Medical Terminology

Abscess

localized collection of pus

Acidosis

The condition of abnormal acid in the body

Adenocarcinoma

A cancer that develops in glandular tissues

Adenoma

A non-cancerous tumor in glandular tissues

Agranulocytosis

A deficiency of white blood cells in the blood

Akathisia

Inability to sit still

Alopecia

Partial or complete hair loss

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation

Amnesia

Loss of memory

Analgesia

Absence of or relief from pain

Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction, an acute hypersensitivity reaction

Anemia

A deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin

Aneurysm

An abnormal dilation of a blood vessel due to wall weakening

Angina

Chest pain caused by decreased blood flow or oxygen to the heart

Angioedema

Swelling of the deeper layers of the skin

Anhidrosis

Absence of sweating

Anorexia

An eating disorder characterized by a lack or loss of appetite

Anticholinergic

Inhibiting the action of acetylcholine

Anticoagulation

Prevent the clotting of blood

Antiemetic

Preventing nausea and vomiting

Antihyperlipidemic

Preventing elevated lipids in the blood

Antineoplastic

Preventing the growth of tumor or cancer cells

Antiplatelet

Preventing blood clotting through inhibition of platelet aggregation

Antipruritic

Prevent or relieve itching

Antipasmodic

Preventing or relieving sudden muscle contracting

Anuria

A failure to produce urine

Aphasia

An inability to understand or express speech

Aphasia

A failure of organ or tissue to develop properly

Apnea

A temporary cessation of bleeding

Arrhythmia

Abnormal heart rate or rhythm

Arteriosclerosis

Hardening of the artery walls

Arthralgia

Joint pain

Arthritis

Inflammation of the joints

Ascites

Abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen

Aseptic

Free from infection or contamination

Asplenia

The condition of being without a spleen

Asthenia

The condition of being without strength or energy

Asystole

The absence of contractions in the heart

Ataxia

Loss of muscle control, lack of coordination of voluntary body movements

Atherosclerotic

Hardening of the artery walls due to a buildup of plaque

Atrophy

Wasting away

Autoimmune

An immune response against one's own healthy body tissue

Antipyretic

Preventing or relieving fever

Anesthesia

Producing a loss of sensation, including pain

Anosmia

A partial or complete loss of sense of smell

Bactericidal

Substance or medication which kills bacteria

Bacteriostatic

Substance or medication which stops bacterial growth

Benign

A condition, often referring to a growth or tumor that is not cancerous

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelid

Bradyarrhythmia

A disturbance in normal heart rhythm resulting in a slow heart rate, or bradycardia

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute

Bradykinesia

Abnormally slow movement

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes

Bronchodilator

A class of medications commonly used to expand or widen the bronchial tubes to open airways

Bronchospasm

A contraction of the bronchial tubes, resulting in a narrowed airway and difficulty breathing

Bulimia

An eating disorder characterized by distorted body image, and a cycle of overeating followed by purging

Candidemia

An infection defined by the presence of candida in the bloodstream

Candidiasis

A fungal infection caused by candida

Carcinogenic

Potential to cause cancer

Carcinoma

A cancerous mass or tumor

Cardiogenic

Originating in the heart

Cardiomegaly

An abnormal enlargement of the heart

Cardiotoxicity

Damage to the heart

Cholelithiasis

Presence of gallstones in the biliary tract

Cholestasis

A decreases or stoppage in bile flow

Cholinergic

Pertaining to cells in which acetylcholine is released or produced

Colitis

Inflammation of the colon

Colonoscopy

A procedure which examines the colon

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjuctiva, the lining of the eye and eyelids

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation

Cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder

Buccal

A topical administration route in which medication is placed between the gums and cheek

Cutaneous

Pertaining to the skin

Endotracheal

Applied through the trachea, using a tube to keep the airway open and administer medication

Enteral

Pertaining to, or passing through, the intestines

Intradermal

Within or into the skin

Intramuscular

Within or into the muscle

Intraocular

Within or into the eye

Intrathecal

Within or into the thecal sac

Intravenous

Within or into a vein

Nasogastric

Involving a route to the stomach through the nose, often used in nutrition via a tube

Neuraxial

Around the central nervous system, often referred to in anesthesia

Ophthalmic

Pertaining to the eye, often used for ocular drug delivery

Parenteral

Route outside the intestines

Percutaneous

Absorbed or delivered through the skin

Rectal

Affecting the rectum

Subconjunctival

Occurring below the conjunctiva (lining of inner surface of the eyelid and the exposed portion of the eyeball)

Subcutaneous

Below the skin, or route of administration

Sublingual

Administered under the tongue

Transdermal

Absorption through the skin

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin

Dialysis

A treatment to filter blood fluids and toxic waste products, often as a result of kidney failure

Diaphoresis

Condition of abnormal, excessive sweating

Diarrhea

Frequent passage of watery stools

Diplopia

Double vision

Dyscrasia

A disease or disorder, often referring to the blood

Dyskinesia

Abnormal or involuntary movement

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation

Dyspepsia

Indigestion

Dysphasia

Difficulty speaking