Common language used in healthcare

Acute

Describing a condition that begins abruptly and is often severe, but short-lived.

Chronic

Describing a condition that persists over a long period or recurs continuously.

Outpatient

A patient who receives medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital overnight.

Inpatient

A patient who is formally admitted to a healthcare facility for at least one overnight stay.

Benign

Describing a medical condition or growth that is non-cancerous and harmless.

Malignant

Describing a cancerous tumor or growth that can invade surrounding tissues and spread.

Triage

The process of sorting patients based on the severity of their condition to determine treatment priority.

Prophylaxis

Action or treatment taken to prevent a disease or healthcare condition from occurring.

Prognosis

The likely course, outcome, or forecast of a medical condition.

Idiopathic

Describing a disease or condition that arises spontaneously or has an unknown cause.