Medical Terminology - Ch. 1 Vocab
Centigrade (C)
literally means having 100 steps or degrees; unit of temperature measurement (Celsius scale) with a boiling point at 100C and a freezing point at 0C. Each degree of temperature change is 0.01 (1/100) of the scale
Axillary (ax)
pertaining to the armpit
Milligram (mg)
unit of weight in the metric system; 0.001 g
Heterogeneous
Literally means pertaining to a different formation; composed of unlike substances; the opposite of homogeneous
Microgram (mcg)
Unit of weight in the metric system; 0.001 mg
Epidemic
pertaining to among the people; the rapid widespread occurrence of an infectious disease that can be spread by any pathological organism transmitting by and to humans, birds, insects, etc.
Antipyretic
pertaining to an agent that is used to lower an elevated body temperature (fever)
Antitussive
pertaining to an agent that works against coughing
Antiseptic
pertaining to an agent that works against sepsis (putrefaction); a technique or product used to prevent or limit infections
Abnormal
pertaining to away from the norm or rule. A condition that is considered to be not normal.
Febrile
pertaining to fever, a sustained body temperature above 98.6F
Macroscopic
pertaining to objects large enough to be examined by the naked eye
Prophylactic
pertaining to preventing or protecting against disease or pregnancy
Maximal
pertaining to the greatest possible quantity, number, or degree
Minimal
pertaining to the least possible quantity, number, or degree
Palmar
pertaining to the palm of the hand
Pyrogenic
pertaining to the production of heat; a fever
Chronic
pertaining to time; denotes a disease with little change or of slow progression; the opposite of acute
Incision
process of cutting into
Excision
process of cutting out, surgical removal
Rapport
relationship of understanding between two individuals, especially between the patient and the physician
Microscope
scientific instrument designed to view small objects
Microorganism
small living organisms that are not visible to the naked eye
Illness
state of being sick
Etiology
study of the cause(s) of disease
Radiology
study of x-rays and other imaging modalities that use x-rays
Antidote
substance given to counteract poisons and their effects
Acute (ac)
sudden, sharp, severe; used to describe a disease that has a sudden onset, severe symptoms, and a short course
Paracentesis
surgical puncture of a body cavity for fluid removal
Biopsy (Bx)
surgical removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination; used to determine a diagnosis of cancer or other disease processes in the body
Empathy
the ability to sense intellectually and emotionally the feelings of another person
Chemotherapy
the use of chemical agents in the treatment of disease, specifically drugs used in cancer therapy
Diaphoresis
to carry through sweat glands; profuse sweating
Abate
to lessen, ease, decrease, or cease. Used to note the lessening of pain or the decrease in severity of symptoms.
Centimeter (cm)
unit of measurement in the metric system; one hundredth of a meter
Milliliter (mL)
unit of volume in the metric system; 0.001 L
Liter (L)
unit of volume in the metric system; 1000 mL; a liter is equal to 33.8 fl oz or 1.0567 qt
Kilogram (kg)
unit of weight in the metric system; 1000 g; a kilogram is equal to 2.2 lb
Gram (g)
unit of weight in the metric system; a cubic centimeter or a millimeter of water is equal to the weight of a gram
Asepsis
without decay; sterile, free from all living microorganisms
Disinfectant
Chemical substance that can be applied to objects to destroy pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria
Topography
description of a body part in relation to the anatomic region in which it is located
Diagnosis (Dx)
determination of the cause and nature of a disease
Centrifuge
device used in a laboratory to separate solids from liquids
Malformation
literally means a process of being badly shaped, deformed; a structural defect that fails to form normal shape and therefore can affect the function; e.g., cleft lip
Adhesion
literally means a process of being stuck together. An abdominal adhesion usually involves the intestines and is caused by inflammation or trauma. This type of adhesion may cause an intestinal obstruction and require surgery.
Prognosis
literally means a state of foreknowledge; prediction of the course of a disease and the recovery rate of the affected person
Malignant
literally means formation of a bad kind; growing worse, harmful, cancerous
Disease
literally means lack of ease; a pathological condition of the body that presents with a series of symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings peculiar to it and sets it apart from normal or other abnormal body states; a disruption of normal functioning of the body by a process that can be congenital, infectious, or the failure of normal activity to maintain and sustain health
Oncology
literally means the study of tumors; the study of the etiology, the characteristics, treatments, etc., of cancer
Abscess
localized collection of pus, which may occur in any part of the body.
Neopathy
new disease
Multiform
occurring in or having many shapes; an object that has more than on defined shape
Pallor
paleness, a lack of color
Malaise
a general feeling of discomfort, uneasiness; often felt by a patient who has a chronic disease
Syndrome
a group of signs and symptoms occurring together that characterize a specific disease or pathological condition
Triage
a system of prioritizing and classifying patient injuries to determine priority of need and treatment
Necrosis
abnormal condition of tissue death
Autoclave
an apparatus that sterilizes instruments and items using steam under pressure to reach a heat of 250F to 254F for a specified time, such as 30 minutes for single wrapped items
Thermometer
an instrument used to measure degree of heat, especially the temperature of a person
Efferent
carrying impulse away from a center
Afferent
carrying impulses toward a center
Apathy
condition in which one lacks feelings and emotions and is indifferent
Ambulartory (Amb)
condition of being able to walk, not confined to bed
Autonomy
condition of being self-governed; to function independently
Cachexia
condition of ill health, malnutrition, and wasting. It may occur in chronic diseases such as cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis