Basic Medical Terminology Glossary for Interpreters

A vocabulary-style glossary of essential medical terms and their definitions in English, derived from a basic medical terminology guide for interpreters.

Blood pressure

Measurement of the force of the blood against the arterial walls.

Heart rate

Number of heartbeats per minute.

Shortness of breath

Common symptom in heart or respiratory conditions.

Nausea

Feeling of stomach upset with an urge to vomit.

Vomiting

Expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.

Diarrhea

Frequent and liquid bowel movements.

Fever

Abnormal increase in body temperature.

Chills

Feeling of cold accompanied by shivering.

Dizziness

Feeling of lightheadedness or instability.

Pain

Unpleasant sensation indicating a problem in the body.

Swelling

Increase in volume in a part of the body.

Infection

Presence of harmful microorganisms in the body.

Inflammation

The body's reaction to an injury or irritation.

Antibiotics

Medications that fight bacterial infections.

Pain reliever

Medication to relieve pain.

Prescription

Written indication of a treatment or medication.

Over-the-counter medicine

Medication that does not require a prescription.

Appointment

Scheduled meeting with a health professional.

Check-up

Routine exam to evaluate general health.

Medical history

Record of previous medical conditions and treatments.

Emergency room (ER)

Area for immediate medical attention.

Urine sample

Collection of urine for medical analysis.

Blood test

Laboratory exam of a blood sample.

X-ray

Internal image of the body obtained with X-rays.

Ultrasound

Diagnostic test with sound waves.

Allergy

Overreaction of the immune system.

Asthma

Chronic respiratory disease.

Hypertension

High blood pressure.

Diabetes

Disease related to high blood sugar levels.

Injection

Administration of medications with a needle.

Twice a day

Frequency of medication administration.

Headache

Pain located in the head, can have various causes.

Cough

Sudden expulsion of air from the lungs to eliminate irritants.

Cold

Mild viral infection of the respiratory system.

Flu

More severe viral infection than the cold, with fever and aches.

Rash

Area of inflamed or reddened skin.

Itching

Uncomfortable sensation that causes a desire to scratch.

Burning sensation

Sensation of heat or burning in the body.

Cramp

Painful and involuntary muscle contraction.

Stitches

Sutures used to close wounds.

Cast

Rigid mold to immobilize broken bones.

Fracture

Partial or total break of a bone.

Sprain

Injury to the ligaments due to a twist.

Discharge

Fluid that leaves the body, such as from a wound or cavity.

Wound

Damage to the skin or body tissues.

Surgery

Medical procedure to treat injuries or diseases.

Anesthesia

Substance used to prevent pain during procedures.

Recovery

Period of healing after an illness or surgery.

Side effects

Unwanted reactions to medications.

Follow-up

Visit or check after a treatment.

Discharge instructions

Directions for home care after being discharged.