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).
Founder effect
The positive effect on gene frequency when a population (a colony) has only a small number of original settlers (founders) one or more of whom had that gene. For example, the gene for Huntington disease was introduced into the Lake…
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Show more- Buprenorphine A prescription medication for people addicted to heroin or other opiates that acts by relieving the symptoms…
- Xenotransplantation Transplantation from one species to a foreign one. The rationale for xenotransplantation has included the…
- Jealousy, delusional See: Othello syndrome
- Section, lower segment Cesarian (LSCS) A Cesarian section in which the surgical incision (cut) is made in the lower segment of the uterus
- Infant iron supplementation Iron is included in most infant formulas. Therefore, there is no evidence that iron supplementation is…
- Panic A sudden strong feeling of fear that prevents reasonable thought or action. From the Greek woodland god Pan…
- Peak-flow meter This hand-held device measures air flow (how fast air is blown out of the lungs). Patients can use peak-flow…
- Downregulation An decrease in the number of receptors on the surface of target cells, making the cells less sensitive to a…
- Medical geography An important 'new' area of health research that is a hybrid between geography and medicine dealing with the…
- Medulla oblongata The base of the brain, which is formed by the enlarged top of the spinal cord. This part of the brain…
- Lenz microphthalmia syndrome A genetic disorder characterized by microphthalmia (small eye) or anopthalmia (no eye) associated with…
- Clitoral Pertaining to the clitoris, the small elongated erectile body in the female homologous with the penis in the…