Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology Overview

  • A-, an:

    • Meaning: Without, not

  • c/o:

    • Meaning: Complains of

  • Oob:

    • Meaning: Out of bed

  • Tx:

    • Meaning: Treatment

  • Ad lib:

    • Meaning: Freely as desired

  • Carcino:

    • Meaning: Cancer

  • Kypho:

    • Meaning: Humped

  • -tomy:

    • Meaning: Cutting

  • Aerobic:

    • Definition: Requiring oxygen

  • DNR (Do Not Resuscitate):

    • Definition: A medical order indicating not to perform CPR in the event of cardiac arrest

  • LOC (Level of consciousness):

    • Definition: A measure of alertness or awareness of the surroundings

  • OTC (Over the counter):

    • Definition: Medications available without a prescription

  • -itis:

    • Meaning: Inflammation

  • Neuro:

    • Meaning: Pertaining to nerve or nervous system

  • Anaerobic:

    • Definition: Without the use of oxygen

  • Dys:

    • Meaning: Difficult, painful

  • -megaly:

    • Meaning: Enlargement of a body part

  • Per:

    • Meaning: Through

  • -plegia:

    • Meaning: Paralysis

  • Hemiplegia:

    • Definition: Paralysis of the right or left side of the body

  • Febrile:

    • Definition: Having a fever
    • A febrile: Not having a fever

  • Antipyretics:

    • Definition: Substances that reduce fever

  • Dementia:

    • Definition: Not a specific disease; refers to issues such as memory loss, language challenges, problem-solving difficulties, and other cognitive issues

  • Hydrocephalus:

    • Definition: Buildup of fluid in the ventricles of the brain

  • Hemiparesis:

    • Definition: Slight weakness on one side of the body; if severe, referred to as hemiplegia

  • Meso-:

    • Meaning: Middle

  • Peri-:

    • Meaning: Around

  • PERRLA:

    • Definition: Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation

  • Anesthesia:

    • Definition: Controlled temporary loss of sensation during medical procedures to prevent pain

  • Syncope:

    • Definition: Temporary loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood pressure, commonly known as fainting

  • -algia:

    • Meaning: Pain

  • PO:

    • Definition: Orally

  • Anthropometry:

    • Definition: The scientific study of measurements and proportions of the human body

  • Hypersomnolence:

    • Definition: Excessive sleepiness even after adequate 7+ hours of sleep.