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).
Examination, digital rectal (DRE)
An exam done to detect abnormalities that can be felt (palpated) from within the rectum. The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for anything that is not normal. The digital rectal exam is an important…
Read the definitionRandom terms
Show more- Paranychia A frequent misspelling of Paronychia
- Arborvirus What's in a name? Although 'arbor' sounds as if it should have something to do with trees, it doesn't. It…
- Histamine Substance that plays a major role in many allergic reactions. Histamine dilates blood vessels and makes the…
- Neurosyphilis, tabes Also known as tabes dorsalis, the slowly progressive degeneration of the spinal cord that occurs in the late…
- Medigap Health insurance in the US that is intended to supplement Medicare benefits and presumably to fill the gaps…
- Syndrome, Pickwickian The combination of obesity, somnolence (sleepiness), hypoventilation (underbreathing), and plethoric (red)…
- Shigella Epidemic and opportunistic bacillary dysentery due to infection with the Shigella bacteria. Shigellosis…
- ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotox.) An immune response in which antibodies, by coating target cells, makes them vulnerable to attack by immune…
- Helicobacter heilmannii A bacteria that infects most cats, dogs and pigs and, in them, causes stomach inflammation (gastritis). H…
- Operating room A facility equipped for performing surgery. Abbreviated OR
- Disease, Conor and Bruch African tick typhus, one of the tick-borne rickettsial diseases of the eastern hemisphere similar to Rocky…
- Casting, serial The use of successive casts to reshape deformed or spastic limbs