MedicalVocabulary.org
Medical vocabulary with 16,436 clear, complete and reliable definitions.
About MedicalVocabulary.org
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).
Index case
A person who first draws attention to their family. For example, if my eye doctor discovers I have glaucoma and subsequently other cases of glaucoma are found in my family, I am the index case. Also called the propositus (if male) or…
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Show more- United States Public Health Service The agency responsible for the public health of the American people. The Public Health Service (PHS)…
- Nervous system, parasympathetic A part of the nervous system that slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes…
- Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter pylori: Bacteria that cause stomach inflammation (gastritis) and ulcers in the stomach. This…
- Succumb To lose the will to oppose something or to give up and accept something that you first opposed. In the…
- Institutional Review Board IRB. A group of scientists, doctors, clergy, and consumers at each health care facility that participates in…
- Radiolucent Anything that permits the penetration and passage of X-rays or other forms of radiation. Radiolucent is as…
- Medical scientist A person who combines expertise in medicine and science. Medical scientists of note might, for example…
- Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy Idiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED): A genetic autoimmune disease with an extraordinary array of clinical…
- Reaction kinetics Kinetics (with an 's' at the end) refers to the rate of change in a biochemical (or other) reaction, the…
- Polypsis of the colon Multiple polyps with a high malignant potential in the large bowel. This hereditary condition is also known…
- Cannonball pulse See: Pulse, water hammer
- Coxsackie virus Coxsackie virus: See: Coxsackievirus.