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).
Rib, vertebral
One of the last two ribs. A rib is said to be 'vertebral' if it does not attach to the sternum (the breast bone) or to another rib. There are usually 12 pairs of ribs in all. Each pair of ribs is attached to the building blocks of the…
Read the definitionRandom terms
Show more- Alpha particle A tiny mass of material composed of two protons and two neutrons. Alpha particles do not travel very far from…
- Indwelling bladder catheter See: Catheter, indwelling bladder
- De Musset sign Rhythmic nodding or bobbing of the head in synchrony with the heart beat, a sign of aortic insufficiency…
- Prenatal Occurring or existing before birth. Prenatal care is the regular health care women should receive during…
- Syndrome, keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness See Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome
- Heterosexual A person sexually attracted to persons of the opposite sex. Or a person who has sexual relations with the…
- Concussion of the brain A traumatic injury to the brain as a result of a violent blow, shaking, or spinning. A brain concussion can…
- Hemoglobin E Normal embryonic hemoglobin, the main type of hemoglobin found in the human embryo. The E stands for…
- Beau lines See: Beau's lines
- Preop Short for preoperative, before surgery. The opposite of preop is postop
- Encephalitis, Nipah virus Brain inflammation (encephalitis) due to the Nipah virus that infects pigs and people. Nipah is the name of…
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease A genetic disease of nerves characterized by progressively debilitating muscle weakness, particularly of the…