%di'k !m.s()l/ noun a

cardiac muscle
|

carcinoma which has spread to many sites in the muscle in the heart which makes the heart beat
body
cardiac neurosis /!k%di'k nj$rss/ noun
cardiac neurosis

carcinomatous /!k%s$nmts/ adjective

carcinomatous

|
same as disordered action of the heart
referring to carcinoma
cardiac notch /!k%di'k $nt/ noun 1. a
cardiac notch

carcinosarcoma /!k%sns%$km/ noun

carcinosarcoma

|
point in the left lung, where the right inside wall
a malignant tumour containing elements of both a is bent. See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement
carcinoma and a sarcoma 2. a notch at the point where the oesophagus joins
cardia /$k%di/ noun an opening at the top of
cardia

the greater curvature of the stomach

the stomach which joins it to the gullet cardiac orifice /!k%di'k $rfs/ noun an
cardiac orifice

cardiac /$k%di'k/ adjective referring to the

cardiac

opening where the oesophagus joins the stomach

heart cardiac output /!k%di'k $atpt/ noun the
cardiac output

cardiac achalasia /!k%di'k !'k$lezi/

cardiac achalasia

|
volume of blood expelled by each ventricle in a
noun a condition in which the patient is unable to specific time, usually between 4.8 and 5.3l/min
relax the cardia, the muscle at the entrance to the (litres per minute)
stomach, with the result that food cannot enter the cardiac pacemaker /!k%di'k $pesmek/
cardiac pacemaker

stomach. ! cardiomyotomy noun an electronic device implanted on a

cardiac arrest /!k%di'k $rest/ noun a condi-
cardiac arrest

|
patients heart, or which a patient wears attached
tion in which the heart muscle stops beating to the chest, which stimulates and regulates the
cardiac asthma /!k%di'k $'sm/ noun diffi-
cardiac asthma

heartbeat
culty in breathing caused by heart failure cardiac reflex /!k%di'k $ri%fleks/ noun the
cardiac reflex

cardiac catheter /!k%di'k $k't/ noun a

cardiac catheter

reflex which controls the heartbeat automatically

catheter passed through a vein into the heart, to cardiac surgery /!k%di'k $s-%d+ri/ noun
cardiac surgery

take blood samples, to record pressure or to exam- surgery to the heart

ine the interior of the heart before surgery
cardiac tamponade /!k%di'k !t'mp$ned/
cardiac tamponade

cardiac catheterisation /!k%di'k

cardiac catheterisation |

noun pressure on the heart when the pericardial

!k'tra$ze()n/ noun a procedure which
|
cavity fills with blood. Also called heart tam-
involves passing a catheter into the heart ponade
cardiac cirrhosis /!k%di'k s$rss/ noun
cardiac cirrhosis

cardiac vein /$k%di'k ven/ noun one of the

cardiac vein
|

cirrhosis of the liver caused by heart disease veins which lead from the myocardium to the
cardiac compression /!k%di'k km
cardiac compression

|
right atrium
$pre()n/ noun the compression of the heart by
cardinal /!k%dn()l $n.mb/ adjective most
cardinal

fluid in the pericardium

important
cardiac conducting system /!k%di'k kn
cardiac conducting system

cardinal ligaments /!k%dn()l $l1mnts/

| cardinal ligaments

$d.kt !sstm/ noun the nerve system in the

plural noun ligaments forming a band of connec-
heart which links an atrium to a ventricle, so that
the two beat at the same rate tive tissue that extends from the uterine cervix and
vagina to the pelvic walls. Also called Macken-
cardiac cycle /!k%di'k $sak()l/ noun the
cardiac cycle

rodts ligaments
repeated beating of the heart, formed of the dias-
cardio- /k%di/ prefix referring to the heart
cardio-

tole and systole

cardiogenic /!k%di$d+enk/ adjective result-
cardiogenic

cardiac decompression /!k%di'k !di%km

cardiac decompression
|
|

$pre()n/ noun the removal of a haematoma or ing from activity or disease of the heart
cardiogram /$k%di1r'm/ noun a graph
cardiogram

constriction of the heart

cardiac failure /!k%di'k $felj/ noun same
cardiac failure
showing the heartbeat, produced by a cardiograph
cardiograph /$k%di1r%f/ noun an instru-
cardiograph

as heart failure
cardiac glycoside /!k%di'k $1laksad/
cardiac glycoside
ment which records the heartbeat
noun a drug used in the treatment of tachycardia cardiography /!k%di$1rfi/ noun the action
cardiography

and atrial fibrillation, e.g. digoxin of recording the heartbeat

Nursing.fm Page 46 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

cardiologist 46

cardiologist /!k%di$ld+st/ noun a doctor cardiovascular /!k%di$v'skjl/ adjec-

cardiologist cardiovascular

| |

who specialises in the study of the heart tive referring to the heart and the blood circulation
cardiology /!k%di$ld+i/ noun the study of
cardiology

|
system
the heart, its diseases and functions cardiovascular disease /!k%di$v'skjl
cardiovascular disease

cardiomegaly /!k%di$me1li/ noun an

cardiomegaly

|
d!zi%z/ noun any disease which affects the circu-
|

enlarged heart latory system, e.g. hypertension

cardiovascular system /!k%di$v'skjl
cardiovascular system

cardiomyopathy /!k%dima$pi/ noun a

cardiomyopathy
|
|

disease of the heart muscle !sstm/ noun the system of organs and blood
cardiomyoplasty /!k%di$ma!pl'sti/
cardiomyoplasty
vessels by means of which the blood circulates
round the body and which includes the heart,
| |

noun an operation to improve the functioning of

the heart, by using the latissimus dorsi as a stim- arteries and veins
cardioversion /!k%di$v-%()n/ noun a pro-
cardioversion

ulant |

cardiomyotomy /!k%dima$tmi/ noun

cardiomyotomy
cedure to correct an irregular heartbeat by apply-
ing an electrical impulse to the chest wall. ! defi-
|

an operation to treat cardiac achalasia by splitting

brillation
the ring of muscles where the oesophagus joins
carditis /k%$dats/ noun inflammation of the
carditis

the stomach. Also called Hellers operation |

cardiopathy /!k%di$pi/ noun any kind of

cardiopathy

|
connective tissue of the heart
care pathway /$ke !p%we/ noun the entire
care pathway

heart disease
cardiophone /$k%difn/ noun a micro-
cardiophone
process of diagnosis, treatment and care that a
phone attached to a patient to record sounds, usu- patient goes through
care plan /$ke pl'n/ noun a plan drawn up by
care plan

ally used to record the heart of an unborn baby

cardioplegia /!k%di$pli%d+i/ noun the
cardioplegia
the nursing staff for the treatment of an individual
patient
|

stopping of a patients heart, by chilling it or using

caries /$keri%z/ noun decay in a tooth or bone
caries

drugs, so that heart surgery can be performed

carina /k$ri%n/ noun a structure shaped like
carina

cardiopulmonary /!k%di$p.lmn()ri/
cardiopulmonary
|
|

adjective relating to both the heart and the lungs the bottom of a boat, e.g. the cartilage at the point
cardiopulmonary
cardiopulmonary bypass

bypass /!k%di |
where the trachea branches into the bronchi
cariogenic /!keri$d+enk/ adjective refer-
cariogenic

!p.lmn()ri $bap%s/ noun a machine or |

method for artificially circulating the patients ring to a substance which causes caries
blood during open-heart surgery. The heart and carminative /$k%mntv/ noun a substance
carminative

lungs are cut off from the circulation and replaced which relieves colic or indigestion " adjective
by a pump. relieving colic or indigestion
cardiopulmonary resuscitation /!k%di carneous mole /!k%nis $ml/ noun matter
cardiopulmonary resuscitation carneous mole

!p.lmn()ri r!s.s$te()n/ noun an emer-

| | in the uterus after the death of a fetus
gency technique to make a persons heart start carotenaemia /!k'rt$ni%mi/ noun an
carotenaemia

beating again. It involves clearing the airways and excessive amount of carotene in the blood, usu-
then alternately pressing on the chest and breath- ally as a result of eating too many carrots or toma-
ing into the mouth. Abbreviation CPR toes, which gives the skin a yellow colour. Also
cardiopulmonary system /!k%di called xanthaemia
cardiopulmonary system

$p.lmn()ri !sstm/ noun the heart and lungs carotene /$k'rti%n/ noun an orange or red pig-
carotene

considered together as a functional unit ment in carrots, egg yolk and some oils, which is
cardioscope /$k%diskp/ noun an instru- converted by the liver into vitamin A
cardioscope

ment formed of a tube with a light at the end, used carotid /k$rtd/, carotid artery /k!rtd
carotid

| |

to inspect the inside of the heart $%tri/ noun either of the two large arteries in the
cardiospasm /$k%disp'z()m/ noun same neck which supply blood to the head
cardiospasm

as cardiac achalasia carotid artery thrombosis /k!rtd !%tri

carotid artery thrombosis

cardiothoracic /!k%di$r'sk/ adjective rm$bss/ noun the formation of a blood clot

cardiothoracic

| |

referring to the heart and the chest region ! a car- in the carotid artery
diothoracic surgeon carp- /k%p/ prefix same as carpo- (used before
carp-

cardiotocography /!k%dit$k1rfi/ vowels)

cardiotocography

| |

noun the recording of the heartbeat of a fetus carpal /$k%p()l/ adjective referring to the wrist
carpal

cardiotomy /!k%di$tmi/ noun an operation

cardiotomy

carpal bones /$k%p()l bnz/, carpals

carpal bones
|

that involves cutting the wall of the heart /$k%p()lz/ plural noun the eight bones which
cardiotomy syndrome /!k%di$tmi make up the carpus or wrist. See illustration at
cardiotomy syndrome

!sndrm/ noun fluid in the membranes round HAND in Supplement

the heart after cardiotomy carpal tunnel release /!k%p()l $t.n()l r
carpal tunnel release

cardiotoxic /!k%di$tksk/ adjective which !li%s/ noun an operation to relieve the compres-
cardiotoxic

is toxic to the heart sion of the median nerve

Nursing.fm Page 47 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
47
carpal tunnel syndrome /!k%p()l $t.n()l
carpal tunnel syndrome
!sndrm/ noun a condition, usually affecting
women, in which the fingers tingle and hurt at
night. It is caused by compression of the median
nerve.
carphology /k%$fld+i/ noun the action of
carphology
|
pulling at the bedclothes, a sign of delirium in
typhoid and other fevers. Also called floccitation
carpo- /k%p/ prefix referring to the wrist
carpo-
carpometacarpal joint /!k%pmet
carpometacarpal joint
| |
$k%p()l d+nt/ noun one of the joints between
the carpals and metacarpals. Also called CM joint
carpopedal spasm /!k%ppi%d()l
carpopedal spasm
$sp'z()m/ noun a spasm in the hands and feet
caused by lack of calcium
carpus /$k%ps/ noun the bones by which the
carpus
lower arm is connected to the hand. Also called
wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement
(NOTE: The plural is carpi.)
carrier /$k'ri/ noun 1. a person who carries
carrier
bacteria of a disease in his or her body and who
can transmit the disease to others without show-
ing any signs of being infected with it ! Ten per
cent of the population are believed to be unwitting
carriers of the bacteria. 2. an insect which carries
disease and infects humans 3. a healthy person
who carries a chromosome variation that gives
rise to a hereditary disease such as haemophilia or
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
cartilage /$k%tld+/ noun thick connective tis-
cartilage
sue which lines and cushions the joints and which
forms part of the structure of an organ. Cartilage
in small children is the first stage in the formation
of bones.
cartilaginous /!k%t$l'd+ns/ adjective
cartilaginous
|
made of cartilage
cartilaginous joint /!k%t$l'd+ns d+nt/
cartilaginous joint
noun 1. primary cartilaginous joint same as
synchondrosis 2. secondary cartilaginous
joint same as symphysis
caruncle /k$r.kl/ noun a small swelling
caruncle
cascara /k'$sk%r/, cascara sagrada /k'
cascara
| |
!sk%r s$1r%d/ noun a laxative made from
|
the bark of a tropical tree
case /kes/ noun a single occurrence of a disease
case
! There were two hundred cases of cholera in the
recent outbreak.
caseation /!kesi$e()n/ noun the process by
caseation
which dead tissue decays into a firm and dry
mass. It is characteristic of tuberculosis.
case control study /kes kn$trl !st.di/
case control study
|
noun an investigation in which a group of patients
with a disease are compared with a group without
the disease in order to study possible causes
case history /$kes !hst()ri/ noun details of
case history
what has happened to a patient undergoing treat-
ment
casein /$kesin/ noun one of the proteins found
casein
in milk
catarrh
caseinogen /!kesi$nd+n/ noun the main
caseinogen
protein in milk, from which casein is formed
Caseys model /$kesiz !md()l/ noun a
Caseys model
model for the care of child patients, where the
parents are involved in the treatment
castor oil /!k%str $l/ noun a plant oil which
castor oil
acts as a laxative
castration /k'$stre()n/ noun the surgical
castration
removal of the sexual organs, usually the testicles,
in males
casualty /$k'+ulti/ noun 1. a person who has
casualty
had an accident or who is suddenly ill ! The fire
caused several casualties. ! The casualties were
taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital. 2.
also casualty department same as accident
and emergency department ! The accident
victim was rushed to casualty.
casualty ward /$k'+ulti w%d/ noun same as
casualty ward
accident ward
CAT /k't/ noun same as computerised axial
CAT
tomography
cata- /k't/ prefix downwards
cata-
catabolic /!k't$blk/ adjective referring to
catabolic
|
catabolism
catabolism /k$t'blz()m/ noun the process
catabolism
|
of breaking down complex chemicals into simple
chemicals
catalase /$k'tlez/ noun an enzyme present in
catalase
the blood and liver which catalyses the break-
down of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxy-
gen
catalepsy /$k'tlepsi/ noun a condition often
catalepsy
associated with schizophrenia, where a person
becomes incapable of sensation, the body is rigid
and he or she does not move for long periods
catalyse /$k'tlaz/ verb to act as a catalyst and
catalyse
help make a chemical reaction take place (NOTE:
The US spelling is catalyze.)
catalyst /$k'tlst/ noun a substance which
catalyst
produces or helps a chemical reaction without
itself changing ! an enzyme which acts as a cat-
alyst in the digestive process
catalytic /!k't$ltk/ adjective referring to
catalytic
|
catalysis
catamenia /!k't$mi%ni/ noun menstruation
catamenia
|
(technical)
cataplexy /$k'tpleksi/ noun a condition in
cataplexy
which a persons muscles become suddenly rigid
and he or she falls without losing consciousness,
possibly caused by a shock
cataract /$k'tr'kt/ noun a condition in which
cataract
the lens of the eye gradually becomes hard and
opaque
cataractous lens /!k't$r'kts !lenz/ noun
cataractous lens
a lens on which a cataract has formed
catarrh /k$t%/ noun inflammation of the
catarrh
mucous membranes in the nose and throat, creat-
ing an excessive amount of mucus
Nursing.fm Page 48 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
catatonia
catatonia /!k't$tni/ noun a condition in
catatonia
| |
which a psychiatric patient is either motionless or
shows violent reactions to stimulation
catatonic /!k't$tnk/ adjective referring to
catatonic
behaviour in which a person is either motionless
or extremely violent
catchment area /$k'tmnt !eri/ noun an
catchment area
area around a hospital which is served by that hos-
pital
catecholamines /k't$klmi%nz/ plural
catecholamines
| |
noun the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline
which are released by the adrenal glands
catgut /$k't1.t/ noun a thread made from part
catgut
of the intestines of sheep, now usually artificially
hardened, used to sew up cuts made during sur-
gery
catharsis /k$%ss/ noun purgation of the
catharsis
|
bowels
cathartic /k$%tk/ adjective laxative or pur-
cathartic
gative
catheter /$k't/ noun a tube passed into the
catheter
body along one of the passages in the body
catheterisation /!k'tra$ze()n/, cathe-
catheterisation
|
terization noun the act of putting a catheter into
a patients body
CAT scan /$k't sk'n/, CT scan /!si% $ti%
CAT scan
sk'n/ noun same as CT scan
cat-scratch disease /$k't skr't d!zi%z/,
cat-scratch disease
| -cele
cat-scratch fever /$k't skr't !fi%v/ noun an
illness in which the patient has a fever and swol-
len lymph glands, thought to be caused by a bac-
terium transmitted to humans by the scratch of a
cat. It may also result from scratching with other
sharp points.
cauda equina /!k%d $kwan/ noun a group
cauda equina
|
of nerves which go from the spinal cord to the
lumbar region and the coccyx
caudal /$k%d()l/ adjective (in humans) refer-
caudal
ring to the cauda equina
caudal anaesthetic /!k%d()l !'ns$etk/
caudal anaesthetic
|
noun an anaesthetic, injected into the base of the
spine to remove feeling in the lower part of the
body. It is often used in childbirth.
caudal analgesia /!k%d()l !'n()l$d+i%zi/
caudal analgesia
noun a method of pain relief that involves inject-
ing an anaesthetic into the base of the spine to
remove feeling in the lower part of the body
caul /k%l/ noun 1. a membrane which some-
caul
times covers a babys head at birth 2. same as
omentum
causalgia /k%$z'ld+/ noun burning pain in a
causalgia
|
limb, caused by a damaged nerve
causal organism /!k%z()l $%1nz()m/
causal organism
noun an organism that causes a particular disease
caustic /$k%stk/ noun a chemical substance
caustic
that destroys tissues that it touches " adjective
corrosive and destructive
48
cauterisation /!k%tra$ze()n/, cauteriza-
cauterisation
tion noun the act of cauterising ! The growth
was removed by cauterisation.
cauterise /$k%traz/, cauterize verb to use
cauterise
burning, radiation or laser beams to remove tissue
or to stop bleeding
cautery /$k%tri/ noun a surgical instrument
cautery
used to cauterise a wound
cavernous /$k'vns/ adjective hollow
cavernous
cavitation /!k'v$te()n/ noun the forming
cavitation
of a cavity
cavity /$k'vti/ noun a hole or space inside the
cavity
body
cc abbreviation cubic centimetre
cc
CCU abbreviation coronary care unit
CCU
CD4 /!si% di% $f%/ noun a compound consisting
CD4
of a protein combined with a carbohydrate which
is found in some cells and helps to protect the
body against infection # CD4 count a test used to
monitor how many CD4 cells have been
destroyed in people with HIV
CDH abbreviation congenital dislocation of the
CDH
hip
cefaclor /$sefkl%/ noun an antibacterial drug
cefaclor
used to treat septicaemia
cefotaxime /!sef$t'ksi%m/ noun a synthetic
cefotaxime
|
cephalosporin used to treat bacterial infection by
pseudomonads
-cele /si%l/ suffix referring to a swelling
cell /sel/ noun a tiny unit of matter which is the
cell
base of all plant and animal tissue (NOTE: For
other terms referring to cells, see words begin-
ning with cyt-, cyto-.)
cellular /$seljl/ adjective 1. referring to cells,
cellular
or formed of cells 2. made of many similar parts
connected together
cellulite /$seljlat/ noun lumpy deposits of
cellulite
subcutaneous fat, especially in the thighs and but-
tocks
cellulitis /!selj$lats/ noun a usually bacterial
cellulitis
|
inflammation of connective tissue or of the subcu-
taneous tissue
cellulose /$seljls/ noun a carbohydrate
cellulose
which makes up a large percentage of plant matter
Celsius /$selsis/ noun a metric scale of tem-
Celsius
perature on which 0 is the point at which water
freezes and 100 is the point at which water boils
under average atmospheric conditions. Also
called centigrade. ! Fahrenheit (NOTE: It is
usually written as a C after the degree sign:
52C (say: fifty-two degrees Celsius).)
[Described 1742. After Anders Celsius (1701
44), Swedish astronomer and scientist.]
Celsius temperature /$selsis !temprt/
Celsius temperature
noun temperature as measured on the Celsius
scale
CEMACH /$si%m'/ noun a UK research project
CEMACH
investigating the causes of infant deaths and still-
Nursing.fm Page 49 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

49 cerebral infarction
births. Full form Confidential Enquiry into centrum /$sentrm/ noun the central part of an
centrum

Maternal and Child Health organ (NOTE: The plural is centra.)

cement /s$ment/ noun 1. an adhesive used in
cement

cephal- /sefl/ prefix same as cephalo- (used

cephal-
|

dentistry to attach a crown to the base of a tooth before vowels)

2. same as cementum cephalalgia /!sef$l'ld+/ noun same as
cephalalgia

cementum /s$mentm/ noun a layer of thick

cementum

|
headache
hard material which covers the roots of teeth cephalexin /!sef$leksn/ noun an antibiotic
cephalexin

census /$senss/ noun a systematic count or

census

used to treat infections of the urinary system or

survey respiratory tract
-centesis /senti%ss/ suffix puncture
-centesis

cephalhaematoma /!seflhi%m$tm/
cephalhaematoma

| |

centi- /senti/ prefix one hundredth (10-2). Sym-

centi-

noun a swelling found mainly on the head of

bol c babies delivered with forceps
centigrade /$sent1red/ noun same as Cel-
centigrade

cephalic /s$f'lk/ adjective referring to the

cephalic

sius head
centile chart /$sental t%t/ noun a chart
centile chart

cephalo- /sefl/ prefix referring to the head

cephalo-

showing the number of babies who fall into each cephalocele /$seflsi%l/ noun a swelling
cephalocele

percentage category, as regards, e.g., birth weight caused by part of the brain passing through a
centilitre /$sentli%t/ noun a unit of measure-
centilitre

weak point in the bones of the skull

ment of liquid equal to one hundredth of a litre. cephalogram /$sefl1r'm/ noun an X-ray
cephalogram

Symbol cl photograph of the bones of the skull

centimetre /$sentmi%t/ noun a unit of meas-
centimetre

cephalometry /!sef$lmtri/ noun measure-

cephalometry

urement of length equal to one hundredth of a

|

ment of the head

metre. Symbol cm
cephalopelvic disproportion /!sefl
cephalopelvic disproportion

central /$sentrl/ adjective referring to the cen-

central
|

tre !pelvk !dspr$p%()n/ noun a condition in

|

which the pelvic opening of the mother is not

central line /$sentrl lan/ noun a catheter
central line

large enough for the head of the fetus

inserted through the neck, used to monitor central
cephalosporin /!sefl$sp%rn/ noun a drug
cephalosporin

venous pressure in conditions such as shock |

where fluid balance is severely upset used in the treatment of bacterial infection
cephradine /$sefrdi%n/ noun an antibacterial
cephradine

central nervous system /!sentrl $n-%vs

central nervous system

!sstm/ noun the brain and spinal cord which drug used to treat sinusitis and urinary tract infec-
link together all the nerves tions
cerclage /s-%$kl%+/ noun the act of tying things
cerclage

central temperature /!sentrl $temprt/

central temperature
|

noun the temperature of the brain, thorax and together with a ring
cerebellar /!ser$bel/ adjective referring to
cerebellar

abdomen, which is constant |

central venous pressure /!sentrl $vi%ns

central venous pressure
the cerebellum
!pre/ noun blood pressure in the right atrium of cerebellar cortex /!serbel $k%teks/ noun
cerebellar cortex

the heart, which can be measured by means of a the outer covering of grey matter which covers the
catheter cerebellum
centrifugal /!sentr$fju%1()l, sen$trfj1()l/ cerebellum /!ser$belm/ noun a section of the
centrifugal cerebellum

| | |

adjective moving away from the centre hindbrain, located at the back of the head beneath
centrifugation /!sentrfju%$1e()n/, centri-
centrifugation

|
fuging /$sentrfju%d+/ noun the process of
separating the components of a liquid in a centri-
the back part of the cerebrum. See illustration at
BRAIN in Supplement
cerebr- /serbr/ prefix same as cerebro- (used
cerebr-

fuge before vowels)

centrifuge /$sentrfju%d+/ noun a device to cerebral /$serbrl/ adjective referring to the
centrifuge cerebral

separate the components of a liquid by rapid spin- cerebrum or to the brain in general
ning cerebral dominance /!serbrl $dmnns/
cerebral dominance

centriole /$sentril/ noun a small structure

centriole

noun the usual condition where the centres for

found in the cytoplasm of a cell, which involved various functions are located in one cerebral hem-
in forming the spindle during cell division isphere
centripetal /!sentr$pi%t()l, sen$trpt()l/
centripetal

cerebral haemorrhage /!serbrl

cerebral haemorrhage
| |

adjective moving towards the centre $hem()rd+/ noun bleeding inside the brain from
centromere /$sentrm/ noun a constricted a cerebral artery. Also called brain haemor-
centromere

part of a chromosome, seen as a cell divides rhage

centrosome /$sentrsm/ noun the structure cerebral infarction /!serbrl n$f%kn/
centrosome cerebral infarction

in the cytoplasm of a cell, near the nucleus, and noun the death of brain tissue as a result of reduc-
containing the centrioles tion in the blood supply to the brain
Nursing.fm Page 50 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
cerebral ischaemia
cerebral ischaemia /!serbrl $ski%mi/
cerebral ischaemia
| |
noun failure in the blood supply to the brain
cerebral palsy /!serbrl $p%lzi/ noun a dis-
cerebral palsy
order mainly due to brain damage occurring
before birth, or due to lack of oxygen during birth,
associated with poor coordination of muscular
movements, impaired speech, hearing and sight,
and sometimes mental impairment (NOTE: Pre-
mature babies are at higher risk.)
cerebral peduncle /!serbrl p$d.k()l/
cerebral peduncle
noun a mass of nerve fibres connecting the cere-
bral hemispheres to the midbrain. See illustration
at BRAIN in Supplement
cerebral thrombosis /!serbrl rm
cerebral thrombosis
| |
$bss/ noun same as cerebrovascular acci-
dent
cerebration /!ser$bre()n/ noun brain activ-
cerebration
|
ity
cerebro- /serbr/ prefix referring to the cere-
cerebro-
brum
cerebrospinal /!serbr$span()l/ adjective
cerebrospinal
|
referring to the brain and the spinal cord
cerebrospinal fever /!serbrspan()l
cerebrospinal fever
|
$fi%v/ noun same as meningococcal meningi-
tis
cerebrospinal fluid /!serbrspan()l
cerebrospinal fluid
| changes in the cells of the cervix which may lead
$flu%d/ noun fluid which surrounds the brain and
the spinal cord. Abbreviation CSF
COMMENT: CSF is found in the space be-
tween the arachnoid mater and pia mater of
the brain, within the ventricles of the brain
and in the central canal of the spinal cord. It
consists mainly of water, with some sugar
and sodium chloride. Its function is to cush-
ion the brain and spinal cord and it is contin-
ually formed and absorbed to maintain the
correct pressure.
cerebrovascular /!serbr$v'skjl/
cerebrovascular
adjective referring to the blood vessels in the
brain
cerebrovascular accident /!serbr
cerebrovascular accident
| cervical smear
!v'skjlr $'ksd()nt/ noun a sudden block-
ing of or bleeding from a blood vessel in the brain
resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis or
death. Also called stroke
cerebrum /s$ri%brm/ noun the largest part of
cerebrum
|
the brain, formed of two sections, the cerebral
hemispheres, which run along the length of the
head. The cerebrum controls the main mental
processes, including the memory. Also called tel-
encephalon
cerumen /s$ru%men/ noun wax which forms
cerumen
| |
inside the ear. Also called earwax
ceruminous gland /s$ru%mns !1l'nd/
ceruminous gland
noun a gland which secretes earwax. See illustra-
tion at EAR in Supplement
cervic- /s-%vk/ prefix same as cervico- (used
cervic-
before vowels)
50
cervical /$s-%vk()l, s$vak()l/ adjective
cervical
referring to the neck
cervical canal /!s-%vk()l k$n'l/ noun a
cervical canal
tube running through the cervix, from the point
where the uterus joins the vagina to the entrance
of the uterine cavity. Also called cervicouterine
canal
cervical cancer /!s-%vk()l $k'ns/ noun a
cervical cancer
cancer of the cervix of the uterus
cervical collar /!s-%vk()l $kl/ noun a spe-
cervical collar
cial strong orthopaedic collar to support the head
of a person with neck injuries or a condition such
as cervical spondylosis
cervical erosion /!s-%vk()l $r+()n/
cervical erosion
noun a condition in which the epithelium of the
mucous membrane lining the cervix uteri extends
outside the cervix
cervical ganglion /!s-%vk()l $1'1lin/
cervical ganglion
noun one of the bundles of nerves in the neck
cervical incompetence /!s-%vk()l
cervical incompetence
$nkmpt()ns/ noun a dysfunction of the cer-
vix of the uterus which is often the cause of spon-
taneous abortions and premature births and can be
remedied by Shirodkars operation
cervical intraepithelial
cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
neoplasia
/!s-%vk()l ntrep!i%lil !ni%$ple+/ noun
| |
to cervical cancer. Abbreviation CIN
cervical nerve /!s-%vk()l $n-%v/ noun spinal
cervical nerve
nerve in the neck
cervical node /!s-%vk()l $nd/ noun lymph
cervical node
node in the neck
cervical plexus /!s-%vk()l $plekss/ noun a
cervical plexus
group of nerves in front of the vertebrae in the
neck, which lead to nerves supplying the skin and
muscles of the neck, and also the phrenic nerve
which controls the diaphragm
cervical rib /!s-%vk()l $rb/ noun an extra rib
cervical rib
sometimes found attached to the vertebrae above
the other ribs and which may cause thoracic outlet
syndrome
cervical smear /!s-%vk()l $sm/ noun a test
for cervical cancer, where cells taken from the
mucus in the cervix of the uterus are examined
cervical spondylosis /!s-%vk()l !spnd
cervical spondylosis
|
$lss/ noun a degenerative change in the neck
bones. ! spondylosis
cervical vertebrae /!s-%vk()l $v-%tbri%/
cervical vertebrae
plural noun the seven bones which form the neck
cervicectomy /!s-%v$sektmi/ noun the sur-
cervicectomy
gical removal of the cervix uteri
cervicitis /!s-%v$sats/ noun inflammation of
cervicitis
the cervix uteri
cervico- /s-%vk/ prefix referring to the neck
cervico-
cervicouterine canal /!s-%vk!ju%tran
cervicouterine canal
k$n'l/ noun same as cervical canal
|
cervix /$s-%vks/ noun 1. any narrow neck of an
cervix
organ 2. the neck of the uterus, the narrow lower
Nursing.fm Page 51 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

51 chemotaxis
part of the uterus leading into the vagina. Also chart /t%t/ noun a record of information
chart

called cervix uteri shown as a series of lines or points on graph paper

CESDI abbreviation Confidential Enquiry into ! a temperature chart
CESDI

Stillbirths and Deaths in Infancy. ! CEMACH charting /$t%t/ noun the preparation and
charting

cesium /$si%zim/ noun US same as caesium

cesium
updating of a hospital patients chart by nurses
and doctors
cetrimide /$setrmad/ noun a mixture of
cetrimide

CHC abbreviation 1. child health clinic 2. com-

CHC

ammonium compounds, used in disinfectants and

antiseptics munity health council
CHD abbreviation coronary heart disease
CHD

CFT abbreviation complement fixation test

CFT

check-up /$tek .p/ noun a general examina-

check-up

chafe /tef/ verb to rub something, especially to

chafe

rub against the skin ! The rough cloth of the col- tion by a doctor or dentist ! She went for a check-
lar chafed the girls neck. up. ! He had a heart check-up last week.
cheek /ti%k/ noun 1. one of two fleshy parts of
cheek

Chagas disease /$%1s d!zi%z/ noun a type

Chagas disease

the face on each side of the nose 2. either side of

|

of sleeping sickness found in South America,

the buttocks (informal)
transmitted by insect bites which pass trypano-
cheekbone /$ti%kbn/ noun an arch of bone
cheekbone

somes into the bloodstream. Children are mainly

affected and if untreated the disease can cause in the face beneath the cheek which also forms the
fatal heart block in early adult life. [Described lower part of the eye socket
cheil- /kal/ prefix same as cheilo- (used before
cheil-

1909. After Carlos Chagas (18791934), Brazil-

ian scientist and physician.] vowels)
CHAI abbreviation Commission for Healthcare cheilitis /ka$lats/ noun inflammation of the
CHAI cheilitis

Audit and Improvement lips

cheilo- /kal/ prefix referring to the lips
cheilo-

chalasia /t$lezi/ noun an excessive relaxa-

chalasia

tion of the oesophageal muscles, which causes cheiloschisis /!kal$ass/ noun a double
cheiloschisis

regurgitation cleft upper lip

chalazion /k$lezin/ noun same as meibo- cheilosis /ka$lss/ noun swelling and cracks
chalazion cheilosis

| |

mian cyst on the lips and corners of the mouth caused by

chalone /$keln, $k'ln/ noun a hormone
chalone
lack of vitamin B
cheiro- /ker/ prefix referring to the hand
cheiro-

which stops a secretion, as opposed to those hor-

mones which stimulate secretion cheiropompholyx /!ker$pmflks/ noun
cheiropompholyx

chancre /$'k/ noun a sore on the lip, penis a disorder of the skin in which tiny blisters appear
chancre

or eyelid which is the first symptom of syphilis on the palms of the hand
chelating agent /$ki%let !ed+nt/ noun a
chelating agent

chancroid /$'krd/ noun a venereal sore

chancroid

with a soft base, situated in the groin or on the
genitals and caused by the bacterium Haemo-
philus ducreyi. Also called soft chancre
chemical compound which can combine with
some metals, used as a treatment for metal poi-
soning
chemical symbol /!kemk()l $smbl/ noun
chemical symbol

characterise /$k'rktraz/, characterize

characterise

verb to be a typical or special quality or feature of letters which represent a chemical substance !
something or someone ! The disease is charac- Na is the symbol for sodium.
terised by the development of lesions throughout chemistry /$kemstri/ noun the study of sub-
chemistry

the body. stances, elements and compounds and their reac-

charcoal /$t%kl/ noun a highly absorbent
charcoal
tions with each other
chemo /$ki%m/ chemotherapy
chemo

substance, formed when wood is burnt in the noun

absence of oxygen, used to relieve diarrhoea or (informal)
intestinal gas and in cases of poisoning chemo- /kem, ki%m/ prefix referring to
chemo-

Charcots joint /!%kz $d+nt/ noun a chemistry

Charcots joint

joint which becomes deformed because the chemoreceptor /!ki%mr$sept/ noun a cell
chemoreceptor

patient cannot feel pain in it when the nerves have
been damaged by syphilis, diabetes or leprosy
[Described 1868. After Jean-Martin Charcot
(182593), French neurologist.]
Charcots triad /!%kz $tra'd/ noun three
Charcots triad
which responds to the presence of a chemical
compound by activating a nerve, e.g. a taste bud
reacting to food or cells in the carotid body react-
ing to lowered oxygen and raised carbon dioxide
in the blood

symptoms of multiple sclerosis: rapid eye move- chemosis /ki%$mss/ noun swelling of the
chemosis

ment, tremor and scanning speech conjunctiva

Charnley clamps /!t%nli $kl'mps/ plural chemotaxis /!ki%m$t'kss/ noun the move-
Charnley clamps chemotaxis

noun metal clamps fixed to a rod through a bone ment of a cell when it is attracted to or repelled by
to hold it tight a chemical substance
Nursing.fm Page 52 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
chemotherapeutic agent
chemotherapeutic agent /!ki%mer
chemotherapeutic agent
| |
$pju%tk !ed+nt/ noun a chemical substance
used to treat a disease
chemotherapy /!ki%m$erpi/ noun the use
chemotherapy
of drugs such as antibiotics, painkillers or antisep-
tic lotions to fight a disease, especially using toxic
chemicals to destroy rapidly developing cancer
cells
chest /test/ noun 1. the upper front part of the
chest
body between the neck and stomach. Also called
thorax 2. same as thorax (NOTE: For other terms
referring to the chest, see pectoral and words
beginning with steth-, thorac-, thoraco-.)
chest pain /$test pen/ noun pain in the chest
chest pain
which may be caused by heart disease
chesty /$testi/ adjective having phlegm in the
chesty
lungs, or having a tendency to chest complaints
CheyneStokes respiration /!ten $stks
CheyneStokes respiration
resp!re()n/, CheyneStokes breathing
|
/!ten $stks !bri%/ noun irregular breath-
ing, usually found in people who are unconscious,
with short breaths gradually increasing to deep
breaths, then reducing again, until breathing
appears to stop
chiasm /$ka'z()m/, chiasma /ka$'zm/
chiasm
|
noun " optic chiasma
chickenpox /$tkn!pks/ noun an infectious
chickenpox
| |
disease of children, with fever and red spots
which turn into itchy blisters. Also called vari-
cella
Chief Medical Officer /ti%f $medk()l
Chief Medical Officer
!fs/ noun in the UK, a government official
responsible for all aspects of public health.
Abbreviation CMO
Chief Nursing Officer /!ti%f $n-%s !fs/
Chief Nursing Officer
noun in the UK, an official appointed by the
Department of Health to advise Government Min-
isters and provide leadership to nurses and mid-
wives. Abbreviation CNO
chilblain /$tlblen/ noun a condition in which
chilblain
the skin of the fingers, toes, nose or ears becomes
red, swollen and itchy because of exposure to
cold. Also called erythema pernio
child /tald/ noun a young boy or girl. Child is
child
the legal term for a person under 14 years of age.
(NOTE: The plural is children. For other terms
referring to children, see words beginning with
paed-, paedo- or ped-, pedo-.)
child abuse /$tald !bju%s/ noun cruel treat-
child abuse
|
ment of a child by an adult, including physical
and sexual harm
childbirth /$taldb-%/ noun the act of giving
childbirth
birth. Also called parturition
child health clinic /!tald $hel !klnk/ noun
child health clinic
a special clinic for checking the health and devel-
opment of small children under school age.
Abbreviation CHC
childminder /$taldmand/ noun somebody
childminder
who looks after other peoples children in his or
52
her own home, especially when the parents or
guardians are working
child protection /!tald pr$tekn/ noun the
child protection
measures taken to avoid abuse, neglect or exploi-
tation of any kind towards children
children /$tldrn/ plural of child
children
chill /tl/ noun a short illness causing a feeling
chill
of being cold and shivering, usually the sign of the
beginning of a fever, of flu or a cold
Chinese medicine /!tani%z $med()sn/
Chinese medicine
noun a system of diagnosis, treatment and pre-
vention of illness developed in China over many
centuries. It uses herbs, minerals and animal
products, exercise, massage and acupuncture.
Chinese restaurant syndrome /!tani%z
Chinese restaurant syndrome
$rest()rnt !sndrm/ noun an allergic condi-
tion which gives people severe headaches after
eating food flavoured with monosodium gluta-
mate (informal)
chiro- /kar/ prefix referring to the hand
chiro-
chiropodist /k$rpdst/ noun a person who
chiropodist
|
specialises in treatment of minor disorders of the
feet
chiropody /k$rpdi/ noun the study and treat-
chiropody
|
ment of minor diseases and disorders of the feet
chiropractic /!kar$pr'ktk/ noun the treat-
chiropractic
ment and prevention of disorders of the neu-
romusculoskeletal system by making adjustments
primarily to the bones of the spine
chiropractor /$kar!pr'kt/ noun a person
chiropractor
who treats musculoskeletal disorders by making
adjustments primarily to the bones of the spine
chiropracty /$kar!pr'kti/ noun same as
chiropracty
chiropractic (informal)
Chlamydia /kl$mdi/ noun a bacterium that
Chlamydia
causes trachoma and urogenital diseases in
humans and psittacosis in birds, which can be
transmitted to humans. It is currently a major
cause of sexually transmitted disease.
chloasma /kl$'zm/ noun the presence of
chloasma
|
brown spots on the skin from various causes
chlor- /kl%r/ prefix same as chloro- (used
chlor-
before vowels)
chlorambucil /kl%r$'mbjsl/ noun a drug
chlorambucil
|
which is toxic to cells, used in cancer treatment
chloramphenicol /!kl%r'm$fenkl/ noun a
chloramphenicol
powerful antibiotic which sometimes causes the
collapse of blood cell production, so is used only
for treating life-threatening diseases such as men-
ingitis
chlordiazepoxide /!kl%da!'zi$pksad/
chlordiazepoxide
| |
noun a yellow crystalline powder, used as a tran-
quilliser and treatment for alcoholism
chlorhexidine /kl%$heksdi%n/ noun a disin-
chlorhexidine
|
fectant mouthwash
chlorination /!kl%r$ne()n/ noun sterilisa-
chlorination
tion by adding chlorine
Nursing.fm Page 53 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

53 cholesterol

chlorine /$kl%ri%n/ noun a powerful greenish cholecalciferol /!klk'l$sfrl/ noun a form

chlorine cholecalciferol

gas, used to sterilise water (NOTE: The chemical of vitamin D found naturally in fish-liver oils and
symbol is Cl.) egg yolks
chlormethiazole /!kl%me$azl/ noun a cholecystectomy /!kls$stektmi/ noun the
chlormethiazole cholecystectomy

| |

sedative used in the treatment of people with alco- surgical removal of the gall bladder
holism cholecystitis /!kls$stats/ noun inflamma-
cholecystitis

chloro- /kl%r/ prefix referring to chlorine

chloro-

tion of the gall bladder

chloroform /$klrf%m/ noun a powerful drug cholecystoduodenostomy
chloroform

/!klsst
cholecystoduodenostomy

formerly used as an anaesthetic !dju%d$nstmi/ noun a surgical operation to

|

chloroma /kl%$rm/ noun a bone tumour join the gall bladder to the duodenum to allow bile
chloroma

associated with acute leukaemia to pass into the intestine when the main bile duct
chlorosis /kl%$rss/ noun a type of severe
chlorosis

|
is blocked
cholecystography /!kls$st1rfi/ noun an
cholecystography

anaemia due to iron deficiency, affecting mainly |

young girls X-ray examination of the gall bladder

chlorothiazide /!kl%r$azad/ noun a cholecystokinin /!klsst$kann/ noun a
chlorothiazide cholecystokinin

| |

drug which helps the body to produce more urine, hormone released by cells at the top of the small
used in the treatment of high blood pressure, intestine. It stimulates the gall bladder, making it
swelling and heart failure contract and release bile.
chloroxylenol /!kl%r$zalnl/ noun a cholecystotomy /!kls$sttmi/ noun a sur-
chloroxylenol cholecystotomy

| |

chemical used as an antimicrobial agent in skin gical operation to make a cut in the gall bladder,
creams and in disinfectants usually to remove gallstones
chlorpheniramine /!kl%fen$armi%n/, chlo- choledoch- /kledk/ prefix referring to the
chlorpheniramine choledoch-

rpheniramine maleate /!kl%fenarmi%n | common bile duct

$m'liet/ noun an antihistamine drug choledocholithiasis /k!ledkl$ass/
choledocholithiasis

| | |

chlorpromazine hydrochloride /kl%

chlorpromazine hydrochloride

| noun same as cholelithiasis

!prmzi%n !hadr$kl%rad/ noun a drug |
choledocholithotomy
choledocholithotomy

/k!ledkl | | |

used to treat schizophrenia and other psychoses $tmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove a
chlorpropamide /kl%$prpmad/ noun a
chlorpropamide

| gallstone by cutting into the bile duct

drug which lowers blood sugar, used in the treat- choledochostomy /k!led$kstmi/ noun a
choledochostomy

| |

ment of diabetes surgical operation to make an opening in a bile

chlorthalidone /kl%$'ldn/ noun a diu-
chlorthalidone

| duct
retic choledochotomy /kled$ktmi/ noun a
choledochotomy

choana /$kn/ noun any opening shaped

choana

surgical operation to make a cut in the common

like a funnel, especially the one leading from the bile duct to remove gallstones
nasal cavity to the pharynx (NOTE: The plural is cholelithiasis /!kll$ass/ noun a condi-
cholelithiasis

choanae.) tion in which gallstones form in the gall bladder

chocolate cyst /!tklt $sst/ noun an ovar-
chocolate cyst

or bile ducts. Also called choledocholithiasis

ian cyst containing old brown blood cholelithotomy /!kll$tmi/ noun the sur-
cholelithotomy

chol- /kl/ prefix same as chole- (used before

chol-

gical removal of gallstones by cutting into the gall

vowels) bladder
cholaemia /k$li%mi/ noun the presence of an
cholaemia

cholera /$klr/ noun a serious bacterial dis-

cholera
|

unusual amount of bile in the blood ease spread through food or water which has been
cholagogue /$kl11/ noun a drug which infected by Vibrio cholerae ! A cholera epidemic
cholagogue

encourages the production of bile broke out after the flood.

cholangiocarcinoma /k!l'nd+i!k%s choleresis /k$lrss/ noun the production of
cholangiocarcinoma choleresis

| | | |

$nm/ noun a rare cancer of the cells of the bile bile by the liver
ducts choleretic /!kl$retk/ adjective referring to a
choleretic

cholangiography /k!l'nd+i$1rfi/ noun an

cholangiography

| | substance which increases the production and

X-ray examination of the bile ducts and gall blad- flow of bile
der cholestasis /!kl$stess/ noun a condition in
cholestasis

cholangiolitis /k!l'nd+i$lats/ noun

cholangiolitis

| |
which all bile does not pass into the intestine but
inflammation of the small bile ducts some remains in the liver and causes jaundice
cholangiopancreatography /k!l'nd+i
cholangiopancreatography

cholesteatoma /k!lesti$tm/ noun a cyst

cholesteatoma
| |
| |

!p'kri$t1rfi/ noun an X-ray examination of containing some cholesterol found in the middle
the bile ducts and pancreas ear and also in the brain
cholangitis /!kl'n$d+ats/ noun inflamma-
cholangitis

cholesterol /k$lestrl/ noun a fatty sub-

cholesterol
|
|

tion of the bile ducts stance found in fats and oils, also produced by the
chole- /kli/ prefix referring to bile liver and forming an essential part of all cells
chole-
Nursing.fm Page 54 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

cholesterolaemia 54

cholesterolaemia /k!lestr$lemi/ noun a chorionic gonadotrophin /k%ri!nk

cholesterolaemia chorionic gonadotrophin

| | |

high level of cholesterol in the blood !1nd$trfn/ noun " human chorionic
|

cholesterosis /k!lest$rss/ noun inflam-

cholesterosis

| |
gonadotrophin
chorionic villi /k%ri!nk $vla/ plural noun
chorionic villi

mation of the gall bladder with deposits of choles- |

terol tiny finger-like folds in the chorion

chorionic villus sampling /k%ri!nk $vls
chorionic villus sampling

cholic acid /!klk $'sd/ noun one of the bile

cholic acid

acids !s%mpl/ noun an antenatal screening test car-

choline /$kli%n/ noun a compound involved in
choline
ried out by examining cells from the chorionic
fat metabolism and the precursor for acetylcho- villi of the outer membrane surrounding an
line embryo, which have the same DNA as the fetus
choroid /$k%rd/ noun the middle layer of tis-
choroid

cholinergic /!kl$n-%d+k/ adjective refer-

cholinergic

sue which forms the eyeball, between the sclera

|

ring to a neurone or receptor which responds to

and the retina. See illustration at EYE in Supple-
acetylcholine
ment
cholinesterase /!kl$nestrez/ noun an
cholinesterase

choroiditis /!k%r$dats/ noun inflammation

choroiditis
|

enzyme which breaks down a choline ester

|

of the choroid in the eyeball

choluria /k$ljri/ noun same as biliuria
choluria

choroidocyclitis /k%!rdsa$klats/
choroidocyclitis
|
| | |

chondr- /kndr/ prefix referring to cartilage

chondr-

noun inflammation of the choroids and ciliary

chondritis /kn$drats/ noun inflammation of
chondritis

|
body
a cartilage Christmas disease /$krsms d!zi%z/ noun
Christmas disease

chondroblast /$kndrbl'st/ noun a cell

chondroblast
same as haemophilia B [After Mr Christmas, the
from which cartilage develops in an embryo person in whom the disease was first studied in
detail.]
chondrocalcinosis /!kndr!k'ls$nss/
chondrocalcinosis

Christmas factor /$krsms !f'kt/ noun

| | Christmas factor

noun a condition in which deposits of calcium

phosphate are found in articular cartilage same as Factor IX
chrom- /krm/ prefix same as chromo- (used
chrom-

chondrocyte /$kndrsat/ noun a mature

chondrocyte

cartilage cell before vowels)

-chromasia /krmezi/ suffix referring to col-
-chromasia

chondrodysplasia /!kndrds$plezi/
chondrodysplasia

our
| |

noun a hereditary disorder of cartilage which is

chromatid /$krmtd/ noun one of two par-
chromatid

linked to dwarfism
allel filaments making up a chromosome
chondrodystrophy /!kndr$dstrfi/ noun
chondrodystrophy

chromatin /$krmtn/ noun a network which

chromatin

any disorder of cartilage

forms the nucleus of a cell and can be stained with
chondroma /kn$drm/ noun a tumour
chondroma

|
basic dyes
formed of cartilaginous tissue
chromatography /!krm$t1rfi/ noun a
chromatography

chondromalacia /!kndrm$le/ noun

chondromalacia |

|
method of separating chemicals through a porous
degeneration of the cartilage of a joint medium, used in analysing compounds and mix-
chondrosarcoma /!kndrs%$km/
chondrosarcoma

| | tures
noun a malignant, rapidly growing tumour chromatophore /kr$m'tf%/ noun any
chromatophore

involving cartilage cells pigment-bearing cell in the eyes, hair and skin
chorda /$k%d/ noun a cord or tendon (NOTE:
chorda

chromic acid /!krmk $'sd/ noun an unsta-

chromic acid

The plural is chordae.) ble acid existing only in solution or in the form of
chordee /$k%di%/ noun a painful condition
chordee

a salt, sometimes used in the removal of warts

where the erect penis is curved, a complication of chromicised catgut /!krmsazd $k't1.t/
chromicised catgut

gonorrhoea noun catgut which is hardened with chromium to

chorditis /k%$dats/ noun inflammation of the make it slower to dissolve in the body
chorditis

vocal cords chromium /$krmim/ noun a metallic trace

chromium

chordotomy /k%$dtmi/ noun a surgical element (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Cr.)
chordotomy

operation to cut a cord such as a nerve pathway in chromo- /krm/ prefix referring to colour
chromo-

the spinal cord in order to relieve intractable pain chromosomal /!krm$sm()l/ adjective
chromosomal

chorea /k%$ri%/ noun a sudden severe twitch-

chorea

| referring to chromosomes
ing, usually of the face and shoulders, which is a chromosome /$krmsm/ noun a rod-
chromosome

symptom of disease of the nervous system shaped structure in the nucleus of a cell, formed
chorion /$k%rin/ noun a membrane covering
chorion

of DNA, which carries the genes

the fertilised ovum chromosome mapping /$krmsm
chromosome mapping

chorionic /!k%ri$nk/ adjective referring to !m'p/ noun a procedure by which the position
chorionic

the chorion of genes on a chromosome is established

Nursing.fm Page 55 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

55 cineplasty

chronic /$krnk/ adjective 1. referring to a dis- chyle /kal/ noun a fluid in the lymph vessels in
chronic chyle

ease or condition which lasts for a long time ! He the intestine, which contains fat, especially after a
has a chronic chest complaint. Opposite acute 2. meal
referring to serious pain (informal) chylomicron /!kal$makrn/ noun a parti-
chylomicron

chronic abscess /!krnk $'bses/ noun an cle of chyle present in the blood
chronic abscess

abscess which develops slowly over a period of chyluria /ka$ljri/ noun the presence of
chyluria

time chyle in the urine

chronic appendicitis /!krnk !pend
chronic appendicitis

chyme /kam/ noun a semi-liquid mass of food

chyme
| |

$sats/ noun a condition in which the vermiform and gastric juices, which passes from the stomach
appendix is always slightly inflamed. ! grum- to the intestine
bling appendix
chymotrypsin /!kam$trpsn/ noun an
chymotrypsin

chronic catarrhal rhinitis /!krnk k!t%rl

chronic catarrhal rhinitis

|
enzyme which digests protein
ra$nats/ noun a persistent form of inflamma-
|
Ci abbreviation curie
Ci

tion of the nose where excess mucus is secreted

cicatrix /$sktrks/ noun same as scar
cicatrix

by the mucous membrane

-ciclovir /sklv/ suffix used in the names of
-ciclovir

chronic fatigue syndrome /!krnk f$ti%1

chronic fatigue syndrome

!sndrm/ noun same as myalgic encephalo- antiviral drugs

-cide /sad/ suffix referring to killing
-cide

myelitis
chronic granulomatous disease /!krnk cilia /$sli/ plural of cilium
chronic granulomatous disease cilia

!1r'nj$lmts d!zi%z/ noun a type of ciliary /$sliri/ adjective referring to cilia

ciliary
| |

inflammation where macrophages are converted ciliary body /$sliri !bdi/ noun the part of the
ciliary body

into epithelial-like cells as a result of infection, as eye which connects the iris to the choroid. See
in tuberculosis or sarcoidosis illustration at EYE in Supplement
chronic obstructive airways disease
chronic obstructive airways disease

ciliary ganglion /!sliri $1'1lin/ noun a

ciliary ganglion

/!krnk b!str.ktv $ewez d!zi%z/ noun

| |
parasympathetic ganglion in the orbit of the eye,
abbreviation COAD. Now called chronic supplying the intrinsic eye muscles
obstructive pulmonary disease
ciliary muscle /$sliri !m.s()l/ noun a mus-
ciliary muscle

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

cle which makes the lens of the eye change its

/!krnk b!str.ktv $p.lmn()ri d!zi%z/
| |
shape to focus on objects at different distances.
noun any of a group of progressive respiratory See illustration at EYE in Supplement
disorders where someone experiences loss of lung
ciliary processes /!sliri $prsesz/ plural
ciliary processes

function and shows little or no response to steroid

or bronchodilator drug treatments, e.g. emphy- noun the ridges behind the iris to which the lens
sema and chronic bronchitis. Abbreviation COPD of the eye is attached
ciliated epithelium /!slietd ep$i%lim/
ciliated epithelium

chronic pancreatitis /!krnk p'kri

chronic pancreatitis
|

noun simple epithelium where the cells have tiny

|

$tats/ noun a persistent inflammation occurring

after repeated attacks of acute pancreatitis, where hairs or cilia
cilium /$slim/ noun 1. an eyelash 2. one of
cilium

the gland becomes calcified

chronic periarthritis /!krnk peri%$rats/
chronic periarthritis
many tiny hair-like processes which line cells in
passages in the body and by moving backwards
|

noun inflammation of tissues round the shoulder

joint. Also called scapulohumeral arthritis and forwards drive particles or fluid along the
passage (NOTE: The plural is cilia.)
chronic pericarditis /!krnk perik%$dats/
chronic pericarditis

-cillin /sln/ suffix used in the names of penicil-

| -cillin

noun a condition in which the pericardium

becomes thickened and prevents the heart from lin drugs ! amoxycillin
cimetidine /s$metdi%n/ noun a drug which
cimetidine

functioning normally. Also called constrictive |

pericarditis reduces the production of stomach acid, used in

Chronic Sick and Disabled Persons Act
Chronic Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
peptic ulcer treatment
cimex /$sameks/ noun a bedbug or related
cimex

1970 /krnk !sk n ds!eb()ld $p-%s()nz |

'kt/ noun an Act of Parliament in the UK which insect which feeds on birds, humans and other
provides benefits such as alterations to their mammals (NOTE: The plural is cimices.)
homes for people with long-term conditions CIN abbreviation cervical intraepithelial neopla-
CIN

chronic toxicity /!krnk tk$ssti/ noun

chronic toxicity

|
sia
exposure to harmful levels of a toxic substance -cin /sn/ suffix referring to aminoglycosides !
-cin

over a period of time gentamicin

chrysotherapy /!kras$erpi/ noun treat- cinematics /!sn$m'tks/ noun the science of
chrysotherapy cinematics

| |

ment which involves gold injections movement, especially of body movements

Chvosteks sign /t$vsteks san/ noun an cineplasty /$snpl'sti/ noun an amputation
Chvosteks sign cineplasty

indication of tetany, where a spasm is produced if where the muscles of the stump of the amputated
the facial muscles are tapped limb are used to operate an artificial limb
Nursing.fm Page 56 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

cineradiography 56

cineradiography /!sniredi$1rfi/ noun the acid metabolism, which takes place in the mito-
cineradiography

practice of taking a series of X-ray photographs chondria in the cell. Also called Krebs cycle
for diagnosis, or to show how something moves or citrulline /$strli%n, $strlan/ noun an amino
citrulline

develops in the body acid

cinesiology /s!ni%si$ld+i/ noun the study of
cinesiology

CJD abbreviation Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

CJD
| |

muscle movements, particularly in relation to cl abbreviation centilitre

cl

treatment
clamp /kl'mp/ noun a surgical instrument to
clamp

cinnarizine /$snrzi%n/ noun an antihista-

cinnarizine

hold something tightly, e.g. a blood vessel during

minic used to treat Mnires disease an operation " verb to hold something tightly
ciprofloxacin /!sapr$flkssn/ noun a
ciprofloxacin

clap /kl'p/ noun same as gonorrhoea (slang)

clap
|

powerful antibiotic used in eye drops to treat cor-

classification /!kl'sf$ke()n/ noun the
classification

neal ulcers and surface infections of the eye, and |

in the treatment of anthrax in humans work of putting references or components into

order so as to be able to refer to them again and
circadian /s-%$kedin/ adjective referring to a
circadian

identify them easily ! the ABO classification of

|

pattern which is repeated approximately every 24

blood
hours
claudication /!kl%d$ke()n/ noun the fact
claudication

circle of Willis /!s-%k()l v $wls/ noun a cir-

circle of Willis
|

cle of branching arteries at the base of the brain of limping or being lame
claustrophobia /!kl%str$fbi/ noun a fear
claustrophobia

formed by the basilar artery, the anterior and pos- |

terior cerebral arteries, the anterior and posterior of enclosed spaces or crowded rooms. Compare
communicating arteries and the internal carotid agoraphobia
arteries [Described 1664. After Thomas Willis claustrophobic /!kl%str$fbk/ adjective
claustrophobic

(162175), English physician and anatomist.] afraid of being in enclosed spaces or crowded
circulatory system
circulatory system

/!s-%kj$let()ri |
rooms. Compare agoraphobic
!sstm/ noun a system of arteries and veins, clavicle /$kl'vk()l/ noun same as collarbone
clavicle

together with the heart, which makes the blood clavicular /kl$vkjl/ adjective referring to
clavicular

circulate around the body the clavicle

circum- /s-%km/ prefix around
circum-

clavus /$klevs/ noun 1. a corn on the foot 2.

clavus

circumcision /!s-%km$s+()n/ noun the sur-

circumcision

| severe pain in the head, like a nail being driven in

gical removal of the foreskin of the penis claw foot /!kl% $ft/ noun a deformed foot with
claw foot

circumduction /!s-%km$d.kn/ noun the

circumduction

|
the toes curved towards the instep and with a very
action of moving a limb so that the end of it makes high arch. Also called pes cavus
a circular motion claw hand /!kl% $h'nd/ noun a deformed hand
claw hand

circumflex /$s-%kmfleks/ adjective bent or

circumflex

with the fingers, especially the ring finger and lit-

curved tle finger, bent towards the palm, caused by paral-
circumoral /!s-%km$%rl/ adjective referring ysis of the muscles
circumoral

to rashes surrounding the lips clean /kli%n/ adjective 1. free from dirt, waste
clean

circumvallate papillae /s-%km!v'let p products or unwanted substances 2. sterile or free

circumvallate papillae

| |

$pli%/ plural noun large papillae at the base of the from infection ! a clean dressing ! a clean
tongue, which have taste buds wound 3. not using recreational drugs
cirrhosis /s$rss/ noun a progressive dis- cleavage /$kli%vd+/ noun the repeated division
cirrhosis cleavage

ease of the liver, often associated with alcoholism, of cells in an embryo

in which healthy cells are replaced by scar tissue cleavage lines /$kli%vd+ !lanz/ plural noun
cleavage lines

cirrhotic /s$rtk/ adjective referring to cirrho-

cirrhotic

| same as Langers lines

sis ! The patient had a cirrhotic liver. cleft /kleft/ noun a small opening or hollow
cleft

cirs- /s-%s/ prefix referring to dilation

cirs-

place in a surface or body part " adjective refer-

cirsoid /$s-%sd/ adjective referring to a vari- ring to a surface or body part which has separated
cirsoid

cose vein which is dilated into two or more sections

cisplatin /ss$pletn/ noun a chemical sub- cleft foot /!kleft $ft/ noun same as talipes
cisplatin cleft foot

stance which may help fight cancer by binding to cleft lip /!kleft $lp/ noun a congenital condition
cleft lip

DNA. It is used in the treatment of ovarian and in which the upper lip fails to form in the usual
testicular cancer. way during fetal development. Also called hare-
cistern /$sstn/, cisterna /s$st-%n/ noun a lip
cistern

space containing fluid cleft palate /!kleft $p'lt/ noun a congenital

cleft palate

citric acid /!strk $'sd/ noun an acid found in condition in which the palate does not fuse during
citric acid

fruit such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit fetal development, causing a gap between the
citric acid cycle /!strk $'sd !sak()l/ noun
citric acid cycle
mouth and nasal cavity in severe cases
an important series of events concerning amino cleido- /klad/ prefix referring to the clavicle
cleido-
Nursing.fm Page 57 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
cleidocranial dysostosis /!kladkrenil
cleidocranial dysostosis
!dss$tss/ noun a hereditary bone malforma-
| noun the study of disease as applied to the treat-
tion, with protruding jaw, lack of collarbone and
malformed teeth
client /$klant/ noun a person visited by a
client
health visitor or social worker
climacteric /kla$m'ktrk/ noun a period of
climacteric
|
diminished sexual activity in a man who reaches
middle age
climax /$klam'ks/ noun 1. an orgasm 2. the
climax
point where a disease is at its worst " verb to have
an orgasm
clindamycin /!klnd$masn/ noun a powerful
clindamycin
|
antibiotic used to treat severe infections and acne
clinic /$klnk/ noun 1. a small hospital or a
clinic
department in a large hospital which deals only
with out-patients or which specialises in the treat-
ment of particular medical conditions ! He is
being treated in a private clinic. ! She was
referred to an antenatal clinic. 2. a group of stu-
dents under a doctor or surgeon who examine
patients and discuss their treatment
clinical /$klnk()l/ adjective 1. referring to the
clinical
physical assessment and treatment of patients by
doctors, as opposed to a surgical operation, a lab-
oratory test or experiment 2. referring to instruc-
tion given to students at the bedside of patients as
opposed to class instruction with no patient
present 3. referring to a clinic
clinical audit /!klnk()l $%dt/ noun an eval-
clinical audit
uation of the standard of clinical care
clinical care /!klnk()l $ke/ noun the care
clinical care
and treatment of patients in hospital wards or in
doctors surgeries
clinical effectiveness /!klnk()l
clinical effectiveness
|
$fektvns/ noun the ability of a procedure or
treatment to achieve the desired result
clinical governance
clinical governance
/!klnk()l
$1.v()nns/ noun the responsibility given to
doctors to coordinate audit, research, education,
use of guidelines and risk management to develop
a strategy to raise the quality of medical care
Clinical Management Plan /!klnk()l
Clinical Management Plan
$m'nd+mnt !pl'n/ noun a comprehensive
statement of a patients condition that details what
medicines and treatments may be used in ongoing
care, forming part of the patients records
clinical medicine /!klnk()l $med()s()n/
clinical medicine
noun the study and treatment of patients in a hos-
pital ward or in the doctors surgery, as opposed to
in the operating theatre or laboratory
clinical nurse manager /!klnk()l $n-%s
clinical nurse manager
!m'nd+/ noun the administrative manager of
the clinical nursing staff of a hospital
clinical nurse specialist /!klnk()l n-%s
clinical nurse specialist
$spe()lst/ noun a nurse who specialises in a
particular branch of clinical care
57 clotting factors
clinical pathology /!klnk()l p$ld+i/
clinical pathology
ment of patients
clinical psychologist /!klnk()l sa
clinical psychologist
$kld+st/ noun a psychologist who studies and
treats sick patients in hospital
clinical trial /!klnk()l $tral/ noun a trial
clinical trial
carried out in a medical laboratory on a person or
on tissue from a person
clinician /kl$n()n/ noun a doctor, usually
clinician
|
not a surgeon, who has considerable experience in
treating patients
clinodactyly /!klan$d'ktli/ noun the per-
clinodactyly
manent bending of a finger to one side
clip /klp/ noun a piece of metal with a spring,
clip
used to attach things together
clitoris /$kltrs/ noun a small erectile female
clitoris
sex organ, situated at the anterior angle of the
vulva, which can be excited by sexual activity.
See illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (FEMALE)
in Supplement
cloaca /kl$ek/ noun the end part of the
cloaca
|
hindgut in an embryo
clomipramine /kl$mprmi%n/ noun a drug
clomipramine
|
used to treat depression, phobias and obsessive-
compulsive disorder
clonazepam /kl$n'zp'm/ noun a drug
clonazepam
|
used to treat epilepsy
clone /kln/ noun a group of cells derived from
clone
a single cell by asexual reproduction and so iden-
tical to the first cell " verb to reproduce an indi-
vidual organism by asexual means
clonic /$klnk/ adjective referring to clonus
clonic
clonic spasms /!klnk $sp'z()mz/ plural
clonic spasms
noun spasms which recur regularly
clonidine /$klndi%n/ noun a drug which
clonidine
relaxes and widens the arteries, used in the treat-
ment of hypertension, migraine headaches and
heart failure
clonus /$klns/ noun the rhythmic contrac-
clonus
tion and relaxation of a muscle, usually a sign of
upper motor neurone lesions
closed fracture /!klzd $fr'kt/ noun same
closed fracture
as simple fracture
Clostridium /kl$strdim/ noun a type of bac-
Clostridium
teria
clot /klt/ noun a soft mass of coagulated blood
clot
in a vein or an artery ! The doctor diagnosed a
blood clot in the brain. ! Blood clots occur in
thrombosis. " verb to change from a liquid to a
semi-solid state, or to cause a liquid to do this !
His blood does not clot easily. (NOTE: clotting
clotted)
clotrimazole /kl$trmzl/ noun a drug used
clotrimazole
to treat yeast and fungal infections
clotting /$klt/ noun the action of coagulating
clotting
clotting factors /!klt $f'ktz/ plural noun
clotting factors
substances in plasma, called Factor I, Factor II,
Nursing.fm Page 58 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

clubbing 58
and so on, which act one after the other to make cocci /$kki/ plural of coccus
cocci

the blood coagulate when a blood vessel is dam- coccus /$kks/ noun a bacterium shaped like a
coccus

aged ball (NOTE: The plural is cocci.)

COMMENT: Deficiency in one or more of the
coccy- /kksi/ prefix referring to the coccyx
coccy-

clotting factors results in haemophilia.

coccydynia /!kksi$dni/ noun a sharp pain in
coccydynia

clubbing /$kl.b/ noun a thickening of the

clubbing
|

ends of the fingers and toes, a sign of many differ- the coccyx, usually caused by a blow. Also called
ent diseases coccygodynia
coccygeal vertebrae /kk!sd+il
coccygeal vertebrae

club foot /!kl.b $ft/ noun same as talipes

club foot
|

cluster headache /$kl.st !hedek/ noun a

cluster headache
$v-%tbre/ plural noun the fused bones in the
headache which occurs behind one eye for a short coccyx
coccyges /kk$sad+i%z/ plural of coccyx
coccyges

period |

Cluttons joint /$kl.t()nz !d+nt/ noun a coccygodynia /!kksi1$dni/ noun same

Cluttons joint coccygodynia

swollen knee joint occurring in congenital syphi- as coccydynia

lis [Described 1886. After Henry Hugh Clutton coccyx /$kksks/ noun the lowest bone in the
coccyx

(18501909), surgeon at St Thomass Hospital, backbone (NOTE: The plural is coccyges.)

London, UK]
cochlea /$kkli/ noun a spiral tube inside the
cochlea

cm abbreviation centimetre
cm

inner ear, which is the essential organ of hearing.

CMHN abbreviation community mental health
CMHN

See illustration at EAR in Supplement (NOTE:

nurse The plural is cochleae.)
CM joint /!si% $em d+nt/ noun same as car-
CM joint

cochlear /$kkli/ adjective referring to the

cochlear

pometacarpal joint cochlea

CMO abbreviation Chief Medical Officer
CMO

cochlear implant /!kkli $mpl%nt/ noun a

cochlear implant

CMV abbreviation cytomegalovirus

CMV

type of hearing aid for profound hearing loss

C/N abbreviation charge nurse
C/N

Cochrane database /!kkrn $detbes/

Cochrane database

CNS abbreviation central nervous system noun a database of regular reviews carried out on
CNS

coagulant /k$'1jlnt/ noun a substance

coagulant

|
research
which can make blood clot code /kd/ noun 1. a system of numbers, letters
code

coagulase /k$'1jlez/ noun an enzyme

coagulase

|
or symbols used to represent language or infor-
produced by a staphylococcal bacteria which mation 2. same as genetic code " verb 1. to
makes blood plasma clot convert instructions or data into another form 2.
coagulate /k$'1jlet/ verb to change from
coagulate
(of a codon or gene) to provide the genetic infor-
mation which causes a specific amino acid to be
|

liquid to semi-solid, or cause a liquid to do this !

His blood does not coagulate easily. ! clot produced ! Genes are sections of DNA that code
for a specific protein sequence.
coagulation /k!'1j$le()n/ noun the
coagulation

codeine /$kdi%n/, codeine phosphate

| | codeine

action of clotting
/!kdi%n $fsfet/ noun a common painkilling
coagulum /k$'1jlm/ noun same as blood
coagulum

|
drug that can also be used to suppress coughing
clot (NOTE: The plural is coagula.) and in the treatment of diarrhoea
coalesce /!k$les/ verb to combine, or to
coalesce

code of conduct /!kd v $knd.kt/ noun a

code of conduct
|

cause things to combine, into a single body or

set of general rules showing how a group of peo-
group
ple such as doctors or nurses should work
coalescence /!k$les()ns/ noun the proc-
coalescence

cod liver oil /!kd lvr $l/ noun a fish oil

| cod liver oil

ess by which wound edges come together when

healing which is rich in calories and vitamins A and D
-coele /si%l/ suffix referring to a hollow (NOTE:
-coele

coarctation /!k%k$te()n/ noun the proc-

coarctation

ess of narrowing The US spelling is usually -cele.)

coeli- /si%li/ prefix same as coelio- (used before
coeli-

coat /kt/ noun a layer of material covering an

coat

organ or a cavity " verb to cover something with vowels) (NOTE: The US spelling is usually celi-.)
something else coeliac /$si%li'k/ adjective referring to the
coeliac

coated tongue /!ktd $t./ noun same as

coated tongue
abdomen
furred tongue coeliac artery /!si%li'k $%tri/, coeliac axis
coeliac artery

cobalt /$kb%lt/ noun a metallic element /!si%li'k $'kss/ noun the main artery in the
cobalt

(NOTE: The chemical symbol is Co.) abdomen leading from the abdominal aorta and
cocaine /k$ken/ noun a narcotic drug not
cocaine

|
dividing into the left gastric, hepatic and splenic
generally used in medicine because its use leads arteries. Also called coeliac trunk
coeliac disease /!si%li'k d$zi%z/ noun same
coeliac disease

to addiction, but sometimes used as a surface |

anaesthetic as gluten-induced enteropathy

Nursing.fm Page 59 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
59
coeliac ganglion /!si%li'k $1'1lin/ noun a
coeliac ganglion
ganglion on each side of the origins of the dia-
phragm, connected with the coeliac plexus
coeliac trunk /!si%li'k $tr.k/ noun same as
coeliac trunk
coeliac artery
coelio- /si%li/ prefix referring to a hollow, usu-
coelio-
ally the abdomen
coelioscopy /!si%li$skpi/ noun an examina-
coelioscopy
| |
tion of the peritoneal cavity by inflating the abdo-
men with sterile air and passing an endoscope
through the abdominal wall (NOTE: The plural is
coelioscopies.)
coffee ground vomit /$kfi 1rand !vmt/
coffee ground vomit
noun vomit containing dark pieces of blood, indi-
cating that the person is bleeding from the stom-
ach or upper intestine
cognition /k1$n()n/ noun the mental action
cognition
|
or process of gaining knowledge by using your
mind or your senses, or knowledge gained in this
way
cognitive /$k1ntv/ adjective referring to the
cognitive
mental processes of perception, memory, judg-
ment and reasoning ! a cognitive impairment
cognitive disorder /!k1ntv ds$%d/ noun
cognitive disorder
impairment of any of the mental processes of per-
ception, memory, judgment and reasoning
cognitive therapy /!k1ntv $erpi/ noun a
cognitive therapy
treatment of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety
or depression which encourages people to deal
with their negative ways of thinking
cohort /$kh%t/ noun a group of people shar-
cohort
ing a particular characteristic such as age or gen-
der who are studied in a scientific or medical
investigation
cohort study /$kh%t !st.di/ noun an inves-
cohort study
tigation in which a group of people are classified
according to their exposure to various risks and
studied over a period of time to see if they develop
a specific disease, in order to evaluate the links
between risk and disease
coil /kl/ noun a device fitted into a womans
coil
uterus as a contraceptive
cold /kld/ adjective not warm or hot " noun
cold
an illness, with inflammation of the nasal pas-
sages, in which someone sneezes and coughs and
has a blocked and running nose ! She had a
heavy cold. Also called common cold, coryza
cold burn /$kld b-%n/ noun an injury to the
cold burn
skin caused by exposure to extreme cold or by
touching a very cold surface
cold cautery /!kld $k%tri/ noun the
cold cautery
removal of a skin growth using carbon dioxide
snow
cold pack /$kld p'k/ noun a cloth or a pad
cold pack
filled with gel or clay which is chilled and put on
the body to reduce or increase the temperature
cold sore /$kld s%/ noun a painful blister,
cold sore
usually on the lips or nose, caused by herpes sim-
plex Type I
colloid
colectomy /k$lektmi/ noun a surgical opera-
colectomy
tion to remove the whole or part of the colon
(NOTE: The plural is colectomies.)
colic /$klk/ noun 1. pain in any part of the
colic
intestinal tract. Also called enteralgia, tormina
2. crying and irritability in babies, especially from
stomach pains
coliform bacterium /!klif%m b'k
coliform bacterium
$trim/ plural noun any bacterium which is
similar to Escherichia coli
colistin /k$lstn/ noun an antibiotic which is
colistin
effective against a wide range of organisms and is
used to treat gastrointestinal infections
colitis /k$lats/ noun inflammation of the
colitis
|
colon. Also called colonitis
collaborative care /k!l'b()rtv $ke/
collaborative care
|
noun treatment that involves collaboration
between different medical departments or agen-
cies, or involves active collaboration between the
patient and the providers of treatment
collagen /$kld+n/ noun a thick protein fibre
collagen
forming bundles, which make up the connective
tissue, bone and cartilage
collapse /k$l'ps/ noun 1. a condition in which
collapse
|
someone is extremely exhausted or semi-con-
scious ! She was found in a state of collapse. 2.
a condition in which an organ becomes flat or
loses air ! lung collapse " verb 1. to fall down in
a semi-conscious state ! After running to catch
his train he collapsed. 2. to become flat, or lose
air
collapsed lung /k!l'pst $l./ noun same as
collapsed lung
|
pneumothorax
collarbone /$klbn/ noun one of two long
collarbone
thin bones which join the shoulder blades to the
breastbone. Also called clavicle (NOTE: Collar-
bone fracture is one of the most frequent frac-
tures in the body.)
collateral /k$l't()rl/ adjective secondary or
collateral
less important
Colles fracture /$kls(z) !fr'kt/ noun a
Colles fracture
fracture of the lower end of the radius with dis-
placement of the wrist backwards, usually when
someone has stretched out a hand to try to break a
fall [After Abraham Colles (17731843), Irish
surgeon.]
colliculus /k$lkjls/ noun one of four small
colliculus
projections (superior colliculi and inferior col-
liculi) in the midbrain. See illustration at BRAIN in
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is colliculi.)
collodion /k$ldin/ noun a liquid used for
collodion
painting on a clean wound, where it dries to form
a flexible covering
colloid /$kld/ noun 1. a mass of tiny particles
colloid
of one substance dispersed in another substance
2. the particles which are suspended in a colloid
solution 3. a thick jelly-like substance which
stores hormones, produced in the thyroid gland "
Nursing.fm Page 60 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

collyrium 60
adjective relating to or resembling a colloid ! colporrhaphy /kl$prfi/ noun a surgical
colporrhaphy

colloid acne operation to stitch a prolapsed vagina (NOTE: The

collyrium /k$lrim/ noun a solution used to plural is colporraphies.)
collyrium

bathe the eyes (NOTE: The plural is collyria.) colposcope /$klpskp/ noun a surgical
colposcope

colo- /kl/ prefix referring to the colon instrument used to examine the inside of the
colo-

coloboma /!kl$bm/ noun a condition in

coloboma

|
vagina. Also called vaginoscope
colposcopy /kl$pskpi/ noun an examina-
colposcopy

which part of the eye, especially part of the iris, is |

missing tion of the inside of the vagina (NOTE: The plural

colon /$kln/ noun the main part of the large
colon
is colposcopies.)
colposuspension /!klps$spenn/ noun
colposuspension

intestine, running from the caecum at the end of |

the small intestine to the rectum a surgical operation to strengthen the pelvic floor
colonic /k$lnk/ adjective referring to the
colonic

|
muscles to prevent incontinence
colpotomy /kl$ptmi/ noun a surgical oper-
colpotomy

colon |

colonic irrigation /k!lnk r$1e()n/

colonic irrigation
ation to make a cut in the vagina (NOTE: The plu-
ral is colpotomies.)
| |

noun the washing out of the contents of the large

column /$klm/ noun " vertebral column
column

intestine using a tube inserted in the anus

coma /$km/ noun a state of unconsciousness
coma

colonoscope /k$lnskp/ noun a surgical

colonoscope

instrument for examining the interior of the colon from which a person cannot be awakened by
colonoscopy /!kl$nskpi/ noun an exami-
colonoscopy

|
external stimuli
comatose /$kmts/ adjective unconscious
comatose

nation of the inside of the colon, using a colono-

scope passed through the rectum (NOTE: The plu- or in a coma
ral is colonoscopies.) combined therapy /km!band $erpi/ noun
combined therapy

colony /$klni/ noun a group or culture of

colony
the use of two or more treatments at the same time
microorganisms comedo /$kmd/ noun a small point of dark,
comedo

colostomy /k$lstmi/ noun a surgical opera-

colostomy

|
tion to make an opening between the colon and
the abdominal wall to allow faeces to be passed
hard matter in a sebaceous follicle, often found
associated with acne on the skin of adolescents
(NOTE: The plural is comedones.)
comforter /$k.mft/ noun 1. someone who
comforter

out without going through the rectum (NOTE: The

plural is colostomies.) helps to make another person less anxious or
colostomy bag /k$lstmi b'1/ noun a bag
colostomy bag

|
unhappy 2. a babys dummy
commando operation /k$m%nd
commando operation

attached to the opening made by a colostomy, to |

collect faeces as they are passed out of the body !pre()n/, commando procedure /k |

colostrum /k$lstrm/ noun a fluid rich in

colostrum

|
$m%nd pr!si%d+/ noun a major operation to
|

antibodies and low in fat, secreted by the mothers
breasts at the birth of a baby, before the true milk
starts to flow
combat cancer of the face and neck. It involves
the removal of facial features, which are later
rebuilt.
commensal /k$mensl/ noun an animal or
commensal

colour blindness /$k.l !blandns/ noun a

colour blindness
|

condition of being unable to tell the difference plant which lives on another animal or plant but
between specific colours does not harm it in any way. Both may benefit
from the association. ! Candida is a commensal
colour index /$k.lr !ndeks/ noun the ratio
colour index

in the mouths of 50% of healthy adults. (NOTE: If

between the amount of haemoglobin and the
a commensal causes harm, it is a parasite.) "
number of red blood cells in a specific amount of
adjective living on another animal or plant
blood
comminuted /$kmnju%td/ adjective refer-
comminuted

colp- /klp/ prefix same as colpo- (used before

colp-

ring to a fracture where the bone is broken in sev-

vowels)
eral places
colpo- /klp/ prefix referring to the vagina
colpo-

comminuted fracture /!kmnju%td

comminuted fracture

colpocystitis /!klps$stats/ noun inflam-

colpocystitis

|
$fr'kt/ noun a fracture where the bone is bro-
mation of both the vagina and the urinary bladder ken in several places
colpohysterectomy /!klphst$rektmi/
colpohysterectomy

Commission for Health Improvement /k

Commission for Health Improvement
|
|

noun a surgical operation in which the womb is !m()n f $hel m!pru%vmnt/ in the UK, the |

removed through the vagina (NOTE: The plural is independent inspection body for the National
colpohysterectomies.) Health Service, with the role of helping to raise
colpopexy /$klppeksi/ noun a surgical oper- standards of patient care. It aims to identify where
colpopexy

ation to fix a prolapsed vagina to the abdominal improvement is required and share good practice.
wall (NOTE: The plural is colpopexies.) Abbreviation CHI
colpoplasty /$klppl'sti/ noun a surgical commissure /$kmsj/ noun a structure
colpoplasty commissure

operation to repair a damaged vagina (NOTE: The which joins two similar tissues, e.g. a group of
plural is colpoplasties.) nerves which crosses from one part of the central
Nursing.fm Page 61 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

61 competency
nervous system to another. ! corpus callosum, community paediatrician /k!mju%nti
community paediatrician

grey commissure pi%di$tr()n/ noun a paediatrician serving a

|

Committee on Safety of Medicines /k local community

Committee on Safety of Medicines

!mti n !sefti v $med()snz/ noun the offi- community pharmacist /k!mju%nti

community pharmacist

cial body which advises the British Government $f%msst/, retail pharmacist /!ri%tel
on the safety and quality of medicines $f%msst/ noun a person who makes medicines
commode /k$md/ noun a special chair with
commode

|
and sells them in a chemists shop
a removable basin used as a toilet by people with community psychiatric nurse /k!mju%nti
community psychiatric nurse

limited mobility !saki$'trk/ noun. Also called community

|

common bile duct /!kmn $bal d.kt/ noun

common bile duct
mental health nurse. Abbreviation CPN
a duct leading to the duodenum, formed of the community trust /k!mju%nti $tr.st/ noun
community trust

hepatic and cystic ducts an independent non-profit-making body set up to

common carotid artery /!kmn k$rtd
common carotid artery

|
represent an area of public concern
!%tri/ noun the main artery running up each side compact bone /!kmp'kt $bn/ noun a type
compact bone

of the lower part of the neck. Also called carotid of bone tissue which forms the hard outer layer of
common cold /!kmn $kld/ noun same as
common cold
a bone. See illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in
cold Supplement
compartment /km$p%tmnt/ noun one of
compartment

common hepatic duct /!kmn h$p'tk

common hepatic duct
|

the areas into which an enclosed space is divided

|

d.kt/ noun a duct from the liver formed when the

compatibility /km!p't$blti/ noun the abil-
compatibility

right and left hepatic ducts join | |

common iliac artery /!kmn $li'k !%tri/

common iliac artery
ity of two drugs not to interfere with each other
noun one of two arteries which branch from the
when administered together
compatible /km$p'tb()l/ adjective able to
compatible

aorta in the abdomen and in turn divide into the |

internal iliac artery, leading to the pelvis, and the function together without being rejected ! The
external iliac artery, leading to the leg surgeons are trying to find a compatible donor or
a donor with a compatible blood group.
communicable disease /k!mju%nkb()l
communicable disease

compensate /$kmpnset/ verb 1. to give

compensate

d$zi%z/ noun a disease which can be passed from

|

one person to another or from an animal to a per- someone an amount of money or something else
son. ! contagious disease, infectious disease to pay for loss or damage 2. (of an organ) to make
good the failure of an organ by making another
communicating artery /k$mju%nket
communicating artery

|
organ, or the undamaged parts of the same organ,
!%tri/ noun one of the arteries which connect
function at a higher level ! The heart has to beat
the blood supply from each side of the brain,
more strongly to compensate for the narrowing of
forming part of the circle of Willis the arteries. 3. to emphasise a particular ability or
community /k$mju%nti/ noun a group of peo-
community

|
personality characteristic in order to make the
ple who live and work in a district ! The health lack of another one seem less bad
services serve the local community. compensation /!kmpn$se()n/ noun 1.
compensation

community care /k!mju%nti $ke/ noun the

community care

| something which makes something else seem less

providing of help to people such as those who are
elderly or mentally ill in order to allow them to
stay in their own homes, rather than requiring
them to be cared for in hospitals or care homes
community health /k!mju%nti $hel/ noun
community health
bad or less serious 2. an amount of money or
something else given to pay for loss or damage !
The drugs caused him to develop breathing prob-
lems, so he thinks hes entitled to medical com-

|
pensation. 3. the act of giving money to pay for
the health of a local community, or provision of loss or damage ! compensation for loss of a limb
services for a local community 4. a situation where the body helps to correct a
problem in a particular organ by making another
community health council /k!mju%nti
community health council

|
organ, or the undamaged parts of the same organ,
$hel !kansl/ noun a statutory body of inter- function at a higher level 5. behaviour that
ested people from outside the medical professions emphasises a particular ability or personality
charged with putting forward the patients point characteristic in order to make the lack of another
of view on local health issues. Abbreviation CHC one seem less bad
community hospital /k$mju%nti
community hospital

competence /$kmpt()ns/ noun the ability

competence
|

!hspt()l/ noun a hospital serving a local com- to do something well, measured against a stand-
munity ard, especially ability which you get through
community midwife /k!mju%nti $mdwaf/
community midwife

| experience or training ! encouraging the devel-

noun a midwife who works in a community as opment of professional competence in the deliv-
part of a primary health care team ery of care to patients
community nurse /k!mju%nti $n-%s/ noun a competency /$kmpt()nsi/ noun a guide-
community nurse competency

nurse who treats people in a local community line, usually one of several, for the medical treat-
Nursing.fm Page 62 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
complaint
ment that is to be given in particular circum-
stances
complaint /km$plent/ noun 1. an expression
complaint
of dissatisfaction about something or someone !
The hospital administrator wouldnt listen to the
complaints of the consultants. 2. an illness ! a
chest complaint ! a nervous complaint
complement noun /$kmplmnt/ a substance
complement
which forms part of blood plasma and is essential
to the work of antibodies and antigens " verb
/$kmplment/ to complete something by provid-
ing useful or pleasing qualities which it does not
itself have
complementary /!kmpl$ment()ri/ adjec-
complementary
tive 1. combining with or adding to something
else ! Ultrasound and CT provide complemen-
tary information. 2. used in or using complemen-
tary medicine ! complementary therapies 3.
referring to genes which are necessary to each
other and produce their effect only when they are
present together
complementary medicine
complementary medicine
/!kmplment()ri $med()sn/ noun the forms
of alternative medicine which are now accepted
by practitioners of conventional Western medi-
cine, e.g. acupuncture and osteopathy
complete abortion /km!pli%t $b%()n/
complete abortion
| |
noun an abortion where the whole contents of the
uterus are expelled
complete blood count /km!pli%t $bl.d
complete blood count
|
kant/ noun a test to find the exact numbers of
each type of blood cell in a sample of blood.
Abbreviation CBC
complicated fracture /!kmplketd
complicated fracture
$fr'kt/ noun a fracture with an associated
injury of tissue, as when a bone has punctured an
artery
complication /!kmpl$ke()n/ noun 1. a
complication
| computed tomography
condition in which two or more conditions exist
in someone, whether or not they are connected !
He was admitted to hospital suffering from pneu-
monia with complications. 2. a situation in which
someone develops a second condition which
changes the course of treatment for the first ! She
appeared to be improving, but complications set
in and she died in a few hours.
compos mentis /!kmps $ments/ adjective
compos mentis
not affected by a mental disorder (NOTE: The
phrase is from Latin and means of sound mind.)
compound fracture /!kmpand $fr'kt/
compound fracture
noun a fracture where the skin surface is damaged
or where the broken bone penetrates the surface
of the skin. Also called open fracture
compress noun /$kmpres/ a wad of cloth
compress
soaked in hot or cold liquid and applied to the skin
to relieve pain or swelling, or to force pus out of
an infected wound " verb /km$pres/ to squeeze
or press something
compressed air sickness /km!prest $e
compressed air sickness
| |
!skns/ noun same as caisson disease
62
compression /km$pre()n/ noun 1. the act
compression
of squeezing or pressing ! The first-aider applied
compression to the chest of the casualty. 2. a seri-
ous condition in which the brain is compressed by
blood or cerebrospinal fluid accumulating in it or
by a fractured skull
compression stocking /km!pre()n
compression stocking
$stk/ noun a strong elastic stocking worn to
support a weak joint in the knee or to hold vari-
cose veins tightly
compulsion /km$p.l()n/ noun 1. an act of
compulsion
forcing someone to do something, or the fact of
being forced to do something ! You are under no
compulsion to treat a violent patient. 2. a strong
psychological force which makes someone do
something, often unwillingly ! She felt a sudden
compulsion to wash her hands again.
compulsive /km$p.lsv/ adjective referring
compulsive
to a feeling which cannot be stopped ! She has a
compulsive desire to steal.
compulsiveobsessive disorder /km
compulsiveobsessive disorder
!p.lsv b$sesv ds!%d/ noun same as obses-
| |
sivecompulsive disorder
compulsory admission /km!p.lsri d
compulsory admission
| |
$m()n/ noun the process of admitting someone
who is mentally ill to hospital for treatment
whether or not they consent
computed tomography /km!pju%td t
computed tomography
| |
$m1rfi/ noun same as computerised axial
tomography. Abbreviation CT
computerised axial tomography /km
computerised axial tomography
|
!pju%trazd !'ksil t$m1rfi/ noun a system
|
of examining the body in which a narrow X-ray
beam, guided by a computer, photographs a thin
section of the body or of an organ from several
angles, using the computer to build up an image
of the section. Abbreviation CAT. Also called
-conazole /knzl/ suffix used in the names
-conazole
of antifungal drugs ! fluconazole
concave /$knkev/ adjective curving towards
concave
the inside ! a concave lens
concept /$knsept/ noun a thought or idea, or
concept
something which someone might be able to imag-
ine
conception /kn$sepn/ noun the point at
conception
|
which a woman becomes pregnant and the devel-
opment of a baby starts
conceptual framework /kn!septul
conceptual framework
|
$fremw-%k/ noun the theoretical basis on which
something is formed
conceptus /kn$septs/ noun an embryo or
conceptus
|
fetus together with all the tissues that surround it
during pregnancy (NOTE: The plural is concep-
tuses.)
concha /$kk/ noun a part of the body shaped
concha
like a shell (NOTE: The plural is conchae.)
concordance /kn$k%d()ns/ noun 1. a state
concordance
in which two or more things are in the correct or
Nursing.fm Page 63 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

63 congenital malformation
expected relationship to each other. For example, jaw which forms the head of the jaw, joining the
the atrioventricular concordance is the relation- jaw to the skull
ship between the atria and the ventricles in the condyloma /!knd$lm/ noun a growth
condyloma

heart. 2. the fact of two related people sharing the
same genetic characteristic ! the concordance of
schizophrenia in identical twins 3. an agreement
usually found on the vulva (NOTE: The plural is
condylomas or condylomata.)
cone /kn/ noun 1. a shape with a circular base
cone

between a professional and a patient on a course

of treatment, especially related to use of medi- or top and a part that tapers to a point, or an object
cines with this shape 2. one of two types of cell in the
retina of the eye which is sensitive to light, used
concretion /kn$kri%()n/ noun a mass of
concretion

|
especially in the perception of bright light and
hard material which forms in the body, e.g. a gall- colour. ! rod " verb to show a rapid change for
stone or deposits on bone in arthritis the worse in neurological condition due to herni-
concussion /kn$k.()n/ noun 1. the act of
concussion

| ation of the midbrain through the foramen mag-

applying force to any part of the body 2. loss of num in the skull, caused by raised pressure inside
consciousness for a short period, caused by a the brain (NOTE: cones coning coned)
blow to the head cone biopsy /$kn ba!psi/ noun the remov-
cone biopsy

condition /kn$d()n/ noun 1. the particular

condition

| ing of a cone of tissue from the cervix for exami-

state of someone or something ! in poor condi- nation
tion ! Her condition is getting worse. ! The con- confabulation /kn!f'j$le()n/ noun the
confabulation

| |

ditions in the hospital are very good. 2. a particu- act of making up plausible stories to cover up loss
lar illness, injury or disorder ! He is being of memory
treated for a heart condition.
confidentiality /!knfdeni$'lti/ noun an
confidentiality

conditioned reflex /kn!d()nd $ri%fleks/

conditioned reflex |

|
obligation not to reveal professional information
noun an automatic reaction by a person to a stim- about a person or organisation
ulus, or an expected reaction to a stimulus which
confounding factor /kn$fand !f'kt/
confounding factor

comes from past experience |

noun a factor which has an association with both

conditioned response /kn!d()nd r
conditioned response

| |
$spns/ noun a response to a stimulus as a result
of associating it with an earlier stimulus
a disease and a risk factor and thus complicates
the nature of the relationship between them
confused /kn$fju%zd/ adjective unable to
confused

COMMENT: The classic example of a condi-

|

think clearly or act rationally ! Many severely

tioned response is Pavlovs experiment with
dogs in which they produced saliva, ready to
confused patients do not respond to spoken com-
eat their food, when a bell rang, because on munication.
confusion /kn$fju%+()n/ noun the state of
confusion

previous occasions they had been fed when |

the bell was rung. being confused

condom /$kndm/ noun a rubber sheath worn congenital /kn$d+ent()l/ adjective existing
condom congenital

on the penis during intercourse as a contraceptive at or before birth

and also as a protection against sexually transmit- congenital
congenital aneurysm

aneurysm /kn!d+ent()l |

ted disease $'njrz()m/ noun a weakening of the arteries

conducting system /kn$d.kt !sstm/ at the base of the brain, present at birth
conducting system

noun the nerve system in the heart which links an congenital

congenital cataract

cataract /kn!d+ent()l |

atrium to a ventricle, so that the two beat at the $k'tr'kt/ noun a cataract which is present at
same rate birth
conduction /kn$d.kn/ noun the process of
conduction

congenital dislocation of the hip /kn

congenital dislocation of the hip
|
|

passing heat, sound or nervous impulses from one !d+ent()l dsl!ke()n v $hp/ noun a
|

part of the body to another condition in which a person is born with weak lig-
conductive deafness /kn!d.ktv $defns/, aments in the hip, so that the femur does not stay
conductive deafness

conductive hearing loss /kn!d.ktv $hr | in position in the pelvis

!ls/ noun deafness caused by inadequate con- congenital heart disease /kn!d+ent()l
congenital heart disease

duction of sound into the inner ear $h%t d!zi%z/, congenital heart defect /kn
| |

conductor /kn$d.kt/ noun 1. a substance or !d+ent()l $h%t !di%fekt/ noun a heart condition
conductor

object which allows heat, electricity, light or existing at birth

sound to pass along it or through it 2. a tube with congenital hyperthyroidism
congenital hyperthyroidism

/kn |

a groove in it along which a knife is slid to cut !d+ent()l !hap$ardz()m/ noun a dis- |

open a sinus ease caused by a malfunction of the thyroid

condyle /$kndal/ noun a rounded end of a before birth or in early life
condyle

bone which articulates with another congenital malformation /kn!d+ent()l

congenital malformation

condyloid process /$kndld !prses/ !m'lf%$me()n/ noun a malformation which

condyloid process

noun a projecting part at each end of the lower is present at birth, e.g. a cleft palate
Nursing.fm Page 64 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

congenital syphilis 64

congenital syphilis /kn!d+ent()l $sfls/ which aims to get everyone to agree on what
congenital syphilis

noun syphilis which is passed on from a mother actions should be taken

to her unborn child consent /kn$sent/ noun agreement to allow
consent

congenital toxoplasmosis /kn!d+ent()l someone to do something ! The parents gave

congenital toxoplasmosis

!tkspl'z$mss/ noun a condition in which

| their consent for their sons heart to be used in the
a baby has been infected with toxoplasmosis by transplant operation.
its mother while still in the uterus consent form /kn$sent f%m/ noun a form
consent form

congestion /kn$d+estn/ noun an accumu-

congestion

| which a patient signs to show that he or she agrees

lation of blood in an organ. ! nasal congestion to have a particular operation
congestive /kn$d+estv/ adjective referring
congestive

conservative treatment /kn!s-%vtv

conservative treatment
|
|

to congestion $tri%tmnt/ noun medical or surgical treatment

conisation /!kna$ze()n/, conization which is limited to conventional measures rather
conisation

noun the surgical removal of a cone-shaped piece than more extreme or risky procedures ! Symp-
of tissue toms usually resolve with conservative treatment.
conjoined twins /kn!d+nd $twnz/ plural consolidation /kn!sl$de()n/ noun a
conjoined twins consolidation

| | |

noun twins who are joined together at birth. Also stage in mending a broken bone in which the cal-
called Siamese twins lus formed at the break changes into bone
COMMENT: Conjoined twins are always iden- constipation /!knst$pe()n/ noun diffi-
constipation

tical and can be joined at the head, chest or culty in passing faeces
hip. In some cases they can be separated by
constrictive pericarditis /kn!strktv
constrictive pericarditis

surgery, but this is not possible if they share |

a single important organ such as the heart. !perik%$dats/ noun same as chronic pericar-
|

ditis
conjugate /$knd+1et/, conjugate diame-
conjugate

constrictor /kn$strkt/ noun a muscle which

constrictor

ter /!knd+1t da$'mt/ noun a measure-

|
|

ment of space in a womans pelvis, used to calcu- squeezes an organ or which makes an organ con-
late if it is large enough for a child to be delivered tract
consultant /kn$s.ltnt/ noun 1. a doctor who
consultant

conjunctiva /!knd+.k$tav/ noun a mem-

conjunctiva
|
|

brane which covers the front of the eyeball and is a senior specialist in a particular branch of med-
the inside of the eyelids. See illustration at EYE in icine and who is consulted by GPs ! She was
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is conjunctivas referred to a consultant at the orthopaedic hospi-
or conjunctivae.) tal. 2. a senior specialised doctor in a hospital
consumption /kn$s.mp()n/ noun 1. the act
consumption

conjunctival /!knd+.k$tav()l/ adjective

conjunctival

| |

referring to the conjunctiva of taking food or liquid into the body ! the
conjunctivitis /kn!d+.kt$vats/ noun
conjunctivitis

| |
patients increased consumption of alcohol 2. a
inflammation of the conjunctiva from a range of former name for pulmonary tuberculosis
contact dermatitis /!knt'kt !d-%m$tats/
contact dermatitis

causes |

connective tissue /k!nektv $tu%/ noun

connective tissue

|
noun inflammation of the skin caused by touch,
tissue which forms the main part of bones and e.g. by touching some types of plant, soap or
cartilage, ligaments and tendons, in which a large chemical. Also called irritant dermatitis
proportion of fibrous material surrounds the tis- contact lens /$knt'kt lenz/ noun a tiny plas-
contact lens

sue cells tic lens which fits over the eyeball and is worn
Conns syndrome /$knz !sndrm/ noun a
Conns syndrome
instead of spectacles to improve eyesight
condition in which excessive production of the contact tracing /$knt'kt !tres/ noun the
contact tracing

hormone aldosterone causes fluid retention and process of tracing people with whom someone
high blood pressure with an infectious disease has been in contact
consanguinity /!kns'$1wnti/ noun a
consanguinity

contagious /kn$ted+s/ adjective able to be

contagious
|
|

blood relationship between people transmitted by touching an infected person or

conscious /$kns/ adjective 1. awake and objects which an infected person has touched
conscious

aware of what is happening ! He became con- contagious disease /kn!ted+s d$zi%z/

contagious disease

| |

scious in the recovery room two hours after the noun a disease which can be transmitted by
operation. 2. deliberate and intended ! a con- touching an infected person or objects which an
scious choice infected person has touched. ! communicable
-conscious /kns/ suffix giving importance
-conscious

disease, infectious disease

to ! health-conscious ! safety-conscious containment /kn$tenmnt/ noun 1. action
containment

consciousness /$knsns/ noun the state

consciousness

taken to restrict the spread of something undesir-

of being mentally alert and knowing what is hap- able or dangerous such as a disease ! government
pening policy of containment of the SARS virus 2. the
consensus management /kn$senss eradication of a global disease such as smallpox
consensus management

!m'nd+mnt/ noun a form of management by removing it region by region

Nursing.fm Page 65 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

65 convex

contaminate /kn$t'mnet/ verb 1. to make contralateral /!kntr$l'trl/ adjective

contaminate contralateral

| |

something impure by touching it or by adding located on or affecting the opposite side of the
something to it ! Supplies of drinking water were body. Opposite ipsilateral
contaminated by refuse from the factories. ! The contrast medium /$kntr%st !mi%dim/
contrast medium

whole group of tourists fell ill after eating con- noun a radio-opaque dye, or sometimes gas, put
taminated food. 2. to spread infection to someone into an organ or part of the body so that it will
or something show clearly in an X-ray photograph ! In an MRI
continence /$kntnns/ noun 1. the ability to
continence

scan no contrast medium is required; in a CAT

control the discharge of urine and faeces 2. self- scan iodine-based contrast media are often
restraint required.
continent /$kntnnt/ adjective able to exer-
continent

contrecoup /$kntrku%/ noun an injury to one

contrecoup

cise control over the discharge of urine and faeces point of an organ such as the brain, caused by a
continuing education /kn!tnju !edj blow received on an opposite point of the organ
continuing education

| |

$ke()n/ noun regular courses or training control /kn$trl/ verb 1. to have the ability or
control

designed to bring professional people up to date authority to direct someone or something !

with the latest developments in their particular Sometimes we need help to control people who
field think they have waited too long. 2. to limit or
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialy-
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

restrain something ! administered drugs to con-

sis /kn!tnjus !'mbjlt()ri pert!ni%l
| | trol the pain " noun 1. the ability or authority to
da$'lss/ noun a method of dialysis of people
| control something ! After her stroke she had no
while they are walking about. Abbreviation control over her left arm. ! The administrators
CAPD are in control of the admissions policy. 2. a person
continuous positive airways pressure or group whose test data are used as a comparison
continuous positive airways pressure

/kn!tnjus !pztv $ewez !pre/ noun a

|
in a study 3. a comparison in a study
method used in intensive care which forces air controlled drug /kn!trld $dr.1/ noun a
controlled drug

into the lungs of someone with lung collapse. drug which is not freely available, which is
Abbreviation CPAP restricted by law and classified as A, B, or C and
contra- /kntr/ prefix against, opposite, con- of which possession may be an offence. Also
contra-

trasting called controlled substance

contraception /!kntr$sepn/ noun the pre- controlled substance /kn!trld
contraception controlled substance

| |

vention of pregnancy, e.g. by using devices such $s.bstns/ noun same as controlled drug
as a condom or an IUD, or drugs in the form of controlled trial /kn!trld $tral/ noun a
controlled trial

contraceptive pills or injections at regular inter- trial in which members of one group are treated
vals. Also called birth control with a test substance and those of another group
contraceptive /!kntr$septv/ adjective pre-
contraceptive

|
are treated with a placebo as a control
venting conception ! a contraceptive device or controls assurance /kn$trlz !rns/
controls assurance

drug " noun a drug or device which prevents

| |

noun a process designed to provide evidence that

pregnancy NHS organisations are doing their best to manage
contraceptive sheath /!kntr$septv i%/
contraceptive sheath

|
themselves both in order to meet their objectives
noun same as condom and to protect patients, staff and the public against
contraceptive sponge /!kntr$septv risks of all kinds
contraceptive sponge

sp.nd+/ noun a piece of synthetic sponge contused wound /kn!tju%zd $wu%nd/ noun a
contused wound

impregnated with spermicide, which is inserted wound caused by a blow where the skin is bruised
into the vagina before intercourse as well as torn and bleeding
contractibility /$kntr'ktblti/ noun the
contractibility

contusion /kn$tju%+()n/ noun same as

contusion

capacity to contract
|

bruise
contraction /kn$tr'kn/ noun 1. the act of
contraction

convalescence /!knv$les()ns/ noun a

convalescence
|

making something smaller or of becoming

|

period of time when someone is convalescing

smaller ! the contraction of dental services 2. a
convergent strabismus /kn!v-%d+nt str
convergent strabismus

tightening movement which makes a muscle | |

shorter, which makes the pupil of the eye smaller $bzms/, convergent squint /kn!v-%d+nt |

or which makes the skin wrinkle $skwnt/ noun a condition in which one or both
contracture /kn$tr'kt/ noun a permanent
contracture
of a persons eyes look towards the nose. Also
called cross eye
|

tightening of a muscle caused by fibrosis

conversion /kn$v-%()n/ noun the process of
conversion

contraindication /!kntrnd$ke()n/
contraindication
|
|

noun something which suggests that someone changing one thing into another ! the conversion
should not be treated with a specific drug or not of nutrients into tissue
convex /$knveks/ adjective curving towards
convex

continue with a specific treatment because cir-

cumstances make that treatment unsuitable the outside ! a convex lens
Nursing.fm Page 66 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
convoluted
convoluted /$knvlu%td/ adjective folded
convoluted
and twisted
convolution /!knv$lu%()n/ noun a twisted
convolution
|
shape ! the convolutions of the surface of the cer-
ebrum
convulsion /kn$v.ln/ noun the rapid invol-
convulsion
untary contracting and relaxing of the muscles in
several parts of the body ! The child had convul-
sions. ! fit (NOTE: Often used in the plural.)
Cooleys anaemia /$ku%liz !ni%mi/ noun
Cooleys anaemia
|
same as thalassaemia [Described 1927. After
Thomas Benton Cooley (18711945), Professor
of Paediatrics at Wayne College of Medicine,
Detroit, USA.]
Coombs test /$ku%mz test/ noun a test for
Coombs test
antibodies in red blood cells, used as a test for
erythroblastosis fetalis and other haemolytic syn-
dromes [Described 1945. After Robin Royston
Amos Coombs (19212006), Quick Professor of
Biology, and Fellow of Corpus Christi College,
Cambridge, UK]
coordination /k!%d$ne()n/ noun 1. the
coordination
| |
combining of two or more things as an effective
unit, or the way things combine effectively !
requires coordination between nursing staff and
doctors 2. the ability to use two or more parts of
the body at the same time to carry out a movement
or task ! The patient showed lack of coordination
between eyes and hands.
COPD abbreviation chronic obstructive pulmo-
COPD
nary disease
coping mechanism /$kp !meknz()m/
coping mechanism
noun a method of dealing with situations which
cause psychological stress
copper /$kp/ noun a metallic trace element
copper
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is Cu.)
copr- /kpr/ prefix faeces
copr-
coprolith /$kprl/ noun a lump of hard fae-
coprolith
ces in the bowel
cor /k%/ noun the heart
cor
coraco-acromial /!krk $krmil/
coraco-acromial
|
adjective referring to the coracoid process and the
acromion
coracoid process /$krkd !prses/ noun
coracoid process
a projecting part on the shoulder blade
cord /k%d/ noun a long flexible structure in the
cord
body like a thread
cordectomy /k%$dektmi/ noun a surgical
cordectomy
| surgery. Abbreviation CCU
operation to remove a vocal cord (NOTE: The plu-
ral is cordectomies.)
cordotomy /k%$dtmi/ noun another spelling
cordotomy
| arteries, which can lead to strain on the heart or a
of chordotomy
corium /$k%rim/ noun same as dermis
corium
corn /k%n/ noun a hard painful lump of skin
corn
usually on a foot, where something such as a tight
shoe has rubbed or pressed on the skin. Also
called heloma
66
cornea /$k%ni/ noun a transparent part of the
cornea
front of the eyeball. See illustration at EYE in Sup-
plement (NOTE: The plural is corneae. For other
terms referring to the cornea, see words begin-
ning with kerat-, kerato-.)
corneal /$k%nil/ adjective relating to a cornea
corneal
corneal graft /!k%nil $1r%ft/ noun 1. a sur-
corneal graft
gical operation to graft corneal tissue from a
donor or from a dead person to replace diseased
tissue. Also called corneal transplant, kerato-
plasty 2. a piece of corneal tissue used in a graft
corneal reflex /!k%nil $ri%fleks/ noun a reflex
corneal reflex
from touching or hitting the cornea which makes
the eyelid close
corneal transplant /$k%nil !tr'nspl%nt/
corneal transplant
noun same as corneal graft
cornification /!k%nf$ke()n/ noun same as
cornification
keratinisation
cornu /$k%nju%/ noun a structure in the body
cornu
which is shaped like a horn
corona /k$rn/ noun a structure in the body
corona
which is shaped like a crown
coronal /$krn()l, k$rn()l/ adjective
coronal
|
referring to a corona
coronal plane /!krn()l $plen/ noun a plane
coronal plane
at right angles to the median plane, dividing the
body into dorsal and ventral halves. See illustra-
tion at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement
coronal suture /!krn()l $su%t/ noun a
coronal suture
horizontal joint across the top of the skull
between the parietal and frontal bones
coronary /$krn()ri/ noun same as coronary
coronary
thrombosis (informal) " adjective referring to
any structure shaped like a crown, but especially
to the arteries which supply blood to the heart
muscles
coronary artery /$krn()ri !%tri/ noun
coronary artery
one of the two arteries which supply blood to the
heart muscles
coronary artery bypass graft /!krn()ri
coronary artery bypass graft
!%tri $bap%s 1r%ft/, coronary artery
bypass /!krn()ri !%tri $bap%s/ noun a
surgical operation to treat angina by grafting
pieces of vein around the diseased part of a coro-
nary artery
coronary care unit /!krn()ri $ke !ju%nt/
coronary care unit
noun the section of a hospital caring for people
who have heart disorders or who have had heart
coronary heart disease /!krn()ri $h%t
coronary heart disease
d!zi%z/ noun any disease affecting the coronary
|
heart attack. Abbreviation CHD
coronary sinus /!krn()ri $sans/ noun a
coronary sinus
vein which takes most of the venous blood from
the heart muscles to the right atrium
coronary thrombosis /!krn()ri rm
coronary thrombosis
$bss/ noun a blood clot which blocks the cor-
Nursing.fm Page 67 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
onary arteries, leading to a heart attack. Also
called coronary
coronavirus /k$rn!vars/ noun a type of
coronavirus
| |
virus which has been identified in people who
have the common cold
coroner /$krn/ noun a public official, either
coroner
a doctor or a lawyer, who investigates sudden or
violent deaths
coronoid process /$krnd !prses/ noun
coronoid process
a projecting piece of bone on the ulna
corpora plural of corpus
corpora
corpse /k%ps/ noun the body of a dead person
corpse
corpus /$k%ps/ noun any mass of tissue
corpus
(NOTE: The plural is corpora.)
corpus callosum /!k%ps k$lsm/ noun
corpus callosum
|
the thick band of nerve fibres that connects the
two hemispheres of the brain and allows them to
communicate. See illustration at BRAIN in Sup-
plement (NOTE: The plural is corpora callosa.)
corpus cavernosum /!k%ps !k'v
corpus cavernosum
|
$nsm/ noun a part of the erectile tissue in the
penis and clitoris. See illustration at UROGENITAL
SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement (NOTE: The plural
is corpora cavernosa.)
corpuscle /$k%p.s()l/ noun 1. a small round
corpuscle
mass 2. a cell in blood or lymph
corpus luteum /!k%ps $lu%tim/ noun a body
corpus luteum
which forms in each ovary after a Graafian folli-
cle has ruptured. The corpus luteum secretes the
hormone progesterone to prepare the uterus for
implantation of the fertilised ovum. (NOTE: The
plural is corpora lutea.)
corpus spongiosum /!k%ps !sp.n+
corpus spongiosum
$sm/ noun the part of the penis round the ure-
thra, forming the glans. See illustration at URO-
GENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement (NOTE:
The plural is corpora spongiosa.)
corrective /k$rektv/ adjective intended to
corrective
| sions of a placenta
correct an irregularity or problem ! corrective
lenses " noun a drug which changes the harmful
effect of another drug
Corrigans pulse /!kr1nz $p.ls/ noun a
Corrigans pulse
condition occurring in the arterial pulse in the
neck in which there is a visible rise in pressure
followed by a sudden collapse, caused by aortic
regurgitation. Also called water-hammer pulse
corrugator muscle /$kr1et !m.s()l/
corrugator muscle
noun one of the muscles which produce vertical
wrinkles on the forehead when someone frowns
cortex /$k%teks/ noun the outer layer of an
cortex
organ, as opposed to the soft inner medulla
(NOTE: The plural is cortices or cortexes.)
Corti /$k%ti/ " organ of Corti
Corti
cortical mastoidectomy /!k%tk()l
cortical mastoidectomy
!m'st$dektmi/ noun same as atticotomy
|
cortices plural of cortex
cortices
67 counselling
corticospinal /!k%tk$span()l/ adjective
corticospinal
referring to both the cerebral cortex and the spinal
cord
corticosteroid /!k%tk$strd/ noun 1.
corticosteroid
any steroid hormone produced by the cortex of the
adrenal glands 2. a drug which reduces inflamma-
tion, used in asthma, gastro-intestinal disease and
in adrenocortical insufficiency
corticotrophin /!k%tk$trfn/ noun same
corticotrophin
|
as adrenocorticotrophic hormone
cortisol /$k%tsl/ noun same as hydrocorti-
cortisol
sone
cortisone /$k%tzn/ noun a hormone
cortisone
secreted in small quantities by the adrenal cortex
! The doctor gave her a cortisone injection in the
ankle.
Corynebacterium /k!ranib'k$trim/
Corynebacterium
| |
noun a genus of bacteria which includes the bac-
terium which causes diphtheria
coryza /k$raz/ noun an illness, with inflam-
coryza
mation of the nasal passages, in which someone
sneezes and coughs and has a blocked and run-
ning nose (technical) Also called cold, common
cold
cosmetic surgery /kz!metk $s-%d+ri/
cosmetic surgery
|
noun a surgical operation to improve a persons
appearance
cost- /kst/ prefix same as costo- (used before
cost-
vowels)
costal /$kst()l/ adjective referring to the ribs
costal
costive /$kstv/ noun a drug which causes
costive
constipation
costo- /kst/ prefix referring to the ribs
costo-
cot death /$kt de/ noun " sudden infant
cot death
death syndrome
co-trimoxazole /!k tra$mkszl/ noun a
co-trimoxazole
drug used to combat bacteria in the urinary tract
cotyledon /!kt$li%d()n/ noun one of the divi-
cotyledon
cotyloid cavity /$ktld !k'vti/ noun same
cotyloid cavity
as acetabulum
couching /$kat/ noun a surgical operation
couching
to displace the opaque lens of an eye as a treat-
ment for cataracts
cough /kf/ noun a reflex action, caused by irri-
cough
tation in the throat, when the glottis is opened and
air is sent out of the lungs suddenly " an infection
that causes coughing ! She has a bad cough and
cannot make the speech. " verb to send air out of
the lungs suddenly because the throat is irritated
! The smoke made him cough. ! She has a cold
and keeps on coughing and sneezing.
cough medicine /$kf !med()sn/, cough
cough medicine
linctus /$kf !lkts/, cough mixture /$kf
!mkst/ noun a liquid taken to soothe the irrita-
tion which causes a cough
counselling /$kansl/ noun a method of
counselling
treating especially psychiatric disorders in which
Nursing.fm Page 68 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
counterextension
a specialist talks with a person about his or her
condition and how to deal with it
counterextension /!kantrk$stenn/
counterextension
noun an orthopaedic treatment in which the upper
part of a limb is kept fixed and traction is applied
to the lower part of it
counterirritant /!kantr$rt()nt/ noun a
counterirritant
substance which alleviates the pain in an internal
organ by irritating an area of skin whose sensory
nerves are close to those of the organ in the spinal
cord
coupling /$k.pl/ noun 1. an act of joining
coupling
together or linking two people, things or proc-
esses 2. something which joins two things, espe-
cially a device for connecting two pieces of pipe,
hose or tube
couvade /ku%$v%d/ noun an act of copying the
couvade
|
actions of having a baby while a woman is actu-
ally giving birth, done by the father in some
Native South American societies
Cowpers glands /$ku%pz 1l'ndz/ plural
Cowpers glands
noun two glands at the base of the penis which
secrete into the urethra. Also called bulboure-
thral glands [Described 1700. After William
Cowper (16661709), English surgeon.]
cowpox /$kapks/ noun an infectious viral
cowpox
disease of cattle which can be transmitted to
humans. It was used as a constituent of the first
vaccines for smallpox.
cox- /kks/ prefix the hip joint
cox-
coxa /$kks/ noun the hip joint (NOTE: The plu-
coxa
ral is coxae.)
coxalgia /kk$s'ld+/ noun pain in the hip
coxalgia
| cranium
joint
coxa vara /!kks $ver/ noun an unusual
coxa vara
development of the hip bone, making the legs bow
Coxsackie virus /kk$s'ki !vars/ noun one
Coxsackie virus
|
of a group of enteroviruses which enter the cells
of the intestines and can cause diseases such as
aseptic meningitis and Bornholm disease [After
Coxsackie, New York, where the virus was first
identified.]
CPAP abbreviation continuous positive airways
CPAP
pressure
CPN abbreviation community psychiatric nurse
CPN
CPR abbreviation cardiopulmonary resuscita-
CPR
tion
crab /kr'b/, crab louse /$kr'b las/ noun a
crab
louse, Phthirius pubis, which infests the pubic
region and other parts of the body with coarse
hair. Also called pubic louse
crack /kr'k/ noun a thin break ! Theres a
crack
crack in one of the bones in the skull. " verb to
make a thin break in something, or become split
! She cracked a bone in her leg.
cradle /$kred()l/ noun a metal frame put over
cradle
a person in bed to keep the weight of the bed-
clothes off the body " verb to carry a child with
68
one arm under the thigh and the other under the
upper back
cradle cap /$kred()l k'p/ noun a yellow
cradle cap
deposit on the scalp of babies, caused by sebor-
rhoea
cramp /kr'mp/ noun a painful involuntary
cramp
spasm in the muscles, in which the muscle may
stay contracted for some time
crani- /kreni/ prefix same as cranio- (used
crani-
before vowels)
crania plural of cranium
crania
cranial /$krenil/ adjective referring to the
cranial
skull
cranio- /kreni/ prefix the skull
cranio-
craniometry /!kreni$mtri/ noun the process
craniometry
|
of measuring skulls to find differences in size and
shape
craniopharyngioma /!krenif!rnd+i
craniopharyngioma
| |
$m/ noun a tumour in the brain originating in
the hypophyseal duct (NOTE: The plural is crani-
opharyngiomas or craniopharyngiomata.)
craniostenosis /!kreniste$nss/, crani-
craniostenosis
|
osynostosis /!kreni!sn$stss/ noun | |
the early closing of the bones in a babys skull, so
making the skull contract
craniotabes /!kreni$tebi%z/ noun thinness
craniotabes
|
of the bones in the occipital region of a childs
skull, caused by rickets, marasmus or syphilis
craniotomy /!kreni$tmi/ noun a surgical
craniotomy
operation on the skull, especially one cutting
away part of the skull (NOTE: The plural is crani-
otomies.)
cranium /$krenim/ noun same as skull
(NOTE: The plural is craniums or crania.)
CRB check /!si% % $bi% tek/ noun a check with
CRB check
the Criminal Records Bureau to establish whether
a candidate has any convictions that disallow him
or her from working with children or other vul-
nerable members of society. Also called disclo-
sure check
creatine /$kri%ti%n/ noun a compound of nitro-
creatine
gen found in the muscles, produced by protein
metabolism and excreted as creatinine
creatinine /kri$'tni%n/ noun a substance
creatinine
|
which is the form in which creatine is excreted
creatinuria /kri!'t$njri/ noun excess crea-
creatinuria
| |
tine in the urine
creatorrhoea /!kri%t$ri%/ noun the presence
creatorrhoea
of undigested muscle fibre in the faeces, occur-
ring in some pancreatic diseases
Creds method /kre$dez !med/ noun 1. a
Creds method
method of extracting a placenta by massaging the
uterus through the abdomen 2. the putting of sil-
ver nitrate solution into the eyes of a baby born to
a mother who has gonorrhoea, in order to prevent
gonococcal conjunctivitis [Described 1860. After
Karl Sigmund Franz Cred (181992), German
gynaecologist.]
Nursing.fm Page 69 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
creeping eruption /!kri%p $r.pn/ noun
creeping eruption
an itching skin complaint, caused by larvae of
various parasites which creep under the skin
crepitation /!krep$te()n/ noun an unusual
crepitation
|
soft crackling sound heard in the lungs through a
stethoscope. Also called rale
crepitus /$krepts/ noun a harsh crackling
crepitus
sound heard through a stethoscope in a person
with inflammation of the lungs
crest /krest/ noun a long raised part on a bone
crest
crest of ilium /!krest v $lim/ noun same as
crest of ilium
iliac crest
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease /!krtsfelt
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
$j'kb d!zi%z/ noun a disease of the nervous
|
system caused by a slow-acting prion which even-
tually affects the brain. It may be linked to BSE in
cows. Abbreviation CJD. ! variant CJD
[Described 1920 by H.G. Creutzfeldt (1885
1964); 1921 by A.M. Jakob (18841931), Ger-
man psychiatrists]
cribriform /$krbrf%m/ adjective having small
cribriform
holes like a sieve
cribriform plate /$krbrf%m plet/ noun the
cribriform plate
top part of the ethmoid bone which forms the roof
of the nasal cavity and part of the roof of the eye
sockets
cricoid /$krakd/ adjective relating to the low-
cricoid
est part of the cartilage of the larynx
cricoid cartilage /!krakd $k%tld+/ noun
cricoid cartilage
ring-shaped cartilage in the lower part of the lar-
ynx. See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement
cri-du-chat syndrome /!kri% dju% $%
cri-du-chat syndrome
!sndrm/ noun a congenital condition, caused
by loss of part of chromosome 5, which is charac-
terised in babies by a cry suggestive of that of a
cat
Crigler-Najjar syndrome /!kr1l $n'd+%
Crigler-Najjar syndrome
!sndrm/ noun a genetically controlled condi-
tion in which bilirubin cannot be formed, leading
to jaundice or even brain damage
crista /$krst/ noun 1. a ridge, e.g. the border of
crista
a bone 2. a fold in the inner membrane of a mitro-
chondrion (NOTE: The plural is cristae.)
crista galli /!krst $1'la/ noun a projection
crista galli
from the ethmoid bone
criterion /kra$trin/ noun an accepted stand-
criterion
ard used in making a decision or judgment about
something (NOTE: The plural is criteria.)
critical care /!krtk()l $ke/ noun specialist
critical care
nursing and medical treatment given to patients
who are critically ill
critical list /$krtk()l lst/ noun the list of
critical list
patients in a hospital whose condition is medi-
cally life-threatening
CRNA abbreviation certified registered nurse
CRNA
anaesthetist
Crohns disease /$krnz d!zi%z/ noun a per-
Crohns disease
|
sistent inflammatory disease, usually of the lower
69 crura
intestinal tract, characterised by thickening and
scarring of the intestinal wall and obstruction
[Described 1932. After Burrill Bernard Crohn
(18841983), New York physician.]
COMMENT: No certain cause has been found
for Crohns disease, where only one section
of the intestine becomes inflamed and can
be blocked.
cromolyn sodium /!krmln $sdim/
cromolyn sodium
noun a drug that helps to prevent the release of
histamine and other substances which cause many
of the symptoms of asthma and hay fever
cross-dresser /!krs $dres/ noun someone
cross-dresser
who wears clothes usually worn by people of the
opposite sex, e.g. a transvestite
cross-dressing /!krs $dres/ noun the prac-
cross-dressing
tice of wearing clothes usually worn by people of
the opposite sex, e.g. by transvestites
cross-infection /!krs n$fekn/ noun an
cross-infection
|
infection passed from one patient to another in
hospital, either directly or from nurses, visitors or
equipment
crossmatch /krs$m't/ verb (in transplant
crossmatch
|
surgery) to match a donor to a recipient as closely
as possible to avoid tissue rejection. ! blood
group
crossmatching /krs$m't/ noun the proc-
crossmatching
|
ess of matching a transplant donor to a recipient
as closely as possible to avoid tissue rejection
cross-resistance /!krs r$zstns/ noun the
cross-resistance
|
development by a disease agent of resistance to a
number of similar drugs or chemicals of the same
class
crotamiton /kr$t'mt()n/ noun a chemical
crotamiton
|
that kills mites, used to treat scabies
crotch /krt/ noun the point where the legs
crotch
meet the body, where the genitals are. Also called
crutch
croup /kru%p/ noun acute infection of the upper
croup
respiratory passages which blocks the larynx,
affecting children
crown /kran/ noun the top part of a tooth above
crown
the level of the gums " verb to put an artificial
crown on a tooth
crowning /$kran/ noun 1. the act of putting
crowning
an artificial crown on a tooth 2. a stage in child-
birth in which the top of the babys head becomes
visible
cruciate /$kru%it/ adjective shaped like a
cruciate
cross
cruciate ligament /!kru%it $l1mnt/ noun
cruciate ligament
any ligament shaped like a cross, especially either
of two ligaments behind the knee which prevent
the knee from bending forwards
crude death rate /!kru%d $de !ret/ noun the
crude death rate
number of deaths in a year, divided by the total
population
crura plural of crus
crura
Nursing.fm Page 70 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

crural 70

crural /$krrl/ adjective referring to the thigh, cryptosporidia /!krptsp$rdi/ plural of

crural cryptosporidia

leg or shin cryptosporidium

crura of the diaphragm /!krr v cryptosporidiosis /!krptsp!rdi$ss/
crura of the diaphragm cryptosporidiosis

| |

$dafr'm/ plural noun the long muscle fibres
joining the diaphragm to the lumbar vertebrae
crus /kr.s/ noun a long projecting part (NOTE:
crus
The plural is crura.)
noun an infectious condition of humans and
domestic animals, spread by an intestinal parasite
Cryptosporidium parvum. Its symptoms are fever,
diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
cryptosporidium /!krptsp$rdim/ noun
cryptosporidium

crus cerebri /!kr.s $serbra/ noun each of the

crus cerebri
|

nerve tracts between the cerebrum and the
medulla oblongata (NOTE: The plural is crura
cerebri.)
a parasite which contaminates drinking water
supplies, causing intestinal infection (NOTE: The
plural is cryptosporidia.)
crypts of Lieberkhn /!krpts v $li%bku%n/
crypts of Lieberkhn

crush fracture /$kr. !fr'kt/ noun a frac-

crush fracture

ture by compression of the bone plural noun tubular glands found in the mucous
crush syndrome /$kr. !sndrm/ noun a
crush syndrome
membrane of the small and large intestine, espe-
condition in which a limb has been crushed, as in cially those between the bases of the villi in the
an accident, causing kidney failure and shock small intestine. Also called Lieberkhns
glands [Described 1745. After Johann Nathan-
crutch /kr.t/ noun 1. a strong support for
crutch

iel Lieberkuhn (171156), Berlin anatomist and

someone with an injured leg, formed of a stick physician.]
with a T-bar which fits under the armpit, espe-
CSF abbreviation cerebrospinal fluid
CSF

cially formerly, or a holding bar and elbow clasp

CT abbreviation computed tomography
CT

2. same as crotch
cry- /kra/ prefix same as cryo- (used before CT scan /!si% $ti% sk'n/ noun a computer pic-
cry- CT scan

vowels) ture of a slice of the body or an organ produced by

cryaesthesia /!krai%s$i%zi/ noun the fact of
cryaesthesia

|
a CT scanner. Also called CAT scan
cubital /$kju%bt()l/ adjective referring to the
cubital

being sensitive to cold

cryo- /kra/ prefix cold
cryo-
ulna
cubitus /$kju%bts/ noun same as ulna
cubitus

cryobank /$krab'k/ noun a place where

cryobank

biological material such as semen and body tissue cuboid /$kju%bd/, cuboid bone /$kju%bd
cuboid

can be stored at extremely low temperatures bn/ noun one of the tarsal bones in the foot.
cryoprecipitate /!krapr$sptt/ noun a
cryoprecipitate

|
See illustration at FOOT in Supplement
precipitate such as from blood plasma, which sep- cuff /k.f/ noun an inflatable ring put round the
cuff

arates out on freezing and thawing arm and inflated when blood pressure is being
cryoprobe /$kraprb/ noun an instrument
cryoprobe
measured
used in cryosurgery with a tip that is kept very cuirass respirator /kw!r's $respret/
cuirass respirator

cold to destroy tissue noun a type of artificial respirator which sur-

cryosurgery /!kra$s-%d+ri/ noun surgery
cryosurgery

|
rounds only the chest
which uses extremely cold instruments to destroy culdoscope /$k.ldskp/ noun an instru-
culdoscope

tissue ment used to inspect the interior of a womans

cryotherapy /!kra$erpi/ noun treatment pelvis, introduced through the vagina
cryotherapy

using extreme cold, as in removing a wart with culdoscopy /k.l$dskpi/ noun an examina-
culdoscopy

dry ice tion of the interior of a womans pelvis using a

crypt /krpt/ noun a small cavity in the body culdoscope
crypt

crypto- /krpt/ prefix hidden culture /$k.lt/ noun 1. the shared values and
crypto- culture

cryptococcal meningitis /!krptkk()l

cryptococcal meningitis
behaviour of a group 2. microoorganisms or tis-
menn$d+ats/ noun a form of meningitis that is
|
sues grown in a culture medium in a laboratory "
a feature of cryptococcosis verb to grow microorganisms or tissues in a cul-
ture medium
cryptococcosis /!krptk$kss/ noun an
cryptococcosis

cumulative /$kju%mjltv/ adjective growing

cumulative

infection mainly affecting the brain or nervous

system, caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neo- by adding
cuneiform /$kju%nf%m bnz/, cuneiform
cuneiform

formans. It occurs most often in people with HIV

infection. bone /$kju%nf%mz/ noun one of the three tarsal
cryptomenorrhoea
cryptomenorrhoea

/!krptmen$ri%/ |
bones in the foot. See illustration at FOOT in Sup-
noun the retention of menstrual flow, usually plement
caused by an obstruction cupola /$kju%pl/ noun a dome-shaped struc-
cupola

cryptorchidism /krp$t%kdz()m/, cryp-

cryptorchidism

|
ture
torchism /krp$t%kz()m/ noun a condition in curare /kj$r%ri/ noun a drug derived from
curare

| |

a young male in which the testicles do not move South American plants, antagonist to acetylcho-
down into the scrotum line and used surgically to paralyse muscles dur-
Nursing.fm Page 71 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

71 cyclotomy
ing operations without causing unconsciousness cutis /$kju%ts/ noun the skin
cutis

(NOTE: Curare is the poison used to make poi- cutis anserina /!kju%ts $'nseran/ noun a
cutis anserina

son arrows.) reaction of the skin when someone is cold or

curettage /kj$retd+/ noun the procedure of frightened, the skin being raised into many little
curettage

scraping the inside of a hollow organ, often the bumps by the action of the arrector pili muscles.
uterus, to remove a growth or tissue for examina- Also called goose bumps
tion. Also called curettement CVA abbreviation cerebrovascular accident
CVA

curette /kj$ret/ noun a surgical instrument cyan- /san/ prefix same as cyano- (used
curette cyan-

like a long thin spoon, used for scraping the inside before vowels)
of an organ " verb to scrape an organ with a cyanide /$sanad/ noun a poison which kills
cyanide

curette (NOTE: curettes curetting curetted.) very rapidly when drunk or inhaled
curettement /kj$retmnt/ same as curet- cyano- /san/ prefix blue
curettement cyano-

tage cyanocobalamin /!sank$b'lmn/

cyanocobalamin

curie /$kjri/ noun a former unit of measure-

curie
same as Vitamin B12
cyanosed /$sanst/ adjective with blue skin
cyanosed

ment of radioactivity, replaced by the becquerel.

Symbol Ci ! The patient was cyanosed round the lips.
cyanosis /!sa$nss/ noun a condition char-
cyanosis

Curlings ulcer /!k-%lz $.ls/ noun an ulcer

Curlings ulcer
|

of the duodenum following severe injury to the acterised by a blue colour of the peripheral skin
body and mucous membranes, a symptom of lack of
oxygen in the blood, e.g. in heart or lung disease
curvature /$k-%vt/ noun the way in which
curvature

cyanotic /!sa$ntk/ adjective referring to or

cyanotic

something bends from a straight line ! greater or

|

having cyanosis
lesser curvature of the stomach
cycle /$sak()l/ noun a series of events which
cycle

cushingoid /$kd/ adjective showing

cushingoid

recur regularly
symptoms of Cushings disease
cyclic /$sklk, $saklk/ adjective 1. occurring
cyclic

Cushings disease /$kz d!zi%z/, Cush-

Cushings disease

| or repeated in cycles 2. referring to organic com-

ings syndrome /$kz !sndrm/ noun a pounds composed of a closed ring of atoms
condition in which the adrenal cortex produces cyclical /$sklk()l/ adjective referring to
cyclical

too many corticosteroids [Described 1932. After cycles

Harvey Williams Cushing (18691939), sur-
-cycline /sakln/ suffix used in names of antibi-
-cycline

geon, Boston, USA.]

otics ! tetracycline
cusp /k.sp/ noun 1. the pointed tip of a tooth 2.
cusp

cyclitis /s$klats/ noun inflammation of the

cyclitis

a flap of membrane forming a valve in the heart ciliary body in the eye
cuspid /$k.spd/ noun same as canine
cuspid

cyclo- /sakl/ prefix cycles

cyclo-

cut /k.t/ noun 1. a reduction in the number or cyclodialysis /!saklda$'lss/ noun a sur-
cut cyclodialysis

amount of something 2. a place where the skin
has been penetrated by a sharp instrument ! She
had a bad cut on her left leg. ! The nurse will put
a bandage on your cut. " verb 1. to make an
gical operation to connect the anterior chamber of
the eye and the choroid, as a treatment of glau-
coma
cyclopentolate /!sakl$pentlet/ noun a
cyclopentolate

opening in something using a knife, scissors or drug used to paralyse the ciliary muscle
other sharp thing ! The surgeon cut the diseased cyclophosphamide
cyclophosphamide

/!sakl$fsfmad/ |

tissue away with a scalpel. ! She cut her finger
on the broken glass. 2. to reduce the number or
amount of something ! Accidents have been cut
by 10%. (NOTE: cutting cut)
noun a drug which suppresses immunity, used in
the treatment of leukaemia, lymphoma, Hodg-
kins disease and tumours
cycloplegia /!sakl$pli%d+/ noun paralysis
cycloplegia

cut- /kju%t/ prefix referring to the skin

cut-

of the ciliary muscle which makes it impossible

cutaneous /kju%$tenis/ adjective referring to
cutaneous

|
for the eye to focus properly
cyclopropane /!sakl$prpen/ noun a
cyclopropane

the skin |

flammable hydrocarbon gas used as a general

cutaneous leishmaniasis /kju!tenis
cutaneous leishmaniasis

|
anaesthetic and in organic synthesis
li%m$nass/ noun a form of skin disease
cyclothymia /!sakl$ami/ noun a mild
| cyclothymia

caused by the tropical parasite Leishmania. Also |

called Delhi boil form of bipolar disorder in which the person

experiences alternating depression and excite-
cutdown /$k.tdan/ noun the procedure of cut-
cutdown

ment
ting a vein to insert a cannula or administer an cyclotomy /sa$kltmi/ noun a surgical oper-
cyclotomy

intravenous drug
|

ation to make a cut in the ciliary body (NOTE: The

cuticle /$kju%tk()l/ noun same as epidermis
cuticle

plural is cyclotomies.)
Nursing.fm Page 72 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

-cyclovir 72

-cyclovir /saklv/ suffix used in the names called vesicofixation (NOTE: The plural is cyst-
-cyclovir

of antiviral drugs opexies.)

cystoplasty /$sst!pl'sti/ noun a surgical
cystoplasty

cyesis /sa$i%ss/ noun same as pregnancy

cyesis
|
|

(technical) operation on the bladder (NOTE: The plural is

cyst /sst/ noun an unusual growth in the body
cyst
cystoplasties.)
cystoscope /$sstskp/ noun an instrument
cystoscope

shaped like a pouch, containing liquid or semi-

liquid substances made of a long tube with a light at the end, used
to inspect the inside of the bladder
cyst- /sst/ prefix the bladder
cyst-

cystoscopy /s$stskpi/ noun an examination

cystoscopy

cystadenoma /!sstd$nm/ noun an ade-

cystadenoma |

of the bladder using a cystoscope (NOTE: The plu-

|

noma in which fluid-filled cysts form (NOTE: The

ral is cystoscopies.)
plural is cystadonomas or cystadonomata.)
cystostomy /s$ststmi/, cystotomy /s
cystostomy

cystalgia /s$st'ld+/ noun pain in the urinary

cystalgia | |

|
$sttmi/ noun a surgical operation to make an
bladder opening between the bladder and the abdominal
cystectomy /s$stektmi/ noun a surgical
cystectomy

|
operation to remove all or part of the urinary blad-
der (NOTE: The plural is cystectomies.)
cystic /$sstk/ adjective 1. referring to cysts 2.
cystic
wall to allow urine to pass without going through
the urethra. Also called vesicostomy (NOTE:
The plurals are cystostomies and cystoto-
mies.)

referring to a bladder cystourethrography /!sst!jr$r1rfi/

cystourethrography

| |

cysticercosis /!ssts-%$kss/ noun a dis- noun X-ray examination of the bladder and ure-
cysticercosis

ease caused by infestation of tapeworm larvae thra

from pork cystourethroscope /!sstj$ri%rskp/
cystourethroscope

cystic fibrosis /!sstk fa$brss/ noun a noun an instrument used to inspect the bladder
cystic fibrosis

hereditary disease in which there is malfunction and urethra

of the exocrine glands such as the pancreas, in cyt- /sat/ prefix same as cyto- (used before
cyt-

particular those which secrete mucus, causing vowels)

respiratory difficulties, male infertility and mal- cyto- /sat/ prefix cell
cyto-

absorption of food from the gastrointestinal tract.

cytochemistry /!sat$kemstri/ noun the
cytochemistry

Also called fibrocystic disease, mucoviscido-

|

study of the chemical activity of cells

sis
cytogenetics /!satd+$netks/ noun a
cytogenetics

cystine /$ssti%n/ noun an amino acid. It can

cystine |

branch of genetics which studies the function of

cause stones to form in the urinary system of peo- cells, especially chromosomes, in heredity
ple who have a rare inherited metabolic disorder.
cytokine /$satkan/ noun a protein secreted
cytokine

cystinosis /!sst$nss/ noun a disorder

cystinosis

|
by cells of the lymph system which is involved in
affecting the absorption of amino acids, resulting controlling response to inflammation
in excessive amounts of cystine accumulating in
cytokinesis /!satka$ni%ss/ noun changes
cytokinesis

the kidneys |

in the cytoplasm of a cell during division

cystinuria /!sst$njri/ noun cystine in the
cystinuria

cytological smear /!satld+k()l $sm/

| cytological smear

urine
noun a sample of tissue taken for examination
cystitis /s$stats/ noun inflammation of the
cystitis

|
under a microscope
urinary bladder, which makes someone pass
cytology /sa$tld+i/ noun the study of the
cytology

water often and with a burning sensation

|

structure and function of cells

cystocele /$sstsi%l/ noun a hernia of the uri-
cystocele

cytolysis /sa$tlss/ noun the breaking down

cytolysis

nary bladder into the vagina

|

of cells
cystogram /$sst1r'm/ noun an X-ray photo-
cystogram

cytomegalovirus /!sat$me1l!vars/
cytomegalovirus

graph of the urinary bladder

| |

noun one of the herpesviruses which can cause

cystography /s$st1rfi/ noun an examina-
cystography

|
serious congenital disorders in a fetus if it infects
tion of the urinary bladder by X-rays after radio- the pregnant mother. Abbreviation CMV
opaque dye has been introduced cytometer /sa$tmt/ noun an instrument
cytometer

cystolithiasis /!sstl$ass/ noun a condi-

cystolithiasis

|
attached to a microscope, used for measuring and
tion in which stones are formed in the urinary counting the number of cells in a specimen
bladder cytopenia /!sat$pi%ni/ noun a deficiency of
cytopenia

cystometer /s$stmt/ noun an apparatus

cystometer

| cellular elements in blood or tissue

which measures the pressure in the bladder cytoplasm /$satpl'z()m/ noun a sub-
cytoplasm

cystometry /s$stmtri/ noun measurement

cystometry

| stance inside the cell membrane which surrounds

of the pressure in the bladder the nucleus of a cell
cystopexy /s$stpeksi/ noun a surgical opera- cytoplasmic /!sat$pl'zmk/ adjective
cystopexy cytoplasmic

| |

tion to fix the bladder in a different position. Also referring to the cytoplasm of a cell
Nursing.fm Page 73 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

73 cytotoxin

cytosine /$satsi%n/ noun one of the four sion 2. referring to cells in the immune system
cytosine

basic chemicals in DNA which destroy other cells

cytotoxic drug /!sattksk $dr.1/ noun a
cytotoxic drug

cytosome /$satsm/ noun the body of a

cytosome

drug which reduces the reproduction of cells,

cell, not including the nucleus used to treat cancer
cytotoxic /!sat$tksk/ adjective 1. refer-
cytotoxic

cytotoxin /!sat$tksn/ noun a substance

cytotoxin
|
|

ring to a drug or agent which prevents cell divi- which has a toxic effect on cells
Nursing.fm Page 74 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

D
d symbol deci- Daltonism /$d%ltnz()m/ noun the common-
d Daltonism

da symbol deca-
da
est form of colour blindness, in which someone
cannot see the difference between red and green.
da Costas syndrome /d% $kstz
da Costas syndrome

Also called protanopia [Described 1794. After

!sndrm/ noun same as disordered action of
the heart [Described 1871. After Jacob Mendes
da Costa (18331900), Philadelphia surgeon,
who described this condition in soldiers in the
John Dalton (17661844), English chemist and
physician. Founder of the atomic theory, he him-
self was colour-blind.]
D & C /di% n/ abbreviation dilatation and curet-
D & C

American Civil War.]

tage
dacryo- /d'kri/ prefix tears
dacryo-

dander /$d'nd/ noun very small fragments

dander

dacryoadenitis /!d'kri'd$nats/ noun

dacryoadenitis

|
that fall from the feathers, hair or skin of animals
inflammation of the lacrimal gland or people
dacryocystitis /!d'kris$stats/ noun
dacryocystitis

dandruff /$d'ndrf/ noun pieces of dead skin

dandruff
|

inflammation of the lacrimal sac when the tear from the scalp which fall out when the hair is
duct, which drains into the nose, becomes combed. Also called pityriasis capitis, scurf
blocked D and V /!di% n $vi%/ abbreviation diarrhoea and
D and V

dacryocystography /!d'kris$st1rfi/
dacryocystography

|
vomiting
noun contrast radiography to determine the site of Dandy-Walker syndrome /!d'ndi $w%k
Dandy-Walker syndrome

an obstruction in the tear ducts !sndrm/ noun a congenital condition in which

dacryocystorhinostomy /!d'kri
dacryocystorhinostomy

|
there is no Magendies foramen in the brain
!sstra$nstmi/ noun a surgical operation to
|
dark adaptation /d%k !'d'p$te()n/ noun
dark adaptation

bypass a blockage from the tear duct which takes
tears into the nose. Abbreviation DCR (NOTE:
The plural is dacryocystorhinostomies.)
dacryolith /$d'kril/ noun a stone in the
dacryolith
the reflex changes which enable the eye to con-
tinue to see in dim light. For example, the pupil
becomes larger and the rods in the retina become

more active than the cones.

lacrimal sac data /$det/ plural noun information in words or
data

dacryoma /!d'kri$m/ noun a benign swell-

dacryoma

| figures about a particular subject, especially

ing in one of the tear ducts (NOTE: The plural is information which is available on computer
dacryomas or dacryomata.) (NOTE: In scientific usage, data is used with a
dactyl /$d'ktl/ noun a finger or toe
dactyl
plural verb: The data are accurate. In everyday
language, data is often used with a singular
dactyl- /d'ktl/ prefix same as dactylo- (used
dactyl-

verb: The recent data supports our case.)

before vowels)
data bank /$det b'k/ noun a store of infor-
data bank

dactylitis /!d'kt$lats/ noun inflammation of

dactylitis

|
mation in a computer ! The hospital keeps a data
the fingers or toes, caused by bone infection or bank of information about possible kidney
rheumatic disease donors.
dactylo- /d'ktl/ prefix referring to the fin-
dactylo-

database /$detbes/ noun a structured collec-

database

gers or toes tion of information in a computer that can be

dactylology /!d'kt$lld+i/ noun signs made
dactylology

| automatically retrieved and manipulated

with the fingers in place of words when talking to Data Protection Act /!det pr$tek()n
Data Protection Act

a person who is unable to hear, or when a person
who is unable to hear or speak wants to commu-
nicate
dactylomegaly /!d'ktl$me1li/ noun a
dactylomegaly
!'kt/ noun a parliamentary act intended to pro-
tect information about individuals that is held on
computers. It ensures that all information is stored

| securely and allows people to have access to their

condition in which a person has longer fingers entries.
than usual daughter /$d%t/ noun a female child of a par-
daughter

DAH abbreviation disordered action of the heart ent ! They have two sons and one daughter.
DAH
Nursing.fm Page 75 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
day blindness /$de !blandns/ noun same as
day blindness
hemeralopia
day care /$de ke/ noun supervised recreation
day care
or medical care provided during the day for peo-
ple who need special help, e.g. some elderly peo-
ple or small children
day case /$de kes/ noun same as day patient
day case
day case surgery /$de kes !s-%d+ri/ noun
day case surgery
same as day surgery
day centre /$de !sent/ noun a place providing
day centre
day care
day nursery /$de !n-%s()ri/ noun a place
day nursery
where small children can be looked after during
the daytime while their parents or guardians are at
work
day patient /$de !pe()nt/ noun a patient
day patient
who is in hospital for treatment for a day and does
not stay overnight. Also called day case
day patient care /$de !pe()nt !ke/ noun
day patient care
care for patients who are resident in a hospital
during the daytime only
day recovery ward /!de r$k.v()ri !w%d/
day recovery ward
|
noun a ward where day patients who have had
minor operations can recover before going home
day surgery /$de !s-%d+ri/ noun a surgical
day surgery
operation which does not require the patient to
stay overnight in hospital. Also called day case
surgery
dB abbreviation decibel
dB
DCR abbreviation dacryocystorhinostomy
DCR
DDS abbreviation US doctor of dental surgery
DDS
DDT abbreviation dichlorodiphenyltrichlo-
DDT
roethane
de- /di%/ prefix removal or loss
de-
dead fingers /!ded $f1z/, dead mans fin-
dead fingers
gers /!ded m'nz $f1z/ noun same as Ray-
nauds disease
dead space /ded spes/ noun a breath in the
dead space
last part of the process of breathing in air which
does not get further than the bronchial tubes
deaf /def/ adjective not able to hear in circum-
deaf
stances where most people would. ! hearing-
impaired
deaf and dumb /!def n $d.m/ noun not able
deaf and dumb
to hear or to speak (NOTE: This term is regarded
as offensive.)
deafness /$defns/ noun the fact of being una-
deafness
ble to hear in circumstances where most people
would
deamination /di%!'m$ne()n/ noun the
deamination
| |
process by which amino acids are broken down in
the liver and urea is formed
death /de/ noun the permanent end of all natu-
death
ral functions
death rate /$de ret/ noun the number of
death rate
deaths per year per thousand of population ! The
death rate from cancer of the liver has remained
stable.
75 decimetre
debility /d$blti/ noun general weakness
debility
debridement /d$bri%dmnt/ noun the removal
debridement
of dirt or dead tissue from a wound to help healing
deca- /dek/ prefix ten. Symbol da
deca-
Decadron /$dekdrn/ a trade name for dexam-
Decadron
ethasone
decalcification /di%!k'lsf$ke()n/ noun
decalcification
| |
the loss of calcium salts from teeth and bones
decannulation /di%!k'nj$le()n/ noun the
decannulation
| |
removal of a tracheostomy tube
decapitation /d!k'p$te()n/ noun the act
decapitation
| |
or process of cutting off the head of a person or
animal
decapsulation /di%!k'psj$le()n/ noun a
decapsulation
| |
surgical operation to remove a capsule from an
organ, especially from a kidney
decay /d$ke/ noun 1. the process by which tis-
decay
sues become rotten, caused by the action of
microorganisms and oxygen 2. damage caused to
tissue or a tooth by the action of microorganisms,
especially bacteria " verb (of tissue) to rot ! The
surgeon removed decayed matter from the wound.
deci- /desi/ prefix one tenth (10-1) ! decigram
deci-
Symbol d
decibel /$desbel/ noun a unit of measurement
decibel
of the loudness of sound, used to compare differ-
ent levels of sound. Symbol dB
decidua /d$sdju/ noun a membrane which
decidua
lines the uterus after fertilisation (NOTE: The plu-
ral is deciduas or deciduae.)
COMMENT: The decidua is divided into sever-
al parts: the decidua basalis, where the em-
bryo is attached, the decidua capsularis,
which covers the embryo and the decidua
vera which is the rest of the decidua not
touching the embryo. It is expelled after the
birth of the baby.
decidual /d$sdjul/ adjective referring to the
decidual
|
decidua
deciduoma /d!sdju$m/ noun a mass of
deciduoma
| |
decidual tissue remaining in the uterus after birth
(NOTE: The plural is deciduomas or decidu-
omata.)
deciduous /d$sdjus/ adjective referring to
deciduous
|
teeth discarded at a later stage of development
deciduous dentition /d!sdjus den
deciduous dentition
| |
$t()n/ noun the set of twenty teeth which are
gradually replaced by the permanent teeth as a
child grows older
deciduous tooth /d$sdjus tu%/ noun same
deciduous tooth
|
as primary tooth
decilitre /$desli%t/ noun a unit of measure-
decilitre
ment of liquid equal to one tenth of a litre. Sym-
bol dl (NOTE: The US spelling is deciliter.)
decimetre /$desmi%t/ noun a unit of measure-
decimetre
ment of length equal to one tenth of a metre. Sym-
bol dm (NOTE: The US spelling is decimeter.)
Nursing.fm Page 76 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

decompensation 76

decompensation /di%!kmpn$se()n/ defecation /!def$ke()n/, defaecation

decompensation defecation

| | |

noun a condition in which an organ such as the noun the act of passing out faeces from the bow-
heart cannot cope with extra stress placed on it els
and so is unable to perform its function properly defence /d$fens/ noun resistance against an
defence

decomposition /!di%kmp$z()n/ noun the

decomposition

| attack of a disease
process where dead matter is rotted by the action defence
defence mechanism

mechanism /d$fens
of bacteria or fungi
|

!meknz()m/ noun a subconscious reflex by

decompression /!di%km$pre()n/ noun 1.
decompression

| which a person prevents himself or herself from

reduction of pressure 2. a controlled reduction of showing emotion
atmospheric pressure which occurs as a diver deferent /$defrnt/ adjective going away from
deferent

returns to the surface the centre

decompression sickness /!di%km
decompression sickness

defervescence /!def$ves()ns/ noun a

defervescence
|

!pre()n $skns/ noun same as caisson dis-

|

period during which a fever is subsiding

ease
defibrillation /di%!fbr$le()n/ noun a proce-
defibrillation

decongestant /!di%kn$d+estnt/ adjective

decongestant
| |

dure to correct an irregular heartbeat by applying

|

reducing congestion and swelling " noun a drug

a large electrical impulse to the chest wall, espe-
which reduces congestion and swelling, some-
cially in potentially life-threatening circum-
times used to unblock the nasal passages
stances. Also called cardioversion
decontamination /!di%knt'm$ne()n/
decontamination

defibrillator /di%$fbrlet/ noun an apparatus

defibrillator
|

noun the removal of a contaminating substance

|

such as radioactive material used to apply an electric impulse to the heart to

make it beat regularly
decortication /di%!k%t$ke()n/ noun the
decortication

defibrination /di%!fabr$ne()n/ noun the

| | defibrination

surgical removal of the cortex of an organ | |

removal of fibrin from a blood sample to prevent

decrudescence /!di%kru%$des()ns/ noun a
decrudescence

|
clotting
reduction in the symptoms of a disease
deficiency /d$f()nsi/ noun a lack of some-
deficiency

decubitus /d$kju%bts/ noun the position of a

decubitus |

|
thing necessary
person who is lying down
deficit /$defst/ noun the amount by which
deficit

decubitus ulcer /d!kju%bts $.ls/ noun

decubitus ulcer

|
something is less than it should be
same as bedsore
defloration /!di%fl%$re()n/ noun the act of
defloration

decussation /!di%k.$se()n/ noun the cross-

decussation |

|
breaking the hymen of a virgin, usually at the first
ing of nerve fibres in the central nervous system. sexual intercourse
Also called chiasm
deflorescence /!di%fl%$res()ns/ noun the
deflorescence

deep /di%p/ adjective located, coming from or

deep |

disappearance of a rash
reaching relatively far inside the body. Opposite
deformans /di%$f%mnz/ " osteitis deform-
deformans

superficial |

ans
deep cervical vein /!di%p $s-%vk()l !ven/
deep cervical vein

deformity /d$f%mti/ noun an unusual shape

deformity

noun a vein in the neck which drains into the ver- |

tebral vein of part of the body

degeneration /d!d+en$re()n/ noun a
degeneration

deep dermal burn /!di%p $d-%m()l !b-%n/

deep dermal burn

| |

noun a burn which is so severe that a graft will be change in the structure of a cell or organ so that it
necessary to repair the skin damage. Also called no longer works properly
full thickness burn degenerative disease /d!d+en()rtv d
degenerative disease

| |

deep facial vein /!di%p $fe()l !ven/ noun a $zi%z/, degenerative disorder /d!d+en()rtv
deep facial vein

small vein which drains from the pterygoid proc- ds$%d/ noun a disease or disorder in which
|

ess behind the cheek into the facial vein
deep plantar arch /!di%p $pl'ntr !%t/ noun
deep plantar arch
a curved artery crossing the sole of the foot
there is progressive loss of function of a part of
the body, or in which a part of the body fails to
repair itself
deglutition /!di%1lu%$t()n/ noun the action of
deglutition

deep vein /!di%p $ven/ noun a vein which is

deep vein
|

inside the body near a bone, as opposed to a passing food or liquid, and sometimes also air,
superficial vein near the skin from the mouth into the oesophagus (technical)
Also called swallowing
deep-vein thrombosis /!di%p ven rm
deep-vein thrombosis

dehiscence /d$hs()ns/ noun the act of open-

| dehiscence

$bss/ noun a condition arising when a throm- |

bus formed in the deep veins of a leg or the pelvis ing wide
dehydration /!di%ha$dre()n/ noun a dan-
dehydration

travels to a lung where it may cause death. The |

condition may affect anyone who is inactive for gerous lack of water in the body resulting from
long periods. Also called phlebothrombosis. inadequate intake of fluids or excessive loss
Abbreviation DVT through sweating, vomiting or diarrhoea
Nursing.fm Page 77 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

77 deoxygenated blood

dehydrogenase /!di%ha$drd+nez/ noun denervation /!di%n$ve()n/ noun the stop-

dehydrogenase denervation

| |

an enzyme that transfers hydrogen between ping or cutting of the nerve supply to a part of the
chemical compounds body
dj vu /!de+% $vu%/ noun an illusion that a dengue /$de1i/ noun a tropical disease caused
dj vu dengue

new situation is a previous one being repeated, by an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes, char-
usually caused by a disease of the brain acterised by high fever, pains in the joints, head-
deleterious /!del$tris/ adjective damaging
deleterious

|
ache and rash. Also called breakbone fever
or harmful denial /d$nal/ noun a persons refusal to
denial

Delhi boil /!deli $bl/ noun same as cutane-

Delhi boil
accept that he or she has a serious medical prob-
ous leishmaniasis lem
Denis Browne splint /!dens bran $splnt/
Denis Browne splint

delirium /d$lrim/ noun a mental state in

delirium

which someone is confused, excited and restless noun a metal splint used to correct a club foot
and has hallucinations [Described 1934. After Sir Denis John Wolko
Browne (18921967), Australian orthopaedic
delirium alcoholicum /d!lrim !'lk
delirium alcoholicum

and general surgeon working in Britain.]

| |

$hlkm/ noun " delirium tremens

dens /denz/ noun a tooth, or something shaped
dens

delirium tremens /d!lrim $tri%menz/,

delirium tremens

like a tooth
|

delirium alcoholicum /d!lrim !'lk | |

dent- /dent/ prefix referring to a tooth or teeth

dent-

$hlkm/ noun a state of mental illness usually

found in long-term alcoholics who attempt to give dental /$dent()l/ adjective referring to teeth or
dental

up alcohol consumption. It includes hallucina- to the treatment of teeth ! dental caries ! dental
tions about insects, trembling and excitement. surgeon
Abbreviation DTs dental hygiene /!dent()l $had+i%n/ noun
dental hygiene

delivery /d$lv()ri/ noun the birth of a child procedures to keep the teeth clean and healthy
delivery

delta /$delt/ noun the fourth letter of the Greek dental impaction /!dent()l m$p'k()n/
delta dental impaction

alphabet noun a condition in which a tooth is closely

deltoid /$deltd/, deltoid muscle /$deltd
deltoid
pressed against other teeth and cannot grow nor-
!m.s()l/ noun a big triangular muscle covering mally
the shoulder joint and attached to the humerus, dental plate /$dent()l plet/ noun a prosthesis
dental plate

which lifts the arm sideways made to the shape of the mouth, which holds arti-
delusion /d$lu%+()n/ noun a false belief which
delusion

|
ficial teeth
a person holds which cannot be changed by rea- dental prosthesis /!dent()l prs$i%ss/
dental prosthesis

son ! He suffered from the delusion that he was noun one or more false teeth
wanted by the police. dentine /$denti%n/ noun a hard substance which
dentine

dementia /d$men/ noun the loss of mental surrounds the pulp of teeth, beneath the enamel
dementia

ability and memory due to organic disease of the dentistry /$dentstri/ noun the profession of a
dentistry

brain, causing disorientation and personality dentist, or the branch of medicine dealing with
changes teeth and gums
demi- /demi/ prefix half
demi-

dentition /den$t()n/ noun the number,

dentition

demography /d$m1rfi/ noun the study of arrangement and special characteristics of all the
demography

populations and environments or changes affect- teeth in a persons jaws

ing populations COMMENT: Children have incisors, canines
demulcent /d$m.lsnt/ noun a soothing sub- and molars, which are replaced over a peri-
demulcent

stance which relieves irritation in the stomach od of years by the permanent teeth: eight in-
demyelinating /di%$malnet/ adjective
demyelinating
cisors, four canines, eight premolars and
twelve molars, the last four molars being
|

relating to the destruction of the myelin sheath

called the wisdom teeth.
round nerve fibres
dentoid /$dentd/ adjective shaped like a tooth
dentoid

demyelination /di%!mal$ne()n/ noun the

demyelination

| |

denture /$dent/ noun a set of false teeth, fixed

denture

destruction of the myelin sheath round nerve

fibres, caused, e.g. by injury to the head, or as the to a device which fits inside the mouth
main result of multiple sclerosis deodorant /di$d()rnt/ noun a substance
deodorant

dendrite /$dendrat/ noun a branched structure

dendrite
which hides or prevents unpleasant smells "
growing out from a nerve cell, which receives adjective hiding or preventing odours
impulses from the nerve endings of other nerve deontology /!di%n$tld+i/ noun the ethics of
deontology

cells at synapses. See illustration at NEURONE in duty and of what is morally right or wrong
Supplement. Also called dendron deoxygenate /di%$ksd+net/ verb to
deoxygenate

dendritic /den$drtk/ adjective referring to a remove oxygen from something

dendritic

dendrite deoxygenated
deoxygenated blood

blood /di%!ksd+net |

dendron /$dendrn/ noun same as dendrite $bl.d/ noun blood from which most of the oxy-
dendron
Nursing.fm Page 78 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

deoxyribonucleic acid 78
gen has been removed by the tissues. It is darker or want ! sleep deprivation 2. the lack of basic
than arterial oxygenated blood. Also called necessities of life
venous blood. Compare deoxygenated blood deradenitis /d!r'd$nats/ noun inflamma-
deradenitis

| |

deoxyribonucleic acid /di%!ksirabnju% tion of the lymph nodes in the neck

deoxyribonucleic acid

| |

!klek $'sd/ noun full form of DNA. " RNA Dercums disease /$d-%kmz d!zi%z/ noun
Dercums disease

Department of Health /d!p%tmnt v same as adiposis dolorosa [Described 1888.

Department of Health

$hel/ noun in the UK, the government depart- After Franois Xavier Dercum (18561931), Pro-
ment in charge of health services. Abbreviation fessor of Neurology at Jefferson Medical Col-
DH lege, Philadelphia, USA.]
dependant /d$pendnt/ noun a person who is derealisation /di%!rla$ze()n/, derealiza-
dependant derealisation

| | |

looked after or supported by someone else ! He tion noun a psychological state in which some-
has to support a family of six children and several one feels the world around him or her is not real
dependants. derm- /d-%m/ prefix same as derma- (used
derm-

dependence /d$pendns/, dependency /d before vowels)

dependence

| |

$pendnsi/ noun the fact of needing the suuport -derm /d-%m/ suffix skin
-derm

of something or someone such as a carer, nurse or derma- /d-%m/ prefix skin

derma-

doctor, or of being addicted to a drug

dermal /$d-%m()l/ adjective referring to the
dermal

dependent /d$pendnt/ adjective 1. needing

dependent

|
skin
the support of someone or something 2. addicted dermatitis /!d-%m$tats/ noun inflammation
dermatitis

to a drug 3. referring to a part of the body which

|

of the skin
is hanging down
dermato- /d-%mt/ prefix referring to the
dermato-

dependent relative /d!pendnt $reltv/

dependent relative

|
skin
noun a person who is looked after by another
dermatochalasis /!d-%mtk$l'ss/ noun
dermatochalasis

member of the family |

a condition where a fold of skin moves down over

depersonalisation /di%!p-%s()n()la
depersonalisation

| |
the eyelid, common in older people
$ze()n/, depersonalization noun a psychiat-
dermatological /!d-%mt$ld+k()l/ adjec-
dermatological

ric state in which someone does not believe he or |

she is real tive referring to dermatology

dermatologist /!d-%m$tld+st/ noun a doc-
dermatologist

depilation /!dep$le()n/ noun the removal of

depilation
|

tor who specialises in the study and treatment of

|

hair
the skin and its diseases
depilatory /d$plt()ri/ noun a substance
depilatory

dermatology /!d-%m$tld+i/ noun the study

| dermatology

which removes hair " adjective removing hair |

and treatment of the skin and its diseases

Depo-Provera a trademark for a progesterone
Depo-Provera

dermatome /$d-%mtm/ noun 1. a special

dermatome

derivative used in birth control and the treatment

of endometriosis which is administered by three- knife used for cutting thin sections of skin for
monthly injection grafting 2. an area of skin supplied by one spinal
nerve
depressant /d$pres()nt/ noun a drug which
depressant

dermatomycosis /!d-%mtma$kss/
| dermatomycosis

reduces the activity of part of the body, e.g. a tran- |

noun a skin infection caused by a fungus that is

quilliser
not a dermatophyte
depressed /d$prest/ adjective 1. experiencing
depressed

dermatomyositis /!d-%mtma$sats/
| dermatomyositis

a mental condition that prevents someone from

|

noun a collagen disease with a wasting inflamma-

carrying out the normal activities of life in the
tion of the skin and muscles
usual way # clinically depressed Same as
dermatophyte /$d-%mtfat/ noun a fungus
dermatophyte

depressed 2. feeling miserable and worried

(informal) ! He was depressed after his exam belonging to one of three genera which affect the
results. 3. referring to something such as a meta- skin or hair, causing tinea
dermatophytosis /!d-%mtfa$tss/
dermatophytosis

bolic rate which is below the usual level |

depressed fracture /d!prest $fr'kt/ noun

depressed fracture

|
noun a fungal infection of the skin caused by a
a fracture of a flat bone such as those in the skull dermatophyte
dermatoplasty /$d-%mtpl'sti/ noun a skin
dermatoplasty

where part of the bone has been pushed down

lower than the surrounding parts graft, replacing damaged skin by skin taken from
depression /d$pre()n/ noun 1. a mental
depression

|
another part of the body or from a donor
dermatosis /!d-%m$tss/ noun a disease of
dermatosis

condition that prevents someone from carrying |

out the normal activities of life in the usual way 2. the skin
a hollow on the surface of a part of the body dermis /$d-%ms/ noun a thick layer of living
dermis

depressor /d$pres/ noun a muscle which

depressor

|
skin beneath the epidermis. Also called corium
pulls part of the body downwards dermo- /d-%m/ prefix same as derma-
dermo-

deprivation /!depr$ve()n/ noun 1. the fact dermoid /$d-%md/ adjective 1. referring to the
deprivation dermoid

of not being able to have something that you need skin 2. like skin
Nursing.fm Page 79 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

79 diabetes insipidus

Descemets membrane /de$mets develop /d$velp/ verb 1. to become larger and

Descemets membrane develop

| |

!membren/ noun one of the deep layers of the stronger, or more complex ! The embryo is
cornea [Described 1785. After Jean Descemet developing normally. ! A swelling developed
(17321810), French physician; Professor of under the armpit. ! The sore throat developed
Anatomy and Surgery in Paris.] into an attack of meningitis. 2. to make something
descending aorta /d!send e$%t/ noun
descending aorta

| |
start to happen ! Were developing a new system
the second section of the aorta, which turns down- for dealing with admission to A & E. 3. to make
wards. Compare ascending aorta something start to grow or become larger,
descending colon /d!send $kln/ noun
descending colon
stronger or more complex ! He does exercises to
develop his muscles. 4. to start to have an illness
|

the third section of the colon which goes down the

left side of the body. Compare ascending colon. ! The baby may be developing a cold.
development /d$velpmnt/ noun 1. the
development

See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supple- |

ment process of growing, or of becoming larger and

desensitisation
desensitisation

/di%!sensta$ze()n/, | |
stronger, or more complex ! The development of
desensitization noun the act of making some- the embryo takes place in the uterus. 2. something
one or something no longer sensitive to some- which happens and causes a change in a situation
thing such as an allergen ! Report any developments to me at once.
developmental delay /d$velpment()l d
developmental delay

designer drug /d$zan dr.1/ noun a drug

designer drug
| |
|

that has been modified to enhance its properties !le/ noun the fact of being later than usual in
(informal) developing, either physically or psychologically
deviance /$di%vins/ noun sexual behaviour
deviance

desogestrel /!des$d+estrl/ noun a hormone

desogestrel

used an as oral contraceptive which is considered unusual

deviated nasal septum /!di%vietd !nez()l
deviated nasal septum

desquamation /!deskw$me()n/ noun the

desquamation

continual process of losing the outer layer of dead $septm/, deviated septum /!di%vietd
skin $septm/ noun an unusual position of the septum
detached retina /d!t'tt $retn/ noun a
detached retina

|
of the nose which may block the nose and cause
condition in which the retina becomes partially nosebleeds
deviation /!di%vi$e()n/ noun 1. the fact of
deviation

separated from the eyeball, causing loss of vision. |

Also called retinal detachment being different from what is usual or expected or
COMMENT: A detached retina can be caused something which is different from what is usual
by a blow to the eye, or simply is a condition or expected 2. an unusual position of a joint or of
occurring in old age. If left untreated the eye the eye, as in strabismus
will become blind. A detached retina can dexamethasone /!deks$mesn/ noun a
dexamethasone

sometimes be attached to the choroid again synthetic steroid drug that is used to treat inflam-
using lasers. mation and hormonal imbalances
detergent /d$t-%d+nt/ noun a cleaning sub-
detergent

Dexa scan /$deks sk'n/ noun a technique to

Dexa scan
|

stance which removes grease and bacteria assess changes in someones bone density, as in
deterioration /d!tri$re()n/ noun the fact
deterioration

| | osteoporosis or in Pagets disease. Full form Dual

of becoming worse ! The nurses were worried by Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
the deterioration in the patients reactions. dextro- /dekstr/ prefix referring to the right,
dextro-

detox /$di%tks/ noun same as detoxication

detox

or the right side of the body

(informal) dextromoramide
dextromoramide

/!dekstr$m%rmad/ |

detoxication /di%!tks$ke()n/, detoxifica-

detoxication

| |
noun an opioid drug used to reduce pain
tion /di%!tksf$ke()n/ noun the removal of
dextrose /$dekstrz/ noun same as glucose
dextrose
| |

toxic substances to make a poisonous substance

DH abbreviation Department of Health
DH

harmless
DI abbreviation donor insemination
DI

detrition /d$tr()n/ noun the fact of wearing

detrition

away by rubbing or use di- /da/ prefix two, double

di-

detritus /d$trats/ noun rubbish produced dia- /da/ prefix 1. through or throughout 2.
detritus dia-

when something disintegrates across 3. in different or opposite directions 4.

detrusor muscle /d$tru%z !m.s()l/ noun apart
detrusor muscle

the muscular coat of the urinary bladder diabetes /!da$bi%ti%z/ noun 1. one of a group
diabetes

detumescence /!di%tju%$mes()ns/ noun 1. of diseases which cause the body to produce large
detumescence

(of the penis or clitoris after an erection or amounts of urine. ! gestational diabetes 2.
orgasm) the process of becoming limp 2. (of a same as diabetes mellitus
swelling) the process of disappearing diabetes insipidus /da!bi%ti%z n$spds/
diabetes insipidus

| |

deuteranopia /!dju%tr$npi/ noun a form noun a rare disorder of the pituitary gland causing
deuteranopia

of colour blindness in which someone cannot see an inadequate amount of the hormone vaso-
green pressin, which controls urine production, to be
Nursing.fm Page 80 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

diabetes mellitus 80
produced, leading to excessive passing of urine dialysate /da$'lst/ noun material which is
dialysate

and extreme thirst subjected to dialysis

diabetes mellitus /da!bi%ti%z $melts/ dialyser /$dalaz/ noun an apparatus which
diabetes mellitus dialyser

noun a disease where the body cannot control uses a membrane to separate solids from liquids,
sugar absorption because the pancreas does not e.g. a kidney machine
secrete enough insulin dialysis /da$'lss/ noun 1. a procedure in
dialysis

COMMENT: Diabetes mellitus has two forms:
Type I may have a viral trigger caused by an
infection which affects the cells in the pan-
creas which produce insulin; Type II is
which a membrane is used as a filter to separate
soluble waste substances from the blood 2. same
as renal dialysis
diapedesis /!dap$di%ss/ noun the move-
diapedesis

caused by a lower sensitivity to insulin, is
common in older people, and is associated
with obesity. Symptoms of diabetes mellitus
are tiredness, unusual thirst, frequent pass-
ment of white blood cells through the walls of the
capillaries into tissues in the development of
inflammation
diaphoresis /!daf$ri%ss/ noun excessive
diaphoresis

ing of water and sweet-smelling urine. Blood |

and urine tests show high levels of sugar. perspiration

diaphoretic /!daf$retk/ noun a drug which
diaphoretic

Treatment for Type II diabetes involves |

keeping to a strict diet and reducing weight, causes sweating " adjective causing sweating
and sometimes the use of oral hypoglycae- diaphragm /$dafr'm/ noun 1. a thin layer of
diaphragm

mic drugs such as glibenclamide. Type I dia-
betes is treated with regular injections of in-
sulin.
diabetic cataract /!dabetk $k'tr'kt/
diabetic cataract
tissue stretched across an opening, especially the
flexible sheet of muscle and fibre which separates
the chest from the abdomen and moves to pull air
into the lungs in respiration 2. same as vaginal

noun a cataract which develops in people who diaphragm

have diabetes diaphragmatic /!dafr'1$m'tk/ adjective
diaphragmatic

diabetic coma /!dabetk $km/ noun a

diabetic coma
referring to a diaphragm, or like a diaphragm
diaphyseal /!da$fzil/ adjective referring to
diaphyseal

state of unconsciousness caused by untreated dia- |

betes a diaphysis
diaphysis /da$'fss/ noun the long central
diaphysis

diabetic retinopathy /!dabetk ret

diabetic retinopathy
|
|

$npi/ noun a disease of the retina, caused by part of a long bone. Also called shaft. See illus-
diabetes tration at BONE MARROW in Supplement
diaphysitis /!daf$sats/ noun inflamma-
diaphysitis

diabetogenic /!dabet$d+enk/ adjective

diabetogenic
|

tion of the diaphysis, often associated with rheu-

|

which causes diabetes

matic disease
diabetologist /!dabe$tld+st/ noun a doc-
diabetologist

diarrhoea /!da$ri%/ noun a condition in

diarrhoea
|

tor specialising in the treatment of diabetes melli-

|

which someone frequently passes liquid faeces !

tus attack of diarrhoea ! mild/severe diarrhoea
diaclasia /!da$klezi/ noun a fracture made
diaclasia

diarthrosis /!da%$rss/ noun same as

diarthrosis
|
|

by a surgeon to repair an earlier fracture which synovial joint

has set badly, or to correct a deformity diastase /$dastez/ noun an enzyme which
diastase

diadochokinesis
diadochokinesis

/da!'dkka$ni%ss/ | | breaks down starch and converts it into sugar

noun the natural ability to make muscles move diastasis /!da$stess/ noun a condition in
diastasis

limbs in opposite directions which a bone separates into parts

diagnosis /!da1$nss/ noun the act of diag-
diagnosis

diastema /!da$sti%m/ noun 1. an unusually

diastema

| |

nosing a condition or illness ! The doctors diag- wide space between adjacent teeth 2. an unusual
nosis was a viral infection, but the childs parents gap in any body part or organ
asked for a second opinion. ! They found it diffi- diastolic /!da$stlk/ adjective relating to the
diastolic

cult to make a diagnosis. Compare prognosis diastole

(NOTE: The plural is diagnoses.)
diastolic pressure /!dastlk $pre/ noun
diastolic pressure

diagnostic /!da1$nstk/ adjective referring

diagnostic

|
blood pressure taken at the diastole (NOTE:
to diagnosis Diastolic pressure is always lower than systolic.)
diagnostic and treatment centre diathermy /!da$-%mi/ noun the use of high-
diagnostic and treatment centre diathermy

/!da1nstk n $tri%tmnt !sent/ noun a frequency electric current to produce heat in body
facility mainly for day surgery or short-term stay, tissue
where a range of planned operations such as joint diathermy needle /da!-%mi $ni%d()l/ noun
diathermy needle

replacements, hernia repair and cataract removal a needle used in surgical diathermy
can be undertaken. Abbreviation DTC diathermy snare /!da$-%mi sne/ noun a
diathermy snare

diagnostic radiographer /da1!nstk

diagnostic radiographer

| snare which is heated by electrodes and burns

!redi$1rf/ noun " radiographer
| away tissue
Nursing.fm Page 81 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
diathesis /da$'ss/ noun the general inher-
diathesis
ited constitution of a person in relation to their
susceptibility to specific diseases or allergies
diazepam /da$'zp'm/ noun a tranquilliser
diazepam
|
used in the short term to treat anxiety and as a
muscle relaxant. In the long term it is potentially
addictive.
diazoxide /!da$zksad/ noun a drug used as
diazoxide
|
a vasodilator, to reduce hypertension
DIC abbreviation disseminated intravascular
DIC
coagulation
dicephalus /da$sefls/ noun a fetus with two
dicephalus
heads
dichlorphenamide /!dakl%$fenmad/ noun
dichlorphenamide
| |
a drug used to treat glaucoma
dichromatism /!dakr$m'tz()m/ noun
dichromatism
|
colour blindness in which only two of the three
primary colours can be seen. Compare mono-
chromatism, trichromatism
diclofenac sodium /!daklfen'k
diclofenac sodium
$sdim/ noun an anti-inflammatory drug used
to treat rheumatic disease
dicrotism /$dakrtz()m/ noun a condition in
dicrotism
which the pulse occurs twice with each heartbeat
die /da/ verb to stop living ! His father died last
die
year. ! She died in a car crash. (NOTE: dying
died)
diet /$dat/ noun the amount and type of food
diet
eaten ! a balanced diet " verb to reduce the
quantity of food you eat, or to change the type of
food you eat, in order to become thinner or health-
ier ! He is dieting to try to lose weight.
dietary /$dat()ri/ noun a system of nutrition
dietary
and energy ! The nutritionist supervised the die-
taries for the patients. " adjective referring to a
diet
dietary fibre /$dat()ri !fab/ noun fibrous
dietary fibre
matter in food, which cannot be digested. Also
called roughage
COMMENT: Dietary fibre is found in cereals,
nuts, fruit and some green vegetables.
There are two types of fibre in food: insoluble
fibre, e.g. in bread and cereals, which is not
digested, and soluble fibre, e.g. in vegeta-
bles and pulses. Foods with the highest pro-
portion of fibre include wholemeal bread,
beans and dried apricots. Fibre is thought to
be necessary to help digestion and avoid de-
veloping constipation, obesity and appendi-
citis.
dietetic /!da$tetk/ adjective referring to diets
dietetic
dietetics /!da$tetks/ noun the study of food,
dietetics
| |
nutrition and health, especially when applied to
peoples food intake
dietitian /!da$t()n/ noun someone who
dietitian
| |
specialises in the study of diet, especially some-
one in a hospital who supervises dietaries as part
of the medical treatment of patients
81 digitoxin
Dietls crisis /$di%t()lz !krass/ noun a pain-
Dietls crisis
ful blockage of the ureter, causing back pressure
on the kidney which fills with urine and swells
[After Joseph Dietl (180478), Polish physician.]
diet sheet /$dat i%t/ noun a list of sugges-
diet sheet
tions for quantities and types of food given to
someone to follow
differential /!df$renl/ adjective referring to
differential
|
a difference
differential diagnosis /!df!ren()l !da1
differential diagnosis
| |
$nss/ noun the identification of one disease
from a number of other similar diseases by com-
paring the range of symptoms of each
differentiation /!dfreni$e()n/ noun the
differentiation
development of specialised cells during the early
embryo stage
diffuse /d$fju%s/ verb /d$fju%z/ /d$fju%s/; /d
diffuse
| | | |
$fju%z/ to spread through tissue, or cause some-
thing to spread ! Some substances easily diffuse
through the walls of capillaries. " adjective
referring to a disease which is widespread in the
body, or which affects many organs or cells
diffusion /d$fju%+()n/ noun the process of
diffusion
mixing a liquid with another liquid, or a gas with
another gas
digest /da$d+est/ verb to break down food in
digest
|
the alimentary canal and convert it into compo-
nents which are absorbed into the body
digestion /da$d+estn/ noun the process by
digestion
which food is broken down in the alimentary
canal into components which can be absorbed by
the body
digestive /da$d+estv/ adjective relating to
digestive
digestion
digestive juice /da$d+estv ju%s/ noun " gas-
digestive juice
|
tric juice (usually plural)
digestive system /da$d+estv !sstm/ noun
digestive system
|
the set of organs such as the stomach, liver and
pancreas which are associated with the digestion
of food. Also called alimentary system
digestive tract /da$d+estv tr'kt/ noun
digestive tract
|
same as alimentary canal
digit /$dd+t/ noun 1. a finger or a toe 2. a
digit
number
digitalin /!dd+$teln/, digitalis /!dd+
digitalin
| |
$tels/ noun a drug derived from foxglove leaves,
used in small doses to treat heart conditions
digitalise /$dd+tlaz/, digitalize verb to treat
digitalise
someone who has heart failure with digoxin
digital palpation /!dd+t()l p'l$pe()n/
digital palpation
noun an examination of part of the body by feel-
ing it with the fingers
digitoxin /!dd+$tksn/ noun an extract of
digitoxin
foxglove leaves, used as a drug to stimulate the
heart in cases of heart failure or irregular heart-
beat
Nursing.fm Page 82 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

digoxin 82

digoxin /da$d+ksn/ noun an extract of fox- diplegia /da$pli%d+/ noun paralysis of a simi-
digoxin diplegia

| |

glove leaves, which acts more rapidly than digi- lar part on both sides of the body, e.g. paralysis of
toxin when used as a heart stimulant both arms. Compare hemiplegia
dihydrocodeine tartrate /da!hadr diplegic /da$pli%d+k/ adjective referring to
dihydrocodeine tartrate diplegic

| | |

!kdi%n $t%tret/ noun an analgesic used to diplegia

treat severe pain diplo- /dpl/ prefix double
diplo-

dilatation /!dale$te()n/, dilation /da

dilatation

diploe /$dpli%/ noun a layer of spongy bone

diploe
| |

$le()n/ noun the act of making a hollow space tissue filled with red bone marrow, between the
or a passage in the body bigger or wider ! dilata- inner and outer layers of the skull
tion of the cervix during labour diploid /$dpld/ adjective referring to a cell
diploid

dilatation and curettage /dale!te()n n

dilatation and curettage

| where there are two copies of each chromosome,

kj$retd+/ noun a surgical operation to scrape
| except the sex chromosome. In humans the dip-
the interior of the uterus to obtain a tissue sample loid number of chromosomes is 46.
or to remove products of miscarriage. Abbrevia- diplopia /d$plpi/ noun a condition in which
diplopia

tion D & C someone sees single objects as double. Also

dilate /da$let/ verb to become wider or larger,
dilate

| called double vision

or make something become wider or larger ! to direct contact /da!rekt $knt'kt/ noun a sit-
direct contact

dilate the pupil of the eye uation where someone or something physically
dilator /da$let/ noun an instrument used to
dilator

| touches an infected person or object

widen the entrance to a cavity director /da$rekt/ noun an instrument used to
director

dilator pupillae muscle /da!let pju%$pli% limit the incision made with a surgical knife
dilator pupillae muscle

| |

!m.s()l/ noun a muscle in the iris which pulls dis- /ds/ prefix 1. undoing or reversal 2. removal
dis-

the iris back and so makes the pupil expand from 3. lacking or deprived of
diltiazem hydrochloride /dl!tazm
diltiazem hydrochloride

disability /!ds$blti/ noun a condition in

disability
|
|

!hadr$kl%rad/ noun a calcium channel

|
which part of the body does not function in the
blocker used to treat hypertension usual way and makes some activities difficult or
diluent /$dljunt/ noun a substance which is impossible. ! learning disability
diluent

used to dilute a liquid, e.g. water Disabled Living Foundation /ds!eb()ld

Disabled Living Foundation

dilute /da$lu%t/ adjective with water added " $lv fan!de()n/ noun a charity which aims
dilute
|
|

verb to add water to a liquid to make it less con- to help disabled people live independently
centrated ! Dilute the disinfectant in four parts of disarticulation /!ds%tkj$le()n/ noun
disarticulation

water. the amputation of a limb at a joint, which does not

dimenhydrinate /!damen$hadrnet/ noun
dimenhydrinate

|
involve dividing a bone
an antihistamine drug that relieves travel sickness disc /dsk/ noun a flat round structure. !
disc

dimetria /da$mi%tri/ noun a condition in

dimetria

|
intervertebral disc
which a woman has a double uterus discharge /ds$t%d+/ noun /$dst%d+/ 1.
discharge

dioptre /da$pt/ noun a unit of measurement

dioptre

|
the secretion of liquid from an opening 2. the
of the refraction of a lens process of sending a patient away from a hospital
because the treatment has ended " verb 1. to
DIP abbreviation distal interphalangeal joint
DIP

secrete liquid out of an opening ! The wound dis-

diphenoxalate /!dafen$kslet/ noun a drug
diphenoxalate

|
charged a thin stream of pus. 2. to send a patient
related to pethidine that is used to treat diarrhoea, away from hospital because the treatment has
sometimes mixed with a little atropine in com- ended ! He was discharged from hospital last
mercial preparations week.
diphtheria /df$ri/ noun a serious infec-
diphtheria

discharge planning /$dst%d+ !pl'n/

discharge planning
|

tious disease of children, caused by the bacillus noun the work of making a plan for when a
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterised by patient leaves hospital to live at home
fever and the formation of a fibrous growth like a disclosure check /ds$kl+ tek/ noun
disclosure check

membrane in the throat which restricts breathing

|

same as CRB check

diphtheroid /$dfrd/ adjective referring to
diphtheroid

discomfort /ds$k.mft/ noun a feeling of

discomfort

a bacterium similar to the diphtheria bacterium mild pain ! You may experience some discomfort
-dipine /dpn/ suffix used in the names of cal-
-dipine

after the operation.

cium channel blockers ! nifedipine discrete /d$skri%t/ adjective separate, not
discrete

dipl- /dpl/ prefix same as diplo- (used before

dipl-

joined together
vowels) disease /d$zi%z/ noun a condition that stops the
disease

diplacusis /!dpl$kju%ss/ noun a disorder of body from functioning in the usual way ! an
diplacusis

the cochlea in which a person hears one sound as infectious disease ! She is suffering from a very
two sounds of different pitch serious disease of the kidneys or from a serious
Nursing.fm Page 83 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

83 distraction
kidney disease. ! He is a specialist in occupa- dispensing practice /d$spens !pr'kts/
dispensing practice

tional diseases. (NOTE: The term disease is noun a doctors practice which dispenses pre-
applied to all physical and mental reactions scribed medicines to its patients
which make a person ill. Diseases with distinct displace /ds$ples/ verb to put something out
displace

characteristics have individual names. For other of its usual place

terms referring to disease, see words beginning
displacement /ds$plesmnt/ noun the fact
displacement

with path-, patho-.) |

of being moved out of the usual position ! frac-

disfigure /ds$f1/ verb to change someones
disfigure

|
ture of the radius together with displacement of
appearance so as to make it less pleasant to look the wrist
at ! Her legs were disfigured by scars. disposition /!dsp$z()n/ noun a persons
disposition

disinfect /!dsn$fekt/ verb to make the surface

disinfect

| general character or tendency to act in a particular

of something or somewhere free from microor- way
ganisms ! She disinfected the skin with surgical dissect /da$sekt/ verb to cut and separate tis-
dissect

spirit. ! All the patients clothes have to be disin- sues in a body to examine them
fected.
dissection /da$sekn/ noun the action of cut-
dissection

disinfectant /!dsn$fektnt/ noun a substance

disinfectant

|
ting and separating parts of a body or an organ as
used to kill microorganisms on the surface of part of a surgical operation, an autopsy or a course
something of study
disinfection /!dsn$fekn/ noun the removal disseminated /d$semnetd/ adjective
disinfection disseminated

| |

of microorganisms on the surface of something occurring in every part of an organ or in the whole
COMMENT: The words disinfect, disinfect- body
ant, and disinfection are used for substanc- disseminated intravascular coagulation
disseminated intravascular coagulation

es which destroy microorganisms on instru- /d!semnetd

| ntr!v'skl k!'1j | | |

ments, objects or the skin. Substances used $le()n/ noun a disorder that causes extensive
to kill microorganisms inside infected people clot formation in the blood vessels, followed by
are antibiotics. severe bleeding. Abbreviation DIC
disinfestation /!dsnfe$ste()n/ noun the disseminated sclerosis /d!semnetd skl
disinfestation disseminated sclerosis

| | |

removal of insects or other pests from a place, $rss/ noun same as multiple sclerosis
person or animal dissemination /d!sem$ne()n/ noun the
dissemination

| |

dislocate /$dslket/ verb to displace a bone fact of being widespread throughout the body
dislocate

from its usual position at a joint, or to become dis- dissociation /d!si$e()n/ noun 1. the
dissociation

| |

placed ! He fell and dislocated his elbow. ! The separation of parts or functions 2. (in psychiatry)
shoulder joint dislocates easily. a condition in which part of the consciousness
dislocation /!dsl$ke()n/ noun a condition
dislocation

|
becomes separated from the rest and becomes
in which a bone is displaced from its usual posi- independent
dissociative disorder /d$ssitv ds
dissociative disorder

tion at a joint. Also called luxation | |

dismember /ds$memb/ verb to cut off or pull

dismember
!%d/ noun a type of hysteria in which someone
shows psychological changes such as a split per-
|

off someones arms or legs, often violently or in

an accident sonality or amnesia rather than physical ones
distal /$dst()l/ adjective further away from the
distal

dismemberment /ds$membmnt/ noun the

dismemberment

|
centre of a body
state of being dismembered
Distalgesic /!dst()l$d+i%zk/ a trade name for
Distalgesic

disordered action of the heart /ds!%dd

disordered action of the heart

|
the analgesic co-proxamol
!'kn v $h%t/ noun a condition in which
distally /$dst()li/ adverb placed further away
distally

someone has palpitations, breathlessness and diz-

from the centre or point of attachment. Opposite
ziness, caused by effort or worry. Also called da
proximally. See illustration at ANATOMICAL
Costas syndrome, cardiac neurosis. Abbre-
TERMS in Supplement
viation DAH
distension /ds$tenn/ noun a condition in
distension

disorientation /!ds%rin$te()n/ noun a

disorientation |

|
which something is swollen ! Distension of the
condition in which someone is confused and does veins in the abdomen is a sign of blocking of the
not know where he or she is portal vein.
dispensary /d$spensri/ noun a place where
dispensary

distichiasis /!dst$kass/ noun the presence

distichiasis
|
|

drugs are prepared or mixed and given out accord- of extra eyelashes, sometimes growing on the
ing to a doctors prescription, e.g. part of a chem- meibomian glands
ists shop or a department in a hospital distraction /d$str'kn/ noun 1. something
distraction

dispensing optician /d$spens p!t()n/

dispensing optician

| | that takes a persons attention away from some-

noun a person who fits and sells glasses but does thing else 2. a state where someone is very emo-
not test eyes tionally and mentally troubled
Nursing.fm Page 84 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

district general hospital 84

district general hospital /!dstrkt dizygotic /!daza$1tk/ adjective developed

district general hospital dizygotic

!d+en()rl $hspt()l/ noun a hospital which from two separately fertilised eggs
serves the needs of the population of a specific dizygotic twins /!daza1tk $twnz/ plural
dizygotic twins

district noun twins who are not identical and not always
district nurse /!dstrkt $n-%s/ noun a nurse
district nurse

of the same sex because they come from two dif-

who visits and treats people in their homes ferent ova fertilised at the same time. Also called
disturbed /d$st-%bd/ adjective affected by a fraternal twins
disturbed

psychiatric disorder ! severely disturbed children dizziness /$dzins/ noun the feeling that eve-
dizziness

disulfiram /da$s.lfr'm/ noun a drug used to rything is going round because the sense of bal-
disulfiram

treat alcoholism by causing severe nausea if alco- ance has been affected
hol is consumed with it dl abbreviation decilitre
dl

dithranol /$drnl/ noun an anti-inflamma-

dithranol

DLE abbreviation disseminated lupus erythema-

DLE

tory drug used to treat dermatitis and psoriasis tosus

diuresis /!daj$ri%ss/ noun an increase in the
diuresis

dm abbreviation decimetre
dm
|

production of urine
DNA noun one of the nucleic acids, the basic
DNA

diuretic /!daj$retk/ adjective causing the

diuretic

genetic material present in the nucleus of each

|

kidneys to produce more urine " noun a sub-

stance which makes the kidneys produce more cel. Full form deoxyribonucleic acid. ! RNA
DNA fingerprint /!di% en e $f1prnt/ noun
DNA fingerprint

urine and, in the treatment of oedema and hyper-

tension same as genetic fingerprint
diurnal /da$-%n()l/ adjective 1. happening in DNA fingerprinting /!di% en !e
diurnal DNA fingerprinting

the daytime 2. happening every day $f1prnt/ noun same as genetic finger-
divarication /da!v'r$ke()n/ noun 1. sepa-
divarication

| |
printing
ration into widely spread branches 2. the point at DOA abbreviation dead on arrival
DOA

which a structure forks or divides dobutamine /d$bju%tmi%n/ noun a drug

dobutamine

divergence /da$v-%d+ns/ noun 1. a condition

divergence

| used to stimulate the heart

in which one eye points directly at the object of doctor /$dkt/ noun a person who has trained
doctor

interest but the other does not 2. the process of in medicine and is qualified to examine people
moving apart to follow different courses 3. the when they are ill to find out what is wrong with
amount of difference between two quantities, them and to prescribe a course of treatment
especially where the difference is unexpected 4. a
COMMENT: In the UK surgeons are tradition-
deviation from a typical behaviour pattern or
ally not called Doctor, but are addressed as
expressed wish Mr, Mrs, etc. The title doctor is also ap-
divergent strabismus /da!v-%d+nt str
divergent strabismus

| |
plied to persons who have a higher degree
$bzms/, divergent squint /da!v-%d+nt |
from a university in a non-medical subject.
$skwnt/ noun a condition in which a persons So Dr Jones may have a degree in music,
eyes both look away from the nose. Opposite or in any other subject without a connection
convergent strabismus with medicine.
diverticula /!dav$tkjl/ plural noun plural
diverticula

Dderleins bacillus /$d-%dlanz b!sl.s/

Dderleins bacillus
|
|

of diverticulum noun a bacterium usually found in the vagina

diverticular disease /!dav$tkjl d!zi%z/
diverticular disease

| | [After Albert Siegmund Gustav Dderlein

noun a disease of the large intestine, where the (18601941), German obstetrician and gynae-
colon thickens and diverticula form in the walls, cologist.]
causing pain in the lower abdomen dolicho- /dlk/ prefix long
dolicho-

diverticulitis /!davtkj$lats/ noun

diverticulitis

dolichocephalic /!dlkse$f'lk/ adjective

dolichocephalic
|
|

inflammation of diverticula formed in the wall of referring to a person with an unusually long skull
the colon
dolichocephaly /!dlk$sefli/ noun a con-
dolichocephaly

diverticulosis /!davtkj$lss/ noun a

diverticulosis |

|
dition of a person who has a skull which is longer
condition in which diverticula form in the intes-
than usual, the measurement across the skull
tine but are not inflamed. In the small intestine, being less than 75% of the length of the head from
this can lead to blind loop syndrome. front to back
diverticulum /!dav$tkjlm/ noun a little
diverticulum

dolor /$dl/ noun pain

| dolor

sac or pouch which develops in the wall of the

dolorimetry /!dl$rmtri/ noun the measure-
dolorimetry

intestine or another organ (NOTE: The plural is |

diverticula.) ment of pain

division /d$v+()n/ noun the action of cutting domiciliary /!dm$sliri/ adjective at home
domiciliary
division

| |

or splitting into parts or in the home

divulsor /d$v.ls/ noun a surgical instrument dominance /$dmnns/ noun the characteris-
divulsor dominance

used to expand a passage in the body tic of a gene form (allele) that leads to the trait
Nursing.fm Page 85 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

85 doxepin
which it controls being shown in any individual dorsoventral /!d%s$ventrl/ adjective
dorsoventral

carrying it referring to both the front and the back of the

dominant /$dmnnt/ adjective important or
dominant
body
powerful " noun (of an allele) having the charac- dorsum /$d%sm/ noun the back of any part of
dorsum

teristic that leads to the trait which it controls the body (NOTE: The plural is dorsa.)
being shown in any individual carrying it. Com- dosage /$dsd+/ noun a measured quantity of
dosage

pare recessive a drug calculated to be necessary for someone !

domino booking /$dmn !bk/ noun an a low dosage ! The doctor decided to increase
domino booking

arrangement for the delivery of a baby, where the the dosage of antibiotics. ! The dosage for chil-
baby is delivered in hospital by a midwife and the dren is half that for adults.
mother and child return home soon afterwards dose /ds/ noun 1. a measured quantity of a
dose

Donald-Fothergill operation /!dnld drug or radiation which is to be given to someone

Donald-Fothergill operation

$f1l p!re()n/ noun an operation to

|
at one time ! It is dangerous to exceed the pre-
close the neck of the vagina scribed dose. 2. a short period of experiencing a
donor /$dn/ noun a person who gives blood,
donor
minor illness (informal) ! a dose of flu 3. an
tissue, organs or reproductive material to be used infection with a sexually transmitted disease
to treat another person (informal) " verb to provide someone with med-
ication (informal) ! She has been dosing herself
donor card /$dn k%d/ noun a card carried
donor card

with laxatives.
by people stating that they give permission for
dosimeter /d$smt/ noun an instrument
dosimeter

their organs to be transplanted into other people

|

which measures the amount of X-rays or other

after they have died
radiation received
donor insemination /!dn nsem
donor insemination

dosimetry /d$smtri/ noun the act of meas-

dosimetry
|

$ne()n/ noun artificial insemination using the

|

uring the amount of X-rays or radiation received,

sperm of an anonymous donor. Abbreviation DI using a dosimeter
dopa /$dp/ noun a chemical related to adren-
dopa

double-blind randomised controlled trial

double-blind randomised controlled trial

aline and dopamine. It occurs naturally in the /!d.b()l bland !r'ndmazd kn!trld |

body and in the form levodopa is used to treat Par- $tral/ noun a trial used to test new treatments in
kinsons disease. which patients are randomly placed in either the
dopamine /$dpmi%n/ noun a substance
dopamine

treatment or the control group without either the

found in the medulla of the adrenal glands, which patient or doctor knowing which group any par-
also acts as a neurotransmitter. Lack of dopamine ticular patient is in
is associated with Parkinsons disease. double pneumonia /!d.b()l nju%$mni/
double pneumonia

dopaminergic /!dpm$n-%d+k/ adjective noun same as bilateral pneumonia

dopaminergic

referring to a neurone or receptor stimulated by double uterus /!d.b()l $ju%t()rs/ noun a

double uterus

dopamine condition in which the uterus is divided into two

Doppler transducer /$dpl tr'nz!dju%s/ sections by a membrane. Also called uterus
Doppler transducer

noun a device to measure blood flow, commonly didelphys. ! dimetria

used to monitor fetal heart rate double vision /!d.b()l $v+()n/ noun same
double vision

Doppler ultrasound /!dpl $.ltrsand/

Doppler ultrasound
as diplopia (informal)
noun the use of the Doppler effect in ultrasound douche /du%/ noun a liquid forced into the
douche

to detect red blood cells body to wash out a cavity, or a device used for
Doppler ultrasound flowmeter /!dpl
Doppler ultrasound flowmeter
washing out a cavity
down below /!dan b$l/ adverb used to
down below

!.ltrsand $flmi%t/ noun a device which |

measures the flow of blood and detects steady or refer politely to the genital area (informal)
irregular flow, allowing abnormalities or block- Downs syndrome /$danz !sndrm/ noun
Downs syndrome

ages to be detected a condition due to the existence of an extra copy

dorsa /$d%s/ plural of dorsum of chromosome 21, in which a baby is born with
dorsa

dorsal /$d%s()l/ adjective referring to the back.

dorsal
slanting eyes, a wide face, speech difficulties and
Opposite ventral usually some degree of learning difficulty
[Described 1866. After John Langdon Haydon
dorsal vertebrae /!d%s()l $v-%tbre/ plural
dorsal vertebrae

Down (182896), British physician at Normans-

noun the twelve vertebrae in the back between the field Hospital, Teddington, UK]
cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae downstairs /dan$stez/ adverb used to refer
downstairs

dorsi- /d%si/ prefix referring to the back

dorsi-

politely to the genital area (informal)

dorsiflexion /!d%s$flekn/ noun flexion
dorsiflexion

down there /!dan $e/ adverb used to refer

down there

towards the back of part of the body, e.g. raising politely to the genital area (informal)
the foot at the ankle. Compare plantar flexion doxepin /$dkspn/ noun a drug used as a sed-
doxepin

dorso- /d%s/ prefix same as dorsi-

dorso-

ative and antidepressant

Nursing.fm Page 86 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
doxycycline
doxycycline /!dksi$sakli%n/ noun a widely
doxycycline
used antibiotic derived from tetracycline
DPT abbreviation diphtheria, whooping cough,
DPT
tetanus
DPT vaccine /!di% pi% $ti% !v'ksi%n/, DPT
DPT vaccine
immunisation /!di% pi% $ti% mjna!ze()n/ |
noun a combined vaccine or immunisation
against the three diseases, diphtheria, whooping
cough and tetanus
Dr abbreviation doctor (NOTE: used when writing
Dr
someones name: Dr Smith)
drachm /dr'm/ noun a measure used in phar-
drachm
macy, equal to 3.8g dry weight or 3.7ml liquid
measure
dracontiasis /!dr'kn$tass/, dracunculia-
dracontiasis
|
sis /dr!k.kj$lass/ noun a tropical disease
| |
caused by the guinea worm Dracunculus medin-
ensis which enters the body from infected drink-
ing water and forms blisters on the skin, fre-
quently leading to secondary arthritis, fibrosis
and cellulitis
Dracunculus /dr$k.kjls/ noun a parasitic
Dracunculus
|
worm which enters the body and rises to the skin
to form a blister. The infection frequently leads to
secondary arthritis, fibrosis and cellulitis. Also
called guinea worm
dragee /dr'$+e/ noun a sugar-coated tablet or
dragee
|
pill
drain /dren/ noun a tube to remove liquid from
drain
the body " verb to remove liquid from the body
! an operation to drain the sinus ! They drained
the pus from the abscess.
drainage /$drend+/ noun the removal of liquid
drainage
from the site of an operation or pus from an
abscess by means of a tube or wick left in the
body for a time
drape /drep/ noun a thin material used to place
drape
over someone about to undergo surgery, leaving
the operation site uncovered
drawn /dr%n/ adjective appearing tired and
drawn
careworn, usually as a result of anxiety, grief or
illness
draw-sheet /$dr% i%t/ noun a sheet under a
draw-sheet
person in bed, folded so that it can be pulled out
as it becomes soiled
drepanocyte /$drepnsat/ noun same as
drepanocyte
sickle cell
drepanocytosis /!drepnsa$tss/ noun
drepanocytosis
same as sickle-cell anaemia
dressing /$dres/ noun a covering or bandage
dressing
applied to a wound to protect it ! The patients
dressings need to be changed regularly.
drill /drl/ noun a tool which rotates very rapidly
drill
to make a hole, especially a surgical instrument
used in dentistry to remove caries " verb to make
a hole with a drill ! A small hole is drilled in the
skull. ! The dentist drilled one of her molars.
Drinker respirator /$drk !respret/ noun
Drinker respirator
a machine which encloses the whole of the body
86
except the head, and in which air pressure is
increased and decreased, so forcing the person to
breathe in and out. Also called iron lung
drip /drp/ noun a system for introducing liquid
drip
slowly and continuously into the body, by which
a bottle of liquid is held above a person and the
fluid flows slowly down a tube into a needle in a
vein or into the stomach ! After her operation,
the patient was put on a drip.
drip feed /$drp fi%d/ noun a drip containing
drip feed
nutrients
drop /drp/ noun 1. a small quantity of liquid 2.
drop
a sudden reduction or fall in the quantity of some-
thing ! a drop in pressure " plural noun drops
liquid medicine for the eye, nose, or ear adminis-
tered with a dropper " verb 1. to fall or let some-
thing fall ! Pressure in the artery dropped sud-
denly. 2. to reduce suddenly
drop attack /$drp !t'k/ noun a condition in
drop attack
which a person suddenly falls down, though he or
she is not unconscious, caused by sudden weak-
ness of the spine
droperidol /dr$perdl/ noun a drug used to
droperidol
keep someone in a calm state before an operation
drop foot /$drp ft/ noun a condition, caused
drop foot
by a muscular disorder, in which the ankle is not
strong and the foot hangs limp
droplet /$drplt/ noun a very small quantity of
droplet
liquid
droplet infection /$drplt n!fekn/ noun
droplet infection
|
an infection developed by inhaling droplets con-
taining a virus, e.g. from a sneeze
dropper /$drp/ noun a small glass or plastic
dropper
tube with a rubber bulb at one end, used to suck
up and expel liquid in drops
dropsy /$drpsi/ noun same as oedema (dated)
dropsy
drop wrist /!drp $rst/ noun a condition
drop wrist
caused by a muscular disorder, in which the wrist
is not strong and the hand hangs limp
drug /dr.1/ noun 1. a natural or synthetic chem-
drug
ical substance which is used in medicine and
affects the way in which organs or tissues func-
tion 2. a substance taken by choice which pro-
duces a strong effect on a persons feelings and
state of mind ! recreational drug ! controlled
drugs
drug addict /$dr.1 !'dkt/ noun a person who
drug addict
is physically and mentally dependent on taking a
particular drug regularly ! a heroin addict ! a
morphine addict
drug addiction /$dr.1 !dkn/ noun the fact
drug addiction
|
of being mentally and physically dependent on
taking a particular drug regularly. Also called
drug dependence
drug allergy /$dr.1 !'ld+i/ noun a reaction to
drug allergy
a particular drug
drug tolerance /$dr.1 !tlrns/ noun a con-
drug tolerance
dition in which a drug has been given to someone
Nursing.fm Page 87 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
for so long that his or her body no longer reacts to
it, and the dosage has to be increased
dry /dra/ adjective 1. not wet ! The surface of
dry
the wound should be kept dry. 2. containing only
a small amount of moisture ! She uses a cream to
soften her dry skin. (NOTE: drier driest) " verb
to remove moisture from something (NOTE: dries
drying dried)
dry beriberi /!dra !beri$beri/ noun beriberi
dry beriberi
|
associated with loss of feeling and paralysis
dry-eye syndrome /!dra $a !sndrm/
dry-eye syndrome
noun same as xerosis
dry out /!dra $at/ verb 1. same as dry 2. to
dry out
treat someone for alcoholism, or undergo treat-
ment for alcoholism (informal)
dry socket /!dra $skt/ noun inflammation of
dry socket
the socket of a tooth which has just been removed
DTC abbreviation diagnostic and treatment cen-
DTC
tre
DTs abbreviation delirium tremens
DTs
Duchenne muscular dystrophy /du%!en
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
|
!m.skjl $dstrfi/, Duchennes muscular
dystrophy /du%!enz !m.skjl $dstrfi/,
| |
Duchenne /du%$en/ noun an inherited form of
| kn$tr'kt/ noun a condition in which the pal-
muscular dystrophy that weakens the muscles of
the upper respiratory and pelvic areas. It usually
affects boys and causes early death. [Described
1849. After Guillaume Benjamin Arnaud Duch-
enne (180675), French neurologist.]
Ducreys bacillus /du%!krez b$sls/ noun a
Ducreys bacillus
| |
type of bacterium found in the lungs, causing
chancroid [Described 1889. After Augusto
Ducrey (18601940), Professor of Dermatology
in Pisa, then Rome, Italy.]
duct /d.kt/ noun a tube which carries liquids,
duct
especially one which carries secretions
ductless /$d.ktls/ adjective without a duct
ductless
ductless gland /!d.ktls $1l'nd/ noun same
ductless gland
as endocrine gland
ductule /$d.ktju%l/ noun a very small duct
ductule
ductus /$d.kts/ noun same as duct
ductus
ductus deferens /!d.kts $defrnz/ noun
ductus deferens
one of two tubes along which sperm pass from the
epididymus to the seminal vesicles near the pros-
tate gland. Also called vas deferens. See illus-
tration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supple-
ment
dull /d.l/ adjective referring to pain which is not
dull
strong but which is continuously present ! She
complained of a dull throbbing pain in her head.
! He felt a dull pain in the chest. " verb to make
a sensation or awareness of a sensation less sharp
! The treatment dulled the pain for a while. !
The drug had dulled her senses.
dumbness /$d.mns/ noun same as mutism
dumbness
dumping syndrome /$d.mp !sndrm/
dumping syndrome
noun same as postgastrectomy syndrome
duo- /dju%/ prefix two
duo-
87 dysarthria
duoden- /dju%di%n/ prefix referring to the
duoden-
duodenum
duodenal /!dju%$di%n()l/ adjective referring
duodenal
to the duodenum
duodenal papillae /dju%!di%n()l p$pli%/
duodenal papillae
| |
plural noun small projecting parts in the duode-
num where the bile duct and pancreatic duct open
duodenal ulcer /dju%!di%n()l $.ls/ noun
duodenal ulcer
an ulcer in the duodenum
duodenoscope /!dju%$di%nskp/ noun
duodenoscope
an instrument used to examine the inside of the
duodenum
duodenostomy /!dju%d$nstmi/ noun a
duodenostomy
permanent opening made between the duodenum
and the abdominal wall
duodenum /!dju%$di%nm/ noun the first part
duodenum
of the small intestine, going from the stomach to
the jejunum. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
in Supplement
duplex imaging /!dju%pleks $md+/ noun a
duplex imaging
type of ultrasonic imaging where the speed of the
flow of blood is measured
Dupuytrens contracture /du%!pwi%trnz
Dupuytrens contracture
|
mar fascia becomes thicker, causing the fingers,
usually the middle and fourth fingers, to bend for-
wards [Described 1831. After Baron Guillaume
Dupuytren (17751835), French surgeon.]
dura /$djr/ noun same as dura mater
dura
dural /$djr()l/ adjective referring to the dura
dural
mater
dura mater /!djr $met/ noun the thicker
dura mater
outer membrane of the three covering the brain.
Also called dura, pachymeninx. ! arachnoid
duty /$dju%ti/ noun the activities which a person
duty
has to do as part of their job ! What are the duties
of a night sister? (NOTE: The plural is duties.) #
to be on duty to be working ! Shes on duty from
2 p.m. till 10 p.m. # a duty of care the require-
ment to treat a patient in an appropriate way, as
part of the work of being a health professional
d.v.t., DVT abbreviation deep-vein thrombosis
d.v.t.
dwarfism /$dw%fz()m/ noun a condition in
dwarfism
which the growth of a person has stopped, leaving
him or her much smaller than average
dynamic splint /da!n'mk $splnt/ noun a
dynamic splint
|
splint which uses springs to help the person move
dynamometer /!dan$mmt/ noun an
dynamometer
|
instrument for measuring the force of muscular
contraction
-dynia /dni/ suffix pain
-dynia
dys- /ds/ prefix difficult or impaired
dys-
dysaesthesia /!dsi%s$i%zi/ noun the impair-
dysaesthesia
|
ment of a sense, in particular the sense of touch
dysarthria /ds$%ri/, dysarthrosis /!ds%
dysarthria
| |
$rss/ noun difficulty in speaking words
clearly, caused by damage to the central nervous
system
Nursing.fm Page 88 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

dysbasia 88

dysbasia /ds$bezi/ noun difficulty in walk- skin, long fingernails and toenails and relatively
dysbasia

ing, especially when caused by a lesion to a nerve little body fat

dysmenorrhoea /!dsmen$ri%/ noun pain
dysmenorrhoea

dyschezia /ds$ki%zi/ noun difficulty in pass-

dyschezia
|
|

ing faeces experienced at menstruation

dysostosis /!dss$tss/ noun unusual for-
dysostosis

dyschondroplasia /!dskndr$plezi/
dyschondroplasia
|
|

noun a condition in which the long bones are mation of bones

dyspareunia /!dsp'$ru%ni/ noun difficult or
dyspareunia

shorter than usual |

dyschromatopsia /!dskrm$tpsi/ noun

dyschromatopsia

|
painful sexual intercourse in a woman
dyspepsia /ds$pepsi/ noun a condition in
dyspepsia

a condition where someone cannot distinguish |

colours which a person feels pains or discomfort in the

dyscoria /ds$k%ri/ noun an unusually shaped
dyscoria

|
stomach, caused by indigestion
dysphagia /ds$fed+i/ noun difficulty in
dysphagia

pupil of the eye |

swallowing
dyscrasia /ds$krezi/ noun any unusual body
dyscrasia

dysphasia /ds$fezi/ noun difficulty in

| dysphasia

condition (dated) |

speaking and putting words into the correct order

dysdiadochokinesia /!dsda!'dkka
dysdiadochokinesia

dysphemia /ds$fi%mi/ noun same as stam-

| | dysphemia

$ni%si/, dysdiadochokinesis /!dsda |

mering
|

!'dkka$ni%ss/ noun the inability to carry

|

dysphonia /ds$fni/ noun difficulty in

dysphonia

out rapid movements, caused by a disorder or |

lesion of the cerebellum speaking caused by impairment of the vocal

cords, or by laryngitis
dysentery /$ds()ntri/ noun an infection and
dysentery

dysplasia /ds$plezi/ noun an unusual devel-

dysplasia

inflammation of the colon, causing bleeding and |

diarrhoea opment of tissue

dyspnoea /dsp$ni%/ noun difficulty or pain in
dyspnoea

dysfunction /ds$f.kn/ noun an unusual

dysfunction
|
|

functioning of an organ breathing

dyspnoeic /dsp$ni%k/ adjective difficult or
dyspnoeic

dysfunctional /ds$f.kn()l/ adjective 1.

dysfunctional
|

painful when breathing

|

not working properly 2. unable to relate to other

dyspraxia /ds$pr'ksi/ noun difficulty in car-
dyspraxia

people emotionally or socially |

rying out coordinated movements

dysfunctional uterine bleeding /ds
dysfunctional uterine bleeding

dysrhythmia /ds$rmi/ noun an unusual

| dysrhythmia

!f.kn()l !ju%tran $bli%d/ noun bleeding |

in the uterus not caused by a menstrual period rhythm, either in speaking or in electrical
impulses in the brain
dysgenesis /ds$d+enss/ noun unusual
dysgenesis

dyssocial /ds$s()l/ adjective same as

| dyssocial

development |

antisocial
dysgerminoma /ds!d+-%m$nm/ noun a
dysgerminoma

dyssynergia /!ds$n-%d+i/ noun same as

| | dyssynergia

malignant tumour of the ovary or testicle

|

asynergia
dysgraphia /ds$1r'fi/ noun difficulty in
dysgraphia

dystaxia /ds$t'ksi/ noun an inability to coor-

dystaxia
|

writing caused by a brain lesion

|

dinate the muscles

dyskariosis /ds!k'ri$ss/ noun the fact of
dyskariosis

dystocia /ds$tsi/ noun difficult childbirth

dystocia
| |
|

becoming mature in an unusual way

dystonia /ds$tni/ noun disordered muscle
dystonia

dyskinesia /!dska$ni%zi/ noun the inability

dyskinesia |

|
tone, causing involuntary contractions which
to control voluntary movements make the limbs deformed
dyslalia /ds$leli/ noun a disorder of speech,
dyslalia

dystrophia /ds$trfi/ noun the wasting of

dystrophia
|
|

caused by an unusual development of the tongue an organ, muscle or tissue due to lack of nutrients
dyslexia /ds$leksi/ noun a disorder of devel- in that part of the body. Also called dystrophy
dyslexia

opment, where a person is unable to read or write dystrophia adiposogenitalis /ds!trfi

dystrophia adiposogenitalis

properly and confuses letters 'd!psd+en$tels/ noun same as Frh-

| |

dyslogia /ds$ld+/ noun difficulty in putting lichs syndrome

dyslogia

ideas into words dystrophy /$dstrfi/ noun same as dystrophia

dystrophy

dysmaturity /!dsm$trti/ noun a condi- dysuria /ds$jri/ noun difficulty in passing

dysmaturity dysuria

| |

tion affecting newborn babies, shown by wrinkled urine

Nursing.fm Page 89 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

E
ear // noun an organ on the side of the head ECG abbreviation electrocardiogram
ear ECG

which is used for hearing (NOTE: For other terms echo- /ek/ prefix referring to sound
echo-

referring to ears, see auricular and words echocardiogram /!ek$k%di1r'm/ noun a

echocardiogram

beginning with ot-, oto-.)

|

record of heart movements made using ultrasound

Ear, Nose & Throat /! !nz n $rt/
Ear, Nose & Throat

echocardiography /!ekk%di$1rfi/ noun

echocardiography

noun the study of the ear, nose and throat. Abbre- the use of ultrasound to examine the heart
viation ENT. Also called otorhinolarngology
echoencephalography /!eken!kef
echoencephalography

| |

earache /$rek/ noun pain in the ear. Also

earache

$l1rfi/ noun the use of ultrasound to examine

called otalgia the brain
ear canal /$ k!n'l/ noun one of several pas-
ear canal

echography /e$k1rfi/ noun same as ultra-

echography
|
|

sages in or connected to the ear, especially the sonography

external auditory meatus, the passage from the echovirus /$ek!vars/ noun one of a group
echovirus

outer ear to the eardrum of viruses which can be isolated from the intestine
eardrum /$dr.m/ noun the membrane at the
eardrum

and which can cause serious illnesses such as

end of the external auditory meatus leading from aseptic meningitis, gastroenteritis and respiratory
the outer ear, which vibrates with sound and infection in small children. Compare reovirus
passes the vibrations on to the ossicles in the mid- eclampsia /$kl'mpsi/ noun a serious condi-
eclampsia

dle ear. Also called myringa, tympanum (NOTE:
For other terms referring to the eardrum, see
words beginning with tympan-, tympano-.)
early onset pre-eclampsia /!-%li !nset !pri%
early onset pre-eclampsia
tion of pregnant women at the end of pregnancy,
caused by toxaemia, in which the woman has high
blood pressure and may go into a coma. ! pre-
eclampsia

$kl'mpsi/ noun pre-eclampsia which appears

|
ecmnesia /ek$ni%zi/ noun a condition in which
ecmnesia

earlier than the 37th week of the pregnancy someone is not able to remember recent events,
earwax /$w'ks/ noun same as cerumen while remembering clearly events which hap-
earwax

Ebola virus /$bl !vars/ noun a highly

Ebola virus

|
pened some time ago
E. coli /!i% $kla/ noun same as Escherichia
E. coli

contagious virus found in West Africa. Patients

who are affected with it vomit, have bloody diar- coli
rhoea and blood seeps through their skin. economy class syndrome /$knmi kl%s
economy class syndrome

eburnation /!i%b$ne()n/ noun the conver-

eburnation

|
!sndrm/ noun same as deep-vein thrombo-
sion of cartilage into a hard mass with a shiny sur- sis (informal)
craseur /!ekr%$z-%/ noun a surgical instru-
craseur

face like bone |

ecbolic /ek$blk/ noun a substance which pro-

ecbolic
ment, usually with a wire loop, used to cut a part
or a growth off at its base
|

duces contraction of the uterus and so induces

ECT abbreviation electroconvulsive therapy
ECT

childbirth or abortion " adjective causing con-

traction of the uterus ect- /ekt/ prefix same as ecto- (used before vow-
ect-

ecchymosis /!ek$mss/ noun a dark area on

ecchymosis

|
els)
ecto- /ekt/ prefix outside
ecto-

the skin made by blood which has escaped into

the tissues after a blow. Also called bruise, con- -ectomy /ektmi/ suffix referring to the removal
-ectomy

tusion of a part by surgical operation

eccrine /$ekrn/ adjective referring to a gland,
eccrine

ectoparasite /!ekt$p'rsat/ noun a para-

ectoparasite

especially a sweat gland, which does not disinte- site which lives on the skin. Compare endopara-
grate and remains intact during secretion. Also site
called merocrine ectopia /ek$tpi/ noun a condition in which
ectopia

eccyesis /!eksa$%ss/ noun same as ectopic

eccyesis

| an organ or part of the body is not in its usual posi-

pregnancy tion
Nursing.fm Page 90 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

ectopic 90

ectopic /ek$tpk/ adjective not in the usual effleurage /!efl-%$r%+/ noun a form of massage
ectopic effleurage

| |

position. Opposite entopic where the skin is stroked in one direction to

ectopic heartbeat /ek!tpk $h%tbi%t/ noun
ectopic heartbeat

|
increase blood flow
an unusual extra beat of the heart which originates effort syndrome /$eft !sndrm/ noun
effort syndrome

from a point other than the sinoatrial node. Also same as disordered action of the heart
called extrasystole, premature beat effusion /$fju%+()n/ noun a discharge of
effusion

ectopic pacemaker /ek!tpk $pesmek/

ectopic pacemaker

| blood, fluid or pus into or out of an internal cavity

noun an unusual focus of the heart muscle which egg /e1/ noun a reproductive cell produced in the
egg

takes the place of the sinoatrial node female body by an ovary, and which, if fertilised
ectopic pregnancy /ek!tpk $pre1nnsi/
ectopic pregnancy

| by the male sperm, becomes an embryo

noun a pregnancy where the fetus develops out- ego /$i%1/ noun (in psychology) the part of the
ego

side the uterus, often in one of the Fallopian tubes. mind which is consciously in contact with the out-
Also called extrauterine pregnancy, eccyesis side world and is influenced by experiences of the
ectro- /ektr/ prefix referring to a usually con-
ectro-

world
genital absence or lack of something EHO abbreviation Environmental Health Officer
EHO

ectrodactyly /!ektr$d'ktli/ noun a congen-

ectrodactyly

EIA abbreviation exercise-induced asthma

EIA
|

ital absence of all or part of a finger

Eisenmenger syndrome /$aznme
Eisenmenger syndrome

ectromelia /!ektr$mi%li/ noun a congenital

ectromelia

|
!sndrm/ noun heart disease caused by a septal
absence of one or more limbs defect between the ventricles, with pulmonary
ectropion /ek$trpin/ noun a turning of the
ectropion

| hypertension [Described 1897. After Victor

edge of an eyelid outwards. ! eversion Eisenmenger (18641932), German physician.]
eczema /$eksm/ noun a non-contagious ejaculate /$d+'kjlet/ verb to send out
eczema ejaculate

inflammation of the skin, with an itchy rash and semen from the penis
blisters ejaculation /!d+'kj$le()n/ noun the send-
ejaculation

| |

eczematous /ek$semts/ adjective referring

eczematous

| ing out of semen from the penis

to eczema ejaculatio
ejaculatio praecox

praecox /d+'kj!lei |

eczematous dermatitis /ek!semts !d-%m

eczematous dermatitis

| |
$pri%kks/ noun a situation where a man ejacu-
$tats/ noun an itchy inflammation or irritation lates too early during sexual intercourse
of the skin due to an allergic reaction to a sub- ejaculatory duct /$d+'kjltri d.kt/ noun
ejaculatory duct

stance which a person has touched or absorbed

|

one of two ducts leading from the seminal vesi-

EDD abbreviation expected date of delivery
EDD

cles through the prostate gland to the urethra. See

edentulous /$dentjls/ adjective having lost illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in
edentulous

all teeth Supplement

EDTA /!i% di% ti% $e/ noun a colourless chemical elastic cartilage /!l'stk $k%tld+/ noun
EDTA elastic cartilage

that can bind to heavy metals to remove them flexible cartilage, e.g. in the ear and epiglottis
from the bloodstream. Full form ethylene elastic fibre /!l'stk $fab/ noun fibre which
elastic fibre

diamine tetra-acetate can expand easily and is found in elastic cartilage,

Edwards syndrome /$edwdz !sndrm/ the skin and the walls of arteries and the lungs.
Edwards syndrome

noun a severe genetic disorder that results in mal- Also called yellow fibre
formations of the brain, kidney, heart, hands and elastic tissue /!l'stk $tu%/ noun connec-
elastic tissue

feet. It is caused by an extra copy of chromosome tive tissue which contains elastic fibres, e.g. in the
18 and those people who have it usually die walls of arteries or of the alveoli in the lungs
within six months. elastin /$l'stn/ noun a protein which occurs in
elastin

EEG abbreviation electroencephalogram

EEG

elastic fibres
EFA abbreviation essential fatty acid
EFA

elation /$le()n/ noun the state of being

elation

effacement /$fesmnt/ noun the thinning of happy, stimulated and excited

effacement

the cervix before it dilates in childbirth elbow /$elb/ noun a hinged joint where the
elbow

effective dose /!fektv $ds/ noun a size of upper arm bone (humerus) joins the forearm
effective dose

dose which will produce the effect required bones (radius and ulna)
effector /$fekt/ noun a nerve ending in mus- elbow crutch /$elb kr.t/ noun a crutch
effector elbow crutch

cles or glands which is activated to produce con- which surrounds the arms at the elbows and has a
traction or secretion handle to hold lower down the shaft
efferent /$efrnt/ adjective carrying some- elective care /!lektv $ke/ noun hospital care
efferent elective care

thing away from part of the body or from the cen- which is planned in advance, rather than a
tre. Opposite afferent response to an emergency
efferent nerve /$efrnt n-%v/ noun same as elective surgery /!lektv $s-%d+ri/, elective
efferent nerve elective surgery

motor nerve treatment /!lektv $tri%tmnt/ noun surgery or

|
Nursing.fm Page 91 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

91 embolus
treatment which a patient can choose to have but paralysis by using low-frequency electric current
is not urgently necessary to save his or her life to try to revive the muscles
electro- /$lektr/ prefix referring to electricity element /$elmnt/ noun a basic simple chemi-
electro- element

electrocardiogram /!lektr$k%di1r'm/
electrocardiogram

| |
cal substance which cannot be broken down into
noun a chart which records the electrical impulses simpler substances. ! trace element
in the heart muscle. Abbreviation ECG, EKG elephantiasis /!elfn$tass/ noun a condi-
elephantiasis

electrocardiograph /!lektr$k%di1r%f/ tion in which parts of the body swell and the skin
electrocardiograph

| |

noun an apparatus for measuring and recording becomes hardened, frequently caused by infesta-
the electrical impulses of the muscles of the heart tion with various species of the parasitic worm
as it beats Filaria
electrocardiography /!lektrk%d$1rfi/ elevate /$elvet/ verb to raise something or to
electrocardiography elevate

| |

noun the process of recording the electrical lift something up ! To control bleeding, apply
impulses of the heart pressure and elevate the part.
electrocardiophonography / elevation sling /!el$ve()n sl/ noun a
electrocardiophonography elevation sling

| |

!lektrk%dif$n1rfi/ noun the process of

| sling tied round the neck, used to hold an injured
electrically recording the sounds of the heartbeats hand or arm in a high position to control bleeding
electrocautery /!lektr$k%tri/ noun same elevator /$elvet/ noun 1. a muscle which
electrocautery elevator

| |

as galvanocautery raises part of the body 2. a surgical instrument

electroconvulsive therapy /!lektrkn
electroconvulsive therapy

| |
used to lift part of a broken bone
!v.lsv $erpi/ noun the treatment of severe elimination /!lm$ne()n/ noun the removal
elimination

| |

depression and some mental disorders by giving of waste matter from the body
someone who has been anaesthetised small elec- elimination diet /!lm$ne()n !dat/ noun
elimination diet

tric shocks in the brain to make him or her have

| |

a structured diet where different foods are elimi-

convulsions. Abbreviation ECT. Also called elec- nated one at a time in order to see the effect on
troplexy symptoms, used in conditions such as allergies
electrode /$lektrd/ noun the conductor of an
electrode

|
and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
electrical apparatus which touches the body and ELISA /$laz/ noun a process in which an
ELISA

carries an electric shock

|

enzyme binds to an antibody or antigen and

electroencephalogram /!lektrn
electroencephalogram

| |
causes a colour change that shows the presence or
$sefl1r'm/ noun a chart on which the electri- amount of protein in a sample of biological mate-
cal impulses in the brainare recorded. Abbrevia- rial. Full form enzyme-linked immunosorbent
tion EEG assay
electroencephalograph /!lektrn
electroencephalograph

elixir /$lks/ noun a sweet liquid which hides

elixir
| |
|

$sefl1r%f/ noun an apparatus which records the unpleasant taste of a drug

the electrical impulses in the brain
elliptocytosis /!lptsa$tss/ noun a con-
elliptocytosis

electroencephalography /!lektrnsef
electroencephalography | |

| |
dition in which unusual oval-shaped red cells
$l1rfi/ noun the process of recording the elec- appear in the blood
trical impulses in the brain
emaciation /!mesi$e()n/ noun 1. the fact
emaciation

electrolysis /!lek$trlss/ noun the destruc-

electrolysis | |

| |
of being extremely thin and underweight 2. the
tion of tissue such as unwanted hair by applying loss of body tissue
an electric current
emasculation /!m'skj$le()n/ noun the
emasculation

electrophoresis /!lektrf$ri%ss/ noun the

electrophoresis | |

| |
removal of the penis
analysis of a substance by the movement of
embalm /m$b%m/ verb to preserve a dead
embalm

charged particles towards an electrode in a solu- |

tion body by using special antiseptic chemicals to pre-

vent decay
electroplexy /$lektrpleksi/ noun same as
electroplexy

embolectomy /!emb$lektmi/ noun a surgi-

embolectomy

electroconvulsive therapy |

electroretinogram /!kektr$retn1r'm/
electroretinogram

| |
cal operation to remove a blood clot
emboli /$embli/ plural of embolus
emboli

noun the printed result of electroretinography.

Abbreviation ERG embolisation /!embla$ze()n/, emboliza-
embolisation

electroretinography /!lektrret$n1rfi/ tion noun the use of emboli inserted down a cath-
electroretinography

| |

noun the process of recording electrical changes eter into a blood vessel to treat internal bleeding
in the retina when stimulated by light embolism /$emblz()m/ noun the blocking
embolism

electrosurgery /!lektr$s-%d+ri/ noun an of an artery by a mass of material, usually a blood

electrosurgery

| |

operation in which the surgeon uses an electrical clot, preventing the flow of blood
current to cut or cauterise tissue embolus /$embls/ noun 1. a mass of material
embolus

electrotherapy /!lektr$erpi/ noun the which blocks a blood vessel, e.g. a blood clot, air
electrotherapy

| |

treatment of a disorder such as some forms of bubble or fat globule 2. material inserted into a
Nursing.fm Page 92 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

embryo 92
blood vessel down a catheter to treat internal en- /en, n/ prefix 1. in, into 2. to provide with 3.
en-

bleeding (NOTE: The plural is emboli.) to cause to be 4. to put into or cover with 5. to go
embryo /$embri/ noun an unborn baby during into
embryo

the first eight weeks after conception (NOTE: After enalapril /e$n'lprl/ noun a drug used for the
enalapril

eight weeks, the unborn baby is called a fetus.) short-term management of high blood pressure
embryological /!embri$ld+k()l/ adjective
embryological

enamel /$n'm()l/ noun the hard white shiny

enamel
|
|

referring to embryology outer covering of the crown of a tooth

embryology /!embri$ld+i/ noun the study of
embryology

enarthrosis /!en%$rss/ noun a ball and

enarthrosis
|
|

the early stages of the development of an embryo socket joint, e.g. the hip joint
embryonic /!embri$nk/ adjective referring to
embryonic

encapsulated /n$k'psjletd/ adjective

encapsulated
|
|

an embryo enclosed in a capsule or in a sheath of tissue

embryonic membrane /!embrink
embryonic membrane

encefalin /en$kefln/ noun another spelling of

encefalin

$membren/ noun one of the two layers around encephalin

an embryo providing protection and food supply, encephal- /enkf'l/ prefix same as enceph-
encephal-

i.e. the amnion and the chorion alo- (used before vowels)
emergency /$m-%d+nsi/ noun a situation
emergency

encephala /en$kefl/ plural of encephalon

encephala
|

where urgent immediate action has to be taken

|

encephalin /en$kefln/ noun a peptide pro-

encephalin

emesis /$emss/ noun same as vomiting

emesis |

duced in the brain which acts as a natural pain-

emetic /$metk/ noun a substance which causes
emetic

|
killer. ! endorphin
vomiting " adjective causing vomiting
encephalitis /en!kef$lats, en!sef$lats/
encephalitis

eminence /$emnns/ noun something which

eminence | | | |

noun inflammation of the brain

protrudes from a surface, e.g. a lump on a bone or
encephalo- /enkefl/ prefix referring to the
encephalo-

swelling on the skin

brain
emissary vein /$emsri !ven/ noun a vein
emissary vein

encephalocele /en$keflsi%l/ noun a condi-

encephalocele

through the skull which connects the venous |

sinuses with the scalp veins tion in which the brain protrudes through a con-
genital or traumatic gap in the skull bones
emission /$m()n/ noun a discharge or
emission

encephalogram /en$kefl1r'm/, encepha-

| encephalogram

release of fluid |

lograph /en$kefl1r%f/ noun an X-ray photo-

emmetropia /em$trpi/ noun the correct
emmetropia |

|
graph of the ventricles and spaces of the brain
focusing of light rays by the eye onto the retina taken after air has been injected into the cerebro-
giving normal vision. Compare ametropia spinal fluid by lumbar puncture
emollient /$mlint/ noun a substance which
emollient

encephaloma /en!kef$lm/ noun a tumour

encephaloma
|
| |

soothes or smooths the skin, e.g. to prevent the of the brain

development of eczema " adjective smoothening
encephalomyelitis /en!keflma$lats/
encephalomyelitis

emotion /$m()n/ noun a strong feeling

emotion | |

|
noun a group of diseases which cause inflamma-
empathy /$empi/ noun the ability to under-
empathy

tion of the brain and the spinal cord

stand the problems and feelings of another person encephalomyelopathy
encephalomyelopathy

/en!keflma | |

emphysema /!emf$si%m/ noun a condition in

emphysema

|
$lpi/ noun any condition where the brain and
which the walls of the alveoli of the lungs break spinal cord are diseased
down, reducing the surface available for gas encephalon /en$kefln/ noun same as brain
encephalon

exchange and resulting in a lower oxygen level in

|

(NOTE: The plural is encephala.)

the blood and shortness of breath. It can be caused
encephalopathy /en!kef$lpi/ noun any
encephalopathy

by smoking, living in a polluted environment, old | |

age, asthma or whooping cough. disease of the brain

enchondroma /!enkn$drm/ noun a
enchondroma

empirical treatment /m!prk()l

empirical treatment
|
|

$tri%tmnt/ noun treatment which is based on tumour formed of cartilage growing inside a bone
encopresis /!enk$pri%ss/ noun faecal
encopresis

symptoms and clinical experience rather than on |

a thorough knowledge of the cause of the disorder incontinence not associated with a physical con-
empowerment /m$pamnt/ noun the act of
empowerment

|
dition or disease
encysted /en$sstd/ adjective enclosed in a
encysted

giving someone authority and power to make |

decisions that will affect them capsule like a cyst

empyema /!empa$i%m/ noun the collection of end- /end/ prefix same as endo- (used before
empyema end-

pus in a cavity, especially in the pleural cavity. vowels)

Also called pyothorax endarterectomy /!end%t$rektmi/ noun the
endarterectomy

emulsion /$m.ln/ noun a combination of surgical removal of the lining of a blocked artery.
emulsion

liquids such as oil and water which do not usually Also called rebore
mix endarteritis /!end%t$rats/ noun inflamma-
endarteritis

EN abbreviation enrolled nurse tion of the inner lining of an artery

EN
Nursing.fm Page 93 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

93 endothelial

endarteritis obliterans /!end%t!rats endogenous eczema /en!dd+ns

endarteritis obliterans endogenous eczema

| | |

$bltrnz/ noun a condition where inflammation $eksm/ noun eczema which is caused by no
in an artery is so severe that it blocks the artery obvious external factor
endaural /end$%rl/ adjective inside the ear endolymph /$endlmf/ noun a fluid inside
endaural endolymph

endemic /en$demk/ adjective referring to any

endemic

|
the membranous labyrinth in the inner ear
disease which is very common in specific places endometrial /!end$mi%tril/ adjective refer-
endometrial

! This disease is endemic to Mediterranean ring to the endometrium

countries. endometrial laser ablation /!endmi%tril
endometrial laser ablation

endo- /end/ prefix inside

endo-

$lez b!le()n/ noun a gynaecological surgi-

|

endobronchial /!end$brkil/ adjective

endobronchial

|
cal procedure using a laser to treat fibroids or
inside the bronchi other causes of thickening of the lining of the
uterus
endocardial /!end$k%dil/ adjective refer-
endocardial

endometriosis /!endmi%tri$ss/ noun a

endometriosis

ring to the endocardium |

condition affecting women, in which tissue simi-

endocardial pacemaker /!endk%dil
endocardial pacemaker

$pesmek/ noun a pacemaker attached to the lar to the tissue of the uterus is found in other parts
of the body
lining of the heart
endometritis /!endm$trats/ noun inflam-
endometritis

endocarditis /!endk%$dats/ noun inflam-

endocarditis
|

mation of the lining of the uterus

|

mation of the membrane lining of the heart

endometrium /!end$mi%trim/ noun the
endometrium

endocardium /!end$k%dim/ noun a mem-

endocardium
|

mucous membrane lining the uterus, part of

|

brane which lines the heart. See illustration at

HEART in Supplement
which is shed at each menstruation (NOTE: The
plural is endometria.)
endocervicitis /!ends-%v$sats/ noun
endocervicitis

endomyocarditis /!endmak%$dats/
| endomyocarditis

inflammation of the membrane in the neck of the |

uterus noun inflammation of the muscle and inner mem-

brane of the heart
endocervix /!end$s-%vks/ noun a mem-
endocervix

endomysium /!end$msim/ noun connec-

| endomysium

brane which lines the neck of the uterus |

tive tissue around and between muscle fibres

endochondral /!end$kndrl/ adjective
endochondral

endoneurium
|

/!end$njrim/
endoneurium

inside a cartilage noun |

fibrous tissue between the individual fibres in a

endocrine /$endkran/ adjective relating to
endocrine

nerve
the endocrine glands or the hormones they secrete
endoparasite /!end$p'rsat/ noun a para-
endoparasite

endocrine gland /$endkran 1l'nd/ noun a

endocrine gland |

site which lives inside its host, e.g. in the intes-

gland without a duct which produces hormones tines. Compare ectoparasite
which are introduced directly into the blood-
endophthalmitis /!endf'l$mats/ noun
endophthalmitis

stream, e.g. the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, the |

adrenal gland and the gonads. Also called duct- inflammation of the interior of the eyeball
less gland. Compare exocrine gland endorphin /en$d%fn/ noun a peptide pro-
endorphin

endocrine system /$endkran !sstm/

endocrine system
duced by the brain which acts as a natural pain-
noun a system of related ductless glands killer. ! encephalin
endoscope /$endskp/ noun an instrument
endoscope

endocrinologist /!endkr$nld+st/ noun

endocrinologist

a doctor who specialises in the study of endo- used to examine the inside of the body, made of a
crinology thin tube which is passed into the body down a
passage. The tube has a fibre optic light, and may
endocrinology /!endkr$nld+i/ noun the
endocrinology

have small surgical instruments attached.

|

study of the endocrine system, its function and

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopan-
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

effects
endoderm /$endd-%m/ noun the inner of
endoderm
creatography /!endskpk !retr1red k |

three layers surrounding an embryo. Also called $l'nd+ip'kri$t1rfi/ noun a method used |

entoderm
to examine the pancreatic duct and bile duct for
possible obstructions. Abbreviation ERCP
endodermal /!end$d-%m()l/ adjective
endodermal

endoscopy /en$dskpi/ noun an examination

| endoscopy

referring to the endoderm. Also called entoder- |

mal of the inside of the body using an endoscope

endoskeleton /$end!skelt()n/ noun the
endoskeleton

endogenous /en$dd+ns/ adjective devel-

endogenous
|
|

oping or being caused by something inside an inner structure of bones and cartilage in an animal
endosteum /en$dstim/ noun a membrane
endosteum

organism. Compare exogenous |

endogenous depression /en!dd+ns d

endogenous depression

| |
lining the bone marrow cavity inside a long bone
$pre()n/ noun depression caused by no obvious endothelial /!end$i%lil/ adjective referring
endothelial

external factor to the endothelium

Nursing.fm Page 94 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

endothelioma 94

endothelioma /!endi%li$m/ noun a infusion of liquid food directly into the intestine.
endothelioma

malignant tumour originating inside the endothe- Also called enteral nutrition
lium enteralgia /!entr$'ld+/ noun same as colic
enteralgia

endothelium /!end$i%lim/ noun a mem-

endothelium

enterally /$entrli/ adverb referring to a

enterally
|

brane of special cells which lines the heart, the method of feeding a person by nasogastric tube or
lymph vessels, the blood vessels and various body directly into the intestine
cavities. Compare epithelium, mesothelium enteral nutrition /!entrl nju%$tr()n/
enteral nutrition

endotoxin /!end$tksn/ noun a toxic sub-

endotoxin

|
noun same as enteral feeding
stance released after the death of some bacterial enteric /en$terk/ adjective referring to the
enteric

cells
|

intestine
endotracheal /!end$trekil/ adjective
endotracheal

enteric-coated /en!terk $ktd/ adjective

| enteric-coated

same as intratracheal
|

referring to a capsule with a coating which pre-

endotracheal tube /!end$trekil !tju%b/
endotracheal tube

|
vents it from being digested and releasing the
noun a tube passed down the trachea, through drug until it reaches the intestine
either the nose or mouth, in anaesthesia or to help
enteritis /!ent$rats/ noun inflammation of
enteritis

a person breathe |

the mucous membrane of the intestine

end plate /$end plet/ noun the end of a motor
end plate

entero- /entr/ prefix referring to the intes-

entero-

nerve, where it joins muscle fibre

tine
end stage renal disease /!end sted+
end stage renal disease

Enterobacteria /!entrb'k$tri/ noun a

Enterobacteria

$ri%n()l d!zi%z/ noun the stage of kidney disease

|
|

at which uraemia occurs and dialysis needs to family of Gram-negative bacteria, including Sal-
start. Abbreviation ESRD monella, Shigella, Escherichia and Klebsiella
enterobiasis /!entr$bass/ noun a com-
enterobiasis

enema /$enm/ noun a liquid substance put

enema
|

into the rectum to introduce a drug into the body, mon childrens disease, caused by threadworms
to wash out the colon before an operation or for in the large intestine which cause itching round
diagnosis the anus. Also called oxyuriasis
Enterobius /!ent$rbis/ noun a small thin
Enterobius

energy /$end+i/ noun the force or strength to

energy
|

carry out activities ! You need to eat certain types nematode worm, one species of which, Entero-
of food to give you energy. bius vermicularis, infests the large intestine and
causes itching round the anus. Also called
enervation /!en$ve()n/ noun 1. general
enervation

threadworm, pinworm
|

nervous weakness 2. a surgical operation to

enterocele /$entrsi%l/, enterocoele
enterocele

remove a nerve
/$entersi%l/ noun a hernia of the intestine
engagement /n$1ed+mnt/ noun (in obstet-
engagement

enterocolitis /!entrk$lats/ noun inflam-

enterocolitis

rics) the moment where part of the fetus, usually |

the head, enters the pelvis at the beginning of mation of the colon and small intestine
labour enterolith /$entrl/ noun a stone in the
enterolith

engorged /n$1%d+d/ adjective excessively

engorged

|
intestine
filled with liquid, usually blood enteron /$entrn/ noun the whole intestinal
enteron

engorgement /n$1%d+mnt/ noun the exces- tract

engorgement

sive filling of a vessel, usually with blood enteropathy /!ent$rpi/ noun any disorder
enteropathy

enkephalin /en$kefln/ noun US another of the intestine. ! gluten-induced enteropathy

enkephalin

spelling of encephalin enteroscope /$entrskp/ noun an instru-

enteroscope

enophthalmos /!enf$'lms/ noun a condi- ment for inspecting the inside of the intestine
enophthalmos

tion in which the eyes are very deep in their sock- enterostomy /!ent$rstmi/ noun a surgical
enterostomy

ets operation to make an opening between the small

Enrolled Nurse /n!rld $n-%s/ noun " sec- intestine and the abdominal wall
Enrolled Nurse

ond-level nurse enterotomy /!ent$rtmi/ noun a surgical

enterotomy

ensiform cartilage /!ensf%m $k%tld+/ incision in the intestine

ensiform cartilage

noun same as xiphoid process enterotoxin /!entr$tksn/ noun a bacterial

enterotoxin

ENT abbreviation Ear, Nose & Throat

ENT

exotoxin which particularly affects the intestine

ENT department /!i% en $ti% d!p%tmnt/ enterovirus /!entr$vars/ noun a virus
ENT department enterovirus

| |

noun a department of otorhinolaryngology which prefers to live in the intestine. Enterovi-

enter- /ent/ prefix same as entero- (used ruses include poliomyelitis virus, Coxsackie
enter-

before vowels) viruses and the echoviruses.

enteral /$entrl/ adjective referring to the entoderm /$entd-%m/ noun same as endo-
enteral entoderm

intestine. Compare parenteral derm

enteral feeding /!entrl $fi%d/ noun the entodermal /!ent$d-%m()l/ adjective same
enteral feeding entodermal

feeding of a person by a nasogastric tube or by the as endodermal

Nursing.fm Page 95 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

95 epididymal

Entonox /$entnks/ noun a gas consisting of epiblepharon /!ep$blefrn/ noun an unusual

Entonox epiblepharon

50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide that is used as fold of skin over the eyelid, which may press the
a painkiller during childbirth eyelashes against the eyeball
entopic /n$tpk/ adjective located or taking epicanthus /!ep$k'ns/, epicanthic fold
entopic epicanthus

| |

place in the usual position. Opposite ectopic /!epk'nk $fld/ noun a large fold of skin in
entropion /n$trpin/ noun a turning of the
entropion

|
the inner corner of the eye, common in babies and
edge of the eyelid towards the inside also found in adults of some groups such as the
Chinese
enucleation /!nju%kli$e()n/ noun the surgi-
enucleation

| |

epicardial /!ep$k%dil/ adjective referring to

epicardial

cal removal of all of a tumour |

the epicardium
enuresis /!enj$ri%ss/ noun the involuntary
enuresis

epicardial pacemaker /!epk%dil

epicardial pacemaker

passing of urine
$pesmek/ noun a pacemaker attached to the
enuretic /!enj$retk/ adjective referring to
enuretic

|
surface of the ventricle
enuresis, or causing enuresis
epicardium /!ep$k%dim/ noun the inner
epicardium

environment /n$varnmnt/ noun the condi-

environment |

|
layer of the pericardium which lines the walls of
tions and influences under which an organism the heart, outside the myocardium. See illustra-
lives tion at HEART in Supplement
environmental /n!varn$ment()l/ adjective
environmental

epicondyle /!ep$kndal/ noun a projecting

epicondyle
| |

referring to the environment

|

part of the round end of a bone above the condyle

Environmental Health Officer /n
Environmental Health Officer

epicondylitis /!epknd$lats/ noun same as

epicondylitis
|

!varnment()l $hel !fs/ noun an official of

|

tennis elbow
a local authority who examines the environment
epicranium /!ep$krenim/ noun the five lay-
epicranium

and tests for air pollution, bad sanitation, noise |

pollution and similar threats to public health. ers of the scalp, the skin and hair on the head cov-
Abbreviation EHO ering the skull
epicritic /!ep$krtk/ adjective referring to the
epicritic

enzyme /$enzam/ noun a protein substance

enzyme
|

produced by living cells which aids a biochemical nerves which govern the fine senses of touch and
reaction in the body (NOTE: The names of temperature
enzymes mostly end with the suffix -ase.) epidemic /!ep$demk/ adjective spreading
epidemic

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
quickly through a large part of the population !
/!enzam lkt !mjn!s%bnt $'se/ noun |
The disease rapidly reached epidemic propor-
full form of ELISA tions. " noun an outbreak of an infectious disease
which spreads very quickly and affects a large
eonism /$i%nz()m/ noun cross-dressing,
eonism

number of people
when a male wears female dress
epidemiologist /!ep!di%m$ld+st/ noun a
epidemiologist

eosin /$i%sn/ noun a red crystalline solid used

eosin
| |

person who specialises in the study of diseases in

as a biological staining dye
groups of people
eosinopenia /!i%sn$pi%ni/ noun a reduc-
eosinopenia

epidemiology /!ep!di%mi$ld+i/ noun the

epidemiology
|

tion in the number of eosinophils in the blood

| |

study of diseases in the community, in particular

eosinophil /!i%$snfl/ noun a type of cell
eosinophil

|
how they spread and how they can be controlled
that can be stained with eosin
epidermal /!ep$d-%m()l/ adjective referring
epidermal

eosinophilia /!i%sn$fli/ noun an excess

eosinophilia

|
to the epidermis
of eosinophils in the blood
epidermis /!ep$d-%ms/ noun the outer layer of
epidermis

ependyma /$pendm/ noun a thin membrane

ependyma

|
the skin, including the dead skin on the surface.
which lines the ventricles of the brain and the cen- Also called cuticle
tral canal of the spinal cord
epidermoid cyst /!epd-%md $sst/ noun
epidermoid cyst

ependymal /$pendm()l/ adjective referring

ependymal

|
same as sebaceous cyst
to the ependyma
epidermolysis /!epd-%$mlss/ noun sepa-
epidermolysis

ependymal cell /$pendm()l sel/ noun one

ependymal cell

|
ration of the epidermis from the tissue under-
of the cells which form the ependyma neath, usually forming a blister
ependymoma /!pend$mm/ noun a
ependymoma

epidermolysis bullosa /!epd-%!mlss b

epidermolysis bullosa
| |
| |

tumour in the brain originating in the ependyma $ls/ noun a group of disorders where blisters
ephedrine /$efdri%n/ noun a drug that relieves form on the skin
ephedrine

asthma and blocked noses by causing the air pas- Epidermophyton /!epd-%$mftn/ noun a
Epidermophyton

sages to widen fungus which grows on the skin and causes ath-
ephidrosis /!ef$drss/ noun an unusual letes foot, among other disorders
ephidrosis

amount of sweat epididymal /!ep$ddm()l/ adjective referring

epididymal

epi- /ep/ prefix on or over

epi-

to the epididymis
Nursing.fm Page 96 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

epididymectomy 96

epididymectomy /!epdd$mektmi/ noun epimenorrhagia /!epmen$red+/ noun

epididymectomy epimenorrhagia

| |

the removal of the epididymis very heavy bleeding during menstruation occur-
epididymis /!ep$ddms/ noun a long twist-
epididymis

|
ring at very short intervals
epimenorrhoea /!epmen$ri%/ noun men-
epimenorrhoea

ing thin tube at the back of the testis, which forms |

part of the efferent duct of the testis, and in which struation at shorter intervals than twenty-eight
spermatozoa are stored before ejaculation. See days
illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in epiphora /e$pfr/ noun a condition in which
epiphora

Supplement the eye fills with tears either because the lacrimal
epididymitis /!epdd$mats/ noun inflam- duct is blocked or because excessive tears are
epididymitis

mation of the epididymis being secreted

epididymo-orchitis /ep!ddm %$kats/ epiphyseal /!ep$fzil/ adjective referring to
epididymo-orchitis epiphyseal

| | |

noun inflammation of the epididymis and the tes- an epiphysis

tes epiphysis /e$pfss/ noun the area of growth
epiphysis

epidural /!ep$djrl/ adjective on the outside in a bone which is separated from the main part of
epidural

of the dura mater. Also called extradural " noun the bone by cartilage until bone growth stops. See
same as epidural anaesthesia illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in Supplement.
epidural anaesthesia /ep!djrl !'ns
epidural anaesthesia

| |
Compare diaphysis, metaphysis
epiplo- /eppl/ prefix referring to the omen-
epiplo-

$i%zi/ noun a local anaesthesia in which anaes-

thetic is injected into the space between the verte- tum
bral canal and the dura mater epiploon /e$ppln/ noun same as omentum
epiploon

epidural block /!epdjrl $blk/ noun anal- episclera /$epsklr/ noun the outer surface
epidural block episclera

gesia produced by injecting an analgesic solution of the sclera of the eyeball

into the space between the vertebral canal and the episcleritis /!epskl$rats/ noun inflamma-
episcleritis

dura mater tion of the outer surface of the sclera in the eye-
epidural space /!epdjrl $spes/ noun a
epidural space

ball
space in the spinal cord between the vertebral episi- /pzi/, episio- /pzi/ prefix referring
episi-

canal and the dura mater to the vulva

epigastric /!ep$1'strk/ adjective referring to
epigastric

episiorrhaphy /!pzi$%rfi/ noun a proce-

episiorrhaphy
|
| |

the upper abdomen ! The patient complained of dure for stitching torn labia majora
pains in the epigastric area. episiotomy /!pzi$tmi/ noun a surgical cut
episiotomy

| |

epigastrium /!ep$1'strim/ noun the part of

epigastrium

|
of the perineum near the vagina to prevent tearing
the upper abdomen between the ribcage and the during childbirth
navel. Also called the pit of the stomach episodic /!ep$sdk/ adjective happening in
episodic

epiglottis /!ep$1lts/ noun a flap of cartilage

epiglottis

|
separate but related incidents, e.g. asthma which
at the root of the tongue which moves to block the occurs in separate attacks
windpipe when food is swallowed, so that the epispadias /!ep$spedis/ noun a congenital
epispadias

food does not go down the trachea

|

condition where the urethra opens on the top of

epiglottitis /!ep1l$tats/ noun inflammation
epiglottitis

|
the penis and not at the end. Compare hypospa-
and swelling of the epiglottis dias
epilation /!ep$le()n/ noun the process of
epilation

epistaxis /!ep$st'kss/ noun same as nose-

epistaxis
|
|

removing hair by destroying the hair follicles bleed

epilepsy /$eplepsi/ noun a disorder of the nerv- epithelial /!ep$i%lil/ adjective referring to the
epilepsy epithelial

ous system in which there are convulsions and epithelium

loss of consciousness due to a disordered dis- epithelialisation /!ep!i%lila$ze()n/, epi-
epithelialisation

| | |

charge of cerebral neurones thelialization noun the growth of skin over a

epileptic /!ep$leptk/ adjective having epi-
epileptic

| wound
lepsy, or relating to epilepsy " noun a person epithelioma /epi%li$m/ noun a tumour
epithelioma

with epilepsy (NOTE: The word epileptic to arising from epithelial cells
describe a person is now avoided.)
epithelium /!ep$i%lim/ noun the layer or lay-
epithelium

epileptic fit /!epleptk $ft/ noun an attack of

epileptic fit

ers of cells covering an organ, including the skin

convulsions, and sometimes unconsciousness, and the lining of all hollow cavities except blood
due to epilepsy vessels, lymphatics and serous cavities. Compare
epileptiform /!ep$leptf%m/ adjective being
epileptiform

| endothelium, mesothelium
similar to epilepsy EpsteinBarr virus /!epstan $b% !vars/
EpsteinBarr virus

epiloia /!ep$l/ noun a hereditary disease of noun a virus which probably causes glandular
epiloia

the brain associated with learning disabilities, fever. Also called EB virus [Isolated and
epilepsy and tumours on the kidney and heart. described 1964. After Michael Anthony Epstein
Also called tuberose sclerosis (b. 1921), Bristol pathologist; Murray Llewellyn
Nursing.fm Page 97 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

97 erythrogenesis
Barr (190895), Canadian anatomist and cytolo- erythema /!er$i%m/ noun redness on the
erythema

gist, head of the Department of Anatomy at the skin, caused by hyperaemia of the blood vessels
University of Western Ontario, Canada.] near the surface
epulis /$pju%ls/ noun a small fibrous swelling
epulis

erythema ab igne /!eri%m 'b $1ne/ noun

erythema ab igne
|

on a gum a pattern of red lines on the skin caused by expo-

equi- /%kw, ekw/ prefix equal sure to heat
equi-

erythema induratum /!eri%m !ndj

erythema induratum

equilibrium /!i%kw$lbrim/ noun a state of

equilibrium

| |

balance $retm/ noun a tubercular disease where ulcerat-

ER abbreviation 1. US emergency room 2. endo-
ER
ing nodules appear on the legs of young women.
plasmic reticulum Also called Bazins disease
erythema multiforme /!eri%m
erythema multiforme

Erbs palsy /!-%bz $p%lzi/, Erbs paralysis

Erbs palsy

/!-%bz p$r'lss/ noun a condition in which an $m.ltif%mi/ noun the sudden appearance of
inflammatory red patches and sometimes blisters
|

arm is paralysed because of birth injuries to the

brachial plexus. ! Bells palsy on the skin
erythema nodosum /!eri%m n$dsm/
erythema nodosum

ERCP abbreviation endoscopic retrograde

ERCP
|

cholangiopancreatography noun an inflammatory disease where red swell-

ings appear on the front of the legs
erectile /$rektal/ adjective able to become
erectile

erythema pernio /!eri%m $p-%ni/ noun

| erythema pernio

erect
same as chilblain
erectile dysfunction /!rektal ds$f.kn/
erectile dysfunction

erythematous /!er$i%mts/ adjective refer-

| | erythematous

noun a condition in which a man finds it difficult |

or impossible to have or maintain an erection dur- ring to erythema

erythr- /err/ prefix same as erythro- (used
erythr-

ing intercourse
erection /$rekn/ noun a state where a body
erection

|
before vowels)
part such as the penis becomes swollen because of erythrasma /!er$r'zm/ noun a persistent
erythrasma

engorgement with blood bacterial skin infection occurring in a fold in the

erector /$rekt/ noun a small muscle which
erector

|
skin or where two skin surfaces touch, such as
raises a body part between the toes. It is caused by Corynebacte-
rium.
erector spinae /!rekt $spani%/ noun a large
erector spinae

erythro- /rr/ prefix red

erythro-

muscle starting at the base of the spine, and divid-

ing as it runs up the spine erythroblast /$rrbl'st/ noun a cell which
erythroblast

ERG abbreviation electroretinogram

ERG
forms an erythrocyte or red blood cell
erythroblastosis /!rrbl'$stss/ noun
erythroblastosis

ergonomics /!-%1$nmks/ noun the study of

ergonomics
| |
|

humans at work the presence of erythroblasts in the blood, usually

found in haemolytic anaemia
ergot /$-%1t/ noun a disease of rye caused by
ergot

erythroblastosis fetalis /!rrbl'

erythroblastosis fetalis

the fungus Clariceps purpurea | | |

!stss fi%$t%ls/ noun a blood disease affecting

ergotamine /-%$1tmi%n/ noun a drug that
ergotamine
|

newborn babies, caused by a reaction between the

|

causes narrowing of blood vessels and alleviates

rhesus factor of the mother and the fetus
migraine, derived from the ergot fungus
erythrocyte /$rrsat/ noun a mature red
erythrocyte

ergotism /$-%1tz()m/ noun poisoning

ergotism
|

blood cell
caused by eating rye which has been contami-
erythrocyte sedimentation rate /
erythrocyte sedimentation rate

nated with the ergot fungus |

erogenous /$rd+ns/ adjective producing

erogenous
!rrsat sedmen$te()n ret/ noun a test |

that measures how fast erythrocytes settle in a

|

sexual excitement
sample of blood plasma, used to confirm whether
erogenous zone /$rd+ns zn/ noun a
erogenous zone

|
various blood conditions are present. Abbrevia-
part of the body which, if stimulated, produces tion ESR
sexual arousal, e.g. the penis, clitoris or nipples
erythrocytosis /!rrsa$tss/ noun an
erythrocytosis

| |

erotic /$rtk/ adjective relating to or arousing

erotic

|
increase in the number of red blood cells in the
the feeling of sexual desire blood
ERPC abbreviation evacuation of retained prod-
ERPC

erythroderma /!rr$d-%m/ noun a condi-

erythroderma

| |

ucts of conception tion in which the skin becomes red and flakes off
eructation /!i%r.k$te()n/ noun same as
eructation

erythroedema /!rr$di%m/ noun same as

erythroedema
|
| |

belching acrodynia
eruption /$r.pn/ noun something which
eruption

erythrogenesis /!rr$d+enss/, erythro-

erythrogenesis
|
| |

breaks through the skin, e.g. a rash or pimple poiesis /!rrp$i%ss/ noun the formation of
| |

ery- /er/ prefix same as erythro-

ery-

red blood cells in red bone marrow

Nursing.fm Page 98 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

erythropenia 98

erythropenia /!rr$pi%ni/ noun a condition essential uterine haemorrhage /!senl

erythropenia essential uterine haemorrhage

| | |

in which a person has a low number of erythro- !ju%tran $hem()rd+/ noun heavy uterine
cytes in their blood bleeding for which there is no obvious cause
erythroplasia /!rr$plezi/ noun the for- ethambutol /$'mbjtl/ noun a drug that is
erythroplasia ethambutol

| | |

mation of lesions on the mucous membrane part of the treatment for bacterial infections such
erythropoiesis /!rrp$i%ss/ noun same as
erythropoiesis

| |
as tuberculosis
erythrogenesis ethanol /$enl/ noun a colourless liquid,
ethanol

erythropoietin /!rr$ptn/ noun a hor-

erythropoietin

| |
present in alcoholic drinks such as whisky, gin
mone which regulates the production of red blood and vodka, and also used in medicines and as a
cells disinfectant. Also called ethyl alcohol
ethene /$i%i%n/ noun same as ethylene
ethene

erythropsia /!er$rpsi/ noun a condition in

erythropsia

which someone sees things as if coloured red ether /$i%/ noun an anaesthetic substance, now
ether

eschar /$esk%/ noun a dry scab, e.g. one form-

eschar
rarely used
ing on a burn ethical /$ek()l/ adjective concerning ethics
ethical

Escherichia /!e$rki/ noun a bacterium ethical committee /$ek()l k!mti/ noun a

Escherichia ethical committee

| |

commonly found in faeces group of specialists who monitor experiments

Escherichia coli /e!rki $kla/ noun a involving human beings or who regulate the way
Escherichia coli

Gram-negative bacterium associated with acute in which members of the medical profession con-
gastroenteritis. Also called E. coli duct themselves
ethics /$eks/ noun " medical ethics
ethics

Esmarchs bandage /$esm%ks !b'ndd+/

Esmarchs bandage

noun a rubber band wrapped round a limb as a ethinyloestradiol /!en()l!%str$dal/

ethinyloestradiol

| |

tourniquet before a surgical operation and left in noun an artificial hormone related to oestrogen
place during the operation so as to keep the site that is effective in small doses. It forms part of
free of blood [Described 1869. After Johann hormone replacement therapy.
Friedrich August von Esmarch (18231908), ethmoid /e$md/, ethmoidal /e$md()l/
ethmoid

| |

Professor of Surgery at Kiel, Germany.] adjective referring to the ethmoid bone or near to
esotropia /es$trpi/ noun a type of squint,
esotropia

| the ethmoid bone

where the eyes both look towards the nose. Also ethmoidal sinuses /e!md()l $sansz/
ethmoidal sinuses

called convergent strabismus plural noun air cells inside the ethmoid bone
ESR abbreviation erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESR

ethmoid bone /$emd bn/ noun a bone

ethmoid bone

ESRD abbreviation end-stage renal disease

ESRD

which forms the top of the nasal cavity and part of

essence /$es()ns/ noun a concentrated oil the orbits
essence

from a plant, used in cosmetics, and sometimes as ethmoidectomy /!em$dektmi/ noun an

ethmoidectomy

analgesics or antiseptics operation to remove the lining between the

essential amino acid /!senl !mi%n sinuses
essential amino acid

| |

$'sd/ noun an amino acid which is necessary for ethmoiditis /!em$dats/ noun inflamma-
ethmoiditis

growth but which cannot be synthesised in the tion of the ethmoid bone or of the ethmoidal
body and has to be obtained from the food supply sinuses
COMMENT: The essential amino acids are: ethnic /$enk/ adjective relating to a culturally
ethnic

isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phe- or racially distinctive group of people

nylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
ethyl alcohol /!ial $'lkhl/ noun same as
ethyl alcohol

essential element /!senl $elmnt/ noun a

essential element

|
ethanol
chemical element which is necessary to the
ethylene /$eli%n/ noun a gas used as an anaes-
ethylene

bodys growth or function, e.g. carbon, oxygen,

hydrogen and nitrogen thetic
ethylestrenol /!e()l$estrnl/ noun an ana-
ethylestrenol

essential fatty acid /!senl !f'ti $'sd/

essential fatty acid
|

bolic steroid
|

noun an unsaturated fatty acid which is necessary

etiology /!i%ti$ld+i/ noun US same as aetiol-
etiology

for growth and health. Abbreviation EFA |

COMMENT: The essential fatty acids are lino- ogy

eucalyptus /!ju%k$lpts/ noun a genus of tree
eucalyptus

leic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid. |

essential hypertension /!senl $hap

essential hypertension

| |
growing mainly in Australia, from which a
!tenn/ noun high blood pressure without any strongly smelling oil is distilled
eucalyptus oil /!ju%k$lpts l/ noun an aro-
eucalyptus oil

obvious cause |

essential oil /!senl $l/ noun a medicinal or

essential oil

|
matic medicinal oil distilled from the leaves of
fragrant oil distilled from some part of a plant various species of tree in the genus Eucalyptus
eugenics /ju%$d+enks/ noun the study of how
eugenics

essential tremor /!senl $trem/ noun an

essential tremor
|
|

involuntary slow trembling movement of the to improve the human race by genetic selection
hands often seen in elderly people eunuch /$ju%nk/ noun a castrated male
eunuch
Nursing.fm Page 99 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

99 exenteration

euphoria /ju%$f%ri/ noun a feeling of extreme evulsion /$v.ln/ noun the act of extracting
euphoria evulsion

| |

happiness something by force

Ewings tumour /$ju%z $tju%m/, Ewings
Ewings tumour

Eustachian canal /ju%$ste()n k!n'l/

Eustachian canal

| |

noun a passage through the porous bone forming sarcoma /!ju%z s%$km/ noun a malignant |

the outside part of the Eustachian tube tumour in the marrow of a long bone [Described
1922. After James Ewing (18661943), Profes-
Eustachian tube /ju%$ste()n tju%b/ noun
Eustachian tube

sor of Pathology at Cornell University, New York,

|

the tube which connects the pharynx to the middle

USA.]
ear. See illustration at EAR in Supplement
EWS /!i% !d.b()lju% $es/ noun an early warning
EWS

[Described 1562, but actually named after Eus-

tachio by Valsalva a century later. Bartolomeo system designed to alert healthcare professionals
Eustachio (152074), physician to the Pope and to new developments in technologies, pharma-
Professor of Anatomy in Rome.] ceuticals and treatments
ex- /eks/ prefix same as exo- (used before vow-
ex-

euthanasia /!ju%$nezi/ noun the painless

euthanasia

killing of an incurably ill person or someone in a els)

permanent coma in order to end their distress. exacerbation /1!z's$be()n/ noun 1. the
exacerbation

| |

Also called mercy killing (NOTE: This practice is fact of making a condition worse 2. a period when
illegal in most countries.) a condition becomes worse
euthyroid /ju%$ard/ noun a condition where exanthem /1$z'nm/ noun a skin rash found
euthyroid exanthem

| |

the thyroid is functioning normally with infectious diseases like measles or chicken-
evacuant /$v'kjunt/ noun a medicine which
evacuant

|
pox
exanthematous /!eks'n$emts/ adjective
exanthematous

makes a person have a bowel movement |

evacuation /!v'kju$e()n/ noun the act of

evacuation

| |
referring to an exanthem or like an exanthem
exception /k$sepn/ noun 1. something that
exception

removing the contents of something, especially |

discharging faeces from the bowel does not fit into or is excluded from a general rule
or pattern 2. the act or condition of being
evacuation of retained products of con-
evacuation of retained products of conception

excluded
ception /v'kju!e()n v r!tend | |

exchange transfusion /ks!tend+ tr'ns

exchange transfusion

!prd.kts v kn$sepn/ noun a D & C opera- |

| |

tion performed after an abortion or miscarriage to $fju%+()n/ noun a method of treating leukaemia
ensure the uterus is left empty. Abbreviation or erythroblastosis in newborn babies, where
ERPC almost all the blood is removed from the body and
replaced with healthy blood
evaluation /!v'lju$e()n/ noun the act of
evaluation

excise /k$saz/ verb to cut something out

| | excise

examining and calculating the quantity or level of |

excision /k$s+()n/ noun an operation by a

excision

something ! In further evaluation of these |

patients no side-effects of the treatment were surgeon to cut and remove part of the body such
noted. as a growth. Compare incision
excitation /!eks$te()n/ noun the state of
excitation

eventration /!%ven$tre()n/ noun the push-

eventration

|
|

ing of the intestine through the wall of the abdo- being mentally or physically aroused
men excite /k$sat/ verb 1. to stimulate someone or
excite

eversion /$v-%()n/ noun the act of turning something 2. to give an impulse to a nerve or mus-
eversion

towards the outside or turning inside out. See cle

illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement excoriation /ks!k%ri$e()n/ noun a raw skin
excoriation

| |

evertor /$v-%t/ noun a muscle which makes a

evertor

|
surface or mucous membrane after rubbing or
limb turn outwards burning
excrement /$ekskrmnt/ noun same as fae-
excrement

evidence-based /$evd()ns best/ adjective

evidence-based

based on the results of well-designed trials of spe- ces

excrescence /k$skres()ns/ noun a growth on
excrescence

cific types of treatment for specific conditions ! |

evidence-based practice the skin

excreta /k$skri%t/ plural noun waste material
excreta

evidence-based medicine /$evd()ns

evidence-based medicine

best !med()sn/ noun medical practice where from the body, especially faeces
findings from research are used as the basis for excretion /k$skri%()n/ noun the act of pass-
excretion

decisions ing waste matter, e.g. faeces, urine or sweat, out

evisceration /!vs$re()n/ noun the surgi- of the body
evisceration

| |

cal removal of the abdominal viscera. Also called excruciating /k$skru%iet/

excruciating

adjective |

exenteration extremely painful ! He had excruciating pains in

evolution /!i%v$lu%()n/ noun a process of
evolution

|
his head.
change in organisms which takes place over a exenteration /ek!sent$re()n/ noun same
exenteration

| |

very long period involving many generations as evisceration

Nursing.fm Page 100 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

exercise 100

exercise /$ekssaz/ noun 1. physical or mental expectoration /k!spekt$re()n/ noun the

exercise expectoration

| |

activity, especially the active use of the muscles as act of coughing up fluid or phlegm from the res-
a way of keeping fit, correcting a deformity or piratory tract
strengthening a part ! Regular exercise is good experiential learning /k!sprienl $l-%n/
experiential learning

for your heart. ! He doesnt do or take enough noun the process of learning from experience
exercise. 2. a particular movement or action expert patient /!eksp-%t $pe()nt/ noun a
expert patient

designed to use and strengthen the muscles " patient with a long-term illness who has been
verb to take exercise, or exert part of the body in
taught how to manage his or her own medical care
exercise ! He exercises twice a day to keep fit.
expiration /!eksp$re()n/ noun 1. the act of
expiration

exercise-induced asthma /!ekssaz n

exercise-induced asthma |

|
breathing out, or pushing air out of the lungs !
!dju%st $'sm/ noun asthma which is caused by Expiration takes place when the chest muscles
exercise such as running or cycling. Abbreviation relax and the lungs become smaller. Opposite
EIA
inspiration 2. death
exfoliation /eks!fli$e()n/ noun the loss of
exfoliation

expire /k$spa/ verb 1. to breathe out 2. to die

expire
| |

layers of tissue such as sunburnt skin

|

exploration /!ekspl$re()n/ noun a proce-

exploration

exfoliative /eks$flietv/ adjective referring

exfoliative |

|
dure or surgical operation where the aim is to dis-
to exfoliation cover the cause of symptoms or the nature and
exfoliative dermatitis /eks!flitv !d-%m
exfoliative dermatitis

| |
extent of an illness
$tats/ noun a typical form of dermatitis where exploratory
exploratory surgery

surgery /k!splrt()ri
the skin becomes red and comes off in flakes
|

$s-%d+ri/ noun a surgical operation in which the

exhalation /!eksh$le()n/ noun the act of
exhalation

|
aim is to discover the cause of a persons symp-
breathing out. Opposite inhalation toms or the nature and extent of an illness
exhale /eks$hel/ verb to breathe out. Opposite
exhale

expression /k$spre()n/ noun 1. the look on

expression
|
|

inhale a persons face which shows what he or she thinks

exhibitionism /!eks$b()nz()m/ noun a and feels ! His expression showed that he was
exhibitionism

desire to show the genitals to a person of the annoyed. 2. the act of pushing something out of
opposite sex the body ! the expression of the fetus and pla-
exo- /eks/ prefix out of, outside
exo-
centa during childbirth
exsanguinate /k$s'1wnet/ verb to drain
exsanguinate

exocrine gland /$ekskran 1l'nd/ noun a

exocrine gland
|

gland with ducts which channel secretions to par- blood from the body
ticular parts of the body such as the liver, the exsanguination /k!s'1w$ne()n/ noun
exsanguination

| |

sweat glands, the pancreas and the salivary the removal of blood from the body
glands. Compare endocrine gland extension /k$stenn/ noun 1. the stretching
extension

exogenous /ek$sd+ns/ adjective develop- or straightening out of a joint 2. the stretching of

exogenous

ing or caused by something outside the organism. a joint by traction

Compare endogenous extensor /k$stens/, extensor muscle /k
extensor

| |

exomphalos /ek$smfls/ noun same as $stens !m.s()l/ noun a muscle which makes a
exomphalos

umbilical hernia joint become straight. Compare flexor

exophthalmic goitre /!eksf'lmk $1t/ exterior /k$stri/ noun the outside of some-
exophthalmic goitre exterior

noun a form of hyperthyroidism, in which the thing

neck swells and the eyes protrude. Also called externa /k$st-%n/ " otitis
externa

Graves disease
external cardiac massage /k!st-%n()l
external cardiac massage

exophthalmos /!eksf$'lms/ noun pro-

exophthalmos

|
!k%di'k $m's%+/ noun a method of making
truding eyeballs someones heart start beating again by rhythmic
exostosis /!eks$stss/ noun a benign pressing on the breastbone
exostosis

growth on the surface of a bone external ear /k!st-%n()l $/ noun same as

external ear

exotic /1$ztk/ adjective referring to a disease outer ear

exotic

which occurs in a foreign country external haemorrhoids

external haemorrhoids

/k!st-%n()l |

exotoxin /!eks$tksn/ noun a poison, pro- $hemrdz/ plural noun haemorrhoids in the
exotoxin

duced by bacteria, which affects parts of the body skin just outside the anus
away from the place of infection, e.g. the toxins external iliac artery /k!st-%n()l $li'k
external iliac artery

which cause botulism or tetanus !%tri/ noun an artery which branches from the
exotropia /!eks$trpi/ noun same as aorta in the abdomen and leads to the leg
exotropia

divergent strabismus external jugular /k!st-%n()l $d+.1jl/

external jugular

expectant mother /k!spektnt $m./ noun noun the main jugular vein in the neck, leading
expectant mother

a pregnant woman from the temporal vein

expectorant /k$spekt()rnt/ noun a drug external nares /k!st-%n()l $neri%z/ plural
expectorant external nares

| |

which helps someone to cough up phlegm noun same as anterior nares

Nursing.fm Page 101 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

101 eyelid

external otitis /k!st-%n()l $tats/ noun extrasensory /!ekstr$sensri/ adjective

external otitis extrasensory

| | |

same as otitis externa involving perception by means other than the

external respiration /k!st-%n()l !resp
external respiration

| |
usual five senses
$re()n/ noun the part of respiration concerned extrasystole /!ekstr$sstli/ noun same as
extrasystole

with oxygen in the air being exchanged in the ectopic heartbeat

lungs for carbon dioxide from the blood extrauterine /!ekstr$ju%tran/
extrauterine

| adjective
exteroceptor /$ekstrsept/ noun a sensory
exteroceptor

occurring or developing outside the uterus

nerve which is affected by stimuli from outside extrauterine pregnancy /!ekstrju%tran
extrauterine pregnancy

the body, e.g. in the eye or ear $pre1nnsi/ noun same as ectopic pregnancy
extinction /k$stkn/ noun 1. the destruc-
extinction

extravasation /ek!str'v$se()n/ noun a

extravasation
|

tion or stopping of something 2. the lessening or

| |

situation where a bodily fluid, such as blood or

stopping of a conditioned behavioural response secretions, escapes into tissue
through lack of reinforcement
extraversion /!ekstr$v-%()n/ noun same as
extraversion

extirpation /!ekst-%$pe()n/ noun the total

extirpation |

|
extroversion
removal of a structure, an organ or growth by sur-
extravert /$ekstrv-%t/ noun same as extrovert
extravert

gery
extremities /k$stremtiz/ plural noun the
extremities

extra- /ekstr/ prefix outside

extra-
|

parts of the body at the ends of limbs, e.g. the fin-

extracapsular /!ekstr$k'psjl/ adjective
extracapsular

gers, toes, nose and ears

|

outside a capsule
extremity /k$stremti/ noun 1. a limb 2. the
extremity

extracapsular fracture /!ekstr!k'psjl

extracapsular fracture
|

part of a limb farthest away from the body, espe-

|

$fr'kt/ noun a fracture of the upper part of the

femur, which does not involve the capsule round cially the hand or foot 3. a situation or state of
the hip joint great distress or danger 4. the greatest intensity of
something
extracellular /!ekstr$seljl/ adjective out-
extracellular

extrinsic /eks$trnsk/ adjective external, orig-

| extrinsic

side cells |

inating outside a structure

extracellular fluid /!ekstrseljl $flu%d/
extracellular fluid

extrinsic factor /eks!trnsk $f'kt/ noun a

extrinsic factor

noun a fluid which surrounds cells |

former term for vitamin B12, which is necessary

extract noun /$ekstr'kt/ a preparation made by
extract

for the production of red blood cells

removing water or alcohol from a substance, leav-
extrinsic muscle /eks!trnsk $m.s()l/ noun
extrinsic muscle

ing only the essence " verb /k$str'kt/ to take |

|

out something ! Adrenaline extracted from the a muscle which is some way away from the part
animals adrenal glands is used in the treatment of the body which it operates
extroversion /ekstr$v-%()n/ noun 1. (in
extroversion

of asthma. |

extraction /k$str'kn/ noun the removal of

extraction

|
psychology) a condition in which a person is
part of the body, especially a tooth interested in people and things other than them-
selves 2. a congenital turning of an organ inside
extradural /!ekstr$djrl/ adjective same as
extradural

out
|

epidural
extrovert /$ekstrv-%t/ noun a person who is
extrovert

extradural haematoma /!ekstr!djrl

extradural haematoma

interested in people and things in the external

|

!hi%m$tm/ noun a blood clot which forms in

world
|

the head outside the dura mater, caused by a blow

extubation /!ekstju%$be()n/ noun the
extubation

extradural haemorrhage /!ekstr!djrl

extradural haemorrhage
|

removal of a tube after intubation

|

$hem()rd+/ noun a serious condition where

eye /a/ noun the part of the body with which a
eye

bleeding occurs between the dura mater and the

skull person sees (NOTE: For other terms referring to
extraembryonic membranes /!ekstr
extraembryonic membranes
the eye, see ocular, optic and words beginning
with oculo-, ophth-, ophthalm-, ophthalmo-.)
|

embri!nk $membrenz/ plural noun mem-

|

eyeball /$ab%lz/ noun the round ball of tissue

eyeball

branes which are not part of the embryo

extrapleural /!ekstr$plrl/ adjective out-
extrapleural

|
through which light passes, located in the eye
side the pleural cavity socket and controlled by various muscles
eyebrow /$abra/ noun an arch of skin with a
eyebrow

extrapyramidal /!ekstrp$r'md()l/ adjec-

extrapyramidal

tive outside the pyramidal tracts line of hair above the eye
eye drops /$a drps/ plural noun medicine in
eye drops

extrapyramidal system /!ekstrp

extrapyramidal system

!r'md()l $sstm/ noun a motor system which liquid form which is put into the eye in small
carries motor nerves outside the pyramidal sys- amounts
eyelash /$al'/ noun a small hair which grows
eyelash

tem
extrapyramidal tracts /!ekstrp!r'md()l
extrapyramidal tracts

|
out from the edge of the eyelid
$tr'kts/ plural noun same as extrapyramidal eyelid /$ald/ noun a piece of skin which covers
eyelid

system the eye. Also called blepharon, palpebra

Nursing.fm Page 102 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

eye socket 102

(NOTE: For other terms referring to the eyelids, or working on a computer screen. Also called
see words beginning with blephar-, blepharo-.) asthenopia
eye socket /$a !skt/ noun same as orbit eyetooth /$atu%/ noun a canine tooth, one of
eye socket eyetooth

eyestrain /$astren/ noun tiredness in the mus-

eyestrain
two pairs of pointed teeth next to the incisors
cles of the eye with a headache, which may be (NOTE: The plural is eyeteeth.)
caused by an activity such as reading in bad light
Nursing.fm Page 103 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
F abbreviation Fahrenheit
F
face /fes/ noun the front part of the head, where
face
the eyes, nose and mouth are placed " verb to
have your face towards or to look towards some-
thing ! Please face the screen.
face delivery /$fes d!lv()ri/ noun a birth
face delivery
| |
where the babys face appears first
face lift /$fes lft/, face-lifting operation
face lift
/$fes !lft p!re()n/ noun a surgical oper- Factor XII /!f'kt $twelv/ noun a protein in
ation to remove wrinkles on the face and neck
face presentation /$fes prez()n!te()n/
face presentation
noun a position of a baby in the uterus where the
face will appear first at birth
facet /$f'st/ noun a flat surface on a bone
facet
facet syndrome /$f'st !sndrm/ noun a
facet syndrome
condition in which a joint in the vertebrae
becomes dislocated
facial /$fe()l/ adjective relating to, or appear-
facial
ing on, the face ! The psychiatrist examined the
patients facial expression.
facial bone /$fe()l bn/ noun one of the
facial bone
fourteen bones which form the face
COMMENT: The bones which make up the
face are: two maxillae forming the upper jaw;
two nasal bones forming the top part of the
nose; two lacrimal bones on the inside of the
orbit near the nose; two zygomatic or malar
bones forming the sides of the cheeks; two
palatine bones forming the back part of the
top of the mouth; two nasal conchae or tur-
binate bones which form the sides of the na-
sal cavity; the mandible or lower jaw; and the
vomer in the centre of the nasal septum.
facial paralysis /$fe()l p!r'lss/ noun
facial paralysis
|
same as Bells palsy
facies /$feii%z/ noun someones facial appear-
facies
ance, used as a guide to diagnosis
factor /$f'kt/ noun 1. something which has an
factor
influence or which makes something else take
place 2. a substance, variously numbered, e.g.
Factor I, Factor II, in the plasma, which makes the
blood coagulate when a blood vessel is injured
Factor II /!f'kt $tu%/ noun same as pro-
Factor II
thrombin
Factor IX /!f'kt $nan/ noun a protein in
Factor IX
plasma which promotes the clotting of blood and
F
is lacking in people with haemophilia B. Also
called Christmas factor
Factor VIII /!f'ktr $et/ noun a protein in
Factor VIII
plasma which promotes the clotting of blood and
is lacking in people with haemophilia A
Factor XI /!f'ktr $lev()n/ noun a protein in
Factor XI
plasma which promotes the clotting of blood and
is lacking in people with haemophilia C
Factor XII
plasma which promotes the clotting of blood and
is lacking in some people with haemophilia. Also
called Hageman factor
fade away /!fed $we/ verb to be in the proc-
fade away
ess of dying (informal)
faecal /$fi%k()l/ adjective referring to faeces
faecal
faecal impaction /!fi%kl()l m$p'kn/ noun
faecal impaction
a condition in which a hardened mass of faeces
stays in the rectum
faecal incontinence
faecal incontinence
/!fi%k()l3 n
|
$kntnns/ noun an inability to control the
bowel movements
faecalith /$fi%kl/ noun same as coprolith
faecalith
faecal matter /$fi%k()l !m't/ noun solid
faecal matter
waste matter from the bowels
faeces /$fi%si%z/ plural noun solid waste matter
faeces
passed from the bowels through the anus. Also
called stools, bowel movement (NOTE: For
other terms referring to faeces, see words begin-
ning with sterco-.)
Fahrenheit /$f'rnhat/, Fahrenheit scale
Fahrenheit
/$f'rnhat skel/ noun a scale of temperatures
where the freezing and boiling points of water are
32 and 212 under standard atmospheric pres-
sure (NOTE: Used in the US, but less common in
the UK. Usually written as an F after the degree
sign: 32F (say: thirty-two degrees Fahren-
heit).)
fail /fel/ verb 1. not to be successful in doing
fail
something ! The doctor failed to see the symp-
toms. ! She has failed her pharmacy exams. !
He failed his medical and was rejected by the
police force. 2. to become weaker and less likely
to recover
failure to thrive /!felj t $rav/ noun same
failure to thrive
as marasmus
Nursing.fm Page 104 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

faint 104

faint /fent/ verb to stop being conscious for a famotidine /f$mtdi%n/ noun a histamine
faint famotidine

short time and, usually, fall down " noun a loss which reduces the secretion of gastric acid and is
of consciousness for a short period, caused by a used to treat ulcers
temporary reduction in the blood flow to the brain Fanconi syndrome /f'n$kni !sndrm/
Fanconi syndrome

fainting fit /$fent ft/, fainting spell

fainting fit

noun a kidney disorder where amino acids are

/$fent spel/ noun same as syncope ! She present in the urine [Described 1927. After Guido
often had fainting fits when she was dieting. Fanconi (18921979), Professor of Paediatrics
Fairbanks splint /$feb'ks splnt/ noun a at the University of Zurich, Switzerland.]
Fairbanks splint

special splint used for correcting Erbs palsy fantasy /$f'ntsi/ noun a series of imaginary
fantasy

faith healing /$fe !hi%l/ noun the treatment

faith healing

events which someone believes really took place

of pain or illness by a person who prays and may FAP abbreviation familial adenomatous polypo-
FAP

also lay his or her hands on the patient sis

falciform /$f'lsf%m/ adjective in the shape of
falciform

farcy /$f%si/ noun a form of glanders which

farcy

a sickle affects the lymph nodes

falciform ligament /!f'lsf%m $l1mnt/
falciform ligament

farmers lung /!f%mz $l./ noun a type of

farmers lung

noun a piece of tissue which separates the two

lobes of the liver and attaches it to the diaphragm asthma caused by an allergy to rotting hay
fascia /$fe/ noun fibrous tissue covering a
fascia

fallen arches /!f%ln $%tz/ plural noun a

fallen arches

condition in which the arches in the sole of the muscle or an organ (NOTE: The plural is fasciae.)
fasciculation /f!skj$le()n/ noun small
fasciculation

foot are not high | |

Fallopian tube /f$lpin tju%b/ noun one of

Fallopian tube

|
muscle movements which appear as trembling
two tubes which connect the ovaries to the uterus. skin
See illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (FEMALE) fasciculus /f$skjls/ noun a bundle of nerve
fasciculus

in Supplement. Also called oviduct, salpinx fibres (NOTE: The plural is fasciculi.)
(NOTE: For other terms referring to Fallopian fasciitis /!f'i$ats/ noun an inflammation of
fasciitis

tubes, see words beginning with salping-, the connective tissue between muscles or around
salpingo-.) [Described 1561. After Gabriele Fal- organs
lopio (152363), Italian man of medicine. He
fastigium /f'$std+im/ noun the highest tem-
fastigium

was Professor of Surgery and Anatomy at |

Padua, where he was also Professor of Botany.] perature during a bout of fever
fat /f't/ adjective big and round in the body !
fat

Fallots tetralogy /!f'lz te$tr'ld+i/ noun

Fallots tetralogy

same as tetralogy of Fallot You ought to eat less youre getting too fat.
(NOTE: fatter fattest) " noun 1. a white oily
false rib /!f%ls $rb/ noun one of the bottom five
false rib

substance in the body, which stores energy and

ribs on each side which are not directly attached
protects the body against cold 2. a type of food
to the breastbone
which supplies protein and Vitamins A and D,
familial /f$mlil/ adjective referring to a fam-
familial

|
especially that part of meat which is white, and
ily solid substances like lard or butter produced from
familial adenomatous polyposis /f!mlil
familial adenomatous polyposis

| animals and used for cooking, or liquid sub-

'd!nmts !pl$pss/ noun a hereditary
| |
stances like oil ! If you dont like the fat on the
disorder where polyps develop in the small intes- meat, cut it off. ! Fry the eggs in some fat. (NOTE:
tine. Abbreviation FAP Fat has no plural when it means the substance;
familial disorder /f!mlil ds$%d/ noun a the plural fats is used to mean different types of
familial disorder

| |

hereditary disorder which affects several mem- fat. For other terms referring to fats, see also
bers of the same family lipid and words beginning with steato-.)
family /$f'm()li/ noun a group of people who fatigue /f$ti%1/ noun very great tiredness
family fatigue

are related to each other, especially mother, father fatigue fracture /f$ti%1 !fr'kt/ noun "
fatigue fracture

and children stress fracture

family doctor /!f'm()li $dkt/ noun a gen-
family doctor

fatty /$f'ti/ adjective containing fat

fatty

eral practitioner
fatty acid /!f'ti $'sd/ noun an organic acid
fatty acid

family planning /!f'm()li $pl'n/ noun the

family planning

belonging to a group that occurs naturally as fats,

use of contraception to control the number of chil-
oils and waxes. ! essential fatty acid
dren in a family
fatty degeneration /!f'ti d!d+en$re()n/
fatty degeneration

family planning clinic /!f'm()li $pl'n

family planning clinic
| |

!klnk/ noun a clinic which gives advice on con- noun same as adipose degeneration
fauces /$f%si%z/ noun an opening between the
fauces

traception
family therapy /!f'm()li $erpi/ noun a type
family therapy
tonsils at the back of the throat, leading to the
of psychotherapy where members of the family of pharynx
FDA abbreviation US Food and Drug Adminis-
FDA

a person with a disorder meet a therapist to dis-

cuss the condition and try to come to terms with it tration
Nursing.fm Page 105 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
105
fear /f/ noun a state where a person is afraid of
fear
something ! fear of flying
febricula /fe$brkjl/ noun a low fever
febricula
febrifuge /$febrfju%d+/ noun a drug which pre-
febrifuge
vents or lowers a fever, e.g. aspirin " adjective
preventing or lowering fever
febrile /$fi%bral/ adjective referring to a fever,
febrile
or caused by a fever
febrile convulsion /!fi%bral kn$v.l()n/
febrile convulsion
| femoral triangle
noun a convulsion in a child, lasting a short time,
associated with a fever
febrile disease /$fi%bral d!zi%z/ noun a dis-
febrile disease
|
ease which is accompanied by fever
fecundation /!fekn$de()n/ noun the act of
fecundation
|
bringing male and female reproductive matter
together. Also called fertilisation
feedback /$fi%db'k/ noun 1. information or
feedback
comments about something which has been done
! The initial feedback from patients on the new
service was encouraging. 2. the linking of the
result of an action back to the action itself
Fehlings solution /$felz s!lu%()n/ noun
Fehlings solution
|
a solution used in Fehlings test to detect sugar in
urine [Described 1848. After Hermann Christian
von Fehling (181285), Professor of Chemistry
at Stuttgart, Germany.]
Fehlings test /$felz test/ noun a test for the
Fehlings test
presence of aldehydes and sugars in a biological
sample by means of Fehlings solution
felon /$feln/ noun same as whitlow
felon
Feltys syndrome /$felti%z !sndrm/ noun a
Feltys syndrome
condition, associated with rheumatoid arthritis, in
which the spleen is enlarged and the number of
white blood cells increases [Described 1924.
After Augustus Roi Felty (18951963), physician
at Hartford Hospital, Connecticut, USA.]
female condom /!fi%mel $kndm/ noun a
female condom
rubber sheath inserted into the vagina before
intercourse, covering the walls of the vagina and
the cervix
female sex hormone /!fi%mel $seks
female sex hormone
!h%mn/ noun same as oestrogen
feminisation /!femna$ze()n/, feminiza-
feminisation
|
tion noun the development of female characteris-
tics in a male
femoral /$femrl/ adjective referring to the
femoral
femur or to the thigh
femoral artery /!femrl $%tri/ noun a con-
femoral artery
tinuation of the external iliac artery, which runs
down the front of the thigh and then crosses to the
back of the thigh
femoral canal /!femrl k$n'l/ noun the
femoral canal
inner tube of the sheath surrounding the femoral
artery and vein
femoral head /!femrl $hed/ noun the head of
femoral head
the femur, the rounded projecting end part of the
thigh bone which joins the acetabulum at the hip
fertile
femoral hernia /!femrl $h-%ni/ noun a her-
femoral hernia
nia of the bowel at the top of the thigh
femoral neck /!femrl $nek/ noun the narrow
femoral neck
part between the head and the diaphysis of the
femur. Also called neck of the femur
femoral nerve /$femrl n-%v/ noun a nerve
femoral nerve
which governs the muscle at the front of the thigh
femoral pulse /!femrl $p.ls/ noun a pulse
femoral pulse
taken in the groin
femoral triangle /!femrl $tra'1l/ noun a
slight hollow in the groin which contains the fem-
oral vessels and nerve. Also called Scarpas tri-
angle
femoral vein /$femrl ven/ noun a vein run-
femoral vein
ning up the upper leg, a continuation of the pop-
liteal vein
femur /$fi%m/ noun the bone in the top part of
femur
the leg which joins the acetabulum at the hip and
the tibia at the knee. Also called thighbone. See
illustration at PELVIS in Supplement (NOTE: The
plural is femora.)
-fen /fen/ suffix used in names of non-steroidal
-fen
anti-inflammatory drugs ! ibuprofen
fenestra /f$nestr/ noun a small opening in
fenestra
the ear
fenestra ovalis /f!nestr $v%ls/ noun
fenestra ovalis
| |
same as oval window
fenestra rotunda /f!nestr r$t.nd/ noun
fenestra rotunda
| |
same as round window
fenestration /!fen$stre()n/ noun a surgical
fenestration
|
operation to relieve deafness by making a small
opening in the inner ear
fenoprofen /!fen$prfen/ noun a non-ster-
fenoprofen
oidal, anti-inflammatory drug that is used to man-
age the pain of arthritis
fentanyl /$fentnl/ noun a narcotic drug that is
fentanyl
a powerful painkiller
fermentation /!f-%men$te()n/ noun a proc-
fermentation
|
ess where carbohydrates are broken down by
enzymes from yeast and produce alcohol. Also
called zymosis
ferric /$ferk/ adjective containing iron with a
ferric
valency of three
ferritin /$fertn/ noun a protein found in the
ferritin
liver that binds reversibly to iron and stores it for
later use in making haemoglobin in red blood
cells
ferrous /$fers/ adjective containing iron with a
ferrous
valency of two
ferrous sulphate /!fers $s.lfet/ noun a
ferrous sulphate
white or pale green iron salt that is used in the
treatment of iron-deficient anaemia
ferrule /$feru%l/ noun a metal or rubber cap or
ferrule
ring that strengthens and protects the lower end of
a crutch or walking stick " verb to fit a ferrule
onto a crutch or walking stick
fertile /$f-%tal/ adjective able to produce chil-
fertile
dren. Opposite sterile
Nursing.fm Page 106 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

fertilisation 106

fertilisation /!f-%tla$ze()n/, fertilization fever sore /$fi%v s%/ noun a cold sore or burn-
fertilisation fever sore

noun the joining of an ovum and a sperm to form ing sore, usually on the lips
a zygote and so start the development of an fiber /$fab/ noun US same as fibre
fiber

embryo fibr- /fabr/ prefix referring to fibres, fibrous

fibr-

fertility /f-%$tlti/ noun the fact of being fertile.

fertility

|
(used before vowels)
Opposite sterility -fibrate /fabret/ suffix used in names of lipid-
-fibrate

fertility rate /f-%$tlti ret/ noun the number of

fertility rate

|
lowering drugs
births per year calculated per 1000 females aged fibre /$fab/ noun 1. a structure in the body
fibre

between 15 and 44 shaped like a thread 2. same as dietary fibre

FESS abbreviation functional endoscopic sinus
FESS

fibre optics /!fabr $ptks/, fibreoptics

fibre optics

surgery /!fabr$ptks/ noun the use of thin fibres which

|

fester /$fest/ verb (of an infected wound) to

fester

conduct light and images to examine internal

become inflamed and produce pus ! His legs organs
were covered with festering sores. fibrescope /$fabskp/ noun a device made
fibrescope

festination /!fest$ne()n/ noun a way of

festination

| of bundles of optical fibres which is passed into

walking in which a person takes short steps, seen the body, used for examining internal organs
in people who have Parkinsons disease fibrillation /!fabr$le()n/ noun the fluttering
fibrillation

fetal /$fi%t()l/ adjective referring to a fetus

fetal

of a muscle
fetal alcohol syndrome /!fi%t()l $'lk$hl fibrin /$fbrn/ noun a protein produced by
fetal alcohol syndrome fibrin

!sndrm/ noun damage caused to the fetus by fibrinogen, which helps make blood coagulate
alcohol in the blood of the mother, which affects fibrin foam /$fbrn fm/ noun a white mate-
fibrin foam

the growth of the embryo, including its facial and rial made artificially from fibrinogen, used to pre-
brain development. Abbreviation FAS vent bleeding
fetal dystocia /!fi%t()l ds$tsi/ noun a dif-
fetal dystocia

fibrinogen /f$brnd+n/ noun a substance in

fibrinogen
|
|

ficult childbirth caused by a malformation or mal- blood plasma which produces fibrin when acti-
presentation of the fetus vated by thrombin
fetal heart /!fi%t()l $h%t/ noun the heart of the
fetal heart

fibrinolysin /!fbr$nlsn/ noun an enzyme

fibrinolysin

fetus which digests fibrin. Also called plasmin

fetal monitor /!fi%t()l $mnt/ noun an elec-
fetal monitor

fibrinolysis /!fbr$nlss/ noun the removal

fibrinolysis

tronic device which monitors the fetus in the of blood clots from the system by the action of
uterus fibrinolysin on fibrin. Also called thrombolysis
fetal position /$fi%t()l p!z()n/ noun a
fetal position

fibrinolytic /!fbrn$ltk/ adjective referring

fibrinolytic
|
|

position where a person lies curled up on his or to fibrinolysis ! fibrinolytic drugs Also called
her side, like a fetus in the uterus thrombolytic
fetishism /$fetz()m/, fetichism noun a
fetishism

fibro- /fabr/ prefix referring to fibres

fibro-

psychological disorder in which someone gets fibroadenoma /!fabr!'d$nm/ noun a

fibroadenoma

sexual satisfaction from touching objects

| |

benign tumour formed of fibrous and glandular

feto- /fi%t/ prefix fetus
feto-

tissue
fetoprotein /!fi%t$prti%n/ noun " alpha-
fetoprotein

fibroblast /$fabrbl'st/ noun a long flat cell

fibroblast
|

fetoprotein found in connective tissue, which develops into

fetor /$fi%t/ noun a bad smell collagen
fetor

fibrocartilage /!fabr$k%tld+/ noun carti-

fibrocartilage

fetoscope /$fi%tskp/ noun a stethoscope

fetoscope

used in fetoscopy lage and fibrous tissue combined

fibrochondritis /!fabrkn$drats/ noun
fibrochondritis

fetoscopy /f$tskpi/ noun an examination of

fetoscopy
|
|

a fetus inside the uterus, taking blood samples to inflammation of the fibrocartilage
diagnose blood disorders fibrocyst /$fabrsst/ noun a benign tumour
fibrocyst

fetus /$fi%ts/ noun an unborn baby from two

fetus
of fibrous tissue
months after conception until birth, before which fibrocystic /!fabr$sstk/ adjective refer-
fibrocystic

it is called an embryo ring to a fibrocyst

FEV abbreviation forced expiratory volume fibrocystic disease /!fabr$sstk d!zi%z/,
FEV fibrocystic disease

| |

fever /$fi%v/ noun 1. a rise in body temperature

fever
fibrocystic disease of the pancreas /!fabr |

! She is running a slight fever. ! You must stay in !sstk d!zi%z v $p'kris/ noun same as
|

bed until the fever has gone down. 2. a condition cystic fibrosis
when the temperature of the body is higher than fibrocyte /$fabrsat/ noun a cell which
fibrocyte

usual $ also called pyrexia derives from a fibroblast and is found in connec-
fever blister /$fi%v !blst/ noun same as
fever blister
tive tissue
fever sore fibroid /$fabrd/ adjective like fibre
fibroid
Nursing.fm Page 107 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

107 first-degree relative

fibroid tumour /!fabrd $tju%m/ noun a filiform papillae /!flf%m p$pli%/ plural
fibroid tumour filiform papillae

benign tumour in the muscle fibres of the uterus. noun papillae on the tongue which are shaped like
Also called uterine fibroid, fibromyoma threads, and have no taste buds
fibroma /fa$brm/ noun a small benign filipuncture /$flp.kt/ noun the procedure
fibroma filipuncture

tumour formed in connective tissue of putting a wire into an aneurysm to cause blood
fibromyoma /!fabrma$m/ noun same
fibromyoma

|
clotting
filling /$fl/ noun a surgical operation carried
filling

as fibroid tumour
fibroplasia /!fabr$plezi/ noun " retrolen-
fibroplasia

|
out by a dentist to fill a hole in a tooth with amal-
tal fibroplasia gam
filter /$flt/ noun a piece of paper or cloth
filter

fibrosarcoma /!fabrs%$km/ noun a

fibrosarcoma

malignant tumour of the connective tissue, most through which a liquid is passed to remove any
common in the legs solid substances in it " verb to pass a liquid
through a membrane, piece of paper or cloth to
fibrosis /fa$brss/ noun the process of
fibrosis

|
remove solid substances ! Impurities are filtered
replacing damaged tissue by scar tissue from the blood by the kidneys.
fibrositis /!fabr$sats/ noun a painful
fibrositis

FIM abbreviation functional independence meas-

FIM
|

inflammation of the fibrous tissue which sur- ure

rounds muscles and joints, especially the muscles
fimbria /$fmbri/ noun a fringe, especially the
fimbria

of the back
fringe of hair-like processes at the end of a Fallo-
fibrous /$fabrs/ adjective made of fibres, or
fibrous

pian tube near the ovaries (NOTE: The plural is

like fibre fimbriae.)
fibrous capsule /!fabrs $k'psju%l/ noun
fibrous capsule

finger /$f1/ noun one of the five parts at the

finger

fibrous tissue surrounding a kidney. Also called end of the hand, but usually not including the
renal capsule thumb (NOTE: The names of the fingers are: lit-
fibrous joint /$fabrs d+nt/ noun a joint
fibrous joint

tle finger, third finger or ring finger, middle

where fibrous tissue holds two bones together so finger, forefinger or index finger.)
that they cannot move, as in the bones of the skull finger-nose test /!f1 $nz !test/ noun a
finger-nose test

fibrous pericardium /!fabrs per$k%dim/ test of coordination, where the person is asked to
fibrous pericardium

noun the outer part of the pericardium which sur- close their eyes, stretch out their arm and then
rounds the heart, and is attached to the main blood touch their nose with their index finger
vessels fingerprint /$f1prnt/ noun a mark left by a
fingerprint

fibrous tissue /!fabrs $tu%/ noun strong finger when something is touched. ! genetic fin-
fibrous tissue

white tissue which makes tendons and ligaments gerprint

and also scar tissue firm /f-%m/ noun a group of doctors and consult-
firm

fibula /$fbjl/ noun the thinner of the two ants in a hospital, especially one to which a
fibula

bones in the lower leg between the knee and the trainee doctor is attached during clinical studies
ankle. Compare tibia (NOTE: The plural is fibu- (informal)
lae.) first aid /!f-%st $ed/ noun help given by a non-
first aid

fibular /$fbjl/ adjective referring to the fibula medical person to someone who is suddenly ill or
fibular

field of vision /!fi%ld v $v+()n/ noun same

field of vision
injured before full-scale medical treatment can be
as visual field given ! She gave him first aid in the street until
the ambulance arrived.
fight or flight reaction /!fat % $flat ri
fight or flight reaction

first-aid kit /!f-%st $ed !kt/ noun a box with

| first-aid kit

!'kn/ noun the theory that an organism which

is faced with a threat reacts either by preparing to bandages and dressings kept ready to be used in
fight or to escape an emergency
first-aid post /!f-%st $ed !pst/, first-aid
first-aid post

fil- /fl/ prefix referring to a thread

fil-

station /!f-%st $ed !ste()n/ noun a place

filament /$flmnt/ noun a long thin structure
filament

where injured people can be taken for immediate

like a thread care
filamentous /!fl$ments/ adjective like a
filamentous

first-degree burn /!f-%st d!1ri% $b-%n/ noun a

first-degree burn
|
|

thread former classification of the severity of a burn,

Filaria /f$leri/ noun a thin parasitic worm
Filaria

| where the skin turns red

which is found especially in the lymph system, first-degree haemorrhoids /!f-%st d!1ri%
first-degree haemorrhoids

and is passed to humans by mosquitoes (NOTE: $hemrdz/ plural noun haemorrhoids which
The plural is Filariae.) remain in the rectum
filariasis /!fl$rass/ noun a tropical disease
filariasis

first-degree relative /!f-%st d!1ri% $reltv/

first-degree relative
|
|

caused by parasitic threadworms in the lymph noun a relative with whom an individual shares
system, transmitted by mosquito bites 50% of their genes, e.g. a father, mother, sibling
filiform /$flf%m/ adjective shaped like a thread or child
filiform
Nursing.fm Page 108 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
first intention
first intention /!f-%st n$tenn/ noun the
first intention
healing of a clean wound where the tissue forms
again rapidly and no prominent scar is left
first-level nurse /!f-%st !lev()l $n-%s/, first-
first-level nurse
level Registered Nurse /!f-%st !lev()l
!red+std $n-%s/ noun a nurse who has passed
qualifying examinations, is registered as such
with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and can
act in an independent decision-making role. Com-
pare second-level nurse
fission /$f()n/ noun the act of dividing into
fission
two or more parts
fissure /$f/ noun a crack or groove in the
fissure
skin, tissue or an organ
fistula /$fstjl/ noun a passage or opening
fistula
which has been made unusually between two
organs, often near the rectum or anus
fit /ft/ adjective strong and physically healthy !
fit
She exercises every day to keep fit. ! The doctors
decided the patient was not fit for surgery. (NOTE:
fitter fittest) " noun a sudden attack of a dis-
order, especially convulsions and epilepsy ! She
had a fit of coughing. ! He had an epileptic fit. !
The baby had a series of fits. " verb 1. to provide
a piece of equipment for someone to wear ! She
was fitted with temporary support. 2. to have con-
vulsions ! The patient has fitted twice. (NOTE: fit-
ting fitted. Note also: you fit someone with an
appliance.)
fitness /$ftns/ noun the fact of being strong
fitness
and healthy ! Being in the football team demands
a high level of physical fitness. ! He had to pass
a fitness test to join the police force.
5-hydroxy-tryptamine /!fav ha!drksi
5-hydroxy-tryptamine
$trptmi%n/ noun a compound which exists in
blood platelets and is released after tissue is
injured, and is a neurotransmitter important in
sleep, mood and vasoconstriction. Also called
serotonin
fixated /fk$setd/ adjective referring to a per-
fixated
| floating kidney
son who has too close an attachment to another
person, often to a parent
fixator /fk$set/ noun a metal rod placed
fixator
through a bone to keep a part of the body rigid
flaccid /$fl'ksd, $fl'sd/ adjective soft or
flaccid
flabby
flaccidity /fl'k$sdti, fl'$sdti/ noun the
flaccidity
| |
state of being flaccid
Flagyl /$fl'd+al/ a trade name for metronida-
Flagyl
zole
flail /flel/ verb to thrash around with uncontrol-
flail
lable or violent movements, particularly of the
arms
flail chest /$flel test/ noun a condition in
flail chest
which the chest is not stable, because several ribs
have been broken
flap /fl'p/ noun a flat piece attached to some-
flap
thing, especially a piece of skin or tissue still
attached to the body at one side and used in grafts
108
flare /fle/ noun red colouring of the skin at an
flare
infected spot or in urticaria
flashback /$fl'b'k/ noun a repeated and very
flashback
vivid memory of a traumatic event
flat foot /!fl't $ft/, flat feet /!fl't $fi%t/ noun
flat foot
a condition in which the soles of the feet lie flat
on the ground instead of being arched as usual.
Also called pes planus
flatulence /$fl'tjlns/ noun gas or air which
flatulence
collects in the stomach or intestines causing dis-
comfort
COMMENT: Flatulence is generally caused by
indigestion, but can be made worse if the
person swallows air (aerophagy).
flatulent /$fl'tjlnt/ adjective having flatu-
flatulent
lence, or caused by flatulence
flatus /$flets/ noun air and gas which collects
flatus
in the intestines and is painful
flea /fli%/ noun a tiny insect which sucks blood
flea
and is a parasite on animals and humans
flecainide /fle$kenad/ noun a drug that helps
flecainide
to correct an irregular heartbeat
flex /fleks/ verb to bend something
flex
flexibilitas cerea /fleks!blts $sri/ noun
flexibilitas cerea
|
a condition in which, if someones arms or legs
are moved, they remain in that set position for
some time
flexion /$flekn/ noun the act of bending a joint
flexion
Flexners bacillus /!fleksnz b$sls/ noun a
Flexners bacillus
|
bacterium which causes bacillary dysentery
flexor /$fleks/, flexor muscle /$fleks
flexor
!m.s()l/ noun a muscle which makes a joint
bend. Compare extensor
flexure /$flek/ noun 1. a bend in an organ 2. a
flexure
fold in the skin
floaters /$fltz/ plural noun same as muscae
floaters
volitantes
floating kidney /!flt $kdni/ noun same as
nephroptosis
floating rib /!flt $rb/ noun one of the two
floating rib
lowest ribs on each side, which are not attached to
the breastbone
flooding /$fl.d/ noun same as menorrhagia
flooding
floppy baby syndrome /!flpi $bebi
floppy baby syndrome
!sndrm/ noun same as amyotonia congenita
flora /$fl%r/ noun bacteria which exist in a par-
flora
ticular part of the body
florid /$flrd/ adjective with an unhealthily
florid
glowing pink or red complexion
flowmeter /$flmi%t/ noun a meter attached
flowmeter
to a pipe, e.g. as in anaesthetic equipment, to
measure the speed at which a liquid or gas moves
in the pipe
flu /flu%/ noun 1. same as influenza 2. a very bad
flu
cold (informal) (NOTE: Sometimes written flu to
show it is a short form of influenza.)
Nursing.fm Page 109 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
109
flucloxacillin /flu%$klkssln/ noun a drug
flucloxacillin
related to penicillin and effective against strepto-
coccal infections and pneumonia
fluconazole /flu%$knzl/ noun a drug used
fluconazole
|
to treat fungal infections such as candidiasis
fluctuation /!fl.ktu$e()n/ noun the feeling
fluctuation
|
of movement of liquid inside part of the body or
inside a cyst when pressed by the fingers
fluid /$flu%d/ noun 1. a liquid 2. any gas, liquid
fluid
or powder which flows
fluid balance /$flu%d !b'lns/ noun the main-
fluid balance
tenance of the balance of fluids in the body during
dialysis or other treatment
fluke /flu%k/ noun a parasitic flatworm which
fluke
settles inside the liver, in the bloodstream and in
other parts of the body
flunitrazepam /!flu%na$tr'zp'm/ noun a
flunitrazepam
tranquilliser that, because of its association with
date rape cases, is a controlled drug in the UK
fluorescence /fl$res()ns/ noun the sending
fluorescence
|
out of light from a substance which is receiving
radiation
fluorescent /fl$res()nt/ adjective referring
fluorescent
to a substance which sends out light
fluoride /$flrad/ noun a chemical compound
fluoride
of fluorine and sodium, potassium or tin ! fluo-
ride toothpaste
fluorine /$flri%n/ noun a chemical element
fluorine
found in bones and teeth (NOTE: The chemical
symbol is F.)
fluoroscope /$flrskp/ noun an apparatus
fluoroscope
which projects an X-ray image of a part of the
body onto a screen, so that the part of the body
can be examined as it moves
fluoroscopy /fl$rskpi/ noun an examina-
fluoroscopy
|
tion of the body using X-rays projected onto a
screen
fluoxetine /flu%$ksti%n/ noun a drug that
fluoxetine
|
increases serotonin in the brain and is used to treat
anxiety and depression
flush /fl./ noun a red colour in the skin " verb
flush
1. to wash a wound with liquid 2. (of person) to
turn red
flutter /$fl.t/, fluttering /$fl.tr/ noun a
flutter
rapid movement, especially of the atria of the
heart, which is not controlled by impulses from
the sinoatrial node
flux /fl.ks/ noun an excessive production of liq-
flux
uid from the body
focal /$fk()l/ adjective referring to a focus
focal
focal distance /!fk()l $dstns/, focal
focal distance
length /$fk()l le/ noun the distance
between the lens of the eye and the point behind
the lens where light is focused
focal epilepsy /!fk()l $eplepsi/ noun epi-
focal epilepsy
lepsy arising from a localised area of the brain
focus /$fks/ noun 1. the point where light
focus
rays converge through a lens 2. the centre of an
food intolerance
infection (NOTE: The plural is foci.) " verb 1. to
adjust a lens until an image is clear and sharp 2.
to see clearly ! He has difficulty in focusing on
the object.
focus group /$fks 1ru%p/ noun a discussion
focus group
group of lay people brought together under pro-
fessional guidance to discuss issues such as care
foetal /$fi%t()l/ adjective another spelling of
foetal
fetal (NOTE: The spelling foetal is common in
general use in British English, but the spelling
fetal is the accepted international spelling for
technical use.)
foetoscope /$fi%tskp/ noun another spell-
foetoscope
ing of fetoscope
foetoscopy /f$tskpi/ noun another spelling
foetoscopy
|
of fetoscopy
foetus /$fi%ts/ noun another spelling of fetus
foetus
(NOTE: The spelling foetus is common in gen-
eral use in British English, but the spelling fetus
is the accepted international spelling for techni-
cal use.)
folacin /$flsn/ noun same as folic acid
folacin
folic acid /!flk $'sd/ noun a vitamin in the
folic acid
Vitamin B complex found in milk, liver, yeast and
green vegetables such as spinach, which is essen-
tial for creating new blood cells
follicle /$flk()l/ noun a tiny hole or sac in the
follicle
body
follicle-stimulating hormone /!flk()l
follicle-stimulating hormone
!stmjlet $h%mn/ noun a hormone pro-
duced by the pituitary gland which stimulates ova
in the ovaries and sperm in the testes. Abbrevia-
tion FSH
follicular /f$lkjl/, folliculate /f$lkjlt/
follicular
| |
adjective referring to follicles
folliculitis /f!lkj$lats/ noun inflammation
folliculitis
| |
of the hair follicles, especially where hair has
been shaved
fomentation /!fmen$te()n/ noun same as
fomentation
poultice
fomites /$fmti%z/ plural noun objects
fomites
touched by someone with a communicable dis-
ease which can then be the means of passing on
the disease to others
fontanelle /!fnt$nel/ noun the soft cartilage
fontanelle
between the bony sections of a babys skull
food allergen /$fu%d !'ld+en/ noun a sub-
food allergen
stance in food which produces an allergy
food allergy /$fu%d !'ld+i/ noun an allergy to
food allergy
a specific food such as nuts, which causes a severe
reaction that may lead to life-threatening anaphy-
lactic shock
food canal /$fu%d k!n'l/ noun the passage
food canal
from the mouth to the rectum through which food
passes and is digested
food intolerance /$fu%d n!tlrns/ noun an
food intolerance
adverse reaction to some foods such as oranges,
eggs, tomatoes and strawberries
Nursing.fm Page 110 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
food poisoning
food poisoning /$fu%d !pz()n/ noun an
food poisoning
illness caused by eating food which is contami-
nated with bacteria
foot /ft/ noun the end part of the leg on which a
foot
person stands
foramen /f$remn/ noun a natural opening
foramen
inside the body, e.g. the opening in a bone through
which veins or nerves pass (NOTE: The plural is
foramina.)
foramen magnum /f!remn $m'1nm/
foramen magnum
|
noun the hole at the bottom of the skull where the
brain is joined to the spinal cord
foramen ovale /f!remn $v%le/ noun an
foramen ovale
| |
opening between the two parts of the heart in a
fetus
COMMENT: The foramen ovale usually clos-
es at birth, but if it stays open the blood from
the veins can mix with the blood going to the
arteries, causing cyanosis.
forced expiratory volume /!f%st ek
forced expiratory volume
$sprt()ri !vlju%m/ noun the maximum
amount of air that can be expelled in a given time.
Abbreviation FEV
forceps /$f%seps/ noun a surgical instrument
forceps
with handles like a pair of scissors, made in dif-
ferent sizes and with differently shaped ends,
used for holding and pulling
forceps delivery /$f%seps d!lv()ri/ noun
forceps delivery
|
childbirth where the doctor uses forceps to help
the baby out of the mothers uterus
fore- /f%/ prefix in front
fore-
forearm /$f%r%m/ noun the lower part of the
forearm
arm from the elbow to the wrist
forebrain /$f%bren/ noun the front part of the
forebrain
brain in an embryo
forefinger /$f%f1/ noun the first finger on
forefinger
the hand, next to the thumb
foregut /$f%1.t/ noun the front part of the gut
foregut
in an embryo
foreign /$frn/ adjective 1. not belonging to
foreign
your own country ! foreign visitors ! a foreign
language 2. referring to something that is found
where it does not naturally belong, especially
something found in the human body that comes
from a source outside the body ! a foreign object
! foreign matter
foreign body /!frn $bdi/ noun a piece of
foreign body
material which is not part of the surrounding tis-
sue and should not be there, e.g. sand in a cut, dust
in the eye or a pin which has been swallowed !
The X-ray showed the presence of a foreign body.
forensic /f$rensk/ adjective relating to the use
forensic
|
of science in solving criminal investigations or
settling legal cases
forensic medicine /f!rensk $med()s()n/
forensic medicine
|
noun the branch of medical science concerned
with finding solutions to crimes against people
and which involves procedures such as conduct-
110
ing autopsies on murdered people or taking blood
samples from clothes
foreskin /$f%skn/ noun the skin covering the
foreskin
top of the penis, which can be removed by cir-
cumcision. Also called prepuce
forewaters /$f%w%tz/ plural noun fluid
forewaters
which comes out of the vagina at the beginning of
childbirth when the amnion bursts
formaldehyde /f%$m'ldhad/ noun a gas
formaldehyde
with an unpleasant smell that is a strong disinfect-
ant. When dissolved in water to make formalin, it
is also used to preserve medical specimens.
formalin /$f%mln/ noun a solution of formal-
formalin
dehyde in water, used to preserve medical speci-
mens
formication /!f%m$ke()n/ noun an itching
formication
|
feeling where the skin feels as if it were covered
with insects
formula /$f%mjl/ noun 1. a way of indicating
formula
a chemical compound using letters and numbers,
e.g. H2SO4 2. instructions on how to prepare a
drug
formulary /$f%mjlri/ noun a book that lists
formulary
medicines together with their formulae
fornix /$f%nks/ noun an arch (NOTE: The plural
fornix
is fornices.)
fornix cerebri /!f%nks $serbra/ noun a sec-
fornix cerebri
tion of white matter in the brain between the hip-
pocampus and the hypothalamus. See illustration
at BRAIN in Supplement
foscarnet /fs$k%nt/ noun an antiviral drug
foscarnet
administered by intravenous injection that is
effective against herpesviruses that are resistant to
acyclovir. It is especially used for people with
AIDS.
fossa /$fs/ noun a shallow hollow in a bone or
fossa
the skin
foster children /$fst !tldrn/ plural noun
foster children
children brought up by people who are not their
own parents
foster parent /$fst !pernt/ noun a woman
foster parent
or man who brings up a child born to other parents
Fothergills operation /$f1lz p
Fothergills operation
|
!re()n/ noun a surgical operation to correct
prolapse of the uterus [After W. E. Fothergill
(18651926), British gynaecologist.]
foundation hospital /fan$de()n
foundation hospital
|
!hspt()l/ noun in the UK, a type of hospital
that is independent of its Local Health Authority
in financial matters
fourchette /f$et/ noun a fold of skin at the
fourchette
back of the vulva
fovea /$fvi/, fovea centralis /!fvi sen
fovea
$tr%ls/ noun a depression in the retina which is
the point where the eye sees most clearly. See
illustration at EYE in Supplement
FP10 /!ef pi% $ten/ noun in the UK, an NHS pre-
FP10
scription from a GP
Nursing.fm Page 111 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
111
fracture /$fr'kt/ verb 1. (of bone) to break !
fracture
The tibia fractured in two places. 2. to break a
bone ! He fractured his wrist. " noun a break in
a bone ! rib fracture or fracture of a rib
fragile-X syndrome /!fr'd+al $eks
fragile-X syndrome
!sndrm/ noun a hereditary condition in which
part of an X chromosome is constricted, causing
mental impairment
fragilitas ossium /fr!d+lts $sim/ noun
fragilitas ossium
|
a hereditary condition where the bones are brittle
and break easily, similar to osteogenesis imper-
fecta
frame /frem/ noun 1. the particular size and
frame
shape of someones body 2. the main part of a
building, ship or bicycle, etc., which holds it
together ! the bicycle has a very light frame !
Ive broken the frame of my glasses 3. a solid sup-
port for something. ! walking frame, Zimmer
frame
framycetin /fr'$mastn/ noun an antibiotic
framycetin
|
fraternal twins /fr!t-%n()l $twnz/ plural
fraternal twins
|
noun same as dizygotic twins
freckle /$frek()l/ noun a harmless small brown-
freckle
ish patch on the skin that becomes more noticea-
ble after exposure to the sun. Freckles are often
found in people with fair hair. Also called lentigo
" verb to mark something, or become marked
with freckles
freeze /fri%z/ verb to anaesthetise part of the
freeze
body (informal) ! They froze my big toe to
remove the nail.
Freibergs disease /$frab-%1z d!zi%z/ noun
Freibergs disease
osteochondritis of the head of the second metatar-
sus [Described 1914. After Albert Henry Freiberg
(18691940), US surgeon.]
fremitus /$fremts/ noun vibrations or trem-
fremitus
bling in part of someones body, felt by the doc-
tors hand or heard through a stethoscope
frenectomy /fr$nektmi/ noun an operation
frenectomy
| operation to correct a dislocated hip
to remove a frenum
frenotomy /fr$ntmi/ noun an operation to
frenotomy
| noun a condition in which someone becomes
split a frenum
frenum /$fri%nm/, frenulum /$frenjlm/
frenum
noun a fold of mucous membrane under the
tongue or by the clitoris
frequency /$fri%kwnsi/ noun 1. the number of
frequency
times something takes place in a given time ! the
frequency of micturition 2. the rate of vibration in
oscillations
Freudian /$frdin/ adjective understandable
Freudian
in terms of Freuds theories, especially with
regard to human sexuality " noun someone who
is influenced by or follows Freuds theories or
methods of psychoanalysis
friable /$frab()l/ adjective easily broken up
friable
into small pieces
friars balsam /!fraz $b%lsm/ noun a mix-
friars balsam
ture of various plant oils, including benzoin and
frontal lobotomy
balsam, which can be inhaled as a vapour to
relieve bronchitis or congestion
friction /$frk()n/ noun the rubbing together
friction
of two surfaces
friction fremitus /!frkn $fremts/ noun a
friction fremitus
scratching sensation felt when the hand is placed
on the chest of someone who has pericarditis
friction murmur /!frkn $m-%m/ noun the
friction murmur
sound of two serous membranes rubbing together,
heard with a stethoscope in someone who has
pericarditis or pleurisy
Friedlnders bacillus /$fri%dlendz b
Friedlnders bacillus
|
!sls/ noun the bacterium Klebsiella pneumo-
niae which can cause pneumonia [Described
1882. After Carl Friedlnder (184787), patholo-
gist at the Friedrichshain Hospital, Berlin, Ger-
many.]
Friedmans test /$fri%dmnz test/ noun a test
Friedmans test
for pregnancy [After Maurice H. Friedman
(190391), US physician.]
Friedreichs ataxia /!fri%draks $t'ksi/
Friedreichs ataxia
|
noun an inherited nervous disease which affects
the spinal cord and is associated with club foot, an
unsteady walk and speech difficulties. Also called
dystrophia adiposogenitalis [Described 1863.
After Nicholaus Friedreich (182582), Professor
of Pathological Anatomy at Wrzburg, later Pro-
fessor of Pathology and Therapy at Heidelberg,
Germany.]
frigidity /fr$d+dti/ noun the fact of being una-
frigidity
ble to experience orgasm, sexual pleasure or sex-
ual desire
fringe medicine /$frn+ !med()sn/ noun
fringe medicine
types of medical practice which are not usually
taught in medical schools, e.g. homeopathy or
acupuncture (informal)
frog plaster /$fr1 !pl%st/ noun a plaster cast
frog plaster
made to keep the legs in an open position after an
Frhlichs syndrome /$fr-%lks !sndrm/
Frhlichs syndrome
obese and the genital system does not develop,
caused by an adenoma of the pituitary gland
[Described 1901. After Alfred Frhlich (1871
1953), Professor of Pharmacology at the Univer-
sity of Vienna, Austria.]
frontal /$fr.nt()l/ adjective referring to the
frontal
forehead or to the front of the head. Opposite
occipital
frontal bone /$fr.nt()l bn/ noun a bone
frontal bone
forming the front of the upper part of the skull
behind the forehead
frontal lobe /$fr.nt()l lb/ noun the front
frontal lobe
lobe of each cerebral hemisphere
frontal lobotomy /!fr.nt()l l$btmi/
frontal lobotomy
noun formerly, a surgical operation on the brain
to treat mental illness by removing part of the
frontal lobe
Nursing.fm Page 112 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
frontal sinus
frontal sinus /!fr.nt()l $sans/ noun one of
frontal sinus
two sinuses in the front of the face above the eyes
and near the nose
front passage /!fr.nt $p'sd+/ (informal) 1.
front passage
same as urethra 2. same as vagina
frostbite /$frstbat/ noun an injury caused by
frostbite
very severe cold which freezes tissue
frozen shoulder /!frz()n $ld/ noun
frozen shoulder
stiffness and pain in the shoulder, caused by
inflammation of the membranes of the shoulder
joint after injury or a period of immobility, when
deposits may form in the tendons
frozen watchfulness /!frz()n
frozen watchfulness
$wtflns/ noun an expression of petrified fear
on a childs face, especially in children who have
been abused
fructose /$fr.kts/ noun fruit sugar found in
fructose
honey and some fruit, which together with glu-
cose forms sucrose
frusemide /$fru%smad/ noun same as furo-
frusemide
semide
FSH abbreviation follicle-stimulating hormone
FSH
-fuge /fju%d+/ suffix driving away
-fuge
fulguration /!f.l1$re()n/ noun the removal
fulguration
| funis
of a growth such as a wart by burning with an
electric needle. Also called electrodesiccation
full thickness burn /!fl !kns $b-%n/ noun
full thickness burn
same as deep dermal burn
fulminant /$flmnnt/,
fulminant
fulminating
/$flmnet/ adjective referring to a dangerous
disease which develops very rapidly
fumigation /!fju%m$1e()n/ noun the proc-
fumigation
ess of killing insects in an area with gas or smoke
function /$f.kn/ noun the particular work
function
done by an organ ! What is the function of the
pancreas? ! The function of an ovary is to form
ova. " verb to work in a particular way ! The
heart and lungs were functioning normally. ! His
kidneys suddenly stopped functioning.
functional /$f.kn()l/ adjective referring to
functional
a disorder or illness which does not have a physi-
cal cause and may have a psychological cause, as
opposed to an organic disorder
functional endoscopic sinus surgery
functional endoscopic sinus surgery
/!f.kn()l !endskpk $sans !s-%d+ri/
noun the removal of soft tissue in the sinuses
using an endoscope. Abbreviation FESS
functional enuresis /!f.kn()l !enj
functional enuresis
$ri%ss/ noun bedwetting which has a psychologi-
cal cause
functional independence measure
functional independence measure
/!f.kn()l !nd$pendns !me+/ noun a
| cially a surgical operation to relieve pain in the
measure of disability. Abbreviation FIM
fundoplication /!f.ndpl$ke()n/ noun
fundoplication
|
the process of wrapping the fundus of the stomach
round the lower end of the oesophagus
112
fundus /$f.nds/ noun the bottom of a hollow
fundus
organ such as the uterus
fungal /$f.1l/ adjective relating to, or caused
fungal
by, fungi ! a fungal skin infection
fungate /$f.1et/ verb (of some skin cancers)
fungate
to increase rapidly at a late stage of tumour for-
mation
fungicide /$f.1sad/ noun a substance used
fungicide
to kill fungi
fungiform papillae /!f.1f%m p$pli%/
fungiform papillae
noun rounded papillae on the tip and sides of the
tongue, which have taste buds
fungoid /$f.1d/ adjective like a fungus
fungoid
fungus /$f.1s/ noun an organism such as
fungus
yeast or mould, some of which cause disease
(NOTE: The plural is fungi. For other terms refer-
ring to fungi, see words beginning with myc-,
myco-.)
funiculitis /fju%!nkj$lats/ noun inflamma-
funiculitis
| |
tion of the spermatic cord
funiculus /fju%$nkjls/ noun one of the three
funiculus
parts of the white matter in the spinal cord ! The
three parts are called the lateral, anterior and
posterior funiculus.
funis /$fju%ns/ noun an umbilical cord
funnel chest /!f.n()l $test/ noun same as
funnel chest
pectus excavatum
funny bone /$f.ni bn/ noun same as ole-
funny bone
cranon (informal)
furfuraceous /!f-%fj$res/ adjective refer-
furfuraceous
|
ring to skin which is scaly
furor /$fjr%/ noun an attack of wild violence,
furor
especially in someone who is mentally unwell
furosemide /fj$rsmad/ noun a drug which
furosemide
|
causes an increase in urine production, used to
relieve water retention in the body. Also called
frusemide
furred tongue /!f-%d $t./ noun a condition
furred tongue
when the papillae of the tongue are covered with
a whitish coating. Also called coated tongue
furuncle /$fjr.kl/ noun same as boil
furuncle
furunculosis /fj!r.kj$lss/ noun a
furunculosis
| |
condition in which several boils appear at the
same time
fusidic acid /fju%!sdk $'sd/ noun an antibi-
fusidic acid
otic used to prevent protein synthesis
fusiform /$fju%zf%m/ adjective referring to
fusiform
| muscles which are shaped like a spindle, with a
wider middle section which becomes narrower at
each end
fusion /$fju%+()n/ noun the act of joining, espe-
fusion
joint by joining the bones at the joint permanently
so that they cannot move
Fybogel /$fabd+el/ a trade name for ispa-
Fybogel
ghula
Nursing.fm Page 113 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
G
g abbreviation gram
g gallop rhythm
GABA /$1'b/ abbreviation gamma aminobu-
GABA
tyric acid
gag /1'1/ noun an instrument placed between
gag
the teeth to stop the mouth from closing " verb to
experience a reaction similar to that of vomiting
! Every time the doctor tries to examine her
throat, she gags. ! He started gagging on the
endotracheal tube.
gait /1et/ noun a way of walking
gait
galacto- /1l'kt/ prefix referring to milk
galacto-
galactocele /1$l'ktsi%l/ noun a breast
galactocele
tumour which contains milk
galactorrhoea /1!l'kt$r/ noun the exces- gamete intrafallopian transfer /!1'mi%t
galactorrhoea
| |
sive production of milk
galactosaemia /1!l'kt$si%mi/ noun a con-
galactosaemia
| |
genital condition where the liver is incapable of
converting galactose into glucose, with the result
that a babys development may be affected (NOTE:
The treatment is to remove galactose from the
diet.)
galactose /1$l'kts/ noun a sugar which
galactose
|
forms part of milk, and is converted into glucose
by the liver
galea /$1eli/ noun any part of the body shaped
galea
like a helmet, especially the loose band of tissue
in the scalp (NOTE: The plural is galeae.)
gall /1%l/ noun same as bile
gall
gall bladder /$1%l !bl'd/ noun a sac situated
gall bladder
underneath the liver, in which bile produced by
the liver is stored. See illustration at DIGESTIVE
SYSTEM in Supplement
Gallies operation /$1'liz p!re()n/ noun
Gallies operation
| protein found in plasma, forming antibodies as
a surgical operation where tissues from the thigh
are used to hold a hernia in place [Described
1921. After William Edward Gallie (18821959),
Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto,
Canada.]
gallipot /$1'lipt/ noun a little container for
gallipot
ointment
gallium /$1'lim/ noun a metallic element a
gallium
radioisotope of which is used to detect tumours or
other tissue disorders (NOTE: The chemical sym-
bol is Ga.)
gallop rhythm /$1'lp !r()m/ noun the
rhythm of heart sounds, three to each cycle, when
someone is experiencing tachycardia
gallstone /$1%lstn/ noun a small stone
gallstone
formed from insoluble deposits from bile in the
gall bladder. ! calculus
galvanism /$1'lvnz()m/ noun a treatment
galvanism
using low voltage electricity
galvanocautery /!1'lvn$k%tri/ noun
galvanocautery
|
the removal of diseased tissue using an electri-
cally heated needle or loop of wire. Also called
electrocautery
gamete /$1'mi%t/ noun a sex cell, either a sper-
gamete
matozoon or an ovum
gamete intrafallopian transfer
ntrf!lpin $tr'nsf-%/ noun a technique to
|
combine eggs and sperm outside the body and
then insert them into the Fallopian tubes. Abbre-
viation GIFT
gametocyte /1$mi%tsat/ noun a cell which
gametocyte
|
is developing into a gamete
gametogenesis /1!mi%t$d+enss/ noun
gametogenesis
| |
the process by which a gamete is formed
gamgee tissue /$1'md+i% !tu%/ noun a sur-
gamgee tissue
gical dressing, formed of a layer of cotton wool
between two pieces of gauze
gamma aminobutyric acid /!1'm
gamma aminobutyric acid
|
!mi%nbju%!trk $'sd/ noun an amino acid
|
neurotransmitter. Abbreviation GABA
gamma camera /$1'm !k'm()r/ noun a
gamma camera
camera for taking photographs of parts of the
body into which radioactive isotopes have been
introduced
gamma globulin /!1'm $1lbjln/ noun a
gamma globulin
protection against infection
gamma ray /$1'm re/ noun a ray which is
gamma ray
shorter than an X-ray and is given off by radioac-
tive substances
gangli- /1'1li/ prefix referring to ganglia
gangli-
ganglion /$1'1lin/ noun 1. a mass of nerve
ganglion
cell bodies and synapses usually covered in con-
nective tissue, found along the peripheral nerves
with the exception of the basal ganglia 2. a cyst of
a tendon sheath or joint capsule, usually at the
wrist, which results in a painless swelling con-
Nursing.fm Page 114 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
ganglionectomy
taining fluid (NOTE: [all senses] The plural is
ganglia.)
ganglionectomy /!1'1li$nektmi/ noun
ganglionectomy
the surgical removal of a ganglion
gangrene /$1'1ri%n/ noun a condition in
gangrene
which tissues die and decay, as a result of bacte-
rial action, because the blood supply has been lost
through injury or disease of the artery ! After she
had frostbite, gangrene set in and her toes had to
be amputated.
gangrenous /$1'1rns/ adjective referring
gangrenous
to, or affected by, gangrene
gargle /$1%1()l/ noun a mildly antiseptic solu-
gargle
tion used to clean the mouth " verb to put some
antiseptic liquid solution into the back of the
mouth and then breathe out air through it
gargoylism /$1%1lz()m/ noun a congenital
gargoylism
condition of the metabolism which causes
polysaccharides and fat cells to accumulate in the
body, resulting in mental impairment, swollen
liver and coarse features. Also called Hurlers
syndrome
gas /1's/ noun 1. a substance such as nitrogen,
gas
carbon dioxide or air, which is neither solid nor
fluid at ordinary temperatures and can expand
infinitely (NOTE: The plural gases is used only
when referring to different types of gas.) 2. gas
which accumulates in the stomach or alimentary
canal and causes pain
gas and air analgesia /!1's nd $er 'n()l
gas and air analgesia
!d+i%zi/ noun a form of analgesia used when giv-
ing birth, in which a mixture of air and gas is
given
gas exchange /$1's ks!tend+/ noun the
gas exchange
| which part of the stomach wall becomes weak and
process by which oxygen in the air is exchanged
in the lungs for waste carbon dioxide carried by
the blood
gas gangrene /!1's $1'1ri%n/ noun a com-
gas gangrene
plication of severe wounds in which the bacte-
rium Clostridium welchii breeds in the wound and
then spreads to healthy tissue which is rapidly
decomposed with the formation of gas
gash /1'/ noun a long deep cut made acciden-
gash
tally by something sharp ! She had to have three
stitches in the gash in her thigh. " verb to make a
long deep cut in something accidentally ! She
gashed her hand on the broken glass.
gasp /1%sp/ noun a short breath taken with dif-
gasp
ficulty ! His breath came in short gasps. " verb
to breathe with difficulty taking quick breaths !
She was gasping for breath.
gas pain /$1's pen/ noun a pain caused by
gas pain
excessive formation of gas in the stomach or
intestine. ! flatus
gastr- /1'str/ prefix same as gastro- (used
gastr-
before vowels)
gastrectomy /1'$strektmi/ noun the surgi-
gastrectomy
| noun the study of the digestive system and its dis-
cal removal of the stomach
114
gastric /$1'strk/ adjective referring to the
gastric
stomach
gastric acid /!1'strk $'sd/ noun hydrochlo-
gastric acid
ric acid secreted into the stomach by acid-forming
cells
gastric flu /!1'strk $flu%/ noun any mild stom-
gastric flu
ach disorder (informal)
gastric juice /$1'strk d+u%s/ noun the mix-
gastric juice
ture of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, intrinsic factor
and mucus secreted by the cells of the lining
membrane of the stomach to help the digestion of
food (NOTE: Often used in the plural.)
gastric lavage /!1'strk $l'vd+/ noun a lav-
gastric lavage
age of the stomach, usually to remove a poisonous
substance which has been absorbed. Also called
stomach washout
gastric pit /!1'strk $pt/ noun a deep hollow
gastric pit
in the mucous membrane forming the walls of the
stomach
gastric ulcer /!1'strk $.ls/ noun an ulcer in
gastric ulcer
the stomach. Abbreviation GU
gastrin /$1'strn/ noun a hormone which is
gastrin
released into the bloodstream from cells in the
lower end of the stomach, stimulated by the pres-
ence of protein, and which in turn stimulates the
flow of acid from the upper part of the stomach
gastrinoma /!1'str$nm/ noun a tumour of
gastrinoma
the islet cells, leading to excessive gastric acid
gastritis /1'$strats/ noun inflammation of
gastritis
the stomach
gastro- /1'str/ prefix referring to the stom-
gastro-
ach
gastrocele /$1'strsi%l/ noun a condition in
gastrocele
bulges out. Also called stomach hernia
gastrocnemius /!1'strk$ni%mis/ noun a
gastrocnemius
large calf muscle
gastrocolic /!1'str$klk/ adjective refer-
gastrocolic
ring to the stomach and colon
gastrocolic reflex /!1'strklk $ri%fleks/
gastrocolic reflex
noun a sudden peristalsis of the colon produced
when food is taken into an empty stomach
gastroduodenal /!1'str!dju%$di%n()l/
gastroduodenal
| |
adjective referring to the stomach and duodenum
gastroduodenoscopy /!1'str!dju%d
gastroduodenoscopy
| |
$nskpi/ noun an examination of the stomach
and duodenum
gastroduodenostomy /!1'str!dju%d
gastroduodenostomy
| |
$nstmi/ noun a surgical operation to join the
duodenum to the stomach so as to bypass a block-
age in the pylorus
gastroenteritis /!1'strent$rats/ noun
gastroenteritis
| |
inflammation of the membrane lining the intes-
tines and the stomach, caused by a viral infection
and resulting in diarrhoea and vomiting
gastroenterology
gastroenterology
/!1'strent$rld+i/
| |
orders
Nursing.fm Page 115 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

115 general hospital

gastroenterostomy /!1'strent$rstmi/ gauze /1%z/ noun a thin light material used to

gastroenterostomy gauze

| |

noun a surgical operation to join the small intes- make dressings

tine directly to the stomach so as to bypass a pep- gauze dressing /$1%z !dres/ noun a dress-
gauze dressing

tic ulcer ing of thin light material

gastroepiploic /!1'strep$plk/ adjective
gastroepiploic

gavage /1'$v%+/ noun the forced feeding of

gavage
| |
|

referring to the stomach and greater omentum someone who cannot eat or who refuses to eat
gastroepiploic artery /!1'strep!plk
gastroepiploic artery

gay /1e/ adjective relating to sexual activity

gay
| |

$%tri/ noun an artery linking the gastroduodenal among people of the same sex
artery to the splenic artery
GDC abbreviation General Dental Council
GDC

Gastrografin /!1'str$1r'fn/ a trade name

Gastrografin

Gehrigs disease /$1er1z d!zi%z/ noun

| Gehrigs disease

for an enema used in bowel X-rays |

same as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

gastroileac reflex /!1'str!li'k $ri%fleks/
gastroileac reflex

Geiger counter /$1a1 !kant/ noun an

| Geiger counter

noun automatic relaxation of the ileocaecal valve

when food is present in the stomach instrument for the detection and measurement of
radiation [Described 1908. After Hans Geiger
gastrointestinal /!1'strn$testn()l/
gastrointestinal

|
(18821945), German physicist who worked
adjective referring to the stomach and intestine ! with Rutherford at Manchester University, UK]
gastrointestinal bleeding. Abbreviation GI
gel /d+el/ noun a suspension that sets into a jelly-
gel

gastrojejunostomy /!1'strd+d+u%
gastrojejunostomy

|
like solid
$nstmi/ noun a surgical operation to join the
gelatin /$d+eltn/ noun a protein found in col-
gelatin

jejunum to the stomach

lagen which is soluble in water, used to make cap-
gastrolith /$1'strl/ noun a calculus in the
gastrolith

sules for medicines

stomach
gelatinous /d+$l'tns/ adjective referring to
gelatinous

gastro-oesophageal reflux /!1'str

gastro-oesophageal reflux |

gelatin or something with a texture like jelly

|

!sfd+il $ri%fl.ks/, gastro-oesophageal

gemellus /d+$mels/ noun either of the two
gemellus

reflux disease /!1'str !sfd+il $ri%fl.ks |

|

d!zi%z/ noun the return of bitter-tasting, partly

|
muscles arising from the ischium. Also called
digested food from the stomach to the oesophagus gemellus superior muscle, gemellus inferior
muscle
gastropexy /$1'strpeksi/ noun a surgical
gastropexy

gender /$d+end/ noun the fact of being of the

gender

operation to attach the stomach to the wall of the

abdomen male or female sex
gender reassignment surgery /!d+end
gender reassignment surgery

gastroplasty /$1'strpl'sti/ noun surgery

gastroplasty

to correct a deformed stomach ri%$sanmnt !s-%d+ri/ noun surgery to change

|

gastrorrhoea /!1'str$r/ noun an excessive

gastrorrhoea

|
someones sex
gender reorientation /!d+end ri%!%rin
gender reorientation

flow of gastric juices | |

gastroschisis /!1'str$sass/ noun a split

gastroschisis

|
$te()n/ noun the alteration of a persons sex
in the wall of the abdomen, with viscera passing through surgical and drug treatment
gene /d+i%n/ noun a unit of DNA on a chromo-
gene

through it
gastroscope /$1'strskp/ noun an instru-
gastroscope
some which governs the synthesis of a protein
ment formed of a tube or bundle of glass fibres sequence and determines a particular characteris-
with a lens attached, which a doctor can pass tic
general amnesia /!d+en()rl 'm$ni%zi/
general amnesia

down into the stomach through the mouth to |

examine the inside of the stomach noun a sudden and complete loss of memory, to
gastroscopy /1'$strskpi/ noun an exami-
gastroscopy

|
the extent that a person does not even remember
nation of the stomach using a gastroscope who he or she is
general anaesthesia /!d+en()rl !'ns
general anaesthesia

gastrostomy /1'$strstmi/ noun a surgical

gastrostomy
|
|

operation to create an opening into the stomach $i%zi/ noun loss of feeling and loss of sensation
from the wall of the abdomen, so that food can be throughout the body, after being given an anaes-
introduced without passing through the mouth thetic
general anaesthetic /!d+en()rl 'ns
general anaesthetic

and throat |

gastrotomy /1'$strtmi/ noun a surgical

gastrotomy

|
$etk/ noun a substance given to make someone
operation to open up the stomach lose consciousness so that a major surgical opera-
Gauchers disease /$1ez d!zi%z/ noun
Gauchers disease

|
tion can be carried out
General Dental Council /!d+en()rl
General Dental Council

an enzyme disease where fatty substances accu-

mulate in the lymph glands, spleen and liver, $dent()l !kansl/ noun in the UK, the official
causing anaemia, a swollen spleen and darkening body that registers and supervises dentists.
of the skin. The disease can be fatal in children. Abbreviation GDC
general hospital /!d+en()rl $hspt()l/
general hospital

[Described 1882. After Philippe Charles Ernest

Gaucher (18541918), French physician and noun a hospital which does not specialise in par-
dermatologist.] ticular types of illness or particular age groups
Nursing.fm Page 116 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
General Household Survey
General Household Survey /!d+en()rl
General Household Survey
!hashld $s-%ve/ noun a survey of households
carried out continuously by the Office for
National Statistics
generalised /$d+en()rlazd/, generalized
generalised
adjective 1. spreading throughout the body.
Opposite localised 2. not having a specific cause
generalised anxiety disorder
generalised anxiety disorder
/!d+en()rlazd '$zati ds!%d/ noun a
| |
state of continual anxiety for which there is no
specific cause
General Medical Council /!d+en()rl
General Medical Council
$medk()l !kansl/ noun in the UK, the official
body that licenses qualified doctors to practise
medicine. Abbreviation GMC
General Optical Council /!d+en()rl
General Optical Council
$ptk()l !kansl/ noun in the UK, the official
body that registers and supervises opticians
general practice /!d+en()rl $pr'kts/ noun
general practice
a medical practice where doctors offer first-line
medical care for all types of illness to people who
live locally, refer them to hospital if necessary and
encourage health promotion
general practitioner /!d+en()rl pr'k
general practitioner
|
$t()n/ noun a doctor who provides first-line
medical care for all types of illness to people who
live locally, refers them to hospital if necessary
and encourages health promotion. Abbreviation
GP
gene replacement therapy /!d+i%n r
gene replacement therapy
| gene tracking
$plesmnt !erpi/ noun the replacement of
missing genes or damaging gene variations in
cells by the insertion of appropriate genes to treat
a genetic disorder. Also called gene therapy
COMMENT: Gene replacement therapy has
been used successfully in animals, and is in
the early stages of research in humans, but
may be useful in the future treatment of cyst-
ic fibrosis, thalassaemia and other genetic
disorders.
generic /d+$nerk/ adjective 1. referring to
generic
medicine which does not have a special trademark
or brand name given to it by its manufacturer 2.
referring to a genus ! The generic name of this
type of bacterium is Staphylococcus.
-genesis /d+enss/ suffix production or origin
-genesis
gene therapy /$d+i%n !erpi/ noun same as
gene therapy
gene replacement therapy
genetic /d+$netk/ adjective referring to genes
genetic
|
genetic code /d+!netk $kd/ noun the
genetic code
characteristics of the DNA of a cell which are
passed on when the cell divides and so are inher-
ited by a child from its parents
genetic counselling /d+!netk $kansl/
genetic counselling
noun advice and support given to people if they or
their children might be affected by inherited
genetic disorders
116
genetic disorder /d+!netk ds$%d/ noun a
genetic disorder
| |
disorder or disease caused by a damaging gene
variation that may be inherited
genetic engineering /d+!netk end+
genetic engineering
| |
$nr/ noun same as genetic modification
(informal)
genetic fingerprint /d+!netk $f1prnt/
genetic fingerprint
|
noun the pattern of sequences of genetic material
unique to an individual. Also called DNA finger-
print
genetic fingerprinting /d+!netk $f1
genetic fingerprinting
| |
!prnt/ noun a method of revealing an individ-
uals genetic profile, used in paternity queries and
criminal investigations. Also called DNA finger-
printing
geneticist /d+$netsst/ noun a person who
geneticist
specialises in the study of the way in which char-
acteristics and diseases are inherited through the
genes
genetic modification /d+!netk !mdf
genetic modification
| |
$ke()n/, genetic manipulation /d+!netk |
m!npj$le()n/ noun the combination of
| |
genetic material from different sources to produce
organisms with altered characteristics
genetics /d+$netks/ noun the study of genes,
genetics
|
and of the way characteristics and diseases are
inherited through the genes
genetic screening /d+!netk $skri%n/
genetic screening
|
noun the process of testing large numbers of peo-
ple to see if anyone has a particular genetic disor-
der
gene tracking /$d+i%n !tr'k/ noun the
method used to trace throughout a family the
inheritance of a gene such as those causing cystic
fibrosis or Huntingtons Chorea, in order to diag-
nose and predict genetic disorders
-genic /d+enk/ suffix referring to a product or
-genic
something which produces
genicular /d+e$nkjl/ adjective referring to
genicular
|
the knee
genital /$d+ent()l/ adjective referring to the
genital
reproductive organs " plural noun genitals same
as genital organs
genitalia /!d+en$teli/ noun the genital organs
genitalia
genital organs /!d+ent()l $%1nz/ plural
genital organs
noun the external organs for reproduction, i.e. the
penis and testicles in males and the vulva in
females. Also called genitals, genitalia
genital wart /!d+ent()l $w%t/ noun a wart in
genital wart
the genital or anal area, caused by a sexually
transmitted virus
genito- /d+ent/ prefix referring to the repro-
genito-
ductive system
genitourinary /!d+ent$jrnri/ adjective
genitourinary
referring to both the reproductive and urinary sys-
tems. Abbreviation GU
genitourinary system /!d+ent$jrnri
genitourinary system
!sstm/ noun the organs of reproduction and uri-
nation, including the kidneys
Nursing.fm Page 117 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
117
genome /$d+i%nm/ noun the set of all the
genome
genes of an individual
genotype /$d+entap/ noun the genetic
genotype
makeup of an individual. Compare phenotype
gentamicin /!d+ent$masn/ noun an antibi-
gentamicin
|
otic that is effective against a variety of different
disease-causing organisms. Patients usually
receive it by injection and it can cause serious side
effects.
gentian violet /!d+enn $valt/ noun an
gentian violet
antiseptic blue dye, used to paint on skin infec-
tions and also to stain specimens. Also called
crystal violet
genu /$d+enju%/ noun the knee
genu
genual /$d+enjul/ adjective referring to the
genual
knee
genucubital position /!d+enju%$kju%bt()l
genucubital position
| |
p!z()n/ noun the position of someone resting
| noun the period, usually of 266 days, from con-
on their knees and elbows
genupectoral position /!d+enju%$pektr()l
genupectoral position
|
p!z()n/ noun the position of someone resting
on their knees and upper chest
genus /$d+i%ns/ noun a category of related liv-
genus
ing organisms ! A genus is divided into different
species. (NOTE: The plural is genera.)
genu valgum /!d+enju% $v'l1m/ noun same
genu valgum
as knock-knee
genu varum /!d+enju% $verm/ noun same as
genu varum
bow legs
geri- /d+eri/ prefix referring to old age
geri-
geriatric /!d+eri$'trk/ adjective 1. referring to
geriatric
|
old people 2. specialising in the treatment of old
people ! geriatric unit
geriatrician /!d+eri$tr()n/ noun a doctor
geriatrician
| 1936), Professor of Pathological Anatomy at
who specialises in the treatment or study of dis-
eases of old people
geriatrics /!d+eri$'trks/ noun the study of the
geriatrics
| |
diseases and disorders of old people. Compare
paediatrics
germ /d+-%m/ noun 1. a microorganism which
germ
causes a disease, e.g. a virus or bacterium
(informal) ! Germs are not visible to the naked
eye. 2. a part of an organism capable of develop-
ing into a new organism
German measles /!d+-%mn $mi%z()lz/ noun
German measles
same as rubella
germ cell /$d+-%m sel/ noun a cell which is
germ cell
capable of developing into a spermatozoon or
ovum. Also called gonocyte
germinal epithelium /!d+-%mn()l !ep
germinal epithelium
|
$i%lim/ noun the outer layer of the ovary
germ layer /$d+-%m !le/ noun one of two or
germ layer
three layers of cells in animal embryos which
form the organs of the body
gerontologist /!d+ern$tld+st/ noun a spe-
gerontologist
| excessive production of growth hormone by the
cialist in gerontology
gigantism
gerontology /!d+ern$tld+i/ noun the study
gerontology
of the process of ageing and the diseases of old
people
Gesells developmental chart /1!zels d
Gesells developmental chart
| |
!velp$ment()l t%t/ noun a chart showing the
|
development of motor reactions and growth pat-
terns in children
gestation /d+e$ste()n/ noun 1. the process
gestation
|
of development of a baby from conception to birth
in the mothers womb 2. same as gestation
period
gestational age /d+e!ste()n()l $ed+/
gestational age
|
noun the age of a fetus, calculated from the
mothers last period to the date of birth
gestational diabetes /d+e!ste()n()l
gestational diabetes
!da$bi%ti%z/ noun a form of diabetes mellitus
|
which develops in a pregnant woman
gestation period /d+e$ste()n !prid/
gestation period
ception to birth, during which the baby develops
in the mothers womb. Also called pregnancy
gestodene /$d+estdi%n/ noun an oral contra-
gestodene
ceptive
get better /!1et $bet/ verb 1. to become
get better
healthy again after being ill ! He was seriously
ill, but seems to be getting better. 2. (of an illness)
to stop or become less severe ! Her cold has got
better.
getting on /!1et $n/ adjective becoming eld-
getting on
erly ! Her parents are getting on.
GFR abbreviation glomerular filtration rate
GFR
GH abbreviation growth hormone
GH
Ghons focus /!1nz $fks/ noun a spot on
Ghons focus
the lung produced by the tuberculosis bacillus
[Described 1912. After Anton Ghon (1866
Prague, Czech Republic.]
GI abbreviation gastrointestinal
GI
Giardia /d+i%$%di/ noun a microscopic proto-
Giardia
zoan parasite which causes giardiasis
giardiasis /!d+i%%$dass/ noun a disorder of
giardiasis
the intestine caused by the parasite Giardia lam-
blia, usually with no symptoms, but in heavy
infections the absorption of fat may be affected,
causing diarrhoea. Also called lambliasis
giddiness /$1dins/ noun a condition in which
giddiness
someone has difficulty in standing up and keeping
their balance because of a feeling that everything
is turning around ! He began to experience
attacks of giddiness.
GIFT /1ft/ noun a procedure in which a surgeon
GIFT
removes eggs from a womans ovary, mixes them
with sperm and places them in one of her Fallo-
pian tubes to help her conceive a child. Full form
gamete intrafallopian transfer
gigantism /d+a$1'ntz()m/ noun a condi-
gigantism
tion in which someone grows very tall, caused by
pituitary gland
Nursing.fm Page 118 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
Gilberts syndrome
Gilberts syndrome /$1lbts !sndrm/
Gilberts syndrome
noun an inherited disorder where the liver does
not deal with bilirubin correctly
Gilliams operation /$1limz p!re()n/
Gilliams operation
|
noun a surgical operation to correct retroversion
of the uterus [After David Tod Gilliam (1844
1923), physician, Columbus, Ohio, USA.]
gingiv- /d+nd+v/ prefix referring to the gums
gingiv-
gingiva /d+n$d+av/ noun same as gum
gingiva
|
(NOTE: The plural is gingivae.)
gingival /$d+nd+v()l/ adjective relating to
gingival
the gums
gingivectomy /!d+nd+$vektmi/ noun the
gingivectomy
|
surgical removal of excess gum tissue
gingivitis /!d+nd+$vats/ noun inflammation
gingivitis
|
of the gums as a result of bacterial infection
ginglymus /$d+1lms/ noun a joint which
ginglymus
allows movement in two directions only, e.g. the
knee or elbow. Also called hinge joint. Compare
ball and socket joint
ginseng /$d+nsen1/ noun a plant root widely
ginseng
used as a tonic and a traditional Chinese herbal
remedy
girdle /$1-%d()l/ noun a set of bones making a
girdle
ring or arch
Girdlestones operation /$1-%dlstnz p
Girdlestones operation
|
!re()n/ noun a surgical operation to relieve
osteoarthritis of the hip [After Gathorne Robert
Girdlestone (18811950), Nuffield Professor of
Orthopaedics at Oxford, UK]
glabella /1l$bel/ noun a flat area of bone in
glabella
|
the forehead between the eyebrows
gladiolus /!1l'di$ls/ noun the middle sec-
gladiolus
|
tion of the sternum
gland /1l'nd/ noun an organ in the body con-
gland
taining cells that secrete substances such as hor-
mones, sweat or saliva which act elsewhere
glanders /$1l'ndz/ noun a bacterial disease of
glanders
horses, which can be caught by humans, with
symptoms of high fever and inflammation of the
lymph nodes
glandular /$1l'ndjl/ adjective referring to
glandular
glands
glandular fever /!1l'ndjl $fi%v/ noun
glandular fever
same as infectious mononucleosis
glans /1l'nz/ noun a rounded part at the end of
glans
the penis or clitoris. See illustration at UROGENI-
TAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement
glare /1le/ noun 1. a long stare that expresses a
glare
negative emotion such as anger 2. an uncomfort-
ably or dazzlingly bright light 3. scattered bright
light when examining something with a micro-
scope " verb 1. to stare angrily 2. to shine
uncomfortably brightly 3. to be very obvious or
conspicuous
Glasgow coma scale /!1l%s1 $km
Glasgow coma scale
!skel/, Glasgow scoring system /!1l%s1
118
$sk%r !sstm/ noun a seven-point scale for
evaluating someones level of consciousness
glass eye /!1l%s $a/ noun an artificial eye
glass eye
made of glass
glaucoma /1l%$km/ noun a condition of
glaucoma
the eyes, caused by unusually high pressure of
fluid inside the eyeball, resulting in disturbances
of vision and blindness
gleet /1li%t/ noun a thin discharge from the
gleet
vagina, penis, a wound or an ulcer
glenohumeral /!1li%n$hu%mrl/ adjective
glenohumeral
|
referring to both the glenoid cavity and the
humerus
glenohumeral joint /!1li%n$hu%mrl
glenohumeral joint
|
d+nt/ noun the shoulder joint
glenoid /$1li%nd/ adjective shaped like a small
glenoid
shallow cup or socket
glenoid cavity /!1li%nd $k'vti/, glenoid
glenoid cavity
fossa /!1li%nd $fs/ noun a socket in the
shoulder joint into which the head of the humerus
fits
glia /$1li%/ noun connective tissue of the central
glia
nervous system, surrounding cell bodies, axons
and dendrites. Also called neuroglia
glial cell /$1li%l sel/ noun a cell in the glia
glial cell
glial tissue /!1li%l $tu%/ noun same as glia
glial tissue
glibenclamide /1l$beklmad/ noun a
glibenclamide
|
sulphonylurea drug used to treat Type II diabetes
mellitus
gliclazide /$1lklzad/ noun an antibacterial
gliclazide
drug used to treat Type II diabetes mellitus
glio- /1la/ prefix referring to brain tissue
glio-
glioma /1la$m/ noun any tumour of the
glioma
glial tissue in the brain or spinal cord
gliomyoma /!1lama$m/ noun a tumour
gliomyoma
of both the nerve and muscle tissue
glipizide /$1lpzad/ noun a drug used to
glipizide
reduce the glucose level in the blood
Glissons capsule /!1ls()nz $k'psju%l/
Glissons capsule
noun a tissue sheath in the liver containing the
blood vessels [After Francis Glisson (1597
1677), philosopher, physician and anatomist at
Cambridge and London, UK]
globin /$1lbn/ noun a protein which com-
globin
bines with other substances to form compounds
such as haemoglobin and myoglobin
globule /$1lbju%l/ noun a round drop, espe-
globule
cially of fat
globulin /$1lbjln/ noun a protein, present in
globulin
blood, belonging to a group that includes antibod-
ies
globus /$1lbs/ noun any ball-shaped part of
globus
the body
globus hystericus /!1lbs h$sterks/
globus hystericus
noun a feeling of not being able to swallow,
caused by worry or embarrassment
glomerular /1l$merl/ adjective referring to
glomerular
a glomerulus
Nursing.fm Page 119 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

119 glycaemia

glomerular capsule /1l!merl $k'psju%l/ glucose /$1lu%kz/ noun a simple sugar found
glomerular capsule glucose

noun same as Bowmans capsule in some fruit, but also broken down from white
glomerular filtration rate /1l!merl fl
glomerular filtration rate

| |
sugar or carbohydrate and absorbed into the body
$tre()n !ret/ noun the rate at which the kid- or secreted by the kidneys. Also called dextrose
neys filter blood and remove waste matter glucose tolerance test /$1lu%kz !tlrns
glucose tolerance test

glomerular tuft /1l!merl $t.ft/ noun a

glomerular tuft

|
test/ noun a test for diabetes mellitus, in which
group of blood vessels in the kidney which filter someone eats glucose and his or her urine and
the blood blood are tested at regular intervals. Abbreviation
glomeruli plural of glomerulus
glomeruli
GTT
glue ear /$1lu% / noun a condition in which
glue ear

glomerulitis /1l!mer$lats/ noun inflam-

glomerulitis

| |

mation causing lesions of glomeruli in the kidney fluid forms behind the eardrum and causes deaf-
ness. Also called secretory otitis media
glomerulonephritis /1l!merlne$frats/
glomerulonephritis

| |

glue-sniffing /$1lu% !snf/ noun " solvent

glue-sniffing

noun same as Brights disease

abuse
glomerulus /1l$merls/ noun a group of
glomerulus

glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase /1lu%

glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase

blood vessels which filter waste matter from the |

blood in a kidney (NOTE: The plural is glomer- !t'mk ksl!si%tk tr'ns$'mnez/ noun | |

uli.) an enzyme used to test for viral hepatitis

glutamic pyruvic transaminase /1lu%
glutamic pyruvic transaminase

gloss- /1ls/ prefix same as glosso- (used

gloss-
|

before vowels) !t'mk pa!ru%vk tr'ns$'mnez/ noun an

| |

glossa /$1ls/ noun same as tongue

glossa
enzyme produced in the liver and released into the
blood if the liver is damaged
glossal /$1ls()l/ adjective relating to the
glossal

gluteal /$1lu%til/ adjective referring to the but-

gluteal

tongue
tocks
glossectomy /1l$sektmi/ noun the surgical
glossectomy

gluteal artery /$1lu%til !%tri/ noun one of

gluteal artery

removal of the tongue

the two arteries supplying the buttocks, the infe-
glossitis /1l$sats/ noun inflammation of the
glossitis

rior gluteal artery or the superior gluteal

|

surface of the tongue

artery
glosso- /1ls/ prefix referring to the tongue
glosso-

gluteal muscle /$1lu%til !m.s()l/ noun a

gluteal muscle

glossodynia /!1ls$dni/ noun pain in the

glossodynia

|
muscle in the buttock. ! gluteus
tongue
gluteal vein /$1lu%til ven/ noun one of two
gluteal vein

glossopharyngeal /!1lsf'rn$d+i%l/
glossopharyngeal

|
veins draining the buttocks, the inferior gluteal
adjective relating to the tongue and pharynx vein and the superior gluteal vein
glossopharyngeal nerve /!1lsf'rn
glossopharyngeal nerve

gluten /$1lu%t()n/ noun a protein found in some

gluten
|

$d+i%l n-%v/ noun the ninth cranial nerve which cereals, which makes the grains form a sticky
controls the pharynx, the salivary glands and part paste when water is added
of the tongue
gluten enteropathy /!1lu%t()n !ent$rpi/
gluten enteropathy

glossoplegia /!1ls$pli%d+/ noun paralysis

glossoplegia |

|
same as gluten-induced enteropathy
of the tongue
gluten-induced enteropathy /!1lu%t()n n
gluten-induced enteropathy

glossotomy /1l$stmi/ noun a surgical inci-

glossotomy
|

!dju%st !ent$rpi/ noun 1. an allergic disease

|

sion into the tongue

|

mainly affecting children, in which the lining of

glottis /$1lts/ noun an opening in the larynx
glottis

the intestine is sensitive to gluten, preventing the

between the vocal cords, which forms the small intestine from digesting fat 2. a condition in
entrance to the main airway from the pharynx adults where the villi in the intestine become
gluc- /1lu%k/ prefix referring to glucose
gluc-

smaller and so reduce the surface which can

glucagon /$1lu%k1n/ noun a hormone
glucagon
absorb nutrients (NOTE: Symptoms include a
secreted by the islets of Langerhans in the pan- swollen abdomen, pale diarrhoea, abdominal
creas, which increases the level of blood sugar by pains and anaemia.) $ also called coeliac dis-
stimulating the breakdown of glycogen ease
gluteus /$1lu%tis/ noun one of three muscles in
gluteus

glucagonoma /!1lu%k1$nm/ noun a

glucagonoma

tumour of the cells of the pancreas that produces the buttocks, responsible for movements of the
glucagon hip. The largest is the gluteus maximus, while
glucocorticoid /!1lu%k$k%tkd/ noun
glucocorticoid

|
the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus are
any corticosteroid which breaks down carbohy- smaller.
glyc- /1lak/ prefix same as glyco- (used before
glyc-

drates and fats for use by the body, produced by

the adrenal cortex vowels)
gluconeogenesis /!1lu%k!ni%$d+enss/ glycaemia /1la$si%mi/ noun the level of glu-
gluconeogenesis glycaemia

| | |

noun the production of glucose in the liver from cose found in the blood. ! hypoglycaemia,
protein or fat reserves hyperglycaemia
Nursing.fm Page 120 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
glycerin
glycerin /$1lsrn/, glycerine, glycerol
glycerin
/$1lsrl/ noun a colourless viscous sweet-tast-
ing liquid present in all fats (NOTE: Synthetic
glycerin is used in various medicinal prepara-
tions and also as a lubricant in items such as
toothpaste and cough medicines.)
glyco- /1lak/ prefix referring to sugar
glyco-
glycogen /$1lakd+n/ noun a type of starch,
glycogen
converted from glucose by the action of insulin,
and stored in the liver as a source of energy
glycogenesis /!1lak$d+enss/ noun the
glycogenesis
|
process by which glucose is converted into glyco-
gen in the liver
glycogenolysis /!1lakd+$nlss/ noun
glycogenolysis
the process by which glycogen is broken down to
form glucose
glycolysis /1la$klss/ noun the metabolic
glycolysis
| |
breakdown of glucose to release energy
glycoside /$1laksad/ noun a chemical
glycoside
compound of a type which is formed from a sim-
ple sugar and another compound (NOTE: Many of
the drugs produced from plants are glycosides.)
glycosuria /!1lak$sjri/ noun a high
glycosuria
level of sugar in the urine, a symptom of diabetes
mellitus
GMC abbreviation General Medical Council
GMC
gnathic /$n'k/ adjective referring to the jaw
gnathic
gnathoplasty /$n'!pl'sti/ noun surgery
gnathoplasty
on the jaw
gnawing /$n%/ adjective referring to a physi-
gnawing
cal or emotional feeling that is persistent and
uncomfortable ! a gnawing pain ! gnawing anx-
iety
goblet cell /$1blt sel/ noun a tube-shaped
goblet cell
cell in the epithelium which secretes mucus
GOC abbreviation General Optical Council
GOC
goitre /$1t/ noun an excessive enlargement of
goitre
the thyroid gland, seen as a swelling round the
neck, caused by a lack of iodine (NOTE: The US
spelling is goiter.)
gold /1ld/ noun a soft yellow-coloured pre-
gold
cious metal, used as a compound in various drugs,
and sometimes as a filling for teeth (NOTE: The
chemical symbol is Au.)
golden hour /!1ld()n $a/ noun the first
golden hour
hour after a serious injury when the most differ-
ence can be made to the patients health
golfers elbow /!1lfz $elb/ noun inflam-
golfers elbow
mation of the tendons of the elbow
Golgi apparatus /$1ld+i 'p!rets/ noun a
Golgi apparatus
|
folded membranous structure inside the cell cyto-
plasm which stores and transports enzymes and
hormones [Described 1898. After Camillo Golgi
(18431926), Professor of Histology and later
Rector of the University of Pavia, Italy. In 1906
he shared the Nobel Prize with Santiago Ramn
y Cajal for work on the nervous sytem.]
120
Golgi cell /$1ld+i !sel/ noun a type of nerve
Golgi cell
cell in the central nervous system, either with long
axons (Golgi Type 1) or without axons (Golgi
Type 2)
gomphosis /1m$fss/ noun a joint which
gomphosis
cannot move, like that between a tooth and the
jaw
gonad /$1n'd/ noun a sex gland which pro-
gonad
duces gametes and also sex hormones, e.g. a tes-
ticle in males or an ovary in females
gonadotrophic hormone /!1nd
gonadotrophic hormone
|
!trfk $h%mn/ noun one of two hormones,
the follicle-stimulating hormone and the luteinis-
ing hormone, produced by the anterior pituitary
gland which have an effect on the ovaries in
females and on the testes in males
gonadotrophin /!1nd$trfn/ noun
gonadotrophin
any of a group of hormones produced by the pitu-
itary gland which stimulates the sex glands at
puberty. ! human chorionic gonadotrophin
goni- /1ni/ prefix same as gonio- (used
goni-
before a vowel)
gonio- /1ni/ prefix referring to an angle
gonio-
gonion /$1nin/ noun the outer point at
gonion
which the lower jawbone angles upwards
goniopuncture /$1ni!p.kt/ noun a
goniopuncture
surgical operation for draining fluid from the eyes
of someone who has glaucoma
goniotomy /!1ni$tmi/ noun a surgical
goniotomy
operation to treat glaucoma by cutting Schlemms
canal
gonococcal /!1n$kk()l/ adjective refer-
gonococcal
ring to gonococcus
gonococcus /!1n$kks/ noun a type of
gonococcus
bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoea, which causes
gonorrhoea (NOTE: The plural is gonococci.)
gonocyte /$1nsat/ noun same as germ cell
gonocyte
gonorrhoea /!1n$ri%/ noun a sexually trans-
gonorrhoea
|
mitted disease which produces painful irritation
of the mucous membrane and a watery discharge
from the vagina or penis
goose bumps /$1u%s b.mps/, goose flesh
goose bumps
/$1u%s fle/, goose pimples /$1u%s !pmp()lz/
noun a reaction of the skin when someone is cold
or frightened, the skin being raised into many lit-
tle bumps by the action of the arrector pili mus-
cles. Also called cutis anserina
gorget /$1%d+t/ noun a surgical instrument
gorget
used to remove stones from the bladder
gouge /1ad+/ noun a surgical instrument like a
gouge
chisel, used to cut bone
gout /1at/ noun a disease in which unusual
gout
quantities of uric acid are produced and form
crystals in the cartilage round joints. Also called
podagra
GP abbreviation general practitioner
GP
Nursing.fm Page 121 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
GP co-op /!d+i% $pi% k !p/ noun a group of
GP co-op
GPs who work together to provide out-of-hours
care without making any profit
graft /1r%ft/ noun the act of transplanting an
graft
organ or tissue to replace one which is not func-
tioning or which is diseased ! a skin graft " verb
to take a healthy organ or tissue and transplant it
in place of diseased or malfunctioning organ or
tissue ! The surgeons grafted a new section of
bone at the side of the skull. ! autograft, hom-
ograft
graft versus host disease /!1r%ft !v-%ss
graft versus host disease
$hst d!zi%z/ noun a condition which develops
|
when cells from the grafted tissue react against
the persons own tissue, causing skin disorders.
Abbreviation GVHD
grain /1ren/ noun 1. a very small piece of
grain
something hard such as salt 2. a measure of
weight equal to 0.0648 grams. Symbol gr
-gram /1r'm/ suffix a record in the form of a
-gram
picture
Gram-negative bacterium /!1r'm $ne1tv
Gram-negative bacterium
b'k!trim/ noun a bacterium which takes up
| -graphy
the red counterstain, after the alcohol has washed
out the first violet dye
Gram-positive bacterium /!1r'm $pztv
Gram-positive bacterium
b'k!trim/ noun a bacterium which retains
|
violet dye and appears blue-black when viewed
under the microscope
Grams stain /$1r'mz sten/ noun a method of
Grams stain
staining bacteria so that they can be identified
[Described 1884. After Hans Christian Joachim
Gram (18531938), Professor of Medicine in
Copenhagen, Denmark. He discovered the stain
by accident as a student in Berlin, Germany.]
grand mal /!1rn $m'l/ noun a type of epi-
grand mal
lepsy, in which someone becomes unconscious
and falls down, while the muscles become stiff
and twitch violently
grand multiparity /!1r'n m.lti$p'rti/ noun
grand multiparity
the fact of having given birth to more than four
children
granular /$1r'njl/ adjective made up of
granular
granules
granular cast /!1r'njl $k%st/ noun a cast
granular cast
composed of cells filled with protein and fatty
granules
granular leucocyte /!1r'njl $lu%ksat/
granular leucocyte
noun same as granulocyte
granulation /!1r'nj$le()n/ noun the for-
granulation
| making some blood flow " verb to scrape the
mation of rough red tissue on the surface of a
wound or site of infection, the first stage in the
healing process
granulation tissue /!1r'nj$le()n !tu%/
granulation tissue
| |
noun soft tissue, consisting mainly of tiny blood
vessels and fibres, which forms over a wound
121 greater vestibular glands
granule /$1r'nju%l/ noun a very small piece of
granule
something hard
granulocyte /$1r'njlsat/ noun a type of
granulocyte
leucocyte or white blood cell which contains
granules, e.g. a basophil, eosinophil or neutrophil
granulocytopenia /!1r'njl!sat
granulocytopenia
| |
$pi%ni/ noun a usually fatal disease caused by the
lowering of the number of granulocytes in the
blood due to bone marrow malfunction
granuloma /!1r'nj$lm/ noun a mass of
granuloma
granulation tissue which forms at the site of bac-
terial infections (NOTE: The plural is granulo-
mata or granulomas.)
granulomatosis /!1r'njlm$tss/
granulomatosis
|
noun persistent inflammation leading to the for-
mation of nodules
graph /1r%f/ noun a diagram which shows the
graph
relationship between quantities as a line
graph- /1r'f/ prefix writing
graph-
-graph /1r%f/ suffix a machine which records
-graph
something as pictures
-grapher /1rf/ suffix a technician who oper-
-grapher
ates a machine which records
-graphy /1rfi/ suffix the technique of study
through pictures
grattage /1r'$t%+/ noun a procedure that
grattage
|
involves scraping the surface of an ulcer which is
healing slowly to make it heal more rapidly
gravel /$1r'v()l/ noun small stones which pass
gravel
from the kidney to the urinary system, causing
pain in the ureter
Graves disease /$1revz d!zi%z/ noun same
Graves disease
as exophthalmic goitre [Described 1835. After
Robert James Graves (17961853), Irish physi-
cian at the Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland,
where he was responsible for introducing clinical
ward work for medical students.]
gravid /$1r'vd/ adjective pregnant
gravid
gravides multiparae /!1r'vdi%z !m.lti
gravides multiparae
$p%ri%/ plural noun women who have given birth
to at least four live babies
gravity /$1r'vti/ noun the importance or
gravity
potential danger of a disease or situation
Grawitz tumour /$1r%vts !tju%m/ noun a
Grawitz tumour
malignant tumour in kidney cells [Described
1883. After Paul Albert Grawitz (18501932),
Professor of Pathology at Greifswald, Germany.]
gray /1re/ noun an SI unit of measurement of
gray
absorbed radiation equal to 100 rads. Symbol Gy.
! rad
graze /1rez/ noun a scrape on the skin surface,
graze
skin surface accidentally
greater curvature /!1ret $k-%vt/ noun a
greater curvature
convex line of the stomach
greater vestibular glands /!1ret ve
greater vestibular glands
$stbjl 1l'ndz/ noun same as Bartholins
glands
Nursing.fm Page 122 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
great toe
great toe /$1ret t/ noun same as big toe
great toe
greenstick fracture /$1ri%nstk !fr'kt/
greenstick fracture
noun a type of fracture occurring in children,
where a long bone bends, but is not completely
broken
grey commissure /!1re $kmsj/ noun
grey commissure
part of the grey matter nearest to the central canal
of the spinal cord, where axons cross over each
other
grey matter /$1re !m't/ noun nerve tissue
grey matter
which is of a dark grey colour and forms part of
the central nervous system
COMMENT: In the brain, grey matter encloses
the white matter, but in the spinal cord, white
matter encloses the grey matter.
grief counsellor /$1ri%f !kans()l/ noun a
grief counsellor
person who helps someone to cope with the feel-
ings they have when someone such as a close rel-
ative dies
gripe water /$1rap !w%t/ noun a solution of
gripe water
glucose and alcohol, used to relieve abdominal
pains in babies
groin /1rn/ noun a junction at each side of the
groin
body where the lower abdomen joins the top of
the thighs ! He had a dull pain in his groin.
(NOTE: For other terms referring to the groin, see
inguinal.)
grommet /$1rmt/ noun a tube which can be
grommet
passed from the external auditory meatus into the
middle ear, usually to allow fluid to drain off, as
in someone who has glue ear
ground substance /!1rand $s.bstns/ noun
ground substance
same as matrix
group /1ru%p/ noun several people, animals or
group
things which are all close together ! A group of
patients were waiting in the surgery. " verb to
bring things or people together in a group, or
come together in a group ! The drugs are
grouped under the heading antibiotics.
group practice /!1ru%p $pr'kts/ noun a med-
group practice
ical practice where several doctors or dentists
share the same office building and support serv-
ices
group therapy /!1ru%p $erpi/ noun a type of
group therapy
psychotherapy where a group of people with the
same disorder meet together with a therapist to
discuss their condition and try to help each other
growing pains /$1r penz/ plural noun
growing pains
pains associated with adolescence, which can be
a form of rheumatic fever
growth /1r/ noun 1. the process of increas-
growth
ing in size ! the growth in the population since
1960 ! The disease stunts childrens growth. 2. a
cyst or tumour ! The doctor found a cancerous
growth on the left breast. ! He had an operation
to remove a small growth from his chin.
growth factor /$1r !f'kt/ noun a chemi-
growth factor
cal, especially a polypeptide, produced in the
122
body which encourages particular cells to grow !
a nerve growth factor
growth hormone /$1r !h%mn/ noun a
growth hormone
hormone secreted by the pituitary gland during
deep sleep, which stimulates growth of the long
bones and protein synthesis. Also called somat-
ropin
grumbling appendix /!1r.mbl $pendks/
grumbling appendix
|
noun a vermiform appendix that is always
slightly inflamed (informal) ! chronic appendi-
citis
GU abbreviation 1. gastric ulcer 2. genitourinary
GU
guanine /$1w%ni%n/ noun one of the four basic
guanine
chemicals in DNA
guardian ad litem /!1%din 'd $li%tm/ noun
guardian ad litem
a person who acts on behalf of a minor who is a
defendant in a court case
guardian Caldicott /!1%din $k%ldkt/
guardian Caldicott
noun in the UK, a person appointed by a hospital
or Health Trust to make sure that information
about patients is kept confidential, following the
Caldicott Report of 1997
Guillain-Barr syndrome /!1i%j'n $b're
Guillain-Barr syndrome
!sndrm/ noun a nervous disorder in which,
after a non-specific infection, demyelination of
the spinal roots and peripheral nerves takes place,
leading to generalised weakness and sometimes
respiratory paralysis. Also called Landrys
paralysis [Described 1916. After Georges Guil-
lain (18761961), Professor of Neurology in
Paris, France, Jean Alexandre Barr (1880
1967), Professor of Neurology in Strasbourg,
France.]
guillotine /$1lti%n/ noun a surgical instrument
guillotine
for cutting out tonsils
guinea worm /$1ni w-%m/ noun same as Dra-
guinea worm
cunculus
Gulf War syndrome /!1.lf $w% !sndrm/
Gulf War syndrome
noun a collection of unexplained symptoms,
including fatigue, skin disorders, and muscle
pains, affecting some soldiers who fought in the
Gulf War in 1991
gullet /$1.lt/ noun same as oesophagus
gullet
gum /1.m/ noun the soft tissue covering the part
gum
of the jaw which surrounds the teeth ! Her gums
are red and inflamed. ! A build-up of tartar can
lead to gum disease. Also called gingiva (NOTE:
For other terms referring to the gums, see words
beginning with gingiv-.)
gumboil /$1.mbl/ noun an abscess on the
gumboil
gum near a tooth
gustation /1.$ste()n/ noun the act of tasting
gustation
|
gustatory /$1.stt()ri/ adjective referring to
gustatory
the sense of taste
gut /1.t/ noun 1. the tubular organ for the diges-
gut
tion and absorption of food. Also called intestine
2. a type of thread, made from the intestines of
sheep. It is used to sew up internal incisions and
Nursing.fm Page 123 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

123 gyrus
dissolves slowly so does not need to be removed. gynaecological /!1ank$ld+k()l/ adjec-
gynaecological

! catgut tive referring to the treatment of diseases of

Guthrie test /$1.ri test/ noun a test used on
Guthrie test
women
gynaecologist /!1an$kld+st/ noun a doc-
gynaecologist

babies to detect the presence of phenylketonuria |

[After R. Guthrie (191695), US paediatrician.] tor who specialises in the treatment of diseases of
women
gutta /$1.t/ noun a drop of liquid, as used in
gutta

gynaecology /!1an$kld+i/ noun the study

gynaecology

treatment of the eyes (NOTE: The plural is gut- of female sex organs and the treatment of diseases
tae.) of women in general
gutter splint /$1.t splnt/ noun a shaped con- gynaecomastia /!1ank$m'sti/ noun the
gutter splint gynaecomastia

tainer in which a broken limb can rest without unusual development of breasts in a male
being completely surrounded gyne /$1ani/ same as gynaecology, gynaeco-
gyne

GVHD abbreviation graft versus host disease

GVHD
logical (informal) ! a gyne appointment
gypsum /$d+psm/ noun calcium sulphate,
gypsum

gyn- /1an/ prefix same as gynae- (used before

gyn-

used as plaster of Paris

a vowel) gyrus /$d+ars/ noun a raised part of the cere-
gyrus

gynae- referring to women

gynae-

bral cortex between the sulci

Nursing.fm Page 124 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

H
H2-receptor antagonist /!et tu% r$septr haemato- /hi%mt/ prefix referring to blood
H2-receptor antagonist haemato-

'n!t'1nst/ noun a drug that inhibits the pro-

|
haematocolpos /!hi%mt$klps/ noun a
haematocolpos

duction of stomach acid and so relieves indiges- condition in which the vagina is filled with blood
tion and gastric ulcers at menstruation because the hymen has no open-
habit /$h'bt/ noun 1. an action which is an ing
habit

automatic response to a stimulus 2. a regular way haematocrit /$hi%mtkrt/ noun same as

haematocrit

of doing something ! He got into the habit of packed cell volume

swimming every day before breakfast. ! Shes got haematocyst /$hi%mtsst/ noun a cyst
haematocyst

out of the habit of taking any exercise. which contains blood

habit-forming drug /$h'bt !f%m dr.1/
habit-forming drug

haematological /!hi%mt$ld+k()l/
haematological

noun a drug which is addictive adjective referring to haematology

habitual abortion /h!btul $b%()n/
habitual abortion

haematologist /!hi%m$tld+st/ noun a doc-

haematologist
| |
|

noun a condition in which a woman has abortions tor who specialises in haematology
with successive pregnancies
haematology /!hi%m$tld+i/ noun the scien-
haematology

habituation /h!btu$e()n/ noun the fact of

habituation

| |
tific study of blood, its formation and its diseases
being psychologically but not physically addicted
haematoma /!hi%m$tm/ noun a mass of
haematoma

to or dependent on a drug, alcohol or other sub-

|

blood under the skin caused by a blow or by the

stance
effects of an operation
habitus /$h'bts/ noun the general physical
habitus

haematometra /!hi%m$tmtr/ noun exces-

haematometra

appearance of a person, including build and pos-

|

sive bleeding in the uterus

ture
haematomyelia /!hi%mtma$i%li/ noun a
haematomyelia

haem /hi%m/ noun a molecule containing iron

haem |

condition in which blood leaks into the spinal

which binds proteins to form haemoproteins such cord
as haemoglobin and myoglobin
haematopoiesis /!hi%mtp$i%ss/ noun
haematopoiesis

haem- /hi%m/ prefix same as haemo- (used

haem- |

same as haemopoiesis
before vowels)
haematosalpinx /!hi%mt$s'lpks/ noun
haematosalpinx

haemagglutination /!hi%m1lu%t$ne()n/
haemagglutination

|
same as haemosalpinx
noun the clumping of red blood cells, often used
haematozoon /!hi%mt$zn/ noun a par-
haematozoon

to test for the presence of antibodies

|

asite living in the blood (NOTE: The plural is hae-

haemangioma /!hi%m'nd+i$m/ noun a
haemangioma

|
matozoa.)
harmless tumour which forms in blood vessels
haematuria /!hi%m$tjri/ noun the unusual
haematuria

and appears on the skin as a birthmark

|

presence of blood in the urine, as a result of injury

haemarthrosis /!hi%m%$rss/ noun pain
haemarthrosis

|
or disease of the kidney or bladder
and swelling caused by blood leaking into a joint haemin /$hi%mn/ noun a salt derived from hae-
haemin

haematemesis /!hi%m$temss/ noun a con-

haematemesis

|
moglobin, used in the treatment of porphyria
dition in which someone vomits blood, usually haemo- /hi%m/ prefix referring to blood
haemo-

because of internal bleeding

haemochromatosis /!hi%mkrm
haemochromatosis

haematic /hi%$m'tk/ adjective referring to

haematic |

|
$tss/ noun an inherited disease in which the
blood body absorbs and stores too much iron, causing
haematin /$hi%mtn/ noun a substance which
haematin

cirrhosis of the liver and giving the skin a dark

forms from haemoglobin when bleeding takes colour. Also called bronze diabetes
place haemoconcentration
haemoconcentration

/!hi%m!knsn | |

haematinic /!hi%m$tnk/ noun a drug which $tre()n/ noun an increase in the percentage of
haematinic

increases haemoglobin in blood, used to treat red blood cells because the volume of plasma is
anaemia, e.g. an iron compound reduced. Compare haemodilution
Nursing.fm Page 125 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

125 haemorrhagic disorder

haemocytometer /!hi%msa$tmt/ noun haemoperitoneum /!hi%mpert$ni%m/

haemocytometer haemoperitoneum

| |

a glass jar in which a sample of blood is diluted noun a condition in which blood is found in the
and the blood cells counted peritoneal cavity
haemodialysed patient /!hi%mdalazd haemophilia A /!hi%mfli $e/ noun the
haemodialysed patient haemophilia A

$pe()nt/ noun someone who has undergone most common type of haemophilia, in which the
haemodialysis inability to synthesise Factor VIII, a protein that
haemodialysis /!hi%mda$'lss/ noun
haemodialysis

|
promotes blood clotting, means that the blood
same as kidney dialysis clots very slowly
haemophilia B /!hi%mfli $bi%/ noun a less
haemophilia B

haemodilution /!hi%mda$lu%()n/ noun a

haemodilution

decrease in the percentage of red blood cells common type of haemophilia, in which the inabil-
because the volume of plasma has increased. ity to synthesise Factor IX, a protein that pro-
Compare haemoconcentration motes blood clotting, means that the blood clots
very slowly. Also called Christmas disease
haemoglobin /!hi%m$1lbn/ noun a red res-
haemoglobin

haemophiliac /!hi%m$fli'k/ noun a person

haemophiliac

piratory pigment formed of haem and globin in |

red blood cells which gives blood its red colour. It who has haemophilia
absorbs oxygen in the lungs and carries it in the haemophilic /!hi%m$flk/ adjective refer-
haemophilic

blood to the tissues. Abbreviation Hb. ! oxyhae- ring to haemophilia

moglobin, carboxyhaemoglobin Haemophilus /hi%$mfls/ noun a genus of
Haemophilus

haemoglobinaemia /!hi%m1lb$ni%mi/ bacteria which needs specific factors in the blood

haemoglobinaemia

noun a comdition in which haemoglobin is found to grow

in blood plasma Haemophilus influenzae /hi%!mfls !nflu
Haemophilus influenzae

| |

haemoglobinopathy /!hi%m1lb $enz/ noun a bacterium which lives in healthy

haemoglobinopathy

$npi/ noun an inherited disease of a group throats, but which can cause pneumonia if a per-
which result from damaging variations in the pro- sons resistance is lowered by a bout of flu
duction of haemoglobin, e.g. sickle-cell anaemia Haemophilus influenzae type b /hi%
Haemophilus influenzae type b

haemoglobinuria /!hi%m1lb$njri/ !mfls nflu!enz tap $bi%/ noun a bacterium

haemoglobinuria

| |

noun a condition in which haemoglobin is found which causes meningitis. Abbreviation Hib
in the urine haemophthalmia /!hi%mf$'lmi/ noun a
haemophthalmia

haemogram /$hi%m1r'm/ noun the printed condition in which blood is found in the vitreous
haemogram

result of a blood test humour of the eye

haemolysin /!hi%m$lasn/ noun a protein haemopneumothorax /!hi%m!nju%m
haemolysin haemopneumothorax

| | |

which destroys red blood cells $%r'ks/ noun same as pneumohaemothorax

haemolysis /hi%$mlss/ noun the destruction haemopoiesis /!hi%mp$i%ss/ noun the
haemolysis haemopoiesis

| |

of red blood cells continual production of blood cells and blood

haemolytic /!hi%m$ltk/ adjective destroy-
haemolytic

|
platelets in the bone marrow. Also called blood
ing red blood cells " noun a substance which formation
destroys red blood cells, e.g. snake venom haemopoietic /!hi%mp$etk/ adjective
haemopoietic

haemolytic anaemia /!hi%mltk $ni%mi/

haemolytic anaemia

|
referring to the formation of blood in the bone
noun a condition in which the destruction of red marrow
blood cells is about six times the usual rate, and haemoptysis /hi%$mptss/ noun a condition
haemoptysis

the supply of new cells from the bone marrow in which someone coughs blood from the lungs,
cannot meet the demand caused by a serious illness such as anaemia, pneu-
haemolytic disease of the newborn
haemolytic disease of the newborn
monia, tuberculosis or cancer
/!hi%mltk d!zi%z v $nju%b%n/ noun a haemorrhage /$hem()rd+/ noun the loss of a
haemorrhage

condition in which the red blood cells of the fetus large quantity of blood, especially from a burst
are destroyed because antibodies in the mothers blood vessel ! He died of a brain haemorrhage.
blood react against them " verb to bleed heavily ! The injured man was
haemolytic
haemolytic jaundice

jaundice /!hi%mltk haemorrhaging from the mouth.

$d+%nds/ noun jaundice caused by haemolysis haemorrhagic /!hem$r'd+k/ adjective
haemorrhagic

of the red blood cells. Also called prehepatic referring to heavy bleeding
jaundice haemorrhagic disease of the newborn
haemorrhagic disease of the newborn

haemolytic uraemic syndrome /!hemr'd+k d!zi%z v $nju%b%n/ noun a

haemolytic uraemic syndrome

/!hi%mltk j$ri%mk !sndrm/ noun a con-

| disease of newly born babies, which makes them
dition in which haemolytic anaemia damages the haemorrhage easily, caused by temporary lack of
kidneys prothrombin
haemopericardium /!hi%mper$k%dim/ haemorrhagic disorder /hem!r'd+k ds
haemopericardium haemorrhagic disorder

| | |

noun a condition in which blood is found in the $%d/ noun a disorder in which haemorrhages
pericardium occur, e.g. haemophilia
Nursing.fm Page 126 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

haemorrhagic stroke 126

haemorrhagic stroke /!hemr'd+k hallucinogen /!h'lu%$snd+n/ noun a drug

haemorrhagic stroke hallucinogen

$strk/ noun a stroke caused by a burst blood which causes hallucinations, e.g. cannabis or
vessel LSD
hallucinogenic /h!lu%sn$d+enk/ adjective
hallucinogenic

haemorrhoidectomy /!hemr$dektmi/
haemorrhoidectomy

| |
|

noun the surgical removal of haemorrhoids referring to a substance which produces halluci-
haemorrhoids /$hemrdz/ plural noun
haemorrhoids
nations ! a hallucinogenic fungus
hallux /$h'lks/ noun the big toe (NOTE: The
hallux

swollen veins in the anorectal passage. Also

called piles plural is halluces.)
hallux valgus /!h'lks $v'l1s/ noun a condi-
hallux valgus

haemosalpinx /hi%m$s'lpks/ noun the

haemosalpinx

accumulation of blood in the Fallopian tubes tion of the foot, where the big toe turns towards
the other toes and a bunion is formed
haemosiderosis /!hi%msd$rss/ noun a
haemosiderosis

haloperidol /!h'l$perdl/ noun a tranquil-

| haloperidol

disorder in which iron forms large deposits in the |

tissue, causing haemorrhaging and destruction of liser used in the treatment of schizophrenia,
red blood cells mania and psychoses
halo splint /$hel splnt/ noun a device used
halo splint

haemostasis /!hi%m$stess/ noun the proc-

haemostasis

to keep the head and neck still so that they can

|

ess of stopping bleeding or slowing the movement

recover from injury or an operation
of blood
halothane /$h'len/ noun a general anaes-
halothane

haemostat /$hi%mst't/ noun a device which

haemostat

thetic that is given by inhalation

stops bleeding, e.g. a clamp
hamartoma /!h'm%$tm/ noun a benign
hamartoma

haemostatic /!hi%m$st'tk/ adjective stop-

haemostatic |

|
tumour containing tissue from any organ
ping bleeding " noun a drug which stops bleed-
hamate /$hemet/, hamate bone /$hemet
hamate

ing
bn/ noun one of the eight small carpal bones in
haemothorax /!hi%m$%r'ks/ noun a con-
haemothorax

|
the wrist, shaped like a hook. Also called unci-
dition in which blood is found in the pleural cav- form bone. See illustration at HAND in Supple-
ity ment
Hageman factor /$h%1mn !f'kt/ noun
Hageman factor

hammer /$h'm/ noun same as malleus

hammer

same as Factor XII hammer toe /$h'm t/ noun a toe which has
hammer toe

HAI abbreviation Hospital Acquired Infection

HAI

the middle joint permanently bent downwards

hair cell /$he sel/ noun a receptor cell which hamstring /$h'mstr/ noun one of a group of
hair cell hamstring

converts fluid pressure changes into nerve tendons behind the knee, which link the thigh
impulses carried in the auditory nerve (NOTE: For muscles to the bones in the lower leg
other terms referring to hair, see words begin- hamstring muscles /$h'mstr !m.s()lz/
hamstring muscles

ning with pilo-, trich-, tricho-.) plural noun a group of muscles at the back of the
hair follicle /$he !flk()l/ noun the cells and thigh, which flex the knee and extend the gluteus
hair follicle

tissue that surround the root of a hair maximus

hand /h'nd/ noun the part at the end of the arm,
hand

hairline fracture /!helan $fr'kt/ noun a

hairline fracture

very slight crack in a bone caused by injury beyond the wrist, which is used for holding things
! He injured his hand with a saw.
hair papilla /!he p$pl/ noun a part of the
hair papilla

hand, foot and mouth disease /!h'nd ft

| hand, foot and mouth disease

skin containing capillaries which feed blood to

the hair n $ma d!zi%z/ noun a mild viral infection in
|

children, causing small blisters

half-life /$h%f laf/ noun 1. a measurement of
half-life

handicap /$h'ndik'p/ noun a physical or

handicap

the period of time taken before the concentration

of a drug has reached half of what it was when it
was administered 2. the time taken for half the
atoms in a radioactive isotope to decay
halitosis /!h'l$tss/ noun a condition in
halitosis
mental condition which prevents someone from
doing some everyday activities " verb to prevent
someone from doing an everyday activity (NOTE:
The word handicap is now usually avoided.)

handicapped /$h'ndik'pt/ adjective refer-

| handicapped

which a person has breath which smells unpleas-

ring to a person who has a disability (NOTE: The
ant. Also called bad breath
word handicapped is now usually avoided.)
hallucinate /h$lu%snet/ verb to have halluci-
hallucinate

hangnail /$h'nel/ noun a piece of torn skin at

hangnail
|

nations ! The patient was hallucinating. the side of a nail

hallucination /h!lu%s$ne()n/ noun an
hallucination

hangover /$h'v/ noun a condition occur-

hangover
| |

experience of seeing an imaginary scene or hear-
ing an imaginary sound as clearly as if it were
really there
hallucinatory /h$lu%snt()ri/ adjective
hallucinatory
ring after a person has drunk too much alcohol,
with dehydration caused by inhibition of the anti-
diuretic hormone in the kidneys. The symptoms

| include headache, inability to stand noise and

referring to a drug which causes hallucinations trembling of the hands.
Nursing.fm Page 127 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
Hansens disease /$h'nsnz d!zi%z/ noun
Hansens disease
same as leprosy
haploid /$h'pld/ adjective referring to a cell
haploid
such as a gamete where each chromosome occurs
only once. In humans the haploid number of chro-
mosomes is 23.
hapt- /h'pt/ prefix relating to the sense of touch
hapt-
hardening of the arteries /!h%d()n v
hardening of the arteries
$%triz/ noun same as atherosclerosis
harelip /$help/ noun same as cleft lip
harelip
Harrisons sulcus /!h'rsnz $s.lk()s/,
Harrisons sulcus
Harrisons groove /!h'rs()nz $1ru%v/ noun a
hollow on either side of the chest which develops
in children who have difficulty in breathing, seen
especially in cases of rickets
Harriss operation /$h'rsz p!re()n/
Harriss operation
noun the surgical removal of the prostate gland
[After S.H. Harris (18801936), Australian sur-
geon.]
Hartmanns solution /$h%tmnz s
Hartmanns solution
!lu%()n/ noun a chemical solution used in drips
to replace body fluids lost in dehydration, partic-
ularly as a result of infantile gastroenteritis
[Described 1932. After Alexis Frank Hartmann
(18981964), paediatrician, St Louis, Missouri,
USA.]
Hartnup disease /$h%tnp d!zi%z/ noun an
Hartnup disease
|
inherited condition affecting amino acid metabo-
lism and producing thick skin and impaired men-
tal development [After the name of the family in
which this hereditary disease was first
recorded.]
harvest /$h%vst/ verb to take something for
harvest
use elsewhere, e.g. a piece of skin for a graft or
eggs for IVF
Hashimotos disease /h'$mtz d!zi%z/
Hashimotos disease
| |
noun a type of goitre in middle-aged women,
where the woman is sensitive to secretions from
her own thyroid gland, and, in extreme cases, the
face swells and the skin turns yellow [Described
1912. After Hakuru Hashimoto (18811934),
Japanese surgeon.]
hashish /$h'/ noun " cannabis
hashish
haustrum /$h%strm/ noun a sac on the out-
haustrum
side of the colon (NOTE: The plural is haustra.)
HAV abbreviation hepatitis A virus
HAV
Haversian canal /h$v-%()n k!n'l/ noun a
Haversian canal
| |
fine canal which runs vertically through the
Haversian systems in compact bone, containing
blood vessels and lymph ducts [Described 1689.
After Clopton Havers (16571702), English sur-
geon.]
Haversian system /h$v-%()n !sstm/
Haversian system
noun a unit of compact bone built around a
Haversian canal, made of a series of bony layers
which form a cylinder. Also called osteon
hayfever /$hefi%v/ noun inflammation in the
hayfever
nasal passage and eyes caused by an allergic reac-
tion to plant pollen
127 Health and Safety Executive
Hb abbreviation haemoglobin
Hb
HBV abbreviation hepatitis B virus
HBV
hCG abbreviation human chorionic gonado-
hCG
trophin
HCHS abbreviation Health and Community
HCHS
Health Services
HDL abbreviation high density lipoprotein
HDL
head /hed/ noun 1. the round top part of the
head
body, which contains the eyes, nose, mouth,
brain, etc (NOTE: For other terms referring to the
head, see words beginning with cephal-,
cephalo-.) 2. a rounded top part of a bone which
fits into a socket ! head of humerus ! head of
femur
headache /$hedek/ noun a pain in the head,
headache
caused by changes in pressure in the blood vessels
feeding the brain which act on the nerves. Also
called cephalalgia
head cold /$hed kld/ noun a minor illness,
head cold
with inflammation of the nasal passages, excess
mucus in the nose and sneezing
head louse /$hed las/ noun a small insect of
head louse
the Pediculus genus, which lives on the scalp and
sucks blood. Also called Pediculus capitis
(NOTE: The plural is head lice.)
Heaf test /$hi%f test/ noun a test in which tuber-
Heaf test
culin is injected into the skin to find out whether
a person is immune to tuberculosis. ! Mantoux
test
heal /hi%l/ verb 1. (of wound) to return to a
heal
healthy state ! After six weeks, her wound had
still not healed. ! A minor cut will heal faster if it
is left without a bandage. 2. to make someone or
something get better
healing /$hi%l/ noun the process of getting bet-
healing
ter ! a substance which will accelerate the heal-
ing process
healing by first intention /!hi%l ba !f-%st
healing by first intention
n$tenn/ noun the healing of a clean wound
|
where the tissue reforms quickly
healing by second intention /!hi%l ba
healing by second intention
!seknd n$tenn/ noun the healing of an
|
infected wound or ulcer, which takes place slowly
and may leave a permanent scar
health /hel/ noun the general condition of the
health
mind or body ! Hes in good health. ! She had
suffered from bad health for some years. ! The
council said that fumes from the factory were a
danger to public health. ! All cigarette packets
carry a government health warning.
Health and Safety at Work Act /!hel n
Health and Safety at Work Act
!sefti t $w-%k !'kt/ noun in the UK, an Act of
Parliament which rules how the health of workers
should be protected by the companies they work
for
Health and Safety Executive /!hel n
Health and Safety Executive
$sefti 1!zekjtv/ noun in the UK, a govern-
ment organisation responsible for overseeing the
health and safety of workers
Nursing.fm Page 128 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
health authority
health authority /$hel %!rti/ noun " Stra-
health authority
tegic Health Authority
healthcare /$helke/, health care noun the
healthcare
general treatment of people with medical disor-
ders, especially the use of measures to stop a dis-
ease from occurring
healthcare assistant /$helker !sstnt/
healthcare assistant
|
noun someone who assists health professionals in
looking after a sick or dependent person
Healthcare Commission /$helke k
Healthcare Commission
!m()n/ noun the independent inspection body
for the NHS
healthcare delivery /$helke d!lv()ri/
healthcare delivery
noun the provision of care and treatment by the
health service
healthcare professional /$helke pr
healthcare professional
!fe()n()l/ noun a qualified person who works
in an occupation related to health care, e.g. a
nurse
healthcare system /$helke !sstm/ noun
healthcare system
any organised set of health services
health centre /$hel !sent/ noun a public
health centre
building in which a group of doctors practise
health education /$hel !edjke()n/ noun
health education
the process of teaching people, both school chil-
dren and adults, to do things to improve their
health, e.g. to take more exercise
Health Education Authority /!hel !edj
Health Education Authority
| nurse with qualifications in midwifery or obstet-
$ke()n %!rti/ noun a government health
| rics and preventive medicine, who visits mothers
promotion agency in England designed to help
people make aware of how they can improve their
health. Abbreviation HEA
health food /$hel fu%d/ noun food that is
health food
regarded as good for health, especially containing
ingredients such as cereals, dried fruit and nuts
and without additives
health inequality /$hel n!kwlti/ noun the
health inequality
|
differences that exist in health across the social
classes, with poorer people tending to experience
poorer health
health information service /!hel nf
health information service
|
$me()n !s-%vs/ noun a nation-wide informa-
tion service delivered via a free telephone hel-
pline. Abbreviation HIS
health insurance /$hel n!rns/ noun
health insurance
|
insurance which pays the cost of treatment for ill-
ness
Health Ombudsman /$hel !mbdzmn/
Health Ombudsman
noun same as Health Service Commissioner
health promotion /$hel pr!m()n/ noun
health promotion
the act of improving the health of a particular
community or of the public generally, e.g. using
health education, immunisation and screening
Health Protection Agency /!hel pr
Health Protection Agency
|
$tek()n !ed+nsi/ noun a national organisa-
tion for England and Wales, established in 2003,
dedicated to the protection of peoples health,
especially by reducing the impact of infectious
diseases, chemicals, poisons and radiation. It
128
brings together existing sources of expertise in
public health, communicable diseases, emer-
gency planning, infection control, poisons and
radiation hazards. Abbreviation HPA
health service /$hel !s-%vs/ noun an organi-
health service
sation which is in charge of providing health care
to a particular community
Health Service Commissioner /!hel
Health Service Commissioner
!s-%vs k$m()n/, Health Service Ombuds-
|
man /$hel !s-%vs !mbdzmn/ noun in the
UK, an official who investigates complaints from
the public about the National Health Service
health service manager /!hel !s-%vs
health service manager
$m'nd+/ noun someone who is responsible for
the provision of local health care, through the
management of hospital, GP, and community
health services
health service planning /!hel !s-%vs
health service planning
$pl'n/ noun the process of deciding what the
health care needs of a community are, with the
help of statistics, and what resources can be pro-
vided for that community
health service reforms /!hel !s-%vs r
health service reforms
$f%mz/ plural noun any of several reforms to the
NHS, the most recent package of reforms being
that introduced in 2002
health visitor /$hel !vzt/ noun a registered
health visitor
and babies and sick people in their homes and
advises on treatment
hear /h/ verb to sense sounds with the ears ! I
hear
cant hear what youre saying. (NOTE: hearing
heard)
hearing /$hr/ noun the ability to hear, or the
hearing
function performed by the ear of sensing sounds
and sending sound impulses to the brain ! His
hearing is failing. (NOTE: For other terms refer-
ring to hearing, see words beginning with audi-,
audio-.)
hearing aid /$hr ed/ noun a small elec-
hearing aid
tronic device fitted into or near the ear, to improve
someones hearing by making the sounds louder
hearing-impaired /!hr m$ped/ adjective
hearing-impaired
|
having a degree of hearing loss
hearing loss /$hr ls/ noun partial or com-
hearing loss
plete loss of the ability to hear
heart /h%t/ noun the main organ in the body,
heart
which maintains the circulation of the blood
around the body by its pumping action ! The doc-
tor listened to his heart. ! She has heart trouble.
(NOTE: For other terms referring to the heart, see
also words beginning with cardi-,cardio-.)
heart attack /$h%t !t'k/ noun a condition in
heart attack
which the heart has a reduced blood supply
because one of the arteries becomes blocked by a
blood clot, causing myocardial ischaemia and
myocardial infarction (informal)
Nursing.fm Page 129 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
129
heartbeat /$h%tbi%t/ noun the regular noise
heartbeat
made by the heart as it pumps blood
heart block /$h%t blk/ noun the slowing of
heart block
the action of the heart because the impulses from
the sinoatrial node to the ventricles are delayed or
interrupted. There are either longer impulses (first
degree block) or missing impulses (second degree
block) or no impulses at all (complete heart
block), in which case the ventricles continue to
beat slowly and independently of the sinoatrial
node.
heartburn /$h%tb-%n/ noun indigestion which
heartburn
causes a burning feeling in the stomach and
oesophagus, and a flow of acid saliva into the
mouth (informal)
heart bypass /$h%t !bap%s p!re()n/,
heart bypass
|
heart bypass operation noun same as coro-
nary artery bypass graft
heart disease /$h%t d!zi%z/ noun any disease
heart disease
|
of the heart in general
heart failure /$h%t !felj/ noun the failure of
heart failure
the heart to maintain the output of blood to meet
the demands of the body. It may affect the left or
right sides of the heart, or both sides.
heart-lung machine /!h%t $l. m!i%n/
heart-lung machine
noun a machine used to pump blood round the
body and maintain the supply of oxygen to the
blood during heart surgery
heart-lung transplant /!h%t $l.
heart-lung transplant
!tr'nspl%nt/ noun an operation to transplant a
new heart and lungs into someone
heart massage /$h%t !m's%+/ noun a treat-
heart massage
ment which involves pressing on the chest to
make a heart which has stopped beating start
working again
heart murmur /$h%t !m-%m/ noun an unusual
heart murmur
sound made by turbulent blood flow, sometimes
as a result of valve disease
heart rate /$h%t ret/ noun the number of times
heart rate
the heart beats per minute
heart sounds /$h%t sandz/ plural noun two
heart sounds
different sounds made by the heart as it beats. !
lubb-dupp
heart surgeon /$h%t !s-%d+n/ noun a sur-
heart surgeon
geon who specialises in operations on the heart
heart surgery /$h%t !s-%d+ri/ noun a surgical
heart surgery
operation to remedy a condition of the heart
heart tamponade /$h%t t'mp!ned/ noun
heart tamponade
same as cardiac tamponade
heart transplant /$h%t !tr'nspl%nt/ noun a
heart transplant
surgical operation to transplant a heart into some-
one
heat rash /$hi%t r'/ noun same as miliaria
heat rash
heat spots /$hi%t spts/ plural noun little red
heat spots
spots which develop on the face in very hot
weather
heatstroke /$hi%tstrk/ noun a condition in
heatstroke
which someone becomes too hot and his or her
helium
body temperature rises abnormally, leading to
headaches, stomach cramps and sometimes loss
of consciousness
heat therapy /$hi%t !erpi/, heat treatment
heat therapy
/$hi%t !tri%tmnt/ noun same as thermotherapy
heavy period /!hevi $prid/ noun a monthly
heavy period
period during which a woman loses an unusually
large amount of blood. It is often painful and
sometimes indicates possible health problems,
such as fibroids or hypothyroidism.
Heberdens node /!hi%bdnz $nd/ noun a
Heberdens node
small bony lump which develops on the end joints
of fingers in osteoarthritis [Described 1802. After
William Heberden (17671845), British physi-
cian, specialist in rheumatic diseases.]
hebetude /$hebtju%d/ noun dullness of the
hebetude
senses during acute fever, which makes the per-
son uninterested in his or her surroundings and
unable to respond to stimuli
hectic /$hektk/ adjective recurring regularly
hectic
hectic fever /!hektk $fi%v/ noun an attack of
hectic fever
fever which occurs each day in someone who has
tuberculosis
heel /hi%l/ noun the back part of the foot
heel
heel bone /$hi%l bn/ noun the bone forming
heel bone
the heel, beneath the talus. Also called cal-
caneus
Hegars sign /$he1z !san/ noun a way of
Hegars sign
detecting pregnancy, by inserting the fingers into
the uterus and pressing with the other hand on the
pelvic cavity to feel if the neck of the uterus has
become soft [After Alfred Hegar (18301914),
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at
Freiburg, Germany.]
Heimlich manoeuvre /$hamlk m!nu%v/
Heimlich manoeuvre
noun an emergency treatment for choking, in
which a strong upward push beneath the breast-
bone of a patient clasped from behind forces the
blockage out of the windpipe
helco- /helk/ prefix relating to an ulcer
helco-
helcoplasty /$helkpl'sti/ noun a skin graft
helcoplasty
to cover an ulcer to aid healing
Helicobacter pylori /!helkb'kt pa
Helicobacter pylori
$l%ri%/ noun a bacterium found in gastric secre-
tions, strongly associated with duodenal ulcers
and gastric carcinoma. Abbreviation H pylori
helicopter-based emergency medical
helicopter-based emergency medical services
services /!helkpt best !m-%d+nsi |
$medk()l !s-%vsz/ plural noun full form of
HEMS
helio- /hi%li/ prefix relating to the sun
helio-
heliotherapy /!hi%li$erpi/ noun treatment
heliotherapy
by sunlight or sunbathing
helium /$hi%lim/ noun a very light gas used in
helium
combination with oxygen, especially to relieve
asthma or sickness caused by decompression
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is He.)
Nursing.fm Page 130 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

helix 130

helix /$hi%lks/ noun the curved outer edge of the medical emergency by helicopter and then trans-
helix

ear porting patients to the nearest major hospital or

Hellers operation /$helz p!re()n/ noun
Hellers operation
specialist unit. Full form helicopter-based
emergency medical services
|

same as cardiomyotomy [After E. Heller (1877

Hendersons model /$hends()nz !md()l/
Hendersons model

1964), German surgeon.]

Hellers test /$helz test/ noun a test for pro-
Hellers test
noun a model of nursepatient relationships
tein in the urine [After Johann Florenz Heller based on 14 basic principles of nursing. The main
(181371), Austrian physician.] idea is that "the nurse does for others what they
would do for themselves if they had the strength,
Hellins law /!helnz $l%/ noun a finding which
Hellins law

the will, and the knowledgebut that the nurse

states that twins should occur naturally once in 90 makes the patient independent of him or her as
live births, triplets once in 8,100 live births, quad- soon as possible".
ruplets once in 729, 000 live births, and quintu-
Henles loop /!henli%z $lu%p/ noun same as
Henles loop

plets once in 65, 610, 000 live births (NOTE: Since

the 1960s the numbers have changed due to fer- loop of Henle [Described 1862. After Friedrich
tility treatment. For example, twins now occur Gustav Jakob Henle (180985), Professor of
once in only 38 births.) Anatomy at Gttingen, Germany.]
Henoch-Schnlein purpura /!henk
Henoch-Schnlein purpura

HELLP syndrome /$help !sndrm/ noun a

HELLP syndrome

serious pre-eclamptic disorder which makes it !-%nlan $p-%pjr/, Henochs purpura

necessary to terminate a pregnancy. Full form
haemolysis-elevated liver enzymeslow
platelet count syndrome
helminth /$helmn/ noun a parasitic worm,
helminth
/!henks $p-%pjr/ noun a condition in which
blood vessels become inflamed and bleed into the
skin, causing a rash called purpura and also pain
in the stomach and the joints, vomiting and diar-

rhoea. It often occurs after an upper respiratory

e.g. a tapeworm or fluke
infection, mostly in children aged two to 11.
helminthiasis /!helmn$ass/ noun infesta-
helminthiasis

|
[Described 1832 by Schnlein and 1865 by Hen-
tion with parasitic worms och. Eduard Heinrich Henoch (18201910),
heloma /h$lm/ noun same as corn Professor of Paedriatrics at Berlin, Germany;
heloma

helper T-cell /!help $ti% sel/ noun a type of

helper T-cell
Johannes Lukas Schnlein (17931864), physi-
white blood cell that stimulates the production of cian and pathologist at Wrzburg, Zrich and
cells that destroy antigens Berlin.]
heparin /$heprn/ noun an anticoagulant sub-
heparin

hemeralopia /!hemr$lpi/ noun a usually

hemeralopia

congenital condition in which someone is able to
see better in bad light than in ordinary daylight.
Also called day blindness
stance found in the liver and lungs, and also pro-
duced artificially for use in the treatment of
thrombosis
hepat- /hp't/ prefix same as hepato- (used
hepat-

hemi- /hemi/ prefix half

hemi-

before vowels)
hemianopia /!hemi$npi/ noun a state of
hemianopia

hepatectomy /!hep$tektmi/ noun the surgi-

hepatectomy

partial blindness in which someone has only half |

the usual field of vision in each eye cal removal of part of the liver
hepatic /h$p'tk/ adjective referring to the
hepatic

hemiarthroplasty /!hemi$%rpl'sti/ noun

hemiarthroplasty

| |

an operation to repair a joint which replaces one liver

of its surfaces with an artificial substance, often hepatic artery /h!p'tk $%tri/ noun an
hepatic artery

metal artery which takes the blood to the liver

hemiballismus /!hemib$lzms/ noun a sud-
hemiballismus

hepatic cell /h!p'tk $sel/ noun an epithelial

hepatic cell
|
|

den movement of the limbs on one side of the cell of the liver acini
body, caused by a disease of the basal ganglia
hepatic duct /h!p'tk $d.kt/ noun a duct
hepatic duct

hemicolectomy /!hemik$lektmi/ noun the

hemicolectomy |

|
which links the liver to the bile duct leading to the
surgical removal of part of the colon duodenum
hemimelia /!hemi$mi%li/ noun a congenital
hemimelia

hepatic flexure /h!p'tk $flek/ noun a

hepatic flexure
|

condition in which someone has absent or

|

bend in the colon, where the ascending and trans-

extremely short arms or legs verse colons join
hemiparesis /!hemip$ri%ss/ noun slight
hemiparesis

hepaticostomy /h!p't$kstmi/ noun a sur-

hepaticostomy
|

paralysis of the muscles of one side of the body

| |

gical operation to make an opening in the hepatic

hemiplegia /!hemi$pli%d+/ noun severe paral-
hemiplegia

|
duct taking bile from the liver
ysis affecting one side of the body due to damage
hepatic portal system /h!p'tk $p%t()l
hepatic portal system

of the central nervous system. Compare diplegia |

!sstm/ noun a group of veins linking to form

hemisphere /$hemsf/ noun half of a sphere
hemisphere

the portal vein, which brings blood from the pan-

HEMS /hemz/ plural noun a system of delivering creas, spleen, gall bladder and the abdominal part
HEMS

a paramedic crew to the scene of an accident or of the alimentary canal to the liver
Nursing.fm Page 131 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

131 herpes simplex

hepatic vein /h!p'tk $ven/ noun a vein herbal medicine /!h-%b()l $med()sn/ noun
hepatic vein herbal medicine

which takes blood from the liver to the inferior a system of medical treatment involving the use of
vena cava substances extracted from plants
hepatitis /!hep$tats/ noun inflammation of herbal remedy /!h-%b()l $remdi/ noun a
hepatitis herbal remedy

the liver through disease or drugs medicine made from plants, e.g. an infusion made
hepatitis A /!heptats $e/ noun a relatively
hepatitis A
from dried leaves or flowers in hot water
herd immunity /$h-%d !mju%nti/ noun the
herd immunity

mild form of viral hepatitis that is transmitted |

through contaminated food and water fact of a group of people being resistant to a spe-
hepatitis A virus /!heptats $e !vars/
hepatitis A virus
cific disease, because many individuals in the
noun a virus which causes hepatitis A. Abbrevia- group are immune to or immunised against the
tion HAV microorganism which causes it
hereditary /h$redt()ri/ adjective passed as
hereditary

hepatitis B /!heptats $bi%/ noun a severe

hepatitis B
|

form of viral hepatitis that is transmitted by con- from parents to children through the genes
hereditary spherocytosis /h!redt()ri
hereditary spherocytosis

tact with infected blood or other body fluids |

!sfrsa$tss/ noun same as acholuric

hepatitis B virus /!heptats $bi% !vars/
hepatitis B virus
|

jaundice
noun a virus which causes hepatitis B. Abbrevia-
heredity /h$redti/ noun the process by which
heredity

tion HBV |

genetically controlled characteristics pass from

hepatitis C /!heptats $si%/ noun a form of
hepatitis C

parents to children
viral hepatitis that is transmitted by contact with
Hering-Breuer reflexes /!her $br
Hering-Breuer reflexes

infected blood or other body fluids but is often

without symptoms (NOTE: It was formerly called !ri%fleksz/ plural noun the reflexes which main-
non-A, non-B hepatitis.) tain the usual rhythmic inflation and deflation of
the lungs
hepatitis C virus /!heptats $si% !vars/
hepatitis C virus

hermaphrodite /h-%$m'frdat/ noun a per-

hermaphrodite

noun a virus which causes hepatitis C. Abbrevia- |

tion HCV son with both male and female characteristics

hermaphroditism /h-%$m'frdatz()m/
hermaphroditism

hepato- /hept/ prefix referring to the liver

hepato-
|

noun a condition in which a person has both male

hepatocellular /!hept$seljl/ adjective
hepatocellular

|
and female characteristics
referring to liver cells
hernia /$h-%ni/ noun a condition in which an
hernia

hepatocellular jaundice /!hept!seljl

hepatocellular jaundice

|
organ bulges through a hole or weakness in the
$d+%nds/ noun jaundice caused by injury to or wall which surrounds it. Also called rupture
disease of the liver cells
hernial /$h-%nil/ adjective referring to a hernia
hernial

hepatocirrhosis /!hepts$rss/ noun

hepatocirrhosis

hernial sac /!h-%nil $s'k/ noun a sac formed

hernial sac
|

same as cirrhosis where a membrane has pushed through a cavity in

hepatocyte /$heptsat, h$p'tsat/ noun
hepatocyte

|
the body
a liver cell which synthesises and stores sub- herniated /$h-%nietd/ adjective referring to an
herniated

stances, and produces bile organ which has developed a hernia

hepatogenous /!hep$td+ns/ noun refer-
hepatogenous

herniation /!h-%ni$e()n/ noun the develop-

herniation
|
|

ring to or originating in the liver ! hepatogenous ment of a hernia

jaundice
hernio- /h-%ni/ prefix relating to a hernia
hernio-

hepatolenticular degeneration
hepatolenticular degeneration

hernioplasty /$h-%ni!pl'sti/ noun a surgical

hernioplasty

/!heptlen!tkjl d!d+en$re()n/ noun

|

operation to reduce a hernia

| | |

same as Wilsons disease

herniorrhaphy /!h-%ni$%rfi/ noun a surgical
herniorrhaphy

hepatoma /!hep$tm/ noun a malignant

hepatoma |

|
operation to remove a hernia and repair the organ
tumour of the liver formed of mature cells, espe- through which it protruded
cially found in people with cirrhosis
herniotomy /!h-%ni$tmi/ noun a surgical
herniotomy

hepatomegaly /!hept$me1li/ noun a con-

hepatomegaly |

|
operation to remove a hernial sac
dition in which the liver becomes very large
heroin /$hern/ noun a narcotic drug in the
heroin

hepatosplenomegaly /!hept!spli%n
hepatosplenomegaly

| |
form of a white powder derived from morphine
$me1li/ noun enlargement of both the liver and
herpes /$h-%pi%z/ noun inflammation of the skin
herpes

the spleen, as occurs in leukaemia or lymphoma

or mucous membrane, caused by a virus, where
hepatotoxic /!hept$tksk/ adjective
hepatotoxic

|
small blisters are formed
destroying the liver cells
herpes simplex /!h-%pi%z $smpleks/ noun 1.
herpes simplex

herbalism /$h-%blz()m/ noun " herbal

herbalism

(Type I) a virus that produces a painful blister,

medicine called a cold sore, usually on the lips 2. (Type II)
herbalist /$h-%blst/ noun a person who treats a sexually transmitted disease which forms blis-
herbalist

illnesses or disorders with substances extracted ters in the genital region. Also called genital her-
from plants pes
Nursing.fm Page 132 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

herpesvirus 132

herpesvirus /$h-%pi%z!vars/ noun one of a HGPRT abbreviation hypoxanthine guanine

herpesvirus HGPRT

group of viruses which cause herpes and chicken- phosphoribosyl transferase. ! HPRT
pox (herpesvirus Type I), and genital herpes (her- hiatus /ha$ets/ noun an opening or space
hiatus

pesvirus Type II)

hiatus hernia /ha!ets $h-%ni/, hiatal her-
hiatus hernia

herpes zoster /!h-%pi%z $zst/ noun inflam-

herpes zoster

nia /ha!et()l $h-%ni/ noun a hernia where the

|

mation of a sensory nerve, characterised by pain
along the nerve and causing a line of blisters to
form on the skin, usually found mainly on the
abdomen or back, or on the face. Also called
stomach bulges through the opening in the dia-
phragm muscle through which the oesophagus
passes
Hib /hb/ abbreviation Haemophilus influenzae
Hib

shingles, zona
type B
herpetic /h-%$petk/ adjective referring to her-
herpetic

Hib vaccine /$hb !v'ksi%n/ noun a vaccine

| Hib vaccine

pes
used to inoculate against the bacterium Haemo-
hetero- /hetr/ prefix different
hetero-

philius influenzae that causes meningitis

heterochromia /!hetr$krmi/ noun a
heterochromia

hiccup /$hk.p/, hiccough noun a spasm in the

hiccup
|

condition in which the irises of the eyes are differ- diaphragm which causes a sudden inhalation of
ent colours breath followed by sudden closure of the glottis
heterogeneous /!hetr$d+i%nis/ adjective which makes a characteristic sound ! She had an
heterogeneous

having different characteristics or qualities attack of hiccups or had a hiccuping attack or got
(NOTE: Do not confuse with heterogenous.) the hiccups. Also called singultus
heterogenous /!het$rd+ns/ adjective Hickman catheter /$hkmn !k't/, Hick-
heterogenous Hickman catheter

coming from a different source (NOTE: Do not
confuse with heterogeneous.)
heterograft /$hetr1r%ft/ noun tissue taken
heterograft
from one species and grafted onto an individual of
another species. Compare homograft
man line /$hkmn lan/ noun a plastic tube
which is put into the large vein above the heart so
that drugs can be given and blood samples can be
taken easily
hidr- /hadr/ prefix referring to sweat
hidr-

heterologous /!het$rl1s/ adjective of a hidradenitis /!hadrd$nats/ noun inflam-

heterologous hidradenitis

| |

different type mation of the sweat glands

heterophoria /!hetr$f%ri/ noun a condi- hidrosis /ha$drss/ noun sweating, espe-
heterophoria hidrosis

| |

tion in which if an eye is covered it tends to squint cially when it is excessive

heteroplasty /$hetrpl'sti/ noun same as hidrotic /ha$drtk/ adjective referring to
heteroplasty hidrotic

heterograft sweating " noun a substance which makes some-

heteropsia /!het$rpsi/ noun a condition in
heteropsia

|
one sweat
which the two eyes see differently high-altitude sickness /!ha $'lttju%d
high-altitude sickness

heterosexual /!hetr$sekul/ adjective

heterosexual

|
!skns/ noun same as altitude sickness
attracted to people of the opposite sex or relating high blood pressure /!ha $bl.d !pre/
high blood pressure

to relations between males and females " noun a noun same as hypertension
person who is sexually attracted to people of the high-calorie diet /ha !k'lri $dat/ noun a
high-calorie diet

opposite sex. Compare bisexual, homosexual diet containing over 4000 calories per day
heterosexuality /!hetrseku$'lti/ noun
heterosexuality

high-density lipoprotein /!ha !densti

high-density lipoprotein
|

sexual attraction towards persons of the opposite $lp!prti%n/ noun a lipoprotein with a low
|

sex percentage of cholesterol. Abbreviation HDL

heterotopia /!hetr$tpi/ noun 1. a state
heterotopia

high-fibre diet /!ha !fab $dat/ noun a diet

high-fibre diet
|

where an organ is placed in a different position which contains a high percentage of cereals, nuts,
from usual or is malformed or deformed 2. the fruit and vegetables
development of tissue which is not natural to the
high-protein diet /!ha !prti%n $dat/ noun
high-protein diet

part in which it is produced

a diet containing mostly foods high in protein and
heterotropia /!hetr$trpi/ noun same as
heterotropia

|
low in carbohydrates and saturated fat, adopted by
strabismus people who are trying to lose weight
heterozygous /!hetr$za1s/ adjective
heterozygous

hilar /$hal/ adjective referring to a hilum

hilar
|

having two or more different versions of a spe-

hilum /$halm/ noun a hollow where blood ves-
hilum

cific gene. Compare homozygous

sels or nerve fibres enter an organ such as a kid-
hex- /heks/ prefix same as hexa- (NOTE: used
hex-

ney or lung (NOTE: The plural is hila.)

before vowels)
hindbrain /$handbren/ noun the part of brain
hindbrain

hexa- /heks/ prefix six

hexa-

of an embryo from which the medulla oblongata,

HFEA abbreviation Human Fertilization and the pons and the cerebellum eventually develop
HFEA

Embryology Authority hindgut /$hand1.t/ noun part of an embryo

hindgut

hGH abbreviation human growth hormone which develops into the colon and rectum
hGH
Nursing.fm Page 133 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
133
hinge joint /$hnd+ d+nt/ noun same as
hinge joint
ginglymus
hip /hp/ noun a ball and socket joint where the
hip
thigh bone or femur joins the acetabulum of the
hip bone
hip bone /$hp bn/ noun a bone made of the
hip bone
ilium, the ischium and the pubis which are fused
together, forming part of the pelvic girdle. Also
called innominate bone
hip fracture /$hp !fr'kt/ noun a fracture of
hip fracture
the ball at the top of the femur
hip girdle /$hp !1-%d()l/ noun same as pelvic
hip girdle
girdle
hip joint /$hp d+nt/ noun the place where the
hip joint
hip is joined to the upper leg. See illustration at
PELVIS in Supplement
Hippel-Lindau /!hpl $lnda/ " von Hippel-
Hippel-Lindau
Lindau syndrome
hippocampus /!hp$k'mps/ noun a long
hippocampus
| patients with the condition in each age group
rounded elevation projecting into the lateral ven-
tricle in the brain
Hippocratic oath /!hpkr'tk $/ noun an
Hippocratic oath
ethical code observed by doctors, by which they
will treat patients equally, put patients welfare
first and not discuss openly the details of a
patients case
hip replacement /$hp r!plesmnt/ noun a
hip replacement
| ture
surgical operation to replace the whole ball and
socket joint at the hip with an artificial one
Hirschsprungs disease /$hspr.z d
Hirschsprungs disease
|
!zi%z/ noun a congenital condition where parts of
the lower colon lack nerve cells, making peristal-
sis impossible, so that food accumulates in the
upper colon which becomes swollen [Described
1888. After Harald Hirschsprung (18301916),
Professor of Paediatrics in Copenhagen, Den-
mark.]
hirsute /$h-%sju%t/ adjective with a lot of hair
hirsute
hirsutism /$h-%sju%tz()m/ noun the condition
hirsutism
of having excessive hair, especially a condition in
which a woman grows hair on the body in the
same way as a man
hirudin /h$ru%dn/ noun an anticoagulant sub-
hirudin
| HLA system
stance produced by leeches, which is injected into
the bloodstream while the leech is feeding on a
body
HIS abbreviation Health Information Service
HIS
hist- /hst/ same as histo- (NOTE: used before
hist-
vowels)
histamine /$hstmi%n/ noun a substance
histamine
released in response to allergens from mast cells
throughout the body. Histamines dilate blood ves-
sels, constrict the cells of smooth muscles and
cause an increase in acid secretions in the stom-
ach.
histamine test /$hstmi%n test/ noun a test to
histamine test
determine the acidity of gastric juice
Hodgkins disease
histaminic /!hst$mnk/ adjective referring
histaminic
to histamines
histiocyte /$hstisat/ noun a macrophage of
histiocyte
the connective tissue, involved in tissue defence
histiocytosis /!hstisa$tss/ noun a con-
histiocytosis
dition in which histiocytes are present in the
blood
histiocytosis X /!hstisa!tss $eks/
histiocytosis X
noun any form of histiocytosis where the cause is
not known, e.g. Hand-Schller-Christian disease
histo- /hst/ prefix relating to the bodys tis-
histo-
sue ! histology
histocompatible /!hstkm$p'tb()l/
histocompatible
|
adjective referring to tissues from two individuals
which have compatible antigens
histogram /$hst1r'm/ noun a way of dis-
histogram
playing frequency values as columns whose
height is proportional to the corresponding fre-
quency ! a histogram showing numbers of
histological /!hst$ld+k()l/ adjective
histological
referring to histology
histological grade /!hstld+k()l $1red/
histological grade
noun a system of classifying tumours according
to how malignant they are
histology /h$stld+i/ noun the study of the
histology
|
anatomy of tissue cells and minute cellular struc-
histolysis /h$stlss/ noun the disintegration
histolysis
of tissue
histotoxic /!hst$tksk/ adjective referring
histotoxic
|
to a substance which is poisonous to tissue
HIV abbreviation human immunodeficiency
HIV
virus
hives /havz/ noun same as urticaria (NOTE:
hives
Takes a singular verb.)
HIV-negative /!et a !vi% $ne1tv/ adjective
HIV-negative
referring to someone who has been tested and
shown not to have HIV
HIV-positive /!et a !vi% $pztv/ adjective
HIV-positive
referring to someone who has been tested and
shown to have HIV
HLA abbreviation human leucocyte antigen
HLA
HLA system /!et el $e !sstm/ noun a sys-
tem of HLA antigens on the surface of cells which
need to be histocompatible to allow transplants to
take place
HMO abbreviation US Health Maintenance
HMO
Organization
hobnail liver /!hbnel $lv/ noun same as
hobnail liver
atrophic cirrhosis
Hodgkins disease /$hd+knz d!zi%z/ noun
Hodgkins disease
a malignant disease in which the lymph glands are
enlarged and there is an increase in the lymphoid
tissues in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. It is
frequently fatal if not treated early. [Described
1832. After Thomas Hodgkin (17981866), Brit-
ish physician.]
Nursing.fm Page 134 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
hoist
hoist /hst/ noun a device with pulleys and
hoist
wires for raising a bed or a patient
hole in the heart /!hl n $h%t/ noun
hole in the heart
same as septal defect (informal)
holism /$hlz()m/ noun the theory that all of
holism
a persons physical, mental and social conditions
should be considered in the treatment of his or her
illness
holistic /h$lstk/ adjective referring to a
holistic
| form a pair
method of treatment involving all of someones
mental and family circumstances rather than just
dealing with the condition from which he or she
is suffering
holistic care /h!lstk $ke/ noun the care
holistic care
|
and treatment of a whole person rather than just of
his or her medical symptoms
holo- /hl/ prefix entire, complete
holo-
holocrine /$hlkrn/ adjective referring to a
holocrine
gland where the secretions are made up of disin-
tegrated cells of the gland itself
Homans sign /$hmnz san/ noun pain in
Homans sign
the calf when the foot is bent back, a sign of deep-
vein thrombosis [Described 1941. After John
Homans (18771954), Professor of Clinical Sur-
gery at Harvard, USA.]
home help /!hm $help/ noun 1. a person who
home help
is paid to carry out ordinary domestic tasks such
as cleaning and cooking for people who are una-
ble to carry out these tasks for themselves 2. same
as home help service
home help service /!hm $help !s-%vs/
home help service
noun a publicly funded support service provided
mainly for elderly and disabled people which
offers help with ordinary household tasks of a
non-nursing nature, such as cooking and washing
to help people in their own homes
homeo- /hmi/ prefix like or similar
homeo-
homeopathic /!hmi$p'k/, homoeo-
homeopathic
|
pathic adjective 1. referring to homeopathy ! a
homeopathic clinic ! She is having a course of
homeopathic treatment. 2. referring to a drug
which is given in very small quantities
homeopathist /!hmi$pst/, homoeopa-
homeopathist
|
thist noun a person who practises homeopathy
homeopathy /!hmi$pi/, homoeopathy
homeopathy
|
noun the treatment of a condition by giving the
person very small quantities of a substance which,
when given to a healthy person, would cause
symptoms like those of the condition being
treated. Compare allopathy
homeostasis /!hmi$stess/ noun the
homeostasis
|
process by which the functions and chemistry of
a cell or internal organ are kept stable, even when
external conditions vary greatly
homo- /hm/ prefix the same
homo-
homoeo- /hmi/ prefix another spelling of
homoeo-
homeo- (used before vowels)
homogenise /h$md+naz/, homogenize
homogenise
verb to give something a uniform nature
134
homograft /$hm1r%ft/ noun the graft of an
homograft
organ or tissue from a donor to a recipient of the
same species, e.g. from one person to another.
Also called allograft. Compare heterograft
homolateral /!hm$l't()rl/ adjective same
homolateral
as ipsilateral
homologous /h$ml1s/ adjective 1. of the
homologous
same type 2. referring to chromosomes which
homonymous hemianopia /h!mnms
homonymous hemianopia
!hemi$npi/ noun a condition in which the
|
same half of the field of vision is lost in each eye
homosexual /!hm$sekul/ adjective
homosexual
|
referring to homosexuality " noun a person who
is sexually attracted to people of the same sex.
Compare bisexual, heterosexual (NOTE:
Although homosexual can apply to both males
and females, it is commonly used for males only,
and lesbian is used for females.)
homosexuality /!hmseku$'lti/ noun
homosexuality
sexual attraction to people of the same sex or sex-
ual relations with people of the same sex
homozygous /!hm$za1s/ adjective
homozygous
|
having two identical versions of a specific gene.
Compare heterozygous
hookworm /$hkw-%m/ noun a parasitic worm
hookworm
hookworm disease /$hkw-%m d!zi%z/ noun
hookworm disease
|
" ancylostomiasis
hordeolum /h%$di%lm/ noun an infection of
hordeolum
the gland at the base of an eyelash. Also called
stye
horizontal fissure /!hrznt()l $f/ noun
horizontal fissure
ANAT a horizontal groove between the superior
and middle lobes of a lung. See illustration at
LUNGS in Supplement
hormone /$h%mn/ noun a substance which
hormone
is produced by one part of the body, especially the
endocrine glands and is carried to another part of
the body by the bloodstream where it has particu-
lar effects or functions
hormone replacement therapy /!h%mn
hormone replacement therapy
r$plesmnt !erpi/, hormone therapy noun
|
1. treatment for someone whose endocrine glands
have been removed 2. treatment to relieve the
symptoms of the menopause by supplying oestro-
gen and reducing the risk of osteoporosis $
abbreviation HRT
Horners syndrome /$h%nz !sndrm/
Horners syndrome
noun a condition caused by paralysis of the sym-
pathetic nerve in one side of the neck, making the
eyelids hang down and the pupils contract
[Described 1869. After Johann Friedrich Horner
(183186), Professor of Ophthalmology in
Zrich, Switzerland.]
horny /$h%ni/ adjective referring to skin which
horny
is very hard (NOTE: For terms referring to horny
tissue, see words beginning with kerat-,
kerato-.)
Nursing.fm Page 135 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
135
horseshoe kidney /!h%su% $kdni/ noun a
horseshoe kidney
congenital condition of the kidney, where some-
times the upper but usually the lower parts of both
kidneys are joined together
Hortons syndrome /$h%t()nz !sndrm/
Hortons syndrome
noun a severe headache, often with constant pain
around one eye, which starts usually within a few
hours of going to sleep. It is caused by the release
of histamine in the body. [After Bayard Taylor
Horton (18951980), US physician.]
hospice /$hsps/ noun a hospital which offers
hospice
palliative care for terminally ill people
hospital /$hspt()l/ noun a place where sick
hospital
or injured people are looked after
hospital-acquired infection /!hspt()l
hospital-acquired infection
|
!kwad n$fekn/ noun a disease caught dur-
|
ing a stay in hospital
Hospital Activity Analysis /!hspt()l 'k
Hospital Activity Analysis
|
$tvti !n'lss/ noun a regular detailed report
| HPV
on patients in hospitals, including information
about treatment, length of stay and outcome
hospital care /$hspt()l ke/ noun treatment
hospital care
in a hospital
hospital doctor /!hspt()l $dkt/ noun a
hospital doctor
doctor who works only in a hospital and does not
receive people in his or her own surgery
hospital gangrene /!hspt()l $1'1ri%n/
hospital gangrene
noun gangrene caused by insanitary hospital con-
ditions
hospital infection /$hspt()l n!fekn/
hospital infection
| human chorionic gonadotrophin
noun an infection which someone gets during a
hospital visit, or one which develops among hos-
pital staff
COMMENT: Hospital infection is an increas-
ingly common problem due to growing anti-
microbial resistance and inappropriate anti-
biotic use. Strains of bacteria such as MRSA
have evolved which seem to be more easily
transmitted between patients and are diffi-
cult to treat.
hospitalise /$hspt()laz/, hospitalize verb
hospitalise
to send someone to hospital ! He is so ill that he
has had to be hospitalised.
hospital trust /$hspt()l tr.st/ noun same as
hospital trust
self-governing hospital
host /hst/ noun a person or animal on which
host
a parasite lives
hot /ht/ adjective very warm or having a high
hot
temperature
hot flush /!ht $fl./ noun a condition in men-
hot flush
opausal women, in which the woman becomes
hot and sweats, and which is often accompanied
by redness of the skin
hotpack /$htp'k/ noun a cloth bag or a pad
hotpack
filled with gel or grains which can be heated and
applied to the skin to relieve pain or stiffness
hourglass contraction /$a1l%s kn
hourglass contraction
| |
!tr'kn/ noun a condition in which an organ
such as the stomach is constricted in the centre
humectant
hourglass stomach /$a1l%s !st.mk/
hourglass stomach
noun a condition in which the wall of the stomach
is pulled in so that it is divided into two cavities,
cardiac and pyloric
houseman /$hasmn/ noun same as house
houseman
officer
house officer /$has !fs/ noun a doctor
house officer
who works in a hospital as a house surgeon or
house physician during the final year of training
before registration by the General Medical Coun-
cil
HPA abbreviation Health Protection Agency
HPA
HPRT /!et pi% % $ti%/ noun an enzyme that is
HPRT
lacking in children, usually boys, who have
Lesch-Nyhan disease. Full form hypoxanthine
phosphoribosyl transferase. Also called
HGPRT (hypoxanthine guanine phosphori-
bosyl transferase)
HPV abbreviation human papillomavirus
H pylori abbreviation Helicobacter pylori
H pylori
HRT abbreviation hormone replacement therapy
HRT
human /$hju%mn/ adjective referring to any
human
man, woman or child " noun a person ! Most
animals are afraid of humans.
human anatomy /!hju%mn $n'tmi/ noun
human anatomy
the structure, shape and functions of the human
body
human being /!hju%mn $bi%/ noun a person
human being
human chorionic gonadotrophin
/!hju%mn k%ri!nk !1nd$trfn/ noun a
| |
hormone produced by the placenta, which sup-
presses the mothers usual menstrual cycle during
pregnancy. It is found in the urine during preg-
nancy, and can be given by injection to encourage
ovulation and help a woman to become pregnant.
Abbreviation hCG
human crutch /!hju%mn $kr.t/ noun a
human crutch
method of helping an injured person to walk,
where they rest one arm over the shoulders of the
person helping
human immunodeficiency virus
human immunodeficiency virus
/!hju%mn !mjnd$f()nsi !vars/ noun a
|
virus which causes AIDS. Abbreviation HIV
human leucocyte antigen /!hju%mn
human leucocyte antigen
$lu%ksat !'ntd+()n/ noun any of the system
of antigens on the surface of cells which need to
be histocompatible to allow transplants to take
place. Abbreviation HLA. ! HLA system
human nature /!hju%mn $net/ noun the
human nature
general behavioural characteristics of human
beings
human papillomavirus /!hju%mn !p'p
human papillomavirus
$lm !vars/ noun a virus that causes genital
warts in humans. Abbreviation HPV
humectant /hju%$mektnt/ adjective able to
humectant
absorb or retain moisture " noun a substance that
can absorb or retain moisture, e.g. a skin lotion
Nursing.fm Page 136 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
humeroulnar joint
humeroulnar joint /!hju%mr$.ln d+nt/
humeroulnar joint
| |
noun part of the elbow joint, where the trochlea of
the humerus and the trochlear notch of the ulna
move next to each other
humerus /$hju%mrs/ noun the top bone in the
humerus
arm, running from the shoulder to the elbow
(NOTE: The plural is humeri.)
humoral /$hju%mrl/ adjective relating to
humoral
human body fluids, in particular blood serum
humour /$hju%m/ noun a fluid in the body
humour
hunchback /$h.ntb'k/ noun " kyphosis
hunchback
hunger /$h.1/ noun a need to eat
hunger
hunger pains /$h.1 pens/ plural noun
hunger pains
pains in the abdomen when a person feels hungry,
sometimes a sign of a duodenal ulcer
Hunters syndrome /$h.ntz !sndrm/
Hunters syndrome
noun an inherited disorder caused by an enzyme
deficiency, which leads to learning difficulties
Huntingtons chorea /!h.nttnz k%$ri%/
Huntingtons chorea
|
noun a progressive hereditary disease which
affects adults, where the outer layer of the brain
degenerates and the person makes involuntary
jerky movements and develops progressive
dementia [Described 1872. After George Sum-
ner Huntington (18501916), US physician.]
Hurlers syndrome /$h-%lz !sndrm/ noun
Hurlers syndrome
same as gargoylism [Described 1919. After Ger-
trud Hurler (18891965), German paediatri-
cian.]
hurt /h-%t/ noun 1. emotional pain 2. a painful
hurt
area (used by children) ! She has a hurt on her
knee. " verb to have pain ! Hes hurt his hand.
" adjective 1. feeling physical pain ! He was
slightly hurt in the car crash. ! Two players got
hurt in the football game. 2. feeling emotional
pain ! Her parents divorce hurt her deeply.
Hutchinsons teeth /$h.tnsnz !ti%/,
Hutchinsons teeth
Hutchinsons tooth /$h.tnsnz !tu%/ plural
noun incisor teeth which are narrower than usual
and have a crescent-shaped notch at the biting
edge. They are seen especially in children with
congenital syphilis, but can also occur naturally.
(NOTE: takes either a singular or a plural verb)
hyal- /hal/ prefix like glass (used before vow-
hyal-
els)
hyalin /$haln/ noun a transparent substance
hyalin
produced from collagen and deposited around
blood vessels and scars when some tissues degen-
erate
hyaline /$haln/ adjective nearly transparent
hyaline
like glass
hyaline cartilage /!haln $k%tld+/ noun a
hyaline cartilage
type of cartilage found in the nose, larynx and
joints. It forms most of the skeleton of the fetus.
See illustration at CARTILAGINOUS JOINT in Sup-
plement
hyaline membrane disease /!haln
hyaline membrane disease
$membren d!zi%z/ noun same as respiratory
| steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex or
distress syndrome
136
hyalitis /!ha$lats/ noun inflammation of the
hyalitis
vitreous humour or the hyaloid membrane in the
eye. Also called vitritis
hyaloid membrane /$hald !membren/
hyaloid membrane
noun a transparent membrane round the vitreous
humour in the eye
hybrid /$habrd/ noun an organism that is a
hybrid
result of a cross between individuals that are not
genetically the same as each other
HYCOSY abbreviation hysterosalpingo-contrast
HYCOSY
sonography
hydatid /$hadtd/ noun any cyst-like structure
hydatid
hydatid cyst /!hadtd $sst/ noun the larval
hydatid cyst
form of the tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus
hydatid disease /$hadtd d!zi%z/, hydati-
hydatid disease
dosis /!hadt$dss/ noun an infection, usu-
|
ally in the lungs or liver, caused by expanding
hydatid cysts that destroy the tissues of the
infected organ
hydatid mole /!hadtd $ml/ noun an
hydatid mole
abnormal pregnancy from a pathologic ovum,
resulting in a mass of cysts shaped like a bunch of
grapes
hydr- /hadr/ prefix same as hydro- (used
hydr-
before vowels)
hydraemia /ha$dri%mi/ noun an excess of
hydraemia
water in the blood
hydralazine /ha$dr'lzi%n/ noun a drug that
hydralazine
lowers blood pressure. People usually receive it in
combination with other drugs that increase the
output of urine.
hydramnios /ha$dr'mnis/ noun an unusu-
hydramnios
ally large amount of amniotic fluid surrounding
the fetus
hydrarthrosis /!hadr%$rss/ noun swell-
hydrarthrosis
|
ing caused by excess synovial liquid at a joint
hydrate /$hadret/ verb to give water to some-
hydrate
one so as to re-establish or maintain fluid balance
" noun a chemical compound containing water
molecules that can usually be driven off by heat
without altering the compounds structure
hydro- /hadr/ prefix referring to water
hydro-
hydroa /ha$dr/ noun an eruption of small
hydroa
|
itchy blisters, e.g. those caused by sunlight
hydrocalycosis /!hadr!k'l$kss/ noun
hydrocalycosis
| |
same as caliectasis
hydrocele /$hadrsi%l/ noun the collection of
hydrocele
watery liquid found in a cavity such as the scro-
tum
hydrocephalus /!hadr$kefls/ noun an
hydrocephalus
excessive quantity of cerebrospinal fluid in the
brain
hydrochloric acid /!hadrklrk $'sd/
hydrochloric acid
noun an acid found in the gastric juices which
helps to break apart the food
hydrocortisone /!hadr$k%tzn/ noun a
hydrocortisone
produced synthetically, used in the treatment of
Nursing.fm Page 137 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

137 hyperadrenalism
rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory and aller- hydroureter /!hadrju$ri%t/ noun a condi-
hydroureter

gic conditions tion in which water or urine collect in the ureter

hydrogen /$hadrd+n/ noun a chemical ele-
hydrogen
because it is blocked
ment, a gas which combines with oxygen to form hygiene /$had+i%n/ noun the procedures and
hygiene

water, and with other elements to form acids, and principles designed to keep things clean and to
is present in all animal tissue (NOTE: The chemi- keep conditions healthy ! Nurses have to main-
cal symbol is H.) tain a strict personal hygiene.
hydrogen peroxide /!hadrd+n p hygienist /$had+i%nst/ noun a person who
hydrogen peroxide hygienist

$rksad/ noun a solution used as a disinfectant specialises in hygiene and its application
hygr- /ha1r/ prefix same as hygro- (used
hygr-

hydrolysis /ha$drlss/ noun the breaking

hydrolysis

down of a chemical compound when it reacts with before vowels)

water to produce two or more different com- hygro- /ha1r/ prefix relating to moisture
hygro-

pounds, as in the conversion of starch to glucose hygroma /ha$1rm/ noun a kind of cyst
hygroma

hydroma /ha$drm/ noun same as hygroma

hydroma

| which contains a thin fluid

hydrometer /ha$drmt/ noun an instrument hymen /$hamen/ noun a membrane which par-
hydrometer hymen

which measures the density of a liquid tially covers the vaginal passage in a female who
hydromyelia /!hadrma$i%li/ noun a condi-
hydromyelia

|
has never had sexual intercourse
hymenectomy /!ham$nektmi/ noun 1. the
hymenectomy

tion in which fluid swells the central canal of the |

spinal cord surgical removal of the hymen, or an operation to

hydronephrosis /!hadrne$frss/ noun
hydronephrosis
increase the size of the opening of the hymen 2.
the surgical removal of any membrane
|

swelling of the pelvis of a kidney caused by accu-

hymenotomy /!ham$ntmi/ noun an inci-
hymenotomy

mulation of water due to infection or a kidney |

stone blocking the ureter sion of the hymen during surgery

hyo- /ha/ prefix relating to the hyoid bone
hyo-

hydropericarditis /!hadr!perik%$dats/,
hydropericarditis

| |

hydropericardium /!hadr!peri$k%dim/ hyoglossus /!ha$1lss/ noun a muscle

hyoglossus

| | |

noun an accumulation of liquid round the heart which is attached to the hyoid bone and depresses
hydroperitoneum /!hadr!pert$ni%m/
hydroperitoneum

| |
the tongue
hyoid /$had/ adjective relating to the hyoid
hyoid

noun a build-up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity

(NOTE: The plural is hydroperitoneums or bone
hydroperitonea.) hyoid bone /$had bn/ noun a small U-
hyoid bone

hydrophobia /!hadr$fbi/ noun same as shaped bone at the base of the tongue
hydrophobia

rabies hyoscine /$hasi%n/ noun a drug used as a

hyoscine

hydropneumoperitoneum
hydropneumoperitoneum

/!hadr |
sedative, in particular for treatment of motion
!nju%m!pert$ni%m/ noun a condition in
| |
sickness
which watery fluid and gas collect in the perito- hyp- /hap/ prefix same as hypo- (used before
hyp-

neal cavity vowels)

hydropneumothorax hypalgesia /!hapl$d+i%zi/ noun low sensi-
hypalgesia

/!hadr!nju%m
hydropneumothorax

| | |

$%r'ks/ noun a condition in which watery fluid tivity to pain

and gas collect in the pleural cavity (NOTE: The hyper- /hap/ prefix higher or too much. Oppo-
hyper-

plural is hydropneumothoraxes or hydrop- site hypo-

neumothoraces.) hyperacidity /!hapr$sdti/ noun the pro-
hyperacidity

hydrops /$hadrps/ noun same as oedema

hydrops

duction of more acid in the stomach than is usual.

(NOTE: The plural is hydropses.) Also called acidity, acid stomach
hydrosalpinx /!hadr$s'lpks/ noun an hyperacousia /!hapr$kju%zi/ noun same
hydrosalpinx hyperacousia

| |

occasion when watery fluid collects in one or both as hyperacusis

of the Fallopian tubes, causing swelling (NOTE: hyperactive /!hapr$'ktv/ adjective very or
hyperactive

The plural is hydrosalpinges.) unusually active

hydrotherapy /!hadr$erpi/ noun a type
hydrotherapy

hyperactivity /!hapr'k$tvti/ noun a con-

hyperactivity
|
|

of physiotherapy involving treatment in water, dition in which something or someone, e.g. a

where people are put in hot baths or are encour- gland or a child, is too active
aged to swim hyperacusis /!hapr$kju%ss/ noun a condi-
hyperacusis

hydrothorax /!hadr$%r'ks/ noun the col-

hydrothorax

| tion in which someone is very sensitive to sounds

lection of liquid in the pleural cavity hyperadrenalism /!hapr$dri%n()lz()m/
hyperadrenalism

hydrotubation /!hadrtju%$be()n/ noun

hydrotubation

| noun a disorder in which too many adrenal hor-

an act of putting a fluid through the neck of the mones are produced, e.g. because of pituitary
uterus and the Fallopian tubes under pressure to gland malfunction, a tumour of the adrenal gland
check whether the tubes are blocked or high doses of steroids
Nursing.fm Page 138 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

hyperaemia 138

hyperaemia /!hapr$i%mi/ noun excess blood hyperinsulinism /!hapr$nsjlnz()m/

hyperaemia hyperinsulinism

| |

in any part of the body noun the reaction of a diabetic to an excessive

hyperaesthesia /!hapri%s$i%zi/ noun an
hyperaesthesia

|
dose of insulin or to hypoglycaemia
extremely high sensitivity in the skin hyperkalaemia /!hapk'$li%mi/ noun a con-
hyperkalaemia

hyperalgesia /!hapr'l$d+i%zi/ noun an

hyperalgesia

|
dition in which too much potassium occurs in the
increased sensitivity to pain blood, which can result in cardiac arrest. Various
hyperalimentation
hyperalimentation

/!hapr!'lmen possible causes include kidney failure and chem-

otherapy.
| |

$te()n/ noun the feeding of large amounts of

hyperkeratosis /!hapker$tss/ noun a
hyperkeratosis

nutrients by mouth or intravenously to someone |

with serious nutritional deficiency condition in which the outer layer of the skin
hyperandrogenism
hyperandrogenism

/!hapr'n |
becomes unusually thickened
hyperkinesia /!hapk$ni%zi/ noun a condi-
hyperkinesia

$drd+nz()m/ noun a condition in which a |

woman produces too many androgens, associated tion in which there is unusually great strength or
with many problems such as hirsutism, acne, movement
infertility and polycystic ovarian disease hyperlipidaemia /!haplp$di%mi/ noun the
hyperlipidaemia

hyperbaric /!hap$b'rk/ adjective referring pathological increase of the amount of lipids, or

hyperbaric

to a treatment in which someone is given oxygen fat, in the blood

at high pressure, used to treat carbon monoxide hypermetropia /!hapm$trpi/, hyper-
hypermetropia

poisoning opia /!hap$rpi/ noun a condition in which

|

hypercalcaemia /!hapk'l$si%mi/ noun an someone sees more clearly objects which are a
hypercalcaemia

excess of calcium in the blood long way away, but cannot see objects which are
hypercalcinuria /!hapk'ls$njri/ noun
hypercalcinuria

|
close. Also called longsightedness, hyperopia
hypernatraemia /!hapn'$tri%mi/ noun a
hypernatraemia

a condition in which an unusually high amount of |

calcium occurs in the urine serious condition occurring most often in babies
hypercapnia /!hap$k'pni/ noun an unusu-
hypercapnia

|
or elderly people, in which too much sodium is
ally high concentration of carbon dioxide in the present in the blood as a result of loss of water and
bloodstream electrolytes through diarrhoea, excessive sweat-
ing, not drinking enough or excessive salt intake
hypercatabolism /!hapk$t'blz()m/
hypercatabolism

hypernephroma /!hapn$frm/ noun

hypernephroma

noun a condition in which the body breaks down |

its own tissues or a particular substance too much. same as Grawitz tumour
It causes weight loss and wasting. hyperopia /!hap$rpi/ noun same as
hyperopia

hyperchloraemia /!hapkl%$ri%mi/ noun a

hyperchloraemia

|
hypermetropia
condition in which there is too much chloride in hyperostosis /hapr$stss/ noun exces-
hyperostosis

the blood sive overgrowth on the outside surface of a bone,

hyperchlorhydria /!hapkl%$hadri/ noun
hyperchlorhydria

|
especially the frontal bone
an excess of hydrochloric acid in the stomach hyperparathyroidism /!hap!p'r
hyperparathyroidism

| |

hyperdactylism /!hap$d'ktlz()m/ noun

hyperdactylism

|
$ardz()m/ noun an unusually high concen-
the condition of having more than the usual tration of parathyroid hormone in the body. It
number of fingers or toes. Also called polydac- causes various medical problems including dam-
tylism age to the kidneys.
hyperphagia /!hap$fed+i/ noun long-term
hyperphagia

hyperemesis /!hapr$emss/ noun excessive

hyperemesis
|
|

vomiting (NOTE: The plural is hyperemeses.) compulsive overeating

hyperpiesia /!happa$i%zi/ noun same as
hyperpiesia

hyperemesis gravidarum /!hapremss

hyperemesis gravidarum
|

!1r'v$derm/ noun uncontrollable vomiting in

|
hypertension
pregnancy hyperpituitarism /!hap$ptju%trz()m/
hyperpituitarism

hyperextension /!haprk$stenn/ noun the noun a condition in which the pituitary gland is
hyperextension

act of stretching an arm or leg beyond its usual overactive

limits of movement hyperplasia /!hap$plezi/ noun a condition
hyperplasia

hyperflexion /!hap$flekn/ noun the act of in which there is an increase in the number of
hyperflexion

flexing a joint beyond the usual limit ! a hyper- cells in an organ

flexion injury hyperpyrexia /!happa$reksi/ noun a body
hyperpyrexia

hypergalactia /!hap1$l'kti/, hyperga- temperature of above 41.1C

hypergalactia

lactosis /!hap!1'lk$tss/ noun a condition

| |
hypersecretion /!haps$kri%()n/ noun a
hypersecretion

in which too much milk is secreted condition in which too much of a substance is
hyperglycaemia /!hap1la$si%mi/ noun an secreted
hyperglycaemia

excess of glucose in the blood hypersensitive /!hap$senstv/ adjective

hypersensitive

hyperhidrosis /!hapha$drss/ noun a referring to a person who reacts more strongly

hyperhidrosis

condition in which too much sweat is produced than usual to an antigen

Nursing.fm Page 139 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

139 hypodermic needle

hypersensitivity /!hapsens$tvti/ noun a ber forgotten events in the past and will do what-
hypersensitivity

condition in which someone reacts very strongly ever the hypnotist tells him or her to do
to something such as an allergic substance ! her hypnotherapy /!hpn$erpi/ noun treat-
hypnotherapy

hypersensitivity to dust ! Anaphylactic shock ment by hypnosis, used in treating some addic-
shows hypersensitivity to an injection. tions
hypersplenism /!hap$splenz()m/ noun a
hypersplenism

hypnotic /hp$ntk/ adjective 1. relating to

hypnotic
|
|

condition in which too many red blood cells are hypnosis and hypnotism 2. referring to a state
destroyed by the spleen, which is often enlarged which is like sleep but which is caused artificially
hypertelorism /!hap$telrz()m/ noun a 3. referring to a drug which causes sleep
hypertelorism

condition in which there is too much space hypnotism /$hpntz()m/ noun the tech-
hypnotism

between two organs or parts of the body niques used to induce hypnosis
hypertension /!hap$tenn/ noun arterial
hypertension

hypo /$hap/ noun (informal) 1. same as

hypo
|

blood pressure that is higher than the usual range hypodermic syringe 2. an attack of hypoglycae-
for gender and age. Also called high blood pres- mia, experienced, e.g., by people who are diabetic
sure, hyperpiesia. Compare hypotension
hypo- /hap/ prefix less, too little or beneath
hypo-

hypertensive /!hap$tensv/ adjective refer-

hypertensive

hypoaesthesia /!hapi%s$i%zi/ noun a

hypoaesthesia

ring to high blood pressure |

condition in which someone has a diminished

hypertensive headache /!haptensv
hypertensive headache

sense of touch
$hedek/ noun a headache caused by high blood
hypocalcaemia /!hapk'l$si%mi/ noun an
hypocalcaemia

pressure |

hyperthermia /!hap$-%mi/ noun a very

hyperthermia
unusually low amount of calcium in the blood,
which can cause tetany
|

high body temperature

hypocapnia /!hap$k'pni/ noun a condi-
hypocapnia

hyperthyroidism /!hap$ardz()m/
hyperthyroidism
|
|

noun a condition in which the thyroid gland is too tion in which there is not enough carbon dioxide
active and releases unusual amounts of thyroid in the blood
hypochloraemia /!hapkl%$ri%mi/ noun a
hypochloraemia

hormones into the blood, giving rise to a rapid |

heartbeat, sweating and trembling. It can be condition in which there are not enough chlorine
treated with carbimazole. Also called thyrotoxi- ions in the blood
cosis hypochlorhydria /!hapkl%$hadri/ noun
hypochlorhydria

hypertonia /!hap$tni/ noun an increased

hypertonia

| a condition in which there is not enough hydro-

rigidity and spasticity of the muscles chloric acid in the stomach
hypertonic /!hap$tnk/ adjective 1. refer-
hypertonic

hypochondria /!hap$kndri/ noun a con-

hypochondria

|
|

ring to a solution which has a higher osmotic dition in which a person is too worried about his
pressure than another specified solution 2. refer- or her own health and believes he or she is ill
ring to a muscle which is under unusually high
hypochondriac /!hap$kndri'k/ noun a
hypochondriac

tension
|

person who worries about his or her health too

hypertrichosis /!haptr$kss/ noun a con-
hypertrichosis

|
much
dition in which someone has excessive growth of
hypochondriac region /!hap$kndri'k
hypochondriac region

hair on the body or on part of the body |

!ri%d+n/ noun one of two parts of the upper

hypertrophic /!hap$trfk/ adjective associ-
hypertrophic

|
abdomen, on either side of the epigastrium below
ated with hypertrophy the floating ribs
hypertrophy /ha$p-%trfi/ noun an increase in
hypertrophy

hypochondrium /!hap$kndrim/ noun

hypochondrium
|
|

the number or size of cells in a tissue one of the two hypochondriac regions in the upper
hyperventilation /!hapvent$le()n/ noun
hyperventilation

| part of the abdomen

very fast breathing which can be accompanied by hypochromic /!hap$krmk/ adjective
hypochromic

dizziness or tetany
|

referring to blood cells or body tissue which do

hypervitaminosis /!hap!vtm$nss/
hypervitaminosis

| | not have the usual amount of pigmentation !

noun a condition caused by taking too many syn- hypochromic scars
thetic vitamins, especially Vitamins A and D hypodermic
hypodermic

/!hap$d-%mk/
| adjective
hypervolaemia /!hapv$li%mi/ noun a con-
hypervolaemia

|
beneath the skin " noun a hypodermic syringe,
dition in which there is too much plasma in the needle or injection (informal)
blood
hypodermic injection /!hapd-%mk n
hypodermic injection

hyphaema /ha$fi%mi/ noun bleeding into the

hyphaema

|
$d+ekn/ noun an injection of a liquid, e.g. a
front chamber of the eye painkilling drug, beneath the skin. Also called
hypn- /hpn/ prefix referring to sleep subcutaneous injection
hypn-

hypnosis /hp$nss/ noun a state like sleep, hypodermic needle /!hapd-%mk $ni%d()l/
hypnosis hypodermic needle

but caused artificially, where a person can remem- noun a needle for injecting liquid under the skin
Nursing.fm Page 140 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

hypodermic syringe 140

hypodermic syringe /!hapd-%mk s hypophysis cerebri /ha!pfss $serbri/

hypodermic syringe hypophysis cerebri

| |

$rnd+/ noun a syringe fitted with a hypodermic noun same as pituitary gland
needle for injecting liquid under the skin hypopiesis /!happa$%ss/ noun a condi-
hypopiesis

hypofibrinogenaemia /!hap!fbrnd+ tion in which the blood pressure is too low

hypofibrinogenaemia

| |

$ni%mi/ noun a condition in which there is not hypopituitarism /!happ$tju%trz()m/

hypopituitarism

enough fibrinogen in the blood, e.g. because of noun a condition in which the pituitary gland is
several blood transfusions or as an inherited con- underactive
dition hypoplasia /!hap$plezi/ noun a lack of
hypoplasia

hypogammaglobulinaemia /!hap1'm
hypogammaglobulinaemia

| development or incorrect formation of a body tis-

!1lbjln$i%mi/ noun an unusually low concen-
| sue or an organ
tration of gamma globulin in the blood that causes hypoplastic left heart /hap!pl'stk left
hypoplastic left heart

an immune deficiency. It may be present from $h%t/ noun a serious heart disorder in which the
birth or acquired later in life. left side of the heart does not develop properly,
hypogastrium /!hap$1'strim/ noun the leading to death within six weeks of birth unless
hypogastrium

part of the abdomen beneath the stomach surgery is performed

hypoglossal /!hap$1lsl/ adjective 1. hypoproteinaemia /!happrt$ni%mi/
hypoglossal hypoproteinaemia

| |

underneath or on the lower side of the tongue 2. noun a condition in which there is not enough
relating to the hypoglossal nerve protein in the blood
hypoprothrombinaemia /!happr
hypoprothrombinaemia

hypoglossal nerve /hap!1ls()l $n-%v/

hypoglossal nerve

|
|

noun the twelfth cranial nerve which governs the !rmb$ni%mi/ noun a condition in which there
|

muscles of the tongue is not enough prothrombin in the blood, so that

hypoglycaemia /!hap1la$si%mi/ noun a
hypoglycaemia

|
the person bleeds and bruises easily
hypopyon /!hap$pan/ noun an accumula-
hypopyon

low concentration of glucose in the blood |

tion of pus in the aqueous humour in the front

hypoglycaemic /!hap1la$si%mk/ adjec-
hypoglycaemic

chamber of the eye

|

tive having hypoglycaemia

hyposensitive /!hap$senstv/ adjective
hyposensitive

hypoglycaemic coma /!hap1la!si%mk

hypoglycaemic coma |

|
being less sensitive than usual
$km/ noun a state of unconsciousness affect-
hypospadias /!hap$spedis/ noun a con-
hypospadias

ing diabetics after taking an overdose of insulin |

genital condition of the wall of the male urethra or

hypohidrosis /!hapha$drss/, hypoid-
hypohidrosis

|
the vagina, so that the opening occurs on the
rosis /!hap$drss/ noun a condition in
|
under side of the penis or in the vagina. Compare
which someone produces too little sweat epispadias
hypoinsulinism /!hap$nsjlnz()m/
hypoinsulinism

hypostasis /ha$pstss/ noun a condition in

hypostasis
|
|

noun a condition in which the body does not have which fluid accumulates in part of the body
enough insulin, often because of a problem with because of poor circulation
the pancreas
hypostatic /!hap$st'tk/ adjective refer-
hypostatic

hypokalaemia /!hapk'$li%mi/ noun a

hypokalaemia

|
ring to hypostasis
deficiency of potassium in the blood hypostatic eczema /!hapst'tk $eksm/
hypostatic eczema

hypomania /!hap$meni/ noun a state of

hypomania

|
noun same as varicose eczema
mild mania or overexcitement, especially when hypostatic pneumonia /!hapst'tk nju%
hypostatic pneumonia

part of a manic-depressive cycle

|

$mni/ noun pneumonia caused by fluid accu-

hypometropia /!hapm$trpi/ noun
hypometropia

| mulating in the lungs of a bedridden person with

same as myopia a weak heart
hyponatraemia /!hapn'$tri%mi/ noun a hyposthenia /!haps$i%ni/ noun a condition
hyponatraemia hyposthenia

| |

lack of sodium in the body of unusual bodily weakness

hypoparathyroidism /!hap!p'r hypotension /!hap$tenn/ noun a condi-
hypoparathyroidism hypotension

| | |

$ardz()m/ noun a condition in which the tion in which the pressure of the blood is unusu-
parathyroid glands do not secrete enough parath- ally low. Also called low blood pressure. Com-
yroid hormone, leading to low blood calcium and pare hypertension
muscle spasms hypotensive /!hap$tensv/ adjective having
hypotensive

hypopharynx /!hap$f'rks/ noun the part low blood pressure

hypopharynx

of the pharynx between the hyoid bone and the hypothalamic /!hap$l'mk/ adjective
hypothalamic

bottom of the cricoid cartilage (NOTE: The plural referring to the hypothalamus
is hypopharynxes or hypopharynges.) hypothalamic hormone /!hap!l'mk
hypothalamic hormone

hypophyseal /!hap$fzil/ adjective refer-

hypophyseal

| $h%mn/ noun same as releasing hormone

ring to the pituitary gland hypothalamus /!hap$'lms/ noun the
hypothalamus

hypophysectomy /ha!pf$sektmi/ noun

hypophysectomy

| | part of the brain above the pituitary gland, which

the surgical removal of the pituitary gland controls the production of hormones by the pitui-
Nursing.fm Page 141 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

141 hysterotrachelorrhaphy
tary gland and regulates important bodily func- hysteralgia /!hstr$'ld+/ noun pain in the
hysteralgia

tions such as hunger, thirst and sleep. See illustra- uterus

tion at BRAIN in Supplement hysterectomy /!hst$rektmi/ noun the sur-
hysterectomy

hypothalmus /!hap$'lms/ noun same as

hypothalmus

| gical removal of the uterus, often either to treat

hypothalamus (NOTE: The plural is hypothal- cancer or because of the presence of fibroids
muses or hypothalmi.) hysteria /h$stri/ noun a term formerly used
hysteria

hypothenar /ha$pn/ adjective referring to in psychiatry, but now informally used for a con-
hypothenar

the soft fat part of the palm beneath the little fin- dition in which the person appears unstable, and
ger may scream and wave their arms about, but also is
hypothenar
hypothenar eminence

eminence /ha!pn |
repressed, and may be slow to react to outside
$emnns/ noun a lump on the palm beneath the stimuli (dated)
hysterical /h$sterk()l/ adjective referring to
hysterical

little finger. Compare thenar |

hypothermia /!hap$-%mi/ noun a reduc-

hypothermia

|
a reaction showing hysteria (informal)
hysterics /h$sterks/ noun an attack of hyste-
hysterics

tion in body temperature below normal, for med- |

ical purposes taken to be below 35C ria (dated)

hystero- /hstr/ prefix referring to the uterus
hystero-

hypothesis /ha$pss/ noun a suggested

hypothesis

explanation for an observation or experimental hystero-ophorectomy /!hstr !f

hystero-ophorectomy

result, which is then refined or disproved by fur- $rektmi/ noun the surgical removal of the
ther investigation uterus, the uterine tubes and the ovaries
hypothyroidism /!hap$ardz()m/ hysteroptosis /!hstrp$tss/ noun pro-
hypothyroidism hysteroptosis

| |

noun underactivity of the thyroid gland lapse of the uterus

hypotonia /!hap$tni/ noun reduced tone hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography
hypotonia hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography

of the skeletal muscles /!hster!s'lp1 !kntr%st sn$1rfi/

| |

hypotonic /!hap$tnk/ adjective 1. show-

hypotonic

|
noun examination of the uterus and Fallopian
ing hypotonia 2. referring to a solution with a tubes by ultrasound. Abbreviation HYCOSY
hysterosalpingography /!hstr!s'lp
hysterosalpingography

lower osmotic pressure than plasma | |

hypotrichosis /!haptr$kss/ noun a

hypotrichosis
$11rfi/ noun an X-ray examination of the
uterus and Fallopian tubes following injection of
|

condition in which less hair develops than usual.

Compare alopecia (NOTE: The plural is hypotri- radio-opaque material. Also called uterosalp-
choses.) ingography
hysterosalpingosonography /!hstr
hysterosalpingosonography

hypotropia /!hap$trpi/ noun a form of

hypotropia
|

!s'lp1s$n1rfi/ noun examination of the

|

squint where one eye looks downwards

|

uterus and Fallopian tubes by ultrasound

hypoventilation /!hapvent$le()n/
hypoventilation

hysterosalpingostomy /!hstr!s'lp
| hysterosalpingostomy

noun very slow breathing

| |

$1stmi/ noun an operation to remake an open-

hypovitaminosis /!hap!vtm$nss/
hypovitaminosis

| |
ing between the uterine tube and the uterus, to
noun a lack of vitamins help with infertility problems
hypoxaemia /!hapk$si%mi/ noun an inade-
hypoxaemia

hysteroscope /$hstrskp/ noun a tube for

hysteroscope
|

quate supply of oxygen in the arterial blood inspecting the inside of the uterus
hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl trans-
hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase

hysteroscopy /!hst$rskpi/ noun an exam-

hysteroscopy

ferase /!hapz'ni%n !fsf$rbsl | ination of the uterine cavity using a hysteroscope

!tr'nsfres/ noun full form of HPRT or fibrescope
hypoxia /ha$pksi/ noun 1. an inadequate hysterotomy /!hst$rtmi/ noun a surgical
hypoxia hysterotomy

| |

supply of oxygen to tissue as a result of a lack of incision into the uterus, as in caesarean section or
oxygen in the arterial blood 2. same as hypoxae- for some types of abortion
mia hysterotrachelorrhaphy /!hstr!tr'ki
hysterotrachelorrhaphy

| |

hyster- /hst/ prefix same as hystero- (used $lrfi/ noun an operation to repair a tear in the
hyster-

before vowels) cervix

Nursing.fm Page 142 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

I
-iasis /ass/ suffix disease caused by some- id /d/ noun (in Freudian psychology) the basic
-iasis id

thing ! amoebiasis unconscious drives which exist in hidden forms in

iatro- /a'tr/ prefix relating to medicine or
iatro-
a person
ideation /!adi$e()n/ noun the act or process
ideation

doctors |

of imagining or forming thoughts and ideas

iatrogenesis /a!'tr$d+enss/ noun any
iatrogenesis

| |

identical twins /a!dentk()l $twnz/ plural

identical twins

condition caused by the actions of doctors or |

other healthcare professionals noun twins who are exactly the same in appear-
ance because they developed from the same
iatrogenic /a!'tr$d+enk/ adjective referring
iatrogenic

| |
ovum. Also called monozygotic twins, uniovu-
to a condition which is caused by a doctors treat- lar twins
ment for another disease or condition ! an iatro-
identification /a!dentf$ke()n/ noun the
identification

genic infection | |

act of discovering or stating who someone is or

IBS abbreviation irritable bowel syndrome
IBS

what something is
ibuprofen /!abju%$prfn/ noun a nonsteroi-
ibuprofen

ideo- /adi/ prefix involving ideas

ideo-
|

dal anti-inflammatory drug that relieves pain and idio- /di/ prefix referring to one particular
idio-

swelling, especially in arthritis and rheumatism. person

It is also widely used as a household painkiller.
idiopathic /!di$p'k/ adjective referring to
idiopathic

ice pack /$as p'k/ noun a cold compress made

ice pack |

idiopathy
of lumps of ice wrapped in a cloth, and pressed on
idiopathic epilepsy /!dip'k $ep!lepsi/
idiopathic epilepsy

a swelling or bruise to reduce the pain

|

noun epilepsy not caused by a brain disorder,

ichthamol /k$'ml/ noun a thick dark red
ichthamol

|
beginning during childhood or adolescence
liquid which is a mild antiseptic and analgesic, idiopathy /!di$pi/ noun a condition which
idiopathy

used in the treatment of skin diseases

|

develops without any known cause

ichthyosis /!k$ss/ noun a hereditary con-
ichthyosis

idiosyncrasy /!di$skrsi/ noun a way of

idiosyncrasy
|
|

dition in which the skin does not form properly, behaving which is particular to one person
resulting in a dry, non-inflammatory and scaly
idiot savant /!di $s'v/ noun a person
idiot savant

appearance
with learning difficulties who also possesses a
ICM abbreviation International Confederation of
ICM

single particular mental ability, such as the ability

Midwives to play music by ear, to draw remembered objects
ICN abbreviation 1. International Council of or to do mental calculations, which is very highly
ICN

Nurses 2. infection control nurse developed

idioventricular /!diven$trkjl/ adjective
idioventricular

ICP abbreviation intracranial pressure

ICP
|

relating to the ventricles of the heart

ICRC abbreviation International Committee of
ICRC

idioventricular rhythm /!diven!trkjl

idioventricular rhythm

the Red Cross |

$r()m/ noun a slow natural rhythm in the ven-

ICSH abbreviation interstitial cell stimulating
ICSH

tricles of the heart, but not in the atria

hormone
IDK abbreviation internal derangement of the
IDK

icteric /k$terk/ adjective referring to someone

icteric

|
knee
with jaundice Ig abbreviation immunoglobulin
Ig

icterus /$ktrs/ noun same as jaundice

icterus

Ig A antiendomysial antibody /!a d+i% e

Ig A antiendomysial antibody

icterus gravis neonatorum /!ktrs !'ntiend!masil $'ntbdi/ noun a serolog-

icterus gravis neonatorum

!1r'vs !ni%n$t%rm/ noun jaundice associ-

| ical screening test for coeliac disease
ated with erythroblastosis fetalis IHD abbreviation ischaemic heart disease
IHD

ictus /$kts/ noun a stroke or fit

ictus

IL-1 abbreviation interleukin-1

IL-1

ICU abbreviation intensive care unit IL-2 abbreviation interleukin-2

ICU IL-2
Nursing.fm Page 143 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

143 imagine

ile- /li/ prefix same as ileo- (used before vowels) ili- /li/ prefix same as ilio- (used before vowels)
ile- ili-

ileal /$lil/ adjective referring to the ileum iliac /$li'k/ adjective referring to the ilium
ileal iliac

ileal bladder /!lil $bl'd/, ileal conduit iliac crest /!li'k $krest/ noun a curved top
ileal bladder iliac crest

/!lil $kndjut/ noun an artificial tube formed edge of the ilium. See illustration at PELVIS in
when the ureters are linked to part of the ileum, Supplement
and that part is linked to an opening in the abdom- iliac fossa /!li'k $fs/ noun a depression on
iliac fossa

inal wall the inner side of the hip bone

ileal pouch /!lil $pat/ noun a part of the
ileal pouch

iliac region /$li'k !ri%d+n/ noun one of two

iliac region

small intestine which is made into a new rectum regions of the lower abdomen, on either side of
in a surgical operation, freeing someone from the the hypogastrium
need for an ileostomy after their colon is removed
iliac spine /$li'k span/ noun a projection at
iliac spine

ileectomy /!li$ektmi/ noun the surgical

ileectomy

|
the posterior end of the iliac crest
removal of all or part of the ileum
ilio- /li/ prefix relating to the ilium
ilio-

ileitis /!li$ats/ noun inflammation of the ileum

ileitis

iliococcygeal /!likk$sd+il/ adjective

| iliococcygeal

ileo- /li/ prefix relating to the ileum

ileo- |

referring to both the ilium and the coccyx

ileocaecal /!li$si%k()l/ adjective referring
ileocaecal

iliolumbar /!li$l.mb/ adjective referring to

| iliolumbar

to the ileum and the caecum

|

the iliac and lumbar regions

ileocaecal orifice /!lisi%k()l $rfs/ noun
ileocaecal orifice

iliopectineal /!lipek$tnil/ adjective refer-

iliopectineal

an opening where the small intestine joins the |

large intestine ring to both the ilium and the pubis

iliopectineal eminence /!lipektnil
iliopectineal eminence

ileocaecal valve /!li%si%k()l $v'lv/ noun a

ileocaecal valve
|

valve at the end of the ileum, which allows food $emnns/ noun a raised area on the inner surface
to pass from the ileum into the caecum of the innominate bone
iliopubic /!li$pju%bk/ adjective same as ili-
iliopubic

ileocaecocystoplasty /!li!si%k
ileocaecocystoplasty
|

opectineal
| |

$satpl'sti/ noun an operation to reconstruct

iliopubic eminence /!li!pju%bk
iliopubic eminence

the bladder using a piece of the combined ileum |

and caecum $emnns/ noun same as iliopectineal emi-

ileocolic /!li$klk/ adjective referring to
ileocolic

|
nence
ilium /$lim/ noun the top part of each of the hip
ilium

both the ileum and the colon

ileocolic artery /!li%klk $%tri/ noun a
ileocolic artery
bones, which form the pelvis. Compare ileum.
branch of the superior mesenteric artery See illustration at PELVIS in Supplement (NOTE:
The plural is ilia.)
ileocolitis /!lik$lats/ noun inflammation
ileocolitis

ill /l/ adjective not well ! If you feel very ill you
ill

of both the ileum and the colon

ought to see a doctor.
ileocolostomy /!lik$lstmi/ noun a sur-
ileocolostomy

illness /$lns/ noun 1. a state of not being well

illness

gical operation to make a link directly between

the ileum and the colon ! Most of the children stayed away from school
ileoproctostomy /!liprk$tstmi/ noun a
ileoproctostomy
because of illness. 2. a type of disease ! Scarlet
fever is no longer considered to be a very serious
|

surgical operation to create a link between the

ileum and the rectum illness. ! He is in hospital with an infectious trop-
ical illness.
ileorectal /!li$rekt()l/ adjective referring to
ileorectal

illusion /$lu%+()n/ noun a condition in which a

| illusion

both the ileum and the rectum |

person has a wrong perception of external objects

ileosigmoidostomy /!lis1m$dstmi/
ileosigmoidostomy

i.m., IM abbreviation intramuscular

| i.m.

noun a surgical operation to create a link between

image /$md+/ noun a sensation, e.g. a smell,
image

the ileum and the sigmoid colon

ileostomy /!li$stmi/ noun a surgical opera-
ileostomy

|
sight or taste, which is remembered clearly
imagery /$md+ri/ noun visual sensations
imagery

tion to make an opening between the ileum and

the abdominal wall to act as an artificial opening clearly produced in the mind
for excretion of faeces imaginary /$m'd+n()ri/ adjective referring
imaginary

ileostomy bag /!li$stmi b'1/ noun a bag to something which does not exist but is imagined
ileostomy bag

attached to the opening made by an ileostomy, to imagination /!m'd+$ne()n/ noun the abil-
imagination

| |

collect faeces as they are passed out of the body ity to see or invent things in your mind ! In her
ileum /$lim/ noun the lower part of the small imagination she saw herself sitting on a beach in
ileum

intestine, between the jejunum and the caecum. the sun.

Compare ilium. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYS- imagine /$m'd+n/ verb to see, hear or feel
imagine

TEM in Supplement (NOTE: The plural is ilea.) something in your mind ! Imagine yourself sit-
ileus /$lis/ noun obstruction of the intestine, ting on the beach in the sun. ! I thought I heard
ileus

usually distension caused by loss of muscular someone shout, but I must have imagined it
action in the bowel. ! paralytic ileus because there is no one there.
Nursing.fm Page 144 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

imaging 144

imaging /$md+/ noun a technique for creat- immunocompromised /!mjn

imaging immunocompromised

ing pictures of sections of the body, using scan- $kmprmazd/ adjective not able to offer resist-
ners attached to computers ance to infection
immunodeficiency /!mjnd$f()nsi/
immunodeficiency

imbalance /m$b'lns/ noun a situation in

imbalance
|
|

which things are unequal or in the wrong propor- noun a lack of immunity to a disease
tions to one another, e.g. in the diet immunodeficiency virus /!mjnd
immunodeficiency virus

imipramine /$mprmi%n/ noun a drug that is

imipramine

|
$f()nsi !vars/ noun a retrovirus which
used as a treatment for depression attacks the immune system
immunodeficient /!mjnd$f()nt/
immunodeficient

immature /!m$t/ adjective not mature,

immature
|

adjective lacking immunity to a disease ! This

|

lacking insight and emotional stability

form of meningitis occurs in persons who are
immature cell /!mt $sel/ noun a cell
immature cell

immunodeficient.
which is still developing immunogenic /!mjn$d+enk/ adjective
immunogenic

immaturity /!m$trti/ noun behaviour

immaturity

| producing an immune response

which is lacking in maturity immunogenicity /!mjnd+$nsti/ noun
immunogenicity

immobilisation /!mbla$ze()n/, immo- the property which makes a substance able to pro-
immobilisation

| |

bilization noun the act of preventing somebody duce an immune response in an organism
or something from being able to move immunoglobulin /!mjn$1lbjln/ noun
immunoglobulin

immobilise /$mblaz/, immobilize verb 1. an antibody, a protein produced in blood plasma

immobilise

to keep someone from moving 2. to attach a splint as protection against infection, the commonest
to a joint or fractured limb to prevent the bones being gamma globulin. Abbreviation Ig (NOTE:
from moving The five main classes are called: immunoglob-
ulin G, A, D, E and M or IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE and
immune /$mju%n/ adjective protected against
immune

IgM.)
|

an infection or allergic disease ! She seems to be

immunological /!mjn$ld+k()l/ adjec-
immunological

immune to colds. ! The injection should make |

you immune to yellow fever. tive referring to immunology

immunologist /!mj$nld+st/ noun a spe-
immunologist

immune deficiency /!mju%n d$f()nsi/

immune deficiency
|

cialist in immunology
| |

noun a lack of immunity to a disease. ! AIDS

immunology /!mj$nld+i/ noun the study
immunology

immune reaction /$mju%n ri!'kn/,

immune reaction |

| |
of immunity and immunisation
immune response /$mju%n r!spns/ noun a
immunosuppressant
| |

/!mjns
immunosuppressant

reaction of a body to an antigen | |

$pres()nt/ noun a drug used to act against the

immune system /$mju%n !sstm/ noun a
immune system

|
response of the immune system to reject a trans-
complex network of cells and cell products, planted organ
which protects the body from disease. It includes
immunosuppression /!mjns
immunosuppression

the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, white blood | |

$pre()n/ noun the suppression of the bodys

cells and antibodies.
natural immune system so that it will not reject a
immunisation /!mjna$ze()n/, immuni-
immunisation

|
transplanted organ
zation noun the process of making a person immunosuppressive /!mjns$presv/
immunosuppressive

immune to an infection, either by injecting an

| |

noun a drug used to counteract the response of the

antiserum, passive immunisation or by inocula- immune system to reject a transplanted organ "
tion adjective counteracting the immune system
immunise /$mjnaz/, immunize verb to give
immunise

immunotherapy /!mjn$erpi/ noun "

immunotherapy

someone immunity from an infection. ! vacci- adoptive immunotherapy

nate (NOTE: You immunise someone against a
immunotransfusion /!mjntr'ns
immunotransfusion

disease.)
| |

$fju%+()n/ noun a transfusion of blood, serum or

immunity /$mju%nti/ noun the ability to resist
immunity

|
plasma containing immune bodies
attacks of a disease because antibodies are pro- Imodium /$mdim/ a trade name for Iopera-
Imodium

duced ! The vaccine gives immunity to tubercu-

|

mide hydrochloride
losis.
impacted /m$p'ktd/ adjective tightly pressed
impacted

immuno- /mjn, mju%n/ prefix immune,

immuno-

or firmly lodged against something

immunity
impacted faeces /m!p'ktd $fi%si%z/ plural
impacted faeces

immunoassay /!mjn$'se/ noun a test for

immunoassay

|
noun extremely hard dry faeces which cannot
the presence and strength of antibodies pass through the anus and have to be surgically
immunocompetence
immunocompetence

/!mjn |
removed
$kmptns/ noun the ability to develop an impacted fracture /m!p'ktd $fr'kt/
impacted fracture

immune response following exposure to an anti- noun a fracture where the broken parts of the
gen bones are pushed into each other
Nursing.fm Page 145 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

145 incidence rate

impacted tooth /m!p'ktd $tu%/ noun a impotence /$mpt()ns/ noun the inability in
impacted tooth impotence

tooth which is held against another tooth and so a male to have an erection or to ejaculate, and so
cannot grow normally have sexual intercourse
impacted ureteric calculus /m!p'ktd impotent /$mpt()nt/ adjective (of a man)
impacted ureteric calculus impotent

!jrterk $k'lkjls/ noun a small hard mass unable to have sexual intercourse
of mineral salts which is lodged in a ureter impregnate /$mpre1net/ verb 1. to make a
impregnate

impaction /m$p'kn/ noun a condition in female pregnant 2. to soak a cloth with a liquid !
impaction

which things are closely pressed together and a cloth impregnated with antiseptic
cannot develop or move normally impregnation /!mpre1$ne()n/ noun the
impregnation

impair /m$pe/ verb to harm a sense or function action of impregnating

impair

so that it does not work properly impression /m$pre()n/ noun 1. a mould of a

impression

impaired hearing /m!ped $hr/ noun persons jaw made by a dentist before making a
impaired hearing

hearing which is not clear and sharp denture 2. a depression on an organ or structure
impaired vision /m!ped $v+()n/ noun eye-
impaired vision

|
into which another organ or structure fits
impulse /$mp.ls/ noun 1. a message transmit-
impulse

sight which is not fully clear

impairment /m$pemnt/ noun a condition in
impairment

|
ted by a nerve 2. a sudden feeling of wanting to
which a sense or function is harmed so that it does act in a specific way
in- /n/ prefix 1. in, into, towards 2. not
in-

not work properly ! His hearing impairment

does not affect his work. ! The impairment was inaccessible /!nk$sesb()l/ adjective 1.
inaccessible

progressive, but she did not notice that her eye- physically difficult or impossible to reach 2. very
sight was getting worse. technical and difficult to understand
impalpable /m$p'lpb()l/ adjective not able
impalpable

inanition /!n$n()n/ noun a state of exhaus-

inanition
|
|

to be felt when touched tion caused by starvation

impediment /m$pedmnt/ noun an obstruc-
impediment

inarticulate /!n%$tkjlt/ adjective 1. with-

inarticulate

| |

tion out joints or segments, as in the bones of the skull

imperforate /m$p-%f()rt/ adjective without 2. unable to speak fluently or intelligibly 3. not
imperforate

an opening understandable as speech or language

in articulo mortis /n %!tkjl $m%ts/
in articulo mortis

imperforate anus /m!p-%f()rt $ens/

imperforate anus
|
|

noun same as proctatresia adverb a Latin phrase meaning at the onset of

imperforate hymen /m!p-%f()rt $hamen/
imperforate hymen

|
death
inborn /n$b%n/ adjective congenital, which is
inborn

noun a membrane in the vagina which is missing |

the opening for the menstrual flow in the body from birth ! A body has an inborn
impermeable /m$p-%mib()l/ adjective not
impermeable

|
tendency to reject transplanted organs.
inbreeding /$nbri%d/ noun a situation where
inbreeding

allowing liquids or gases to pass through

impetigo /!mp$ta1/ noun an irritating and
impetigo
closely related males and females, or those with
very similar genetic make-up, have children
|

very contagious skin disease caused by staphylo-

cocci, which spreads rapidly and is easily passed together, so allowing congenital conditions to be
from one child to another, but can be treated with passed on
incapacitated /!nk$p'stetd/ adjective
incapacitated

antibiotics |

implant noun /$mpl%nt/ something grafted or

implant
not able to act or work ! He was incapacitated
inserted into a person, e.g. tissue, a drug, inert for three weeks by his accident.
incarcerated /n$k%sretd/ adjective refer-
incarcerated

material or a device such as a pacemaker " verb |

/m$pl%nt/ 1. to fix into something ! The ovum

|
ring to a hernia which cannot be corrected by
implants in the wall of the uterus. 2. to graft or physical manipulation
insert tissue, a drug, inert material or a device ! inception rate /n$sepn ret/ noun the
inception rate

The site was implanted with the biomaterial. number of new cases of a disease during a period
implantation /!mpl%n$te()n/ noun 1. the
implantation

|
of time, per thousand of population
act of grafting or inserting tissue, a drug, inert incest /$nsest/ noun an act of sexual inter-
incest

material or a device into a person, or the introduc- course or other sexual activity with so close a rel-
tion of one tissue into another surgically 2. a place ative, that it is illegal or culturally not allowed
in or on the body where an implant is positioned incidence /$nsd()ns/ noun the number of
incidence

3. same as nidation times something happens in a specific population

implant site /$mpl%nt sat/ noun a place in or over a period of time ! the incidence of drug-
implant site

on the body where the implant is positioned related deaths ! Men have a higher incidence of
implosion /m$pl+()n/ noun the violent
implosion

|
strokes than women.
inward collapse of a hollow structure. It happens incidence rate /$nsd()ns ret/ noun the
incidence rate

when the pressure outside the structure is greater number of new cases of a disease during a given
than the pressure inside it. period, per thousand of population
Nursing.fm Page 146 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

incipient 146

incipient /n$spint/ adjective just beginning trol the bladder. Double incontinence is the ina-
incipient

or in its early stages ! He has an incipient appen- bility to control both the bladder and the bowels.)
dicitis. ! The tests detected incipient diabetes incontinence pad /n$kntnns p'd/ noun a
incontinence pad

mellitus. pad of material to absorb urine

incision /n$s+()n/ noun a cut in a persons incontinent /n$kntnnt/ adjective unable to
incision incontinent

| |

body made by a surgeon using a scalpel, or any control the discharge of urine or faeces
cut made with a sharp knife or razor ! The first incoordination /!nk%d$ne()n/ noun a
incoordination

incision is made two millimetres below the second situation in which the muscles in various parts of
rib. Compare excision the body do not act together, making it impossible
incisional /n$s+()n()l/ adjective referring to
incisional

| to carry out some actions

an incision incubation /!kj$be()n/ noun 1. the
incubation

incisional hernia /n!s+()n()l $h-%ni/

incisional hernia

| development of an infection inside the body

noun a hernia which breaks through the abdomi- before the symptoms of the disease appear 2. the
nal wall at a place where a surgical incision was keeping of an ill or premature baby in a controlled
made during an operation environment in an incubator 3. the process of cul-
incisor /n$saz/, incisor tooth /n$saz
incisor

| |
turing cells or microorganisms under controlled
tu%/ noun one of the front teeth, of which there conditions
are four each in the upper and lower jaws, which incubation period /!kj$be()n !prid/
incubation period

are used to cut off pieces of food. See illustration noun the time during which a virus or bacterium
at TEETH in Supplement develops in the body after contamination or infec-
inclusion /n$klu%+()n/ noun something
inclusion

|
tion, before the appearance of the symptoms of
enclosed inside something else the disease. Also called stadium invasioni
incubator /$kjbet/ noun 1. an apparatus
incubator

inclusion bodies /n$klu%+()n !bdiz/ plural

inclusion bodies

noun very small particles found in cells infected for growing bacterial cultures 2. an enclosed con-
by a virus tainer in which a premature baby can be kept,
within which conditions such as temperature and
inclusive /n$klu%sv/ adjective (of health serv-
inclusive

oxygen levels can be controlled

|

ices) provided whether or not someone has a dis-

incurable /n$kjrb()l/ adjective who or
incurable

ability or special needs |

which cannot be cured ! He is suffering from an

incompatibility /!nkmp't$blti/ noun the
incompatibility

incurable disease of the blood. " noun a patient

|

fact of being incompatible ! the incompatibility

who will never be cured ! She has been admitted
of the donors blood with that of the patient
to a hospital for incurables.
incompatible /!nkm$p'tb()l/ adjective 1.
incompatible

incus /$ks/ noun one of the three ossicles in

incus
|

referring to something which does not go together

the middle ear, shaped like an anvil. See illustra-
with something else 2. referring to drugs which
tion at EAR in Supplement
must not be used together because they undergo
independent /!nd$pendnt/ adjective not
independent

chemical change and the therapeutic effect is lost |

or changed to something undesirable 3. referring controlled by someone or something else

independent nursing function
independent nursing function

to tissue which is genetically different from other

tissue, making it impossible to transplant into that /!ndpendnt $n-%s !f.kn/ noun any part
tissue of the nurses job for which the nurse takes full
incompatible
incompatible blood

blood /!nkmp'tb()l responsibility

Inderal /$ndr'l/ a trade name for propranolol
Inderal

$bl.d/ noun blood from a donor that does not

match the blood of the person receiving the trans- index finger /$ndeks !f1/ noun the first fin-
index finger

fusion ger next to the thumb

incompetence /$nkmpt()ns/ noun the ina- indication /!nd$ke()n/ noun a situation or
incompetence indication

bility to do a particular act, especially a lack of sign which suggests that a specific treatment
knowledge or skill which makes a person unable should be given or that a condition has a particular
to do particular job cause ! Sulpha drugs have been replaced by anti-
incompetent
incompetent cervix

cervix /n!kmpt()nt |
biotics in many indications. ! contraindication
$s-%vks/ noun a dysfunctional cervix of the indicator /$ndket/ noun 1. a substance
indicator

uterus which is often the cause of spontaneous which shows something, e.g. a substance secreted
abortions and premature births and can be reme- in body fluids which shows which blood group a
died by purse-string stitching person belongs to 2. something that serves as a
incomplete
incomplete abortion

abortion /!nkmpli%t |
warning or guide
$b%()n/ noun an abortion where part of the indigenous /n$dd+ns/ adjective 1. natural
indigenous

contents of the uterus is not expelled or inborn 2. native to or representative of a coun-

incontinence /n$kntnns/ noun the inabil-
incontinence

|
try or region
ity to control the discharge of urine or faeces indigestion /!nd$d+estn/ noun a distur-
indigestion

(NOTE: Single incontinence is the inability to con- bance of the normal process of digestion, where
Nursing.fm Page 147 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

147 inferior aspect

the person experiences pain or discomfort in the infant /$nfnt/ noun a child under two years of
infant

stomach ! He is taking tablets to relieve his indi- age

gestion or He is taking indigestion tablets. ! dys- infanticide /n$f'ntsad/ noun 1. the act of
infanticide

pepsia killing an infant 2. a person who kills an infant

indigo carmine /!nd1 $k%man/ noun a
indigo carmine

infantile /$nfntal/ adjective referring to small

infantile

blue dye which is injected into a person to test children

how well their kidneys are working
infantile convulsions /!nfntal kn
infantile convulsions

indirect contact /!ndarekt $knt'kt/ noun

indirect contact |

$v.lnz/, infantile spasms plural noun convul-

the fact of catching a disease by inhaling germs or sions or minor epileptic fits in small children
by being in contact with a vector
infantile paralysis /!nfntal p$r'lss/
infantile paralysis

individualise /!nd$vd+u!laz/, individual-

individualise

| |
noun a former name for poliomyelitis
ize verb to provide something that matches the
infantilism /n$f'ntlz()m/ noun a condition
infantilism

needs of a specific person or situation ! individ-

|

in which a person keeps some characteristics of

ualised care
an infant when he or she becomes an adult
individualised nursing care
individualised nursing care

infant mortality rate /!nfnt m%$t'lti

infant mortality rate

/!ndvdjulazd $n-%s !ke/ noun care which

|

!ret/ noun the number of infants who die per

is designed to provide exactly what one particular
thousand births
patient needs ! The homes staff are specially
infarct /$nf%kt/ noun an area of tissue which is
infarct

trained to provide individualised nursing care.

killed when the blood supply is cut off by the
Indocid /$ndsd/ a trade name for indometh-
Indocid

blockage of an artery
acin
infarction /n$f%k()n/ noun a condition in
infarction

indolent /$ndlnt/ adjective 1. causing little

indolent |

which tissue is killed by the cutting off of the

pain 2. referring to an ulcer which develops blood supply
slowly and does not heal
infect /n$fekt/ verb to contaminate someone or
infect

indomethacin /!nd$mesn/ noun a drug

indomethacin |

|
something with microorganisms that cause dis-
that reduces pain, fever and inflammation, espe- ease or toxins ! The disease infected her liver. !
cially that caused by arthritis The whole arm soon became infected.
indrawn /n$dr%n/ adjective pulled inside
indrawn

infected wound /n!fektd $wu%nd/ noun a

infected wound
|
|

induce /n$dju%s/ verb to make something hap-

induce

|
wound into which bacteria have entered
pen infection /n$fekn/ noun 1. the entry or intro-
infection

induced abortion /n!dju%st $b%()n/ noun

induced abortion

| |
duction into the body of microorganisms, which
an abortion which is deliberately caused by drugs then multiply ! As a carrier he was spreading
or by surgery infection to other people in the office. 2. an illness
induction /n$d.kn/ noun 1. the process of which is caused by the entry of microbes into the
induction

starting or speeding up the birth of a baby 2. the body ! She is susceptible to minor infections.
stimulation of an enzymes production when the infectious /n$feks/ adjective referring to a
infectious

substance on which it acts increases in concentra- disease which is caused by microorganisms and
tion 3. a process by which one part of an embryo can be transmitted to other persons by direct
influences another parts development 4. infor- means ! This strain of flu is highly infectious. !
mation and support given to new employees in an Her measles is at the infectious stage.
organisation infectious disease /n!feks d$zi%z/ noun a
infectious disease

| |

induction of labour /n!d.kn v $leb/

induction of labour

| disease caused by microorganisms such as bacte-

noun the action of starting childbirth artificially ria, viruses or fungi. ! communicable disease,
induration /!ndj$re()n/ noun the harden- contagious disease
induration

ing of tissue or of an artery because of pathologi- infectious mononucleosis /n!feks

infectious mononucleosis

cal change !mn!nju%kli$ss/ noun an infectious dis-

| |

industrial disease /n$d.stril d!zi%z/ noun

industrial disease

| |
ease where the body has an excessive number of
a disease which is caused by the type of work white blood cells. Also called glandular fever
done by a worker or by the conditions in which he infectious parotitis /n!feks !p'r$tats/
infectious parotitis

| |

or she works, e.g. by dust produced or chemicals noun same as mumps

used in the factory infective /n$fektv/ adjective referring to a dis-
infective

inebriation /!ni%br$e()n/ noun a state

inebriation

| | ease caused by a microorganism, which can be

where a person is drunk, especially habitually caught from another person but which may not
drunk always be directly transmitted
inertia /$n-%/ noun a lack of activity in the inferior /n$fri/ adjective referring to a lower
inertia inferior

| |

body or mind part of the body. Opposite superior

in extremis /n ks$tri%ms/ adverb at the inferior aspect /n!frir $'spekt/ noun a
in extremis inferior aspect

| |

moment of death view of the body from below

Nursing.fm Page 148 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

inferiority 148

inferiority /n!fri$rti/ noun the fact of being stimulus by becoming inflamed ! She showed an
inferiority

| |

lower in value or quality, substandard inflammatory response to the ointment.

inferiority complex influenza /!nflu$enz/ noun an infectious dis-
influenza

/n!fri$rti
inferiority complex

| | |

!kmpleks/ noun a mental disorder arising from ease of the upper respiratory tract with fever and
a combination of wanting to be noticed and fear of muscular aches, which is transmitted by a virus
humiliation. The resulting behaviour may either and can occur in epidemics. Also called flu
be aggression or withdrawal from the external informed /n$f%md/ adjective having the latest
informed

world. information
inferior mesenteric artery /n!fri mesen
inferior mesenteric artery

informed consent /n!f%md kn$sent/ noun

informed consent
| |
| |

!terk $%tri/ noun one of the arteries which sup- an agreement to allow a procedure to be carried
ply the transverse colon and rectum out, given by a patient, or the guardian of a
inferior vena cava /n!fri !vi%n $k%v/
inferior vena cava

| patient, who has been provided with all the neces-

noun the main vein carrying blood from the lower sary information
part of the body to the heart. See illustration at infra- /$nfr/ prefix below
infra-

HEART in Supplement, KIDNEY in Supplement

infrared /!nfr$red/ adjective relating to infra-
infrared

infertility /!nf$tlti/ noun the fact of not being

infertility |

|
red radiation " noun invisible electromagnetic
fertile, not able to reproduce radiation between light and radio waves
infestation /!nfe$ste()n/ noun the fact of
infestation

infrared rays /!nfrred $rez/ plural noun long

infrared rays
|

having large numbers of parasites, or an invasion invisible rays, below the visible red end of the col-
of the body by parasites ! The condition is our spectrum, used to produce heat in body tis-
caused by infestation of the hair with lice. sues in the treatment of traumatic and inflamma-
infiltrate /$nfltret/ verb (of liquid or waste) to
infiltrate

tory conditions. ! light therapy

pass from one part of the body to another through
infundibulum /!nf.n$dbjlm/ noun any
infundibulum

a wall or membrane and be deposited in the other

|

part of the body shaped like a funnel, especially

part " noun a substance which has infiltrated a
the stem which attaches the pituitary gland to the
part of the body
hypothalamus
infiltration /!nfl$tre()n/ noun 1. the proc-
infiltration

infusion /n$fju%+()n/ noun 1. a drink made by

| infusion

ess where a liquid passes through the walls of one |

part of the body into another part 2. a condition in pouring boiling water on a dry substance such as
which waste is brought to and deposited around herb tea or a powdered drug 2. the process of
cells putting of liquid into someones body, using a
drip
infirm /n$f-%m/ adjective old and weak
infirm

ingesta /n$d+est/ plural noun food or liquid

| ingesta

infirmary /n$f-%mri/ noun 1. a room in a

infirmary |

|
that enters the body via the mouth
school or workplace where people can go if they
ingestion /n$d+estn/ noun the act of taking
ingestion

are ill 2. a former name for a hospital (NOTE: |

Infirmary is still used in the names of some hos- in food, drink or medicine by the mouth
ingrowing toenail /!n1r $tnel/,
ingrowing toenail

pitals: the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.)

infirmity /n$f-%mti/ noun a lack of strength
infirmity

|
ingrowing nail /!n1r $nel/, ingrown toe-
and energy because of illness or age (formal) nail /!n1rn $tnel/ noun a toenail which is
growing into the skin at the side of the nail, caus-
inflamed /n$flemd/ adjective sore, red and
inflamed

ing pain and swelling. The toenail cuts into the

|

swollen ! The skin has become inflamed around

tissue on either side of it, creating inflammation
the sore.
and sometimes sepsis and ulceration.
inflammation /!nfl$me()n/ noun the fact
inflammation

inguinal /$1wn()l/ adjective referring to the

| inguinal

of having become sore, red and swollen as a reac-

tion to an infection, an irritation or a blow ! She groin
inguinal canal /!1wn()l k$n'l/ noun a
inguinal canal

has an inflammation of the bladder or a bladder |

inflammation. ! The bodys reaction to infection passage in the lower abdominal wall, carrying the
took the form of an inflammation of the eyelid. spermatic cord in the male and the round ligament
inflammatory /n$fl'mt()ri/ adjective caus-
inflammatory

|
of the uterus in the female
inguinal hernia /!1wn()l $h-%ni/ noun a
inguinal hernia

ing an organ or a tissue to become sore, red and

swollen hernia where the intestine bulges through the
inflammatory bowel
inflammatory bowel disease

disease /n |
muscles in the groin
inguinal ligament /!1wn()l $l1mnt/
inguinal ligament

!fl'mt()ri $bal d!zi%z/ noun any condition, |

e.g. Crohns disease, colitis or ileitis, in which the noun a ligament in the groin, running from the
bowel becomes inflamed spine to the pubis. Also called Pouparts liga-
inflammatory response /n!fl'mt()ri r
inflammatory response

| |
ment
$spns/, inflammatory reaction /n inguinal region /!1wn()l $ri%d+n/ noun
inguinal region

!fl'mt()ri r$'kn/ noun any condition | the part of the body where the lower abdomen
where an organ or a tissue reacts to an external joins the top of the thigh. ! groin
Nursing.fm Page 149 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

149 inpatient

inhalation /!nh$le()n/ noun 1. the act of hospital treatment. ! He received severe facial
inhalation

breathing in. Opposite exhalation 2. the action of injuries in the accident.

breathing in a medicinal substance as part of a injury scoring system /!nd+ri $sk%r
injury scoring system

treatment 3. a medicinal substance which is !sstm/ noun any system used for deciding how
breathed in severe an injury is ! a standard lung injury scor-
inhale /n$hel/ verb 1. to breathe in, or breathe
inhale

|
ing system Abbreviation ISS
something in ! She inhaled some toxic gas fumes inlay /$nle/ noun (in dentistry) a type of filling
inlay

and was rushed to hospital. 2. to breathe in a for teeth

medicinal substance as part of a treatment. Oppo- inlet /$nlet/ noun a passage or opening through
inlet

site exhale which a cavity can be entered

inhaler /n$hel/ noun a small device for
inhaler

innate /$net/ adjective inherited, which is

innate
|
|

administering medicinal substances into the present in a body from birth

mouth or nose so that they can be breathed in
inner pleura /!n $plr/ noun same as vis-
inner pleura

inherent /n$hrnt/ adjective referring to a

inherent

|
ceral pleura
thing which is part of the essential character of a
innervation /!n-%$ve()n/ noun the nerve
innervation

person or a permanent characteristic of an organ- |

ism supply to an organ, including both motor nerves

and sensory nerves
inherit /n$hert/ verb to receive genetically
inherit

innocent /$ns()nt/ adjective referring to a

| innocent

controlled characteristics from a parent ! She

growth which is benign, not malignant
inherited her fathers red hair. ! Haemophilia is
innominate /$nmnt/ adjective with no
innominate

a condition which is inherited through the |

mothers genes. name

innominate artery /!nmnt $%tri/ noun
innominate artery

inheritance /n$hert()ns/ noun 1. the process

inheritance
|
|

by which genetically controlled characteristics the largest branch of the arch of the aorta, which
pass from parents to offspring ! the inheritance continues as the right common carotid and right
of chronic inflammatory bowel disease 2. all of subclavian arteries
the qualities and characteristics which are passed innominate bone /!nmnt $bn/ noun
innominate bone

down from parents ! an unfortunate part of our same as hip bone

genetic inheritance innominate vein /!nmnt $ven/ noun
innominate vein

inherited /n$hertd/ adjective passed on from

inherited

| same as brachiocephalic vein

a parent through the genes ! an inherited disor- inoculate /$nkjlet/ verb to introduce vac-
inoculate

der of the lungs cine into a persons body in order to make the
inhibit /n$hbt/ verb to prevent an action hap- body create its own antibodies, so making the per-
inhibit

pening, or stop a functional process ! Aspirin son immune to the disease ! The baby was inoc-
inhibits the clotting of blood. ulated against diphtheria. (NOTE: You inoculate
inhibition /!nh$b()n/ noun 1. the action of
inhibition

|
someone with or against a disease.)
inoculation /!nkj$le()n/ noun the action
inoculation

blocking or preventing something happening, | |

especially of preventing a muscle or organ from of inoculating someone ! Has the baby had a
functioning properly 2. (in psychology) the sup- diphtheria inoculation?
pression of a thought which is associated with a inoculum /$nkjlm/ noun a substance used
inoculum

sense of guilt 3. (in psychology) the blocking of a for inoculation, e.g. a vaccine (NOTE: The plural
spontaneous action by some mental influence is inocula.)
inhibitor /n$hbt/ noun a substance which
inhibitor

inoperable /n$pr()b()l/ adjective refer-

inoperable
|
|

inhibits ring to a condition which cannot be operated on !

inject /n$d+ekt/ verb to put a liquid into some- The surgeon decided that the cancer was inoper-
inject

ones body under pressure, by using a hollow nee- able.

dle inserted into the tissues ! He was injected inorganic /!n%$1'nk/ adjective referring to a
inorganic

with morphine. ! She injected herself with a substance which is not made from animal or veg-
drug. etable sources
injected /n$d+ektd/ adjective 1. referring to a
injected

inorganic acid /!n%1'nk $'sd/ noun an

inorganic acid

liquid or substance introduced into the body 2. acid which comes from minerals, used in dilute
referring to surface blood vessels which are swol- form to help indigestion
len inotropic /!n$trpk/ adjective affecting the
inotropic

injection /n$d+ekn/ noun 1. the act of inject-

injection

| way muscles contract, especially those of the

ing a liquid into the body ! He had a penicillin heart
injection. 2. a liquid introduced into the body inpatient /$n!pe()nt/ noun someone who
inpatient

injury /$nd+ri/ noun damage or a wound

injury

stays overnight or for some time in a hospital for

caused to a persons body ! His injuries required treatment or observation. Compare outpatient
Nursing.fm Page 150 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

inquest 150

inquest /$kwest/ noun an inquiry by a coro- institution /!nst$tju%()n/ noun a place

inquest institution

ner into the cause of a death where people are cared for, e.g. a hospital or
insanitary /n$s'nt()ri/ adjective not hygi-
insanitary

|
clinic, especially a psychiatric hospital or chil-
enic ! Cholera spread rapidly because of the drens home
insanitary conditions in the town. institutionalisation /!nst!tju%()nla
institutionalisation

| |

insanity /n$s'nti/ noun a psychotic mental

insanity

|
$ze()n/, institutionalization, institutional
disorder or illness neurosis /!nsttju%n()l nj$rss/ noun a |

insect /$nsekt/ noun a small animal with six

insect
condition in which someone has become so
legs and a body in three parts adapted to life in an institution that it is impossi-
ble for him or her to live outside it
insect bite /$nsekt bat/ noun a sting caused
insect bite

instrument /$nstrmnt/ noun a piece of

instrument

by an insect which punctures the skin to suck

blood, and in so doing introduces irritants equipment or a tool ! The doctor had a box of
surgical instruments.
COMMENT: Most insect bites are simply irri-
instrumental delivery /!nstrment()l d
instrumental delivery

tating. Others can be more serious, as in- |

sects can carry the organisms which pro- $lv()ri/ noun childbirth where the doctor uses
duce typhus, sleeping sickness, malaria, forceps to help the baby out of the mothers uterus
filariasis and many other diseases. insufficiency /!ns$f()nsi/ noun the fact of
insufficiency

insecticide /n$sektsad/ noun a substance not being strong or large enough to perform usual
insecticide

which kills insects functions ! The patient is suffering from a renal

insemination /n!sem$ne()n/ noun the fer-
insemination

| |
insufficiency.
insufflation /!ns$fle()n/ noun the act of
insufflation

tilisation of an ovum by a sperm |

insensible /n$sensb()l/ adjective 1. lacking

insensible

|
blowing gas, vapour or powder into the lungs or
feeling or consciousness 2. not aware of or another body cavity as a treatment
insulin /$nsjln/ noun a hormone produced by
insulin

responding to a stimulus 3. too slight to be per-

ceived by the senses the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
insertion /n$s-%()n/ noun the point of attach- insulinase /$nsjlnez/ noun an enzyme
insertion insulinase

ment of a muscle to a bone which breaks down insulin

insidious /n$sdis/ adjective causing harm insulin dependence /!nsjln d$pendns/
insidious insulin dependence

| |

without showing any obvious signs noun the fact of being dependent on insulin injec-
insidious disease /n!sdis d$zi%z/ noun a
insidious disease

| |
tions
disease which causes damage before being insulin-dependent diabetes /!nsjln d
insulin-dependent diabetes

detected !pendnt !da$bi%tiz/ noun same as Type I dia-

|

insight /$nsat/ noun the ability of a person to

insight
betes mellitus
realise that he or she is ill or has particular prob- insulinoma /!nsjl$nm/ noun a tumour in
insulinoma

lems or characteristics the islets of Langerhans

in situ /!n $stju%/ adverb in place insulin-resistant /!nsjln r$zst()nt/
in situ insulin-resistant

insoluble /n$sljb()l/ adjective not able to

insoluble

|
adjective referring to a condition in which the
be dissolved in liquid muscle and other tissue cells respond inade-
insoluble fibre /n!sljb()l $fab/ noun the
insoluble fibre

|
quately to insulin, as in Type II diabetes
insuloma /!nsj$lm/ noun same as insuli-
insuloma

fibre in bread and cereals, which is not digested |

but which swells inside the intestine noma

insult /$ns.lt/ noun 1. a physical injury or
insult

insomnia /n$smni/ noun the inability to

insomnia

sleep ! She experiences insomnia. ! What does trauma 2. something that causes a physical injury
the doctor give you for your insomnia? Also or trauma
called sleeplessness Intal /$nt'l/ a trade name for a preparation of
Intal

insomniac /n$smni'k/ noun a person who cromolyn sodium

insomniac

has insomnia integrated service /!nt1retd $s-%vs/

integrated service

inspiration /!nsp$re()n/ noun the act of noun a broad care service provided by health and
inspiration

taking air into the lungs. Opposite expiration social agencies acting together
instep /$nstep/ noun an arched top part of the integrative medicine /!nt1retv
instep integrative medicine

foot $med()s()n/ noun the combination of main-

instillation /!nst$le()n/ noun 1. the process
instillation

|
stream therapies and those complementary or
of putting a liquid in drop by drop 2. a liquid put alternative therapies for which there is scientific
in drop by drop evidence of efficacy and safety
integument /n$te1jmnt/ noun a covering
integument

instinct /$nstkt/ noun a tendency or ability

instinct
|

which the body has from birth and does not need layer, e.g. the skin
to learn ! The body has a natural instinct to pro- intellect /$ntlekt/ noun a persons ability to
intellect

tect itself from danger. think, reason and understand

Nursing.fm Page 151 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

151 internal carotid

intelligence /n$teld+ns/ noun the ability to interferon /!nt$frn/ noun a protein pro-
intelligence interferon

| |

learn and understand quickly duced by cells, usually in response to a virus, and
intelligence
intelligence quotient

quotient /n$teld+ns |
which then reduces the spread of viruses
!kw()nt/ noun the ratio of the mental age, as interior /n$tri/ noun a part which is inside "
interior

given by an intelligence test, to the chronological adjective inside

age of the person. Abbreviation IQ interleukin /!nt$lu%kn/ noun a protein pro-
interleukin

intensity /n$tensti/ noun the strength of e.g. duced by the bodys immune system
intensity

pain interleukin-1 /!ntlu%kn $w.n/ noun a pro-

interleukin-1

intensive care /n!tensv $ke/ noun 1. the tein which causes high temperature. Abbreviation
intensive care

continual supervision and treatment of an IL-1

extremely ill person in a special section of a hos- interleukin-2 /!ntlu%kn $tu%/ noun a protein
interleukin-2

pital ! The patient was put in intensive care. ! which stimulates T-cell production, used in the
residential care 2. same as intensive care unit treatment of cancer. Abbreviation IL-2
intensive care unit /n!tensv $ke !ju%nt/
intensive care unit

interlobar /!nt$lb/ adjective between

interlobar
|
|

noun a section of a hospital equipped with life- lobes

saving and life-support equipment in which seri-
interlobar artery /!ntlbr $%tri/ noun
interlobar artery

ously ill people who need constant medical atten-

an artery running towards the cortex on each side
tion are cared for. Abbreviation ICU
of a renal pyramid
intention /n$tenn/ noun 1. the healing proc-
intention

interlobular /nt$lbjl/ adjective between

interlobular
|

ess 2. a plan to do something

|

lobules
intention tremor /n$tenn !trem/ noun a
intention tremor

interlobular artery /nt$lbjl !%tri/

interlobular artery
|

trembling of the hands seen when people suffer-

|

noun one of the arteries running to the glomeruli

ing from particular brain diseases make voluntary
of the kidneys
movements to try to touch something
intermediate care /!ntmi%dit $ke/ noun
intermediate care

inter- /nt/ prefix between

inter-

care following surgery or illness that can be deliv-

interaction /!ntr$'kn/ noun an effect
interaction

|
ered in special units attached to a hospital or in the
which two or more substances such as drugs have persons home by a special multidisciplinary team
on each other
intermittent /!nt$mt()nt/ adjective occur-
intermittent

interatrial septum /!ntr$etril !septm/

interatrial septum

|
ring at intervals
noun a membrane between the right and left atria
intermittent claudication /!ntmt()nt
intermittent claudication

in the heart
!kl%d$ke()n/ noun a condition of the arteries
|

intercalated /n$t-%kletd/ adjective inserted

intercalated

|
causing severe pain in the legs which makes the
between other tissues person limp after having walked a short distance
intercalated disc /n!t-%kletd $dsk/ noun
intercalated disc

| (NOTE: The symptoms increase with walking,

closely applied cell membranes at the end of adja- stop after a short rest and recur when the person
cent cells in cardiac muscle, seen as transverse walks again.)
lines intermittent fever /!ntmt()nt $fi%v/ noun
intermittent fever

intercellular /!nt$seljl/ adjective between fever which rises and falls regularly, as in malaria
intercellular

the cells in tissue intermittent self-catheterisation

intermittent self-catheterisation

intercostal /!nt$kst()l/ adjective between /!ntmt()nt self !k'tra$ze()n/ noun a

intercostal

| |

the ribs " noun same as intercostal muscle procedure in which someone puts a catheter
intercostal muscle /nt!kst()l $m.s()l/
intercostal muscle

|
through the urethra into their own bladder from
noun one of the muscles between the ribs time to time to empty out the urine. Abbreviation
COMMENT: The intercostal muscles expand
ISC
internal /n$t-%n()l/ adjective inside the body
internal

and contract the thorax, so changing the |

pressure in the thorax and making the per- or a body part

son breathe in or out. There are three layers internal auditory meatus /n!t-%n()l
internal auditory meatus

of intercostal muscle: external, internal and !%dt()ri mi$ets/ noun a channel which takes
|

innermost or intercostalis intimis. the auditory nerve through the temporal bone
intercurrent disease /!ntk.rnt d$zi%z/,
intercurrent disease

internal cardiac massage /n!t-%n()l

internal cardiac massage
|
|

intercurrent infection /!ntk.rnt n$fekn/ |

!k%di'k $m's%+/ noun a method of making the
noun a disease or infection which affects some- heart start beating again by pressing on the heart
one who has another disease itself
interdigital /!nt$dd+t()l/ adjective refer-
interdigital

internal carotid /n!t-%n()l k'$rtd/ noun

internal carotid
|
| |

ring to the space between the fingers or toes an artery in the neck, behind the external carotid,
interdisciplinary /!nt!ds$plnri/ adjec- which gives off the ophthalmic artery and ends by
interdisciplinary

| |

tive combining two or more different areas of dividing into the anterior and middle cerebral
medical or scientific study arteries
Nursing.fm Page 152 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

internal derangement of the knee 152

internal derangement of the knee /n parietal bones " noun same as interparietal
internal derangement of the knee

!t-%n()l d$ren+mnt v $ni%/ noun a condi-

|
bone
tion in which the knee cannot function properly interparietal bone /!ntp$rat()l !bn/
interparietal bone

because of a torn meniscus. Abbreviation IDK noun a triangular bone in the back of the skull,
internal ear /n!t-%n()l $/ noun the part of rarely present in humans
internal ear

the ear inside the head, behind the eardrum, con- interphalangeal joint /!ntf$l'nd+il
interphalangeal joint

taining the semicircular canals, the vestibule and !d+nt/ noun a joint between the phalanges.
the cochlea Also called IP joint
internal haemorrhage /n!t-%n()l interphase /$ntfez/ noun a stage of a cell
internal haemorrhage interphase

$hem()rd+/ noun a haemorrhage which takes between divisions

place inside the body interpubic joint /!ntpju%bk $d+nt/ noun a
interpubic joint

internal haemorrhoids /n!t-%n()l

internal haemorrhoids

| piece of cartilage which joins the two sections of

$hemrdz/ plural noun swollen veins inside the the pubic bone. Also called pubic symphysis
anus intersex /$ntseks/ noun an organism that has
intersex

internal iliac artery /n!t-%n()l $li'k

internal iliac artery

| both male and female characteristics

!%tri/ noun an artery which branches from the intersexuality /!ntseku$'lti/ noun a con-
intersexuality

aorta in the abdomen and leads to the pelvis dition in which a baby has both male and female
internal injury /n!t-%n()l $nd+ri/ noun characteristics, as in Klinefelters syndrome and
internal injury

damage to one of the internal organs Turners syndrome

internal jugular /n!t-%n()l $d+.1jl/ noun interstice /n$t-%sts/ noun a small space
internal jugular interstice

| |

the largest jugular vein in the neck, leading to the between body parts or within a tissue
brachiocephalic veins interstitial /!nt$st()l/ adjective referring to
interstitial

internal nares /n!t-%n()l $neri%z/ plural tissue located in the spaces between parts of
internal nares

noun the two openings shaped like funnels lead- something, especially between the active tissues
ing from the nasal cavity to the pharynx. Also in an organ
called posterior nares interstitial cell /!nt$st()l !sel/ noun a tes-
interstitial cell

internal oblique /n!t-%n()l $bli%k/ noun the tosterone-producing cell between the tubules in
internal oblique

| |

middle layer of muscle covering the abdomen, the testes. Also called Leydig cell
beneath the external oblique interstitial cell stimulating hormone
interstitial cell stimulating hormone

internal respiration /n!t-%n()l !resp /!nt!st()l sel $stmjlet !h%mn/

internal respiration

| | |

$re()n/ noun the part of respiration concerned noun a hormone produced by the pituitary gland
with the passage of oxygen from the blood to the which stimulates the formation of corpus luteum
tissues, and the passage of carbon dioxide from in females and testosterone in males. Abbrevia-
the tissues to the blood tion ICSH. Also called luteinising hormone
interstitial cystitis /!ntst()l s$stats/
interstitial cystitis

International Committee of the Red

International Committee of the Red Cross

Cross /nt!n'()n()l k!mti v !red

| |
noun a persistent nonbacterial condition in which
$krs/ noun an international organisation which someone has bladder pain and wants to pass urine
provides mainly emergency medical help, but frequently. It is often associated with Hunners
also relief to victims of earthquakes, floods and ulcer.
other disasters, or to prisoners of war. Abbrevia- intertrigo /!nt$tra1/ noun an irritation
intertrigo

tion ICRC which occurs when two skin surfaces rub against
International Council of Nurses each other, as in the armpit or between the but-
International Council of Nurses

/!ntn'()n()l !kansl v $n-%sz/ noun an tocks

organisation founded in 1899 which now repre- intertubercular plane /!nttj!b-%kjl
intertubercular plane

sents nurses in more than 120 countries. Its aims $plen/ noun same as transtubercular plane
are to bring nurses together, to advance nursing intervention /!nt$venn/ noun a treatment
intervention

worldwide and to influence health policies.

interventional radiology /!ntvenn()l
interventional radiology

Abbreviation ICN
!redi$ld+i/ noun the area of medicine which
international unit /!ntn'()nl $ju%nt/
international unit |

uses X-rays, ultrasound and CAT to guide small

noun an internationally agreed standard used in instruments into the body for procedures such as
pharmacy as a measure of a substance such as a biopsies, draining fluids or widening narrow ves-
drug or hormone. Abbreviation IU sels
internodal /!nt$nd()l/ adjective between
internodal

interventricular /!ntven$trkjl/ adjective

interventricular
|
|

two nodes between ventricles in the heart or brain

interosseous /!ntr$sis/ adjective between
interosseous

interventricular foramen /!ntven!trkjl

interventricular foramen
|
|

bones f$remn/ noun an opening in the brain between

|

interparietal /!ntp$rat()l/ adjective the lateral ventricle and the third ventricle,
interparietal

between parietal parts, especially between the through which the cerebrospinal fluid passes
Nursing.fm Page 153 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

153 intrauterine contraceptive device

interventricular septum /!ntven!trkjl intracerebral haematoma /!ntr!serbrl

interventricular septum intracerebral haematoma

| |

$septm/ noun a membrane between the right !hi%m$tm/ noun a blood clot inside a cere-
|

and left ventricles in the heart bral hemisphere

intracranial /!ntr$krenil/ adjective inside
intracranial

intervertebral /!nt$v-%tbr()l/ adjective

intervertebral
|
|

between vertebrae the skull

intracranial pressure /!ntrkrenil $pre/
intracranial pressure

intervertebral disc /!nt!v-%tbrl $dsk/

intervertebral disc

noun a round plate of cartilage which separates noun the pressure of the subarachnoidal fluid,
two vertebrae in the spinal column. See illustra- which fills the space between the skull and the
tion at CARTILAGINOUS JOINT in Supplement. brain. Abbreviation ICP
intractable /n$tr'ktb()l/ adjective not able
intractable

Also called vertebral disc |

to be controlled ! an operation to relieve intrac-

intervertebral foramen /!nt!v-%tbrl f
intervertebral foramen

table pain
| |

$remn/ noun a space between two vertebrae

intracutaneous /!ntrkju%$tenis/ adjective
intracutaneous

intestinal /n$testn()l/ adjective referring to

intestinal |

|
inside layers of skin tissue
the intestine
intracutaneous injection /!ntrkju%
intracutaneous injection

intestinal anastomosis /n!testn()l

intestinal anastomosis

| |
!tenis n$d+ekn/ noun an injection of a liq-
|

!n'st$mss/ noun a surgical operation to join

|
uid between the layers of skin, as for a test for an
one part of the intestine to another, after a section allergy
has been removed intradermal test /!ntr$d-%m()l !test/ noun
intradermal test

intestinal flora /n!testn()l $fl%r/ plural

intestinal flora

| a test requiring an injection into the thickness of

noun beneficial bacteria which are always present the skin, e.g. a Mantoux test or an allergy test
in the intestine intradural /!ntr$djrl/ adjective inside the
intradural

intestinal glands /n$testn()l 1l'ndz/ plu- dura mater

intestinal glands

ral noun tubular glands found in the mucous intramedullary /!ntrme$d.lri/ adjective
intramedullary

membrane of the small and large intestine, espe- inside the bone marrow or spinal cord
cially those between the bases of the villi in the intramural /!ntr$mjrl/ adjective inside
intramural

small intestine. Also called Lieberkhns the wall of an organ

glands, crypts of Lieberkhn
intramuscular /!ntr$m.skjl/ adjective
intramuscular

intestinal obstruction /n!testn()l b

intestinal obstruction

| | inside a muscle
$str.kn/ noun a blocking of the intestine intramuscular injection /!ntr!m.skjl n
intramuscular injection

| |

intestinal villi /n!testn()l $vla/ plural noun $d+ekn/ noun an injection of liquid into a mus-
intestinal villi

projections on the walls of the intestine which cle, e.g. for a slow release of a drug
help in the digestion of food intranasal /!ntr$nez()l/ adjective inside or
intranasal

intestinal wall /n!testn()l $w%l/ noun the into the nose

intestinal wall

layers of tissue which form the intestine intraocular /!ntr$kjl/ adjective inside the
intraocular

intestine /n$testn/ noun the part of the diges-

intestine

|
eye
intraocular lens /!ntr!kjl $lenz/ noun an
intraocular lens

tive system between the stomach and the anus that |

digests and absorbs food. ! large intestine, artificial lens implanted inside the eye. Abbrevia-
small intestine (NOTE: For other terms referring tion IOL
to the intestines, see words beginning with intraocular pressure /!ntr!kjl $pre/
intraocular pressure

entero-.) noun the pressure inside the eyeball (NOTE: If the

intima /$ntm/ " tunica intima
intima
pressure is too high, it causes glaucoma.)
intraoperative ultrasound /!ntrprtv
intraoperative ultrasound

intolerance /n$tlrns/ noun the fact of

intolerance

$.ltrsand/ noun high-resolution imaging used

|

being unable to endure something such as pain or

to take a medicine without an adverse reaction ! in surgery. Abbreviation IOUS
intraorbital /!ntr$%bt()l/ adjective within
intraorbital

He developed an intolerance to penicillin. |

the orbit of the eye

intoxication /n!tks$ke()n/ noun a condi-
intoxication

intraosseous /!ntr$sis/ adjective within a

| | intraosseous

tion which results from the absorption and diffu- |

sion in the body of a substance such as alcohol ! bone

intrathecal /!ntr$i%k()l/ adjective inside a
intrathecal

She was driving in a state of intoxication. |

sheath, especially inside the intradural or sub-

intra- /ntr/ prefix inside
intra-

arachnoid space
intra-abdominal /!ntr 'b$dmn()l/ adjec-
intra-abdominal

intratracheal /!ntrtr$kil/ adjective within

intratracheal
|
|

tive inside the abdomen the trachea. Also called endotracheal

intra-articular /!ntr %$tkjl/ adjective
intra-articular

intrauterine /!ntr$ju%tran/ adjective inside

intrauterine
|
|

inside a joint the uterus

intracellular /!ntr$seljl/ adjective inside a intrauterine contraceptive device /!ntr
intracellular intrauterine contraceptive device

| |

cell ju%tran !kntr$septv d!vas/, intrauterine

| |
Nursing.fm Page 154 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

intravascular 154
device /!ntrju%tran d$vas/ noun a plastic | himself or herself and his or her own mental state.
coil placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Compare extroversion
Abbreviation IUCD, IUD introvert /$ntrv-%t/ noun a person who thinks
introvert

intravascular /!ntr$v'skjl/ adjective only about himself or herself and his or her own
intravascular

inside the blood vessels mental state. Compare extrovert

intravenous /!ntr$vi%ns/ adjective into a intubate /$ntju%bet/ verb to insert a tube into
intravenous intubate

vein. Abbreviation IV any organ or part of the body. Also called cathe-
intravenous drip /!ntrvi%ns $drp/ noun a
intravenous drip
terise
intubation /!ntju%$be()n/ noun the thera-
intubation

thin tube that is inserted into a vein and is used to |

very gradually give a person fluids, either for peutic insertion of a tube into the larynx through
rehydration, feeding or medication purposes the glottis to allow the passage of air. Also called
intravenous feeding /!ntrvi%ns $fi%d/
intravenous feeding
catheterisation
intumescence /!ntju%$mes()ns/ noun the
intumescence

noun the procedure of giving someone liquid |

food by means of a tube inserted into a vein swelling of an organ

intussusception /!nts$sepn/ noun a
intussusception

intravenous injection /!ntrvi%ns n

intravenous injection
|
|

$d+ekn/ noun an injection of liquid into a vein, condition in which part of the gastrointestinal
e.g. for the fast release of a drug tract becomes folded down inside the part beneath
it, causing an obstruction and strangulation of the
intravenously /!ntr$vi%nsli/ adverb into a
intravenously

folded part
|

vein ! a fluid given intravenously

inunction /n$.kn/ noun 1. the act of rub-
inunction

intravenous pyelogram /!ntrvi%ns

intravenous pyelogram |

bing an ointment into the skin so that the medi-

$pal1r'm/, intravenous urogram /!ntr |
cine in it is absorbed 2. an ointment which is
vi%ns $jr1r'm/ noun a series of X-ray pho- rubbed into the skin
tographs of the kidneys using pyelography.
invagination /n!v'd+$ne()n/ noun same
invagination

Abbreviation IVP | |

as intussusception
intravenous pyelography /!ntrvi%ns
intravenous pyelography

invalid /$nvld/ (dated) noun someone who

| invalid

!pa$l1rfi/, intravenous urography /!ntr

| |

vi%ns j$r1rfi/ noun an X-ray examination of

|
has had an illness and has not fully recovered
the urinary tract after opaque liquid has been from it or who has been permanently disabled "
injected intravenously into the body and taken by adjective weak or disabled
invasion /n$ve+()n/ noun the entry of bacte-
invasion

the blood into the kidneys |

intraventricular /!ntrven$trkjl/ adjec-

intraventricular

|
ria into a body, or the first attack of a disease
invasive /n$vesv/ adjective 1. referring to
invasive

tive inside or placed into a ventricle in the heart or |

the brain cancer which tends to spread throughout the body

intrinsic /n$trnsk/ adjective belonging to the
intrinsic
2. referring to an inspection or treatment which
involves entering the body by making an incision.
|

essential nature of an organism, or entirely within

an organ or part ! non-invasive
inverse care law /!nv-%s $ke !l%/ noun the
inverse care law

intrinsic factor /n!trnsk $f'kt/ noun a

intrinsic factor

idea that the people who most need care and serv-
|

protein produced in the gastric glands which

reacts with the extrinsic factor, and which, if lack- ices are least likely or able to access them
inversion /n$v-%()n/ noun the fact of being
inversion

ing, causes pernicious anaemia |

turned towards the inside ! inversion of the foot

intrinsic ligament /n!trnsk $l1mnt/
intrinsic ligament

See illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supple-

|

noun a ligament which forms part of the capsule

surrounding a joint
ment
investigative surgery /n!vest1tv
investigative surgery

intrinsic muscle /n!trnsk $m.s()l/ noun a

intrinsic muscle |

|
$s-%d+ri/ noun surgery to investigate the cause
muscle lying completely inside the part or seg- of a condition
ment, especially of a limb, which it moves
in vitro /!n $vi%tr/ adjective, adverb a Latin
in vitro

intro- /ntr/ prefix inward

intro-

phrase meaning in a glass, i.e. in a test tube or

introitus /n$trts/ noun an opening into any
introitus

|
similar container used in a laboratory
hollow organ or canal in vitro fertilisation /!n !vi%tr !f-%tla
in vitro fertilisation

introjection /!ntr$d+ekn/ noun a persons

introjection

| $ze()n/ noun the fertilisation of an ovum in the

unconscious adoption of the attitudes or values of laboratory. ! test-tube baby. Abbreviation IVF
another person whom he or she wants to impress in vivo adjective, adverb a Latin phrase meaning
in vivo

introspection /!ntr$spekn/ noun a

introspection

| in living tissue, i.e. referring to an experiment

detailed and sometimes obsessive mental self- which takes place on the living body
examination of feelings, thoughts and motives in vivo experiment /n !vi%v k$spermnt/
in vivo experiment

introversion /!ntr$v-%()n/ noun a condi-

introversion

| noun an experiment on a living body, e.g. that of

tion in which a person is excessively interested in an animal
Nursing.fm Page 155 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

155 irritable hip

involucrum /!nv$lu%krm/ noun a covering used in the treatment of conditions such as

involucrum

of new bone which forms over diseased bone asthma, bronchitis and emphysema
ipsilateral /!ps$l'trl/ adjective located on
ipsilateral

involuntary /n$vlnt()ri/ adjective done

involuntary
|
|

automatically, without any conscious thought or or affecting the same side of the body. Also called
decision-making being involved ! Patients are homolateral. Opposite contralateral
advised not to eat or drink, to reduce the risk of IQ abbreviation intelligence quotient
IQ

involuntary vomiting while on the operating IRDS abbreviation infant respiratory distress
IRDS

table. syndrome
involuntary action /n!vlnt()ri $'kn/
involuntary action

irid- /rd/ prefix referring to the iris

irid-
|

noun an action which someone does without iridectomy /!r$dektmi/ noun the surgical
iridectomy

thinking or making a conscious decision

|

removal of part of the iris

involuntary muscle /n!vlnt()ri $m.s()l/
involuntary muscle

iridocyclitis /!rds$klats/ noun inflam-

iridocyclitis
|
|

noun a muscle supplied by the autonomic nervous mation of the iris and the tissues which surround
system, and therefore not under voluntary control, it
e.g. the muscle which activates a vital organ such
iridodialysis /!rdda$'lss/ noun the sep-
iridodialysis

as the heart |

aration of the iris from its insertion

involution /!nv$lu%()n/ noun 1. the return of
involution

iridoplegia /!rd$pli%d+/ noun paralysis of

| iridoplegia

an organ to its usual size, e.g. the shrinking of the

|

the iris
uterus after childbirth 2. a period of decline of
iridoptosis /!rd$tss/ noun the pushing
iridoptosis

organs which sets in after middle age |

forward of the iris through a wound in the cornea

involutional /!nv$lu%()n()l/ adjective
involutional

iridotomy /!r$dtmi/ noun a surgical inci-

| iridotomy

referring to involution |

sion into the iris

involutional melancholia /nv!lu%()n()l
involutional melancholia

iris /$ars/ noun a coloured ring in the eye, with

| iris

!meln$kli/ noun a depression which occurs

the pupil at its centre. See illustration at EYE in
|

in people, mainly women, after middle age, prob-

ably caused by a change of endocrine secretions Supplement
COMMENT: The iris acts like the aperture in a
iodine /$adi%n/ noun a chemical element
iodine

camera shutter, opening and closing to allow

which is essential to the body, especially to the more or less light through the pupil into the
functioning of the thyroid gland (NOTE: Lack of eye.
iodine in the diet can cause goitre. The chemical
iritis /a$rats/ noun inflammation of the iris
iritis

symbol is I.) |

iron /$an/ noun 1. a chemical element essential

iron

IOL abbreviation intraocular lens

IOL

to the body, present in foods such as liver and eggs

ion /$an/ noun an atom that has an electric
ion

2. a common grey metal (NOTE: The chemical

charge (NOTE: Ions with a positive charge are symbol is Fe.)
called cations and those with a negative charge
iron-deficiency anaemia /!an d$f()nsi
iron-deficiency anaemia

are called anions.)

|

!ni%mi/ noun anaemia caused by a lack of iron

ionise /$anaz/, ionize verb to give an atom an
ionise |

in red blood cells

electric charge
iron lung /!an $l./ noun same as Drinker
iron lung

ioniser /$anaz/, ionizer noun a machine

ioniser

respirator
that increases the amount of negative ions in the irradiation /!red$e()n/ noun 1. the process
irradiation

atmosphere of a room, so counteracting the effect

| |

of spreading from a centre, as e.g., nerve impulses

of positive ions
do 2. the use of radiation to treat people or to kill
iontophoresis /a!ntf$ri%ss/ noun the
iontophoresis

| |
bacteria in food
movement of ions through a biological material irreducible hernia /r!dju%sb()l $h-%ni/
irreducible hernia

when an electric current passes through it

|

noun a hernia where the organ cannot be returned

IOUS abbreviation intraoperative ultrasound
IOUS

to its usual position

IPAV abbreviation intermittent positive airway
IPAV

irrigation /!r$1e()n/ noun the washing out

irrigation

ventilation. ! positive pressure ventilation of a cavity in the body

ipecacuanha /!pk'kj$'n/ noun a drug
ipecacuanha

irritability /!rt$blti/ noun the state of being

irritability
| |

made from the root of an American plant, used as irritable

a treatment for coughs, and also as an emetic irritable /$rtb()l/ adjective 1. easily able to
irritable

IP joint /!a $pi% !d+nt/ noun same as inter-

IP joint

become inflamed and painful 2. feeling annoyed

phalangeal joint and impatient
IPPV abbreviation intermittent positive pressure irritable bowel syndrome /!rtb()l $bal
IPPV irritable bowel syndrome

ventilation. ! positive pressure ventilation !sndrm/ noun " mucous colitis. Abbrevia-
ipratropium /!apr$trpim/, ipratropium
ipratropium

|
tion IBS
bromide /!apr!trpim $brmad/ noun a irritable hip /!rtb()l $hp/ noun a condition
irritable hip

drug which helps to relax muscles in the airways, of pain in the hip which is caused by swelling of
Nursing.fm Page 156 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
irritant
the synovium. Treatment involves bed rest, trac-
tion and anti-inflammatory drugs.
irritant /$rt()nt/ noun a substance which can
irritant
irritate
irritant dermatitis /!rt()nt !d-%m$tats/
irritant dermatitis
noun same as contact dermatitis
irritate /$rtet/ verb to cause a painful reaction
irritate
in part of the body, especially to make it inflamed
! Some types of wool can irritate the skin.
irritation /!r$te()n/ noun a feeling of being
irritation
irritated ! an irritation caused by the ointment
ISC abbreviation intermittent self-catheterisation
ISC
isch- /sk/ prefix too little
isch-
ischaemia /$ski%mi/ noun a deficient blood
ischaemia
|
supply to a part of the body
ischaemic /$ski%mk/ adjective lacking in
ischaemic
|
blood
ischi- /ski/ prefix same as ischio- (used before
ischi-
vowels)
ischia /$ski/ plural of ischium
ischia
ischial /$skil/ adjective referring to the
ischial
ischium or hip joint
ischial tuberosity /!skil !tju%b$rsti/
ischial tuberosity
|
noun a lump of bone forming the ring of the
ischium
ischio- /ski/ prefix referring to the ischium
ischio-
ischiorectal /!ski$rekt()l/ adjective refer-
ischiorectal
| in the lungs
ring to both the ischium and the rectum
ischiorectal abscess /!ski!rekt()l
ischiorectal abscess
|
$'bses/ noun an abscess which forms in fat cells
between the anus and the ischium
ischiorectal fossa /!ski!rekt()l $fs/
ischiorectal fossa
|
noun a space on either side of the lower end of the
rectum and anal canal
ischium /$skim/ noun the lower part of the hip
ischium
bone in the pelvis. See illustration at PELVIS in
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is ischia.)
Ishihara colour charts /!h%r $k.l
Ishihara colour charts
!t%ts/ plural noun charts used in a test for col-
our vision in which numbers or letters are shown
in dots of primary colours with dots of other col-
ours around them. People with normal colour
vision can see them, but people who are colour-
blind cannot.
islets of Langerhans /!alts v $l'h'ns/,
islets of Langerhans
islands of Langerhans /!alndz v
$l'h'nz/, islet cells /$alt selz/ plural noun
groups of cells in the pancreas which secrete the
hormones glucagon, insulin and gastrin
[Described 1869. After Paul Langerhans (1847
88), Professor of Pathological Anatomy at
Freiburg, Germany.]
iso- /as/ prefix equal
iso-
isograft /$as1r%ft/ noun a graft of tissue
isograft
from an identical twin. Also called syngraft
isoimmunisation /!as!mjuna$ze()n/,
isoimmunisation
| |
isoimmunization noun immunisation of a per-
son with antigens derived from another person
156
isolation /!as$le()n/ noun the separation of
isolation
a person, especially one with an infectious dis-
ease, from others
isolation ward /!as$le()n w%d/ noun a
isolation ward
special ward where people who have dangerous
infectious diseases can be kept isolated from oth-
ers
isolator /$aslet/ noun 1. a large clear plastic
isolator
bag in which a person can be nursed, or operated
on, in a sterile environment 2. a room or piece of
equipment which keeps people or substances sep-
arated from others which may contaminate them
! an isolator stretcher ! an isolator cabinet
isoleucine /!as$lu%si%n/ noun an essential
isoleucine
|
amino acid
isometric /!as$metrk/ adjective 1. involv-
isometric
|
ing equal measurement ! an isometric view of the
system 2. referring to muscle contraction in which
tension occurs with very little shortening of mus-
cle fibres 3. referring to exercises in which the
muscles are put under tension but not contracted
isometrics /!as$metrks/ plural noun exer-
isometrics
cises to strengthen the muscles, in which the mus-
cles contract but do not shorten
isoprenaline /!as$prenli%n/, isoprotere-
isoprenaline
|
nol /!aspr$ternl/ noun a drug that
|
relieves asthma by widening the bronchial tubes
isosorbide dinitrate /!as!s%bad da
isosorbide dinitrate
| |
$natret/ noun a compound which causes widen-
ing or relaxation of the blood vessels, used in the
treatment of angina pectoris
isotonic /!as$tnk/ adjective referring to a
isotonic
|
solution, e.g. a saline drip, which has the same
osmotic pressure as blood serum and which can
therefore be passed directly into the body. Com-
pare hypertonic, hypotonic
isotonic solution /!astnk s$lu%()n/
isotonic solution
noun a solution which has the same osmotic pres-
sure as blood serum, or as another liquid it is com-
pared with
isotope /$astp/ noun a form of a chemical
isotope
element which has the same chemical properties
as other forms but a different atomic mass
isotretinoin /!astre$tnn/ noun a drug
isotretinoin
|
used in the treatment of severe acne and several
other skin diseases
ispaghula /!sp$1u%l/, ispaghula husk
ispaghula
|
/!sp$1u%l h.sk/ noun a natural dietary fibre
|
used to treat constipation, diverticulitis and irrita-
ble bowel syndrome
ISS abbreviation injury scoring system
ISS
isthmus /$sms/ noun a short narrow canal or
isthmus
cavity
itch /t/ noun an irritated place on the skin
itch
which makes a person want to scratch " verb to
produce an irritating sensation, making someone
want to scratch
Nursing.fm Page 157 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

157 IVU

itching /$t/ noun same as pruritus IUCD abbreviation intrauterine contraceptive

itching IUCD

device
itchy /$ti/ adjective making a person want to
itchy

IUD abbreviation 1. intrauterine death 2. intrau-

IUD

scratch ! The main symptom of the disease is an

terine device
itchy red rash.
IV abbreviation intravenous
IV

-itis /ats/ suffix inflammation

-itis

IVF abbreviation in vitro fertilisation

IVF

ITU abbreviation intensive therapy unit

ITU

IVP abbreviation intravenous pyelogram

IVP

IU abbreviation international unit IVU abbreviation intravenous urography

IU IVU
Nursing.fm Page 158 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
J
J /d+e/ abbreviation joule
J jejunal ulcer
jab /d+'b/ noun an injection or inoculation
jab
(informal) ! a tetanus jab
Jacksonian
Jacksonian epilepsy
epilepsy /d+'k!snin
|
$eplepsi/ noun a form of epilepsy in which the
jerking movements start in one part of the body
before spreading to others [Described 1863. After
John Hughlings Jackson (18351911), British
neurologist.]
Jacquemiers sign /$d+'kmz !san/ noun
Jacquemiers sign
a sign of early pregnancy in which the vaginal
mucosa becomes slightly blue due to an increased
amount of blood in the arteries [After Jean Marie
Jacquemier (180679), French obstetrician.]
jactitation /!d+'kt$te()n/ noun the action
jactitation
|
of constantly moving the body around in a restless
way, especially because of mental illness
jag /d+'1/ noun in Scotland, an injection or
jag
inoculation (informal)
jargon /$d+%1n/ noun 1. the words used by
jargon
people who have a particular area of knowledge,
which are usually only understood by those peo-
ple ! medical jargon 2. a stream of words that
makes no sense, produced by someone with apha-
sia or a severe mental disorder
jaundice /$d+%nds/ noun a condition in which
jaundice
there is an excess of bile pigment in the blood, and
in which the pigment is deposited in the skin and
the whites of the eyes, which have a yellow col-
our. Also called icterus
jaw /d+%/ noun the bones in the face which hold
jaw
the teeth and form the mouth ! He fell down and
broke his jaw. ! The punch on his mouth broke his
jaw.
COMMENT: The jaw has two parts, the upper
(the maxillae) being fixed parts of the skull,
and the lower (the mandible) being attached
to the skull with a hinge so that it can move
up and down.
jawbone /$d+%bn/ noun one of the bones
jawbone
which form the jaw, especially the lower jaw or
mandible
jejun- /d+d+u%n/ prefix same as jejuno- (used
jejun-
before vowels)
jejunal /d+$d+u%n()l/ adjective referring to the
jejunal
jejunum
jejunal ulcer /d+!d+u%n()l $.ls/ noun an
ulcer in the jejunum
jejunectomy /!d+d+u%$nektmi/ noun a surgi-
jejunectomy
|
cal operation to remove all or part of the jejunum
(NOTE: The plural is jejunectomies.)
jejuno- /d+i%d+u%n/ prefix referring to the
jejuno-
jejunum
jejunoileostomy /d+!d+u%n!li$stmi/
jejunoileostomy
| | |
noun a surgical operation to make an artificial
link between the jejunum and the ileum (NOTE:
The plural is jejunoileostomies.)
jejunostomy /!d+d+u$nstmi/ noun a surgi-
jejunostomy
|
cal operation to make an artificial passage to the
jejunum through the wall of the abdomen (NOTE:
The plural is jejunostomies.)
jejunotomy /!d+d+u$ntmi/ noun a surgical
jejunotomy
|
operation to cut into the jejunum (NOTE: The plu-
ral is jejunotomies.)
jejunum /d+$d+u%nm/ noun the part of the
jejunum
|
small intestine between the duodenum and the
ileum, about 2 metres long. See illustration at
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement
jerk /d+-%k/ noun a sudden movement of part of
jerk
the body which indicates that the local reflex arc
is intact " verb to make sudden movements, or
cause something to make sudden movements ! In
some forms of epilepsy the limbs jerk.
jet lag /$d+et l'1/ noun a condition suffered by
jet lag
people who travel long distances in planes,
caused by rapid changes in time zones which
affect sleep patterns and meal times and thus
interfere with the bodys metabolism ! We had
jet lag when we flew from Australia.
jet-lagged /$d+et l'1d/ adjective experiencing
jet-lagged
jet lag ! jet-lagged travellers ! We were jet-
lagged for a week.
joint /d+nt/ noun a structure at a point where
joint
two or more bones join, especially one which
allows movement of the bones ! The elbow is a
joint in the arm. ! Arthritis is accompanied by
stiffness in the joints. ! Charcots joint (NOTE:
For other terms referring to joints, see words
beginning with arthr-, arthro-.)
joint capsule /$d+nt !k'psju%l/ noun white
joint capsule
fibrous tissue which surrounds and holds a joint
together. See illustration at SYNOVIAL JOINT in
Supplement
Nursing.fm Page 159 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

159 juxtaposition

joint investment plan /!d+nt n$vestmnt jumpers knee /!d+.mpz $ni%/ noun a painful
joint investment plan jumpers knee

pl'n/ noun a plan that health and social services condition suffered by athletes and dancers in
draw up together for specific areas of care which inflammation develops in the knee joint
joint mouse /$d+nt mas/ plural noun a
joint mouse

junction /$d+.kn/ noun a joining point

junction

loose piece of bone or cartilage in the knee joint,

junior doctor /!d+u%ni $dkt/ noun a doctor
junior doctor

making the joint lock

who is completing his or her training in hospital
joule /d+u%l/ noun the SI unit of measurement of
joule

junk food /$d+.k fu%d/ noun food of little

junk food

work or energy. 4.184 joules equals one calorie.

Symbol J nutritional value, e.g. high-fat processed snacks,
eaten between or instead of meals
jugular /$d+.1jl/ adjective referring to the
jugular

juvenile /$d+u%vnal/ adjective relating to or

juvenile

throat or neck " noun same as jugular vein

affecting children or adolescents
jugular nerve /$d+.1jl n-%v/ noun one of
jugular nerve

juxta- /d+.kst/ prefix beside or near

juxta-

the nerves in the neck

juxta-articular /!d+.kst %$tkjl/ adjective
juxta-articular

jugular trunk /$d+.1jl tr.k/ noun a termi-

jugular trunk

nal lymph vessel in the neck, draining into the occurring near a joint
subclavian vein juxtaposition /!d+.kstp$z()n/ noun the
juxtaposition

jugular vein /$d+.1jl ven/ noun one of the placing of two or more things side by side so as to
jugular vein

veins which pass down either side of the neck. make their similarities or differences more obvi-
Also called jugular ous
Nursing.fm Page 160 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
k symbol kilo-
k
kala-azar /!k%l $z%/ noun an often fatal
kala-azar
|
form of leishmaniasis caused by the infection of
the intestines and internal organs by a parasite,
Leishmania, spread by flies. Symptoms are fever,
anaemia, general wasting of the body and swell-
ing of the spleen and liver.
kaolin /$keln/ noun a fine soft clay used in the
kaolin
making of medical preparations, especially for
the treatment of diarrhoea
Kaposis sarcoma /k!pziz s%$km/
Kaposis sarcoma
| |
noun a cancer which takes the form of many
haemorrhagic nodes affecting the skin, especially
on the extremities [Described 1872. After Moritz
Kohn Karposi (18371902), Professor of Der-
matology at Vienna, Austria.]
Kartageners syndrome /!k%t$d+i%nz
Kartageners syndrome
| |
!sndrm/ noun a hereditary condition in which
all the organs in the chest and abdomen are posi-
tioned on the opposite side from the usual one, i.e.
the heart and stomach are on the right
karyo- /k'ri/ prefix relating to a cell nucleus
karyo-
karyotype /$k'ritap/ noun the chromosome
karyotype
complement of a cell, shown as a diagram or as a
set of letters and numbers
Kawasaki disease /!k%w$s%kiz d!zi%z/
Kawasaki disease
| |
noun a retrovirus infection that often occurs in
small children and causes a high temperature,
rash, reddened eyes, peeling skin and swollen
lymph nodes
Kayser-Fleischer ring /!kaz $fla !r/ $vats/ noun inflammation of the cornea with
Kayser-Fleischer ring
noun a brown ring on the outer edge of the cornea,
which is a diagnostic sign of hepatolenticular
degeneration [Described 1902 by Kayser, 1903
by Fleischer. Bernard Kayser (18691954), Ger-
man ophthalmologist; Bruno Richard Fleischer
(18481904), German physician.]
kcal abbreviation kilocalorie
kcal
Kegel exercises /$ke1()l !ekssazz/ plural
Kegel exercises
noun exercises which strengthen the muscles of
the pelvic floor in women and help to prevent any
accidental leakage of urine when they cough,
sneeze or lift things
Kellers operation /$kelz p!re()n/ noun keratopathy /!ker$tpi/ noun any non-
Kellers operation
| |
a surgical operation on the big toe to remove a
bunion or to correct an ankylosed joint
K
[Described 1904. After William Lordan Keller
(18741959), US surgeon.]
keloid /$ki%ld/ noun an excessive amount of
keloid
scar tissue at the site of a skin injury
kerat- /kert/ prefix same as kerato- (used
kerat-
before vowels)
keratectasia /!kertek$tezi/ noun a condi-
keratectasia
tion in which the cornea bulges
keratectomy /!ker$tektmi/ noun a surgical
keratectomy
operation to remove the whole or part of the cor-
nea (NOTE: The plural is keratectomies.)
keratic /k$r'tk/ adjective 1. relating to horny
keratic
tissue or to keratin 2. relating to the cornea
keratin /$kertn/ noun a protein found in horny
keratin
tissue such as fingernails, hair or the outer surface
of the skin
keratinisation /!kertna$ze()n/, keratini-
keratinisation
zation noun the appearance of horny characteris-
tics in tissue. Also called cornification
keratinise /$kertnaz, k$r'tnaz/, kerati-
keratinise
nize verb to convert something into keratin or
into horny tissue (NOTE: keratinising kerat-
inised)
keratinocyte /!ker$tnsat/ noun a cell
keratinocyte
|
which produces keratin
keratitis /!ker$tats/ noun inflammation of
keratitis
|
the cornea
kerato- /kert/ prefix referring to horn, horny
kerato-
tissue or the cornea
keratoconjunctivitis /!kertkn!d+.kt
keratoconjunctivitis
| |
conjunctivitis
keratoma /!ker$tm/ noun a hard thickened
keratoma
growth due to hypertrophy of the horny zone of
the skin (NOTE: The plural is keratomas or
keratomata.)
keratomalacia /!kertm$le/ noun a sof-
keratomalacia
tening of the cornea frequently caused by Vitamin
A deficiency
keratome /$kertm/ noun a surgical knife
keratome
used for operations on the cornea
keratometer /!ker$tmt/ noun an instru-
keratometer
ment for measuring the curvature of the cornea
keratopathy
inflammatory disorder of the cornea (NOTE: The
plural is keratopathies.)
Nursing.fm Page 161 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
keratoplasty /$kertpl'sti/ noun a surgical
keratoplasty
operation to graft corneal tissue from a donor in
place of diseased tissue (NOTE: The plural is
keratoplasties.)
keratoprosthesis /!kertprs$i%ss/ noun
keratoprosthesis
1. a surgical operation to replace the central area
of a cornea with clear plastic, when it has become
opaque 2. a piece of clear plastic put into the cor-
nea (NOTE: The plural is keratoprostheses.)
keratoscope /$kertskp/ noun an instru-
keratoscope
ment for examining the cornea to see if it has an
unusual curvature. Also called Placidos disc
keratosis /!ker$tss/ noun a lesion of the
keratosis
skin (NOTE: The plural is keratoses.)
keratotomy /!ker$ttmi/ noun a surgical
keratotomy
|
operation to make a cut in the cornea, the first step
in many intraocular operations (NOTE: The plural
is keratotomies.)
kerion /$krin/ noun a painful soft mass, usu-
kerion
ally on the scalp, caused by ringworm
kernicterus /k$nktrs/ noun yellow pig-
kernicterus
|
mentation of the basal ganglia and other nerve
cells in the spinal cord and brain, found in chil-
dren with icterus
Kernigs sign /$k-%n1z san/ noun a symptom
Kernigs sign
of meningitis in which the knee cannot be
straightened if the person is lying down with the
thigh brought up against the abdomen [Described
1882. After Vladimir Mikhailovich Kernig (1840
1917), Russian neurologist.]
ketamine /$ketmi%n/ noun a white crystalline
ketamine
powder that is a general anaesthetic, used in
human and veterinary medicine
ketoacidosis /!ki%t!'s$dss/ noun an
ketoacidosis
| |
accumulation of ketone bodies in tissue in diabe-
tes, causing acidosis
ketoconazole /!ki%t$knzl/ noun a drug
ketoconazole
|
which is effective against a wide range of fungal
infections such as cryptococcosis and thrush
ketogenesis /!ki%t$d+enss/ noun the pro-
ketogenesis
|
duction of ketone bodies
ketogenic /!ki%t$d+enk/ adjective forming
ketogenic
|
ketone bodies
ketogenic diet /!ki%td+enk $dat/ noun a
ketogenic diet
diet with a high fat content, producing ketosis
ketonaemia /!ki%t$ni%mi/ noun a morbid
ketonaemia
state in which ketone bodies exist in the blood
ketone /$ki%tn/ noun a chemical compound
ketone
produced when glucose is unavailable for use as
energy, as in untreated diabetes, and fats are used
instead, leading to ketosis
ketone bodies /$ki%tn !bdiz/ plural noun
ketone bodies
ketone compounds formed from fatty acids
ketone group /$ki%tn 1ru%p/ noun a chemi-
ketone group
cal group characteristic of ketones, with carbon
atoms doubly bonded to an oxygen atom and to
the carbon atoms of two other organic groups
161 Kimmelstiel-Wilson disease
ketonuria /!ki%t$njri/ noun a state in
ketonuria
which ketone bodies are excreted in the urine
ketoprofen /!ki%t$prfn/ noun an anti-
ketoprofen
inflammatory drug used in the treatment of rheu-
matoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
ketosis /ki%$tss/ noun a state in which
ketosis
ketone bodies such as acetone and acetic acid
accumulate in the tissues, a late complication of
Type I diabetes mellitus
ketosteroid /!ki%t$strd/ noun a steroid
ketosteroid
such as cortisone which contains a ketone group
keyhole surgery /$ki%hl !s-%d+ri/ noun
keyhole surgery
surgery carried out by inserting tiny surgical
instruments through an endoscope (informal)
Also called laparoscopic surgery
kg abbreviation kilogram
kg
kidney /$kdni/ noun either of two organs situ-
kidney
ated in the lower part of the back on either side of
the spine behind the abdomen, whose function is
to maintain the usual concentrations of the main
constituents of blood, passing the waste matter
into the urine. See illustration at KIDNEY in Sup-
plement
kidney dialysis /$kdni da!'lss/ noun the
kidney dialysis
|
process of removing waste matter from blood by
passing it through a kidney machine. Also called
haemodialysis
kidney donor /$kdni !dn/ noun a person
kidney donor
who gives one of his or her kidneys as a transplant
kidney failure /$kdni !felj/ noun a situation
kidney failure
in which the kidneys do not function properly
kidney machine /$kdni m!i%n/ noun an
kidney machine
|
apparatus through which blood is passed to be
cleaned by dialysis if the persons kidneys have
failed
kidney stone /$kdni stn/ noun a hard mass
kidney stone
of calcium like a little piece of stone which forms
in the kidney
kidney transplant /$kdni !tr'nspl%nt/ noun
kidney transplant
a surgical operation to give someone with a dis-
eased or damaged kidney a kidney from another
person
killer cell /$kl sel/, killer T cell /!kl $ti% !sel/
killer cell
noun a type of immune cell that recognises and
destroys cells that have specific antigens on their
surface, e.g. virus-infected or cancerous cells
kilo- /kl/ prefix one thousand (103). Symbol k
kilo-
kilogram /$kl1r'm/ noun an SI unit of meas-
kilogram
urement of weight equal to 1000 grams ! She
weighs 62 kilos (62 kg). Symbol kg
kilojoule /$kld+u%l/ noun an SI unit of meas-
kilojoule
urement of energy or heat equal to 1000 joules.
Symbol kJ
kilopascal /$klp'skl/ noun an SI unit of
kilopascal
measurement of pressure equal to 1000 pascals.
Symbol kPa
Kimmelstiel-Wilson disease /!kmlsti%l
Kimmelstiel-Wilson disease
$wlsn d!zi%z/, Kimmelstiel-Wilson syn-
|
Nursing.fm Page 162 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

kin 162
drome /!kmlsti%l $wlsn !sndrm/ noun a Kirschner wire /!k-%()n $wa/, Kir-
Kirschner wire

form of nephrosclerosis found in people with dia-
betes [Described 1936. After Paul Kimmelstiel
(190070), US pathologist; Clifford Wilson
(190698), Professor of Medicine, London Uni-
versity, UK]
kin /kn/ noun relatives or close members of the
kin
schners wire noun a wire attached to a bone and
tightened to provide traction to a fracture
[Described 1909. After Martin Kirschner (1879
1942), Professor of Surgery at Heidelberg, Ger-
many.]

kiss of life /!ks v $laf/ noun same as cardi-

kiss of life

family opulmonary resuscitation (informal)

kin- /kn/ prefix same as kine- (used before vow-
kin-

kJ abbreviation kilojoule
kJ

els)
Klebsiella /!klebsi$el/ noun a Gram-negative
Klebsiella

kinaesthesia /!kni%s$i%zi/ noun the fact of

kinaesthesia |

|
being aware of the movement and position of
parts of the body (NOTE: The US spelling is
bacterium, one form of which, Klebsiella pneu-
moniae, can cause pneumonia
Klebs-Loeffler bacillus /!klebz $lefl b
Klebs-Loeffler bacillus

kinesthesia.) |

!sls/ noun the bacterium which causes diphthe-

kinanaesthesia /!kn'ni%s$i%zi/ noun the
kinanaesthesia

ria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae [After Theodor

|

fact of not being able to sense the movement and

Albrecht Klebs (18341913), bacteriologist in
position of parts of the body (NOTE: The US
Zrich, Switzerland, and Chicago, USA; Frie-
spelling is kinanesthesia.)
drich August Loeffler (18521915), bacteriolo-
kinase /$kanez/ noun an enzyme belonging to
kinase

gist in Berlin, Germany.]

a large family of related substances that bind to
Kleihauer test /$klaha test/, Kleihauer-
Kleihauer test

the energy-providing molecule ATP and regulate

Betke test noun a test used to check whether
functions such as cell division and signalling
between cells there has been any blood loss from a fetus to the
mother across the placenta. It is usually done
kine- /kni/ prefix movement
kine-

immediately after delivery.

kinematics /!kn$m'tks/ noun the science of
kinematics

klepto- /klept/ prefix stealing or theft

klepto-
|

movement, especially of body movements (NOTE:

kleptomania /!klept$meni/ noun a form
kleptomania

Also spelled cinematics.) |

of mental disorder in which someone has a com-

kineplasty /$knpl'sti/ noun an amputation in
kineplasty

pulsive desire to steal things, even things of little

which the muscles of the stump of the amputated
value
limb are used to operate an artificial limb (NOTE:
kleptomaniac /!klept$meni'k/ noun a
kleptomaniac

Also spelled cineplasty.The plural is kineplast- |

ies.) person who has a compulsive desire to steal

Klinefelters syndrome /$klanfeltz
Klinefelters syndrome

kinesi- /kani%si/ prefix movement (NOTE: used

kinesi-

before vowels) !sndrm/ noun a genetic disorder in which a

kinesiology /!kani%si$ld+i/ noun the study
kinesiology

|
male has an extra female chromosome, making an
of human movements, particularly with regard to XXY set, giving sterility and partial female char-
their use in treatment acteristics [Described 1942. After Harry Fitch
Klinefelter Jr. (b. 1912), Associate Professor of
kinesis /k$ni%ss/ noun the movement of a cell
kinesis

Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Balti-

|

in response to a stimulus. Compare taxis

more, USA.]
-kinesis /kni%ss/ suffix 1. activity or motion 2.
-kinesis

Klumpkes paralysis /!klu%mpkz p

Klumpkes paralysis

a change in the movement of a cell, though not in |

any particular direction. Examples are a change in
its speed or in its turning behaviour.
kinesitherapy /!kani%si$erpi/ noun therapy
kinesitherapy
$r'lss/ noun a form of paralysis due to an
injury during birth, affecting the forearm and
hand. Also called Djerine-Klumpkes syn-

|
drome [Described 1885. After Augusta Klumpke
involving movement of parts of the body (Madame Djerine-Klumpke) (18591937),
kinetic /k$netk, ka$netk/ adjective relating
kinetic

| |
French neurologist, one of the first women to
to movement qualify in Paris in 1888.]
Kings Fund /$kz f.nd/ noun a major inde-
Kings Fund

knee /ni%/ noun a joint in the middle of the leg,

knee

pendent health charity in London joining the femur and the tibia (NOTE: For other
Kings model /$kz !md()l/ noun a model
Kings model

terms referring to the knee, see genu.)

of nursepatient relationships based on ten princi- kneecap /$ni%k'p/ noun same as patella
kneecap

ples: interaction, perception, communication,

knee jerk /$ni% d+-%k/ noun same as patellar
knee jerk

transaction, role, stress, growth and development,

time, self and space. Through an exchange of reflex
knee joint /$ni% d+nt/ noun a joint where the
knee joint

information nurses and patients work together to

help individuals and groups attain, maintain and femur and the tibia are joined, covered by the
restore health. kneecap
kinin /$kann/ noun a polypeptide that makes knock-knee /!nk $ni%/ noun a state in which
kinin knock-knee

blood vessels widen and smooth muscles contract the knees touch and the ankles are apart when a
Nursing.fm Page 163 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
person is standing straight. Also called genu val-
gum
knock-kneed /!nk $ni%d/ adjective referring to
knock-kneed
a person whose knees touch when he or she stands
straight with feet slightly apart
knock out /!nk $at/ verb to hit someone so
knock out
hard that he or she is no longer conscious ! He
was knocked out by a blow on the head.
knowledge and skills framework /!nld+
knowledge and skills framework
n $sklz !fremw-%k/ noun full form of KSF
knuckle /$n.k()l/ noun the back of each joint
knuckle
on a persons hand
Kocher manoeuvre /$kk m!nu%v/ noun a
Kocher manoeuvre
|
method for realigning a dislocated shoulder in
which the arm is raised and a sudden change is
made between inward and outward rotation of the
head of the joint
Kochs bacillus /!kks b$sls/ noun the
Kochs bacillus
|
bacterium which causes tuberculosis, Mycobacte-
rium tuberculosis [Described 1882. After Robert
Koch (18431910), Professor of Hygiene in Ber-
lin, Germany, later Director of the Institute for
Infectious Diseases. (Nobel Prize 1905).]
Khlers disease /$k-%lz d!si%z/ noun a
Khlers disease
|
degeneration of the navicular bone in children.
Also called scaphoiditis [Described 1908 and
1926. After Alban Khler (18741947), German
radiologist.]
koilonychia /!kl$nki/ noun a condition
koilonychia
in which the fingernails are brittle and concave,
caused by iron-deficiency anaemia
Kopliks spots /$kplks spts/ plural noun
Kopliks spots
small white spots with a blue tinge surrounded by
a red areola, found in the mouth in the early stages
of measles [Described 1896. After Henry Koplik
(18581927), US paediatrician.]
Korotkoffs method /$krtkfs !med/
Korotkoffs method
noun a method of finding a persons blood pres-
sure by inflating a cuff around his or her upper
arm to a pressure well above the systolic blood
pressure and then gradually decreasing it
Korsakoffs syndrome /$k%skfs
Korsakoffs syndrome
!sndrm/ noun a condition, caused usually by
chronic alcoholism or disorders in which there is
a deficiency of vitamin B, in which a persons
memory fails and he or she invents things which
have not happened and is confused [Described
1887. After Sergei Sergeyevich Korsakoff
(18541900), Russian psychiatrist.]
kraurosis penis /kr%!rss $pi%ns/ noun a
kraurosis penis
condition in which the foreskin becomes dry and
shrivelled
163 kyphotic
kraurosis vulvae /kr%!rss $v.lv/ noun a
kraurosis vulvae
condition in which the vulva becomes thin and
dry due to lack of oestrogen, found usually in eld-
erly women
Krause corpuscles /$kraz !k%p.s()lz/
Krause corpuscles
plural noun encapsulated nerve endings in the
mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, eyes and
genitals [Described 1860. After Wilhelm Johann
Friedrich Krause (18331910), German anato-
mist.]
Krebs cycle /$krebz !sak()l/ noun same as
Krebs cycle
citric acid cycle [Described 1937. After Sir
Hans Adolf Krebs (190081), German biochem-
ist who emigrated to England in 1934. Shared
the Nobel prize for Medicine 1953 with F.A. Lip-
mann.]
KSF /!ke es $ef/ noun a document setting out
KSF
the knowledge and skills required in a particular
healthcare post, giving guidance on professional
development, and setting out the pay progression.
Full form knowledge and skills framework
Kuntscher nail /$k.nt nel/, Kntscher
Kuntscher nail
nail noun a long steel nail used in operations to
pin fractures of long bones, especially the femur,
through the bone marrow [Described 1940. After
Gerhard Kntscher (190072), German sur-
geon.]
Kupffers cells /$kpfz selz/, Kupffer cells
Kupffers cells
/$kpf selz/ plural noun large specialised liver
cells which break down haemoglobin into bile
[Described 1876. After Karl Wilhelm von Kupffer
(18291902), German anatomist.]
Kveim test /$kvam test/ noun a skin test to
Kveim test
confirm the presence of sarcoidosis [After Morten
Ansgar Kveim (18921966), Swedish physi-
cian.]
kwashiorkor /!kwi$%k%/ noun malnutrition
kwashiorkor
|
of small children, mostly in tropical countries,
causing anaemia, wasting of the body and swollen
liver
kypho- /kaf/ prefix a hump
kypho-
kyphoscoliosis /!kaf!skli$ss/ noun a
kyphoscoliosis
| |
condition in which someone has both backward
and lateral curvature of the spine
kyphosis /ka$fss/ noun an excessive back-
kyphosis
|
ward curvature of the top part of the spine (NOTE:
The plural is kyphoses.)
kyphotic /ka$ftk/ adjective referring to
kyphotic
|
kyphosis
Nursing.fm Page 164 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

L
l, L symbol litre labrum /$lebrm/ noun a ring of cartilage
l labrum

lab- /leb/ prefix same as labio- (used before

lab-
around the rim of a joint (NOTE: The plural is
vowels) labra.)
labyrinth /$l'brn/ noun a series of intercon-
labyrinth

labia /$lebi/ plural of labium

labia

necting tubes, especially those in the inside of the

labial /$lebil/ adjective referring to the lips or
labial

ear
to labia
labyrinthectomy /!l'brn$ektmi/ noun a
labyrinthectomy

labia majora /!lebi m$d+%r/ plural noun

labia majora
|

surgical operation to remove the labyrinth of the

|

two large fleshy folds at the outside edge of the

vulva. See illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM inner ear (NOTE: The plural is labyrinthecto-
mies.)
(FEMALE) in Supplement
labyrinthitis /!l'brn$ats/ noun same as
labyrinthitis

labia minora /!lebi m$n%r/ plural noun

labia minora
|
|

two small fleshy folds on the inside edge of the otitis interna
laceration /!l's$re()n/ noun 1. a wound
laceration

vulva. See illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM |

(FEMALE) in Supplement. Also called nymphae
labile /$lebal/ adjective referring to a drug
labile
which is unstable and likely to change if heated or
cooled
which has been cut or torn with rough edges, and
is not the result of stabbing or pricking 2. the act
of tearing tissue
lachrymal /$l'krm()l/ adjective same as lac-
lachrymal

lability of mood /l!blti v $mu%d/ noun a

lability of mood

|
rimal
tendency for a persons mood to change suddenly lacrimal /$l'krm()l/ adjective referring to
lacrimal

labio- /lebi/ prefix referring to the lips or to tears, the tear ducts or the tear glands. ! nasolac-
labio-

labia rimal
lacrimal apparatus /!l'krm()l !'p
lacrimal apparatus

labioplasty /$lebi!pl'sti/ noun a surgical

labioplasty

| |

operation to repair damaged or deformed lips
(NOTE: The plural is labioplasties.)
labium /$lebim/ noun any of the four fleshy
labium
$rets/ noun the arrangement of glands and
ducts which produce and drain tears. Also called
lacrimal system
lacrimal bone /$l'krm()l bn/ noun one of
lacrimal bone

folds which surround the female genital organs

laboratory technician /l!brt()ri tek
laboratory technician

| |
two little bones which join with others to form the
$n()n/ noun a person who does practical work orbits
lacrimal canaliculus /!l'krm()l !k'n
lacrimal canaliculus

in a laboratory and has particular care of equip- |

ment $lkjls/ noun a small canal draining tears into

laboratory techniques /l$brt()ri tek
laboratory techniques

| |
the lacrimal sac
!ni%kz/ plural noun the methods or skills needed lacrimal caruncle /!l'krm()l k$r.k()l/
lacrimal caruncle

to perform experiments in a laboratory noun a small red point at the inner corner of each
laboratory test /l$brt()ri test/ noun a test
laboratory test

|
eye
carried out in a laboratory lacrimal duct /$l'krm()l d.kt/ noun a small
lacrimal duct

labour /$leb/ noun childbirth, especially the duct leading from the lacrimal gland. Also called
labour

contractions in the uterus which take place during tear duct

childbirth lacrimal gland /$l'krm()l 1l'nd/ noun a
lacrimal gland

laboured breathing /!lebd $bri%/ noun gland beneath the upper eyelid which secretes
laboured breathing

difficult breathing, which can be due to various tears. Also called tear gland
causes such as asthma lacrimal puncta /!l'krm()l $p.kt/ plural
lacrimal puncta

labour pains /$leb penz/ plural noun the

labour pains

noun small openings of the lacrimal canaliculus

pains felt at regular intervals by a woman as the at the corners of the eyes through which tears
muscles of the uterus contract during childbirth drain into the nose
Nursing.fm Page 165 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

165 lanugo

lacrimal sac /!l'krm()l $s'k/ noun a sac at Thophile Hyacinthe Laennec (17811826),
lacrimal sac

the upper end of the nasolacrimal duct, linking it Professor of medicine at the Collge de France,
with the lacrimal canaliculus and inventor of the stethoscope.]
lacrimal system /$l'krm()l !sstm/ noun -lalia /leli/ suffix speech or a speech disorder
lacrimal system -lalia

same as lacrimal apparatus lambda /$l'md/ noun 1. the 11th letter of the
lambda

lacrimation /!l'kr$me()n/ noun the pro- Greek alphabet 2. the point at the back of the skull
lacrimation

duction of tears where the sagittal suture and lambdoidal suture

lacrimator /$l'krmet/ noun a substance
lacrimator
meet
lambdoid /$l'mdd/ adjective shaped like the
lambdoid

which irritates the eyes and makes tears flow

lacrymal
lacrymal

/$l'krm()l/, lachrymal capital Greek letter lambda, like an upside down

/$l'krm()l/ adjective same as lacrimal V or y
lambdoid suture /$l'mdd !su%t/, lamb-
lambdoid suture

lact- /l'kt/ prefix same as lacto- (used before

lact-

vowels) doidal suture /$l'mdd()l !su%t/ noun a

horizontal joint across the back of the skull
lactase /$l'ktez/ noun an enzyme, secreted in
lactase

between the parietal and occipital bones

the small intestine, which converts milk sugar into
lambliasis /l'm$blass/ noun same as giar-
lambliasis

glucose and galactose |

diasis
lactate /l'k$tet/ verb to produce milk in the
lactate

lame /lem/ adjective not able to walk easily

| lame

body (NOTE: lactating lactated)

because of pain, stiffness or damage in a leg or
lactation /l'k$te()n/ noun the production of
lactation

|
foot (NOTE: This term is regarded as offensive.)
milk in the body
lamella /l$mel/ noun a thin sheet of tissue
lamella

lacteal /$l'ktil/ adjective referring to milk "

lacteal |

(NOTE: The plural is lamellae.)

noun a lymph vessel in a villus which helps the
lamina /$l'mn/ noun a thin membrane
lamina

digestive process in the small intestine by absorb-

lamina propria /!l'mn $prpri/ noun the
lamina propria

ing fat
lactic /$l'ktk/ adjective relating to milk
lactic
connective tissue of mucous membranes contain-
ing, e.g., blood vessels and lymphatic tissues
lactic acid /!l'ktk $'sd/ noun a sugar which
lactic acid

laminectomy /!l'm$nektmi/ noun a surgical

laminectomy

forms in cells and tissue, and also in sour milk, |

cheese and yoghurt operation to cut through the lamina of a vertebra

in the spine to get to the spinal cord. Also called
lactiferous /l'k$tfrs/ adjective producing,
lactiferous

|
rachiotomy (NOTE: The plural is laminecto-
secreting or carrying milk mies.)
lactiferous duct /l'k!tfrs $d.kt/ noun a
lactiferous duct

lamotrigine /l$mtrd+i%n/ noun a drug that

lamotrigine
|
|

duct in the breast which carries milk helps to control petit mal epilepsy
lactiferous sinus /l'k!tfrs $sans/ noun
lactiferous sinus

lance /l%ns/ verb to make a cut in a boil or

lance
|

a dilatation of the lactiferous duct at the base of abscess to remove the pus
the nipple
lancet /$l%nst/ noun 1. a sharp two-edged
lancet

lacto- /l'kt/ prefix referring to milk

lacto-

pointed knife formerly used in surgery 2. a small

Lactobacillus /!l'ktb$sls/ noun a genus
Lactobacillus

| pointed implement used to take a small capillary

of Gram-positive bacteria which produces lactic blood sample, e.g. to measure blood glucose lev-
acid from glucose and may be found in the diges- els
tive tract and the vagina lancinate /$l%nsnet/ verb to lacerate or cut
lancinate

lactogenic hormone /!l'kt!d+enk

lactogenic hormone

| something (NOTE: lancinating lancinated)

$h%mn/ noun same as prolactin lancinating /$l%nsnet/ adjective referring
lancinating

lactose /$l'kts/ noun a type of sugar found in

lactose

to pain which is sharp and cutting

milk Landsteiners classification /$l'ndstanz
Landsteiners classification

lactose intolerance /$l'kts n!tlrns/ kl'sf!ke()n/ noun same as ABO system

lactose intolerance

| |

noun a condition in which a person cannot digest Langerhans cells /$l'h'ns selz/ plural
Langerhans cells

lactose because lactase is absent in the intestine or noun cells on the outer layers of the skin
because of an allergy to milk, causing diarrhoea
Langers lines /$l'z lanz/ plural noun the
Langers lines

lactosuria /!l'kt$sjri/ noun the excre-

lactosuria

|
arrangement of collagen protein fibres which
tion of lactose in the urine causes the usual skin creases. Cuts made along
lactulose /$l'ktjls/ noun an artificially these lines sever fewer fibres and heal better than
lactulose

produced sugar used as a laxative other cuts. Also called cleavage lines
lacuna /l'$kju%n/ noun a small hollow or cav- lanolin /$l'nln/ noun grease from sheeps
lacuna lanolin

ity (NOTE: The plural is lacunae.) wool which absorbs water and is used to rub on
Lannecs cirrhosis /!leneks s$rss/
Lannecs cirrhosis

|
dried skin, or in the preparation of cosmetics
noun the commonest form of alcoholic cirrhosis lanugo /l$nju%1/ noun 1. soft hair on the
lanugo

of the liver [Described 1819. After Ren body of a fetus or newborn baby 2. soft hair on the
Nursing.fm Page 166 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

laparo- 166
body of an adult, except on the palms of the laryngoscope /l$r1skp/ noun an instru-
laryngoscope

hands, the soles of the feet and the parts where ment for examining the inside of the larynx using
long hair grows a light and mirrors
laparo- /l'pr/ prefix the lower abdomen
laparo-

laryngoscopy /!l'r$1skpi/ noun an

laryngoscopy

laparoscope /$l'prskp/ noun a surgical examination of the larynx with a laryngoscope

laparoscope

instrument which is inserted through a hole in the (NOTE: The plural is laryngoscopies.)
abdominal wall to allow a surgeon to examine the laryngospasm /l$r1sp'zm/ noun a mus-
laryngospasm

inside of the abdominal cavity. Also called peri- cular spasm which suddenly closes the larynx
toneoscope laryngostenosis /l!r1st$nss/ noun
laryngostenosis

| |

laparoscopic surgery /!l'pr!skpk

laparoscopic surgery

|
narrowing of the lumen of the larynx
$s-%d+ri/ noun same as keyhole surgery
laryngostomy /!l'r$1stmi/ noun a surgi-
laryngostomy

laparoscopy /!l'p$rskpi/ noun a proce-

laparoscopy

|
cal operation to make a permanent opening from
dure in which a laparoscope is used to examine the neck into the larynx (NOTE: The plural is
the inside of the abdominal cavity. Also called laryngostomies.)
peritoneoscopy (NOTE: The plural is laparo-
laryngotomy /!l'r$1tmi/ noun a surgical
laryngotomy

scopies.)
|

operation to make an opening in the larynx

laparotomy /!l'p$rtmi/ noun a surgical
laparotomy

|
through the membrane, especially in an emer-
operation to cut open the abdominal cavity gency, when the throat is blocked (NOTE: The plu-
(NOTE: The plural is laparotomies.) ral is laryngotomies.)
large intestine /!l%d+ n$testn/ noun the sec-
large intestine

laryngotracheal /l!r1$trekil/ adjec-

laryngotracheal
|
| |

tion of the digestive system from the caecum to tive relating to both the larynx and the trachea !
the rectum laryngotracheal stenosis
Lariam /$l'rim/ a trade name for mefloquine
Lariam

laryngotracheobronchitis /l!r1
laryngotracheobronchitis

| |

hydrochloride !trekibr$kats/ noun inflammation of the

|

laryng- /lrnd+/ prefix same as laryngo- (used

laryng-

larynx, trachea and bronchi, as in croup

before vowels) larynx /$l'rks/ noun the organ in the throat
larynx

laryngeal /l$rnd+il/ adjective referring to the

laryngeal

|
which produces sounds. Also called voice box
larynx (NOTE: The plural is larynges or larynxes.)
laryngeal inlet /l!rnd+il $nlt/ noun the
laryngeal inlet

laser /$lez/ noun an instrument which pro-

laser
|

entrance from the laryngopharynx leading duces a highly concentrated beam of light which
through the vocal cords to the trachea can be used to cut or attach tissue, as in operations
laryngeal prominence /l!rnd+il for a detached retina
laryngeal prominence

$prmnns/ noun same as Adams apple laser laparoscopy /!lez l'p$rskpi/

laser laparoscopy

laryngeal reflex /l!rnd+il $ri%fleks/ noun noun surgery performed through a laparoscope
laryngeal reflex

the reflex that makes a person cough using a laser

laryngectomy /!l'rn$d+ektmi/ noun a sur- laser probe /$lez prb/ noun a metal probe
laryngectomy laser probe

gical operation to remove the larynx, usually as which is inserted into the body and through which
treatment for throat cancer (NOTE: The plural is a laser beam can be passed to remove a blockage
laryngectomies.) in an artery
laryngismus /!l'rn$d+zms/, laryngismus laser surgery /$lez !s-%d+ri/ noun surgery
laryngismus laser surgery

stridulus /l'rn!d+zms $strdjls/ noun a

| using lasers, e.g. for the removal of tumours, seal-
spasm of the throat muscles with a sharp intake of ing blood vessels, or the correction of shortsight-
breath which occurs when the larynx is irritated, edness
as in children who have croup Lasix /$lezks/ a trade name for frusemide
Lasix

laryngitis /!l'rn$d+ats/ noun inflammation

laryngitis

Lassa fever /$l's !fi%v/ noun a highly infec-

Lassa fever
|

of the larynx tious and often fatal virus disease found in Central
laryngo- /lr1/ prefix larynx
laryngo-

and West Africa, causing high fever, pains, and

laryngology /!l'rn$1ld+i/ noun the study of ulcers in the mouth [After a village in northern
laryngology

diseases of the larynx, throat and vocal cords Nigeria where the fever was first reported.]
laryngomalacia /l!r1m$le/ noun a lassitude /$l'stju%d/ noun a state where a per-
laryngomalacia lassitude

| |

condition in which breathing is made difficult by son does not want to do anything, sometimes
softness of the larynx, occurring mainly in chil- because he or she is depressed
dren under the age of two latent /$let()nt/ adjective referring to a disease
latent

laryngopharyngeal /l!rn1f$rnd+i'l/ which is present in the body but does not show
laryngopharyngeal

| |

adjective referring to both the larynx and the any signs ! The children were tested for latent
pharynx viral infection.
laryngopharynx /lr1$f'rks/ noun the lateral /$l't()rl/ adjective further away from
laryngopharynx lateral

part of the pharynx below the hyoid bone the midline of the body
Nursing.fm Page 167 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

167 lentigo

lateral aspect /!l't()rl $'spekt/ noun a as others of similar age ! children with learning
lateral aspect

view of the side of part of the body. Also called disabilities

lateral view. See illustration at ANATOMICAL LE cells /!el $i% !selz/ plural noun white blood
LE cells

TERMS in Supplement cells which show that someone has lupus ery-
lateral epicondyle /!l't()rl !ep$kndal/,
lateral epicondyle

|
thematosus
lateral epicondyle of the humerus /!l't()rl lecithin /$lesn/ noun a chemical which is a
lecithin

ep!kndal v $hju%mrs/ noun a lateral

| constituent of all animal and plant cells and is
projection on the rounded end of the humerus at involved in the transport and absorption of fats
the elbow jointc leech /li%t/ noun a blood-sucking parasitic
leech

lateral epicondylitis /!l't()rl !epknd

lateral epicondylitis

| worm which lives in water, occasionally used in

$lats/ noun same as tennis elbow specialist procedures
laterally /$l'trli/ adverb towards or on the side leg /le1/ noun a part of the body with which a
laterally leg

of the body. See illustration at ANATOMICAL person or animal walks and stands
TERMS in Supplement Legg-Calv disease /!le1 $k'lve d!zi%z/,
Legg-Calv disease

lateral malleolus /!l't()rl m$li%ls/ noun Legg-Calv-Perthes disease /!le1 !k'lve

lateral malleolus

the part of the end of the fibula which protrudes $p-%tz d!zi%z/ noun degeneration of the upper
|

on the outside of the ankle end of the thighbone in young boys, which pre-
lateral view /! l't()rl $vju%/ noun same as
lateral view
vents the bone growing properly and can result in
lateral aspect a permanent limp [Described 1910 separately by
all three workers. Arthur Thornton Legg (1874
lateroversion /!l't()r$v-%()n/ noun a
lateroversion

|
1939), American orthopaedic surgeon; Jacques
condition in which an organ is turned to one side Calv (18751954), French orthopaedic sur-
latissimus dorsi /l!tsms $d%si/ noun a
latissimus dorsi

|
geon; Georg Clemens Perthes (18691927),
large flat triangular muscle covering the lumbar German surgeon.]
region and the lower part of the chest Legionnaires disease /!li%d+$nez d!zi%z/
Legionnaires disease

| |

laudanum /$l%d()nm/ noun a solution of

laudanum

noun a bacterial disease similar to pneumonia

opium in alcohol that was formerly in widespread leio- /le/ prefix smooth or smoothness
leio-

use for pain relief

leiomyoma /!lama$m/ noun a tumour
leiomyoma

laughing gas /$l%f 1's/ noun same as

laughing gas |

of smooth muscle, especially the smooth muscle

nitrous oxide (informal) coating the uterus (NOTE: The plural is leiomyo-
lavage /$l'vd+, l'$v%+/ noun the act of wash-
lavage

| mas or leiomyomata.)
ing out or irrigating an organ such as the stomach leiomyosarcoma /!la!mas%$km/
leiomyosarcoma

| |

laxative /$l'kstv/ adjective causing a bowel

laxative

noun a sarcoma in which large bundles of smooth

movement " noun a medicine which causes a muscle are found (NOTE: The plural is leiomy-
bowel movement, e.g. bisacodyl, which stimu- osarcomas or leiomyosarcomata.)
lates intestinal motility, or lactulose which alters leishmaniasis /!li%m$nass/ noun a dis-
leishmaniasis

fluid retention in the bowel $ also called (all ease caused by the parasite Leishmania, one form
senses) purgative of which causes disfiguring ulcers, while another
lazy eye /!lezi $a/ noun an eye which does not attacks the liver and bone marrow
lazy eye

focus properly without an obvious cause Lemberts suture /$l%mbez !su%t/ noun a
Lemberts suture

(informal) ! amblyopia suture used to close a wound in the intestine

LD abbreviation lethal dose which includes all the coats of the intestine
LD

LDL abbreviation low-density lipoprotein

LDL
[Described 1826. After Antoine Lembert (1802
51), French surgeon.]
L-dopa /!el $dp/ noun same as levodopa
L-dopa

lens /lenz/ noun 1. the part of the eye behind the

lens

LE abbreviation lupus erythematosus

LE

iris and pupil, which focuses light coming from

lead /led/ noun a very heavy soft metallic ele-
lead

the cornea onto the retina. See illustration at EYE

ment, which is poisonous in compounds (NOTE: in Supplement 2. a piece of shaped glass or plas-
The chemical symbol is Pb.) tic which forms part of a pair of spectacles or
lead poisoning /!led $pz()n/ noun poi- microscope 3. same as contact lens
lead poisoning

soning caused by taking in lead salts. Also called lens implant /$lenz !mpl%nt/ noun an artifi-
lens implant

plumbism, saturnism cial lens implanted in the eye when the natural
learning /$l-%n/ noun the act of gaining
learning
lens is removed, as in the case of cataract
knowledge of something or of how to do some- lenticular /len$tkjl/ adjective referring to or
lenticular

thing like a lens

learning disability /$l-%n ds!blti/, lentigo /len$ta1/ noun a small brown spot on
learning disability lentigo

| |

learning difficulty /$l-%n !dfk()lti/ noun a the skin often caused by exposure to sunlight.
condition that results in someone finding it diffi- Also called freckle (NOTE: The plural is lentigi-
cult to learn skills or information at the same rate nes.)
Nursing.fm Page 168 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
leontiasis
leontiasis /!li%n$tass/ noun a rare disorder
leontiasis
in which the skull bones become enlarged and
may give the appearance of a lions head. It occurs
if Pagets disease is not treated.
leprosy /$leprsi/ noun an infectious bacterial
leprosy
disease of skin and peripheral nerves caused by
Mycobacterium leprae, which destroys the tissues
and causes severe disfigurement if left untreated.
Also called Hansens disease
leptin /$leptn/ noun a hormone produced by fat
leptin
cells that signals the bodys level of hunger to the
hypothalamus of the brain
lepto- /lept/ prefix thin
lepto-
leptocyte /$leptsat/ noun a thin red blood cell
leptocyte
found in anaemia
leptomeninges /!leptme$nnd+i%z/ plural
leptomeninges
noun the two inner meninges, the pia mater and
arachnoid
leptomeningitis /!leptmenn$d+ats/
leptomeningitis
|
noun inflammation of the leptomeninges
Leptospira /!lept$spar/ noun a genus of
Leptospira
|
bacteria excreted continuously in the urine of rats
and many domestic animals. It can infect humans,
causing leptospirosis or Weils disease.
leptospirosis /!leptspa$rss/ noun an
leptospirosis
|
infectious disease caused by the spirochaete Lept-
ospira, transmitted to humans from rat urine,
causing jaundice and kidney damage. Also called
Weils disease
lesbianism /$lezbinz()m/ noun sexual
lesbianism
attraction in one woman for another. Compare
homosexuality
Lesch-Nyhan disease /!le $nahn d!zi%z/,
Lesch-Nyhan disease
|
Lesch-Nyhan syndrome /!le $nahn
!sndrm/ noun a rare genetic disorder in boys
caused by a lack of the enzyme HPRT. Symptoms
include uncontrolled muscle movements and
learning disabilities, and life expectancy is 20
25.
lesion /$li%+()n/ noun a wound, sore or damage
lesion
to the body (NOTE: Lesion is used to refer to any
damage to the body, from the fracture of a bone
to a cut on the skin.)
lesser /$les/ adjective smaller
lesser
lesser circulation /!les !s-%kj$le()n/
lesser circulation
noun same as pulmonary circulation
lesser trochanter /!les tr$k'nt/ noun a
lesser trochanter
|
projection on the femur which is the insertion of
the psoas major muscle
lesser vestibular gland /!les ve$stbjl
lesser vestibular gland
|
1l'nd/ noun the more anterior of the vestibular
glands
lethal /$li%()l/ adjective killing or able to kill !
lethal
These fumes are lethal if inhaled.
lethal dose /!li%()l $ds/ noun the amount of
lethal dose
a drug or other substance which will kill the per-
son who takes it ! She took a lethal dose of aspi-
rin. Abbreviation LD
168
lethal gene /!li%()l $d+i%n/, lethal mutation
lethal gene
/!li%()l mju%$te()n/ noun a gene, usually
|
recessive, that results in the premature death of an
individual who inherits it, e.g. the gene control-
ling sickle-cell anaemia
lethargic /l$%d+k/ adjective showing leth-
lethargic
argy
lethargy /$led+i/ noun a state in which some-
lethargy
one is not mentally alert, has slow movements and
is almost inactive
Letterer-Siwe disease /!letr $si%we d
Letterer-Siwe disease
!z%z/ noun a usually fatal disease, most common
in infants, caused by the overproduction of a spe-
cialised type of immune cell
leucine /$lu%si%n/ noun an essential amino acid
leucine
leuco- /lu%k/, leuko- prefix white
leuco-
leucocyte /$lu%ksat/, leukocyte noun a
leucocyte
white blood cell which contains a nucleus but has
no haemoglobin
leucocytolysis /!lu%ksa$tlss/, leukocy-
leucocytolysis
tolysis /!lu%ksa$tlss/ noun destruction of
|
leucocytes
leucocytosis /!lu%ksa$tss/, leukocyto-
leucocytosis
|
sis /!lu%ksa$tss/ noun an increase in the
|
numbers of leucocytes in the blood above the
usual upper limit, in order to fight an infection
leucoderma /!lu%k$d-%m/, leukoderma
leucoderma
|
noun same as vitiligo
leucolysin /!lu%k$lasn/, leukolysin noun a
leucolysin
|
protein which destroys white blood cells
leuconychia /!lu%k$nki/, leukonychia
leuconychia
|
noun a condition in which white marks appear on
the fingernails
leucopenia /!lu%k$pi%ni/, leukopenia noun a
leucopenia
|
reduction in the number of leucocytes in the
blood, usually as the result of a disease
leucoplakia /!lu%k$pl'ki/, leukoplakia
leucoplakia
noun a condition in which white patches form on
mucous membranes, e.g. on the tongue or inside
of the mouth
leucopoiesis /!lu%kp$i%ss/, leukopoiesis
leucopoiesis
noun the production of leucocytes
leucorrhoea /!lu%k$ri%/, leukorrhoea noun
leucorrhoea
an excessive discharge of white mucus from the
vagina. Also called whites (NOTE: The US spell-
ing is leukorrhea.)
leukaemia /lu%$ki%mi/ noun any of several
leukaemia
|
malignant diseases where an unusual number of
leucocytes form in the blood (NOTE: The US
spelling is leukemia.)
leuko- /lu%k/ prefix same as leuco-
leuko-
levator /l$vet/ noun 1. a surgical instrument
levator
for lifting pieces of fractured bone 2. a muscle
which lifts a limb or a part of the body
level of care /!lev()l v $ke/ noun any of the
level of care
planned divisions within the system of health care
which is offered by a particular organisation !
Nursing.fm Page 169 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
169
Our care homes offer six different levels of care to
allow the greatest independence possible.
level one bed /!lev()l $w.n !bed/ noun a bed
level one bed
occupied by a patient whose needs can be man-
aged in a ward but who has an increased require-
ment for nursing support, e.g. a post-operative
patient with fluctuating vital signs
level three bed /!lev()l $ri% !bed/ noun a bed
level three bed
occupied by a patient whose needs should not be
managed in a ward, e.g. a patient intubated fol-
lowing a cardiac arrest
level two bed /!lev()l $tu% !bed/ noun a bed
level two bed
occupied by a patient whose needs would not nor-
mally be managed in a ward, e.g. a patient with a
deteriorating condition awaiting transfer to a
high-dependency unit
levodopa /!li%v$dp/ noun a natural chemi-
levodopa
| life event
cal that stimulates the production of dopamine in
the brain and is used to treat Parkinsons disease
levonorgestrel /!li%vn%$d+estrl/ noun an
levonorgestrel
|
artificially produced female sex hormone, used
mostly in birth control pills or capsules
Leydig cells /$lad1 selz/ plural noun testo-
Leydig cells
sterone-producing cells between the tubules in the
testes. Also called interstitial cells [Described
1850. After Franz von Leydig (18211908), Pro-
fessor of Histology at Wrzburg, Tbingen and
then Bonn, Germany.]
Leydig tumour /$lad1 !tju%m/ noun a
Leydig tumour
tumour of the Leydig cells of the testis. It often
releases testosterone, which makes young boys
show early signs of maturing.
l.g.v. abbreviation lymphogranuloma venereum
l.g.v.
LH abbreviation luteinising hormone
LH
libido /l$bi%d/ noun 1. the sexual urge 2. (in
libido
|
psychology) a force which drives the unconscious
mind
Librium /$lbrim/ a trade name for chlo-
Librium
rdiazepoxide
lice /las/ plural of louse
lice
lichen /$laken/ noun a type of skin disease with
lichen
thick skin and small lesions
lichenification /la!kenf$ke()n/ noun a
lichenification
| |
thickening of the skin at the site of a lesion
lichen planus /!laken $plens/ noun a skin
lichen planus
disease where itchy purple spots appear on the
arms and thighs
lid /ld/ noun the top which covers a container !
lid
a medicine bottle with a child-proof lid
lidocaine /$ladken/ noun US a drug used as
lidocaine
a local anaesthetic. Also called lignocaine
lie /la/ noun same as lie of fetus " verb to be in
lie
a flat position ! The accident victim was lying on
the pavement. ! Make sure the patient lies still
and does not move. (NOTE: lying lay lain)
Lieberkhns glands /$li%bku%nz 1l'ndz/
Lieberkhns glands
plural noun same as crypts of Lieberkhn
light adaptation
lien- /lan/ prefix spleen
lien-
lienal /$lan()l/ adjective relating to or affect-
lienal
ing the spleen ! the lienal artery
lienculus /l$ekjls/ noun a small secondary
lienculus
|
spleen sometimes found in the body (NOTE: The
plural is lienculi.)
lienorenal /!lan$ri%n()l/ adjective relating
lienorenal
|
to or affecting both the spleen and the kidneys
lie of fetus /!la v $fi%ts/ noun the position of
lie of fetus
the fetus in the uterus ! Cause of rupture: abnor-
mal lie of fetus.
life /laf/ noun the quality that makes a person or
life
thing alive and not dead or inorganic ! The sur-
geons saved the patients life. ! Her life is in dan-
ger because the drugs are not available. ! The
victim showed no sign of life.
life event /$laf !vent/ noun a significant event
|
which alters a persons status as regards taxation,
insurance or employment benefits, e.g. the birth
of a child or the onset of a disability
life expectancy /$laf k!spektnsi/ noun the
life expectancy
|
number of years a person of a particular age is
likely to live
life-support system /!laf s$p%t !sstm/
life-support system
|
noun a machine that takes over one or more vital
functions such as breathing when someone is una-
ble to survive unaided because of a disease or
injury
lift /lft/ noun 1. a particular way of carrying an
lift
injured or unconscious person ! a four-handed
lift ! a shoulder lift 2. a cosmetic operation to
remove signs of age or to change a body feature !
a face lift
ligament /$l1mnt/ noun a thick band of
ligament
fibrous tissue which connects the bones at a joint
and forms the joint capsule
ligate /$la1et/ verb to tie something with a lig-
ligate
ature, e.g. to tie a blood vessel to stop bleeding or
to tie the Fallopian tubes as a sterilisation proce-
dure (NOTE: ligating ligated)
ligation /la$1e()n/ noun a surgical operation
ligation
|
to tie up a blood vessel
ligature /$l1t/ noun a thread used to tie ves-
ligature
sels or a lumen, e.g. to tie a blood vessel to stop
bleeding " verb same as ligate (NOTE: ligatur-
ing ligatured)
light /lat/ adjective 1. bright so that a person can
light
see ! At six oclock in the morning it was just get-
ting light. 2. referring to hair or skin which is very
pale ! She has a very light complexion. ! He has
light-coloured hair. 3. weighing a comparatively
small amount " noun the energy that makes
things bright and helps a person to see ! Theres
not enough light in here to take a photo.
light adaptation /$lat 'd'p!te()n/ noun
light adaptation
changes in the eye to adapt to an unusually bright
or dim light or to adapt to light after being in dark-
ness
Nursing.fm Page 170 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

lightening 170

lightening /$latn/ noun a late stage in preg- or bruise by acting as a vasodilator or counterirri-
lightening

nancy where the fetus goes down into the pelvic tant. Also called embrocation
cavity lining /$lan/ noun a substance or tissue on the
lining

lightning pains /$latn penz/ plural noun inside of an organ ! the thick lining of the aorta
lightning pains

sharp pains in the legs in someone who has tabes link /lk/ verb 1. to join things together ! The
link

dorsalis ankle bone links the bones of the lower leg to the
light reflex /$lat !ri%fleks/ noun same as pupil- calcaneus. 2. to be related to or associated with
light reflex

lary reaction something ! Health is linked to diet.

linkage /$lkd+/ noun (of genes) the fact of
linkage

light therapy /$lat !erpi/, light treatment

light therapy

/$lat !tri%tmnt/ noun the treatment of a disorder being close together on a chromosome, and there-
by exposing the person to light such as sunlight or fore likely to be inherited together
infrared light linoleic acid /!lnli%k $'sd/ noun one of
linoleic acid

lignocaine /$l1nken/ noun same as lido- the essential fatty acids, found in grains and seeds
lignocaine

caine linolenic acid /ln!lenk $'sd/ noun one of

linolenic acid

limb /lm/ noun one of the legs or arms

limb
the essential fatty acids, found in linseed and
limbic system /$lmbk !sstm/ noun a sys-
limbic system
other natural oils
lint /lnt/ noun thick flat cotton wadding, used as
lint

tem of nerves in the brain, including the hippoc-

ampus, the amygdala and the hypothalamus, part of a surgical dressing
which are associated with emotions such as fear lip /lp/ noun 1. each of two fleshy muscular parts
lip

and anger round the edge of the mouth ! Her lips were dry
limb lead /$lm li%d/ noun an electrode attached
limb lead
and cracked. 2. same as labium
to an arm or leg when taking an electrocardio- lipaemia /l$pi%mi/ noun an excessive amount
lipaemia

gram of fat in the blood (NOTE: The US spelling is

limb lengthening /$lm !len/ noun a pro- lipemia.)
limb lengthening

cedure in which an arm or a leg is made longer. Its lipase /$lpez/ noun an enzyme which breaks
lipase

bone is divided in two and new bone forms in the down fats in the intestine. Also called lipolytic
gap between the ends. enzyme
limbus /$lmbs/ noun an edge, especially the lipid /$lpd/ noun an organic compound which is
limbus lipid

edge of the cornea where it joins the sclera (NOTE: insoluble in water, e.g. a fat, oil or wax
The plural is limbi.) lipid metabolism /!lpd m$t'blz()m/
lipid metabolism

liminal /$lmn()l/ adjective referring to a stim-

liminal

noun the series of chemical changes by which lip-

ulus at the lowest level which can be sensed ids are broken down into fatty acids
limp /lmp/ noun a way of walking awkwardly lipidosis /!lp$dss/ noun a disorder of lipid
limp lipidosis

because of pain, stiffness or malformation of a leg metabolism in which subcutaneous fat is not
or foot ! She walks with a limp. " verb to walk present in some parts of the body
awkwardly because of pain, stiffness or malfor- lipochondrodystrophy
lipochondrodystrophy

/!lp!kndr | |

mation of a leg or foot ! He was still limping $dstrfi/ noun a congenital disorder affecting
three weeks after the accident. lipid metabolism, the bones and the main organs,
linctus /$lkts/ noun a sweet cough medicine
linctus

causing learning difficulties and physical deform-

linea nigra /!lni $na1r/ noun a dark line on
linea nigra
ity
the skin from the navel to the pubis which appears lipodystrophy /!lp$dstrfi/ noun a disor-
lipodystrophy

during the later months of pregnancy (NOTE: The der of lipid metabolism
plural is lineae nigrae.) lipogenesis /!lp$d+enss/ noun the pro-
lipogenesis

linear /$lni/ adjective 1. long and narrow in

linear

duction or making of deposits of fat

shape 2. able to be represented by a straight line lipoid /$lpd/ noun a compound lipid, or a fatty
lipoid

lingual /$l1wl/ adjective referring to the

lingual

substance such as cholesterol which is like a lipid

tongue " adjective like a lipid
lingual tonsil /!l1wl $tns()l/ noun a mass lipoidosis /!lp$dss/ noun a group of dis-
lingual tonsil lipoidosis

of lymphoid tissue on the top surface of the back eases with reticuloendothelial hyperplasia and
of the tongue unusual deposits of lipoids in the cells
lingula /$l1jl/ noun a long thin piece of lipolysis /l$plsis/ noun the process of break-
lingula lipolysis

bone or other tissue ! the lingula of the left lung ing down fat by lipase
(NOTE: The plural is lingulae.) lipolytic enzyme /!lpltk $enzam/ noun
lipolytic enzyme

lingular /$l1jl/ adjective relating to a lin-

lingular

same as lipase
gula lipoma /l$pm/ noun a benign tumour
lipoma

liniment /$lnmnt/ noun an oily liquid rubbed formed of fatty tissue (NOTE: The plural is lipo-
liniment

on the skin to ease the pain or stiffness of a sprain mas or lipomata.)

Nursing.fm Page 171 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

171 lobe

lipoprotein /!lp$prti%n/ noun a protein small fragments that the body can eliminate them
lipoprotein

which combines with lipids and carries them in unaided

the bloodstream and lymph system (NOTE: Lipo- lithotrite /$ltrat/ noun a surgical instrument
lithotrite

proteins are classified according to the percent- which crushes a stone in the bladder
age of protein which they carry.)
lithotrity /l$trti/ noun same as litholapaxy
lithotrity

liposuction /$lp!s.k()n/ noun the surgi-

liposuction |

lithuresis /!lj$ri%ss/ noun the passage of

| lithuresis

cal removal of fatty tissue for cosmetic reasons |

small stones from the bladder during urination

lipping /$lp/ noun a condition in which bone
lipping

litmus /$ltms/ noun a substance which turns

litmus

tissue grows over other bones

red in acid and blue in alkali
lip salve /$lp s'lv/ noun an ointment, usually
lip salve

litmus paper /$ltms !pep/ noun a small

litmus paper

sold as a soft stick, used to rub on lips to prevent

them cracking piece of paper impregnated with litmus, used to
liquid diet /!lkwd $dat/ noun a diet consist-
liquid diet
test for acidity or alkalinity
litre /$li%t/ noun a unit of measurement of liq-
litre

ing only of liquids ! The clear liquid diet is a

temporary diet used in preparation for surgery. uids equal to 1.76 pints. Abbreviation l, L (NOTE:
liquid paraffin /!lkwd $p'rfn/ noun an oil
liquid paraffin
With figures, usually written l or L: 2.5l, but it can
used as a laxative be written in full to avoid confusion with the
numeral 1. The US spelling is liter.)
liquor /$lk/ noun (in pharmacy) a solution,
liquor

Littles area /$lt()lz !eri/ noun an area of

Littles area

usually aqueous, of a pure substance

blood vessels in the nasal septum
lisp /lsp/ noun a speech condition in which
lisp

Littles disease /$lt()lz d!zi%z/ noun same

Littles disease

someone replaces s sounds with th " verb to |

talk with a lisp as spastic diplegia [Described 1843. After Wil-

liam John Little (181094), physician at the Lon-
Listeria /l$stri/ noun a genus of bacteria
Listeria

don Hospital, UK]

|

found in domestic animals and in unpasteurised

liver /$lv/ noun a large gland in the upper part
liver

milk products which can cause uterine infection

or meningitis of the abdomen. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYS-
TEM in Supplement (NOTE: For other terms
listeriosis /l!stri$ss/ noun an infectious
listeriosis

| |

disease transmitted from animals to humans by referring to the liver, see words beginning with
the bacterium Listeria hepat-, hepato-.)
liver fluke /$lv flu%k/ noun a parasitic flat-
liver fluke

listlessness /$lstlsns/ noun the fact of

listlessness

being generally weak and tired worm which can infest the liver
liver spot /$lv spt/ noun a little brown patch
liver spot

liter /$li%t/ noun US spelling of litre

liter

lith- /l/ prefix same as litho- (used before vow-

lith-
on the skin of the backs of the hands, attributed to
els)
sun damage (NOTE: Liver spots are unconnected
with any liver disorder.)
lithagogue /$l11/ noun a drug which helps
lithagogue

liver transplant /$lv !tr'nspl%nt/ noun a

liver transplant

to remove stones from the urine

surgical operation to give a person the liver of
lithiasis /l$ass/ noun the formation of
lithiasis

|
another person who has died
stones in an organ
livid /$lvd/ adjective referring to skin with a
livid

lithium /$lim/ noun a soft silver-white metal-

lithium

blue colour because of being bruised or because

lic element that forms compounds, used as a med-
of asphyxiation
ical treatment for bipolar disorder
living will /!lv $wl/ noun a document signed
living will

litho- /l/ prefix referring to a calculus

litho-

by a person while in good health to specify the

litholapaxy /l$lp'ksi/ noun the evacuation
litholapaxy

|
decisions he or she wishes to be taken about med-
of pieces of a stone in the bladder after crushing it ical treatment if he or she becomes incapable of
with a lithotrite. Also called lithotrity making or communicating them
lithonephrotomy /!ln$frtmi/ noun a
lithonephrotomy

LMC abbreviation local medical committee

LMC
|

surgical operation to remove a stone in the kidney

lobar /$lb/ adjective referring to a lobe
lobar

(NOTE: The plural is lithonephrotomies.)

lobar bronchi /!lb $brki%/ plural noun air
lobar bronchi

lithotomy /l$tmi/ noun a surgical operation

lithotomy

to remove a stone from the bladder (NOTE: The passages supplying a lobe of a lung. Also called
plural is lithotomies.) secondary bronchi
lobar pneumonia /!lb nju%$mni/ noun
lobar pneumonia

lithotomy position /l$tmi p!z()n/

lithotomy position

| | |

noun a position for some medical examinations in pneumonia which affects one or more lobes of the
which the person lies on his or her back with the lung
legs flexed and the thighs against the abdomen lobe /lb/ noun a rounded section of an organ
lobe

lithotripsy /$ltrpsi/ noun the process of such as the brain, lung or liver. See illustration at
lithotripsy

breaking up kidney or gall bladder stones into LUNGS in Supplement

Nursing.fm Page 172 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
lobectomy
lobectomy /l$bektmi/ noun a surgical oper-
lobectomy
ation to remove one of the lobes of an organ such
as the lung ! The plural is lobectomies.
lobotomy /l$btmi/ noun a surgical opera-
lobotomy
tion formerly used to treat mental illness by cut-
ting into a lobe of the brain to cut the nerve fibres
(NOTE: The plural is lobotomies.)
lobular /$lbjl/ adjective relating to a lobule
lobular
! lobular carcinoma
lobule /$lbju%l/ noun a small section of a lobe
lobule
in the lung, formed of acini
local /$lk()l/ adjective 1. referring to a sepa-
local
rate place 2. confined to one part " noun same as
local anaesthetic
local anaesthesia /!lk()l 'ns$i%zi/
local anaesthesia
noun loss of feeling in a single part of the body
local anaesthetic /!lk()l 'ns$etk/
local anaesthetic
noun an anaesthetic such as lignocaine which
removes the feeling in a single part of the body
only ! The surgeon removed the growth under
local anaesthetic.
localise /$lklaz/, localize verb 1. to restrict
localise
the spread of something to a specific area 2. to
find where something is 3. to transfer power from
a central authority to local organisations (NOTE:
localising localised)
localised /$lklazd/, localized adjective
localised
referring to an infection which occurs in one part
of the body only. Opposite generalised
local supervising authority /!lk()l
local supervising authority
$su%pvaz %!rti/ noun an organisation
| longitudinal
which controls midwife services within its area
lochia /$lki/ noun a discharge from the vagina
lochia
after childbirth or abortion
lochiometra /$lkimi%tr/ noun a condition in
lochiometra
which lochia remains in the uterus after a baby is
born, making it swollen
lock /lk/ verb to fix something in a position
lock
locked-in syndrome /!lkt $n !sndrm/
locked-in syndrome
noun a condition in which only the eyes and eye-
lids can move although the person is fully alert
and conscious. It results from severe damage to
the brain stem.
locked knee /!lkt $ni%/ noun a condition in
locked knee
which a piece of the cartilage in the knee slips out
of position. The symptom is a sharp pain, and the
knee remains permanently bent.
locking joint /!lk $d+nt/ noun a joint
locking joint
which can be locked in an extended position, e.g.
the knee or elbow
lockjaw /$lkj%/ noun same as tetanus (dated
lockjaw
informal)
locomotion /!lk$m()n/ noun the fact of
locomotion
|
being able to move
locomotor /!lk$mt/ adjective relating to
locomotor
locomotion
locomotor ataxia /!lk!mtr $t'ksi/
locomotor ataxia
| |
noun same as tabes dorsalis
172
loculated /$lkjletd/ adjective referring to
loculated
an organ or a growth which is divided into many
compartments ! a loculated renal abscess
locule /$lkju%l/ noun same as loculus
locule
loculus /$lkjls/ noun a small space in an
loculus
organ (NOTE: The plural is loculi.)
locum /$lkm/ noun a healthcare professional
locum
such as a doctor or pharmacist who takes the place
of another for a time. Also called locum tenens
locum tenens /!lkm $tennz/ noun same
locum tenens
as locum (NOTE: The plural is locum tenentes.)
locus /$lks/ noun 1. an area or point where
locus
an infection or disease is to be found 2. a position
on a chromosome occupied by a gene (NOTE: The
plural is loci.)
lofepramine /l$feprmi%n/ noun an antide-
lofepramine
pressant drug
log roll /$l1 rl/ noun a method of turning
log roll
people in bed onto their side by putting them into
a straight position and pulling on the sheet under
them
logrolling /$l1rl/ noun the process of
logrolling
moving a person who is lying down into another
position using the log roll method
-logy /ld+i/ suffix 1. science or study ! psychol-
-logy
ogy ! embryology 2. speech or expression
loin /ln/ noun the lower back part of the body
loin
above the buttocks
Lomotil /l$mtl/ a trade name for a prepa-
Lomotil
|
ration containing diphenoxalate
longitudinal /!l1$tju%dn()l/ adjective 1.
|
positioned lengthwise 2. in the direction of the
long axis of the body
longitudinal arch /!l1tju%dn()l $%t/
longitudinal arch
noun same as plantar arch
longitudinal lie /!l1tju%dn()l $la/ noun
longitudinal lie
the usual position of a fetus, lying along the axis
of the mothers body
longitudinal study /!l1tju%dn()l $st.di/
longitudinal study
noun a study of individuals or groups of people
and of how some aspect such as their health or
education changes over a long time
longsighted /!l$satd/ adjective able to see
longsighted
clearly things which are far away but not things
which are close
longsightedness /!l$satdns/ noun the
longsightedness
|
condition of being longsighted. Also called
hypermetropia
loo /lu%/ noun a toilet, or a room containing a toi-
loo
let (informal) # to go to the loo to urinate or def-
ecate
loop /lu%p/ noun 1. a curve or bend in a line,
loop
especially one of the particular curves in a finger-
print 2. a curved piece of wire placed in the uterus
to prevent contraception
loop of Henle /!lu%p v $henli/ noun a curved
loop of Henle
tube which forms the main part of a nephron in
the kidney
Nursing.fm Page 173 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
173
loperamide /l$permad/, loperamide
loperamide
hydrochloride /l!permad !hadr | |
$kl%rad/ noun a drug that relieves severe diar-
rhoea by slowing down the movements of the
intestine
loratidine /lr$'tdi%n/ noun an antihistamine
loratidine
drug
lorazepam /l%$r'zp'm/ noun a mild tran-
lorazepam
|
quilliser that people often receive before surgery
to lessen anxiety
lordosis /l%$dss/ noun excessive forward
lordosis
curvature of the lower part of the spine. ! kypho-
sis
lordotic /l%$dtk/ adjective referring to lordo-
lordotic
sis
lotion /$l()n/ noun a medicinal liquid used
lotion
to rub on the skin ! a mild antiseptic lotion
louse /las/ noun a small insect of the Pediculus
louse
genus, which sucks blood and lives on the skin as
a parasite on animals and humans (NOTE: The
plural is lice.)
low-density lipoprotein /!l !densti
low-density lipoprotein
$lpprti%n/ noun a lipoprotein with a large
percentage of cholesterol which deposits fats in
muscles and arteries. Abbreviation LDL
lower motor neurones /!l $mt
lower motor neurones
!njrnz/ plural noun linked neurones which
carry motor impulses from the spinal cord to the
muscles
lozenge /$lznd+/ noun a sweet medicinal tab-
lozenge
let ! She was sucking a cough lozenge.
LRCP abbreviation licentiate of the Royal Col-
LRCP
lege of Physicians
LSA abbreviation local supervising authority
LSA
LSD abbreviation lysergic acid diethylamide
LSD
lubb-dupp /!l.b $d.b/ noun two sounds made
lubb-dupp
by the heart, which represent each cardiac cycle
when heard through a stethoscope
lubricant /$lu%brknt/ noun a fluid which
lubricant
lubricates
lubricate /$lu%brket/ verb to cover something
lubricate
with a fluid to reduce friction (NOTE: lubricating
lubricated)
lucid /$lu%sd/ adjective with a clearly working
lucid
mind ! In spite of the pain, he was still lucid.
lucid interval /!lu%sd $ntv()l/ noun a period
lucid interval
of clear thinking which occurs between two peri-
ods of unconsciousness or of mental illness
lumbago /l.m$be1/ noun pain in the lower
lumbago
|
back (informal) ! She has been suffering from
lumbago for years. ! He has had an attack of
lumbago.
lumbar /$l.mb/ adjective referring to the lower
lumbar
part of the back
lumbar puncture /$l.mb !p.kt/ noun a
lumbar puncture
surgical operation to remove a sample of cerebro-
spinal fluid by inserting a hollow needle into the
luteinising hormone
lower part of the spinal canal. Also called spinal
puncture
lumbar region /$l.mb !ri%d+n/ noun the two
lumbar region
parts of the abdomen on each side of the umbilical
region
lumbar vertebra /!l.mb $v-%tbr/ plural
lumbar vertebra
noun each of the five vertebrae between the tho-
racic vertebrae and the sacrum
lumbo- /l.mb/ prefix the lumbar region
lumbo-
lumbosacral /!l.mb$sekrl/ adjective
lumbosacral
referring to both the lumbar vertebrae and the sac-
rum
lumbosacral joint /!l.mb$sekrl !d+nt/
lumbosacral joint
noun a joint at the bottom of the back between the
lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum
lumen /$lu%mn/ noun 1. an SI unit of light emit-
lumen
ted per second 2. the inside width of a passage in
the body or of an instrument such as an endoscope
lump /l.mp/ noun a mass of hard tissue which
lump
rises on the surface or under the surface of the
skin ! He has a lump where he hit his head on the
low door. ! She noticed a lump in her right breast
and went to see the doctor.
lumpectomy /l.m$pektmi/ noun a surgical
lumpectomy
|
operation to remove a hard mass of tissue such as
a breast tumour, leaving the surrounding tissue
intact (NOTE: The plural is lumpectomies.)
lunate /$lu%net bn/, lunate bone noun one
lunate
of the eight small carpal bones in the wrist. See
illustration at HAND in Supplement
Lund and Browder chart /!l.nd n $brad
Lund and Browder chart
!t%t/ noun a chart for calculating the surface
area of a burn
lung /l./ noun one of two organs of respiration
lung
in the body into which air is sucked when a person
breathes (NOTE: For other terms referring to the
lungs, see words beginning with bronch-,
broncho-, pneum-, pneumo-, pneumon-,
pneumono-, pulmo-.)
lunula /$lu%njl/ noun a curved white mark at
lunula
the base of a fingernail (NOTE: The plural is lunu-
lae.)
lupus /$lu%ps/ noun a persistent skin disease, of
lupus
which there are several unrelated types
lupus erythematosus /!lu%ps !eri%m
lupus erythematosus
|
$tss/ noun an inflammatory disease of con-
nective tissue of which the more serious, sys-
temic, form affects the heart, joints and blood ves-
sels. Abbreviation LE
lupus vulgaris /!lu%ps v.l$1ers/ noun a
lupus vulgaris
form of tuberculosis of the skin in which red spots
appear on the face and become infected
lutein /$lu%tin/ noun a yellow pigment in the
lutein
corpus luteum
luteinising hormone /$lu%tinaz
luteinising hormone
!h%mn/, luteinizing hormone noun a hor-
mone produced by the pituitary gland, which
stimulates the formation of the corpus luteum in
females and of testosterone in males. Abbrevia-
Nursing.fm Page 174 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

luteo- 174
tion LH. Also called interstitial cell stimulating lymphangioplasty /lmf$'nd+ipl'sti/ noun
lymphangioplasty

hormone a surgical operation to make artificial lymph

luteo- /lu%ti/ prefix 1. yellow 2. corpus luteum
luteo-
channels (NOTE: The plural is lymphangioplast-
ies.)
luxation /l.k$se()n/ noun same as disloca-
luxation

lymphangitis /!lmf'n$d+ats/ noun inflam-

| lymphangitis

tion |

mation of the lymph vessels

Lyme disease /$lam d!zi%z/ noun a viral dis-
Lyme disease

lymphatic /lm$f'tk/ adjective referring to

| lymphatic

ease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted |

by bites from deer ticks. It causes rashes, nervous lymph

lymphatic capillary /lm!f'tk k$plri/ plu-
lymphatic capillary

pains, paralysis and, in extreme cases, death. | |

ral noun any of the capillaries which lead from

lymph /lmf/ noun a colourless liquid containing
lymph

tissue and join lymphatic vessels

white blood cells which circulates in the lymph
lymphatic duct /lm$f'tk d.kt/ noun the
lymphatic duct

system from all body tissues, carrying waste mat- |

ter away from tissues to the veins. Also called main channel for carrying lymph
lymphatic node /lm$f'tk nd/ noun same
lymphatic node

lymph fluid |

COMMENT: Lymph drains from the tissues as lymph gland

lymphatic nodule /lm!f'tk $ndju%l/ noun
lymphatic nodule

through capillaries into lymph vessels. It is |

formed of water, protein and white blood a small lymph node found in clusters in tissues
cells (lymphocytes). Waste matter such as lymphatics /lm$f'tks/ plural noun lymph
lymphatics

infection in the lymph is filtered out and de- vessels

stroyed as it passes through the lymph
lymphatic system /lm$f'tk !sstm/ noun
lymphatic system

nodes, which then add further lymphocytes |

to the lymph before it continues in the sys-
tem. It eventually drains into the brachio-
cephalic (innominate) veins, and joins the
a series of vessels which transport lymph from the
tissues through the lymph nodes and into the
bloodstream
lymphatic vessel /lm$f'tk !ves()l/ noun a
lymphatic vessel

venous bloodstream. Lymph is not pumped |

round the body like blood but moves by mus- tube which carries lymph round the body from the
cle pressure on the lymph vessels and by the tissues to the veins
negative pressure of the large veins into lymph duct /$lmf d.kt/ noun any channel car-
lymph duct

which the vessels empty. Lymph is an es- rying lymph

sential part of the bodys defence against in-
lymph gland /$lmf 1l'nd/, lymph node
lymph gland

fection.
/$lmf nd/ noun a mass of lymphoid tissue sit-
lymph- /lmf/ prefix meaning same as lympho-
lymph-

uated in various points of the lymphatic system,

(used before vowels) especially under the armpits and in the groin,
lymphaden- /lmf'dn/ prefix relating to the through which lymph passes and in which lym-
lymphaden-

lymph nodes phocytes are produced. Also called lymphatic

node
lymphadenectomy /!lmf'd$nektmi/
lymphadenectomy

lympho- /lmf/ prefix meaning lymph

lympho-

noun the surgical removal of a lymph node

(NOTE: The plural is lymphadenectomies.) lymphoblast /$lmfbl'st/ noun an unusual
lymphoblast

lymphadenitis
lymphadenitis

/!lmf'd$nats/
| noun cell which forms in acute lymphoblastic leukae-
inflammation of the lymph nodes mia as a result of the change which takes place in
a lymphocyte on contact with an antigen
lymphadenoma /!lmf'd$nm/ noun
lymphadenoma

lymphoblastic /!lmf$bl'stk/ adjective

| lymphoblastic

same as lymphoma |

referring to lymphoblasts, or forming lym-

lymphadenopathy /!lmf'd$npi/ noun
lymphadenopathy

|
phocytes
any unusual condition of the lymph nodes (NOTE: lymphocele /$lmfsi%l/ noun a cyst containing
lymphocele

The plural is lymphadenopathies.) lymph from injured or diseased lymph nodes or

lymphangi- /lmf'nd+i/ prefix lymphatic ves-
lymphangi-

ducts
sel lymphocyte /$lmfsat/ noun a type of mature
lymphocyte

lymphangiectasis /!lmf'nd+i$ektss/
lymphangiectasis

| leucocyte or white blood cell formed by the

noun swelling of the smaller lymph vessels as a lymph nodes and concerned with the production
result of obstructions in larger vessels of antibodies
lymphangiography lymphocytopenia /!lmf!sat$pi%ni/
lymphocytopenia

/!lmf'nd+i$1rfi/
lymphangiography

| | |

noun an X-ray examination of the lymph vessels noun same as lymphopenia

following introduction of radio-opaque material lymphocytosis /!lmfsa$tss/ noun an
lymphocytosis

(NOTE: The plural is lymphangiographies.) increased number of lymphocytes in the blood

lymphangioma /!lmf'nd+i$m/ noun a lymphoedema /!lmf$di%m/ noun a swell-
lymphangioma lymphoedema

| |

benign tumour formed of lymph tissues (NOTE: ing caused by obstruction of the lymph vessels or
The plural is lymphangiomas or lymphangi- unusual development of lymph vessels (NOTE:
omata.) The US spelling is lymphedema.)
Nursing.fm Page 175 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
175
lymphogranuloma venereum /!lmf
lymphogranuloma venereum
| |
!1r'nj!lm v$nrm/ noun a sexually
| |
transmitted bacterial infection that causes swell-
ing of the genital lymph nodes and, especially in
men, a genital ulcer. Abbreviation l.g.v.
lymphoid tissue /$lmfd !tu%/ noun tissue
lymphoid tissue
in the lymph nodes, the tonsils and the spleen
where masses of lymphocytes are supported by a
network of reticular fibres and cells
lymphokine /$lmfkan/ noun a protein pro-
lymphokine
duced by lymphocytes that has an effect on other
cells in the immune system. ! cytokine
lymphoma /lm$fm/ noun a malignant
lymphoma
|
tumour arising from lymphoid tissue. Also called
lymphadenoma (NOTE: The plural is lympho-
mas or lymphomata.)
lymphopenia /!lmf$pi%ni/ noun a reduc-
lymphopenia
| involve breaking up or decaying, or to objects
tion in the number of lymphocytes in the blood.
Also called lymphocytopenia
lymphopoiesis /!lmfp$i%ss/ noun the
lymphopoiesis
| which contains enzymes which break down sub-
production of lymphocytes or lymphoid tissue
lymph vessel /$lmf !ves()l/ noun one of the
lymph vessel
tubes which carry lymph round the body from the
tissues to the veins
lysozyme
lyophilisation /la!fla$ze()n/, lyophili-
lyophilisation
|
zation noun the act of preserving tissue, plasma
or serum by freeze-drying it in a vacuum
lysergic acid diethylamide /la!s-%d+k
lysergic acid diethylamide
!'sd da$elmad/ noun a powerful halluci-
|
nogenic drug which can cause psychosis. Abbre-
viation LSD
lysin /$lasn/ noun 1. a protein in the blood
lysin
which destroys the cell against which it is directed
2. a toxin which causes the lysis of cells
lysine /$lasi%n/ noun an essential amino acid
lysine
lysis /$lass/ noun 1. the destruction of a cell by
lysis
a lysin, in which the membrane of the cell is
destroyed 2. a reduction in a fever or disease
slowly over a period of time
-lysis /lss/ suffix referring to processes which
-lysis
which are doing this ! haemolysis
lysosome /$lassm/ noun a particle in a cell
lysosome
stances such as bacteria which enter the cell
lysozyme /$laszam/ noun an enzyme found
lysozyme
in the whites of eggs and in tears, which destroys
specific bacteria
Nursing.fm Page 176 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

M
m symbol 1. metre 2. milli- macrognathia /!m'kr$nei/ noun a con-
m macrognathia

M symbol mega-
M
dition in which the jaw is larger than usual
macromastia /!m'kr$m'sti/ noun over-
macromastia

MAAG abbreviation medical audit advisory

MAAG
|

group development of the breasts

macronutrient /$m'kr!nju%trint/ noun a
macronutrient

maceration /!m's$re()n/ noun the process

maceration
|
|

of softening a solid by letting it lie in a liquid so substance which an organism needs in large
that the soluble matter dissolves amounts for normal growth and development, e.g.
nitrogen, carbon or potassium. Compare micro-
Mackenrodts ligaments /$m'knrdz
Mackenrodts ligaments

nutrient
!l1mnts/ plural noun same as cardinal liga-
macrophage /$m'krfed+/ noun any of
macrophage

ments
several large cells which destroy inflammatory
Macmillan nurse /mk$mln n-%s/ noun a
Macmillan nurse

|
tissue, found in connective tissue, wounds, lymph
nurse who specialises in cancer care and is nodes and other parts
employed by the organisation Macmillan Cancer
macroscopic /!m'kr$skpk/ adjective
macroscopic

Relief |

able to be seen with the naked eye

macro- /m'kr/ prefix large. Opposite micro-
macro-

macrosomia /!m'kr$smi/ noun a condi-

macrosomia

macrobiotic /!m'krba$tk/ adjective

macrobiotic |

|
tion in which the body grows too much
referring to food which has been produced natu-
macrostomia /!m'kr$stmi/ noun a con-
macrostomia

rally without artificial additives or preservatives |

dition in which the mouth is too wide because the

macrocephaly /!m'kr$kefli/ noun the
macrocephaly

|
bones of the upper and lower jaw have not fused,
condition of having an unusually large head either on one or on both sides
macrocheilia /!m'kr$kali/ noun the con-
macrocheilia

macula /$m'kjl/ noun 1. same as macule 2.

macula
|

dition of having large lips a small coloured area, e.g. a macula lutea
macrocyte /$m'krsat/ noun an unusually
macrocyte

macula lutea /!m'kjl $lu%ti/ noun a yellow

macula lutea

large red blood cell found in people who have per- spot on the retina, surrounding the fovea, the part
nicious anaemia of the eye which sees most clearly. Also called
macrocythaemia /m'krsa$i%mi/ noun
macrocythaemia

| yellow spot
same as macrocytosis macular /$m'kjl/ adjective referring to a
macular

macrocytic /!m'kr$stk/ adjective refer-

macrocytic

| macula
ring to macrocytes macular degeneration /!m'kjl d!d+en
macular degeneration

| |

macrocytic anaemia /!m'krstk

macrocytic anaemia

| $re()n/ noun an eye disorder in elderly people

$ni%mi/ noun anaemia in which someone has in which fluid leaks into the retina and destroys
unusually large red blood cells cones and rods, reducing central vision
macrocytosis /!m'krsa$tss/ noun the macule /$m'kju%l/ noun a small flat coloured
macrocytosis macule

condition of having macrocytes in the blood. Also spot on the skin. Compare papule
called macrocythaemia maculopapular /!m'kjl$p'pjl/ adjec-
maculopapular

macrodactyly /!m'kr$d'ktli/ noun a con- tive made up of both macules and papules ! mac-
macrodactyly

dition in which a person has unusually large or ulopapular rash

long fingers or toes mad cow disease /!m'd $ka d!zi%z/ noun
mad cow disease

macroglobulin /!m'kr$1lbjln/ noun a

macroglobulin

| same as bovine spongiform encephalopathy

class of immunoglobulin, a globulin protein of (informal)
high molecular weight, which serves as an anti- Magendies foramen /m!d+endz f
Magendies foramen

| |

body $remen/ noun an opening in the fourth ventricle

macroglossia /!m'kr$1lsi/ noun the
macroglossia

| of the brain which allows cerebrospinal fluid to

condition of having an unusually large tongue flow [Described 1828. After Franois Magendie
Nursing.fm Page 177 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

177 malleus
(17831855), French physician and physiolo- malarial /m$leril/ adjective referring to
malarial

gist.] malaria
magnesium /m'1$ni%zim/ noun a chemical malarial parasite /m!leril $p'rsat/
magnesium malarial parasite

| |

element found in green vegetables, which is noun a parasite transmitted into the human blood-
essential especially for the correct functioning of stream by the bite of the female anopheles mos-
muscles (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Mg.) quito
magnesium sulphate /m'1!ni%zim malarial therapy /m$leri !erpi/ noun a
magnesium sulphate malarial therapy

| |

$s.lfet/ noun a magnesium salt used as a laxa- treatment in which a person is given a form of
tive. Also called Epsom salts malaria in the belief that the high fevers they
magnesium trisilicate /m'1!ni%zim tra
magnesium trisilicate

| |
experience can stimulate the immune system to
$slkt/ noun a magnesium compound used to fight off serious diseases such as syphilis and HIV
treat peptic ulcers male menopause /!mel $menp%z/ noun a
male menopause

magnetic /m'1$netk/ adjective able to attract

magnetic

|
period in middle age when a man may feel inse-
objects, like a magnet cure and anxious about the fact that his physical
magnetic field /m'1!netk $fi%ld/ noun an
magnetic field

|
powers are declining (informal)
malformation /!m'lf%$me()n/ noun an
malformation

area round an object which is under the influence |

of the magnetic force exerted by the object unusual variation in the shape, structure or devel-
magnetic resonance imaging /m'1!netk
magnetic resonance imaging

|
opment of something
malfunction /m'l$f.kn/ noun a situation
malfunction

$reznns !md+/ noun a scanning technique |

which exposes the body to a strong magnetic field in which a particular organ does not work in the
and uses the electromagnetic signals emitted by usual way ! Her loss of consciousness was due to
the body to form an image of soft tissue and cells. a malfunction of the kidneys or to a kidney mal-
Abbreviation MRI function.
malignancy /m$l1nnsi/ noun 1. the state of
malignancy

magnum /$m'1nm/ " foramen magnum

magnum
|

being malignant ! The tests confirmed the malig-

main bronchi /!men $brki%/ plural noun the
main bronchi

nancy of the growth. 2. a cancerous growth

two main air passages which branch from the tra-
(NOTE: The plural is malignancies.)
chea outside the lung. Also called primary bron-
malignant /m$l1nnt/ adjective likely to
malignant

chi |

cause death or serious disablement if not properly

major surgery /!med+ $s-%d+ri/ noun sur-
major surgery

treated
gical operations involving important organs in the
malignant hypertension /m!l1nnt
malignant hypertension

body |

!hap$tenn/ noun dangerously high blood

mal /m'l/ noun an illness or disease
mal |

pressure
mal- /m'l/ prefix bad or unusual
mal-

malignant melanoma /m!l1nnt !mel

malignant melanoma

| |

malabsorption /!m'lb$s%pn/ noun a situ-

malabsorption

|
$nm/ noun a dark tumour which develops on
ation where the intestines are unable to absorb the the skin from a mole, caused by exposure to
fluids and nutrients in food properly strong sunlight
malabsorption syndrome /!m'lb$s%pn
malabsorption syndrome

malignant pustule /m!l1nnt $p.stju%l/

malignant pustule
|
|

!sndrm/ noun a group of symptoms and signs, noun a pus-filled swelling that results from infec-
including malnutrition, anaemia, oedema and der- tion of the skin with anthrax
matitis, which results from steatorrhoea and mal- malignant tumour /m!l1nnt $tju%m/
malignant tumour

absorption of vitamins, protein, carbohydrates noun a tumour which is cancerous and can grow
and water again or spread into other parts of the body, even
malacia /m$le/ noun the pathological sof-
malacia

|
if removed surgically. Opposite benign tumour
tening of an organ or tissue malingerer /m$l1r/ noun a person who
malingerer

malaise /m$lez/ noun a feeling of discomfort

malaise

|
pretends to be ill
malaligned /!m'l$land/ adjective not in the malingering /m$l1r/ adjective the act of
malaligned malingering
| |

correct position relative to other parts of the body pretending to be ill

malalignment /!m'l$lanmnt/ noun a con- malleolar /m$li%l/ adjective referring to a
malalignment malleolar

| |

dition in which something is malaligned, espe- malleolus

cially in which a tooth is not in its correct position malleolus /m$li%ls/ noun one of two bony
malleolus

in the mouth prominences at each side of the ankle (NOTE: The

malar /$mel/ adjective referring to the cheek
malar

plural is malleoli.)
malar bone /$mel bn/ noun same as mallet finger /!m'lt $f1/ noun a finger
malar bone mallet finger

cheekbone which cannot be straightened because the tendon

malaria /m$leri/ noun a mainly tropical dis-
malaria

|
attaching the top joint has been torn
ease caused by a parasite Plasmodium, which malleus /$m'lis/ noun the largest of the three
malleus

enters the body after a bite from the female ossicles in the middle ear, shaped like a hammer.
anopheles mosquito See illustration at EAR in Supplement
Nursing.fm Page 178 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

Mallory bodies 178

Mallory bodies /$m'lri !bdiz/ plural noun mamm- /m'm/ prefix same as mammo- (used
Mallory bodies mamm-

large irregular masses which occur in the cyto- before vowels)

plasm of damaged liver cells, often a sign of an mamma /$m'm/ noun same as breast (NOTE:
mamma

alcohol-related disease The plural is mammae.)

Mallory-Weiss syndrome /!m'lri $vas
Mallory-Weiss syndrome

mammary /$m'mri/ adjective referring to the

mammary

!sndrm/, Mallory-Weiss tear /!m'lri $vas breast

!te/ noun a condition in which there is a tearing mammary gland /$m'mri 1l'nd/ noun a
mammary gland

in the mucous membrane where the stomach and gland in female mammals which produces milk
oesophagus join, e.g. because of strain on them
mammilla /m$ml/, mamilla noun the pro-
mammilla

due to vomiting [Described 1929. After G. Ken- |

neth Mallory (190086), Professor of Pathology, truding part in the centre of the breast, containing
Boston University, USA; Konrad Weiss (1898 the milk ducts through which the milk flows. Also
1942) US physician.] called nipple
mammillary /$m'ml()ri/, mamillary adjec-
mammillary

malnourished /m'l$n.rt/ adjective not hav-

malnourished

tive referring to the nipple

|

ing enough to eat or having only poor-quality

mammo- /m'm/ prefix referring to breasts
mammo-

food, leading to ill-health

mammogram /$m'm1r'm/ noun a picture
mammogram

malnutrition /!m'lnj$tr()n/ noun a lack of

malnutrition

food or of good-quality food, leading to ill-health of a breast made using a special X-ray technique
mammography /m'$m1rfi/ noun examina-
mammography

malocclusion /!m'l$klu%+()n/ noun a con-

malocclusion
|

tion of the breast using a special X-ray technique

|

dition in which the teeth in the upper and lower

mammoplasty /$m'mpl'sti/ noun plastic
mammoplasty

jaws do not meet properly when the persons

mouth is closed surgery to alter the shape or size of the breasts
Manchester operation /$m'ntstr p
Manchester operation

malodorous /m'l$drs/ adjective with a

malodorous
|
|

strong unpleasant smell !re()n/ noun a surgical operation to correct

downward movement of the uterus, involving
Malpighian body /m'l$p1in !bdi/, Mal-
Malpighian body

|
removal of the cervix
pighian corpuscle /m'l$p1in !k%p.s()l/
mandible /$m'ndb()l/ noun the lower bone
| mandible

noun same as renal corpuscle [Described 1666.

After Marcello Malpighi (162894), anatomist in the jaw. Also called lower jaw
mandibular /m'n$dbjl/ adjective referring
mandibular

and physiologist in Rome and Bologna, Italy.] |

Malpighian glomerulus /m'l!p1in 1l

Malpighian glomerulus

| |
to the lower jaw
mane /$meni/ adverb (used on prescriptions)
mane

$merls/ noun same as Bowmans capsule

during the daytime. Opposite nocte
Malpighian layer /m'l$p1in !lei/ noun the
Malpighian layer

manganese /$m'1ni%z/ noun a metallic

| manganese

deepest layer of the epidermis

trace element (NOTE: The chemical symbol is
malposition /!m'lp$z()n/ noun an unusual
malposition

|
Mn.)
or unexpected position of something such as a
mania /$meni/ noun a state of bipolar disorder
mania

fetus in the uterus or fractured bones

in which the person is excited, very sure of his or
malpractice /m'l$pr'kts/ noun illegal,
malpractice

|
her own abilities and has increased energy
unethical, negligent or immoral behaviour by a
-mania /meni/ suffix obsession with some-
-mania

professional person, especially a healthcare pro-

fessional ! The surgeon was found guilty of mal- thing
maniac /$meni'k/ noun a person who behaves
maniac

practice.
in an uncontrolled way or is considered to have an
malpresentation /!m'lprez()n$te()n/
malpresentation

obsession (NOTE: This term is regarded as offen-

|

noun an unusual position of a fetus in the uterus

sive.)
just before it is ready to be born
manic /$m'nk/ adjective referring to mania
manic

Malta fever /$m%lt !fi%v/ noun same as bru-

Malta fever

manic depression /!m'nk d$pre()n/

manic depression

cellosis |

noun same as bipolar disorder

maltase /$m%ltez/ noun an enzyme in the
maltase

manic-depressive /!m'nk d$presv/ adjec-

manic-depressive

small intestine which converts maltose into glu- |

tive relating to bipolar disorder " noun a person

cose
with bipolar disorder
maltose /$m%lts/ noun a sugar formed by
maltose

manic-depressive illness /!m'nk d

manic-depressive illness

digesting starch or glycogen

|

$presv !lns/, manic-depressive psychosis

malunion /m'l$ju%njn/ noun a bad join of the
malunion

|
/!m'nk d!presv sa$kss/ noun same as
| |

pieces of a broken bone bipolar disorder

mamilla /m$ml/ noun another spelling of manifestation /!m'nfe$ste()n/ noun a
mamilla manifestation

| |

mammilla sign, indication or symptom of a disease

mamillary /$m'ml()ri/ adjective another manipulation /m!npj$le()n/ noun a
mamillary manipulation

| |

spelling of mammillary form of treatment that involves moving or rubbing

Nursing.fm Page 179 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
parts of the body with the hands, e.g. to treat a dis-
order of a joint
manometer /m$nmt/ noun an instrument
manometer
| |
for comparing pressures
manometry /m$nmtri/ noun the measure-
manometry
|
ment of pressures within organs of the body
which contain gases or liquids, e.g. the oesopha-
gus or parts of the brain
Mantoux test /$m'ntu% test/ noun a test for
Mantoux test
tuberculosis, in which a person is given an intrac-
utaneous injection of tuberculin. ! Heaf test
[Described 1908. After Charles Mantoux (1877
1947), French physician.]
manual /$m'njul/ adjective done by hand
manual
manubrium sterni /m!nu%brim $st-%na/
manubrium sterni
noun the upper part of the sternum
MAO abbreviation monoamine oxidase
MAO
MAOI abbreviation monoamine oxidase inhibi-
MAOI
tor
MAO inhibitor /!em e $ n!hbt/ noun
MAO inhibitor
| mass
same as monoamine oxidase inhibitor
maple syrup urine disease /!mep()l
maple syrup urine disease
!srp $jrn d!zi%z/ noun an inherited condi-
|
tion caused by not having enough of a particular
enzyme which helps the body to deal with amino
acid. The urine smells like maple syrup. It can be
fatal if not treated.
marasmus /m$r'zms/ noun a wasting dis-
marasmus
ease which affects small children who have diffi-
culty in absorbing nutrients or who are malnour-
ished. Also called failure to thrive
marble bone disease /!m%b()l $bn d
marble bone disease
!zi%z/ noun same as osteopetrosis
march fracture /$m%t !fr'kt/ noun a frac-
march fracture
ture of one of the metatarsal bones in the foot,
caused by excessive exercise to which the body is
not accustomed
Marfans syndrome /$m%f%nz !sndrm/,
Marfans syndrome
Marfan syndrome /$m%f%n !sndrm/ noun
a hereditary condition in which a person has
extremely long fingers and toes, with disorders of
the heart, aorta and eyes [Described 1896. After
Bernard Jean Antonin Marfan (18581942),
French paediatrician.]
marijuana /!m'r$w%n/ noun same as can-
marijuana
| mastoid
nabis
marker /$m%k/ noun 1. something which acts
marker
an indicator of something else 2. a substance
introduced into the body to make internal struc-
tures clearer to X-rays
marrow /$m'r/ noun soft tissue in cancellous
marrow
bone. In young animals red marrow is concerned
with blood formation while in adults it becomes
progressively replaced with fat and is known as
yellow marrow. Also called bone marrow. See
illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in Supplement
marsupialisation /m%!su%pila$ze()n/,
marsupialisation
| |
marsupialization noun a surgical procedure in
which the inside of a cyst is opened up so that the
179 mastoiditis
cyst can be allowed to shrink gradually, because it
cannot be cut out
masculinisation /!m'skjlna$ze()n/,
masculinisation
masculinization noun the development of male
characteristics such as body hair and a deep voice
in a woman, caused by hormone deficiency or by
treatment with male hormones
Maslows hierarchy of human needs
Maslows hierarchy of human needs
/!m'zlz !har%ki v !hju%mn $ni%dz/ noun a
system which explains human behaviour by
organising human needs in order of priority, from
basic ones such as eating to complex ones such as
finding self-fulfilment, a higher level of motiva-
tion not being activated until the lesser needs have
been satisfied
masochism /$m'skz()m/ noun a sexual
masochism
condition in which a person takes pleasure in
being hurt or badly treated
masochistic /!m's$kstk/ adjective refer-
masochistic
|
ring to masochism
mass /m's/ noun 1. a large quantity, e.g. a large
number of people ! The patients back was cov-
ered with a mass of red spots. 2. a body of matter
with no clear shape
massage /$m's%+/ noun a treatment for mus-
massage
cular conditions which involves rubbing, stroking
or pressing the body with the hands " verb to rub,
stroke or press the body with the hands
masseter /m'$si%t/, masseter muscle /m'
masseter
| |
$si%t !m.s()l/ noun a muscle in the cheek which
clenches the lower jaw making it move up, to
allow chewing
mast- /m'st/ prefix same as masto- (used
mast-
before vowels)
mast cell /$m'st sel/ noun a large cell in con-
mast cell
nective tissue, which carries histamine and reacts
to allergens
mastectomy /m'$stektmi/ noun the surgical
mastectomy
|
removal of a breast
mastication /!m'st$ke()n/ noun the act of
mastication
chewing food
mastitis /m'$stats/ noun inflammation of the
mastitis
breast
masto- /m'st/ prefix referring to a breast
masto-
mastoid /$m'std/ adjective shaped like a nip-
ple " noun same as mastoid process
mastoid air cell /!m'std $e !sel/, mastoid
mastoid air cell
cell /$m'std sel/ noun an air cell in the mas-
toid process
mastoid antrum /!m'std $'ntrm/ noun a
mastoid antrum
cavity linking the air cells of the mastoid process
with the middle ear
mastoidectomy /!m'st$dektmi/ noun a
mastoidectomy
|
surgical operation to remove part of the mastoid
process, as a treatment for mastoiditis
mastoiditis /!m'st$dats/ noun inflamma-
mastoiditis
|
tion of the mastoid process and air cells. The
symptoms are fever and pain in the ears.
Nursing.fm Page 180 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

mastoid process 180

mastoid process /!m'std $prses/ noun maxillary antrum /m'k!slri $'ntrm/,

mastoid process maxillary antrum

part of the temporal bone which protrudes at the maxillary air sinus /m'k!slri $e !sans/ |

side of the head behind the ear noun one of two sinuses behind the cheekbones in
masturbation /!m'st$be()n/ noun stimu-
masturbation

|
the upper jaw. Also called antrum of Highmore
lation of ones own genitals to produce an orgasm. maxillo-facial /m'k!sl$fe()l/ adjective
maxillo-facial

| |

Also called onanism referring to the maxillary bone and the face !
mater /$met/ " dura mater
mater
maxillo-facial surgery
MB abbreviation bachelor of medicine
MB

materia medica /m!tri $medk/ noun the

materia medica

study of drugs or dosages as used in treatment McBurneys point /mk!b-%niz $pnt/ noun
McBurneys point

(NOTE: It comes from a Latin term meaning a point which indicates the usual position of the
medical substance.) appendix on the right side of the abdomen,
maternal /m$t-%n()l/ adjective referring to a
maternal

|
between the hip bone and the navel, which is
mother extremely painful if pressed when the person has
maternal death /m!t-%n()l $de/ noun the
maternal death
appendicitis [Described 1899. After Charles
McBurney (18451913), US surgeon.]
|

death of a mother during pregnancy, childbirth or

McNaghtens Rules on Insanity at Law
McNaghtens Rules on Insanity at Law

up to twelve months after childbirth

/mk!n%tnz !ru%lz n n!s'nti t $l%/,
maternal deprivation /m!t-%n()l !depr
maternal deprivation
| |

McNaghtens Rules /mk$n%tnz !ru%lz/ plu-

| |

$ve()n/ noun a psychological condition caused |

when a child does not have a proper relationship ral noun a set of principles which explain how
with a mother people can defend themselves in law by claiming
that they committed a murder because they were
maternal dystocia /m!t-%n()l ds$tsi/
maternal dystocia

| |
mentally ill, and therefore not responsible for any
noun difficult childbirth caused by a physical of their actions. In 1957 it was adapted to include
problem in the mother the idea of knowing that an action is wrong but
maternal instincts /m!t-%n()l $nstkts/
maternal instincts

| being unable to stop yourself from committing it

plural noun instinctive feelings in a woman to because of your mental condition.
look after and protect her child MCP joint /!em si% $pi% !d+nt/ noun same as
MCP joint

maternity /m$t-%nti/ noun childbirth, the fact

maternity

| metacarpophalangeal joint
of becoming a mother MCU, MCUG abbreviation micturating cysto(-
MCU

maternity clinic /m$t-%nti !klnk/ noun

maternity clinic

| urethro)gram
same as antenatal clinic MD abbreviation doctor of medicine
MD

maternity hospital /m$t-%nti !hspt()l/,

maternity hospital

ME abbreviation myalgic encephalomyelitis

ME
|

maternity ward /m$t-%nti w%d/, maternity

measles /$mi%z()lz/ noun an infectious disease
| measles

unit /m$t-%nti !ju%nt/ noun a hospital, ward or

|

unit which deals only with women giving birth of children, where the body is covered with a red
rash ! Shes in bed with measles. ! Hes got
matrix /$metrks/ noun an amorphous mass of
matrix

measles. ! They caught measles from their friend

cells forming the basis of connective tissue. Also at school. ! Have you had the measles? Also
called ground substance called morbilli, rubeola (NOTE: Takes a singular
matron /$metrn/ noun a title formerly given to
matron

or plural verb.)
a woman in charge of the nurses in a hospital. ! meat- /miet/ prefix relating to a meatus
meat-

modern matron
meatus /mi$ets/ noun an opening leading to
meatus

mattress suture /$m'trs !su%t/ noun a

mattress suture |

an internal passage in the body, e.g. the urethra or

suture made with a loop on each side of the inci- the nasal cavity (NOTE: The plural is meatuses
sion or meatus.)
maturation /!m't$re()n/ noun the proc-
maturation

mechanism /$meknz()m/ noun 1. a physi-

mechanism
|

ess of becoming mature or fully developed cal or chemical change by which a function is car-
mature /m$t/ adjective fully developed
mature

|
ried out 2. a system in the body which carries out
mature follicle /m!t $flk()l/ noun a or controls a particular function ! The inner ear
mature follicle

Graafian follicle just before ovulation is the bodys mechanism for the sense of balance.
maturing /m$tr/ adjective becoming mechanism of labour /!meknz()m v
maturing mechanism of labour

mature $leb/ noun all the forces and processes which

maxilla /m'k$sl/, maxilla bone /m'k$sl
maxilla

| |
combine to push a foetus out of the uterus during
bn/ noun the upper jaw bone (NOTE: The plural its birth, together with the ones which oppose it
mechanotherapy /!mekn$erpi/ noun
mechanotherapy

is maxillae. It is more correct to refer to the |

upper jaw as the maxillae, as it is in fact formed the treatment of injuries through mechanical
of two bones which are fused together.) means, such as massage and exercise machines
maxillary /m'k$slri/ adjective referring to meconism /$mekniz()m/ noun poisoning
maxillary meconism

the maxilla by opium or morphine

Nursing.fm Page 181 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
181
meconium /m$knim/ noun the first dark
meconium
| |
green faeces produced by a newborn baby
media /$mi%di/ noun same as tunica media
media
medial /$mi%dil/ adjective nearer to the central
medial
midline of the body or to the centre of an organ.
Compare lateral
medially /$mi%dili/ adverb towards or on the
medially
sagittal plane of the body. See illustration at ANA-
TOMICAL TERMS in Supplement
medial malleolus /!mi%dil m$li%ls/ noun a
medial malleolus
|
bone at the end of the tibia which protrudes at the
inside of the ankle
median /$mi%din/ adjective towards the central
median
midline of the body, or placed in the middle
median nerve /$mi%din n-%v/ noun one of the
median nerve
main nerves of the forearm and hand
median plane /$mi%din plen/ noun an imag-
median plane
inary flat surface on the midline and at right
angles to the coronal plane, which divides the
body into right and left halves. See illustration at
ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement
mediastinal /mi%di$stan()l/ adjective refer-
mediastinal
| |
ring to the mediastinum ! the mediastinal sur-
face of pleura or of the lungs
mediastinitis /!mi%dist$nats/ noun inflam-
mediastinitis
|
mation of the mediastinum
mediastinoscopy /!mi%dist$nskpi/ noun
mediastinoscopy
|
an operation in which a tube is put into the medi-
astinum so that its organs can be examined
mediastinum /mi%di$stanm/ noun the sec-
mediastinum
tion of the chest between the lungs, where the
heart, oesophagus and phrenic and vagus nerves
are situated
medic /$medk/ noun a doctor or medical stu-
medic
dent (informal)
medical /$medk()l/ adjective referring to the
medical
study of diseases ! a medical student " noun an
official examination of a person by a doctor ! He
wanted to join the army, but failed his medical. !
You will have to have a medical if you take out an
insurance policy.
medical alert bracelet /!medk()l $l-%t
medical alert bracelet
|
!breslt/ noun a band or chain worn around the
wrist giving information about the wearers med-
ical needs, allergies or condition
medical assistant /$medk()l !sst()nt/
medical assistant
|
noun someone who performs routine administra-
tive and clinical tasks to help in the offices and
clinics of doctors and other medical practitioners
medical audit /!medk()l $%dt/ noun a sys-
medical audit
tematic critical analysis of the quality of medical
care provided to a person, which examines the
procedures used for diagnosis and treatment, the
use of resources and the resulting outcome and
quality of life for the person
medical audit advisory group /!medk()l
medical audit advisory group
!%dt d$vaz()ri !1ru%p/ noun a body with the
responsibility of advising on medical audit in pri-
mary care. Abbreviation MAAG
medical social worker
medical certificate /$medk()l s!tfkt/
medical certificate
noun an official document signed by a doctor,
giving someone permission to be away from work
or not to do specific types of work
medical committee /$medk()l k!mti/
medical committee
|
noun a committee of doctors in a hospital who
advise the management on medical matters
medical doctor /$medk()l !dkt/ noun a
medical doctor
doctor who practises medicine, but is not usually
a surgeon
medical ethics /!medk()l $eks/ plural
medical ethics
noun the moral and professional principles which
govern how doctors and nurses should work, and,
in particular, what type of relationship they
should have with their patients
medical examination /!medk()l 1!z'm
medical examination
| |
$ne()n/ noun an examination of a person by a
doctor
medical history /!medk()l $hst()ri/ noun
medical history
the details of a persons medical condition and
treatment over a period of time
medical intervention /!medk()l !nt
medical intervention
$venn/ noun the treatment of illness by drugs
medicalisation /!medkla$ze()n/, medi-
medicalisation
calization noun the act of looking at something
as a medical issue or problem
medical jurisprudence /!medk()l !d+rs
medical jurisprudence
|
$pru%d()ns/ noun the use of the principles of law
as they relate to the practice of medicine and the
relationship of doctors with each other, their
patients and society. ! forensic medicine
Medical Officer of Health /!medk()l
Medical Officer of Health
!fsr v $hel/ noun formerly, a local govern-
ment official in charge of the health services in an
area. Abbreviation MOH
medical practitioner /!medk()l pr'k
medical practitioner
$t()n/ noun a person qualified in medicine,
i.e. a doctor or surgeon
medical profession /$medk()l pr!fe()n/
medical profession
|
noun all doctors
Medical Register /!medk()l $red+st/
Medical Register
noun a list of doctors approved by the General
Medical Council ! The committee ordered his
name to be struck off the Medical Register.
Medical Research Council /!medk()l r
Medical Research Council
|
$s-%t !kansl/ noun a government body which
organises and pays for medical research. Abbrevi-
ation MRC
medical school /$medk()l sku%l/ noun a sec-
medical school
tion of a university which teaches medicine ! He
is at medical school.
medical secretary /!medk()l $sekrt()ri/
medical secretary
noun a qualified secretary who specialises in
medical documentation, either in a hospital or in
a doctors surgery
medical social worker /!medk()l $s()l
medical social worker
!w-%k/ noun someone who helps people with
family problems or problems related to their work
Nursing.fm Page 182 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

medical ward 182

which may have an effect on their response to medulla oblongata /me!d.l !bl$1et/
medulla oblongata

| |

treatment noun a continuation of the spinal cord going

medical ward /$medk()l w%d/ noun a ward through the foramen magnum into the brain
medical ward

for people who do not have to undergo surgical medullary /me$d.lri/ adjective similar to mar-
medullary

operations row
Medicare /$medke/ noun a system of public medullary cavity /me!d.lri $k'vti/ noun a
Medicare medullary cavity

health insurance in the US hollow centre of a long bone, containing bone

medicated /$medketd/ adjective containing
medicated
marrow. See illustration at BONE STRUCTURE in
a medicinal drug ! medicated cough sweet Supplement
medullated nerve /$medletd n-%v/ noun a
medullated nerve

medicated shampoo /!medketd 'm

medicated shampoo

$pu%/ noun a shampoo containing a chemical nerve surrounded by a myelin sheath

mefenamic acid /!mefn'mk $'sd/ noun a
mefenamic acid

which is supposed to prevent dandruff

medication /!med$ke()n/ noun 1. the treat-
medication

|
drug which reduces inflammation and pain, used
ment of illnesses by giving people drugs. ! pre- in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and men-
medication 2. a drug used to treat a particular ill- strual problems
mefloquine /$meflkwi%n/,
mefloquine

ness ! What sort of medication has she been mefloquine

taking? ! 80% of elderly patients admitted to hydrochloride /!meflkwi%n !hadr |

geriatric units are on medication. $kl%rad/ noun a drug used in the prevention and
medicinal /m$ds()n()l/ adjective which has
medicinal

|
treatment of malaria
mega- /me1/ prefix 1. large. Opposite micro-
mega-

healing properties or a beneficial effect on some-

ones health ! He has a drink of whisky before he 2. one million, or 106
goes to bed for medicinal purposes. megacolon /!me1$kln/ noun a condition
megacolon

medicinal leech /m!ds()n()l $li%t/ noun a in which the lower colon is very much larger than
medicinal leech

leech which is raised specially for use in medicine
medicine /$med()s()n/ noun 1. a preparation
medicine
normal, because part of the colon above is con-
stricted, making bowel movements impossible
megajoule /$me1d+u%l/ noun a unit of meas-
megajoule

taken to treat a disease or condition, especially

one in liquid form ! Take some cough medicine if urement of energy equal to one million joules.
your cough is bad. ! You should take the medi- Symbol Mj
cine three times a day. 2. the study of diseases and megakaryocyte /!me1$k'risat/ noun a
megakaryocyte

how to cure or prevent them ! She is studying bone marrow cell which produces blood platelets
medicine because she wants to be a doctor. megalo- /me1l/ prefix large
megalo-

medicine cabinet /$med()s()n !k'bnt/,

medicine cabinet

megaloblast /$me1lbl'st/ noun an unusu-

megaloblast

medicine chest /$med()s()n test/ noun a
cupboard where medicines, bandages, thermome-
ters and other pieces of medical equipment can be
left locked up, but ready for use in an emergency
ally large blood cell found in the bone marrow of
people who have some types of anaemia caused
by Vitamin B12 deficiency
megaloblastic anaemia /!me1l!bl'stk
megaloblastic anaemia

medico /medk/ noun a doctor (informal) !

medico

$ni%mi/ noun anaemia caused by Vitamin B12

|

The medico said I was perfectly fit. deficiency

medico- /medk/ prefix referring to medicine
medico-

megalocyte /$me1lsat/ noun an unusually

megalocyte

or to doctors large red blood cell, found in pernicious anaemia

medicochirurgical /!medkka
medicochirurgical

megalomania /!me1l$meni/ noun a psy-

megalomania
| |
|

$r-%d+k()l/ adjective referring to both medicine chiatric disorder in which a person believes they
and surgery are very powerful and important
medicolegal /!medk$li%1()l/ adjective
medicolegal

megalomaniac /!me1l$meni'k/ noun

megalomaniac
|
|

referring to both medicine and the law someone who has megalomania " adjective hav-
medicosocial /!medk$s()l/ adjective ing megalomania
medicosocial

involving both medical and social factors -megaly /me1li/ suffix enlargement
-megaly

medium /$mi%dim/ adjective average, in the

medium

megaureter /!me1j$ri%t/ noun a condition

megaureter

middle or at the halfway point " noun a sub- in which a part of the ureter becomes very wide,
stance through which something acts above the site of a blockage
medroxyprogesterone /m!drksipr meibomian cyst /ma!bmin $sst/ noun
medroxyprogesterone meibomian cyst

| | | |

$d+estrn/ noun a synthetic hormone used to the swelling of a sebaceous gland in the eyelid.
treat menstrual disorders, in oestrogen replace- Also called chalazion
ment therapy and as a contraceptive meibomian gland /ma$bmin !1l'nd/
meibomian gland

medulla /me$d.l/ noun the soft inner part of an

medulla

| noun a sebaceous gland on the edge of the eyelid

organ, as opposed to the outer cortex. See illustra- which secretes a liquid to lubricate the eyelid.
tion at KIDNEY in Supplement Also called tarsal gland
Nursing.fm Page 183 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

183 meninx

meibomianitis /ma!bmi$nats/ noun a Johann Mendel (182284), Austrian Augustinian

meibomianitis

| |

condition in which the meibomian glands become monk and naturalist of Brno, whose work was
swollen rediscovered by de Vries in 1900.]
Meigs syndrome /$me1z !sndrm/ noun a Mnires disease /meni$ez d!zi%z/,
Meigs syndrome Mnires disease

| |

condition in which liquid collects in the chest and
abdominal cavities. It is associated with pelvic
tumours.
meiosis /ma$ss/ noun the process of cell
meiosis
Mnires syndrome /$sndrm/ noun a dis-
ease of the middle ear, in which someone
becomes dizzy, hears ringing in the ears and may

|
vomit, and becomes progressively deaf. The
division which results in two pairs of haploid causes may include infections or allergies, which
cells, i.e. cells with only one set of chromosomes. increase the fluid contents of the labyrinth in the
Compare mitosis middle ear. [Described 1861. After Prosper
Mnire (17991862) and his son, Emile Anto-
Meissners corpuscle /!masnz
Meissners corpuscle

ine Mnire (18391905), French physicians.]

$k%p.s()l/ noun a receptor cell in the skin
mening- /mennd+/ prefix same as meningo-
mening-

which is thought to be sensitive to touch

(used before vowels)
Meissners plexus /!masnz $plekss/ noun
Meissners plexus

meningeal /me$nnd+il/ adjective referring to

meningeal

a network of nerve fibres in the wall of the ali- |

mentary canal [Described 1853. After Georg the meninges

meninges /me$nnd+i%z/ plural noun the mem-
meninges

Meissner (18291905), German anatomist and |

physiologist.] branes which surround the brain and spinal cord

melaena /m$li%n/ noun black faeces where
melaena

|
(NOTE: The singular is meninx.)
meningioma /!mennd+i$m/ noun a benign
meningioma

the colour is caused by bleeding in the intestine |

melan- /meln/ prefix same as melano- (used

melan-
tumour in the meninges
meningism /me$nnd+z()m/ noun a condi-
meningism

before vowels) |

melancholia /!meln$kli/ noun a severe

melancholia

|
tion in which there are signs of meningeal irrita-
depressive illness occurring usually between the tion suggesting meningitis, but where there is no
ages of 45 and 65 pathological change in the cerebrospinal fluid
meningitis /!menn$d+ats/ noun inflamma-
meningitis

melanin /$melnn/ noun a dark pigment which

melanin
|

gives colour to skin and hair, also found in the
choroid of the eye and in some tumours
melano- /meln/ prefix black or dark
melano-
tion of the meninges, causing someone to have
violent headaches, fever, and stiff neck muscles,
and sometimes to become delirious

meningo- /mn1/ prefix referring to the

meningo-

melanocyte /$melnsat/ noun any cell

melanocyte

meninges
which carries pigment
meningocele /m$n1si%l/ noun a condi-
meningocele

melanocyte-stimulating hormone
melanocyte-stimulating hormone |

tion in which the meninges protrude through the

/!melnsat $stmjlet !h%mm/ noun a
vertebral column or skull
hormone produced by the pituitary gland which
meningococcal /m!n1$kk()l/ adjec-
meningococcal

causes darkening in the colour of the skin. Abbre- | |

viation MSH tive referring to meningococci

meningococcal meningitis /m!n1
meningococcal meningitis

melanoma /!mel$nm/ noun a tumour

melanoma
| |

!kk()l !menn$d+ats/ noun the commonest

|

formed of dark pigmented cells |

epidemic form of meningitis, caused by a bacte-

melatonin /!mel$tnn/ noun a hormone pro-
melatonin

|
duced by the pineal gland during the hours of
darkness, which makes animals sleep during the
rium Neisseria meningitidis, where the meninges
become inflamed causing headaches and fever
meningococcus /m!n1$kks/ noun
meningococcus

winter months. It is thought to control the bodys | |

rhythms. the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis which

causes meningococcal meningitis (NOTE: The
melena /m$li%n/ noun same as melaena
melena

plural is meningococci.)
|

mellitus /$melts/ " diabetes mellitus

mellitus

meningoencephalitis /m!n1en!kef
meningoencephalitis

| | | |

membrane /$membren/ noun a thin layer of

membrane

$lats/ noun inflammation of the meninges and

tissue which lines or covers an organ the brain
membranous /$membrns/ adjective refer-
membranous

meningoencephalocele /m!n1en
meningoencephalocele

| | |

ring to membranes, or like a membrane $keflsi%l/ noun a condition in which part of

membranous labyrinth /!membrns the meninges and the brain push through a gap in
membranous labyrinth

$l'brn/ noun a series of ducts and canals the skull

formed of membrane inside the osseous labyrinth meningomyelocele
meningomyelocele

/m!n1 | |

menarche /m$n%ki/ noun the start of men- $malsi%l/ noun the pushing forward of part of
menarche

strual periods the meninges and spinal cord through a gap in the
Mendels laws /$mendlz l%z/ plural noun the
Mendels laws
spine. Also called myelomeningocele, mye-
laws of heredity, that are the basis of the science locele
of genetics [Described 1865. After Gregor meninx /$menks/ noun " meninges
meninx
Nursing.fm Page 184 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
meniscectomy
meniscectomy /!men$sektmi/ noun the sur-
meniscectomy
gical removal of a cartilage from the knee
meniscus /m$nsks/ noun one of two pads of
meniscus
|
cartilage, the lateral meniscus and medial menis-
cus, between the femur and tibia in a knee joint.
Also called semilunar cartilage (NOTE: The plu-
ral is menisci.)
meno- /men/ prefix referring to menstruation
meno-
menopause /$menp%z/ noun a period, usu-
menopause
ally between 45 and 55 years of age, when a
woman stops menstruating and can no longer bear
children. Also called climacteric, change of life
menorrhagia /!men$red+i/ noun very
menorrhagia
|
heavy bleeding during menstruation. Also called
flooding
menses /$mensi%z/ plural noun same as men-
menses
struation
menstrual /$menstrul/ adjective referring to
menstrual
menstruation
menstrual cramp /!menstrul $kr'mp/ noun
menstrual cramp
a cramp in the muscles round the uterus during
menstruation
menstrual cycle /$menstrul !sak()l/ noun
menstrual cycle
a period, usually of 28 days, during which a
woman ovulates, the walls of the uterus swell and
bleeding takes place if the ovum has not been fer-
tilised
menstrual flow /$menstrul fl/ noun the
menstrual flow
discharge of blood from the uterus during men-
struation
menstruate /$menstruet/ verb to bleed from
menstruate
the uterus during menstruation
menstruation /!menstru$e()n/ noun bleed-
menstruation
|
ing from the uterus which occurs in a woman each
month when the lining of the uterus is shed
because no fertilised egg is present
mental /$ment()l/ adjective 1. referring to the
mental
mind 2. referring to the chin
mental aberration /!ment()l !'b$re()n/
mental aberration
|
noun slight forgetfulness or confusion (often
humorous) ! I thought the meeting was at 11 I
must have had a mental aberration.
mental age /!ment()l $ed+/ noun a measure-
mental age
ment based on intelligence tests that shows a per-
sons intellectual development, usually compared
to standardised data for a chronological age #
hes nine, but he has a mental age of five
although he is nine years old, his level of intellec-
tual development is the same as that of an average
child of five
mental block /!ment()l $blk/ noun a tempo-
mental block
rary inability to remember something, caused by
the effect of nervous stress on the mental proc-
esses
Mental Capacity Act /!ment()l k$p'sti
Mental Capacity Act
|
!'kt/ noun a piece of UK legislation, introduced
in 2007, that establishes five principles in relation
to mental capacity and medical treatment, namely
that patients should be assumed to be capable of
184
making their own decisions, that they should be
given support in decision-making, that it is
patients capacity to make decisions that should
be judged, not the decisions themselves, that
treatment must be in patients best interests, and
that treatment should restrict rights and freedoms
as little as possible
mental deficiency /!ment()l d$f()nsi/
mental deficiency
|
noun a former term for learning disability (NOTE:
This term is regarded as offensive.)
mental development /!ment()l d
mental development
|
$velpmnt/ noun the development of the mind
! Her mental development is higher than usual
for her age.
mental disorder /!ment()l ds$%d/ noun a
mental disorder
|
temporary or permanent change in a persons
mental state which makes them function less
effectively than they would usually, or than the
average person would be expected to function
mental faculties /!ment()l $f'klti%z/ plural
mental faculties
noun abilities such as thinking and decision-mak-
ing ! There has been no impairment of the mental
faculties.
mental handicap /!ment()l $h'ndik'p/
mental handicap
noun a former term for learning disability (NOTE:
This term is regarded as offensive.)
mental health /$ment()l hel/ noun the con-
mental health
dition of someones mind
Mental Health Acts /!ment()l $hel 'kts/
Mental Health Acts
plural noun laws made by a parliament which lay
down rules for the care of people with mental ill-
ness
Mental Health Review Tribunal /!ment()l
Mental Health Review Tribunal
hel r$vju% tra!bju%n()l/ noun a committee
| |
which makes decisions about whether people who
have been detained under the Mental Health Acts
should be released. It consists of medical mem-
bers, legal experts and lay members, who include
people with experience in social services. Abbre-
viation MHRT
mental hospital /$ment()l !hspt()l/ noun
mental hospital
a psychiatric hospital (NOTE: This term is
regarded as offensive.)
mental illness /!ment()l $lns/ noun any dis-
mental illness
order which affects the mind
mental impairment /!ment()l m$pemnt/
mental impairment
noun a temporary or permanent condition which
affects a persons mental state, making them func-
tion less effectively than they would usually, or
than the average person would be expected to
function
mentally /$ment()li/ adverb in the mind !
mentally
Mentally, she is very advanced for her age.
mentally handicapped /!ment()li
mentally handicapped
$h'ndik'pt/ adjective a former term for some-
one with learning disability (NOTE: This term is
usually regarded as offensive.)
mentally ill /!ment()li $l/ adjective experienc-
mentally ill
ing mental illness
Nursing.fm Page 185 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

185 metastasise

mental nerve /$ment()l n-%v/ noun a nerve mesothelium /!mes$i%lim/ noun a layer of
mental nerve mesothelium

which supplies the chin cells lining a serous membrane. Compare epithe-
mental patient /$ment()l !pe()nt/ noun a
mental patient
lium, endothelium
messenger RNA /!mes()nd+ !%r en $e/
messenger RNA

former term of a patient who has mental illness

(NOTE: This term is regarded as offensive.) noun a type of ribonucleic acid which transmits
mental retardation /!ment()l !ri%t%
mental retardation
the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosomes
which form the proteins coded on the DNA.
|

$de()n/ noun a former term for learning disa-

bility, a condition that results in someone finding Abbreviation mRNA
mestranol /$mi%strnl/ noun a synthetically
mestranol

it difficult to learn skills or information at the

same rate as others of a similar age (NOTE: This produced oestrogen used in birth control pills
term is regarded as offensive.) meta- /met/ prefix referring to change
meta-

mental subnormality /!ment()l !s.bn% metabolic /!met$blk/ adjective referring to

mental subnormality metabolic

| |

$m'lti/ noun a former term for mental impair- metabolism

ment (NOTE: This term is usually regarded as metabolic acidosis /!metblk !'s
metabolic acidosis

offensive.) $dss/ noun acidosis caused by a malfunction

menthol /$menl/ noun a strongly scented of the bodys metabolism
menthol

compound, produced from peppermint oil, used metabolic alkalosis /!metblk 'lk
metabolic alkalosis

in cough medicines and in the treatment of neural- $lss/ noun alkalosis caused by a malfunction
gia of the bodys metabolism
mentholated /$menletd/ adjective impreg- metabolise /m$t'blaz/, metabolize verb
mentholated metabolise

nated with menthol to change the nature of something by metabolism

mento- /ment/ prefix relating to the chin
mento-
! The liver metabolises proteins and carbohy-
drates.
mentor /$ment%/ noun somebody who advises
mentor

metabolism /m$t'blz()m/ noun the

metabolism

and guides a younger, less experienced person " |

verb to act as a mentor to somebody chemical processes which are continually taking
place in the human body and which are essential
mentum /$mentm/ noun the chin
mentum

to life, especially the processes that convert food

mercury /$m-%kjri/ noun a poisonous liquid
mercury

into energy
metal, used in thermometers (NOTE: The chemi- metabolite /m$t'blat/ noun a substance
metabolite

cal symbol is Hg.) produced by metabolism, or a substance taken

mercury poisoning /$m-%kjri !pz()n/ into the body in food and then metabolised
mercury poisoning

noun poisoning by drinking mercury or mercury metacarpal bone /!met$k%p()l bn/,

metacarpal bone

compounds or by inhaling mercury vapour metacarpal /!met$k%p()l/ noun one of the |

mercy killing /$m-%si !kl/ noun same as five bones in the metacarpus
mercy killing

euthanasia metacarpophalangeal /!met!k%pf

metacarpophalangeal

| | |

meridian /m$rdin/ noun in acupuncture and $l'nd+il/ adjective relating to the part of the
meridian

Chinese medicine, one of the pathways in the hand between the wrist and the fingers
body along which its energy is believed to flow metacarpophalangeal joint /!met!k%p
metacarpophalangeal joint

| |

mes- /mes/ prefix same as meso- (used before

mes-
f$l'nd+il !d+nt/ noun a joint between a met-
|

vowels) acarpal bone and a finger. Also called MCP joint,

MP joint
mesencephalon /mesen$kefln/ noun same
mesencephalon

metacarpus /!met$k%ps/ noun the five

| metacarpus

as midbrain |

bones in the hand between the fingers and the

mesenteric /!mesen$terk/ adjective referring
mesenteric

|
wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement
to the mesentery
metaphase /$metfez/ noun one of the stages
metaphase

mesentery /$mesent()ri/ noun a double-layer

mesentery

in mitosis or meiosis
peritoneum which attaches the small intestine and
metaphysis /me$t'fss/ noun the end of the
metaphysis

other abdominal organs to the abdominal wall |

central section of a long bone, where the bone

mesial /$mi%sil/ adjective 1. in dentistry, relat-
mesial

grows and where it joins the epiphysis

ing to the middle of the front of the jaw, or occur- metaplasia /met$plezi/ noun a change of
metaplasia

ring in a place near this 2. relating to or located in

|

one tissue to another

the middle part of something
metastasis /me$t'stss/ noun the spreading
metastasis

meso- /mes/ prefix middle

meso- |

of a malignant disease from one part of the body

mesometrium /!mes$mi%trim/ noun a
mesometrium

| to another through the bloodstream or the lymph

muscle layer of the uterus system. Also called secondary growth (NOTE:
mesothelioma /!mesti%li$m/ noun a
mesothelioma

|
The plural is metastases.)
tumour of the serous membrane, which can be metastasise /me$t'stsaz/, metastasize
metastasise

benign or malignant verb to spread by metastasis

Nursing.fm Page 186 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

metastatic 186

metastatic /met$st'tk/ adjective relating to, methotrexate /!me$trekset/ noun a drug

metastatic methotrexate

| |

or produced by, metastasis ! Metastatic growths which helps to prevent cells reproducing, used in
developed in the liver. the treatment of cancer
methyl alcohol /!mi%al $'lkhl/ noun same
methyl alcohol

metatarsal /!met$t%s()l/ noun one of the

metatarsal

five bones in the metatarsus " adjective relating as methanol

to the metatarsus methylated spirits /!meletd $sprts/ plu-
methylated spirits

metatarsal arch /!met$t%s()l %t/ noun an

metatarsal arch

|
ral noun almost pure alcohol, with wood alcohol
arched part of the sole of the foot, running across and colouring added
methylphenidate /!mi%al$fendet/ noun a
methylphenidate

the sole of the foot from side to side. Also called |

transverse arch drug which stimulates the central nervous system,

metatarsalgia /!mett%$s'ld+/ noun pain in
metatarsalgia
used in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention
deficit disorder
|

the heads of the metatarsal bones

methylprednisolone /!mi%alpred
methylprednisolone

metatarsophalangeal joint /met!t%sf

metatarsophalangeal joint
| |

$nsln/ noun a corticosteroid drug which

| | |

$l'nd+il !d+nt/ noun a joint between a meta-

reduces inflammation, used in the treatment of
tarsal bone and a toe
arthritis, allergies and asthma
metatarsus /!met$t%ss/ noun the five long
metatarsus

metoclopramide /!met$klprmad/
metoclopramide
|
| |

bones in the foot between the toes and the tarsus. noun a drug used to treat nausea, vomiting and
See illustration at FOOT in Supplement (NOTE: indigestion
The plural is metatarsi.)
metoprolol /m$tprll/ noun a drug which
metoprolol

meteorism /$mi%tirz()m/ noun same as

meteorism

controls the activity of the heart, used to treat

tympanites angina and high blood pressure
meter /$mi%t/ noun US same as metre
meter

metr- /metr/ prefix same as metro- (used before

metr-

-meter /mi%t, mt/ suffix measuring instru- vowels)

-meter

ment metra /$metr/ noun the uterus

metra

metformin /met$f%mn/ noun a drug which metralgia /me$tr'ld+/ noun pain in the uterus
metformin metralgia

| |

reduces the level of the blood sugar levels, used to metre /$mi%t/ noun an SI unit of length ! The
metre

treat non-insulin dependent diabetes which does room is four metres by three. Symbol m
not respond to dietary measures metritis /me$trats/ noun same as myometri-
metritis

methadone /$medn/ noun a synthetically

methadone

tis
produced narcotic drug, used to reduce pain and metro- /metr/ prefix referring to the uterus
metro-

as a substitute for heroin in the treatment of addic- metrocolpocele /!metr$klpsi%l/ noun a

metrocolpocele

tion
|

condition in which the uterus protrudes into the

methaemoglobin /met!hi%m$1lbn/
methaemoglobin

| | vagina
noun a dark brown substance formed from hae- metronidazole /!metr$ndzl/ noun a yel-
metronidazole

moglobin which develops during illness, follow- low antibiotic compound, used especially in the
ing treatment with some drugs. Methaemoglobin treatment of vaginal infections
cannot transport oxygen round the body, and so
metroptosis /!metr$tss/ noun a condition
metroptosis

causes cyanosis.
|

in which the uterus has moved downwards out of

methaemoglobinaemia /met!hi%m
methaemoglobinaemia

| |
its usual position. Also called prolapse of the
!1lb$ni%mi/ noun the presence of methaemo-
|
uterus
globin in the blood metrorrhagia /!mi%tr$red+i/ noun unusual
metrorrhagia

methane /$mi%en, $meen/ noun a colour-

methane

bleeding from the vagina between the menstrual

less flammable gas with no smell periods
methanol /$menl/ noun a colourless poison- -metry /mtri/ suffix relating to the process of
methanol -metry

ous liquid, used as a solvent and a fuel. It changes measuring, or to instruments which are used for
easily into a gas. Also called methyl alcohol measuring
mg abbreviation milligram
mg

methicillin /!me$sln/ noun a synthetically

methicillin

produced antibiotic, used in the treatment of MI abbreviation 1. mitral incompetence 2. myo-

MI

infections which are resistant to penicillin cardial infarction

methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Michels clips /m!elz $klps/ plural noun
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Michels clips

aureus /me!sln r!zstnt st'fl!kks

| | | metal clips used to suture a wound [After Gaston
$%ris/ noun a bacterium resistant to almost all Michel (18741937), Professor of Clinical Sur-
antibiotics and which can cause life-threatening gery at Nancy, France.]
infection in people recovering from surgery. miconazole /ma$knzl/ noun a drug used
miconazole

Abbreviation MRSA to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails

methionine /me$ani%n/ noun an essential micro- /makr/ prefix 1. very small. Opposite
methionine micro-

amino acid macro-, mega-, megalo- 2. one millionth (10-6)

Nursing.fm Page 187 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

187 mid-life crisis

microangiopathy /!makr!'nd+i$pi/ Viruses, bacteria and protozoa are microorgan-

microangiopathy

| |

noun any disease of the capillaries isms.

microphthalmia /!makrf$'lmi/ noun a
microphthalmia

microbe /$makrb/ noun a microorganism

microbe
|

which may cause disease and which can only be condition in which the eyes are unusually small
seen with a microscope, e.g. a bacterium microscope /$makrskp/ noun a scientific
microscope

microbiologist /!makrba$ld+st/ noun

microbiologist

|
instrument with lenses, which makes very small
a scientist who specialises in the study of micro- objects appear larger ! The tissue was examined
organisms under the microscope. ! Under the microscope it
was possible to see the cancer cells.
microbiology /!makrba$ld+i/ noun the
microbiology

microscopic /!makr$skpk/ adjective so

| microscopic

scientific study of microorganisms |

small that it can only be seen through a micro-

microcephalic /!makrke$f'lk/ adjective
microcephalic

|
scope
having microcephaly
microscopy /ma$krskpi/ noun the science
microscopy

microcephaly /!makr$kefli/ noun a con-

microcephaly |

|
of the use of microscopes
dition in which a person has an unusually small
Microsporum /$makrsp%rm/ noun a type
Microsporum

head, sometimes caused by the mother having had

a rubella infection during pregnancy of fungus which causes ringworm of the hair, skin
and sometimes nails
microcyte /$makrsat/ noun an unusually
microcyte

microsurgery /$makr!s-%d+ri/ noun sur-

microsurgery

small red blood cell

|

gery using tiny instruments and a microscope.

microcythaemia /makrsa$i%mi/ noun
microcythaemia

|
Microsurgery is used in operations on eyes and
same as microcytosis ears, and also to connect severed nerves and blood
microcytic /!makr$stk/ adjective referring vessels.
microcytic

to microcytes microvillus /!makr$vls/ noun a very small

microvillus

microcytosis /!makrsa$tss/ noun the process found on the surface of many cells, espe-
microcytosis

presence of excess microcytes in the blood cially the epithelial cells in the intestine (NOTE:
microdactylia /!makrd'k$tli/, micro-
microdactylia

|
The plural is microvilli.)
microwave therapy /$makrwev !erpi/
microwave therapy

dactyly /!makr$d'ktli/ noun a condition in

|

which a person has unusually small or short fin- noun treatment using high-frequency radiation
gers or toes micturate /$mktjret/ verb same as urinate
micturate

microdiscectomy /!makrdsk$ektmi/ micturating cystogram /!mktjret

microdiscectomy micturating cystogram

| |

noun a surgical operation to remove all or part of $sst1r'm/, micturating cysto-urethro-

a disc in the spine which is pressing on a nerve gram /!mktjret !sst j$ri%r1r'm/ |

microglossia /!makr$1lsi/ noun a condi-

microglossia

|
noun an X-ray of the bladder and urethra taken
tion in which a person has an unusually small while the bladder is being filled and then emptied.
tongue Abbreviation MCU, MCUG
micturition /!mktj$r()n/ noun same as
micturition

micrognathia /!makr$nei/ noun a con-

micrognathia
|
|

dition in which one jaw is unusually smaller than urination

mid- /md/ prefix middle
mid-

the other
midazolam /m$d'zl'm/ noun a drug used to
midazolam

microgram /$makr1r'm/ noun a unit of

microgram
|

measurement of weight equal to one millionth of produce sleepiness and to reduce anxiety before
a gram surgery or other procedures
midbrain /$mdbren/ noun the small middle
midbrain

micromastia /!makr$m'sti/ noun a con-

micromastia

dition in which a person has unusually small section of the brain stem above the pons and
breasts between the cerebrum and the hindbrain. Also
called mesencephalon
micromelia /!makr$mi%li/ noun a condi-
micromelia

midcarpal /md$k%p()l/ adjective between

midcarpal

tion in which a person has unusually small arms |

or legs the two rows of carpal bones

middle colic /!md()l $klk/ noun an artery
middle colic

micromole /$makr!ml/ noun a unit of

micromole

measurement of the amount of substance equal to which leads from the superior mesenteric artery
middle ear /!md()l $/ noun a section of the
middle ear

one millionth of a mole. Symbol

micronutrient /$makr!nju%trint/ noun a
micronutrient

|
ear between the eardrum and the inner ear
middle ear infection /!md()l $r n
middle ear infection

substance which an organism needs for normal |

growth and development, but only in very small !fekn/ noun same as otitis media
quantities, e.g. a vitamin or mineral. Compare midgut /$md1.t/ noun the middle part of the
midgut

macronutrient gut in an embryo, which develops into the small

microorganism
microorganism

/!makr$%1nz()m/ |
intestine
noun an organism which can only be seen under a mid-life crisis /!md laf $krass/ noun a
mid-life crisis

microscope and which may cause disease. period in early middle age when some people
Nursing.fm Page 188 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
midline
experience feelings of anxiety, insecurity and
self-doubt
midline /$mdlan/ noun an imaginary line
midline
drawn down the middle of the body from the head
through the navel to the point between the feet
midstream specimen /$mdstri%m
midstream specimen
!spesmn/, midstream specimen of urine
/!mdstri%m !spesmn v $jrn/ noun a sam-
ple of urine collected in a sterile bottle in the mid-
dle of a flow of urine, because the first part of the
flow may be contaminated with bacteria from the
skin. Abbreviation MSU
midtarsal /md$t%s()l/ adjective between the
midtarsal
tarsal bones
midwife /$mdwaf/ noun a professional person
midwife
who helps a woman give birth to a child, often at
home
midwifery /md$wfri/ noun the profession of
midwifery
|
a midwife
midwifery course /md$wfri k%s/ noun a
midwifery course
|
training course to teach nurses the techniques of
being a midwife
Midwives Rules /$mdwavz ru%lz/ plural
Midwives Rules
noun laws relating to midwifery
migraine /$mi%1ren, $ma1ren/ noun a sharp
migraine
severe recurrent headache, often associated with
vomiting and visual disturbances ! He had an
attack of migraine and could not come to work. !
Her migraine attacks seem to be worse in the
summer.
miliaria /!mli$eri/ noun itchy red spots which
miliaria
|
develop on the chest, under the armpits and
between the thighs in hot countries, caused by
blocked sweat glands. Also called prickly heat,
heat rash
miliary /$mliri/ adjective small in size, like a
miliary
seed
miliary tuberculosis /!mliri tju%!b-%kj
miliary tuberculosis
| |
$lss/ noun a form of tuberculosis which occurs
as little nodes in many parts of the body, including
the meninges of the brain and spinal cord
milk /mlk/ noun 1. a white liquid produced by
milk
female mammals to feed their young. Cows milk
and other dairy products are important parts of
most diets, especially childrens. ! The patient
can only drink warm milk. (NOTE: No plural:
some milk, a bottle of milk or a glass of milk.) 2.
the breast milk produced by a woman ! The milk
will start to flow a few days after childbirth.
(NOTE: For other terms referring to milk, see
words beginning with galact-, galacto-, lact-,
lacto-.)
milk dentition /$mlk den!t()n/ noun same
milk dentition
|
as deciduous dentition
milk leg /$mlk le1/ noun acute oedema of the
milk leg
leg, a condition which affects women after child-
birth, where a leg becomes pale and inflamed as a
result of lymphatic obstruction. Also called white
leg, phlegmasia alba dolens
188
milk rash /$mlk r'/ noun a temporary blotch-
milk rash
iness of the skin seen in young babies
milk sugar /!mlk $1/ noun same as lactose
milk sugar
milk tooth /$mlk tu%/ noun same as primary
milk tooth
tooth
Miller-Abbott tube /!mlr $'bt !tju%b/ noun
Miller-Abbott tube
a tube with a balloon at the end, used to clear the
small intestine. The balloon is inflated after the
tip of the tube reaches an obstruction.
milli- /ml/ prefix one thousandth (10-3). Symbol
milli-
m
milligram /$ml1r'm/ noun a unit of measure-
milligram
ment of weight equal to one thousandth of a gram.
Symbol mg
millilitre /$mlili%t/ noun a unit of measurement
millilitre
of liquid equal to one thousandth of a litre. Abbre-
viation ml
millimetre /$mlmi%t/ noun a unit of measure-
millimetre
ment of length equal to one thousandth of a metre.
Abbreviation mm
millimole /$mliml/ noun a unit of measure-
millimole
ment of the amount of a substance equal to one
thousandth of a mole. Abbreviation mmol
millisievert /$mlisi%vt/ noun a unit of meas-
millisievert
urement of radiation
Milwaukee brace /ml!w%ki $bres/ noun a
Milwaukee brace
|
support for people with unusually curved spines,
consisting of a leather or metal pelvic girdle with
two bars at the back and one at the front, which
connect into a neck ring
mind /mand/ noun the part of the brain which
mind
controls memory, consciousness or reasoning
minimally invasive surgery /!mnm()l n
minimally invasive surgery
!vesv $s-%d+ri/ noun surgery which involves
the least possible disturbance to the body. It often
uses lasers and other high-tech devices.
mini mental state examination /!mni
mini mental state examination
$ment()l !stet 1z'm!ne()n/ noun a test
|
performed mainly by psychiatrists to determine
someones mental ability, used in the diagnosis of
dementia
minimum lethal dose /!mnmm !li%()l
minimum lethal dose
$ds/ noun the smallest amount of a substance
required to kill someone or something. Abbrevia-
tion MLD
ministroke /$mnistrk/ noun same as tran-
ministroke
sient ischaemic attack
minitracheostomy /!mnitreki$stmi/
minitracheostomy
| |
noun a temporary tracheostomy
minor injuries unit /!manr $nd+riz
minor injuries unit
!ju%nt/ noun a hospital department which treats
most accidents and emergencies. Abbreviation
MIU
mio- /ma/ prefix less
mio-
miosis /ma$ss/ noun 1. the contraction of
miosis
the pupil of the eye, as in bright light 2. US same
as meiosis
Nursing.fm Page 189 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

189 molecule

miotic /ma$tk/ noun a drug which makes the mittelschmerz /$mt()l!mets/ noun a pain
miotic mittelschmerz

| |

pupil of the eye become smaller " adjective caus- felt by women in the lower abdomen at ovulation
ing the pupil of the eye to become smaller MIU abbreviation minor injuries unit
MIU

mis- /ms/ prefix wrong

mis-

ml abbreviation millilitre
ml

miscarriage /$msk'rd+/ noun a situation in

miscarriage

MLD abbreviation minimum lethal dose

MLD

which an unborn baby leaves the uterus before the MLSO abbreviation medical laboratory scien-
MLSO

end of the pregnancy, especially during the first tific officer

seven months of pregnancy ! She had two mis-
mm abbreviation millimetre
mm

carriages before having her first child. Also

mmol abbreviation millimole
mmol

called spontaneous abortion

MMR /!em em $%/, MMR vaccine /!em em $%
MMR

mismatch /$msm't/ verb to match tissues

mismatch

wrongly !v'ksi%n/ noun a single vaccine given to small

children to protect them against measles, mumps
missed case /!mst $kes/ noun someone with
missed case

and rubella
an infection or disease which is not identified by
MND abbreviation motor neurone disease
MND

a doctor
MO abbreviation medical officer
MO

mist. /mst/, mistura /ms$tjr/ " re. mist.

mist.

mobilisation /!mbla$ze()n/, mobiliza-

mobilisation

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 /ms!ju%s v

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
|

tion noun the act of making something mobile

|

$dr.1z !'kt/ noun a law relating to all aspects of

modality /m$d'lti/ noun a method used in
modality

the supply and possession of dangerous drugs |

such as morphine, anabolic steroids, LSD and the treatment of a disorder, e.g. surgery or chem-
cannabis. In 2002 many new benzodiazepines otherapy
were added. modernisation agenda /!mdna$ze()n
modernisation agenda

mite /mat/ noun a very small parasite, which

mite
!d+end/ noun same as Agenda for Change
|

causes dermatitis modern matron /!md()n $metrn/ noun a

modern matron

mitochondrial /!mat$kndril/ adjective

mitochondrial

|
nursing post which supports the ward sister in
referring to mitochondria ensuring that basic care of patients, including
cleanliness of the ward and infection control, is
mitochondrion /!mat$kndrin/ noun a tiny
mitochondrion

carried out to a high standard

|

rod-shaped part of a cells cytoplasm responsible

MODS abbreviation multiple organ dysfunction
MODS

for cell respiration (NOTE: The plural is mito-

chondria.) syndrome
MOF abbreviation 1. male or female 2. multi-
MOF

mitomycin C /!matmasn $si%/ noun an

mitomycin C

antibiotic which helps to prevent cancer cells organ failure

Mogadon /$m1dn/ a trade name for
Mogadon

from growing, used especially in the chemother-

apy treatment of bladder and rectal cancers nitrazepam
MOH abbreviation Medical Officer of Health
MOH

mitosis /ma$tss/ noun the process of cell

mitosis

division, where the mother cell divides into two mol symbol mole 2
mol

identical daughter cells. Compare meiosis molar /$ml/ adjective 1. referring to the large
molar

mitral /$matrl/ adjective referring to the mitral back teeth 2. referring to the mole, the SI unit of
mitral

valve amount of a substance " noun one of the large

mitral incompetence
mitral incompetence

/!matrl n |
back teeth, used for grinding food. In milk teeth
$kmpt()ns/ noun abbreviation MI. Now called there are eight molars and in permanent teeth
mitral regurgitation there are twelve. See illustration at TEETH in Sup-
plement
mitral regurgitation /!matrl r!1-%d+
mitral regurgitation

molarity /m$l'rti/ noun the strength of a

| | molarity

$te()n/ noun a situation in which the mitral |

valve does not close completely so that blood solution shown as the number of moles of a sub-
goes back into the atrium stance per litre of solution
mole /ml/ noun 1. a dark raised spot on the
mole

mitral stenosis /!matrl ste$nss/ noun a

mitral stenosis

condition in which the opening in the mitral valve
becomes smaller because the cusps have fused
(NOTE: This condition is almost always the result
skin ! She has a large mole on her chin. !
melanoma 2. an SI unit of measurement of the
amount of a substance. Symbol mol
molecular /m$lekjl/ adjective referring to a
molecular

of rheumatic endocarditis.) |

mitral valve /$matrl v'lv/ noun a valve in

mitral valve
molecule
molecular biology /m!lekjl ba$ld+i/
molecular biology

the heart which allows blood to flow from the left | |

atrium to the left ventricle but not in the opposite noun the study of the molecules of living matter
direction. Also called bicuspid valve molecular weight /m!lekjl $wet/ noun
molecular weight

mitral valvotomy /!matrl v'l$vtmi/ noun

mitral valvotomy

|
the weight of one molecule of a substance
a surgical operation to separate the cusps of the molecule /$mlkju%l/ noun the smallest inde-
molecule

mitral valve in mitral stenosis pendent mass of a substance

Nursing.fm Page 190 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

molluscum contagiosum 190

molluscum contagiosum /m!l.skm kn monoplegia /!mn$pli%d+/ noun the paral-

molluscum contagiosum monoplegia

| | |

!ted+i$sm/ noun a contagious viral skin

| ysis of one part of the body only, i.e. one muscle
infection which gives a small soft sore or one limb
molluscum fibrosum /m!l.skm !fa monosaccharide /!mn$s'krad/ noun a
molluscum fibrosum monosaccharide

| | |

$brsm/ noun same as neurofibromatosis simple sugar which cannot be broken down any
monaural /mn$%rl/ adjective referring to the further, such as glucose or fructose
monaural

use of one ear only monosodium glutamate /!mnsdim

monosodium glutamate

mongolism /$m1lz()m/ noun a former $1lu%tmet/ noun a sodium salt of glutamic acid,
mongolism

name for Downs syndrome (NOTE: This term is often used to make food taste better. ! Chinese
regarded as offensive.) restaurant syndrome
monitor /$mnt/ noun a screen on a computer monosomy /$mnsmi/ noun a condition
monitor monosomy

" verb 1. to check something 2. to examine how in which a person has a chromosome missing
someone is progressing from one or more pairs
monitoring /$mnt()r/ noun the regular monoxide /m$nksad/ " carbon
monitoring monoxide

examination and recording of a persons tempera- monozygotic

monozygotic twins

twins /!mnza!1tk |

ture, weight, blood pressure and other essential $twnz/ plural noun same as identical twins
indicators
mons /mnz/ noun a fleshy body part which
mons

mono- /mn/ prefix single or one

mono-

sticks out, especially the one formed by the pad of

monoamine oxidase /!mn!'mi%n
monoamine oxidase

|
flesh where the pubic bones join (NOTE: The plu-
$ksdez/ noun an enzyme which breaks down ral is montes.)
the catecholamines to their inactive forms. Abbre-
mons pubis /!mnz $pju%bs/ noun a cushion
mons pubis

viation MAO
of fat covering the pubis
monoamine oxidase inhibitor /!mn
monoamine oxidase inhibitor

mons veneris /!mnz $venrs/ noun same as

| mons veneris

!'mi%n !ksdez n$hbt/ noun a drug which

mons pubis
|

inhibits monoamine oxidase and is used to treat

Montgomerys glands /mnt$1.mriz
Montgomerys glands

depression, e.g. phenelzine. Its use is limited, |

because of the potential for drug and dietary inter-
actions and the necessity for slow withdrawal. It
can also cause high blood pressure. Abbreviation
MAOI. Also called MAO inhibitor
monoblast /$mnbl'st/ noun a cell which
monoblast
1l'ndz/ plural noun sebaceous glands around the
nipple which become more marked in pregnancy
[After William Fetherstone Montgomery (1797
1859), Dublin gynaecologist.]
mood /mu%d/ noun a persons mental state at a
mood

produces a monocyte particular time ! a mood of excitement # in a bad

monochromatism
monochromatism

/!mn |
mood feeling angry or irritable # in a good mood
$krm't+()m/ noun colour blindness in feeling happy
which all colours appear to be black, grey or moon face /$mu%n fes/ noun a condition in
moon face

white. Compare dichromatism, trichromatism which someone has a round red face, occurring in
monoclonal /!mn$kln()l/ adjective
monoclonal

|
Cushings syndrome and when there are too many
referring to cells or products of cells which are steroid hormones in the body
formed or derived from a single clone Moorens ulcer /$mrnz !.ls/ noun a per-
Moorens ulcer

monoclonal antibody /!mnkln()l

monoclonal antibody
$'ntbdi/ noun an antibody which can be easily
made in the laboratory by a single clone of cells.
It may be useful in the treatment of cancer.
sistent ulcer of the cornea, found in elderly people
[After Albert Mooren (182899), ophthalmolo-
gist in Dsseldorf, Germany.]
morbid /$m%bd/ adjective showing symptoms
morbid

monocular /m$nkjl/ adjective referring to of being diseased ! The X-ray showed a morbid
monocular

one eye. Compare binocular condition of the kidneys.

monocular vision /m!nkjl $v+()n/ morbid anatomy /!m%bd $n'tmi/ noun
monocular vision morbid anatomy

| |

noun the ability to see with one eye only, so that same as pathology
the sense of distance is impaired morbidity /m%$bdti/ noun the condition of
morbidity

monocyte /$mnsat/ noun a white blood

monocyte

being diseased or sick

cell with a nucleus shaped like a kidney, which morbidity rate /m%$bdti ret/ noun the
morbidity rate

destroys bacterial cells number of cases of a disease per hundred thou-

monocytosis /!mnsa$tss/ noun a con-
monocytosis

|
sand of population
dition in which there is an unusually high number morbilli /m%$bli/ noun same as measles
morbilli

of monocytes in the blood. Symptoms include

|

morbilliform /m%$blif%m/ adjective refer-

morbilliform

sore throat, swelling of the lymph nodes and |

fever. It is probably caused by the EpsteinBarr ring to a rash which is similar to measles
morbus /$m%bs/ noun disease
morbus

virus. Also called glandular fever

mononucleosis /!mn!nju%kli$ss/ noun moribund /$mrb.nd/ adjective dying " noun
mononucleosis moribund

| |

same as monocytosis a dying person

Nursing.fm Page 191 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
191
morning-after pill /!m%n $%ft pl/ noun a
morning-after pill
contraceptive pill taken after intercourse. Also
called next-day pill
morning sickness /$m%n !skns/ noun
morning sickness
nausea and vomiting experienced by women in
the early stages of pregnancy when they get up in
the morning
Moro reflex /$m%r !ri%fleks/ noun a reflex of
Moro reflex
a newborn baby when it hears a loud noise (NOTE:
The baby is laid on a table and observed to see
if it raises its arms when the table is struck.)
[After Ernst Moro (18741951), paediatrician in
Heidelberg, Germany.]
morphea /m%$fi/ noun a form of scleroderma,
morphea
a disease where the skin is replaced by thick con-
nective tissue
morpho- /m%f/ prefix relating to form, shape
morpho-
or structure
morphoea /m%$fi/ noun same as morphea
morphoea
morphology /m%$fld+i/ noun the study of
morphology
|
the structure and shape of living organisms
-morphous /m%fs/ suffix relating to form or
-morphous
structure of a particular type
mortality rate /m%$t'lti ret/ noun the
mortality rate
|
number of deaths per year, shown per hundred
thousand of population
mortification /!m%tf$ke()n/ noun "
mortification
|
necrosis
mortis /$m%ts/ " rigor
mortis
mortuary /$m%tjuri/ noun a room in a hospi-
mortuary
tal where dead bodies are kept until removed by
an undertaker for burial
mosquito /m$ski%t/ noun an insect which
mosquito
|
sucks human blood, some species of which can
pass viruses or parasites into the bloodstream
mother /$m./ noun a biological or adoptive
mother
female parent
mother-fixation /$m. fk!se()n/ noun a
mother-fixation
condition in which a persons development has
been stopped at a stage where he or she remains
like a child, dependent on his or her mother
motile /$mtal/ adjective referring to a cell or
motile
microorganism which can move spontaneously !
Sperm cells are extremely motile.
motility /m$tlti/ noun 1. (of cells or
motility
|
microbes) the fact of being able to move about 2.
(of the gut) the action of peristalsis
motion /$m()n/ noun 1. movement 2. same
motion
as bowel movement
motion sickness /!m()n $skns/ noun
motion sickness
illness and nausea felt when travelling. It is
caused by the movement of liquid inside the lab-
yrinth of the middle ear and is particularly notice-
able in vehicles which are closed, such as planes,
coaches or hovercraft. (informal)
COMMENT: The movement of liquid inside
the labyrinth of the middle ear causes motion
sickness, which is particularly noticeable in
MRC
vehicles which are closed, such as planes,
coaches, hovercraft.
motor /$mt/ adjective referring to move-
motor
ment, which produces movement
motor area /$mtr !eri/, motor cortex
motor area
/!mt $k%teks/ noun the part of the cortex in
the brain which controls voluntary muscle move-
ment by sending impulses to the motor nerves
motor disorder /$mt ds!%d/ noun
motor disorder
impairment of the nerves or neurons that cause
muscles to contract to produce movement
motor end plate /!mtr $end plet/ noun
motor end plate
the end of a motor nerve where it joins muscle
fibre
motor nerve /$mt n-%v/ noun a nerve
motor nerve
which carries impulses from the brain and spinal
cord to muscles and causes movements. Also
called efferent nerve
motor neurone /!mt $njrn/ noun a
motor neurone
neurone which is part of a nerve pathway trans-
mitting impulses from the brain to a muscle or
gland
motor neurone disease /!mt $njrn
motor neurone disease
d!zi%z/ noun a disease of the nerve cells which
|
control the movement of the muscles. Abbrevia-
tion MND
COMMENT: Motor neurone disease has three
forms: progressive muscular atrophy (PMA),
which affects movements of the hands, later-
al sclerosis, and bulbar palsy, which affects
the mouth and throat.
motor pathway /!mt $p%we/ noun a
motor pathway
series of motor neurones leading from the motor
cortex to a muscle
mottled /$mt()ld/ adjective with patches of
mottled
different colours
mountain fever /$mantn !fi%v/ noun same
mountain fever
as brucellosis
mountain sickness /$mantn !skns/ noun
mountain sickness
same as altitude sickness
mouth /ma/ noun an opening at the head of
mouth
the alimentary canal, through which food and
drink are taken in, and through which a person
speaks and can breathe ! She was sleeping with
her mouth open. (NOTE: For other terms referring
to the mouth, see oral and words beginning with
stomat-, stomato-.)
mouth-to-mouth /!ma t $ma/, mouth-
mouth-to-mouth
to-mouth resuscitation /!ma t !ma r
|
!s.s$te()n/, mouth-to-mouth ventilation
|
/!ma t !ma !vent$le()n/ noun same as
|
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (informal)
mouthwash /$maw/ noun an antiseptic
mouthwash
solution used to treat infection in the mouth
movement /$mu%vmnt/ noun the act of chang-
movement
ing position or the fact of not being still
MP joint /!em $pi% !d+nt/ noun same as meta-
MP joint
carpophalangeal joint
MRC abbreviation Medical Research Council
MRC
Nursing.fm Page 192 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

MRCGP 192

MRCGP abbreviation Member of the Royal Col- and throat, and secretes mucus. Also called
MRCGP

lege of General Practitioners mucosa

mucous plug /$mju%ks pl.1/ noun a plug of
mucous plug

MRCP abbreviation Member of the Royal Col-

MRCP

lege of Physicians mucus which blocks the cervical canal during

MRCS abbreviation Member of the Royal Col-
MRCS
pregnancy
mucoviscidosis /mju%kvsi$dss/ noun
mucoviscidosis

lege of Surgeons |

same as cystic fibrosis

MRI abbreviation magnetic resonance imaging
MRI

mucus /$mju%ks/ noun a slippery liquid

mucus

mRNA abbreviation messenger RNA

mRNA

secreted by mucous membranes inside the body,

MRSA abbreviation methicillin-resistant Sta-
MRSA

which protects those membranes (NOTE: For

phylococcus aureus other terms referring to mucus, see words begin-
MS abbreviation 1. mitral stenosis 2. multiple ning with blenno-.)
MS

sclerosis multi- /m.lti/ prefix many

multi-

MSH abbreviation melanocyte-stimulating hor- multidisciplinary /!m.lti$dsplnri/ adjec-

MSH multidisciplinary

mone tive using or involving several specialised sub-

MSU abbreviation midstream specimen of urine
MSU
jects or skills ! a multidisciplinary team
multifactorial /!m.ltif'k$t%ril/ adjective 1.
multifactorial

mSv abbreviation millisievert

mSv
|

involving several different factors or elements 2.

mucin /$mju%sn/ noun a compound of sugars
mucin

referring to inheritance which depends on more

and protein which is the main substance in mucus than one gene. Height and weight are examples of
muco- /mju%k/ prefix referring to mucus
muco-

characteristics determined by multifactorial

mucocele /$mju%ksi%l/ noun a cavity con- inheritance.
mucocele

taining an accumulation of mucus multifocal lens /!m.lti!fk()l $lenz/ noun a

multifocal lens

mucociliary transport /!mju%k!sliri lens in spectacles whose focus changes from top
mucociliary transport

$tr'nsp%t/ noun the process in which the cilia, to bottom so that the person wearing the specta-
the microscopic structures within the nose, move cles can see objects clearly at different distances
mucus towards the oesophagus, cleansing the multiforme /$m.ltif%m/ " erythema multi-
multiforme

nose of dust and bacteria forme

mucocoele /$mju%ksi%l/ noun 1. a condition multigravida /!m.lti$1r'vd/ noun a preg-
mucocoele multigravida

in which a cavity or organ becomes swollen nant woman who has been pregnant two or more
because there is too much mucus in it 2. the swell- times before
ing produced by this condition multi-infarct dementia /!m.lti $nf%kt d
multi-infarct dementia

mucocutaneous /!mju%kkju%$tenis/ !men/ noun dementia caused by a number of

mucocutaneous

| |

adjective referring to both mucous membrane and small strokes, when the dementia is not progres-
the skin sive as in Alzheimers disease but increases in
mucoid /$mju%kd/ adjective similar to mucus
mucoid
steps as new strokes occur
multilocular /!m.lti$lkjl/ adjective refer-
multilocular

mucolytic /!mju%k$ltk/ noun a substance

mucolytic
|
|

which dissolves mucus ring to a body part or growth which has a lot of
separate compartments or locules
mucopurulent /!mju%k$pjrlnt/ adjec-
mucopurulent

multi-organ failure /!m.lti $%1n !felj/

| multi-organ failure

tive consisting of a mixture of mucus and pus

noun an extremely serious condition in which
mucopus /!mju%k$p.s/ noun a mixture of
mucopus

|
several of the bodys organs stop functioning at
mucus and pus the same time. The person may survive, depend-
mucosa /mju%$kz/ noun same as mucous
mucosa

| ing on how many organs fail and the length of

membrane (NOTE: The plural is mucosae.) time that the failure lasts. Abbreviation MOF
mucosal /mju%$kz()l/ adjective referring to multipara /m.l$tpr/ noun a woman who has
mucosal multipara

| |

a mucous membrane given birth to two or more live children

mucous /$mju%ks/ adjective referring to multiple /$m.ltp()l/ adjective occurring sev-
mucous multiple

mucus, covered in mucus eral times or in several places

multiple birth /!m.ltp()l $b-%/ noun a birth
multiple birth

mucous colitis /!mju%ks k$lats/ noun an

mucous colitis

inflammation of the mucous membrane in the where more than one child is born at the same
intestine, in which the person experiences pain time
caused by spasms in the muscles of the walls of multiple fracture /!m.ltp()l $fr'kt/ noun
multiple fracture

the colon, accompanied by constipation or diar- a condition in which a bone is broken in several
rhoea or alternating attacks of both. Also called places
irritable bowel syndrome multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

mucous membrane /!mju%ks $membren/ /!m.ltp()l !%1n ds$f.k()n !sndrm/

mucous membrane

noun a wet membrane which lines internal pas- noun a state of continuous disturbances and
sages in the body, e.g. the nose, mouth, stomach abnormalities in organ systems, rather than true
Nursing.fm Page 193 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

193 mutism
failure, e.g. following trauma and sepsis. It is muscle /$m.s()l/ noun 1. an organ in the body,
muscle

often fatal. Abbreviation MODS which contracts to make part of the body move !
multiple pregnancy /!m.ltp()l $pre1nnsi/ If you do a lot of exercises you develop strong
multiple pregnancy

noun a pregnancy where the mother is going to muscles. ! The muscles in his legs were still weak
give birth to more than one child after he had spent two months in bed. ! She had
multiple sclerosis /!m.ltp()l skl$rss/
multiple sclerosis
muscle cramp after going into the cold water. See
illustration at EYE in Supplement 2. same as
|

noun a nervous disease which gets progressively

worse, where patches of the fibres of the central muscle tissue
muscle fatigue /$m.s()l f!ti%1/, muscular
muscle fatigue

nervous system lose their myelin, causing numb- |

ness in the limbs and progressive weakness and fatigue /!m.skjl f$ti%1/ noun tiredness in the
|

paralysis. Abbreviation MS. Also called dissem- muscles after strenuous exercise
inated sclerosis. ! arteriosclerosis, athero- muscle fibre /$m.s()l !fab/ noun a compo-
muscle fibre

sclerosis nent fibre of muscles (NOTE: There are two types

multipolar neurone /m.lt!pl $njrn/ of fibre which form striated and smooth mus-
multipolar neurone

noun a neurone with several processes. See illus- cles.)

tration at NEURONE in Supplement. Compare muscle relaxant /$m.s()l r!l'ksnt/ noun a
muscle relaxant

bipolar neurone, unipolar neurone drug which reduces contractions in the muscles,
multiresistant /!m.ltir$zstnt/ adjective e.g. baclofen
multiresistant

resistant to several types of antibiotic muscle spasm /$m.s()l !sp'z()m/ noun a

muscle spasm

multivitamin /$m.lti!vtmn/ noun a prepara- sudden contraction of a muscle

multivitamin

tion containing several vitamins and sometimes muscle tissue /$m.s()l !tu%/, muscular
muscle tissue

minerals, used as a dietary supplement " adjec-
tive referring to a preparation containing several
vitamins, and sometimes minerals ! multivitamin
pills ! multivitamin supplement
tissue /!m.skjl $tu%/ noun the specialised
type of tissue which forms the muscles and which
can contract and expand
muscle wasting /$m.s()l !west/ noun a
muscle wasting

mumps /m.mps/ noun an infectious disease of

mumps

condition in which the muscles lose weight and

children, with fever and swellings in the salivary become thin
glands, caused by a paramyxovirus ! He caught
muscular /$m.skjl/ adjective referring to
muscular

mumps from the children next door. Also called

muscle
infectious parotitis (NOTE: Takes a singular or
muscular dystrophy /!m.skjl $dstrfi/
muscular dystrophy

a plural verb.)
noun a type of muscle disease where some mus-
Mnchausens syndrome /$m.ntaz()nz
Mnchausens syndrome

cles become weak and are replaced with fatty tis-

!sndrm/ noun a mental disorder in which
sue. ! Duchenne muscular dystrophy
someone tries to get hospital treatment by claim-
muscular fatigue /!m.skjl f$ti%1/ noun
muscular fatigue

ing symptoms of an illness which he or she does |

not have. Many people will undergo very painful same as muscle fatigue
procedures which they do not need. [Described muscular tissue /!m.skjl $tu%/ noun
muscular tissue

by Richard Asher in 1951, and named after same as muscle tissue

Baron von Mnchhausen, a 16th century travel- musculo- /m.skjl/ prefix relating to or
musculo-

ler and inveterate liar.] affecting muscle

Mnchausens syndrome by proxy
Mnchausens syndrome by proxy

musculocutaneous /!m.skjlkju%
musculocutaneous

/!m.ntaz()nz !sndrm ba $prksi/ noun

| |

$tenis/ adjective referring to muscle and skin

a mental disorder in which someone tries to get
musculoskeletal /!m.skjl$skelt()l/
musculoskeletal

hospital treatment for someone else such as their |

child or an elderly relative. It is regarded as a form adjective referring to muscles and bone
mutant /$mju%t()nt/ adjective in which muta-
mutant

of child abuse, as the person may cause a child to

be ill in order to receive attention. tion has occurred
murmur /$m-%m/ noun a sound, usually the mutant gene /!mju%t()nt $d+i%n/ noun a gene
murmur mutant gene

sound of the heart, heard through a stethoscope which has undergone mutation
muscae volitantes /!m.ska !vl$t'ntez/ mutation /mju%$te()n/ noun a change in
muscae volitantes mutation

| |

plural noun pieces of cellular or blood debris DNA which changes the physiological effect of
present in the vitreous of the eye, common in old the DNA on the cell
age but, if a sudden event, can be a symptom of mute /mju%t/ adjective 1. unwilling or unable to
mute

retinal haemorrhage. Also called floaters speak 2. felt or expressed without speech " noun
muscarine /$m.skri%n/ noun a poison found somebody who is unable or unwilling to speak
muscarine

in fungi (NOTE: This term is sometimes considered

muscarinic /!m.sk$rnk/ adjective referring
muscarinic

|
offensive.)
mutism /$mju%tz()m/ noun the condition of
mutism

to a neurone or receptor stimulated by acetylcho-

line and muscarine being unable to speak. Also called dumbness
Nursing.fm Page 194 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

my- 194

my- /ma/ prefix same as myo- (used before myeloma /!ma$lm/ noun a malignant
my- myeloma

vowels) tumour in bone marrow, at the ends of long bones

myalgia /ma$'ld+/ noun a muscle pain
myalgia

|
or in the jaw
myelomeningocele /!malm
myelomeningocele

myalgic encephalomyelitis /ma!'ld+k en

myalgic encephalomyelitis
| |

$n1si%l/ noun same as meningomyelocele

| |

!keflma$lats/ noun a long-term condition

|

myelopathy /!ma$lpi/ noun any disorder

myelopathy

affecting the nervous system, in which someone |

feels tired and depressed and has pain and weak- of the spinal cord or bone marrow
ness in the muscles. Abbreviation ME. Also myelosuppression /!mals$pre()n/
myelosuppression

| |

called chronic fatigue syndrome, postviral noun a condition in which the bone marrow does
fatigue syndrome not produce enough blood cells, often occurring
myasthenia /!mas$i%ni/, myasthenia
myasthenia

|
after chemotherapy
myo- /ma/ prefix referring to muscle
myo-

gravis /!mas!i%ni $1r%vs/ noun a general

|

weakness and dysfunction of the muscles, caused myocardial /!ma$k%dil/ adjective refer-
myocardial

by poor conduction at the motor end plates ring to the myocardium

myc- /mak, mas/ prefix same as myco- (used
myc-

myocardial infarction /!ma!k%dil n

myocardial infarction

| |

before vowels) $f%kn/ noun the death of part of the heart mus-
myco- /mak/ prefix referring to fungus
myco-
cle after coronary thrombosis. Abbreviation MI
myocarditis /!mak%$dats/ noun inflam-
myocarditis

Mycobacterium /!makb'k$ti%rim/
Mycobacterium
|
|

noun one of a group of bacteria including those mation of the heart muscle
myocardium /!ma$k%dim/ noun the mid-
myocardium

which cause leprosy and tuberculosis |

Mycoplasma /$mak!pl'zm/ noun a type

Mycoplasma
dle layer of the wall of the heart, formed of heart
muscle. See illustration at HEART in Supplement
|

of microorganism, similar to a bacterium, associ-

myocele /$masi%l/ noun a condition in which
myocele

ated with diseases such as pneumonia and urethri-

tis a muscle pushes through a gap in the surrounding
membrane
mycosis /ma$kss/ noun any disease caused
mycosis

myoclonic /!ma$klnk/ adjective referring

myoclonic

by a fungus, e.g. athletes foot |

to myoclonus
mydriasis /ma$drass/ noun an enlargement
mydriasis

myoclonic epilepsy /!maklnk

| myoclonic epilepsy

of the pupil of the eye

$eplepsi/ noun a form of epilepsy where the
mydriatic /!mdri$'tk/ noun a drug which
mydriatic

|
limbs jerk frequently
makes the pupil of the eye become larger
myoclonus /ma$klns/ noun a muscle
myoclonus

myelin /$maln/ noun the substance of the cell

myelin

spasm which makes a limb give an involuntary

membrane of Schwann cells that coils into a pro- jerk
tective covering around nerve fibres called a mye- myocyte /$masat/ noun a muscle cell
myocyte

lin sheath
myofibril /!ma$fabrl/ noun a long thread of
myofibril

myelinated /$malnetd/ adjective referring

myelinated |

striated muscle fibre

to nerve fibre covered by a myelin sheath
myofibrosis /!mafa$brss/ noun a con-
myofibrosis

myelination /!mal$ne()n/ noun the proc-

myelination

|
dition in which muscle tissue is replaced by
ess by which a myelin sheath forms around nerve fibrous tissue
fibres
myoma /ma$m/ noun a benign tumour in a
myoma

myelin sheath /$maln i%/ noun a layer of

myelin sheath

smooth muscle
myelin that insulates some nerve cells and speeds myomectomy /!ma$mektmi/ noun the
myomectomy

the conduction of nerve impulses. See illustration

|

surgical removal of a benign growth from a mus-

at NEURONE in Supplement cle, especially removal of a fibroid from the
myelocele /$malsi%l/ noun same as menin-
myelocele

uterus
gomyelocele myometritis /!mam$trats/ noun inflam-
myometritis

myelography /!ma$l1rfi/ noun an X-ray

myelography

| mation of the myometrium. Also called metritis

examination of the spinal cord and subarachnoid myometrium /!ma$mi%trim/ noun the
myometrium

space after a radio-opaque substance has been muscular tissue in the uterus
injected
myoneural /!ma$njrl/ adjective relating
myoneural

myeloid /$mald/ adjective 1. referring to

myeloid

to or involving both the muscles and the nerves

bone marrow, or produced by bone marrow 2. myoneural
myoneural junction

junction /!manjrl
referring to the spinal cord $d+.k()n/ noun same as neuromuscular
myeloid leukaemia /!mald lu%$ki%mi/
myeloid leukaemia

| junction
noun an acute form of leukaemia in adults myopathy /ma$pi/ noun a disease of a mus-
myopathy

myeloid tissue /$mald !tu%/ noun red

myeloid tissue

cle, especially one in which the muscle wastes

bone marrow away
Nursing.fm Page 195 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

195 myxovirus

myopia /ma$pi/ noun a condition in which myringoplasty /m$r1pl'sti/ noun the

myopia myringoplasty

| |

someone can see clearly objects which are close, surgical repair of a perforated eardrum. Also
but not ones which are further away. Also called called tympanoplasty
shortsightedness. Opposite longsightedness
myringotome /m$r1tm/ noun a sharp
myringotome

myopic /ma$pk/ adjective able to see close

myopic |

|
knife used in myringotomy
objects clearly, but not objects which are further
myringotomy /!mr$1tmi/ noun a surgical
myringotomy

away. Also called shortsighted, nearsighted |

myoplasty /$mapl'sti/ noun a form of plas-

myoplasty
operation to make an opening in the eardrum to
tic surgery to repair a muscle allow fluid to escape. Also called tympanotomy
myx- /mks/, myxo- /mks/ prefix referring to
myx-

myosarcoma /!mas%$km/ noun a

myosarcoma

malignant tumour containing unstriated muscle mucus

myosis /ma$ss/ noun another spelling of myxoedema /!mks$di%m/ noun a condition
myosis myxoedema

| |

miosis 1 caused when the thyroid gland does not produce

myositis /!ma$sats/ noun inflammation enough thyroid hormone. The person, often a
myositis

and degeneration of a muscle middle-aged woman, becomes overweight,

myotic /ma$tk/ noun a drug which causes the
myotic

|
moves slowly and develops coarse skin. It can be
pupil of the eye to contract treated with thyroxine.
myxoedematous /!mks$demts/ adjective
myxoedematous

myotomy /ma$tmi/ noun a surgical opera-

myotomy

| |

tion to cut a muscle referring to myxoedema

myotonia /!ma$tni/ noun difficulty in
myotonia

myxoid cyst /!mksd $sst/ noun a cyst

myxoid cyst

relaxing a muscle after exercise which develops at the base of a fingernail or toe-
myotonic /!ma$tnk/ adjective referring to nail
myotonic

tone in a muscle myxovirus /!mks$vars/ noun any virus

myxovirus

myringa /m$r1/ noun same as eardrum

myringa

|
which has an affinity for the mucoprotein recep-
myringitis /!mrn$d+ats/ noun inflammation tors in red blood cells. One of these viruses causes
myringitis

of the eardrum influenza.

Nursing.fm Page 196 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
N
n symbol nano-
n nanometre
nabothian cyst /n!bin $sst/, naboth-
nabothian cyst
|
ian follicle /n!bin $flk()l/, nabothian
|
gland /n!bin $1l'nd/ noun a cyst which
|
forms in the cervix of the uterus when the ducts in
the cervical glands are blocked
Naegele rule /$ne1l ru%l/ noun a method
Naegele rule
used to determine when a pregnant woman is
likely to go into labour, in which nine months and
seven days are added to the date on which her last
period started. If the woman does not have a 28-
day menstrual cycle, an adjustment is made: e.g.,
if she has a 26-day cycle you would subtract 2
days from the Naegeles estimated due date.
naevus /$ni%vs/ noun same as birthmark
naevus
(NOTE: The plural is naevi.)
NAI abbreviation non-accidental injury
NAI
nail /nel/ noun a hard growth, made of keratin,
nail
which forms on the top surface at the end of each
finger and toe. Also called unguis (NOTE: For
terms referring to nail, see words beginning with
onych-, onycho-.)
nail avulsion /$nel !v.ln/ noun the act of
nail avulsion
| ance and abilities, and a great need to be admired
pulling away an ingrowing toenail
nail bed /$nel bed/ noun the part of the finger
nail bed
which is just under the nail and on which the nail
rests
nail matrix /$nel !metrks/ noun the internal
nail matrix
structure of the nail, the part of the finger from
which the nail grows
naloxone /n$lksn/ noun a drug resembling
naloxone
|
morphine, used in the diagnosis of narcotics
addiction and to reverse the effects of narcotics
poisoning
named nurse /!nemd $n-%s/ noun a nurse,
named nurse
midwife or health visitor who is responsible for
communicating with a particular person and
ensuring that his or her needs for care and infor-
mation are met
nandrolone /$n'ndrln/ noun an anabolic
nandrolone
steroid which builds muscle. Its use is banned by
the International Amateur Athletics Federation.
nano- /n'n/ prefix one thousand millionth
nano-
(10-9). Symbol n
nanometre /$n'nmit/ noun a unit of meas-
urement of length equal to one thousand millionth
of a metre. Symbol nm
nanomole /$n'nml/ noun a unit of meas-
nanomole
urement of the amount of a substance equal to one
thousand millionth of a mole. Symbol nmol
nanosecond /$n'n!seknd/ noun a unit of
nanosecond
|
measurement of time equal to one thousand mil-
lionth of a second. Symbol ns
nape /nep/ noun the back of the neck. Also
nape
called nucha
nappy /$n'pi/ noun a cloth used to wrap round
nappy
a babys bottom and groin, to keep clothing clean
and dry
nappy rash /$n'pi r'/ noun sore red skin on
nappy rash
a babys buttocks and groin, caused by long con-
tact with ammonia in a wet nappy
naproxen /n'$prksen/ noun a drug which
naproxen
reduces inflammation and pain, used in the treat-
ment of arthritis
narcissism /$n%ssz()m/ noun in psychiatry,
narcissism
a personality disorder in which someone has a
very confident opinion about their own appear-
by other people. It sometimes involves sexual
interest in their own body.
narco- /n%k/ prefix referring to sleep or stu-
narco-
por
narcolepsy /$n%klepsi/ noun a condition in
narcolepsy
which someone has an uncontrollable tendency to
fall asleep at any time
narcoleptic /!n%k$leptk/ adjective 1. caus-
narcoleptic
|
ing narcolepsy 2. having narcolepsy " noun 1. a
substance which causes narcolepsy 2. someone
who has narcolepsy
narcosis /n%$kss/ noun a state of lowered
narcosis
consciousness induced by a drug
narcotic /n%$ktk/ noun a pain-relieving drug
narcotic
|
which makes someone sleep or become uncon-
scious ! The doctor put her to sleep with a pow-
erful narcotic. " adjective causing sleep or
unconsciousness ! the narcotic side-effects of an
antihistamine
nares /$neri%z/ plural noun the nostrils (NOTE:
nares
The singular is naris.)
nasal /$nez()l/ adjective referring to the nose
nasal
Nursing.fm Page 197 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
nasal apertures /!nez()l $'pts/ plural
nasal apertures
noun the two openings shaped like funnels lead-
ing from the nasal cavity to the pharynx. ! cho-
ana
nasal cavity /!nez()l $k'vti/ noun the cav-
nasal cavity
ity behind the nose between the cribriform plates
above and the hard palate below, divided in two
by the nasal septum and leading to the nasophar-
ynx
nasal conchae /!nez()l $kki%/ plural noun
nasal conchae
the three ridges of bone, called the superior, mid-
dle and inferior conchae, which project into the
nasal cavity from the side walls. Also called tur-
binate bones
nasal congestion /!nez()l kn$d+est()n/
nasal congestion
noun the blocking of the nose by inflammation as
a response to a cold or other infection
nasal drops /$nez()l drps/ plural noun
nasal drops
drops of liquid inserted into the nose
nasal septum /!nez()l $septm/ noun a wall
nasal septum
of cartilage between the two nostrils and the two
parts of the nasal cavity
nasal spray /$nez()l spre/ noun a spray of
nasal spray
liquid into the nose
nascent /$n's()nt, $nes()nt/ adjective 1. in
nascent
the process of coming into existence and starting
to develop 2. referring to a substance, especially
hydrogen, in the process of being created. At this
stage it is often in a highly active form.
Naseptin /n'$septn/ a trade name for a mix-
Naseptin
|
ture containing chlorhexidine and neomycin, used
to treat nasal infection by organisms such as sta-
phylococci
naso- /nez/ prefix referring to the nose
naso-
nasogastric /!nez$1'strk/ adjective refer-
nasogastric
|
ring to the nose and stomach
nasogastric tube /!nez!1'strk $tju%b/
nasogastric tube
|
noun a tube passed through the nose into the
stomach
nasolacrimal /!nez$l'krm()l/ adjective
nasolacrimal
|
referring to the nose and the tear glands
nasolacrimal duct /!nez!l'krm()l
nasolacrimal duct
|
$d.kt/ noun a duct which drains tears from the
lacrimal sac into the nose
nasopharyngeal /!nez!f'rn$d+i%l/
nasopharyngeal
| |
adjective referring to the nasopharynx
nasopharyngitis /!nez!f'rn$d+ats/
nasopharyngitis
| |
noun inflammation of the mucous membrane of
the nasal part of the pharynx
nasopharynx /!nez$f'rks/ noun the top
nasopharynx
part of the pharynx which connects with the nose
nasosinusitis /!nez!san$sats/ noun a
nasosinusitis
| |
condition in which the nose and sinuses swell up
nates /$neti%z/ noun same as buttock
nates
National Boards /!n'()nl $b%rdz/ plural
National Boards
noun the National Boards for Nursing, Mid-
wifery, and Health Visiting, which were formerly
responsible for the education of professionals in
197 navel
these fields in England, Wales, Scotland and
Northern Ireland
National Council for Vocational Qualifi-
National Council for Vocational Qualifications
cations /!n'()nl !kans()l f v |
!ke()nl !kwlf$ke()nz/ noun full form
of NCVQ
National Health Service /!n'()nl $hel
National Health Service
!s-%vs/ noun a government service in the UK
which provides medical services free of charge at
the point of delivery, or at reduced cost, to the
whole population. The service is paid for out of
tax revenue. Abbreviation NHS
National Institute for Clinical Excellence
National Institute for Clinical Excellence
/!n'()n()l !nsttju%t f !klnk()l
$ekslns/ noun an organisation in the UK which
produces recommendations for treatments based
on clinical evidence and cost-effectiveness.
Abbreviation NICE
National Service Framework /!n'()nl
National Service Framework
$s-%vs !fremw-%k/ noun full form of NSF
natriuretic /!netrij$retk/ noun something
natriuretic
|
which helps sodium to be excreted in the urine
natural childbirth /!n't()rl $taldb-%/
natural childbirth
noun childbirth where the mother is not given any
pain-killing drugs or anaesthetic but is encour-
aged to give birth after having prepared herself
through relaxation and breathing exercises and a
new psychological outlook
natural immunity /!n't()rl $mju%nti/
natural immunity
noun the immunity from disease which a new-
born baby has from birth and which is inherited or
acquired in the uterus or from the mothers milk
natural killer cell /!n't()rl $kl !sel/ noun
natural killer cell
a white blood cell which can recognise microor-
ganisms and tumour cells as foreign without any
previous exposure to them, and destroy them
natural mother /!n't()rl $m./, natural
natural mother
parent /!n't()rl $pernt/ noun same as
birth mother, birth parent
nature nurture debate /!net $n-%t d
nature nurture debate
|
!bet/ noun the arguments put forward about
whether human beings behave in the way they do
because of their genetic make-up and instincts or
because of the way they are educated and the
influences they are exposed to when they are
young
naturopathy /!net$rpi/ noun a method
naturopathy
of treatment of diseases and disorders which does
not use medical or surgical means, but natural
forces such as light, heat, massage, eating natural
foods and using herbal remedies
nausea /$n%zi/ noun a feeling that you want to
nausea
vomit ! She suffered from nausea in the morning.
! He felt slight nausea after getting onto the boat.
nauseated /$n%zietd/ adjective feeling as if
nauseated
you are about to vomit ! The casualty may feel
nauseated.
navel /$nev()l/ noun the scar with a depression
navel
in the middle of the abdomen where the umbilical
Nursing.fm Page 198 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

navicular 198
cord was detached after birth. Also called umbili- needlestick /$ni%d()lstk/ noun an accidental
needlestick

cus (NOTE: For other terms referring to the pricking of your own skin by a needle, as by a
navel, see words beginning with omphal-, nurse picking up a used syringe
omphalo-.) needlestick injury /$ni%d()lstk !nd+ri/
needlestick injury

navicular /n$vkjl/ adjective relating to a noun the real or potential harm resulting from a
navicular

navicular bone " noun same as navicular bone prick with a needle previously used to take blood
navicular bone /n$vkjl bn/ noun one
navicular bone
or give an injection. The main concern is the risk
of HIV or hepatitis B infection.
|

of the tarsal bones in the foot. See illustration at

needling /$ni%d()l/ noun the puncture of a
needling

FOOT in Supplement
cataract with a needle
NCVQ /!en si% vi% $kju%/ noun a government
NCVQ

needs assessment /$ni%dz !sesmnt/ noun

needs assessment

body in the UK responsible for setting standards |

of qualification for specific jobs. Full form
National Council for Vocational Qualifica-
tions
the investigation of what a particular group of
people need in terms of health and social care, so
that services can be matched to their needs
needs deprivation /$ni%dz depr!ve()n/
needs deprivation

NDU abbreviation Nursing Development Unit

NDU
|

noun a state in which someone does not have the

nearsighted /n$satd/ adjective same as
nearsighted

| opportunity or capacity to fulfil his or her basic

myopic needs
nebula /$nebjl/ noun a slightly cloudy spot on negative /$ne1tv/ adjective 1. meaning or
nebula negative

the cornea showing no 2. indicating that something being

nebuliser /$nebjlaz/, nebulizer noun same
nebuliser
tested for is not present ! The test results were
as atomiser negative. Opposite positive
negative feedback /!ne1tv $fi%db'k/ noun
negative feedback

neck /nek/ noun 1. the part of the body which

neck

a situation in which the result of a process

joins the head to the body ! He is suffering from represses the process which caused it
pains in the neck. ! The front of the neck is swol-
negligence /$ne1ld+ns/ noun the act of caus-
negligence

len with goitre. ! The jugular veins run down the

side of the neck. 2. a narrow part of a bone or ing injury or harm to another person or to prop-
organ erty as the result of doing something wrongly or
failing to provide a proper level of care
neck collar /$nek !kl/ noun a strong high col-
neck collar

Neisseria /na$sri/ noun a genus of bacteria

Neisseria

lar to support the head of a person with neck inju-

|

which includes gonococcus, which causes gonor-

ries or a condition such as cervical spondylosis rhoea, and meningococcus, which causes menin-
necro- /nekr/ prefix referring to death
necro-

gitis
necrology /ne$krld+i/ noun the scientific nematode /$nemtd/ noun a type of parasitic
necrology nematode

study of mortality statistics roundworm, e.g. a hookworm, pinworm or round-

necrophilia /!nekr$fli/, necrophilism /ne
necrophilia

| |
worm
neo- /ni%/ prefix new
neo-

$krflz()m/ noun unusual pleasure in corpses

neoadjuvant chemotherapy /!ni%
neoadjuvant chemotherapy

necropsy /$nekrpsi/ noun same as post mor-

necropsy
|

tem !'d+vnt !ki%m$erpi/ noun chemotherapy

|

given to people with tumours instead of immedi-

necrosis /ne$krss/ noun the death of a part
necrosis

|
ate surgery or radiotherapy, in the hope of reduc-
of the body such as a bone, tissue or an organ as a ing the need for these later
result of disease or injury ! Gangrene is a form neomycin /!ni%$masn/ noun a drug used
neomycin

of necrosis.
|

externally to treat bacterial infections

necrotic /ne$krtk/ adjective referring to, or
necrotic

neonatal /!ni%$net()l/ adjective referring to

neonatal
|
|

affected with, necrosis ! necrotic tissue the first few weeks after birth
necrotising enterocolitis /!nekrtaz
necrotising enterocolitis

neonatal death rate /!ni%net()l $de

neonatal death rate

!entrk$lats/ noun a disorder in which

|
!ret/ noun the number of babies who die soon
patches of dead tissue are found in the small or after birth, shown per thousand babies born
large intestine as a result of severe bacterial infec- neonatal screening
neonatal screening

/!ni%!net()l |

tion. It occurs in babies, especially premature $skri%n/ noun a set of tests performed on babies
ones. soon after birth so that any problems can be
necrotomy /ne$krtmi/ noun the dissection of
necrotomy

| treated immediately (NOTE: Tests for certain dis-

a dead body (NOTE: The plural is necrotomies.) eases such as hypothyroidism and phenylke-
needle /$ni%d()l/ noun 1. a thin metal instru-
needle
tonuria are a legal duty.)
neonate /$ni%net/ noun a baby which is less
neonate

ment with a sharp point at one end and a hole at

the other for attaching a thread, used for sewing than four weeks old
up surgical incisions 2. the hollow pointed end of neonatologist /!ni%n$tld+st/ noun a spe-
neonatologist

a hypodermic syringe, or the syringe itself cialist who looks after babies during the first few
Nursing.fm Page 199 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

199 nerve gas

weeks of life, or premature babies and babies with nephropathy /ne$frpi/ noun a disease or
nephropathy

some congenital disorders medical disorder of the kidney (NOTE: The plural
neonatology /!ni%n$tld+i/ noun the is nephropathies.)
neonatology

branch of medicine dealing with babies in the first nephropexy /$nefrpeksi/ noun a surgical
nephropexy

few weeks of life operation to attach a mobile kidney (NOTE: The

neoplasm /$ni%pl'z()m/ noun any new and plural is nephropexies.)
neoplasm

morbid formation of tissue nephroptosis /!nefrp$tss/ noun a condi-

nephroptosis

neoplasty /$ni%pl'sti/ noun the surgical tion in which a kidney is mobile. Also called
neoplasty

repair or replacement of damaged tissue floating kidney

neostigmine /!ni%$st1mi%n/ noun a white nephrosclerosis /!nefrskl$rss/ noun a
neostigmine nephrosclerosis

| |

crystalline compound used in the treatment of kidney disease due to vascular change
muscle fatigue myasthenia and to reverse the nephroscope /$nefrskp/ noun a type of
nephroscope

effects of muscle relaxant drugs endoscope used to examine the kidneys

nephr- /nefr/ prefix kidney
nephr-

nephrosis /ne$frss/ noun degeneration of

nephrosis

nephralgia /ne$fr'ld+/ noun pain in the kid- the tissue of a kidney

nephralgia

ney nephrostomy /ne$frstmi/ noun a surgical

nephrostomy

nephralgic /ne$fr'ld+k/ adjective relating to operation to make a permanent opening into the
nephralgic

pain in the kidney pelvis of the kidney from the surface (NOTE: The
nephrectomy /ne$frektmi/ noun a surgical
nephrectomy

|
plural is nephrostomies.)
operation to remove the whole kidney (NOTE: The nephrotic /ne$frtk/ adjective relating to or
nephrotic

plural is nephrectomies.) caused by nephrosis

nephritis /ne$frats/ noun inflammation of the nephrotic syndrome /ne!frtk $sndrm/
nephritis nephrotic syndrome

| |

kidney noun increasing oedema, albuminuria and raised

nephroblastoma /!nefrbl'$stm/ noun
nephroblastoma

|
blood pressure resulting from nephrosis
a malignant tumour in the kidneys in young chil- nephrotomy /ne$frtmi/ noun a surgical
nephrotomy

dren, usually under the age of 10, leading to operation to cut into a kidney (NOTE: The plural is
swelling of the abdomen. It is treated by removal nephrotomies.)
of the affected kidney. Also called Wilms nephrotoxic /!nefr$tksk/ adjective poi-
nephrotoxic

tumour (NOTE: The plural is nephroblastomas sonous or damaging to kidney cells

or nephrobrastomata.)
nephroureterectomy /!nefr!jrt
nephroureterectomy

nephrocalcinosis /!nefr!k'ls$nss/
nephrocalcinosis | |

| |
$rektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove all
noun a condition in which calcium deposits are or part of a kidney and the ureter attached to it.
found in the kidney Also called ureteronephrectomy (NOTE: The
nephrocapsulectomy /!nefr!k'psj
nephrocapsulectomy

| | plural is nephroureterectomies.)
$lektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove the nerve /n-%v/ noun 1. a bundle of fibres that can
nerve

capsule round a kidney (NOTE: The plural is transmit electrochemical impulses and that forms
nephrocapsulectomies.) part of the network that connects the brain and
nephrogram /$nefr1r'm/ noun a radio-
nephrogram

spinal cord to the bodys organs 2. the sensitive

graphic examination of the kidney tissue in the root of a tooth (NOTE: For other
nephrolith /$nefrl/ noun a stone in the kid- terms referring to nerves, see words beginning
nephrolith

ney with neur-, neuro-.)

nerve block /$n-%v blk/ noun the act of stop-
nerve block

nephrolithiasis /!nefrl$ass/ noun a

nephrolithiasis

condition in which stones form in the kidney ping the function of a nerve by injecting an anaes-
nephrolithotomy /!nefrl$tmi/ noun a
nephrolithotomy

|
thetic
nerve centre /$n-%v !sent/ noun the point at
nerve centre

surgical operation to remove a stone in the kidney

(NOTE: The plural is nephrolithotomies.) which nerves come together
nephrologist /ne$frld+st/ noun a doctor nerve ending /$n-%v !end/ noun same as
nephrologist nerve ending

who specialises in the study of the kidney and its sensory receptor
diseases nerve entrapment syndrome /!n-%v n
nerve entrapment syndrome

nephrology /ne$frld+i/ noun the study of the $tr'pmnt !sndrm/ noun pain caused by
nephrology

kidney and its diseases pressure on a nerve, especially where nerves

nephroma /ne$frm/ noun a tumour in the
nephroma

|
occur in narrow passages such as the wrist
nerve fibre /$n-%v !fab/ noun a thin structure
nerve fibre

kidney, or a tumour derived from renal substances

(NOTE: The plural is nephromas or nephro- leading from a nerve cell and carrying nerve
mata.) impulses, e.g. an axon
nephron /$nefrn/ noun a tiny structure in the nerve gas /$n-%v 1's/ noun a gas which attacks
nephron nerve gas

kidney through which fluid is filtered the nervous system

Nursing.fm Page 200 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
nerve impulse
nerve impulse /$n-%v !mp.ls/ noun an elec-
nerve impulse
trochemical impulse which is transmitted by
nerve cells
nerve regeneration /$n-%v r!1enre()n/
nerve regeneration
|
noun the growth of new nerve tissue after damage
has occurred
nerve root /$n-%v ru%t/ noun the first part of a
nerve root
nerve as it leaves or joins the spinal column
(NOTE: The dorsal nerve root is the entry for a
sensory nerve, and the ventral nerve root is the
exit for a motor nerve.)
nerve tissue /$n-%v !tu%/ noun tissue which
nerve tissue
forms nerves, and which is able to transmit the
nerve impulses
nervosa /n$vs/ " anorexia nervosa
nervosa
| neurilemma
nervous /$n-%vs/ adjective 1. referring to
nervous
nerves 2. very easily worried ! Dont be nervous
the operation is a very simple one.
nervous breakdown /!n-%vs $brekdan/
nervous breakdown
noun any sudden mental illness (informal)
nervous complaint /!n-%vs km$plent/,
nervous complaint
nervous disorder /!n-%vs ds$%d/ noun an
emotional or mental illness (informal)
nervousness /$n-%vsns/ noun the state of
nervousness
being nervous
nervous system /$n-%vs !sstm/ noun the
nervous system
nervous tissues of the body, including the periph-
eral nerves, spinal cord, ganglia and nerve centres
nether parts /$ne p%ts/, nether regions
nether parts
/$ne !ri%d+()nz/ plural noun the lower part of
the body, especially the buttocks or genital area
(informal)
nettle rash /$net()l r'/ noun same as urti-
nettle rash
caria
network /$netw-%k/ noun any of various com-
network
puter-based systems designed to allow fast com-
munication of information between NHS agen-
cies, e.g. communication of X-ray results from a
hospital to a GP surgery ! a network of fine blood
vessels
Neumans model /$nmnz !md()l/ noun a
Neumans model
modern model for nursing in which prevention is
the primary nursing aim (NOTE: Prevention
focuses on keeping both the things which cause
stress and the patients response to stress from
having a damaging effect on the body.)
neur- /njr/ prefix same as neuro- (used
neur-
before vowels)
neural /$njrl/ adjective referring to a nerve
neural
or the nervous system
neural arch /!njrl $%t/ noun a curved part
neural arch
of a vertebra, which forms the space through
which the spinal cord passes
neuralgia /nj$r'ld+/ noun a spasm of pain
neuralgia
| bladder
which runs along a nerve
neural tube /$njrl tju%b/ noun a tube lined
neural tube
with ectodermal cells running the length of an
200
embryo, which develops into the brain and spinal
cord
neural tube defect /!njrl $tju%b d!fekt/
neural tube defect
noun a congenital anomaly which occurs when
the edges of the neural tube do not close up prop-
erly while the fetus develops in the uterus, e.g.
spina bifida (NOTE: There is less risk of a neural
tube defect if the mother takes folic acid during
her pregnancy.)
neurapraxia /!njr$pr'ksi/ noun a lesion
neurapraxia
|
of a nerve which leads to paralysis for a very short
time, giving a tingling feeling and loss of function
neurectomy /nj$rektmi/ noun a surgical
neurectomy
|
operation to remove all or part of a nerve (NOTE:
The plural is neurectomies.)
neurilemma /!njr$lem/ noun the outer
sheath, formed of Schwann cells, which covers
the myelin sheath around a nerve fibre. Also
called neurolemma. See illustration at NEURONE
in Supplement
neuritis /nj$rats/ noun inflammation of a
neuritis
nerve, giving a constant pain
neuro- /njr/ prefix nerve or nervous system
neuro-
neuroendocrine
neuroendocrine system
system /!njr |
$endkrn !sstm/ noun a system in which the
central nervous system and hormonal systems
interact to control the function of organs and tis-
sues
neuroepithelial /!njrep$i%lil/ adjec-
neuroepithelial
|
tive referring to the neuroepithelium
neuroepithelium /!njrep$i%lim/ noun
neuroepithelium
|
the layer of epithelial cells forming part of the lin-
ing of the mucous membrane of the nose or the
labyrinth of the middle ear
neurofibril /!njr$fabrl/ noun a fine
neurofibril
|
thread in the cytoplasm of a neurone
neurofibrilla /!njr$fbrl/ noun same as
neurofibrilla
|
neurofibril. See illustration at NEURONE in Sup-
plement (NOTE: The plural is neurofibrillae.)
neurofibroma /!njrfa$brm/ noun a
neurofibroma
|
benign tumour of a nerve, formed from the neuri-
lemma (NOTE: The plural is neurofibromas or
neurofibromata.)
neurofibromatosis /!njr!fabrm
neurofibromatosis
| |
$tss/ noun a hereditary condition in which a
person has neurofibromata on the nerve trunks,
limb plexuses or spinal roots, and pale brown
spots appear on the skin. Abbreviation NF. Also
called molluscum fibrosum, von Reckling-
hausens disease
neurogenic /!njr$d+enk/ adjective com-
neurogenic
|
ing from the nervous system
neurogenic bladder /!njrd+enk
neurogenic bladder
$bl'd/ noun a disturbance of the bladder func-
tion caused by lesions in the nerve supply to the
neurogenic shock /!njrd+enk $k/
neurogenic shock
noun a state of shock caused by bad news or an
unpleasant surprise
Nursing.fm Page 201 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

201 next-day pill

neuroglandular junction /!njr neurorrhaphy /nj$r%rfi/ noun a surgical

neuroglandular junction neurorrhaphy

| |

!1l'ndjl $d+.kn/ noun the point where a operation to join by suture a nerve which has been
nerve joins the gland which it controls cut (NOTE: The plural is neurorraphies.)
neurohormone /!njr$h%mn/ noun a neurosecretion /!njrs$kri%()n/ noun a
neurohormone neurosecretion

| |

hormone produced in some nerve cells and substance secreted by a nerve cell
secreted from the nerve endings neurosis /nj$rss/ noun a disorder of the
neurosis

neurohypophysis /!njrha$pfss/ personality in which a person experiences obses-

neurohypophysis

noun the lobe at the back of the pituitary gland, sive negative emotions towards someone or some-
which secretes oxytocin and vasopressin (NOTE: thing, e.g. fear of empty spaces or jealousy of a
The plural is neurohypophyses.) sibling. ! psychoneurosis (NOTE: The plural is
neurolemma /!njr$lem/ noun same as
neurolemma

|
neuroses.)
neurosurgeon /$njr!s-%d+n/ noun a sur-
neurosurgeon

neurilemma |

neuroleptic /!njr$leptk/ noun an anti-

neuroleptic

|
geon who operates on the nervous system, includ-
psychotic drug which calms a person and stops ing the brain and spinal cord
neurosurgery /$njr!s-%d+ri/ noun sur-
neurosurgery

him or her from worrying, e.g. chlorpromazine |

hydrochloride gery on the nervous system, including the brain

neurological /!njr$ld+k()l/ adjective
neurological

|
and spinal cord
neurotic /nj$rtk/ adjective relating to or
neurotic

referring to neurology |

neurological
neurological assessment

assessment having neurosis

neurotomy /nj$rtmi/ noun a surgical oper-
neurotomy

/!njrld+k()l $sesmnt/ noun an evalua-

| |

tion of the health of a person with a disorder of the ation to cut a nerve (NOTE: The plural is neurot-
nervous system, using interviews, a physical omies.)
examination, and specific diagnostic tests, some- neurotoxic /!njr$tksk/ adjective harm-
neurotoxic

times with the help of a family member or close ful or poisonous to nerve cells
friend neurotransmitter
neurotransmitter

/!njrtr'ns$mt/ |

neurologist /nj$rld+st/ noun a doctor who

neurologist

|
noun a chemical substance which transmits nerve
specialises in the study of the nervous system and impulses from one neurone to another
the treatment of its diseases neurotripsy /$njrtrpsi/ noun surgical
neurotripsy

neurology /nj$rld+i/ noun the scientific

neurology

|
bruising or crushing of a nerve
study of the nervous system and its diseases neurotrophic /!njr$trfk/ adjective
neurotrophic

neuroma /nj$rm/ noun a benign tumour

neuroma

| relating to the nutrition and maintenance of tissue

formed of nerve cells and nerve fibres (NOTE: The of the nervous system
plural is neuromas or neuromata.) neurotropic /!njr$trpk/ adjective refer-
neurotropic

neuromuscular /!njr$m.skjl/ adjec-

neuromuscular

| ring to a bacterium which is attracted to and

tive referring to both nerves and muscles attacks nerves
neuromuscular junction neuter /$nju%t/ adjective neither male nor
neuromuscular junction neuter

/!njrm.skjl $d+.kn/ noun the point female

where a motor nerve joins muscle fibre. Also neutral /$nju%trl/ adjective (of a substance)
neutral

called myoneural junction neither acid nor alkali ! A pH factor of 7 is neu-

neuron /$njrn/, neurone /$njrn/ noun
neuron

tral.
a cell in the nervous system which transmits nerve neutralise /$nju%trlaz/, neutralize verb 1. to
neutralise

impulses. Also called nerve cell counteract the effect of something ! Alkali poi-
neuropathic bladder /!njrp'ik
neuropathic bladder

soning can be neutralised by applying acid solu-

$bl'd/ noun a condition in which the bladder tion. (NOTE: neutralising neutralised) 2. to
does not function properly because its nerve sup- form a salt from an acid
ply is damaged, e.g. due to an injury to the spinal neutropenia /!nju%tr$pi%ni/ noun a condition
neutropenia

cord in which there are fewer neutrophils than usual in

neuropathology /!njrp$ld+i/ noun
neuropathology

| the blood
the study of diseases of the nervous system neutrophil /$nju%trfl/ noun a type of white
neutrophil

neuropathy /nj$rpi/ noun a disease

neuropathy

| blood cell with an irregular nucleus, which can

involving destruction of the tissues of the nervous attack and destroy bacteria. Also called poly-
system (NOTE: The plural is neuropathies.) morph
neurophysiology /!njrfzi$ld+i/ noun newton /$nju%t()n/ noun an SI unit of measure-
neurophysiology newton

the study of the physiology of nerves ment of force. Symbol N

neuroplasty /$njrpl'sti/ noun surgery to new variant CJD /!nju% !verint !si% d+e
neuroplasty new variant CJD

repair damaged nerves $di%/ noun " variant CJD

neuropsychiatry /!njrsa$katri/ noun next-day pill /!nekst de $pl/ noun same as
neuropsychiatry next-day pill

the study of mental and nervous disorders morning-after pill

Nursing.fm Page 202 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
next of kin
next of kin /!nekst v $kn/ noun the person or
next of kin
persons who are most closely related to someone
! The hospital has notified the next of kin of the
death of the accident victim. (NOTE: Takes a sin-
gular or plural verb.)
nexus /$nekss/ noun a point where two organs
nexus
or tissues join
NHS abbreviation National Health Service
NHS
NHS Direct /!en et es d$rekt/ noun in the
NHS Direct
|
UK, a national telephone helpline run by nurses to
provide information about health and health serv-
ices for the public
NHS targets /!en et es $t%1ts/ plural noun
NHS targets
performance targets set by the government for
individual NHS primary care trusts
niacin /$nasn/ noun a vitamin of the vitamin
niacin
B complex found in milk, meat, liver, kidney,
yeast, beans, peas and bread, lack of which can
cause mental disorders and pellagra. Also called
nicotinic acid
nicardipine /n$k%dpi%n/ noun a drug which
nicardipine
|
slows down the movement of calcium ions into
smooth muscle cells, used especially to treat
angina
NICE /nas/ abbreviation National Institute for
NICE
Clinical Excellence
niclosamide /n$klsmad/ noun a drug
niclosamide
|
used for removing tapeworms
nicotine /$nkti%n/ noun the main alkaloid sub-
nicotine
stance found in tobacco
nicotine addiction /$nkti%n !dkn/ noun
nicotine addiction
an addiction to nicotine, derived from smoking
tobacco
nicotine patch /$nkti%n p't/ noun a patch
nicotine patch
containing nicotine which is released slowly into
the bloodstream, applied to the skin as a method
of curing nicotine addiction
nicotine replacement /$nkti%n r nitrofurantoin /!natrfj$r'ntin/ noun a
nicotine replacement
| |
!plesmnt/ noun the use of nicotine patches or
other products to help during an attempt to give
up smoking
nicotinic acid /!nktnk $'sd/ same as
nicotinic acid
niacin
nictation /nk$te()n/, nictitation /nkt
nictation
| |
$te()n/ noun the act of winking
nidation /na$de()n/ noun 1. the process of
nidation
|
building the endometrial layers of the uterus
between menstrual periods 2. the point in the
development of an embryo at which the fertilised
ovum reaches the uterus and implants in the wall
of the uterus. Also called implantation
nidus /$nads/ noun a site where bacteria can
nidus
settle and breed, which becomes a centre of infec-
tion (NOTE: The plural is niduses or nidi.)
Niemann-Pick disease /!ni%mn $pk d
Niemann-Pick disease
!zi%z/ noun a rare inherited disease of a group
which affect metabolism. Signs in babies include
202
feeding difficulties, a large abdomen within 3 to 6
months, and progressive loss of early motor skills.
nifedipine /n$fedpi%n/ noun a drug which
nifedipine
stops the heart muscles from taking up calcium,
used in the treatment of high blood pressure and
angina pectoris
night nurse /$nat n-%s/ noun a nurse who is on
night nurse
duty at night
night sweat /$nat swet/ noun heavy sweating
night sweat
when a person is asleep at night
night terror /$nat !ter/ noun a period of dis-
night terror
turbed sleep, which a child does not remember
afterwards
nigra /$na1r/ " linea nigra
nigra
nihilism /$nahlz()m/ noun the rejection of
nihilism
all the usual social conventions and beliefs, espe-
cially of morality and religion
nihilistic /!nah$lstk/ adj relating to or show-
nihilistic
|
ing a belief in nihilism
nipple /$np()l/ noun 1. same as mammilla 2.
nipple
US a rubber teat on a babys feeding bottle
Nissl granule /$ns()l !1r'nju%l/, Nissl body
Nissl granule
/$ns()l !bdi/ noun one of the coarse granules
surrounding the nucleus in the cytoplasm of nerve
cells. See illustration at NEURONE in Supplement
[Described 1894. After Franz Nissl (18601919),
German psychiatrist.]
nit /nt/ noun an egg or larva of a louse
nit
nitrate /$natret/ noun a drug such as glyceryl
nitrate
trinitrate which dilates the vessels leading to the
heart muscle and lowers cardiac work by reducing
venous return to the heart, for rapid relief of
angina and in heart failure (NOTE: Patients can
develop tolerance to these drugs.)
-nitrate /natret/ suffix used in names of nitrate
-nitrate
drugs
nitrazepam /na$tr'zp'm/ noun a tranquil-
nitrazepam
liser used in some sleeping pills
nitrofurantoin
drug which helps to prevent the growth of bacte-
ria, used in the treatment of urinary infections
nitrogen /$natrd+n/ noun a chemical ele-
nitrogen
ment, which is a gas that is the main component
of air and is an essential part of protein (NOTE:
The chemical symbol is N.)
nitroglycerin /!natr$1lsrn/ noun a drug
nitroglycerin
|
which helps the veins and coronary arteries to
become wider
nitrous oxide /!natrs $ksad/ noun a col-
nitrous oxide
ourless gas with a sweet smell, used in combina-
tion with other gases as an anaesthetic in dentistry
and surgery. Also called laughing gas
nm abbreviation nanometre
nm
NMC abbreviation Nursing and Midwifery
NMC
Council
nmol abbreviation nanomole
nmol
NMR abbreviation nuclear magnetic resonance
NMR
noci- /nsi/ prefix pain or injury
noci-
Nursing.fm Page 203 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

203 non-union

nociassociation /!nsi!ssi$e()n/ affairs (NOTE: From a Latin phrase meaning not

nociassociation

| |

noun an unconscious release of nervous energy, of sound mind.)

e.g. as a result of shock non-contagious /!nn kn$ted+s/ adjective
non-contagious

nociceptive /!nsi$septv/ adjective referring

nociceptive

|
not contagious
to nerves which carry pain to the brain non-emergency surgery /!nn !m-%d+nsi
non-emergency surgery

nociceptor /$nsi!sept/ noun a sensory

nociceptor

|
$s-%d+ri/ noun a surgical operation which does
nerve which carries pain to the brain not need to be performed immediately because it
is for a condition which is not life-threatening,
noct- /nkt/ prefix same as nocti-
noct-

e.g. joint replacement. Also called non-urgent

nocte /$nkti/ adverb at night. Opposite mane
nocte

surgery
(NOTE: used on prescriptions)
non-Hodgkins lymphoma /!nn !hd+knz
non-Hodgkins lymphoma

nocti- /nkti/ prefix referring to night

nocti-

lm$fm/ noun a cancer of the lymph nodes

|

nocturia /nk$tjri/ noun the fact of passing which differs from Hodgkins disease by the
nocturia

an unusually large quantity of urine during the absence of a particular type of cell with double
night nuclei
nocturnal /nk$t-%n()l/ adjective referring to non-insulin-dependent diabetes /!nn
nocturnal non-insulin-dependent diabetes

or taking place at night !nsjln d!pendnt !da$bi%ti%z/ noun same

| |

nocturnal emission /nk!t-%n()l $m()n/

nocturnal emission

| |
as Type II diabetes mellitus
non-invasive /!nn n$vezv/ adjective refer-
non-invasive

noun the production of semen from the penis |

while a man is asleep ring to treatment which does not involve entering
nocturnal enuresis /nk!t-%n()l !enj
nocturnal enuresis

| |
the body by making an incision. ! invasive
non-maleficence /!nn m$lefs()ns/ noun
non-maleficence

$ri%ss/ noun the act of passing urine when asleep |

in bed at night. Also called bedwetting the concept that professionals in the health serv-
nodal /$nd()l/ adjective referring to nodes
nodal
ice have a duty to protect the patient from harm
non-medical prescriber /!nn !medk()l
non-medical prescriber

nodal tachycardia /!nd()l !t'ki$k%di/

nodal tachycardia

pr$skrab/ noun a professional healthcare

|

noun a sudden attack of rapid heartbeats. Also

|

worker who prescribes medicine but is not a reg-

called paroxysmal tachycardia
istered doctor or dentist
node /nd/ noun a small mass of tissue
node

non-official drug /!nn !f()l $dr.1/ noun

non-official drug

node of Ranvier /!nd v $r'nvi/ noun one

node of Ranvier

a drug that is not listed in the national pharmaco-

of a series of gaps in the myelin sheath surround- poiea. Compare official drug
ing a nerve fibre. See illustration at NEURONE in non-palpable /!nn $p'lpb()l/ adjective not
non-palpable

Supplement able to be felt when touched

nod off /!nd $f/ verb to fall asleep (informal)
nod off

non-secretor /!nn s$kri%t/ noun a person

non-secretor

nodosum /n$dsm/ " erythema nodo-

nodosum

| who does not secrete substances indicating ABO

sum blood group into mucous fluids such as semen or
nodular /$ndjl/ adjective formed of nodules
nodular
saliva
non-smoker /!nn $smk/ noun a person
non-smoker

nodule /$ndju%l/ noun 1. a small node or group

nodule

of cells. ! Bohns nodules 2. the anterior part of who does not smoke
the inferior vermis non-specific /!nn sp$sfk/ adjective not
non-specific

nomen proprium /!nmn $prprim/

nomen proprium
caused by any single identifiable cause
non-specific urethritis /!nn sp!sfk
non-specific urethritis

noun full form of n.p. |

non- /nn/ prefix not

non-
!jr$rats/ noun any sexually transmitted
|

inflammation of the urethra not caused by gonor-

non-absorbable suture /!nn b!z%bb()l
non-absorbable suture

|
rhoea (dated) Abbreviation NSU
$su%t/ noun a suture made of a substance which
non-steroidal /!nn ste$rd()l/ adjective not
non-steroidal

cannot be absorbed into the body and which even- |

tually has to be removed containing steroids

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

non-accidental injury /!nn 'ks!dent()l

non-accidental injury

/!nn ste!rd()l !'nti n$fl'mt()ri dr.1/

|

$nd+ri/ noun an injury which is not caused acci- | |

dentally noun a drug used in the treatment of pain associ-

ated with inflammation, including rheumatic dis-
non-allergenic /!nn 'l$d+enk/ adjective
non-allergenic

|
ease, post-operative analgesia and dysmenor-
not aggravating an allergy rhoea, by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins.
non-compliance /!nn km$plans/ noun
non-compliance

| Abbreviation NSAID (NOTE: Non-steroidal anti-

the failure to take drugs at the correct times and in inflammatory drugs have names ending in -fen:
the dosages prescribed, or to take them at all ibuprofen.)
non compos mentis /!nn !kmps non-union /!nn $ju%njn/ noun a condition in
non compos mentis non-union

$ments/ adjective referring to a person who is which the two parts of a fractured bone do not join
mentally incapable of managing his or her own together and do not heal
Nursing.fm Page 204 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
non-urgent surgery
non-urgent surgery /!nn !-%d+nt
non-urgent surgery
$s-%d+ri/ same as non-emergency surgery
noradrenaline /!n%r$drenln/ noun a hor-
noradrenaline
|
mone secreted by the medulla of the adrenal
glands which acts as a vasoconstrictor and is used
to maintain blood pressure in shock, haemorrhage
or hypotension
normal /$n%m()l/ adjective usual, ordinary or
normal
conforming to a standard ! After he took the tab-
lets, his blood pressure went back to normal. !
Her temperature is two degrees above normal. !
He had an above-normal pulse rate. ! Is it nor-
mal for a person with myopia to suffer from head-
aches?
normo- /n%m/ prefix normal, usual or
normo-
expected
normoblast /$n%mbl'st/ noun an early
normoblast
form of a red blood cell, usually found only in
bone marrow but occurring in the blood in some
types of leukaemia and anaemia
normocyte /$n%msat/ noun a red blood cell
normocyte
normotension /!n%m$tenn/ noun blood
normotension
|
pressure at the usual level
normotensive /!n%m$tensv/ adjective
normotensive
|
referring to blood pressure at the usual level
Norton score /$n%t()n sk%/ noun a scale for
Norton score
deciding how likely it is that pressure sores will
develop, used mostly in assessing elderly patients
nortriptyline /n%$trptli%n/ noun a drug used
nortriptyline
|
to reduce pain and as an antidepressant and tran-
quilliser
nose /nz/ noun an organ through which a per-
nose
son breathes and smells
nosebleed /$nzbli%d/ noun an incident of
nosebleed
bleeding from the nose, usually caused by a blow
or by sneezing, by blowing the nose hard or by
high blood pressure (informal) ! She had a head-
ache, followed by a violent nosebleed. Also called
epistaxis
noso- /ns/ prefix disease
noso-
nosocomial /!ns$kmil/ adjective refer-
nosocomial
|
ring to hospitals
nosocomial infection /!ns!kmil n
nosocomial infection
| |
$fekn/ noun an infection which is passed on to
a person being treated in a hospital
nosology /n$sld+i/ noun the classification
nosology
|
of diseases
nostril /$nstrl/ noun one of the two passages
nostril
in the nose through which air is breathed in or out
! His right nostril is blocked. (NOTE: The nostrils
are also referred to as the nares.)
notch /nt/ noun a depression on a surface,
notch
usually on a bone, but sometimes on an organ. !
cardiac notch
notifiable /$ntfab()l/ adjective referring
notifiable
to an infectious disease which must be reported to
the appropriate authorities when it occurs, so that
they can attempt to control its spread
204
notifiable disease /!ntfab()l d$zi%z/
notifiable disease
noun a serious infectious disease which, in the
UK, has to be reported by a doctor to the Depart-
ment of Health so that steps can be taken to stop
it spreading
noxious /$nks/ adjective harmful ! a nox-
noxious
ious gas
n.p. noun the name of the drug written on the
n.p.
label of its container. Full form nomen proprium
NPO abbreviation used to refer to patients being
NPO
kept without food ! The patient should be kept
NPO for five hours before the operation. Full
form ne per oris
NSAID abbreviation non-steroidal anti-inflam-
NSAID
matory drug
NSF /!en es $ef/ noun a long-term strategy for
NSF
improving a specific area of healthcare across the
UK. Full form National Service Framework
NSU abbreviation non-specific urethritis
NSU
nucha /$nju%k/ noun same as nape (NOTE: The
nucha
plural is nuchae.)
nuchal /$nju%k()l/ adjective referring to the
nuchal
back of the neck
nucle- /nju%kli/ prefix same as nucleo- (used
nucle-
before vowels)
nuclear /$nju%kli/ adjective referring to nuclei,
nuclear
e.g. of a cell or an atom
nuclear magnetic resonance /!nju%kli
nuclear magnetic resonance
m'1!netk $reznns/ noun a scanning tech-
|
nique using magnetic fields and radio waves
which reveals abnormalities in soft tissue and
body fluids. ! magnetic resonance imaging.
Abbreviation NMR
nuclear medicine /!nju%kli $med()s()n/
nuclear medicine
noun the use of radioactive substances for detect-
ing and treating disorders
nuclease /$nju%kliez/ noun an enzyme which
nuclease
breaks down nucleic acids
nucleic acid /nju%!kli%k $'sd/ noun an
nucleic acid
|
organic acid of a type found in all living cells,
which consists of complex nucleotide chains
which pass on genetic information, e.g. DNA or
RNA
nucleo- /nju%kli/ prefix referring to a cell or
nucleo-
atomic nucleus
nucleus /$nju%klis/ noun 1. the central body in
nucleus
a cell, which contains DNA and RNA and con-
trols the function and characteristics of the cell.
See illustration at NEURONE in Supplement 2. a
group of nerve cells in the brain or spinal cord
(NOTE: The plural is nuclei.)
nullipara /n.$lpr/ noun a woman who has
nullipara
never had a child (NOTE: The plural is nulliparas
or nulliparae.) " adjective referring to a woman
who has never had a child
nurse /n-%s/ noun a person who looks after sick
nurse
people in a hospital or helps a doctor in a local
surgery. Some nurses may be trained to diagnose
Nursing.fm Page 205 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

205 nystatin
and treat patients. ! She works as a nurse in the nursing language /$n-%s !l'n1wd+/ noun
nursing language

local hospital. ! Hes training to be a nurse. ! the standard terminology used in nursing
nurse practitioner " verb to look after a sick
nursing model /$n-%s !md()l/ noun a set
nursing model

person, or to be employed as a nurse ! When he

was ill his mother nursed him until he was better. of stated principles about nursing which gives
professionals a way of formulating a plan of care,
nurse executive director /!n-%s 1!zekjtv
nurse executive director

|
assessing its success and addressing any problems
da$rekt/ noun in the UK, a senior nurse who
|
which arise from it
sits on the Board of an NHS Trust and has corpo-
nursing mother /!n-%s $m./ noun a
nursing mother

rate as well as professional responsibilities in the

organisation for nursing and sometimes other mother who breast-feeds her baby
Nursing Officer /$n-%s !fs/ noun in the
Nursing Officer

aspects such as quality or human resources

nurse practitioner /!n-%s pr'k$t()n/
nurse practitioner
UK, a nurse employed by the Department of
Health to assist the Chief Nursing Officer in pro-
|

noun a nurse with additional clinical training at

degree level who often works independently, viding professional advice to Ministers and pol-
assessing, diagnosing and treating patients, par- icy-makers
nursing practice /$n-%s !pr'kts/ noun
nursing practice

ticularly in primary care

nurse prescriber /$n-%s pr!skrab/ noun a
nurse prescriber

|
treatment given by nurses
nursing process /!n-%s $prses/ noun a
nursing process

nurse who is qualified and entitled to prescribe

medicines for patients standard method of treatment and documentation
nurse station /$n-%s !ste()n/, nurses sta-
nurse station
of treatment carried out by nurses
nursing standard /$n-%s !st'ndd/ noun an
nursing standard

tion /$n-%sz !ste()n/ noun an area in or near a

ward from which nurses work, keep records and accepted level of achievement by which nursing
control the activities of the ward care can be assessed or compared
nursing /$n-%s/ noun 1. the work or profes- nutation /nju%$te()n/ noun involuntary nod-
nursing nutation

sion of being a nurse ! He has chosen nursing as ding of the head

his career. 2. care for sick people provided by a nutrient /$nju%trint/ noun a substance in food
nutrient

nurse " adjective providing care as a nurse which is necessary to provide energy or to help
Nursing and Midwifery Council /!n-%s n
Nursing and Midwifery Council

the body grow, e.g. protein, fat or a vitamin

md$wfri !kansl/ noun in the UK, an organ-
|
nutrition /nju%$tr()n/ noun the study of the
nutrition

isation that sets standards for the education, prac-

|

supply of nutrients to the body from digesting

tice and conduct of nurses, midwives and health food
visitors. Abbreviation NMC
nutritional /nju%$tr()n()l/ adjective refer-
nutritional

nursing audit /$n-%s !%dt/ noun a formal

nursing audit |

ring to nutrition
detailed review of records or observation of nurs-
nyct- /nkt/ prefix night or darkness
nyct-

ing actions so that judgments can be made about

the quality of nursing care being given nyctalopia /!nkt$lpi/ noun the condition
nyctalopia

nursing dependency /$n-%s d!pendnsi/ of being unable to see in bad light. Also called
nursing dependency

noun the extent to which a patient requires nurs- night blindness

ing care nyctophobia /!nkt$fbi/ noun fear of the
nyctophobia

nursing development unit /!n-%s d dark

nursing development unit

$velpmnt !ju%nt/ noun a nurse-led ward or nymphae /$nmfi%/ plural noun same as labia
nymphae

unit that sets out to demonstrate by example inno- minora

vative high-quality care, to reflect on practice and
nympho- /nmf/ prefix 1. female sexuality 2.
nympho-

draw lessons from this experience, and to provide

learning opportunities for other nurses. Abbrevia- nymphae
nymphomania /!nmf$meni/ noun an
nymphomania

tion NDU |

nursing diagnosis /$n-%s da!1nss/

nursing diagnosis
obsessive sexual urge in a woman (NOTE: A simi-
lar condition in a man is called satyriasis.)
|

noun an assessment of the nursing needs of a

nymphomaniac /!nmf$meni'k/ noun a
nymphomaniac

patient, which forms the basis of a subsequent |

care plan woman who has an unusually obsessive sexual

nursing home /$n-%s hm/ noun a house
nursing home
urge (NOTE: This term is regarded as offensive.)
nystagmus /n$st'1ms/ noun a rapid, invol-
nystagmus

where convalescents or dependent elderly people |

can live under medical supervision by a qualified untary movement of the eyes up and down or from
nurse side to side
nursing intervention /!n-%s !nt$venn/ nystatin /na$st'tn/ noun an anti-microbial
nursing intervention nystatin

| |

noun the treatment of illness by nursing care, drug used in the treatment of fungal infections,
without surgery especially thrush
Nursing.fm Page 206 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

O
oat cell carcinoma /$t sel k%s!nm/ observe /b$z-%v/ verb 1. to see something !
oat cell carcinoma observe

| |

noun a type of cancer of the bronchi, with distinc- The nurses observed signs of improvement in the
tive small cells patients condition. ! The girls mother observed
OB abbreviation obstetrics
OB
symptoms of anorexia. 2. to watch a person or
obese /$bi%s/ adjective so overweight as to be
obese
thing carefully in order to discover something !
Observe the way in which the patient is lying. 3.
|

at risk of several serious illnesses, including dia-

betes and heart disease to take something into account ! Youre expected
to observe the rules of conduct.
obesity /$bi%sti/ noun the condition of being
obesity

obsession /b$se()n/ noun a mental disorder

| obsession

seriously overweight |

in which a person has a fixed idea or emotion

objective /b$d+ektv/ noun an aim or goal "
objective

|
adjective 1. existing independently of any indi-
vidual persons mind 2. not influenced by any
bias or prejudice caused by personal feelings 3.
which he or she cannot get rid of, even if he or she
knows it is wrong or unpleasant ! She has an
obsession about cats.
obsessional /b$se()n()l/ adjective refer-
obsessional

referring to symptoms of illness which can be |

observed by somebody other than the person who ring to or having an obsession ! He is suffering
is ill. Compare subjective from an obsessional disorder.
obsessive /b$sesv/ adjective having or
obsessive

obligate /$bl1et/ adjective referring to an

obligate
|

organism which exists and develops in only one showing an obsession ! He has an obsessive
way, e.g. a virus which is a parasite only inside desire to steal little objects.
obsessive action /b!sesv $'kn/ noun an
obsessive action

cells |

oblique /$bli%k/ adjective lying at an angle

oblique

|
action such as washing which is repeated over and
over again and indicates a mental disorder
oblique fissure /!bli%k $f/ noun a groove
oblique fissure

obsessivecompulsive disorder /b!sesv

obsessivecompulsive disorder

between the superior and inferior lobes of a lung. |

See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement km$p.lv ds!%d/ noun a mental disorder

| |

oblique fracture /!bli%k $fr'kt/ noun a

oblique fracture
characterised by the need to perform repeated rit-
ual acts such as checking or cleaning, which can
|

fracture in which the bone is broken diagonally

be treated with psychotherapy and antidepres-
oblique muscle /!bli%k $m.s()l/ noun 1.
oblique muscle

|
sants. Abbreviation OCD
each of two muscles in the wall of the abdomen 2.
obstetrical forceps /b!stetrk()l $f%seps/
obstetrical forceps

each of two muscles which control the movement |

of the eyeball plural noun a type of large forceps used to hold a

babys head during childbirth
obliterans /$bltr'ns/ " endarteritis oblit-
obliterans

obstetrician /!bst$tr()n/ noun a doctor

| obstetrician

erans |

who specialises in obstetrics

oblongata /!bl$1et/ " medulla oblon-
oblongata

obstetrics /b$stetrks/ noun a branch of med-

| obstetrics

gata |

icine and surgery dealing with pregnancy, child-

observable /b$z-%vb()l/ adjective which
observable

|
birth and the period immediately after childbirth.
can be seen or measured Abbreviation OB
observation /!bz$ve()n/ noun the process
observation

obstipation /!bst$pe()n/ noun severe con-

obstipation
|

of watching and examining a person or thing over

|

stipation, often caused by a blockage in the intes-

a period of time ! She was admitted to hospital tines
for observation.
obstruction /b$str.kn/ noun something
obstruction

observation register /!bz$ve()n

observation register |

which blocks a passage or a blood vessel

|

!red+st/ noun a record of children who have

obstructive /b$str.ktv/ adjective caused by
obstructive

had problems at birth, or soon after their birth, |

and so need particular follow-up care from a an obstruction

health visitor, general practitioner or social obstructive jaundice /b!str.ktv
obstructive jaundice

worker $d+%nds/ noun jaundice caused by an obstruc-

Nursing.fm Page 207 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

207 oculomotor nerve

tion of the bile ducts. Also called posthepatic occupancy rate /$kjpnsi ret/ noun the
occupancy rate

jaundice. ! acholuric jaundice, icterus gravis number of beds occupied in a hospital, shown as
neonatorum a percentage of all the beds
obstructive lung disease /b!str.ktv $l. occupational /!kj$pe()nl/ adjective
obstructive lung disease occupational

| |

d!zi%z/ noun bronchitis and emphysema

| referring to work
obstructive sleep apnoea /b!str.ktv occupational asthma /!kjpe()n()l
obstructive sleep apnoea occupational asthma

$sli%p !'pni/ noun the stopping of breathing, or $'sm/ noun asthma caused by materials with
difficulty in breathing, during sleep, resulting in which people come into contact at work
loud snoring occupational dermatitis /!kjpe()n()l
occupational dermatitis

obturation /!btj$re()n/ noun the act of !d-%m$tats/ noun dermatitis caused by materi-
obturation

| |

obstructing a body passage, or the state of a body als touched at work

passage when it is obstructed, e.g. by hard faeces occupational disease /!kjpe()nl d
occupational disease

obturator /$btjret/ noun one of two mus- $zi%z/ noun a disease which is caused by the type
obturator

cles in the pelvis which govern the movement of of work a person does or the conditions in which
the hip and thigh a person works, e.g. a disease caused by dust or
obturator foramen /!btjret f$remn/
obturator foramen

|
chemicals in a factory
occupational hazard /!kjpe()n()l
occupational hazard

noun an opening in the hip bone near the acetab-

ulum. See illustration at PELVIS in Supplement $h'zd/ noun a dangerous situation related to the
(NOTE: The plural is obturator foramina.) working environment
occupational health nurse
occupational health nurse

obtusion /b$tju%+()n/ noun a condition in

obtusion

which perception and feelings become dulled /!kjpe()n()l $hel !n-%s/ noun a nurse who
deals with health problems of people at work.
OC abbreviation oral contraceptive
OC

Abbreviation OH nurse
occipital /k$spt()l/ adjective referring to
occipital

occupational medicine /!kjpe()n()l

occupational medicine
|

the back of the head " noun same as occipital $med()sn/ noun the branch of medicine con-
bone cerned with accidents and diseases connected
occipital bone /k$spt()l bn/, occipital
occipital bone

|
with work
noun the bone at the back of the head occupational therapist /!kjpe()n()l
occupational therapist

occipital condyle /k!spt()l $kndal/

occipital condyle

| $erpst/ noun a qualified health professional

noun a round part of the occipital bone which who offers patients occupational therapy
joins it to the atlas occupational therapy /!kjpe()n()l
occupational therapy

occipito-anterior /k!spt 'n$tri/ $erpi/ noun light work or hobbies used as a

occipito-anterior

| |

adjective referring to a position of a baby during means of treatment, especially for physically
birth, in which the baby faces the mothers back challenged or mentally ill people, to promote
occipito-posterior /k!spt p$stri/
occipito-posterior

| |
independence during the recovery period after an
adjective referring to a position of a baby during illness or operation
OCD abbreviation obsessive-compulsive disor-
OCD

birth in which the baby faces the front

occiput /$ksp.t/ noun the lower part of the
occiput
der
oct- /kt/ prefix same as octo- (used before
oct-

back of the head or skull (NOTE: The plural is

occiputs or occipita.) vowels)
octo- /kt/, octa- /kt/ prefix eight
octo-

occlusion /$klu%+()n/ noun 1. a thing which

occlusion

blocks a passage or which closes an opening 2. ocular /$kjl/ adjective referring to the eye !
ocular

the way in which the teeth in the upper and lower Opticians are trained to detect all kinds of ocular
jaws fit together when the jaws are closed (NOTE: imbalance.
A bad fit between the teeth is a malocclusion.) ocular dominance /!kjl $dmnns/ noun
ocular dominance

occlusive /$klu%sv/ adjective referring to

occlusive

| a condition in which a person uses one eye more

occlusion or blocking than the other
occlusive stroke /!klu%sv $strk/ noun a ocular prosthesis /!kjl prs$i%ss/ noun
occlusive stroke ocular prosthesis

| |

stroke caused by a blood clot a false eye

occlusive therapy /!klu%sv $erpi/ noun a oculist /$kjlst/ noun a qualified physician or
occlusive therapy oculist

treatment for a squint in which the good eye is surgeon who specialises in the treatment of eye
covered up in order to encourage the squinting disorders
eye to become straight oculo- /kjl/ prefix eye
oculo-

occult /$k.lt/ adjective not easy to see with the oculomotor /!kjl$mt/ adjective refer-
occult oculomotor

| |

naked eye. Opposite overt ring to movements of the eyeball

occult blood /!k.lt $bl.d/ noun very small oculomotor nerve /!kjl$mt !n-%v/
occult blood oculomotor nerve

| |

quantities of blood in the faeces, which can only noun the third cranial nerve which controls the
be detected by tests eyeballs and eyelids
Nursing.fm Page 208 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

oculonasal 208

oculonasal /!kjl$nez()l/ adjective refer- oesophagitis /i%!sf$d+ats/ noun inflam-

oculonasal oesophagitis

| | |

ring to both the eye and the nose mation of the oesophagus, caused by acid juices
oculoplethysmography /!kjl!plez
oculoplethysmography

| |
from the stomach or by infection
$m1rfi/ noun measurement of the pressure oesophago- /i%sf1/ prefix oesophagus
oesophago-

inside the eyeball (NOTE: The US spelling is esophago-.)

OD /a $di%/ abbreviation overdose
OD

oesophagogastroduodenoscopy /%
oesophagogastroduodenoscopy

o.d. adverb (written on a prescription) every day. !sf1!1'str!dju%d$nskpi/ noun a

o.d.

| | |

Full form omni die " abbreviation overdose surgical operation in which a tube is put down
ODA abbreviation operating department assist-
ODA
into the oesophagus so that the doctor can exam-
ant ine it, the stomach and the duodenum. Abbrevia-
odont- /dnt/ prefix same as odonto- (used
odont-
tion OGD (NOTE: The plural is oesophagogas-
before vowels) troduodenoscopies.)
oesophagojejunostomy /%!sf1d+
oesophagojejunostomy

odonto- /dnt/ prefix tooth

odonto-
| |

!d+u%$nstmi/ noun a surgical operation to cre-

odontoid /$dntd/ adjective similar to a
odontoid |

ate a junction between the jejunum and the

|

tooth, especially in shape

oesophagus after the stomach has been removed
odontoid process /!dntd $prses/
odontoid process

|
(NOTE: The plural is oesophagojejunosto-
noun a projecting part of a vertebra, shaped like a mies.)
tooth
oesophagoscope /i%$sf1skp/ noun a
oesophagoscope

odontology /!dn$tld+i/ noun the study of

odontology |

|
thin tube with a light at the end, which is passed
teeth and associated structures, and their disor- down the oesophagus to examine it
ders
oesophagoscopy /i%!sf$1skpi/ noun an
oesophagoscopy

odyn- /dn/ prefix same as odyno- (used

odyn- | |

examination of the oesophagus with an

before vowels)
oesophagoscope (NOTE: The plural is
-odynia /dni/ suffix pain
-odynia

oesophagoscopies.)
odyno- /dn/ prefix pain
odyno-

oesophagostomy /i%!sf$1stmi/ noun a

oesophagostomy

| |

odynophagia /!dn$fed+/ noun a condi-

odynophagia

| |
surgical operation to make an opening in the
tion in which pain occurs when food is swallowed oesophagus to allow the person to be fed, usually
oedema /$di%m/ noun the swelling of part of after an operation on the pharynx (NOTE: The plu-
oedema

the body caused by accumulation of fluid in the ral is oesophagostomies.)

intercellular tissue spaces ! Her main problem is oesophagus /i%$sf1s/ noun a tube down
oesophagus

oedema of the feet. Also called dropsy. ! tumes- which food passes from the pharynx to the stom-
cence ach
oedematous /$demts/ adjective referring to
oedematous

oestradiol /!i%str$dal/ noun a type of oestro-

oestradiol
|
|

oedema (NOTE: The US spelling is edematous.) gen secreted by an ovarian follicle, which stimu-
Oedipus complex /$i%dps !kmpleks/ noun
Oedipus complex

lates the development of secondary sexual char-

(in Freudian psychology) a condition in which a acteristics in females at puberty (NOTE: A
boy feels sexually attracted to his mother and sees synthetic form of oestradiol is given as treatment
his father as an obstacle for oestrogen deficiency. The US spelling is
oesophag- /i%sfd+/ prefix same as estradiol.)
oesophag-

oesophago- (used before vowels) oestriol /$i%stril/ noun a placental hormone

oestriol

oesophageal /i%!sf$d+i%l/ adjective refer- with oestrogenic properties, found in the urine of
oesophageal

| |

ring to the oesophagus (NOTE: The US spelling is pregnant women (NOTE: The US spelling is
esophageal.) estriol.)
oesophageal hiatus /i%!sf!d+i%l ha
oesophageal hiatus

oestrogen /$i%strd+n/ noun any steroid hor-

oestrogen

| | |

$ets/ noun the opening in the diaphragm mone which stimulates the development of sec-
through which the oesophagus passes ondary sexual characteristics in females at
oesophageal spasm /i%!sf!d+i%l puberty (NOTE: The US spelling is estrogen.)
oesophageal spasm

| |

$sp'z()m/ noun a spasm in the oesophagus oestrogenic hormone

oestrogenic hormone

/!i%strd+enk
oesophageal ulcer /i%!sf!d+i%l $.ls/ $h%mn/ noun synthetic oestrogen used to treat
oesophageal ulcer

| |

noun an ulcer in the oesophagus conditions which develop during menopause

oesophageal
oesophageal varices

varices /i%!sf!d+i%l | |
(NOTE: The US spelling is estrogenic hor-
$v'rsi%z/ plural noun varicose veins in the mone.)
oesophagus official drug /!f()l $dr.1/ noun any drug
official drug

oesophagectomy /i%!sf$d+ektmi/ noun a listed in the national pharmacopoiea. Compare

oesophagectomy

| |

surgical operation to remove part of the oesopha- non-official drug

gus (NOTE: The plural is oesophagectomies.) OGD abbreviation oesophagogastroduodenos-
OGD

oesophagi /i%$sf1i/ plural of oesophagus copy

oesophagi

|
Nursing.fm Page 209 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

209 oncometer

OH nurse /! $et !n-%s/ abbreviation occupa- oliguria /!l$1jri/ noun a condition in

OH nurse oliguria

tional health nurse which a person does not produce enough urine
-oid /d/ suffix like or related to -ology /ld+i/ suffix area of study
-oid -ology

ointment /$ntmnt/ noun a smooth oily -olol /ll/ suffix beta blocker ! atenolol ! pro-
ointment -olol

medicinal preparation which can be spread on the pranolol hydrochloride

skin to soothe or to protect o.m. adverb (written on a prescription) every
o.m.

old age /!ld $ed+/ noun a period in a persons morning. Full form omni mane
old age

life, usually taken to be after the age of sixty-five om- /m/ prefix relating to the shoulder
om-

olecranon /$lekrnn/, olecranon process

olecranon

-oma /m/ suffix tumour

-oma
|

/$lekrnn !prss/ noun a curved projecting

|
oment- /ment/ prefix omentum
oment-

part at the end of the ulna at the elbow, which

omenta plural of omentum
omenta

gives rise to a painful tingling sensation if hit by

omental /$ment()l/ adjective referring to the
omental

accident. Also called funny bone |

oleic /$li%k/ adjective referring to oil

oleic

|
omentum
omentum /$mentm/ noun a double fold of
omentum

oleic acid /!li%k $'sd/ noun a fatty acid

oleic acid
|
|

which is present in most oils peritoneum hanging down over the intestines.
Also called epiploon (NOTE: The plural is
oleo- /li/ prefix oil
oleo-

omenta. For other terms referring to the omen-

oleum /$lim/ noun oil (used in pharmacy)
oleum

tum see words beginning with epiplo-.)

olfaction /l$f'kn/ noun 1. the sense of omeprazole /$meprzl/ noun a drug
olfaction omeprazole

| |

smell 2. the way in which a persons sensory which reduces the amount of acid released in the
organs detect smells stomach, used in the treatment of ulcers and
olfactory /l$f'kt()ri/ adjective referring to
olfactory

|
heartburn
the sense of smell omphal- /mfl/ prefix same as omphalo-
omphal-

olfactory cortex /l!f'kt()ri $k%teks/ noun

olfactory cortex

|
(used before vowels)
the parts of the cerebral cortex which receive omphalitis /!mf$lats/ noun inflammation
omphalitis

information about smell of the navel

olfactory nerve /l$f'kt()ri n-%v/ noun the omphalo- /mfl/ prefix navel
olfactory nerve omphalo-

first cranial nerve which controls the sense of omphalocele /$mflsi%l/ noun a hernia in
omphalocele

smell which part of the intestine protrudes through the

olig- /l1/ prefix same as oligo- (used before abdominal wall near the navel
olig-

vowels) omphalus /$mfls/ noun a scar with a

omphalus

oligaemia /!l$1i%mi/ noun a condition in depression in the middle of the abdomen where
oligaemia

which a person has too little blood in his or her the umbilical cord was detached after birth. Also
circulatory system (NOTE: The US spelling is called navel, umbilicus (NOTE: The plural is
oligemia.) omphali.)
oligo- /l1/ prefix few or little -omycin /masn/ suffix macrolide drug !
oligo- -omycin

oligodactylism /!l1$d'ktlz()m/ noun

oligodactylism

|
erythromycin
o.n. adverb (written on a prescription) every
o.n.

a congenital condition in which a baby is born

without some fingers or toes night. Full form omni nocte
onco- /k/ prefix tumour
onco-

oligodipsia /!l1$dpsi/ noun a condition

oligodipsia

in which a person does not want to drink oncogene /$kd+i%n/ noun a part of the
oncogene

oligodontia /!l1$dn/ noun a state in genetic system which causes malignant tumours
oligodontia

which most of the teeth are lacking to develop

oncogenesis /!k$d+enss/ noun the ori-
oncogenesis

oligohydramnios /!l1ha$dr'mnis/
oligohydramnios
|
|

noun a condition in which the amnion surround- gin and development of a tumour
ing the fetus contains too little amniotic fluid oncogenic /!k$d+enk/ adjective causing
oncogenic

oligomenorrhoea /!l1men$ri%/ noun a

oligomenorrhoea

|
tumours to develop ! an oncogenic virus
condition in which a person menstruates infre- oncologist /$kld+st/ noun a doctor who
oncologist

quently (NOTE: The US spelling is oligomenor- specialises in oncology, especially cancer

rhea.) oncology /$kld+i/ noun the scientific
oncology

oligo-ovulation /!l1 !vj$le()n/ noun

oligo-ovulation

| study of new growths, especially cancers

ovulation which does not occur as often as is oncometer /$kmt/ noun 1. an instrument
oncometer

usual for measuring swelling in an arm or leg using

oligospermia /!l1$sp-%mi/ noun a condi-
oligospermia

| changes in their blood pressure 2. an instrument

tion in which there are too few spermatozoa in the for measuring the variations in size of the kidney
semen and other organs of the body
Nursing.fm Page 210 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

ondansetron 210

ondansetron /n$d'nstrn/ noun a drug OP abbreviation outpatient

ondansetron OP

which helps to prevent the production of serot- opacification /!p'sf$ke()n/ noun the
opacification

| |

onin, used to control nausea and vomiting caused fact of becoming opaque, as the lens does in a
by drug treatment and radiotherapy for cancer case of cataract
onych- /nk/ prefix same as onycho- (used
onych-

opacity /$p'sti/ noun the fact of not allow-

opacity

before vowels) ing light to pass through

onycho- /nk/ prefix nails
onycho-

opaque /$pek/ adjective not allowing light to

opaque

onycholysis /!n$klss/ noun a condition in pass through

onycholysis

which a nail becomes separated from its bed, operant conditioning /$prnt kn
operant conditioning

without falling out !d()n/ noun a form of learning which takes

onychomadesis /!nkm$di%ss/ noun a place when a piece of spontaneous behaviour is
onychomadesis

condition in which the nails fall out either reinforced by a reward or discouraged by
onychomycosis /!nkma$kss/ noun
onychomycosis

|
punishment
operating department assistant
operating department assistant

an infection of a nail with a fungus

oo- // prefix ovum or embryo
oo-
/!pret d!p%tmnt $sstnt/ noun a per-
| |

son who works in an operating department.

oocyte /$sat/ noun a cell which forms from
oocyte

Abbreviation ODA
an oogonium and becomes an ovum by meiosis
operating microscope /$pret
operating microscope

oocyte donation /!sat d$ne()n/

oocyte donation

|
!makrskp/ noun a special microscope with
noun the transfer of oocytes from one woman to two eyepieces and a light, used in very delicate
another who cannot produce her own, so that she surgery
can have a baby. The oocytes are removed in a
operating table /$pret !teb()l/ noun a
operating table

laparoscopy and fertilised in vitro.

special table on which the patient is placed to
oogenesis /!$d+enss/ noun the formation
oogenesis

|
undergo a surgical operation
and development of ova
operating theatre /$pret !t/ noun a
operating theatre

COMMENT: In oogenesis, an oogonium pro-

special room in a hospital, where surgical opera-
duces an oocyte, which develops through tions are carried out (NOTE: The US term is oper-
several stages to produce a mature ovum.
ating room.)
Polar bodies are also formed which do not
operation /!p$re()n/ noun 1. a surgical
operation

develop into ova. |

procedure carried out to repair or remove a dam-

oophor- /fr/ prefix same as oophoro-
oophor-

aged body part ! Shes had an operation on her

(used before vowels)
foot. (NOTE: A surgeon performs or carries out
oophore /$f%/ noun same as ovary
oophore

an operation on a patient.) 2. the way in which a

oophorectomy /!f$rektmi/ noun a sur- drug acts
oophorectomy

gical operation to remove an ovary. Also called ophth- /f, p/ prefix eye
ophth-

ovariectomy (NOTE: The plural is oophorecto- ophthalm- /f'lm, p'lm/ prefix same as
ophthalm-

mies.) ophthalmo- (used before vowels)

oophoritis /!f$rats/ noun inflammation
oophoritis

ophthalmectomy /!f'l$mektmi/ noun a

ophthalmectomy
|

in an ovary, which can be caused by mumps. Also

|

surgical operation to remove an eye (NOTE: The

called ovaritis plural is ophthalmectomies.)
oophoro- /fr/ prefix ovary
oophoro-

ophthalmia /f$'lmi/ noun inflammation of

ophthalmia

oophorocystectomy /!frs
oophorocystectomy

| | the eye
$stektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove ophthalmia neonatorum
ophthalmia neonatorum

/f!'lmi |

an ovarian cyst (NOTE: The plural is oophoro- !ni%ne$t%rm/ noun conjunctivitis of a new-
|

cystectomies.) born baby, beginning 21 days after birth, caused

oophorocystosis /!frs$stss/ noun
oophorocystosis

| | by infection in the birth canal

the development of one or more ovarian cysts ophthalmic /f$'lmk/ adjective referring to
ophthalmic

oophoron /$frn/ noun same as ovary

oophoron

| the eye
(technical) (NOTE: The plural is oophora.) ophthalmic nerve /f$'lmk n-%v/ noun a
ophthalmic nerve

oophoropexy /$frpeksi/ noun a surgical

oophoropexy

| branch of the trigeminal nerve, supplying the eye-

operation to attach an ovary (NOTE: The plural is ball, the upper eyelid, the brow and one side of the
oophoropexies.) scalp
oophorosalpingectomy /!fr!s'lpn ophthalmic optician /f!'lmk p$t()n/,
oophorosalpingectomy ophthalmic optician

| | | | |

$d+ektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove ophthalmic practitioner /f!'lmk pr'k | |

an ovary and the Fallopian tube attached to it $t()n/ noun same as optician
(NOTE: The plural is oophorosalpingecto- ophthalmic surgeon /f!'lmk $s-%d+n/
ophthalmic surgeon

mies.) noun a surgeon who specialises in surgery to treat

op /p/ noun an operation (informal) eye disorders
op
Nursing.fm Page 211 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

211 oral thermometer

ophthalmitis /!f'l$mats/ noun inflamma- optical illusion /!ptk()l $lu%+()n/ noun

ophthalmitis optical illusion

| |

tion of the eye something which is seen wrongly so that it

ophthalmo- /f'lm, p'lm/ prefix
ophthalmo-
appears to be something else
optic chiasma /!ptk ka$'zm/ noun a
optic chiasma

eye or eyeball |

ophthalmological
ophthalmological

/f!'lm$ld+k()l/ | |
structure where some of the optic nerves from
adjective referring to ophthalmology each eye partially cross each other in the hypoth-
alamus
ophthalmologist /!f'l$mld+st/ noun a
ophthalmologist

optic disc /$ptk dsk/ noun the point on the

| optic disc

doctor who specialises in the study of the eye and

its diseases. Also called eye specialist retina where the optic nerve starts. Also called
optic papilla
ophthalmology /!f'l$mld+i/ noun the
ophthalmology

optic fundus /!ptk $f.nds/ noun the back

| optic fundus

study of the eye and its diseases

part of the inside of the eye, opposite the lens
ophthalmoplegia /!f'lm$pli%d+/ noun
ophthalmoplegia

optician /p$t()n/ noun a qualified person

| optician

paralysis of the muscles of the eye

|

who specialises in making glasses and in testing

ophthalmoscope /f$'lmskp/ noun an
ophthalmoscope

|
eyes and prescribing lenses. Also called ophthal-
instrument containing a bright light and small mic optician
lenses, used by a doctor to examine the inside of optic nerve /$ptk n-%v/ noun the second cra-
optic nerve

an eye nial nerve which transmits the sensation of sight

ophthalmoscopy /!f'l$mskpi/ noun an
ophthalmoscopy

|
from the eye to the brain. See illustration at EYE in
examination of the inside of an eye using an oph- Supplement
thalmoscope (NOTE: The plural is ophthalmo- optic neuritis /!ptk nj$rats/ noun same
optic neuritis

scopies.)
|

as retrobulbar neuritis
ophthalmotomy /!f'l$mtmi/ noun a sur-
ophthalmotomy

optic papilla /!ptk p$pl/ noun same as

optic papilla
|
|

gical operation to make a cut in the eyeball optic disc

(NOTE: The plural is ophthalmotomies.)
optics /$ptks/ noun the study of the visible
optics

ophthalmotonometer /!f'lmt$nmt/
ophthalmotonometer

|
light spectrum and sight
noun an instrument which measures pressure
opto- /pt/ prefix sight
opto-

inside the eye

optometrist /p$tmtrst/ noun mainly US a
optometrist

-opia /pi/ suffix eye condition

-opia |

person who specialises in testing eyes and pre-

opiate /$pit/ noun a sedative which is pre-
opiate

scribing lenses
pared from opium, e.g. morphine or codeine optometry /p$tmtri/ noun the testing of
optometry

opistho- /ps/ prefix backbone

opistho-

eyes and prescribing of lenses to correct sight

opisthotonos /!ps$tns/ noun a spasm -oquine /kwn/ suffix antimalarial drug !
opisthotonos -oquine

of the body in which the spine is arched back- chloroquine

wards, occurring, e.g., in people with tetanus OR abbreviation US operating room
OR

opium /$pim/ noun a substance made from

opium

ora /$%r/ plural noun plural of os 2

ora

poppies which is used in the preparation of oral /$%rl/ adjective 1. referring to the mouth 2.
oral

codeine and heroin referring to medication that is swallowed ! an

opponens /$pnnz/ noun one of a group of
opponens

|
oral contraceptive Compare enteral, parenteral
muscles which control the movements of the fin- oral cavity /!%rl $k'vti/ noun the mouth
oral cavity

gers, especially one which allows the thumb and

oral contraceptive /!%rl !kntr$septv/
oral contraceptive

little finger to come together

|

noun a contraceptive pill which is swallowed

opportunist /!p$tju%nst/, opportunistic
opportunist

oral hygiene /!%rl $had+i%n/ noun the prac-

| oral hygiene

/!ptju%$nstk/ adjective referring to a parasite

tice of keeping the mouth clean by gargling and
|

or microorganism which takes advantage of the

mouthwashes
hosts weakened state to cause infection
orally /$%rli/ adverb by swallowing ! not to be
orally

opsonic index /p!snk $ndeks/ noun a

opsonic index

|
taken orally
number which gives the strength of an individ-
oral medication /!%rl !med$ke()n/ noun
oral medication

uals serum reaction to bacteria |

medication which is taken by swallowing

opsonin /$psnn/ noun a substance, usually
opsonin

oral rehydration therapy /!%rl !ri%ha

oral rehydration therapy

an antibody, in blood which sticks to the surface |

of bacteria and helps to destroy them $dre()n !erpi/ noun the administration of a
simple glucose and electrolyte solution to treat
optic /$ptk/ adjective referring to the eye or to
optic

acute diarrhoea, particularly in children, which

sight has greatly reduced the number of deaths from
optical /$ptk()l/ adjective 1. same as optic 2.
optical

dehydration. Abbreviation ORT

relating to the visible light spectrum oral thermometer /!%rl $mmt/ noun a
oral thermometer

optical fibre /!ptk()l $fab/ noun an artifi- thermometer which is put into the mouth to take
optical fibre

cial fibre which can carry light or images someones temperature

Nursing.fm Page 212 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

orbicularis 212

orbicularis /%!bkj$lers/ noun a circular organ of Corti /!%1n v $k%ti/ noun a mem-
orbicularis organ of Corti

| |

muscle in the face brane in the cochlea which takes sounds and con-
orbicularis oculi /%!bkj!lers $kjla/
orbicularis oculi

| |
verts them into impulses sent to the brain along
noun a muscle which opens and closes the eye the auditory nerve. Also called spiral organ
[Described 1851. After Marquis Alfonso Corti
orbicularis oris /%!bkj!lers $%rs/ noun
orbicularis oris

(182288), Italian anatomist and histologist.]

| |

a muscle which closes the lips tight

organ transplant /$%1n !tr'nspl%nt/ noun
organ transplant

orbit /$%bt/ noun the hollow bony depression in

orbit

the front of the skull in which each eye and lac- a surgical operation to transplant an organ from
rimal gland are situated. Also called eye socket one person to another
orgasm /$%1'z()m/ noun the climax of the
orgasm

orbital /$%bt()l/ adjective referring to the

orbital

orbit sexual act, when a person experiences a moment

of great excitement
orchi- /%ki/ prefix testiss
orchi-

orifice /$rfs/ noun an opening in the body,

orifice

orchidalgia /!%k$d'ld+/ noun a neuralgic-

orchidalgia

|
e.g. the mouth or anus
type pain in a testis
origin /$rd+n/ noun 1. the source or begin-
origin

orchidectomy /!%k$dektmi/ noun a surgical

orchidectomy

|
ning of something 2. a place where a muscle is
operation to remove a testis (NOTE: The plural is attached, or where the branch of a nerve or blood
orchidectomies.) vessel begins
orchidopexy /$%kd!peksi/ noun a surgical
orchidopexy

oris /$%rs/ " cancrum oris, orbicularis oris

oris
|

operation to place an undescended testis in the

ornithosis /!%n$ss/ noun a disease of
ornithosis

scrotum. Also called orchiopexy (NOTE: The |

plural is orchidopexies.)
birds which can be passed to humans as a form of
pneumonia
orchiepididymitis /!%ki!epdd$mats/
orchiepididymitis

oro- /%r/ prefix mouth

| | oro-

noun a condition in which a testicle and its epidi-

orogenital /!%r$d+ent()l/ adjective relat-
orogenital

dymis become swollen |

orchiopexy /$%ki!peksi/ noun same as

orchiopexy

|
ing to both the mouth and the genitals
oropharynx /!%r$f'rks/ noun a part of
oropharynx

orchidopexy (NOTE: The plural is orchiopex- |

ies.) the pharynx below the soft palate at the back of

orchis /$%ks/ noun a testis
orchis
the mouth (NOTE: The plural is oropharynxes or
oropharynges.)
orchitis /%$kats/ noun inflammation of the
orchitis

ORT abbreviation oral rehydration therapy

| ORT

testes, characterised by hypertrophy, pain and a

ortho- /%/ prefix correct or straight
ortho-

sensation of weight
orthodontics /!%$dntks/ noun a branch
orthodontics

Orems model /$%rmz !md()l/ noun a

Orems model
|

modern model for nursing which focuses on a of dentistry which deals with correcting badly
persons ability to perform self-care, defined as placed teeth
activities which individuals initiate and perform orthopaedic /!%$pi%dk/ adjective 1. refer-
orthopaedic

on their own behalf to maintain life, health and ring to treatment which corrects badly formed
well-being. The goal of nursing is to help people bones or joints 2. referring to or used in orthopae-
meet their own self-care demands. dics (NOTE: The US spelling is orthopedic.)
organ /$%1n/ noun a part of the body which is orthopaedic collar /!%pi%dk $kl/ noun a
organ orthopaedic collar

distinct from other parts and has a particular func- special strong collar to support the head of a per-
tion, e.g. the liver, an eye or ovaries son with neck injuries or a condition such as cer-
organic /%$1'nk/ adjective 1. referring to
organic

|
vical spondylosis
organs in the body 2. coming from an animal, orthopaedic hospital /!%pi%dk
orthopaedic hospital

plant or other organism $hspt()l/ noun a hospital which specialises in

organic disease /%!1'nk d$zi%z/, organic
organic disease

| |
operations to correct badly formed joints or bones
disorder /%!1'nk ds$%d/ noun a disease or orthopaedics /!%$pi%dks/ noun a branch of
orthopaedics

| | |

disorder associated with physical changes in one surgery dealing with irregularities, diseases and
or more organs of the body injuries of the locomotor system (NOTE: The US
organisation /!%1na$ze()n/, organiza-
organisation

|
spelling is orthopedics.)
tion noun 1. a group of people set up for a partic- orthopaedic surgeon /!%pi%dk $s-%d+n/
orthopaedic surgeon

ular purpose 2. the planning or arranging of some- noun a surgeon who specialises in orthopaedics
thing ! the organisation of the rota 3. the way in orthopnoea /!%p$ni%/ noun a condition in
orthopnoea

which the component parts of something are which a person has great difficulty in breathing
arranged while lying down. ! dyspnoea (NOTE: The US
organism /$%1nz()m/ noun any single spelling is orthopnea.)
organism

plant, animal, bacterium, fungus or other living orthopnoeic /!%p$ni%k/ adjective referring
orthopnoeic

thing to orthopnoea (NOTE: The US spelling is orthop-

organo- /%1n, %1'n/ prefix organ neic.)
organo-
Nursing.fm Page 213 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

213 osteochondritis dissecans

orthoptics /%$ptks/ noun the study of osmoreceptor /!zmr$sept/ noun a cell

orthoptics osmoreceptor

| |

methods used to treat squints in the hypothalamus which checks the level of
orthoptist /%$ptst/ noun an eye specialist,
orthoptist

|
osmotic pressure in the blood by altering the
working in an eye hospital, who treats squints and secretion of ADH and regulates the amount of
other disorders of eye movement water in the blood
osmosis /z$mss/ noun the movement of a
osmosis

orthoptoscope /%$ptskp/ noun same

orthoptoscope
|

solvent from one part of the body through a sem-

|

as amblyoscope
ipermeable membrane to another part where there
orthosis /%$ss/ noun a device which is fit-
orthosis

|
is a higher concentration of molecules
ted to the outside of the body to support a weak-
osmotic pressure /z!mtk $pre/ noun
osmotic pressure

ness or correct a malformation, e.g. a surgical col-

|

the pressure required to stop the flow of a solvent

lar or leg brace (NOTE: The plural is orthoses.)
through a membrane
orthostatic /!%$st'tk/ adjective referring
orthostatic

osseous /$sis/ adjective referring to or

osseous
|

to the position of the body when standing up resembling bone

straight
osseous labyrinth /!sis $l'brn/ noun
osseous labyrinth

orthostatic hypotension /!%st'tk

orthostatic hypotension

same as bony labyrinth

!hap$tenn/ noun a common condition
ossicle /$sk()l/ noun a small bone
| ossicle

where the blood pressure drops when a person

ossification /!sf$ke()n/ noun the forma-
ossification

stands up suddenly, causing dizziness |

tion of bone. Also called osteogenesis

orthotics /%$tks/ plural noun the branch of
orthotics

ossium /$sim/ " fragilitas ossium

| ossium

medical engineering which deals with the design

ost- /st/ prefix same as osteo- (used before
ost-

and fitting of devices such as braces in the treat-

ment of orthopaedic disorders (NOTE: Takes a vowels)
singular verb.) ostectomy /$stektmi/ noun a surgical opera-
ostectomy

orthotist /$%tst/ noun a qualified person tion in which a bone, or a piece of bone, is
orthotist

who fits orthoses removed (NOTE: The plural is ostectomies.)

osteitis /!sti$ats/ noun inflammation of a
osteitis

Ortolanis sign /!%t$l%niz san/, Ortolani

Ortolanis sign
|
|

manoeuvre /!%t$l%ni m!nu%v/, Ortolanis | |

bone due to injury or infection
test /!%t$l%niz test/ noun a test for congenital osteitis deformans /!sti!ats di%$f%mnz/
osteitis deformans

| | |

dislocation of the hip in babies aged 612, in noun a disease which gradually softens bones in
which the hip makes sharp sounds if the joint is the spine, legs and skull, so that they become
rotated [Described 1937. After Marino Ortolani curved. Also called Pagets disease
(190483), Italian orthopaedic surgeon.] osteitis fibrosis cystica /!stiats fa
osteitis fibrosis cystica

os /s/ noun (technical) 1. a bone (NOTE: The !brss $sstk/ noun a generalised weakness
os

plural is ossa.) 2. the mouth (NOTE: The plural is of bones, caused by excessive activity of the thy-
ora.) roid gland and associated with formation of cysts,
OSA abbreviation obstructive sleep apnoea
OSA
in which bone tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue.
Also called von Recklinghausens disease
osche- /$ski/ prefix relating to the scrotum
osche-

(NOTE: The localised form is osteitis fibrosis

oscillation /!s$le()n/ noun 1. the action of localista.)
oscillation

moving backwards and forwards between two osteo- /sti/ prefix bone
osteo-

points at a regular speed 2. a single movement osteoarthritis /!sti%$rats/ noun a

osteoarthritis

between two points

|

degenerative disease of middle-aged and elderly

oscilloscope /$slskp/ noun a device
oscilloscope

| people characterised by inflamed joints which

which produces a visual record of an electrical become stiff and painful. Also called osteoar-
current on a screen using a cathode ray tube. It is throsis
used in the testing of electronic equipment and in osteoarthropathy /!sti%$rpi/ noun a
osteoarthropathy

measuring electrical impulses of the heart or the disease of the bone and cartilage at a joint, partic-
brain. ularly the ankles, knees or wrists, associated with
osculum /$skjlm/ noun a small opening or
osculum

carcinoma of the bronchi

pore (NOTE: The plural is oscula.) osteoarthrosis /!sti%$rss/ noun
osteoarthrosis

-osis /ss/ suffix disease same as osteoarthritis

-osis

osteoarthrotomy /!sti%$rtmi/ noun a

osteoarthrotomy

Oslers nodes /$slz ndz/ plural noun ten-

Oslers nodes

der swellings at the ends of fingers and toes in surgical operation to remove the articular end of a
people who have subacute bacterial endocarditis bone (NOTE: The plural is osteoarthrotomies.)
[Described 1885. After Sir William Osler (1849 osteochondritis /!stikn$drats/ noun
osteochondritis

1919), Professor of Medicine in Montreal, Phila- degeneration of the epiphyses

delphia, Baltimore and then Oxford.] osteochondritis
osteochondritis dissecans

dissecans
osm- /zm/ prefix 1. smell 2. osmosis /!stikndrats $dsk'nz/ noun a painful
osm-
Nursing.fm Page 214 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

osteochondrosis 214
condition where pieces of articular cartilage osteotome /$stitm/ noun a type of chisel
osteotome

become detached from the joint surface used by surgeons to cut bone
osteochondrosis /!stikn$drss/ noun
osteochondrosis

osteotomy /!sti$tmi/ noun a surgical oper-

osteotomy
|
|

a disorder of cartilage and bone formation which ation to cut a bone, especially to relieve pain in a
affects the joints in children, causing pain and a joint (NOTE: The plural is osteotomies.)
limp, probably due to circulation disturbances to ostium /$stim/ noun an opening into a pas-
ostium

that part of the bone sage (NOTE: The plural is ostia.)

osteoclast /$stikl'st/ noun a cell which
osteoclast

-ostomy /stmi/ suffix operation to make an

-ostomy

destroys bone
opening
osteocyte /$stisat/ noun a bone cell
osteocyte

OT abbreviation occupational therapist

OT

osteogenesis /!sti$d+enss/ noun same

osteogenesis

ot- /t/ prefix same as oto- (used before vow-

| ot-

as ossification
els)
osteogenesis imperfecta /!sti!d+enss
osteogenesis imperfecta

otalgia /$t'ld+/ noun same as earache

| otalgia

mp$fekt/ noun a congenital condition in

|
|

OTC abbreviation referring to medication which

OTC

which bones are brittle and break easily due to

unusual bone formation. Also called brittle bone can be bought freely at a chemists shop, and does
disease not need a prescription. Full form over the coun-
osteology /!sti$ld+i/ noun the study of
osteology

|
ter
OTC drug /! ti% $si% dr.1/ noun same as over-
OTC drug

bones and their structure

osteolysis /!sti$lss/ noun destruction of
osteolysis

|
the-counter drug
otic /$tk/ adjective referring to the ear
otic

bone tissue by osteoclasts

osteolytic /!sti$ltk/ adjective referring to otitis /$tats/ noun inflammation of the ear
osteolytic otitis

| |

osteolysis otitis externa /!tats k$st-%n/ noun

otitis externa

| |

osteoma /!sti$m/ noun a benign tumour in inflammation of the external auditory meatus to
osteoma

a bone (NOTE: The plural is osteomas or osteo- the eardrum

mata.) otitis interna /!tats n$t-%n/ noun inflam-
otitis interna

| |

osteomalacia /!stim$le/ noun a condi-

osteomalacia

| mation of the inner ear. Also called labyrinthitis

tion in adults in which the bones become soft otitis media /!tats $mi%di/ noun an infec-
otitis media

because of lack of calcium and Vitamin D, or lim- tion of the middle ear, usually accompanied by
ited exposure to sunlight headaches and fever. Also called middle ear
osteomyelitis /!stima$lats/ noun
osteomyelitis

| infection, tympanitis
inflammation of the interior of bone, especially oto- /t/ prefix ear
oto-

the marrow spaces

otolaryngologist /!tl'r$1ld+st/
otolaryngologist

osteon /$stin/ noun same as Haversian sys-

osteon |

noun a doctor who specialises in treatment of dis-

tem eases of the ear and throat
osteopath /$sti!p'/ noun a person who
osteopath

otolaryngology /!tl'r$1ld+i/ noun

otolaryngology
|

practises osteopathy
|

the study of diseases of the ear and throat

osteopathy /!sti$pi/ noun 1. the treatment
osteopathy

otolith /$tl/ noun a stone which forms in

otolith
|

of disorders by massage and manipulation of

the inner ear
joints 2. any disease of bone (NOTE: The plural is
otolith organ /!tl $%1n/ noun one of
otolith organ

osteopathies.)
osteopetrosis /!stip$trss/ noun a dis-
osteopetrosis
two pairs of sensory organs in the inner ear, the
saccule and the utricle, which pass information to
|

ease of a group in which bones increase in den-

the brain about the position of the head
sity. Also called marble bone disease
otologist /$tld+st/ noun a doctor who
otologist

osteophyte /$stifat/ noun a bony growth

osteophyte
|

specialises in the study of the ear

osteoplasty /$stipl'sti/ noun plastic sur-
osteoplasty

otology /$tld+i/ noun the scientific study

otology

gery on bones |

of the ear and its diseases

osteoporosis /!stip%$rss/ noun a con-
osteoporosis

-otomy /tmi/ suffix an act of cutting into an

| -otomy

dition in which the bones become thin, porous

and brittle, due to low levels of oestrogen, lack of organ or part of the body in a surgical operation
otoplasty /$tpl'sti/ noun plastic surgery of
otoplasty

calcium and lack of physical exercise. Also called

brittle bone disease the external ear to repair damage or deformity
osteosarcoma /!stis%$km/ noun a otorhinolaryngologist /!t!ran!l'r
osteosarcoma otorhinolaryngologist

| | | |

malignant tumour of bone cells (NOTE: The plural $1ld+st/ noun a doctor who specialises in the
is osteosarcomas or osteosarcomata.) study of the ear, nose and throat
osteosclerosis /!stiskl$rss/ noun a otorhinolaryngology /!t!ran!l'r
osteosclerosis otorhinolaryngology

| | | |

condition in which the bony spaces become hard- $1ld+i/ noun the study of the ear, nose and
ened as a result of persistent inflammation throat. Also called ENT
Nursing.fm Page 215 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

215 ovulate

otorrhagia /!t$red+/ noun bleeding from ovarian cancer /!verin $k'ns/ noun a
otorrhagia ovarian cancer

| |

the external ear malignant tumour of the ovary, which occurs

otorrhoea /!t$ri%/ noun the discharge of
otorrhoea

|
especially after the menopause
ovarian cycle /!verin $sak()l/ noun the
ovarian cycle

pus from the ear (NOTE: The US spelling is otor- |

rhea.) regular changes in the ovary during a womans

otosclerosis /!tskl$rss/ noun a con-
otosclerosis

|
reproductive life
ovarian cyst /!verin $sst/ noun a cyst
ovarian cyst

dition in which the ossicles in the middle ear |

become thicker and the stapes becomes fixed to which develops in the ovaries
the oval window leading to deafness ovarian follicle /!verin $flk()l/ noun a
ovarian follicle

otoscope /$tskp/ noun same as auri- cell which contains an ovum. Also called Graa-
otoscope

scope fian follicle

ovariectomy /!vri$ektmi/ noun same as
ovariectomy

otospongiosis /!t!sp.nd+i$ss/ noun

otospongiosis
|
| |

the formation of spongy bone in the labyrinth of oophorectomy (NOTE: The plural is ovariecto-
the ear which occurs in otosclerosis mies.)
ovariotomy /!vri$tmi/ noun a surgical
ovariotomy

Otosporin /$tsprn/ a trade name for ear

Otosporin
|

drops containing hydrocortisone, neomycin and operation to remove an ovary or a tumour in an

polymyxin ovary (NOTE: The plural is ovariotomies.)
ovaritis /!v$rats/ noun same as oophori-
ovaritis

ototoxic /!t$tksk/ adjective referring to a

ototoxic
|
|

drug or an effect which is damaging to organs or tis

nerves involved in hearing or balance ovary /$v()ri/ noun one of two organs in a
ovary

outcome /$atk.m/ noun a measure of the

outcome
woman which produce ova or egg cells and
result of an intervention or treatment, e.g. the secrete the female hormone oestrogen. Also
mortality rate following different methods of sur- called oophoron. See illustration at UROGENITAL
gery ! medical outcomes SYSTEM (FEMALE) in Supplement (NOTE: The
plural is ovaries. For other terms referring to
outer /$at/ adjective outside or external
outer

ovaries, see words beginning with oophor-,

outer ear /!atr $/ noun the part of the ear
outer ear

oophoro-.)
which is on the outside of the head, together with over- /v/ prefix too much
over-

the passage leading to the eardrum. Also called

overbite /$vbat/ noun the usual formation
overbite

external ear
of the teeth, in which the top incisors come down
outer pleura /!at $plr/ noun same as
outer pleura

over and in front of the bottom incisors when the

parietal pleura jaws are closed
out-of-body experience /!at v $bdi k
out-of-body experience

overcompensation /!vkmpn$se()n/
overcompensation
|
|

!sprins/ noun an occasion when a person feels
as though they have left their body and, often,
travelled along a tunnel towards a bright light
outpatient /$atpe()nt/ noun someone who
outpatient
noun an attempt by a person to remove the bad
effects of a mistake or a fault in their character in
which they make too much effort, and so cause

some other problem

comes to a hospital for treatment but does not stay overflow incontinence /!vfl n
overflow incontinence

overnight ! She goes for treatment as an outpa- $kntnns/ noun a leakage of urine because the
tient. Abbreviation OP. Compare inpatient bladder is too full
outpatient department /$atpe()nt d
outpatient department

overjet /$vd+et/ noun a space which sepa-

overjet
|

!p%tmnt/, outpatients department rates the top incisors from the bottom incisors
/$atpe()nts d!p%tmnt/, outpatients
|
when the jaws are closed
clinic /$atpe()nts !klnk/ noun a depart-
oversew /$vs/ verb to sew a patch of tis-
oversew

ment of a hospital which deals with outpatients

sue over a perforation (NOTE: oversewing
outreach /$atri%t/ noun services provided for
outreach

oversewed oversewn)
patients or the public in general, outside a hospital overt /$v-%t/ adjective easily seen with the
overt

or clinic
|

naked eye. Opposite occult

ova /$v/ plural of ovum
ova

over-the-counter drug /!v $kant

over-the-counter drug

oval window /$v()l !wnd/ noun an oval

oval window

!dr.1/ noun a drug which you can buy from a

opening between the middle ear and the inner ear. pharmacy without a doctors prescription. Also
Also called fenestra ovalis. See illustration at called OTC drug
EAR in Supplement
ovi- /vi/ prefix eggs or ova
ovi-

ovar- /vr/ prefix same as ovari- (used before

ovar-

oviduct /$vd.kt/ noun same as Fallopian

oviduct

vowels) tube
ovari- /vri/ prefix ovaries
ovari-

ovulate /$vjlet/ verb to release a mature

ovulate

ovarian /$verin/ adjective referring to the ovum into a Fallopian tube (NOTE: ovulating
ovarian

ovaries ovulated)
Nursing.fm Page 216 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
ovulation
ovulation /!vj$le()n/ noun the release of
ovulation
| |
an ovum from the mature ovarian follicle into the
Fallopian tube
ovum /$vm/ noun a female egg cell which,
ovum
when fertilised by a spermatazoon, begins to
develop into an embryo (NOTE: The plural is ova.
For other terms referring to ova, see words
beginning with oo-.)
-oxacin /kssn/ suffix quinolone drug ! cip-
-oxacin
rofloxacin
oxidase /$ksdez/ noun an enzyme which
oxidase
encourages oxidation by removing hydrogen. !
monoamine oxidase
oxidation /!ks$de()n/ noun the action of
oxidation
making oxides by combining with oxygen or
removing hydrogen
oximeter /k$smt/ noun an instrument
oximeter
| oxyhaemoglobin
which measures the amount of oxygen in some-
thing, especially in blood
oxybutynin /!ksi$bju%tnn/, oxybutinin
oxybutynin
|
noun a drug which reduces the need to pass urine
oxycephalic /!ksik$f'lk/ adjective refer-
oxycephalic
|
ring to oxycephaly
oxycephaly /!ks$kefli/ noun a condition in
oxycephaly
|
which the skull is shaped into a point, with exoph-
thalmos and poor sight. Also called turricephaly
oxygen /$ksd+n/ noun a chemical element
oxygen
that is a common colourless gas which is present
in the air and essential to human life (NOTE: The
chemical symbol is O.)
oxygenate /$ksd+net/ verb to combine
oxygenate
blood with oxygen (NOTE: oxygenating oxy-
genated)
oxygenated blood /!ksd+netd $bl.d/
oxygenated blood
noun blood which has received oxygen in the
lungs and is being carried to the tissues along the
arteries. Also called arterial blood. Compare
deoxygenated blood (NOTE: Oxygenated blood
is brighter red than venous deoxygenated
blood.)
oxygenation /!ksd+$ne()n/ noun the
oxygenation
|
fact of becoming combined or filled with oxygen
! Blood is carried along the pulmonary artery to
the lungs for oxygenation.
216
oxygenator /$ksd+!net/ noun a machine
oxygenator
which puts oxygen into the blood, used as an arti-
ficial lung in surgery
oxygen cylinder /$ksd+n !slnd/ noun a
oxygen cylinder
heavy metal tube which contains oxygen and is
connected to a patients oxygen mask
oxygen mask /$ksd+n m%sk/ noun a mask
oxygen mask
connected to a supply of oxygen, which can be
put over the face to help someone with breathing
difficulties
oxygen tent /$ksd+n tent/ noun a type of
oxygen tent
cover put over a person so that he or she can
breathe in oxygen
oxygen therapy /$ksd+n !erpi/ noun any
oxygen therapy
treatment involving the administering of oxygen,
e.g. in an oxygen tent or in emergency treatment
for heart failure
oxyhaemoglobin /!ksi!hi%m$1lbn/ noun
| |
a compound of haemoglobin and oxygen, which
is the way oxygen is carried in arterial blood from
the lungs to the tissues. ! haemoglobin (NOTE:
The US spelling is oxyhemoglobin.)
oxyntic /k$sntk/ adjective referring to glands
oxyntic
|
and cells in the stomach which produce acid
oxyntic cell /k$sntk sel/ noun a cell in the
oxyntic cell
|
gastric gland which secretes hydrochloric acid.
Also called parietal cell
oxytetracycline /!ksi!tetr$sakli%n/ noun
oxytetracycline
| |
an antibiotic which is effective against a wide
range of organisms
oxytocic /!ksi$tsk/ noun a drug which
oxytocic
helps to start the process of childbirth, or speeds
it up " adjective starting or speeding up child-
birth by causing contractions in the muscles of the
uterus
oxytocin /!ksi$tsn/ noun a hormone
oxytocin
|
secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, which
controls the contractions of the uterus and encour-
ages the flow of milk
ozone /$zn/ noun a gas present in the
ozone
atmosphere in small quantities, which is harmful
at high levels of concentration
ozone sickness /$zn !skns/ noun a
ozone sickness
condition experienced by jet travellers, due to lev-
els of ozone in aircraft
Nursing.fm Page 217 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
Pa abbreviation pascal
Pa
pacemaker /$pesmek/ noun 1. a node in the
pacemaker
heart which regulates the heartbeat. Also called
sinoatrial node, SA node 2. " cardiac pace-
maker, epicardial pacemaker
pachy- /p'ki/ prefix thickening
pachy-
pachydactyly /!p'ki$d'ktli/ noun a condi-
pachydactyly
tion in which the fingers and toes become thicker
than usual
pachydermia /!p'ki$d-%mi/, pachyderma
pachydermia
|
/!p'ki$d-%m/ noun a condition in which the skin
|
becomes thicker than normal
pachymeningitis /!p'ki!menn$d+ats/
pachymeningitis
| |
noun inflammation of the dura mater
pachyonychia /!p'ki$nki/ noun unusual
pachyonychia
|
thickness of the nails
pachysomia /!p'ki$smi/ noun a condition
pachysomia
|
in which soft tissues of the body become unusu-
ally thick
pacing /$pes/ noun a surgical operation to
pacing
implant or attach a cardiac pacemaker
Pacinian corpuscle /p!snin $k%p.s()l/
Pacinian corpuscle
| looks after people with severe persistent pain and
noun a sensory nerve ending in the skin which is
sensitive to touch and vibrations
pack /p'k/ noun a tampon of gauze or cotton
pack
wool, used to fill an orifice such as the nose or
vagina " verb to fill an orifice with a tampon !
The ear was packed with cotton wool to absorb
the discharge.
packed cell volume /!p'kt $sel !vlju%m/
packed cell volume
noun the volume of red blood cells in a persons
blood shown against the total volume of blood.
Also called haematocrit
PACT /p'kt/ abbreviation prescribing analyses
PACT
and cost
pad /p'd/ noun a piece or mass of soft absorbent
pad
material, placed on part of the body to protect it !
She wrapped a pad of soft cotton wool round the
sore.
paed- /pi%d/ prefix same as paedo- (used before
paed-
vowels)
paediatric /!pi%di$'trk/ adjective referring to
paediatric
|
the treatment of the diseases of children ! A new
paediatric hospital has been opened. ! Parents
can visit children in the paediatric wards at any
time.
P
paediatrician /!pi%di$tr()n/ noun a doctor
paediatrician
who specialises in the treatment of diseases of
children
paediatrics /!pi%di$'trks/ noun the study of
paediatrics
children, their development and diseases. Com-
pare geriatrics
paedo- /pi%d/ prefix referring to children
paedo-
paedodontia /!pi%d$dn/ noun another
paedodontia
spelling of pedodontia
Pagets disease /$p'd+ts d!zi%z/ noun 1.
Pagets disease
|
same as osteitis deformans 2. a form of breast
cancer which starts as an itchy rash round the nip-
ple [Described 1877. After Sir James Paget
(181499), British surgeon.]
pain /pen/ noun the feeling of severe discomfort
pain
which a person has when hurt ! The doctor gave
him an injection to relieve the pain. ! She is suf-
fering from back pain. (NOTE: Pain can be used
in the plural to show that it recurs: She has
pains in her left leg.)
pain clinic /$pen !klnk/ noun a centre which
pain clinic
whose staff include professionals from many spe-
cialist areas of medicine
painkiller /$pen!kl/ noun a drug that reduces
painkiller
pain
pain pathway /$pen !p%we/ noun a series
pain pathway
of linking nerve fibres and neurones which carry
impulses of pain from the site to the sensory cor-
tex
pain receptor /$pen r!sept/ noun a nerve
pain receptor
|
ending which is sensitive to pain
pain relief /$pen r!li%f/ noun the act of easing
pain relief
|
pain by using analgesics
paint /pent/ noun a coloured antiseptic, analge-
paint
sic or astringent liquid which is put on the surface
of the body " verb to cover a wound with an anti-
septic, analgesic or astringent liquid or lotion !
She painted the rash with calamine.
pain threshold /$pen !rehld/ noun the
pain threshold
point at which a person finds it impossible to bear
pain without crying
palate /$p'lt/ noun the roof of the mouth and
palate
floor of the nasal cavity, formed of the hard and
soft palates
Nursing.fm Page 218 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

palate bone 218

palate bone /$p'lt bn/ noun one of two palpation /p'l$pe()n/ noun an examination
palate bone palpation

bones which form part of the hard palate, the of part of the body by feeling it with the hand
orbits of the eyes and the cavity behind the nose. palpebra /$p'lpbr/ noun same as eyelid
palpebra

Also called palatine bone (NOTE: The plural is palpebrae.)

palatine /$p'ltan/ adjective referring to the
palatine

palpebral /$p'lpbrl/ adjective referring to the

palpebral

palate eyelids
palatine bone /$p'ltan bn/ noun same as
palatine bone

palpitation /!p'lp$te()n/ noun awareness

palpitation

palate bone that the heart is beating rapidly or irregularly, pos-

palatine tonsil /!p'ltan $tns()l/ noun
palatine tonsil
sibly caused by stress or by a disease
same as tonsil pan- /p'n/ prefix referring to everything
pan-

palato- /p'lt/ prefix the palate panacea /!p'n$si%/ noun a medicine which is
palato- panacea

palatoplasty /$p'ltpl'sti/ noun plastic sur-

palatoplasty
supposed to cure everything
panarthritis /!p'n%$rats/ noun inflamma-
panarthritis

gery of the roof of the mouth, e.g. to repair a cleft |

palate tion of all the tissues of a joint or of all the joints

palatoplegia /!p'lt$pli%d+/ noun paralysis
palatoplegia

|
in the body
pancarditis /!p'nk%$dats/ noun inflamma-
pancarditis

of the soft palate |

palatorrhaphy /!p'l$t%rfi/ noun a surgical

palatorrhaphy
tion of all the tissues in the heart, i.e. the heart
muscle, the endocardium and the pericardium
|

operation to suture and close a cleft palate. Also

pancreas /$p'kris/ noun a gland which lies
pancreas

called staphylorrhaphy, uraniscorrhaphy

pali- /p'l/ prefix same as palin-
pali-
across the back of the body between the kidneys.
See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supple-
palin- /$p'ln/ prefix repeating
palin-

ment
palindromic /!p'ln$drmk/ adjective
palindromic

pancreatectomy /!p'kri$tektmi/ noun

pancreatectomy
|
|

recurring ! a palindromic disease the surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas
palliative /$p'litv/ noun a treatment or drug
palliative

pancreatic /!p'kri$'tk/ adjective referring

pancreatic

which relieves symptoms but does nothing to cure to the pancreas

the disease which causes the symptoms. For pancreatic duct /!p'kri$'tk d.kt/ noun a
pancreatic duct

example, a painkiller can reduce the pain in a

|

duct leading through the pancreas to the duode-

tooth, but will not cure the caries which causes the num
pain. " adjective providing relief
pancreatic juice /!p'kri'tk $d+u%s/, pan-
pancreatic juice

palliative care /$p'litv !ke/, palliative

palliative care

creatic secretion /!p'kri'tk s$kri%()n/

treatment /$p'litv !tri%tmnt/ noun treatment
|

noun a digestive juice, formed of enzymes pro-

which helps to reduce the symptoms of a disease, duced by the pancreas, which digests fats and car-
especially a terminal or chronic condition, but bohydrates
does not cure it
pancreatin /$p'kritn/ noun a substance
pancreatin

COMMENT: Palliative care may involve giving

made from enzymes secreted by the pancreas,
antibiotics, transfusions, pain-killing drugs,
used to treat someone whose pancreas does not
low-dose chemotherapy and psychological
and social support to help the person and
produce pancreatic enzymes
pancreatitis /!p'kri$tats/ noun inflamma-
pancreatitis

their family adjust to the illness. The treat- |

ment is often provided in a hospice. tion of the pancreas

pancreatomy /!p'kri$'tmi/, pancreatot-
pancreatomy

pallidotomy /!p'l$dtmi/ noun an operation

pallidotomy
|
|

on the brain which can reduce many of the symp- omy /!p'kri$ttmi/ noun a surgical opera-
|

toms of Parkinsons disease, such as tremor, tion to open the pancreatic duct
bradykinesia and stooped posture pancytopenia /!p'nsat$pi%ni/ noun a con-
pancytopenia

pallor /$p'l/ noun the condition of being pale

pallor
dition in which there are too few red and white
blood cells and blood platelets
palm /p%m/ noun the inner surface of the hand,
palm

pandemic /p'n$demk/ noun an epidemic dis-

pandemic

extending from the bases of the fingers to the |

wrist ease which affects many parts of the world. Com-

pare endemic, epidemic " adjective wide-
palmar /$p'lm/ adjective referring to the palm
palmar

spread
of the hand
panhysterectomy /!p'nhst$rektmi/ noun
panhysterectomy

palmar arch /$p'lmr %t/ noun one of two

palmar arch |

the surgical removal of all the uterus and the cer-

arches or joins within the palm formed by two vix
arteries which link together
panic /$p'nk/ noun a feeling of great fear
panic

palmar fascia /!p'lm $fe/ noun the ten-

palmar fascia

which cannot be stopped and which sometimes

dons in the palm of the hand results in irrational behaviour ! He was in a
palpate /p'l$pet/ verb to examine part of the
palpate

| panic as he sat in the consultants waiting room.

body by feeling it with the hand " verb to be suddenly afraid ! She panicked
Nursing.fm Page 219 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

219 parageusia
when the surgeon told her she might need to have papillomatosis /!p'plm$tss/ noun
papillomatosis

an operation. being affected with papillomata

panic attack /$p'nk !t'k/ noun a sudden
panic attack

papillotomy /!p'p$ltmi/ noun the opera-

papillotomy
|
|

onset of panic tion of cutting into the body at the point where the
panic disorder /$p'nk ds!%d/ noun a con- common bile duct and pancreatic duct meet to go
panic disorder

dition in which somebody has frequent panic into the duodenum, in order to improve bile drain-
attacks age and allow any stones to pass out
panniculitis /p!nkj$lats/ noun inflamma- papovavirus /p$pvvars/ noun a family
panniculitis papovavirus

| | |

tion of the panniculus adiposus, producing tender of viruses which start tumours, some of which are
swellings on the thighs and breasts malignant, and some of which, such as warts, are
panniculus /p$nkjls/ noun a layer of
panniculus

|
benign
Pap test /$p'p test/, Pap smear /$p'p sm/
Pap test

membranous tissue
panniculus adiposus /p$nkjls 'd
panniculus adiposus

| |
noun same as Papanicolaou test
!pss/ noun a layer of fat underneath the skin papular /$p'pjl/ adjective referring to a
papular

pannus /$p'ns/ noun a growth on the cornea

pannus
papule
papule /$p'pju%l/ noun a small coloured spot
papule

containing tiny blood vessels

panophthalmia /!p'nf$'lmi/, panoph-
panophthalmia

|
raised above the surface of the skin as part of a
thalmitis /!p'nf'l$mats/ noun inflamma- |
rash (NOTE: A flat spot is a macule.)
tion of the whole of the eye papulo- /p'pjl/ prefix relating to a papule
papulo-

panosteitis /!p'nsti$ats/, panostitis papulopustular /!p'pjl$p.stjl/ adjec-

panosteitis papulopustular

| |

/!p'n$stats/ noun inflammation of the whole

| tive referring to a rash with both papules and pus-
of a bone tules
panotitis /!p'n$tats/ noun inflammation papulosquamous /!p'pjl$skwems/
panotitis papulosquamous

| |

affecting all of the ear, but especially the middle adjective referring to a rash with papules and a
ear scaly skin
panproctocolectomy /!p'nprktk para- /p'r/ prefix 1. similar to or near 2.
panproctocolectomy para-

$lektmi/ noun the surgical removal of the whole changed or beyond

of the rectum and the colon paracentesis /!p'rsen$ti%ss/ noun the pro-
paracentesis

pant- /p'nt/ prefix same as pan-

pant-

cedure of draining fluid from a cavity inside the

panto- /p'nt/ prefix same as pan-
panto-
body using a hollow needle, either for diagnostic
pantothenic acid /!p'ntenk $'sd/ noun
pantothenic acid
purposes or because the fluid is harmful. Also
a vitamin of the vitamin B complex, found in called tapping
paracetamol /!p'r$si%tml/ noun a com-
paracetamol

liver, yeast and eggs |

Papanicolaou test /!p'pnk$leu% test/

Papanicolaou test
mon drug used to relieve mild to moderate pain
and reduce fever (NOTE: The US name is aceta-
|

noun a method of staining samples from various

body secretions to test for malignancy, e.g. testing minophen.)
paracusis /!p'r$kju%ss/, paracousia /!p'r
paracusis

a cervical smear sample to see if cancer is present. | |

Also called Pap test [Described 1933. After $ku%si/ noun a disorder of hearing
George Nicholas Papanicolaou (18831962), paradoxical breathing /!p'rdksk()l
paradoxical breathing

Greek anatomist and physician who worked in $bri%/, paradoxical respiration

the USA.] /!p'rdksk()l !resp$re()n/ noun a condi- |

papaveretum /p!p'v$ri%tm/ noun a prepa- tion affecting someone with broken ribs, where
papaveretum

| |

ration of opium used to reduce pain the chest appears to move in when he or she
papilla /p$pl/ noun a small swelling which
papilla

|
breathes in, and appears to move out when he or
sticks up above the usual surface level ! The she breathes out
paradoxus /!p'r$dkss/ " pulsus para-
paradoxus

upper surface of the tongue is covered with papil- |

lae. (NOTE: The plural is papillae.) doxus

papillary /p$plri/ adjective referring to papil- paraesthesia /!p'ri%s$i%zi/ noun an unex-
papillary paraesthesia

| |

lae plained tingling sensation. ! pins and needles

papillitis /!p'p$lats/ noun inflammation of
papillitis

|
(NOTE: The plural is paraesthesiae.)
paraffin /$p'rfn/ noun an oil produced from
paraffin

the optic disc at the back of the eye

papilloedema /!p'pl$di%m/ noun an accu-
papilloedema

|
petroleum, forming the base of some ointments,
mulation of fluid in the optic disc at the back of and also used for heating and light
paraffin gauze /$p'rfn 1%z/ noun gauze
paraffin gauze

the eye
papilloma /!p'p$lm/ noun a benign
papilloma

|
covered with solid paraffin, used as a dressing
parageusia /!p'r$1ju%si/ noun a disorder of
parageusia

tumour on the skin or mucous membrane (NOTE: |

The plural is papillomas or papillomata.) the sense of taste

Nursing.fm Page 220 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

paralyse 220

paralyse /$p'rlaz/ verb to make a part of the paranoid schizophrenia /!p'rnd

paralyse paranoid schizophrenia

body unable to carry out voluntary movements by !skts$fri%ni/ noun a form of schizophrenia in
|

weakening or damaging muscles or nerves so that which the person believes he or she is being per-
they cannot function, or by using a drug ! His secuted
arm was paralysed after the stroke. ! She is par- paraparesis /!p'rp$ri%ss/ noun incomplete
paraparesis

alysed from the waist down. paralysis of the legs

paralysis /p$r'lss/ noun a condition in paraphimosis /!p'rfa$mss/ noun a con-
paralysis paraphimosis

| |

which part of the body cannot be moved because
the motor nerves have been damaged or the mus-
cles have been weakened ! The condition causes
paralysis of the lower limbs. ! He suffered tem-
dition in which the foreskin around the penis is
tight and may have to be removed by circumci-
sion
paraplegia /!p'r$pli%d+/ noun paralysis
paraplegia

porary paralysis of the right arm. which affects the lower part of the body and the
paralytic /!p'r$ltk/ adjective 1. referring to
paralytic

| legs, usually caused by an injury to the spinal cord

paralysis 2. referring to a person who is paralysed paraplegic /!p'r$pli%d+k/ noun someone
paraplegic

paralytic ileus /!p'rltk $lis/ noun an who has paraplegia " adjective paralysed in the
paralytic ileus

obstruction in the ileum caused by paralysis of the lower part of the body and legs
muscles of the intestine. Also called adynamic paraprofessional /!p'rpr$fe()n()l/
paraprofessional

ileus noun somebody with training who acts as an

paramedian /!p'r$mi%din/ adjective near assistant to a professional person
paramedian

the midline of the body parapsychology /!p'rsa$kld+i/ noun the

parapsychology

paramedian plane /!p'r$mi%din !plen/

paramedian plane

|
noun a plane near the midline of the body, parallel
to the sagittal plane and at right angles to the coro-
nal plane. See illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS
in Supplement
study of effects of the mind which appear not to
be explained by known psychological or scientific
principles, e.g. extrasensory perception and telep-
athy
Paraquat /$p'rkwt/ a trade name for dime-
Paraquat

paramedic /!p'r$medk/ noun a person

paramedic

|
thyl dupyridilium used as a weedkiller
parasagittal /!p'r$s'd+t()l/ adjective near
parasagittal

whose work involves the restoration of health and |

normal functioning the midline of the body

parasagittal plane /!p'r$s'd+t()l !plen/
parasagittal plane

parameter /p$r'mt/ noun a measurement of

parameter
|
|

something such as blood pressure which may be
an important consideration in treating the condi-
tion which the person has
parametritis /!p'rm$trats/ noun inflam-
parametritis
noun a plane near the midline of the body, parallel
to the sagittal plane and at right angles to the coro-
nal plane. Also called paramedian plane. See

|
illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement
parasite /$p'rsat/ noun a plant or animal
parasite

mation of the parametrium

which lives on or inside another organism and
parametrium /!p'r$mi%trim/ noun the con-
parametrium

|
draws nourishment from that organism
nective tissue around the uterus
parasitic /!p'r$stk/ adjective referring to
parasitic

paranasal /!p'r$nez()l/ adjective by the

paranasal |

|
parasites
side of the nose
parasitic cyst /!p'rstk $sst/ noun a cyst
parasitic cyst

paranasal sinus /!p'rnez()l $sans/,

paranasal sinus

caused by the growing larvae of a parasite in the

paranasal air sinus /!p'rnez()l $e !sans/ body
noun one of the four pairs of sinuses in the skull
parasiticide /!p'r$satsad/ noun a sub-
parasiticide

near the nose, which open into the nasal cavity

|

stance which kills parasites " adjective killing

and are lined with sticky mucus (NOTE: They are
parasites
the frontal, maxillary, ethmoidal and sphenoidal
parasuicide /!p'r$su%sad/ noun an act
parasuicide

sinuses.) |

where someone tries to kill himself or herself, but

paranoia /!p'r$n/ noun a behaviour char-
paranoia

|
without really intending to do so, rather as a way
acterised by mistaken ideas or delusions of perse- of drawing attention to his or her psychological
cution or self-importance condition
paranoiac /!p'r$n'k/ noun a person
paranoiac

parasympathetic nervous system

parasympathetic nervous system
|

affected by paranoia /!p'rsmp!etk $n-%vs !sstm/, parasym-

|

paranoid /$p'rnd/ adjective having a fixed

paranoid

pathetic system /!p'rsmp$etk !sstm/ |

delusion noun one of two parts of the autonomic nervous

paranoid disorder /!p'rnd ds$%d/
paranoid disorder

|
noun a mental disorder which causes someone
experiencing it to believe strongly that something
is not right with them, with someone else or with
the world generally and to maintain the belief
system. Its messages reach the organs of the body
through the cranial and sacral nerves to the eyes,
the gastrointestinal system and other organs. !
sympathetic nervous system
parasympatholytic /!p'rsm!p'$ltk/
parasympatholytic

| |

even when given evidence against it noun a drug which reduces the effects of the par-
Nursing.fm Page 221 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

221 parous
asympathetic nervous system by relaxing smooth giving injections of glucose to someone critically
muscle, reducing the amount of sweat and saliva ill
produced and widening the pupil of the eye. An parenting /$pernt/ noun the activities
parenting

example is atropine. " adjective relating to a par- involved in bringing up children # parenting
asympatholytic drug skills the abilities and experience that make
parasympathomimetic /!p'rsm
parasympathomimetic

| someone a good parent

!p'm$metk/ noun a drug which stimulates
|
paresis /p$ri%ss/ noun partial paralysis
paresis

the parasympathetic nervous system by making

parietal /p$rat()l/ adjective referring to the
parietal

smooth muscle more tense, widening the blood |

vessels, slowing the heart rate, increasing the wall of a cavity or any organ
parietal bone /p$rat()l bn/, parietal /p
parietal bone

amount of sweat and saliva produced and con- | |

tracting the pupil of the eye " adjective produc- $rat()l/ noun one of two bones which form the
ing effects similar to those of a parasympathomi- sides of the skull
metic drug parietal cell /p$rat()l sel/ noun same as
parietal cell

parathormone /!p'r$%mn/ noun the oxyntic cell

parathormone

hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands parietal lobe /p$rat()l lb/ noun the mid-
parietal lobe

which regulates the level of calcium in blood dle lobe of the cerebral hemisphere, which is
plasma. Also called parathyroid hormone associated with language and other mental proc-
parathyroid /!p'r$ard/ noun same as
parathyroid

| esses, and also contains the postcentral gyrus

parathyroid gland " adjective 1. relating to a parietal pleura /p!rat()l $plr/ noun a
parietal pleura

parathyroid gland 2. located close to the thyroid membrane attached to the diaphragm and cover-
gland ing the chest cavity. Also called outer pleura.
parathyroidectomy /!p'r!ar$dektmi/ See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement
parathyroidectomy

| |

noun the surgical removal of a parathyroid gland -parin /prn/ suffix used for anticoagulants !
-parin

parathyroid gland /!p'r$ard !1l'nd/

parathyroid gland

| heparin
noun one of four small glands which are situated Paris /$p'rs/ " plaster of Paris
Paris

in or near the wall of the thyroid gland and secrete

parity /$p'rti/ noun 1. equality of status or
parity

a hormone which controls the way in which cal-

cium and phosphorus are deposited in bones position, especially in terms of pay or rank 2. the
number of children that a woman has given birth
parathyroid hormone /!p'r$ard
parathyroid hormone

|
to
!h%mn/ noun same as parathormone
Parkinsonism /$p%knsnz()m/ noun a
Parkinsonism

paratyphoid /!p'r$tafd/, paratyphoid

paratyphoid

progressive nervous disorder, which may be an

|

fever /!p'r$tafd !fi%v/ noun an infectious

|
effect of some drugs, repeated head injuries or
disease which has similar symptoms to typhoid
brain tumours. The main symptoms are trembling
and is caused by bacteria transmitted by humans
hands and a slow shuffling walk. Also called
or animals paralysis agitans
COMMENT: There are three forms of paraty-
Parkinsons disease /$p%knsnz d!zi%z/
Parkinsons disease

phoid fever, known by the letters A, B, and C, |

caused by three types of bacterium, Salmo- noun a progressive nervous disorder without a
nella paratyphi A, B, and C. TAB injections known cause which is a type of Parkinsonism, the
give immunity against paratyphoid A and B, main symptoms of which are trembling hands, a
but not against C. slow shuffling walk and difficulty in speaking
[Described 1817. After James Parkinson (1755
paravertebral /!p'r$v-%tbrl/ adjective near
paravertebral

1824), English physician.]

|

the vertebrae, beside the spinal column

paronychia /!p'r$nki/ noun inflammation
paronychia

paravertebral injection /!p'rv-%tbrl n

paravertebral injection
|

near the nail which forms pus, caused by an infec-

|

$d+ekn/ noun an injection of local anaesthetic

into the back near the vertebrae tion in the fleshy part of the tip of a finger. ! whit-
low
parenchyma /p$rekm/ noun tissues which
parenchyma

parosmia /p$rzmi/ noun a disorder of the

| parosmia

contain the working cells of an organ |

sense of smell
parenchymal /p$rekml/ adjective relating
parenchymal

parotid /p$rtd/ adjective near the ear

| parotid

to parenchyma |

parotid gland /p$rtd 1l'nd/, parotid /p

parotid gland

parenteral /p'$rentrl/ adjective referring to

parenteral
| |
|

medication which is not given by mouth but in the $rtd/ noun one of the glands which produces
form of injections or suppositories. Compare saliva, situated in the neck behind the joint of the
enteral, oral jaw and ear
parotitis /!p'r$tats/ noun inflammation of
parotitis

parenteral nutrition /p'!rentrl nju%

parenteral nutrition
|
| |

$tr()n/, parenteral feeding /p'!rentrl |

the parotid glands
$fi%d/ noun the process of feeding someone by parous /$pers/ adjective referring to a woman
parous

means other than the digestive tract, especially by who has given birth to one or more children
Nursing.fm Page 222 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
paroxetine
paroxetine /p$rksti%n/ noun an antidepres-
paroxetine
sant drug which prolongs the effects of serotonin
in the brain
paroxysm /$p'rksz()m/ noun a sudden
paroxysm
movement of the muscles ! She suffered parox-
ysms of coughing during the night.
paroxysmal /!p'rk$szm()l/ adjective refer-
paroxysmal
ring to a paroxysm, or similar to a paroxysm
paroxysmal dyspnoea /p'rk!szm()l
paroxysmal dyspnoea
dsp$ni%/ noun an attack of breathlessness at
| someone ! Haemophilia is passed on by a
night, usually caused by congestive heart failure
paroxysmal tachycardia /p'rk!szm()l
paroxysmal tachycardia
t'ki$k%di/ noun same as nodal tachycardia
|
pars /p%z/ noun the Latin word for part
pars
partially /$p%()li/ adverb not completely !
partially
He is partially paralysed in his right side. # par-
tially sighted having only partial vision ! Large
print books are available for people who are par-
tially sighted.
partially sighted register /!p%()li $satd
partially sighted register
!red+st/ noun a list of people who have poor
sight but are not blind, and may require some spe-
cial services
partial mastectomy /!p%()l m'$stektmi/
partial mastectomy
|
noun an operation to remove part of a breast
partial thickness burn /!p%()l $kns
partial thickness burn
!b-%n/ noun a burn which leaves enough tissue for
the skin to grow again. Also called superficial
thickness burn
particle /$p%tk()l/ noun a very small piece of
particle
matter
particulate /p%$tkjlt/ adjective referring to
particulate
|
or composed of particles
particulate matter /p%$tkjlt !m't/ noun
particulate matter
particles of less than a specified size, usually of
carbon, which are used as a measure of air pollu-
tion and can affect asthma
parturient /p%$tjrint/ adjective referring
parturient
|
to childbirth
parturition /!p%tj$r()n/ noun same as
parturition
| |
childbirth
parv- /p%v/, parvo- prefix small
parv-
pass /p%s/ verb to allow faeces, urine or any
pass
other body product to come out of the body !
Have you passed anything this morning? ! He
passed a small stone in his urine. # to pass blood
to produce faeces or urine that contain blood # to
pass water to urinate (informal)
passage /$p'sd+/ noun 1. a long narrow chan-
passage
nel inside the body 2. the introduction of an
instrument into a cavity
pass away /!p%s $we/ verb used to avoid
pass away
|
saying die (informal) ! Mother passed away
during the night.
passive /$p'sv/ adjective receiving rather than
passive
initiating an action
passive immunity /!p'sv $mju%nti/ noun
passive immunity
immunity which is acquired by a baby in the
222
uterus or by a person through an injection with an
antitoxin
passive movement /!p'sv $mu%vmnt/
passive movement
noun movement of a limb or other body part by a
doctor or therapist, not by the person
passive smoking /!p'sv $smk/ noun
passive smoking
the act of breathing in smoke from other peoples
cigarettes when you do not smoke yourself
pass on /!p%s $n/ verb 1. to give a disease to
pass on
woman to her sons. ! The disease was quickly
passed on by carriers to the rest of the population.
2. used to avoid saying die ! My father passed
on two years ago.
pass out /!p%s $at/ verb to faint (informal) !
pass out
When we told her that her father was ill, she
passed out.
pasteurisation /!p%stra$ze()n/, pas-
pasteurisation
|
teurization noun the process of heating food or
food products to destroy bacteria [After Louis
Pasteur (182295), French chemist and bacteri-
ologist.]
pasteurise /$p%straz/, pasteurize verb to
pasteurise
kill bacteria in food by heating it ! The govern-
ment is telling people to drink only pasteurised
milk.
pastille /$p'st()l/ noun a sweet jelly with med-
pastille
ication in it, which can be sucked to relieve a sore
throat
patch /p't/ noun a piece of sticking plaster
patch
with a substance on it, which is stuck to the skin
to allow the substance to be gradually absorbed
into the system through the skin, e.g. in HRT
patch test /$p't test/ noun a test for allergies
patch test
or tuberculosis, where a piece of sticking plaster
containing an allergic substance or tuberculin is
stuck to the skin to see if there is a reaction
patella /p$tel/ noun the small bone in front of
patella
|
the knee joint. Also called kneecap
patellar /p$tel/ adjective referring to the
patellar
kneecap
patellar reflex /p!tel $ri%fleks/ noun the jerk
patellar reflex
made as a reflex action by the knee, when the legs
are crossed and the patellar tendon is tapped
sharply. Also called knee jerk
patellar tendon /p!tel $tendn/ noun a ten-
patellar tendon
|
don just below the kneecap
patellectomy /!p't$lektmi/ noun a surgical
patellectomy
operation to remove the kneecap
patent /$petnt, $p'tnt/ adjective open,
patent
exposed ! The presence of a pulse shows that the
main blood vessels from the heart to the site of the
pulse are patent.
patent ductus arteriosus /!petnt !d.kts
patent ductus arteriosus
%!tri$ss/ noun a congenital condition in
| |
which the ductus arteriosus does not close, allow-
ing blood into the circulation without having
passed through the lungs
Nursing.fm Page 223 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

223 peau dorange

patent medicine /!petnt $med()sn/ noun -pathy /pi/ suffix disease

patent medicine -pathy

a medicinal preparation which is made and sold patient /$pe()nt/ noun a person who is in
patient

under a trade name and is protected by law from hospital or who is being treated by a doctor ! The
being copied or sold by other manufacturers for a patients are all asleep in their beds. ! The doctor
certain length of time after its invention. ! propri- is taking the patients temperature.
etary medicine patient allocation /!pe()nt !'l$ke()n/
patient allocation

paternity /p$t-%nti/ noun the fact of being or

paternity

|
noun a system of assigning each patient to a par-
becoming a father ! paternity leave Compare ticular nurse for all their care needs
maternity patient-group direction /$pe()nt 1ru%p
patient-group direction

paternity test /p$t-%nti test/ noun a test such

paternity test

|
da!rek()n/ noun full form of PGD
|

as blood grouping which makes it possible to patient identifier /!pe()nt a$dentfa/

patient identifier

determine the identity of the father of a child

|

noun a code of letters and numbers attached to the

COMMENT: DNA fingerprinting may be re- patients medical records by which all informa-
quired in order to identify a man who might tion concerning the patient can be tracked, e.g.
be the father according to his blood group cause of death
and that of the child, but is not in fact the fa-
PaulBunnell reaction /!p%l $b.n()l r
PaulBunnell reaction

ther. |

!'kn/, PaulBunnell test /!p%l $b.n()l

path- /p'/, patho- /p'/ prefix referring to
path-

!test/ noun a blood test to see if someone has

disease glandular fever, where the persons blood is tested
pathogen /$p'd+n/ noun a microorganism
pathogen

against a solution containing glandular fever

which causes a disease bacilli [Described 1932. After John Rodman
pathogenesis /!p'$d+enss/ noun the ori- Paul (18931971), US physician; Walls Willard
pathogenesis

gin, production and development of a morbid or Bunnell (190266), US physician.]

diseased condition pavement epithelium /$pevmnt ep
pavement epithelium

pathogenic /!p'$d+enk/ adjective causing !i%lim/ noun same as squamous epithelium

pathogenic

or producing a disease Pavlovs method /$p'vlvz !med/ noun a

Pavlovs method

pathogenicity /!p'd+$nsti/ noun the set of procedures for the study or production of
pathogenicity

ability of a pathogen to cause a disease conditioned reflexes

pathognomonic /!p'1n$mnk/ adjec- PBI test /!pi% bi% $a test/ noun same as protein-
pathognomonic PBI test

tive referring to a symptom which is typical and bound iodine test

characteristic, and which indicates that someone p.c. /!pi% $si%/ adverb (used on prescriptions)
p.c.

has a particular disease after food. Full form post cibum

pathological /!p'$ld+k()l/, pathologic
pathological

PCC abbreviation Professional Conduct Com-

PCC
|

/!p'$ld+k/ adjective 1. referring to a disease,

|
mittee
or caused by a disease 2. indicating a disease PCG abbreviation primary care group
PCG

pathological depression /!p'ld+k()l

pathological depression

PCOD abbreviation polycystic ovary disease

PCOD

d$pre()n/ noun an unusually severe state of

PCOS abbreviation polycystic ovary syndrome
| PCOS

depression, possibly leading to suicide

PCP abbreviation pneumocystis carinii pneumo-
PCP

pathological dislocation /!p'ld+k()l

pathological dislocation

!dsl$ke()n/ noun the dislocation of a dis-

|
nia
PCT abbreviation primary care trust
PCT

eased joint
p.d. adverb (used on prescriptions) per day. Full
p.d.

pathological fracture /!p'ld+k()l

pathological fracture

$fr'kt/ noun a fracture of a diseased bone form per diem

PDA /!pi% di% $e/ noun a handheld computer with
PDA

pathologist /p$ld+st/ noun 1. a doctor

pathologist

who specialises in the study of diseases and the various functions, e.g. information storage and
changes in the body caused by disease, examining digital notetaking. Full form personal digital
tissue specimens from patients and reporting on assistant
the presence or absence of disease in them 2. a PE abbreviation pulmonary embolism
PE

doctor who examines dead bodies in order to find peak expiratory flow rate /!pi%k k
peak expiratory flow rate

out the cause of death !spart()ri $fl !ret/ noun the rate at which
pathology /p$ld+i/ noun the study of dis- someone can expel air from their lungs when they
pathology

eases and the changes in structure and function are full and with no time limit. Abbreviation
which diseases cause in the body. Also called PEFR
morbid anatomy Pearson bed /$ps()n bed/ noun a type of
Pearson bed

pathology report /p$ld+i r!p%t/ noun a bed with a Balkan frame, a rectangular frame
pathology report

| |

report on tests carried out to find the cause of a attached to and overhanging the bed, used mainly
disease for people with splints
pathophysiology /!p'fzi$ld+i/ noun peau dorange /!p d$r%n+/ noun thick-
pathophysiology peau dorange

| |

the study of unusual or diseased organs ened skin with many little depressions caused by
Nursing.fm Page 224 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

PEC 224
lymphoedema which forms over a breast tumour pee /pi%/ verb same as urinate (informal)
pee

or in elephantiasis (NOTE: From the French peel /pi%l/ verb 1. to take the skin off a fruit or
peel

phrase meaning orange peel.) vegetable 2. (of skin) to come off in pieces ! After
PEC /!pi% i% $si%/ noun the committee responsible
PEC

getting sunburnt, his skin began to peel.

for the day-to-day management of a Primary Care
PEEP abbreviation positive end-expiratory pres-
PEEP

Trust and for developing service policies and sure

investment plans. Full form Professional Exec-
peer review /$p r!vju%/ noun an assessment
peer review

utive Committee |

of a piece of someones work by people who are

pecten /$pektn/ noun 1. the middle section of
pecten

experts on the subject

the wall of the anal passage 2. a hard ridge on the
PEFR abbreviation peak expiratory flow rate
PEFR

pubis
PelEbstein fever /!pel $ebstan !fi%v/ noun
PelEbstein fever

pectineal /pek$tnil/ adjective referring to the

pectineal

pecten of the pubis a fever associated with Hodgkins disease which

pectoral /$pekt()rl/ noun 1. a therapeutic
pectoral
recurs regularly [Described 1885. After Pieter
substance which has a good effect on respiratory Klaases Pel (18521919), Professor of Medicine
disease 2. same as pectoral muscle " adjective in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Wilhelm Ebstein
referring to the chest (18361912), Professor of Medicine at Gttin-
gen, Germany.]
pectoral girdle /!pekt()rl $1-%d()l/ noun
pectoral girdle

pellagra /p$l'1r/ noun a disease caused by a

pellagra

the shoulder bones, the scapulae and clavicles, to |

which the upper arm bones are attached. Also deficiency of nicotinic acid, riboflavine and pyri-
called shoulder girdle doxine from the vitamin B complex, where
patches of skin become inflamed, and the person
pectoralis /!pekt$rels/ noun a chest muscle
pectoralis

has anorexia, nausea and diarrhoea

|

pectoralis major /pekt!rels $med+/ noun

pectoralis major

pellet /$pelt/ noun a small rod- or oval-shaped

| pellet

a large chest muscle which pulls the arm forward

or rotates it pill of steroid hormone, usually either oestrogen
or testosterone, that is implanted under the skin
pectoralis minor /pekt!rels $man/ noun
pectoralis minor

|
for slow absorption
a small chest muscle which allows the shoulder to
pelvic /$pelvk/ adjective referring to the pelvis
pelvic

be depressed
pelvic brim /!pelvk $brm/ noun a line on the
pelvic brim

pectoral muscle /$pekt()rl !m.s()l/ noun

pectoral muscle

one of two muscles which lie across the chest and ilium which separates the false pelvis from the
control movements of the shoulder and arm. Also true pelvis
pelvic cavity /!pelvk $k'vti/ noun a space
pelvic cavity

called chest muscle

pectus /$pekts/ noun the anterior part of the
pectus
below the abdominal cavity, above the pelvis
pelvic colon /!pelvk $kln/ noun same as
pelvic colon

chest
pectus carinatum /!pekts !k'r$n%tm/
pectus carinatum

|
sigmoid colon
noun a condition in which the sternum is unusu- pelvic diaphragm /!pelvk $dafr'm/ noun
pelvic diaphragm

ally prominent. Also called pigeon breast a sheet of muscle between the pelvic cavity and
pectus excavatum /!pekts !eksk$vetm/
pectus excavatum

|
the peritoneum
noun a congenital condition, in which the chest is pelvic floor /!pelvk $fl%/ noun the lower part
pelvic floor

depressed in the centre because the lower part of of the space beneath the pelvic girdle, formed of
the breastbone is curved backwards. Also called muscle
funnel chest pelvic fracture /!pelvk $fr'kt/ noun a frac-
pelvic fracture

pedicle /$pedk()l/ noun a long thin piece of

pedicle

ture of the pelvis

skin which attaches a skin graft to the place where pelvic girdle /!pelvk $1-%d()l/ noun the ring
pelvic girdle

it was growing originally formed by the two hip bones to which the thigh
pediculosis /p!dkj$lss/ noun a skin dis-
pediculosis

| |
bones are attached. Also called hip girdle
ease caused by being infested with lice
pelvic inflammatory disease /!pelvk n
pelvic inflammatory disease

Pediculus /p$dkjls/ noun same as louse

Pediculus

|
$fl'mt()ri d!zi%z/ noun an inflammation of a
|

(NOTE: The plural is Pediculi.) womans reproductive organs in the pelvic area,
Pediculus capitis /p!dkjls k$pats/
Pediculus capitis

| | which can cause infertility

noun same as head louse pelvic outlet /!pelvk $atlet/ noun an opening
pelvic outlet

pedo- /pi%d/ prefix same as paedo-

pedo-

at the base of the pelvis

pedodontia /!pi%d$dn/ noun the study of
pedodontia

pelvimeter /pel$vmt/ noun an instrument to

pelvimeter
|
|

childrens teeth measure the diameter and capacity of the pelvis

pedodontist /!pi%d$dntst/ noun a dentist
pedodontist

pelvimetry /pel$vmtri/ noun the act of meas-

pelvimetry
|
|

who specialises in the treatment of childrens uring the pelvis, especially to see if the internal
teeth ring is wide enough for a baby to pass through in
peduncle /p$d.kl/ noun a stem or stalk childbirth
peduncle

|
Nursing.fm Page 225 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

225 perfusion scan

pelvis /$pelvs/ noun 1. the strong basin-shaped pepsinogen /pep$snd+n/ noun a secretion
pelvis pepsinogen

ring of bone near the bottom of the spine, formed from the gastric gland which is the inactive form
of the hip bones at the front and sides and the sac- of pepsin
rum and coccyx at the back 2. the internal space peptic /$peptk/ adjective referring to digestion
peptic

inside the pelvic girdle (NOTE: [all senses] The or to the digestive system
plural is pelvises or pelves.)
peptic ulcer /!peptk $.ls/ noun a benign
peptic ulcer

pelvis of the kidney /!pelvs v $kdni/

pelvis of the kidney

ulcer in the duodenum or in the stomach

noun see illustration at KIDNEY in Supplement
peptidase /$peptdez/ noun an enzyme which
peptidase

(NOTE: For other terms referring to the pelvis of

breaks down proteins in the intestine into amino
the kidney, see words beginning with pyel-,
acids
pyelo-.)
peptide /$peptad/ noun a compound formed of
peptide

pemphigoid /$pemf1d/ noun a skin disease

pemphigoid

two or more amino acids

which is similar to pemphigus " adjective refer-
per /p-%, p/ preposition 1. out of each ! ten per
per

ring to a skin disease similar to pemphigus

thousand 2. by or through ! per rectum
pemphigus /$pemf1s/ noun a rare disease
pemphigus

perception /p$sepn/ noun an impression

perception

where large blisters form inside the skin |

formed in the brain as a result of information

pendulous /$pendjls/ adjective referring to
pendulous

about the outside world which is passed back by

an object or body part which hangs loosely or the senses
swings freely
perceptive deafness /pe!septv $defns/
perceptive deafness

-penia /pi%ni/ suffix meaning a deficiency or

-penia |

noun same as sensorineural deafness

not enough of something
percussion /p$k.()n/ noun a test, usually
percussion

penicillamine /!pen$slmi%n/ noun a chelat-

penicillamine |

|
on the heart and lungs, in which the doctor taps
ing agent which is used to help the body get rid of part of the persons body and listens to the sound
toxic metals produced
penicillin /!pen$sln/ noun a common antibi-
penicillin

percutaneous /!p-%kju%$tenis/ adjective

percutaneous
|
|

otic originally produced from a fungus (NOTE: through the skin

Penicillin drugs have names ending in -cillin:
percutaneous absorption /!p-%kju%!tenis
percutaneous absorption

amoxicillin.) |

b$z%pn/ noun the process of absorbing a sub-

penicillin resistance /!pensln r$zstns/
penicillin resistance |

|
stance through the skin
noun the ability of bacteria to resist penicillin
percutaneous angioplasty /!p-%kju%
percutaneous angioplasty

Penicillium /!pen$slim/ noun the fungus

Penicillium |

|
!tenis $'nd+ipl'sti/ noun the repair of a nar-
from which penicillin is derived rowed artery by passing a balloon into the artery
penile /$pi%nal/ adjective referring to the penis
penile

through a catheter and then inflating it. Also

penis /$pi%ns/ noun the male genital organ,
penis
which also passes urine. See illustration at URO-
called balloon angioplasty
percutaneous epididymal sperm aspira-
percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration

GENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement. ! krau- tion /!p-%kju%tenis !epddm()l $sp-%m

rosis penis !'spre()n/ noun the removal of sperm from
pentamidine /pen$t'mdi%n/ noun an antibi-
pentamidine

|
otic used in the treatment of African sleeping
sickness and of pneumonia in people with AIDS
the epididymis by withdrawing it through the
skin, usually as part of fertility treatment. Abbre-
viation PESA
per diem /!p-% $di%em/ adverb (written on pre-
per diem

pentazocine /pen$t'zsi%n/ noun an artifi-

pentazocine

cially produced narcotic drug used to reduce pain scriptions) per day
perforated eardrum /!p-%fretd $dr.m/
perforated eardrum

Pentothal /$pent'l/ a trade name for thio-

Pentothal

pentone noun an eardrum with a hole in it

perforation /!p-%f$re()n/ noun a hole
perforation

PEP abbreviation post-exposure prophylaxis

PEP
|

Peplaus model /$peplaz !md()l/ noun a

Peplaus model
through the whole thickness of a tissue or mem-
model for nursing which describes the individual brane such as the intestine or eardrum
performance indicators /p$f%mns
performance indicators

as a system with physiological, psychological and |

social components. The nurse and patient work
together to define the patients problems and to
understand their reactions to one another, and the
nurse takes on different roles in each phase of the
relationship, such as a teacher, counsellor, leader,
and technical expert, until the patient no longer
!ndketz/ plural noun statistical information
needed for analysis of how effectively health
organisations are meeting their objectives, pro-
duced by health authorities and sent to the govern-
ment. Abbreviation PIs
perfusion /p$fju%+()n/ noun the process of
perfusion

needs their care. passing a liquid through vessels, an organ or tis-

pepsin /$pepsn/ noun an enzyme in the stom-
pepsin
ach which breaks down the proteins in food into
sue, e.g. the flow of blood into lung tissue
perfusion scan /p$fju%+()n sk'n/ noun a
perfusion scan

peptones procedure in which radioactive or radiopaque

Nursing.fm Page 226 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

peri- 226
substances are introduced into the body so that the perimenopause /!peri$menp%z/ noun the
perimenopause

blood supply of an organ can be traced few years before the menopause, in which oestro-
peri- /peri/ prefix near, around or enclosing gen levels start to fall
peri-

perimeter /p$rmt/ noun 1. an instrument to

perimeter

periadenitis /!perid$nats/ noun inflamma-

periadenitis

|
|

tion of tissue around a gland measure the field of vision 2. the length of the
perianal /!peri$en()l/ adjective around the
perianal

|
outside line around an enclosed area
perimetritis /!perim$trats/ noun inflamma-
perimetritis

anus |

periarteritis /!peri%t$rats/ noun inflamma-

periarteritis

|
tion of the perimetrium
perimetrium /!peri$mi%trim/ noun a mem-
perimetrium

tion of the outer coat of an artery and the tissue |

round it brane round the uterus

perimetry /p$rmtri/ noun a measurement of
perimetry

periarteritis nodosa /!peri%t!rats n

periarteritis nodosa

|
| |

$ds/ noun same as polyarteritis nodosa the field of vision

perimysium /!peri$masim/ noun a sheath
perimysium

periarthritis /!peri%$rats/ noun inflamma-

periarthritis

|
|

tion of the tissue round a joint which surrounds a bundle of muscle fibres
perinatal /!peri$net()l/ adjective referring to
perinatal

pericard- /perik%d/ prefix referring to the peri-

pericard-

cardium the period just before and after childbirth

perinatal mortality rate /!perinet()l m%
perinatal mortality rate

pericardectomy /!perik%$dektmi/ noun the

pericardectomy

| |

surgical removal of the pericardium $t'lti ret/ noun the number of babies born dead
pericardial /!peri$k%dil/ adjective referring
pericardial
or who die during the period immediately after
childbirth, shown per thousand babies born
|

to the pericardium
perinatal period /!peri$net()l !prid/
perinatal period

pericardial effusion /!perik%dil

pericardial effusion
|

noun the period of time before and after child-

|

$fju%+()n/ noun an excess of fluid which forms

in the pericardial sac birth, from the 28th week after conception to the
first week after delivery
pericardial sac /!perik%dil $s'k/ noun the
pericardial sac

perinatologist /!perin$tld+st/ noun an

perinatologist

inner part of the pericardium forming a bag-like |

structure or sac which contains fluid to prevent obstetrician who is a specialist in perinatology
perinatology /!perin$tld+i/ noun a branch
perinatology

the two parts of the pericardium rubbing together |

pericardiectomy /!perik%di$ektmi/ noun

pericardiectomy
of medicine which studies and treats physiologi-
cal and pathological conditions affecting the
|

same as pericardectomy
mother and/or infant just before and just after the
pericardiocentesis /!peri!k%disen$ti%ss/
pericardiocentesis

| |
birth of a baby
noun the puncture of the pericardium to remove
perineal /!per$ni%l/ adjective referring to the
perineal

fluid |

perineum
pericardiorrhaphy /!perik%di$%rfi/ noun a
pericardiorrhaphy

perineoplasty /!peri$ni%pl'sti/ noun a surgi-

| perineoplasty

surgical operation to repair a wound in the peri- |

cardium cal operation to repair the perineum by grafting

tissue
pericardiostomy /!perik%di$stmi/ noun a
pericardiostomy

perineorrhaphy /!perini$%rfi/ noun a surgi-

| perineorrhaphy

surgical operation to open the pericardium |

through the thoracic wall to drain off fluid cal operation to stitch up a perineum which has
torn during childbirth
pericardiotomy /!perik%di$tmi/ noun
pericardiotomy

perinephric /!peri$nefrk/ adjective around the

| perinephric

same as pericardotomy |

kidney
pericarditis /!perik%$dats/ noun inflamma-
pericarditis

perinephritis /!perin$frats/ noun inflamma-

| perinephritis

tion of the pericardium |

tion of tissue round the kidney, which spreads

pericardium /!peri$k%dim/ noun a mem-
pericardium

|
from an infected kidney
brane which surrounds and supports the heart
perineum /!per$ni%m/ noun the skin and tis-
perineum

pericardotomy /!perik%$dtmi/ noun a sur-

pericardotomy |

|
sue between the opening of the urethra and the
gical operation to open the pericardium anus
perichondritis /!perikn$drats/
perichondritis

noun |
perineurium /!peri$njrim/ noun connec-
perineurium

inflammation of cartilage, especially in the outer tive tissue which surrounds bundles of nerve
ear fibres
perichondrium /!peri$kndrim/ noun the
perichondrium

periocular /!peri$kjl/ adjective around the

periocular
|
|

fibrous connective tissue which covers cartilage eyeball

pericranium /!peri$krenim/ noun connective
pericranium

periodic /!pri$dk/ adjective occurring from

periodic
|
|

tissue which covers the surface of the skull time to time ! He has periodic attacks of
perilymph /$perilmf/ noun a fluid found in the migraine. ! She has to go to the clinic for peri-
perilymph

labyrinth of the inner ear odic checkups.

Nursing.fm Page 227 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

227 permeability

periodic fever /!pridk $fi%v/ noun a dis- peripheral vascular disease /p!rf()rl
periodic fever peripheral vascular disease

ease of the kidneys, common in Mediterranean $v'skjl d!ziz%z/ noun a disease affecting the
|

countries blood vessels which supply the arms and legs

periodic paralysis /!pridk p$r'lss/ peripheral vasodilator /p!rf()rl
periodic paralysis peripheral vasodilator

| |

noun recurrent attacks of weakness where the !vezda$let/ noun a chemical substance
|

level of potassium in the blood is low which acts to widen the blood vessels in the arms
periodontal /!peri$dnt()l/, periodontic
periodontal

|
and legs and so improves bad circulation
periphery /p$rf()ri/ noun 1. the regions of
periphery

/!peri$dntk/ adjective referring to the area

|
|

around the teeth the body where the nerves end, such as the sense
organs or the muscles 2. the surface of something
periodontal membrane /!peridnt()l
periodontal membrane

periproctitis /!periprk$tats/ noun swelling

periproctitis

$membren/, periodontal ligament |

/!peridnt()l $l1mnt/ noun a ligament of the tissues around the rectum

which attaches a tooth to the bone of the jaw peristalsis /!per$st'lss/ noun the movement,
peristalsis

periodontics /!peri$dntks/, periodontia

periodontics

|
like waves, produced by alternate contraction and
/!peri$dn/ noun the study of diseases of the
|
relaxation of muscles along an organ such as the
periodontal membrane intestine or oesophagus, which pushes the con-
tents of the organ along it. Compare antiperistal-
periodontist /!peri$dntst/ noun a dentist
periodontist

|
sis
who specialises in the treatment of gum diseases
peristaltic /!per$st'ltk/ adjective occurring
peristaltic

periodontitis /!peridn$tats/ noun an

periodontitis |

|
in waves, as in peristalsis
infection of the periodontal membrane leading to
peritendinitis /!peritendi$nats/ noun same
peritendinitis

pyorrhoea, and resulting in the teeth falling out if |

untreated as tenosynovitis
peritoneal /!pert$ni%l/ adjective referring to,
peritoneal

periodontium /!peri$dnim/ noun 1. the

periodontium
|

or belonging to, the peritoneum

|

gums, bone and periodontal membrane around a

peritoneal cavity /!pertni%l $k'vti/ noun
peritoneal cavity

tooth 2. same as periodontal membrane

a space between the layers of the peritoneum,
perionychia /!peri$nki/, perionyxis
perionychia

|
containing the major organs of the abdomen
/!peri$nkss/ noun a painful swelling round a
|

peritoneal dialysis /!pertni%l da$'lss/

peritoneal dialysis

fingernail |

noun removing waste matter from someones

perioperative /!peri$p()rtv/ adjective
perioperative

|
blood by introducing fluid into the peritoneum
before and after a surgical operation which then acts as a filter, as opposed to haemo-
periorbital /!peri$%bt()l/ adjective around
periorbital

| dialysis
the eye socket peritoneoscope /!peri$tniskp/ noun
peritoneoscope

periosteal /!peri$stil/ adjective referring to,

periosteal

| same as laparoscope
or attached to, the periosteum peritoneoscopy /!peritni$skpi/ noun
peritoneoscopy

periosteotome /!peri$stitm/ noun a same as laparoscopy

periosteotome

surgical instrument used to cut the periosteum peritoneum /!pert$ni%m/ noun a membrane
peritoneum

periosteum /!peri$stim/ noun a dense layer which lines the abdominal cavity and covers the
periosteum

of connective tissue around a bone. See illustra- organs in it

tion at BONE STRUCTURE in Supplement peritonitis /!pert$nats/ noun inflammation
peritonitis

periosteum elevator /!peristim $elvet/

periosteum elevator
of the peritoneum as a result of bacterial infection
noun a surgical instrument used to remove the peritonsillar /!peri$tnsl/ adjective around
peritonsillar

periosteum from a bone the tonsils

periostitis /!peri$stats/ noun inflammation peritonsillar abscess /!peritnsl $'bses/
periostitis peritonsillar abscess

of the periosteum noun same as quinsy

peripheral /p$rf()rl/ adjective at the edge perityphlitis /!perit$flats/ noun swelling of
peripheral perityphlitis

| |

peripheral nerves /p$rf()rl n-%vz/ plural

peripheral nerves

|
the tissues around the caecum
PERLA abbreviation Pupils Equal and Reactive
PERLA

noun the parts of motor and sensory nerves which

branch from the brain and spinal cord to Light and Accommodation
perle /p-%l/ noun a soft capsule of medicine
perle

peripheral nervous system /p!rf()rl

peripheral nervous system

$n-%vs !sstm/ noun all the nerves in different perleche /p-%$le/ noun inflammation, with
perleche

parts of the body which are linked and governed small cracks, at the corners of the mouth, caused
by the central nervous system. Abbreviation PNS by infection, poor diet, or producing too much
peripheral resistance /p!rf()rl r
peripheral resistance

| |
saliva
$zstns/ noun the ability of the peripheral blood permeability /!p-%mi$blti/ noun (of a mem-
permeability

vessels to slow down the flow of blood inside brane) the ability to allow some substances to
them pass through
Nursing.fm Page 228 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

permeable membrane 228

permeable membrane /!p-%mib()l pertussis /p$t.ss/ noun same as whooping

permeable membrane pertussis

$membren/ noun a membrane which allows cough

some substances to pass through it perversion /p$v-%()n/ noun a form of
perversion

pernicious /p$ns/ adjective harmful or

pernicious

| behaviour which is thought to be unnatural, dan-

dangerous, or unusually severe and likely to end gerous or disgusting ! He is suffering from a
in death form of sexual perversion.
pernicious anaemia /p!ns $ni%mi/ pes /pes/ noun a foot
pernicious anaemia pes

| |

noun a disease where an inability to absorb vita- PESA abbreviation percutaneous epididymal
PESA

min B12 prevents the production of red blood cells sperm aspiration
and damages the spinal cord. Also called Addi-
pes cavus /!pes $kevs/ noun same as claw
pes cavus

sons anaemia
foot
perniosis /!p-%ni$ss/ noun any condition
perniosis

pes planus /!pes $plens/ noun same as flat

| pes planus

caused by cold which affects blood vessels in the

skin foot
pessary /$pesri/ noun 1. a drug in soluble
pessary

pero- /per/ prefix malformed or impaired

pero-

material which is pushed into the vagina and

peroneal /!per$ni%l/ adjective referring to
peroneal

|
absorbed into the blood there. Also called vagi-
the outside of the leg nal suppository 2. a contraceptive device worn
peroneal muscle /!per$ni%l !m.s()l/,
peroneal muscle

|
inside the vagina to prevent spermatozoa entering
peroneus /!per$ni%s/ noun one of three mus-
|
3. a device like a ring, which is put into the vagina
cles, the peroneus brevis, longus and tertius, on as treatment for prolapse of the uterus
the outside of the lower leg which make the leg pesticide /$pestsad/ noun a substance which
pesticide

turn outwards kills pests

peroperative /p$rp()rtv/ adjective taking
peroperative

PET abbreviation positron-emission tomography

PET
|

place during a surgical operation

petechia /pe$ti%ki/ noun a small red spot
petechia

peroral /p$r%rl/ adjective through the mouth

peroral |

which does not go white when pressed, caused by

|

per os /pr $s/ adverb referring to a drug or

per os

bleeding under the skin (NOTE: The plural is

other substance to be taken through the mouth petechiae.)
persistent vegetative state /p!sstnt
persistent vegetative state

pethidine /$pedi%n/ noun a synthetically pro-

pethidine
|

$ved+ttv stet/ noun a condition in which duced narcotic drug, used to reduce pain and as a
someone is alive and breathes, but shows no brain sedative
activity, and will never recover consciousness.
petit mal /!peti $m'l/ noun a less severe form of
petit mal

Abbreviation PVS
epilepsy, where loss of consciousness attacks last
personal care /$p-%s()nl ke/ noun the act
personal care

only a few seconds and the person appears simply

of washing, toileting and dressing someone who to be thinking deeply. Compare grand mal
cannot do these things for themselves
Petri dish /$pi%tri d/ noun a small glass or
Petri dish

personal digital assistant /!p-%s()n()l

personal digital assistant

plastic dish with a lid, in which a culture is grown

!dd+t()l $sstnt/ noun full form of PDA
petrissage /!petr$s%+/ noun an action used in
| petrissage

personal hygiene /!p-%s()n()l $had+i%n/

personal hygiene |

massaging the muscles

noun the standards someone has of looking after
petrositis /!petr$sats/ noun inflammation
petrositis

parts of their body such as hair, skin, teeth and |

breath, hands and nails, and keeping them clean of the petrous part of the temporal bone
petrous /$petrs/ adjective like stone
petrous

personality /!p-%s$n'lti/ noun all the charac-

personality

petrous bone /$petrs bn/ noun the part of

petrous bone

teristics which are typical of one particular person

and the way he or she thinks and behaves, and the temporal bone which forms the base of the
which make him or her different from other peo- skull and the inner and middle ears
ple -pexy /peksi/ suffix referring to fixation of an
-pexy

personality disorder /!p-%s$n'lti ds organ by surgery

personality disorder

| |

!%d/ noun a disorder which affects the way a Peyers patches /!paz $p'tz/ plural noun
Peyers patches

person behaves, especially in relation to other patches of lymphoid tissue on the mucous mem-
people brane of the small intestine [Described 1677.
perspiration /!p-%sp$re()n/ noun sweat or After Johann Conrad Peyer (16531712), Swiss
perspiration

the action of sweating ! Perspiration broke out anatomist.]

on her forehead. Peyronies disease /$perni%z d!zi%z/ noun a
Peyronies disease

Perthes disease /$p-%ti%z d!zi%z/, Perthes condition associated with Dupuytrens contrac-
Perthes disease

hip /!p-%ti%z $hp/ noun a disease found in young ture in which hard fibre develops in the penis
boys, in which the upper end of the femur degen- which becomes painful when erect [Described
erates and does not develop as expected, some- 1743. After Franois de la Peyronie (1678
times resulting in a permanent limp 1747), Surgeon to Louis XV in Paris, France.]
Nursing.fm Page 229 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

229 pharyngeal tonsils

PGD /!pi% d+i% $di%/ noun a document that allows pharmaceuticals /!f%m$sju%tk()lz/ plural
PGD pharmaceuticals

the supply of prescription-only drugs to a group noun drugs prescribed as medicines

of patients without individual prescriptions. Full Pharmaceutical Society /!f%m$sju%tk()l
Pharmaceutical Society

form patient-group direction

|

s!sati/ noun a professional association for

|

pH /!pi% $et/ noun the concentration of hydro-

pH

pharmacists
gen ions in a solution, which determines its acid-
pharmacist /$f%msst/ noun a trained person
pharmacist

ity
who is qualified to prepare medicines according
phaco- /f'k/ prefix referring to the lens of the
phaco-

to the instructions on a doctors prescription

eye
pharmaco- /f%mk/ prefix referring to
pharmaco-

phacoemulsification /!f'k!m.lsf
phacoemulsification

| |
drugs
$ke()n/ noun an ultrasonic technique which
pharmacodynamic /!f%mkda$n'mk/
pharmacodynamic

turns a cataract in the eye into liquid. It is then |

removed by suction and a plastic lens is put into adjective referring to a property of a drug which
the eye. affects the part where it is applied
pharmacodynamics
pharmacodynamics

phaeochromocytoma /!fi%!krmsa
phaeochromocytoma

| |
/!f%mkda |

$tm/ noun a tumour of the adrenal glands
which affects the secretion of hormones such as
adrenaline, which in turn results in hypertension
and hyperglycaemia
phag- /f'1/ prefix same as phago- (used before
phag-
$n'mks/ plural noun the study of the effects of
drugs on living organisms, and especially of how
much the bodys response changes when you
increase the dose of a drug. Compare pharma-
cokinetics (NOTE: Takes a singular verb.)

pharmacokinetic
pharmacokinetic

vowels) /!f%mkka$netk/ |

adjective referring to a property of a drug which

phage /fed+/ noun same as bacteriophage
phage

has an effect over a period of time

-phage /fed+/ suffix referring to something
-phage

pharmacokinetics /!f%mkka$netks/
pharmacokinetics

which eats |

plural noun 1. the study of how the body reacts to

-phagia /fed+/ suffix referring to eating
-phagia

drugs over a period of time. Compare pharmaco-

phago- /f'1/ prefix referring to eating
phago-

dynamics (NOTE: Takes a singular verb.) 2. the

phagocyte /$f'1sat/ noun a cell, especially
phagocyte
way in which a drug interacts with the body
a white blood cell, which can surround and pharmacological
pharmacological

/!f%mk$ld+k()l/
|

destroy other cells such as bacteria cells adjective referring to pharmacology

phagocytic /!f'1$stk/ adjective referring to
phagocytic

pharmacologist /!f%m$kld+st/ noun a

pharmacologist
|
|

phagocytes ! Monocytes become phagocytic scientist who specialises in the study of drugs
during infection.
pharmacology /!f%m$kld+i/ noun the
pharmacology

phagocytosis /!f'1sa$tss/
phagocytosis

| noun study of drugs or medicines, and their actions,

destruction of bacteria cells and foreign bodies by properties and characteristics
phagocytes
pharmacopoeia /!f%mk$pi%/ noun an offi-
pharmacopoeia

phakic /$f'kk/ adjective referring to an eye

phakic |

cial list of drugs, their methods of preparation,

which has its natural lens dosages and the ways in which they should be
phako- /f'k/ prefix same as phaco-
phako-

used
phalangeal /f$l'nd+il/ adjective referring to
phalangeal

pharmacy /$f%msi/ noun 1. the study of the

pharmacy

the phalanges making and dispensing of drugs ! He has a qual-

phalanges /f$l'nd+i%z/ plural of phalanx ification in pharmacy. 2. a shop or department in
phalanges

phalanx /$f'l'ks/ noun a bone in a finger or

phalanx
a hospital where drugs are prepared
Pharmacy Act /$f%msi 'kt/ noun in the UK,
Pharmacy Act

toe. See illustration at HAND in Supplement,

FOOT in Supplement one of several Acts of Parliament which regulate
phalloplasty /$f'lpl'sti/ noun a surgical
phalloplasty
the making, prescribing and selling of drugs, e.g.
operation to repair a damaged or deformed penis the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1933, the Misuse
of Drugs Act 1971 and the Poisons Act 1972
phantom limb /!f'ntm $lm/ noun a condi-
phantom limb

pharyng- /f'rnd+/ prefix same as pharyngo-

pharyng-

tion in which someone seems to feel sensations in

a limb which has been amputated (used before vowels)
pharyngeal /!f'rn$d+i%l/ adjective referring
pharyngeal

phantom pregnancy /!f'ntm $pre1nnsi/

phantom pregnancy
|

noun same as pseudocyesis to the pharynx

pharyngeal pouch /!f'rnd+i%l $pat/
pharyngeal pouch

phantom tumour /!f'ntm $tju%m/ noun a

phantom tumour

condition in which a swelling occurs which imi- noun one of the pouches on each side of the throat
tates a swelling caused by a tumour of an embryo. Also called visceral pouch
pharmaceutical /!f%m$sju%tk()l/ adjec- pharyngeal tonsils /!f'rnd+i%l $tns()lz/
pharmaceutical pharyngeal tonsils

tive referring to pharmacy or drugs plural noun same as adenoids

Nursing.fm Page 230 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

pharyngectomy 230

pharyngectomy /!f'rn$d+ektmi/ noun the phlebectomy /fl$bektmi/ noun the surgical

pharyngectomy phlebectomy

| |

surgical removal of part of the pharynx, especially removal of a vein or part of a vein
in cases of cancer of the pharynx phlebitis /fl$bats/ noun inflammation of a
phlebitis

pharyngismus /!f'rn$d+zms/, pharyng- vein

pharyngismus

ism /$f'rnd+z()m/ noun a spasm which con- phlebo- /fleb/ prefix referring to a vein
phlebo-

tracts the muscles of the pharynx phlebogram /$fleb1r'm/ noun an X-ray pic-
phlebogram

pharyngitis /!f'rn$d+ats/ noun inflamma-

pharyngitis

|
ture of a vein or system of veins. Also called ven-
tion of the pharynx ogram
pharyngo- /fr1/ prefix referring to the
pharyngo-

phlebography /fl$b1rfi/ noun an X-ray

phlebography

pharynx examination of a vein using a radio-opaque dye so

pharyngolaryngeal /f!r1l$rnd+il/ that the vein will show up on the film. Also called
pharyngolaryngeal

| |

adjective referring to the pharynx and the larynx venography

pharyngoscope /f$r1skp/ noun an phlebolith /$flebl/ noun a stone which forms
pharyngoscope phlebolith

instrument with a light attached, used by a doctor in a vein as a result of an old thrombus becoming
to examine the pharynx calcified
pharyngotympanic tube /f!r1tm phlebothrombosis /!flebrm$bss/
pharyngotympanic tube phlebothrombosis

| | |

!p'nk $tju%b/ noun one of two tubes which con- noun a blood clot in a deep vein in the legs or pel-
nect the back of the throat to the middle ear. Also vis, which can easily detach and form an embolus
called eustachian tube in a lung
phlebotomy /fl$btmi/ noun an operation
phlebotomy

pharynx /$f'rks/ noun a muscular passage

pharynx
|

leading from the back of the mouth to the where a vein or an artery is cut so that blood can
oesophagus (NOTE: The plural is pharynges or be removed, as when taking blood from a donor
pharynxes.) phlegm /flem/ noun same as sputum ! She
phlegm

phenazopyridine /f!n'z$prdi%n/ noun a

phenazopyridine

| |
was coughing up phlegm into her handkerchief.
drug used to reduce pain in conditions of the uri- phlegmasia alba dolens /fle1!mezi !'lb
phlegmasia alba dolens

nary tract, such as cystitis $dlns/ noun same as milk leg

phenobarbitone /!fi%n$b%btn/ noun a phlyctena /flk$ti%n/, phlycten /$flktn/
phenobarbitone phlyctena

| |

barbiturate drug which is used as a sedative, a noun 1. a small blister caused by a burn 2. a small
hypnotic and an anticonvulsant vesicle on the conjunctiva
phenol /$fi%nl/ noun a strong disinfectant used phlyctenule /flk$tenju%l/ noun a tiny blister
phenol phlyctenule

for external use. Also called carbolic acid on the cornea or conjunctiva
phenomenon /f$nmnn/ noun 1. a fact or phobia /$fbi/ noun an unusually strong and
phenomenon phobia

situation which can be observed 2. someone or irrational fear ! She has a phobia about or of
something that is considered to be extraordinary dogs. ! Fear of snakes is one of the commonest
and marvellous phobias.
phenotype /$fi%ntap/ noun the particular -phobia /fbi/ suffix neurotic fear of some-
phenotype -phobia

characteristics of an organism. Compare geno- thing ! agoraphobia ! claustrophobia

type phobic /$fbk/ adjective referring to a phobia
phobic

phenylalanine /!fi%nal$'lni%n/ noun an

phenylalanine

-phobic /fbk/ suffix a person who has a pho-

-phobic
|

essential amino acid bia of something

phenylketonuria /!fi%nal!ki%t$njri/ phocomelia /!fk$mi%li/, phocomely /f
phenylketonuria phocomelia
| | | |

noun a hereditary condition which affects the way $kmli/ noun a congenital condition in which
in which the body breaks down phenylalanine, the upper parts of the limbs are missing or poorly
which in turn concentrates toxic metabolites in developed, leaving the hands or feet directly
the nervous system causing brain damage attached to the body
phenytoin /$fentn/ noun a drug which helps phon- /fn/ prefix same as phono- (used
phenytoin phon-

to prevent convulsions, used in the treatment of before vowels)

epilepsy phonation /f$ne()n/ noun the production
phonation

phial /$fal/ noun a small medicine bottle

phial

of vocal sounds, especially speech

-philia /fli/ suffix attraction to or liking for phoniatrics /!fni$'trks/ noun the study of
-philia phoniatrics

something speech and disorders related to it

philtrum /$fltrm/ noun a groove in the centre phono- /fn/ prefix referring to sound or
philtrum phono-

of the top lip voice

phimosis /fa$mss/ noun a condition in phonocardiogram /!fn$k%di1r'm/
phimosis phonocardiogram

| |

which the foreskin is tight and has to be removed noun a chart of the sounds made by the heart
by circumcision phonocardiography /!fn!k%di$1rfi/
phonocardiography

| |

phleb- /fleb/ prefix same as phlebo- (used noun the process of recording the sounds made by
phleb-

before vowels) the heart

Nursing.fm Page 231 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

231 physical medicine

phonology /f$nld+i/ noun the study of the photopsia /f$tpsi/ noun a condition of the
phonology photopsia

| |

system of speech sounds used in a particular lan- eye in which someone sees flashes of light
guage or in human speech generally photoreceptor neurone /!ftr!sept
photoreceptor neurone

phonosurgery /$fn!s-%d+ri/ noun sur- $njrn/ noun a rod or cone in the retina,
phonosurgery

gery performed to alter the quality of the voice which is sensitive to light or colour
phosphatase /$fsftez/ noun a group of photoretinitis /!ftreti$nats/ noun dam-
phosphatase photoretinitis

enzymes which are important in the cycle of mus- age to a retina caused by looking directly at the
cle contraction and in the calcification of bones sun. Also called sun blindness
phosphate /$fsfet/ noun a salt of phosphoric photosensitive /!ft$senstv/ adjective
phosphate photosensitive

acid sensitive to light, or stimulated by light

phosphaturia /!fsf$tjri/ noun the pres- photosensitivity /!ftsens$tvti/ noun
phosphaturia photosensitivity

| |

ence of excess phosphates in the urine the fact of being sensitive to light
phospholipid /!fsf$lpd/ noun a com- phototherapy /!ft$erpi/ noun a treat-
phospholipid phototherapy

| |

pound with fatty acids, which is one of the main ment for jaundice and vitamin D deficiency,
components of membranous tissue which involves exposing the person to ultraviolet
phosphorescent /!fsf$res()nt/ adjective
phosphorescent

|
rays
phren- /fren/ prefix same as phreno- (used
phren-

shining without producing heat

phosphoric acid /fs!frk $'sd/ noun an
phosphoric acid

|
before vowels)
-phrenia /fri%ni/ suffix disorder of the mind
-phrenia

acid which is very soluble in water and gives rise

to acid, neutral and alkali salts phrenic /$frenk/ adjective referring to the dia-
phrenic

phosphorus /$fsf()rs/ noun a toxic chemi- phragm

phosphorus

cal element which is present in very small quanti- phrenic nerve /$frenk n-%v/ noun a pair of
phrenic nerve

ties in bones and nerve tissue. It causes burns if it nerves which controls the muscles in the dia-
touches the skin, and can poison if swallowed. phragm
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is P.) phreno- /fren/ prefix 1. referring to the brain
phreno-

phosphorylase /fs$frlez/ an
phosphorylase

| noun 2. referring to the phrenic nerve

enzyme that aids the process of carbohydrate pH test /!pi% $et test/ noun a test to see how
pH test

metabolism acid or alkaline a solution is

phot- /ft, ft/ prefix same as photo- (used
phot-

phthiriasis /$rass/ noun infestation with

phthiriasis

before vowels) the crab louse

photalgia /f$t'ld+/ noun pain in the eye
photalgia

Phthirius pubis /!aris $pju%bs/ noun a

Phthirius pubis
|

caused by bright light louse which infests the pubic region. Also called
photo- /ft/ prefix referring to light
photo-

pubic louse, crab

photoablation /!ft$ble()n/ noun the physi- /fzi/ prefix same as physio- (used
photoablation physi-

removal of tissue using lasers before vowels)

photocoagulation /!ftk!'1j physical /$fzk()l/ adjective referring to the
photocoagulation physical

| | |

$le()n/ noun the process in which tissue coag- body, as opposed to the mind " noun a physical
ulates from the heat caused by light, used to treat examination ! He has to pass a physical before
a detached retina being accepted by the police force.
photodermatosis /!ft!d-%m$tss/ physical drug dependence /!fzk()l $dr.1
photodermatosis physical drug dependence

| |

noun a lesion of the skin after exposure to bright d!pendns/ noun a state where a person is
|

light addicted to a drug such as heroin and suffers

photogenic /!ft$d+enk/ adjective 1. pro-
photogenic

|
physical effects if he or she stops or reduces the
duced by the action of light 2. producing light drug
physical education /!fzk()l !edj
physical education

photophobia /!ft$fbi/ noun a condi-

photophobia
|
|

tion in which the eyes become sensitive to light $ke()n/ noun the teaching of sports and exer-
and conjunctivitis may be caused (NOTE: It can be cises in school
associated with measles and some other infec- physical examination /!fzk()l 1!z'm
physical examination

| |

tious diseases.) $ne()n/ noun an examination of someones

photophthalmia /!ftf$'lmi/ noun
photophthalmia

|
body to see if he or she is healthy
inflammation of the eye caused by bright light, as physical genetic trait /!fzk()l d+$netk
physical genetic trait

in snow blindness tret/ noun a characteristic of the body of a per-

photopic vision /f!tpk $v+()n/ noun
photopic vision

|
son, e.g. red hair or big feet, which is inherited
vision which is adapted to bright light such as physical medicine /!fzk()l $med()sn/
physical medicine

daylight, using the cones in the retina instead of noun a branch of medicine which deals with
the rods, which are used in scotopic vision. ! light physical disabilities or with treatment of disorders
adaptation after they have been diagnosed
Nursing.fm Page 232 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

physical sign 232

physical sign /!fzk()l $san/ noun a symp- pico- /pi%k/ prefix one million millionth (10-
physical sign pico-

12
tom which can be seen on someones body or ). Symbol p
which can be produced by percussion and palpita- picomole /$pi%kml/ noun a unit of meas-
picomole

tion urement of the amount of substance equal to one

physical therapy /!fzk()l $erpi/ noun the million millionth of a mole. Symbol pmol
physical therapy

treatment of disorders by heat, by massage, by Pierre Robin syndrome /!pje r$b'n

Pierre Robin syndrome

exercise and other physical means !sndrm/ noun a combination of facial features
physician /f$z()n/ noun a registered doctor
physician

|
including a small lower jaw and a cleft palate that
who is not a surgeon exist at birth, causing breathing and feeding prob-
physio /$fzi/ noun (informal) 1. a session of
physio
lems early in a childs life
pigeon breast /$pd+n brest/, pigeon chest
pigeon breast

physiotherapy treatment 2. a physiotherapist

/$pd+n test/ noun same as pectus carinatum
physio- /fzi/ prefix 1. referring to physiology
physio-

pigeon toes /$pd+n tz/ plural noun a con-

pigeon toes

2. physical
dition in which the feet turn towards the inside
physiological /!fzi$ld+k()l/ adjective
physiological

|
when a person is standing upright
referring to physiology and the regular functions
pigment /$p1mnt/ noun a substance which
pigment

of the body
gives colour to part of the body such as blood, the
physiological saline /!fzild+k()l
physiological saline

|
skin or hair
$selan/, physiological solution /!fzi
pigmentation /!p1men$te()n/ noun the
| pigmentation

ld+k()l s$lu%()n/ noun any solution used to |

colouring of the body, especially that produced by

|

keep cells or tissue alive

deposits of pigment
physiological tremor /!fzild+k()l
physiological tremor

PIH abbreviation pregnancy-induced hyperten-

PIH

$trem/ noun a small movement of the limbs sion

which takes place when a person tries to remain
piles /palz/ plural noun same as haemorrhoids
piles

still
pili /$pala/ " arrector pili
pili

physiologist /!fzi$ld+st/ noun a scientist

physiologist

pill /pl/ noun a small hard round ball of medica-

pill

who specialises in the study of the functions of

living organisms tion that is taken by swallowing ! He has to take
the pills twice a day. # the pill an oral contracep-
physiology /!fzi$ld+i/ noun the study of
physiology

tive. ! morning-after pill # on the pill taking a

|

regular body functions

regular course of contraceptive pills
physiotherapist /!fzi$erpst/ noun a
physiotherapist

pillar /$pl/ noun a part that is long and thin

pillar
|

trained specialist who gives physiotherapy

pilo- /pal/ prefix referring to hair
pilo-

physiotherapy /!fzi$erpi/ noun the treat-

physiotherapy

pilocarpine /!pal$k%pi%n/ noun an organic

| pilocarpine

ment of a disorder or condition by exercise, mas- |

sage, heat treatment, infrared lamps or other compound of plant origin which is used in eye
external means, e.g. to restore strength or function drops to treat glaucoma
pilomotor /!pal$mt/ adjective referring
pilomotor

after a disease or injury |

to something that moves the hairs of the skin

physiotherapy clinic /!fzi$erpi !klnk/
physiotherapy clinic

pilomotor nerve /!pal$mt !n-%v/ noun

pilomotor nerve

noun a clinic where people can have physiother- |

apy a nerve which supplies the arrector pili muscles

attached to hair follicles
physique /f$zi%k/ noun the shape and size of a
physique

pilomotor reflex /!pal$mt !ri%fleks/

| pilomotor reflex

persons body |

noun a reaction of the dermal papillae of the skin

physo- /fas/ prefix 1. tending to swell 2.
physo-

to cold and fear which causes the hairs on the skin

relating to air or gas to become erect
phyt- /fat/, phyto- /fat/ prefix referring to
phyt-

pilonidal /!pal$nad()l/ adjective relating to

pilonidal

plants or coming from plants a cyst or cavity which has a growth of hair
PI abbreviation pressure index
PI

pilonidal cyst /!palnad()l $sst/ noun a

pilonidal cyst

pia /$pa/, pia mater /!pa $met/ noun the cyst containing hair, usually found at the bottom
pia

delicate innermost membrane of the three which of the spine near the buttocks
cover the brain. ! arachnoid, dura mater pilonidal sinus /!palnad()l $sans/ noun
pilonidal sinus

pica /$pak/ noun a desire to eat things which a small depression with hairs at the base of the
pica

are not food, e.g. wood or paper, often found in spine

pregnant women and small children pilosis /pa$lss/, pilosism /$palsz()m/
pilosis

Picks disease /$pks d!zi%z/ noun a rare form noun a condition in which someone has an unu-
Picks disease

of presenile dementia, in which a disorder of the sual amount of hair or where hair is present in an
lipoid metabolism causes mental impairment, unusual place
anaemia, loss of weight and swelling of the spleen pilot study /$palt !st.di/ noun a small ver-
pilot study

and liver sion of a project which is carried out first, in order

Nursing.fm Page 233 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
to discover how well it works and to solve any
problems, before going ahead with the full ver-
sion
pilus /$pals/ noun one hair (NOTE: The plural
pilus
is pili.)
pimple /$pmpl/ noun a small swelling on the
pimple
skin, containing pus ! He had pimples on his
neck.
pineal /$pnil/ adjective relating to or released
pineal
by the pineal gland
pineal body /$pnil !bdi/, pineal gland
pineal body
/$pnil 1l'nd/ noun a small cone-shaped gland
situated below the corpus callosum in the brain,
which produces melatonin and is believed to be
associated with the circadian rhythm. See illustra-
tion at BRAIN in Supplement
pinguecula /p$1wekjl/, pinguicula /p
pinguecula
| |
$1wkjl/ noun a condition affecting elderly
people, in which the conjunctiva in the eyes has
small yellow growths near the edge of the cornea,
usually on the nasal side
pinna /$pn/ noun the outer ear, the part of the
pinna
ear which is outside the head, connected by a pas-
sage to the eardrum. See illustration at EAR in
Supplement
pinnaplasty /$pnpl'sti/ noun a cosmetic
pinnaplasty
surgical procedure to correct the shape of the ear
pinocytosis /!pi%nsa$tss/ noun the
pinocytosis
| |
process by which a cell surrounds and takes in
fluid
pins and needles /!pnz n $ni%d()lz/ noun
pins and needles
an unpleasant tingling sensation, usually occur-
ring after a temporarily restricted blood supply
returns to an arm or leg (informal) ! paraesthe-
sia
PIP abbreviation proximal interphalangeal joint
PIP
piriform fossae /!prif%m $fsi%/ plural noun
piriform fossae
the two hollows at the sides of the upper end of
the larynx
Piriton /$prtn/ a trade name for chlorphe-
Piriton
niramine
piroxicam /p$rksk'm/ noun a non-steroidal
piroxicam
| PKU
anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
PIs abbreviation performance indicators
PIs
pisiform /$psif%m/, pisiform bone /$psif%m
pisiform
bn/ noun one of the eight small carpal bones in
the wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement
pit /pt/ noun a hollow place on a surface
pit
pitting /$pt/ noun the formation of hollows in
pitting
the skin
pituitary /p$tju%t()ri/ adjective 1. relating to
pituitary
or produced by the pituitary gland 2. caused by a
disturbance of the pituitary gland " noun same as
pituitary gland
pituitary body /p$tju%t()ri !bdi/ noun
pituitary body
| |
same as pituitary gland
233 placental barrier
pituitary fossa /p!tju%t()ri $fs/ noun
pituitary fossa
same as sella turcica
pituitary gland /p$tju%t()ri 1l'nd/ noun
pituitary gland
the main endocrine gland in the body which
secretes hormones that stimulate other glands.
Also called pituitary body, hypophysis cere-
bri. See illustration at BRAIN in Supplement
COMMENT: The pituitary gland is about the
size of a pea and hangs down from the base
of the brain, inside the sphenoid bone, on a
stalk which attaches it to the hypothalamus.
The front lobe of the gland (the adenohypo-
physis) secretes several hormones (TSH,
ACTH) which stimulate the adrenal and thy-
roid glands, or which stimulate the produc-
tion of sex hormones, melanin and milk. The
posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (the neu-
rohypophysis) secretes the antidiuretic hor-
mone (ADH) and oxytocin.
pituitrin /p$tju%trn/ noun a hormone secreted
pituitrin
|
by the pituitary gland
pityriasis /!pt$rass/ noun any skin disease
pityriasis
in which the skin develops thin scales
pityriasis alba /pt!rass $'lb/ noun a dis-
pityriasis alba
ease affecting children which results in flat white
patches on the cheeks that usually heal naturally
pityriasis capitis /pt!rass k$pats/
pityriasis capitis
| |
noun " dandruff
pityriasis rosea /pt!rass $rzi/ noun a
pityriasis rosea
mild irritating rash affecting young people, which
appears especially in the early part of the year and
has no known cause
pityriasis rubra /pt!rass $ru%br/ noun a
pityriasis rubra
|
serious, sometimes fatal, skin disease, a type of
exfoliative dermatitis in which the skin turns dark
red and is covered with white scales
pivot /$pvt/ noun a stem used to attach an arti-
pivot
ficial crown to the root of a tooth " verb to rest
and turn on a point ! The atlas bone pivots on the
second vertebra.
pivot joint /$pvt d+nt/ noun same as tro-
pivot joint
choid joint
PKD abbreviation polycystic kidney disease
PKD
PKU abbreviation phenylketonuria
placebo /pl$si%b/ noun a tablet which
placebo
|
appears to be a drug, but has no medicinal sub-
stance in it
placebo effect /pl$si%b !fekt/ noun the
placebo effect
| |
apparently beneficial effect of telling someone
that he or she is having a treatment, even if this is
not true, caused by the hope that the treatment
will be effective
placenta /pl$sent/ noun the tissue which
placenta
grows inside the uterus during pregnancy and
links the baby to the mother
placental /pl$sent()l/ adjective referring to
placental
the placenta
placental barrier /pl!sent()l $b'ri/ noun a
placental barrier
barrier which prevents the blood of a fetus and
Nursing.fm Page 234 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

placental insufficiency 234

that of the mother from mixing, but allows water, plasma protein /$pl'zm !prti%n/ noun a
plasma protein

oxygen and hormones to pass from mother to protein in plasma, e.g. albumin, gamma globulin
fetus or fibrinogen
placental insufficiency /pl!sent()l !ns plasmin /$pl'zmn/ noun same as fibrinolysin
placental insufficiency plasmin

| |

$f()nsi/ noun a condition in which the placenta plasminogen /pl'z$mnd+n/ noun a sub-
plasminogen

does not provide the fetus with the necessary oxy- stance in blood plasma which becomes activated
gen and nutrients and forms plasmin
placenta praevia /pl!sent $pri%vi/ noun a
placenta praevia

plasmo- /pl'zm/ prefix referring to blood

plasmo-
|

condition in which the fertilised egg becomes plasma

implanted in the lower part of the uterus, which
Plasmodium /pl'z$mdim/ noun a type of
Plasmodium

means that the placenta lies across the cervix and

|

may become detached during childbirth and parasite which infests red blood cells and causes
cause brain damage to the baby malaria
plaster /$pl%st/ noun a white powder which is
plaster

plagiocephaly /!pled+i$kefli/ noun a con-

plagiocephaly

mixed with water and used to make a solid sup-

|

dition in which a person has a distorted head

port to cover a broken limb ! After his accident
shape, from irregular closure of the cranial
he had his leg in plaster for two months.
sutures
plaster cast /$pl%st k%st/ noun a hard sup-
plaster cast

plague /ple1/ noun an infectious disease which

plague

port made of bandage soaked in liquid plaster of

occurs in epidemics where many people are killed
Paris, which is allowed to harden after being
plane /plen/ noun a flat surface, especially that
plane

wrapped round a broken limb and which prevents

of the body seen from a specific angle the limb moving while the bone heals
planning /$pl'n/ noun the work of deciding
planning

plaster of Paris /!pl%str v $p'rs/ noun a

plaster of Paris

and arranging how something should be done fine white plaster used to make plaster casts
planta /$pl'nt/ noun the sole of the foot
planta

plastic /$pl'stk/ noun an artificial material

plastic

plantar /$pl'nt/ adjective referring to the sole made from petroleum, and used to make many
plantar

of the foot objects, including replacement organs " adjec-

plantar arch /!pl'ntr $%t/ noun the curved
plantar arch
tive able to change shape or develop in different
part of the sole of the foot running along the shapes
plastic lymph /$pl'stk lmf/ noun a yellow
plastic lymph

length of the foot. Also called longitudinal arch

plantar flexion /!pl'nt $flekn/ noun the
plantar flexion
liquid produced by an inflamed wound which
bending of the toes downwards helps the healing process
plastic surgeon /!pl'stk $s-%d+n/ noun a
plastic surgeon

plantar reflex /!pl'nt $ri%fleks/, plantar

plantar reflex

response /!pl'nt r$spns/ noun the usual

|
surgeon who specialises in plastic surgery
plastic surgery /!pl'stk $s-%d+ri/ noun sur-
plastic surgery

downward movement of the toes when the sole of

the foot is stroked in the Babinski test gery to repair damaged or malformed parts of the
body (informal)
plantar region /$pl'nt !ri%d+n/ noun the
plantar region

sole of the foot COMMENT: Plastic surgery is especially im-

portant in treating accident victims or people
plantar surface /$pl'nt !s-%fs/ noun the
plantar surface

who have suffered burns. It is also used to

skin of the sole of the foot correct congenital disorders such as a cleft
planus /$plens/ " lichen planus
planus

palate. When the aim is simply to improve

plaque /pl'k, pl%k/ noun 1. a flat area 2. a film
plaque
the patients appearance, it is usually re-
of saliva, mucus, bacteria and food residues that ferred to as cosmetic surgery.
plastin /$pl'stn/ noun same as fibrinolysin
plastin

builds up on the surface of teeth and can cause

gum damage -plasty /pl'sti/ suffix referring to plastic sur-
-plasty

-plasia /plezi/ suffix referring to something gery

-plasia

which develops or grows plate /plet/ noun a flat sheet of metal or bone !
plate

plasm- /pl'z()m/ prefix same as plasmo- The surgeon inserted a plate in her skull.
plasm-

(used before vowels) platelet /$pletlt/ noun a small blood cell

platelet

plasma /$pl'zm/ noun a yellow watery liquid

plasma
which releases thromboplastin and which multi-
which makes up the main part of blood plies rapidly after an injury, encouraging the
plasma cell /$pl'zm sel/ noun a lymphocyte
plasma cell
coagulation of blood. Also called thrombocyte
platelet count /$pletlt kant/ noun a test to
platelet count

which produces a particular type of antibody

count the number of platelets in a specific quan-
plasmapheresis /!pl'zmf$ri%ss/ noun an
plasmapheresis

tity of blood
|

operation to take blood from someone, then to

platy- /pl'ti/ prefix flat
platy-

separate the red blood cells from the plasma, and

to return the red blood cells suspended in a saline pledget /$pled+t/ noun a small piece of gauze
pledget

solution to the patient through a transfusion or cotton wool used to protect or apply medica-
Nursing.fm Page 235 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

235 pneumococcus
tion to a small enclosed space, such as the ear pas- plexor /$pleks/ noun same as plessor
plexor

sage plexus /$plekss/ noun a network of nerves,

plexus

-plegia /pli%d+/ suffix paralysis

-plegia

blood vessels or lymphatics

pleio- /pla/ prefix same as pleo- plica /$plak/ noun a fold
pleio- plica

pleo- /pli%/ prefix too many plicate /$plaket/ adjective folded

pleo- plicate

pleocytosis /!pli%sa$tss/ noun a condi- plication /pla$ke()n/ noun a surgical opera-

pleocytosis plication

| |

tion in which there are an unusual number of leu- tion to reduce the size of a muscle or a hollow
cocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid organ by making folds in its walls and attaching
pleoptics /pli%$ptks/ noun treatment to help
pleoptics

|
them
ploidy /$pldi/ noun the number of sets of chro-
ploidy

the partially sighted

plessor /$ples/ noun a little hammer with a
plessor
mosomes within a cell
plumbing /$pl.m/ noun any system of tubes
plumbing

rubber tip, used by doctors to tap tendons to test

for reflexes or for percussion of the chest. Also or vessels in the body, but especially the urinary
called plexor system (informal humorous)
plethysmography /!plez$m1rfi/ noun a PlummerVinson syndrome /!pl.m
plethysmography PlummerVinson syndrome

method of recording the changes in the volume of $vnsn !sndrm/ noun a type of iron-defi-
organs, mainly used to measure blood flow in the ciency anaemia, in which the tongue and mouth
limbs become inflamed and the person cannot swallow
pleur- /plr/ prefix same as pleuro- (used
pleur-
[Described 1912 by Plummer, 1919 by Vinson
before vowels) (also described in 1919 by Patterson and Brown
Kelly, whose names are frequently associated
pleura /$plr/ noun one of two membranes
pleura

with the syndrome). Henry Stanley Plummer

lining the chest cavity and covering each lung (18741937), US physician; Porter Paisley Vin-
(NOTE: The plural is pleuras or pleurae.) son (18901959), physician at the Mayo Clinic,
pleuracentesis /!plrsen$ti%ss/ noun same
pleuracentesis

|
Minnesota, USA.]
as pleurocentesis pluri- /plri/ prefix indicating more than one of
pluri-

pleural /$plrl/ adjective referring to the

pleural

something
pleura PM abbreviation post mortem
PM

pleural cavity /!plrl $k'vti/ noun a space

pleural cavity

PMA abbreviation progressive muscular atrophy

PMA

between the inner and outer pleura of the chest.

pmol symbol picomole
pmol

See illustration at LUNGS in Supplement

PMR abbreviation polymyalgia rheumatica
PMR

pleural effusion /!plrl $fju%+()n/ noun

pleural effusion

PMS abbreviation premenstrual syndrome

| PMS

an excess of fluid formed in the pleural sac

PMT abbreviation premenstrual tension
PMT

pleural fluid /!plrl $flu%d/ noun a fluid

pleural fluid

-pnea /pni%/ suffix same as -pnoea

-pnea

which forms between the layers of the pleura in

pleurisy pneo- /ni%/ prefix relating to breathing
pneo-

pleural membrane /!plrl $membren/ pneum- /nju%m/ prefix same as pneumo- (used
pleural membrane pneum-

noun same as pleura before vowels)

pleurectomy /pl$rektmi/ noun the surgical pneumat- /nju%mt/ prefix same as pneumato-
pleurectomy pneumat-

removal of part of the pleura which has been (used before vowels)
thickened or made stiff by chronic empyema pneumato- /nju%mt/ prefix relating to air,
pneumato-

pleurisy /$plrsi/ noun inflammation of the gas or breath

pleurisy

pleura, usually caused by pneumonia pneumatocele /nju%$m'tsi%l/ noun a sac or

pneumatocele

pleuritis /pl$rats/ noun same as pleurisy tumour filled with gas

pleuritis

pleuro- /plr/ prefix referring to the pleura pneumatonometer /!nju%mt$nmt/

pleuro- pneumatonometer

pleurocentesis /!plrsen$ti%ss/ noun an

pleurocentesis

|
operation in which a hollow needle is put into the
pleura to drain liquid. Also called pleuracente-
noun an instrument which measures the air pres-
sure in the eye, used in testing for glaucoma. It
blows a puff of air onto the cornea.
pneumatosis /!nju%m$tss/ noun the
pneumatosis

sis |

pleurodesis /!plr$di%ss/ noun treatment

pleurodesis

|
occurrence of gas in an unusual place in the body
pneumaturia /!nju%m$tjri/ noun the act
pneumaturia

for a collapsed lung, in which the inner and outer |

pleura are stuck together of passing air or gas in the urine

pneumo- /nju%m/ prefix referring to air, to
pneumo-

pleurodynia /!plr$dni/ noun pain in the

pleurodynia

muscles between the ribs, due to rheumatic the lungs or to breathing

inflammation pneumococcal /!nju%m$kk()l/ adjective
pneumococcal

pleuropneumonia
pleuropneumonia

/!plrnj$mni/ |
referring to pneumococci
noun acute lobar pneumonia, the classic type of pneumococcus /!nju%m$kks/ noun a
pneumococcus

pneumonia bacterium which causes respiratory tract infec-

Nursing.fm Page 236 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

pneumoconiosis 236
tions including pneumonia (NOTE: The plural is podalic version /p!d'lk $v-%()n/ noun
podalic version

pneumococci.) the procedure of turning a fetus in the uterus by its

pneumoconiosis /!nju%mkni$ss/ feet
pneumoconiosis

noun a lung disease in which fibrous tissue forms podarthritis /!pd%$rats/ noun the swell-
podarthritis

in the lungs because the person has inhaled parti- ing of one or more joints of the foot
cles of stone or dust over a long period of time podiatrist /p$datrst/ noun US a person
podiatrist

pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

who specialises in the care of the foot and its dis-

/!nju%mssts k!ri%nii nju%$mni/ noun a| | eases
form of pneumonia found in people with impaired podiatry /p$datri/ noun US the study of
podiatry

immune systems after radiotherapy or with AIDS. minor diseases and disorders of the feet
Abbreviation PCP
-poiesis /pi%ss/ suffix referring to something
-poiesis

pneumocyte /$nju%msat/ noun a cell of the

pneumocyte

which forms
walls between the air sacs in the lung
poikilo- /pkl/ prefix irregular or varied
poikilo-

pneumoencephalography /!nju%men
pneumoencephalography

poison /$pz()n/ noun a substance which can

| poison

!kef$l1rfi/ noun same as encephalogram

kill or harm body tissues if eaten or drunk " verb
|

pneumogastric /!nju%m$1'strk/ adjective

pneumogastric

|
to harm or kill someone with a poison
referring to the lungs and the stomach
poisoning /$pz()n/ noun a condition in
poisoning

pneumograph /$nju%m1r%f/ noun an instru-

pneumograph

which a person is made ill or is killed by a poison-

ment which records chest movements during ous substance
breathing
poison ivy /!pz()n $avi/, poison oak
poison ivy

pneumohaemothorax /!nju%m!hi%m
pneumohaemothorax

| |
/!pz()n $k/ noun American plants whose
$%r'ks/ noun blood or air in the pleural cavity. leaves can cause a painful rash if touched
Also called haemopneumothorax Poisons Act /$pz()nz 'kt/ noun in the UK,
Poisons Act

pneumomycosis /!nju%mma$kss/
pneumomycosis

|
one of several Acts of Parliament which regulate
noun an infection of the lungs caused by a fungus the making, prescribing and selling of drugs, e.g.
pneumon- /nju%mn/ prefix same as pneu- the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1933, Misuse of
pneumon-

mono- (used before vowels) Drugs Act 1971, or Poisons Act 1972
polar /$pl/ adjective with a pole
polar

pneumonectomy /!nju%m$nektmi/ noun

pneumonectomy

the surgical removal of all or part of a lung. Also polar body /!pl $bdi/ noun a small cell
polar body

called pulmonectomy which is produced from an oocyte but does not

pneumonia /nju%$mni/ noun inflammation develop into an ovum
pneumonia

of a lung, where the tiny alveoli of the lung pole /pl/ noun the end of an axis
pole

become filled with fluid ! He developed pneumo- poli- /pli/ prefix same as polio- (used before
poli-

nia and had to be hospitalised. ! She died of vowels)

pneumonia.
polio /$pli/ noun same as poliomyelitis
polio

pneumonitis /!nju%m$nats/ noun inflam-

pneumonitis

|
(informal)
mation of the lungs
polio- /pli/ prefix grey matter in the nervous
polio-

pneumono- /nju%mn/ prefix referring to the

pneumono-

system
lungs
polioencephalitis /!plien!kef$lats/
polioencephalitis

| |

pneumoperitoneum /!nju%mpert
pneumoperitoneum

|
noun a type of viral encephalitis, an inflammation
$ni%m/ noun air in the peritoneal cavity of the grey matter in the brain caused by the same
pneumoradiography /!nju%m!redi virus as poliomyelitis
pneumoradiography

| |

$1rfi/ noun an X-ray examination of part of the polioencephalomyelitis

polioencephalomyelitis

/!plien |

body after air or a gas has been inserted to make !kefl!ma$lats/ noun polioencephalitis
| |

the organs show more clearly which also affects the spinal cord
pneumothorax /!nju%m$%r'ks/ noun a
pneumothorax

poliomyelitis /!pli!ma$lats/ noun an

poliomyelitis
|
| |

condition in which air or gas is in the thorax. Also infection of the anterior horn cells of the spinal
called collapsed lung cord caused by a virus which attacks the motor
-pnoea /pni%/ suffix referring to breathing neurones and can lead to paralysis. Also called
-pnoea

PNS abbreviation peripheral nervous system

PNS
polio, infantile paralysis
poliovirus /$pli!vars/ noun a virus
poliovirus

pock /pk/ noun a localised lesion on the skin,

pock
|

due to smallpox or chickenpox which causes poliomyelitis

Politzer bag /$plts b'1/ noun a rubber bag
Politzer bag

pod- /pd/ prefix referring to the foot

pod-

which is used to blow air into the middle ear to

podagra /p$d'1r/ same as gout
podagra

|
unblock a Eustachian tube [Described 1863.
podalic /p$d'lk/ adjective relating to the
podalic

| After Adam Politzer (18351920), Professor of

feet Otology in Vienna, Austria.]
Nursing.fm Page 237 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

237 pons Varolii

pollex /$pleks/ noun the thumb (technical) body, causing weakness. It is treated with steroid
pollex

(NOTE: The plural is pollices.) drugs or immunosuppressants, and also exercise.

pollution /p$lu%()n/ noun the act of making polyneuritis /!plinj$rats/ noun inflamma-
pollution polyneuritis

| |

dirty, or substances which make e.g. air or water tion of many nerves
impure polyneuropathy /!plinj$rpi/ noun any
polyneuropathy

poly- /pli/ prefix 1. many or much 2. touching

poly-

disease which affects several nerves (NOTE: The

many organs plural is polyneuropathies.)
polyarteritis /!pli%t$rats/ noun a condi-
polyarteritis

polyopia /!pli$pi/, polyopsia /!pli

polyopia

|
| |

tion in which a lot of arteries swell up at the same $psi/, polyopy /$plipi/ noun a condition in
time which a person sees several images of one object
polyarteritis nodosa /!pli%t!rats n at the same time. Compare diplopia
polyarteritis nodosa

| |

$ds/ noun a collagen disease in which the polyp /$plp/ noun a tumour growing on a stalk
polyp

walls of the arteries in various parts of the body in mucous membrane, which can be cauterised.
become inflamed, leading to asthma, high blood Polyps are often found in the nose, mouth or
pressure and kidney failure. Also called peri- throat. Also called polypus
arteritis nodosa
polypectomy /!pl$pektmi/ noun a surgical
polypectomy

polyarthritis /!pli%$rats/ noun inflamma-

polyarthritis |

|
operation to remove a polyp (NOTE: The plural is
tion of several joints, as in rheumatoid arthritis polypectomies.)
polycystic /!pli$sstik/ adjective referring to
polycystic

polypeptide /!pli$peptad/ noun a type of

polypeptide
|

an organ which has developed more than one cyst,

|

protein formed of linked amino acids

or to a disease caused by the development of cysts
polypi /$plpi/ plural of polypus
polypi

polycystic kidney disease /!plisstk

polycystic kidney disease

polyploid /$plipld/ adjective referring to a

polyploid

$kdni d!zi%z/ noun a condition in which there

|

are multiple cysts on each kidney which grow and cell where there are more than two copies of each
multiply over time. Abbreviation PKD chromosome, which is not viable in humans
polypoid /$plpd/ adjective looking like a
polypoid

COMMENT: The diseased kidney finally shuts

down in over 60% of cases, and dialysis and polyp
transplantation are the only forms of treat- polyposis /!pl$pss/ noun a condition in
polyposis

ment. which many polyps form in the mucous mem-

polycystic ovary disease /!plisstk
polycystic ovary disease

brane of the colon. ! familial adenomatous

$vri d!zi%z/ noun same as polycystic ovary
| polyposis
syndrome. Abbreviation PCOD polypus /$plps/ noun same as polyp (NOTE:
polypus

polycystic ovary syndrome /!plisstk

polycystic ovary syndrome

The plural is polypi.)

$vri !sndrm/, polycystic ovarian syn-
polysaccharide /!pli$s'krad/ noun a type
polysaccharide

drome /!plisstk $verin !sndrm/

|

of carbohydrate made up of a lot of monosaccha-

|

noun a hormonal disorder in which a womans

rides joined together in chains. They include
ovaries are enlarged and contain many small pain-
starch and cellulose, are insoluble in water and do
less cysts, hair growth is excessive, acne develops
not form crystals.
and infertility may occur. Also called Stein Lev-
polysomnograph /!pli$smn1r%f/ noun a
polysomnograph

enthal syndrome. Abbreviation PCOS |

polycystitis /!plis$stats/ noun a congenital

polycystitis
record of bodily activity during sleep to identify
possible causes of sleep disorders
|

disease in which several cysts form in the kidney

polyspermia /!pli$sp-%mi/, polyspermism
polyspermia

at the same time |

polycythaemia /!plisa$i%mi/ noun a con-

polycythaemia

|
/!pli$sp-%mz()m/,
| polyspermy /!pli |

dition in which the number of red blood cells $sp-%mi/ noun excessive seminal secretion
polyuria /!pli$jri/ noun a condition in
polyuria

increases (NOTE: The US spelling is poly- |

cythemia.) which a person passes a large quantity of urine,

polydactylism /!pli$d'ktlz()m/ noun
polydactylism

|
usually as a result of diabetes insipidus
same as hyperdactylism pompholyx /$pmflks/ noun a type of
pompholyx

polydipsia /!pli$dpsi/ noun a condition,

polydipsia

|
eczema with many irritating little blisters on the
often caused by diabetes insipidus, in which a hands and feet
person is unusually thirsty pons /pnz/ noun a bridge of tissue joining parts
pons

polymyalgia rheumatica /!plima!'ld+ of an organ. See illustration at BRAIN in Supple-

polymyalgia rheumatica

ru%$m'tk/ noun a disease of elderly people

| ment (NOTE: The plural is pontes.)
characterised by pain and stiffness in the shoulder pons Varolii /!pnz v$rlia/ noun part of
pons Varolii

and hip muscles making them weak and sensitive the hindbrain, formed of fibres which continue
polymyositis /!plima$sats/ noun a con- the medulla oblongata. See illustration at BRAIN in
polymyositis

dition in which a lot of muscles swell up at the Supplement (NOTE: The plural is pontes
same time, especially the ones in the trunk of the Varolii.) [After Constanzo Varolius (154375),
Nursing.fm Page 238 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
pontine
Italian physician and anatomist, doctor to Pope
Gregory XIII.]
pontine /$pntan/ adjective referring to a pons
pontine
POP /pp/ abbreviation progesterone only pill
POP
popliteal /!ppl$ti%l/ adjective referring to the
popliteal
|
back of the knee
popliteal artery /!pplti%l $%tri/ noun an
popliteal artery
artery which branches from the femoral artery
behind the knee and leads into the tibial arteries
popliteal fossa /!pplti%l $fs/ noun a
popliteal fossa
space behind the knee between the hamstring and
the calf muscle. Also called popliteal space
popliteal muscle /!ppl$ti%l !m.s()l/ noun
popliteal muscle
|
same as popliteus
popliteal space /!pplti%l $spes/ noun
popliteal space
same as popliteal fossa
popliteus /p$pltis/ noun a muscle at the
popliteus
|
back of the knee. Also called popliteal muscle
population /!ppj$le()n/ noun 1. the
population
|
number of people living in a country or town !
Population statistics show that the birth rate is
slowing down. ! The government has decided to
screen the whole population of the area. 2. the
number of patients in hospital ! The hospital
population in the area has fallen below 10,000.
pore /p%/ noun a tiny hole in the skin through
pore
which the sweat passes
porphyria /p%$fri/ noun a hereditary disease
porphyria
|
affecting the metabolism of porphyrin pigments
COMMENT: Porphyria causes abdominal
pains and attacks of mental confusion. The
skin becomes sensitive to light and the urine
becomes coloured and turns dark brown
when exposed to the light.
porphyrin /$p%frn/ noun a member of a fam-
porphyrin
ily of metal-containing biological pigments, the
commonest of which is protoporphyrin IX
porphyrinuria /!p%fr$njri/ noun the
porphyrinuria
|
presence of excess porphyrins in the urine, a sign
of porphyria or of metal poisoning
porta /$p%t/ noun an opening which allows
porta
blood vessels to pass into an organ (NOTE: The
plural is portae.)
Portacath /$p%tk'/ noun a type of catheter
Portacath
put in place under a persons skin to make it easier
to have chemotherapy, transfusions and blood
tests. It is accessed by the use of a special needle
and flushed regularly with sterile saline.
portacaval /!p%t$kev()l/ adjective another
portacaval
|
spelling of portocaval
portae /$p%ti/ plural of porta
portae
porta hepatis /!p%t $hepts/ noun an open-
porta hepatis
ing in the liver through which the hepatic artery,
hepatic duct and portal vein pass (NOTE: The plu-
ral is portae hepatitis.)
portal /$p%t()l/ adjective referring to a porta,
portal
especially the portal system or the portal vein
238
portal hypertension /!p%t()l !hap
portal hypertension
$tenn/ noun high pressure in the portal vein,
caused by cirrhosis of the liver or a clot in the vein
and causing internal bleeding
portal system /$p%t()l !sstm/ noun a
portal system
group of veins which have capillaries at both ends
and do not go to the heart
portal vein /$p%t()l ven/ noun a vein which
portal vein
takes blood from the stomach, pancreas, gall
bladder, intestines and spleen to the liver (NOTE:
For other terms referring to the portal vein, see
words beginning with pyl-, pyle-.)
portocaval /!p%t$kev()l/ adjective linking
portocaval
the portal vein to the inferior vena cava
portocaval anastomosis /!p%tkev()l
portocaval anastomosis
n!'st$mss/ noun a surgical operation to
| |
join the portal vein to the inferior vena cava and
divert blood past the liver
portocaval shunt /!p%tkev()l $.nt/
portocaval shunt
noun an artificial passage made between the por-
tal vein and the inferior vena cava to relieve portal
hypertension
port wine stain /!p%t $wan !sten/ noun a
port wine stain
purple birthmark
position /p$z()n/ noun 1. the place where
position
something is ! The exact position of the tumour
is located by an X-ray. 2. the way a persons body
is arranged ! in a sitting position ! The accident
victim had been placed in the recovery position.
" verb to place something in a particular position
! The fetus is correctly positioned in the uterus.
positive /$pztv/ adjective 1. indicating the
positive
answer yes 2. indicating the presence of some-
thing being tested for ! Her cervical smear was
positive. Opposite negative
positive end-expiratory pressure
positive end-expiratory pressure
/!pztv !end k!spart()ri $pre/ noun the |
procedure of forcing a person to breathe through
a mask in cases where fluid has collected in the
lungs. Abbreviation PEEP
positive feedback /!pztv $fi%db'k/ noun a
positive feedback
situation in which the result of a process stimu-
lates the process which caused it
positive pressure respirator /!pztv
positive pressure respirator
$pre !respret/ noun a machine which forces
air into the lungs through a tube inserted in the
mouth
positive pressure ventilation /!pztv
positive pressure ventilation
$pre vent!le()n/ noun the act of forcing air
|
into the lungs to encourage the lungs to expand.
Abbreviation PPV
positron-emission tomography /!pztrn
positron-emission tomography
$m()n t!m1rfi/ noun a method of scan-
| |
ning the tissues of the brain, chest and abdomen
for unusual metabolic activity after injecting a
radioactive substance into the body. Abbreviation
PET
posology /p$sld+i/ noun the study of doses
posology
of medicine
Nursing.fm Page 239 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

239 postpartum

posseting /$pst/ noun (in babies) the act of of food passing into the small intestine too fast
posseting

bringing up small quantities of curdled milk into and can cause dizziness, nausea, sweating and
the mouth after feeding weakness. Also called dumping syndrome
Possum /$psm/ noun a device using elec- posthepatic jaundice /!psth!p'tk
Possum posthepatic jaundice

tronic switches which helps a person who is $d+%nds/ noun same as obstructive jaundice
severely paralysed to work a machine such as a post herpetic neuralgia /!pst h!petk
post herpetic neuralgia

telephone (NOTE: The name is derived from the nj$r'ld+/ noun pains felt after an attack of
|

first letters of patient-operated selector mech- shingles

anism.)
posthitis /ps$ats/ noun inflammation of the
posthitis

post- /pst/ prefix after or later

post-

foreskin
post-cibal /!pst $sab()l/ adjective after
post-cibal

posthumous /$pstjms/ adjective occur-

posthumous

having eaten food ring after death

post cibum /!pst $kbm/ adverb full form
post cibum

postmature /!pstm$t/ adjective refer-

postmature

of p.c. ring to a baby born after the usual gestation period

post-coital /!pst $kt()l/ adjective taking
post-coital

of 42 weeks
place after sexual intercourse postmature baby /!pstmt $bebi/
postmature baby

postconcussional syndrome /!pstkn

postconcussional syndrome

|
noun a baby born more than nine months after
$k.()n()l !sndrm/ noun a set of symptoms conception
which sometimes follow a head injury in which a postmaturity /!pstm$trti/ noun a
postmaturity

person lost consciousness, including headache,

|

pregnancy which lasts longer than the usual ges-

loss of concentration, memory loss, depression tation period of 42 weeks
and irritability
postmenopausal /!pstmen$p%z()l/
postmenopausal

post-epileptic /!pst ep$leptk/ adjective

post-epileptic |

adjective happening or existing after the meno-

|

taking place after an epileptic fit

pause ! She experienced some postmenopausal
posterior /p$stri/ adjective at the back.
posterior

|
bleeding.
Opposite anterior # posterior to behind ! The
post mortem /!pst $m%tm/, post mortem
post mortem

cerebellum is posterior to the medulla oblongata.

examination /!pst $m%tm 1z'm
" noun same as buttock (informal)
|

!ne()n/ noun an examination of a dead body

posterior approach /p$strir !prt/
posterior approach

| |
by a pathologist to find out the cause of death !
noun an operation carried out from the back The post mortem showed that he had been poi-
posterior aspect /p$strir !'spekt/ noun
posterior aspect

| soned. Abbreviation PM. Also called autopsy

a view of the back of the body, or of the back of postnasal /pst$nez()l/ adjective situated
postnasal

part of the body. See illustration at ANATOMICAL or happening behind the nose
TERMS in Supplement
postnasal drip /pst!nez()l $drp/ noun a
postnasal drip

posterior chamber /p!stri $temb/

posterior chamber |

|
condition in which mucus from the nose runs
noun a part of the aqueous chamber which is down into the throat and is swallowed
behind the iris
postnatal /pst$net()l/ adjective referring
postnatal

posterior fontanelle /p!stri !fnt$nel/

posterior fontanelle |

| |
to the period after the birth of a child
noun a cartilage at the back of the head where the
postnatal care /pst!net()l $ke/ noun the
postnatal care

parietal bones join the occipital. ! bregma |

care given to a woman after the birth of her child

posterior nares /p!stri $neri%z/ plural
posterior nares

postnatal depression /pst!net()l d

postnatal depression

noun same as internal nares | |

$pre()n/ noun depression which sometimes

postero- /pstr/ prefix back or behind
postero-

affects a woman after childbirth

posteroanterior /!pstr'n$tri/ adjec-
posteroanterior

postnecrotic cirrhosis /!pstnekrtk s

| postnecrotic cirrhosis

tive lying from the back to the front |

$rss/ noun cirrhosis of the liver caused by viral

post-exposure prophylaxis /!pst k
post-exposure prophylaxis

|
hepatitis
!sp+ !prf$l'kss/ noun a treatment given
post-op /!pst $p/ adjective same as postop-
| post-op

to a person who has been exposed to a harmful

agent, in an effort to prevent or reduce injury or erative (informal)
postoperative /pst$p()rtv/ adjective
postoperative

infection. Abbreviation PEP |

postganglionic neurone /!pst1'1li

postganglionic neurone

|
referring to the period after a surgical operation !
!nk $njrn/ noun a neurone which starts in The patient has suffered postoperative nausea
a ganglion and ends in a gland or unstriated mus- and vomiting. ! Occlusion may appear as post-
cle operative angina pectoris.
postoperative pain /pst!p()rtv $pen/
postoperative pain

postgastrectomy syndrome /!pst 1'

postgastrectomy syndrome
|
|

$strektmi !sndrm/ noun a group of symp- noun pain felt after a surgical operation
toms which can occur after eating in people who postpartum /pst$p%tm/ adjective refer-
postpartum

have had stomach operations. It is caused by a lot ring to the period after the birth of a child
Nursing.fm Page 240 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

postpartum fever 240

postpartum fever /pst!p%tm $fi%v/ [Described 1765. After Sir Percivall Pott (1714
postpartum fever

noun same as puerperal infection 88), London surgeon.]

pouch /pat/ noun a small sac or pocket
pouch

postpartum haemorrhage /pst!p%tm

postpartum haemorrhage

$hem()rd+/ noun heavy bleeding after child- attached to an organ

birth. Abbreviation PPH poultice /$plts/ noun a compress made of
poultice

post-primary tuberculosis
post-primary tuberculosis

/pst hot water and flour paste or other substances

!pramri tju%!b-%kj$lss/ noun the reap-
| |
which is pressed onto an infected part to draw out
pearance of tuberculosis in a person who has been pus, to relieve pain or to encourage the circula-
infected with it before tion. Also called fomentation
Pouparts ligament /$pu%p%ts !l1mnt/
Pouparts ligament

post-registration education and practice

post-registration education and practice

/!pst red+!stre()n edj!ke()n nd

| |
noun same as inguinal ligament [Described
$pr'kts/ noun in the UK, the requirement for all 1705. After Franois Poupart (16161708),
registered nurses and midwives to undertake edu- French surgeon and anatomist.]
powder /$pad/ noun a medicine in the form of
powder

cational activities and keep up with contemporary

practice, and also for their employers to address a fine dry dust made from particles of drugs ! He
the learning needs of staff. It was started by the took a powder to help his indigestion or He took
UKCC in 1993. Abbreviation PREP an indigestion powder.
post-traumatic /!pst tr%$m'tk/ adjective pox /pks/ noun same as syphilis (old)
post-traumatic pox

appearing after a trauma, e.g. after an accident, poxvirus /$pks!vars/ noun any of a group of
poxvirus

rape or fire viruses which cause cowpox, smallpox and

post-traumatic amnesia /!pst tr%!m'tk related diseases
post-traumatic amnesia

'm$ni%zi/ noun amnesia which follows a trauma p.p. abbreviation after a meal. Full form post
p.p.

post-traumatic stress disorder /!pst

post-traumatic stress disorder
prandium
tr%!m'tk $stres ds!%d/ noun a psychologi- PPH abbreviation postpartum haemorrhage
PPH

| |

cal condition affecting people who have suffered PPV abbreviation positive pressure ventilation
PPV

severe emotional trauma, e.g. occasioned by war PQRST complex noun the set of deflections
PQRST complex

or natural disaster. Its symptoms include chest

on an electrocardiogram, labelled P to T, which
pain, dizziness, sleep disturbances, flashbacks, show ventricular contraction
anxiety, tiredness, and depression. Abbreviation
p.r. adverb (of an examination) by the rectum.
p.r.

PTSD
Full form per rectum
postural /$pstrl/ adjective referring to pos-
postural

practice /$pr'kts/ noun 1. the business, or the

practice

ture ! a study of postural disorders

premises occupied by, a doctor, dentist, or a group
postural drainage /!pstrl $drend+/
postural drainage

of doctors or dentists working together ! After

noun a a procedure for removing matter from qualifying she joined her fathers practice. # in
infected lungs by making the person lie down practice doing the work of a doctor or dentist !
with the head lower than the feet, so that he or she He has been in practice for six years. 2. the fact
can cough more easily of doing something, as opposed to thinking or
postural hypotension /!pstrl !hap
postural hypotension

| talking about it ! theory and practice 3. a usual

$tenn/ noun low blood pressure when standing way of doing something ! Such practices are
up suddenly, causing dizziness now regarded as unsafe.
posture /$pst/ noun the position in which a practice nurse /$pr'kts n-%s/ noun a nurse
posture practice nurse

body is arranged, or the way a person usually employed by a GP or primary care trust to work in
holds his or her body when standing ! Bad pos- a GPs practice providing treatment, health pro-
ture can cause pain in the back. ! She has to do motion, screening and other services to patients of
exercises to correct her bad posture. the practice
postviral /pst$varl/ adjective occurring practitioner /pr'k$t()n/ noun a qualified
postviral practitioner

| |

after a viral infection person who works in the medical profession

postviral fatigue syndrome /pst!varl praevia /$pri%vi/ noun " placenta praevia
postviral fatigue syndrome praevia

f$ti%1 !sndrm/ noun same as myalgic

|
pravastatin /!pr'v$st'tn/ noun a drug used
pravastatin

encephalomyelitis to reduce unusually high levels of blood choles-

potassium /p$t'sim/ noun a metallic ele- terol
potassium

ment (NOTE: The chemical symbol is K.) prazosin /$pr'zsn/ noun a drug which
prazosin

potassium permanganate /p!t'sim p

potassium permanganate

| |
relaxes or widens the blood vessels, used to treat
$m'1nt/ noun a purple-coloured poisonous hypertension
salt, used as a disinfectant pre- /pri%/ prefix before or in front of
pre-

Potts fracture /$pts !fr'kt/ noun a frac- preadmission information /!pri%d$m()n

Potts fracture preadmission information

ture of the lower end of the fibula together with nf!me()n/ noun information given to a per-
|

displacement of the ankle and foot outwards son before he or she is admitted to hospital
Nursing.fm Page 241 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

241 premature labour

pre-anaesthetic round /!pri% !'ns$etk prednisone /pred$nsn/ noun a syntheti-

pre-anaesthetic round prednisone

| |

!rand/ noun an examination of patients by the cally produced steroid hormone produced from
surgeon before they are anaesthetised cortisone, used to treat allergies and rheumatoid
precancerous /pri%$k'nsrs/ adjective refer-
precancerous

|
arthritis
pre-eclampsia /!pri% $kl'mpsi/ noun a con-
pre-eclampsia

ring to a growth which is not malignant now, but |

which can become cancerous later dition in pregnant women towards the end of the
preceptor /pr$sept/ noun a specialist who
preceptor

|
pregnancy which may lead to eclampsia. Symp-
gives practical training to a student toms are high blood pressure, oedema and protein
in the urine. Also called pregnancy-induced
preceptorship /pr$septp/ noun a period of
preceptorship

|
hypertension
time during which a recently trained nurse, mid-
pre-eclamptic /!pri% $kl'mptk/ adjective
pre-eclamptic

wife or health visitor can gain practical experi- |

ence working with a specialist who advises and referring to pre-eclampsia

prefrontal leucotomy /pri%!fr.nt()l lui%
prefrontal leucotomy

guides them | |

precipitate /pr$sptt/ noun a substance

precipitate

|
$ktmi/ noun a surgical operation to divide
which is precipitated during a chemical reaction some of the white matter in the prefrontal lobe,
" verb 1. to make a substance separate from a formerly used as a treatment for schizophrenia
prefrontal lobe /pri%$fr.nt()l lb/ noun an
prefrontal lobe

chemical compound and fall to the bottom of a |

liquid during a chemical reaction ! Casein is pre- area of the brain in the front part of each hemi-
cipitated when milk comes into contact with an sphere, in front of the frontal lobe, which is con-
acid. 2. to make something start suddenly (NOTE: cerned with memory and learning
[all verb senses] precipitating precipitated) preganglionic neurone /!pri%1'1l!nk
preganglionic neurone

precipitate labour /pr!sptt $leb/ noun $njrn/ noun a neurone which ends in a gan-
precipitate labour

unusually fast labour, lasting two hours or less. It glion

can be dangerous both to the mother and to the pregnancy /$pre1nnsi/ noun 1. same as ges-
pregnancy

child. tation period 2. the condition of being pregnant.

precipitin /pr$sptn/ noun an antibody which Also called cyesis
precipitin

reacts to an antigen and forms a precipitate, used pregnancy-induced hypertension

pregnancy-induced hypertension

in many diagnostic tests /!pre1nnsi n$dju%st !hap$tenn/ noun

| |

precocious /pr$ks/ adjective more phys- same as pre-eclampsia

precocious

ically or mentally developed than is usual for a pregnancy test /$pre1nnsi test/ noun a test
pregnancy test

specific age to see if a woman is pregnant or not

precocious puberty /pr!ks $pju%bti/ pregnant /$pre1nnt/ adjective with an unborn
precocious puberty pregnant

noun the development of signs of puberty in girls child in the uterus ! She is six months pregnant.
before the age of seven, and in boys before the age prehepatic
prehepatic jaundice

jaundice /!pri%h!p'tk |

of nine. If untreated, affected boys typically grow $d+%nds/ noun same as haemolytic jaundice
no taller than 1.6 metres and girls rarely reach 1.5
prem /prem/ (informal) adjective same as pre-
prem

metres.
mature " noun a premature baby
precocity /pr$ksti/ noun the state or fact of
precocity

premature /$premt/ adjective before the

| premature

being precocious
expected or desirable time ! The baby was five
precordia /pri%$k%di/ plural noun plural of
precordia

|
weeks premature.
precordium
COMMENT: Babies can survive even if born
precordial /pri%$k%dil/ adjective referring to
precordial

|
several weeks premature. Even babies
the precordium weighing less than one kilo at birth can sur-
precordium /pri%$k%dim/ noun the part of the
precordium

|
vive in an incubator, and develop healthily.
thorax over the heart (NOTE: The plural is precor- premature baby /!premt $bebi/ noun a
premature baby

dia.) baby born earlier than 37 weeks from conception,

precursor /pr$k-%s/ noun a substance or cell
precursor

|
or weighing less than 2.5kg, but capable of inde-
from which another substance or cell is devel- pendent life
oped, e.g. dopa, the precursor for dopamine, premature birth /!premt $b-%/ noun the
premature birth

which is converted to dopamine by the enzyme birth of a baby earlier than 37 weeks from concep-
dopa decarboxylase tion
predisposing factor /!pri%dspz $f'kt/ premature ejaculation /!premt !d+'kj
predisposing factor premature ejaculation

| |

noun a factor which will increase the risk of dis- $le()n/ noun a situation in which a man ejacu-
ease lates too early during sexual intercourse
prednisolone /pred$nsln/ noun a synthet- premature labour /!premt $leb/ noun
prednisolone premature labour

ically produced steroid hormone, similar to corti- the condition of starting to give birth earlier than
sone, used especially to control inflammatory dis- 37 weeks from conception ! After the accident
eases such as rheumatoid arthritis she went into premature labour.
Nursing.fm Page 242 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

premed 242

premed /$pri%med/ noun a stage of being given on the prescribing of drugs in primary care.
premed

premedication (informal) ! The patient is in Abbreviation PACT

premed. prescription /pr$skrpn/ noun an order
prescription

premedication /!pri%med$ke()n/, pre- written by a doctor to a pharmacist asking for a

premedication

medicant drug /pri%!medknt $dr.1/ noun a | drug to be prepared and given or sold to a person
drug given before an operation in order to block presenile /pri%$si%nal/ adjective prematurely
presenile

the parasympathetic nervous system and prevent showing the effects of advanced age
vomiting during the operation, e.g. a sedative
presenile dementia /pri%!si%nal d$men/
presenile dementia

| |

premenstrual /pri%$menstrul/ adjective hap-

premenstrual

|
noun mental degeneration affecting adults of
pening before menstruation around 4060 years of age (dated)
premenstrual syndrome /pri%!menstrul
premenstrual syndrome

|
COMMENT: Patients used to be diagnosed
$sndrm/, premenstrual tension /pri% | with presenile dementia if they showed
!menstrul $tenn/ noun nervous stress experi- symptoms of dementia and were under the
enced by a woman for one or two weeks before a age of 65, and senile dementia if over 65.
menstrual period starts. Abbreviation PMS, PMT However, the terms are no longer often used
premolar /pri%$ml/ noun a tooth with two
premolar

|
and instead the type of dementia is used for
points, situated between the canines and the first diagnostic purposes, e.g. Alzheimers dis-
proper molar. See illustration at TEETH in Supple- ease, multi-infarct or vascular.
ment present /$prez()nt/ verb /pr$zent/ 1. (of a
present

prenatal /pri%$net()l/ adjective during the

prenatal

|
patient) to show particular symptoms ! The
period between conception and childbirth patient presented with severe chest pains. 2. (of a
symptom) to be present ! The doctors first task
prenatal diagnosis /pri%!net()l !da1
prenatal diagnosis

| |
is to relieve the presenting symptoms. ! The con-
$nss/ noun same as antenatal diagnosis dition may also present in a baby. 3. (of a baby)
pre-op /!pri% $p/ adjective same as preopera-
pre-op

to appear in the vaginal channel " adjective cur-

tive (informal) rently existing in a place ! All the symptoms of
preoperative /pri%$p()rtv/ adjective dur- the disease are present.
preoperative

ing the period before a surgical operation presentation /!prez()n$te()n/ noun the
presentation

preoperative medication /pri%!p()rtv way in which a baby will be born, in respect of the
preoperative medication

!med$ken/ noun a drug given before an oper-

| part of the babys body which will appear first in
ation, e.g. a sedative the vaginal channel
PREP /prep/ abbreviation post-registration edu- presenting part /pr$zent p%t/ noun the
PREP presenting part

cation and practice part of a baby which appears first during birth
prepatellar bursitis /!pri%p!tel b-%$sats/ pressor /$pres/ adjective 1. referring to a nerve
prepatellar bursitis pressor

| |

noun a condition in which the fluid sac at the knee which increases the action of part of the body 2.
becomes inflamed, caused by kneeling on hard raising blood pressure
surfaces. Also called housemaids knee pressure /$pre/ noun the action of squeezing
pressure

prepubertal /pri%$pju%bt()l/ adjective refer-

prepubertal

| or forcing something
ring to the period before puberty pressure area /$prer !eri/ noun an area of
pressure area

prepuce /$pri%pju%s/ noun same as foreskin

prepuce

the body where a bone is near the surface of the

presby- /prezbi/ prefix same as presbyo- (used
presby-
skin, so that if the skin is pressed the circulation
before vowels) will be cut off
pressure bandage /$pre !b'ndd+/ noun a
pressure bandage

presbyacusis /!prezbi$ku%ss/ noun a condi-

presbyacusis

tion in which an elderly persons hearing fails bandage which presses on a part of the body
gradually, through to degeneration of the internal pressure index /$prer !ndeks/ noun a
pressure index

ear method for determining the extent of obstruction

presbyo- /prezbi/ prefix referring to the last to the artery in the leg by measuring the blood
presbyo-

stages of the natural life span pressure in the arms and legs and then dividing
presbyopia /!prezbi$pi/ noun a condition
presbyopia
the systolic pressure in the leg by that in the arm.
Abbreviation PI
|

in which an elderly persons sight fails gradually,

pressure point /$pre pnt/ noun a place
pressure point

through hardening of the lens

prescribed disease /pr!skrabd d$zi%z/
prescribed disease

| |
where an artery crosses over a bone, so that the
noun an illness caused by the type of work a per- blood can be cut off by pressing with the finger
presystole /pri%$sstli/ noun the period before
presystole

son does which is on an annually reviewed offi- |

cial list, entitling the person to claim benefit. systole in the cycle of heartbeats
Examples are deafness, pneumoconiosis and RSI. preterm /pri%$t-%m/ adjective referring to the
preterm

prescribing analyses and cost /pr birth of a child which takes place before the
prescribing analyses and cost

!skrab !n'lsi%z nd $kst/ plural noun data

| expected time
Nursing.fm Page 243 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
243
preterm birth /pri%$t-%m !b-%/ noun the birth
preterm birth
of a baby before 37 completed weeks of preg-
nancy, which presents a greater risk of serious
health problems (NOTE: About 12 per cent of
births in the UK are preterm births.)
preventative /pr$venttv/ adjective same as
preventative
preventive
preventive /pr$ventv/ adjective referring to
preventive
an action taken to stop something happening,
especially to stop a disease or infection from
spreading ! preventive treatment ! preventive
action
preventive
preventive medicine
medicine /pr!ventv
|
$med()s()n/ noun action carried out to stop dis-
ease from occurring, e.g. by education in health-
related issues, immunisation and screening for
known diseases
Priadel /$pradel/ a trade name for lithium
Priadel
priapism /$prapz()m/ noun an erection of
priapism
the penis without sexual stimulus, caused by a
blood clot in the tissue of the penis, injury to the
spinal cord or stone in the urinary bladder
prickly heat /$prkli hi%t/ noun same as mili-
prickly heat
aria
-pril /prl/ suffix used for ACE inhibitors ! Cap-
-pril
topril
prilocaine /$pralken/ noun a local anaes-
prilocaine
thetic used especially in dentistry
primaquine /$pramkwi%n/ noun a syntheti-
primaquine
cally produced drug used in the treatment of
malaria
primary /$pramri/ adjective 1. happening
primary
first, and leading to something else 2. most
important
primary amenorrhoea /!pramri !emen
primary amenorrhoea
|
$ri%/ noun a condition in which a woman has
never had menstrual periods
primary bronchi /!pramri $brki%/ plural
primary bronchi
noun same as main bronchi
primary care /!pramri $ke/ noun in the UK,
primary care
health services offered directly to individuals by
GPs, dentists, opticians and other health profes-
sionals who may also refer a patient on to special-
ists for further treatment. Also called primary
health care, primary medical care. Compare
secondary care, tertiary care
primary care group /!pramri $ke !1ru%p/
primary care group
noun an organisation responsible for overseeing
the provision of primary healthcare and the com-
missioning of secondary care in a district. Key
members include GPs, community nurses, social
services and lay members. Abbreviation PCG
primary care team /!pramri $ke !ti%m/
primary care team
noun same as primary health care team
primary care trust /!pramri $ke !tr.st/
primary care trust
noun in the UK, the top level of the primary care
group with extra responsibilities such as direct
primordial
employment of community staff. Abbreviation
PCT
primary haemorrhage /!pramri
primary haemorrhage
$hem()rd+/ noun bleeding which occurs imme-
diately after an injury has taken place
primary health care /!pramri $hel !ke/
primary health care
noun same as primary care
primary health care team /!pramri $hel
primary health care team
ke !ti%m/ noun a group of professional medical
workers who have first contact with someone
needing medical attention and are responsible for
delivering a range of health care services. Abbre-
viation PHCT
primary medical care /!pramri $medk()l
primary medical care
!ke/ noun same as primary care
primary nurse /!pramri $n-%s/ noun a nurse
primary nurse
who is responsible for planning a persons nurs-
ing care in consultation with that person and his
or her family. In the absence of the primary nurse,
associate nurses provide care based on the plan
designed by the primary nurse.
primary nursing /!pramri $n-%s/ noun a
primary nursing
model of nursing that involves the delivery of
comprehensive, continuous, co-ordinated and
individualised patient care through a primary
nurse, who has autonomy, accountability and
authority in relation to his or her patients care
primary tooth /$pramri tu%/ noun any one
primary tooth
of the first twenty teeth which develop in children
between about six months and two-and-a-half
years of age, and are replaced by the permanent
teeth at around the age of six. Also called milk
tooth, deciduous tooth
primary tuberculosis /!pramri tju%
primary tuberculosis
|
!b-%kj$lss/ noun a persons first infection
|
with tuberculosis
primary tumour /!pramri $tju%m/ noun a
primary tumour
site of the original malignant growth from which
cancer spreads
prime /pram/ adjective 1. of the greatest impor-
prime
tance or the highest rank 2. of the highest quality
" noun the best state or period of something,
especially the most active and enjoyable period in
adult life " verb to make something ready for
use, or to become ready for use (NOTE: priming
primed)
prime mover /!pram $mu%v/ noun 1. same as
prime mover
agonist 2. somebody or something which has the
most influence over the starting of a process or
activity
primigravida /!pram$1r'vd/, primigravid
primigravida
patient /!pram$1r'vd !pe()nt/ noun a
|
woman who is pregnant for the first time (NOTE:
The plural is primigravidas or primigravidae.)
primipara /pra$mpr/ noun a woman who
primipara
has given birth to one child. Also called unipara
(NOTE: The plural is primiparas or primiparae.)
primordial /pra$m%dil/ adjective in the very
primordial
first stage of development
Nursing.fm Page 244 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

primordial follicle 244

primordial follicle /pra!m%dil $flk()l/ (nursing diagnosis), planning implementation

primordial follicle

noun the first stage of development of an ovarian (nursing intervention) and evaluation
follicle process /$prses/ noun 1. a technical or scien-
process

P-R interval /!pi% $%r !ntv()l/ noun the time tific action ! A new process for testing serum
P-R interval

recorded on an electrocardiogram between the
start of atrial activity and ventricular activity
prion /$pri%n/ noun a particle of protein which
prion
contains no nucleic acid, does not trigger an
immune response and is not destroyed by extreme
heat or cold. Prions are considered to be the
samples has been developed in the research labo-
ratory. 2. a projecting part of the body " verb 1.
to deal with a person or thing according to a
standard procedure 2. to examine or test samples
! The blood samples are being processed by the
laboratory.
prochlorperazine /!prkl%$perzi%n/ noun
prochlorperazine

agents responsible for scrapie, BSE, and Creut- |

zfeldt-Jakob disease. a drug used to control nausea and vomiting, and to

priority despatch /pra$rti d!sp't/ noun
priority despatch

| |
reduce the symptoms of Mnires disease,
the process of talking to people who need medical migraine and anxiety
procidentia /!prs$den/ noun movement
procidentia

help on the telephone in order to make sure that |

ambulances are sent to the most urgent cases first of an organ downwards
priority matrix /pra$rti !metrks/ noun a proct- /prkt/ prefix same as procto- (used
priority matrix proct-

way of trying to make sure that each community before vowels)

has a fair number of services for its particular proctalgia /prk$t'ld+/ noun pain in the
proctalgia

health needs lower rectum or anus, caused by neuralgia

private hospital /!pravt $hspt()l/ noun a
private hospital

proctalgia fugax /prk!t'ld+ $fju%1'ks/

proctalgia fugax

hospital which takes only paying patients noun a condition in which a person has sudden
private parts /$pravt p%ts/ plural noun the pains in the rectum during the night, usually
private parts

genital area (informal) Also called privates relieved by eating or drinking

private patient /!pravt $pe()nt/ noun a proctatresia /!prkt$tri%zi/ noun a condition
private patient proctatresia

patient who is paying for treatment and who is not in which the anus does not have an opening. Also
being treated under the National Health Service called imperforate anus
privates /$pravts/ plural noun same as pri- proctectasia /prktek$tezi/ noun a condi-
privates proctectasia

vate parts (informal) tion in which the rectum or anus is dilated

p.r.n. adverb (written on a prescription) as and
p.r.n.
when required. Full form pro re nata
because of continued constipation
proctectomy /prk$tektmi/ noun a surgical
proctectomy

pro- /pr/ prefix before or in front of

pro-
operation to remove the rectum (NOTE: The plural
is proctectomies.)
probe /prb/ noun an instrument used to
probe

proctitis /prk$tats/ noun inflammation of

proctitis

explore inside a cavity or wound " verb to inves- |

tigate the inside of something ! The surgeon the rectum

probed the wound with a scalpel. (NOTE: probing procto- /prkt/ prefix the anus or rectum
procto-

probed) proctocele /$prktsi%l/ noun same as rec-

proctocele

problem /$prblm/ noun 1. something which

problem

tocele
is difficult to find an answer to ! Scientists are proctocolectomy
proctocolectomy

/!prktk$lektmi/ |

trying to find a solution to the problem of drug-
related disease. 2. a medical disorder ! heart
problems # he has an alcohol problem or a
drugs problem he is addicted to alcohol or drugs
noun a surgical operation to remove the rectum
and the colon (NOTE: The plural is proctocolec-
tomies.)
proctocolitis /!prktk$lats/ noun inflam-
proctocolitis

3. an addiction to something ! has a drug prob- |

lem mation of the rectum and part of the colon

proctodynia /!prkt$dni/ noun a sensation
proctodynia

problem child /$prblm tald/ noun a child

problem child
|

who is difficult to control of pain in the anus

proctogram /$prkt1r'm/ noun an X-ray
proctogram

problem drinking /!prblm $drk/ noun

problem drinking

alcoholism or heavy drinking which has a bad photograph of the rectum taken after a contrast
effect on a persons behaviour or work agent is introduced
proctologist /prk$tld+st/ noun a special-
proctologist

problem-oriented record /!prblm

problem-oriented record
|

!%rientd $rek%d/ noun a record of patient care ist in proctology

proctology /prk$tld+i/ noun the scientific
proctology

which links patients clinical data with their prob- |

lems, so that all aspects of the care process are study of the rectum and anus and their associated
focused on resolving those problems diseases
problem-solving approach /$prblm proctorrhaphy /prk$t%rfi/ noun a surgical
problem-solving approach proctorrhaphy

!slv !prt/ noun the provision of nursing

| operation to stitch up a tear in the rectum or anus
care based on assessment, problem identification (NOTE: The plural is proctorrhaphies.)
Nursing.fm Page 245 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

245 prolapse

proctoscope /$prktskp/ noun a surgical progeria /pr$d+ri/ noun a condition of

proctoscope progeria

instrument consisting of a long tube with a light in premature ageing. Also called Hutchinson-Gil-
the end, used to examine the rectum ford syndrome
proctoscopy /prk$tskpi/ noun an exami- progesterone /pr$d+estrn/ noun a hor-
proctoscopy progesterone

| |

nation of the rectum using a proctoscope (NOTE: mone which is produced in the second part of the
The plural is proctoscopies.) menstrual cycle by the corpus luteum and which
proctosigmoiditis /!prkt!s1m$dats/
proctosigmoiditis

| |
stimulates the formation of the placenta if an
noun inflammation of the rectum and the sigmoid ovum is fertilised (NOTE: Progesterone is also
colon produced by the placenta itself.)
progestogen /pr$d+estd+n/ noun any sub-
progestogen

proctotomy /prk$ttmi/ noun a surgical

proctotomy
|

stance which has the same effect as progesterone

|

operation to divide a structure of the rectum or

prognathic jaw /pr1!n'k $d+%/ noun a
prognathic jaw

anus (NOTE: The plural is proctotomies.) |

prodromal /pr$drm()l/ adjective occur-

prodromal

|
jaw which protrudes further than the other
prognathism /$pr1niz()m/ noun a condi-
prognathism

ring between the appearance of the first symp-

toms of a disease and the major effect, e.g. a fever tion in which one jaw, especially the lower jaw, or
or rash both jaws protrude
prognosis /pr1$nss/ noun an opinion of
prognosis

prodromal rash /pr!drm()l $r'/ noun a

prodromal rash

|
|

rash which appears as a symptom of a disease how a disease or disorder will develop ! This
before the major rash cancer has a prognosis of about two years. ! The
prodrome /$prdrm/, prodroma /pr
prodrome
prognosis is not good. (NOTE: The plural is prog-
noses.)
|

$drm/ noun an early symptom of an attack of

progressive /pr$1resv/ adjective developing
progressive

a disease |

all the time ! Alzheimers disease is a progres-

productive cough /pr!d.ktv $kf/ noun a
productive cough

sive disorder which sees a gradual decline in

|

cough where phlegm is produced

intellectual functioning.
profession /pr$fe()n/ noun a type of job for
profession

progressive deafness /pr!1resv $defns/

progressive deafness
|

which special training is needed

|

noun a condition, common in people as they get

professional /pr$fe()nl/ adjective refer-
professional

|
older, in which a person gradually becomes more
ring to a profession and more deaf
professional body /pr!fe()nl $bdi/
professional body

progressive muscular atrophy /pr!1resv

progressive muscular atrophy

|
|

noun an organisation which acts for all the mem- !m.skjl $'trfi/ noun muscular dystrophy,
bers of a profession with progressive weakening of the muscles, par-
Professional Conduct Committee /pr ticularly in the pelvic and shoulder girdles
Professional Conduct Committee

!fe()n()l $knd.kt k!mti/ noun a commit- proguanil /pr$1w'nl/ noun a drug used in
proguanil

| |

tee of the General Medical Council which decides the prevention and treatment of malaria
on cases of professional misconduct. Abbrevia- project /pr$d+ekt/ verb to protrude or stick out
project

tion PCC
|

Project 2000 /!prd+ekt tu% $az()nd/ noun

Project 2000

Professional Executive Committee /pr

Professional Executive Committee

|
a revision of nursing education introduced by the
!fe()nl 1$zekjtv k!mti/ noun full form
| |
UKCC in 1989. It included new courses which
of PEC prepare individuals to work in all settings, both in
profile /$prfal/ noun 1. a brief description of
profile

hospitals and in the community, and gave a stu-

the characteristics of a person or thing 2. a set of dent the ability to qualify as a midwife without
data, usually in graph or table form, which indi- first qualifying as a nurse and the chance to gain
cates to what extent something has the same char- specialist qualifications in all areas of practice.
acteristics as a group tested or considered stand- projection /pr$d+ekn/ noun 1. a part of the
projection

ard 3. the amount that other people notice body which sticks out or stands out. Also called
somebody or something " verb to give a short prominence. Compare promontory 2. (in psy-
description or assessment of somebody or some- chology) mental action in which a person blames
thing (NOTE: profiling profiled) another person for his or her own faults
profunda /pr$f.nd/ adjective referring to
profunda

prolactin /pr$l'ktn/ noun a hormone

prolactin
|
|

blood vessels which lie deep in tissues secreted by the pituitary gland which stimulates
profundaplasty /pr$f.ndpl'sti/ noun a
profundaplasty

| the production of milk. Also called lactogenic

surgical operation to widen a junction of the fem- hormone
oral artery, in order to relieve narrowing by prolapse /$prl'ps/ noun a condition in
prolapse

atherosclerosis (NOTE: The plural is profunda- which an organ has moved downwards out of its
plasties.) usual position " verb to move downwards out of
progeny /$prd+ni/ noun a persons child or
progeny

the usual position (NOTE: prolapsing pro-

children (NOTE: Takes a singular or plural verb.) lapsed)
Nursing.fm Page 246 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

prolapsed intervertebral disc 246

prolapsed intervertebral disc /pr!l'pst proprietary name /pr!prat()ri $nem/

prolapsed intervertebral disc proprietary name

| |

nt!v-%tbrl $dsk/ noun a condition in which

| noun a trade name for a drug
an intervertebral disc becomes displaced or where proprioception /!prpri$sepn/ noun the
proprioception

the soft centre of a disc passes through the hard reaction of nerves to body movements and the
cartilage of the exterior and presses onto a nerve. relaying of information about movements to the
Abbreviation PID. Also called slipped disc brain
prolapse of the rectum /!prl'ps v
prolapse of the rectum

proprioceptor /!prpri$sept/ noun the end

proprioceptor

$rektm/ noun a condition in which mucous

|

of a sensory nerve which reacts to stimuli from

membrane of the rectum moves downwards and muscles and tendons as they move
passes through the anus
proptosis /prp$tss/ noun forward dis-
proptosis

prolapse of the uterus /!prl'ps v

prolapse of the uterus |

placement of the eyeball

$ju%trs/, prolapse of the womb /!prl'ps
prosop- /prsp/, prosopo- /prsp/ prefix
prosop-

v $wu%m/ noun a movement of the uterus

downwards due to weakening of the structures of referring to the face
the pelvic floor, e.g. because of age or a difficult prostaglandin /!prst$1l'ndn/ noun any of
prostaglandin

childbirth. Also called metroptosis, prolapsed a class of unsaturated fatty acids found in all
uterus, uterine prolapse mammals which control smooth muscle contrac-
proliferate /pr$lfret/ verb to produce many
proliferate

|
tion, inflammation and body temperature, are
similar cells or parts, and so grow (NOTE: prolif- associated with the sensation of pain and have an
erating proliferated) effect on the nervous system, blood pressure and
proliferation /pr!lf$re()n/ noun the proc-
proliferation

| |
in particular the uterus at menstruation
prostate /$prstet/ noun same as prostate
prostate

ess of proliferating
promethazine /pr$mezi%n/ noun an anti-
promethazine

|
gland (NOTE: Do not confuse with prostrate.) #
histamine drug used in the treatment of allergies prostate trouble inflammation or enlargement of
and motion sickness the prostate gland (informal)
prostate cancer /$prstet !k'ns/ noun a
prostate cancer

prominence /$prmnns/ noun a part of the

prominence

body which sticks out or stands out. Also called malignant tumour of the prostate gland, found
projection. Compare promontory especially in men over 55
prostatectomy /!prst$tektmi/ noun a sur-
prostatectomy

promontory /$prmnt()ri/ noun a section of

promontory
|

an organ, especially the middle ear and sacrum gical operation to remove all or part of the pros-
which stands out above the rest. Compare projec- tate gland (NOTE: The plural is prostatecto-
tion, prominence mies.)
prostate gland /$prstet 1l'nd/ noun an O-
prostate gland

pronation /pr$ne()n/ noun the act of turn-

pronation

ing the hand round so that the palm faces down- shaped gland in males which surrounds the ure-
wards. Opposite supination. See illustration at thra below the bladder and secretes a fluid con-
ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement taining enzymes into the sperm. See illustration at
pronator /pr$net/ noun a muscle which
pronator

|
UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement.
makes the hand turn face downwards Also called prostate
prone /prn/ adjective lying face downwards.
prone
COMMENT: As a man grows older, the pros-
Opposite supine tate gland tends to enlarge and constrict the
point at which the urethra leaves the bladder,
prophase /$prfez/ noun the first stage of
prophase

making it difficult to pass urine.

mitosis when the chromosomes are visible as long
prostatic /pr$st'tk/ adjective referring to or
prostatic

thin double threads |

belonging to the prostate gland

prophylactic /!prf$l'ktk/ noun a substance
prophylactic

prostatic hypertrophy /pr!st'tk ha

| prostatic hypertrophy

which helps to prevent the development of a dis- | |

ease " adjective preventive $p-%trfi/ noun an enlargement of the prostate

gland
prophylaxis /!prf$l'kss/ noun the preven-
prophylaxis

prostatitis /!prst$tats/ noun inflammation

prostatitis

tion of disease (NOTE: The plural is prophy- |

laxes.) of the prostate gland

prostatorrhoea /!prstt$ri%/ noun dis-
prostatorrhoea

propranolol /pr$p'nll/ noun a drug that

propranolol
|
|

slows heart rate and heart output, used in the treat- charge of fluid from the prostate gland (NOTE:
ment of angina pectoris, irregular heart rhythms, The US spelling is prostatorrhea.)
migraine and high blood pressure prosthesis /prs$i%ss/ noun a device which is
prosthesis

proprietary /pr$prat()ri/ adjective belong- attached to the body to take the place of a part
proprietary

ing to a commercial company which is missing, e.g. an artificial leg or glass eye
proprietary medicine
proprietary medicine

/pr!prat()ri |
(NOTE: The plural is prostheses.)
$med()s()n/, proprietary drug /pr prosthetic /prs$etk/ adjective replacing a
prosthetic

| |

!prat()ri $dr.1/ noun a drug which is sold part of the body which has been amputated or
under a trade name. ! patent medicine removed ! He was fitted with a prosthetic hand.
Nursing.fm Page 247 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

247 prurigo

prosthetic dentistry /prs!etk $dentstri/ which needs Vitamin K to be effective. Also

prosthetic dentistry

noun the branch of dentistry which deals with called Factor II

replacing missing teeth parts of the jaw, and fit- prothrombin time /pr$rmbn tam/ noun
prothrombin time

ting dentures, bridges and crowns. Also called the time taken in Quick test for clotting to take
prosthodontics place
prosthodontics /!prs$dntks/ noun same proto- /prt/ prefix first or at the beginning
prosthodontics proto-

as prosthetic dentistry (NOTE: Takes a singular proton pump /$prtn p.mp/ noun an
proton pump

verb.) enzyme system within the gastric mucosa that

prostrate /$prstret/ adjective lying face
prostrate

secretes gastric acids ! The drug acts on the pro-

down (NOTE: Do not confuse with prostate.) ton pump mechanism.
prostration /pr$stre()n/ noun extreme proton-pump inhibitor /$prtn p.mp n
prostration proton-pump inhibitor

| |

tiredness of body or mind !hbt/ noun a drug which suppresses the final
protamine /$prtmi%n/ noun a simple protein
protamine
stage of gastric acid secretion by the proton pump
found in fish, used with insulin to slow down the in the gastric mucosa
insulin absorption rate protoplasm /$prt!pl'z()m/ noun a sub-
protoplasm

protanopia /!prt$npi/ noun same as

protanopia

|
stance like a jelly which makes up the largest part
Daltonism of each cell
protozoa /!prt$z/ plural of protozoon
protozoa

protease /$prtiez/ noun a digestive enzyme

protease
|

which breaks down protein in food by splitting protozoan /!prt$zn/ adjective referring
protozoan

the peptide link. Also called proteolytic enzyme to protozoa

Protection of Children Act 1999 /pr protozoon /!prt$zn/ noun a tiny simple
Protection of Children Act 1999 protozoon

| |

!tekn v $tldrn !'kt/ noun in the UK, an
Act of Parliament to protect children by restrict-
ing the employment of certain nurses, teachers or
other workers whose jobs bring them into contact
with children, on grounds such as misconduct or
health
organism with a single cell (NOTE: The plural is
protozoa or protozoons.)
COMMENT: Parasitic protozoa can cause
several diseases, including amoebiasis, ma-
laria and other tropical diseases.
protuberance /pr$tju%b()rns/ noun a
protuberance

protective isolation /pr!tektv !as

protective isolation

| | rounded part of the body which projects above the

$le()n/ noun a set of procedures used to protect rest
people who have impaired resistance to infectious proud flesh /!prad $fle/ noun new vessels
proud flesh

disease, e.g. those with leukemia and lymphoma, and young fibrous tissue which form when a
Aids and graft patients. Also called reverse iso- wound, incision or lesion is healing
lation
provider /pr$vad/ noun a hospital which
provider

protein /$prti%n/ noun a nitrogen compound

protein |

provides secondary care which is paid for by

which is present in and is an essential part of all another body such as a PCG or social services. !
living cells in the body, formed by the linking of purchaser
amino acids
provitamin /pr$vtmn/ noun a chemical
provitamin

protein balance /$prti%n !b'lns/ noun a

protein balance |

compound which is converted to a vitamin during

situation when the nitrogen intake in protein is usual biochemical processes, e.g. the amino acid
equal to the excretion rate in the urine tryptophan, which is converted to niacin, and beta
protein-bound iodine /!prti%n band
protein-bound iodine

carotene, which is converted into vitamin A

$adi%n/ noun a compound of thyroxine and proximal /$prksm()l/ adjective near the mid-
proximal

iodine line, the central part of the body

protein-bound iodine test /!prti%n band
protein-bound iodine test

proximal convoluted tubule /!prksm()l

proximal convoluted tubule

$adi%n test/ noun a test to measure if the thy-
roid gland is producing adequate quantities of
thyroxine. Abbreviation PBI test
protein deficiency /$prti%n d!f()nsi/
protein deficiency
!knvlu%td $tju%bju%l/ noun a part of the kid-
ney filtering system between the loop of Henle
and the glomerulus

proximal interphalangeal joint

proximal interphalangeal joint
|

noun a lack of enough proteins in the diet /!prksm()l !ntf$l'nd+il !d+nt/ noun a |

proteinuria /!prt$njri/ noun a condition

proteinuria

| joint nearest the point of attachment of a finger or

in which there are proteins in the urine toe. Abbreviation PIP
proteose /$prtis/ noun a water-soluble proximally /$prksmli/ adverb further towards
proteose proximally

compound formed during hydrolytic processes the centre or point of attachment. Opposite dis-
such as digestion tally. See illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in
Proteus /$prtis/ noun a genus of bacteria
Proteus
Supplement
commonly found in the intestines Prozac /$prz'k/ a trade name for fluoxetine
Prozac

prothrombin /pr$rmbn/ noun a protein prurigo /pru$ra1/ noun an itchy eruption of

prothrombin prurigo

| |

in blood which helps blood to coagulate and papules

Nursing.fm Page 248 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

pruritus 248

pruritus /pru$rats/ noun an irritation of the psilosis /sa$lss/ noun a disease of the small
pruritus psilosis

| |

skin which makes a person want to scratch. Also intestine which prevents a person from absorbing
called itching food properly. Also called sprue
pruritus ani /pru!rats $ena/ noun itching psoas major /!s's $med+/ noun a muscle
pruritus ani psoas major

round the anal orifice in the groin which flexes the hip
pruritus vulvae /pru!rats $v.lvi%/ noun psoas minor /!s's $man/ noun a small
pruritus vulvae psoas minor

itching round the vulva muscle similar to the psoas major but not always
pseud- /sju%d/ prefix same as pseudo- (used
pseud-
present
psoriasis /s$rass/ noun a common inflam-
psoriasis

before vowels) |

pseudarthrosis /!sju%d%$rss/ noun a

pseudarthrosis

|
matory skin disease where red patches of skin are
false joint, as when the two broken ends of a frac- covered with white scales
psoriatic /!s%ri$'tk/ adjective referring to
psoriatic

tured bone do not bind together but heal sepa- |

rately (NOTE: The plural is pseudarthroses.) psoriasis

pseudo- /sju%d/ prefix similar to something psoriatic arthritis /!s%ri'tk %$rats/
pseudo- psoriatic arthritis

but not the same noun a form of psoriasis which is associated with
pseudoangina /!sju%d'n$d+an/ noun
pseudoangina

|
arthritis
psych- /sak/ prefix same as psycho- (used
psych-

pain in the chest, caused by worry but not indicat-

ing heart disease before vowels)
pseudocrisis /$sju%d!krass/ noun a sud- psyche /$saki/ noun the mind
pseudocrisis psyche

den fall in the temperature of a person with fever psychedelic /!sak$delk/ adjective referring
psychedelic

which does not mark the end of the fever to drugs such as LSD which expand a persons
pseudocroup /!sju%d$kru%p/ noun same as consciousness
pseudocroup

laryngismus psychiatric /!saki$'trk/ adjective referring

psychiatric

pseudocyesis /!sju%dsa$i%ss/ noun a con- to psychiatry ! He is undergoing psychiatric

pseudocyesis

dition in which a woman has the physical symp- treatment.

toms of pregnancy but is not pregnant. Also called psychiatric hospital /!saki$'trk
psychiatric hospital

phantom pregnancy, pseudopregnancy !hspt()l/ noun a hospital which specialises in

pseudocyst /$sju%dsst/ noun a false cyst the treatment of patients with mental disorders
pseudocyst

psychiatrist /sa$katrst/ noun a doctor who

psychiatrist

pseudogynaecomastia /!sju%d!1ank
pseudogynaecomastia
|
| |

$m'sti/ noun enlargement of the male breast specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of men-
because of extra fatty tissue (NOTE: The US spell- tal and behavioural disorders
ing is pseudogynecomastia.) psychiatry /sa$katri/ noun a branch of med-
psychiatry

pseudohermaphroditism
pseudohermaphroditism

/!sju%dh-% |
icine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment
$m'frdatz()m/ noun a condition in which a of mental and behavioural disorders
person has either ovaries or testes but external psychic /$sakk/, psychical /$sakk()l/
psychic

genitalia that are not clearly of either sex adjective 1. referring to a person who is suppos-
pseudohypertrophy /!sju%dha$p-%trfi/
pseudohypertrophy

|
edly able to guess thoughts which people have not
noun an overgrowth of fatty or fibrous tissue in a expressed, or to foresee the future 2. relating to or
part or organ, which results in the part or organ originating in the human mind
being enlarged psycho- /sak/ prefix referring to the mind
psycho-

pseudomonad /!sju%d$mnd/ noun a psychoanalysis /!sak$n'lss/ noun a

pseudomonad psychoanalysis

| |

rod-shaped bacterium which lives in soil or form of treatment for mental disorders in which a
decomposing organic material and can cause dis- specialist and patient talk and together analyse the
ease in plants and sometimes in humans patients condition and past events which may
Pseudomonas /!su%d$mns/ noun "
Pseudomonas

|
have contributed to it
pseudomonad psychoanalyst /!sak$'n()lst/ noun a
psychoanalyst

pseudo-obstruction /!sju%d b$str.kn/

pseudo-obstruction

|
person who is trained in psychoanalysis
noun a condition in which symptoms such as psychodrama /$sak!dr%m/ noun a type
psychodrama

stomach cramps, nausea and bloating indicate a of psychotherapy in which patients act out roles in
blockage in the intestines although no blockage dramas illustrating their emotional problems, in
exists front of other patients
pseudoplegia /!sju%d$pli%d+/, pseudopa- psychodynamics /!sakda$n'mks/ noun
pseudoplegia psychodynamics

| |

ralysis /!sju%dp$r'lss/ noun loss of mus-

| the study of how the forces which affect human
cular power in the limbs without true paralysis behaviour and mental states work, especially on a
pseudopolyposis
pseudopolyposis

/!sju%dpli$pss/ |
subconscious level
noun a condition in which polyps are found in psychogenic /!sak$d+enk/, psychoge-
psychogenic

many places in the intestine, usually resulting netic /!sakd+$netk/, psychogenous /sa| |

from an earlier infection $kd+ns/ adjective referring to an illness

Nursing.fm Page 249 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

249 ptyalin
which starts in the mind, rather than in a physical psychosexual /!sak$sekul/ adjective
psychosexual

state relating to the mental and emotional aspects of

psychogeriatrics /!sakd+eri$'trks/ sexuality and sexual development
psychogeriatrics

noun the study of the mental disorders of the late psychosexual development /!sak
psychosexual development

stages of the natural life span !sekul d$velpmnt/ noun the development
|

psychological /!sak$ld+k()l/ adjective

psychological

|
of human personality in stages based upon the
referring to psychology, or caused by a mental ability to experience sexual pleasure, and the way
state in which sexuality plays a role in a persons life
psychosis /sa$kss/ noun any serious men-
psychosis

psychological dependence /!sak

psychological dependence
|
|

!ld+k()l d$pendns/, psychological drug

|
tal disorder in which a person has a distorted per-
dependence /!sak!ld+k()l $dr.1 d | |
ception of reality (NOTE: The plural is psycho-
!pendns/ noun a state in which a person is ses.)
addicted to a drug such as cannabis or alcohol but psychosocial /!sak$s()l/ adjective
psychosocial

does not suffer physical effects if he or she stops relating to the interaction of psychological and
taking it social factors
psychologist /sa$kld+st/ noun a person psychosomatic /!saks$m'tk/ adjective
psychologist psychosomatic

| |

who specialises in the study of the mind and men- referring to the relationship between body and
tal processes mind
psychology /sa$kld+i/ noun the study of the psychosurgery /!sak$s-%d+ri/ noun brain
psychology psychosurgery

| |

mind and mental processes surgery, used as a treatment for psychological dis-
psychometrics /!sak$metrks/ noun a way
psychometrics

|
orders
psychosurgical /!sak$s-%d+k()l/ adjec-
psychosurgical

of measuring intelligence and personality in |

which the result is shown as a number on a scale tive referring to psychosurgery

psychotherapeutic /!saker$pju%tk/
psychotherapeutic

psychomotor /!sak$mt/ adjective refer-

psychomotor
|
|

ring to muscle movements caused by mental adjective referring to psychotherapy

activity psychotherapist /!sak$erpst/ noun a
psychotherapist

psychoneuroimmunology
psychoneuroimmunology

/!sak |
person trained to give psychotherapy
!njr!mj$nld+i/ noun a branch of medi- psychotherapy /!sak$erpi/ noun the
psychotherapy

| |

cine which deals with how emotions affect the treatment of mental disorders by psychological
immune system methods, as when a psychotherapist encourages a
psychoneurosis /!saknj$rss/ noun
psychoneurosis

|
person to talk about his or her problems. ! ther-
any of a group of mental disorders in which a per- apy
psychotic /sa$ktk/ adjective referring to
psychotic

son has a faulty response to the stresses of life. ! |

neurosis (NOTE: The plural is psychoneuro- psychosis

ses.) psychotropic /!sak$trpk/ adjective refer-
psychotropic

psychopath /$sakp'/ noun a person with a ring to a drug such as a stimulant or sedative
psychopath

long-term mental disorder characterised by anti- which affects a persons mood

social and often violent behaviour pterion /$trin/ noun the point on the side of
pterion

psychopathic /!sak$p'k/ adjective refer- the skull where the frontal, temporal parietal and
psychopathic

ring to psychopaths or psychopathy sphenoid bones meet

pteroylglutamic acid /!teral1lu%!t'mk
pteroylglutamic acid

psychopathological /!sakp'
psychopathological
|
|

$ld+k()l/ adjective referring to psychopathol- $'sd/ noun same as folic acid

ogy pterygium /t$rd+im/ noun a degenerative
pterygium

psychopathology /!sakp$ld+i/ noun a

psychopathology

|
condition in which a triangular growth of con-
branch of medicine concerned with the pathology junctiva covers part of the cornea, with its apex
of mental disorders and diseases towards the pupil
pterygo- /ter1/ suffix the pterygoid process
pterygo-

psychopathy /sa$kpi/ noun any disease of

psychopathy

pterygoid process /$ter1d !prses/ noun

pterygoid process

the mind (NOTE: The plural is psychopathies.)

psychopharmacology
psychopharmacology

/!sak!f%m | |
one of two projecting parts on the sphenoid bone
$kld+i/ noun the study of the actions and appli- ptosis /$tss/ noun prolapse of an organ
ptosis

cations of drugs which have a powerful effect on -ptosis /tss/ suffix prolapse
-ptosis

the mind and behaviour PTSD abbreviation post-traumatic stress disor-

PTSD

psychophysiological /!sak!fzi
psychophysiological

| | der
$ld+k()l/ adjective referring to psychophysiol- ptyal- /tal/ prefix same as ptyalo- (used
ptyal-

ogy before vowels)

psychophysiology /!sak!fzi$ld+i/
psychophysiology

ptyalin /$taln/ noun an enzyme in saliva

ptyalin
| |

noun the physiology of the mind and its functions which cleanses the mouth and converts starch into
psychoses /sa$ksi%z/ plural of psychosis sugar
psychoses

|
Nursing.fm Page 250 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
ptyalism
ptyalism /$talz()m/ noun the production of
ptyalism
an excessive amount of saliva
ptyalith /$tal/ noun same as sialolith
ptyalith
ptyalo- /tal/ prefix referring to saliva
ptyalo-
pubertal /$pju%bt()l/, puberal /$pju%brl/
pubertal
adjective referring to puberty
puberty /$pju%bti/ noun 1. the physical and
puberty
psychological changes which take place when
childhood ends and adolescence and sexual matu-
rity begin and the sex glands become active 2. the
time when these changes take place
pubes1 /$pju%bi%z/ noun the part of the body just
pubes
above the groin, where the pubic bones are found
pubes2 /$pju%bi%z/ plural of pubis
pubes
pubic /$pju%bk/ adjective referring to the area
pubic
near the genitals
pubic bone /$pju%bk bn/ noun the bone in
pubic bone
front of the pelvis. Also called pubis. See illus-
tration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supple-
ment
pubic hair /!pju%bk $he/ noun tough hair
pubic hair
growing in the genital region
pubic louse /!pju%bk $las/ noun also called
pubic louse
Pediculus pubis
pubic symphysis /!pju%bk $smfss/ noun a
pubic symphysis
piece of cartilage which joins the two sections of
the pubic bone. Also called symphysis pubis
COMMENT: In a pregnant woman, the pubic
symphysis stretches to allow the pelvic gir-
dle to expand so that there is room for the
baby to pass through.
pubiotomy /!pju%bi$tmi/ noun a surgical
pubiotomy
operation to divide the pubic bone during labour,
in order to make the pelvis wide enough for the
child to be born safely (NOTE: The plural is pubi-
otomies.)
pubis /$pju%bs/ noun a bone forming the front
pubis
part of the pelvis. See illustration at PELVIS in
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is pubes.)
public health /!p.blk $hel/ noun the study of
public health
illness, health and disease in the community
public health laboratory service /!p.blk
public health laboratory service
!hel l$brt()ri !s-%vs/ noun in the UK, a
|
former service of the NHS which detected, diag-
nosed and monitored suspected cases of infec-
tious disease in a countrywide network of labora-
tories. Abbreviation PHLS
public health medicine /!p.blk !hel
public health medicine
$med()s()n/ noun the branch of medicine con-
cerned with health and disease in populations,
with the responsibilities of monitoring health,
identification of health needs, development of
policies which promote health and evaluation of
health services
public health nurse /!p.blk !hel $n-%s/
public health nurse
noun a nurse such as a school nurse, health visitor
or other community nurse who monitors health
and works to prevent illness in community situa-
tions
250
public health physician /!p.blk !hel f
public health physician
$z()n/ noun a consultant who has special train-
ing in public health medicine
pudenda /pju%$dend/ plural of pudendum
pudenda
pudendal /pju%$dend()l/ adjective referring to
pudendal
the pudendum
pudendal block /pju%!dend()l $blk/ noun
pudendal block
an operation to anaesthetise the pudendum during
childbirth
pudendum /pju%$dendm/ noun an external
pudendum
genital organ of a woman (NOTE: The plural is
pudenda.)
puerpera /pju$-%p()r/ noun a woman who
puerpera
has recently given birth, or is giving birth, and
whose uterus is still distended (NOTE: The plural
is puerperae.)
puerperal /pju$-%p()rl/ adjective referring to
puerperal
the puerperium
puerperal infection /pju!-%p()rl n
puerperal infection
| |
$fekn/, puerperal fever /pju!-%p()rl $fi%v/ |
noun an infection of the uterus and genital tract
after the birth of a baby, which is more common
in women who have had a caesarean section. It
causes a high fever, and occasionally sepsis,
which can be fatal and was commonly so in the
past. Also called postpartum fever
puerperalism /pju$-%p()rlz()m/ noun an
puerperalism
|
illness of a baby or its mother resulting from or
associated with childbirth
puerperium /!pju%$prim/ noun a period of
puerperium
about six weeks which follows immediately after
the birth of a child, during which the mothers
sexual organs recover from childbirth
puerperous /pju$-%prs/ adjective same as
puerperous
puerperal
puke /pju%k/ verb same as vomit (informal)
puke
pull /pl/ verb to make a muscle move in a wrong
pull
direction ! He pulled a muscle in his back. # to
pull the plug to switch off life support (informal)
" # to pull yourself together to become calmer
! Although he was very angry he soon pulled
himself together.
pull through /!pl $ru%/ verb to recover from a
pull through
serious illness (informal) ! The doctor says she is
strong and should pull through.
pulmo- /p.lm/, pulmon- /p.lmn/ prefix
pulmo-
referring to the lungs
pulmonary /$p.lmn()ri/ adjective referring
pulmonary
to the lungs
pulmonary artery /!p.lmn()ri $%tri/
pulmonary artery
noun one of the two arteries which take deoxy-
genated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxy-
genation. See illustration at HEART in Supple-
ment
pulmonary circulation /!p.lmn()ri
pulmonary circulation
!s-%kj$le()n/ noun the circulation of blood
|
from the heart through the pulmonary arteries to
the lungs for oxygenation and back to the heart
Nursing.fm Page 251 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
251
through the pulmonary veins. Also called lesser
circulation
pulmonary embolism /!p.lmn()ri
pulmonary embolism
$emblz()m/ noun a blockage of a pulmonary
artery by a blood clot. Abbreviation PE
pulmonary hypertension /!p.lmn()ri
pulmonary hypertension
!hap$tenn/ noun high blood pressure in the
| times the pulse beats per minute
blood vessels supplying blood to the lungs
pulmonary insufficiency /!p.lmn()ri
pulmonary insufficiency
!ns$f()nsi/, pulmonary incompetence
|
/!p.lmn()ri n$kmpt()ns/ noun a condition
|
characterised by dilatation of the main pulmonary
artery and stretching of the valve ring, due to pul-
monary hypertension
pulmonary oedema /!p.lmn()ri $di%m/
pulmonary oedema
|
noun the collection of fluid in the lungs, as occurs
in left-sided heart failure
pulmonary stenosis /!p.lmn()ri ste
pulmonary stenosis
| punch drunk syndrome
$nss/ noun a condition in which the opening to
the pulmonary artery in the right ventricle
becomes narrow
pulmonary tuberculosis /!p.lmn()ri tju%
pulmonary tuberculosis
|
!b-%kj$lss/ noun tuberculosis in the lungs,
| puncta
which makes the person lose weight, cough blood
and have a fever
pulmonary valve /$p.lmn()ri v'lv/ noun a
pulmonary valve
valve at the opening of the pulmonary artery
pulmonary vein /$p.lmn()ri ven/ noun
pulmonary vein
one of the four veins which carry oxygenated
blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the
heart. See illustration at HEART in Supplement
(NOTE: The pulmonary veins are the only veins
which carry oxygenated blood.)
pulmonectomy /!p.lm$nektmi/ noun same
pulmonectomy
|
as pneumonectomy (NOTE: The plural is pul-
monectomies.)
pulp /p.lp/ noun soft tissue, especially when
pulp
surrounded by hard tissue as in the inside of a
tooth
pulp cavity /$p.lp !k'vti/ noun the central
pulp cavity
part of a tooth containing soft tissue
pulsation /p.l$se()n/ noun the action of
pulsation
| pupillary
beating regularly, e.g. the visible pulse which can
be seen under the skin in some parts of the body
pulse /p.ls/ noun the regular expansion and
pulse
contraction of an artery caused by the heart pump-
ing blood through the body, which can be felt with
the fingers especially where an artery is near the
surface of the body, as in the wrist or neck ! Her
pulse is very irregular. # to take or feel a per-
sons pulse to measure a persons pulse rate by
pressing on the skin above an artery with the fin-
gers ! Has the patients pulse been taken?
pulseless /$p.lsls/ adjective referring to a
pulseless
person who has no pulse because the heart is beat-
ing very weakly
pulse oximetry /!p.ls k$smtri/ noun a
pulse oximetry
method of measuring the oxygen content of arte-
rial blood
purine
pulse point /$p.ls pnt/ noun a place on the
pulse point
body where the pulse can be taken
pulse pressure /$p.ls !pre/ noun the differ-
pulse pressure
ence between the diastolic and systolic pressure.
! Corrigans pulse
pulse rate /$p.ls ret/ noun the number of
pulse rate
pulsus /$p.lss/ noun same as pulse
pulsus
pulsus alternans /!p.lss $%ltn'nz/ noun a
pulsus alternans
pulse with a beat which is alternately strong and
weak
pulsus bigeminus /!p.lss ba$1emns/
pulsus bigeminus
|
noun a double pulse, with an extra ectopic beat
pulsus paradoxus /!p.lss !p'r$dkss/
pulsus paradoxus
|
noun a condition in which there is a sharp fall in
the pulse when the person breathes in
pulvis /$p.lvs/ noun powder
pulvis
punch drunk syndrome /!p.nt $dr.k
!sndrm/ noun a condition affecting a person,
usually a boxer, who has been hit on the head
many times and develops impaired mental facul-
ties, trembling limbs and speech disorders
puncta /$p.kt/ plural of punctum
puncta lacrimalia /!p.kt !l'kr$meli/
puncta lacrimalia
|
plural noun small openings at the corners of the
eyes through which tears drain into the nose
punctate /$p.ktet/ adjective referring to tis-
punctate
sue or a surface which has tiny spots, holes or
dents in it
punctum /$p.ktm/ noun a point (NOTE: The
punctum
plural is puncta.)
puncture /$p.kt/ noun a neat hole made by
puncture
a sharp instrument " verb to make a hole in tissue
with a sharp instrument (NOTE: puncturing
punctured)
puncture wound /$p.kt wu%nd/ noun a
puncture wound
wound made by a sharp instrument which makes
a hole in the tissue
pupil /$pju%p()l/ noun the central opening in the
pupil
iris of the eye, through which light enters the eye.
See illustration at EYE in Supplement
pupillary /$pju%plri/ adjective referring to the
pupil
pupillary reaction /!pju%plri ri$'kn/
pupillary reaction
|
noun a reflex of the pupil of the eye which con-
tracts when exposed to bright light. Also called
light reflex
purchaser /$p-%ts/ noun a body, usually a
purchaser
PCG, which commissions health care and man-
ages the budget to pay for the service. ! provider
purgation /p-%$1e()n/ noun the use of a drug
purgation
to cause a bowel movement
purgative /$p-%1tv/ noun a drug used to
purgative
empty the bowels. ! laxative
purine /$pjri%n/ noun 1. a nitrogen-containing
purine
substance derived from uric acid which is the par-
ent compound of several biologically important
substances 2. a derivative of purine, especially
Nursing.fm Page 252 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

Purkinje cells 252

either of the bases adenine and guanine, which are pyelo- /pal/ prefix referring to the pelvis of
pyelo-

found in RNA and DNA the kidney

Purkinje cells /p$knd+i selz/ plural noun pyelocystitis
Purkinje cells

/!pals$stats/
pyelocystitis

| noun |

neurones in the cerebellar cortex [Described inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney and the
1837. After Johannes Evangelista Purkinje urinary bladder
(17871869), Professor of Physiology at Bre- pyelogram /$pal1r'm/ noun an X-ray pho-
pyelogram

slau, now in Poland, and then Prague, Czech tograph of a kidney and the urinary tract
Republic.]
pyelography /!pa$l1rfi/ noun X-ray exam-
pyelography

Purkinje fibres /p$knd+i !fabz/ plural

Purkinje fibres

|
ination of a kidney after introduction of a contrast
noun a bundle of fibres which form the atrioven- medium
tricular bundle and pass from the atrioventricular pyelolithotomy /!pall$tmi/ noun a
pyelolithotomy

node to the septum [Described 1839. After

|

surgical operation to remove a stone from the pel-

Johannes Evangelista Purkinje (17871869),
vis of the kidney (NOTE: The plural is pyelo-
Professor of Physiology at Breslau, now in
lithotomies.)
Poland, and then Prague, Czech Republic.]
pyelonephritis /!paln$frats/ noun
pyelonephritis

Purkinje shift /p$knd+i ft/ noun the

Purkinje shift |

|
inflammation of the kidney and the pelvis of the
change in colour sensitivity which takes place in kidney
the eye in low light when the eye starts using the
pyeloplasty /$palpl'sti/ noun any surgical
pyeloplasty

rods in the retina because the light is too weak to

stimulate the cones operation on the pelvis of the kidney (NOTE: The
plural is pyeloplasties.)
purpura /$p-%pjr/ noun a purple colouring on
purpura

pyelotomy /!pa$ltmi/ noun a surgical oper-

pyelotomy

the skin, similar to a bruise, caused by blood dis-

|

ation to make an opening in the pelvis of the kid-

ease and not by trauma
ney (NOTE: The plural is pyelotomies.)
pursestring operation /!p-%sstr !p
pursestring operation

pyg- /pd+/, pygo- prefix relating to the buttocks

pyg-
|

$re()n/ same as Shirodkars operation

pykno- /pkn/ prefix indicating thickness or
pykno-

pursestring stitch /$p-%sstr stt/ noun

pursestring stitch

density
same as Shirodkar suture
pyl- /pal/, pyle- /pali/ prefix referring to the
pyl-

purulent /$pjrlnt/ adjective containing or

purulent

portal vein
producing pus
pylephlebitis /!palifl$bats/ noun thrombo-
pylephlebitis

pus /p.s/ noun a yellow liquid composed of

pus

sis of the portal vein

blood serum, pieces of dead tissue, white blood pylethrombosis /!palirm$bss/ noun a
pylethrombosis

cells and the remains of bacteria, formed by the

|

condition in which blood clots are present in the

body in reaction to infection (NOTE: For other portal vein or any of its branches
terms referring to pus, see words beginning with
pylor- /pal%r/ prefix same as pyloro- (used
pylor-

py- or pyo-.)
before vowels)
pustule /$p.stju%l/ noun a small pimple filled
pustule

pylorectomy /!pal$rektmi/ noun a surgical

pylorectomy

with pus |

operation to remove the pylorus and the antrum of

putrefaction /!pju%tr$f'kn/ noun the
putrefaction

|
the stomach (NOTE: The plural is pylorecto-
decomposition of organic substances by bacteria, mies.)
making an unpleasant smell
pylori /pa$l%ri/ plural of pylorus
pylori

p.v. adverb by way of the vagina. Full form per

p.v.

pyloric /pa$lrk/ adjective referring to the

pyloric

vaginam
|

pylorus
PVS abbreviation persistent vegetative state
PVS

pyloric antrum /pa!lrk $'ntrm/ noun a

pyloric antrum

py- /pa/, pyo- /pa/ prefix same as pyo- (used

py-

space at the bottom of the stomach, before the

before vowels) pyloric sphincter
pyaemia /pa$i%mi/ noun invasion of blood pyloric orifice /pa!lrk $rfs/ noun an
pyaemia pyloric orifice

| |

with bacteria which then multiply and form many opening where the stomach joins the duodenum
little abscesses in various parts of the body (NOTE: pyloric sphincter /pa!lrk $sfkt/ noun a
pyloric sphincter

The US spelling is pyemia.) muscle which surrounds the pylorus, makes it

pyarthrosis /!pa%$rss/ noun a condition contract and separates it from the duodenum
pyarthrosis

in which a joint becomes infected with pyogenic pyloric stenosis /pa!lrk ste$nss/ noun
pyloric stenosis

| |

organisms and fills with pus. Also called acute a blockage of the pylorus, which prevents food
suppurative arthritis from passing from the stomach into the duode-
pyel- /pal/ prefix same as pyelo- (used before num
pyel-

vowels) pyloro- /pa$l%r/ prefix the pylorus

pyloro-

pyelitis /!pa$lats/ noun inflammation of the pyloroplasty /pa$l%rpl'sti/ noun a surgical

pyelitis pyloroplasty

| |

central part of the kidney operation to make the pylorus larger, sometimes
Nursing.fm Page 253 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

253 pyuria
combined with treatment for peptic ulcers (NOTE: pyr- /par/ prefix same as pyro- (used before
pyr-

The plural is pyloroplasties.) vowels)

pylorospasm /pa$l%rsp'z()m/ noun a
pylorospasm

pyramid /$prmd/ noun a cone-shaped part of

pyramid
|

muscle spasm which closes the pylorus so that the body, especially a cone-shaped projection on
food cannot pass through into the duodenum the surface of the medulla oblongata or in the
pylorotomy /!pal$rtmi/ noun a surgical medulla of the kidney. See illustration at KIDNEY
pylorotomy

operation to cut into the muscle surrounding the in Supplement

pylorus to relieve pyloric stenosis. Also called pyramidal /p$r'md()l/ adjective referring to
pyramidal

Ramstedts operation (NOTE: The plural is a pyramid

pylorotomies.)
pyramidal cell /p$r'md()l sel/ noun a
pyramidal cell

pylorus /pa$l%rs/ noun an opening at the bot-

pylorus |

|
cone-shaped cell in the cerebral cortex
tom of the stomach leading into the duodenum
pyramidal system /p$r'md()l $sstm/,
pyramidal system

(NOTE: The plural is pylori.) |

pyramidal tract /p$r'md()l tr'kt/ noun a

pyo- /pa/ prefix referring to pus
pyo- |

group of nerve fibres within the pyramid of the

pyocolpos /!pa$klps/ noun an accumula-
pyocolpos

|
medulla oblongata in the brain. It is thought to be
tion of pus in the vagina vital in controlling movement and speech.
pyoderma /!pa$d-%m/ noun an eruption of
pyoderma

pyret- /paret/, pyreto- prefix relating to heat or

pyret-
|

pus in the skin fever

pyoderma gangrenosum /!pad-%m
pyoderma gangrenosum

pyrexia /pa$reksi/ noun same as fever

pyrexia

!1'1r$nsm/ noun a serious ulcerating dis-

|

pyridostigmine /!prd$st1mi%n/ noun a

| pyridostigmine

ease of the skin, especially the legs, usually |

treated with steroid drugs drug which stops or delays the action of the
enzyme cholinesterase, used to treat myasthenia
pyogenic /!pa$d+enk/ adjective producing
pyogenic

|
gravis
or forming pus
pyridoxine /!pr$dksn/ noun same as Vita-
pyridoxine

pyometra /!pa$mi%tr/ noun an accumulation

pyometra |

min B6
|

of pus in the uterus

pyrimidine /p$rmdi%n/ noun 1. a strong-
pyrimidine

pyomyositis /!pama$sats/ noun inflam-

pyomyositis
|

smelling nitrogenous based compound with a six-

|

mation of a muscle caused by staphylococci or

streptococci sided ring structure that is the parent compound of
several biologically important substances 2. a
pyonephrosis /!pan$frss/ noun the
pyonephrosis

|
derivative of pyrimidine, especially any of the
distension of the kidney with pus bases cytosine, thymine, and uracil which are
pyopericarditis /!paperik%$dats/ noun
pyopericarditis

|
found in RNA and DNA
an inflammation of the pericardium due to infec- pyro- /par/ prefix burning or fever
pyro-

tion with staphylococci, streptococci or pneumo-

pyrogen /$pard+en/ noun a substance which
pyrogen

cocci
causes a fever
pyopneumothorax /!pa!nju%m
pyopneumothorax

| |

pyrogenic /!par$d+enk/ adjective causing a

pyrogenic

$%r'ks/ noun an accumulation of pus and gas |

or air in the pleural cavity fever

pyromania /!par$meni/ noun an uncon-
pyromania

pyorrhoea /!pa$ri/ noun discharge of pus

pyorrhoea
|
|

(NOTE: The US spelling is pyorrhea.) trollable desire to start fires

pyosalpinx /!pa$s'lpks/ noun inflamma- pyruvic acid /pa!ru%vk $'sd/ noun a sub-
pyosalpinx pyruvic acid

| |

tion and formation of pus in a Fallopian tube stance formed from glycogen in the muscles
pyothorax /!pa$%r'ks/ noun same as
pyothorax

|
when it is broken down to release energy
empyema pyuria /pa$jri/ noun pus in the urine
pyuria

|
Nursing.fm Page 254 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
Q
q.d.s. adverb (written on prescriptions) to be
q.d.s.
taken four times a day. Full form quater in die
sumendus
Q fever /$kju% !fi%v/ noun an infectious rickett-
Q fever
sial disease of sheep and cows caused by Coxiella
burnetti transmitted to humans
QRS complex /!kju% %r $es !kmpleks/ noun
QRS complex
the deflections on an electrocardiogram, labelled
Q, R, and S, which show ventricular contraction.
! PQRST complex
q.s. adverb (written on prescriptions) as much as
q.s.
necessary. Full form quantum sufficiat
Q-T interval /!kju% $ti% !ntv()l/, Q-S2 inter-
Q-T interval
val /!kju% es $tu% !ntv()l/ noun the length of
the QRS complex in an electrocardiogram. !
PQRST complex
quad /kwd/ noun same as quadruplet
quad
(informal)
quadrant /$kwdrnt/ noun one of four sectors
quadrant
of the body thought of as being divided by the
sagittal plane and the intertubercular plane ! ten-
derness in the right lower quadrant
quadratus femoris /kw!drets $femrs/
quadratus femoris
| lected. Compare qualitative
noun a muscle at the top of the femur which
rotates the thigh
quadri- /kwdri/ prefix four
quadri-
quadriceps /$kwdrseps/, quadriceps fem-
quadriceps
oris /!kwdrseps $femrs/ noun a large mus-
cle in the front of the thigh, which extends to the
leg
quadriplegia /!kwdr$pli%d+/ noun paralysis
quadriplegia
|
of all four limbs, both arms and both legs
quadriplegic /!kwdr$pli%d+k/ adjective par-
quadriplegic
|
alysed in both arms and both legs " noun a per-
son paralysed in both arms and both legs
quadruple /$kwdrp()l/ adjective 1. consist-
quadruple
ing of four times as much 2. having four parts
quadruplet /$kwdrplt/ noun one of four
quadruplet
babies born to a mother at the same time. Also
called quad
quadruple vaccine /!kwdrp()l $v'ksi%n/
quadruple vaccine
noun a vaccine which immunises against four dis-
eases, diphtheria, whooping cough, poliomyelitis
and tetanus
qualitative /$kwlttv/ adjective referring to
qualitative
a study in which descriptive information is col-
lected. Compare quantitative
quality /$kwlti/ noun 1. a characteristic of
quality
somebody or something 2. the general standard or
grade of something 3. the highest or finest stand-
ard
quality assurance /$kwlti !rns/ noun
quality assurance
|
a set of criteria which are designed to check that
people in an organisation maintain a high stand-
ard in the products or services they supply
quality circle /$kwlti !s-%k()l/ noun a
quality circle
group of employees from different levels of an
organisation who meet regularly to discuss ways
of improving the quality of its products or serv-
ices
Qualpacs /$kwlp'ks/, Quality Patient Care
Qualpacs
Scale /!kwlti !pe()nt $ke !skel/ noun a
method which guides nurses to evaluate their
activity in terms of efficiency of cost, time, use of
skill level and workload
quantitative /$kwntttv/ adjective referring
quantitative
to a study in which numerical information is col-
quantitative digital
quantitative digital radiography
radiography
/!kwntttv !dd+t()l !redi$1rfi/ noun
|
the use of digital X-ray scans to find out whether
a person has a bone disease such as osteoporosis.
The levels of calcium in the bones are measured,
usually in the spine and hip.
quarantine /$kwrnti%n/ noun 1. the situation
quarantine
in which a person, animal or ship just arrived in a
country is kept isolated in case it carries a serious
disease, to allow the disease time to develop and
be detected 2. the period of such isolation to pre-
vent the spread of disease ! six months quaran-
tine " verb to put a person or animal in quaran-
tine (NOTE: quarantining quarantined)
quartan fever /$kw%t()n !fi%v/ noun a form
quartan fever
of malaria caused by Plasmodium malariae in
which the fever returns every four days. ! tertian
fever
queasiness /$kwi%zns/ noun the feeling of
queasiness
being about to vomit
queasy /$kwi%zi/ adjective feeling as though
queasy
about to vomit
Nursing.fm Page 255 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

255 Q wave

Queckenstedt test /$kweknsted test/ noun drugs have names ending in -oxacin: cipro-
Queckenstedt test

a test done during a lumbar puncture in which floxacin)

pressure is applied to the jugular veins to see if the quinsy /$kwnzi/ noun acute throat inflamma-
quinsy

cerebrospinal fluid is flowing correctly tion with an abscess round a tonsil. Also called
[Described 1916. After Hans Heinrich George peritonsillar abscess
Queckenstedt (18761918), German physician.]
quint /kwnt/ noun US same as quintuplet
quint

quickening /$kwkn/ noun the first sign of

quickening

quintuplet /$kwntjplt/ noun one of five

quintuplet

life in an unborn baby, usually after about four

months of pregnancy, when the mother can feel it babies born to a mother at the same time. Also
moving in her uterus called quin, quint
quiescent /kwi$es()nt/ adjective referring to a
quiescent

quotidian /kw$tdin/ adjective recurring

quotidian
|
|

disease with symptoms reduced either by treat- daily

ment or in the usual course of the disease
quotidian fever /kw!tdin $fi%v/ noun a
quotidian fever

quin /kwn/ noun same as quintuplet (informal)

quin |

violent form of malaria in which the fever returns

(NOTE: The US term is quint.)
at daily or even shorter intervals
quinine /kw$ni%n/ noun an alkaloid drug made
quinine

quotient /$kw()nt/ noun the result when

quotient

from the bark of cinchona, a South American tree

quinolone /$kwnln/ noun a drug used to
quinolone
one number is divided by another
Q wave /$kju% wev/ noun a negative deflection
Q wave

treat Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial

infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts and at the start of the QRS complex on an electrocar-
of the gastro-intestinal system (NOTE: Quinolone diogram, going downwards
Nursing.fm Page 256 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

R
R symbol roentgen radial reflex /!redil $ri%fleks/ noun a jerk
R radial reflex

R/ abbreviation prescription. Full form recipe

R/
made by the forearm when the insertion in the
radius of one of the muscles, the brachioradialis,
rabid /$r'bd/ adjective referring to rabies, or
rabid

is hit
affected by rabies ! She was bitten by a rabid
radiant /$redint/ adjective 1. lit with a bright
radiant

dog.
or glowing light 2. referring to light, heat or other
rabid encephalitis /!r'bd en!kef$lats/
rabid encephalitis

| |
energy sent out in the form of rays or waves 3.
noun a fatal form of encephalitis resulting from sending out light, heat or other energy in the form
the bite of a rabid animal of rays or waves
rabies /$rebi%z/ noun a frequently fatal viral
rabies

radiation /!redi$e()n/ noun waves of energy

radiation

disease transmitted to humans by infected ani-
mals ! The hospital ordered a batch of rabies
vaccine. Also called hydrophobia
which are given off by some substances, espe-
cially radioactive substances
radiation burn /!redi$e()n b-%n/ noun a
radiation burn

racemose /$r'sms/ adjective referring to

racemose

burn on the skin caused by exposure to large

glands which look like a bunch of grapes amounts of radiation
rachi- /reki/ prefix same as rachio- (used
rachi-

radiation sickness /!redi$e()n !skns/

radiation sickness

before vowels) noun an illness caused by exposure to radiation

rachides /$rekdi%z/ plural of rachis from radioactive substances
rachides

radiation treatment /!redi$e()n

radiation treatment

rachio- /reki/ prefix referring to the spine

rachio-
|

rachis /$reks/ noun same as backbone (NOTE:

rachis
!tri%tmnt/ noun same as radiotherapy
radical /$r'dk()l/ adjective aiming to deal
radical

The plural is rachises or rachides.)

with the root of a problem, taking thorough action
rachischisis /re$kskss/ noun same as
rachischisis

to remove the source of a disease rather than treat

|

spina bifida
its symptoms
rachitic /r$ktk/ adjective referring to rickets
rachitic

radical mastectomy /!r'dk()l m'

radical mastectomy
|
|

rachitis /r$kats/ noun same as rickets

rachitis

|
$stektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove a
rad /r'd/ noun a unit of measurement of breast and the lymph nodes and muscles associ-
rad

absorbed radiation dose. ! becquerel, gray ated with it

(NOTE: Gray is now used to mean one hundred radical mastoidectomy /!r'dk()l !m'st
radical mastoidectomy

rads.) $dektmi/ noun a surgical operation to remove all

radial /$redil/ adjective 1. referring to some-
radial
of the mastoid process
thing which branches 2. referring to the radius radical treatment /!r'dk()l $tri%tmnt/
radical treatment

bone in the arm noun treatment which aims at complete eradica-

radial artery /$redil !%tri/ noun an artery
radial artery
tion of a disease
which branches from the brachial artery, running radicle /$r'dk()l/ noun a small root or vein
radicle

near the radius, from the elbow to the palm of the radicular /r$dkjl/ adjective referring to a
radicular

hand radicle
radial nerve /$redil n-%v/ noun the main
radial nerve

radiculitis /r!dkj$lats/ noun inflammation

radiculitis

| |

motor nerve in the arm, running down the back of of a radicle of a cranial or spinal nerve
the upper arm and the outer side of the forearm radio- /redi/ prefix 1. referring to radiation 2.
radio-

radial pulse /$redil p.ls/ noun the main

radial pulse

referring to radioactive substances 3. referring to

pulse in the wrist, taken near the outer edge of the the radius in the arm
forearm just above the wrist radioactive /!redi$'ktv/ adjective with a
radioactive

radial recurrent /!redil r$k.rnt/ noun an nucleus which disintegrates and gives off energy
radial recurrent

artery in the arm which forms a loop beside the in the form of radiation which can pass through
brachial artery other substances
Nursing.fm Page 257 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

257 rape

radioactive isotope /!redi'ktv radio-opaque /!redi $pek/ adjective

radioactive isotope radio-opaque

$astp/ noun an isotope which sends out radi- absorbing and blocking radiant energy, e.g. X-
ation, used in radiotherapy and scanning rays
radioactivity /!redi'k$tvti/ noun energy radio-opaque dye /!redi !pek $da/
radioactivity radio-opaque dye

| |

in the form of radiation emitted by a radioactive noun a liquid which appears on an X-ray, and
substance which is introduced into soft organs such as the
radiobiologist /!rediba$ld+st/ noun a
radiobiologist

|
kidney so that they show up clearly on an X-ray
doctor who specialises in radiobiology photograph
radiopaque /!redi$pek/ adjective same as
radiopaque

radiobiology /!rediba$ld+i/ noun the

radiobiology
|
|

scientific study of radiation and its effects on liv- radio-opaque

radioscopy /!redi$skpi/ noun an examina-
radioscopy

ing things |

radiocarpal joint /!redi$k%p()l !d+nt/

radiocarpal joint

|
tion of an X-ray photograph on a fluorescent
noun the joint where the radius articulates with screen
radiosensitive /!redi$senstv/ adjective
radiosensitive

the scaphoid, one of the carpal bones. Also called |

wrist joint referring to a cancer cell which is sensitive to

radiodermatitis /!redi!d-%m$tats/ noun
radiodermatitis

| |
radiation and can be treated by radiotherapy
radiotherapist /!redi$erpst/ noun a
radiotherapist

inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to |

radiation doctor who specialises in radiotherapy

radiograph /$redi1r%f/ noun an image pro- radiotherapy /!redi$erpi/ noun the treat-
radiograph radiotherapy

duced on film or another sensitive surface when ment of diseases by exposing the affected part to
radiation such as X-rays or gamma rays passes radioactive rays such as X-rays or gamma rays
through an object " verb to make a radiograph of radium /$redim/ noun a radioactive metallic
radium

something, especially a part of the body element (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Ra.)
radiographer /!red$1rf/ noun 1. a person
radiographer

radius /$redis/ noun the shorter and outer of

radius
|

specially trained to operate a machine to take X- the two bones in the forearm between the elbow
ray photographs or radiographs. Also called diag- and the wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supple-
nostic radiographer 2. a person specially ment (NOTE: The plural is radii. The other bone
trained to use X-rays or radioactive isotopes in the in the forearm is the ulna.)
treatment of patients. Also called therapeutic
radix /$redks/ noun same as root (NOTE: The
radix

radiographer
plural is radices or radixes.)
radiography /!redi$1rfi/ noun the work of
radiography

radon /$redn/ noun a radioactive gas, formed

radon
|

examining the internal parts of the body by taking

X-ray photographs
radioimmunoassay
radioimmunoassay
from the radioactive decay of radium, and used in
capsules called radon seeds to treat cancers inside
/!redi!mjn

| |
the body (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Rn.)
$'se/ noun the use of radioactive tracers to
rale /r%l/ noun same as crepitation
rale

investigate the presence of antibodies in blood

Ramstedts operation /$r%mstets p
Ramstedts operation

samples, in order to measure the antibodies them- |

selves or the amount of particular substances, !re()n/ noun same as pylorotomy [Described
such as hormones, in the blood 1912. After Wilhelm Conrad Ramstedt (1867
1963), German surgeon.]
radioisotope /!redi$astp/ noun an iso-
radioisotope

ramus /$rems/ noun 1. a branch of a nerve,

ramus

tope of a chemical element which is radioactive

artery or vein 2. the ascending part on each side of
radiologist /!red$ld+st/ noun a doctor
radiologist

the mandible (NOTE: The plural is rami.)

|

who specialises in radiology

R & D abbreviation research and development
R & D

radiology /!redi$ld+i/ noun the use of radia-

radiology

randomised /$r'ndmazd/, randomized

randomised

tion to diagnose disorders, e.g. through the use of

X-rays or radioactive tracers, or to treat diseases adjective involving subjects which have been
such as cancer selected without a prearranged plan and in no par-
ticular pattern or order
radiomimetic /!redim$metk/ adjective
radiomimetic

ranitidine /r'$ntdi%n/ noun a drug which

ranitidine

referring to a drug or chemical which produces |

similar effects to those of radiation, e.g. the nitro- reduces the amount of acid released by the stom-
gen mustard group of chemicals used in chemo- ach. It is used to treat peptic ulcers and gastritis.
therapy ranula /$r'njl/ noun a small cyst under the
ranula

radionuclide /!redi$nju%klad/ noun an ele-

radionuclide

|
tongue, on the floor of the mouth, which forms
ment which gives out radiation when a salivary duct is blocked
Ranvier /$r%nv!e/ " node of Ranvier
Ranvier

radionuclide scan /!redi$nju%klad

radionuclide scan
|
|

!sk'n/ noun a scan, especially of the brain, where rape /rep/ noun the crime of forcing somebody
rape

radionuclides are put in compounds which are to have sexual intercourse " verb to force some-
concentrated in particular parts of the body body to have sexual intercourse
Nursing.fm Page 258 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
raphe
raphe /$refi/ noun a long thin fold which looks
raphe
like a seam, along a midline such as on the dorsal
face of the tongue
rapid eye movement sleep /!r'pd $a
rapid eye movement sleep
!mu%vmnt !sli%p/ noun same as REM sleep
rapport /r'$p%/ noun an emotional bond or
rapport
| |
friendly relationship between people ! a psychi-
atrist who quickly establishes a rapport with his
patients
rarefaction /!rer$f'kn/ noun a condition
rarefaction
in which bone tissue becomes more porous and
less dense because of a lack of calcium
rash /r'/ noun a mass of small spots which
rash
stays on the skin for a period of time, and then dis-
appears
raspatory /$r'spt()ri/ noun a surgical instru-
raspatory
ment like a file, which is used to scrape the sur-
face of a bone
rate /ret/ noun 1. the amount or proportion of
rate
something compared with something else 2. the
number of times something happens in a set time
! The heart was beating at a rate of only 59 per
minute.
ratio /$rei/ noun a number which shows a
ratio
proportion or which is the result of one number
divided by another ! An IQ is the ratio of the per-
sons mental age to his or her chronological age.
Raynauds disease /$renz d!zi%z/, Ray-
Raynauds disease
|
nauds phenomenon /$renz f!nmnn/
|
noun a condition with various possible causes in
which the blood supply to the fingers and toes is
restricted and they become cold, white and numb.
Also called dead mans fingers, vasospasm
[Described 1862. After Maurice
(183481), French physician.]
RBC abbreviation red blood cell
RBC
RCGP abbreviation Royal College of General
RCGP
Practitioners
RCN abbreviation Royal College of Nursing
RCN
RCOG abbreviation Royal College of Obstetri-
RCOG
cians and Gynaecologists
RCP abbreviation Royal College of Physicians
RCP
RCPsych /!% si% $sak/ abbreviation Royal
RCPsych
College of Psychiatrists
RCS abbreviation Royal College of Surgeons
RCS
RCT abbreviation randomised controlled trial
RCT
reaction /ri$'kn/ noun 1. an action which
reaction
takes place as a direct result of something which
has happened earlier ! A rash appeared as a
reaction to the penicillin injection. 2. the particu-
lar response of someone to a test
reactionary /ri$'kn()ri/ adjective same as
reactionary
|
reactive
reactionary haemorrhage /ri!'kn()ri
reactionary haemorrhage
| after they have had a surgical operation and are
$hem()rd+/ noun bleeding which follows an
operation
258
reactivate /ri$'ktvet/ verb to make some-
reactivate
thing active again ! His general physical weak-
ness has reactivated the dormant virus.
reactive /ri$'ktv/ adjective taking place as a
reactive
reaction to something else
reagent /ri$ed+()nt/ noun a chemical sub-
reagent
stance which reacts with another substance, espe-
cially one which is used to detect the presence of
the second substance
real-time imaging /!rl tam $md+/ noun
real-time imaging
the use of ultrasound information to produce a
series of images of a process or changing object
almost instantly
rear /r/, rear end /r end/ noun same as but-
rear
tock (informal)
recalcitrant /r$k'lstrnt/ adjective not
recalcitrant
responding to treatment ! a recalcitrant condi-
tion
recall /r$k%l/ noun the act of remembering
recall
something from the past " verb /r$k%l/ to |
remember something which happened in the past
receptor /r$sept/, receptor cell /r$sept
receptor
| |
sel/ noun a nerve ending or cell which senses a
change such as cold or heat in the surrounding
environment or in the body and reacts to it by
sending an impulse to the central nervous system
recess /r$ses/ noun a hollow part in an organ
recess
recessive /r$sesv/ adjective (of an allele)
recessive
|
having the characteristic that leads to the trait
which it controls being suppressed by the pres-
ence of the corresponding dominant allele. Com-
pare dominant
recipient /r$spint/ noun a person who
recipient
Raynaud |
receives something such as a transplant or a blood
transfusion from a donor
recombinant DNA /r!kmbnnt di% en $e/
recombinant DNA
|
noun DNA extracted from two or more different
sources and joined together to form a single mol-
ecule or fragment. This technology is used to pro-
duce molecules and organisms with new proper-
ties.
recover /r$k.v/ verb to get better after an ill-
recover
ness, operation or accident ! She recovered from
her concussion in a few days. ! It will take him
weeks to recover from the accident. (NOTE: You
recover from an illness.)
recovery /r$k.v()ri/ noun the process of
recovery
returning to health after being ill or injured
recovery position /r$k.v()ri p!z()n/
recovery position
| |
noun a position in which someone is lying face
downwards, with one knee and one arm bent for-
wards and the face turned to one side
recovery room /r$k.v()ri ru%m/ noun a
recovery room
|
room in a hospital where patients are cared for
recovering from the effects of the anaesthetic.
Abbreviation RR
Nursing.fm Page 259 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

259 reflective practice

recreational drug /!rekri$e()n()l dr.1/ recurrent /r$k.rnt/ adjective 1. occurring in

recreational drug recurrent

| |

noun a drug that is taken for pleasure rather than the same way many times 2. referring to a vein,
because of medical need artery or nerve which forms a loop
recurrent abortion /r!k.rnt $b%()n/
recurrent abortion

recrudescence /!ri%kru%$des()ns/ noun the

recrudescence

| |
|

reappearance of symptoms of a disease which noun a condition in which a woman has abortions
seemed to have got better with one pregnancy after another
recurrent fever /r!k.rnt $fi%v/ noun a fever
recurrent fever

rect- /rekt/ prefix same as recto- (used before

rect-
|

vowels) like malaria which returns at regular intervals

red blood cell /!red $bl.d !sel/ noun a blood
red blood cell

rectal /$rekt()l/ adjective referring to the rec-

rectal

tum cell which contains haemoglobin and carries oxy-

gen to the tissues and takes carbon dioxide from
rectal fissure /!rekt()l $f/ noun a crack in
rectal fissure

them. Abbreviation RBC. Also called erythro-

the wall of the anal canal cyte
rectal prolapse /!rekt()l $prl'ps/ noun a
rectal prolapse

Red Crescent /!red $krez()nt/ noun in

Red Crescent

condition in which part of the rectum moves Islamic countries, an international organisation
downwards and passes through the anus dedicated to the medical care of the sick and
recto- /rekt/ prefix referring to the rectum wounded in wars and natural disasters (NOTE: It is
recto-

rectocele /$rektsi%l/ noun a condition associ-

rectocele
known as the Red Cross elsewhere.)
Red Cross /!red $krs/ noun an international
Red Cross

ated with prolapse of the uterus, in which the rec-

tum protrudes into the vagina. Also called proc- organisation dedicated to the medical care of the
tocele sick and wounded in wars and natural disasters
(NOTE: It is known as the Red Crescent in
rectopexy /$rektpeksi/ noun a surgical oper-
rectopexy

Islamic countries.)
ation to attach a rectum which has prolapsed
Redivac drain /$redv'k dren/, Redivac
Redivac drain

rectoscope /$rektskp/ noun an instrument

rectoscope

drainage tube /!redv'k $drend+ !tju%b/

for looking into the rectum trademark a tube which drains fluid away from
rectosigmoid /!rekt$s1md/ noun the part
rectosigmoid

|
the inside of a wound into a bottle, used mainly
of the large intestine where the sigmoid colon after operations on the abdomen
joins the rectum reducible /r$dju%sb()l/ adjective capable of
reducible

rectosigmoidectomy /!rekt!s1m
rectosigmoidectomy

| | being reduced
$dektmi/ noun the surgical removal of the sig- reducible hernia /r!dju%sb()l $h-%ni/
reducible hernia

moid colon and the rectum noun a hernia where the organ can be pushed
rectovaginal /!rektv$d+an()l/ adjective back into place without an operation
rectovaginal

relating to both the rectum and the vagina reduction /r$d.kn/ noun the action of
reduction

rectovaginal examination /!rektv putting a hernia, a dislocated joint or a broken

rectovaginal examination

!d+an()l 1!z'm$ne()n/ noun an examina-

| |
bone back into the correct position
tion of the rectum and vagina reduction division /r$d.kn d!v+()n/
reduction division

| |

rectovesical /!rekt$vesk()l/ adjective

rectovesical

|
noun same as meiosis
referring to the rectum and the bladder refer /r$f-%/ verb 1. to mention or to talk about
refer

rectum /$rektm/ noun the end part of the large

rectum
intestine leading from the sigmoid colon to the
anus. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in
Supplement, UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in
Supplement (NOTE: For other terms referring to
the rectum, see words beginning with proct-,
procto-.)
something ! The doctor referred to the patients
history of sinus problems. 2. to pass on informa-
tion about a patient to someone else ! They
referred her case to a gynaecologist. 3. to send
someone to another doctor, usually a specialist,
for advice or treatment ! She was referred to a
cardiologist.
referral /r$f-%rl/ noun the act of sending some-
referral

rectus /$rekts/ noun a straight muscle (NOTE:

rectus
|

The plural is recti.) one to a specialist ! She asked for a referral to a

gynaecologist.
rectus abdominis /!rekts 'b$dmns/
rectus abdominis

referred pain /r!f-%d $pen/ noun same as

| referred pain

noun a long straight muscle which runs down the

|

synalgia
front of the abdomen
reflection /r$flekn/ noun 1. the image of
reflection

rectus femoris /!rekts $femrs/ noun a

rectus femoris |

somebody or something which is seen in a mirror

flexor muscle in the front of the thigh, one of the or still water 2. the process of reflecting some-
four parts of the quadriceps femoris. ! medial thing, especially light, sound or heat 3. careful
recumbent /r$k.mbnt/ adjective lying down
recumbent

| thought 4. a situation in which an anatomical

recuperation /r!ku%p$re()n/ noun the
recuperation

| |
structure bends back upon itself
process of getting better after an illness ! His reflective practice /r!flektv $pr'kts/ noun
reflective practice

recuperation will take several months. the process of improving professional skills by
Nursing.fm Page 260 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
reflex
monitoring your own actions while they are being
carried out, and by then later evaluating them by
talking or writing about them and asking other
professionals to give their assessments of you
reflex /$ri%fleks/, reflex action /$ri%fleks
reflex
!'kn/ noun a physiological reaction without
any conscious thought involved, e.g. a knee jerk
or a sneeze, which happens in response to a par-
ticular stimulus
reflex arc /$ri%fleks %k/ noun the basic system
reflex arc
of a reflex action, where a receptor is linked to a
motor neurone which in turn is linked to an effec-
tor muscle
reflexologist /!ri%flk$sld+st/ noun a per-
reflexologist
| registering ! A doctor cannot practise without
son specialising in reflexology
reflexology /!ri%flek$sld+i/ noun a treatment
reflexology
| |
to relieve tension by massaging the soles of the
feet and thereby stimulating the nerves and
increasing the blood supply
reflux /$ri%fl.ks/ noun a situation where a fluid
reflux
flows in the opposite direction to its usual flow !
The valves in the veins prevent blood reflux. !
vesicoureteric reflux
reflux oesophagitis /!ri%fl.ks i%!sf
reflux oesophagitis
| |
$d+ats/ noun inflammation of the oesophagus
caused by regurgitation of acid juices from the
stomach
refraction /r$fr'kn/ noun a change of direc-
refraction
|
tion of light rays as they enter a medium such as
the eye
refractory /r$fr'kt()ri/ adjective difficult or
refractory
|
impossible to treat, or not responding to treatment
refractory period /r!fr'kt()ri $prid/
refractory period
|
noun a short space of time after the ventricles of
the heart have contracted, when they cannot con-
tract again
refrigeration /r!frd+$re()n/ noun the
refrigeration
| |
process of making something cold
regeneration /r!1en$re()n/ noun the
regeneration
| |
process where tissue that has been destroyed
grows again
regimen /$red+mn/ noun a fixed course of
regimen
treatment, e.g. a course of drugs or a special diet
regional /$ri%d+()nl/ adjective in a particular
regional
region, referring to a particular region
register /$red+st/ noun an official list " verb
register
to write a name on an official list, especially the
official list of patients treated by a GP or dentist,
or the list of people with a particular disease ! He
is a registered heroin addict. ! They went to reg-
ister the birth with the Registrar of Births, Mar-
riages and Deaths. # to register with someone
to put your name on someones official list, espe-
cially the list of patients treated by a GP or dentist
! Before registering with the GP, she asked if she
could visit him. ! All practising doctors are reg-
istered with the General Medical Council.
260
registered midwife /!red+std $mdwaf/
registered midwife
noun a qualified midwife who is registered to
practise
Registered Nurse /!red+std $n-%s/, Regis-
Registered Nurse
tered General Nurse /!red+std $d+en()rl
!n-%s/, Registered Theatre Nurse /!red+std
$t !n-%s/ noun a nurse who has been regis-
tered by the UKCC. Abbreviation RN, RGN, RTN
registrar /!red+$str%/ noun 1. a qualified doc-
registrar
tor or surgeon in a hospital who supervises house
officers 2. a person who registers something offi-
cially
registration /!red+$stre()n/ noun the act of
registration
registration by the General Medical Council.
regression /r$1re()n/ noun a stage where
regression
symptoms of a disease are disappearing and the
person is getting better
regurgitation /r!1-%d+$te()n/ noun the
regurgitation
| |
process of flowing back in the opposite direction
to the usual flow, especially of bringing up partly
digested food from the stomach into the mouth
rehabilitation /!ri%bl$te()n/ noun the
rehabilitation
process of making someone fit to work or to lead
an ordinary life again
rehydration /!ri%ha$dre()n/ noun the act of
rehydration
giving water or liquid to someone who has dehy-
dration
Reiters syndrome /$ratz !sndrm/,
Reiters syndrome
Reiters disease /$ratz d!zi%z/ noun an ill- |
ness which may be sexually transmitted and
affects mainly men, causing arthritis, urethritis
and conjunctivitis at the same time [Described
1916. After Hans Conrad Reiter (18811969),
German bacteriologist and hygienist.]
reject /r$d+ekt/ verb 1. to refuse to accept
reject
|
something 2. to be unable to tolerate tissue or an
organ transplanted from another body because it
is immunologically incompatible ! The new
heart was rejected by the body. ! They gave the
patient drugs to prevent the transplant being
rejected. 3. to be unable to keep food down and
vomit it up again
rejection /r$d+ekn/ noun the act of rejecting
rejection
|
tissue ! The patient was given drugs to reduce
the possibility of tissue rejection.
relapse /$ri%l'ps, r$l'ps/ noun a situation in
relapse
|
which someone gets worse after seeming to be
getting better, or where a disease appears again
after seeming to be cured " verb to return to an
earlier and worse state, especially to get ill again
after getting better ! She relapsed into a coma.
relapsing fever /r$l'ps !fi%v/ noun a dis-
relapsing fever
ease caused by a bacterium, where attacks of
fever recur from time to time
relative density /!reltv $densti/ noun the
relative density
ratio of the density of a substance to the density of
a standard substance at the same temperature and
Nursing.fm Page 261 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
261
pressure. For liquids and solids the standard sub-
stance is usually water, and for gases, it is air.
relative risk /!reltv $rsk/ noun a measure of
relative risk
the likelihood of developing a disease for people
who are exposed to a particular risk, relative to
people who are not exposed to the same risk. For
example, the relative risk of myocardial infarction
for oral contraceptive users is 1.6 times that of
non-users. Abbreviation RR
relaxant /r$l'ksnt/ noun a substance which
relaxant
|
relieves strain " adjective relieving strain
relaxation /!ri%l'k$se()n/ noun the process
relaxation
|
of reducing strain in a muscle
relaxation therapy /!ri%l'k$se()n !erpi/
relaxation therapy
|
noun a treatment in which people are encouraged
to relax their muscles to reduce stress
relaxin /r$l'ksn/ noun a hormone which is
relaxin
|
secreted by the placenta to make the cervix relax
and open fully in the final stages of pregnancy
before childbirth
release /r$li%s/ noun the process of allowing
release
| renal medulla
something to go out ! the slow release of the drug
into the bloodstream " verb to let something out
! Hormones are released into the body by glands.
releasing factor /r$li%s !f'kt/ noun a sub-
releasing factor
|
stance produced in the hypothalamus which
encourages the release of hormones
releasing hormone /r$li%s !h%mn/
releasing hormone
|
noun a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus
which makes the pituitary gland release particular
hormones. Also called hypothalamic hormone
rem /rem/ noun a unit for measuring amounts of
rem
radiation, equal to the effect that one roentgen of
X-rays or gamma-rays would produce in a human
being. It is used in radiation protection and moni-
toring.
REM /rem/ abbreviation rapid eye movement. !
REM
REM sleep
remission /r$m()n/ noun a period when an
remission
|
illness or fever is less severe
re. mist. /!ri% $mst/ adverb (on a prescription)
re. mist.
repeat the same mixture. Full form repetatur
mistura
REM sleep /$rem sli%p/ noun a stage of sleep
REM sleep
which happens several times each night and is
characterised by dreaming, rapid eye movement
and increased pulse rate and brain activity. Also
called rapid eye movement sleep
COMMENT: During REM sleep, a person
dreams, breathes lightly and has a raised
blood pressure and an increased rate of
heartbeat. The eyes may be half-open, and
the sleeper may make facial movements.
ren- /ri%n/ prefix same as reno- (used before
ren-
vowels)
renal /$ri%n()l/ adjective referring to the kidneys
renal
renal artery /!ri%n()l $%tri/ noun one of two
renal artery
arteries running from the abdominal aorta to the
kidneys
rep
renal calculus /!ri%n()l $k'lkjls/ noun a
renal calculus
small hard mineral mass called a stone in the kid-
ney
renal capsule /!ri%n()l $k'psju%l/ noun same
renal capsule
as fibrous capsule
renal colic /!ri%n()l $klk/ noun a sudden pain
renal colic
caused by a kidney stone or stones in the ureter
renal corpuscle /!ri%n()l $k%p.s()l/ noun
renal corpuscle
part of a nephron in the cortex of a kidney. Also
called Malpighian body
renal cortex /!ri%n()l $k%teks/ noun the outer
renal cortex
covering of the kidney, immediately beneath the
capsule. See illustration at KIDNEY in Supplement
renal dialysis /!ri%n()l da$'lss/ noun a
renal dialysis
|
method of artificially maintaining the chemical
balance of the blood when the kidneys have
failed, or the process of using this method. Also
called dialysis
renal hypertension /!ri%n()l !hap$tenn/
renal hypertension
|
noun high blood pressure linked to kidney disease
renal medulla /!ri%n()l me$d.l/ noun the
|
inner part of a kidney containing no glomeruli.
See illustration at KIDNEY in Supplement
renal pelvis /!ri%n()l $pelvs/ noun the upper
renal pelvis
and wider part of the ureter leading from the kid-
ney where urine is collected before passing down
the ureter into the bladder. Also called pelvis of
the kidney. See illustration at KIDNEY in Supple-
ment
renal transplant /!ri%n()l $tr'nspl%nt/ noun
renal transplant
a kidney transplant
renal tubule /!ri%n()l $tju%bju%l/ noun a tiny
renal tubule
tube which is part of a nephron. Also called
uriniferous tubule
reni- /ri%ni/ prefix referring to the kidneys
reni-
renin /$ri%nn/ noun an enzyme secreted by the
renin
kidney to prevent loss of sodium, and which also
affects blood pressure
rennin /$renn/ noun an enzyme which makes
rennin
milk coagulate in the stomach, so as to slow down
the passage of the milk through the digestive sys-
tem
reno- /ri%n/ prefix referring to the kidneys
reno-
renovascular system /!ri%n$v'skjl
renovascular system
|
!sstm/ noun the blood vessels associated with
the kidney
reorganisation /ri%!%1na$ze()n/, reor-
reorganisation
| |
ganization noun 1. a change in the way some-
thing is organised or done 2. the process of chang-
ing the way something is organised or done 3. an
occasion when a business or organisation is given
a completely new structure
reovirus /$ri%!vars/ noun a virus which
reovirus
affects both the intestine and the respiratory sys-
tem, but does not cause serious illness. Compare
echovirus
rep /rep/ adverb (written on a prescription)
rep
repeat. Full form repetatur
Nursing.fm Page 262 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

repetitive strain injury 262

repetitive strain injury /r!pettv $stren resection /r$sekn/ noun the surgical
repetitive strain injury resection

| |

!nd+ri/, repetitive stress injury /r!pettv | removal of any part of the body
$stres !nd+ri/ noun pain, usually in a limb, felt resection of the prostate /r!sekn v
resection of the prostate

by someone who performs the same movement $prstet/ noun same as transurethral prosta-
many times over a period, e.g. when operating a tectomy
computer terminal or playing a musical instru-
resectoscope /r$sektskp/ noun a surgical
resectoscope

ment. Abbreviation RSI

|

instrument used to carry out a transurethral resec-

replantation /!ri%pl%n$te()n/ noun a surgi-
replantation

|
tion
cal technique which reattaches parts of the body
reservoir /$rezvw%/ noun 1. a cavity in an
reservoir

which have been accidentally cut or torn off

organ or group of tissues in which fluids collect
replication /!repl$ke()n/ noun the process
replication

|
and are stored 2. an organism in which a parasite
in the division of a cell, where the DNA makes lives and develops without damaging it, but from
copies of itself which the parasite then passes to another species
repolarisation /ri%!plra$ze()n/, repo-
repolarisation

| | which is damaged by it 3. a part of a machine or

larization noun the restoration of the usual elec- piece of equipment where liquid is stored for it to
trical polarity of a nerve or muscle cell membrane use
after reversal of its polarity while a nerve impulse resident /$rezd()nt/ adjective living in a place
resident

or muscle contraction travelled along it

residential /!rez$denl/ adjective 1. living in
residential

reportable diseases /r!p%tb()l d$zi%zz/

reportable diseases |

| |
a hospital 2. living at home
plural noun diseases such as asbestosis, hepatitis
residential care /!rez$denl !ke/ noun the
residential care

or anthrax which may be caused by working con- |

ditions or may infect other workers and must be care of patients either in a hospital or at home, but
reported to the District Health Authority not as outpatients
residual /r$zdjul/ adjective remaining,
residual

repositor /r$pzt/ noun a surgical instru-

repositor
|
|

ment used to push a prolapsed organ back into its which is left behind
residual air /r!zdjul $e/, residual volume
residual air

usual position |

repression /r$pre()n/ noun (in psychiatry)

repression

|
/r!zdjul $vlju%m/ noun air left in the lungs
|

the act of ignoring or forgetting feelings or after a person has breathed out as much air as pos-
thoughts which might be unpleasant sible
residual urine /r!zdjul $jrn/ noun urine
residual urine

reproduction /!ri%pr$d.k()n/ noun the

reproduction
|
|

process of making new living beings by existing left in the bladder after a person has passed as
ones, e.g. producing children or derived other much urine as possible
resistance /r$zstns/ noun 1. the ability of a
resistance

descendants |

reproductive /!ri%pr$d.ktv/ adjective refer-

reproductive

|
person not to get a disease 2. the ability of bacte-
ring to reproduction ria or a virus to remain unaffected by a drug !
The bacteria have developed a resistance to cer-
reproductive organs /!ri%pr$d.ktv
reproductive organs

tain antibiotics. 3. opposition to a force

|

!%1nz/ plural noun parts of the bodies of men

resolution /!rez$lu%()n/ noun the amount of
resolution

and women which are involved in the conception |

and development of a fetus detail which can be seen in a microscope or on a

reproductive
reproductive system

system /!ri%pr$d.ktv |
computer monitor
resonance /$rez()nns/ noun a sound made
resonance

!sstm/ noun the arrangement of organs and

ducts in the bodies of men and women which pro- by a hollow part of the body when hit. ! mag-
duce spermatozoa or ova netic
resorption /r$s%pn/ noun the process of
resorption

COMMENT: In the human male, the testes |

produce the spermatozoa which pass absorbing a substance produced by the body back
through the vasa efferentia and the vasa def- into the body
erentia where they receive liquid from the respiration /!resp$re()n/ noun the act of
respiration

seminal vesicles, then out of the body taking air into the lungs and blowing it out again
through the urethra and penis on ejaculation. through the mouth or nose. Also called breathing
In the female, an ovum, produced by one of
respiration rate /!resp$re()n !ret/ noun
respiration rate

the two ovaries, passes through the Fallopi- |

an tube where it is fertilised by a spermato- the number of times a person breathes per minute
respirator /$respret/ noun 1. same as venti-
respirator

zoon from the male. The fertilised ovum

moves down into the uterus where it devel- lator 2. a mask worn to prevent someone breath-
ops into an embryo. ing harmful gas or fumes
RES abbreviation reticuloendothelial system respiratory /r$sprt()ri/ adjective referring
RES respiratory

research and development /r!s-%t n d

research and development

| |
to breathing
$velpmnt/ noun the process by which pharma- respiratory centre /r!sprt()ri $sent/
respiratory centre

ceutical companies find new drugs and test their noun a nerve centre in the brain which regulates
suitability. Abbreviation R & D the breathing
Nursing.fm Page 263 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

263 retino-

respiratory distress syndrome /r rete /$ri%ti%/ noun a network of veins, arteries or

respiratory distress syndrome rete

!sprt()ri d$stres !sndrm/ noun a condi-

| nerve fibres in the body. ! reticular (NOTE: The
tion of newborn babies, and especially common plural is retia.)
in premature babies, in which the lungs do not retention /r$ten()n/ noun the act of not let-
retention

expand properly, due to lack of surfactant. Also ting out something, especially a fluid, which is
called hyaline membrane disease usually released from the body, e.g. holding back
respiratory failure /r!sprt()ri $felj/ urine in the bladder
respiratory failure

noun failure of the lungs to oxygenate the blood retention cyst /r$tenn sst/ noun a cyst
retention cyst

correctly which is formed when a duct from a gland is

respiratory
respiratory quotient

quotient /r!sprt()ri |
blocked
retention of urine /r!ten()n v $jrn/
retention of urine

$kw()nt/ noun the ratio of the amount of car- |

bon dioxide taken into the alveoli of the lungs
from the blood to the amount of oxygen which the
alveoli take from the air. Abbreviation RQ
noun a condition in which passing urine is diffi-
cult or impossible because the urethra is blocked
or because the prostate gland is enlarged
rete testis /!ri%ti% $tests/ noun a network of
rete testis

respiratory syncytial virus /r!sprt()ri

respiratory syncytial virus

sn$stil !vars/ noun a virus which causes

|
channels in the testis which take the sperm to the
infections of the nose and throat in adults, but epididymis
serious bronchiolitis in children. Abbreviation retia /$ri%i/ plural of rete
retia

RSV reticular /r$tkjl/ adjective relating to or in

reticular

respiratory system /r$sprt()ri !sstm/, the form of a network

respiratory system

respiratory tract /r$sprt()ri tr'kt/ noun the reticular fibres /r!tkjl $fabs/ plural
reticular fibres

|
|

series of organs and passages which take air into noun fibres in connective tissue which support,
the lungs, and exchange oxygen for carbon diox- e.g., organs or blood vessels
ide reticulocyte /r$tkjlsat/ noun a red blood
reticulocyte

respite care /$respat ke/ noun temporary

respite care

cell which has not yet fully developed

care provided to people with disabilities, serious reticulocytosis /r!tkjlsa$tss/ noun
reticulocytosis

| |

conditions or terminal illness, so that their fami- a condition in which the number of reticulocytes
lies can have a rest from the daily routine in the blood increases unusually
response /r$spns/ noun a reaction by an
response

reticuloendothelial cell /r!tkjl!end

reticuloendothelial cell

| | | |

organ, tissue or a person to an external stimulus $i%lil sel/ noun a phagocytic cell in the reticu-
responsibility /r!spns$blti/ noun 1. some-
responsibility

| |
loendolethial system
reticuloendothelial system /r!tkjl
reticuloendothelial system

body or something which a person or organisation | |

has a duty to take care of ! Checking the drip is !end$i%lil !sstm/ noun a series of phago-
|

your responsibility. 2. the blame for something
bad which has happened ! She has taken full
responsibility for the mix-up. 3. the position of
having to explain to somebody why something
was done ! Whose responsibility is it to talk to
cytic cells in the body, found especially in bone
marrow, lymph nodes, liver and spleen, which
attack and destroy bacteria and form antibodies.
Abbreviation RES
retin- /retn/ prefix same as retino- (used before
retin-

the family? vowels)

rest /rest/ noun a period of time spent relaxing
rest

retina /$retn/ noun the inside layer of the eye

retina

or sleeping ! What you need is a good nights
rest. " verb 1. to spend time relaxing or sleeping
2. to use a body part less for a period of time !
Rest your arm for a week.
which is sensitive to light. ! detached retina.
See illustration at EYE in Supplement (NOTE: The
plural is retinae.)
retinal /$retn()l/ adjective referring to the ret-
retinal

restenosis /!ri%st$nss/ noun an occasion ina

restenosis

when something becomes narrow again, e.g. a retinal artery /$retn()l !%tri/ noun the only
retinal artery

coronary artery which has previously been wid- artery of the retina, which accompanies the optic
ened by balloon angioplasty (NOTE: The plural is nerve
restenoses.)
retinal detachment /!retn()l d$t'tmnt/
retinal detachment

resuscitation /r!s.s$te()n/ noun the act of

resuscitation

| | noun a condition in which the retina is partly

reviving someone who seems to be dead, by mak- detached from the choroid
ing him or her breathe again and restarting the retinitis /!ret$nats/ noun inflammation of the
retinitis

heart retina
retardation /!ri%t%$de()n/ noun the process
retardation

retinitis pigmentosa /!ret!nats !p1men

retinitis pigmentosa
|
| |

of making something slower $ts/ noun a hereditary condition in which

retching /$ret/ noun the fact of attempting to
retching
inflammation of the retina can result in blindness
vomit without being able to do so retino- /retn/ prefix referring to the retina
retino-
Nursing.fm Page 264 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

retinol 264

retinol /$retnl/ noun a vitamin found in liver, retroversion /!retr$v-%()n/ noun the fact
retinol retroversion

vegetables, eggs and cod liver oil which is essen- of sloping backwards # retroversion of the
tial for good vision. Also called Vitamin A uterus Same as retroverted uterus
retroverted uterus /!retrv-%td $ju%trs/
retroverted uterus

retinopathy /!ret$npi/ noun any disease of

retinopathy

the retina noun a condition in which the uterus slopes back-

retinoscope /$retnskp/ noun an instru-
retinoscope
wards away from its usual position. Also called
retroversion of the uterus, tipped womb
ment with various lenses, used to measure the
retrovirus /$retrvars/ noun a virus whose
retrovirus

refraction of the eye

genetic material contains RNA from which DNA
retraction /r$tr'kn/ noun the fact of moving
retraction

|
is synthesised (NOTE: The AIDS virus and many
backwards or becoming shorter ! There is retrac- carcinogenic viruses are retroviruses.)
tion of the overlying skin.
revascularisation /ri%!v'skjlra
revascularisation

retraction ring /r$tr'kn r/ noun a groove

retraction ring | | |

|
$ze()n/, revascularization noun 1. the act of
round the uterus, separating its upper and lower restoring an adequate blood supply to an organ or
parts, which, in obstructed labour, prevents the tissue, especially in a surgical operation using a
baby from moving forward as expected into the blood vessel graft 2. the condition of having an
cervical canal. Also called Bandls ring adequate blood supply restored
retractor /r$tr'kt/ noun a surgical instrument
retractor

reverse isolation /r!v-%s !as$le()n/

reverse isolation
|
| |

which pulls and holds back the edge of the inci- noun same as protective isolation
sion in an operation
revision /r$v+()n/ noun an examination of a
revision

retro- /retr/ prefix at the back, behind

retro-

surgical operation after it has been carried out !

retrobulbar /!retr$b.lb/ adjective behind a revision of a radical mastoidectomy
retrobulbar

the eyeball Reyes syndrome /$raz !sndrm/ noun a

Reyes syndrome

retrobulbar neuritis /!retrb.lb nju%

retrobulbar neuritis

|
form of brain disease affecting young children,
$rats/ noun inflammation of the optic nerve which is possibly due to viral infection and has a
which makes objects appear blurred. Also called suspected link with aspirin
RGN abbreviation Registered General Nurse
RGN

optic neuritis
Rh abbreviation rhesus
Rh

retroflexion /!retr$flek()n/ noun the fact

retroflexion

of being bent backwards rhabdomyosarcoma /!r'bd!mas%

rhabdomyosarcoma

| |

retrograde /$retr1red/ adjective going

retrograde
$km/ noun a malignant tumour of striated
backwards or deteriorating, getting worse muscle tissue. It occurs mostly in children.
rhabdovirus /$r'bdvars/ noun any of a
rhabdovirus

retrograde pyelography /!retr1red !pa

retrograde pyelography

$l1rfi/ noun an X-ray examination of the kid- group of viruses containing RNA, one of which
ney where a catheter is passed into the kidney and causes rabies
rhachio- /reki/ prefix referring to the spine
rhachio-

an opaque liquid is injected directly into it

Rh disease /!%r $et d!zi%z/ noun same as
Rh disease

retrolental fibroplasia /!retrlent()l

retrolental fibroplasia
|

!fabr$plezi/ noun a condition in which

|
rhesus factor disease
fibrous tissue develops behind the lens of the eye, rheo- /ri%/ prefix 1. relating to the flow of liq-
rheo-

resulting in blindness uids 2. relating to the flow of electrical current

retro-ocular /!retr $kjl/ adjective at the rhesus baby /$ri%ss !bebi/ noun a baby with
retro-ocular rhesus baby

back of the eye erythroblastosis fetalis

rhesus factor /$ri%ss !f'kt/ noun an antigen
rhesus factor

retroperitoneal /!retr!pert$ni%l/ adjec-

retroperitoneal

| |

tive at the back of the peritoneum in red blood cells, which is an element in blood
grouping. Also called Rh factor
retroperitoneal space /!retrpert!ni%l
retroperitoneal space

rhesus factor disease /$ri%ss !f'kt d

rhesus factor disease

$spes/ noun the area between the posterior pari- |

etal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall, !zi%z/ noun a disease which occurs when the
containing the kidneys, adrenal glands, duode- blood of a fetus has a different rhesus factor from
num, ureters and pancreas that of the mother. Also called Rh disease
rheumatic /ru%$m'tk/ adjective referring to
rheumatic

retropharyngeal /!retr!f'rn$d+i%l/
retropharyngeal
|
| |

adjective at the back of the pharynx rheumatism

rheumatic fever /ru%!m'tk $fi%v/ noun a
rheumatic fever

retropubic /!retr$pju%bk/ adjective at the

retropubic
|

collagen disease of young people and children,

|

back of the pubis

caused by haemolytic streptococci, where the
retrospection /!retr$spekn/ noun the act
retrospection

|
joints and also the valves and lining of the heart
of recalling what happened in the past become inflamed. Also called acute rheuma-
retrospective /!retr$spektv/ adjective tism
retrospective

applying to the past, tracing what has happened COMMENT: Rheumatic fever often follows
already to selected people another streptococcal infection such as a
Nursing.fm Page 265 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
strep throat or tonsillitis. Symptoms are high
fever, pains in the joints, which become red,
formation of nodules on the ends of bones
and difficulty in breathing. Although recovery
can be complete, rheumatic fever can recur
and damage the heart permanently.
rheumatism /$ru%mtz()m/ noun pains and
rheumatism
stiffness in the joints and muscles (informal) !
She has rheumatism in her hips. ! He com-
plained of rheumatism in the knees.
rheumatoid /$ru%mtd/ adjective relating to
rheumatoid
rheumatism
rheumatoid arthritis /!ru%mtd %$rats/
rheumatoid arthritis
|
noun a general painful disabling collagen disease
affecting any joint, but especially the hands, feet
and hips, making them swollen and inflamed. !
osteoarthritis
rheumatologist /!ru%m$tld+st/ noun a
rheumatologist
|
doctor who specialises in rheumatology
rheumatology /!ru%m$tld+i/ noun a branch
rheumatology
| method of birth control where sexual intercourse
of medicine dealing with rheumatic disease of
muscles and joints
Rh factor /!%r $et !f'kt/ noun same as rhe-
Rh factor
sus factor
rhin- /ran/ prefix same as rhino- (used before
rhin-
vowels)
rhinitis /ra$nats/ noun inflammation of the
rhinitis
| does not have regular periods.
mucous membrane in the nose, which makes the
nose run, caused, e.g., by a virus infection or an
allergic reaction to dust or flowers
rhino- /ran/ prefix referring to the nose
rhino-
rhinology /ra$nld+i/ noun a branch of med-
rhinology
|
icine dealing with diseases of the nose and the
nasal passages
rhinophyma /!ran$fam/ noun a condition
rhinophyma
caused by rosacea, in which the nose becomes
permanently red and swollen
rhinoplasty /$ranpl'sti/ noun plastic sur-
rhinoplasty
gery to correct the appearance of the nose
rhinorrhoea /!ran$r/ noun a watery dis-
rhinorrhoea
charge from the nose
rhinoscope /$ranskp/ noun an instrument
rhinoscope
for examining the inside of the nose
rhinoscopy /ra$nskpi/ noun an examina-
rhinoscopy
| proteins. ! DNA. Abbreviation RNA
tion of the inside of the nose
rhinosinusitis /!ran!san$sats/ noun
rhinosinusitis
| |
swelling of the lining of the nose and paranasal
sinuses, as a result of either a viral infection or
allergic rhinitis. It is usually treated with antibiot-
ics, antihistamines or steroids.
rhinovirus /$ran!vars/ noun a group of
rhinovirus
viruses containing RNA, which cause infection of
the nose and include the virus which causes the
common cold
rhiz- /raz/, rhizo- /raz/ prefix referring to a
rhiz-
root
265 rickets
rhizotomy /ra$ztmi/ noun a surgical opera-
rhizotomy
tion to cut or divide the roots of a nerve to relieve
severe pain
Rh-negative /!% et $ne1tv/ adjective who
Rh-negative
does not have the rhesus factor in his or her blood
rhodopsin /r$dpsn/ noun a light-sensitive
rhodopsin
|
purple pigment in the rods of the retina, which
makes it possible to see in dim light. Also called
visual purple
rhomboid /$rmbd/ noun one of two muscles
rhomboid
in the top part of the back which move the shoul-
der blades
rhonchus /$rks/ noun an unusual sound in
rhonchus
the chest, heard through a stethoscope, caused by
a partial blockage in the bronchi (NOTE: The plu-
ral is rhonchi.)
Rh-positive /!% et $pztv/ adjective who
Rh-positive
has the rhesus factor in his or her blood
rhythm method /$r()m !med/ noun a
rhythm method
should take place only during the safe periods
when conception is least likely to occur, i.e. at the
beginning and at the end of the menstrual cycle
COMMENT: This method is not as safe or re-
liable as other methods of contraception be-
cause the time when ovulation takes place
cannot be accurately calculated if a woman
rib /rb/ noun one of twenty-four curved bones
rib
which protect the chest (NOTE: For other terms
referring to the ribs, see words beginning with
cost-, costo-.)
ribavirin /$rab!varn/ noun a synthetic drug
ribavirin
|
which helps to prevent the synthesis of viral DNA
and RNA, used in the treatment of viral diseases
rib cage /$rb ked+/ noun the ribs and the space
rib cage
enclosed by them
riboflavine /!rab$flevn/ same as Vitamin
riboflavine
|
B2
ribonuclease /!rab$nju%kliez/ noun an
ribonuclease
|
enzyme which breaks down RNA
ribonucleic acid /!rabnju%!kli%k $'sd/
ribonucleic acid
|
noun one of the nucleic acids in the nucleus of all
living cells, which takes coded information from
DNA and translates it into specific enzymes and
ribosome /$rabsm/ noun a tiny particle in
ribosome
a cell, containing RNA and protein, where protein
is synthesised
ricewater stools /$rasw%t stu%lz/ plural
ricewater stools
noun watery faeces that are typically passed by
people who have cholera
ricin /$rasn/ noun a highly toxic albumin found
ricin
in the seeds of the castor oil plant
rickets /$rkts/ noun a disease of children,
rickets
where the bones are soft and do not develop prop-
erly due to lack of Vitamin D. Also called rachi-
tis
Nursing.fm Page 266 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
ridge
ridge /rd+/ noun a long raised part on the sur-
ridge
face of a bone or organ
rifampicin /rf$'mpsn/ noun an antibiotic
rifampicin
|
which works by interfering with RNA synthesis
in the infecting bacteria, used in the treatment of
tuberculosis, leprosy and other bacterial infec-
tions
right-left shunt /!rat left $.nt/ noun a mal-
right-left shunt
formation in the heart, allowing blood to flow
from the pulmonary artery to the aorta
rigidity /r$d+dti/ noun the fact of being rigid,
rigidity
|
bent or not able to be moved. ! spasticity
rigor /$r1/ noun an attack of shivering, often
rigor
with fever
rigor mortis /!r1 $m%ts/ noun a condition in
rigor mortis
which the muscles of a dead body become stiff
after death and then become relaxed again
COMMENT: Rigor mortis starts about eight
hours after death, and begins to disappear
several hours later. Environment and tem-
perature play a large part in the timing.
rima /$ram/ noun a narrow crack or cleft
rima
rima glottidis /!ri%m $1ltds/ noun a space
rima glottidis
between the vocal cords
ring /r/ noun a circle of tissue, or tissue or
ring
muscle shaped like a circle
ring block /$r blk/ noun the process of
ring block
inserting local anaesthetic all the way round a
digit, e.g a finger, in order to perform a procedure
distal to the block.
Ringers solution /$rz s!lu%()n/ noun a
Ringers solution
|
solution of inorganic salts which is used both to
treat burns and cuts and to keep cells, tissues or
organs alive outside the body
ring finger /$r !f1/ noun the third finger,
ring finger
the finger between the little finger and the middle
finger
ringworm /$rw-%m/ noun any of various
ringworm
infections of the skin by a fungus, in which the
infection spreads out in a circle from a central
point. It is very contagious and difficult to get rid
of. Also called tinea
Rinnes test /$rniz test/ noun a hearing test in
Rinnes test
which a tuning fork is hit and its handle placed
near the ear, to test for air conduction, and then on
the mastoid process, to test for bone conduction.
It is then possible to determine the type of lesion
which exists by finding if the sound is heard for a
longer period by air or by bone conduction.
[Described 1855. After Friedrich Heinrich Rinne
(181968), otologist at Gttingen, Germany.]
ripple bed /$rp()l bed/ noun a type of bed
ripple bed
with an air-filled mattress divided into sections, in
which the pressure is continuously being changed
so that the body can be massaged and bedsores
can be avoided
risk /rsk/ noun the possibility of something
risk
harmful happening ! There is a risk of a cholera
epidemic. ! There is no risk of the disease
266
spreading to other members of the family. # at
risk in danger of being harmed ! Businessmen
are particularly at risk of having a heart attack. "
verb to do something which may possibly cause
harm or have bad results ! If the patient is not
moved to an isolation ward, all the patients and
staff in the hospital risk catching the disease.
risk factor /$rsk !f'kt/ noun a characteristic
risk factor
that increases a persons likelihood of getting a
particular disease ! Smoking is a risk factor for
lung cancer. ! Obesity is a risk factor for diabe-
tes.
risus sardonicus /!rass s%$dnks/ noun
risus sardonicus
|
a twisted smile which is a symptom of tetanus
rite of passage /!rat v $p'sd+/ noun a cer-
rite of passage
emony which shows that somebody is moving
from one stage of their life to another, e.g. from
childhood to puberty or from unmarried to mar-
ried life
RM abbreviation Registered Midwife
RM
RMN abbreviation Registered Mental Nurse
RMN
RN abbreviation Registered Nurse
RN
RNA abbreviation ribonucleic acid
RNA
RNMH abbreviation Registered Nurse for the
RNMH
Mentally Handicapped
Rocky Mountain spotted fever /!rki
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
!mantn !sptd $fi%v/ noun a type of typhus
caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted to
humans by ticks
rod /rd/ noun 1. a stick shape with rounded
rod
ends ! Some bacteria are shaped like rods or are
rod-shaped. 2. one of two types of light-sensitive
cell in the retina of the eye. Rods are sensitive to
dim light, but not to colour. ! cone
rodent ulcer /!rd()nt $.ls/ noun a malig-
rodent ulcer
nant tumour on the face
roentgen /$rnt1n/ noun a unit of radiation
roentgen
used to measure the exposure of someone or
something to X-rays or gamma rays. Symbol R
[After Wilhelm Konrad von Rntgen (1845
1923), physicist at Strasbourg, Geissen, Wrz-
burg and Munich, and then Director of the phys-
ics laboratory at Wrzburg where he discovered
X-rays in 1895. Nobel prize for Physics 1901.]
role /rl/ noun 1. the usual or expected function
role
of somebody or something in a particular process
or event ! the role of haemoglobin in blood clot-
ting 2. the characteristic or expected pattern of
behaviour of a particular member of a social
group ! the eldest childs role in the family
role playing /$rl !ple/ noun the act of pre-
role playing
tending to be somebody else in a situation, so that
you have to imagine how that person feels and
thinks. It usually involves several people. It is
used in many training exercises and psychiatric
evaluations.
rolled bandage /!rld $b'ndd+/, roller
rolled bandage
bandage /$rl !b'ndd+/ noun a bandage in
Nursing.fm Page 267 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
the form of a long strip of cloth which is rolled up
from one or both ends
Rombergs sign /$rmb-%1z san/ noun a
Rombergs sign
swaying of the body or falling when standing with
the feet close together and the eyes closed, the
result of loss of the joint position sense
[Described 1846. After Moritz Heinrich Romberg
(17951873), German physician and pioneer
neurologist.]
rongeur /r$1-%/ noun a strong surgical instru-
rongeur
|
ment like a pair of pliers, used for cutting bone
root /ru%t/ noun 1. a point from which a part of
root
the body grows ! root of hair or hair root ! root
of nerve or nerve root 2. part of a tooth which is
connected to a socket in the jaw $ also called
radix
root canal /$ru%t k!n'l/ noun a canal in the
root canal
|
root of a tooth through which the nerves and
blood vessels pass
rooting reflex /$ru%t !ri%fleks/ noun the
rooting reflex
instinct in new babies to turn their heads towards
a touch on the cheek or mouth, which is important
for breastfeeding
Roper, Logan and Tierney model /!rp
Roper, Logan and Tierney model
!l1n n $tni !md()l/ noun an important
model of nursing developed in the UK in 1980.
Various factors such as necessary daily tasks,
lifespan and health status are used to assess the
relative independence of an individual, which the
nurse will help them to increase.
Rorschach test /$r%%k test/ noun the ink
Rorschach test
blot test, used in psychological diagnosis, where
someone is shown a series of blots of ink on paper
and is asked to say what each blot reminds him or
her of. The answers give information about the
persons psychological state. [Described 1921.
After Hermann Rorschach (18841922), Ger-
man-born psychiatrist who worked in Bern, Swit-
zerland.]
rosacea /r$ze/ noun a common skin dis-
rosacea
ease seen from middle age affecting the face, and
especially the nose, which becomes red because
of enlarged blood vessels. The cause is not
known. Also called acne rosacea (NOTE:
Despite its alternative name, rosacea is not a
type of acne.)
rosea /$rzi/ " pityriasis
rosea
rostrum /$rstrm/ noun a projecting part of a
rostrum
bone or structure shaped like a beak (NOTE: The
plural is rostra.)
rotation /r$te()n/ noun the act of moving
rotation
in a circle. See illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS
in Supplement
rotator /r$tet/ noun a muscle which makes
rotator
a limb rotate
Rotheras test /$rrz test/ noun a test to
Rotheras test
see if acetone is present in urine, a sign of ketosis
which is a complication of diabetes mellitus [After
267 rubefacient
Arthur Cecil Hamel Rothera (18801915), bio-
chemist in Melbourne, Australia.]
Roth spot /$rt spt/ noun a pale spot which
Roth spot
sometimes occurs on the retina of a person who
has leukaemia or some other diseases [After
Moritz Roth (18391915), Swiss pathologist and
physician.]
rotunda /r$t.nd/ " fenestra
rotunda
roughage /$r.fd+/ noun same as dietary fibre
roughage
round /rand/ adjective shaped like a circle "
round
noun a regular visit
round ligament /$rand !l1mnt/ noun a
round ligament
band of muscle which stretches from the uterus to
the labia
round window /$rand !wnd/ noun a round
round window
opening between the middle ear and the cochlea,
and closed by a membrane. Also called fenestra
rotunda. See illustration at EAR in Supplement
Rovsings sign /$rvsz san/ noun pain in
Rovsings sign
the right iliac fossa when the left iliac fossa is
pressed, which is a sign of acute appendicitis
[Described 1907. After Nils Thorkild Rovsing
(18621927), Professor of Surgery at Copenha-
gen, Denmark.]
Royal College of General Practitioners
Royal College of General Practitioners
/!rl !kld+ v $d+en()rl/ noun a profes-
sional association which represents family doc-
tors. Abbreviation RCGP
Royal College of Nursing /!rl !kld+ v
Royal College of Nursing
$n-%s/ noun a professional association which
represents nurses. Abbreviation RCN
Roys model /$rz !md()l/ noun a model for
Roys model
nursing developed in the US in the 1970s. It
describes a persons health as being a state of suc-
cessful positive adaptation to all those stimuli
from the environment which could interfere with
their basic need satisfaction. Illness results from
an inability to adapt to such stimuli, so nurses
should help patients to overcome this.
RQ abbreviation respiratory quotient
RQ
RR abbreviation 1. recovery room 2. relative risk
RR
-rrhage /rd+/, -rrhagia /$red+/ suffix refer-
-rrhage
ring to an unusual flow or discharge of blood
-rrhaphy /rfi/ suffix referring to surgical sew-
-rrhaphy
ing or suturing
-rrhexis /rekss/ suffix referring to splitting or
-rrhexis
rupture
-rrhoea /r/ suffix referring to an unusual flow
-rrhoea
or discharge of fluid from an organ
RSCN abbreviation Registered Sick Childrens
RSCN
Nurse
RSI abbreviation repetitive strain injury
RSI
RSV abbreviation respiratory syncytial virus
RSV
RTN abbreviation Registered Theatre Nurse
RTN
rubefacient /!ru%b$fe()nt/ noun a sub-
rubefacient
stance which makes the skin warm, and pink or
red " adjective causing the skin to become red
Nursing.fm Page 268 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
rubella
rubella /ru%$bel/ noun a common infectious
rubella
viral disease of children with mild fever, swollen
lymph nodes and rash. Also called German mea-
sles
COMMENT: Rubella can cause stillbirth or
malformation of an unborn baby if the mother
catches the disease while pregnant. One
component of the MMR vaccine immunises
against rubella.
rubeola /ru%$bi%l/ noun same as measles
rubeola
|
rubor /$ru%b/ noun redness of the skin or tissue
rubor
Ruffini corpuscles /ru%$fi%ni !k%p.s()lz/,
Ruffini corpuscles
|
Ruffini nerve endings /ru%$fi%ni n-%v !endz/
|
plural noun branching nerve endings in the skin,
which are thought to be sensitive to heat
ruga /$ru%1/ noun a fold or ridge, especially in
ruga
a mucous membrane such as the lining of the
stomach (NOTE: The plural is rugae.)
rumination /!ru%m$ne()n/ noun 1. a condi-
rumination
|
tion in which someone has constant irrational
thoughts which they cannot control 2. the regurgi-
tation of food from the stomach which is then
swallowed again
run-down /!r.n $dan/ adjective exhausted and
run-down
unwell
268
running /$r.n/ adjective from which liquid is
running
flowing ! running eyes
running sore /!r.n $s%/ noun a sore which is
running sore
discharging pus
runs /r.nz/ noun the runs same as diarrhoea
runs
(informal) ! Ive got the runs again. (NOTE:
Takes a singular or plural verb.)
rupture /$r.pt/ noun 1. the breaking or tear-
rupture
ing of an organ such as the appendix 2. same as
hernia " verb to break or tear something
ruptured spleen /!r.ptd $spli%n/ noun a
ruptured spleen
spleen which has been torn by piercing or by a
blow
Russell traction /$r.s()l !tr'k()n/ noun a
Russell traction
type of traction with weights and slings used to
straighten a femur which has been fractured
[Described 1924. After R. Hamilton Russell
(18601933), Australian surgeon.]
Ryles tube /$ralz !tju%b/ noun a thin tube
Ryles tube
which is passed into the stomach through either
the nose or mouth, used to pump out the contents
of the stomach or to introduce a barium meal in
the stomach [Described 1921. After John Alfred
Ryle (18821950), physician at London, Cam-
bridge and Oxford, UK]
Nursing.fm Page 269 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
S
Sabin vaccine /$sebn !v'ksi%n/ noun an oral
Sabin vaccine
vaccine against poliomyelitis, consisting of weak
live polio virus. Compare Salk vaccine (NOTE:
This is the vaccine used in the UK) [Developed
1955. After Albert Bruce Sabin (190693), Rus-
sian-born New York bacteriologist.]
sac /s'k/ noun a part of the body shaped like a
sac
bag
saccades /s'$kedz/ plural noun controlled
saccades
|
rapid movements of the eyes made when a person
is changing the direction in which they are focus-
ing, e.g. when they are reading
sacchar- /s'k/ prefix same as saccharo-
sacchar-
(used before vowels)
saccharide /$s'krad/ noun a form of carbo-
saccharide
hydrate
saccharin /$s'krn/ noun a white crystalline
saccharin
substance, used in place of sugar because,
although it is nearly 500 times sweeter than sugar,
it contains no carbohydrates
saccharine /$s'kran/ adjective relating to,
saccharine
resembling or containing sugar
saccharo- /s'kr/ prefix referring to sugar
saccharo-
saccule /$s'kju%l/, sacculus /$s'kjls/ noun
saccule
the smaller of two sacs in the vestibule of the
inner ear which is part of the mechanism which
relates information about the position of the head
in space
sacral /$sekrl/ adjective referring to the sac-
sacral
rum
sacral foramen /!sekrl f$remn/ noun one
sacral foramen
of the openings in the sacrum through which the
sacral nerves pass. See illustration at PELVIS in
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is sacral
foramina.)
sacral nerve /$sekrl n-%v/ noun one of the
sacral nerve
nerves which branch from the spinal cord in the
sacrum and govern the legs, the arms and the gen-
ital area
sacral plexus /!sekrl $plekss/ noun a group
sacral plexus
of nerves inside the pelvis near the sacrum which
lead to nerves in the buttocks, back of the thigh
and lower leg and foot
sacral vertebrae /!sekrl $v-%tbri%/ plural
sacral vertebrae
noun the five vertebrae in the lower part of the
spine which are fused together to form the sacrum
sacro- /sekr/ prefix referring to the sacrum
sacro-
sacrococcygeal
sacrococcygeal
/!sekrkk$si%d+il/
|
adjective referring to the sacrum and the coccyx
sacroiliac /!sekr$li'k/ adjective referring
sacroiliac
|
to the sacrum and the ilium
sacroiliac joint /!sekr$li'k !d+nt/ noun
sacroiliac joint
|
a joint where the sacrum joins the ilium
sacroiliitis /!sekrli$ats/ noun inflamma-
sacroiliitis
|
tion of the sacroiliac joint
sacrum /$sekrm/ noun a flat triangular bone,
sacrum
formed of five sacral vertebrae fused together,
located between the lumbar vertebrae and the
coccyx. It articulates with the coccyx and also
with the hip bones. See illustration at PELVIS in
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is sacra.)
SAD abbreviation seasonal affective disorder
SAD
saddle joint /$s'd()l d+nt/ noun a synovial
saddle joint
joint where one element is concave and the other
convex, like the joint between the thumb and the
wrist
sadism /$sedz()m/ noun a sexual condition
sadism
in which a person finds sexual pleasure in hurting
others
sadist /$sedst/ noun a person whose sexual
sadist
urge is linked to sadism
sadistic /s$dstk/ adjective referring to sad-
sadistic
|
ism. Compare masochism
SADS abbreviation seasonal affective disorder
SADS
syndrome
safe /sef/ adjective 1. not likely to cause harm
safe
! Is it safe to use this drug on someone who is
diabetic? 2. in a protected place or situation and
not likely to be harmed or lost ! Keep the drugs
in a safe place. ! Hes safe in hospital being
looked after by the doctors and nurses. (NOTE:
safer safest)
safe dose /$sef ds/ noun the amount of a
safe dose
drug which can be given without being harmful
safe sex /!sef $seks/ noun the use of measures
safe sex
such as a contraceptive sheath and having only
one sexual partner to reduce the possibility of
catching a sexually transmitted disease
sagittal /$s'd+t()l/ adjective going from the
sagittal
front of the body to the back, dividing it into right
and left
Nursing.fm Page 270 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

sagittal plane 270

sagittal plane /!s'd+t()l $plen/ noun the [Developed 1954. After Jonas Edward Salk
sagittal plane

division of the body along the midline, at right (191495), virologist in Pittsburgh, USA.]
angles to the coronal plane, dividing the body into salmeterol /s'l$metrl/ noun a drug which
salmeterol

right and left parts. Also called median plane. relaxes and widens the airways, used to treat
See illustration at ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supple- severe asthma
ment Salmonella /!s'lm$nel/ noun a genus of
Salmonella

sagittal section /!s'd+t()l $sekn/ noun

sagittal section

pathogenic bacteria which live in the intestines

any section or cut through the body, going from and are usually acquired by eating contaminated
the front to the back along the length of the body food, responsible for many cases of gastroenteri-
sagittal suture /!s'd+t()l $su%t/ noun a
sagittal suture
tis and for typhoid or paratyphoid fever (NOTE:
joint along the top of the head where the two pari- The plural is Salmonellae.)
etal bones are fused Salmonella poisoning /!s'lm$nel
Salmonella poisoning

St Vituss dance /snt $vatsz !d%ns/ noun

St Vituss dance
!pz()n/ noun poisoning caused by Salmo-
a former name for Sydenhams chorea nellae which develop in the intestines ! Five peo-
salbutamol /s'l$bju%tml/ noun a drug
salbutamol
ple were taken to hospital with Salmonella poi-
soning.
|

which relaxes and dilates the bronchi, used in the

salmonellosis /!s'lmne$lss/ noun food
salmonellosis

relief of asthma, emphysema and chronic bron- |

chitis poisoning caused by Salmonella in the digestive

system
salicylate /s$lslet/ noun one of various
salicylate

salping- /s'lpnd+/ prefix same as salpingo-

salping-

pain-killing substances derived from salicylic

acid, e.g. aspirin (used before vowels)
salpingectomy /!s'lpn$d+ektmi/ noun a
salpingectomy

salicylic acid /!s'lslk $'sd/ noun a white

salicylic acid
|

antiseptic substance which destroys bacteria and surgical operation to remove or cut a Fallopian
fungi and which is used in ointments to treat tube, used as a method of contraception
salpingitis /!s'lpn$d+ats/ noun inflamma-
salpingitis

corns, warts and other skin disorders |

salicylism /$s'lslz()m/ noun the effects of

salicylism
tion, usually of a Fallopian tube
salpingo- /s'lp1/ prefix 1. referring to the
salpingo-

poisoning due to too much salicylic acid. Symp-

toms include headache, tinnitus, faintness and Fallopian tubes 2. referring to the auditory meatus
vomiting. salpingography /!s'lp$11rfi/ noun an
salpingography

saline /$selan/ adjective referring to or con- X-ray examination of the Fallopian tubes
saline

taining salt ! The patient was given a saline salpingolysis /!s'lp$1lss/ noun a surgi-
salpingolysis

transfusion. " noun same as saline solution cal operation to open up blocked Fallopian tubes
saline drip /!selan $drp/ noun a drip contain- by removing any adhesions near the ovaries
saline drip

ing a saline solution salpingo-oophorectomy

salpingo-oophorectomy

/s'l!p1 |

saline solution /$selan s!lu%()n/ noun a !f$rektmi/ noun a surgical operation to

saline solution

| |

solution made of distilled water and sodium chlo- remove a Fallopian tube and ovary
ride, which is introduced into the body intrave- salpingo-oophoritis /s'l!p1 !f
salpingo-oophoritis

| |

nously through a drip $rats/, salpingo-oothecitis /s'l!p1 |

saliva /s$lav/ noun a fluid in the mouth, !$sats/ noun inflammation of a Fallopian
saliva

|
|

secreted by the salivary glands, which starts the tube and the ovary connected to it
process of digesting food (NOTE: For terms refer- salpingo-oophorocele /s'l!p1
salpingo-oophorocele

| |

ring to saliva, see words beginning with ptyal-, $frsi%l/, salpingo-oothecocele /s'l |

ptyalo- or sial-, sialo-.) !p1 !$i%ksi%l/ noun a hernia where a

|

salivary /s$lav()ri/ adjective referring to Fallopian tube and its ovary pass through a weak
salivary

saliva point in the surrounding tissue

salpingostomy /!s'lp$1stmi/ noun a sur-
salpingostomy

salivary calculus /s!lav()ri $k'lkjls/

salivary calculus
|
|

noun a stone which forms in a salivary gland gical operation to open up a blocked Fallopian
salivary gland /s$lav()ri 1l'nd/ noun a
salivary gland

|
tube
salpinx /$s'lpks/ noun same as Fallopian
salpinx

gland which secretes saliva, situated under the

tongue (the sublingual gland), beneath the lower tube (NOTE: The plural is salpinges.)
jaw (the submandibular gland) and in the neck salt /s%lt/ noun 1. small white crystals mainly of
salt

at the back of the lower jaw joint (the parotid sodium chloride used to flavour and preserve food
gland) 2. a crystalline compound, usually containing a
salivation /!s'l$ve()n/ noun the production
salivation

|
metal, formed when an acid is neutralised by an
of saliva alkali
salt-free diet /!s%lt fri% $dat/ noun a diet in
salt-free diet

Salk vaccine /$s%k !v'ksi%n/ noun an injected

Salk vaccine

vaccine against poliomyelitis, consisting of inac- which no salt is allowed

tivated polio virus. Compare Sabin vaccine salve /s'lv/ noun an ointment
salve
Nursing.fm Page 271 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
271
sample /$s%mpl/ noun a small quantity of
sample
something used for testing ! Blood samples were
taken from all the staff in the hospital. ! The doc-
tor asked her to provide a urine sample.
sanatorium /!s'n$t%rim/ noun an institu-
sanatorium
| |
tion, similar to a hospital, which treats particular
types of disorder such as tuberculosis, or offers
special treatment such as hot baths or massage
(NOTE: The plural is sanatoria or sanatoriums.)
sandfly fever /$s'ndfla !fi%v/ noun a virus
sandfly fever
infection like influenza, which is transmitted by
the bite of the sandfly Phlebotomus papatasii and
is common in the Middle East
sandwich therapy /$s'nwd+ !erpi/ noun a
sandwich therapy
system in which one type of treatment is used
between exposures to a different treatment, e.g.,
chemotherapy given before and after radiation, or
radiation given before and after surgery
sangui- /s'1w/ prefix relating to blood
sangui-
sanguineous /s'$1wnis/ adjective refer-
sanguineous
|
ring to blood, containing blood
sanies /$senii%z/ noun a discharge from a sore
sanies
or wound which has an unpleasant smell
sanitary towel /$s'nt()ri !tal/ noun a dis-
sanitary towel
posable pad of absorbent material worn by
women to absorb the blood flow during menstru-
ation
SA node /!es $e !nd/, S-A node /!es $e
SA node
!nd/ noun same as sinoatrial node
saphena /s$fi%n/ noun same as saphenous
saphena
|
vein (NOTE: The plural is saphenae.)
saphenous /s$fi%ns/ adjective relating to the
saphenous
|
saphenous veins
saphenous nerve /s$fi%ns n-%v/ noun a
saphenous nerve
|
branch of the femoral nerve which connects with
the sensory nerves in the skin of the lower leg
saphenous vein /s$fi%ns ven/ noun one of
saphenous vein
| tion of the skin caused by a mite which lives under
two veins which take blood from the foot up the
leg. Also called saphena
COMMENT: The long (internal) saphenous
vein, the longest vein in the body, runs from
the foot up the inside of the leg and joins the
femoral vein. The short (posterior) saphen-
ous vein runs up the back of the lower leg
and joins the popliteal vein.
sapphism /$s'fz()m/ noun same as lesbian-
sapphism
ism
sarc- /s%k/, sarco- /s%k/ prefix 1. referring
sarc-
to flesh 2. referring to muscle
sarcoid /$s%kd/ noun a tumour which is like
sarcoid
a sarcoma " adjective like a sarcoma
sarcoidosis /!s%k$dss/ noun a disease
sarcoidosis
|
causing enlargement of the lymph nodes, where
small nodules or granulomas form in certain tis-
sues, especially in the lungs or liver and other
parts of the body. Also called Boecks disease,
Boecks sarcoid (NOTE: The Kveim test con-
firms the presence of sarcoidosis.)
scalenus syndrome
sarcolemma /!s%k$lem/ noun a membrane
sarcolemma
surrounding a muscle fibre
sarcoma /s%$km/ noun a cancer of connec-
sarcoma
tive tissue such as bone, muscle or cartilage
sarcomatosis /s%!km$tss/ noun a
sarcomatosis
|
condition in which a sarcoma has spread through
the bloodstream to many parts of the body
sarcoptes /s%$kpti%z/ noun a type of mite
sarcoptes
which causes scabies
SARS /s%z/ noun a serious, sometimes fatal,
SARS
infection affecting the respiratory system, first
seen in China. Suspected cases of SARS must be
isolated with full barrier nursing precautions. Full
form severe acute respiratory syndrome
sartorius /s%$t%ris/ noun a very long mus-
sartorius
cle, the longest muscle in the body, which runs
from the anterior iliac spine, across the thigh
down to the tibia
saturated fat /!s'tretd $f't/ noun a fat
saturated fat
which has the largest amount of hydrogen possi-
ble
satyriasis /!s't$rass/ noun an obsessive
satyriasis
|
sexual urge in a man (NOTE: A similar condition in
a woman is called nymphomania.)
saucerisation /!s%sra$ze()n/, sauceri-
saucerisation
|
zation noun 1. a surgical operation in which tis-
sue is cut out in the form of a saucer-like depres-
sion, usually in order to help material drain away
from infected areas of bone 2. the shallow saucer-
like appearance of the upper surface of a vertebra
after a compression fracture
s.c. abbreviation subcutaneous
s.c.
scab /sk'b/ noun a crust of dry blood which
scab
forms over a wound and protects it
scabicide /$skebsad/ noun a solution which
scabicide
kills mites " adjective killing mites
scabies /$skebi%z/ noun a very irritating infec-
scabies
the skin
scala /$sk%l/ noun a spiral canal in the cochlea
scala
scald /sk%ld/ noun an injury to the skin caused
scald
by touching a very hot liquid or steam. Also
called wet burn " verb to injure the skin with a
very hot liquid or steam
scale /skel/ noun 1. a thin flat piece of some-
scale
thing such as dead skin 2. same as tartar 3. a sys-
tem of measurement or valuation based on a
series of marks or levels with regular intervals
between them ! a pay scale 4. same as scales "
verb to remove the calcium deposits from teeth
scalenus /ske$li%ns/, scalene /$skeli%n/
scalenus
noun one of a group of muscles in the neck which
bend the neck forwards and sideways, and also
help expand the lungs in deep breathing
scalenus syndrome /ske$li%ns !sndrm/
scalenus syndrome
noun a pain in an arm, caused by the scalenus
anterior muscle pressing the subclavian artery and
the brachial plexus against the vertebrae. Also
called thoracic outlet syndrome
Nursing.fm Page 272 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
scaler
scaler /$skel/ noun a surgical instrument for
scaler
scaling teeth
scales /skelz/ noun a machine for weighing !
scales
The nurses weighed the baby on the scales.
scalp /sk'lp/ noun the thick skin and muscle,
scalp
with the hair, which covers the skull
scalpel /$sk'lpl/ noun a small sharp-pointed
scalpel
knife used in surgery
scan /sk'n/ noun an examination of part of the
scan
body using computer-interpreted X-rays to create
a picture of the part on a screen " verb to examine
part of the body using computer-interpreted X-
rays to create a picture of the part on a screen
scanning /$sk'n/ noun 1. the act of examin-
scanning
ing an area with the eyes 2. the act of examining
internal organs of the body with a piece of elec-
tronic equipment
scaphocephalic /!sk'fs$f'lk/ adjective
scaphocephalic
|
having a long narrow skull
scaphocephaly /!sk'f$kefli, !sk'f
scaphocephaly
| |
$sefli/ noun a condition in which the skull is
unusually long and narrow
scaphoid /$sk'fd/, scaphoid bone
scaphoid
/$sk'fd bn/ noun one of the carpal bones in
the wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement
scapula /$sk'pjl/ noun one of two large flat
scapula
bones covering the top part of the back. Also
called shoulder blade (NOTE: The plural is
scapulae.)
scapular /$sk'pjl/ adjective referring to the
scapular
shoulder blade
scapulo- /sk'pjl/ prefix relating to the
scapulo-
scapula
scapulohumeral
/!sk'pjl$hju%mrl/
scapulohumeral
|
adjective referring to the scapula and humerus
scar /sk%/ noun the mark left on the skin after a
scar
wound or surgical incision has healed ! He still
has the scar of his appendicectomy. Also called
cicatrix " verb to leave a scar on the skin ! The
burns have scarred him for life. ! Plastic sur-
geons have tried to repair the scarred arm. !
Patients were given special clothes to reduce
hypertrophic scarring.
scarlatina /!sk%l$ti%n/, scarlet fever
scarlatina
|
/!sk%lt $fi%v/ noun an infectious disease with a
fever, sore throat and a red rash. It is caused by a
haemolytic streptococcus and can sometimes
have serious complications if the kidneys are
infected.
scar tissue /$sk% !tu%/ noun fibrous tissue
scar tissue
which forms a scar
scat- /sk't/, scato- /sk't/ prefix referring to
scat-
the faeces
scatole /$sk'tl/ noun a substance in faeces,
scatole
formed in the intestine, which causes a strong
smell (NOTE: Also spelled skatole.)
SCC abbreviation squamous cell carcinoma
SCC
272
Scheuermanns disease /$mnz d
Scheuermanns disease
!zi%z/ noun inflammation of the bones and carti-
lage in the spine, usually affecting adolescents
[Described 1920. After Holger Werfel Scheuer-
mann (18771960), Danish orthopaedic sur-
geon and radiologist.]
Schick test /$k test/ noun a test to see if a
Schick test
person is immune to diphtheria [Described 1908.
After Bela Schick (18771967), paediatrician in
Vienna, Austria, and New York, USA.]
Schilling test /$l test/ noun a test to see if
Schilling test
someone can absorb Vitamin B12 through the
intestines, to determine cases of pernicious anae-
mia [After Robert Frederick Schilling (b. 1919),
US physician.]
-schisis /skass/ suffix referring to a fissure or
-schisis
split
schisto- /st/ prefix referring to something
schisto-
which is split
Schistosoma /!st$sm/, schistosome
Schistosoma
|
/$stsm/ same as bilharzia
schistosomiasis /!sts$mass/ noun
schistosomiasis
|
same as bilharziasis
schiz- /skts/, schizo- /skts/ prefix referring
schiz-
to something which is split
schizoid /$sktsd/ adjective referring to
schizoid
schizophrenia " noun a person who has a less
severe form of schizophrenia
schizoid personality /!sktsd !p-%s
schizoid personality
|
$n'lti/ noun a disorder in which someone is cold
towards other people, thinks mainly about himself
or herself and behaves in an odd way. Also called
split personality
schizophrenia /!skts$fri%ni/ noun a men-
schizophrenia
|
tal disorder in which someone withdraws from
contact with other people, has delusions and
seems to lose contact with the real world
schizophrenic /!skts$frenk/ noun some-
schizophrenic
one who has schizophrenia " adjective having
schizophrenia
Schlemms canal /$lemz k!n'l/ noun a cir-
Schlemms canal
|
cular canal in the sclera of the eye, which drains
the aqueous humour [Described 1830. After Frie-
drich Schlemm (17951858), Professor of Anat-
omy in Berlin, Germany.]
SchnleinHenoch purpura /!-%nlan
SchnleinHenoch purpura
$henk !p-%pjr/, Schnleins purpura
/$-%nlanz !p-%pjr/ noun a blood disorder of
children, in which the skin becomes purple on the
buttocks and lower legs, the joints are swollen and
painful and there are gastrointestinal problems
school health service /sku%l $hel !s-%vs/
school health service
noun a special service, part of the local health
authority, which looks after the health of children
in school
school nurse /$sku%l n-%s/ noun a nurse who
school nurse
works in a school, treating health problems and
promoting health and safety
Nursing.fm Page 273 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

273 screen

Schwann cells /$vn selz/ plural noun the sclerosis /skl$rss/ noun a condition in
Schwann cells sclerosis

cells which form the myelin sheath around a which tissue becomes hard
nerve fibre. See illustration at NEURONE in Sup- sclerotherapy /!sklr$erpi/ noun the
sclerotherapy

plement [Described 1839. After Friedrich Theo- treatment of a varicose vein by injecting a sclero-
dor Schwann (181082), German anatomist.] sant agent into the vein, and so encouraging the
sciatic /sa$'tk/ adjective 1. referring to the blood in the vein to clot
sciatic

hip 2. referring to the sciatic nerve sclerotic /skl$rtk/ adjective referring to

sclerotic

sciatica /sa$'tk/ noun pain along the sciatic sclerosis, or having sclerosis " noun same as
sciatica

nerve, usually at the back of the thighs and legs sclera

sciatic nerve /sa$'tk n-%v/ noun one of two sclerotic coat /skl!rtk $kt/ noun same as
sciatic nerve sclerotic coat

| |

main nerves which run from the sacral plexus into sclera
each of the thighs, dividing into a series of nerves sclerotome /$sklrtm/ noun a sharp knife
sclerotome

in the lower legs and feet. They are the largest used in sclerotomy
nerves in the body.
sclerotomy /skl$rtmi/ noun a surgical
sclerotomy

scintigram /$snt1r'm/ noun an image

scintigram

operation to cut into the sclera

recording radiation from radioactive isotopes scolex /$skleks/ noun the head of a tape-
scolex

injected into the body worm, with hooks which attach it to the wall of
scirrhous /$srs/ adjective hard ! a scirrhous
scirrhous

the intestine (NOTE: The plural is scolices or

tumour scolexes.)
scirrhus /$srs/ noun a hard malignant tumour,
scirrhus

scoliosis /!skli$ss/ noun a condition in

scoliosis

especially in the breast which the spine curves sideways

scissor leg /$sz le1/ noun a condition in
scissor leg

scoliotic /!skli$tk/ adjective referring to a

scoliotic

which someone walks with one leg crossing over spine which curves sideways
the other, usually as a result of spasticity of the SCOPE /skp/ noun a UK organisation that
SCOPE

legs adductor muscles offers support and services to people with cere-
scissor legs /$sz le1z/ plural noun mal-
scissor legs

bral palsy
formed legs, where one leg is permanently -scope /skp/ suffix referring to an instrument
-scope

crossed over in front of the other for examining by sight

scissura /$sr/ noun an opening in some-
scissura

scopolamine /sk$plmi%n/ noun a colour-

scopolamine

thing or a splitting of something

|

less thick liquid poisonous alkaloid found in some

scler- /skl/ prefix same as sclero- (used
scler-

plants of the nightshade family. It is used espe-

before vowels) cially to prevent motion sickness and as a seda-
sclera /$sklr/ noun the hard white outer cov- tive.
sclera

ering of the eyeball. See illustration at EYE in scorbutic /sk%$bju%tk/ adjective referring to
scorbutic

Supplement. Also called sclerotic, sclerotic scurvy

coat, albuginea oculi scorbutus /sk%$bju%ts/ noun same as
scorbutus

scleral /$sklrl/ adjective referring to the

scleral

scurvy
sclera scoto- /skt/ prefix dark
scoto-

scleritis /skl$rats/ noun inflammation of the

scleritis

scotoma /sk$tm/ noun a small area in the

scotoma
|
|

sclera field of vision where someone cannot see

sclero- /sklr/ prefix 1. hard, thick 2. refer-
sclero-

scotometer /sk$tmt/ noun an instrument

scotometer

ring to the sclera used to measure areas of impaired vision

scleroderma /!sklr$d-%m/ noun a collagen
scleroderma

scotopia /sk$tpi/ noun the power of the

scotopia
|
|

disease which thickens connective tissue and pro- eye to adapt to poor lighting conditions and dark-
duces a hard thick skin ness
scleromalacia /!sklrm!lei p
scleromalacia

scotopic /sk$tpk/ adjective referring to

scotopic
| |
|

$f%rns/, scleromalacia perforans scotopia

/!sklrm$lei/ noun a condition of the
scotopic vision /sk!tpk $v+()n/ noun
| scotopic vision

sclera in which holes appear in it |

vision in the dark and in dim light, where the rods

sclerosant agent /skl$rs()nt !ed+nt/
sclerosant agent

|
of the retina are used instead of the cones, which
noun an irritating liquid injected into tissue to are used for photopic vision. ! dark adaptation
harden it
screen /skri%n/ noun 1. a light wall, sometimes
screen

sclerosing /skl$rs/ adjective becoming

sclerosing

|
with a curtain, which can be moved about and put
hard, or making tissue hard round a bed to shield a person 2. same as screen-
sclerosing agent /skl$rs !ed+()nt/, ing " verb to examine large numbers of people to
sclerosing agent

sclerosing solution /skl$rs s!lu%()n/ | | test them for a disease ! The population of the
noun same as sclerosant agent village was screened for meningitis.
Nursing.fm Page 274 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
screening
screening /$skri%n/ noun the process of test-
screening
ing large numbers of people to see if any of them
have a particular type of disease. ! genetic
screening
screening test /$skri%n test/ noun a test for
screening test
a particular disease which is given to people who
have no symptoms in order to identify how many
of them have that disease or are showing early
signs of it
scrotal /$skrt()l/ adjective referring to the
scrotal
scrotum
scrototomy /skr$ttmi/ noun a surgical
scrototomy
|
operation to open up and examine the scrotum
(NOTE: The plural is scrototomies.)
scrotum /$skrtm/ noun a bag of skin hang-
scrotum
ing from behind the penis, containing the testes,
epididymides and part of the spermatic cord. See
illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in
Supplement (NOTE: The plural is scrotums or
scrota.)
scrub up /!skr.b $.p/ verb (of a surgeon or
scrub up
theatre nurse) to clean the hands and arms thor-
oughly before performing surgery (NOTE: scrub-
bing up scrubbed up)
scrumpox /$skr.mpks/ noun a form of herpes
scrumpox
simplex found especially in male sports players,
passed on easily due to the presence of small cuts
in the skin combined with the abrasive effects of
facial stubble
scurf /sk-%f/ noun same as dandruff
scurf
scurvy /$sk-%vi/ noun a disease caused by lack
scurvy
of vitamin C or ascorbic acid which is found in
fruit and vegetables. Also called scorbutus
scybalum /$sblm/ noun very hard faeces
scybalum
seasickness /$si%skns/ noun illness, with
seasickness
nausea, vomiting and sometimes headache,
caused by the movement of a ship ! Take some
seasickness tablets if you are going on a long
journey.
seasonal affective disorder /!si%z()n()l
seasonal affective disorder
| secondary growth
$fektv ds!%d/, seasonal affective disorder
|
syndrome /!si%z()n()l $fektv ds!%d | |
!sndrm/ noun a condition in which a person
becomes depressed and anxious during the winter
when there are fewer hours of daylight. Its precise
cause is not known, but it is thought that the short-
age of daylight may provoke a reaction between
various hormones and neurotransmitters in the
brain. Abbreviation SAD, SADS
seat /si%t/ noun same as buttock (informal)
seat
seat-belt syndrome /$si%t belt !sndrm/
seat-belt syndrome
noun a group of injuries between the neck and the
abdomen which occur in a car accident when a
person is using either a lap belt or a shoulder belt
incorrectly, not over the strongest part of the chest
sebaceous /s$bes/ adjective referring to
sebaceous
| |
sebum
274
sebaceous cyst /s!bes $sst/ noun a cyst
sebaceous cyst
which forms when a sebaceous gland is blocked.
! steatoma
sebaceous gland /s!bes $1l'nd/ noun a
sebaceous gland
gland in the skin which secretes sebum at the base
of each hair follicle
seborrhoea /!seb$ri%/ noun an excessive
seborrhoea
secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands, com-
mon in young people at puberty, and sometimes
linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis (NOTE: The US
spelling is seborrhea.)
seborrhoeic /!seb$ri%k/ adjective caused by
seborrhoeic
|
seborrhoea (NOTE: The US spelling is sebor-
rheic.)
seborrhoeic dermatitis /!sebri%k !d-%m
seborrhoeic dermatitis
|
$tats/, seborrhoeic eczema /!sebri%k
$eksm/ noun a type of eczema where scales
form on the skin
sebum /$si%bm/ noun an oily substance
sebum
secreted by a sebaceous gland, which makes the
skin smooth. It also protects the skin against bac-
teria and the body against rapid evaporation of
water.
secondary /$seknd()ri/ adjective 1. occur-
secondary
ring after the first stage 2. less important than
something else " noun a malignant tumour
which has developed and spread from another
malignant tumour. ! primary (NOTE: The plural is
secondaries.)
secondary amenorrhoea /!seknd()ri e
secondary amenorrhoea
|
!men$ri%/ noun a situation in which a premen-
|
opausal womans menstrual periods have stopped
secondary biliary cirrhosis /!seknd()ri
secondary biliary cirrhosis
!bliri s$rss/ noun cirrhosis of the liver
|
caused by an obstruction of the bile ducts
secondary care /!seknd()ri $ke/ noun
secondary care
treatment provided by the professional team in a
hospital, rather than by a GP or other primary care
provider and the primary health care team. Com-
pare primary care, tertiary care. Also called
secondary health care
secondary growth /!seknd()ri $1r/
noun same as metastasis
secondary haemorrhage /!seknd()ri
secondary haemorrhage
$hem()rd+/ noun a haemorrhage which occurs
some time after an injury, usually due to infection
of the wound
secondary health care /!seknd()ri $hel
secondary health care
!ke/ noun same as secondary care
secondary infection /!seknd()ri n
secondary infection
$fekn/ noun an infection which affects a person
while he or she is weakened through having
another infection
secondary medical care /!seknd()ri
secondary medical care
$medk()l !ke/ noun specialised treatment pro-
vided by a hospital
secondary peritonitis /!seknd()ri !pert
secondary peritonitis
$nats/ noun peritonitis caused by infection from
Nursing.fm Page 275 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
275
an adjoining tissue, e.g. from the rupturing of the
appendix
secondary prevention /!seknd()ri pr
secondary prevention
$venn/ noun the use of methods such as screen-
ing tests which avoid a serious disease by detect-
ing it early
secondary sexual
secondary sexual characteristic
characteristic
/!seknd()ri !sekul !k'rkt$rstk/ noun a | |
sexual characteristic which develops after
puberty, e.g. pubic hair or breasts
second-degree burn /!seknd d!1ri% $b-%n/
second-degree burn
|
noun a burn where the skin becomes very red and
blisters
second-level nurse /!seknd !lev()l $n-%s/,
second-level nurse
second-level registered nurse /!seknd
!lev()l !red+std $n-%s/ noun a trained person
who delivers nursing care under the direction and
supervision of a first-level nurse. Compare first-
level nurse
secretin /s$kri%tn/ noun a hormone secreted
secretin
|
by the duodenum which encourages the produc-
tion of pancreatic juice
secretion /s$kri%()n/ noun 1. the process by
secretion
| segregation
which a substance is produced by a gland ! The
pituitary gland stimulates the secretion of hor-
mones by the adrenal gland. 2. a substance pro-
duced by a gland ! Sex hormones are bodily
secretions.
secretor /s$kri%t/ noun a person who secretes
secretor
|
substances indicating ABO blood group into
mucous fluids such as semen or saliva
secretory otitis media /s!kri%tri !tats
secretory otitis media
| |
$mi%di/ noun same as glue ear
section /$sekn/ noun 1. a part of something !
section
the middle section of the aorta 2. the action of cut-
ting tissue 3. a slice of tissue cut for examination
under a microscope 4. a part of a document such
as an Act of Parliament ! She was admitted under
section 5 of the Mental Health Act.
Section 47 /!sekn !f%ti $sev()n/ noun a UK
Section 47
law under which a local authority has the power
to seek an order from a magistrates court author-
ising the removal of a person at severe risk from
their home. The authority must have a doctors
certificate that the person is either suffering from
a grave and chronic disease or is unable to look
after himself or herself and is not receiving proper
care and attention from other people.
security blanket /s$kjrti !bl'kt/ noun
security blanket
| |
a familiar blanket, toy or other object which a
child carries around because it makes him or her
feel safe
sedation /s$de()n/ noun the act of calming
sedation
someone using a sedative
sedative /$sedtv/ noun an anxiolytic or hyp-
sedative
notic drug such as benzodiazepine, which acts on
the nervous system to help a person sleep or to
relieve stress (dated) ! She was prescribed seda-
self-catheterisation
tives by the doctor. " adjective acting to help a
person sleep or to relieve stress
sedentary /$sed()nt()ri/ adjective involving
sedentary
a lot of sitting and little exercise
sedentary occupation /!sed()nt()ri !kj
sedentary occupation
$pe()n/ noun a job where the workers sit down
for most of the time
sedimentation /!sedmen$te()n/ noun the
sedimentation
action of solid particles falling to the bottom of a
liquid
sedimentation rate /!sedmen$te()n !ret/
sedimentation rate
|
noun the rate at which solid particles are depos-
ited from a solution, measured especially in a cen-
trifuge
segment /$se1mnt/ noun a part of an organ or
segment
piece of tissue which is clearly separate from
other parts
segmental /se1$ment()l/ adjective formed of
segmental
|
segments
segmental ablation /se1!ment()l '
segmental ablation
| |
$ble()n/ noun a surgical operation to remove
part of a nail, e.g. treatment for an ingrowing toe-
nail
segregation /!se1r$1e()n/ noun 1. the act
|
of separating one person, group or thing from oth-
ers, or of dividing people or things into separate
groups which are kept apart from each other 2. the
separation of the alleles of each gene and their
distribution to separate sex cells during the forma-
tion of these cells in organisms with paired chro-
mosomes
seizure /$si%+/ noun a fit, convulsion or sudden
seizure
contraction of the muscles, especially in a heart
attack, stroke or epileptic fit
selective /s$lektv/ adjective choosing only
selective
one person, thing or group, and not others
selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor
selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor
/s!lektv ser!tnn ri%$.ptek n!hbt/
| | | |
noun a drug which causes a selective accumula-
tion of serotonin in the central nervous system,
and is used in the treatment of depression, e.g.
fluoxetine. Abbreviation SSRI
COMMENT: The drug should not be started
immediately after stopping an MAOI and
should be withdrawn slowly.
selenium /s$li%nim/ noun a non-metallic
selenium
trace element (NOTE: The chemical symbol is
Se.)
self- /self/ prefix yourself
self-
self-abuse /!self $bju%s/ noun same as self-
self-abuse
harm
self-actualisation /self !'ktjula$ze()n/,
self-actualisation
self-actualization noun the successful develop-
ment and use of personal talents and abilities
self-care /!self $ke/ noun the act of looking
self-care
after yourself properly, so that you remain healthy
self-catheterisation /!self !k'tra
self-catheterisation
$ze()n/, self-catheterization noun a proce-
dure in which a person puts a catheter through the
Nursing.fm Page 276 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
self-governing hospital
urethra into his or her own bladder to empty out
the urine
self-governing hospital /!self !1.vn
self-governing hospital
$hspt()l/ noun in the UK, a hospital which
earns its revenue from services provided to the
District Health Authorities and family doctors.
Also called hospital trust
self-harm /!self $h%m/ noun a deliberate act by
self-harm
which someone injures part of their body as the
result of a personal trauma. Cutting and burning
are two of the most common forms of self-harm.
Also called self-abuse, self-injury, self-mutila-
tion, self-wounding
self-image /!self $md+/ noun the opinion
self-image
which a person has about how worthwhile, attrac-
tive, or intelligent he or she is
self-injury /!self $nd+ri/, self-mutilation
self-injury
/!self !mju%t$le()n/ noun same as self-harm
|
self-retaining catheter /!self r!ten
self-retaining catheter
| !p-%mib()l $membren/ noun a membrane
$k't/ noun a catheter which remains in place
until it is deliberately removed
self-wounding /!self $wu%nd/ noun same as
self-wounding
self-harm
sella turcica /!sel $t-%sk/ noun a hollow in
sella turcica
the upper surface of the sphenoid bone in which
the pituitary gland sits. Also called pituitary
fossa
semeiology /!si%ma$ld+i/ noun same as
semeiology
| ess
symptomatology
semen /$si%mn/ noun a thick pale fluid con-
semen
taining spermatozoa, produced by the testes and
seminal vesicles and ejaculated from the penis
semi- /semi/ prefix half
semi-
semicircular
semicircular
/!semi$s-%kjl/ adjective
|
shaped like half a circle
semicircular canal /!semis-%kjl k$n'l/
semicircular canal
noun any one of three tubes in the inner ear which
are partly filled with fluid and help to maintain
balance. See illustration at EAR in Supplement
COMMENT: The three semicircular canals are
on different planes. When a persons head
moves, as when he or she bends down, the
fluid in the canals moves and this movement
is communicated to the brain through the
vestibular section of the auditory nerve.
semicomatose /!semi$kmts/ adjective
semicomatose
| senna
almost unconscious or half asleep, but capable of
being woken up
semilunar /!semi$lu%n/ adjective shaped like
semilunar
|
half a moon
semilunar cartilage /!semilu%n $k%tld+/
semilunar cartilage
noun same as meniscus
semilunar valve /!semilu%n $v'lv/ noun
semilunar valve
either of two valves in the heart, the pulmonary
valve and the aortic valve, through which blood
flows out of the ventricles
seminal /$semn()l/ adjective referring to
seminal
semen
276
seminal fluid /$semn()l !flu%d/ noun the
seminal fluid
fluid part of semen, formed in the epididymis and
seminal vesicles
seminal vesicle /!semn()l $vesk()l/ noun
seminal vesicle
one of two glands at the end of the vas deferens
which secrete the fluid part of semen. See illustra-
tion at urogenital system (male) in Supple-
ment
seminiferous tubule /semi!nfrs
seminiferous tubule
$tju%bju%l/ noun a tubule in the testis which car-
ries semen
seminoma /!sem$nm/ noun a malignant
seminoma
tumour in the testis (NOTE: The plural is semino-
mas or seminomata.)
semipermeable /!semi$p-%mib()l/ adjec-
semipermeable
tive allowing some types of particle to pass
through but not others
semipermeable
semipermeable membrane
membrane /!semi |
which allows some substances in liquid solution
to pass through but not others
semiprone /!semi$prn/ adjective referring to
semiprone
a position in which someone lies face downwards,
with one knee and one arm bent forwards and the
face turned to one side
SEN abbreviation State Enrolled Nurse
SEN
senescence /s$nesns/ noun the ageing proc-
senescence
senescent /s$nesnt/ adjective approaching
senescent
the last stages of the natural life span
Sengstaken tube /$seztekn tju%b/ noun a
Sengstaken tube
tube with a balloon, which is passed through the
mouth into the oesophagus to stop oesophageal
bleeding [After Robert William Sengstaken (b.
1923), US surgeon.]
senile /$si%nal/ adjective referring to the last
senile
stages of the natural life span or to the medical
conditions associated with it
senile dementia /!si%nal d$men/ noun
senile dementia
mental degeneration affecting elderly people
(dated)
senilis /s$nals/ " arcus senilis
senilis
senility /s$nlti/ noun the deterioration of
senility
|
mental activity associated with the last stages of
the natural life span
senna /$sen/ noun a laxative made from the
dried fruit and leaves of a tropical tree
sensation /sen$se()n/ noun a feeling or
sensation
|
information about something which has been
sensed by a sensory nerve and is passed to the
brain
sense /sens/ noun 1. one of the five faculties by
sense
which a person notices things in the outside
world: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch !
When she had a cold, she lost her sense of smell.
2. the ability to discern or judge something "
verb to notice something by means other than
sight ! Teeth can sense changes in temperature.
Nursing.fm Page 277 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
sense organ /$sens !%1n/ noun an organ in
sense organ
which there are various sensory nerves which can
detect environmental stimuli such as scent, heat
or pain, and transmit information about them to
the central nervous system, e.g. the nose or the
skin
sensibility /!sens$blti/ noun the ability to
sensibility
detect and interpret sensations
sensible /$sensb()l/ adjective 1. showing
sensible
common sense or good judgment 2. able to be
detected by the senses
sensible perspiration /!sensb()l !p-%sp
sensible perspiration
|
$re()n/ noun drops of sweat which can be seen
on the skin, secreted by the sweat glands
sensitisation /!sensta$ze()n/, sensitiza-
sensitisation
|
tion noun 1. the process of making a person sen-
sitive to something 2. an unexpected reaction to
an allergen or to a drug, caused by the presence of
antibodies which were created when the person
was exposed to the drug or allergen in the past
sensitive /$senstv/ adjective 1. able to detect
sensitive
and respond to an outside stimulus 2. having an
unexpected reaction to an allergen or to a drug,
caused by the presence of antibodies which were
created when the person was exposed to the drug
or allergen in the past
sensitivity /!sens$tvti/ noun 1. the fact of
sensitivity
being able to detect and respond to an outside
stimulus 2. the rate of positive responses in a test
from persons with a specific disease. A high rate
of sensitivity means a low rate of people being
incorrectly classed as negative. Compare specif-
icity
sensorineural deafness /!sensri!njrl
sensorineural deafness
|
$defns/, sensorineural hearing loss /!sensri |
!njrl $hr !ls/ noun deafness caused by a
disorder in the auditory nerves or the brain centres
which receive impulses from the nerves. Also
called perceptive deafness
sensory /$sensri/ adjective referring to the
sensory
detection of sensations by nerve cells
sensory cortex /!sensri $k%teks/ noun the
sensory cortex
area of the cerebral cortex which receives infor-
mation from nerves in all parts of the body
(dated)
sensory deprivation /$sensri
sensory deprivation
!deprve()n/ noun a condition in which a per-
son becomes confused because they lack sensa-
tions
sensory nerve /$sensri n-%v/ noun a nerve
sensory nerve
which registers a sensation such as heat, taste or
smell and carries impulses to the brain and spinal
cord. Also called afferent nerve
sensory neurone /$sensri !njrn/ noun
sensory neurone
a nerve cell which transmits impulses relating to
sensations from the receptor to the central nerv-
ous system
sensory receptor /$sensri r!sept/ noun a
sensory receptor
cell which senses a change in the surrounding
277 sequestration
environment, e.g. cold or pressure, and reacts to it
by sending out an impulse through the nervous
system. Also called nerve ending
sepsis /$sepss/ noun the presence of bacteria
sepsis
and their toxins in the body, which kill tissue and
produce pus, usually following the infection of a
wound
sept- /sept/ prefix same as septi- (used before
sept-
vowels)
septa /$sept/ plural of septum
septa
septal /$sept()l/ adjective referring to a septum
septal
septal defect /!sept()l $di%fekt/ noun a con-
septal defect
genital condition in which a hole exists in the wall
between the left and right sides of the heart allow-
ing an excessive amount of blood to flow through
the lungs, leading in severe cases to pulmonary
hypertension and sometimes heart failure
septate /$septet/ adjective divided by a septum
septate
septi- /sept/ prefix referring to sepsis
septi-
septic /$septk/ adjective referring to or pro-
septic
duced by sepsis
septicaemia /!sept$si%mi/ noun a condition
septicaemia
|
in which bacteria or their toxins are present in the
blood, multiply rapidly and destroy tissue (NOTE:
The US spelling is septicemia.)
septic shock /!septk $k/ noun shock caused
septic shock
by bacterial toxins in the blood as a result of
infection. There is a dramatic drop in blood pres-
sure, preventing the delivery of blood to the
organs. Toxic shock syndrome is one type of sep-
tic shock.
septo- /sept/ prefix referring to a septum
septo-
septoplasty /$septpl'sti/ noun a surgical
septoplasty
operation to straighten the cartilage in the septum
(NOTE: The plural is septoplasties.)
Septrin /$septrn/ a trade name for co-trimoxa-
Septrin
zole
septum /$septm/ noun a wall between two
septum
parts of an organ, e.g. between two parts of the
heart or between the two nostrils in the nose. See
illustration at HEART in Supplement (NOTE: The
plural is septa.)
sequela /s$kwi%l/ noun a disease or disorder
sequela
|
that is caused by a disease or injury which the per-
son had previously ! a case of osteomyelitis as a
sequela of multiple fractures of the mandible !
biochemical and hormonal sequelae of the eating
disorders ! Kaposis sarcoma can be a sequela of
Aids. (NOTE: The plural is sequelae.)
sequestra /s$kwestr/ plural noun plural of
sequestra
sequestrum
sequestration /!si%kwe$stre()n/ noun 1.
sequestration
the act of putting someone in an isolated place 2.
the loss of blood into spaces in the body, reducing
the circulating volume. It can occur naturally or
can be produced artificially by applying tourni-
quets. ! pulmonary sequestration ! A dry hack-
ing cough can cause sequestration of the perito-
Nursing.fm Page 278 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

sequestrectomy 278
neum in the upper abdomen. 3. the formation of a tis [Described 1865. After Enrico Sertoli (1842
sequestrum 1910), Italian histologist, Professor of Experi-
sequestrectomy /!si%kw$strektmi/ noun a
sequestrectomy

|
mental Physiology at Milan, Italy.]
surgical operation to remove a sequestrum (NOTE: sertraline /$s-%trli%n/ noun an antidepressant
sertraline

The plural is sequestrectomies.) drug which extends the action of the neurotrans-
sequestrum /s$kwestrm/ noun a piece of mitter serotonin. It is also used in the treatment of
sequestrum

dead bone which is separated from whole bone obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-trau-
(NOTE: The plural is sequestra.) matic stress disorder.
ser- /sr/ prefix same as sero- (used before serum /$srm/ noun 1. a fluid which separates
ser- serum

vowels) from clotted blood and is similar to plasma except

sera /$sr/ plural noun plural of serum
sera
that it has no clotting agents. Also called blood
serum 2. blood serum taken from an animal
SERM abbreviation selective (o)estrogen recep-
SERM

which has developed antibodies to bacteria, used

tor modulator
to give humans temporary immunity to a disease.
sero- /sr/ prefix 1. referring to blood serum
sero-

Also called antiserum 3. any clear watery body

2. referring to the serous membrane fluid, especially a fluid that comes from a serous
seroconvert /!srkn$v-%t/ verb to produce
seroconvert

| membrane (NOTE: The plural is serums or sera.)

specific antibodies in response to the presence of serum albumin /!srm $'lbjmn/ noun a
serum albumin

an antigen such as a bacterium or virus major protein in blood plasma

serological /!sr$ld+k()l/ adjective refer-
serological

serum bilirubin /!srm !bl$ru%bn/ noun

serum bilirubin
|

ring to serology
|

bilirubin in serum, converted from haemoglobin

serological type /!srld+k()l $tap/ noun
serological type

as red blood cells are destroyed

same as serotype
serum globulin /!srm $1lbjln/ noun a
serum globulin

serology /s$rld+i/ noun the scientific study

serology

|
major protein in blood serum that is an antibody
of serum and the antibodies contained in it
serum glutamicoxalacetic transami-
serum glutamicoxalacetic transaminase

seropus /$sr!p.s/ noun a mixture of serum

seropus

nase /!srm 1lu%!t'mk !ks'lsi%tk tr'ns

|

and pus
| |

$'mnez/ noun an enzyme excreted by damaged

serosa /s$rs/ noun same as serous mem-
serosa

|
heart muscle, which appears in the blood of peo-
brane (NOTE: The plural is serosas or serosae.) ple who have had a heart attack. Abbreviation
serositis /!sr$sats/ noun inflammation of SGOT
serositis

a serous membrane serum glutamicpyruvic transaminase

serum glutamicpyruvic transaminase

serotherapy /!sr$erpi/ noun treatment

serotherapy

|
/!srm 1lu%!t'mk pa!ru%vk tr'ns | | |

of a disease using serum from immune people or $'mnez/ noun an enzyme secreted by the
immunised animals parenchymal cells of the liver, occurring in
serotonin /!sr$tnn/ noun a compound increased amounts in the blood of people with
serotonin

which is a neurotransmitter and exists mainly in infectious hepatitis. Abbreviation SGPT

blood platelets. It is released after tissue is injured serum hepatitis /!srm !hep$tats/ noun
serum hepatitis

and is important in sleep, mood and vasoconstric- a serious form of hepatitis transmitted by infected
tion. blood, unsterilised surgical instruments, shared
serotype /$srtap/ noun a group of closely needles or sexual intercourse. Also called hepati-
serotype

related microorganisms which all have the same tis B, viral hepatitis
type of antigens serum sickness /$srm !skns/ noun an
serum sickness

serous /$srs/ adjective referring to, produc-

serous

allergic reaction to serum therapy which was for-

ing, or like serum merly used as a way of boosting passive immunity
serous membrane /!srs $membren/ noun
serous membrane

serum therapy /$srm !erpi/ noun the

serum therapy

a membrane which both lines an internal cavity
and covers the organs in the cavity, e.g. the peri-
toneum lining the abdominal cavity or pleura lin-
ing the chest cavity. Also called serosa
administration of treated serum, often from
horses, formerly used as a way of boosting pas-
sive immunity
serve /s-%v/ verb 1. to give a person food or
serve

serpiginous /s$pd+ns/ adjective referring

serpiginous

|
drink ! Lunch is served in the ward at 12:30. 2.
to an ulcer or eruption which creeps across the to be useful or helpful to a person or group ! The
skin clinic serves the local community well. 3. to have
serrated /s$retd/ adjective with a zigzag or
serrated

|
a particular effect or result ! The letter serves to
saw-like edge remind you of your outpatients appointment.
serration /s$re()n/ noun one of the points (NOTE: [all senses] serves serving served)
serration

in a zigzag or serrated edge sesamoid /$sesmd/, sesamoid bone

sesamoid

Sertoli cells /s$tli selz/ plural noun cells /$sesmd bn/ noun any small bony nodule in
Sertoli cells

which support the seminiferous tubules in the tes- a tendon, the largest being the kneecap
Nursing.fm Page 279 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

279 shock

severe acute respiratory disorder /s!v shaky /$eki/ adjective feeling weak and
severe acute respiratory disorder shaky

!kju%t r$sprt()ri ds!%d/ noun full form of

| | | unsteady
SARS share /e/ verb 1. to use or do something
share

sex /seks/ noun one of two groups, male and together with others 2. to divide something and
sex

female, into which animals and plants can be
divided ! The sex of a baby can be identified
before birth.
sexarche /$seks%ki/ noun the age when a per-
sexarche
give parts of it to different people or groups
(NOTE: [all verb senses] shares sharing
shared) " noun a single part of something
divided among different people or groups
shared care /!ed $ke/ noun antenatal care
shared care

son first has sexual intercourse

sex chromosome /$seks !krmsm/
sex chromosome
given jointly by an obstetrician in a hospital
noun a chromosome which determines if a person
together with a general practitioner or a midwife
is male or female working in the community
sharps /%ps/ plural noun objects with points,
sharps

sex determination /$seks dt-%m!ne()n/

sex determination

e.g. syringes (informal)

|

noun the way in which the sex of an individual

sheath /i%/ noun 1. a layer of tissue which sur-
sheath

organism is fixed by the number of chromosomes

which make up its cell structure rounds a muscle or a bundle of nerve fibres 2.
same as condom
sex hormone /$seks !h%mn/ noun an oes-
sex hormone

shiatsu /i$'tsu%/ noun a form of healing mas-

shiatsu

trogen or androgen which promotes the growth of |

secondary sexual characteristics sage in which the hands are used to apply pressure
at acupuncture points on the body in order to
sex-linked /$seks lkt/ adjective referring to
sex-linked

stimulate and redistribute energy

genes which are linked to X chromosomes
Shigella /$1el/ noun a genus of bacteria
Shigella

sexology /sek$sld+i/ noun the study of sex

sexology

|
which causes dysentery
and sexual behaviour shigellosis /!1e$lss/ noun infestation of
shigellosis

sextuplet /$sekstjplt/ noun one of six babies

sextuplet

the digestive tract with Shigella, causing bacillary

born to a mother at the same time dysentery
sexual /$sekul/ adjective referring to sex
sexual

shin /n/ noun the front part of the lower leg

shin

sexual act /$sekul 'kt/ noun an act of sexual shinbone /$nbn/ noun same as tibia
sexual act shinbone

intercourse shiner /$an/ noun same as black eye

shiner

sexual deviation /!sekul di%vi$e()n/

sexual deviation

| (informal)
noun any sexual behaviour which is not accepted shingles /$1lz/ noun same as herpes
shingles

as usual in the society in which you live. Exam- zoster

ples in Western society are sadism and voyeurism. shin splints /$n splnts/ plural noun
shin splints

sexually transmitted disease /!sekuli

sexually transmitted disease

extremely sharp pains in the front of the lower leg,

tr'ns!mtd d$zi%z/, sexually transmitted
| | felt by athletes
infection /!sekuli tr'ns!mtd n$fek()n/ | |
Shirodkars operation /$rdk%z p
Shirodkars operation

| |

noun a disease or infection transmitted from an !re()n/, Shirodkar pursestring /!rdk%|

infected person to another person during sexual $p-%sstr/ noun a surgical operation to narrow
intercourse. Abbreviation STD, STI the cervix of the uterus in a woman who experi-
sexual reproduction /!sekul !ri%pr
sexual reproduction

| ences habitual abortion in order to prevent

$d.kn/ noun reproduction in which gametes another miscarriage, the suture being removed
from two individuals fuse together before labour starts. Also called pursestring
SFD abbreviation small for dates
SFD
operation [After N. V. Shirodkar (190071),
Indian obstetrician.]
SGOT abbreviation serum glutamic-oxalacetic
SGOT

Shirodkar suture /$rdk% !su%t/ noun a

Shirodkar suture

transaminase |

type of suture which is placed around a cervix to

SGPT abbreviation serum glutamic-pyruvic
SGPT

tighten it during pregnancy and prevent miscar-

transaminase riage. Also called pursestring stitch
SHA abbreviation Strategic Health Authority
SHA

shivery /$vri/ adjective trembling from cold,

shivery

shaft /%ft/ noun the long central section of a

shaft

fear or a medical condition

long bone shock /k/ noun a state of weakness caused by
shock

shaken baby syndrome /!ekn $bebi illness or injury that suddenly reduces the blood
shaken baby syndrome

!sndrm/, shaken infant syndrome /!ekn
$nfnt !sndrm/ noun a series of internal head
injuries in a very young child, caused by being
shaken violently. It can result in brain damage
leading to speech and learning disabilities, paral-
ysis, seizures and hearing loss, and may be life-
threatening.
pressure ! The patient went into shock. ! Several
of the passengers were treated for shock. " verb
to give someone an unpleasant surprise, and so
put him or her in a state of shock ! She was still
shocked several hours after the accident. (NOTE:
You say that someone is in shock, in a state of
shock or that they went into shock.)
Nursing.fm Page 280 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
shock lung
shock lung /$k l./ noun a serious condition
shock lung
in which a persons lungs fail to work following a
trauma
shock syndrome /$k !sndrm/ noun a
shock syndrome
group of symptoms, a pale face, cold skin, low
blood pressure and rapid and irregular pulse,
which show that someone is in a state of shock. !
anaphylactic shock
shock therapy /$k !erpi/, shock treat-
shock therapy
ment /$k !tri%tmnt/ noun a method of treating
some mental disorders by giving an anaesthetised
patient an electric shock to induce an epileptic
convulsion
shoot /u%t/ verb (of pain) to seem to move sud-
shoot
denly through the body with a piercing feeling !
The pain shot down his arm.
shooting /$u%t/ adjective (of pain) sudden
shooting
and intense
short of breath /!%t v $bre/ adjective una-
short of breath
ble to breathe quickly enough to supply the oxy-
gen needed ! After running up the stairs he was
short of breath.
shortsighted /%t$satd/ adjective same as
shortsighted
|
myopic
shortsightedness /%t$satdns/ noun
shortsightedness
same as myopia
shot /t/ noun same as injection (informal) !
shot
The doctor gave her a tetanus shot. ! He needed
a shot of morphine to relieve the pain.
shoulder /$ld/ noun a joint where the top of
shoulder
the arm joins the main part of the body ! He dis-
located his shoulder. ! She was complaining of
pains in her shoulder or of shoulder pains.
shoulder blade /$ld bled/ noun same as
shoulder blade
scapula
shoulder girdle /$ld !1-%d()l/ noun same
shoulder girdle
as pectoral girdle
shoulder joint /$ld d+nt/ noun a ball
shoulder joint
and socket joint which allows the arm to rotate
and move in any direction
shoulder presentation /$ld !prez()n
shoulder presentation
|
!te()n/ noun a position of a baby in the uterus,
in which the shoulder will first appear
show // noun the first discharge of blood at
show
the beginning of childbirth " verb 1. to cause or
allow something to be visible 2. to provide con-
vincing evidence of something
shunt /.nt/ noun the passing of fluid through a
shunt
channel which is not the usual one " verb (of
blood) to pass through a channel which is not the
usual one ! As much as 5% of venous blood can
be shunted unoxygenated back to the arteries.
shunting /$.nt/ noun a condition in which
shunting
some of the deoxygenated blood in the lungs does
not come into contact with air, and full gas
exchange does not take place
SI abbreviation the international system of metric
SI
measurements. Full form Systme Interna-
tional
280
sial- /sal/ prefix same as sialo- (used before
sial-
vowels)
sialadenitis /!sal!'d$nats/ noun inflam-
sialadenitis
| |
mation of a salivary gland. Also called siaload-
enitis, sialitis
sialitis /!sa$lats/ noun same as sialadenitis
sialitis
sialo- /sal/ prefix 1. referring to saliva 2.
sialo-
referring to a salivary gland
sialoadenitis /!sal!'d$nats/ noun same
sialoadenitis
| |
as sialadenitis
sialography /!sa$l1rfi/ noun X-ray exami-
sialography
|
nation of a salivary gland. Also called ptyalogra-
phy
sialolith /sa$'ll/ noun a stone in a salivary
sialolith
|
gland. Also called ptyalith
sialorrhoea /!sal$ri%/ noun the production
sialorrhoea
of an excessive amount of saliva (NOTE: The US
spelling is sialorrhea.)
Siamese twins /!sami%z $twnz/ plural noun
Siamese twins
same as conjoined twins
sib /sb/ noun same as sibling (informal)
sib
sibling /$sbl/ noun a brother or sister
sibling
sick /sk/ adjective 1. having an illness ! He
sick
was sick for two weeks. # to report or call in sick
to say officially that you are unwell and cannot
work 2. about to vomit ! The patient got up this
morning and felt sick. # to be sick to vomit ! The
child was sick all over the floor. # to make some-
one sick to cause someone to vomit ! He was
given something to make him sick.
sick building syndrome /!sk $bld
sick building syndrome
!sndrm/ noun a condition in which many peo-
ple working in a building feel ill or have head-
aches, caused by blocked air-conditioning ducts
in which stale air is recycled round the building,
often carrying allergenic substances or bacteria
(informal)
sickle cell /$sk()l sel/ noun a red blood cell
sickle cell
shaped like a sickle, formed as a result of the pres-
ence of an unusual form of haemoglobin. Also
called drepanocyte
sickle-cell anaemia /$sk()l sel !ni%mi/
sickle-cell anaemia
|
noun an inherited condition in which someone
develops sickle cells which block the circulation,
causing anaemia and pains in the joints and abdo-
men. Also called drepanocytosis, sickle cell
disease
COMMENT: Sickle-cell anaemia is a heredi-
tary condition which is mainly found in peo-
ple from Africa and the West Indies.
sickle-cell chest syndrome /!sk()l sel
sickle-cell chest syndrome
$test !sndrm/ noun a common complication
of sickle-cell disease, with chest pain, fever and
leucocytosis
sickle-cell disease /$sk()l sel d!zi%z/ noun
sickle-cell disease
|
abbreviation SCD. Same as sickle-cell anaemia
sickle-cell trait /$sk()l sel !tret/ noun a
sickle-cell trait
hereditary condition of the blood in which some
Nursing.fm Page 281 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
281
red cells become sickle-shaped, but there are not
enough affected cells to cause anaemia
side-effect /$sad !fekt/ noun an effect pro-
side-effect
|
duced by a drug or treatment which is not the
main effect intended ! One of the side-effects of
chemotherapy is that the patients hair falls out.
sidero- /sadr/ prefix referring to iron
sidero-
sideropenia /!sadr$pi%ni/ noun a lack of
sideropenia
|
iron in the blood usually caused by insufficient
iron in the diet
siderophilin /!sad$rfln/ noun same as
siderophilin
|
transferrin
siderosis /!sad$rss/ noun a condition in
siderosis
which iron deposits form in tissue
SIDS abbreviation sudden infant death syndrome
SIDS
sigmoid /$s1md/ adjective 1. shaped like the
sigmoid
letter S 2. referring to the sigmoid colon " noun
same as sigmoid colon
sigmoid colon /!s1md $kln/ noun the
sigmoid colon
fourth section of the colon which continues as the
rectum. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in
Supplement. Also called pelvic colon, sig-
moid, sigmoid flexure
sigmoidectomy /!s1m$dektmi/ noun a
sigmoidectomy
|
surgical operation to remove the sigmoid colon
(NOTE: The plural is sigmoidectomies.)
sigmoid flexure /!s1md $flek/ noun
sigmoid flexure
same as sigmoid colon
sigmoidoscope /s1$mdskp/ noun a
sigmoidoscope
|
surgical instrument with a light at the end which
can be passed into the rectum so that the sigmoid
colon can be examined
sigmoidoscopy /!s1m$dskpi/ noun a
sigmoidoscopy
procedure in which the rectum and sigmoid colon
are examined with a sigmoidoscope
sigmoidostomy /!s1m$dstmi/ noun a
sigmoidostomy
|
surgical operation to bring the sigmoid colon out
through a hole in the abdominal wall (NOTE: The
plural is sigmoidostomies.)
sign /san/ noun a movement, mark, colouring
sign
or change which has a meaning and can be recog-
nised by a doctor as indicating a condition (NOTE:
A change in function which is also noticed by the
patient is a symptom.)
sign language /$san !l'1wd+/ noun a set of
sign language
agreed signs made with the fingers and hands,
used to indicate words by or for people who can-
not hear or speak
sildenafil citrate /!sldnfl $satret/ noun
sildenafil citrate
an enzyme-inhibiting drug used in the treatment
of male impotence
silicon /$slkn/ noun a non-metallic chemical
silicon
element (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Si.)
silicosis /!sl$kss/ noun a disease of the
silicosis
lungs caused by inhaling silica dust from mining
or stone-crushing operations
sinusoid
silver nitrate /!slv $natret/ noun a salt of
silver nitrate
silver that is mixed with a cream or solution and
used, e.g., to disinfect burns or to kill warts
Simmonds disease /$smndz d!zi%z/ noun
Simmonds disease
a condition of women due to postpartum haemor-
rhage, in which there is lack of activity in the pitu-
itary gland, resulting in wasting of tissue, brittle
bones and premature senility [Described 1914.
After Morris Simmonds (18551925), German
physician and pathologist.]
simple fracture /!smpl $fr'kt/ noun a
simple fracture
fracture where the skin surface around the dam-
aged bone has not been broken and the broken
ends of the bone are close together. Also called
closed fracture
simple tachycardia /!smpl !t'ki$k%di/
simple tachycardia
noun same as sinus tachycardia
simplex /$smpleks/ " herpes simplex
simplex
Sims position /$smz p!z()n/ noun a
Sims position
position of the body in which the person lies on
his or her left side with their left arm behind their
back and their right knee and thigh flexed. It is
used to allow the anal or vaginal area to be exam-
ined easily.
simvastatin /sm$v'stn/ noun a drug which
simvastatin
|
lowers lipid levels in the blood, used in the treat-
ment of high cholesterol
sinew /$snju%/ noun same as tendon
sinew
singers nodule /!sz $ndju%l/ noun a
singers nodule
small white polyp which can develop in the lar-
ynx of people who use their voice too much or too
loudly
singultus /s$1.lts/ noun same as hiccup
singultus
|
sino- /san/ prefix referring to a sinus
sino-
sinoatrial /!san$etril/ adjective relating to
sinoatrial
|
the sinus venosus and the right atrium of the heart
sinoatrial node /!san$etril nd/ noun a
sinoatrial node
|
node in the heart at the junction of the superior
vena cava and the right atrium, which regulates
the heartbeat. Also called SA node, sinus node
sinogram /$san1r'm/ noun an X-ray pho-
sinogram
tograph of a sinus
sinography /sa$n1rfi/ noun examination of
sinography
a sinus by taking an X-ray photograph
sinu- /san/ prefix same as sino-
sinu-
sinuatrial /!san$etril/ adjective same as
sinuatrial
sinoatrial
sinus /$sans/ noun a cavity inside the body,
sinus
including the cavities inside the head behind the
cheekbone, forehead and nose ! The doctor diag-
nosed a sinus infection.
sinusitis /!san$sats/ noun inflammation of
sinusitis
the mucous membrane in the sinuses, especially
the maxillary sinuses
sinusoid /$sansd/ noun a specially shaped
sinusoid
small blood vessel in the liver, adrenal glands and
other organs
Nursing.fm Page 282 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
sinus tachycardia
sinus tachycardia /!sans !t'ki$k%di/
sinus tachycardia
noun rapid beating of the heart caused by stimu-
lation of the sinoatrial node. Also called simple
tachycardia
sinus trouble /$sans !tr.b()l/ noun same as
sinus trouble
sinusitis (informal)
sinus venosus /!sans v$nss/ noun a
sinus venosus
cavity in the heart of an embryo, part of which
develops into the coronary sinus and part of
which is absorbed into the right atrium
siphonage /$safnd+/ noun the removal of
siphonage
liquid from one place to another with a tube, as
used to empty the stomach of its contents
sit /st/ verb 1. to rest with your weight largely
sit
supported by the buttocks 2. to cause a person to
sit somewhere (NOTE: [all senses] sitting sat)
situs inversus /!sats n$v-%ss/, situs
situs inversus
|
inversus viscerum /!sats n!v-%ss
|
$vsrm/ noun a congenital condition, in which
the organs are not on the usual side of the body,
i.e. where the heart is on the right side and not the
left
sitz bath /$sts b%/ noun a small low bath
sitz bath
where someone can sit, but not lie down
SI units /!es $a !ju%nts/ plural noun the units
SI units
used in an international system of units for meas-
uring physical properties such as weight, speed
and light
skatole /$sk'tl/ noun another spelling of
skatole
scatole
skeletal /$skelt()l/ adjective referring to the
skeletal
skeleton
skeletal muscle /$skelt()l !m.s()l/ noun a
skeletal muscle
muscle attached to a bone, which makes a limb
move
skeleton /$skelt()n/ noun all the bones which
skeleton
make up a body
skia- /ska/ prefix referring to shadow
skia-
skiers thumb /!ski%z $.m/ noun an injury to
skiers thumb
the thumb caused by falling directly onto it when
it is outstretched, resulting in tearing or stretching
of the ligaments of the main thumb joint
skill /skl/ noun an ability to do difficult work,
skill
which is acquired by training ! You need special
skills to become a doctor.
skill mix /$skl mks/ noun the range of different
skill mix
skills possessed by the members of a group or
required for a particular job
skin /skn/ noun the tissue which forms the out-
skin
side surface of the body ! His skin turned brown
in the sun. ! Skin problems in adolescents may be
caused by diet. (NOTE: For other terms referring
to skin, see words beginning with cut-, derm-,
derma-, dermato-, dermo-.)
skin graft /$skn 1r%ft/ noun a layer of skin
skin graft
transplanted from one part of the body to cover an
area where the skin has been destroyed ! After
the operation she had to have a skin graft.
282
skull /sk.l/ noun the eight bones which are
skull
fused or connected together to form the head,
along with the fourteen bones which form the
face. Also called cranium
SLE abbreviation systemic lupus erythematosus
SLE
sleep /sli%p/ noun the state or a period of resting,
sleep
usually at night, when the eyes are closed and you
are not conscious of what is happening ! You
need to get a good nights sleep if you have a lot
of work to do tomorrow. ! He had a short sleep
in the middle of the afternoon.
sleep apnoea /$sli%p 'p!ni%/ noun a condition
sleep apnoea
|
related to heavy snoring, with prolonged respira-
tory pauses leading to cerebral hypoxia and sub-
sequent daytime drowsiness
sleeping sickness /$sli%p !skns/ noun an
sleeping sickness
African disease, spread by the tsetse fly, where
trypanosomes infest the blood. Also called Afri-
can trypanosomiasis
sleeping tablet /$sli%p !t'blt/ noun a tablet
sleeping tablet
containing a drug, usually a barbiturate, which
makes a person sleep
sleepwalker /$sli%pw%k/ noun same as som-
sleepwalker
nambulist
sleepwalking /$sli%pw%k/ noun same as
sleepwalking
somnambulism
sliding sheet /!slad $i%t/ noun a silicon-
sliding sheet
coated nylon sheet used for transferring and repo-
sitioning patients
sling /sl/ noun a triangular bandage attached
sling
round the neck, used to support an injured arm
and prevent it from moving ! She had her left
arm in a sling.
slipped disc /!slpt $dsk/ noun same as pro-
slipped disc
lapsed intervertebral disc
slit lamp /$slt l'mp/ noun a piece of equip-
slit lamp
ment which provides a narrow beam of light and
is connected to a special microscope, used to
examine the eye
slough /sla/ noun dead tissue, especially dead
slough
skin, which has separated from healthy tissue "
verb to lose dead skin which falls off
slow-release vitamin tablet /!sl r!li%s
slow-release vitamin tablet
$vtmn !t'blt/ noun a vitamin tablet which
will dissolve slowly in the body and give a longer
and more constant effect
small for dates /!sm%l f $dets/ adjective
small for dates
referring to an unborn baby which is small in
comparison to the average size for that number of
weeks. Abbreviation SFD
small intestine /!sm%l n$testn/ noun a sec-
small intestine
|
tion of the intestine from the stomach to the cae-
cum, consisting of the duodenum, the jejunum
and the ileum
small of the back /!sm%l v $b'k/ noun
small of the back
the middle part of the back between and below the
shoulder blades
smallpox /$sm%lpks/ noun a very serious,
smallpox
usually fatal, contagious disease caused by the
Nursing.fm Page 283 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
283
pox virus, with a severe rash, leaving masses of
small scars on the skin. Also called variola
smear /sm/ noun a sample of soft tissue, e.g.
smear
blood or mucus, taken from a person and spread
over a glass slide to be examined under a micro-
scope
smear test /$sm test/ noun same as Papani-
smear test
colaou test
smegma /$sme1m/ noun an oily secretion
smegma
with an unpleasant smell which collects on and
under the foreskin of the penis
Smith-Petersen nail /!sm $pi%ts()n nel/
Smith-Petersen nail
noun a metal nail used to attach the fractured neck
of a femur [Described 1931. After Marius Nyg-
aard Smith-Petersen (18861953), Norwegian-
born Boston orthopaedic surgeon.]
Smiths fracture /$sms !fr'kt/ noun a
Smiths fracture
fracture of the radius just above the wrist
smoke inhalation /$smk nh!le()n/
smoke inhalation
|
noun the breathing in of smoke, as in a fire
smoking /$smk/ noun the action of smok-
smoking
ing a cigarette, pipe or cigar ! Smoking can injure
your health.
smooth /smu%/ adjective flat, not rough "
smooth
verb to make something smooth ! She smoothed
down the sheets on the bed.
smooth muscle /$smu% !m.s()l/ noun a
smooth muscle
type of muscle found in involuntary muscles.
Also called unstriated muscle
SMR abbreviation submucous resection
SMR
snare /sne/ noun a surgical instrument made of
snare
a loop of wire, used to remove growths without
the need of an incision
sneeze /sni%z/ noun a reflex action to blow air
sneeze
suddenly out of the nose and mouth because of
irritation in the nasal passages ! She gave a loud
sneeze. " verb to blow air suddenly out of the
nose and mouth because of irritation in the nasal
passages ! The smell of flowers makes her
sneeze. ! He was coughing and sneezing and
decided to stay in bed. (NOTE: sneezing
sneezed)
Snellen chart /$sneln t%t/ noun a chart
Snellen chart
commonly used by opticians to test eyesight
[Described 1862. After Hermann Snellen (1834
1908), Dutch ophthalmologist.]
sniffles /$snf()lz/ plural noun a slight head
sniffles
cold, or an allergy that causes a running nose
(informal; used to children) ! Dont go out into
the cold when you have the sniffles.
snoring /$sn%r/ noun noisy breathing while
snoring
asleep
snow blindness /$sn !blandns/ noun
snow blindness
temporary painful blindness caused by bright sun-
light shining on snow
snuffles /$sn.f()lz/ plural noun the condition
snuffles
of breathing noisily through a nose which is
blocked with mucus, which is usually a symptom
soft palate
of the common cold, but can sometimes be a sign
of congenital syphilis (informal; used to children)
social /$s()l/ adjective referring to society
social
or to groups of people
socialisation /!s()la$ze()n/, sociali-
socialisation
zation noun the process involved when young
children are becoming aware of society and learn-
ing how they are expected to behave
social services /!s()l $s-%vsz/ plural
social services
noun the special facilities which the government
or local authorities provide to people in the com-
munity who need help, such as the elderly, chil-
dren whose parents have died or the unemployed
social worker /$s()l !w-%k/ noun a gov-
social worker
ernment employee who works to provide social
services to people in need and improve their liv-
ing standards
society /s$sati/ noun 1. the community of
society
people who live in a particular country and share
its institutions and customs 2. an organisation of
people who have a shared interest
sociology /!ssi$ld+i/ noun 1. the study of
sociology
|
the origin, development and structure of human
societies and the behaviour of individual people
and groups in society 2. the study of a particular
social institution and the part it plays in society
sociopath /$ssip'/ noun same as psycho-
sociopath
path
socket /$skt/ noun a hollow part in a bone,
socket
into which another bone or organ fits ! The tip of
the femur fits into a socket in the pelvis.
sodium /$sdim/ noun a chemical element
sodium
which is the basic substance in salt (NOTE: The
chemical symbol is Na.)
sodium balance /$sdim !b'lns/ noun the
sodium balance
balance maintained in the body between salt lost
in sweat and urine and salt taken in from food.
The balance is regulated by aldosterone.
sodium bicarbonate /!sdim ba
sodium bicarbonate
|
$k%bnt/ noun sodium salt used in cooking,
and also as a relief for indigestion and acidity.
Also called bicarbonate of soda
sodium fusidate /!sdim $fju%sdet/ noun
sodium fusidate
an antibiotic used mainly to treat penicillin-resist-
ant staphylococcal infections
sodium pump /$sdim p.mp/ noun a cellu-
sodium pump
lar process in which sodium is immediately
excreted from any cell which it enters and potas-
sium is brought in
sodium valproate /!sdim v'l$pret/
sodium valproate
noun an anticonvulsant drug used especially to
treat migraines, seizures and epilepsy
soft /sft/ adjective not hard or not resistant to
soft
pressure
soft chancre /!sft $'k/ noun same as soft
soft chancre
sore
soft palate /!sft $p'lt/ noun the back part of
soft palate
the palate leading to the uvula. ! cleft palate
Nursing.fm Page 284 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
soft sore
soft sore /!sft $s%/ noun a venereal sore with
soft sore
a soft base, situated in the groin or on the genitals
and caused by the bacterium Haemophilus
ducreyi. Also called chancroid, soft chancre
soft tissue /!sft $tu%/ noun skin, muscles,
soft tissue
ligaments or tendons
solar plexus /!sl $plekss/ noun a nerve
solar plexus
network situated at the back of the abdomen
between the adrenal glands
solar retinopathy /!sl ret$npi/ noun
solar retinopathy
irreparable damage to the most sensitive part of
the retina, the macula, caused by looking at the
sun with no protection or inadequate protection,
as when looking at an eclipse of the sun
soleus /$slis/ noun a flat muscle which goes
soleus
down the calf of the leg (NOTE: The plural is
solei.)
solids /$sldz/ noun solid food
solids
soluble /$sljb()l/ adjective able to dissolve
soluble
! a tablet of soluble aspirin
soluble fibre /!sljb()l $fab/ noun a fibre
soluble fibre
in vegetables, fruit and pulses and porridge oats
which is partly digested in the intestine and
reduces the absorption of fats and sugar into the
body, so lowering the level of cholesterol
solute /$slju%t/ noun a solid substance which is
solute
dissolved in a solvent to make a solution
solution /s$lu%()n/ noun a mixture of a solid
solution
|
substance dissolved in a liquid
solvent /$slv()nt/ noun a liquid in which a
solvent
solid substance can be dissolved
solvent abuse /$slvnt !bju%s/, solvent
solvent abuse
|
inhalation /!slvnt !nh$le()n/ noun a type
|
of drug abuse in which someone inhales the toxic
fumes given off by particular types of volatile
chemical. Also called glue-sniffing
soma /$sm/ noun the body, as opposed to the
soma
mind (NOTE: The plural is somata or somas.)
somat- /smt/ prefix same as somato- (used
somat-
before vowels)
somata /$smt/ plural noun plural of soma
somata
somatic /s$m'tk/ adjective referring to the
somatic
|
body, either as opposed to the mind, or as opposed
to the intestines and inner organs. Compare psy-
chosomatic
somato- /smt/ prefix referring to the
somato-
body
somatostatin /!smt$st'tn/ noun a hor-
somatostatin
| inflamed, sometimes because the person has been
mone produced in the hypothalamus which helps
to prevent the release of the growth hormone
somatotrophic hormone /!smt!trfk
somatotrophic hormone
$h%mn/, somatotrophin /!smt$trfn/ | Full form si opus sit (NOTE: It means that the
noun a growth hormone, secreted by the pituitary
gland, which stimulates the growth of long bones
somatropin /!sm$trpn/ noun same as
somatropin
| irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure
growth hormone
-some /sm/ suffix tiny cell bodies
-some
284
somnambulism /sm$n'mbjlz()m/ noun
somnambulism
a condition especially affecting children where
the person gets up and walks about while still
asleep. Also called sleepwalking
somnambulist /sm$n'mbjlst/ noun a per-
somnambulist
son who walks in his or her sleep. Also called
sleepwalker
somnolent /$smnlnt/ adjective sleepy
somnolent
somnolism /$smnlz()m/ noun a trance
somnolism
which is induced by hypnotism
Somogyi effect /$md+i !fekt/, Somogyi
Somogyi effect
phenomenon /$md+i f!nmnn/ noun in
|
diabetes mellitus, a swing to a high level of glu-
cose in the blood from an extremely low level,
usually occurring after an untreated insulin reac-
tion during the night. It is caused by the release of
stress hormones to counter low glucose levels.
-somy /smi/ suffix the presence of chromo-
-somy
somes
son /s.n/ noun a male child of a parent ! They
son
have two sons and one daughter.
Sonne dysentery /$sn !dsntri/ noun a
Sonne dysentery
common form of mild dysentery in the UK,
caused by Shigella sonnei [Described 1915. After
Carl Olaf Sonne (18821948), Danish bacteriol-
ogist and physician.]
sonogram /$sn1r'm/ noun a chart pro-
sonogram
duced using ultrasound waves to find where
something is situated in the body
sonography /s$n1rfi/ noun same as ultra-
sonography
|
sonography
sonotopography /!snt$p1rfi/ noun
sonotopography
|
the use of ultrasound waves to produce a sono-
gram
soporific /!sp$rfk/ noun a drug which
soporific
|
makes a person go to sleep " adjective causing
sleep
sorbitol /$s%btl/ noun a white crystalline
sorbitol
sweet alcohol which is used as a sweetener and a
moisturiser, and in the manufacture of Vitamin C
sordes /$s%di%z/ plural noun dry deposits round
sordes
the lips of someone who has a fever
sore /s%/ noun a small wound on any part of the
sore
skin, usually with a discharge of pus " adjective
1. rough and inflamed ! a sore patch on the skin
2. painful ! My ankle still feels very sore.
sore throat /!s% $rt/ noun a condition in
sore throat
which the mucous membrane in the throat is
talking too much, but usually because of an infec-
tion (informal)
s.o.s. adverb (on prescriptions) if necessary.
s.o.s.
dose should be taken once.)
sotalol /$stll/ noun a drug used to treat an
sotalol
souffle /$su%f()l/ noun a soft breathing sound,
souffle
heard through a stethoscope
Nursing.fm Page 285 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
285
sound /sand/ noun 1. something which can be
sound
heard ! The doctor listened to the sounds of the
patients lungs. ! His breathing made a whistling
sound. 2. a long rod, used to examine or to dilate
the inside of a cavity in the body " verb to exam-
ine the inside of a cavity using a rod
spansule /$sp'nsju%l/ noun a drug in the form
spansule
of a capsule which is specially designed to release
its contents slowly in the stomach
spasm /$sp'z()m/ noun a sudden, usually
spasm
painful, involuntary contraction of a muscle, as in
cramp ! The muscles in his leg went into spasm.
! She had painful spasms in her stomach.
spasmo- /sp'zm/ prefix referring to a spasm
spasmo-
spasmodic /sp'z$mdk/ adjective occurring
spasmodic
in spasms
spasmolytic /!sp'zm$ltk/ noun a drug
spasmolytic
|
which relieves muscle spasms
spasmus nutans /!sp'zms $nju%tnz/ noun
spasmus nutans
a condition in which someone nods his or her
head and at the same time has spasms in the neck
muscles and rapid movements of the eyes
spastic /$sp'stk/ adjective with spasms or
spastic
sudden contractions of muscles " noun a person
affected with cerebral palsy (NOTE: The noun
sense is now considered to be offensive.)
spastic colon /!sp'stk $kln/ noun same
spastic colon
as mucous colitis
spastic diplegia /!sp'stk da$pli%d+/ noun
spastic diplegia
| |
a congenital form of cerebral palsy which affects
mainly the legs. Also called Littles disease
spastic gait /!sp'stk $1et/ noun a way of
spastic gait
walking where the legs are stiff and the feet not
lifted off the ground
spasticity /sp'$ststi/ noun a condition in
spasticity
|
which a limb resists passive movement. ! rigidity
spastic paralysis /!sp'stk p$r'lss/ noun
spastic paralysis
same as cerebral palsy
spastic paraplegia /!sp'stk !p'r$pli%d+/
spastic paraplegia
noun paralysis of one side of the body after a
stroke
spatula /$sp'tjl/ noun 1. a flat flexible tool
spatula
with a handle, used to scoop, lift, spread or mix
things 2. a flat wooden stick used to press the
tongue down when the mouth or throat is being
examined
special care baby unit /!spe()l ke $bebi
special care baby unit
!ju%nt/ noun a unit in a hospital which deals with
premature babies or babies with serious disorders
special health authority /!spe()l $hel %
special health authority
|
!rti/ noun a health authority which has unique
national functions, or covers various regions. An
example is UK Transplant, which manages the
National Transplant Database and provides a 24-
hour service for the matching and allocation of
donor organs.
special hospital /!spe()l $hspt()l/ noun
special hospital
a hospital for people whose mental condition
spectrum
makes them a potential danger to themselves
and/or others
specialise /$spelaz/, specialize verb 1. to
specialise
concentrate on a specific subject or activity 2. to
be an expert in a specific subject or area of knowl-
edge (NOTE: specialising specialised)
specialised /$spelazd/, specialized adjec-
specialised
tive 1. designed for a particular purpose 2. con-
centrating on a particular activity or subject !
specialised skills
specialist registrar /!spe()lst $red+
specialist registrar
!str%/ noun a junior doctor in a hospital who is
doing further specialist training
speciality /!spei$'lti/ noun a particular
speciality
activity or type of work which someone is spe-
cially trained for or very interested in. Also called
specialism, specialty
special school /$spe()l sku%l/ noun a school
special school
for children with disabilities
specialty /$spe()lti/ noun US same as speci-
specialty
ality
species /$spi%i%z/ noun a group of living things
species
with the same characteristics and which can inter-
breed (NOTE: The plural is species.)
specific /sp$sfk/ adjective referring to a dis-
specific
ease caused by one type of microorganism only.
Opposite non-specific " noun a drug which is
only used to treat one disease
specific gravity /sp!sfk $1r'vti/ noun
specific gravity
same as relative density
specificity /!spes$fsti/ noun the rate of neg-
specificity
ative responses in a test from persons free from a
disease. A high specificity means a low rate of
false positives. Compare sensitivity
specific urethritis /sp!sfk jr$rats/
specific urethritis
| |
noun inflammation of the urethra caused by gon-
orrhoea
specimen /$spesmn/ noun a small quantity of
specimen
something given for testing ! He was asked to
bring a urine specimen.
spectacles /$spektk()lz/ plural noun glasses
spectacles
which are worn in front of the eyes to help correct
problems in vision
spectrography /spek$tr1rfi/ noun the
spectrography
recording of a spectrum on photographic film
spectroscope /$spektrskp/ noun an
spectroscope
instrument used to analyse a spectrum
spectrum /$spektrm/ noun 1. the range of col-
spectrum
ours, from red to violet, into which white light can
be split when it is passed through something
(NOTE: Different substances in solution have dif-
ferent spectra.) 2. the range of organisms that an
antibiotic or chemical can kill (NOTE: The plural
is spectra or spectrums.) # broad-spectrum
antibiotic an antibiotic which kills a large
number of different organisms # narrow-spec-
trum antibiotic an antibiotic which is targeted at
a few particular organisms
Nursing.fm Page 286 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
speculum
speculum /$spekjlm/ noun a surgical instru-
speculum
ment which is inserted into an opening in the
body such as a nostril or the vagina to keep it open
in order to allow a doctor to examine the inside
(NOTE: The plural is specula or speculums.)
speech /spi%t/ noun 1. the ability to make
speech
intelligible sounds with the vocal cords 2. a talk
given to an audience
speech block /$spi%t blk/ noun a temporary
speech block
inability to speak, caused by the effect of nervous
stress on the mental processes
speech impediment /$spi%t m!pedmnt/
speech impediment
|
noun an inability to speak easily or in the usual
way because of the physical structure of the
mouth or other disorders
speech therapist /$spi%t !erpst/ noun a
speech therapist
qualified person who practises speech therapy
speech therapy /$spi%t !erpi/ noun treat-
speech therapy
ment for a speech disorder such as stammering or
one which results from a stroke or physical mal-
formation
sperm /sp-%m/ noun same as spermatozoon
sperm
(NOTE: The plural is sperm.)
spermat- /sp-%mt/ prefix same as spermato-
spermat-
(used before vowels)
spermatic /sp-%$m'tk/ adjective referring to
spermatic
|
sperm
spermatic artery /sp-%!m'tk $%tri/ noun
spermatic artery
|
an artery which leads into the testes. Also called
testicular artery
spermatic cord /sp-%!m'tk $k%d/ noun a
spermatic cord
|
cord running from the testis to the abdomen car-
rying the vas deferens, the blood vessels, nerves
and lymphatics of the testis
spermatid /$sp-%mtd/ noun an immature
spermatid
male sex cell that develops into a spermatozoon
spermato- /sp-%mt/ prefix 1. referring to
spermato-
sperm 2. referring to the male reproductive sys-
tem
spermatocele /$sp-%mtsi%l/ noun a cyst
spermatocele
which forms in the scrotum
spermatogenesis
spermatogenesis
/!sp-%mt$d+enss/ |
noun the formation and development of sperma-
tozoa in the testes
spermatorrhoea /!sp-%mt$r/ noun the
spermatorrhoea
|
discharge of a large amount of semen frequently
and without an orgasm (NOTE: The US spelling is
spermatorrhea.)
spermatozoon /!sp-%mt$zn/ noun a
spermatozoon
|
mature male sex cell, which is ejaculated from the
penis and is capable of fertilising an ovum. Also
called sperm (NOTE: The plural is spermato-
zoa.)
spermaturia /!sp-%m$tjri/ noun sperm in
spermaturia
|
the urine
sperm bank /$sp-%m b'k/ noun a place
sperm bank
where sperm can be stored for use in artificial
insemination
286
sperm count /$sp-%m kant/ noun a calcula-
sperm count
tion of the number of sperm in a quantity of
semen
sperm donor /$sp-%m !dn/ noun a male
sperm donor
who gives sperm, for a fee, to allow a childless
woman to bear a child
spermi- /sp-%mi/ prefix referring to sperm and
spermi-
semen
spermicidal /!sp-%m$sad()l/ adjective kill-
spermicidal
ing or able to kill sperm
spermicidal jelly /!sp-%msad()l $d+eli/
spermicidal jelly
noun a jelly-like product which acts as a contra-
ceptive
spermicide /$sp-%msad/ noun a substance
spermicide
which kills sperm
spermio- /sp-%mi/ prefix same as spermi-
spermio-
spermiogenesis /!sp-%mi$d+enss/ noun
spermiogenesis
|
the stage of spermatogenesis during which a sper-
matid changes into a spermatozoon
spheno- /sfi%n/ prefix referring to the sphe-
spheno-
noid bone
sphenoid /$sfi%nd/ adjective 1. relating to the
sphenoid
sphenoid bone 2. shaped like a wedge " noun
same as sphenoid bone
sphenoid bone /$sfi%nd bn/ noun one of
sphenoid bone
two bones in the skull which form the side of the
socket of the eye. Also called sphenoid
sphenoid sinus /!sfi%nd $sans/ noun one
sphenoid sinus
of the sinuses in the skull behind the nasal pas-
sage
spherocyte /$sfrsat/ noun a red blood
spherocyte
cell that is round rather than than the usual disc
shape
spherocytosis /!sfrsa$tss/ noun a
spherocytosis
|
condition in which someone has spherocytes in
the blood, causing anaemia, enlarged spleen and
gallstones, as in acholuric jaundice
sphincter /$sfkt/, sphincter muscle
sphincter
/$sfkt !m.s()l/ noun a circular band of mus-
cle which surrounds an opening or passage in the
body, especially the anus, and can narrow or close
the opening or passage by contracting
sphincterectomy /!sfkt$rektmi/ noun 1.
sphincterectomy
a surgical operation to remove a sphincter 2. a
surgical operation to remove part of the edge of
the iris in the eye (NOTE: The plural is sphincter-
ectomies.)
sphincteroplasty /$sfktr!pl'sti/ noun a
sphincteroplasty
surgical operation to relieve a tightened sphincter
(NOTE: The plural is sphincteroplasties.)
sphincterotomy /!sfkt$rtmi/ noun a
sphincterotomy
surgical operation to make an incision into a
sphincter (NOTE: The plural is sphincteroto-
mies.)
sphyg /sf1/ noun same as sphygmomanome-
sphyg
ter (informal)
sphygmo- /sf1m/ prefix referring to the
sphygmo-
pulse
Nursing.fm Page 287 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

287 Spitz-Holter valve

sphygmocardiograph /!sf1m the main axons of which form the posterior root
sphygmocardiograph

$k%di1r%f/ noun a device which records of the spinal nerve

heartbeats and pulse rate spinal nerve /$span()l n-%v/ noun one of the
spinal nerve

sphygmograph /$sf1m1r%f/ noun a device 31 pairs of nerves which lead from the spinal cord
sphygmograph

which records the pulse and govern mainly the trunk and limbs
sphygmomanometer /!sf1mm$nmt/ spinal puncture /!span()l $p.kt/ noun
sphygmomanometer spinal puncture

noun an instrument which measures blood pres- same as lumbar puncture

sure in the arteries spinal shock /$span()l $k/ noun a loss of
spinal shock

spica /$spak/ noun a way of bandaging a joint feeling in the lower part of the body below a point
spica

where the bandage crosses over itself like the fig- at which the spine has been injured
ure 8 on the inside of the bend of the joint (NOTE: spindle /$spnd()l/ noun 1. a long thin struc-
spindle

The plural is spicae or spicas.) ture 2. a structure formed in cells during division
spicule /$spkju%l/ noun a small splinter of bone
spicule

to which the chromosomes are attached by their

spigot /$sp1t/ noun the end of a pipe which is
spigot
centromeres
joined by insertion into the enlarged end of spine /span/ noun the series of bones, the ver-
spine

another pipe tebrae, linked together to form a flexible support-

spina /$span/ noun 1. a thin sharp piece of ing column running from the pelvis to the skull !
spina

bone 2. the vertebral column She injured her spine in the crash. Also called
spina bifida /!span $bfd/ noun a serious
spina bifida
backbone, spinal column, vertebral column
Spinhaler /spn$hel/ a trade name for a
Spinhaler

condition in which part of the spinal cord pro- |

trudes through the spinal column. Also called device from which a person with breathing prob-
rachischisis lems can inhale a preset dose of a drug
spinal /$span()l/ adjective referring to the spinnbarkeit /$spnb%kat/ noun a thread of
spinal spinnbarkeit

spine ! She suffered spinal injuries in the crash. mucus formed in the cervix which is used in
spinal accessory nerve /!span()l k
spinal accessory nerve

|
determining the time of ovulation. At this time it
$sesri n-%v/ noun the eleventh cranial nerve can be drawn out on a glass slide to its maximum
which supplies the muscles in the neck and shoul- length.
ders spino- /span/ prefix 1. referring to the spine
spino-

spinal anaesthesia /!span()l !'ns$i%zi/

spinal anaesthesia

|
2. referring to the spinal cord
noun local anaesthesia in which an anaesthetic is spiral /$sparl/ adjective running in a continu-
spiral

injected into the cerebrospinal fluid ous circle upwards

spinal anaesthetic /!span()l !'ns$etk/
spinal anaesthetic

spiral bandage /!sparl $b'ndd+/ noun a

spiral bandage

noun an anaesthetic given by injection into the bandage which is wrapped round a limb, each
spine, which results in large parts of the body los- turn overlapping the one before
ing the sense of feeling spiral organ /!sparl $%1n/ noun same as
spiral organ

spinal block /!span()l $blk/ noun analgesia

spinal block

organ of Corti
produced by injecting the spinal cord with an spiro- /spar/ prefix 1. referring to a spiral 2.
spiro-

anaesthetic referring to respiration

spinal canal /!span()l k$n'l/ noun the hol-
spinal canal

spirogram /$spar1r'm/ noun a record of

spirogram
|

low channel running down the back of the verte-

someones breathing made by a spirograph
brae, containing the spinal cord. Also called ver-
spirograph /$spar1r%f/ noun a device
spirograph

tebral canal
which records depth and rapidity of breathing
spinal column /$span()l !klm/ noun same
spinal column

spirography /spa$r1rfi/ noun the recording

spirography

as spine |

spinal cord /$span()l k%d/ noun part of the

spinal cord
of a someones breathing by use of a spirograph
spirometer /spa$rmt/ noun an instrument
spirometer

central nervous system, running from the medulla |

oblongata to the filum terminale, in the vertebral which measures the amount of air a person
canal of the spine (NOTE: For other terms refer- inhales or exhales
ring to the spinal cord, see words beginning with spirometry /spa$rmtri/ noun a measure-
spirometry

myel-, myelo-.) ment of the vital capacity of the lungs by use of a

spinal curvature /!span()l $k-%vt/ noun spirometer
spinal curvature

unusual bending of the spinal column spironolactone /!sparn$l'ktn/ noun a

spironolactone

spinal fusion /!span()l $fju%+()n/ noun a steroid which helps the body produce urine, used
spinal fusion

surgical operation to join two vertebrae together in the treatment of oedema and hypertension
to make the spine more rigid. Also called spond- Spitz-Holter valve /!spts $hlt !v'lv/ noun
Spitz-Holter valve

ylosyndesis a valve with a one-way system, surgically placed

spinal ganglion /!span()l $1'1lin/ noun in the skull and used to drain excess fluid from the
spinal ganglion

a cone-shaped mass of cells on the posterior root, brain in hydrocephalus

Nursing.fm Page 288 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

splanchnic 288

splanchnic /$spl'knk/ adjective referring to spondylitis /!spnd$lats/ noun inflamma-

splanchnic spondylitis

viscera tion of the vertebrae

splanchnic nerve /$spl'knk n-%v/ noun spondylo- /spndl/ prefix referring to the
splanchnic nerve spondylo-

any sympathetic nerve which supplies organs in vertebrae

the abdomen spondylolisthesis
spondylolisthesis

/!spndl$lsss/ |

spleen /spli%n/ noun an organ in the top part of

spleen

noun a condition in which one of the lumbar ver-

the abdominal cavity behind the stomach and tebrae moves forwards over the one beneath
below the diaphragm, which helps to destroy old spondylosis /!spnd$lss/ noun stiffness in
spondylosis

red blood cells, form lymphocytes and store
blood. See illustration at DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in
Supplement
splen- /splen/ prefix same as spleno- (used
splen-
the spine and degenerative changes in the
intervertebral discs, with osteoarthritis. This con-
dition is common in older people.

spondylosyndesis /!spndlsn$di%ss/
spondylosyndesis

before vowels) noun same as spinal fusion

splenectomy /sple$nektmi/ noun a surgical
splenectomy

sponge bath /$sp.n+ b%/ noun the act of

sponge bath
|

operation to remove the spleen (NOTE: The plural washing someone in bed, using a sponge or damp
is splenectomies.) cloth ! The nurse gave the elderly lady a sponge
splenic /$splenk/ adjective referring to the
splenic

bath.
spleen spongiform encephalopathy /!sp.n+if%m
spongiform encephalopathy

splenic anaemia /!splenk $ni%mi/ noun a

splenic anaemia

| en!kef$lpi/ noun a brain disease in humans

| |

type of anaemia, caused by cirrhosis of the liver,
in which the person has portal hypertension, an
enlarged spleen and haemorrhages. Also called
Bantis syndrome
and animals in which areas of the brain slowly
develop holes in their cells and begin to look like
a sponge
spontaneous /spn$tenis/ adjective hap-
spontaneous

splenic flexure /!splenk $flek/ noun a bend

splenic flexure

pening without any particular outside cause

in the colon where the transverse colon joins the spontaneous delivery /spn!tenis d
spontaneous delivery

descending colon
| |

$lv()ri/ noun a delivery of a baby which takes

splenitis /spl$nats/ noun inflammation of
splenitis

|
places naturally, without any medical or surgical
the spleen help
spleno- /spli%n/ prefix referring to the spleen
spleno-

spontaneous pneumothorax /spn!tenis

spontaneous pneumothorax

splenomegaly /!spli%n$me1li/ noun a con- !nju%m$%r'ks/ noun a condition occurring

splenomegaly

|
|

dition in which the spleen is unusually large, when an opening is created on the surface of the
associated with several disorders including lung allowing air to leak into the pleural cavity
malaria and some cancers spontaneous version /spn!tenis
spontaneous version

splenorenal /!spli%n$ri%n()l/ adjective $v-%()n/ noun a movement of a fetus to take up

splenorenal

relating to both the spleen and the kidneys another position in the uterus, caused by the con-
splenorenal anastomosis
splenorenal anastomosis

/!spli%n tractions of the uterus during childbirth or by the

movements of the baby itself before birth
|

!ri%n()l !n'st$mss/ noun a surgical opera-

| |

sporadic /sp$r'dk/ adjective referring to out-

sporadic

tion to join the splenic vein to a renal vein, as a |

treatment for portal hypertension breaks of disease that occur as separate cases, not
splenovenography
splenovenography

/!spli%nv$n1rfi/ |
in epidemics
spore /sp%/ noun a reproductive body of partic-
spore

noun X-ray examination of the spleen and the

veins which are connected to it ular bacteria and fungi which can survive in
splint /splnt/ noun a stiff support attached to a
splint
extremely hot or cold conditions for a long time
sporicidal /!sp%r$sad()l/ adjective killing
sporicidal

limb to prevent a broken bone from moving ! He |

had to keep his arm in a splint for several weeks. spores

! shin splints sporicide /$sp%rsad/ noun a substance which
sporicide

splinter haemorrhage /$splnt kills bacterial spores

splinter haemorrhage

!hem()rd+/ noun a tiny line of haemorrhaging Sporozoa /!sp%r$z/ noun a type of para-
Sporozoa

under the nails or in the eyeball sitic Protozoa which includes Plasmodium, the
split personality /!splt !p-%s$n'lti/ noun cause of malaria
split personality

same as schizoid personality sports injury /$sp%ts !nd+ri/ noun an injury

sports injury

split-skin graft /!splt !skn $1r%ft/ noun a caused by playing a sport, e.g. a sprained ankle or
split-skin graft

type of skin graft in which thin layers of skin are tennis elbow
grafted over a wound. Also called Thiersch graft sports medicine /$sp%ts !med()sn/ noun
sports medicine

spondyl /$spndl/ noun same as vertebra the study of the treatment of sports injuries
spondyl

spondyl- /spndl/ prefix same as spondylo- spotted fever /!sptd $fi%v/ noun same as
spondyl- spotted fever

(used before vowels) meningococcal meningitis

Nursing.fm Page 289 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
sprain /spren/ noun a condition in which the
sprain
ligaments in a joint are stretched or torn because
of a sudden movement " verb to tear the liga-
ments in a joint with a sudden movement ! She
sprained her wrist when she fell.
Sprengels deformity /$spre1lz d
Sprengels deformity
|
!f%mti/, Sprengels shoulder /!spre1lz
$ld/ noun a congenitally malformed shoul-
der, in which one scapula is smaller and higher
than the other [Described 1891. After Otto Ger-
hard Karl Sprengel (18521915), German sur-
geon.]
sprue /spru%/ noun same as psilosis
sprue
spud /sp.d/ noun a needle used to get a piece of
spud
dust or other foreign body out of the eye
spur /sp-%/ noun a sharp projecting part of a
spur
bone
sputum /$spju%tm/ noun mucus which is
sputum
formed in the inflamed nose, throat or lungs and
is coughed up ! She was coughing up blood-
stained sputum. Also called phlegm
squama /$skwem/ noun a thin piece of hard
squama
tissue,e.g. a thin flake of bone or scale on the skin
(NOTE: The plural is squamae.)
squamo- /skwem/ prefix 1. relating to the
squamo-
squamous part of the temporal bone 2. scaly
squamous /$skwems/ adjective thin and
squamous
hard like a scale
squamous bone /$skwems bn/ noun a
squamous bone
part of the temporal bone which forms the side of
the skull
squamous cell carcinoma /!skwems sel
squamous cell carcinoma
!k%s$nm/ noun a common type of cancer
| stammers
which usually develops in the outer layer of the
skin, on the lips, or inside the mouth or oesopha-
gus. Abbreviation SCC
squamous epithelium /!skwems !ep
squamous epithelium
|
$i%lim/ noun epithelium with flat cells like
scales, which forms the lining of the pericardium,
the peritoneum and the pleura. Also called pave-
ment epithelium
squint /skwnt/ noun a condition in which the
squint
eyes focus on different points. Also called stra-
bismus " verb to have one eye or both eyes look-
ing towards the nose ! Babies often appear to
squint, but it is corrected as they grow older.
SRN abbreviation State Registered Nurse
SRN
SSRI abbreviation selective serotonin re-uptake
SSRI
inhibitor
stabbing pain /$st'b pen/ noun pain which
stabbing pain
comes in a series of short sharp bursts ! He had
stabbing pains in his chest.
staccato speech /st!k%t $spi%t/ noun an
staccato speech
unusual way of speaking with short pauses
between each word
Stackes operation /$st'kiz p!re()n/
Stackes operation
noun a surgical operation to remove the posterior
and superior wall of the auditory meatus [After
Ludwig Stacke (18591918), German otologist.]
289 Standard Precautions
stadium /$stedim/ noun a particular stage of
stadium
a disease (NOTE: The plural is stadia.)
stadium invasioni /!stedim n!vei$ni/
stadium invasioni
| |
noun same as incubation period
staff nurse /$st%f n-%s/ noun a nurse who is on
staff nurse
the permanent staff of a hospital
stage /sted+/ noun a point in the development
stage
of a disease at which a decision can be taken
about the treatment which should be given or at
which distinctive developments take place ! The
disease has reached a critical stage. ! This is a
symptom of the second stage of syphilis.
staging /$sted+/ noun the process of per-
staging
forming tests to learn the extent of a disease
within the body, in order to decide the best treat-
ment for someone
stain /sten/ noun a substance used to give col-
stain
our to tissues which are going to be examined
under the microscope " verb to treat a piece of
tissue with a dye to increase contrast before it is
examined under the microscope
Stamey procedure /$stemi pr!si%d+/ noun
Stamey procedure
a surgical operation to cure stress incontinence in
women. A minor abdominal incision is made as
well as a vaginal incision, and the neck of the
bladder is stitched to the abdominal wall.
stammer /$st'm/ noun a speech difficulty in
stammer
which someone repeats parts of a word or the
whole word several times or stops to try to pro-
nounce a word ! He has a bad stammer. " verb
to speak with a stammer
stammerer /$st'mr/ noun a person who
stammerer
stammering /$st'mr/ noun difficulty in
stammering
speaking, in which the person repeats parts of a
word or the whole word several times or stops to
try to pronounce a word. Also called dysphemia
stand /st'nd/ verb 1. to be in an upright posi-
stand
tion with your bodyweight resting on your feet, or
to put a person in this position 2. to get to your
feet from a sitting position (NOTE: stood)
standard /$st'ndd/ adjective usual, recom-
standard
mended or established ! It is standard practice to
take the patients temperature twice a day. "
noun 1. something which has been agreed upon
and is used to measure other things by 2. a level
of quality achieved by someone or something !
The standard of care in hospitals has increased
over the last years. ! The report criticised the
standards of hygiene in the clinic.
standardise /$st'nddaz/, standardize verb
standardise
to make all things of the same type follow the
same standard
Standard Precautions /!st'ndd pr
Standard Precautions
$k%()nz/ plural noun the most recent set of
guidelines for health care workers on dealing with
blood, all body fluids, secretions and excretions
(except sweat), non-intact skin and mucous mem-
branes. They are designed to reduce the risk of
Nursing.fm Page 290 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
stapedectomy
transmission of microorganisms. The Standard
Precautions are implemented automatically for
everyone, as all patients are presumed to be
potentially infectious.
stapedectomy /!stepi$dektmi/ noun a sur-
stapedectomy
gical operation to remove the stapes (NOTE: The
plural is stapedectomies.)
stapedial mobilisation
stapedial mobilisation
/st!pi%dil
!mbla$ze()n/, stapediolysis /st!pi%d
| |
$lss/ noun a surgical operation to relieve deaf-
ness by detaching the stapes from the fenestra
ovalis (NOTE: The plural of stapediolysis is sta-
pediolyses.)
stapes /$stepi%z/ noun one of the three ossicles
stapes
in the middle ear, shaped like a stirrup. See illus-
tration at EAR in Supplement
staphylectomy /!st'f$lektmi/ noun a surgi-
staphylectomy
| |
cal operation to remove the uvula (NOTE: The plu-
ral is staphylectomies.)
staphylococcal /!st'fl$kk()l/ adjective
staphylococcal
referring to Staphylococci
Staphylococcus /!st'fl$kks/ noun a bac-
Staphylococcus
|
terium which grows in a bunch like a bunch of
grapes, and causes boils and food poisoning
(NOTE: The plural is Staphylococci.)
staphyloma /!st'f$lm/ noun a swelling of
staphyloma
|
the cornea or the white of the eye (NOTE: The plu-
ral is staphylomas or staphylomata.)
staphylorrhaphy /!st'f$l%rfi/ noun same
staphylorrhaphy
|
as palatorrhaphy (NOTE: The plural is staphyl-
orrhaphies.)
staple /$step()l/ noun a small piece of bent
staple
metal, used to attach tissues together " verb to
attach tissues with staples
stapler /$stepl/ noun a device used in surgery
stapler
to attach tissues with staples, instead of suturing
starch /st%t/ noun the usual form in which
starch
carbohydrates exist in food, especially in bread,
rice and potatoes. It is broken down by the diges-
tive process into forms of sugar.
startle reflex /$st%t()l !ri%fleks/ noun the
startle reflex
usual response of a young baby to a sudden loud
noise or a sudden fall through the air, by contract-
ing the limb and neck muscles
starvation /st%$ve()n/ noun the fact of hav-
starvation
|
ing had very little or no food
stasis /$stess/ noun a stoppage or slowing in
stasis
the flow of a liquid, such as blood in veins, or
food in the intestine
-stasis /stess/ suffix referring to stoppage in
-stasis
the flow of a liquid
stat. /st't/ adverb (written on prescriptions)
stat.
immediately. Full form statim
State Enrolled Nurse /!stet n!rld $n-%s/
State Enrolled Nurse
| does not blink often, because the eyeball is pro-
noun abbreviation SEN. Now called second-
level nurse
290
State Registered Nurse /!stet !red+std
State Registered Nurse
$n-%s/ noun abbreviation SRN. Now called first-
level nurse
-statin /st'tn/ suffix used in generic names of
-statin
lipid-lowering drugs ! pravastatin
statistics /st$tstks/ plural noun official fig-
statistics
ures which show facts ! Population statistics
show that the birth rate is slowing down.
|
status /$stets/ noun a state or condition
status
|
status asthmaticus /!stets 's$m'tks/
status asthmaticus
noun an attack of bronchial asthma which lasts
for a long time and results in exhaustion and col-
lapse
status epilepticus /!stets ep$leptks/
status epilepticus
noun repeated and prolonged epileptic seizures
without recovery of consciousness between them
status lymphaticus /!stets lm$f'tks/
status lymphaticus
noun a condition in which the glands in the lym-
phatic system are enlarged
statutory bodies /!st'tjt()ri $bdiz/ plural
statutory bodies
noun organisations set up by Acts of Parliament
to carry out specific functions, e.g. the Nursing
and Midwifery Council, set up to regulate the
nursing and midwifery professions
STD abbreviation sexually transmitted disease
STD
steam inhalation /!sti%m nh$le()n/ noun
steam inhalation
|
a treatment for respiratory disease in which some-
one breathes in steam with medicinal substances
in it
steat- /sti%t/, steato- /sti%t/ prefix referring
steat-
to fat
steatoma /!sti%$tm/ noun a cyst in a
steatoma
blocked sebaceous gland. ! sebaceous cyst
(NOTE: The plural is steatomata.)
steatopygia /!sti%t$pd+i/ noun excessive
steatopygia
fat on the buttocks
steatorrhoea /!sti%t$r/ noun a condition in
steatorrhoea
which fat is passed in the faeces
Stein-Leventhal syndrome /!stan
Stein-Leventhal syndrome
$levnt%l !sndrm/ noun " polycystic ovary
syndrome [Described 1935. After Irving F. Stein
(18871976), US gynaecologist; Michael Leo
Leventhal (190171), US obstetrician and
gynaecologist.]
Steinmanns pin /!stanm'nz $pn/ noun a
Steinmanns pin
pin for attaching traction wires to a fractured bone
[Described 1907. After Fritz Steinmann (1872
1932), Swiss surgeon.]
stellate /$stelet/ adjective shaped like a star
stellate
stellate fracture /!stelet $fr'kt/ noun a
stellate fracture
fracture of the kneecap shaped like a star
stellate ganglion /!stelet $1'1lin/ noun a
stellate ganglion
group of nerve cells in the neck, shaped like a star
Stellwags sign /$stelv%1z san/ noun a
Stellwags sign
symptom of exophthalmic goitre, where someone
truding [After Carl Stellwag von Carion (1823
1904), ophthalmologist in Vienna, Austria.]
Nursing.fm Page 291 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
291
stem /stem/ noun a thin piece of tissue which
stem
attaches an organ or growth to the main tissue
steno- /sten/ prefix narrow or constricted
steno-
stenosed valve /ste!nst $v'lv/ noun a
stenosed valve
valve which has become narrow or constricted
stenosis /ste$nss/ noun a condition in
stenosis
|
which a passage becomes narrow
stenostomia /!sten$stmi/, stenostomy
stenostomia
/ste$nstmi/ noun the narrowing of an opening
|
Stensens duct /!stensnz $d.kt/ noun a duct
Stensens duct
which carries saliva from the parotid glands
[Described 1661. After Niels Stensen (1638
86), Danish physician and priest, anatomist,
physiologist and theologian.]
stent /stent/ noun a support of artificial material
stent
often inserted in a tube or vessel which has been
sutured
sterco- /st-%k/ prefix referring to faeces
sterco-
stercobilin /!st-%k$baln/ noun a brown pig-
stercobilin
| |
ment which colours the faeces
stercolith /$st-%kl/ noun a hard ball of dried
stercolith
faeces in the bowel
stereognosis /!steri1$nss/ noun the abil-
stereognosis
|
ity to tell the shape of an object in three dimen-
sions by means of touch
stereoscopic vision /!steriskpk $v+()n/
stereoscopic vision
noun the ability to judge the distance and depth of
an object by binocular vision
stereotactic /!steri$t'ktk/ adjective refer-
stereotactic
|
ring to procedures which use coordinates put into
a computer or scanner in order to locate and oper-
ate upon tumours precisely. Examples are biop-
sies, surgery or radiation therapy.
stereotaxy /!steri$t'ksi/, stereotaxic sur-
stereotaxy
|
gery /!sterit'ksk $s-%d+ri/ noun a surgical
procedure to identify a point in the interior of the
brain, before an operation can begin, to locate
exactly the area to be operated on
Sterets /$sterts/ a trademark for a type of swab
Sterets
used for cleaning the skin before an injection
sterile /$steral/ adjective 1. with no harmful
sterile
microorganisms present ! a sterile environment
2. not able to produce children
sterile dressing /!steral $dres/ noun a
sterile dressing
dressing which is sold in a sterile pack, ready for
use
sterilisation /!sterla$ze()n/, sterilization
sterilisation
|
noun 1. the action of making instruments or areas
completely free from microorganisms which
might cause infection 2. a procedure that makes
someone unable to have children
sterilise /$sterlaz/, sterilize verb 1. to make
sterilise
something completely free from microorganisms
which might cause infection 2. to make someone
unable to have children
sterilising /$sterlaz/ adjective able to kill
sterilising
microorganisms ! Wipe the surface with sterilis-
ing fluid.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
sterility /st$rlti/ noun 1. the state of being
sterility
free from microorganisms 2. the state of being
unable to have children
Steri-Strips /$steri strps/ a trademark for thin
Steri-Strips
paper strips which are placed over an incision in
the skin. They help its edges to come together and
form a scar.
sternal /$st-%n()l/ adjective referring to the
sternal
breastbone
sternal angle /!st-%n()l $'1()l/ noun the
sternal angle
ridge of bone where the manubrium articulates
with the body of the sternum
sterno- /st-%n/ prefix relating to the breast-
sterno-
bone
sternocleidomastoid muscle /!st-%n
sternocleidomastoid muscle
!klad$m'std !m.s()l/ noun a muscle in
|
the neck, running from the breastbone to the mas-
toid process
sternocostal joint /!st-%n$kst()l
sternocostal joint
!d+nt/ noun a joint where the breastbone joins
a rib
sternohyoid /!st-%n$had/ adjective relat-
sternohyoid
ing to the sternum and the hyoid bone
sternohyoid muscle /!st-%n$had
sternohyoid muscle
!m.s()l/ noun a muscle in the neck which runs
from the breastbone into the hyoid bone
sternomastoid /!st-%n$m'std/ adjective
sternomastoid
referring to the breastbone and the mastoid
sternomastoid tumour /!st-%n!m'std
sternomastoid tumour
|
$tju%m/ noun a benign tumour which appears in
the sternomastoid muscle in newborn babies
sternotomy /st-%$ntmi/ noun a surgical
sternotomy
|
operation to cut through the breastbone, so as to
be able to operate on the heart
sternum /$st-%nm/ noun same as breastbone
sternum
steroid /$strd/ noun any of several chemical
steroid
compounds, including the sex hormones, which
have characteristic ring systems and which affect
the body and its functions
stertor /$st-%t/ noun noisy breathing sounds in
stertor
someone unconscious
stertorous /$st-%t()rs/ adjective character-
stertorous
ised by heavy snoring
steth- /ste/, stetho- /ste/ prefix referring to
steth-
the chest
stethoscope /$steskp/ noun a surgical
stethoscope
instrument with two earpieces connected to a tube
and a metal disc, used by doctors to listen to
sounds made inside the body, e.g. the sounds of
the heart or lungs
Stevens-Johnson syndrome /!sti%vnz
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
$d+nsn !sndrm/ noun a severe form of ery-
thema multiforme affecting the face and genitals,
caused by an allergic reaction to drugs [Described
1922. After Albert Mason Stevens (18841945);
Frank Chambliss Johnson (18941934), physi-
cians in New York, USA.]
Nursing.fm Page 292 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
sthenia
sthenia /$si%ni/ noun a condition of great
sthenia
strength or vitality
STI abbreviation sexually transmitted infection
STI
sticking plaster /$stk !pl%st/ noun an
sticking plaster
adhesive plaster or tape used to cover a small
wound or to attach a pad of dressing to the skin
stiff neck /!stf $nek/ noun a condition in which
stiff neck
moving the neck is painful, usually caused by a
strained muscle or by sitting in a cold wind
stigma /$st1m/ noun a visible symptom which
stigma
shows that someone has a particular disease
(NOTE: The plural is stigmas or stigmata.)
stilet /sta$let/ noun 1. a fine wire used as a
stilet
|
probe in surgery 2. a wire inserted in a catheter to
give it rigidity
stillbirth /$stlb-%/ noun the birth of a dead
stillbirth
fetus, more than 28 weeks after conception
(informal)
Stills disease /$stlz d!zi%z/ noun arthritis
Stills disease
|
affecting children, similar to rheumatoid arthritis
in adults [Described 1896. After Sir George Fre-
deric Still (18681941), British paediatrician and
physician to the king.]
stimulant /$stmjlnt/ noun a substance
stimulant
which makes part of the body function faster !
Caffeine is a stimulant. " adjective increasing
body function
stimulate /$stmjlet/ verb to make a person
stimulate
or organ react, respond or function ! The therapy
should stimulate the patient into attempting to
walk unaided. ! The drug stimulates the heart.
stimulus /$stmjls/ noun something which
stimulus
has an effect on a person or a part of the body and
makes them react (NOTE: The plural is stimuli.)
stinging /$st/ adjective referring to a sharp
stinging
unpleasant feeling of pricking or burning ! a sud-
den stinging sensation in the back of her leg
stirrup /$strp/ noun same as stapes
stirrup
stitch /stt/ noun 1. same as suture noun 2 !
stitch
He had three stitches in his head. ! The doctor
told her to come back in ten days time to have the
stitches taken out. 2. pain caused by cramp in the
side of the body after running ! He had to stop
running because he developed a stitch. " verb
same as suture ! They tried to stitch back the fin-
ger which had been cut off in an accident.
stitch abscess /$stt !'bses/ noun an
stitch abscess
abscess which forms at the site of a stitch or
suture
StokesAdams
StokesAdams syndrome
syndrome /!stks
$'dmz !sndrm/ noun a loss of conscious-
ness due to the stopping of the action of the heart
because of asystole or fibrillation [After William
Stokes (180478), Irish physician; Robert
Adams (17911875), Irish surgeon.]
stoma /$stm/ noun any opening into a cavity
stoma
in the body (NOTE: The plural is stomata.)
stomach /$st.mk/ noun 1. the part of the body
stomach
shaped like a bag, into which food passes after
292
being swallowed and where the process of diges-
tion continues ! She complained of pains in the
stomach or of stomach pains. ! He has had stom-
ach trouble for some time. See illustration at
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement 2. the abdo-
men (informal) ! He had been kicked in the stom-
ach. (NOTE: For other terms referring to the
stomach, see words beginning with gastr-,
gastro-.)
stomach ache /$st.mk ek/ noun pain in the
stomach ache
abdomen or stomach, caused by eating too much
food or by an infection
stomach cramp /$st.mk kr'mp/ noun a
stomach cramp
sharp spasm of the stomach muscles
stomach hernia /$st.mk !h-%ni/ noun same
stomach hernia
as gastrocele
stomach pump /$st.mk p.mp/ noun an
stomach pump
instrument for sucking out the contents of the
stomach, e.g. to extract a poison that has been
swallowed
stomach upset /$st.mk !.pset/ noun a
stomach upset
slight infection of the stomach ! She is in bed
with a stomach upset. Also called upset stom-
ach
stomach washout /!st.mk $wat/ noun
stomach washout
same as gastric lavage
stomal /$stm()l/ adjective referring to a
stomal
stoma
stomat- /stmt/ prefix same as stomato-
stomat-
(used before vowels)
stomatitis /!stm$tats/ noun inflammation
stomatitis
of the inside of the mouth
stomato- /stmt/ prefix referring to the
stomato-
mouth
stomatology /!stm$tld+i/ noun a branch
stomatology
of medicine which studies diseases of the mouth
-stomy /stmi/ suffix meaning an operation to
-stomy
make an opening
stone /stn/ noun 1. same as calculus
stone
(informal) (NOTE: For other terms referring to
stones, see words beginning with lith-, litho-, or
ending with -lith.) 2. a measure of weight equal to
14 pounds or 6.35 kilograms ! He tried to lose
weight and lost three stone. ! She weighs eight
stone ten (i.e. 8 stone 10 pounds).
stool /stu%l/ noun 1. an act of emptying the bow-
stool
els 2. a piece of solid waste matter which is
passed out of the bowels ! an abnormal stool !
loose stools ! a stool test (NOTE: Often used in
the plural.) " verb to pass a piece of solid matter
out of the bowels
strabismal /str$bzm()l/ adjective with the
strabismal
eyes focusing on different points
strabismus /str$bzms/ noun a condition in
strabismus
which the eyes focus on different points. Also
called squint, heterotropia
strabotomy /str$btmi/ noun a surgical
strabotomy
operation to divide the muscles of the eye in order
to correct a squint
Nursing.fm Page 293 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
293
strain /stren/ noun 1. a condition in which a
strain
muscle has been stretched or torn by a strong or
sudden movement 2. a group of microorganisms
which are different from others of the same type
! a new strain of influenza virus 3. nervous ten-
sion and stress ! Her work is causing her a lot of
strain. ! He is suffering from nervous strain and
needs to relax. " verb to stretch a muscle too far
! He strained his back lifting the table. ! She
had to leave the game with a strained calf muscle.
! The effort of running upstairs strained his
heart.
strangulated /$str'1jletd/ adjective
strangulated
referring to part of the body which is caught in an
opening in such a way that the circulation of
blood is stopped
strangulated hernia /!str'1jletd
strangulated hernia
$h-%ni/ noun a condition in which part of the
intestine is squeezed in a hernia and the supply of
blood to it is cut off
strangulation /!str'1j$le()n/ noun the
strangulation
| usual physiological balance of the body
act of squeezing a passage in the body
strangury /$str'1jri/ noun a condition in
strangury
which very little urine is passed, although the per-
son wants to urinate, caused by a bladder disorder
or by a stone in the urethra
Strategic Health Authority /str!ti%d+k
Strategic Health Authority
|
$hel %!rti/ noun in the UK, an organisation,
|
accountable to government, that assesses the
health needs of local people and ensures that local
health services are commissioned and provided to
meet those needs. Abbreviation SHA
stratified /$str'tfad/ adjective made of sev-
stratified
eral layers
stratified epithelium /!str'tfad ep
stratified epithelium
| stretched, as in obese people (NOTE: The plural is
$i%lim/ noun epithelium formed of several lay-
ers of cells
strawberry mark /$str%b()ri m%k/ noun a
strawberry mark
red birthmark in children, which will often disap-
pear in later life
streak /stri%k/ noun a long thin line of a differ-
streak
ent colour
strepto- /strept/ prefix referring to organisms
strepto-
which grow in chains
streptococcal /!strept$kk()l/ adjective
streptococcal
|
caused by a streptococcus
streptococcus /!strept$kks/ noun a genus
streptococcus
|
of bacteria which grows in long chains, and
causes fevers such as scarlet fever, tonsillitis and
rheumatic fever (NOTE: The plural is strepto-
cocci.)
streptokinase /!strept$kanez/ noun an
streptokinase
enzyme formed by streptococci which can break
down blood clots and is therefore used in the
treatment of myocardial infarction
streptolysin /strep$tlsn/ noun a toxin pro-
streptolysin
|
duced by streptococci in rheumatic fever, which
acts to destroy red blood cells
stroke
stress /stres/ noun 1. physical pressure on an
stress
object or part of the body 2. a factor or combina-
tion of factors in a persons life which make him
or her feel tired and anxious 3. a condition in
which an outside influence such as overwork or a
mental or emotional state such as anxiety changes
the working of the body and can affect the hor-
mone balance
stress disorder /$stres ds!%d/ noun a disor-
stress disorder
der caused by stress
stress fracture /$stres !fr'kt/ noun a frac-
stress fracture
ture of a bone caused by excessive force, as in
some types of sport. Also called fatigue fracture
stress incontinence /$stres n!kntnns/
stress incontinence
|
noun a condition in women in which the muscles
in the floor of the pelvis become incapable of
retaining urine when the intra-abdominal pressure
is raised by coughing or laughing
stress reaction /$stres ri!'kn/ noun a
stress reaction
response to an outside stimulus which disturbs the
stress-related illness /!stres r!letd $lns/
stress-related illness
noun an illness which is due in part or completely
to stress
stretch /stret/ verb to pull something out, or
stretch
make something longer
stretch mark /$stret m%k/ noun a mark on
stretch mark
the skin of the abdomen of a pregnant woman or
of a woman who has recently given birth. ! striae
gravidarum
stretch reflex /$stret !ri%fleks/ noun a reflex
stretch reflex
reaction of a muscle which contracts after being
stretched
stria /$stra/ noun a pale line on skin which is
stria
striae.)
striae gravidarum /!strai% !1r'v$derm/
striae gravidarum
plural noun the lines on the skin of the abdomen
of a pregnant woman or of a woman who has
recently given birth
striated /stra$etd/ adjective marked with
striated
pale lines
striated muscle /stra$etd !m.s()l/ noun a
striated muscle
type of muscle found in skeletal muscles whose
movements are controlled by the central nervous
system. Also called striped muscle
stricture /$strkt/ noun the narrowing of a
stricture
passage in the body
stricturoplasty /$strktr!pl'sti/ noun a
stricturoplasty
|
surgical operation in which a part of the intestine
is widened
stridor /$strad%/, stridulus /$stradjls/
stridor
noun a sharp high sound made when air passes an
obstruction in the larynx. ! laryngismus
striped muscle /$strapt !m.s()l/ noun same
striped muscle
as striated muscle
stroke /strk/ noun same as cerebrovascular
stroke
accident ! He had a stroke and died. ! She was
Nursing.fm Page 294 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
stroke patient
paralysed after a stroke. " verb to touch some-
thing or someone softly with the fingers
stroke patient /$strk !pe()nt/ noun a per-
stroke patient
son who has had a stroke
stroke volume /$strk !vlju%m/ noun the
stroke volume
amount of blood pumped out of the ventricle at
each heartbeat
stroma /$strm/ noun tissue which supports
stroma
an organ, as opposed to the parenchyma or func-
tioning tissues in the organ
strontium /$strntim/ noun a metallic ele-
strontium
ment (NOTE: The chemical symbol is Sr.)
strontium-90 /!strntim $nanti/ noun an
strontium-90
isotope of strontium which is formed in nuclear
reactions and, because it is part of the fallout of
nuclear explosions, can enter the food chain,
attacking in particular the bones of humans and
animals
strychnine /$strkni%n/ noun a poisonous alka-
strychnine
loid drug, made from the seeds of a tropical tree,
and formerly used in small doses as a tonic
Stryker frame /$strak frem/ noun a special
Stryker frame
piece of equipment on which a patient can easily
be rotated by a nurse, used for patients with spinal
injuries
ST segment /!es $ti% !se1mnt/, S-T segment
ST segment
noun the part of an electrocardiogram, between
the points labelled S and T, immediately before
the last phase of the cardiac cycle. ! PQRST
complex
study /$st.di/ noun the act of examining some-
study
thing to learn about it ! Shes making a study of
diseases of small children. ! They have finished
their study of the effects of the drug on pregnant
women. " verb to examine something to learn
about it ! Hes studying pharmacy. ! Doctors
are studying the results of the screening pro-
gramme.
stupe /stju%p/ noun a wet medicated dressing
stupe
used as a compress
stupor /$stju%p/ noun a state of being semi-
stupor
conscious ! After the party several people were
found lying on the floor in a stupor.
Sturge-Weber syndrome /!st-%d+ $web
Sturge-Weber syndrome
!sndrm/ noun a dark red mark on the skin
above the eye, together with similar marks inside
the brain, possibly causing epileptic fits
stuttering /$st.tr/ noun same as stammer-
stuttering
ing
stye /sta/ noun same as hordeolum
stye
stylet /$stalt/ noun 1. a very thin piece of wire
stylet
which is put into a catheter or hollow needle so
that it will not become blocked when it is not
being used 2. any long thin pointed instrument
stylo- /stal/ prefix referring to the styloid
stylo-
process
styloid /$stald/ adjective pointed
styloid
294
styloid process /$stald !prses/ noun a
styloid process
piece of bone which projects from the bottom of
the temporal bone
stylus /$stals/ noun a long thin instrument
stylus
used for applying antiseptics or ointments to the
skin
styptic /$stptk/ noun a substance which stops
styptic
bleeding " adjective used to stop bleeding
styptic pencil /!stptk $pens()l/ noun a stick
styptic pencil
of alum, used to stop bleeding from small cuts
sub- /s.b/ prefix underneath or below
sub-
subacute /!s.b$kju%t/ adjective referring to a
subacute
|
condition which is not acute but may become
chronic
subacute bacterial endocarditis
subacute bacterial endocarditis
/!s.bkju%t b'k!tiril !endk%$dats/, | | |
subacute infective endocarditis /!s.bkju%t
n!fektv !endk%$dats/ noun an infection
| |
of the membrane covering the inner surfaces of
the heart caused by bacteria
subacute combined degeneration of the
subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord
spinal cord /!s.bkju%t km!band d
| |
!d+enre()n v $span()l k%d/ noun a
condition, caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency, in
which the sensory and motor nerves in the spinal
cord become damaged and the person has diffi-
culty in moving
subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
/s.b!kju%t skl!rs !p'nenkef$lats/
| | |
noun a rare inflammatory disease of the brain,
mostly affecting children. It is linked to having
measles at a very young age, and is usually fatal.
subarachnoid /!s.b$r'knd/ adjective
subarachnoid
beneath the arachnoid membrane
subarachnoid haemorrhage
subarachnoid haemorrhage
/!s.b |
!r'knd $hem()rd+/ noun bleeding into the
cerebrospinal fluid of the subarachnoid space
subarachnoid space /!s.b!r'knd $spes/
subarachnoid space
|
noun a space between the arachnoid membrane
and the pia mater in the brain, containing cerebro-
spinal fluid
subclavian /s.b$klevin/ adjective under-
subclavian
neath the clavicle
subclavian artery /s.b!klevin $%tri/
subclavian artery
noun one of two arteries branching from the aorta
on the left and from the innominate artery on the
right, continuing into the brachial arteries and
supplying blood to each arm
subclavian vein /s.b!klevin $ven/ noun
subclavian vein
one of the veins which continue the axillary veins
into the brachiocephalic vein
subclinical /s.b$klnk()l/ adjective referring
subclinical
|
to a disease which is present in the body, but
which has not yet developed any symptoms
subconscious /s.b$kns/ noun the part of a
subconscious
|
persons mental processes which he or she is not
aware of most of the time, but which can affect his
or her actions " adjective present in the mind
although a person is not aware of it
Nursing.fm Page 295 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

295 sudden

subcostal plane /s.b!kst()l $plen/ noun submucous resection /s.b!mju%ks r

subcostal plane submucous resection

| | |

an imaginary horizontal line drawn across the $sekn/ noun the removal of a bent cartilage
front of the abdomen below the ribs from the septum in the nose. Abbreviation SMR
subcutaneous /!s.bkju%$tenis/ adjective subnormal /s.b$n%m()l/ adjective with a
subcutaneous subnormal

| |

under the skin. Abbreviation s.c. mind which has not developed fully (NOTE: This
subcutaneous injection /!s.bkju%!tenis
subcutaneous injection

|
term is regarded as offensive.)
subphrenic /s.b$frenk/ adjective under the
subphrenic

n$d+ekn/ noun same as hypodermic injec-

|
|

tion diaphragm
subphrenic abscess /s.b!frenk $'bses/
subphrenic abscess

subcutaneous oedema /!s.bkju%!tenis

subcutaneous oedema
|
| |

$di%m/ noun a fluid collecting under the skin, noun an abscess which forms between the dia-
usually at the ankles phragm and the liver
substance /$s.bstns/ noun a chemical mate-
substance

subcutaneous tissue /!s.bkju%!tenis

subcutaneous tissue

$tu%/ noun fatty tissue under the skin rial, e.g. a drug ! toxic substances released into
the bloodstream ! He became addicted to certain
subdural /s.b$djrl/ adjective between the
subdural

|
substances.
dura mater and the arachnoid
substance abuse /$s.bstns !bju%s/, sub-
substance abuse

subdural haematoma /s.b!djrl !hi%m

subdural haematoma |

| |
stance misuse /$s.bstns ms!ju%z/ noun the
$tm/ noun a haematoma between the dura
|

misuse or excessive use of drugs, alcohol or other

mater and the arachnoid which displaces the substances for pleasure or to satisfy addiction,
brain, caused by a blow on the head which often causes health, emotional or social
subglottis /s.b$1lts/ noun the lowest part of
subglottis

| problems for the user

the laryngeal cavity, below the vocal folds substitution /!s.bst$tju%()n/ noun the act
substitution

subinvolution /!s.bnv$lu%()n/ noun a con-

subinvolution

| of replacing one thing with another

dition in which a part of the body does not go back substitution therapy /!s.bst$tju%()n
substitution therapy

to its former size and shape after having swollen !erpi/ noun a way of treating a condition by
or stretched, as in the case of the uterus after using a different drug from the one used before
childbirth
substrate /$s.bstret/ noun a substance which
substrate

subjective /sb$d+ektv/ adjective represent-

subjective

|
is acted on by an enzyme
ing the views or feelings of the person concerned subsultus /s.b$s.lts/ noun a twitching of the
subsultus

and not impartial ! The psychiatrist gave a sub-

|

muscles and tendons, caused by fever

jective opinion on the patients problem. Com-
subtertian fever /s.b!t-%()n $fi%v/ noun a
subtertian fever

pare objective |

type of malaria, where the fever is present most of

sublimate /$s.blmet/ noun a deposit left
sublimate

the time
when a vapour condenses " verb to convert vio-
subtotal gastrectomy /!s.btt()l 1'
subtotal gastrectomy

lent emotion into action which is not antisocial |

$strektmi/ noun the surgical removal of all but

sublimation /!s.bl$me()n/ noun a psycho-
sublimation

|
the top part of the stomach in contact with the dia-
logical process in which violent emotions which phragm
would otherwise be expressed in antisocial
subtotal hysterectomy /!s.btt()l !hst
subtotal hysterectomy

behaviour are directed into actions which are

|

$rektmi/ noun the surgical removal of the

socially acceptable
uterus, but not the cervix
subliminal /s.b$lmn()l/ adjective too slight
subliminal

subtotal pancreatectomy /!s.btt()l

subtotal pancreatectomy
|

to be noticed by the senses !p'kri$tektmi/ noun the surgical removal of

|

sublingual /s.b$l1wl/ adjective under the

sublingual

|
most of the pancreas
tongue subungual /s.b$.1wl/ adjective under a nail
subungual

sublingual gland /s.b$l1wl 1l'nd/ noun

sublingual gland

succus /$s.ks/ noun juice secreted by an organ

succus
|

a salivary gland under the tongue

succus entericus /!s.ks en$terks/ noun
succus entericus

subluxation /!s.bl.k$se()n/ noun a condi-

subluxation

|
juice formed of enzymes, produced in the intes-
tion in which a joint is partially dislocated tine to help the digestive process
submandibular gland /!s.bm'n$dbjl
submandibular gland

succussion /s$k.()n/ noun a splashing

succussion
|
|

!1l'nd/, submaxillary gland /s.b$m'kslri |

sound made when there is a large amount of liquid
!1l'nd/ noun a salivary gland on each side of the inside a cavity in the body, e.g. the stomach
lower jaw sucrose /$su%krs/ noun a sugar, formed of
sucrose

submental /s.b$ment()l/ adjective under the

submental

| glucose and fructose, found in plants, especially

chin in sugar cane, beet and maple syrup
submucosa /!s.bmju%$ks/ noun tissue suction /$s.kn/ noun a force created by the
submucosa suction

under a mucous membrane action of sucking ! The dentist hooked a suction

submucous /s.b$mju%ks/ adjective under a
submucous

|
tube into the patients mouth.
mucous membrane sudden /$s.d()n/ adjective happening quickly
sudden
Nursing.fm Page 296 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

sudden death 296

sudden death /!s.d()n $de/ noun death sulfonylurea /!s.lfnalj$ri%/ noun any of a
sudden death sulfonylurea

without any identifiable cause, not preceded by an group of drugs which lower blood sugar, used in
illness the treatment of diabetes
sudden infant death syndrome /!s.d()n sulfur /$s.lf/ noun another spelling of sulphur
sudden infant death syndrome sulfur

!nfnt $de !sndrm/ noun the sudden death sulphur /$s.lf/ noun a yellow non-metallic
sulphur

of a baby under the age of about twelve months in chemical element which is contained in some
bed, without any identifiable cause. Abbreviation amino acids and is used in creams to treat some
SIDS. Also called cot death skin disorders (NOTE: The chemical symbol is S.)
sudor /$su%d%/ noun sweat
sudor

sulphuric acid /s.l!fjrk $'sd/ noun a

sulphuric acid

sudorific /!su%d$rfk/ noun a drug which

sudorific

| strong colourless oily corrosive acid which has

makes someone sweat many uses
suffer /$s.f/ verb 1. to have an illness for a long sumatriptan /!su%m$trpt'n/ noun a drug
suffer sumatriptan

period of time ! I suffer from headaches. 2. to which helps to narrow the blood vessels, used in
feel pain ! I didnt suffer much. 3. to receive an the treatment of acute migraine
injury ! He suffered multiple injuries in the acci- sun blindness /$s.n !blandns/ noun same
sun blindness

dent. as photoretinitis
suffering /$s.f()r/ noun the experiencing of
suffering

sunburn /$s.nb-%n/ noun damage to the skin by

sunburn

pain over a long period of time excessive exposure to sunlight

suffocation /!s.f$ke()n/ noun the act of
suffocation

sunstroke /$s.nstrk/ noun a serious condi-

sunstroke
|

making someone become unconscious by cutting tion caused by excessive exposure to the sun or to
off his or her supply of air hot conditions, in which the person becomes
suffusion /s$fju%+()n/ noun the spreading of
suffusion

|
dizzy and has a high body temperature but does
a red flush over the skin not perspire
sugar /$1/ noun any of several sweet carbo-
sugar

super- /su%p/ prefix 1. above 2. extremely

super-

hydrates (NOTE: For other terms referring to superciliary /!su%p$sliri/ adjective referring
superciliary

sugar, see words beginning with glyc-, glyco-.)

|

to the eyebrows
sugar intolerance /$1r n!tlrns/ noun
sugar intolerance

superego /!su%pr$i%1/ noun (in psychology)

superego
|

diarrhoea caused by sugar which has not been

|

the part of the mind which is a persons con-

absorbed science, which is concerned with right and wrong
suggestibility /s!d+est$blti/ noun a mental
suggestibility

superfecundation /!su%pfi%kn$de()n/
superfecundation
| |

state in which somebody just accepts other peo-

|

noun a condition in which two or more ova pro-

ples ideas, attitudes or instructions, without duced at the same time are fertilised by different
questioning them. It is usually increased under males
hypnosis.
superfetation /!su%pfi%$te()n/ noun a con-
superfetation

suggestible /s$d+estb()l/ adjective easily

suggestible |

|
dition in which an ovum is fertilised in a woman
influenced by other people who is already pregnant
suggestion /s$d+estn/ noun 1. an idea
suggestion

superficial /!su%p$f()l/ adjective on the sur-

superficial
|

which has been mentioned ! The doctor didnt

|

face, close to the surface or on the skin

agree with the suggestion that the disease had
superficial thickness burn /!su%pf()l
superficial thickness burn

been caught in the hospital. 2. (in psychiatry) the

process of making a persons ideas change, by $kns !b-%n/ noun same as partial thickness
suggesting different ideas which the person can burn
superinfection /$su%prn!fekn/ noun a
superinfection

accept, such as that he or she is in fact cured |

suicide /$su%sad/ noun the act of killing one-

suicide
second infection which affects the treatment of
self the first infection, because it is resistant to the
drug used to treat the first
sulcus /$s.lks/ noun a groove or fold, espe-
sulcus

superior /s$pri/ adjective (of part of the

superior

cially between the gyri in the brain |

body) higher up than another part

sulfa drug /$s.lf dr.1/, sulfa compound
sulfa drug

superior aspect /s!pri $'spekt/ noun a

superior aspect

/$s.lf !kmpand/ noun same as sulfonamide |

sulfasalazine /!s.lf$s'lzi%n/ noun a drug

sulfasalazine

|
view of the body from above
superiority complex /s!pri$rti
superiority complex

belonging to the sulfonamide group of antibacte- | |

rial drugs. It is used in the treatment of ulcerative
colitis and Crohns disease, and also of severe
rheumatoid arthritis.
!kmpleks/ noun a condition in which a person
feels he or she is better and more important than
others and pays little attention to them
superior mesenteric artery /s!pri
superior mesenteric artery

sulfonamide /s.l$fnmad/ noun a bacterio-

sulfonamide
|
|

static drug, e.g. trimethoprim, used to treat bacte- mes(e)n!terk $%tri/ noun one of the arteries
|

rial infection, especially in the intestine and uri- which supply the small intestine
nary system, but now less important due to superior vena cava /s!pri !vi%n $kev/
superior vena cava

increasing bacterial resistance noun a branch of the large vein into the heart, car-
Nursing.fm Page 297 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
297
rying blood from the head and the top part of the
body. See illustration at HEART in Supplement
supernumerary /!su%p$nju%mrri/ adjec-
supernumerary
tive extra, more than the usual number
superovulation /!su%pr!vj$le()n/ noun
superovulation
| |
an increased frequency of ovulation, or produc-
tion of a large number of ova at one time. It is
often caused by giving a woman with infertility
problems gonadotrophin hormones to stimulate
ovulation.
supination /!su%p$ne()n/ noun the act of
supination
|
turning the hand so that the palm faces upwards.
Opposite pronation. See illustration at ANATOMI-
CAL TERMSin Supplement
supinator /$su%pnet/ noun a muscle which
supinator
turns the hand so that the palm faces upwards
supine /$su%pan/ adjective lying on the back.
supine
Opposite prone
supplement /$s.plmnt/ noun 1. any extra
supplement
nutrients that are taken to help a specific condi-
tion when someone is not getting all they need
from their food ! vitamin and folic acid supple-
ments 2. a pill or product regarded as helpful in
improving health that can be bought without a
prescription. Supplements are not tested in the
same way as prescription drugs. ! dietary or food
supplements " verb to add on or increase above
what is taken usually ! She supplemented her
diet with folic acid when she was planning a preg-
nancy.
supplementary prescriber /!s.pl
supplementary prescriber
|
$ment()ri pr!skrab/ noun a healthcare pro-
|
fessional who, in agreement with a patients doc-
tor, implements an agreed course of treatment
support hose /s$p%t hz/ plural noun
support hose
|
stockings that fit tightly to the legs, worn to help
the flow of blood
supportive /s$p%tv/ adjective helping or
supportive
| ises in surgery (NOTE: Although surgeons are
comforting someone in trouble ! Her family was
very supportive when she was in hospital. ! The
local health authority has been very supportive of
the hospital management.
support worker /s$p%t !w-%k/ noun some-
support worker
| US a government official responsible for all
one who assists registered health service profes-
sionals as part of a team, e.g. as a nursing auxil-
iary or assistant, or in specialist areas such as
mental health, speech therapy or physiotherapy
suppository /s$pzt()ri/ noun a piece of a
suppository
| tissue, organs or parts ! The patient will need
soluble material such as glycerine jelly contain-
ing a drug, which is placed in the rectum to act as
lubricant, or in the vagina, to treat disorders such
as vaginitis, and is dissolved by the bodys fluids
suppress /s$pres/ verb to reduce the action of
suppress
|
something completely, e.g. to remove a symptom
or to stop the release of a hormone ! a course of
treatment which suppresses the painful irritation
! The drug suppresses the bodys natural instinct
to reject the transplanted tissue. ! The release of
adrenaline from the adrenal cortex is suppressed.
surgical
suppression /s$pre()n/ noun the act of sup-
suppression
pressing something ! the suppression of allergic
responses ! the suppression of a hormone
suppressor T-cell /s!pres $ti% !sel/ noun a
suppressor T-cell
T-cell which stops or reduces the immune
response to an antigen of B-cells and other T-cells
suppuration /!s.pj$re()n/ noun the for-
suppuration
mation and discharge of pus
supra- /su%pr/ prefix above or over
supra-
supraglottis /!su%pr$1lts/ noun the part of
supraglottis
the larynx above the vocal folds, including the
epiglottis
supraorbital /!su%pr$%bt()l/ adjective
supraorbital
|
above the orbit of the eye
supraorbital ridge /!su%pr!%bt()l $rd+/
supraorbital ridge
|
noun the ridge of bone above the eye, covered by
the eyebrow
suprapubic /!su%pr$pju%bk/ adjective above
suprapubic
the pubic bone or pubic area
suprarenal /!su%pr$ri%n()l/ adjective above
suprarenal
|
the kidneys " noun same as suprarenal gland
suprarenal gland /!su%pr$ri%n()l 1l'nd/,
suprarenal gland
|
suprarenal /!su%pr$ri%n()l/ noun one of two
|
endocrine glands at the top of the kidneys, which
secrete adrenaline and other hormones
suprarenal medulla /!su%prri%n()l me
suprarenal medulla
|
$d.l/ noun same as adrenal medulla
suprasternal /!su%pr$st-%n()l/ adjective
suprasternal
above the sternum
supraventricular tachycardia /!s.bven
supraventricular tachycardia
|
!trkjl !t'ki$k%di/ noun tachycardia coming
|
from the upper chambers of the heart
surfactant /s-%$f'ktnt/ noun a substance in
surfactant
the alveoli of the lungs which keeps the surfaces
of the lungs wet and prevents lung collapse
surgeon /$s-%d+n/ noun a doctor who special-
surgeon
doctors, in the UK they are traditionally called
Mr and not Dr, so Dr Smith may be a GP, but
Mr Smith is a surgeon.)
surgeon general /!s-%d+n $d+en()rl/ noun
surgeon general
aspects of public health
surgery /$s-%d+ri/ noun 1. the treatment of dis-
surgery
eases or disorders by procedures which require an
operation to cut into, to remove or to manipulate
plastic surgery to remove the scars he received in
the accident. ! The surgical ward is for patients
waiting for surgery. ! Two of our patients had to
have surgery. ! She will have to undergo surgery.
2. a room where a doctor or dentist sees and
examines patients ! There are ten patients wait-
ing in the surgery. ! Surgery hours are from 8.30
in the morning to 6.00 at night.
surgical /$s-%d+k()l/ adjective referring to
surgical
surgery ! All surgical instruments must be steri-
lised.
Nursing.fm Page 298 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
surgical diathermy
surgical diathermy /!s-%d+k()l !da
surgical diathermy
$-%mi/ noun a procedure which uses a knife or
electrode which is heated by a strong electric cur-
rent until it coagulates tissue
surgical fixation /!s-%d+k()l fk$se()n/
surgical fixation
noun a method of immobilising something such
as a bone either externally by the use of a splint or
internally by a metal plate and screws
surgical gloves /$s-%d+k()l 1l.vz/ plural
surgical gloves
noun thin plastic gloves worn by surgeons
surgical intervention /!s-%d+k()l !nt
surgical intervention
$venn/ noun the treatment of disease or other
condition by surgery
surgical neck /!s-%d+k()l $nek/ noun the
surgical neck
narrow part at the top of the humerus, where the
arm can easily be broken
surgical ward /$s-%d+k()l w%d/ noun a ward
surgical ward
for patients who have undergone surgery
surgical wound /$s-%d+k()l wu%nd/ noun an
surgical wound
incision made during a surgical operation
surrogate /$s.r1t/ adjective taking the place
surrogate
of " noun someone or something that takes the
place of another person or thing
surrogate mother a woman who has a child by
surrogate mother
artificial insemination for a woman who cannot
become pregnant, with the intention of handing
the child over to her when it is born
susceptibility /s!sept$blti/ noun lack of
susceptibility
| |
resistance to a disease
suspension /s$spenn/ noun a liquid with
suspension
| his neck. ! She finds her swollen ankles painful.
solid particles in it
suspensory /s$spensri/ adjective hanging
suspensory
down
suspensory
suspensory bandage
bandage /s!spensri
$b'ndd+/ noun a bandage to hold a part of the
body which hangs
suspensory
suspensory ligament
ligament /s!spensri
$l1mnt/ noun a ligament which holds a part of
the body in position. See illustration at EYE in
Supplement
sustentacular /!s.stn$t'kjl/ adjective
sustentacular
referring to a sustentaculum
sustentaculum /!s.stn$t'kjlm/ noun a
sustentaculum
|
part of the body which supports another part
suture /$su%t/ noun 1. a fixed joint where two
suture
bones are fused together, especially the bones in
the skull 2. a procedure for attaching the sides of
an incision or wound with thread, so that healing
can take place. Also called stitch 3. a thread used
for attaching the sides of a wound so that they can
heal " verb to attach the sides of a wound or inci-
sion together with thread so that healing can take
place. Also called stitch
suxamethonium /!s.ksm$nim/ noun a
suxamethonium
|
drug similar to acetylcholine in structure, used as
a muscle relaxant during surgery
swab /swb/ noun 1. a cotton wool pad, often
swab
attached to a small stick, used, e.g., to clean a
298
wound, to apply ointment or to take a specimen 2.
a specimen taken with a swab ! a cervical swab
swallowing /$swl/ noun same as degluti-
swallowing
tion
Swan-Ganz catheter /!swn $1'ntz
Swan-Ganz catheter
!k'it/ noun a special catheter which can be
floated through the right chamber of the heart into
the pulmonary artery. The balloon at its tip is then
inflated to measure arterial pressure.
sweat /swet/ noun a salty liquid produced by the
sweat
|
sweat glands to cool the body as the liquid evapo-
rates from the skin ! Sweat was running off the
end of his nose. ! Her hands were covered with
sweat. Also called perspiration " verb to pro-
duce moisture through the sweat glands and onto
the skin ! After working in the fields she was
sweating.
sweat duct /$swet d.kt/ noun a thin tube con-
sweat duct
necting the sweat gland with the surface of the
skin
sweat gland /$swet 1l'nd/ noun a gland
sweat gland
which produces sweat, situated beneath the der-
mis and connected to the skin surface by a sweat
duct
sweat pore /$swet p%/ noun a hole in the skin
sweat pore
through which the sweat comes out
swell /swel/ verb to become larger, or cause
swell
something to become larger ! The disease affects
the lymph glands, making them swell. ! The doc-
tor noticed that the patient had swollen glands in
(NOTE: swelling swelled swollen)
swelling /$swel/ noun a condition in which
swelling
fluid accumulates in tissue, making the tissue
|
become large ! They applied a cold compress to
try to reduce the swelling.
sycosis /sa$kss/ noun a bacterial infection
sycosis
|
of hair follicles
sycosis barbae /sa!kss $b%bi/ noun an
sycosis barbae
infection of hair follicles on the sides of the face
and chin. Also called barbers itch, barbers
rash
Sydenhams chorea /!sdnmz k$ri%/
Sydenhams chorea
noun temporary chorea affecting children, fre-
quently associated with endocarditis and rheuma-
tism [Described 1686. After Thomas Sydenham
(162489), English physician.]
symbiosis /!smba$ss/ noun a condition in
symbiosis
|
which two organisms exist together and help each
other to survive
symblepharon /sm$blefrn/ noun a condi-
symblepharon
tion in which the eyelid sticks to the eyeball
symbol /$smbl/ noun a sign or letter which
symbol
means something
Symes amputation /!samz 'mpj
Symes amputation
|
$te()n/ noun a surgical operation to amputate
the foot above the ankle [Described 1842. After
James Syme (17991870), Edinburgh surgeon
and teacher; one of the first to adopt antisepsis
Nursing.fm Page 299 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
(Joseph Lister was his son-in-law), and also
among the early users of anaesthesia.]
symmetry /$smtri/ noun the regularity of
symmetry
structure and distribution of parts of the body,
each side of the body being structurally similar to
the other
sympathectomy /!smp$ektmi/ noun a
sympathectomy
|
surgical operation to cut part of the sympathetic
nervous system, as a treatment of high blood pres-
sure
sympathetic /!smp$etk/ adjective 1. feel-
sympathetic
|
ing or showing shared feelings, pity or compas-
sion 2. relating to or belonging to the sympathetic
nervous system, or to one of its parts
sympathetic nervous system
sympathetic nervous system
/!smpetk $n-%vs !sstm/, sympathetic
system /!smpetk $sstm/ noun part of the
autonomic nervous system, which leaves the spi-
nal cord from the thoracic and lumbar regions to
go to various important organs such as the heart,
the lungs and the sweat glands, and which pre-
pares the body for emergencies and vigorous
muscular activity. ! parasympathetic nervous
system
sympatholytic /!smp$ltk/ noun a drug
sympatholytic
|
which stops the sympathetic nervous system
working
sympathomimetic
sympathomimetic
/!smpm$metk/
| |
adjective referring to a drug such as dopamine
hydrochloride which stimulates the activity of the
sympathetic nervous system and is used in car-
diac shock following myocardial infarction and in
cardiac surgery
sympathy /$smpi/ noun 1. the feeling or
sympathy
expression of pity or sorrow for the pain or dis-
tress of somebody else 2. the relationship
between people which causes one of them to pro-
voke a similar condition to their own in the other
one. For example, when the first person yawns,
the second feels an urge to yawn too. 3. the influ-
ence produced on any part of the body by disease
or change in another part
symphysis /$smfss/ noun the point where
symphysis
two bones are joined by cartilage which makes
the joint rigid
symphysis pubis /!smfss $pju%bs/ noun
symphysis pubis
same as pubic symphysis
symptom /$smptm/ noun a change in the way
symptom
the body works or a change in the bodys appear-
ance, which shows that a disease or disorder is
present and which the person is aware of ! The
symptoms of hay fever are a running nose and
eyes. ! A doctor must study the symptoms before
making his diagnosis. ! The patient presented all
the symptoms of rheumatic fever. (NOTE: If a
symptom is noticed only by the doctor, it is a
sign.)
symptomatic /!smpt$m'tk/ adjective
symptomatic
|
being a symptom of something ! The rash is
symptomatic of measles.
299 synostosed
symptomatology /!smptm$tld+i/ noun
symptomatology
a branch of medicine concerned with the study of
symptoms. Also called semeiology
syn- /sn/ prefix joint, or fused
syn-
synalgia /s$n'ld+/ noun a pain which is felt
synalgia
in one part of the body, but is caused by a condi-
tion in another part, e.g. pain in the groin which
can be a symptom of a kidney stone or pain in the
right shoulder which can indicate gall bladder
infection. Also called referred pain
synapse /$san'ps/ noun a point in the nervous
synapse
system where the axons of neurones are in contact
with the dendrites of other neurones " verb to
link something with a neurone
synaptic /sn$'ptk/ adjective referring to a
synaptic
synapse
synarthrosis /!sn%$rss/ noun a joint, e.g.
synarthrosis
in the skull, where the bones have fused together
synchondrosis /!snkn$drss/ noun a
synchondrosis
|
joint, as in children, where the bones are linked by
cartilage, before the cartilage has changed to bone
synchysis /$skss/ noun a condition in
synchysis
which the vitreous humour in the eye becomes
soft
syncope /$skpi/ noun a condition in which
syncope
someone becomes unconscious for a short time
because of reduced flow of blood to the brain.
Also called fainting fit
syndactyly /sn$d'ktli/, syndactylism /sn
syndactyly
| |
$d'ktlz()m/ noun a condition in which two
toes or fingers are joined together with tissue
syndesm- /sndesm/, syndesmo-
syndesm-
/sndesm/ prefix referring to ligaments
syndesmology /!sndes$mld+i/ noun a
syndesmology
branch of medicine which studies joints
syndesmosis /!sndes$mss/ noun a joint
syndesmosis
where the bones are tightly linked by ligaments
syndrome /$sndrm/ noun a group of symp-
syndrome
toms and other changes in the bodys functions
which, when taken together, show that a particu-
lar disease is present
synechia /s$neki/ noun a condition in which
synechia
|
the iris sticks to another part of the eye
synergism /$snd+z()m/ noun a situation
synergism
where two or more things are acting together in
such a way that both are more effective. Also
called synergy
synergist /$snd+st/ noun a muscle or drug
synergist
which acts with another and increases the effec-
tiveness of both
synergy /$snd+i/ noun same as synergism
synergy
syngeneic /!snd+$ni%k/ adjective referring
syngeneic
to individuals or tissues that have an identical or
closely similar genetic make-up, especially one
that will allow the transplanting of tissue without
provoking an immune response
synostosed /$sn!stzd/ adjective (of
synostosed
bones) fused together with new bone tissue
Nursing.fm Page 300 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
synostosis
synostosis /!sn$stss/ noun the fusing of
synostosis
| |
two bones together by the formation of new bone
tissue
synovectomy /!sn$vektmi/ noun a surgi-
synovectomy
cal operation to remove the synovial membrane of
a joint
synovia /sa$nvi/ noun same as synovial
synovia
fluid
synovial /sa$nvil/ adjective referring to the
synovial
|
synovium
synovial fluid /sa!nvil $flu%d/ noun a
synovial fluid
fluid secreted by a synovial membrane to lubri-
cate a joint. See illustration at SYNOVIAL JOINT in
Supplement
synovial joint /sa!nvil $d+nt/ noun a
synovial joint
|
joint where the two bones are separated by a space
filled with synovial fluid which nourishes and
lubricates the surfaces of the bones. Also called
diarthrosis
synovial membrane /sa!nvil
synovial membrane
$membren/, synovium noun a smooth mem-
brane which forms the inner lining of the capsule
covering a joint and secretes the fluid which lubri-
cates the joint. See illustration at SYNOVIAL JOINT
in Supplement
synovitis /!san$vats/ noun inflammation of
synovitis
|
the synovial membrane
synthesis /$snss/ noun 1. the process of
synthesis
combining different ideas or objects into a new
whole 2. a new unified whole resulting from the
combination of different ideas or objects 3. the
formation of compounds through chemical reac-
tions involving simpler compounds or elements 4.
in psychiatry, the fusing together of all the various
elements of the personality (NOTE: The plural is
syntheses.)
synthesise /$snsaz/, synthesize verb to
synthesise
make a chemical compound from its separate
components ! Essential amino acids cannot be
synthesised. ! The body cannot synthesise essen-
tial fatty acids and has to absorb them from food.
synthetic /sn$etk/ adjective made by
synthetic
| |
humans, made artificially
syphilis /$sfls/ noun a sexually transmitted
syphilis
disease caused by a spirochaete Treponema palli-
dum
syring- /srnd+/ prefix same as syringo- (used
syring-
before vowels)
300
syringe /s$rnd+/ noun a medical instrument
syringe
made of a tube with a plunger which either slides
down inside the tube, forcing the contents out
through a needle as in an injection, or slides up
the tube, allowing a liquid to be sucked into it "
verb to wash out the ears using a syringe
syringo- /sr1/ prefix referring to tubes,
syringo-
especially the central canal of the spinal cord
syringomyelia /s!r1ma$i%li/ noun a
syringomyelia
| |
disease which forms cavities in the neck section
of the spinal cord, affecting the nerves so that the
person loses the sense of touch and pain
syringomyelitis /s!r1ma$lats/ noun
syringomyelitis
| | |
a swelling of the spinal cord, which results in the
formation of cavities in it
syringomyelocele /s!r1$malsi%l/
syringomyelocele
| |
noun a severe form of spina bifida where the spi-
nal cord pushes through a hole in the spine
system /$sstm/ noun 1. the body as a whole !
system
Amputation of a limb gives a serious shock to the
system. 2. the arrangement of particular parts of
the body so that they work together ! the lym-
phatic system
systemic /s$sti%mk/ adjective referring to or
systemic
affecting the whole body ! Septicaemia is a sys-
temic infection.
systemic circulation /s!sti%mk !s-%kj
systemic circulation
| |
$le()n/ noun the circulation of blood around
the whole body, except the lungs, starting with the
aorta and returning through the venae cavae
systemic lupus erythematosus /s!sti%mk
systemic lupus erythematosus
!lu%ps !eri%m$tss/ noun one of several
|
collagen diseases which are forms of lupus, where
red patches form on the skin and spread through-
out the body. Abbreviation SLE
systole /$sstli/ noun a phase in the beating of
systole
the heart when it contracts as it pumps blood out
systolic /s$stlk/ adjective referring to the
systolic
|
systole
systolic murmur /s!stlk $m-%m/ noun a
systolic murmur
sound produced during systole which indicates an
unusual condition of a heart valve
systolic pressure /s!stlk $pre/ noun the
systolic pressure
high point of blood pressure which occurs during
the systole. Systolic pressure is always higher
than diastolic pressure.
Nursing.fm Page 301 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
TAB abbreviation typhoid-paratyphoid A and B
TAB
! He was given a TAB injection. ! TAB injec-
tions give only temporary immunity against para-
typhoid. ! TAB vaccine
tabes /$tebi%z/ noun a condition in which some-
tabes
one is wasting away
tabes dorsalis /!tebi%z d%$sels/ noun a dis-
tabes dorsalis
ease of the nervous system, caused by advanced
syphilis, in which the person loses the sense of
feeling, control of the bladder and the ability to
coordinate movements of the legs, and has severe
pains. Also called locomotor ataxia
tablet /$t'blt/ noun 1. a small flat round object
tablet
containing medicine that is taken by swallowing
! a bottle of aspirin tablets ! Take two tablets
three times a day. 2. any tablet, pill or capsule
taken by swallowing (informal)
taboparesis /!tebp$ri%ss/ noun the final
taboparesis
stage of syphilis in which the person has locomo-
tor ataxia, general paralysis and mental deteriora-
tion
TAB vaccine /!ti% ei% $bi% !v'ksi%n/ noun a vac-
TAB vaccine
cine which immunises against typhoid fever and
paratyphoid A and B
tachy- /t'ki/ prefix fast
tachy-
tachycardia /!t'ki$k%di/ noun a rapid beat-
tachycardia
ing of the heart
tachyphrasia /!t'ki$frezi/, tachyphasia
tachyphrasia
| to repair damaged bones (NOTE: The chemical
/!t'ki$fezi/ noun a particularly rapid way of
| symbol is Ta.)
speaking, as occurs with some people with mental
disorders
tachypnoea /!t'kp$ni%/ noun very fast
tachypnoea
|
breathing
tacrolimus /!t'kr$li%ms/ noun a powerful
tacrolimus
|
immunosuppressant drug used to reduce the risk
of organ transplant rejection
tactile /$t'ktal/ adjective able to be sensed by
tactile
touch
taeniasis /ti%$nass/ noun infestation of the
taeniasis
|
intestines with tapeworms
Tagamet /$t'1met/ a trade name for a prepa-
Tagamet
ration of cimetidine
tai chi /!ta $ti%/, tai chi noun an ancient Chi-
tai chi
nese system of exercises designed for health, self-
defence and spiritual development
T
talc /t'lk/ noun a soft white powder used to dust
talc
on irritated skin
talipes /$t'lpi%z/ noun a foot with a shape that
talipes
does not allow usual walking, a congenital condi-
tion. Also called cleft foot, club foot
talo- /tel/ prefix referring to the ankle bone
talo-
talus /$tels/ noun the top bone in the tarsus
talus
which articulates with the tibia and fibula in the
leg, and with the calcaneus in the heel. Also called
anklebone. See illustration at FOOT in Supple-
ment (NOTE: The plural is tali.)
tamoxifen /t$mksfen/ noun a drug which
tamoxifen
|
helps to prevent the actions of oestrogen, used
especially in the treatment of breast cancer and
some types of infertility
tampon /$t'mpn/ noun 1. a wad of absorbent
tampon
material put into a wound to soak up blood during
an operation 2. a cylindrical plug of soft material
put into the vagina to absorb blood during men-
struation
tamponade /!t'mp$ned/ noun the action of
tamponade
putting a tampon into a wound
tan /t'n/ verb (of skin) to become brown in sun-
tan
light ! He tans easily. ! She is using a tanning
lotion.
tantalum /$t'ntlm/ noun a rare metal, used
tantalum
tantalum mesh /$t'ntlm me/ noun a type
tantalum mesh
of net made of tantalum wire, used to repair cra-
nial conditions
tantrum /$t'ntrm/ noun a sudden episode of
tantrum
bad behaviour, usually in a child, where the child
throws things or lies on the floor and screams
tap /t'p/ noun a surgical procedure to drain off
tap
body fluid with a hollow needle or a tube " verb
to remove or drain liquid from part of the body. !
spinal
tapeworm /$tepw-%m/ noun a parasitic worm
tapeworm
with a small head and long body like a ribbon.
Tapeworms enter the intestine when a person eats
raw meat or fish. The worms attach themselves
with hooks to the side of the intestine and grow
longer by adding sections to their bodies.
Nursing.fm Page 302 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
tapotement
tapotement /t$ptmnt/ noun a type of
tapotement
massage where the therapist taps the person with
his or her hands
tapping /$t'p/ noun same as paracentesis
tapping
tarry stool /!t%ri $stu%l/ noun dark and sticky
tarry stool
solid matter which is passed out of the bowels
tars- /t%s/ prefix same as tarso- (used before
tars-
vowels)
tarsal /$t%s()l/ adjective referring to the tarsus
tarsal
" noun same as tarsal bone
tarsal bone /$t%s()l bn/ noun one of seven
tarsal bone
small bones in the ankle, including the talus and
calcaneus. Also called tarsal
tarsalgia /t%$s'ld+/ noun a pain in the ankle
tarsalgia
|
tarsal gland /$t%s()l 1l'nd/ noun same as
tarsal gland
meibomian gland
tarsectomy /t%$sektmi/ noun 1. a surgical
tarsectomy
| |
operation to remove one of the tarsal bones in the
ankle 2. a surgical operation to remove the tarsus
of the eyelid
tarsitis /t%$sats/ noun an inflammation of the
tarsitis
|
edge of the eyelid
tarso- /t%s/ prefix 1. relating to the ankle 2.
tarso-
relating to the edge of the eyelid
tarsorrhaphy /t%$srfi/ noun an operation to
tarsorrhaphy
|
join the two eyelids together to protect the eye
after an operation
tarsus /$t%ss/ noun 1. the seven small bones
tarsus
of the ankle. See illustration at FOOT in Supple-
ment 2. a connective tissue which supports an
eyelid (NOTE: The plural is tarsi.)
tartar /$t%t/ noun a hard deposit of calcium
tartar
which forms on teeth, and has to be removed by
scaling. Also called scale
task allocation /$t%sk 'l!ke()n/ noun a
task allocation
system in which patient care is divided into tasks
which are given to different nurses with specific
skills
taste /test/ noun one of the five senses, where
taste
food or substances in the mouth are noticed
through the tongue ! She doesnt like the taste of
onions. ! He has a cold, so food seems to have
lost all taste or seems to have no taste. " verb to
notice the taste of something with the tongue ! I
have a cold so I cant taste anything ! You can
taste the salt in this butter.
taste bud /$test b.d/ noun a tiny sensory
taste bud
receptor in the vallate and fungiform papillae of
the tongue and in part of the back of the mouth
COMMENT: The taste buds can tell the differ-
ence between salt, sour, bitter and sweet
tastes. The buds on the tip of the tongue
identify salt and sweet tastes, those on the
sides of the tongue identify sour, and those
at the back of the mouth the bitter tastes.
Note that most of what we think of as taste is
in fact smell, and this is why when someone
has a cold and a blocked nose, food seems
to lose its taste. The impulses from the taste
302
buds are received by the taste cortex in the
temporal lobe of the cerebral hemisphere.
taxis /$t'kss/ noun the procedure of pushing or
taxis
massaging dislocated bones or hernias to make
them return to their usual position
-taxis /t'kss/ suffix manipulation
-taxis
taxonomy /t'k$snmi/ noun 1. the practice
taxonomy
|
or principles of classification generally ! Any
diagnostic task can be aided by a taxonomy of
symptoms and a taxonomy of causes together with
connections between them. 2. the science of clas-
sifying plants, animals and microorganisms into
increasingly broader categories based on shared
features. Traditionally, organisms were grouped
by physical resemblances, but recently other cri-
teria such as genetic matching have also been
used.
Tay-Sachs disease /!te $s'ks d!zi%z/ noun
Tay-Sachs disease
an inherited condition affecting the metabolism,
characterised by progressive paralysis of the legs,
blindness and learning disabilities [Described
1881. After Warren Tay (18431927), British
ophthalmologist; Bernard Sachs (18581944),
US neurologist.]
TB abbreviation tuberculosis ! He is suffering
TB
from TB. ! She has been admitted to a TB sana-
torium.
TBI abbreviation total body irradiation
TBI
T-cell /$ti% sel/ noun same as T-lymphocyte
T-cell
TCP /!ti% si% $pi%/ a trade name for various mild
TCP
antiseptic liquids
t.d.s. /!ti% di% $es/, TDS adverb (written on pre-
t.d.s.
scriptions) three times a day. Full form ter in
diem sumendus
teaching hospital /$ti%t !hspt()l/ noun
teaching hospital
a hospital attached to a medical school where stu-
dent doctors work and study as part of their train-
ing
team nursing /$ti%m !n-%s/ noun a system in
team nursing
which the care of a group of patients is assigned
to a team of four or five health workers, led by a
professional nurse who assigns them various
tasks. They meet at the beginning and end of each
shift to exchange information.
tear /t/ noun a drop of the salty fluid which
tear
forms in the lacrimal gland. The fluid keeps the
eyeball moist and clean and is produced in large
quantities when a person cries. ! Tears ran down
her face. (NOTE: For other terms referring to
tears, see words beginning with dacryo- or lac-
rimal.)
tear duct /$t d.kt/ noun same as lacrimal
tear duct
duct
tear gland /$t 1l'nd/ noun same as lacrimal
tear gland
gland
teat /ti%t/ noun a rubber nipple on the end of a
teat
babys feeding bottle
TED abbreviation thrombo-embolic deterrent
TED
stocking
Nursing.fm Page 303 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

303 tenesmus

teeth /ti%/ plural of tooth temporal arteritis /!temp()rl !%t$rats/

teeth temporal arteritis

Teflon /$tefln/ trademark a synthetic polymer

Teflon
injected into the joints of the larynx to increase
movement and help hoarseness of voice
noun a headache caused by inflammation of the
region over the temporal artery, usually occurring
in older people
temporal bone /$temprl bn/ noun one of
temporal bone

tegmen /$te1mn/ noun the covering for an

tegmen

organ (NOTE: The plural is tegmina.)
tegument /$te1jmnt/ noun a covering, espe-
tegument
the bones which form the sides and base of the
cranium. See illustration at EAR in Supplement
temporalis /!temp$rels/, temporalis mus-
temporalis

cially the protective outer covering of an organ- |

ism cle /!temp$rels !m.s()l/ noun a flat muscle

|

tel- /tel/ prefix same as tele- (used before vow-

tel-
running down the side of the head from the tem-
els) poral bone to the coronoid process, which makes
tela /$ti%l/ noun a delicate part or tissue in the
tela
the jaw move up
temporal lobe /$temp()rl lb/ noun the
temporal lobe

body with a fine or intricate pattern like a web

telangiectasis
telangiectasis

/te!l'nd+i$ektss/,
| tel- |
lobe above the ear in each cerebral hemisphere
temporal lobe epilepsy /!temp()rl lb
temporal lobe epilepsy

angiectasia /te!l'nd+iek$tesi/ noun small

| |

dark red spots on the skin, formed by swollen cap- $eplepsi/ noun epilepsy due to a disorder of the
illaries temporal lobe and causing impaired memory, hal-
telangioma /te!l'nd+i$m/ noun a tumour
telangioma

| |
lucinations and automatism
temporo- /tempr/ prefix 1. referring to the
temporo-

or haematoma of the blood capillaries

tele- /teli/ prefix referring to distance
tele-
temple 2. referring to the temporal lobe
temporomandibular /!temprm'n
temporomandibular

teleceptor /$telsept/ noun a sensory receptor

teleceptor
| |

which receives sensations from a distance. These $dbjl/ adjective relating to the temporal bone
occur in the eyes, ears and nose. Also called tel- and the mandible
ereceptor temporomandibular joint /!temprm'n
temporomandibular joint

| |

telemedicine /$telimed()sn/ noun the provi- $dbjl !d+nt/ noun a joint between the jaw
telemedicine

sion of diagnosis and health care from a distance and the skull, in front of the ear
using media such as interactive computer pro- tenacious /t$nes/ adjective sticking or
tenacious

grams or off-site advisers clinging to something else, especially a surface

telencephalon /!telen$kefln/ noun same as
telencephalon

tenaculum /t$n'kjlm/ noun a surgical

tenaculum
|
|

cerebrum instrument shaped like a hook, used to pick up

telepathy /t$lepi/ noun the apparent com-
telepathy

| small pieces of tissue during an operation

munication directly from one persons mind to tender /$tend/ adjective referring to skin or a
tender

another persons, without the use of speech, writ- body part which is painful when touched ! The
ing or other signs or symbols bruise is still tender. ! Her shoulders are still ten-
teleradiology /!teliredi$ld+i/ noun the
teleradiology

|
process of transmitting scans and other images
electronically so that they can be viewed by sur-
der where she got sunburnt. ! A tender spot on
the abdomen indicates that an organ is inflamed.
tendinitis /!tend$nats/ noun an inflamma-
tendinitis

geons or other health care workers in different

|

tion of a tendon, especially after playing sport,

locations at the same time and often associated with tenosynovitis
telereceptor /$telir!sept/ noun same as tele-
telereceptor

tendinous /$tendns/ adjective referring to a

| tendinous

ceptor
tendon
telophase /$telfez/ noun the final stage of
telophase

tendon /$tendn/ noun a strip of connective tis-

tendon

mitosis, the stage in cell division after anaphase

sue which attaches a muscle to a bone. Also called
temazepam /t$m'zp'm/ noun a hypnotic
temazepam

|
sinew (NOTE: For other terms referring to a ten-
drug used in the short-term treatment of insomnia don, see words beginning with teno-.)
temperature /$temprt/ noun the heat of the
temperature

tendonitis /!tend$nats/ noun same as tend-

tendonitis

body or of the surrounding air, measured in

|

initis
degrees ! The doctor asked the nurse what the
tendon sheath /$tendn i%/ noun a tube of
tendon sheath

patients temperature was. ! His temperature

was slightly above normal. ! The thermometer membrane which covers and protects a tendon
showed a temperature of 99F. tendovaginitis /!tendv'd+$nats/ noun
tendovaginitis

temperature chart /$temprt t%t/ noun a

temperature chart
an inflammation of a tendon sheath, especially in
chart showing changes in a persons temperature the thumb
over a period of time tenens /$tennz/ " locum
tenens

temple /$templ/ noun the flat part of the side of

temple

tenesmus /t$nezms/ noun a condition in

tenesmus

the head between the top of the ear and the eye which someone feels the need to pass faeces, or
temporal /$temp()rl/ adjective referring to sometimes urine, but is unable to do so and expe-
temporal

the temple riences pain

Nursing.fm Page 304 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

tennis elbow 304

tennis elbow /!tens $elb/ noun an inflam- an embryo or fetus 2. relating to the production of
tennis elbow

mation of the tendons of the extensor muscles in physical disorders in an embryo or fetus
the hand which are attached to the bone near the teratology /!ter$tld+i/ noun the study of the
teratology

elbow. Also called lateral epicondylitis unhealthy development of embryos and fetuses
teno- /ten/ prefix referring to a tendon
teno-

teratoma /!ter$tm/ noun a tumour, espe-

teratoma

tenonitis /!ten$nats/ noun the inflamma- cially in an ovary or testis, which is formed of tis-
tenonitis

tion of a tendon sue not usually found in that part of the body
Tenons capsule /$ti%nns !k'psju%l/ noun a terbutaline /t-%$bju%tli%n/ noun a drug which
Tenons capsule terbutaline

tissue which lines the orbit of the eye [After relaxes muscles, used in the treatment of respira-
Jacques Ren Tenon (17241816), French sur- tory disorders and to control premature labour
geon.] teres /$tri%z/ noun one of two shoulder mus-
teres

tenoplasty /$tenpl'sti/ noun a surgical oper- cles running from the shoulder blade to the top of
tenoplasty

ation to repair a torn tendon the humerus. The larger of the two muscles, the
tenorrhaphy /te$nrfi/ noun a surgical opera-
tenorrhaphy

|
teres major, makes the arm turn towards the
tion to stitch pieces of a torn tendon together inside, and the smaller, the teres minor, makes it
turn towards the outside.
tenosynovitis /!ten!san$vats/ noun a
tenosynovitis

terfenadine /t-%$fendi%n/ noun an antihista-

| | terfenadine

painful inflammation of the tendon sheath and the |

tendon inside. Also called peritendinitis mine used in the treatment of hay fever and urti-
caria
tenotomy /t$ntmi/ noun a surgical opera-
tenotomy

terminal branch /$t-%mn()l br%nt/ noun

| terminal branch

tion to cut through a tendon

the end part of a neurone which is linked to a mus-
tenovaginitis /!ten!v'd+$nats/ noun
tenovaginitis

cle. See illustration at NEURONE in Supplement

| |

inflammation of the tendon sheath, especially in

terminal illness /!t-%mn()l $lns/ noun an
terminal illness

the thumb
illness from which someone will soon die
TENS /tens/ abbreviation a method of treating
TENS

terminally ill /!t-%mnli $l/ adjective very ill

terminally ill

pain by applying electrodes to the skin. Small

electric currents are passed through sensory and about to die ! She was admitted to a hospice
nerves and the spinal cord. This suppresses the for terminally ill patients or for the terminally ill.
-terol /terl/ suffix used in names of bronchodi-
-terol

transmission of pain signals. ! a TENS unit or

machine Full form transcutaneous electrical lators
nerve stimulation tertian /$t-%()n/ adjective referring to a fever
tertian

tension /$tenn/ noun 1. the act of stretching with symptoms which appear every other day "
tension

or the state of being stretched 2. an emotional noun a tertian fever or set of symptoms
strain or stress tertian fever /$t-%()n !fi%v/ noun a type of
tertian fever

tension headache /$tenn !hedek/ noun a malaria where the fever returns every two days. !
tension headache

headache all over the head, caused by worry and quartan fever
stress tertiary /$t-%ri/ adjective third, coming after
tertiary

tension pneumothorax /$tenn nju%m secondary and primary

tension pneumothorax

!%r'ks/ noun a condition of the pneumothorax tertiary bronchi /!t-%ri $brki%/ plural
tertiary bronchi

in which rupture of the pleura forms an opening noun " syphilis

like a valve, through which air is forced during tertiary care /!t-%ri $ke/, tertiary health
tertiary care

coughing but cannot escape care /!t-%ri $hel !ke/ noun highly specialised
tensor /$tens/ noun a muscle which makes a
tensor

treatment given in a health care centre, often

joint stretch out using very advanced technology. Compare pri-
tent /tent/ noun a small shelter put over and mary care, secondary care
tent

around someones bed so that gas or vapour can test /test/ noun a short examination to see if a
test

be passed inside sample is healthy or if part of the body is working

tera- /ter/ prefix 1012. Symbol T well ! He had an eye test this morning. ! Labo-
tera-

terat- /tert/, terato- /tert/ prefix congeni-

terat-
ratory tests showed that she was a meningitis car-
tally unusual rier. ! Tests are being carried out on swabs taken
teratogen /t$r'td+en/ noun a substance
teratogen

|
from the operating theatre.
testicle /$testk()l/ noun same as testis
testicle

which causes the usual development of an embryo

or fetus to be disrupted, e.g. the German measles testicular /te$stkjl/ adjective referring to
testicular

virus the testes ! Testicular cancer comprises only 1%

teratogenesis /!tert$d+enss/ noun an
teratogenesis

|
of all malignant neoplasms in the male.
unusual pattern of development in an embryo and testicular artery /te!stkjl $%tri/ noun
testicular artery

fetus same as spermatic artery

teratogenic /!tert$d+enk/ adjective 1. hav- testis /$tests/ noun one of two male sex glands
teratogenic testis

ing the tendency to produce physical disorders in in the scrotum. See illustration at UROGENITAL
Nursing.fm Page 305 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
305
SYSTEM (MALE) in Supplement. Also called tes-
ticle (NOTE: The plural is testes. For other terms
referring to the testes, see words beginning with
orchi-.)
COMMENT: The testes produce both sperma-
tozoa and the sex hormone, testosterone.
Spermatozoa are formed in the testes, and
passed into the epididymis to be stored.
From the epididymis they pass along the vas
deferens through the prostate gland which
secretes the seminal fluid, and are ejaculat-
ed through the penis.
test meal /$test mi%l/ noun a test to check the
test meal
secretion of gastric juices, no longer much used
testosterone /te$ststrn/ noun a male sex
testosterone
| called Cooleys anaemia
hormone, secreted by the Leydig cells in the tes-
tes, which causes physical changes, e.g. the devel-
opment of body hair and a deep voice, to take
place in males as they become sexually mature
test tube /$test tju%b/ noun a small glass tube
test tube
with a rounded bottom, used in laboratories to
hold samples of liquids
test-tube baby /$test tju%b !bebi/ noun a
test-tube baby
baby conceived through in vitro fertilisation in
which the mothers ova are removed from the ova-
ries, fertilised with a mans spermatozoa in a lab-
oratory, and returned to the mothers uterus to
continue developing in the usual way
tetanic /te$t'nk/ adjective referring to tetanus
tetanic
| aspects of death and the ways in which people
tetano- /tetn/ prefix 1. relating to tetanus 2.
tetano-
relating to tetany
tetanus /$tet()ns/ noun 1. the continuous
tetanus
contraction of a muscle, under repeated stimuli
from a motor nerve 2. an infection caused by
Clostridium tetani in the soil, which affects the
spinal cord and causes spasms in the muscles
which occur first in the jaw. Also called lockjaw
tetany /$tetni/ noun spasms of the muscles in
tetany
the feet and hands, caused by a reduction in the
level of calcium in the blood or by lack of carbon
dioxide
tetra- /tetr/ prefix four
tetra-
tetracycline /!tetr$sakli%n/ noun an antibi-
tetracycline
| |
otic of a group used to treat a wide range of bac-
terial diseases such as chlamydia. However, they
are deposited in bones and teeth and cause a per-
manent yellow stain in teeth if given to children.
tetralogy of Fallot /te!tr'ld+i v $f'l/
tetralogy of Fallot
|
noun a disorder of the heart which makes a childs
skin blue. Also called Fallots tetralogy. ! Bla-
locks operation, Waterstons operation
[Described 1888. After Etienne-Louis Arthur Fal-
lot (18501911), Professor of Hygiene and
Legal Medicine at Marseilles, France.]
tetraplegia /!tetr$pli%d+/ same as quadriple-
tetraplegia
|
gia
thalam- /'lm/ prefix same as thalamo- (used
thalam-
before vowels)
therapeutic index
thalamo- /'lm/ prefix referring to the tha-
thalamo-
lamus
thalamus /$'lms/ noun one of two masses
thalamus
of grey matter situated beneath the cerebrum
where impulses from the sensory neurones are
transmitted to the cerebral cortex. See illustration
at BRAIN in Supplement (NOTE: The plural is tha-
lami.)
thalassaemia /!'l'$si%mi/ noun a heredi-
thalassaemia
|
tary disorder of which there are several forms
caused by an anomalies in the protein component
of the haemoglobin, leading to severe anaemia. It
is found especially in people from Mediterranean
countries, the Middle East and East Asia. Also
thalidomide /$ldmad/ noun a synthetic
thalidomide
|
drug given to pregnant women for morning sick-
ness in the 1960s which caused babies to be born
with stunted limbs. It is now used in the treatment
of leprosy.
thallium scan /$'lim sk'n/ noun a method
thallium scan
of finding out about the blood supply to the heart
muscle by scanning to see how the radioactive
element thallium moves when injected into the
bloodstream and where it attaches itself to the
heart wall
thanatology /!'n$tld+i/ noun the study of
thanatology
the medical, psychological and sociological
deal with it
theatre nurse /$t n-%s/ noun a nurse who
theatre nurse
is specially trained to assist a surgeon during an
operation
theca /$i%k/ noun tissue shaped like a sheath
theca
thelarche /$el%ki/ noun the beginning of the
thelarche
process of breast development in young women
thenar /$i%n/ adjective referring to the palm of
thenar
the hand " noun the palm of the hand. Compare
hypothenar
thenar eminence /!i%nr $emnns/ noun the
thenar eminence
ball of the thumb, the lump of flesh in the palm of
the hand below the thumb
theophylline /i$fli%n/ noun a compound
theophylline
made synthetically or extracted from tea leaves
which helps to widen blood vessels and airways,
and to stimulate the central nervous system and
heart. It is used in the treatment of breathing dis-
orders.
therapeutic /!er$pju%tk/ adjective given in
therapeutic
order to cure a disorder or disease
therapeutic abortion /!erpju%tk
therapeutic abortion
$b%()n/ noun an abortion which is carried out
because the health of the mother is in danger
therapeutic index /!erpju%tk $ndeks/
therapeutic index
noun the ratio of the dose of a drug which causes
cell damage to the dose of that drug which is typ-
ically needed to effect a cure, by which the safety
of the drug is decided
Nursing.fm Page 306 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

therapeutic radiographer 306

therapeutic radiographer /!er!pju%tk thioridazine /!a$rdzi%n/ noun a synthetic

therapeutic radiographer thioridazine

| |

!redi$1rf/ noun someone specially trained to

| compound used as a tranquilliser for people who
use X-rays or radioactive isotopes in the treatment are suffering from a psychosis
of patients third-degree haemorrhoids /!-%d d!1ri%
third-degree haemorrhoids

therapeutics /!er$pju%tks/ noun the study $hemrdz/ plural noun haemorrhoids which
therapeutics

of various types of treatment and their effect on protrude into the anus permanently
patients third molar /!-%d $ml/ noun one of the four
third molar

therapist /$erpst/ noun a person specially molars at the back of the jaw, which only appears
therapist

trained to give therapy ! an occupational thera- at about the age of 20 and sometimes does not
pist ! psychotherapist appear at all. Same as wisdom tooth
thirst /-%st/ noun a feeling of wanting to drink
thirst

therapy /$erpi/ noun the treatment of a person

therapy

to help cure a disease or disorder ! He had a fever and a violent thirst.

Thomass splint /$tmsz splnt/, Thomas
Thomass splint

therm /-%m/ noun a unit of heat equal to

therm

100,000 British thermal units or 1.055 x 108 splint /$tms splnt/ noun a metal splint used to
joules keep a fractured leg still. It has a padded ring at
thermal /$-%m()l/ adjective referring to heat
thermal
the hip attached to rods to which bandages are
bound and a bar under the foot at the lower end.
thermo- /-%m/ prefix referring to heat or
thermo-

[Described 1875. After Hugh Owen Thomas

temperature (183491), British surgeon and bonesetter.]
thermoanaesthesia /!-%m!'ns$i%zi/
thermoanaesthesia

thorac- /%rs/ prefix same as thoraco- (used

thorac-
| |

noun a condition in which someone cannot tell before vowels)

the difference between hot and cold
thoracectomy /!%r$sektmi/ noun a surgi-
thoracectomy

thermocautery /!-%m$k%tri/ noun the

thermocautery

|
cal operation to remove one or more ribs
procedure of removing dead tissue by heat thoracentesis /!%rsen$ti%ss/ noun same as
thoracentesis

thermogram /$-%m1r'm/ noun an infrared

thermogram

thoracocentesis
photograph of part of the body thoracic /%$r'sk/ adjective referring to the
thoracic

thermography /-%$m1rfi/ noun a tech-

thermography

|
chest or thorax
nique, used especially in screening for breast can- thoracic cavity /%!r'sk $k'vti/ noun the
thoracic cavity

cer, where part of the body is photographed using chest cavity, containing the diaphragm, heart and
infrared rays which record the heat given off by lungs
the skin and show variations in the blood circulat-
thoracic duct /%$r'sk d.kt/ noun one of
thoracic duct

ing beneath the skin |

the main terminal ducts carrying lymph, on the

thermolysis /-%$mlss/ noun a loss of body
thermolysis

|
left side of the neck
temperature, e.g. by sweating
thoracic vertebrae /%!r'sk $v-%tbri%/ plu-
thoracic vertebrae

thermometer /$mmt/ noun an instrument

thermometer |

|
ral noun the twelve vertebrae in the spine behind
for measuring temperature the chest, to which the ribs are attached
thermoreceptor /!-%mr$sept/ noun a
thermoreceptor

thoraco- /%rk/ prefix relating to the thorax

thoraco-
|

sensory nerve which registers heat

thoracocentesis /!%rksen$ti%ss/ noun
thoracocentesis

thermotaxis /!-%m$t'kss/ noun an auto-

thermotaxis

|
an operation in which a hollow needle is inserted
matic regulation of the bodys temperature into the pleura to drain fluid
thermotherapy /!-%m$erpi/ noun treat-
thermotherapy

thoracoscope /$%rkskp/ noun a surgi-

thoracoscope
|

ment using heat, e.g. from hot water or infrared cal instrument, like a tube with a light at the end,
lamps, to treat conditions such as arthritis and bad used to examine the inside of the chest
circulation. Also called heat therapy thoracoscopy /!%r$kskpi/ noun an
thoracoscopy

thiamine /$ami%n/, thiamin /$amn/ noun

thiamine

examination of the inside of the chest, using a tho-

same as Vitamin B1 racoscope
Thiersch graft /$t 1r%ft/, Thierschs graft
Thiersch graft

thoracotomy /!%r$ktmi/ noun a surgical

thoracotomy

/$tz 1r%ft/ noun same as split-skin graft operation to make a hole in the wall of the chest
thigh /a/ noun the top part of the leg from the thorax /$%r'ks/ noun the cavity in the top part
thigh thorax

knee to the groin of the front of the body above the abdomen, con-
thiopental
thiopental sodium

sodium /!apent()l taining the diaphragm, heart and lungs, and sur-
$sdim/ noun a barbiturate drug used as a rounded by the ribcage
rapid-acting intravenous general anaesthetic. threadworm /$redw-%m/ noun a thin parasitic
threadworm

Also called thiopentone worm, Enterobius vernicularis, which infests the

thiopentone /!a$pentn/, thiopentone
thiopentone

|
large intestine and causes itching round the anus.
sodium /!apentn $sdim/ noun same ! Enterobius. Also called pinworm
as thiopental sodium (NOTE: Its chemical for- thready pulse /!redi $p.ls/ noun a very weak
thready pulse

mula is C11H17N2O2SNa.) pulse which is hard to detect

Nursing.fm Page 307 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

307 thyroid

threatened abortion /!ret()nd $b%()n/ thromboendarteritis /!rmb!end%t

threatened abortion thromboendarteritis

| | |

noun a possible abortion in the early stages of $rats/ noun inflammation of the inside of an
pregnancy, indicated by bleeding artery, caused by thrombosis
threshold /$rehld/ noun the point at which thrombokinase /!rmb$kanez/ noun an
threshold thrombokinase

something starts, e.g. where something can be enzyme which converts prothrombin into
perceived by the body or where a drug starts to thrombin, so starting the sequence for coagulation
have an effect ! She has a low hearing threshold. of blood. Also called thromboplastin
thrill /rl/ noun a vibration which can be felt thrombolysis /rm$blss/ noun same as
thrill thrombolysis

with the hands fibrinolysis

-thrix /rks/ suffix relating to a hair thrombolytic /rmb$ltk/ adjective same
-thrix thrombolytic

throat /rt/ noun the top part of the tube

throat
as fibrinolytic
which goes down from the mouth to the stomach thrombophlebitis /!rmbfl$bats/ noun
thrombophlebitis

throbbing pain /!rb $pen/ noun pain

throbbing pain
the blocking of a vein by a blood clot, sometimes
which continues in repeated short attacks causing inflammation
thromboplastin /!rmb$pl'stn/ noun
thromboplastin

thrombectomy /rm$bektmi/ noun a surgi-

thrombectomy
|
|

cal operation to remove a blood clot same as thrombokinase

thrombosis /rm$bss/ noun the blocking
thrombosis

thrombin /$rmbn/ noun a substance which

thrombin
|

converts fibrinogen to fibrin and so coagulates of an artery or vein by a mass of coagulated blood
blood thrombus /$rmbs/ noun same as blood clot
thrombus

thrombo- /rmb/ prefix 1. referring to a throw up /!r $.p/ verb same as vomit
thrombo- throw up

blood clot 2. referring to thrombosis (informal)

thromboangiitis /!rmb!'nd+i$ats/ thrush /r./ noun an infection of the mouth or
thromboangiitis thrush

| |

noun a condition in which the blood vessels swell the vagina with the bacterium Candida albicans
and develop blood clots along their walls thumb /.m/ noun the short thick finger, with
thumb

thromboangiitis obliterans
thromboangiitis obliterans

only two bones, which is separated from the other

/!rmb'nd+i!ats b$ltrnz/ noun a dis-
| | four fingers on the hand
ease of the arteries in which the blood vessels in a thym- /am/ prefix referring to the thymus
thym-

limb, usually the leg, become narrow, causing gland

gangrene. Also called Buergers disease
thymectomy /a$mektmi/ noun a surgical
thymectomy

thromboarteritis /!rmb!%t$rats/
thromboarteritis |

| |
operation to remove the thymus gland
noun inflammation of an artery caused by throm-
-thymia /ami/ suffix referring to a state of
-thymia

bosis
mind
thrombocyte /$rmbsat/ noun same as
thrombocyte

thymic /$amk/ adjective referring to the thy-

thymic

platelet
mus gland
thrombocythaemia /!rmbsa$i%mi/
thrombocythaemia

thymine /$ami%n/ noun one of the four basic

| thymine

noun a disease in which someone has an unusu-

ally high number of platelets in the blood chemicals in DNA
thymol /$aml/ noun a colourless compound
thymol

thrombocytopenia /!rmb!sat$pi%ni/
thrombocytopenia

| |

noun a condition in which someone has an unusu- which is made synthetically or extracted from
ally low number of platelets in the blood thyme oil, used as an antiseptic
thymus /$ams/, thymus gland /$ams
thymus

thrombocytopenic /!rmb!sat$penk/
thrombocytopenic

| |

adjective referring to thrombocytopenia 1l'nd/ noun an endocrine gland in the front part
of the top of the thorax, behind the breastbone
thrombocytosis /!rmbsa$tss/ noun
thrombocytosis

thyro- /ar/ prefix referring to the thyroid

| thyro-

an increase in the number of platelets in some-

ones blood gland
thyrocalcitonin /!ark'lsi$tnn/ noun
thyrocalcitonin

thrombo-embolic deterrent stocking

thrombo-embolic deterrent stocking
|

/!rmb em!blk d$ternt !stk/ noun a

| |
same as calcitonin
thyroglossal /!ar$1ls()l/ adjective
thyroglossal

support stocking to prevent thrombus formation |

following surgery. Abbreviation TED referring to the thyroid gland and the throat
thromboembolism /!rmb$emblz()m/ thyroglossal cyst /!ar1ls()l $sst/
thromboembolism thyroglossal cyst

noun a condition in which a blood clot forms in noun a cyst in the front of the neck
one part of the body and moves through the blood thyroid /$ard/, thyroid gland noun
thyroid

vessels to block another, usually smaller, part /$ard 1l'nd/ an endocrine gland in the neck,
thromboendarterectomy /!rmb which is activated by the pituitary gland and
thromboendarterectomy

!end%t$rektmi/ noun a surgical operation to

| secretes a hormone which regulates the bodys
open an artery to remove a blood clot which is metabolism " adjective referring to the thyroid
blocking it gland
Nursing.fm Page 308 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

thyroid cartilage 308

thyroid cartilage /!ard $k%tld+/ noun a tibiofibular /!tbi$fbjl/ adjective refer-

thyroid cartilage tibiofibular

large cartilage in the larynx, part of which forms ring to both the tibia and the fibula
the Adams apple. See illustration at LUNGS in tic /tk/ noun an involuntary twitch of the mus-
tic

Supplement cles usually in the face (informal)

thyroidectomy /!ar$dektmi/ noun a sur-
thyroidectomy

tic douloureux /!tk !du%l$ru%/ noun same as

tic douloureux
|
|

gical operation to remove all or part of the thyroid trigeminal neuralgia

gland
tick /tk/ noun a tiny parasite which sucks blood
tick

thyroid gland /$ard 1l'nd/ noun same as

thyroid gland

from the skin

thyroid
t.i.d. /!ti% a $di%/, TID adverb (used on prescrip-
t.i.d.

thyroid hormone /$ard !h%mn/ noun a

thyroid hormone

tions) three times a day. Full form ter in die

hormone produced by the thyroid gland
tidal air /$tad()l !e/, tidal volume /!tad()l
tidal air

thyroiditis /!ar$dats/ noun inflammation

thyroiditis

$vlju%m/ noun the amount of air that passes in

|

of the thyroid gland

and out of the body in breathing
thyroid-stimulating hormone /$ard
thyroid-stimulating hormone

-tidine /tdi%n/ suffix used for antihistamine

-tidine

!stmjlet !h%mn/ noun a hormone

drugs
secreted by the pituitary gland which stimulates
timolol /$tmll/ noun a beta-blocker used in
timolol

the thyroid gland. Abbreviation TSH. Also called

thyrotrophin the treatment of migraine, high blood pressure
thyroparathyroidectomy
thyroparathyroidectomy

/!ar!p'r | |
and glaucoma
tincture /$tkt/ noun a medicinal substance
tincture

!ar$dektmi/ noun a surgical operation to

|

remove the thyroid and parathyroid glands dissolved in alcohol

tincture of iodine /!tktr v $adi%n/
tincture of iodine

thyroplasty /$arpl'sti/ noun a surgical

thyroplasty

procedure performed on the cartilages of the lar- noun a weak solution of iodine in alcohol, used as
ynx to improve the quality of the voice an antiseptic
thyrotoxic /!ar$tksk/ adjective referring tinea /$tni/ noun " ringworm
thyrotoxic tinea

to severe hyperthyroidism tinea barbae /!tni $b%bi%/ noun a fungal

tinea barbae

thyrotoxic crisis /!ar!tksk $krass/ infection in the beard

thyrotoxic crisis

noun a sudden illness caused by hyperthyroidism tinea capitis /!tni k$pats/ noun a fungal
tinea capitis

thyrotoxic goitre /!ar!tksk $1t/ infection on the scalp

thyrotoxic goitre

noun overactivity of the thyroid gland, as in tinea pedis /!tni $peds/ noun same as ath-
tinea pedis

hyperthyroidism letes foot

thyrotoxicosis /!artks$kss/ noun
thyrotoxicosis

tingle /$t1l/ verb to have a pricking or sting-

tingle
|

same as hyperthyroidism ing sensation in a body part

thyrotrophin /!ar$trfn/ noun same as
thyrotrophin

tingling /$t1l/ noun a feeling of pricking or

tingling
|

thyroid-stimulating hormone stinging in a body part ! an unpleasant tingling

thyrotrophin-releasing hormone /!ar
thyrotrophin-releasing hormone

|
down her arm " adjective pricking or stinging !
!trfn r$li%s !h%mn/ noun a hormone
|
a tingling sensation
secreted by the hypothalamus, which makes the tinnitus /$tnts/ noun a condition in which
tinnitus

pituitary gland release thyrotrophin, which in turn someone hears a ringing sound in the ears
stimulates the thyroid gland. Abbreviation TRH
tissue /$tu%/ noun a group of cells that carries
tissue

thyroxine /a$rksi%n/ noun a hormone pro-

thyroxine

|
out a specific function (NOTE: For other terms
duced by the thyroid gland which regulates the referring to tissue, see words beginning with
bodys metabolism and the conversion of food hist-, histo-.)
into heat, used in treatment of hypothyroidism
COMMENT: Most of the body is made up of
TIA abbreviation transient ischaemic attack
TIA

soft tissue, with the exception of the bones

tibia /$tbi/ noun the larger of the two long
tibia

and cartilage. The main types of body tissue

bones in the lower leg between the knee and the are connective, epithelial, muscular and
ankle. Also called shinbone. Compare fibula nerve tissue.
tibial /$tbil/ adjective referring to the tibia tissue culture /$tu% !k.lt/ noun tissue
tibial tissue culture

tibialis /!tbi$els/ noun one of two muscles in grown in a culture medium in a laboratory
tibialis

the lower leg running from the tibia to the foot tissue plasminogen activator /!tu% pl'z
tissue plasminogen activator

tibial torsion /!tbil $t%()n/ noun a persist- $mnd+n !'ktvet/ noun an agent given to
tibial torsion

ent slight twist in the tibia, caused by a cramped cause fibrinolysis in blood clots. Abbreviation
position in the uterus. It makes the feet of young TPA
children point inwards for up to a year after they tissue typing /$tu% !tap/ noun the process
tissue typing

begin to walk on their own, but it corrects itself as of identifying various elements in tissue from a
the leg grows. donor and comparing them to those of the recipi-
tibio- /tbi/ prefix referring to the tibia ent to see if a transplant is likely to be rejected
tibio-
Nursing.fm Page 309 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
309
titanium /ta$tenim/ noun a light metallic ele-
titanium
ment which does not corrode (NOTE: The chemi-
cal symbol is Ti.)
titration /ta$tre()n/ noun the process of
titration
measuring the strength of a solution
titre /$ti%t/ noun a measurement of the quantity
titre
of antibodies in a serum
T-lymphocyte /$ti% !lmfsat/ noun a lym-
T-lymphocyte
phocyte formed in the thymus gland. Also called
T-cell
TNM classification /!ti% en $em kl'sf
TNM classification
| glosso-.)
!ke()n/ noun an internationally agreed stand-
ard which is the most widely used means for clas-
sifying the extent of cancer. T refers to the size of
the tumour, N to the lymph node involvement and
M to the presence or absence of metastasis.
toco- /tk/ prefix referring to childbirth
toco-
tocography /t$k1rfi/ noun the process of
tocography
| amount of freedom, because the small membrane
recording the contractions of the uterus during
childbirth
tocopherol /t$kfrl/ noun one of a group of
tocopherol
fat-soluble compounds which make up vitamin E,
found in vegetable oils and leafy green vegetables
toddlers diarrhoea /!tdlz da$ri%/ noun
toddlers diarrhoea
|
a condition in which recurrent loose stools are
produced, often containing partially digested
food. It usually occurs in children between the
ages of one and three years.
toileting /$tlt/ noun the act of helping
toileting
someone to perform the actions of urinating or
opening their bowels, including helping them to
do so if they are unable to get out of bed or are
incontinent
tolbutamide /tl$bju%tmad/ noun a drug
tolbutamide
| tonometry
which lowers blood-glucose levels by stimulating
the pancreas to produce more insulin. It is used in
the treatment of Type II diabetes.
tolerance /$tlrns/ noun the ability of the
tolerance
body to tolerate a substance or an action ! He has
been taking the drug for so long that he has devel-
oped a tolerance to it.
tolerate /$tlret/ verb 1. not to be affected by
tolerate
the unpleasant effects of something, especially
not to experience bad effects from being exposed
to something harmful 2. not to react to a drug
through having developed a resistance to it
-tome /tm/ suffix 1. a cutting instrument 2. a
-tome
segment ! a dermatome
tomo- /tm/ prefix referring to cutting or a
tomo-
section
tomogram /$tm1r'm/ noun a picture of
tomogram
part of the body taken by tomography
tomography /t$m1rfi/ noun the scanning
tomography
| plural is teeth. For other terms relating to the
of a particular part of the body using X-rays or
ultrasound
-tomy /tmi/ suffix referring to a surgical opera-
-tomy
tion
tophus
tone /tn/ noun the slightly tense state of a
tone
healthy muscle when it is not fully relaxed. Also
called tonicity, tonus
tongue /t./ noun the long muscular organ
tongue
inside the mouth which can move and is used for
tasting, swallowing and speaking. The top surface
is covered with papillae, some of which contain
taste buds. ! The doctor told him to stick out his
tongue and say Ah. Also called glossa (NOTE:
For other terms referring to the tongue, see lin-
gual and words beginning with gloss-,
tongue depressor /$t. d!pres/ noun an
tongue depressor
|
instrument, usually a thin piece of wood, used by
a doctor to hold someones tongue down while the
throat is being examined
tongue-tie /$t. ta/ noun the condition of
tongue-tie
being unable to move your tongue with the usual
which attaches the tongue to the floor of the
mouth is unusually short
tonic /$tnk/ adjective referring to a muscle
tonic
which is contracted " noun a substance which
improves the someones general health or which
makes a tired person more energetic ! He is tak-
ing a course of iron tonic tablets. ! She asked the
doctor to prescribe a tonic for her anaemia.
tonicity /t$nsti/ noun same as tone
tonicity
tono- /tn/ prefix referring to pressure
tono-
tonography /t$n1rfi/ noun a measure-
tonography
|
ment of the pressure inside an eyeball
tonometer /t$nmt/ noun an instrument
tonometer
|
which measures the pressure inside an organ,
especially the eye
tonometry /t$nmtri/ noun a measurement
|
of pressure inside an organ, especially the eye
tonsil /$tns()l/ noun an area of lymphoid tis-
tonsil
sue at the back of the throat in which lymph cir-
culates and protects the body against germs enter-
ing through the mouth. Also called palatine
tonsil
tonsillar /$tnsl/ adjective referring to the
tonsillar
tonsils
tonsillectomy /!tns$lektmi/ noun a surgi-
tonsillectomy
|
cal operation to remove the tonsils
tonsillitis /!tns$lats/ noun inflammation of
tonsillitis
the tonsils
tonsillotomy /!tns$ltmi/ noun a surgical
tonsillotomy
operation to make a cut into the tonsils
tonus /$tns/ noun same as tone
tonus
tooth /tu%/ noun one of a set of bones in the
tooth
mouth which are used to chew food (NOTE: The
teeth, see words beginning with dent-.)
tophus /$tfs/ noun a deposit of solid crystals
tophus
in the skin or in the joints, especially in someone
with gout (NOTE: The plural is tophi.)
Nursing.fm Page 310 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

topical 310

topical /$tpk()l/ adjective referring to a spe- toxicosis /!tks$kss/ noun poisoning

topical toxicosis

cific area of the external surface of the body ! toxic shock syndrome /!tksk $k
toxic shock syndrome

suitable for topical application !sndrm/ noun a serious condition caused by a

topical drug /$tpk()l dr.1/ noun a drug staphylococcus infection of the skin or soft tissue.
topical drug

which is applied to a specific external part of the
body only
topically /$tpkli/ adverb by putting on a spe-
topically
cific external part of the body only ! The cream
Its symptoms include vomiting, high fever, faint-
ness, muscle aches, a rash and confusion. Abbre-
viation TSS
toxin /$tksn/ noun a poisonous substance pro-
toxin

is applied topically. duced in the body by microorganisms, and which,

topo- /tp/ prefix a place or region
topo-
if injected into an animal, stimulates the produc-
topographical /!tp$1r'fk()l/ adjective
topographical

|
tion of antitoxins
toxo- /tks/ prefix referring to poison
toxo-

referring to topography
toxocariasis /!tksk$rass/ noun the
toxocariasis

topography /t$p1rfi/ noun the description

topography
|
|

of each particular part of the body infestation of the intestine with worms from a dog
or cat. Also called visceral larva migrans
torpor /$t%p/ noun a condition in which some-
torpor

toxoid /$tksd/ noun a toxin which has been

toxoid

one seems sleepy or slow to react

treated and is no longer poisonous, but which can
torsion /$t%()n/ noun 1. the twisting of some-
torsion

still provoke the formation of antibodies. Toxoids

thing, or a twisted state 2. the stress placed on an
are used as vaccines, and are injected into a
object which has been twisted
patient to give immunity against specific diseases.
torso /$t%s/ noun the main part of the body,
torso

toxoplasmosis /!tkspl'z$mss/ noun a

toxoplasmosis

not including the arms, legs and head. Also called

|

disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma which

trunk
is carried by animals. Toxoplasmosis can cause
torticollis /!t%t$kls/ noun a condition of the
torticollis

|
encephalitis or hydrocephalus and can be fatal.
neck, where the head is twisted to one side by
TPA abbreviation tissue plasminogen activator
TPA

contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

trabecula /tr$bekjl/ noun a thin strip of stiff
trabecula

Also called wry neck |

tissue which divides an organ or bone tissue into

total recall /!tt()l r$k%l/ noun the fact of
total recall

|
sections (NOTE: The plural is trabeculae.)
being able to remember something in complete
trabeculectomy /tr!bekj$lektmi/ noun a
trabeculectomy

detail | |

surgical operation to treat glaucoma by cutting a

Tourettes syndrome /tu%$rets !sndrm/,
Tourettes syndrome

|
channel through trabeculae to link with Sch-
Tourette syndrome /tu%$ret !sndrm/ noun a |
lemms canal
condition which includes involuntary move-
trace /tres/ noun a very small amount ! There
trace

ments, tics, use of foul language and respiratory

disorders. Also called Gilles de la Tourette Syn- are traces of the drug in the blood sample. ! The
drome doctor found traces of alcohol in the patients
urine. " verb to find someone or something that
tourniquet /$t%nke/ noun an instrument or
tourniquet

you are looking for

tight bandage wrapped round a limb to constrict
trace element /$tres !elmnt/ noun a sub-
trace element

an artery, so reducing the flow of blood and stop-

ping bleeding from a wound stance which is essential to the human body, but
only in very small quantities
tox- /tks/ prefix same as toxo- (used before
tox-

COMMENT: The trace elements are cobalt,

vowels)
chromium, copper, magnesium, manga-
toxaemia /tk$si%mi/ noun the presence of
toxaemia

|
nese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc.
poisonous substances in the blood
tracer /$tres/ noun a substance, often a radio-
tracer

toxaemia of pregnancy /tk!si%mi v

toxaemia of pregnancy

|
$pre1nnsi/ noun a condition which can affect
women towards the end of pregnancy, in which
they develop high blood pressure and pass protein
active one, injected into a substance in the body,
so that doctors can follow its passage round the
body
trache- /treki/ prefix same as tracheo- (NOTE:
trache-

in the urine used before vowels)

toxic /$tksk/ adjective poisonous
toxic

trachea /tr$ki%/ noun the main air passage

trachea

toxicity /tk$ssti/ noun 1. the degree to which

toxicity

|
a substance is poisonous or harmful 2. the amount
of poisonous or harmful material in a substance
toxico- /tksk/ prefix referring to poison
toxico-
which runs from the larynx to the lungs, where it
divides into the two main bronchi. It is about 10
cm long, and is formed of rings of cartilage and
connective tissue. See illustration at LUNGS in

toxicologist /!tks$kld+st/ noun a scien-

toxicologist

|
Supplement. Also called windpipe
tist who specialises in the study of poisons tracheal /tr$ki%l/ adjective referring to the tra-
tracheal

toxicology /!tks$kld+i/ noun the scientific

toxicology

|
chea
study of poisons and their effects on the human tracheal tugging /tr!ki%l $t.1/ noun the
tracheal tugging

body feeling that something is pulling on the windpipe

Nursing.fm Page 311 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
311
when the person breathes in, a symptom of aneu-
rysm
tracheitis /!treki$ats/ noun inflammation of
tracheitis
|
the trachea due to an infection
trachelorrhaphy /!treki$lrfi/ noun a surgi-
trachelorrhaphy
|
cal operation to repair tears in the cervix of the
uterus
tracheo- /treki/ prefix relating to the trachea
tracheo-
tracheobronchitis /!trekibr$kats/
tracheobronchitis
|
noun inflammation of both the trachea and the
bronchi
tracheostomy /!tr'ki$stmi/, tracheotomy
tracheostomy
| found in the blood, which carries iron in the
/!tr'ki$tmi/ noun a surgical operation to make
| bloodstream. Also called siderophilin
a hole through the throat into the windpipe, so as
to allow air to get to the lungs in cases where the
trachea is blocked, as in pneumonia, poliomyelitis
or diphtheria
tract /tr'kt/ noun a series of organs or tubes
tract
which allow something to pass from one part of
the body to another
traction /$tr'kn/ noun a procedure that con-
traction
sists of using a pulling force to straighten a bro-
ken or deformed limb ! The patient was in trac-
tion for two weeks.
tragus /$tre1s/ noun a piece of cartilage in the
tragus
outer ear which projects forward over the
entrance to the auditory canal
trait /tret/ noun 1. a typical characteristic of
trait
someone 2. a genetically controlled characteristic
trance /tr%ns/ noun a condition in which a per-
trance
son is in a dream, but not asleep, and seems not to
be aware of what is happening round him or her
! a hypnotic trance
tranexamic acid /!tr'nek!s'mk $'sd/
tranexamic acid
|
noun a drug used to control severe bleeding
tranquilliser /$tr'kwlaz/, tranquillizer,
tranquilliser
tranquillising drug /$tr'kwlaz dr.1/
noun an antipsychotic, anxiolytic or hypnotic
drug which relieves someones anxiety and calms
him or her down (informal) ! Shes taking tran-
quillisers to calm her nerves. ! Hes been on
tranquillisers ever since he started his new job.
trans- /tr'nz/ prefix through or across
trans-
transaminase /tr'n$s'mnez/ noun an
transaminase
| guished
enzyme involved in the transamination of amino
acids
transcendental meditation
transcendental meditation
/!tr'nsendent()l !med$te()n/ noun a type
| ers on dealing with highly infectious diseases, to
of meditation in which the same words or sounds
are repeated silently
transcription /tr'n$skrpn/ noun 1. the act
transcription
|
of copying something written, or of putting some-
thing spoken into written form 2. the first step in
carrying out genetic instructions in living cells, in
which the genetic code is transferred from DNA
to molecules of messenger RNA, which then
direct protein manufacture
transplant
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimula-
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
tion /!tr'nskju%!tenis !lektrk()l $n-%v | |
stmj!le()n/ noun full form of TENS
|
transdermal /tr'nz$d-%m()l/ adjective refer-
transdermal
ring to a drug which is released through the skin
transference /$tr'nsf()rns/ noun (in psy-
transference
chiatry) a condition in which someone transfers to
the psychoanalyst the characteristics belonging to
a strong character from his or her past such as a
parent, and reacts as if the analyst were that per-
son
transferrin /tr'ns$fern/ noun a substance
transferrin
transfer RNA /!tr'nsf-% !%r en $e/ noun
transfer RNA
RNA which attaches amino acids to protein
chains being made at ribosomes
transfusion /tr'ns$fju%+()n/ noun the proce-
transfusion
dure of transferring blood or saline fluids from a
container into a someones bloodstream
transient /$tr'nzint/ adjective not lasting
transient
long
transient ischaemic attack /!tr'nzint
transient ischaemic attack
$ski%mk !t'k/ noun a mild stroke caused by a
|
brief stoppage of blood supply to the brain.
Abbreviation TIA
transillumination /!tr'ns!lu%m$ne()n/
transillumination
| |
noun an examination of an organ by shining a
bright light through it
transitional epithelium /tr'n!z()nl ep
transitional epithelium
| |
$i%lim/ noun a type of epithelium found in the
urethra
translation /tr'ns$le()n/ noun 1. the act of
translation
|
putting something written or spoken in one lan-
guage into words of a different language 2. the
process by which information in messenger RNA
controls the sequence of amino acids assembled
by a ribosome during protein synthesis
translocation /!tr'nsl$ke()n/ noun the
translocation
|
movement of part of a chromosome to another
part of the same chromosome or to a different
chromosome pair, leading to genetic disorders
translucent /tr'ns$lu%s()nt/ adjective allow-
translucent
|
ing light to pass through, but not enough to allow
objects on the other side to be clearly distin-
transmission-based precautions /tr'ns
transmission-based precautions
!m()n best pr$k%()nz/ plural noun the |
most recent set of guidelines for health care work-
be used in addition to the Standard Precautions.
There are three categories: Airborne Precautions,
Droplet Precautions and Contact Precautions,
sometimes used in combination for diseases
which can be transmitted in various ways.
transplacental /!tr'nspl$sent()l/ adjective
transplacental
|
through the placenta
transplant noun /$tr'nspl%nt/ 1. a procedure
transplant
which involves taking an organ such as the heart
Nursing.fm Page 312 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

transplantation 312
or kidney, or tissue such as skin, and grafting it transverse arch /!tr'nz$v-%s %t/ noun same
transverse arch

into someone to replace an organ or tissue which as metatarsal arch

is diseased or not functioning properly ! She had transverse colon /!tr'nzv-%s $kln/ noun
transverse colon

a heart-lung transplant. 2. the organ or tissue the second section of the colon which crosses the
which is grafted ! The kidney transplant was body below the stomach. See illustration at
rejected. " verb /tr'ns$pl%nt/ to graft an organ
|
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM in Supplement
or tissue onto or into someone to replace an organ
transverse fracture /!tr'nzv-%s $fr'kt/
transverse fracture

or tissue which is diseased or not functioning cor-

noun a fracture where the bone is broken straight
rectly
across
transplantation /!tr'nspl%n$te()n/ noun
transplantation

transverse lie /!tr'nzv-%s $la/ noun the posi-

transverse lie
|

the act of transplanting something tion of a fetus across the body of the mother
transposition /!tr'nsp$z()n/ noun a con-
transposition

transverse plane /!tr'nzv-%s $plen/ noun a

transverse plane
|

genital condition where the aorta and pulmonary plane at right angles to the sagittal plane, running
artery are placed on the opposite side of the body horizontally across the body. See illustration at
to their usual position ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement
transpyloric plane /!tr'nspalrk $plen/ transverse presentation
transpyloric plane

/!tr'nzv-%s
transverse presentation

noun a plane at right angles to the sagittal plane, !prez()n$te()n/ noun a position of the baby
|

passing midway between the suprasternal notch in the uterus, where the babys side will appear
and the symphysis pubis. See illustration at ANA- first, usually requiring urgent manipulation or
TOMICAL TERMS in Supplement caesarean section to prevent complications
transsexual /tr'nz$sekul/ adjective feeling transverse process /!tr'nzv-%s $prses/
transsexual transverse process

uncomfortable with the birth gender " noun a noun the part of a vertebra which protrudes at the
person, especially a man, who feels uncomforta- side
ble with their birth gender transvesical prostatectomy /tr'ns
transvesical prostatectomy

transsexualism /tr'nz$sekulz()m/ noun

transsexualism

|
!vesk()l !prst$tektmi/ noun an operation |

a condition in which a person, especially a man, to remove the prostate gland, carried out through
feels uncomfortable with their birth gender the bladder
transvestism /tr'nz$vestz()m/ noun the
transvestism

transtubercular plane /!tr'nstj!b-%kjl

transtubercular plane
|
|

$plen/ noun an imaginary horizontal line drawn condition of liking to dress and behave as a mem-
across the lower abdomen at the level of the pro- ber of the opposite sex
transvestite /tr'nz$vestat/ noun a person
transvestite

jecting parts of the iliac bones. See illustration at |

ANATOMICAL TERMS in Supplement. Also called who dresses and behaves as a member of the
intertubercular plane opposite sex
trapezium /tr$pi%zim/ noun one of the eight
trapezium

transudate /$tr'nsju%det/ noun a fluid which

transudate
|

passes through the pores of a membrane. It con- small carpal bones in the wrist, below the thumb.
tains less protein or solid material than an exu- See illustration at HAND in Supplement (NOTE:
date. The plural is trapeziums or trapezia.)
trapezius /tr$pi%zis/ noun a triangular mus-
trapezius

transudation /!tr'nsju%$de()n/ noun the

transudation
|

cle in the upper part of the back and the neck,

|

process of passing a fluid from the bodys cells

which moves the shoulder blade and pulls the
through the pores of a membrane
head back
transuretero-ureterostomy /tr'ns
transuretero-ureterostomy

trapezoid /$tr'pzd/, trapezoid bone

trapezoid
|

!jri%tr !jri%t$rstmi/ noun a surgical

|
/$tr'pzd bn/ noun one of the eight small
operation in which both ureters are brought to the carpal bones in the wrist, below the first finger.
same side in the abdomen, because one is dam- See illustration at HAND in Supplement
aged or obstructed
trauma /$tr%m/ noun a wound or injury
trauma

transurethral /!tr'nsj$ri%rl/ adjective

transurethral

traumatic /tr%$m'tk/ adjective 1. caused by

traumatic
|

through the urethra

|

an injury 2. extremely frightening, distressing or

transurethral prostatectomy
transurethral prostatectomy

shocking
/!tr'nsjri%rl !prst$tektmi/, transure- |
traumatic fever /tr%!m'tk $fi%v/ noun a
traumatic fever

thral resection /!tr'nsjri%rl r$sekn/ |

fever caused by an injury
noun a surgical operation to remove the prostate
traumatic pneumothorax /tr%!m'tk
traumatic pneumothorax

gland, where the operation is carried out through

|

!nju%m$%r'ks/ noun pneumothorax which

the urethra. Abbreviation TUR. Also called
|

results from damage to the lung surface or to the

resection of the prostate
wall of the chest, allowing air to leak into the
transvaginal /!tr'nsv$d+an()l/ adjective
transvaginal

|
space between the pleurae
across or through the vagina travellers diarrhoea /!tr'v()lz !da$ri%/
travellers diarrhoea

transverse /tr'nz$v-%s/ adjective across, at

transverse

| noun diarrhoea that affects people who travel to

right angles to an organ foreign countries and which is due to contact with
Nursing.fm Page 313 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
a different type of E. coli from the one they are
used to. (informal)
travel sickness /$tr'v()l !skns/ noun same
travel sickness
as motion sickness
trazodone /$tr'zdn/ noun an antidepres-
trazodone
sant drug which has a strong sedative effect, used
in the treatment of depressive disorders accompa-
nied by insomnia
Treacher Collins syndrome /!tri%t
Treacher Collins syndrome
$klnz !sndrm/ noun a hereditary disorder in
which the lower jaw, the cheek bones, and the ear
are not fully developed
treat /tri%t/ verb to use medical methods to cure
treat
a disease or help a sick or injured person to
recover ! She has been treated with a new antibi-
otic. ! Shes being treated by a specialist for
heart disease.
treatment /$tri%tmnt/ noun 1. actions taken to
treatment
look after sick or injured people or to cure disease
! He is receiving treatment for a slipped disc. 2.
a particular way of looking after a sick or injured
person or trying to cure a disease ! cortisone
treatment ! This is a new treatment for heart dis-
ease.
tremens /$tri%menz/ " delirium tremens
tremens
tremor /$trem/ noun slight involuntary move-
tremor
ments of a limb or muscle
trench foot /!trent $ft/ noun a condition,
trench foot
caused by exposure to cold and damp, in which
the skin of the foot becomes red and blistered and
in severe cases turns black when gangrene sets in.
Also called immersion foot (NOTE: Trench foot
was common among soldiers serving in the
trenches during the First World War.)
Trendelenburgs operation /tren
Trendelenburgs operation
$delnb-%1z p!re()n/ noun an operation to
|
tie a saphenous vein in the groin before removing
varicose veins [After Friedrich Trendelburg
(18441924), German surgeon.]
Trendelenburgs position /tren$delnb-%1z
Trendelenburgs position
|
p!z()n/, Trendelenburg position /tren
| |
$delnb-%1 p!z()n/ noun a position in which
| trichromatism
someone lies on a sloping bed, with the head
lower than the feet, and the knees bent. It is used
in surgical operations to the pelvis and for people
who have shock.
Trendelenburgs sign /tren$delnb-%1z
Trendelenburgs sign
|
san/ noun a symptom of congenital dislocation
of the hip, where the persons pelvis is lower on
the opposite side to the dislocation
trephine /tr$fi%n/ noun a surgical instrument
trephine
|
for making a round hole in the skull or for remov-
ing a round piece of tissue
TRH abbreviation thyrotrophin-releasing hor-
TRH
mone
triage /$tri%%+/ noun the system in which a doc-
triage
tor or nurse sees patients briefly in order to decide
who should be treated first
313 tricyclic antidepressant
trial /$tral/ noun a process of testing something
trial
such as a drug or treatment to see how effective it
is, especially before allowing it to be used gener-
ally ! clinical trials ! a six-month trial period !
Were supplying it on a trial basis. " verb to test
something as part of a trial
triamcinolone /!tra'm$snln/ noun a
triamcinolone
|
synthetic corticosteroid drug used in the treat-
ment of skin, mouth and joint inflammations
triangular bandage /tra!'1jl $b'ndd+/
triangular bandage
|
noun a bandage made of a triangle of cloth, used
to make a sling for the arm
triceps /$traseps/ noun a muscle formed of
triceps
three parts, which are joined to form one tendon
trich- /trk/ prefix same as tricho- (used before
trich-
vowels)
trichiasis /tr$kass/ noun a painful condition
trichiasis
in which the eyelashes grow in towards the eye
and scratch the eyeball
trichinosis /!trk$nss/, trichiniasis /!trk
trichinosis
| |
$nass/ noun a disease caused by infestation of
the intestine by larvae of roundworms or nema-
todes, which pass round the body in the blood-
stream and settle in muscles
tricho- /trk/ prefix referring to hair
tricho-
trichology /tr$kld+i/ noun the study of hair
trichology
|
and the diseases which affect it
Trichomonas /!trk$mns/ noun a species
Trichomonas
|
of long thin parasite which infests the intestines
Trichomonas vaginalis /trk!mns
Trichomonas vaginalis
v'd+$nels/ noun a parasite which infests the
|
vagina and causes an irritating discharge
trichomoniasis /!trkm$nass/ noun
trichomoniasis
infestation of the intestine or vagina with Tri-
chomonas
Trichophyton /tra$kftn/ noun a fungus
Trichophyton
|
which affects the skin, hair and nails
trichophytosis /!trkfa$tss/ noun an
trichophytosis
infection caused by Trichophyton
trichosis /tra$kss/ noun any unusual condi-
trichosis
|
tion of the hair
trichromatism /tra$krmtz()m/ noun
|
vision which allows the difference between the
three primary colours to be seen. Compare
dichromatism, monochromatism
tricuspid /tra$k.spd/ noun something which
tricuspid
|
has three cusps, e.g. a tooth or leaf " adjective 1.
having three cusps or points 2. referring to a tri-
cuspid valve or tooth
tricuspid valve /tra$k.spd v'lv/ noun an
tricuspid valve
|
inlet valve with three cusps between the right
atrium and the right ventricle in the heart. See
illustration at HEART in Supplement
tricyclic antidepressant /tra!saklk
tricyclic antidepressant
!'ntid$pres()nt/, tricyclic antidepressant
|
drug /tra!saklk !'ntid$pres()nt !dr.1/
| |
noun a drug used to treat depression and panic
disorder, e.g. amitriptyline and nortriptyline
Nursing.fm Page 314 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

tridactyly 314

tridactyly /tra$d'ktli/ noun the condition of eases e.g. diphtheria, tetanus and whooping
tridactyly

having only three fingers or toes cough

triquetrum /tra$kwetrm/, triquetral /tra
triquetrum

trifocal lenses /tra!fk()l $lenzz/, trifocal

trifocal lenses
| |
|

glasses /tra!fk()l $1l%sz/, trifocals /tra

| |
$kwetr()l/, triquetral bone /tra$kwetr()l
|

$fk()lz/ plural noun spectacles which have bn/ noun one of the eight small carpal bones in
three lenses combined in one piece of glass to the wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement
give clear vision over different distances. ! bifo- trismus /$trzms/ noun a spasm in the lower
trismus

cal jaw, which makes it difficult to open the mouth, a

trigeminal /tra$d+emn()l/ adjective in three
trigeminal

|
symptom of tetanus
parts trisomy /$trasmi/ noun a condition in which
trisomy

trigeminal nerve /tra$d+emn()l n-%v/ noun

trigeminal nerve

|
someone has three chromosomes instead of a pair
trisomy 21 /!trasmi !twenti $w.n/ noun
trisomy 21

the fifth cranial nerve, formed of the ophthalmic

nerve, the maxillary nerve and the mandibular same as Downs syndrome
nerve, which controls the sensory nerves in the trocar /$trk%/ noun a surgical instrument or
trocar

forehead, face and chin, and the muscles in the pointed rod which slides inside a cannula to make
jaw a hole in tissue to drain off fluid
trigeminal neuralgia /tra!d+emn()l nj
trigeminal neuralgia

trochanter /tr$k'nt/ noun two bony lumps

trochanter
| | |

$r'ld+/ noun a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, on either side of the top end of the femur where
which sends intense pains shooting across the muscles are attached
face. Also called tic douloureux trochlea /$trkli/ noun any part of the body
trochlea

trigeminy /tra$d+emni/ noun an irregular

trigeminy

| shaped like a pulley, especially part of the lower

heartbeat, where a regular beat is followed by two end of the humerus, which articulates with the
ectopic beats ulna, or a curved bone in the frontal bone through
trigger finger /$tr1 !f1/ noun a condition
trigger finger
which one of the eye muscles passes (NOTE: The
in which a finger can bend but is difficult to plural is trochleae.)
straighten, probably because of a nodule on the trochlear /$trkli/ adjective referring to a ring
trochlear

flexor tendon in a bone

triglyceride /tra$1lsrad/ noun a substance trochlear nerve /$trkli n-%v/ noun the
triglyceride trochlear nerve

such as fat which contains three fatty acids fourth cranial nerve which controls the muscles of
trigonitis /!tr1$nats/ noun inflammation of
trigonitis

|
the eyeball
trochoid joint /$trkd d+nt/ noun a joint
trochoid joint

the bottom part of the wall of the bladder

trigonocephalic /tra!1nk$f'lk/ adjec-
trigonocephalic

| |
where a bone can rotate freely about a central axis
tive referring to a skull which shows signs of trig- as in the neck, where the atlas articulates with the
onocephaly axis. Also called pivot joint
troph- /trf/ prefix same as tropho- (used
troph-

trigonocephaly /tra!1n$kef()li/ noun a

trigonocephaly

| |

condition in which the skull is in the shape of a tri- before vowels)

trophic /$trfk/ adjective relating to food and
trophic

angle, with points on either side of the face in

front of the ears nutrition
trophic ulcer /!trfk $.ls/ noun an ulcer
trophic ulcer

triiodothyronine /tra!ad$arni%n/
triiodothyronine

| |

noun a hormone synthesised in the body from caused by lack of blood, e.g. a bedsore
thyroxine secreted by the thyroid gland tropho- /trf/ prefix referring to food or nutri-
tropho-

trimeprazine /tra$meprzi%n/ noun an anti-

trimeprazine

|
tion
histamine used to relieve the itching caused by -trophy /trfi/ suffix 1. nourishment 2. referring
-trophy

eczema and various skin rashes, including allergic to the development of an organ
skin rashes caused by poison ivy tropia /$trpi/ noun same as squint
tropia

trimester /tra$mest/ noun one of the three 3-

trimester

-tropic /trpk/ suffix 1. turning towards 2.

-tropic
|

month periods of a pregnancy referring to something which influences

trimethoprim /tra$mi%prm/ noun a syn-
trimethoprim

tropical /$trpk()l/ adjective located in or

tropical
|

thetic drug used in the treatment of malaria coming from areas around the equator where the
triple marker test /!trp()l $m%k test/ climate is generally very hot and humid
triple marker test

noun a blood test performed on pregnant women tropical disease /!trpk()l d$zi%z/ noun a
tropical disease

which can detect Downs syndrome in a fetus by disease which is found in tropical countries, e.g.
analysing the relative levels of substances pro- malaria, dengue or Lassa fever
duced by the mothers placenta and the fetus itself tropical medicine /!trpk()l $med()sn/
tropical medicine

triplet /$trplt/ noun one of three babies born to

triplet

noun a branch of medicine which deals with trop-

a mother at the same time ical diseases
triple vaccine /!trp()l $v'ksi%n/ noun a vac- tropical ulcer /!trpk()l $.ls/ noun a large
triple vaccine tropical ulcer

cine which induces protection against three dis- area of infection which forms around a wound,
Nursing.fm Page 315 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

315 tumescence
found especially in tropical countries. Also called tube feeding /$tju%b !fi%d/ noun the process
tube feeding

Naga sore of giving someone nutrients through a tube

trots /trts/ # the trots an attack of diarrhoea directly into their stomach or small intestine
trots

tuber /$tju%b/ noun a swollen or raised area

tuber

(informal)
tubercle /$tju%bk()l/ noun 1. a small bony
tubercle

trouble /$tr.b()l/ noun a disorder or condition

trouble

(informal) ! treatment for back trouble ! She has projection, e.g. on a rib 2. a small infected lump
kidney trouble. characteristic of tuberculosis, where tissue is
destroyed and pus forms
Trousseaus sign /$tru%sz san/ noun a
Trousseaus sign

tubercular /tj$b-%kjl/ adjective causing or

tubercular

spasm in the muscles in the forearm when a tour- |

niquet is applied to the upper arm, which causes referring to tuberculosis

tuberculin /tj$b-%kjln/ noun a substance
tuberculin

the index and middle fingers to extend. It is a sign |

of latent tetany, showing that the blood contains
too little calcium. [After Armand Trousseau
(180167), French physician.]
which is derived from the culture of the tubercu-
losis bacillus and is used to test people for the
presence of tuberculosis
tuberculin test /tj$b-%kjln test/ noun a
tuberculin test

true vocal cords /!tru% $vk()l !k%dz/ plu-

true vocal cords
|

ral noun the cords in the larynx which can be
brought together to make sounds as air passes
between them
test to see if someone has tuberculosis, in which
someone is exposed to tuberculin and the reaction
of the skin is noted
tuberculosis /tj!b-%kj$lss/ noun an
tuberculosis

trunk /tr.k/ noun same as torso

trunk
| |

infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis

truss /tr.s/ noun a belt worn round the waist,
truss

bacillus, where infected lumps form in the tissue.

with pads, to hold a hernia in place Abbreviation TB
trust status /$tr.st !stets/ noun the position
trust status

tuberculous /tj$b-%kjls/ adjective refer-

tuberculous

of a hospital which is a self-governing trust ring to tuberculosis

trypanosome /$trpnsm/ noun a micro- tuberose sclerosis /!tju%brs skl$rss/
trypanosome tuberose sclerosis

scopic organism which lives as a parasite in noun same as epiloia

human blood. It is transmitted by the bite of tuberosity /!tju%b$rsti/ noun a large lump
tuberosity

insects such as the tsetse fly and causes sleeping on a bone

sickness and other serious illnesses. tuberous /$tju%brs/ adjective with lumps or
tuberous

trypsin /$trpsn/ noun an enzyme converted

trypsin

nodules
from trypsinogen by the duodenum and secreted tubo- /tju%b/ prefix referring to a Fallopian
tubo-

into the digestive system where it absorbs protein tube or to the internal or external auditory meatus
trypsinogen /trp$snd+n/ noun an enzyme
trypsinogen

tuboabdominal /!tju%b'b$dmn()l/
tuboabdominal
|
|

secreted by the pancreas into the duodenum adjective referring to a Fallopian tube and the
tryptophan /$trptf'n/ noun an essential abdomen
tryptophan

amino acid tubocurarine /!tju%b$kjrri%n/ noun a

tubocurarine

tsetse fly /$tetsi fla, $setsi fla/ noun an Afri-

tsetse fly
toxic alkaloid which is the active constituent of
can insect which passes trypanosomes into the curare, used as a muscle relaxant
tubo-ovarian /!tju%b $verin/ adjective
tubo-ovarian

human bloodstream, causing sleeping sickness |

TSH abbreviation thyroid-stimulating hormone

TSH
referring to a Fallopian tube and an ovary
tubotympanal /!tju%b$tmpn()l/ adjec-
tubotympanal

TSS abbreviation toxic shock syndrome

TSS
|

tive referring to the Eustachian tube and the tym-

tubal /$tju%b()l/ adjective referring to a tube
tubal

panum
tubal ligation /!tju%b()l la$1e()n/ noun a tubular /$tju%bjl/ adjective shaped like a tube
tubal ligation tubular

surgical operation to tie up the Fallopian tubes as tubular bandage /!tju%bjl $b'ndd+/ noun
tubular bandage

a sterilisation procedure a bandage made of a tube of elastic cloth

tubal occlusion /!tju%b()l $klu%+()n/ noun tubular reabsorption /!tju%bjl !ri%b
tubal occlusion
tubular reabsorption

| |

a condition in which the Fallopian tubes are
blocked, either as a result of disease or surgery
tubal pregnancy /!tju%b()l $pre1nnsi/ noun
tubal pregnancy
$s%pn/ noun the process by which some of the
substances filtered into the kidney are absorbed
back into the bloodstream by the tubules
tubule /$tju%bju%l/ noun a small tube in the
tubule

the most common form of ectopic pregnancy, in

which the fetus develops in a Fallopian tube body. ! renal tubule
instead of the uterus tumefaction /!tju%m$f'kn/ noun swelling
tumefaction

tube /tju%b/ noun 1. a long hollow passage in the

tube
within body tissue, usually caused a build-up of
body 2. a soft flexible pipe for carrying liquid or blood or water
gas 3. a soft plastic or metal pipe, sealed at one tumescence /tju%$mes()ns/ noun swollen tis-
tumescence

end and with a lid at the other, used to dispense a sue where liquid has accumulated underneath. !
paste or gel oedema
Nursing.fm Page 316 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

tumid 316

tumid /$tju%md/ adjective swollen turricephaly /!t.r$sefli/ same as oxyceph-

tumid turricephaly

tummy /$t.mi/ noun stomach or abdomen

tummy
aly
(informal) tussis /$t.ss/ noun coughing
tussis

tummy ache /$t.mi ek/ noun stomach pain

tummy ache

twenty-twenty vision /!twenti !twenti

twenty-twenty vision

(informal) $v+()n/ noun perfect vision

tumoral /$tju%mrl/, tumorous /$tju%mrs/
tumoral

twilight sleep /$twalat !sli%p/ noun a type of

twilight sleep

adjective referring to a tumour anaesthetic sleep, in which the patient is semi-

tumour /$tju%m/ noun an unusual swelling or conscious but cannot feel any pain
tumour

growth of new cells ! The X-ray showed a twilight state /$twalat stet/ noun a condi-
twilight state

tumour in the breast. ! a brain tumour. (NOTE:
For other terms referring to tumours, see words
beginning with onco-.)
tunica /$tju%nk/ noun a layer of tissue which
tunica
tion of epileptics and alcoholics in which the per-
son can do some automatic actions, but is not con-
scious of what he or she is doing

COMMENT: Twilight state is induced at child-

covers an organ birth, by introducing anaesthetics into the
tunica albuginea testis /!tju%nk 'lbj rectum.
tunica albuginea testis

!d+ni $tests/ noun a white fibrous membrane twin /twn/ noun one of two babies born to a
twin

covering the testes and the ovaries mother at the same time
tunica intima /!tju%nk $ntm/ noun the
tunica intima

tylosis /ta$lss/ noun the development of a

tylosis

inner layer of the wall of an artery or vein. Also callus

called intima
tympan- /tmpn/ prefix same as tympano-
tympan-

tunica media /!tju%nk $mi%di/ noun the

tunica media

(NOTE: used before vowels)

middle layer of the wall of an artery or vein. Also
tympanectomy /!tmp$nektmi/ noun a sur-
tympanectomy

called media |

gical operation to remove the tympanic mem-

tunica vaginalis /!tju%nk !v'd+$nels/
tunica vaginalis

|
brane
noun a membrane covering the testes and epidi-
tympanic /tm$p'nk/ adjective referring to
tympanic

dymis |

the eardrum
tuning fork /$tju%n f%k/ noun a metal fork
tuning fork

tympanic membrane /tm!p'nk

tympanic membrane

which, if hit, gives out a perfect note, used in |

hearing tests such as Rinnes test $membren/ noun the membrane at the inner end
of the external auditory meatus leading from the
tunnel /$t.n()l/ noun a passage or channel
tunnel

outer ear, which vibrates with sound and passes

through or under something ! the carpal tunnel
the vibrations on to the ossicles in the middle ear.
" verb 1. to make a tunnel under or through
Also called tympanum, eardrum. See illustra-
something 2. to produce or dig something which
tion at EAR in Supplement
is shaped like a tunnel
tympanites /!tmp$nati%z/ noun the expan-
tympanites

tunnel vision /!t.n()l $v+()n/ noun vision

tunnel vision
|

which is restricted to the area directly in front of sion of the stomach with gas. Also called meteor-
the eye ism
tympanitis /!tmp$nats/ noun same as otitis
tympanitis

turbinate /$t-%bnt/ adjective 1. having a

turbinate
|

shape like a spiral or an inverted cone 2. referring media

tympano- /tmpn/ prefix referring to the
tympano-

to any of the three bones found on the walls of the

nasal passages of mammals eardrum
turbinate bone /$t-%bnt bn/ noun " nasal tympanoplasty /$tmpnpl'sti/ noun
turbinate bone tympanoplasty

conchae same as myringoplasty

turbinectomy /!t-%b$nektmi/ noun a surgi- tympanosclerosis /!tmpnskl$rss/
turbinectomy tympanosclerosis

| |

cal operation to remove a turbinate bone noun irreversible damage to the tympanic mem-
turgescence /t-%$d+es()ns/ noun a swelling
turgescence

|
brane and middle ear, starting with the replace-
in body tissue caused by the accumulation of fluid ment of tissues or fibrin by collagen and hyalin.
turgid /$t-%d+d/ adjective swollen with blood
turgid
Then calcification occurs, leading to deafness.
tympanotomy /!tmp$ntmi/ noun same as
tympanotomy

turgor /$t-%1/ noun the condition of being

turgor
|

swollen myringotomy
tympanum /$tmpnm/ noun same as tym-
tympanum

Turners syndrome /$t-%nz !sndrm/

Turners syndrome

noun a congenital condition in females, caused by panic membrane

type A behaviour /!tap $e b!hevj/ noun a
type A behaviour

the absence of one of the pair of X chromosomes, |

in which sexual development is retarded and no
ovaries develop [Described 1938. After Henry
Hubert Turner (18921970), US endocrinologist,
Clinical professor of Medicine, Oklahoma Uni-
versity, USA.]
behaviour pattern which may contribute to coro-
nary heart disease, in which an individual is
aggressive and over-competitive, and usually
lives at a stressful pace. Compare type B behav-
iour
Nursing.fm Page 317 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
317
type B behaviour /!tap $bi% b!hevj/ noun
type B behaviour
a behaviour pattern which is unlikely to contrib-
ute to coronary heart disease, in which an individ-
ual is patient, tolerant, not very competitive and
lives at a more relaxed pace. Compare type A
behaviour
Type I diabetes mellitus /!tap !w.n da
Type I diabetes mellitus
|
!bi%ti%z m$lats/ noun the type of diabetes mel-
|
litus in which the beta cells of the pancreas pro-
duce little or no insulin, and the person is com-
pletely dependent on injections of insulin for
survival. It is more likely to develop in people
under 30. Symptoms are usually severe and occur
suddenly. Also called insulin-dependent diabe-
tes
Type II diabetes mellitus /!tap !tu% da
Type II diabetes mellitus
!bi%ti%z m$lats/ noun the type of diabetes mel-
|
litus in which cells throughout the body lose some
or most of their ability to use insulin. It is more
likely to develop in people who are over 40, who
are overweight or obese, and who do not exercise
regularly. It can be controlled in some cases with
diet and exercise, but more severe cases may need
oral medication which reduces glucose concen-
tyrosine
trations in the blood, or insulin injections, so that
even cells with a poor uptake will capture enough
insulin. Also called non-insulin-dependent
diabetes
typho- /taf/ prefix 1. relating to typhoid fever
typho-
2. relating to typhus
typhoid /$tafd/, typhoid fever /!tafd
typhoid
$fi%v/ noun an infection of the intestine caused
by Salmonella typhi in food and water
typhus /$tafs/ noun one of several fevers
typhus
caused by the Rickettsia bacterium, transmitted
by fleas and lice, producing a fever, extreme
weakness and a dark rash on the skin. The test for
typhus is the Weil-Felix reaction.
tyramine /$tarmi%n/ noun an enzyme found in
tyramine
cheese, beans, tinned fish, red wine and yeast
extract, which can cause high blood pressure if
found in excessive quantities in the brain. !
monoamine oxidase
tyrosine /$tarsi%n/ noun an amino acid in pro-
tyrosine
tein which is a component of thyroxine, and is a
precursor to the catecholamines dopamine,
noradrenaline and adrenaline
Nursing.fm Page 318 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
UKCC abbreviation United Kingdom Central
UKCC
Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visit-
ing
ulcer /$.ls/ noun an open sore in the skin or in
ulcer
a mucous membrane, which is inflamed and diffi-
cult to heal ! stomach ulcer
ulcerative /$.ls()rtv/ adjective referring to
ulcerative
ulcers, or characterised by ulcers
ulcerative colitis /!.ls()rtv k$lats/
ulcerative colitis
noun severe pain in the colon, with diarrhoea and
ulcers in the rectum, often with a psychosomatic
cause
ulceromembranous gingivitis /!.lsr
ulceromembranous gingivitis
!membrns !d+nd+$vats/ noun inflamma-
| create images for medical examination (NOTE: No
tion of the gums, which can also affect the
mucous membrane in the mouth
ule- prefix relating to a scar, or to scar tissue
ule-
ulna /$.ln/ noun the longer and inner of the two
ulna
bones in the forearm between the elbow and the
wrist. See illustration at HAND in Supplement.
Compare radius
ulnar /$.ln/ adjective referring to the ulna
ulnar
ulnar artery /$.lnr !%tri/ noun an artery
ulnar artery
which branches from the brachial artery at the
elbow and runs down the inside of the forearm to
join the radial artery in the palm of the hand
ulnar nerve /$.ln n-%v/ noun a nerve which
ulnar nerve
runs from the neck to the elbow and controls the
muscles in the forearm and some of the fingers
COMMENT: The ulnar nerve passes near the
surface of the skin at the elbow, where it can
easily be hit, giving the effect of the funny
bone.
ultra- prefix 1. further than 2. extremely
ultra-
ultrafiltration /!.ltrfl$tre()n/ noun the
ultrafiltration
|
process of filtering the blood to remove tiny par-
ticles, e.g. when the blood is filtered by the kidney
ultrasonic /!.ltr$snk/ adjective referring to
ultrasonic
| |
ultrasound
ultrasonic probe /!.ltrsnk $prb/ noun
ultrasonic probe
an instrument which locates organs or tissues
inside the body using ultrasound
ultrasonics /!.ltr$snks/ noun the study of
ultrasonics
ultrasound and its use in medical treatments
ultrasonic waves /!.ltrsnk $wevz/ plural
ultrasonic waves
noun same as ultrasound
U
ultrasonogram /!.ltr$sn1r'm/ noun a
ultrasonogram
picture made with ultrasound for the purpose of
medical examination or diagnosis
ultrasonograph /!.ltr$sn1r%f/ noun a
ultrasonograph
machine which takes pictures of internal organs,
using ultrasound
ultrasonography /!.ltrs$n1rfi/ noun the
ultrasonography
procedure of passing ultrasound waves through
the body and recording echoes which show details
of internal organs. Also called echography
ultrasound /$.ltrsand/ noun very high fre-
ultrasound
quency sound waves which can be reflected off
internal body parts or off a fetus in the womb to
plural for ultrasound.)
ultrasound marker /$.ltrsand !m%k/
ultrasound marker
noun an unusual physical characteristic seen in an
ultrasound examination of a fetus which is an
indication of the existence of a genetic or devel-
opmental disorder
ultrasound probe /$.ltrsand prb/ noun
ultrasound probe
same as ultrasonic probe
ultrasound scanning /$.ltrsand
ultrasound scanning
!sk'n/, ultrasound screening /$.ltrsand
!skri%n/ noun a method of gathering informa-
tion about the body by taking images using high-
frequency sound waves
ultrasound treatment /$.ltrsand
ultrasound treatment
!tri%tmnt/ noun the treatment of soft tissue
inflammation using ultrasound waves
ultraviolet /!.ltr$valt/ adjective referring
ultraviolet
to the short invisible rays beyond the violet end of
the spectrum, which form the element in sunlight
which tans the skin, helps the skin produce Vita-
min D and kills bacteria. Abbreviation UV
ultraviolet lamp /!.ltrvalt $l'mp/ noun a
ultraviolet lamp
lamp which gives off ultraviolet rays
ultraviolet radiation /!.ltrvalt !redi
ultraviolet radiation
$e()n/, ultraviolet rays /!.ltr$valt res/
|
noun short invisible rays of ultraviolet light.
Abbreviation UVR
umbilical /.m$blk()l/ adjective referring to
umbilical
the navel
umbilical cord /.m$blk()l k%d/ noun a
umbilical cord
cord containing two arteries and one vein which
links the fetus inside the uterus to the placenta
Nursing.fm Page 319 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
umbilical hernia /.m!blk()l $h-%ni/ noun
umbilical hernia
a hernia which bulges at the navel, usually in
young children. Also called exomphalos
umbilicated /.m$blketd/ adjective with a
umbilicated
|
small depression, like a navel, in the centre
umbilicus /.m$blks/ noun same as navel
umbilicus
umbo /$.mb/ noun a projecting part in the
umbo
middle of the outer side of the eardrum
un- /.n/ prefix not
un-
unciform bone /$.nsf%m bn/ noun one of
unciform bone
the eight small carpal bones in the wrist, shaped
like a hook. Also called hamate bone
uncinate /$.nsnt/ adjective shaped like a
uncinate
hook
unconditioned response /!.nknd()nd
unconditioned response
r$spns/ noun a response to a stimulus which
occurs automatically, by instinct, and has not
been learned
unconscious /.n$kns/ adjective not aware
unconscious
|
of what is happening ! She was unconscious for
two days after the accident. " noun # the uncon-
scious (in psychology) the part of the mind which
stores feelings, memories or desires that someone
cannot consciously call up. ! subconscious
unconsciousness /.n$knsns/ noun the
unconsciousness
state of being unconscious, e.g. as a result of lack
of oxygen or from some other external cause such
as a blow on the head
undecenoic acid /.n!desnk $'sd/,
undecenoic acid
undecylenic acid /.n!dslenk $'sd/ noun a
substance made from castor bean oil, used in the
treatment of fungal infections such as thrush
undine /$.ndi%n/ noun a glass container for a
undine
solution to bathe the eyes
undulant fever /$.ndjlnt !fi%v/ same as
undulant fever
brucellosis
ungual /$.1wl/ adjective referring to the fin-
ungual
gernails or toenails
unguentum /.$1wentm/ noun (in phar-
unguentum
| unstriated muscle
macy) an ointment
unguis /$.1ws/ same as nail
unguis
uni- /ju%ni/ prefix one
uni-
unicellular /!ju%n$seljl/ adjective referring
unicellular
to an organism formed of one cell
unigravida /!ju%ni$1r'vd/ noun same as
unigravida
primigravida
unilateral /!ju%n$l't()rl/ adjective affecting
unilateral
one side of the body only
unilateral oophorectomy /!ju%nl't()rl
unilateral oophorectomy
!f$rektmi/ noun the surgical removal of
| |
one ovary
union /$ju%njn/ noun the joining together of
union
two parts of a fractured bone. Opposite non-
union. ! malunion
uniovular /!ju%ni$vjl/ noun consisting of, or
uniovular
|
coming from, one ovum
319 uran-
uniovular twins /!ju%nivjl $twnz/ plural
uniovular twins
noun same as identical twins
unipara /ju%$npr/ noun same as primipara
unipara
unipolar neurone /ju%n!pl $njrn/
unipolar neurone
|
noun a neurone with a single process. Compare
multipolar neurone, bipolar neurone. See
illustration at NEURONE in Supplement
unit /$ju%nt/ noun 1. a single part of a larger
unit
whole 2. a part of a hospital that has a specialised
function ! a burns unit 3. a named and agreed
standard amount used for measuring something !
A gram is an SI unit of weight. 4. a quantity of a
drug, enzyme, hormone or of blood, taken as a
standard for measurement and producing a given
effect ! three units of blood ! a unit of insulin 5.
a machine or device ! a waste-disposal unit
United Kingdom Central Council for
United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Visiting
Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Visiting
/ju%!natd !kdm !sentrl !kansl f
|
!n-%s md!wfri nd $hel !vzt/ noun in
|
the UK from 1979 until April 2002, an organisa-
tion which regulated nurses, midwives, and health
visitors. The UKCC and the four National Boards
have now been replaced by the Nursing and Mid-
wifery Council. Abbreviation UKCC
universal donor /!ju%nv-%s()l $dn/ noun
universal donor
a person with blood group O, whose blood may be
given to anyone
Universal Precautions /!ju%nv-%s()l pr
Universal Precautions
|
|
$k%()nz/ abbreviation UP. ! Standard Pre-
|
cautions
universal recipient /!ju%nv-%s()l r
universal recipient
|
$spint/ noun a person with blood group AB
who can receive blood from all the other blood
groups
unsaturated fat /.n!s'tretd $f't/ noun
unsaturated fat
|
fat which does not have a large amount of hydro-
gen, and so can be broken down more easily
unstable angina /.n!steb()l 'n$d+an/
unstable angina
| |
noun angina which has suddenly become worse
unstriated muscle /!.nstra!etd $m.s()l/
|
noun same as smooth muscle
upper respiratory infection /!.p r
upper respiratory infection
$sprt()ri n!fekn/ noun an infection in the|
upper part of the respiratory system
UPPP abbreviation uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
UPPP
upset stomach /.p!set $st.mk/ noun same
upset stomach
|
|
as stomach upset
uracil /$jrsl/ noun a pyrimidine base, one of
uracil
the four bases in RNA in which it pairs with thym-
ine
uraemia /j$ri%mi/ noun a disorder caused by
uraemia
kidney failure, where urea is retained in the blood,
and the person develops nausea, convulsions and
in severe cases goes into a coma
uraemic /j$ri%mk/ adjective referring to urae-
uraemic
mia, or having uraemia
uran- /jrn/ prefix referring to the palate
uran-
Nursing.fm Page 320 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

urate 320

urate /$jret/ noun a salt of uric acid found in ureter and the pelvis of the kidney to which it is
urate

urine attached
uraturia /!jr$tjri/ noun the presence of ureteroscope /j$ri%trskp/ noun an
uraturia ureteroscope

| |

excessive amounts of urates in the urine, e.g. in instrument which is passed into the ureter and up
gout into the kidneys, usually used to locate or remove
urea /j$ri%/ noun a substance produced in the
urea

|
a stone
ureteroscopy /!jrt$rskpi/ noun an
ureteroscopy

liver from excess amino acids, and excreted by the |

kidneys into the urine examination of the ureter with a ureteroscope

uresis /j$ri%ss/ noun the act of passing urine ureterosigmoidostomy /j!ri%trs1m
uresis ureterosigmoidostomy

| | | |

ureter /j$ri%t, $jrt/ noun one of the two

ureter

|
$dstmi/ same as ureterocolostomy
tubes which take urine from the kidneys to the uri- ureterostomy /!jrt$rstmi/ noun a surgi-
ureterostomy

nary bladder. See illustration at KIDNEY in Sup- cal operation to make an artificial opening for the
plement. Also called urinary duct ureter into the abdominal wall, so that urine can
ureter- /jri%t/ prefix same as uretero- (used
ureter-
be passed directly out of the body
before vowels) ureterotomy /!jrt$rtmi/ noun a surgical
ureterotomy

ureteral /j$ri%trl/ adjective referring to the

ureteral

|
operation to make an incision into the ureter,
ureters mainly to remove a stone
ureterovaginal /j!ri%trv$d+an()l/
ureterovaginal

ureterectomy /!jrt$rektmi/ noun the

ureterectomy
| |
|

surgical removal of a ureter adjective referring to the ureter and the vagina
urethra /ju$ri%r/ noun a tube which takes
urethra

ureteric /!jr$terk/ adjective same as ure-

ureteric
|
|

teral urine from the bladder to be passed out of the

ureteric calculus /!jrterk $k'lkjls/
ureteric calculus
body. See illustration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM in
noun a kidney stone in the ureter Supplement
urethral /ju$ri%r()l/ adjective referring to the
urethral

ureteric catheter /!jrterk $k't/ noun

ureteric catheter
|

a catheter passed through the ureter to the kidney, urethra

urethral catheter /ju!ri%r()l $k't/ noun
urethral catheter

to inject an opaque solution into the kidney before |

taking an X-ray a catheter passed up the urethra to allow urine to

ureteritis /!jrt$rats/ noun inflammation
ureteritis

|
flow out of the bladder, used to empty the bladder
of a ureter before an abdominal operation. Also called uri-
nary catheter
uretero- /jri%tr/ prefix referring to the ure-
uretero-

urethral stricture /ju!ri%rl $strkt/ noun a

urethral stricture

ter |

condition in which the urethra is narrowed or

ureterocele /j$ri%trsi%l/ noun swelling in a
ureterocele

|
blocked by a growth. Also called urethrosteno-
ureter caused by narrowing of the opening where sis
the ureter enters the bladder
urethritis /!jr$rats/ noun inflammation
urethritis

ureterocolostomy /j!ri%trk$lstmi/
ureterocolostomy |

of the urethra
| |

noun a surgical operation to implant the ureter

urethro- /juri%r/ prefix referring to the ure-
urethro-

into the sigmoid colon, so as to bypass the bladder

thra
ureteroenterostomy /j!ri%tr!ent
ureteroenterostomy

| | |

urethrocele /ju$ri%rsi%l/ noun a swelling

urethrocele

$rstmi/ noun an artificially formed passage |

between the ureter and the intestine formed in a weak part of the wall of the urethra
urethrogram /ju$ri%r1r'm/ noun an X-ray
urethrogram

ureterolith /j$ri%trl/ noun a stone in a

ureterolith
|
|

ureter photograph of the urethra

urethrography /!jr$r1rfi/ noun X-ray
urethrography

ureterolithotomy /j!ri%trl$tmi/ noun

ureterolithotomy
|
| |

the surgical removal of a stone from the ureter examination of the urethra
urethroplasty /ju$ri%rpl'sti/ noun a surgi-
urethroplasty

ureterolysis /!jrt$rlss/ noun a surgical

ureterolysis

| |

operation to free one or both ureters from adhe- cal operation to repair a urethra
sions or surrounding tissue urethrorrhaphy /!jr$rrfi/ noun a surgi-
urethrorrhaphy

ureteroneocystostomy /j!ri%tr cal operation to repair a torn urethra

ureteroneocystostomy

| |

!ni%sa$ststmi/ noun a surgical operation to

|
urethrorrhoea /j!ri%r$ri%/ noun the dis-
urethrorrhoea

| |

transplant a ureter to a different location in the charge of fluid from the urethra, usually associ-
bladder ated with urethritis
ureteronephrectomy /j!ri%trn
ureteronephrectomy

urethroscope /j$ri%rskp/ noun a surgi-

urethroscope
| |
|

$frektmi/ noun same as nephroureterectomy cal instrument, used to examine the interior of a
ureteroplasty /j$ri%trpl'sti/ noun a sur- mans urethra
ureteroplasty

gical operation to repair a ureter urethroscopy /!jr$rskpi/ noun an

urethroscopy

ureteropyelonephritis /j!ri%tr examination of the inside of a mans urethra with

ureteropyelonephritis

| |

!paln$frats/ noun inflammation of the a urethroscope

Nursing.fm Page 321 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

321 urticaria

urethrostenosis /j!ri%rst$nss/ noun urinate /$jrnet/ verb to pass urine from the
urethrostenosis urinate

| |

same as urethral stricture body

urethrostomy /!jr$rstmi/ noun a surgi- urination /!jr$ne()n/ noun the passing of
urethrostomy urination

| |

cal operation to make an opening for a mans ure- urine out of the body. Also called micturition
thra between the scrotum and the anus urine /$jrn/ noun a yellowish liquid, contain-
urine

urethrotomy /!jr$rtmi/ noun a surgical ing water and waste products, mainly salt and
urethrotomy

operation to open a blocked or narrowed urethra. urea, which is excreted by the kidneys and passed
Also called Wheelhouses operation out of the body through the ureters, bladder and
urge incontinence /$-%d+ n!kntnns/
urge incontinence

|
urethra
urine retention /$jrn r!ten()n/ noun
urine retention

noun a condition in which someone feels a very |

strong need to urinate and cannot retain their same as urinary retention
urine uriniferous tubule /!jr!nf()rs
uriniferous tubule

-uria /jri/ suffix 1. a condition of the urine 2.

-uria
$tju%bju%l/ noun same as renal tubule
urino- /jrn/ prefix referring to urine
urino-

a disease characterised by a condition of the urine

uric acid /!jrk $'sd/ noun a chemical com- urinogenital /!jrn$d+ent()l/ adjective
uric acid urinogenital

pound which is formed from nitrogen in waste same as urogenital

products from the body and which also forms urinometer /!jr$nmt/ noun an instru-
urinometer

crystals in the joints of people who have gout ment which measures the specific gravity of urine
urin- /jrn/ prefix same as urino- (used before urobilin /!jr$baln/ noun a yellow pig-
urin- urobilin

vowels) ment formed when urobilinogen comes into con-

urinalysis /!jr$n'lss/ noun the analysis of
urinalysis

|
tact with air
urine, to detect diseases such as diabetes mellitus urobilinogen /!jrba$lnd+n/ noun a
urobilinogen

urinary /$jrn()ri/ adjective referring to

urinary
colourless pigment formed when bilirubin is
urine reduced to stercobilinogen in the intestines
urochrome /$jrkrm/ noun the pigment
urochrome

urinary bladder /!jrn()ri $bl'd/ noun a

urinary bladder

sac where the urine collects after passing from the which colours the urine yellow
urodynamics /!jrda$n'mks/ plural
urodynamics

kidneys through the ureters, before being passed |

out of the body through the urethra. See illustra-
tion at KIDNEY, UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in
Supplement
noun the active changes which occur during the
function of the bladder, urethral sphincter and
pelvic floor muscles
urogenital /!jr$d+ent()l/ adjective
urogenital

urinary catheter /!jrn()ri $k't/ noun

urinary catheter
|

same as urethral catheter referring to the urinary and genital systems. Also
urinary duct /$jrn()ri d.kt/ noun same as
urinary duct
called urinogenital
urogenital system /!jr$d+ent()l
urogenital system

ureter |

!sstm/ noun the whole of the urinary tract and

urinary incontinence /!jrn()ri n
urinary incontinence

reproductive system
|

$kntnns/ noun the involuntary emission of

urogram /$jr1r'm/ noun an X-ray picture
urogram

urine
of the urinary tract, or of a part of it
urinary obstruction /!jrn()ri b
urinary obstruction

urography /j$r1rfi/ noun an X-ray exami-

| urography

$str.kn/ noun a blockage of the urethra, which |

prevents urine being passed nation of part of the urinary system after injection
of radio-opaque dye
urinary retention /!jrn()ri r$tenn/
urinary retention

urokinase /!jr$kanez/ noun an enzyme

| urokinase

noun the inability to pass urine, usually because |

the urethra is blocked or because the prostate formed in the kidneys, which begins the process
gland is enlarged. Also called urine retention of breaking down blood clots
urolith /$jrl/ noun a stone in the urinary
urolith

urinary system /!jrn()ri $sstm/ noun a

urinary system

system
system of organs and ducts which separate waste
urological /!jr$ld+k()l/ adjective refer-
urological

liquids from the blood and excrete them as urine, |

including the kidneys, bladder, ureters and ure- ring to urology

urologist /j$rld+st/ noun a doctor who
urologist

thra |

urinary tract /$jrn()ri tr'kt/ noun the set

urinary tract
specialises in urology
urology /j$rld+i/ noun the scientific study of
urology

of tubes down which the urine passes from the |

kidneys to the bladder and from the bladder out of the urinary system and its diseases
the body urostomy /j$rstmi/ noun the surgical crea-
urostomy

urinary tract infection /$jrn()ri tr'kt n

urinary tract infection

|
tion of an artificial urethra
!fekn/ noun a bacterial infection of any part of urticaria /!-%t$keri/ noun an allergic reaction
urticaria

the urinary system. Symptoms are usually a need to injections, particular foods or plants where the
to urinate frequently and pain on urination. skin forms irritating reddish patches. Also called
Abbreviation UTI hives, nettle rash
Nursing.fm Page 322 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
usual
usual /$ju%+ul/ adjective expected or typical
usual
uter- /ju%t/ prefix same as utero- (used before
uter-
vowels)
uterine /$ju%tran/ adjective referring to the
uterine
uterus
uterine cavity /!ju%tran $k'vti/ noun the
uterine cavity
inside of the uterus
uterine procidentia /!ju%tran !prs
uterine procidentia
|
$den/, uterine prolapse /!ju%tran
$prl'ps/ noun a condition in which part of the
uterus has passed through the vagina, usually
after childbirth
COMMENT: Uterine procidentia has three
stages of severity: in the first the cervix de-
scends into the vagina, in the second the
cervix is outside the vagina, but part of the
uterus is still inside, and in the third stage,
the whole uterus passes outside the vagina.
uterine retroflexion /!ju%tran !retr
uterine retroflexion
|
$flek()n/ noun a condition in which the uterus
bends backwards away from its usual position
uterine retroversion /!ju%tran retr
uterine retroversion
| uvula
$v-%()n/ noun a condition in which the uterus
slopes backwards away from its usual position
utero- /ju%tr/ prefix referring to the uterus
utero-
uterography /!ju%t$r1rfi/ noun an X-ray
uterography
|
examination of the uterus
uterosalpingography
uterosalpingography
/!ju%trs'lp|
$11rfi/ noun same as hysterosalpingogra-
phy
uterovesical /!ju%tr$vesk()l/ adjective
uterovesical
|
referring to the uterus and the bladder
uterus /$ju%t()rs/ noun the hollow organ in a
uterus
womans pelvic cavity, behind the bladder and in
front of the rectum in which the embryo develops
322
before birth. Also called womb. See illustration
at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (FEMALE) in Supplement
(NOTE: For other terms referring to the uterus,
see words beginning with hyster-, hystero-,
metr-, metro-.)
uterus didelphys /!ju%t()rs da$delfs/
uterus didelphys
|
noun same as double uterus
utricle /$ju%trk()l/, utriculus /j$trkjls/
utricle
|
noun a large sac inside the vestibule of the ear,
which relates information about the upright posi-
tion of the head to the brain
UV abbreviation ultraviolet
UV
uvea /$ju%vi/ noun a layer of organs in the eye
uvea
beneath the sclera, formed of the iris, the ciliary
body and the choroid. Also called uveal tract
uveal /$ju%vil/ adjective referring to the uvea
uveal
uveal tract /$ju%vil tr'kt/ noun same as uvea
uveal tract
uveitis /!ju%vi$ats/ noun inflammation of any
uveitis
|
part of the uvea
UVR abbreviation ultraviolet radiation
UVR
uvula /$ju%vjl/ noun a piece of soft tissue
which hangs down from the back of the soft palate
uvular /$ju%vjl/ adjective referring to the
uvular
uvula
uvulectomy /!ju%vj$lektmi/ noun the surgi-
uvulectomy
|
cal removal of the uvula
uvulitis /!ju%vj$lats/ noun inflammation of
uvulitis
the uvula
uvulopalatopharyngoplasty /!ju%vjl
uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
|
!p'ltf$r1pl'sti/ noun a surgical oper-
|
ation to remove the uvula and other soft tissue in
the palate, in order to widen the airways and treat
the problem of snoring. Abbreviation UPPP
Nursing.fm Page 323 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
vaccinate /$v'ksnet/ verb to introduce vac-
vaccinate
cine into a persons body in order to make the
body create its own antibodies, so making the per-
son immune to the disease (NOTE: You vaccinate
someone against a disease.)
vaccination /!v'ks$ne()n/ noun the action
vaccination
|
of vaccinating someone
COMMENT: Originally the words vaccination
and vaccine applied only to smallpox immu-
nisation, but they are now used for immuni-
sation against any disease. Vaccination is
mainly given against cholera, diphtheria, ra-
bies, smallpox, tuberculosis, and typhoid.
vaccine /$v'ksi%n/ noun a substance which
vaccine
contains antigens to a disease or a weak form of a
disease, used to protect people against it
vacuum /$v'kju%m/ noun a space which is
vacuum
completely empty of all matter, including air
vacuum extraction /$v'kjum k!str'kn/
vacuum extraction
|
noun the procedure of pulling on the head of the
baby with a suction instrument to aid birth
vacuum extractor /$v'kjum k!str'kt/
vacuum extractor
| rium Trichomonas vaginalis or by a fungus Can-
noun a surgical instrument formed of a rubber
suction cup which is used in vacuum extraction
during childbirth
vacuum suction /$v'kjum !s.kn/ noun a
vacuum suction
method used to achieve an abortion, after dilata-
tion of the cervix. Also called aspiration
vagal /$ve1()l/ adjective referring to the vagus
vagal
nerve
vagal tone /!ve1()l $tn/ noun the action of
vagal tone
the vagus nerve to slow the beat of the sinoatrial
node
vagin- /vd+an/ prefix referring to the vagina
vagin-
vagina /v$d+an/ noun a passage in a
vagina
womans reproductive tract between the entrance
to the uterus, the cervix, and the vulva, able to
stretch enough to allow a baby to pass through
during childbirth. See illustration at UROGENITAL
SYSTEM (FEMALE) in Supplement (NOTE: For
other terms referring to the vagina, see words
beginning with colp-, colpo-.)
vaginal bleeding /v!d+an()l $bli%d/ noun which exclude alternative explanations of a result
vaginal bleeding
bleeding from the vagina
V
vaginal delivery /v!d+an()l d$lv()ri/
vaginal delivery
| |
noun the birth of a baby through the mothers
vagina, without surgical intervention
vaginal diaphragm /v!d+an()l $dafr'm/
vaginal diaphragm
noun a circular contraceptive device for women,
which is inserted into the vagina and placed over
the neck of the uterus before sexual intercourse
vaginal discharge /v!d+an()l $dst%d+/
vaginal discharge
|
noun the flow of liquid from the vagina
vaginal douche /v!d+an()l $du%/ noun 1.
vaginal douche
|
the process of washing out the vagina 2. a device
or liquid for washing out the vagina
vaginal examination /v!d+an()l 1!z'm
vaginal examination
| | |
$ne()n/ noun the act of checking the vagina for
signs of disease or growth
vaginal suppository /!v'd+n()l s
vaginal suppository
|
$pzt()ri/ noun same as pessary 1
vaginismus /!v'd+$nzms/ noun a painful
vaginismus
|
contraction of the vagina which prevents sexual
intercourse
vaginitis /!v'd+$nats/ noun inflammation of
vaginitis
|
the vagina which is mainly caused by the bacte-
dida albicans
vaginoplasty /v$d+anpl'sti/ noun a surgi-
vaginoplasty
cal operation to graft tissue on to the vagina
vaginoscope /$v'd+nskp/ noun same
vaginoscope
as colposcope
vago- /ve1/ prefix referring to the vagus nerve
vago-
vagotomy /ve$1tmi/ noun a surgical opera-
vagotomy
tion to cut through the vagus nerve which controls
the nerves in the stomach, as a treatment for pep-
tic ulcers
vagus /$ve1s/, vagus nerve /$ve1s n-%v/
vagus
noun either of the tenth pair of cranial nerves
which carry sensory and motor neurons serving
the heart, lungs, stomach, and various other
organs and control swallowing. Also called
pneumogastric nerve
valgus /$v'l1s/, valgum /$v'l1m/, valga
valgus
/$v'l1/ adjective turning outwards. ! hallux
valgus. Compare varus
validity /v$ldti/ noun (of a study) the fact of
validity
being based on sound research and methods
valine /$veli%n/ noun an essential amino acid
valine
Nursing.fm Page 324 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
Valium
Valium /$v'lim/ a trade name for diazepam
Valium
vallate papillae /!v'let p$pili%/ plural noun
vallate papillae
|
large papillae which form a line towards the back
of the tongue and contain taste buds
Valsalvas manoeuvre /v'l$s'lvz m
Valsalvas manoeuvre
| |
!nu%v/ noun the process of breathing out while
holding the nostrils closed and keeping the mouth
shut, used in order to test the functioning of the
Eustachian tubes or to adjust the pressure in the
middle ear
valve /v'lv/ noun a flap which opens and closes
valve
to allow liquid to pass in one direction only, e.g.
in the heart, blood vessels or lymphatic vessels
valvotomy /v'l$vtmi/ noun a surgical oper-
valvotomy
ation to cut into a valve to make it open wider
valvula /$v'lvjl/ noun a small valve (NOTE:
valvula
The plural is valvulae.)
valvulitis /!v'lvj$lats/ noun inflammation
valvulitis
of a valve in the heart
valvuloplasty /$v'lvjlpl'sti/ noun sur-
valvuloplasty
gery to repair valves in the heart without opening
the heart
valvulotomy /!v'lvj$ltmi/ noun same as
valvulotomy
valvotomy
vancomycin /!v'k$masn/ noun an anti-
vancomycin
| |
biotic which is effective against some bacteria
which are resistant to other antibiotics. Strains of
bacteria resistant to vancomycin have now devel-
oped.
van den Bergh test /!v'n den $b-%1 !test/
van den Bergh test
noun a test of blood serum to see if a case of jaun-
dice is caused by an obstruction in the liver or by
haemolysis of red blood cells [After A.A. Hijmans
van den Bergh (18691943), Dutch physician.]
vaporiser /$vepraz/, vaporizer noun a
vaporiser
device which warms a liquid to which medicinal
oil has been added, so that it provides a vapour
which someone can inhale
vapour /$vep/ noun 1. a substance in the form
vapour
of a gas 2. steam from a mixture of a liquid and a
medicinal oil
vara /$ver/ adjective same as varus
vara
variant CJD /!verint !si%d+e $di%/ noun a
variant CJD
form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease which was
observed first in the 1980s, especially affecting
younger people. Abbreviation vCJD
varicectomy /!v'ri$sektmi/ noun a surgical
varicectomy
|
operation to remove a vein or part of a vein
varicella /!v'ri$sel/ noun same as chicken-
varicella
| sperm travelling from the epididymis up the duct
pox
varices /$v'rsi%z/ plural of varix
varices
varicose /$v'rks/ adjective 1. affected with
varicose
or having varicose veins 2. designed for the treat-
ment of varicose veins 3. relating to or producing
swelling
varicose eczema /!v'rks $eksm/ noun
varicose eczema
eczema which develops on the legs, caused by
bad circulation. Also called hypostatic eczema
324
varicose ulcer /!v'rks $.ls/ noun an
varicose ulcer
ulcer in the leg as a result of bad circulation and
varicose veins
varicose vein /!v'rks $ven/ noun a vein,
varicose vein
usually in the legs, which becomes twisted and
swollen
varicosity /!v'r$ksti/ noun (of veins) the
varicosity
|
condition of being swollen and twisted
varicotomy /!v'r$ktmi/ noun a surgical
varicotomy
operation to make a cut into a varicose vein
varifocals /$veri!fk()lz/ plural noun spec-
varifocals
tacles with lenses which have varying focal
lengths from top to bottom, for looking at things
at different distances from the wearer
variola /v$ral/ noun same as smallpox
variola
varix /$verks/ noun a swollen blood vessel,
varix
especially a swollen vein in the leg (NOTE: The
plural is varices.)
varus /$vers/, varum /$verm/, vara
varus
/$ver/ adjective turning inwards. ! coxa vara.
Compare valgus
vas /v's/ noun a tube in the body (NOTE: The
vas
plural is vasa.)
vas- /v's/ prefix same as vaso-
vas-
vasa efferentia /!ves !ef$renti/ plural
vasa efferentia
noun the group of small tubes which sperm travel
down from the testis to the epididymis
vasa vasorum /!ves ve$s%rm/ plural
vasa vasorum
noun tiny blood vessels in the walls of larger
blood vessels
vascular /$v'skjl/ adjective referring to
vascular
blood vessels
vascularisation
vascularisation
/!v'skjlra$ze()n/, |
vascularization noun the development of new
blood vessels
vascular lesion /!v'skjl $li%+()n/ noun
vascular lesion
damage to a blood vessel
vascular system /$v'skjl !sstm/ noun
vascular system
the series of vessels such as veins, arteries and
capillaries, carrying blood around the body
vasculitis /!v'skj$lats/ noun inflammation
vasculitis
|
of a blood vessel
vas deferens /!v's $defrnz/ noun see illus-
vas deferens
tration at UROGENITAL SYSTEM (MALE) in Supple-
ment. Also called ductus deferens, sperm
duct (NOTE: The plural is vasa deferentia.)
vasectomy /v$sektmi/ noun a surgical oper-
vasectomy
|
ation to cut a vas deferens, in order to prevent
vas efferens /!v's $efrenz/ noun one of
vas efferens
many tiny tubes which take the spermatozoa from
the testis to the epididymis (NOTE: The plural is
vasa efferentia.)
vaso- /vez/ prefix 1. referring to a blood ves-
vaso-
sel 2. referring to the vas deferens
vasoactive /!vez$'ktv/ adjective having
vasoactive
an effect on the blood vessels, especially con-
stricting the arteries
Nursing.fm Page 325 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

325 venogram

vasoconstriction /!vezkn$strkn/ vector /$vekt/ noun an insect or animal which

vasoconstriction vector

noun a contraction of blood vessels which makes carries a disease and can pass it to humans ! The
them narrower tsetse fly is a vector of sleeping sickness.
vasoconstrictor /!vezkn$strkt/ noun a vegan /$vi%1n/ noun someone who does not eat
vasoconstrictor vegan

chemical substance which makes blood vessels meat, dairy produce, eggs or fish and eats only
become narrower, so that blood pressure rises, vegetables and fruit " adjective involving a diet
e.g. ephedrine hydrochloride of only vegetables and fruit
vasodilatation /!vez!dal$te()n/, vegetarian /!ved+$terin/ noun someone
vasodilatation vegetarian

| | |

vasodilation /!vezda$le()n/ noun the| who does not eat meat, but eats mainly vegetables
relaxation of blood vessels, especially the arter- and fruit and sometimes dairy produce, eggs or
ies, making them wider and leading to increased fish " adjective involving a diet without meat
blood flow or reduced blood pressure vegetation /!ved+$te()n/ noun a growth on
vegetation

vasodilator /!vezda$let/ noun a chemi- a membrane, e.g. on the cusps of valves in the
vasodilator

cal substance which makes blood vessels become heart

wider, so that blood flows more easily and blood vegetative /$ved+ttv/ adjective referring to
vegetative

pressure falls, e.g. hydralazine hydrochloride growth of tissue or organs

vaso-epididymostomy /!vez !epdd
vaso-epididymostomy

vehicle /$vi%k()l/ noun a liquid in which a dose

vehicle
|

$mstmi/ noun a surgical operation to reverse a of a drug is put

vasectomy in which the cut end of the vas defer-
vein /ven/ noun a blood vessel which takes
vein

ens is joined to a tubule within the epididymis

deoxygenated blood containing waste carbon
above a blockage in it
dioxide from the tissues back to the heart (NOTE:
vasomotion /vez$m()n/ noun the con-
vasomotion

|
For other terms referring to veins see words
trol of the diameter of blood vessels and thus of beginning phleb-, phlebo- or vene-, veno-.)
blood flow. ! vasoconstriction, vasodilatation
vena cava /!vi%n $kev/ noun one of two
vena cava

vasomotor /!vez$mt/ adjective refer-

vasomotor

|
large veins which take deoxygenated blood from
ring to the control of the diameter of blood vessels all the other veins into the right atrium of the
vasomotor centre /!vez$mt !sent/ heart. See illustration at HEART in Supplement,
vasomotor centre

noun a nerve centre in the brain which changes KIDNEY in Supplement (NOTE: The plural is
the rate of heartbeat and the diameter of blood venae cavae.)
vessels and so regulates blood pressure vene- /ven/ prefix referring to veins
vene-

vasomotor nerve /!vez$mt !n-%v/

vasomotor nerve

venepuncture /$venp.kt/ noun the act of

venepuncture
|

noun a nerve in the wall of a blood vessel which puncturing a vein either to inject a drug or to take
affects the diameter of the vessel a blood sample
vasopressor /!vez$pres/ noun a sub-
vasopressor

venereal /v$nril/ adjective 1. relating to sex

venereal
|
|

stance which increases blood pressure by narrow- acts or sexual desire 2. relating to the genitals 3.
ing the blood vessels referring to an infection or disease which is trans-
vasospasm /$vezsp'zm/ noun a muscle mitted through sexual intercourse ! venereal
vasospasm

spasm causing the fingers to become cold, white warts

and numb. ! Raynauds disease venereal disease /v$nril d!zi%z/ noun a
venereal disease

| |

vasovagal /!vez$ve1()l/ adjective refer- disease which is passed from one person to
vasovagal

ring to the vagus nerve and its effect on the heart- another during sexual intercourse. Abbreviation
beat and blood circulation VD (NOTE: Now usually called a sexually trans-
vasovagal attack /!vez$ve1()l !t'k/
vasovagal attack

| |
mitted infection (STI).)
noun a fainting fit as a result of a slowing down of venereal wart /v!nril $w%t/ noun a wart
venereal wart

the heartbeats caused by excessive activity of the on the genitals or in the urogenital area
vagus nerve venereology /v!nri$ld+i/ noun the scien-
venereology

| |

vasovasostomy /!vezv$sstmi/ noun a tific study of venereal diseases

vasovasostomy

surgical operation to reverse a vasectomy venesection /!ven$sekn/ noun an operation

venesection

vasovesiculitis /!vezveskju$lats/ noun where a vein is cut so that blood can be removed,
vasovesiculitis

inflammation of the seminal vesicles and a vas e.g. when taking blood from a donor
deferens venipuncture /$venp.kt/ noun same as
venipuncture

VBAC abbreviation vaginal birth after Caesarean venepuncture

VBAC

section veno- /vi%n/ prefix referring to veins

veno-

vCJD abbreviation variant CJD

vCJD

venoclysis /v$nklss/ noun the procedure

venoclysis

VD abbreviation venereal disease of slowly introducing a saline or other solution

VD

VD clinic /!vi% $di% !klnk/ noun a clinic spe-

VD clinic
into a vein
cialising in the diagnosis and treatment of vene- venogram /$vi%n1r'm/ noun same as phle-
venogram

real diseases bogram

Nursing.fm Page 326 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

venography 326

venography /v$n1rfi/ noun same as phle- ventriculo-peritoneal shunt /ven!trkjl

venography ventriculo-peritoneal shunt

| |

bography !pert!ni%l $.nt/ noun an artificial drain used

|

venom /$venm/ noun a poison in the bite of a

venom
in hydrocephalus to drain cerebrospinal fluid
snake or insect from the ventricles
ventriculoscopy /ven!trkj$lskpi/ noun
ventriculoscopy

venous /$vi%ns/ adjective referring to the veins

venous
| |

an examination of the brain using an endoscope

venous blood /$vi%ns bl.d/ noun same as
venous blood

ventriculostomy /ven!trkj$lstmi/ noun a

ventriculostomy

deoxygenated blood | |

surgical operation to pass a hollow needle into a

venous system /$vi%ns !sstm/ noun a sys-
venous system

ventricle of the brain so as to reduce pressure,

tem of veins which brings blood back to the heart take a sample of fluid or enlarge the ventricular
from the tissues opening to prevent the need for a shunt
venous thrombosis /!vi%ns rm$bss/
venous thrombosis

ventro- /ventr/ prefix ventral

ventro-
|

noun the blocking of a vein by a blood clot

ventrofixation /!ventrfk$se()n/ noun a
ventrofixation

venous ulcer /!vi%ns $.ls/ noun an ulcer in

venous ulcer |

surgical operation to treat retroversion of the

the leg, caused by varicose veins or by a blood uterus by attaching the uterus to the wall of the
clot abdomen
ventilation /!vent$le()n/ noun the act of
ventilation

ventrosuspension /!ventrs$spenn/
ventrosuspension
|

breathing air in or out of the lungs, so removing

|

noun a surgical operation to treat retroversion of

waste products from the blood in exchange for the uterus
oxygen. ! dead space
Venturi mask /ven$tjri m%sk/ noun a type
Venturi mask

ventilator /$ventlet/ noun a machine which

ventilator |

of disposable mask which gives the person a con-

pumps air into and out of the lungs of someone trolled mixture of oxygen and air
who has difficulty in breathing ! The newborn
Venturi nebuliser /ven$tjri !nebjlaz/
Venturi nebuliser

baby was put on a ventilator. Also called respira- |

tor noun a type of nebuliser which is used in aerosol

therapy
Ventimask /$ventim%sk/ a trademark for a
Ventimask

venule /$venju%l/ noun a small vein or vessel

venule

type of oxygen mask

leading from tissue to a larger vein
Ventolin /$ventln/ a trade name for salbuta-
Ventolin

vera /$vr/ " decidua

vera

mol
verapamil /v$r'pml/ noun a synthetic com-
verapamil

ventouse /$ventu%s/ noun a cup-like vacuum

ventouse
|

device attached to the top of an unborn babys
head in the process of delivery, used to enable a
distressed baby to be born quickly
ventral /$ventr()l/ adjective 1. referring to the
ventral
pound which helps to prevent the movement of
calcium ions across membranes. It is used in the
treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension and
irregular heartbeat.

vermiform appendix /!v-%mf%m

vermiform appendix

abdomen 2. referring to the front of the body. |

Opposite dorsal $pendks/ noun same as appendix 1

vermillion border /v!mlin $b%d/ noun
vermillion border

ventricle /$ventrk()l/ noun a cavity in an

ventricle
|

organ, especially in the heart or brain. See illus- the external red parts of the lips
tration at HEART in Supplement vermix /$v-%mks/ noun a vermiform appendix
vermix

ventricul- /ventrkjl/ prefix referring to a ven- vernix caseosa /!v-%nks kesi$s/ noun an
ventricul- vernix caseosa

tricle in the brain or heart oily substance which covers a babys skin at birth
ventricular /ven$trkjl/ adjective referring verruca /v$ru%k/ noun a small hard harmless
ventricular verruca

| |

to the ventricles growth on the sole of the foot, caused by a virus

ventricular fibrillation /ven!trkjl !fabr
ventricular fibrillation

| |
(NOTE: Verrucas are a type of wart. The plural is
$le()n/ noun a serious heart condition where verrucas or verrucae.)
the ventricular muscles flutter and the heart no version /$v-%()n/ noun the procedure of turn-
version

longer beats. Abbreviation VF ing a fetus in a uterus so as to put it in a better

ventricular folds /ven$trkjl fldz/ plural
ventricular folds

|
position for birth
noun same as vocal cords vertebra /$v-%tbr/ noun one of twenty-four
vertebra

ventricular septal defect /ven!trkjl

ventricular septal defect

|
$sept()l d!fekt/ noun a condition in which
|
blood can flow between the two ventricles of the
heart, because the intraventricular septum has not
developed properly. Abbreviation VSD
ring-shaped bones which link together to form the
backbone. See illustration at CARTILAGINOUS
JOINT in Supplement (NOTE: The plural is verte-
brae.)
vertebral /$v-%tbrl/ adjective referring to the
vertebral

ventriculoatriostomy /ven!trkjl!etri
ventriculoatriostomy

| | |
vertebrae
$stmi/ noun an operation to relieve pressure vertebral artery /!v-%tbrl $%tri/ noun one
vertebral artery

caused by excessive quantities of cerebrospinal of two arteries which go up the back of the neck
fluid in the brain ventricles into the brain
Nursing.fm Page 327 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

327 victim

vertebral canal /!v-%tbrl k$n'l/ noun same vesiculopapular /v!skjl$p'pjl/

vertebral canal vesiculopapular

| | |

as spinal canal adjective referring to a skin disorder which has

vertebral column /$v-%tbrl !klm/ noun
vertebral column
both blisters and papules
the series of bones and discs linked together to vesiculopustular /v!skjl$p.stjl/
vesiculopustular

| |

form a flexible column running from the base of adjective referring to a skin disorder which has
the skull to the pelvis. Also called backbone, both blisters and pustules
spinal column. See illustration at PELVIS in Sup- vessel /$ves()l/ noun 1. a tube in the body
vessel

plement along which liquid flows, especially a blood ves-

vertebral disc /!v-%tbrl $dsk/ noun same as sel 2. a container for fluids
vertebral disc

intervertebral disc vestibular /ve$stbjl/ adjective referring to a

vestibular

vertebral foramen /!v-%tbrl f$remn/ vestibule, especially the vestibule of the inner ear
vertebral foramen

noun a hole in the centre of a vertebra which links vestibular glands /ve$stbjl 1l'ndz/ plu-
vestibular glands

with others to form the vertebral canal through ral noun the glands at the point where the vagina
which the spinal cord passes and vulva join, which secrete a lubricating sub-
vertex /$v-%teks/ noun the top of the skull stance
vertex

vertex delivery /$v-%teks d!lv()ri/ noun a vestibular nerve /ve$stbjl n-%v/ noun the
vertex delivery vestibular nerve

| |

normal birth, where the babys head appears first part of the auditory nerve which carries informa-
vertigo /$v-%t1/ noun 1. feelings of dizziness
vertigo
tion about balance to the brain
or giddiness caused by a malfunction of the sense vestibule /$vestbju%l/ noun a cavity in the
vestibule

of balance 2. a fear of heights, as a result of a sen- body at the entrance to an organ, especially the
sation of dizziness which is felt when high up, first cavity in the inner ear or the space in the lar-
especially on a tall building ! She wont sit near ynx above the vocal cords or a nostril. See illus-
the window she suffers from vertigo. tration at EAR in Supplement
vesical /$vesk()l/ adjective referring to the vestibulocochlear nerve /ve!stbjl
vesical vestibulocochlear nerve

| |

bladder $kkli !n-%v/ noun the eighth cranial nerve

vesicle /$vesk()l/ noun 1. a small blister on
vesicle
which governs hearing and balance. Also called
the skin, e.g. caused by eczema 2. a sac which acoustic nerve, auditory nerve
contains liquid vestigial /ves$td+il/ adjective existing in a
vestigial

vesico- /vesk/ prefix referring to the urinary

vesico-
rudimentary form ! The coccyx is a vestigial tail.
bladder VF abbreviation ventricular fibrillation
VF

vesicostomy /!ves$kstmi/, vesicotomy viable /$vab()l/ adjective referring to a fetus

vesicostomy viable

/!ves$ktmi/ noun same as cystostomy

| which can survive if born ! A fetus is viable by
vesicoureteric reflux /!veskjr!terk
vesicoureteric reflux

|
about the 28th week of pregnancy.
$ri%fl.ks/ noun the flowing of urine back from the Viagra /va$'1r/ a trade name for sildenafil cit-
Viagra

bladder up the ureters during urination, which rate

may carry infection from the bladder to the kid- vial /$val/ noun same as phial
vial

neys. Also called vesicouretic reflux Vibramycin /!vabr$masn/ a trade name for
Vibramycin

vesicouretic /!veskj$retk/ adjective

vesicouretic

|
doxycycline
relating to the urinary bladder and the ureters vibrate /va$bret/ verb to move rapidly and
vibrate

vesicouretic reflux /!veskj!retk

vesicouretic reflux

|
continuously
$ri%fl.ks/ noun same as vesicoureteric reflux vibration /va$bre()n/ noun rapid and con-
vibration

vesicovaginal /!veskv$d+an()l/ adjec-

vesicovaginal

|
tinuous movement ! Speech is formed by the
tive referring to the bladder and the vagina vibrations of the vocal cords.
vesicovaginal fistula /!veskv!d+an()l
vesicovaginal fistula

Vibrio /$vbri/ noun a genus of Gram-negative

Vibrio
|

$fstjl/ noun an unusual opening between the bacteria which are found in water and cause chol-
bladder and the vagina era
vesicular /v$skjl/ adjective referring to a
vesicular

vibrissae /va$brsi%/ plural noun hairs in the

vibrissae
|
|

vesicle nostrils or ears

vesicular breathing /v!skjl $bri%/,
vesicular breathing

vicarious /v$keris/ adjective done by one

vicarious
|
|

vesicular breath sound /v!skjl $bre |

organ or agent in place of another
sand/ plural noun the sound made during the vicarious menstruation
vicarious menstruation

/v!keris
normal breathing process
|

!menstru$e()n/ noun the discharge of blood

|

vesiculation /v!skj$le()n/ noun the for-

vesiculation

| |
other than by the vagina during menstrual periods
mation of blisters on the skin victim /$vktm/ noun a person who is injured in
victim

vesiculitis /v!skj$lats/ noun inflamma-

vesiculitis

| |
an accident or who has caught a disease ! The
tion of the seminal vesicles victims of the rail crash were taken to the local
vesiculography /v!skj$l1rfi/ noun an hospital. # to fall victim to something to
vesiculography

| |

X-ray examination of the seminal vesicles become a victim of or to experience bad effects
Nursing.fm Page 328 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
vigour
from something ! Half the people eating at the
restaurant fell victim to salmonella poisoning.
vigour /$v1/ noun a combination of positive
vigour
attributes expressed in rapid growth, large size,
high fertility and long life in an organism
villous /$vls/ adjective shaped like a villus, or
villous
formed of villi
villus /$vls/ noun a tiny projection like a finger
villus
on the surface of a mucous membrane (NOTE: The
plural is villi.)
vinblastine /vn$bl'sti%n/ noun an alkaloid
vinblastine
drug used in the treatment of cancer
vincristine /vn$krsti%n/ noun an alkaloid
vincristine
drug similar to vinblastine, also used in the treat-
ment of cancer. It works by blocking cell division
and is highly toxic.
viraemia /va$ri%mi/ noun a virus in the blood
viraemia
viral hepatitis /!varl !hep$tats/ noun
viral hepatitis
|
same as serum hepatitis
viral infection /$varl n!fekn/ noun an
viral infection
| visual cortex
infection caused by a virus
viral pneumonia /!varl nju%$mni/ noun
viral pneumonia
|
a type of inflammation of the lungs caused by a
virus. Also called virus pneumonia
virilisation /!vrla$ze()n/, virilization
virilisation
|
noun the development of male characteristics in a
woman, caused by a hormone imbalance or ther-
apy
virilism /$vrlz()m/ noun male characteristics
virilism
such as body hair and a deep voice in a woman
virology /va$rld+i/ noun the scientific study
virology
|
of viruses
virulence /$vrlns/ noun 1. the ability of a
virulence
microorganism to cause a disease 2. the degree of
effect of a disease
virulent /$vrlnt/ adjective 1. referring to the
virulent
ability of a microorganism to cause a disease ! an
unusually virulent strain of the virus 2. referring
to a disease which develops rapidly and has
strong effects
virus /$vars/ noun a parasite consisting of a
virus
nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat that can
only develop in other cells. Viruses cause many
diseases including the common cold, AIDS, her-
pes and polio. (NOTE: Antibiotics have no effect
on viruses, but effective vaccines have been
developed for some viral diseases.)
virus pneumonia /!vars nju%$mni/
virus pneumonia
|
noun same as viral pneumonia
viscera /$vsr/ plural noun the internal
viscera
organs, e.g. the heart, lungs, stomach and intes-
tines
visceral /$vsrl/ adjective referring to the
visceral
internal organs
visceral larva migrans /!vsrl !l%v
visceral larva migrans
$ma1r'nz/ noun same as toxocariasis
328
visceral pleura /!vsrl $plr/ noun a
visceral pleura
membrane attached to the surface of a lung. See
illustration at LUNGS in Supplement
visceral pouch /$vsrl pat/ noun same as
visceral pouch
pharyngeal pouch
viscero- /vsr/ prefix relating to the viscera
viscero-
viscid /$vsd/ adjective referring to a liquid
viscid
which is sticky and slow-moving
viscosity /v$sksti/ noun the state of a liquid
viscosity
which moves slowly
viscous /$vsks/ adjective referring to a liquid
viscous
which is thick and slow-moving
viscus /$vsks/ " viscera
viscus
vision /$v+()n/ noun the ability to see, eye-
vision
sight ! After the age of 50, many peoples vision
begins to fail.
visual /$v+l/ adjective referring to sight or
visual
vision
visual acuity /!v+l $kju%ti/ noun the abil-
visual acuity
|
ity to see objects clearly
visual cortex /!v+ul $k%teks/ noun the part
of the cerebral cortex which receives information
about sight
visual field /$v+l fi%ld/ noun the area which
visual field
can be seen without moving the eye. Also called
field of vision
visualisation /!v+ula$ze()n/, visualiza-
visualisation
|
tion noun 1. a technique in which an image of an
internal organ or other part of the body is pro-
duced by using X-rays or other means such as
magnetic resonance imaging 2. a technique in
which someone creates a strongly positive mental
picture of something such as the way in which
they would like to solve a problem, in order to
help them cope with it
visually impaired person /!v+li m!ped
visually impaired person
|
$p-%s()n/ noun a person whose eyesight is not
clear
visual purple /!v+l $p-%p()l/ noun same as
visual purple
rhodopsin
vital /$vat()l/ adjective very important or nec-
vital
essary for life ! If circulation is stopped, vital
nerve cells begin to die in a few minutes. ! Oxy-
gen is vital to the human system.
vital capacity /!vat()l k$p'sti/ noun the
vital capacity
|
largest amount of air which a person can exhale at
one time
vital organs /!vat()l $%1nz/ plural noun the
vital organs
most important organs in the body, without which
a human being cannot live, e.g. the heart, lungs
and brain
vital signs /!vat()l $sanz/ plural noun meas-
vital signs
urements of pulse, breathing and temperature
vital statistics /!vat()l st$tstks/ plural
vital statistics
|
noun a set of official statistics relating to the pop-
ulation of a place, such as the percentage of live
births per thousand, the incidence of particular
diseases and the numbers of births and deaths
Nursing.fm Page 329 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

329 voluntary movement

vitamin /$vtmn/ noun an essential substance vitreous humour /!vtris $hju%m/ noun a
vitamin vitreous humour

not synthesised in the body, but found in most
foods, and needed for good health
Vitamin A /!vtmn $e/ noun a vitamin which
Vitamin A
is soluble in fat and can be formed in the body
transparent jelly which fills the main cavity
behind the lens in the eye. See illustration at EYE
in Supplement
vitritis /v$trats/ noun same as hyalitis
vitritis

from precursors but is mainly found in food such vitro /$vi%tri/ " in vitro
vitro

as liver, vegetables, eggs and cod liver oil. Also

Vitus /$vats/ " St Vituss dance
Vitus

called retinol
vivisection /!vv$sekn/ noun the act of dis-
vivisection

Vitamin B1 /!vtmn bi% $w.n/ noun a vitamin

Vitamin B
|

found in yeast, liver, cereals and pork. Also called secting a living animal as an experiment
thiamine vocal /$vk()l/ adjective referring to the voice
vocal

Vitamin B2 /!vtmn bi% $tu%/ noun a vitamin

Vitamin B

vocal cords /$vk()l k%dz/ plural noun a

vocal cords

found in eggs, liver, green vegetables, milk and pair of fibrous sheets of tissue which span the cav-
yeast. Also called riboflavine ity of the voice box (larynx) and produce sounds
Vitamin B6 /!vtmn bi% $sks/ noun a vitamin by vibrating. Also called ventricular folds
Vitamin B

found in meat, cereals and molasses. Also called vocal folds /$vk()l fldz/ plural noun
vocal folds

pyridoxine same as vocal cords

Vitamin B12 /!vtmn bi% $twelv/ noun a vita-
Vitamin B

vocal folds abducted /!vk()l fldz b

vocal folds abducted

min found in liver and kidney, but not present in

|

$d.ktd/ noun the usual condition of the vocal

vegetables. Also called cyanocobalamin cords in quiet breathing
Vitamin B complex /!vtmn bi% $kmpleks/
Vitamin B complex

vocal folds adducted /!vk()l fldz

vocal folds adducted

noun a group of vitamins such as folic acid, ribo-

|

$d.ktd/ noun the position of the vocal cords for

flavine and thiamine
speaking
Vitamin C /!vtmn $si%/ noun a vitamin which
Vitamin C

vocal fremitus /!vk()l $fremts/ noun a

vocal fremitus

is soluble in water and is found in fresh fruit,

especially oranges and lemons, raw vegetables vibration of the chest when a person speaks or
and liver. Also called ascorbic acid coughs
vocal resonance /!vk()l $reznns/ noun
vocal resonance

Vitamin D /!vtmn $di%/ noun a vitamin which

Vitamin D

is soluble in fat and is found in butter, eggs and
fish. It is also produced by the skin when exposed
to sunlight. It helps in the formation of bones, and
a sound heard by a doctor when he or she listens
through a stethoscope to the chest while a person
is speaking
volar /$vl/ adjective referring to the palm of
volar

lack of it causes rickets in children.

vitamin deficiency /$vtmn d!f()nsi/
vitamin deficiency

|
the hand or sole of the foot
noun a lack of necessary vitamins ! He is suffer- volatile /$vltal/ adjective referring to a liquid
volatile

ing from Vitamin A deficiency. ! Vitamin C defi- which turns into gas at room temperature
ciency causes scurvy. volitantes /vl$t'nti%z/ " muscae volitantes
volitantes

Vitamin E /!vtmn $i%/ noun a vitamin found

Vitamin E

volition /v$l()n/ noun the ability to use the

volition

in vegetables, vegetable oils, eggs and wholemeal

|

will
bread
Volkmanns contracture /$flkm%nz kn
Volkmanns contracture

Vitamin K /!vtmn $ke/ noun a vitamin

Vitamin K
|

found in green vegetables such as spinach and
cabbage, and which helps the clotting of blood
and is needed to activate prothrombin
vitiligo /!vti$la1/ noun a condition in which
vitiligo
!tr'kt/ noun a fibrosis and tightening of the
muscles of the forearm because blood supply has
been restricted, leading to contraction of the fin-
gers

volsella /vl$sel/ noun a type of surgical for-

| volsella

white patches appear on the skin. Also called leu- |

coderma ceps with claw-like hooks at the end of each arm.

Also called vulsella
vitrectomy /v$trektmi/ noun a surgical oper-
vitrectomy

volume /$vlju%m/ noun an amount of a sub-

volume

ation to remove some or all of the vitreous

humour of the eye stance
voluntary /$vlnt()ri/ adjective done because
voluntary

vitreous /$vtris/ adjective 1. having the char-

vitreous

acteristics of glass 2. relating to the vitreous one wishes to do it

humour of the eye voluntary admission /!vlnt()ri d
voluntary admission

vitreous body /$vtris !bdi/ noun same as $m()n/ noun the process of taking someone
vitreous body

vitreous humour into a psychiatric hospital with the persons con-

vitreous detachment /!vtris d$t'tmnt/
vitreous detachment

|
sent
voluntary movement /!vlnt()ri
voluntary movement

noun the separation of the vitreous humour from

the retina, often due to natural ageing when the $mu%vmnt/ noun a movement directed by the
vitreous humour thins, but also occurring in other persons willpower, using voluntary muscles, e.g.
conditions such as diabetes walking or speaking
Nursing.fm Page 330 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
voluntary muscle
voluntary muscle /$vlnt()ri !m.s()l/
voluntary muscle
noun a muscle which is consciously controlled. It
is usually made up of striated fibres.
COMMENT: Voluntary muscles work in pairs,
where one contracts and pulls, while the oth-
er relaxes to allow the bone to move.
volvulus /$vlvjls/ noun a condition in
volvulus
which a loop of intestine is twisted and blocked,
so cutting off its blood supply
vomer /$vm/ noun a thin flat vertical bone in
vomer
the septum of the nose
vomica /$vmk/ noun 1. a cavity in the lungs
vomica
containing pus 2. the act of vomiting pus from the
throat or lungs
vomit /$vmt/ noun partly digested food which
vomit
has been brought up from the stomach into the
mouth ! His bed was covered with vomit. ! She
died after choking on her own vomit. Also called
vomitus " verb to bring up partly digested food
from the stomach into the mouth ! He had a
fever, and then started to vomit. ! She vomited
her breakfast.
vomiting /$vmt/ noun the act of bringing up
vomiting
vomit into the mouth. Also called emesis
vomitus /$vmts/ noun same as vomit
vomitus
von Hippel-Lindau syndrome /vn !hp()l
von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
$lnda !sndrm/ noun a disease in which
angiomas of the brain are related to angiomas and
cysts in other parts of the body
von Recklinghausens disease /!vn
von Recklinghausens disease
$reklhaz()nz d!zi%z/ noun 1. same as neu-
| |
rofibromatosis 2. same as osteitis fibrosis
330
cystica [Described 1882. After Friedrich Daniel
von Recklinghausen (18331910), Professor of
Pathology at Strasbourg, France.]
von Willebrands disease /!vn
von Willebrands disease
$vlbr'ndz d!zi%z/ noun a hereditary blood dis-
|
ease, occurring in both sexes, in which the
mucous membrane starts to bleed without any
apparent reason. It is caused by a deficiency of a
clotting factor in the blood, called von Wille-
brands factor. [Described 1926. After E. A. von
Willebrand (18701949), Finnish physician.]
von Willebrands factor /!vn $vlbr'ndz
von Willebrands factor
!f'kt/ noun a protein substance in plasma
involved in platelet aggregation
VSD abbreviation ventricular septal defect
VSD
vulgaris /v.l$1ers/ " lupus vulgaris
vulgaris
vulsella /v.l$sel/, vulsellum /v.l$selm/
vulsella
| |
noun same as volsella
vulv- /v.lv/ prefix referring to the vulva (used
vulv-
before vowels)
vulva /$v.lv/ noun a womans external sexual
vulva
organs, at the opening leading to the vagina. !
kraurosis vulvae (NOTE: For other terms refer-
ring to the vulva, see words beginning with
episi-.)
vulvectomy /v.l$vektmi/ noun a surgical
vulvectomy
|
operation to remove the vulva
vulvitis /v.l$vats/ noun inflammation of the
vulvitis
|
vulva, causing intense irritation
vulvovaginitis /!v.lvv'd+$nats/ noun
vulvovaginitis
inflammation of the vulva and vagina
Nursing.fm Page 331 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
W
waiting list /$wet lst/ noun a list of people
waiting list
waiting for admission to hospital usually for treat-
ment of non-urgent disorders ! The length of
waiting lists for non-emergency surgery varies
enormously from one region to another. ! It is
hoped that hospital waiting lists will get shorter.
walking distance /$w%k !dstns/ noun the
walking distance
distance which someone can walk before they
experience pain in their muscles, which shows the
effectiveness of the blood supply to their legs
walking frame /$w%k frem/ noun a metal
walking frame
frame used by people who have difficulty in walk-
ing. ! Zimmer frame
Wangensteen tube /$w'1nsti%n tju%b/
Wangensteen tube
noun a tube which is passed into the stomach to
remove the stomachs contents by suction
[Described 1832. After Owen Harding Wangen-
steen (18981980), US surgeon.]
ward /w%d/ noun a room or set of rooms in a
ward
hospital, with beds for the patients ! He is in
Ward 8B. ! The childrens ward is at the end of
the corridor.
ward manager /$w%d !m'nd+/ noun a
ward manager
nurse in charge of a ward
ward nurse /$w%d n-%s/ noun a nurse who
ward nurse
works in a hospital ward
ward sister /$w%d !sst/ noun a senior nurse
ward sister
in charge of a ward
warfarin /$w%f()rn/ noun a colourless crys-
warfarin
talline compound used to help prevent the blood
clotting
wart /w%t/ noun a small hard harmless growth
wart
on the skin, usually on the hands, feet or face,
caused by a virus (NOTE: Warts on the feet are
called verrucas.)
wasting disease /$west d!zi%z/ noun a
wasting disease
disease which causes severe loss of weight or
reduction in size of an organ
water /$w%t/ noun 1. the liquid essential to life
water
which makes up a large part of the body ! Can I
have a glass of water please? ! They suffered
dehydration from lack of water. # water on the
knee fluid in the knee joint under the kneecap,
caused by a blow on the knee 2. urine (informal)
! He passed a lot of water during the night. !
She noticed blood streaks in her water. ! The
nurse asked him to give a sample of his water. "
plural noun waters the fluid in the amnion in
which a fetus floats (informal) Also called amni-
otic fluid
water bed /$w%t bed/ noun a mattress made
water bed
of a large heavy plastic bag filled with water, used
to prevent bedsores
waterbrash /$w%tbr'/ noun a condition
waterbrash
caused by dyspepsia, in which there is a burning
feeling in the stomach and the mouth suddenly
fills with acid saliva
water-hammer pulse /$w%t !h'm p.ls/
water-hammer pulse
noun same as Corrigans pulse
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
/!w%thas $fri%drksn !sndrm/ noun a
condition caused by blood poisoning with menin-
gococci, in which the tissues of the adrenal glands
die and haemorrhage [Described 1911 by Rupert
Waterhouse (18731958), physician at Bath,
UK; described 1918 by Carl Friderichsen (1886
1979), Danish physician.]
Waterstons operation
Waterstons operation
/$w%tstnz
!pre()n/ noun a surgical operation to treat
Fallots tetralogy, in which the right pulmonary
artery is joined to the ascending aorta [After David
James Waterston (191085), paediatric surgeon
in London, UK]
waterworks /$w%tw-%ks/ plural noun same
waterworks
as urinary system (informal)
Watson-Crick helix /!wts()n $krk !hi%lks/
Watson-Crick helix
noun a molecular model for DNA in which the
organic base pairs are linked by hydrogen bonds
which form the rungs of a ladder spiralling in the
form of a helix
WBC abbreviation white blood cell
WBC
weal /wi%l/ noun a small area of skin which
weal
swells because of a sharp blow or an insect bite
wean /wi%n/ verb to make a baby stop breast-
wean
feeding and take other liquid or solid food, or to
make a baby start to eat solid food after having
only had liquids to drink ! The baby was breast-
fed for two months and then was gradually
weaned onto the bottle.
webbing /$web/ noun the condition of having
webbing
an extra membrane of skin joining two structures
in the body together
Nursing.fm Page 332 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
Weber-Christian disease
Weber-Christian disease /!veb $krstn
Weber-Christian disease
d!zi%z/ noun a type of panniculitis where the
| ceous gland
liver and spleen become enlarged [After Frederick
Parkes Weber (18631962), British physician;
Henry Asbury Christian (18761951), US physi-
cian.]
Webers test /$vebz test/ noun a test to see if
Webers test
both ears hear correctly, where a tuning fork is
struck and the end placed on the head [After Frie-
drich Eugen Weber-Liel (183291), German
otologist.]
web space /$web spes/ noun the soft tissue
web space
between the bases of the fingers and toes
Wechsler scales /$veksl skelz/ plural noun
Wechsler scales
a set of standardised scales for measuring some-
ones IQ. There are three separate versions devel-
oped for different age groups.
wee /wi%/ verb same as urinate (informal)
wee
weep /wi%p/ verb 1. to cry 2. (of a wound) to
weep
ooze fluid
Wegeners granulomatosis /!ve1nz
Wegeners granulomatosis
!1r'njlm$tss/ noun a disease of connec-
| !re()n/ noun a surgical operation to remove the
tive tissue, where the nasal passages, lungs and
kidneys are inflamed and ulcerated, with forma-
tion of granulomas. It is usually fatal.
Weil-Felix reaction /!val $felks r!'kn/,
Weil-Felix reaction
|
Weil-Felix test /!val $felks test/ noun a test to
see if someone has typhus, in which the persons
serum is tested for antibodies against Proteus vul-
garis [Described 1916. After Edmund Weil
(18801922) Austrian physician and bacteriolo-
gist; Arthur Felix (18871956), British bacteriol-
ogist.]
Weils disease /$welz d!zi%z/ noun same as
Weils disease
leptospirosis [Described 1886. After Adolf Weil
(18481916), physician in Estonia who also
practised in Wiesbaden, Germany.]
well /wel/ adjective healthy ! Hes not a well
well
man. ! Youre looking very well after your holi-
day. ! Hes quite well again after his flu. ! Shes
not very well, and has had to stay in bed.
well-baby clinic /!wel $bebi !klnk/ noun a
well-baby clinic
clinic where parents can ask a doctor or nurse any
questions they have about their childs growth and
development. Their babies can be weighed and
measured and their development monitored.
wellbeing /$wel !bi%/ noun the state of being
wellbeing
in good health and having good living conditions
! She is responsible for the wellbeing of the
patients under her care.
well-man clinic /!wel $m'n !klnk/ noun a
well-man clinic
clinic just for men where they can get check-ups,
advice and health information
well-woman clinic /!wel $wmn !klnk/
well-woman clinic
noun a clinic which specialises in preventive
medicine for women, e.g. breast screening and
cervical smear tests, and gives advice on preg-
nancy, contraception and the menopause
332
wen /wen/ noun a cyst which forms in a seba-
wen
Werdnig-Hoffmann disease /!v-%dn1
Werdnig-Hoffmann disease
$hfmn d!zi%z/ noun a disease in which the spi-
|
nal muscles atrophy, making the muscles of the
shoulders, arms and legs weak. In its most severe
form, infants are born floppy, have feeding and
breathing problems and rarely live more than two
or three years.
Werners syndrome /$w-%nz !sndrm/
Werners syndrome
noun an inherited disorder involving premature
ageing, persistent hardening of the skin, underde-
velopment of the sex organs and cataracts
Wernickes encephalopathy /!v-%nkz en
Wernickes encephalopathy
|
!kef$lpi/ noun a condition caused by lack of
|
Vitamin B, which often affects alcoholics and in
which the person is delirious, moves the eyes
about rapidly, walks unsteadily and is subject to
constant vomiting [Described 1875. After Karl
Wernicke (18481905), Breslau psychiatrist and
neurologist.]
Wertheims operation /$v-%thamz p
Wertheims operation
uterus, the lymph nodes which are next to it and
most of the vagina, the ovaries and the Fallopian
tubes, as treatment for cancer of the uterus
[Described 1900. After Ernst Wertheim (1864
1920), Austrian gynaecologist.]
wet burn /$wet b-%n/ noun same as scald
wet burn
Whartons duct /!w%t()nz $d.kt/ noun a
Whartons duct
duct which takes saliva into the mouth from the
salivary glands under the lower jaw [After Tho-
mas Wharton (161473), English physician and
anatomist at St Thomass Hospital, London, UK]
Whartons jelly /!w%t()nz $d+eli/ noun a
Whartons jelly
jelly-like tissue in the umbilical cord
wheal /wi%l/ same as weal
wheal
wheeze /wi%z/ noun a whistling noise in the
wheeze
bronchi ! The doctor listened to his wheezes. "
verb to make a whistling sound when breathing !
When she has an attack of asthma, she wheezes
and has difficulty in breathing.
wheezing /$wi%z/ noun whistling noises in the
wheezing
bronchi when breathing. Wheezing is often found
in people with asthma and is also associated with
bronchitis and heart disease.
whiplash injury /$wpl' !nd+ri/ noun an
whiplash injury
injury to the vertebrae in the neck, caused when
the head jerks backwards, often occurring in a car
that is struck from behind
whiplash shake syndrome /!wpl' $ek
whiplash shake syndrome
!sndrm/ noun in young babies, a series of
internal head injuries caused by being shaken vio-
lently. They can result in brain damage leading to
speech and learning disabilities, paralysis, sei-
zures, blindness and hearing loss. They are often
life-threatening.
Whipples disease /$wp()lz d!zi%z/ noun a
Whipples disease
disease in which someone has difficulty in
Nursing.fm Page 333 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
333
absorbing nutrients and passes fat in the faeces,
the joints are inflamed and the lymph glands
enlarged [Described 1907. After George Hoyt
Whipple (18781976), US pathologist. Nobel
prize for Pathology and Medicine 1934.]
Whipples operation /$wp()lz p
Whipples operation
|
!re()n/ noun same as pancreatectomy
white /wat/ adjective of a colour like snow or
white
milk ! White patches developed on his skin. !
Her hair has turned quite white. (NOTE: whiter
whitest) " noun the main part of the eye which
is white ! The whites of his eyes turned yellow
when he developed jaundice.
white blood cell /!wat $bl.d !sel/ noun a col-
white blood cell
ourless blood cell which contains a nucleus but
has no haemoglobin, is formed in bone marrow
and creates antibodies. Abbreviation WBC. Also
called leucocyte
white finger /$wat !f1/ noun a condition in
white finger
which a finger has a mottled discoloured appear-
ance because its blood vessels are damaged. The
thumb is usually not affected. Very severe cases
can result in finger loss. It occurs most commonly
in Raynauds disease.
white leg /$wat le1/ noun a condition which
white leg
affects women after childbirth, in which a leg
becomes pale and inflamed as a result of lym-
phatic obstruction. Also called milk leg, phleg-
masia alba dolens
white matter /$wat !m't/ noun nerve tissue
white matter
in the central nervous system which contains
more myelin than grey matter
white noise instrument /!wat $nz
white noise instrument
!nstrmnt/ noun a small electronic device
worn in the ear. It combines sounds of many dif-
ferent frequencies. It is used to mask internal
noise in the ear due to tinnitus.
whites /wats/ plural noun same as leucor-
whites
rhoea (informal)
whitlow /$wtl/ noun an inflammation caused
whitlow
by infection near the nail in the fleshy part of the
tip of a finger. Also called felon
WHO abbreviation World Health Organization
WHO
whoop /wu%p, hu%p/ noun a loud noise made
whoop
when inhaling by a person who has whooping
cough
whooping cough /$hu%p kf/ noun an
whooping cough
infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis
affecting the bronchial tubes, common in chil-
dren, and sometimes very serious. Also called
pertussis
Widal reaction /vi%$d%l r!'kn/, Widal test
Widal reaction
| |
/vi%$d%l test/ noun a test to detect typhoid fever.
|
A sample of the persons blood is put into a solu-
tion containing typhoid bacilli, or anti-typhoid
serum is added to a sample of bacilli from the per-
sons faeces. If the bacilli agglutinate, i.e. form
into groups, this indicates that the person has
typhoid fever. [Described 1896. After Georges
World Health Organization
Fernand Isidore Widal (18621929), French
physician and teacher.]
Willis /$wls/ " circle of Willis
Willis
Wilms tumour /$vlmz !tju%m/ noun same as
Wilms tumour
nephroblastoma [Described 1899. After Max
Wilms (18671918), Professor of Surgery at
Leipzig, Basle and Heidelberg.]
Wilsons disease /$wlsnz d!zi%z/ noun a
Wilsons disease
hereditary disease where copper deposits accu-
mulate in the liver and the brain, causing cirrho-
sis. Also called hepatolenticular degeneration
[Described 1912. After Samuel Alexander Kin-
nier Wilson (18781937), British neurologist.]
windpipe /$wndpap/ noun same as trachea
windpipe
wiring /$war/ noun 1. a network of wires 2.
wiring
a neurological or physiological structure or proc-
ess which controls a function in the body 3. the
act of fixing a piece of bone in place using wires
wisdom tooth /$wzdm tu%/ noun one of the
wisdom tooth
four teeth in the back of the jaw which only
appear at about the age of 20 and sometimes do
not appear at all. Also called third molar
witch hazel /$wt !hez()l/ noun a lotion
witch hazel
made from the bark of a tree, used to check bleed-
ing and harden inflamed tissue and bruises. Also
called hamamelis
withdrawal /w$dr%l/ noun 1. a loss of inter-
withdrawal
|
est in having contact with other people, which
leads to a person becoming isolated 2. a period
during which a person who has been addicted to a
drug stops taking it and experiences unpleasant
symptoms
withdrawal symptom /w$dr%l
withdrawal symptom
!smptm/ noun an unpleasant physical condi-
tion, e.g. vomiting, headaches or fever, which
occurs when someone stops taking an addictive
drug
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome /wlf
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
!p%kns()n $wat !sndrm/ noun a condition
within the hearts conducting tissue which makes
the heart beat dangerously fast. It can be fatal.
womb /wu%m/ noun same as uterus (NOTE: For
womb
other terms referring to the womb, see words
beginning with hyster-, hystero-, metr-,
metro-, uter-, utero-.)
Woods lamp /$wdz l'mp/ noun an ultravio-
Woods lamp
let lamp which allows a doctor to see fluores-
cence, e.g. in the hair of someone who has a fun-
gal infection [After Robert Williams Wood
(18681955), US physicist.]
word blindness /$w-%d !blandns/ noun
word blindness
same as alexia
work-related upper limb disorder /!w-%k
work-related upper limb disorder
r!letd !.p $lm ds!%d/ same as repetitive
| |
strain injury. Abbreviation WRULD.
World Health Organization /!w-%ld $hel
World Health Organization
%1na!ze()n/ noun an organisation, part of
|
the United Nations, which aims to improve health
in the world. Abbreviation WHO
Nursing.fm Page 334 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

worm 334

worm /w-%m/ noun a long thin animal with no tennis tomorrow. See illustration at HAND in Sup-
worm

legs or backbone, which can infest the human plement (NOTE: For other terms referring to the
body, especially the intestines wrist, see words beginning with carp-, carpo-.)
wound /wu%nd/ noun damage to external tissue
wound

wrist drop /$rst drp/ noun paralysis of the

wrist drop

which allows blood to escape ! He had a knife
wound in his leg. ! The doctors sutured the
wound in his chest. " verb to harm someone by
making a hole in the tissue of the body ! She was
wrist muscles, caused by damage to the radial
nerve in the upper arm, which causes the hand to
hang limp
writers cramp /!ratz $kr'mp/ noun a pain-
writers cramp

wounded three times in the head.

ful spasm of the muscles in the forearm and hand
wound dehiscence /$wu%nd di%!hs()ns/
wound dehiscence

which comes from writing too much

|

noun the splitting open of a surgical incision

WRULD abbreviation work-related upper limb
WRULD

wound healing /$wu%nd !hi%l/ noun the

wound healing

replacement of dead tissue with new tissue disorder

wry neck /$ra nek/, wryneck /$ranek/ noun
wry neck

wrist /rst/ noun a joint between the hand and

wrist

forearm ! He sprained his wrist and cant play same as torticollis

Nursing.fm Page 335 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM

XYZ
xanth- /z'n/ prefix same as xantho- (used xerostomia /!zr$stmi/ noun dryness of
xanth- xerostomia

before vowels) the mouth, caused by lack of a saliva

xanthaemia /z'n$i%mi/ noun same as caro- xiphi- /zf/ prefix relating to the xiphoid process
xanthaemia xiphi-

tenaemia xiphisternal plane /!zfst-%n()l $plen/

xiphisternal plane

xanthelasma /!z'n$l'zm/ noun the for-

xanthelasma

| noun an imaginary horizontal line across the mid-

mation of little yellow fatty tumours on the eye- dle of the chest at the point where the xiphoid
lids process starts
xanthine /$z'ni%n/ noun 1. an intermediate xiphisternum /!zf$st-%nm/ noun same as
xanthine xiphisternum

product in the breakdown of nucleic acids to uric xiphoid process

acid, found in blood, body tissue and urine 2. a xiphoid process /$zfd !prses/, xiphoid
xiphoid process

derivative of xanthine, e.g. caffeine or theophyl- cartilage /$zfd !k%tld+/ noun the bottom
line part of the breastbone which is cartilage in young
xantho- /z'n/ prefix yellow
xantho-

people but becomes bone by middle age. Also

xanthochromia /!z'n$krmi/ noun yel-
xanthochromia

|
called ensiform cartilage, xiphisternum
low colour of the skin as in jaundice X-linked /$eks !lkt/ adjective relating to the
X-linked

xanthoma /z'n$m/ noun a yellow fatty genes situated on the X chromosome

xanthoma

mass, often on the eyelids and hands, found in X-linked disease /$eks !lkt d!zi%z/ noun a
X-linked disease

people with a high level of cholesterol in the genetic disorder caused by a mutation on the X
blood (NOTE: The plural is xanthomata.) chromosome which only appears in males, e.g.
xanthomatosis /!z'nm$tss/ noun a one form of haemophilia
xanthomatosis

condition in which several small masses of yellow X-ray /$eks !re/, x-ray noun 1. a ray with a very
X-ray

fatty substance appear in the skin or some internal short wavelength, which is invisible, but can go
organs, caused by an excess of fat in the body through soft tissue and register as a photograph on
xanthopsia /z'n$psi/ noun a disorder of a film. X-rays are used in diagnosis in radiogra-
xanthopsia

the eyes, making everything appear yellow phy, and in treating disease by radiotherapy. !
xanthosis /z'n$ss/ noun yellow colouring
xanthosis

|
The X-ray examination showed the presence of a
of the skin, caused by eating too much food con- tumour in the colon. 2. a photograph taken using
taining carotene X-rays ! The dentist took some X-rays of the
patients teeth. ! He pinned the X-rays to the
X chromosome /$eks !krmsm/ noun a
X chromosome

light screen. 3. an examination in which X-ray

chromosome that determines sex. Compare Y photographs are taken ! All the staff had to have
chromosome. ! sex chromosome chest X-rays. " verb to take an X-ray photograph
xeno- /zen/ prefix different
xeno-

of a patient ! There are six patients waiting to be

xenotransplantation /!zentr'nspl%n X-rayed.
xenotransplantation

$te()n/ noun the process of transplanting X-ray imaging /$eks re !md+/ noun the
X-ray imaging

organs from one species to another, especially process of showing X-ray pictures of the inside of
from animals to humans part of the body on a screen
xero- /zr/ prefix dry
xero-

X-ray screening /$eks re !skri%n/ noun a

X-ray screening

xeroderma /!zr$d-%m/ noun a skin disor- method of gathering information about the body
xeroderma

der where dry scales form on the skin by taking images using X-rays. It is carried out by
xerophthalmia /!zrf$'lmi/ noun a con-
xerophthalmia

|
a radiographer or radiologist.
Xylocaine /$zalken/ a trade name for a prep-
Xylocaine

dition of the eye, in which the cornea and con-

junctiva become dry because of a lack of Vitamin aration of lignocaine
A xylometazoline hydrochloride /!zalm
xylometazoline hydrochloride

xerosis /z$rss/ noun extreme dryness of !t'zli%n !hadr$kl%rad/, xylometazoline

xerosis

| |

skin or mucous membrane /!zalm$t'zli%n/ noun a drug which helps to

|
Nursing.fm Page 336 Monday, May 14, 2007 4:47 PM
XYY syndrome
narrow blood vessels, used in the treatment of
colds and sinusitis
XYY syndrome /!eks wa $wa !sndrm/
XYY syndrome
noun an extremely rare condition in males in
which they have two Y chromosomes instead of
one. They grow faster than normal, and their final
height is approximately 7cm above average.
Many experience severe acne during adolescence.
yawn /j%n/ noun a reflex action when tired or
yawn
sleepy, in which the mouth is opened wide and
after a deep intake of air, the breath exhaled
slowly ! His yawns made everyone feel sleepy. "
verb to open the mouth wide and breathe in
deeply and then breathe out slowly
yawning /$j%n/ noun the act of opening the
yawning
mouth wide without conscious control and slowly
releasing a deep breath, usually a sign of tiredness
or boredom
Y chromosome /$wa !krmsm/ noun a
Y chromosome
chromosome that determines sex, it is carried by
males and is shorter than an X chromosome.
Compare X chromosome. ! sex chromosome
yeast /ji%st/ noun a fungus which is used in the
yeast
fermentation of alcohol and in making bread. It is
a good source of Vitamin B.
yellow /$jel/ adjective of a colour like that of
yellow
the sun or of gold ! His skin turned yellow when
he had hepatitis. ! The whites of the eyes become
yellow as a symptom of jaundice. " noun a colour
like that of the sun or of gold
yellow fever /$jel !fi%v/ noun an infectious
yellow fever
disease, occurring especially in Africa and South
America, caused by an arbovirus carried by the
mosquito Aedes aegypti. It affects the liver and
causes jaundice. There is no known cure and it
can be fatal, but vaccination can prevent it.
yellow marrow /!jel $m'r/ noun " mar-
yellow marrow
row
yellow spot /$jel spt/ noun same as mac-
yellow spot
ula lutea
yin and yang /!jn nd $j'/ noun the two
yin and yang
opposite and complementary principles of Chi-
nese philosophy which are thought to exist in var-
ying proportions in all things. They are some-
times thought of as femininity and masculinity.
yoga /$j1/ noun 1. a Hindu discipline which
yoga
promotes spiritual unity with a Supreme Being
through a system of postures and rituals 2. any
one of dozens of systems and methods derived
from or based on Hindu yoga. Many include
breathing exercises and postures which are
thought to aid health.
Zadiks operation /$zedks p!re()n/
Zadiks operation
noun a surgical operation to remove the whole of
an ingrowing toenail
Zantac /$z'nt'k/ a trade name for ranitidine
Zantac
zidovudine /z$dvjdi%n/ noun azidothymi-
zidovudine
dine or AZT, a drug used in the treatment of
336
AIDS, which helps to slow the progress of the dis-
ease
Zimmer frame /$zm frem/ a trademark for a
Zimmer frame
metal frame used by people who have difficulty in
walking ! She managed to walk some steps with
a Zimmer frame. ! walking frame
zinc /zk/ noun a white metallic trace element
zinc
(NOTE: The chemical symbol is Zn.)
zinc ointment /$zk !ntmnt/ noun a sooth-
zinc ointment
ing ointment made of zinc oxide and oil
zinc oxide /!zk $ksad/ noun a compound of
zinc oxide
zinc and oxygen, which forms a soft white sooth-
ing powder used in creams and lotions (NOTE: Its
chemical formula is ZnO.)
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome /!zlnd+r
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
$els()n !sndrm/ noun a condition in which
tumours are formed in the islet cells of the pan-
creas together with peptic ulcers [Described
1955. After Robert Milton Zollinger (190392),
Professor of Surgery at Ohio State University,
USA; Edwin H. Ellison (191870), Associate
Professor of Surgery at Ohio State University,
USA.]
zona /$zn/ noun a zone or area
zona
zone /zn/ noun an area of the body
zone
zonula /$znjl/, zonule /$znju%l/ noun a
zonula
small area of the body
zoo- /z, zu%/ prefix relating to animals
zoo-
zoonosis /!z$nss/ noun a disease which
zoonosis
|
a human can catch from an animal (NOTE: The
plural is zoonoses.)
zoster /$zst/ " herpes zoster
zoster
Z-plasty /$zed !pl'sti/ noun a technique used in
Z-plasty
plastic surgery. A deep Z-shaped incision is made
to relieve tension in the area of a scar, or to change
the direction of a scar.
zygoma /za$1m/ noun same as zygomatic
zygoma
arch (NOTE: The plural is zygomata.)
zygomatic /!za1$m'tk/ adjective referring
zygomatic
to the zygomatic arch
zygomatic arch /!za1m'tk $%t/ noun the
zygomatic arch
ridge of bone across the temporal bone, running
between the ear and the bottom of the eye socket.
Also called zygoma
zygomatic bone /!za1m'tk $bn/ noun a
zygomatic bone
bone which forms the prominent part of the cheek
and the lower part of the eye socket. Also called
cheekbone, malar bone
zygomatic process /!za1m'tk $prses/
zygomatic process
noun one of the bony projections which form the
zygomatic arch
zygote /$za1t/ noun a fertilised ovum, the
zygote
first stage of development of an embryo
zym- /zam/ prefix (used before vowels) 1.
zym-
enzymes 2. fermentation
Supplement
 Anatomical Terms
The body is always described as if standing upright with the palms of the hands
facing forward. There is only one central vertical plane, termed the median or sagittal
plane, and this passes through the body from front to back. Planes parallel to this on
either side are parasagittal or paramedian planes. Vertical planes at right angles to
the median are called coronal planes. The term horizontal (or transverse) plane
speaks for itself. Two specific horizontal planes are (a) the transpyloric, midway
between the suprasternal notch and the symphysis pubis, and (b) the transtubercular
or intertubercular plane, which passes through the tubercles of the iliac crests. Many
other planes are named from the structures they pass through.

Views of the body from some different points are shown on the diagram; a view of
the body from above is called the superior aspect, and that from below is the inferior
aspect.

Cephalic means toward the head; caudal refers to positions (or in a direction)
towards the tail. Proximal and distal refer to positions respectively closer to and
further from the centre of the body in any direction, while lateral and medial relate
more specifically to relative sideways positions, and also refer to movements. Ventral
refers to the abdomen, front or anterior, while dorsal relates to the back of a part or
organ. The hand has a dorsal and a palmar surface, and the foot a dorsal and a
plantar surface.

Note that flexion of the thigh moves it forward while flexion of the leg moves it
backwards; the movements of extension are similarly reversed. Movement and
rotation of limbs can be medial, which is with the front moving towards the centre
line, or lateral, which is in the opposite direction. Specific terms for limb movements
are adduction, towards the centre line, and abduction, which is away from the centre
line. Other specific terms are supination and pronation for the hand, and inversion
and eversion for the foot.
 LUNGS
1. thyroid cartridge 11. oblique fissure HEART
2. cricoid cartridge 12. horizontal fissure
3. trachea 13. cardiac notch 1. superior vena cava 9. bicuspid valve
4. main bronchus 14. visceral pleura 2. inferior vena cava 10. pulmonary artery
5. superior lobe bronchus 15. parietal pleura 3. right atrium 11. pulmonary veins
6. middle lobe bronchus 16. pleural cavity 4. left atrium 12. epicardium
7. inferior lobe bronchus 17. alveolus 5. right ventricle 13. myocardium
8. superior lobe 18. alveolar duct 6. left ventricle 14. endocardium
9. middle lobe 19. bronchiole 7. aorta 15. septum
10. inferior lobe 8. tricuspid valve
 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
1. liver 9. ascending colon
2. pancreas 10. transverse colon KIDNEY
3. spleen 11. descending colon
4. gall bladder 12. sigmoid colon 1. kidney 7. adrenal gland
5. stomach 13. caecum 2. calyx 8. abdominal aorta
6. duodenum 14. appendix 3. pyramid 9. inferior vena cava
7. jejunum 15. rectum 4. cortex 10. ureter
8. ileum 16. anus 5. medulla 11. urinary bladder
6. renal pelvis
 BRAIN
1. corpus callosum 7. inferior colliculi
NEURONE 2. thalamus 8. cerebellum
3. hypothalamus 9. cerebral peduncle
(a) multipolar (b) bipolar (c) unipolar 4. pineal body 10. fornix
5. pituitary gland 11. pons
1. nucleus 6. myelin sheath 6. superior colliculi
2. Nissi granules 7. Schwann cell nucleus
3. neurofibrilla 8. node of Ranvier
4. dendrite 9. neurilemma
5. axon 10. terminal branch
 EAR
1. pinna 9. incus
EYE
2. temporal bone 10. stapes 1. optic nerve 9. iris
3 external auditory 11. tympanic membrane 2. vitreous humour 10. cornea
meatus (eardrum) 3. sclera 11. ciliary body
4. ceruminous glands 12. round window 4. choroid 12. suspensory ligament
5. semicircular canals 13. auditory nerve 5. retina 13. fovea
6. cochlea 14. vestibule 6. conjunctiva 14. muscle
7. Eustachian tube 15. oval window 7. aqueous humour 15. ciliary muscle
8. malleus 8. lens 16. pupil
 UROGENITAL SYSTEM (male) UROGENITAL SYSTEM (female)
1. penis 9. glans 1. pubic bone 7. uterus
2. scrotum 10. urinary bladder 2. labia majora 8. fallopian tube
3. testis 11. urethra 3. labia minora 9. ovary
4. epididymis 12. rectum 4. urethra 10. clitoris
5. ductus deferens 13. anus 5. urinary bladder 11. rectum
6. seminal vesicle 14. corpus cavernosum 6. vagina 12. anus
7. ejaculatory duct 15. corpus spongiosum
8. prostate gland 16. pubic bone
 PELVIS (anterior view)
1. iliac crest 6. vertebral column HAND
2. ilium 7. femur
3. ischium 8. hip joint FOOT 1. carpus 8. trapezium
4. pubis 9. sacral foramen 2. metacarpus 9. trapezoid
5. sacrum 10. obdurator foramen 1. tarsus 5. navicular
2. metatarsus 6. cuboid 3. phalanges 10. capitate
3. phalanges 7. calcaneus 4. scaphoid 11. hamate
4. cuneiforms 8. talus 5. lunate 12. ulna
6. triquetrum 13. radius
7. pisiform 14. wrist
 CARTILAGINOUS JOINT
1. intervertebral disc 3. hyaline cartridge
2. vertebra

TEETH
1. incisors 3. premolars
2. canines 4. molars

BONE STRUCTURE
1. periosteum 5. articular cartilage
2. compact bone 6. epiphysis
3. cancellous (spongy) 7. diaphysis
bone (red marrow)
4. medullary cavity
SYNOVIAL JOINT (yellow marrow)

1. bone 4. synovial cavity and

2. articular membrane fluid
3. synovial membrane 5. joint capsule