MedicalVocabulary.org
Medical vocabulary with 16,436 clear, complete and reliable definitions.
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The most complete online medical dictionary: 16,436 terms covering anatomy, physiology, pathologies, diagnostic exams, pharmacology and every clinical specialty.
Designed for 3 kinds of users:
- Patients and family who want to understand a diagnosis, a medical report or instructions from a doctor.
- Students of medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and the health professions, dealing with technical terminology.
- Doctors, pharmacists and healthcare workers who need a quick and reliable reference.
Definitions are written in clear, accessible language while keeping the rigor required for professional use. Each term has a dedicated URL, instant autocomplete search, and can be shared on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and via email with one click.
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Disclaimer: the content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have doubts about your health, always consult a qualified professional. In case of emergency call your local emergency number (911 in the US, 112 in the EU).
Sternal rib
One of the first 7 pairs of ribs. A rib is said to be a 'sternal' rib or a 'true' rib if it attaches to the sternum (the breast bone). All 12 pairs of ribs attach to the building blocks of the spine (vertebrae) in the back. The 12 pairs of…
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Show more- Brain cancer Brain cancer: Cancer of the central information processing center of the body. Tumors in the brain can be…
- Rectal exam, digital (DRE) An exam done to detect abnormalities that can be felt (palpated) from within the rectum. The doctor inserts a…
- Parathyroid gland A gland that regulates calcium, located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. The parathyroid gland secretes…
- Tap, joint (aspiration) A procedure whereby a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain joint fluid from the joint. This is…
- HHV-6 Human herpesvirus 6
- Post-traumatic stress disorder Stress disorder: A common anxiety disorder that develops after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in…
- Code black While there is no formal definition for a 'Code,' doctors often use the term as slang to refer to a patient…
- Dilation The process of enlargement, stretching, or expansion. The word 'dilatation' means the same thing. Both come…
- MCL (medial collateral ligament) of the knee The knee joint is surrounded by a joint capsule with ligaments strapping the inside and outside of the joint…
- Surveillance of disease See: Disease surveillance
- Contact eczema, allergic Also called allergic contact dermatitis, this is a red, itchy, weepy reaction where the skin has come into…
- Category 5 storm See: Category five hurricane