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.
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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).
Laxative
Something that loosens the bowels. Used to combat constipation (and sometimes overused, producing diarrhea). The word 'laxative' comes from the Latin 'laxare' meaning 'to open, widen, extend, release.'
Read the definitionRandom terms
Show more- Aorta, thoracic The thoracic aorta is a section of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, within the chest. Specifically…
- Topical chemotherapy Chemotherapy: Treatment with an anticancer drug in a lotion, ointment or cream that is applied to the skin.
- Sepsis, neonatal A serious blood bacterial infection in an infant less than 4 weeks of age. Babies with sepsis may be…
- Lentigines When there is one lentigo, there are usually more lentigines
- Exercise-induced asthma Asthma: Asthma that is 'triggered' by vigorous physical activity. Exercise-induced asthma tends particularly…
- Smooth muscle One of the three types of muscle tissue in the body (skeletal, smooth, cardiac). Generally forms the…
- Melanin A skin pigment (substance that gives the skin its color). Dark-skinned people have more melanin than light-…
- Cord, umbilical See: Umbilical cord
- Shock Shock: In medicine, shock is a critical condition brought on by a sudden drop in blood flow through the body…
- Elastase inhibitor See: Antielastase
- PSA See: Primary sclerosing cholangitis.
- Medicine, naturopathic See: Naturopathy