Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

A level: the advanced level of a subject taken in school (usually two years after O level)
AAA: an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
abarticulation: dislocation of a joint
abasement: a low or downcast state
abasia: inability to walk
abasia trepidans: abasia due to trembling of the legs
abdominal actinomycosis: a serious form of actinomycosis that affects the abdomen
abdominal pregnancy: ectopic pregnancy in the abdominal cavity
aberrance: a state or condition markedly different from the norm
aberration: a disorder in one's mental state
abetalipoproteinemia: a rare inherited disorder of fat metabolism; characterized by severe deficiency of beta-lipoproteins and abnormal red blood cells (acanthocytes) and abnormally low cholesterol levels
abeyance: temporary cessation or suspension
ablepharia: a congenital absence of eyelids (partial or complete)
abnormalcy: an abnormal physical condition resulting from defective genes or developmental deficiencies
abocclusion: the condition in which the upper teeth do not touch the lower teeth when biting
aboulia: a loss of will power
abrachia: the condition of having no arms
abrasion: an abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off
abruptio placentae: a disorder of pregnancy in which the placenta prematurely separates from the wall of the uterus
abscess: symptom consisting of a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
abscessed tooth: an abscess of a common kind in the tissue around a tooth
absence: the state of being absent
absence: the occurrence of an abrupt, transient loss or impairment of consciousness (which is not subsequently remembered), sometimes with light twitching, fluttering eyelids, etc.; common in petit mal epilepsy
absolution: the condition of being formally forgiven by a priest in the sacrament of penance
absolutism: dominance through threat of punishment and violence
absurd: a situation in which life seems irrational and meaningless
academic freedom: the freedom of teachers and students to express their ideas in school without religious or political or institutional restrictions
acanthocytosis: the presence of acanthocytes in the blood stream (as in abetalipoproteinemia)
acantholysis: a breakdown of a cell layer in the epidermis (as in pemphigus)
acanthoma: a neoplasm originating in the epidermis
acanthosis: an abnormal but benign thickening of the prickle-cell layer of the skin (as in psoriasis)
acanthosis nigricans: a skin disease characterized by dark wartlike patches in the body folds; can be benign or malignant
acapnia: a state in which the level of carbon dioxide in the blood is lower than normal; can result from deep or rapid breathing
acardia: congenital absence of the heart (as in the development of some monsters)
acariasis: infestation with itch mites
acarophobia: a morbid fear of small insects and mites and worms
acataphasia: a disorder in which a lesion to the central nervous system leaves you unable to formulate a statement or to express yourself in an organized manner
acathexia: an inability to retain bodily secretions
accent: special importance or significance
acceptance: the state of being acceptable and accepted
acceptation: acceptance as true or valid
accord: harmony of people's opinions or actions or characters
account payable: a liability account showing how much is owed for goods and services purchased on credit
account: a formal contractual relationship established to provide for regular banking or brokerage or business services
acephalia: absence of the head (as in the development of some monsters)
acetonemia: an abnormal increase of ketone bodies in the blood as in diabetes mellitus
acetonuria: excessive amounts of ketone bodies in the urine as in diabetes mellitus or starvation
ache: a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
achievability: the state of being achievable
achlorhydria: an abnormal deficiency or absence of free hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice; often associated with severe anemias and cancer of the stomach
acholia: a condition in which little or no bile is secreted or the flow of bile into the digestive tract is obstructed
achondroplasia: an inherited skeletal disorder beginning before birth; cartilage is converted to bone resulting in dwarfism
achylia: absence of gastric juices (partial or complete)
acid precipitation: rain containing acids that form in the atmosphere when industrial gas emissions (especially sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) combine with water
acidemia: a blood disorder characterized by an increased concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood (which falls below 7 on the pH scale)
acidosis: abnormally high acidity (excess hydrogen-ion concentration) of the blood and other body tissues
acknowledgement: the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged
acme: the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
acne: an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
acne rosacea: a skin disease of adults (more often women) in which blood vessels of the face enlarge resulting in a flushed appearance
acne vulgaris: the most common form of acne; usually affects people from puberty to young adulthood
acorea: absence of the pupil in an eye
acousma: illusory auditory perception of strange nonverbal sounds
acoustic aphasia: an impairment in understanding spoken language that is not attributable to hearing loss
acousticophobia: a morbid fear of sounds including your own voice
acquaintance: a relationship less intimate than friendship
acquiescence: acceptance without protest
acquired hemochromatosis: hemochromatosis resulting from repeated transfusions or from excessive intake of foods containing iron
acquired immunity: immunity to a particular disease that is not innate but has been acquired during life; immunity can be acquired by the development of antibodies after an attack of an infectious disease or by a pregnant mother passing antibodies through the placenta to a fetus or by vaccination
acroanaesthesia: loss of sensation in the extremities
acrocephaly: a congenital abnormality of the skull; the top of the skull assumes a cone shape
acromegalia: enlargement of bones of hands and feet and face; often accompanied by headache and muscle pain and emotional disturbances; caused by overproduction of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland (due to a tumor)
acromicria: abnormally small extremities (underdeveloped fingers and toes)
acromphalus: abnormal protrusion of the navel; sometimes the start of umbilical hernia
acromyotonia: myotonia of the extremities only; causes spastic deformity of the hand or foot
acrophobia: a morbid fear of great heights
actinic dermatitis: dermatitis caused exposure to sunlight
actinic keratosis: an overgrowth of skin layers resulting from extended exposure to the sun
actinomycosis: disease of cattle that can be transmitted to humans; results from infection with actinomycetes; characterized by hard swellings that exude pus through long sinuses
action: the state of being active
active immunity: a form of acquired immunity in which the body produces its own antibodies against disease-causing antigens
activity: (chemistry) the capacity of a substance to take part in a chemical reaction
actuality: the state of actually existing objectively
acute anterior poliomyelitis: an acute viral disease marked by inflammation of nerve cells of the brain stem and spinal cord
acute brain disorder: any disorder (as sudden confusion or disorientation) in an otherwise normal person that is due to reversible (temporary) impairment of brain tissues (as by head injuries or drugs or infection)
acute gastritis: gastritis caused by ingesting an irritant (as too much aspirin)
acute glaucoma: glaucoma in which the iris blocks the outflow of aqueous humor
acute glossitis: glossitis resulting from injury or infection and characterized by swelling and pain
acute hemorrhagic encephalitis: encephalitis that resembles apoplexy due to blood extravasation
acute inclusion body encephalitis: common form of acute encephalitis caused by herpes simplex 1; usually affects the temporal and frontal lobes
acute kidney failure: renal failure associated with burns or other trauma or with acute infection or obstruction of the urinary tract
acute leukemia: rapidly progressing leukemia
acute lymphoblastic leukemia: acute leukemia characterized by proliferation of immature lymphoblast-like cells in bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and blood; most common in children
acute myelocytic leukemia: acute leukemia characterized by proliferation of granular leukocytes; most common in adolescents and young adults
acute pyelonephritis: pyelonephritis resulting from the spread of a bladder infection
acute schizophrenic episode: schizophrenia of abrupt onset and relatively short duration (a few weeks or months)
ADA-SCID: SCID resulting from mutation of a gene that codes for adenosine deaminase
adactylia: congenital absence of fingers and/or toes
addiction: being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)
Addison's syndrome: a glandular disorder caused by failure of function of the cortex of the adrenal gland and marked by anemia and prostration with brownish skin
adenitis: inflammation of a gland or lymph node
adenocarcinoma: malignant tumor originating in glandular epithelium
adenoma: a benign epithelial tumor of glandular origin
adenomatous polyp: a polyp that consists of benign neoplastic tissue derived from glandular epithelium
adenomegaly: gland enlargement
adenomyosis: the presence of endometrium elsewhere than in the lining of the uterus; causes premenstrual pain and dysmenorrhea
adenopathy: a glandular disease or enlargement of glandular tissue (especially of the lymph glands)
adenosis: a disorder of the glands of the body
ADHD: a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
adhesion: abnormal union of bodily tissues; most common in the abdomen
adipose tumor: a tumor consisting of fatty tissue
admixture: the state of impairing the quality or reducing the value of something
adolescence: in the state that someone is in between puberty and adulthood
adulteration: being mixed with extraneous material; the product of adulterating
adulthood: the state (and responsibilities) of a person who has attained maturity
adversity: a state of misfortune or affliction
aerodontalgia: pain in the teeth that results from a change in air pressure (as in flying or mountain climbing)
aeroembolism: pain resulting from rapid change in pressure
aeroembolism: obstruction of the circulatory system caused by an air bubble as, e.g., accidentally during surgery or hypodermic injection or as a complication from scuba diving
aestivation: (zoology) cessation or slowing of activity during the summer; especially slowing of metabolism in some animals during a hot or dry period
affair: a usually secretive or illicit sexual relationship
affective disorder: any mental disorder not caused by detectable organic abnormalities of the brain and in which a major disturbance of emotions is predominant
affiliation: a social or business relationship
affliction: a condition of suffering or distress due to ill health
affliction: a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
affluence: abundant wealth
afibrinogenemia: the absence of fibrinogen in the plasma leading to prolonged bleeding
aftereffect: a delayed effect of a drug or therapy
afterpains: pains felt by a woman after her baby is born; associated with contractions of the uterus
agalactia: a condition in which milk is not secreted in the mother's breasts after her child has been delivered
agammaglobulinemia: a rare immunological disorder characterized by the virtual absence of gamma globulin in the blood and consequent susceptibility to infection
agency: the state of being in action or exerting power
agency: the state of serving as an official and authorized delegate or agent
agitated depression: a state of clinical depression in which the person exhibits irritability and restlessness
agitation: a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance
agitation: a state of agitation or turbulent change or development
agnosia: inability to recognize objects by use of the senses
agony: a state of acute pain
agoraphobia: a morbid fear of open spaces (as fear of being caught alone in some public place)
agranulocytosis: an acute blood disorder (often caused by radiation or drug therapy) characterized by severe reduction in granulocytes
agraphia: a loss of the ability to write or to express thoughts in writing because of a brain lesion
ague: a fit of shivering or shaking
ague: successive stages of chills and fever that is a symptom of malaria
AIDS: a serious (often fatal) disease of the immune system transmitted through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles
ailment: an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
ailurophobia: a morbid fear of cats
air alert: the condition in which combat aircraft are airborne and ready for an operation
air mass: a large body of air with uniform characteristics horizontally
air pollution: pollution of the atmosphere
air sickness: motion sickness experienced while traveling by air (especially during turbulence)
airworthiness: fitness to fly
akinesia: motionlessness attributable to a temporary paralysis
akinetic epilepsy: epilepsy characterized by akinesia
alalia: paralysis of the vocal cords resulting in an inability to speak
Albers-Schonberg disease: an inherited disorder characterized by an increase in bone density; in severe forms the bone marrow cavity may be obliterated
albinism: the congenital absence of pigmentation in the eyes and skin and hair
Albright's disease: fibrous dysplasia of bone affecting multiple bones
albuminuria: the presence of excessive protein (chiefly albumin but also globulin) in the urine; usually a symptom of kidney disorder
alcaptonuria: a rare recessive metabolic anomaly marked by ochronosis and the presence of alkapton in the urine
alcohol addiction: habitual intoxication; prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms
alder blight: a disease of alders caused by the woolly alder aphid (a plant louse)
aldosteronism: a condition caused by overproduction of aldosterone
alert: condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action
alerting: a state of readiness to respond
alexia: inability to perceive written words
algidity: prostration characterized by cold and clammy skin and low blood pressure
algophobia: a morbid fear of pain
alienation: separation resulting from hostility
aliveness: the condition of living or the state of being alive
alkalemia: a blood disorder characterized by a lower concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood (which rises above 7.45 on the pH scale)
alkali poisoning: poisoning resulting from the ingestion of an alkali compound (as lye or ammonia)
alkalinuria: a condition in which the urine (which is normally slightly acidic) is alkaline
alkalosis: abnormally high alkalinity (low hydrogen-ion concentration) of the blood and other body tissues
allergic eczema: eczema caused by an allergic reaction
allergic reaction: hypersensitivity reaction to a particular allergen; symptoms can vary greatly in intensity
allergic rhinitis: rhinitis caused by an allergic reaction
alliance: the state of being allied or confederated
allopatry: the occurrence of related organisms in separate geographical areas with no overlap
alopecia: loss of hair (especially on the head) or loss of wool or feathers; in humans it can result from heredity or hormonal imbalance or certain diseases or drugs and treatments (chemotherapy for cancer)
alopecia areata: patchy baldness
altitude sickness: effects (as nosebleed or nausea) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues at high altitudes
altogether: informal terms for nakedness
alveolar ectasia: abnormal enlargement of the air sacs in the lungs
alveolar resorption: wasting of the bony socket
alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: form of rhabdomyosarcoma occurring mainly in adolescents and young adults
alveolitis: inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs caused by inhaling dust; with repeated exposure the condition may become chronic
alveolitis: inflammation in the socket of a tooth; sometimes occurs after a tooth is extracted and a blood clot fails to form
Alzheimer's disease: a progressive form of presenile dementia that is similar to senile dementia except that it usually starts in the 40s or 50s; first symptoms are impaired memory which is followed by impaired thought and speech and finally complete helplessness
amastia: absence of the mammary glands (either through surgery or developmental defect)
amaurosis: partial or total loss of sight without pathology of the eye; caused by disease of optic nerve or retina or brain
ambiance: a particular environment or surrounding influence
amblyopia: visual impairment without apparent organic pathology
ambulant plague: a mild form of bubonic plague
AMD: macular degeneration that is age-related
amebiasis: infection by a disease-causing ameba
amebic dysentery: inflammation of the intestines caused by Endamoeba histolytica; usually acquired by ingesting food or water contaminated with feces; characterized by severe diarrhea
amelia: congenital absence of an arm or leg
amenia: absence or suppression of normal menstrual flow
ametria: congenital absence of the uterus
ametropia: (ophthalmology) faulty refraction of light rays in the eye as in astigmatism or myopia
aminoaciduria: abnormal presence of amino acids in the urine; usually a symptom of metabolic defects
amity: a state of friendship and cordiality
ammoniuria: excessive ammonia in the urine
amnesic aphasia: inability to name objects or to recognize written or spoken names of objects
amnesty: a period during which offenders are exempt from punishment
amphidiploidy: the condition of being amphidiploid
amputation: a condition of disability resulting from the loss of one or more limbs
amyloidosis: a disorder characterized by deposit of amyloid in organs or tissues; often secondary to chronic rheumatoid arthritis or tuberculosis or multiple myeloma
amyotonia: lack of normal muscular tension or tonus
amyotrophia: progressive wasting of muscle tissues
amyxia: a condition in which no mucus in produced
anabiosis: suspended animation in organisms during periods of extreme drought from which they revive when moisture returns
anaclisis: (psychoanalysis) relationship marked by strong dependence on others; especially a libidinal attachment to e.g. a parental figure
anaclitic depression: severe and progressive depression in infants who lose their mother and do not get a suitable substitute
anaemia: a lack of vitality
anaemia: a deficiency of red blood cells
anaesthesia: loss of bodily sensation with or without loss of consciousness
analbuminemia: an abnormally low level of albumin in the blood serum
analgesia: absence of the sense of pain without loss of consciousness
anaphylactic shock: a severe and rapid and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reaction to a substance (especially a vaccine or penicillin or shellfish or insect venom) to which the organism has become sensitized by previous exposure
anaphylaxis: hypersensitivity reaction to the ingestion or injection of a substance (a protein or drug) resulting from prior contact with a substance
anaplasia: loss of structural differentiation within a cell or group of cells often with increased capacity for multiplication, as in a malignant tumor
anaplasmosis: a disease of cattle that is transmitted by cattle ticks; similar to Texas fever
anarchy: a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government)
anarthria: partial or total loss of articulate speech resulting from lesions of the central nervous system
anasarca: generalized edema with accumulation of serum in subcutaneous connective tissue
anchorage: the condition of being secured to a base
anchylosis: abnormal adhesion and rigidity of the bones of a joint
androphobia: a morbid fear of men
anemic anoxia: anoxia resulting from a decreased concentration of hemoglobin
anemic hypoxia: hypoxia resulting from a decreased concentration of hemoglobin
anencephalia: a defect in brain development resulting in small or missing brain hemispheres
anergy: reduction or lack of an immune response to a specific antigen
anergy: inactivity and lack of energy
anestrum: applies to nonhuman mammals: a state or interval of sexual inactivity between two periods of estrus
aneuploidy: an abnormality involving a chromosome number that is not an exact multiple of the haploid number (one chromosome set is incomplete)
aneurism: a cardiovascular disease characterized by a saclike widening of an artery resulting from weakening of the artery wall
anger: the state of being angry
angiitis: inflammation of a blood vessel or lymph duct
angina: any disease of the throat or fauces marked by spasmodic attacks of intense suffocative pain
angina: a heart condition marked by paroxysms of chest pain due to reduced oxygen to the heart
angioma: a tumor consisting of a mass of blood or lymphatic vessels
angiopathy: any disease of the blood vessels or lymph ducts
angiosarcoma: a rare malignant neoplasm arising from vascular tissue; usually occurs in the breast and skin and is believed to originate from the endothelial cells of blood vessels
angiotelectasia: dilation and enlargement of arterioles
anguish: extreme distress of body or mind
anhedonia: an inability to experience pleasure
anhidrosis: failure of the sweat glands
animal disease: a disease that typically does not affect human beings
aniseikonia: visual defect in which the shape and size of an ocular image differ in the two eyes
anisometropia: difference in the refractive power of the two eyes
ankyloglossia: a congenital anomaly in which the mucous membrane under the tongue is too short limiting the mobility of the tongue
annoyance: the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed
annular scotoma: a circular scotoma surrounding the center of the field of vision
annulment: the state of being cancelled or annulled
anomalousness: deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule
anomie: personal state of isolation and anxiety resulting from a lack of social control and regulation
anonymity: the state of being anonymous
anopia: sightlessness (especially because of a structural defect in or the absence of an eye)
anorchia: absence of one of both testes
anorexia: a prolonged disorder of eating due to loss of appetite
anorexia nervosa: (psychiatry) a psychological disorder characterized by somatic delusions that you are too fat despite being emaciated
anorgasmia: absence of an orgasm in sexual relations
anorthopia: distorted vision in which straight lines appear curved
anosmia: absence of the sense of smell (as by damage to olfactory nasal tissue or the olfactory nerve or by obstruction of the nasal passages)
anoxemia: abnormally low oxygen content in arterial blood
anoxia: severe hypoxia; absence of oxygen in inspired gases or in arterial blood or in the tissues
anoxic anoxia: anoxia resulting from defective oxygenation of the blood in the lungs
antagonism: a state of deep-seated ill-will
anterior synechia: adhesion between the iris and the cornea
anthracosis: lung disease caused by inhaling coal dust
anthrax: a disease of humans that is not communicable; caused by infection with Bacillus anthracis followed by septicemia
anthrax pneumonia: a form of anthrax infection acquired by inhalation of dust containing Bacillus anthracis; initial symptoms (chill and cough and dyspnea and rapid pulse) are followed by extreme cardiovascular collapse
anthrax: a highly infectious animal disease (especially cattle and sheep); it can be transmitted to people
anticipation: anticipating with confidence of fulfillment
anticyclone: (meteorology) winds spiraling outward from a high pressure center; circling clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern
antisepsis: (of non-living objects) the state of being free of pathogenic organisms
antisocial personality disorder: a personality disorder characterized by amorality and lack of affect; capable of violent acts without guilt feelings (`psychopathic personality' was once widely used but was superseded by `sociopathic personality' to indicate the social aspects of the disorder, but now `antisocial personality disorder' is the preferred term)
anuresis: inability to urinate
anxiety attack: a sudden acute episode of intense anxiety and feelings of panic
anxiety disorder: a cover term for a variety of mental disorders in which severe anxiety is a salient symptom
anxiety hysteria: a form of hysteria having features of both conversion disorder and anxiety neurosis
anxiety neurosis: characterized by diffuse anxiety and often somatic manifestations of fear
anxiety: (psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
aortic aneurysm: an aneurysm of the aorta
aortic stenosis: abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve
aortitis: inflammation of the aorta
aphagia: loss of the ability to swallow
aphakia: absence of the natural lens of the eye (usually resulting from the removal of cataracts)
aphasia: inability to use or understand language (spoken or written) because of a brain lesion
aphonia: a disorder of the vocal organs that results in the loss of voice
aphthous ulcer: a blister on the mucous membranes of the lips or mouth or gastrointestinal tract
aplasia: failure of some tissue or organ to develop
aplastic anaemia: anemia characterized by pancytopenia resulting from failure of the bone marrow; can be caused by neoplasm or by toxic exposure
apnea: transient cessation of respiration
apostasy: the state of having rejected your religious beliefs or your political party or a cause (often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes)
appendicitis: inflammation of the vermiform appendix
apple blight: a disease of apple trees
appro: an informal British abbreviation of approval
approval: acceptance as satisfactory
apraxia: inability to make purposeful movements
apyretic tetanus: clinical neurological syndrome characterized by muscular twitching and cramps and (when severe) seizures; associated with calcium deficiency (hypoparathyroidism) or vitamin D deficiency or alkalosis
aquaphobia: a morbid fear of drowning
arachnophobia: a morbid fear of spiders
archidiaconate: office or position of an archdeacon
ARDS: acute lung injury characterized by coughing and rales; inflammation of the lungs which become stiff and fibrous and cannot exchange oxygen; occurs among persons exposed to irritants such as corrosive chemical vapors or ammonia or chlorine etc.
area: a particular environment or walk of life
areflexia: absence of a reflex; a sign of possible nerve damage
Argentine hemorrhagic fever: hemorrhagic fever with neurological signs; caused by the Junin virus
aridity: a deficiency of moisture (especially when resulting from a permanent absence of rainfall)
armistice: a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
Arnold-Chiari deformity: deformity in which part of the brain protrudes through the skull
arousal: a state of heightened physiological activity
arrears: the state of being behind in payments
arrest: the state of inactivity following an interruption
arrested development: an abnormal state in which development has stopped prematurely
arrhythmia: an abnormal rate of muscle contractions in the heart
arterial sclerosis: sclerosis of the arterial walls
arteriectasia: an abnormal distension of an artery
arteriolosclerosis: sclerosis of the arterioles
arteriosclerosis obliterans: a stage of arteriosclerosis involving closure of blood vessels
arteritis: inflammation of an artery
arthralgia: pain in a joint or joints
arthritis: inflammation of a joint or joints
arthropathy: a pathology or abnormality of a joint
asbestosis: lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos particles
ascariasis: infestation of the human intestine with Ascaris roundworms
ascendance: the state that exists when one person or group has power over another
ascendant: position or state of being dominant or in control
ascites: accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity
Asian influenza: influenza caused by the Asian virus that was first isolated in 1957
Asiatic cholera: an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food
Asperger's syndrome: a psychiatric disorder usually noted during early school years; characterized by impaired social relations and by repetitive patterns of behavior
aspergillosis: disease especially in agricultural workers caused by inhalation of Aspergillus spores causing lumps in skin and ears and respiratory organs
aspergillosis: an opportunistic infection by a fungus of the genus Aspergillus; characterized by inflammation and lesions of the ear and other organs
aspergillosis: severe respiratory disease of birds that takes the form of an acute rapidly fatal pneumonia in young chickens and turkeys
asphyxia: a condition in which insufficient or no oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged on a ventilatory basis; caused by choking or drowning or electric shock or poison gas
asphyxiation: the condition of being deprived of oxygen (as by having breathing stopped)
aspiration pneumonia: inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling or choking on vomitus; may occur during unconsciousness (anesthesia or drunkenness or seizure or cardiac arrest)
Assam fever: leishmaniasis of the viscera
assimilation: the state of being assimilated; people of different backgrounds come to see themselves as part of a larger national family
association: the state of being connected together as in memory or imagination
associative aphasia: aphasia in which the lesion is assumed to be in the association tracts connecting the various language centers in the brain; patient's have difficulty repeating a sentence just heard
astasia: inability to stand due to muscular incoordination
astereognosis: a loss of the ability to recognize objects by handling them
asthenia: an abnormal loss of strength
asthenopia: a tiredness of the eyes caused by prolonged close work by a person with an uncorrected vision problem
asthma: respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing; usually of allergic origin
astigmatism: (optics) defect in an optical system in which light rays from a single point fail to converge in a single focal point
astigmatism: (ophthalmology) impaired eyesight resulting usually from irregular conformation of the cornea; common in nearsighted people
astraphobia: a morbid fear of thunder and lightning
asynclitism: the presentation during labor of the head of the fetus at an abnormal angle
asynergia: absence of coordination of organs or body parts that usually work together harmoniously
asystole: absence of systole; failure of the ventricles of the heart to contract (usually caused by ventricular fibrillation) with consequent absence of the heart beat leading to oxygen lack and eventually to death
atactic abasia: abasia due to ataxia of the legs
ataxia: inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements; unsteady movements and staggering gait
atelectasis: collapse of an expanded lung (especially in infants); also failure of pulmonary alveoli to expand at birth
ateleiosis: a form of infantilism characterized by physical underdevelopment but normal intelligence
atherogenesis: the formation of atheromas on the walls of the arteries as in atherosclerosis
atherosclerosis: a stage of arteriosclerosis involving fatty deposits (atheromas) inside the arterial walls, thus narrowing the arteries
athetosis: a continuous succession of slow, writhing, involuntary movements of the hands and feet and other body parts
athlete's foot: fungal infection of the feet
atmosphere: the weather or climate at some place
atopic dermatitis: a severe form of dermatitis characterized by atopy
atopognosia: absence or loss of topognosia; inability to locate correctly a point of touch
atresia: an abnormal condition in which a normal opening or tube in the body (as the urethra) is closed or absent
atrial fibrillation: fibrillation of the muscles of the atria of the heart
atrial septal defect: an abnormal opening between the left and right atria of the heart
atrophic arthritis: a chronic autoimmune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked deformities; something (possibly a virus) triggers an attack on the synovium by the immune system, which releases cytokines that stimulate an inflammatory reaction that can lead to the destruction of all components of the joint
atrophy: a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
attack: a sudden occurrence of an uncontrollable condition
atypical pneumonia: an acute respiratory disease marked by high fever and coughing; caused by mycoplasma; primarily affecting children and young adults
atypicality: any state that is not typical
audience: an opportunity to state your case and be heard
auditory agnosia: inability to recognize or understand the meaning of spoken words
auditory hyperesthesia: abnormal acuteness of hearing due to increased irritability of the sensory neural mechanism; characterized by intolerance for ordinary sound levels
aura: a sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) that precedes the onset of certain disorders such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure
autarchy: economic independence as a national policy
autoimmune disease: any of a large group of diseases characterized by abnormal functioning of the immune system that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against your own tissues
autoimmunity: production of antibodies against the tissues of your own body; produces autoimmune disease or hypersensitivity reactions
automation: the condition of being automatically operated or controlled
automysophobia: a morbid fear of being dirty
autonomy: immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence
autonomy: personal independence
autosomal dominant disease: a disease caused by a dominant mutant gene on an autosome
autosomal recessive defect: a disease caused by the presence of two recessive mutant genes on an autosome
averageness: the state of being that is average; indicates normality but with connotations of mediocrity
avitaminosis: any of several diseases caused by deficiency of one or more vitamins
awayness: the state of being elsewhere than in particular place
azotaemia: accumulation in the blood of nitrogenous waste products (urea) that are usually excreted in the urine
azoturia: excess of urea in the urine
azymia: absence of an enzyme
babyhood: the earliest state of immaturity
bachelorhood: the state of being an unmarried man
bacillary dysentery: an acute infection of the intestine by shigella bacteria; characterized by diarrhea and fever and abdominal pains
bacillary white diarrhea: a serious bacterial disease of young chickens
back burner: reduced priority
backache: an ache localized in the back
background: the state of the environment in which a situation exists
backseat: a secondary or inferior position or status
bacteremia: transient presence of bacteria (or other microorganisms) in the blood
bad luck: an unfortunate state resulting from unfavorable outcomes
bad weather: weather unsuitable for outdoor activities
bagascosis: alveolitis caused by inhaling bagasse (sugarcane dust)
baker's eczema: allergic eczema caused by flour or other ingredients handled by bakers
balagan: a word for chaos or fiasco borrowed from modern Hebrew (where it is a loan word from Russian)
balance: a state of equilibrium
balance of power: an equilibrium of power between nations
balance-of-payments problem: an economic problem caused by payments for imports being greater than receipts for exports
balanitis: inflammation of the head of the penis
balanoposthitis: inflammation of both the head of the penis and the foreskin
baldness: the condition of having no hair on the top of the head
ballgame: a particular situation that is radically different from the preceding situation
balminess: the quality of weather that is deliciously mild and soothing
bandy legs: outward curvature of the legs
bane: something causing misery or death
Bang's disease: an infectious disease of domestic animals often resulting in spontaneous abortion; transmittable to human beings
bank failure: the inability of a bank to meet its credit obligations
bankruptcy: a state of complete lack of some abstract property
bankruptcy: inability to discharge all your debts as they come due
Banti's syndrome: a disease characterized by congestion and enlargement of the spleen; accompanied by anemia or cirrhosis
bar sinister: the status of being born to parents who were not married
barber's itch: fungal infection of the face and neck
bareness: the state of being unclothed and exposed (especially of a part of the body)
bareness: a bleak and desolate atmosphere
baronetcy: the rank or dignity or position of a baronet or baroness
barrenness: the state (usually of a woman) of having no children or being unable to have children
battle fatigue: a mental disorder caused by stress of active warfare
bean blight: a blight of bean plants
beatification: a state of supreme happiness
Becker muscular dystrophy: a form of muscular dystrophy that sets in in adolescence or adulthood and progresses slowly but will affect all voluntary muscles; characterized by generalized weakness and muscle wasting that affects limb and trunk muscles first; similar to Duchenne's muscular dystrophy but less severe; inheritance is X-linked recessive (carried by females but affecting only males)
bedlam: a state of extreme confusion and disorder
bedsore: a chronic ulcer of the skin caused by prolonged pressure on it (as in bedridden patients)
bee sting: a sting inflicted by a bee
beet blight: a disease of beet plants
befoulment: the state of being polluted
beggary: the state of being a beggar or mendicant
behavior: the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances
being: the state or fact of existing
bellyache: an ache localized in the stomach or abdominal region
benign tumor: a tumor that is not cancerous
bereavement: state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one
beriberi: avitaminosis caused by lack of thiamine (vitamin B1)
betterment: an improvement that adds to the value of a property or facility
big time: the highest level of an occupation (especially in entertainment)
bigamy: the state of having two spouses at the same time
bighead: any of various diseases of animals characterized by edema of the head and neck
bilharzia: an infestation with or a resulting infection caused by a parasite of the genus Schistosoma; common in the tropics and Far East; symptoms depend on the part of the body infected
biliousness: gastric distress caused by a disorder of the liver or gall bladder
binge-eating syndrome: a disorder of eating seen among young women who go on eating binges and then feel guilt and depression and self-condemnation
binge-purge syndrome: a disorder of eating in which the person alternates between strong craving for food and aversion to food; characterized by excessive eating followed by periods of fasting or self-induced vomiting
biodegradable pollution: pollution that is rendered harmless by natural processes and so causes no permanent harm
biohazard: hazard to humans or the environment resulting from biological agents or conditions
biosafety: safety from exposure to infectious agents
biosafety level: the level of safety from exposure to infectious agents; depends on work practices and safety equipment and facilities
biosafety level 1: exposure only to infectious agents that do not ordinarily cause human disease
biosafety level 2: exposure to infectious agents that can cause disease in humans but whose potential for transmission is limited
biosafety level 3: exposure to infectious agents that can be transmitted by the respiratory route and which can cause serious infection
biosafety level 4: exposure to exotic infectious agents that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease and can be transmitted as an aerosol and for which there is no vaccine or therapy
bipolar disorder: a mental disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression
birth defect: a defect that is present at birth
birth pangs: a regularly recurrent spasm of pain that is characteristic of childbirth
birth trauma: physical injury to an infant during the birth process
birth trauma: emotional injury inflicted on an infant by events incident to birth that is alleged to appear in symbolic form in patients with mental illness
bitch: an unpleasant difficulty
bite: a wound resulting from biting by an animal or a person
bite: a painful wound caused by the thrust of an insect's stinger into skin
bitter end: the final extremity (however unpleasant it may be)
black disease: a disease of the liver (especially in sheep and cattle) caused by liver flukes and their by-products
black eye: a bad reputation
black eye: a swollen bruise caused by a blow to the eye
black knot: disease of plum and cherry trees characterized by black excrescences on the branches
Black Plague: the epidemic form of bubonic plague experienced during the Middle Ages when it killed nearly half the people of western Europe
black rot: a fungous disease causing darkening and decay of the leaves of fruits and vegetables
black spot: any of several fungous diseases of plants that produce small black spots on the plant
black tongue: a benign side effect of some antibiotics; dark overgrowth of the papillae of the tongue
black vomit: caused by a flavivirus transmitted by a mosquito
black: total absence of light
blackheart: any of various diseases in which the central tissues blacken
blackout: darkness resulting from the extinction of lights (as in a city invisible to enemy aircraft)
blackwater: any of several human or animal diseases characterized by dark urine resulting from rapid breakdown of red blood cells
blackwater fever: severe and often fatal malaria characterized by kidney damage resulting in dark urine
bladder disorder: a disorder of the urinary bladder
blain: an inflammatory swelling or sore
blamelessness: a state of innocence
blameworthiness: a state of guilt
blank check: freedom to do as you see fit
blankness: the state of being blank; void; emptiness
blast trauma: injury caused the explosion of a bomb (especially in enclosed spaces)
blastocytoma: a tumor composed of immature undifferentiated cells
blastomycosis: any of several infections of the skin or mucous membrane caused by Blastomyces
bleeder's disease: congenital tendency to uncontrolled bleeding; usually affects males and is transmitted from mother to son
bleeding: the flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessel
blepharism: condition in which a person blinks continuously
blepharitis: inflammation of the eyelids characterized by redness and swelling and dried crusts
blepharospasm: spasm of the eyelid muscle resulting in closure of the eye
blessing: a desirable state
blight: a state or condition being blighted
blight: any plant disease resulting in withering without rotting
blight canker: a phase of fire blight in which cankers appear
blind staggers: a disease of the central nervous system affecting especially horses and cattle; characterized by an unsteady swaying gait and frequent falling
blindness: the state of being blind or lacking sight
bliss: a state of extreme happiness
blister: a flaw on a surface resulting when an applied substance does not adhere (as an air bubble in a coat of paint)
blister blight: a disease of tea plants
blister blight: a disease of Scotch pines
blister rust: any of several diseases of pines caused by rust fungi of the genus Cronartium and marked by destructive invasion of bark and sapwood and producing blisters externally
bloat: swelling of the rumen or intestinal tract of domestic animals caused by excessive gas
block anaesthesia: anesthesia of an area supplied by a nerve; produced by an anesthetic agent applied to the nerve
blockage: the physical condition of blocking or filling a passage with an obstruction
blood blister: blister containing blood or bloody serum usually caused by an injury
blood brotherhood: the friendship characteristic of blood brothers
blood cyst: a cyst containing blood
blood disease: a disease or disorder of the blood
blood dyscrasia: any abnormal condition of the blood
blood extravasation: the leakage of blood from a vessel into tissues surrounding it; can occur in injuries or burns or allergic reactions
blood poisoning: invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms from a focus of infection
blood spavin: spavin caused by distension of the veins
bloodguilt: the state of being guilty of bloodshed and murder
bloodiness: the state of being bloody
bloom: a rosy color (especially in the cheeks) taken as a sign of good health
blue devils: a state of depression
blue funk: a state of nervous depression
blue-blindness: rare form of dichromacy characterized by a lowered sensitivity to blue light resulting in an inability to distinguish blue and yellow
bluetongue: a viral disease of sheep and cattle that is transmitted by biting midges
blunt trauma: injury incurred when the human body hits or is hit by a large outside object (as a car)
bluster: noisy confusion and turbulence
bog spavin: spavin caused by collection of fluids
boil: a painful sore with a hard core filled with pus
boisterousness: a turbulent and stormy state of the sea
bondage: the state of being under the control of a force or influence or abstract power
bondage: the state of being under the control of another person
bonded labor: a practice in which employers give high-interest loans to workers whose entire families then labor at low wages to pay off the debt; the practice is illegal in the United States
bone spavin: spavin caused by a bony growth
boom: a state of economic prosperity
borderline schizophrenia: schizophrenia characterized by mild symptoms or by some preexisting tendency to schizophrenia
Bornholm disease: an acute infectious disease occurring in epidemic form and featuring paroxysms of pain (usually in the chest)
bosom: the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept
bottom rot: fungous disease of lettuce that first rots lower leaves and spreads upward
botulism: food poisoning from ingesting botulin; not infectious; affects the CNS; can be fatal if not treated promptly
box: a predicament from which a skillful or graceful escape is impossible
BPH: enlarged prostate; appears to be part of the natural aging process
brachydactylia: abnormal shortness of fingers and toes
bradycardia: abnormally slow heartbeat
brain damage: injury to the brain that impairs its functions (especially permanently); can be caused by trauma to the head, infection, hemorrhage, inadequate oxygen, genetic abnormality, etc.
brain disease: any disorder or disease of the brain
brain edema: swelling of the brain due to the uptake of water in the neuropile and white matter
brain fever: meningitis caused by bacteria and often fatal
brain tumor: a tumor in the brain
brain-fag: exhaustion that affects mental keenness
branched chain ketoaciduria: an inherited disorder of metabolism in which the urine has a odor characteristic of maple syrup; if untreated it can lead to mental retardation and death in early childhood
brandy nose: enlargement of the nose with dilation of follicles and redness and prominent vascularity of the skin; often associated with excessive consumption of alcohol
brass ring: a rich opportunity or a prize
break: breaking of hard tissue such as bone
breakbone fever: an infectious disease of the tropics transmitted by mosquitoes and characterized by rash and aching head and joints
breakdown: a mental or physical breakdown
breaking point: (psychology) stress at which a person breaks down or a situation becomes crucial
breast cancer: cancer of the breast; one of the most common malignancies in women in the US
breeziness: a mildly windy state of the air
Bright's disease: an inflammation of the kidney
Broca's aphasia: aphasia in which expression by speech or writing is severely impaired
broken wind: a chronic emphysema of the horse that causes difficult expiration and heaving of the flanks
bronchial pneumonia: pneumonia characterized by acute inflammation of the walls of the bronchioles
bronchiolitis: inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchioles
bronchitis: inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchial tubes
bronzed diabetes: pathology in which iron accumulates in the tissues; characterized by bronzed skin and enlarged liver and diabetes mellitus and abnormalities of the pancreas and the joints
brow ptosis: sagging eyebrows
brown rot: any of certain fungous diseases of plants characterized by browning and decay of tissues
brown rot gummosis: disease of citrus trees caused by the fungus Phytophthora citrophthora
bruise: an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration
brutalisation: the condition of being treated in a cruel and savage manner
BSE: a fatal disease of cattle that affects the central nervous system; causes staggering and agitation
bubble gum dermatitis: an allergic contact dermatitis developed around the lips of children who chew bubble gum
bubo: a lymph node that is inflamed and swollen because of plague or gonorrhea or tuberculosis
bubonic plague: the most common form of the plague in humans; characterized by chills, prostration, delirium and the formation of buboes in the armpits and groin; does not spread from person to person
bug: a fault or defect in a computer program, system, or machine
bugginess: the state of having bugs
bulimia: pathologically insatiable hunger (especially when caused by brain lesions)
bull nose: a disease of pigs resulting in swelling of the snout
bummer: a bad reaction to a hallucinogenic drug
bummer: an experience that is irritating or frustrating or disappointing
bump: a lump on the body caused by a blow
bunion: a painful swelling of the bursa of the first joint of the big toe
bunt: disease of wheat characterized by replacement of the grains with greasy masses of smelly smut spores
burn: an injury caused by exposure to heat or chemicals or radiation
burn: pain that feels hot as if it were on fire
burn: a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
bursitis: inflammation of a bursa; frequently in the shoulder
busyness: the state of being or appearing to be actively engaged in an activity
cachexia: any general reduction in vitality and strength of body and mind resulting from a debilitating chronic disease
cacogenesis: inability to produce hybrids that are both viable and fertile
caffein addiction: an addiction to caffein
caffeine intoxication: poisoning resulting from excessive intake of caffeine containing products
cage: something that restricts freedom as a cage restricts movement
calcification: an inflexible and unchanging state
calcification: tissue hardened by deposition of lime salts
callosity: an area of skin that is thick or hard from continual pressure or friction (as the sole of the foot)
callowness: lacking and evidencing lack of experience of life
callus: bony tissue formed during the healing of a fractured bone
calmness: an absence of strong winds or rain
camelpox: a viral disease of camels closely related to smallpox
cancer of the blood: malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues; characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes; one of the four major types of cancer
cancer of the liver: malignant neoplastic disease of the liver usually occurring as a metastasis from another cancer; symptoms include loss of appetite and weakness and bloating and jaundice and upper abdominal discomfort
cancer: any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream
cancroid: the most common form of skin cancer
candidiasis: an infection caused by fungi of the genus Monilia or Candida (especially Candida albicans)
cane blight: a disease affecting the canes of various bush fruits (e.g., raspberries or currants)
canicola fever: an acute feverish disease in people and in dogs marked by gastroenteritis and mild jaundice
canine chorea: chorea in dogs
canine distemper: a viral disease of young dogs characterized by high fever and respiratory inflammation
canker: a fungal disease of woody plants that causes localized damage to the bark
canker: an ulceration (especially of the lips or lining of the mouth)
cantering rhythm: cardiac rhythm characterized by the presence of an extra sound; can indicate a heart abnormality
canvas: the setting for a narrative or fictional or dramatic account
capability: the susceptibility of something to a particular treatment
capillary fracture: a fracture without separation of the fragments and the line of the break being very thin
captivation: the state of being intensely interested (as by awe or terror)
captivity: the state of being a slave
captivity: the state of being imprisoned
car sickness: motion sickness experienced while traveling in a car
carbon dioxide acidosis: acidosis resulting from reduced gas exchange in the lungs (as in emphysema or pneumonia); excess carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid which increases the acidity of the blood
carbon monoxide poisoning: a toxic condition that results from inhaling and absorbing carbon monoxide gas
carbuncle: an infection larger than a boil and with several openings for discharge of pus
carcinoid: a small tumor (benign or malignant) arising from the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract; usually associated with excessive secretion of serotonin
carcinoma: any malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue; one of the four major types of cancer
carcinoma in situ: a cluster of malignant cells that has not yet invaded the deeper epithelial tissue or spread to other parts of the body
carcinosarcoma: a malignant neoplasm composed of carcinoma and sarcoma extensively intermixed
cardiac insufficiency: inadequate blood flow to the heart muscles; can cause angina pectoris
cardiac murmur: an abnormal sound of the heart; sometimes a sign of abnormal function of the heart valves
cardiac tamponade: mechanical compression of the heart resulting from large amounts of fluid collecting in the pericardial space and limiting the heart's normal range of motion
cardiogenic shock: shock caused by cardiac arrest
cardiomegaly: an abnormal enlargement of the heart
cardiomyopathy: a disorder (usually of unknown origin) of the heart muscle (myocardium)
cardiopathy: a disease of the heart
cardiovascular disease: a disease of the heart or blood vessels
carditis: inflammation of the heart
carotenemia: excess carotene in the blood stream; can cause the skin to turn a pale yellow or red color
carpal tunnel syndrome: a painful disorder caused by compression of a nerve in the carpal tunnel; characterized by discomfort and weakness in the hands and fingers and by sensations of tingling, burning or numbness
cartilaginification: abnormal formation of cartilage from other tissues; observed in some Asians
case: a specific state of mind that is temporary
case: a special set of circumstances
caste: social status or position conferred by a system based on class
castration anxiety: (psychoanalysis) anxiety resulting from real or imagined threats to your sexual functions; originally applied only to men but can in principle apply to women
cat scratch disease: a disease thought to be transmitted to humans by a scratch from a cat
catalepsy: a trancelike state with loss of voluntary motion and failure to react to stimuli
cataphasia: a speech disorder in which the same word is repeated several times in succession
cataract: an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye
catarrh: inflammation of the nose and throat with increased production of mucus
catarrhal fever: any of several disease of livestock marked by fever and edema of the respiratory tract
catastrophe: a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
catastrophic illness: severe illness requiring prolonged hospitalization or recovery; usually involves high costs for hospitals and doctors and medicines
catatonia: extreme tonus; muscular rigidity; a common symptom in catatonic schizophrenia
catatonia: a form of schizophrenia characterized by a tendency to remain in a fixed stuporous state for long periods; the catatonia may give way to short periods of extreme excitement
cattle plague: an acute infectious viral disease of cattle (usually fatal); characterized by fever and diarrhea and inflammation of mucous membranes
caudal anaesthesia: regional anesthesia resulting from injection of an anesthetic into the caudal end of the spinal canal; now largely replaced by epidural anesthesia
causalgia: a burning pain in a limb along the course of a peripheral nerve; usually associated with skin changes
cause of death: the causal agent resulting in death
celebrity: the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
celery blight: a fungous leaf spot disease of the celery plant
celiac disease: a disorder in children and adults; inability to tolerate wheat protein (gluten); symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhea and emaciation; often accompanied by lactose intolerance
celibacy: an unmarried status
celioma: an abdominal tumor
cellularity: the state of having cells
cellulitis: an inflammation of body tissue (especially that below the skin) characterized by fever and swelling and redness and pain
censure: the state of being excommunicated
center stage: a position of prominence or importance
central scotoma: a scotoma that involves the fixation point
cephalalgia: pain in the head caused by dilation of cerebral arteries or muscle contractions or a reaction to drugs
cephalhematoma: a collection of blood under the scalp of a newborn; caused by pressure during birth
cephalitis: inflammation of the brain usually caused by a virus; symptoms include headache and neck pain and drowsiness and nausea and fever (`phrenitis' is no longer in scientific use)
cerebral aneurysm: an aneurysm of the carotid artery
cerebral hemorrhage: bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain
cerebral palsy: a loss or deficiency of motor control with involuntary spasms caused by permanent brain damage present at birth
cerebral thrombosis: a blood clot in a cerebral artery or vein
cerebromeningitis: inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and their meninges
cervical disc syndrome: an abnormal condition resulting from compression of spinal nerve roots in the neck region; involves neck pains and muscular weakness and paresthesia
cervicitis: inflammation of the uterine cervix
cervicofacial actinomycosis: the commonest and least severe form of actinomycosis; affects the face and neck regions
CF: the most common hereditary disease; the child's lungs and intestines and pancreas become clogged with thick mucus; caused by defect in a single gene; no cure is known
chafe: soreness and warmth caused by friction
challenge: a demanding or stimulating situation
championship: the status of being a champion
chance: a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
chance: the possibility of future success
chancre: a small hard painless nodule at the site of entry of a pathogen (as syphilis)
chancroid: infectious venereal ulcer
character: good repute
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: a form of neuropathy that can begin between childhood and young adulthood; characterized by weakness and atrophy of the muscles of the hands and lower legs; progression is slow and individuals affected can have a normal life span; inheritance is X-linked recessive or X-linked dominant
charley horse: a muscular cramp (especially in the thigh or calf) following vigorous exercise
cheilitis: inflammation and cracking of the skin of the lips
cheiloschisis: a congenital cleft in the middle of the upper lip
cheilosis: a disorder of the lips marked by scaling and fissures at the corners of the mouth; caused by a deficiency of riboflavin
cheloid: raised pinkish scar tissue at the site of an injury; results from excessive tissue repair
chemical diabetes: a mild form of diabetes mellitus in which there are no overt symptoms but there are abnormal responses to some diagnostic procedures
chemosis: edema of the mucous membrane of the eyeball and eyelid lining
chest pain: pain in the chest
chestnut blight: a disease of American chestnut trees
chi: the circulating life energy that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional Chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health
chicken breast: abnormal protrusion of the breastbone caused by rickets
chickenpox: an acute contagious disease caused by herpes varicella zoster virus; causes a rash of vesicles on the face and body
chilblain: inflammation of the hands and feet caused by exposure to cold and moisture
childbed fever: serious form of septicemia contracted by a woman during childbirth or abortion (usually attributable to unsanitary conditions); formerly widespread but now uncommon
childbed: concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of contractions to the birth of a child
childhood: the state of a child between infancy and adolescence
childlessness: the condition of being without offspring
chill: a sensation of cold that often marks the start of an infection and the development of a fever
Chinese restaurant syndrome: headache and tingling or burning feelings and sweating caused by eating food that contains monosodium glutamate
chiralgia: a pain in the hand that is not traumatic
chlamydia: a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria of the genus Chlamydia
chloasma: a tan discoloration of a woman's face that is associated with pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives
chlorosis: iron deficiency anemia in young women; characterized by weakness and menstrual disturbances and a green color to the skin
choking: a condition caused by blocking the airways to the lungs (as with food or swelling of the larynx)
cholangitis: inflammation of the bile ducts
cholecystitis: inflammation of the gall bladder
cholelithiasis: the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder
cholera infantum: often fatal form of gastroenteritis occurring in children; not true cholera but having similar symptoms
cholera morbus: severe gastroenteritis of unknown etiology; characterized by severe colic and vomiting and diarrhea
cholesterosis cutis: widespread xanthomas (especially on elbows and knees); often associated with a disorder of lipid metabolism
chondroma: a common benign tumor of cartilage cells
chondrosarcoma: a malignant neoplasm of cartilage cells
choppiness: used of the sea during inclement or stormy weather
chorditis: inflammation of the vocal cords
chorditis: inflammation of the spermatic cord
chorea: any of several degenerative nervous disorders characterized by spasmodic movements of the body and limbs
choreic abasia: abasia related to abnormal movements of the legs
choriomeningitis: a cerebral meningitis with cellular infiltration of the meninges
chorioretinitis: inflammation of the choroid layer behind the retina
Christmas disease: a clotting disorder similar to hemophilia A but caused by a congenital deficiency of factor IX
chromatism: hallucinatory perception of colored lights
chromoblastomycosis: a fungal infection characterized by itchy warty nodules on the skin
chromosomal aberration: any change in the normal structure or number of chromosomes; often results in physical or mental abnormalities
chronic bronchitis: a form of bronchitis characterized by excess production of sputum leading to a chronic cough and obstruction of air flow
chronic eczema: eczema characterized by thickening of the skin with accentuated skin lines
chronic gastritis: persistent gastritis can be a symptom of a gastric ulcer or pernicious anemia or stomach cancer or other disorders
chronic glaucoma: glaucoma caused by blockage of the canal of Schlemm; produces gradual loss of peripheral vision
chronic glossitis: glossitis with atrophy of tongue tissue; sometimes accompanies pernicious anemia
chronic kidney failure: renal failure that can result from a variety of systemic disorders
chronic leukemia: slowly progressing leukemia
chronic lymphocytic leukemia: chronic leukemia characterized by lymphoblast-like cells; more common in older men
chronic myelocytic leukemia: chronic leukemia characterized by granular leukocytes; more common in older people
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a nonreversible lung disease that is a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis; usually patients have been heavy cigarette smokers
chronic pyelonephritis: pyelonephritis that develops slowly and can lead to renal failure if untreated; often associated with a kidney stone or with narrowing of the urinary passageways
chronic wasting disease: a wildlife disease (akin to bovine spongiform encephalitis) that affects deer and elk
chyloderma: swelling of the scrotum resulting from chronic lymphatic obstruction
cicatrice: a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
circulatory failure: failure of the cardiovascular system to supply adequate amounts of blood to body tissues
circumstance: a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
circumstance: the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event
circumstances: your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
cirrhosis: a chronic disease interfering with the normal functioning of the liver; the major cause is chronic alcoholism
citizenship: the status of a citizen with rights and duties
civil death: the legal status of a person who is alive but who has been deprived of the rights and privileges of a citizen or a member of society; the legal status of one sentenced to life imprisonment
civil liberty: one's freedom to exercise one's rights as guaranteed under the laws of the country
civil order: the form of government of a social organization
civil union: a voluntary union for life (or until divorce) of adult parties of the same sex
clamminess: unpleasant wetness
clap: a common venereal disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae; symptoms are painful urination and pain around the urethra
clash: a state of conflict between colors
clash: a state of conflict between persons
classic hemochromatosis: inherited form of hemochromatosis
claudication: disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet
claustrophobia: a morbid fear of being closed in a confined space
clavus: a hard thickening of the skin (especially on the top or sides of the toes) caused by the pressure of ill-fitting shoes
clawfoot: a deformity of the foot characterized by an abnormally high arch and hyperextension of the toes which gives the foot the appearance of a claw
clean slate: an opportunity to start over without prejudice
cleanliness: the habit of keeping free of superficial imperfections
cleanness: the state of being clean; without dirt or other impurities
cleanness: without moral defects
clear: the state of being free of suspicion
clear and present danger: a standard for judging when freedom of speech can be abridged
clear-air turbulence: strong turbulence in an otherwise cloudless region that subjects aircraft to violent updrafts or downdrafts
cleavage: the state of being split or cleft
cleft foot: a deformity in which the space between the third and fourth toes extends up into the foot
cleft palate: a congenital fissure of the hard palate
clemency: good weather with comfortable temperatures
climate: the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time
climate: the prevailing psychological state
climax: the most severe stage of a disease
clinical depression: a state of depression and anhedonia so severe as to require clinical intervention
clinocephalism: a congenital defect in which the top of the head is depressed (concave instead of convex)
clinodactyly: a congenital defect in which one or more toes or fingers are abnormally positioned
clonus: convulsion characterized by alternating contractions and relaxations
closed fracture: an uncomplicated fracture in which the broken bones to not pierce the skin
clostridial myonecrosis: (pathology) a deadly form of gangrene usually caused by clostridium bacteria that produce toxins that cause tissue death; can be used as a bioweapon
cloud: out of touch with reality
cloud: suspicion affecting your reputation
cloud: a cause of worry or gloom or trouble
cloud cover: the state of the sky when it is covered by clouds
cloudiness: gloomy semidarkness caused by cloud cover
clubbing: a condition in which the ends of toes and fingers become wide and thick; a symptom of heart or lung disease
clubfoot: congenital deformity of the foot usually marked by a curled shape or twisted position of the ankle and heel and toes
cluster headache: a painful recurring headache associated with the release of histamine from cells
clutch: a tense critical situation
clutter: a confused multitude of things
coalition: the state of being combined into one body
cocaine addiction: an addiction to cocaine
coccidioidomycosis: an infection of the lungs and skin characterized by excessive sputum and nodules
coccidiosis: (veterinary medicine) infestation with coccidia
coexistence: existing peacefully together
coffee blight: a blight affecting the coffee plant
coherence: the state of cohering or sticking together
cold gangrene: (pathology) gangrene that develops in the presence of arterial obstruction and is characterized by dryness of the dead tissue and a dark brown color
cold sore: caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
cold storage: in a state of abeyance or postponement
cold sweat: the physical condition of concurrent perspiration and chill; associated with fear
cold war: a state of political hostility between countries using means short of armed warfare
Cold War: a state of political hostility that existed from 1945 until 1990 between countries led by the Soviet Union and countries led by the United States
cold: a mild viral infection involving the nose and respiratory passages (but not the lungs)
colic: acute abdominal pain (especially in infants)
colitis: inflammation of the colon
collapse: an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion
collar blight: a disease affecting the trunks of pear and apple trees
collective security: a system for international peace
college level: the level of education that college students are assumed to have attained
colligation: the state of being joined together
colon cancer: a malignant tumor of the colon; early symptom is bloody stools
color blindness: genetic inability to distinguish differences in hue
colpitis: inflammation of the vagina
colpocele: hernia projecting into the vagina
colpocystitis: inflammation of the vagina and bladder
colpocystocele: hernia in which the urinary bladder protrudes through the wall of the vagina; sometimes occurs after childbirth
colpoxerosis: a condition in which the vagina is unusually dry
combustion: a state of violent disturbance and excitement
comfort: satisfaction or physical well-being provided by a person or thing
comfort: a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
comfort: a freedom from financial difficulty that promotes a comfortable state
comity: a state or atmosphere of harmony or mutual civility and respect
comity of nations: courteous respect by one nation for the laws and institutions of another
command: a position of highest authority
comminuted fracture: fracture in which the bone is splintered or crushed
commission: the state of being in good working order and ready for operation
common-law marriage: a marriage relationship created by agreement and cohabitation rather than by ceremony
commonness: the state of being that is commonly observed
commotion: a disorderly outburst or tumult
communicable disease: a disease that can be communicated from one person to another
community: agreement as to goals
companionship: the state of being with someone
compartmentalisation: a mild state of dissociation
complete fracture: break involving the entire width of the bone
completeness: the state of being complete and entire; having everything that is needed
complex absence: an absence seizure accompanied by other abnormalities (atonia or automatisms or vasomotor changes)
complication: any disease or disorder that occurs during the course of (or because of) another disease
complication: a situation or condition that is complex or confused
complicity: guilt as an accomplice in a crime or offense
compound fracture: bone fracture associated with lacerated soft tissue or an open wound
comprehensiveness: completeness over a broad scope
compression fracture: fracture in which the bone collapses (especially in short bones such as vertebrae)
concatenation: the state of being linked together as in a chain; union in a linked series
concealment: the condition of being concealed or hidden
conceivability: the state of being conceivable
concentration camp: a situation characterized by crowding and extremely harsh conditions
conciliation: the state of manifesting goodwill and cooperation after being reconciled
concord: a harmonious state of things in general and of their properties (as of colors and sounds); congruity of parts with one another and with the whole
concurrence: a state of cooperation
condemnation: the condition of being strongly disapproved of
condition: an illness, disease, or other medical problem
condition: a mode of being or form of existence of a person or thing
condition: the state of (good) health (especially in the phrases `in condition' or `in shape' or `out of condition' or `out of shape')
condition: a state at a particular time
conditionality: the state of being conditional
conditions: the set of circumstances that affect someone's welfare
conditions: the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
conduction deafness: hearing loss due to problems with the bones of the middle ear
confidence: a state of confident hopefulness that events will be favorable
confidence: a trustful relationship
confidentiality: the state of being secret
confinement: the state of being confined
conflict: a state of opposition between persons or ideas or interests
conflict of interest: a situation in which a public official's decisions are influenced by the official's personal interests
confusion: disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
congenital afibrinogenemia: a rare congenital disorder of blood coagulation in which no fibrinogen is found in the blood plasma
congenital disease: a disease or disorder that is inherited genetically
congenital heart defect: a birth defect involving the heart
congestion: excessive accumulation of blood or other fluid in a body part
congestion: excessive crowding
congestive heart failure: inability to pump enough blood to avoid congestion in the tissues
conjunctivitis arida: abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eyes; may be due to a systemic deficiency of vitamin A
conjunctivitis: inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye
Conn's syndrome: disturbances in saltwater balance and symptoms of weakness and muscular cramps and twitching and convulsions and sometimes paralysis; usually caused by a benign tumor of the cortex of the adrenal gland that leads to excess secretion of aldosterone
connectedness: the state of being connected
conniption: a display of bad temper
consensus: agreement in the judgment or opinion reached by a group as a whole
consistency: logical coherence and accordance with the facts
conspicuousness: the state of being conspicuous
constipation: irregular and infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels; can be a symptom of intestinal obstruction or diverticulitis
constraint: the state of being physically constrained
consumption: involving the lungs with progressive wasting of the body
contact: the state or condition of touching or of being in immediate proximity
contact dermatitis: a delayed type of allergic reaction of the skin resulting from skin contact with a specific allergen (such as poison ivy)
contagion: any disease easily transmitted by contact
contamination: the state of being contaminated
content: the state of being contented with your situation in life
contingency: the state of being contingent on something
continuity: uninterrupted connection or union
convenience: the state of being suitable or opportune
convergent strabismus: strabismus in which one or both eyes turn inward toward the nose
conversion disorder: a mental disorder characterized by the conversion of mental conflict into somatic forms (into paralysis or anesthesia having no apparent cause)
convulsion: violent uncontrollable contractions of muscles
convulsion: a sudden uncontrollable attack
convulsion: a violent disturbance
Cooley's anaemia: a fatal form of homozygous thalassemia (inherited from both parents) in which there is no hemoglobin; skeletal deformations; heart and spleen and liver enlarged
coprolalia: an uncontrollable use of obscene language; often accompanied by mental disorders
cor pulmonale: enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart due to disease of the lungs or of the pulmonary blood vessels
corditis: inflammation of the spermatic cord
corner: a temporary monopoly on a kind of commercial trade
coronary failure: inability of the heart to pump enough blood to sustain normal bodily functions
coronary heart disease: a heart disease due to an abnormality of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart
coronary occlusion: occlusion of a coronary artery caused either by progressive atherosclerosis or by a blood clot
coronary: obstruction of blood flow in a coronary artery by a blood clot (thrombus)
corrosion: a state of deterioration in metals caused by oxidation or chemical action
corruption: in a state of progressive putrefaction
corruptness: the state of being corrupt
cortical cataract: a cataract that affects the lens cortex
cortical epilepsy: epilepsy in which the attacks begins with an isolated disturbance of cerebral function (as a twitching of a limb or an illusory sensation or a mental disturbance)
coryza: an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose (usually associated with nasal discharge)
cosiness: a state of warm snug comfort
costalgia: pain in the chest caused by inflammation of the muscles between the ribs
costiasis: a fatal disease of freshwater fish caused by a flagellated protozoan invading the skin
costochondritis: inflammation at the junction of a rib and its cartilage
cotton ball: a fungus disease of cranberries
cough: a sudden noisy expulsion of air from the lungs that clears the air passages; a common symptom of upper respiratory infection or bronchitis or pneumonia or tuberculosis
countercheck: a check that restrains another check
counterreformation: a reformation intended to counter the results of a prior reformation
couth: (used facetiously) refinement
Coventry: the state of being banished or ostracized (excluded from society by general consent)
covertness: the state of being covert and hidden
cowpox: a viral disease of cattle causing a mild skin disease affecting the udder; formerly used to inoculate humans against smallpox
crabs: infestation of the pubic hair by crab lice
crack: a chance to do something
cradle cap: a dermatitis of the scalp that is common in infants
cramp: a painful and involuntary muscular contraction
craze: state of violent mental agitation
craziness: informal terms for insanity
credit crunch: a state in which there is a short supply of cash to lend to businesses and consumers and interest rates are high
creeps: a disease of cattle and sheep attributed to a dietary deficiency; characterized by anemia and softening of the bones and a slow stiff gait
crescent-cell anaemia: a congenital form of anemia occurring mostly in blacks; characterized by abnormal blood cells having a crescent shape
cretinism: severe hypothyroidism resulting in physical and mental stunting
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: rare (usually fatal) brain disease (usually in middle age) caused by an unidentified slow virus; characterized by progressive dementia and gradual loss of muscle control
crick: a painful muscle spasm especially in the neck or back (`rick' and `wrick' are British)
Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever: an infection common in Arab states caused by a bunyavirus; transmitted by a tick that thrives on sheep
criminalism: the state of being a criminal
crisis: an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty
critical point: a crisis situation or point in time when a critical decision must be made
criticality: a critical state; especially the point at which a nuclear reaction is self-sustaining
criticality: a state of critical urgency
Crohn's disease: a serious chronic and progressive inflammation of the ileum producing frequent bouts of diarrhea with abdominal pain and nausea and fever and weight loss
crop failure: the failure of crops to produce a marketable surplus
cross infection: an infection that is acquired at a hospital or other healthcare facility
cross: any affliction that causes great suffering
croup: a disease of infants and young children; harsh coughing and hoarseness and fever and difficult breathing
crowding: a situation in which people or things are crowded together
crown gall: a bacterial disease of plants (especially pome and stone fruits and grapes and roses) which forms excrescences on the stem near the ground
crown wart: a fungous disease of alfalfa which forms white excrescences at the base of the stem
crud: an ill-defined bodily ailment
crudeness: a wild or unrefined state
crunch: a critical situation that arises because of a shortage (as a shortage of time or money or resources)
cryaesthesia: hypersensitivity to cold
cryoanaesthesia: insensibility resulting from cold
cryopathy: destruction of tissue by freezing and characterized by tingling, blistering and possibly gangrene
cryophobia: a morbid fear of freezing
cryptobiosis: a state in which an animal's metabolic activities come to a reversible standstill
cryptococcosis: a fungal infection characterized by nodular lesions--first in the lungs and spreading to the nervous system
cryptorchidism: failure of one or both testes to move into the scrotum as the male fetus develops
cuckoldom: the state of a husband whose wife has committed adultery
cultivation: a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
Cupid's disease: a communicable infection transmitted by sexual intercourse or genital contact
curvature: (medicine) a curving or bending; often abnormal
Cushing's disease: a glandular disorder caused by excessive ACTH resulting in greater than normal functioning of the adrenal gland; characterized by obesity
Cushing's syndrome: a glandular disorder caused by excessive cortisol
custody: a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
cut: a step on some scale
cut: a wound made by cutting
cutaneous anthrax: a form of anthrax infection that begins as papule that becomes a vesicle and breaks with a discharge of toxins; symptoms of septicemia are severe with vomiting and high fever and profuse sweating; the infection is often fatal
CVA: a sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain
cyanide poisoning: poisoning due to ingesting or inhaling cyanide; common in smoke from fires and in industrial chemicals
cyanosis: a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes
cyberphobia: irrational fear of computers or technology
cybersex: sexual arousal involving communication on the internet
cyclic disorder: a mild bipolar disorder that persists over a long time
cyclic neutropenia: neutropenia that occurs periodically
cyclone: (meteorology) rapid inward circulation of air masses about a low pressure center; circling counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern
cyclopia: a developmental abnormality in which there is only one eye
cynophobia: a morbid fear of dogs
cyst: a closed sac that develops abnormally in some body structure
cystic breast disease: the presence of one or more cysts in a breast
cystitis: inflammation of the urinary bladder and ureters
cystoid macular edema: a specific pattern of swelling in the central retina
cystoparalysis: paralysis of the urinary bladder
cytopenia: a deficiency of some cellular element of the blood
dacryocystitis: inflammation of the lacrimal sac causing obstruction of the tube draining tears into the nose
dactylomegaly: abnormally large fingers or toes
Daltonism: dichromacy characterized by a lowered sensitivity to green light resulting in an inability to distinguish green and purplish-red
damnation: the state of being condemned to eternal punishment in Hell
damp: a slight wetness
damping off: a plant disease caused by a fungus; diseased condition of seedlings in excessive moisture
dandruff: a condition in which white scales of dead skin are shed by the scalp
danger: the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
danger: a cause of pain or injury or loss
Darier's disease: a rare hereditary condition marked by dark crusted patches (sometimes containing pus)
dark: absence of light or illumination
dark: absence of moral or spiritual values
day: a period of opportunity
day blindness: inability to see clearly in bright light
dead duck: something doomed to failure
dead end: a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
dead letter: the state of something that has outlived its relevance
deaf-muteness: congenital deafness that results in inability to speak
deafness: partial or complete loss of hearing
dearth: an acute insufficiency
death: the absence of life or state of being dead
death: a final state
debarment: the state of being debarred (excluded from enjoying certain possessions or rights or practices)
debility: the state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)
debt: the state of owing something (especially money)
decadence: the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities
decay: an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying
declination: a condition inferior to an earlier condition; a gradual falling off from a better state
decomposition: in a decomposed state
decrepitude: a state of deterioration due to old age or long use
deep freeze: temporary inactivity or suspension
deer fly fever: a highly infectious disease of rodents (especially rabbits and squirrels) and sometimes transmitted to humans by ticks or flies or by handling infected animals
defect: an imperfection in a bodily system
defect of speech: a disorder of oral speech
defect: an imperfection in an object or machine
defectiveness: the state of being defective
deferral: a state of abeyance or suspended business
deficiency disease: any disease caused by a lack of an essential nutrient (as a vitamin or mineral)
deficiency: the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable
deficit: a deficiency or failure in neurological or mental functioning
deflection: a twist or aberration; especially a perverse or abnormal way of judging or acting
deforestation: the state of being clear of trees
deformity: an affliction in which some part of the body is misshapen or malformed
defunctness: no longer in existence
degenerative arthritis: chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints; the most common form of arthritis occurring usually after middle age
degenerative disorder: condition leading to progressive loss of function
degree: a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process
dehydration: depletion of bodily fluids
dehydration: dryness resulting from the removal of water
deification: the condition of being treated like a god
dejection: a state of melancholy depression
delirium: a usually brief state of excitement and mental confusion often accompanied by hallucinations
delta hepatitis: a severe form of hepatitis
delusion: (psychology) an erroneous belief that is held in the face of evidence to the contrary
delusional disorder: any mental disorder in which delusions play a significant role
delusions of grandeur: a delusion (common in paranoia) that you are much greater and more powerful and influential than you really are
delusions of persecution: a delusion (common in paranoia) that others are out to get you and frustrate and embarrass you or inflict suffering on you; a complicated conspiracy is frequently imagined
demand: a condition requiring relief
dementedness: mental deterioration of organic or functional origin
dementia praecox: any of several psychotic disorders characterized by distortions of reality and disturbances of thought and language and withdrawal from social contact
demineralisation: abnormal loss of mineral salts (especially from bone)
demoralisation: a state of disorder and confusion
demyelination: loss of the myelin covering of some nerve fibers resulting in their impaired function
dependance: the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else
depersonalisation: emotional dissociative disorder in which there is loss of contact with your own personal reality accompanied by feelings of unreality and strangeness
depersonalisation: (existentialism) a loss of personal identity; a feeling of being an anonymous cog in an impersonal social machine
depilation: the condition of being void of hair
depletion: the state of being depleted
depopulation: the condition of having reduced numbers of inhabitants (or no inhabitants at all)
depressed fracture: fracture of the skull where the bone is pushed in
depression: a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity
depression: a long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment
depression: an air mass of lower pressure; often brings precipitation
deprivation: a state of extreme poverty
depth: (usually plural) a low moral state
derangement: a state of mental disturbance and disorientation
dermatitis: inflammation of the skin; skin becomes itchy and may develop blisters
dermatomycosis: fungal infection of the skin (especially of moist parts covered by clothing)
dermatomyositis: myositis characterized by weakness of limb and neck muscles and much muscle pain and swelling accompanied by skin rash affecting cheeks and eyelids and neck and chest and limbs; progression and severity vary among individuals
dermatosclerosis: an autoimmune disease that affects the blood vessels and connective tissue; fibrous connective tissue is deposited in the skin
dermatosis: disorder involving lesions or eruptions of the skin (in which there is usually no inflammation)
dermoid cyst: a cystic tumor (usually benign) with a wall lined with epithelium and a cavity containing other material
descensus uteri: prolapse of the uterus
descensus: the slipping or falling out of place of an organ (as the uterus)
deshabille: the state of being carelessly or partially dressed
desire: something that is desired
desolation: the state of being decayed or destroyed
despair: a state in which all hope is lost or absent
desperate straits: a state of extreme distress
destitution: a state without friends or money or prospects
desuetude: a state of inactivity or disuse
detached retina: visual impairment resulting from the retina becoming separated from the choroid in the back of the eye; treated by photocoagulation
detachment: the state of being isolated or detached
deterioration: a symptom of reduced quality or strength
deuce: a tie in tennis or table tennis that requires winning two successive points to win the game
development: a state in which things are improving; the result of developing (as in the early part of a game of chess)
deviated nasal septum: abnormal shift in location of the nasal septum; a common condition causing obstruction of the nasal passages and difficulty in breathing and recurrent nosebleeds
deviated septum: abnormal displacement of any wall that separates two chambers (usually in the nasal cavity)
dextrocardia: abnormal condition where the heart is located toward the right side of the chest
dhobi itch: fungal infection attacking moist parts of the body
diabetes: a polygenic disease characterized by abnormally high glucose levels in the blood; any of several metabolic disorders marked by excessive urination and persistent thirst
diabetes insipidus: a rare form of diabetes resulting from a deficiency of vasopressin (the pituitary hormone that regulates the kidneys); characterized by the chronic excretion of large amounts of pale dilute urine which results in dehydration and extreme thirst
diabetic acidosis: acidosis with an accumulation of ketone bodies; occurs primarily in diabetes mellitus
diabetic retinopathy: retinopathy involving damage to the small blood vessels in the retina; results from chronically high blood glucose levels in people with poorly controlled diabetes
diaper dermatitis: dermatitis of the thighs and buttocks of infants; supposedly caused by ammonia in the urine in the child's diapers
diaphragmatic hernia: hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm
diarrhea: frequent and watery bowel movements; can be a symptom of infection or food poisoning or colitis or a gastrointestinal tumor
diastasis: separation of an epiphysis from the long bone to which it is normally attached without fracture of the bone
diathesis: constitutional predisposition to a particular disease or abnormality
dichromacy: a deficiency of color vision in which the person can match any given hue by mixing only two other wavelengths of light (as opposed to the three wavelengths needed by people with normal color vision)
dieback: a disease of plants characterized by the gradual dying of the young shoots starting at the tips and progressing to the larger branches
diestrum: (of animals having several estrous cycles in one breeding season) a state or interval of sexual inactivity or quiescence between periods of activity
difficulty: a condition or state of affairs almost beyond one's ability to deal with and requiring great effort to bear or overcome
dignity: high office or rank or station
dilatation: the state of being stretched beyond normal dimensions
dimness: the state of being poorly illuminated
dinge: discoloration due to dirtiness
diphtheria: acute contagious infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae; marked by the formation of a false membrane in the throat and other air passages causing difficulty in breathing
diplegia: paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body
diploidy: the condition of being diploid
diplomatic immunity: exemption from taxation or normal processes of law that is offered to diplomatic personnel in a foreign country
diplopia: visual impairment in which an object is seen as two objects
dirt: the state of being covered with unclean things
dirtiness: the state of containing dirty impurities
dirtiness: the state of being unsanitary
disability of walking: a disability that interferes with or prevents walking
disability: the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness
disagreement: a conflict of people's opinions or actions or characters
disarrangement: a condition in which an orderly system has been disrupted
disassociation: the state of being unconnected in memory or imagination
disassociation: a state in which some integrated part of a person's life becomes separated from the rest of the personality and functions independently
discomfort: the state of being tense and feeling pain
disconnectedness: state of being disconnected
discontinuity: lack of connection or continuity
discord: lack of agreement or harmony
discredit: the state of being held in low esteem
discreteness: the state of being several and distinct
discretion: freedom to act or judge on one's own
disease: an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning
disease of the neuromuscular junction: a disease characterized by impairment of neuromuscular junctions
disease of the skin: a disease affecting the skin
disequilibrium: loss of equilibrium attributable to an unstable situation in which some forces outweigh others
disesteem: the state in which esteem has been lost
disfavor: the state of being out of favor
disfunction: (medicine) any disturbance in the functioning of an organ or body part or a disturbance in the functioning of a social group
disgrace: a state of dishonor
dishonor: a state of shame or disgrace
disintegration: a loss (or serious disruption) of organization in some system
disjointedness: lacking order or coherence
dislocation: a displacement of a part (especially a bone) from its normal position (as in the shoulder or the vertebral column)
disorder: a disturbance of the peace or of public order
disorder: a condition in which things are not in their expected places
disorder: a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning
disorderliness: rowdy behavior
disorganized schizophrenia: a form of schizophrenia characterized by severe disintegration of personality including erratic speech and childish mannerisms and bizarre behavior; usually becomes evident during puberty; the most common diagnostic category in mental institutions
displaced fracture: fracture in which the two ends of the broken bone are separated from one another
disrepair: in need of repairs
dissociative disorder: dissociation so severe that the usually integrated functions of consciousness and perception of self break down
distaff: the sphere of work by women
distal muscular dystrophy: a form of muscular dystrophy that sets in between 40 and 60 years of age and is characterized by weakness and wasting of the muscles of the hands and forearms and lower legs; inheritance is autosomal dominant
distemper: any of various infectious viral diseases of animals
distinction: high status importance owing to marked superiority
distress: a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need)
distress: extreme physical pain
distributive shock: shock caused by poor distribution of the blood flow
disturbance: (psychiatry) a psychological disorder of thought or emotion; a more neutral term than mental illness
disturbance: an unhappy and worried mental state
disunity: lack of unity (usually resulting from dissension)
disuse: the state of something that has been unused and neglected
dither: an excited state of agitation
diuresis: increased secretion of urine; if not due to increased liquid intake or to the action of a diuretic drug it can be a symptom of diabetes mellitus
divergent strabismus: strabismus in which one or both eyes are directed outward
diversification: the condition of being varied
diverticulitis: inflammation of a diverticulum in the digestive tract (especially the colon); characterized by painful abdominal cramping and fever and constipation
diverticulosis: presence of multiple diverticula in the walls of the colon
diverticulum: a herniation through the muscular wall of a tubular organ (especially the colon)
divide: a serious disagreement between two groups of people (typically producing tension or hostility)
dizziness: a reeling sensation; a feeling that you are about to fall
DLE: a chronic skin disease occurring primarily in women between the ages of 20 and 40; characterized by an eruption of red lesions over the cheeks and bridge of the nose
DM: diabetes caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and characterized by polyuria
dog bite: a bite inflicted by a dog
dog's breakfast: a poor job; a mess
doldrums: a state of inactivity (in business or art etc)
domination: power to dominate or defeat
dominion: dominance or power through legal authority
dormancy: a state of quiet (but possibly temporary) inaction
double pneumonia: lobar pneumonia involving both lungs
dowager's hump: abnormal spinal curvature that results when osteoporosis causes the spine to collapse; seen most often in elderly women
Down's syndrome: a congenital disorder caused by having an extra 21st chromosome; results in a flat face and short stature and mental retardation
dream: someone or something wonderful
drive: a physiological state corresponding to a strong need or desire
dropsy: swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities
drought: a shortage of rainfall
drowsiness: a very sleepy state
drug addiction: an addiction to a drug (especially a narcotic drug)
drunkenness: a temporary state resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol
drusen: (plural) an eye disease resulting from small accumulations of hyaline bodies underneath the retina
dry mouth: abnormal dryness of the mouth resulting from decreased secretion of saliva
dry rot: a crumbling and drying of timber or bulbs or potatoes or fruit caused by a fungus
dryness: the condition of not containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water)
DTs: acute delirium caused by alcohol poisoning
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy: the most common form of muscular dystrophy; inheritance is X-linked recessive (carried by females but affecting only males)
dukedom: the dignity or rank or position of a duke
dumps: an informal expression for a mildly depressed state
dunghill: a foul or degraded condition
Dunkirk: a crisis in which a desperate effort is the only alternative to defeat
duodenal ulcer: a peptic ulcer of the duodenum
durance: imprisonment (especially for a long time)
dust contamination: state of being contaminated with dust
dustiness: the state of being covered with dust
Dutch elm disease: disease of elms caused by a fungus
dwarfism: a genetic abnormality resulting in short stature
dynamic balance: (aeronautics) the state of equilibrium in which centrifugal forces due to a rotating mass (e.g., a propeller) do not produce force in the shaft and so vibration is reduced
dysaphia: a disorder in the sense of touch
dysarthria: impaired articulatory ability resulting from defects in the peripheral motor nerves or in the speech musculature
dyscalculia: impaired ability to learn grade-appropriate mathematics
dyschezia: difficulty in defecating (usually as a consequence of long continued voluntary suppression of the urge to defecate)
dyscrasia: an abnormal or physiologically unbalanced state of the body
dysentery: an infection of the intestines marked by severe diarrhea
dysgenesis: infertility between hybrids
dysgraphia: impaired ability to learn to write
dyskinesia: abnormality in performing voluntary muscle movements
dyslexia: impaired ability to learn to read
dyslogia: impaired ability to express ideas verbally; usually resulting from difficulties of reasoning (as in feeblemindedness or certain psychoses)
dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation
dysomia: impairment of the sense of smell
dysosmia: a disorder in the sense of smell
dyspepsia: a disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea
dysphagia: condition in which swallowing is difficult or painful
dysphasia: an impairment of language (especially speech production) that is usually due to brain damage
dysphonia: speech disorder attributable to a disorder of phonation
dysplasia: abnormal development (of organs or cells) or an abnormal structure resulting from such growth
dyspnea: difficult or labored respiration
dysthymia: mild chronic depression
dystopia: state in which the conditions of life are extremely bad as from deprivation or oppression or terror
dystrophy: any degenerative disorder resulting from inadequate or faulty nutrition
dystrophy: any of several hereditary diseases of the muscular system characterized by weakness and wasting of skeletal muscles
dysuria: painful or difficult urination
earache: an ache localized in the middle or inner ear
earldom: the dignity or rank or position of an earl or countess
earthquake: a disturbance that is extremely disruptive
ease: the condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress)
eating disorder: a disorder of the normal eating routine
Ebola hemorrhagic fever: a severe and often fatal disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys and chimpanzees) caused by the Ebola virus; characterized by high fever and severe internal bleeding; can be spread from person to person; is largely limited to Africa
ecchymosis: the purple or black-and-blue area resulting from a bruise
ecclesiastical province: the district within the jurisdiction of an archbishop or a metropolitan or one of the territorial divisions of an ecclesiastical order
eccyesis: pregnancy resulting from gestation elsewhere than in the uterus
echelon: status in a society or organization
echinococcosis: infestation with larval echinococci (tapeworms)
eclampsia: a toxic condition characterized by convulsions and possibly coma during or immediately after pregnancy
ecological niche: (ecology) the status of an organism within its environment and community (affecting its survival as a species)
ecology: the environment as it relates to living organisms
economic condition: the condition of the economy
ecstasy: a state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion
ecstasy: a state of elated bliss
ectasia: dilatation or distension of a hollow organ
ectrodactyly: congenital abnormality involving the absence of some fingers or toes
eczema: generic term for inflammatory conditions of the skin; particularly with vesiculation in the acute stages
eczema herpeticum: eczema characterized by a feverish condition and widespread eruption of vesicles; most common in children
eczema marginatum: fungal infection of the groin (most common in men)
ED: impotence resulting from a man's inability to have or maintain an erection of his penis
edacity: excessive desire to eat
effect: a symptom caused by an illness or a drug
efflorescence: any red eruption of the skin
egalite: social and political equality
Ekbom syndrome: feeling of uneasiness and restlessness in the legs after going to bed (sometimes causing insomnia); may be relieved temporarily by walking or moving the legs
elastosis: breakdown of elastic tissue (as the loss of elasticity in the skin of elderly people that results from degeneration of connective tissue)
elation: an exhilarating psychological state of pride and optimism; an absence of depression
election: the status or fact of being elected
electric burn: a burn caused by heat produced by an electric current
electric shock: trauma caused by the passage of electric current through the body (as from contact with high voltage lines or being struck by lightning); usually involves burns and abnormal heart rhythm and unconsciousness
electrolyte balance: an equilibrium between the amounts of electrolytes (as calcium and sodium and potassium) that is essential for normal health and functioning
element: the situation in which you are happiest and most effective
elephantiasis: hypertrophy of certain body parts (usually legs and scrotum); the end state of the disease filariasis
elephantiasis neuromatosa: hypertrophy of a limb
embarrassment: the state of being embarrassed (usually by some financial inadequacy)
embitterment: the state of being embittered
embolism: occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus (a loose clot or air bubble or other particle)
embolus: an abnormal particle (e.g. an air bubble or part of a clot) circulating in the blood
embrace: the state of taking in or encircling
embroilment: an intricate and confusing interpersonal or political situation
embryonal carcinoma: malignant neoplasm of the testis
embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma: form of rhabdomyosarcoma occurring mainly in infants and children
emergency: a state in which martial law applies
emmetropia: (ophthalmology) the normal refractive condition of the eye in which there is clear focus of light on the retina
emotional arousal: the arousal of strong emotions and emotional behavior
emotional state: the state of a person's emotions (especially with regard to pleasure or dejection)
emphysema: an abnormal condition of the lungs marked by decreased respiratory function; associated with smoking or chronic bronchitis or old age
employ: the state of being employed or having a job
emptiness: having an empty stomach
emptiness: the state of containing nothing
empyema: a collection of pus in a body cavity (especially in the lung cavity)
enanthem: eruption on a mucous membrane (as the inside of the mouth) occurring as a symptom of a disease
encapsulation: the condition of being enclosed (as in a capsule)
encephalitis lethargica: an encephalitis that was epidemic between 1915 and 1926; symptoms include paralysis of the extrinsic eye muscle and extreme muscular weakness
encephalocele: protrusion of brain tissue through a congenital fissure in the skull
encephalomyelitis: inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
enchantment: a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
enchondroma: benign slow-growing tumor of cartilaginous cells at the ends of tubular bones (especially in the hands and feet)
encompassment: including entirely
encopresis: involuntary defecation not attributable to physical defects or illness
end point: the final point in a process
endangerment: a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
endarteritis: inflammation of the inner lining of an artery
endemic typhus: acute infection caused by rickettsia and transmitted by the bite of an infected flea; characterized by fever and chills and muscle aches and a rash
endemic: a disease that is constantly present to a greater or lesser degree in people of a certain class or in people living in a particular location
endocarditis: inflammation of the endocardium and heart valves
endocervicitis: inflammation of the mucous lining of the uterine cervix
endogamy: marriage within one's own tribe or group as required by custom or law
endogenous depression: a state of depression for which there is no apparent precipitating cause
endometrial cancer: cancer of the uterine lining
endometritis: inflammation of the lining of the uterus (of the endometrium)
endurance: a state of surviving; remaining alive
energy: a healthy capacity for vigorous activity
enfranchisement: freedom from political subjugation or servitude
engorgement: congestion with blood
ENL: an inflammatory complication of leprosy that results in painful skin lesions on the arms and legs and face
enlargement: the state of being enlarged
enlightenment: (Hinduism and Buddhism) the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire and suffering and individual consciousness
ennoblement: the state of being noble
entelechy: (Aristotle) the state of something that is fully realized; actuality as opposed to potentiality
enteric fever: serious infection marked by intestinal inflammation and ulceration; caused by Salmonella typhosa ingested with food or water
enteritis: inflammation of the intestine (especially the small intestine); usually characterized by diarrhea
enterobiasis: an infestation with or a resulting infection caused by the pinworm Enterobius vermicularis; occurs especially in children
enterolithiasis: the presence of calculi in the intestines
enteropathy: a disease of the intestinal tract
enteroptosis: an abnormally downward position of the intestines in the abdominal cavity
enterostenosis: abnormal narrowing of the intestine
enterotoxemia: a disease of cattle and sheep that is attributed to toxins absorbed from the intestines
entireness: the state of being total and complete
entomophobia: a morbid fear of insects
entopic pregnancy: pregnancy resulting from normal gestation in the uterus
environment: the totality of surrounding conditions
environmental condition: the state of the environment
eosinopenia: a decrease in the number of eosinophils in the blood
eosinophilia: a symptom of allergic states; increased eosinophils in the blood
epicondylitis: painful inflammation of the muscles and soft tissues around an epicondyle
epidemic disease: any infectious disease that develops and spreads rapidly to many people
epidemic hysertia: a condition in which a large group of people exhibit the same state of violent mental agitation
epidemic parotitis: an acute contagious viral disease characterized by fever and by swelling of the parotid glands
epididymitis: painful inflammation of the epididymis
epidural: regional anesthesia resulting from injection of an anesthetic into the epidural space of the spinal cord; sensation is lost in the abdominal and genital and pelvic areas; used in childbirth and gynecological surgery
epiglottitis: inflammation of the epiglottis; characterized by fever and a severe sore throat and difficulty in swallowing
epilepsia major: epilepsy in which the attacks involve loss of consciousness and tonic spasms of the musculature followed by generalized jerking
epilepsia major: a seizure during which the patient becomes unconscious and has convulsions over the entire body
epilepsia minor: a seizure of short duration characterized by momentary unconsciousness and local muscle spasms or twitching
epilepsia minor: epilepsy characterized by paroxysmal attacks of brief clouding of consciousness (and possibly other abnormalities)
epilepsy: a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by loss of consciousness and convulsions
epileptic seizure: convulsions accompanied by impaired consciousness
episcleritis: inflammation of the sclera of the eye
epispadias: a congenital abnormality in males in which the urethra is on the upper surface of the penis
epistaxis: bleeding from the nose
epithelioma: a malignant tumor of the epithelial tissue
equality: a state of being essentially equal or equivalent; equally balanced
equilibrium: a stable situation in which forces cancel one another
equine distemper: an acute bacterial disease of horses characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes
equine encephalitis: encephalitis caused by a virus that is transmitted by a mosquito from an infected horse
Erb-Duchenne paralysis: paralysis of the arm resulting from injury to the brachial plexus (usually during childbirth)
erection: an erect penis
erethism: an abnormally high degree of irritability or sensitivity to stimulation of an organ or body part
ergot: a plant disease caused by the ergot fungus
ergotism: poisoning by ingestion of ergot-infected grain products; characterized by thirst and diarrhea and nausea and cramping and vomiting and abnormal cardiac rhythms; in severe cases it can cause seizures and gangrene of the limbs
erosion: condition in which the earth's surface is worn away by the action of water and wind
eroticism: a state of anticipation of sexuality
eructation: (of volcanos) pouring out fumes or lava (or a deposit so formed)
eruption: symptom consisting of a breaking out and becoming visible
erysipelas: an acute streptococcal infection characterized by deep-red inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes
erythema: abnormal redness of the skin resulting from dilation of blood vessels (as in sunburn or inflammation)
erythema multiforme: a red rash caused by hypersensitivity to a drug or disease or other allergen
erythema nodosum: skin condition characterized by tender red nodules on the shins and legs
erythema solare: redness of the skin caused by exposure to the rays of the sun
erythroblastosis: a blood disease characterized by the abnormal presence of erythroblasts in the blood
erythroblastosis fetalis: severe anemia in newborn babies; the result of Rh incompatibility between maternal and fetal blood; typically occurs when the child of an Rh-negative mother inherits Rh-positive blood from the father; can be diagnosed before birth by amniocentesis
erythroderma: any skin disorder involving abnormal redness
esophageal reflux: reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus
esophagitis: inflammation of the esophagus; often caused by gastroesophageal reflux
essential hypertension: persistent and pathological high blood pressure for which no specific cause can be found
essential thrombocytopenia: the primary form of thrombocytopenia (rather than a shortage of platelets caused by other conditions such as tuberculosis or chemical suppression of bone marrow etc.)
essential tremor: tremor of unknown cause (usually of the hands and head) that develops in older people; often mistaken for Parkinsonism but is not life-threatening and can usually be kept under control
esteem: the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)
estrus: applies to nonhuman mammals: a state or period of heightened sexual arousal and activity
eternal life: life without beginning or end
eternal rest: euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb)
eternity: a state of eternal existence believed in some religions to characterize the afterlife
eudaemonia: a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous
eunuchoidism: the state of being a eunuch (either because of lacking testicles or because they failed to develop)
eventration: protrusion of the intestine through the abdominal wall
Ewing's sarcoma: malignant tumor in bone marrow (usually in the pelvis or in long bones)
exanthem: eruption on the skin occurring as a symptom of a disease
exanthema subitum: a viral disease of infants and young children; characterized by abrupt high fever and mild sore throat; a few days later there is a faint pinkish rash that lasts for a few hours to a few days
excess: the state of being more than full
excitation: the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up
excitation: the neural or electrical arousal of an organ or muscle or gland
exclusion: the state of being excluded
executive clemency: the power (usually of a president or governor) to pardon or commute the sentence of someone convicted in that jurisdiction
exemption: immunity from an obligation or duty
exhaustion: extreme fatigue
exigency: a pressing or urgent situation
exogamy: marriage to a person belonging to a tribe or group other than your own as required by custom or law
exogenous depression: an inappropriate state of depression that is precipitated by events in the person's life (to be distinguished from normal grief)
exomphalos: an umbilical hernia at birth in which some abdominal organs push into the umbilical cord
exoneration: the condition of being relieved from blame or obligation
exophthalmos: protrusion of the eyeball from the socket
exostosis: a benign outgrowth from a bone (usually covered with cartilage)
exposure: the state of being vulnerable or exposed
extent: the point or degree to which something extends
extinction: no longer active; extinguished
extremity: the greatest or utmost degree
extremity: an extreme condition or state (especially of adversity or disease)
eye condition: the condition of the optical properties of the eye
eye disease: any disease of the eye
eye infection: an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
eyelessness: blindness due to loss of the eyes
facilitation: the condition of being made easy (or easier)
fact: an event known to have happened or something known to have existed
failing: a flaw or weak point
failure: lack of success
failure: loss of ability to function normally
false pregnancy: physiological state in which a woman exhibits symptoms of pregnancy but is not pregnant
false smut: disease of rice; grains covered by a green powder consisting of conidia
falseness: the state of being false or untrue
fame: favorable public reputation
familial hypercholesterolemia: congenital disorder characterized by high levels of cholesterol and early development of atherosclerosis
famishment: a state of extreme hunger resulting from lack of essential nutrients over a prolonged period
Fanconi's anaemia: a rare congenital anemia characterized by pancytopenia and hypoplasia of the bone marrow
fantods: an ill-defined state of irritability and distress
fare-thee-well: state of perfection; the utmost degree
farmer's lung: alveolitis caused by an allergic reaction to fungal spores in the dust that is inhaled from moldy hay
farsightedness: abnormal condition in which vision for distant objects is better than for near objects
farsightedness: a reduced ability to focus on near objects caused by loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens after age 45
FAS: a congenital medical condition in which body deformation occurs or facial development or mental ability is impaired because the mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy
fasciculation: muscular twitching of contiguous groups of muscle fibers
fascioliasis: infestation with the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica; liver damage sometimes occurs; related to liver rot
fasciolopsiasis: infestation with the large intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski; common in eastern Asia
fat embolism: serious condition in which fat blocks an artery; fat can enter the blood stream after a long bone is fractured or if adipose tissue is injured or as a result of a fatty liver
fatigue: used of materials (especially metals) in a weakened state caused by long stress
fatigue fracture: fracture resulting from excessive activity rather than a specific injury
fatigue: temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work
fatty liver: yellow discoloration as a result of the accumulation of certain fats (triglycerides) in the liver; can be caused by alcoholic cirrhosis or pregnancy or exposure to certain toxins
favism: anemia resulting from eating fava beans; victims have an inherited blood abnormality and enzyme deficiency
favus: a contagious fungal infection of the scalp; occurs mainly in Africa and the Middle East
febricity: a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection
fecal impaction: accumulation of hardened feces in the rectum or lower colon which the person cannot move
feculence: something that is feculent
fecundity: the state of being fertile; capable of producing offspring
federalisation: the state of being under federal control
feel: the general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people
felicity: state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
felon: a purulent infection at the end of a finger or toe in the area surrounding the nail
fester: a sore that has become inflamed and formed pus
festination: involuntary shortening of stride and quickening of gait that occurs in some diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease)
fetal distress: an abnormal condition of a fetus; usually discovered during pregnancy and characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm
fettle: a state of fitness and good health
fever pitch: a state of extreme excitement
fibrillation: muscular twitching involving individual muscle fibers acting without coordination
fibroadenoma: benign and movable and firm and not tender tumor of the breast; common in young women and caused by high levels of estrogen
fibroid: benign tumor containing fibrous tissue (especially in the uterus)
fibroma: nonmalignant tumor of connective tissue
fibromyositis: local inflammation of muscle and connective tissue
fibrosis: development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ
fibrositis: inflammation of white fibrous tissues (especially muscle sheaths)
fibrous dysplasia of bone: a disturbance in which bone that is undergoing lysis is replaced by an abnormal proliferation of fibrous tissue resulting in bone lesions or skin lesions
figural blindness: inability to see shapes and contours
filariasis: a disease caused by nematodes in the blood or tissues of the body causing blockage of lymphatic vessels
filth: a state characterized by foul or disgusting dirt and refuse
financial condition: the condition of (corporate or personal) finances
financial obligation: an obligation to pay money to another party
fire and brimstone: (Old Testament) God's means of destroying sinners
fire blight: a disease blackening the leaves of pear and apple trees
first-degree burn: burn causing redness of the skin surface
fish bowl: a state of affairs in which you have no privacy
fistula: a chronic inflammation of the withers of a horse
fitness: good physical condition; being in shape or in condition
fix: informal terms for a difficult situation
fixedness: remaining in place
flaccid bladder: a urinary bladder disorder resulting from interruption of the reflex arc normally associated with voiding urine; absence of bladder sensation and over-filling of the bladder and inability to urinate voluntarily
flaccid paralysis: weakness or loss of muscle tone resulting from injury or disease of the nerves innervating the muscles
flag rank: the rank of a flag officer
flag smut: smut affecting leaves and stems of cereals and other grasses
flare: reddening of the skin spreading outward from a focus of infection or irritation
flare: a sudden recurrence or worsening of symptoms
flash point: point at which something is ready to blow up
flatulence: a state of excessive gas in the alimentary canal
flaw: an imperfection in a plan or theory or legal document that causes it to fail or that reduces its effectiveness
flaw: defect or weakness in a person's character
flawlessness: the state of being without a flaw or defect
flea bite: sting inflicted by a flea
flection: the state of being flexed (as of a joint)
flittering scotoma: a localized area of diminished vision edged by shimmering colored lights; in many people it indicates the onset of migraine
floater: spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens
flow: something that resembles a flowing stream in moving continuously
flu: an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease
fluorosis: a pathological condition resulting from an excessive intake of fluorine (usually from drinking water)
flush: sudden brief sensation of heat (associated with menopause and some mental disorders)
flutter: abnormally rapid beating of the auricles of the heart (especially in a regular rhythm); can result in heart block
flux: excessive discharge of liquid from a cavity or organ (as in watery diarrhea)
flux: a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) preceding the establishment of a new direction of action
focal infection: bacterial infection limited to a specific organ or region especially one causing symptoms elsewhere
focal point: a central point or locus of an infection in an organism
focal seizure: transitory disturbance in motor or sensory function resulting from abnormal cortical activity
focus: special emphasis attached to something
fog: an atmosphere in which visibility is reduced because of a cloud of some substance
folie a deux: the simultaneous occurrence of symptoms of a mental disorder (as delusions) in two persons who are closely related (as siblings or man and wife)
folliculitis: inflammation of a hair follicle
food allergy: allergic reaction to a substance ingested in food
food poisoning: illness caused by poisonous or contaminated food
fool's paradise: an illusory state of wellbeing
foot rot: plant disease in which the stem or trunk rots at the base
foot rot: contagious degenerative infection of the feet of hoofed animals (especially cattle and sheep)
foot-and-mouth disease: acute contagious disease of cloven-footed animals marked by ulcers in the mouth and around the hoofs
footing: status with respect to the relations between people or groups
form: (physical chemistry) a distinct state of matter in a system; matter that is identical in chemical composition and physical state and separated from other material by the phase boundary
formication: hallucinated sensation that insects or snakes are crawling over the skin; a common side-effect of extensive use of cocaine or amphetamines
forthcomingness: the state of being imminent and liable to happen soon
foulness: disgusting wickedness and immorality
founder: inflammation of the laminated tissue that attaches the hoof to the foot of a horse
fowl cholera: an acute diarrheal disease (especially of chickens) caused by the microorganism that causes hemorrhagic septicemia
fowl pest: either of two acute viral diseases of domestic fowl; characterized by refusal to eat and high temperature and discoloration of the comb
fragmentation: the disintegration of social norms governing behavior and thought and social relationships
frambesia: an infectious tropical disease resembling syphilis in its early stages; marked by red skin eruptions and ulcerating lesions
frame of mind: a temporary psychological state
Frankenstein: an agency that escapes control and destroys its creator
frazzle: a state of extreme exhaustion
free agency: (sports) the state of a professional athlete who is free to negotiate a contract to play for any team
free rein: the removal of constraints
freedom: the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
freedom of the seas: the right of merchant ships to travel freely in international waters
freemasonry: a natural or instinctive fellowship between people of similar interests
freshness: an alert and refreshed state
fret: agitation resulting from active worry
Friedreich's ataxia: sclerosis of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord; characterized by muscular weakness and abnormal gait; occurs in children
friendly relationship: the state of being friends (or friendly)
frizz: the condition of being formed into small tight curls
front: a sphere of activity involving effort
front burner: top priority
fructosuria: the presence of levulose is the urine
fruition: the condition of bearing fruit
fug: (British informal) an airless smoky smelly atmosphere
fugue: a dreamlike state of altered consciousness that may last for hours or days
fugue: dissociative disorder in which a person forgets who they are and leaves home to create a new life; during the fugue there is no memory of the former life; after recovering there is no memory for events during the dissociative state
full employment: the economic condition when everyone who wishes to work at the going wage rate for their type of labor is employed
full treatment: everything available; usually preceded by `the'
fullness: the condition of being filled to capacity
functional disorder: disorder showing symptoms for which no physiological or anatomical cause can be identified
fungal infection: an inflammatory condition caused by a fungus
funiculitis: inflammation of a funiculus (especially an inflammation of the spermatic cord)
furring: a furlike coating of matter as on the tongue
furunculosis: acute skin disease characterized by the presence of many furuncles
fusarium wilt: wilt caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium
GAD: an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic free-floating anxiety and such symptoms as tension or sweating or trembling or lightheadedness or irritability etc that has lasted for more than six months
galactocele: a cystic tumor containing milk or a milky substance (especially in the mammary glands)
galactosemia: a genetic disease (autosomal recessive) in which an enzyme needed to metabolize galactose is deficient or absent; typically develops shortly after birth
gall: a skin sore caused by chafing
gall: an open sore on the back of a horse caused by ill-fitting or badly adjusted saddle
gammopathy: a disturbance in the synthesis of immunoglobulins; proteins having antibody activity increase greatly in the blood
gangrene: necrotic tissue; a mortified or gangrenous part or mass
garboil: a state of commotion and noise and confusion
gas: the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
gastric ulcer: a peptic ulcer of the stomach
gastritis: inflammation of the lining of the stomach; nausea and loss of appetite and discomfort after eating
gastroenteritis: inflammation of the stomach and intestines; can be caused by Salmonella enteritidis
Gaucher's disease: a rare chronic disorder of lipid metabolism of genetic origin
general anaesthesia: a state of total unconsciousness resulting from anesthetic drugs (as for a major surgical operation)
General Certificate of Secondary Education: the basic level of a subject taken in school
genital herpes: an infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) that is usually transmitted by sexual contact; marked by recurrent attacks of painful eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area
genius loci: the special atmosphere of a place
genu valgum: an inward slant of the thigh
genuineness: the state of being genuine
German measles: a contagious viral disease that is a milder form of measles lasting three or four days; can be damaging to a fetus during the first trimester
gestation: the state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus
ghetto: any segregated mode of living or working that results from bias or stereotyping
giantism: excessive size; usually caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland
giardiasis: infection of the intestines with protozoa found in contaminated food and water; characterized by diarrhea and nausea and flatulence and abdominal discomfort
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: neurological disorder characterized by facial grimaces and tics and movements of the upper body and grunts and shouts and coprolalia
gingivitis: inflammation of the gums
glaciation: the condition of being covered with glaciers or masses of ice; the result of glacial action
glanders: a destructive and contagious bacterial disease of horses that can be transmitted to humans
glandular fever: an acute disease characterized by fever and swollen lymph nodes and an abnormal increase of mononuclear leucocytes or monocytes in the bloodstream; not highly contagious; some believe it can be transmitted by kissing
glare: a focus of public attention
glaucoma: an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and impairs vision (sometimes progressing to blindness)
glioblastoma: a fast-growing malignant brain tumor composed of spongioblasts; nearly always fatal
glioma: a tumor of the brain consisting of neuroglia
global aphasia: loss of all ability to communicate
glomerulonephritis: nephritis marked by inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidney; characterized by decreased production of urine and by the presence of blood and protein in the urine and by edema
gloom: an atmosphere of depression and melancholy
gloom: a state of partial or total darkness
glorification: a state of high honor
glossalgia: pain in the tongue
glossitis: inflammation of the tongue
glossolalia: repetitive nonmeaningful speech (especially that associated with a trance state or religious fervor)
glossoptosis: abnormal downward or back placement of the tongue
glove anesthesia: a mental disorder involving loss of sensitivity in the hand and wrist
glucosuria: the presence of abnormally high levels of glucose in the urine
glycosuria: the presence of abnormally high levels of sugar in the urine
God's Will: the omnipotence of a divine being
God's Wisdom: the omniscience of a divine being
goiter: abnormally enlarged thyroid gland; can result from underproduction or overproduction of hormone or from a deficiency of iodine in the diet
good fortune: an auspicious state resulting from favorable outcomes
good health: the state of being vigorous and free from bodily or mental disease
good weather: weather suitable for outdoor activities
gout: a painful inflammation of the big toe and foot caused by defects in uric acid metabolism resulting in deposits of the acid and its salts in the blood and joints
grace: (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
gradation: relative position in a graded series
grade: a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
grandfather clause: an exemption based on circumstances existing prior to the adoption of some policy; used to enfranchise illiterate whites in south after the American Civil War
grandness: a prominent status
granulation: new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process
granulocytic leukemia: a malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues; marked by proliferation of myelocytes and their presence in the blood
granuloma: a tumor composed of granulation tissue resulting from injury or inflammation or infection
granuloma inguinale: a venereal disease caused by a bacterium of the genus Calymmatobacterium; characterized by a pimply rash of the skin in the genital and groin region
granville wilt: a bacterial wilt of tobacco plants
graphospasm: muscular spasms of thumb and forefinger while writing with a pen or pencil
gratification: state of being gratified or satisfied
Graves' disease: exophthalmos occurring in association with goiter; hyperthyroidism with protrusion of the eyeballs
gravida: the number of the pregnancy that a woman is in
gravidation: technical terms for pregnancy
graze: a superficial abrasion
Great Depression: the economic crisis beginning with the stock market crash in 1929 and continuing through the 1930s
greenness: the state of not being ripe
greenstick fracture: a partial fracture of a bone (usually in children); the bone is bent but broken on only one side
griminess: the state of being grimy
grogginess: a dazed and staggering state caused by alcohol
grogginess: a groggy state resulting from weariness
ground state: (physics) the lowest energy state of an atom or other particle
growing pains: pain in muscles or joints sometimes experienced by children and often attributed to rapid growth
growth: (pathology) an abnormal proliferation of tissue (as in a tumor)
Guillain-Barre syndrome: a form of peripheral polyneuritis characterized by pain and weakness and sometimes paralysis of the limbs; cause is unknown
guilt by association: the attribution of guilt (without proof) to individuals because the people they associate with are guilty
guilt: the state of having committed an offense
Guinea worm disease: a painful and debilitating infestation contracted by drinking stagnant water contaminated with Guinea worm larvae that can mature inside a human's abdomen until the worm emerges through a painful blister in the person's skin
gumboil: a boil or abscess on the gums
gumma: a small rubbery granuloma that is characteristic of an advanced stage of syphilis
gummosis: pathological production of gummy exudates in citrus and various stone-fruit trees
gutter: misfortune resulting in lost effort or money
gynecomastia: excessive development of the breasts in males; usually the result of hormonal imbalance or treatment with certain drugs (including some antihypertensives)
gynophobia: a morbid fear of women
habitus: person's predisposition to be affected by something (as a disease)
haemangioma: benign angioma consisting of a mass of blood vessels; some appear as birthmarks
haematocele: swelling caused by blood collecting in a body cavity (especially a swelling of the membrane covering the testis)
haematocolpometra: accumulation of blood in the vagina and uterus
haematocolpos: accumulation of menstrual blood in the vagina (usually due to an imperforate hymen)
haematocytopenia: an abnormally low number of red blood cells in the blood
haematocyturia: the presence of red blood cells in the urine
haematoma: a localized swelling filled with blood
haematuria: the presence of blood in the urine; often a symptom of urinary tract disease
haemoglobinemia: presence of excessive hemoglobin in the blood plasma
haemoglobinopathy: a blood disease characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobins in the blood
haemoglobinuria: presence of hemoglobin in the urine
haemolytic anaemia: anemia resulting from destruction of erythrocytes
haemophilia A: hemophilia caused by a congenital deficiency of factor VIII; occurs almost exclusively in men
haemoptysis: coughing up blood from the respiratory tract; usually indicates a severe infection of the bronchi or lungs
haemorrhagic stroke: stroke caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain
haemorrhoid: venous swelling external or internal to the anal sphincter
haemosiderosis: abnormal deposit of hemosiderin; often a symptom of thalassemia or hemochromatosis
haemothorax: accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and the walls of the chest)
hairy root: a phase of crown gall (especially in apples) during which there is abnormal development of fine fibrous roots
haleness: a state of robust good health
hallucination: illusory perception; a common symptom of severe mental disorder
hallucinosis: a mental state in which the person has continual hallucinations
halo blight: a blight affecting the leaves of oats and other grasses
hamartia: the character flaw or error of a tragic hero that leads to his downfall
hamartoma: a focal growth that resembles a neoplasm but results from faulty development in an organ
Hand-Schuller-Christian disease: inflammatory histiocytosis associated with disturbance of cholesterol metabolism; occurs chiefly in young children and is characterized by cystic defects of the skull and diabetes insipidus
handmaid: in a subordinate position
hangover: disagreeable aftereffects from the use of drugs (especially alcohol)
Hansen's disease: chronic granulomatous communicable disease occurring in tropical and subtropical regions; characterized by inflamed nodules beneath the skin and wasting of body parts; caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae
haploidy: the condition of being haploid
hard cheese: bad luck
hard time: a difficulty that can be overcome with effort
hardening: abnormal hardening or thickening of tissue
harm: any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
Hashimoto's disease: autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland; most common in middle-aged women
haste: a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
Haverhill fever: the form of ratbite fever occurring in the United States
hay fever: a seasonal rhinitis resulting from an allergic reaction to pollen
hazardousness: the state of being dangerous
head: the tip of an abscess (where the pus accumulates)
head blight: a blight of the heads of cereals
head cold: a common cold affecting the nasal passages and resulting in congestion and sneezing and headache
head lice: infestation of the scalp with lice
health: the general condition of body and mind
health hazard: hazard to the health of those exposed to it
health problem: a state in which you are unable to function normally and without pain
health: a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
hearing disorder: impairment of the sense of hearing
heart attack: a sudden severe instance of abnormal heart function
heartburn: a painful burning sensation in the chest caused by gastroesophageal reflux (backflow from the stomach irritating the esophagus); symptomatic of an ulcer or a diaphragmatic hernia or other disorder
heartrot: any plant disease in which the central part of a plant rots (especially in trees)
heat exhaustion: a condition marked by dizziness and nausea and weakness caused by depletion of body fluids and electrolytes
heat hyperpyrexia: collapse caused by exposure to excessive heat
heat rash: obstruction of the sweat ducts during high heat and humidity
heebie-jeebies: extreme nervousness
helminthiasis: infestation of the body with parasitic worms
helplessness: the state of needing help from something
hemianopia: blindness in one half of the visual field of one or both eyes
hemianopic scotoma: a scotoma involving half of the visual field
hemicrania: a severe recurring vascular headache; occurs more frequently in women than men
hemiplegia: paralysis of one side of the body
hemorrhagic septicemia: an acute infectious disease characterized by pneumonia and blood infection
hepatitis: inflammation of the liver caused by a virus or a toxin
hepatitis A: an acute but benign form of viral hepatitis caused by an RNA virus that does not persist in the blood serum and is usually transmitted by ingesting food or drink that is contaminated with fecal matter
hepatitis B: an acute (sometimes fatal) form of viral hepatitis caused by a DNA virus that tends to persist in the blood serum and is transmitted by sexual contact or by transfusion or by ingestion of contaminated blood or other bodily fluids
hepatitis C: a viral hepatitis clinically indistinguishable from hepatitis B but caused by a single-stranded RNA virus; usually transmitted by parenteral means (as injection of an illicit drug or blood transfusion or exposure to blood or blood products)
hepatocarcinoma: carcinoma of the liver
hepatojugular reflux: a venous reflux occurring in congestive heart failure
hepatomegaly: abnormal enlargement of the liver
hereditary cerebellar ataxia: nervous disorder of late childhood and early adulthood; characterized by ataxic gait and hesitating or explosive speech and nystagmus
hereness: the state of being here in this place
hermaphrodism: congenital condition in which external genitalia and internal sex organs have both male and female characteristics
hernia: rupture in smooth muscle tissue through which a bodily structure protrudes
herniated disc: a painful rupture of the fibrocartilage of the disc between spinal vertebrae; occurs most often in the lumbar region
heroin addiction: an addiction to heroin
herpangia: a viral infection (usually in children) marked by sore throat and fever and papules in the mouth and throat and headache and abdominal pain; usually subsides in a short time
herpes: viral diseases causing eruptions of the skin or mucous membrane
herpes simplex: an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus; affects the skin and nervous system; produces small temporary (but sometimes painful) blisters on the skin and mucous membranes
herpes zoster: eruptions along a nerve path often accompanied by severe neuralgia
heteroploidy: the condition of being heteroploid
heterotaxy: any abnormal position of the organs of the body
heterozygosity: the state of being heterozygous; having two different alleles of the same gene
hibernation: the torpid or resting state in which some animals pass the winter
hibernation: cessation from or slowing of activity during the winter; especially slowing of metabolism in some animals
hiccough: (usually plural) the state of having reflex spasms of the diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis producing an audible sound; sometimes a symptom of indigestion
hickey: a temporary red mark on a person's skin resulting from kissing or sucking by their lover
hickey: a small inflamed elevation of the skin; a pustule or papule; common symptom in acne
hiding: the state of being hidden
high: an air mass of higher than normal pressure
high: a state of altered consciousness induced by alcohol or narcotics
high: a state of sustained elation
high blood pressure: a common disorder in which blood pressure remains abnormally high (a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or greater)
high ground: a position of superiority over opponents or competitors
high profile: a position attracting much attention and publicity
high status: a position of superior status
higher rank: higher rank than that of others especially by reason of longer service
hinge: a circumstance upon which subsequent events depend
Hirschsprung's disease: congenital condition in which the colon does not have the normal network of nerves; there is little urge to defecate so the feces accumulate and cause megacolon
histiocytic leukaemia: leukemia characterized by the proliferation of monocytes and monoblasts in the blood
histiocytosis: a blood disease characterized by an abnormal multiplication of macrophages
histoincompatibility: incompatibility in which one person's tissue cannot be transplanted to another person
historicalness: the state of having in fact existed in the past
HIV: infection by the human immunodeficiency virus
hives: an itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale interiors and well-defined red margins; usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs
Hodgkin's disease: a malignant disorder in which there is progressive (but painless) enlargement of lymph tissue followed by enlargement of the spleen and liver
hog cholera: highly infectious virus disease of swine
holding pattern: a state of inaction with no progress and no change
hole: a fault
hollow-back: an abnormal inward (forward) curvature of the vertebral column
hollowness: the state of being hollow: having an empty space within
Hollywood: a flashy vulgar tone or atmosphere believed to be characteristic of the American film industry
Holy Order: (usually plural) the status or rank or office of a Christian clergyman in an ecclesiastical hierarchy
home: an environment offering affection and security
home rule: self-government in local matters by a city or county that is part of a national government
homelessness: the state or condition of having no home (especially the state of living in the streets)
homeostasis: (physiology) metabolic equilibrium actively maintained by several complex biological mechanisms that operate via the autonomic nervous system to offset disrupting changes
homozygosity: the state of being homozygous; having two identical alleles of the same gene
honor: the state of being honored
hookworm: infestation of the intestines by hookworms which enter the body (usually) through the skin
hopefulness: full of hope
Horner's syndrome: a pattern of symptoms occurring as a result of damage to nerves in the cervical region of the spine (drooping eyelids and constricted pupils and absence of facial sweating)
hornet's nest: a highly contentious or hazardous situation
horniness: a state of sexual arousal
hospitalization: the condition of being treated as a patient in a hospital
hot potato: a difficult situation
hot war: actual fighting between the warring parties
hot water: a dangerous or distressing predicament
hotbed: a situation that is ideal for rapid development (especially of something bad)
housemaid's knee: swelling of the bursa in the knee (due to trauma or excessive kneeling)
how-do-you-do: an awkward situation
huff: a state of irritation or annoyance
hugger-mugger: a state of confusion
humbleness: the state of being humble and unimportant
humidity: wetness in the atmosphere
humiliation: state of disgrace or loss of self-respect
humpback: an abnormal backward curve to the vertebral column
hunger: a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation
hunting ground: a place where opportunities abound
Huntington's disease: hereditary disease; develops in adulthood and ends in dementia
Hurler's syndrome: hereditary disease (autosomal recessive) consisting of an error is mucopolysaccharide metabolism; characterized by severe abnormalities in development of skeletal cartilage and bone and mental retardation
hurting: a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
hyaline membrane disease: an acute lung disease of the newborn (especially the premature newborn); lungs cannot expand because of a wetting agent is lacking; characterized by rapid shallow breathing and cyanosis and the formation of a glassy hyaline membrane over the alveoli
hyalinisation: the state of being hyaline or having become hyaline
hydatid: cyst filled with liquid; forms as a result of infestation by tapeworm larvae (as in echinococcosis)
hydatid mole: an abnormality during pregnancy; chorionic villi around the fetus degenerate and form clusters of fluid-filled sacs; usually associated with the death of the fetus
hydramnios: an abnormality of pregnancy; accumulation of excess amniotic fluid
hydrarthrosis: inflammation and swelling of a movable joint because of excess synovial fluid
hydremia: blood disorder in which there is excess fluid volume compared with the cell volume of the blood
hydrocele: disorder in which serous fluid accumulates in a body sac (especially in the scrotum)
hydrocephalus: an abnormal condition in which cerebrospinal fluid collects in the ventricles of the brain; in infants it can cause abnormally rapid growth of the head and bulging fontanelles and a small face; in adults the symptoms are primarily neurological
hydronephrosis: accumulation of urine in the kidney because of an obstruction in the ureter
hydrophobia: a morbid fear of water
hydrophobia: a symptom of rabies in humans consisting of an aversion to swallowing liquids
hydrophobia: an acute viral disease of the nervous system of warm-blooded animals (usually transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal); rabies is fatal if the virus reaches the brain
hydrothorax: accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and the walls of the chest) often resulting from disease of the heart or kidneys
hygiene: a condition promoting sanitary practices
hyperactivity: a condition characterized by excessive restlessness and movement
hyperaemia: increased blood in an organ or other body part
hyperbetalipoproteinemia: a genetic disorder characterized by high levels of beta-lipoproteins and cholesterol; can lead to atherosclerosis at an early age
hyperbilirubinemia: abnormally high amounts of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood
hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn: a common disorder that is usually due to immaturity of the liver; usually subsides spontaneously
hypercalcaemia: the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood; usually the result of excessive bone resorption in hyperparathyroidism or Paget's disease
hypercalcinuria: the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the urine; usually the result of excessive bone resorption in hyperparathyroidism or osteoporosis
hypercapnia: the physical condition of having the presence of an abnormally high level of carbon dioxide in the circulating blood
hypercellularity: the state of having abnormally many cells
hypercholesteremia: the presence of an abnormal amount of cholesterol in the cells and plasma of the blood; associated with the risk of atherosclerosis
hyperchromic anaemia: anemia characterized by an increase in the concentration of corpuscular hemoglobin
hyperdactyly: birth defect characterized by the presence of more than the normal number of fingers or toes
hyperglycaemia: abnormally high blood sugar usually associated with diabetes
hypericism: a severe dermatitis of herbivorous domestic animals attributable to photosensitivity from eating Saint John's wort
hyperkalemia: higher than normal levels of potassium in the circulating blood; associated with kidney failure or sometimes with the use of diuretic drugs
hyperlipaemia: presence of excess lipids in the blood
hyperlipoproteinemia: any of various disorders of lipoprotein and cholesterol metabolism that result in high levels of lipoprotein and cholesterol in the circulating blood
hypermotility: excessive movement; especially excessive motility of the gastrointestinal tract
hypernatremia: excessive amounts of sodium in the blood; possibly indicating diabetes insipidus
hyperparathyroidism: excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood; can affect many systems of the body (especially causing bone resorption and osteoporosis)
hyperpigmentation: unusual darkening of the skin
hyperpituitarism: excessive activity of the pituitary gland (especially overactivity of the anterior lobe which leads to excess secretion of growth hormone)
hyperplasia: abnormal increase in number of cells
hyperpyrexia: extremely high fever (especially in children)
hypersensitivity: pathological sensitivity
hypersensitivity reaction: an inappropriate and excessive reaction to an allergen (as pollen or dust or animal hair or certain foods); severity ranges from mild allergy to severe systemic reactions leading to anaphylactic shock
hypersomnia: an inability to stay awake
hypersplenism: enlarged spleen and a decrease in one or more types of blood cells; associated with many disorders
hyperthermia: abnormally high body temperature; sometimes induced (as in treating some forms of cancer)
hyperthyroidism: an overactive thyroid gland; pathologically excessive production of thyroid hormones or the condition resulting from excessive production of thyroid hormones
hypertonia: (of muscular tissue) the state of being hypertonic
hypertonicity: (of a solution) the extent to which a solution has a higher osmotic pressure than some other
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a disorder in which the heart muscle is so strong that it does not relax enough to fill with the heart with blood and so has reduced pumping ability
hypertrophy: abnormal enlargement of a body part or organ
hypervitaminosis: an abnormal condition resulting from taking vitamins excessively; can be serious for vitamins A or D or K
hypervolaemia: a blood disorder consisting of an increase in the volume of circulating blood
hypesthesia: impairment of tactile sensitivity; decrease of sensitivity
hyphema: bleeding into the interior chamber of the eye
hypnophobia: a morbid fear of falling asleep
hypnosis: a state that resembles sleep but that is induced by suggestion
hypobetalipoproteinemia: a hereditary disorder characterized by low levels of beta-lipoproteins and lipids and cholesterol
hypocalcaemia: abnormally low level of calcium in the blood; associated with hypoparathyroidism or kidney malfunction or vitamin D deficiency
hypocellularity: the state of having abnormally few cells
hypochondria: chronic and abnormal anxiety about imaginary symptoms and ailments
hypochromic anaemia: anemia characterized by a decrease in the concentration of corpuscular hemoglobin
hypogammaglobulinemia: an abnormally low concentration of gamma globulin in the blood and increased risk of infection
hypoglycaemia: abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive insulin or a poor diet
hypogonadism: incompetence of the gonads (especially in the male with low testosterone); results in deficient development of secondary sex characteristics and (in prepubertal males) a body with long legs and a short trunk
hypokalemia: abnormally low level of potassium in the circulating blood leading to weakness and heart abnormalities; associated with adrenal tumors or starvation or taking diuretics
hypolipoproteinemia: any of various disorders of lipoprotein and cholesterol metabolism that result in low levels of lipoprotein and cholesterol in the circulating blood
hyponatremia: abnormally low level of sodium in the blood; associated with dehydration
hypoparathyroidism: inadequate secretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood
hypopigmentation: unusual lack of skin color
hypoplasia: underdevelopment of an organ because of a decrease in the number of cells
hypoplastic anaemia: anemia resulting from inadequately functioning bone marrow; can develop into aplastic anemia
hypoproteinemia: abnormally low level of protein in the blood; can indicate inadequate diet or intestinal or renal disorders
hyposmia: lessened sensitivity to odors
hypospadias: an abnormal condition in males in which the urethra opens on the under surface of the penis
hypotension: abnormally low blood pressure
hypothermia: subnormal body temperature
hypothrombinemia: a low level of prothrombin (factor II) in the circulating blood; results in long clotting time and poor clot formation and sometimes excessive bleeding; can result from vitamin K deficiency
hypothyroidism: an underactive thyroid gland; a glandular disorder resulting from insufficient production of thyroid hormones
hypotonia: (of muscular tissue) the state of being hypotonic
hypotonicity: (of a solution) the extent to which a solution has a lower osmotic pressure than some other
hypovolaemia: a blood disorder consisting of a decrease in the volume of circulating blood
hypovolemic shock: shock caused by severe blood or fluid loss
hypoxia: oxygen deficiency causing a very strong drive to correct the deficiency
hypoxic hypoxia: hypoxia resulting from defective oxygenation of the blood in the lungs
hysteria: neurotic disorder characterized by violent emotional outbreaks and disturbances of sensory and motor functions
hysterics: an attack of hysteria
hysterocatalepsy: hysteria with cataleptic symptoms
ichthyosis: any of several congenital diseases in which the skin is dry and scaly like a fish
icterus neonatorum: yellowish appearance in newborn infants; usually subsides spontaneously
icterus: yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by an accumulation of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood; can be a symptom of gallstones or liver infection or anemia
ictus: a sudden occurrence (or recurrence) of a disease
identification: the condition of having the identity (of a person or object) established
identity crisis: distress and disorientation (especially in adolescence) resulting from conflicting pressures and uncertainty about one's self and one's role in society
idiopathic disease: any disease arising from internal dysfunctions of unknown cause
idle: the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
ileitis: inflammation of the ileum
ileus: blockage of the intestine (especially the ileum) that prevents the contents of the intestine from passing to the lower bowel
ill fame: the state of being known for some unfavorable act or quality
ill-being: lack of prosperity or happiness or health
illness: impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
illumination: the degree of visibility of your environment
illumination: a condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination
imbalance: a lack of balance or state of disequilibrium
immaculateness: the state of being spotlessly clean
immanence: the state of being within or not going beyond a given domain
immatureness: not having reached maturity
immersion foot: resembling frostbite but without freezing; resulting from exposure to cold and wet
immunity: (medicine) the condition in which an organism can resist disease
immunity: the state of not being susceptible
immunocompetence: the ability to develop an immune response following exposure to an antigen
immunodeficiency: immunological disorder in which some part of the body's immune system is inadequate and resistance to infectious diseases is reduced
immunogenicity: the property of eliciting an immune response
immunological disorder: a disorder of the immune system
immunosuppression: lowering the body's normal immune response to invasion by foreign substances; can be deliberate (as in lowering the immune response to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ) or incidental (as a side effect of radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancer)
impacted fracture: fracture in which one broken end is wedged into the other broken end
impacted tooth: a disorder in which a tooth is so crowded in its socket that it cannot erupt normally
impaction: a disorder in which feces are impacted in the lower colon
impaction: the condition of being pressed closely together and firmly fixed
impatience: a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay
impeachability: the state of being liable to impeachment
impecuniousness: a state of lacking money
imperativeness: the state of demanding notice or attention
imperfection: the state or an instance of being imperfect
impetigo: a very contagious infection of the skin; common in children; localized redness develops into small blisters that gradually crust and erode
impossibility: incapability of existing or occurring
impotence: an inability (usually of the male animal) to copulate
impoverishment: the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
impregnability: having the strength to withstand attack
impropriety: the condition of being improper
improvement: a condition superior to an earlier condition
impunity: exemption from punishment or loss
impureness: the condition of being impure
inaction: the state of being inactive
inadequacy: a lack of competence
inborn error of metabolism: any of a number of diseases in which an inherited defect (usually a missing or inadequate enzyme) results in an abnormality of metabolism
incident: a public disturbance
inclusion: the state of being included
inclusion body myositis: myositis characterized by weakness of limb muscles (especially the thighs and wrists and fingers); sometimes involves swallowing muscles; onset after 50 and slowly progressive; seen more often in men than in women
incoherence: lack of cohesion or clarity or organization
incommodiousness: an inconvenient discomfort
incompatibility: (immunology) the degree to which the body's immune system will try to reject foreign material (as transfused blood or transplanted tissue)
incompetence: inability of a part or organ to function properly
incomplete fracture: fracture that does not go across the entire width of the bone
incompleteness: the state of being crude and incomplete and imperfect
inconceivability: the state of being impossible to conceive
incubus: a situation resembling a terrifying dream
indemnity: legal exemption from liability for damages
indemnity: protection against future loss
independence: freedom from control or influence of another or others
Indian tick fever: a disease (common in India and around the Mediterranean area) caused by a rickettsia that is transmitted to humans by a reddish brown tick (ixodid) that lives on dogs and other mammals
indigence: a state of extreme poverty or destitution
indisposition: a slight illness
induration: any pathological hardening or thickening of tissue
industrial air pollution: pollution resulting from an industrial plant discharging pollutants into the atmosphere
industrial disease: disease or disability resulting from conditions of employment (usually from long exposure to a noxious substance or from continuous repetition of certain acts)
infamy: evil fame or public reputation
infamy: a state of extreme dishonor
infantilism: an abnormal condition in which an older child or adult retains infantile characteristics
infarct: localized necrosis resulting from obstruction of the blood supply
infection: the pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms
infectious disease: a disease transmitted only by a specific kind of contact
inferiority: the state of being inferior
infertility: the state of being unable to produce offspring; in a woman it is an inability to conceive; in a man it is an inability to impregnate
infestation: the state of being invaded or overrun by parasites
inflammation: a response of body tissues to injury or irritation; characterized by pain and swelling and redness and heat
inflammatory disease: a disease characterized by inflammation
inguinal hernia: hernia in which a loop of intestine enters the inguinal canal; the most common type of hernia in males
inhalation anesthesia: general anesthesia achieved by administration of an inhalation anesthetic
inherence: the state of inhering; the state of being a fixed characteristic
inherited wealth: wealth that is inherited rather than earned
inhospitableness: the environmental condition in a region that lacks a favorable climate or terrain for life or growth
innate immunity: immunity to disease that occurs as part of an individual's natural biologic makeup
innocence: a state or condition of being innocent of a specific crime or offense
innocence: the state of being unsullied by sin or moral wrong; lacking a knowledge of evil
insaneness: obsolete terms for legal insanity
insanity: relatively permanent disorder of the mind
insecureness: the state of being exposed to risk or anxiety
insecurity: the state of being subject to danger or injury
insolation: sudden prostration due to exposure to the sun or excessive heat
insolvency: the lack of financial resources
insomnia: an inability to sleep; chronic sleeplessness
instability: an unstable order
insufficiency: (pathology) inability of a bodily part or organ to function normally
insulin reaction: hypoglycemia produced by excessive insulin in the system causing coma
intactness: the state of being unimpaired
integrity: an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting
interconnectedness: a state of being connected reciprocally
intermittent claudication: lameness due to pain in leg muscles because the blood supply is inadequate; pain subsides with rest
internment: confinement during wartime
interstitial plasma cell pneumonia: pneumonia occurring in infants or in persons with impaired immune systems (as AIDS victims)
interstitial pneumonia: chronic lung disease affecting the interstitial tissue of the lungs
intestacy: the situation of being or dying without a legally valid will
intoxication: the physiological state produced by a poison or other toxic substance
intracranial aneurysm: an aneurysm of a cranial artery
intravasation: entry of foreign matter into a blood vessel
intrigue: a clandestine love affair
introversion: the condition of being folded inward or sheathed
intumescence: swelling up with blood or other fluids (as with congestion)
invalidism: chronic ill health
inversion: abnormal condition in which an organ is turned inward or inside out (as when the upper part of the uterus is pulled into the cervical canal after childbirth)
involutional depression: a major depressive episode associated with the climacteric
involvement: the condition of sharing in common with others (as fellows or partners etc.)
ionisation: the condition of being dissociated into ions (as by heat or radiation or chemical reaction or electrical discharge)
iridocyclitis: inflammation of the iris and ciliary body of the eye
iridokeratitis: inflammation of the iris and cornea of the eye
iridoncus: swelling of the iris of the eye
iritis: inflammation of the iris
iron cage: a cage from which there is no escape
iron deficiency anaemia: a form of anemia due to lack of iron in the diet or to iron loss as a result of chronic bleeding
irradiation: the condition of being exposed to radiation
irrationality: the state of being irrational; lacking powers of understanding
irreality: the state of being insubstantial or imaginary; not existing objectively or in fact
irritable bowel syndrome: recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea (often alternating with periods of constipation); often associated with emotional stress
irritation: (pathology) abnormal sensitivity to stimulation
ischaemia: local anemia in a given body part sometimes resulting from vasoconstriction or thrombosis or embolism
ischaemic stroke: the most common kind of stroke; caused by an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain (as from a clot blocking a blood vessel)
ischemic anoxia: anoxia resulting from slow peripheral circulation (such as follows congestive cardiac failure)
ischemic hypoxia: hypoxia resulting from slow peripheral circulation (such as follows congestive cardiac failure)
isolation: a state of separation between persons or groups
isomerism: the state of being an isomer; the complex of chemical and physical phenomena characteristic of isomers
isometropia: equality of refractive power in the two eyes
isostasy: (geology) a general equilibrium of the forces tending to elevate or depress the earth's crust
itch: a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
Jacksonian epilepsy: focal epilepsy in which the attack usually moves from distal to proximal limb muscles on the same side of the body
Jacquemier's sign: a purplish discoloration of the mucous membrane of the vagina that occurs early in pregnancy
jejunitis: inflammation of the jejunum of the small intestine
jejunoileitis: inflammation of the jejunum and the ileum of the small intestine
jet lag: fatigue and sleep disturbance resulting from disruption of the body's normal circadian rhythm as a result of jet travel
job: a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
juice: energetic vitality
jungle fever: severe form of malaria occurring in tropical regions
jungle rot: skin disorder induced by a tropical climate
junior status: in a junior position
kakke disease: the endemic form of beriberi
kala azar: sores resulting from a tropical infection by protozoa of the genus Leishmania which are spread by sandflies
kalemia: the presence of excess potassium in the circulating blood
kaliuresis: the presence of excess potassium in the urine
Kallman's syndrome: hypogonadism with anosmia; a congenital sexual disorder that prevents the testicles from maturing at puberty
Kaposi's sarcoma: a sarcoma that starts with purplish spots on the feet and legs and spreads from the skin to lymph nodes and internal organs; a common manifestation of AIDS
Kaposi's varicelliform eruption: a now rare complication of vaccinia superimposed on atopic dermatitis with high fever and generalized vesicles and papulovesicles
Kawasaki disease: an acute disease of young children characterized by a rash and swollen lymph nodes and fever; of unknown cause
Kayser-Fleischer ring: a pigmented ring at the outer edge of the cornea of the eye; a symptom of Wilson's disease
kelter: in working order
keratalgia: pain in the cornea
keratectasia: abnormal bulging of the cornea of the eye
keratitis: inflammation of the cornea causing watery painful eyes and blurred vision
keratoacanthoma: skin tumor that grows rapidly (especially in older people) and resembles a carcinoma but does not spread; it usually disappears spontaneously, often leaving a scar
keratocele: hernia of the cornea
keratoconjunctivitis: inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva
keratoconus: abnormal cone-shaped protrusion of the cornea of the eye; can be treated by epikeratophakia
keratoderma blennorrhagica: skin disease characterized by a scaly rash on the palms and soles; associated with Reiter's syndrome
keratoderma: any skin disorder consisting of a growth that appears horny
keratoiritis: inflammation of the cornea and the iris of the eye
keratomalacia: softening and drying and ulceration of the cornea resulting from vitamin A deficiency; symptom of cystic fibrosis or sprue
keratomycosis: fungal infection of the cornea
keratonosis: any abnormal condition of the outer skin (epidermis)
keratonosus: any disease of the cornea
keratoscleritis: inflammation of the cornea and sclera of the eye
keratosis: a skin condition marked by an overgrowth of layers of horny skin
keratosis pilaris: keratosis characterized by hard conical elevations in the openings of sebaceous glands (especially of arms and thighs)
kerion: ringworm infection of the hair follicles of the scalp and beard that usually results in a swelling that is covered with pustules and oozes fluid
kernicterus: an abnormal accumulation of bile pigment in the brain and other nerve tissue; causes yellow staining and tissue damage
Kernig's sign: symptom of meningitis; patient cannot extend the leg at the knee when the thigh is flexed because of stiffness in the hamstrings
kibe: ulcerated chilblain on the heel
kidney disease: a disease affecting the kidneys
kidney failure: inability of the kidneys to excrete wastes and to help maintain the electrolyte balance
kinetosis: the state of being dizzy or nauseated because of the motions that occur while traveling in or on a moving vehicle
king: preeminence in a particular category or group or field
king's evil: a form of tuberculosis characterized by swellings of the lymphatic glands
kingdom: a domain in which something is dominant
kingship: the dignity or rank or position of a king
Klinefelter's syndrome: syndrome in males that is characterized by small testes and long legs and enlarged breasts and reduced sperm production and mental retardation; a genetic defect in which an extra X chromosome (XXY) is present in the male
Koplik's spots: small red spots with white centers found on the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue; symptom of measles that appears one or two days before the measles rash appears
Korsakoff's psychosis: dementia observed during the last stages of severe chronic alcoholism; involves loss of memory for recent events although long term memory is intact
kraurosis: atrophy and shriveling of the skin or mucous membrane
kraurosis vulvae: kraurosis of the vulva; often a precancerous lesion
kuru: a progressive disease of the central nervous system marked by increasing lack of coordination and advancing to paralysis and death within a year of the appearance of symptoms; thought to have been transmitted by cannibalistic consumption of diseased brain tissue since the disease virtually disappeared when cannibalism was abandoned
kwashiorkor: severe malnutrition in children resulting from a diet excessively high in carbohydrates and low in protein
labor pain: pain and discomfort associated with contractions of the uterus during labor
labyrinthitis: inflammation of the inner ear; can cause vertigo and vomiting
laceration: a torn ragged wound
lactase deficiency: congenital disorder consisting of an inability to digest milk and milk products; absence or deficiency of lactase results in an inability to hydrolyze lactose
lactosuria: presence of lactose in the urine; can occur during pregnancy or lactation
ladder: ascending stages by which somebody or something can progress
Lafora's disease: epilepsy characterized by clonus of muscle groups and progressive mental deterioration and genetic origin
lagophthalmos: abnormal condition in which an eye cannot close completely
lallation: defective articulation of the `l' phoneme or the phoneme `r' is pronounced as `l'
lambdacism: speech defect involving excessive use or unusual pronunciation of the phoneme `l'
Lambert-Eaton syndrome: a disease seen in patients with lung cancer and characterized by weakness and fatigue of hip and thigh muscles and an aching back; caused by antibodies directed against the neuromuscular junctions
lameness: an imperfection or defectiveness
lap: an area of control or responsibility
lap of luxury: in conditions of wealth and comfort
lap of the gods: beyond human control or responsibility
laparocele: hernia through the abdomen
laryngitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx; characterized by hoarseness or loss of voice and coughing
laryngopharyngitis: inflammation of the larynx and pharynx
laryngospasm: a closure of the larynx that blocks the passage of air to the lungs
laryngostenosis: abnormal narrowing of the larynx
laryngotracheobronchitis: inflammation of the larynx and trachea and bronchial passageways
Lassa fever: an acute contagious viral disease of central western Africa; characterized by fever and inflammation and muscular pains and difficulty swallowing; can be used as a bioweapon
lassitude: a state of comatose torpor (as found in sleeping sickness)
late blight: blight in which symptoms appear late in the growing season especially a disease of solanaceous plants caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans
latency: the state of being not yet evident or active
latent hostility: feelings of hostility that are not manifest
lateral epicondylitis: painful inflammation of the tendon at the outer border of the elbow resulting from overuse of lower arm muscles (as in twisting of the hand)
latitude: freedom from normal restraints in conduct
laxity: the condition of being physiologically lax
LE: a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
lead colic: symptom of chronic lead poisoning and associated with obstinate constipation
lead poisoning: toxic condition produced by the absorption of excessive lead into the system
leadership: the status of a leader
leaf blight: any blight causing a browning and falling of the leaves of a plant
leaf cast: a disease of conifers causing the needles to fall
leaf disease: any plant disease localized in the foliage
leaf scorch: plant disease causing a burned or scorched appearance of the foliage
leak: soft watery rot in fruits and vegetables caused by fungi
leakiness: the condition of permitting leaks or leakage
learning disability: a disorder found in children of normal intelligence who have difficulties in learning specific skills
left-handedness: the status of being born of a morganatic marriage
legal blindness: vision that is 20/200 or worse in both eyes (20/200 vision is the ability to see at 20 feet what a normal eye can see at 200 feet)
legal representation: personal representation that has legal status
legal status: a status defined by law
Legionnaires' disease: acute (sometimes fatal) lobar pneumonia caused by bacteria of a kind first recognized after an outbreak of the disease at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia in 1976; characterized by fever and muscle and chest pain and headache and chills and a dry cough
leiomyoma: benign tumor of smooth muscle (usually in the uterus or digestive tract)
leiomyosarcoma: sarcoma of smooth muscle; occurs most often digestive tract or uterus or bladder or prostate
lepidophobia: a morbid fear of snakes
lepromatous leprosy: a very serious form of leprosy characterized by lesions that spread over much of the body and affecting many systems of the body
leptomeningitis: inflammation of the leptomeninges
leptospirosis: an infectious disease cause by leptospira and transmitted to humans from domestic animals; characterized by jaundice and fever
lesion: any localized abnormal structural change in a bodily part
lesion: an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)
leucocytosis: an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood as a result of infection (as in leukemia)
leucoma: eye disease consisting of an opaque white spot on the cornea
leucopenia: an abnormal lowering of the white blood cell count
leukoderma: a congenital skin condition characterized by spots or bands of unpigmented skin
leukoencephalitis: inflammation of the white matter of the brain
LGV: infectious disease caused by a species of chlamydia bacterium; transmitted by sexual contact; characterized by genital lesions and swelling of lymph nodes in the groin
liability: the state of being legally obliged and responsible
liberty: personal freedom from servitude or confinement or oppression
liberty: freedom of choice
licence: freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)
licence: excessive freedom; lack of due restraint
lichen: any of several eruptive skin diseases characterized by hard thick lesions grouped together and resembling lichens growing on rocks
lichen planus: an eruption of shiny flat-topped purplish (usually itchy) papules on the wrist and forearms and thighs
life: the course of existence of an individual; the actions and events that occur in living
life: a characteristic state or mode of living
life imprisonment: a sentence of imprisonment until death
lifelessness: a state of no motion or movement
light: having abundant light or illumination
limb-girdle muscular dystrophy: an autosomal recessive form of muscular dystrophy that appears anywhere from late childhood to middle age; characterized by progressive muscular weakness beginning either in the shoulder or pelvic girdle; usually progresses slowly with cardiopulmonary complications in the later stages
limbo: the state of being disregarded or forgotten
lipidosis: a disorder of lipid metabolism; abnormal levels of certain fats accumulate in the body
lipomatosis: pathology in which fat accumulates in lipomas in the body
liposarcoma: sarcoma of fat cells
liquid: the state in which a substance exhibits a characteristic readiness to flow with little or no tendency to disperse and relatively high incompressibility
lisp: a speech defect that involves pronouncing `s' like voiceless `th' and `z' like voiced `th'
listeria meningitis: an infectious disease of animals and humans (especially newborn or immunosuppressed persons) caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes; in sheep and cattle the infection frequently involves the central nervous system and causes various neurological symptoms
lithiasis: the formation of stones (calculi) in an internal organ
little potato: rhizoctinia disease of potatoes
livedo: skin disorder characterized by patchy bluish discolorations on the skin
liver disease: a disease affecting the liver
living death: a state of constant misery
living standards: a level of material comfort in terms of goods and services available to someone or some group
lobar pneumonia: pneumonia affecting one or more lobes of the lung; commonly due to streptococcal infection
local anaesthesia: loss of sensation in a small area of the body (as when a local anesthetic is injected for a tooth extraction)
local option: freedom of a local government to determine by popular vote the applicability of a controversial law in their jurisdiction
lockjaw: an acute and serious infection of the central nervous system caused by bacterial infection of open wounds; spasms of the jaw and laryngeal muscles may occur during the late stages
loco disease: a disease of livestock caused by locoweed poisoning; characterized by weakness and lack of coordination and trembling and partial paralysis
locomotor ataxia: syphilis of the spinal cord characterized by degeneration of sensory neurons and stabbing pains in the trunk and legs and unsteady gait and incontinence and impotence
logginess: a dull and listless state resulting from weariness
logjam: any stoppage attributable to unusual activity
loneliness: the state of being alone in solitary isolation
looping ill: an acute viral disease of the nervous system in sheep; can be transmitted by Ixodes ricinus
loose smut: disease of grains; the entire head is a dusty mass of spores
lotus land: an idyllic realm of contentment and self-indulgence
Lou Gehrig's disease: thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord; results in progressive muscle atrophy that starts in the limbs
lousiness: infestation with lice (Pediculus humanus) resulting in severe itching
love affair: a relationship between two lovers
low profile: a state of low visibility in which public notice is avoided
low spirits: a state of mild depression
low status: a position of inferior status; low in station or rank or fortune or estimation
low-water mark: an extreme state of adversity; the lowest point of anything
lower respiratory infection: infection of the lower respiratory tract
lubrication: the condition of having been made smooth or slippery by the application of a lubricant
lucidity: a lucid state of mind; not confused
lues: a common venereal disease caused by the treponema pallidum spirochete; symptoms change through progressive stages; can be congenital (transmitted through the placenta)
lull: a period of calm weather
lumbago: backache affecting the lumbar region or lower back; can be caused by muscle strain or arthritis or vascular insufficiency or a ruptured intervertebral disc
lump: an abnormal protuberance or localized enlargement
lung cancer: carcinoma of the lungs; one of the commonest forms of cancer
lupus: any of several forms of ulcerative skin disease
lupus vulgaris: tuberculosis of the skin; appears first on the face and heals slowly leaving deep scars
luxuriousness: wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
Lyme arthritis: an acute inflammatory disease characterized by a rash with joint swelling and fever; caused by bacteria carried by the bite of a deer tick
lymphadenitis: inflammation of lymph nodes
lymphadenoma: an abnormally enlarged lymph node
lymphadenopathy: chronic abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes (usually associated with disease)
lymphangiectasia: dilatation of a lymph vessel
lymphangioma: benign angioma consisting of a mass of lymphatic vessels
lymphangitis: inflammation of a lymph vessel
lymphedema: swelling (usually in the legs) caused by lymph accumulating in the tissues in the affected areas
lymphoblastic leukemia: a form of lymphocytic leukemia in which the abnormal cells in the circulating blood are almost totally lymphoblasts
lymphocytic choriomeningitis: a form of viral meningitis caused by a virus carried by the common house mouse
lymphocytic leukemia: leukemia characterized by enlargement of lymphoid tissues and lymphocytic cells in the circulating blood
lymphocytopenia: an abnormally small number of lymphocytes in the circulating blood
lymphocytosis: an abnormal increase in the number of lymphocytes in the circulating blood
lymphogranuloma: swelling of a lymph node
lymphoma: a neoplasm of lymph tissue that is usually malignant; one of the four major types of cancer
lymphuria: the presence of lymph in the urine
lysine intolerance: a disorder in which a lack of certain enzymes makes it impossible to digest the amino acid lysine
lysinemia: an inborn error of metabolism in which the lack of certain enzymes leads to an inability to metabolize the amino acid lysine; characterized by muscular weakness and mental retardation
lysogenicity: the condition of a host bacterium that has incorporated a phage into its own genetic material
macrencephaly: an abnormally large braincase
macrocephaly: an abnormally large head; differs from hydrocephalus because there is no increased intracranial pressure and the overgrowth is symmetrical
macrocytic anaemia: anemia in which the average size of erythrocytes is larger than normal
macrocytosis: the presence of macrocytes in the blood
macroglossia: a congenital disorder characterized by an abnormally large tongue; often seen in cases of Down's syndrome
macular degeneration: eye disease caused by degeneration of the cells of the macula lutea and results in blurred vision; can cause blindness
macular edema: an eye disease caused by a swelling of the macula resulting from leakage and accumulation of fluid
major depressive episode: (psychiatry) a state of depression with all the classic symptoms (anhedonia and lethargy and sleep disturbance and despondency and morbid thoughts and feelings of worthlessness and sometimes attempted suicide) but with no known organic dysfunction
mal de mer: motion sickness experienced while traveling on water
malabsorption syndrome: a pattern of symptoms including loss of appetite and bloating and weight loss and muscle pain and steatorrhea; associated with celiac disease and sprue and cystic fibrosis
malacia: a state of abnormal softening of tissue
maladjustment: the condition of being unable to adapt properly to your environment with resulting emotional instability
malady: any unwholesome or desperate condition
malaise: physical discomfort (as mild sickness or depression)
malaria: an infective disease caused by sporozoan parasites that are transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito; marked by paroxysms of chills and fever
malathion poisoning: a toxic condition caused by inhaling or ingesting the insecticide Malathion
male pattern baldness: loss of hair on the crown of the head
malignance: (medicine) a malignant state; progressive and resistant to treatment and tending to cause death
malignant anaemia: a chronic progressive anemia of older adults; thought to result from a lack of intrinsic factor (a substance secreted by the stomach that is responsible for the absorption of vitamin B12)
malignant hypertension: severe hypertension that runs a rapid course and damages the inner linings of the blood vessels and the heart and spleen and kidneys and brain
malignant hyperthermia: hereditary condition in which certain anesthetics (e.g., halothane) cause high body temperatures and muscle rigidity
malignant melanoma: any of several malignant neoplasms (usually of the skin) consisting of melanocytes
malignant neoplasm: a tumor that is malignant and tends to spread to other parts of the body
malignant neuroma: a malignant neoplasm of nerve tissue and fibrous tissue and connective tissue
malnourishment: not having enough food to develop or function normally
malnutrition: a state of poor nutrition; can result from insufficient or excessive or unbalanced diet or from inability to absorb foods
malocclusion: (dentistry) a condition in which the opposing teeth do not mesh normally
mammon: wealth regarded as an evil influence
mange: a persistent and contagious disease of the skin causing inflammation and itching and loss of hair; affects domestic animals (and sometimes people)
manhood: the state of being a man; manly qualities
mania: a mood disorder; an affective disorder in which the victim tends to respond excessively and sometimes violently
marasmus: extreme malnutrition and emaciation (especially in children); can result from inadequate intake of food or from malabsorption or metabolic disorders
Marburg hemorrhagic fever: a viral disease of green monkeys caused by the Marburg virus; when transmitted to humans it causes serious or fatal illness
Marfan's syndrome: an autosomal dominant disease characterized by elongated bones (especially of limbs and digits) and abnormalities of the eyes and circulatory system
Marie-Strumpell disease: a chronic form of spondylitis primarily in males and marked by impaired mobility of the spine; sometimes leads to ankylosis
marital status: the condition of being married or unmarried
marriage: a close and intimate union
marriage of convenience: a marriage for expediency rather than love
marriage: the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
mastalgia: pain in the breast
mastitis: inflammation of a breast (or udder)
mastoiditis: inflammation of the mastoid
mastopathy: any pathology of the breast
materialism: a desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters
matureness: state of being mature; full development
McArdle's disease: an inherited disease in which abnormal amounts of glycogen accumulate in skeletal muscle; results in weakness and cramping
measles: an acute and highly contagious viral disease marked by distinct red spots followed by a rash; occurs primarily in children
mechanisation: the condition of having a highly technical implementation
Meckel's diverticulum: a congenital diverticulum in the ileum resulting from incomplete closure of the yolk sac
Mediterranean anaemia: an inherited form of anemia caused by faulty synthesis of hemoglobin
Mediterranean fever: infectious bacterial disease of human beings transmitted by contact with infected animals or infected meat or milk products; characterized by fever and headache
medium: a state that is intermediate between extremes; a middle position
megaloblastic anaemia: anemia characterized by many large immature and dysfunctional red blood cells (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow; associated with pernicious anemia
megalomania: a psychological state characterized by delusions of grandeur
Meibomian cyst: a small sebaceous cyst of the eyelid resulting when a Meibomian gland is blocked
melagra: rheumatic or myalgic pains in the arms or legs
melancholia: extreme depression characterized by tearful sadness and irrational fears
melancholy: a constitutional tendency to be gloomy and depressed
melanism: a condition characterized by abnormal deposits of melanin (especially in the skin)
membership: the state of being a member
menace: something that is a source of danger
Meniere's disease: a disease of the inner ear characterized by episodes of dizziness and tinnitus and progressive hearing loss (usually unilateral)
meningioma: a tumor arising in the meninges which surround the brain and spinal cord; usually slow growing and sometimes malignant
meningism: symptoms that mimic those of meningitis but without inflammation of the meninges
meningitis: infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the meninges (the tissues that surround the brain or spinal cord) usually caused by a bacterial infection; symptoms include headache and stiff neck and fever and nausea
meningocele: a congenital anomaly of the central nervous system in which a sac protruding from the brain or the spinal meninges contains cerebrospinal fluid (but no nerve tissue)
mental abnormality: any abnormality of mental function
mental balance: the healthy psychological state of someone with good judgment
mental condition: (psychology) a mental condition in which the qualities of a state are relatively constant even though the state itself may be dynamic
mental disease: any disease of the mind; the psychological state of someone who has emotional or behavioral problems serious enough to require psychiatric intervention
mental health: the psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment
mental strain: (psychology) nervousness resulting from mental stress
meralgia: pain in the thigh
merchantability: the state of being fit for market; ready to be bought or sold
mercury poisoning: a toxic condition caused by ingesting or inhaling mercury; acute mercury poisoning causes a metallic taste and vomiting and diarrhea and kidney problems that may lead to death
mercy: something for which to be thankful
meromelia: congenital absence of part of an arm or leg
mesalliance: a marriage with a person of inferior social status
mesothelioma: a form of carcinoma of the mesothelium lining lungs or abdomen or heart; usually associated with exposure to asbestos dust
mess: a state of confusion and disorderliness
metabolic acidosis: acidosis and bicarbonate concentration in the body fluids resulting either from the accumulation of acids or the abnormal loss of bases from the body (as in diarrhea or renal disease)
metabolic alkalosis: alkalosis resulting from hydrogen-ion loss or excessive intake of alkaline substances
metabolic disorder: a disorder or defect of metabolism
metamorphopsia: a defect of vision in which objects appear to be distorted; usually due to a defect in the retina
metaplastic anaemia: pernicious anemia in which the various formed elements in the blood are changed
meteorological conditions: the prevailing environmental conditions as they influence the prediction of weather
metralgia: pain in the uterus
metrorrhagia: bleeding from the uterus that is not due to menstruation; usually indicative of disease (as cervical cancer)
Mexican standoff: a situation in which no one can emerge as a clear winner
MI: destruction of heart tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply to the heart muscle
miasm: unhealthy vapors rising from the ground or other sources
miasm: an unwholesome atmosphere
microbrachia: abnormally small arms
microcephalus: an abnormally small head and underdeveloped brain
microcytic anaemia: anemia in which the average size of erythrocytes is smaller than normal
microcytosis: a blood disorder characterized by the presence of microcytes (abnormally small red blood cells) in the blood; often associated with anemia
miliary fever: epidemic in the 15th and 16th centuries and characterized by profuse sweating and high mortality
miliary tuberculosis: acute tuberculosis characterized by the appearance of tiny tubercles on one or more organs of the body (presumably resulting from tubercle bacilli being spread in the bloodstream)
milieu: the environmental condition
military rank: rank in a military organization
milk leg: painful thrombosis of the femoral vein in the leg following childbirth
milk sickness: caused by consuming milk from cattle suffering from trembles
milk sickness: disease of livestock and especially cattle poisoned by eating certain kinds of snakeroot
mimesis: any disease that shows symptoms characteristic of another disease
Minamata disease: a form of mercury poisoning among people who ate fish from mercury-contaminated waters of Minamata Bay off Japan in the 1950s; characterized by severe neurological degeneration
mineral deficiency: lack of a mineral micronutrient that is essential for normal nutrition or metabolism
mire: a difficulty or embarrassment that is hard to extricate yourself from
misalliance: an unsuitable alliance (especially with regard to marriage)
miserableness: a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune
mitral stenosis: obstruction or narrowing of the mitral valve (as by scarring from rheumatic fever)
mitral valve prolapse: cardiopathy resulting from the mitral valve not regulating the flow of blood between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart
mode: a particular functioning condition or arrangement
Moeller's glossitis: a superficial form of glossitis marked by irregular red patches on the tongue and sensitivity to hot or spicy food
moisture: wetness caused by water
mollification: a state of being appeased or ameliorated or tempered
molluscum: any skin disease characterized by soft pulpy nodules
molluscum contagiosum: a virus disease of the skin marked by round white swellings; transmitted from person to person (most often in children or in adults with impaired immune function)
monandry: the state of having only one husband at a time
monochromacy: complete color blindness; colors can be differentiated only on the basis of brightness
monocytosis: increase in the number of monocytes in the blood; symptom of monocytic leukemia
monogamousness: the practice or state of having only one spouse at a time
monogenic disease: an inherited disease controlled by a single pair of genes
monogyny: having only one wife at a time
mononeuropathy: any neuropathy of a single nerve trunk
monoplegia: paralysis of a single limb
monopoly: exclusive control or possession of something
monopoly: (economics) a market in which there are many buyers but only one seller
monopsony: (economics) a market in which goods or services are offered by several sellers but there is only one buyer
monorchidism: failure of one testes to descend into the scrotum
monosomy: chromosomal abnormality consisting of the absence of one chromosome from the normal diploid number
monostotic fibrous dysplasia: fibrous dysplasia of bone confined to a single bone
Montezuma's revenge: diarrhea contracted in Mexico or Central America
moon blindness: recurrent eye inflammation in horses; sometimes resulting in blindness
moon blindness: inability to see clearly in dim light; due to a deficiency of vitamin A or to a retinal disorder
moral hazard: (economics) the lack of any incentive to guard against a risk when you are protected against it (as by insurance)
morale: a state of individual psychological well-being based upon a sense of confidence and usefulness and purpose
moratorium: suspension of an ongoing activity
morning sickness: nausea early in the day; a characteristic symptom in the early months of pregnancy
morphea: localized scleroderma
mosaic: viral disease in solanaceous plants (tomatoes, potatoes, tobacco) resulting in mottling and often shriveling of the leaves
mosaicism: the condition in which an organism has two or more cell populations that differ in genetic makeup
mosquito bite: a sting inflicted by a mosquito
motion: a state of change
motivation: the condition of being motivated
mountain sickness: nausea and shortness of breath experienced by mountain climbers above ten thousand feet
MS: a chronic progressive nervous disorder involving loss of myelin sheath around certain nerve fibers
mucopolysaccharidosis: any of a group of genetic disorders involving a defect in the metabolism of mucopolysaccharides resulting in greater than normal levels of mucopolysaccharides in tissues
muddiness: the wetness of ground that is covered or soaked with water
mugginess: a state of warm humidity
muliebrity: the state of being an adult woman
multiple mononeuropathy: pathology of several individual nerve trunks
multiple myeloma: myeloma that develops in several places at the same time
multiple neuritis: inflammation of many or all of the peripheral nerves (as in leprosy)
multiple personality: a relatively rare dissociative disorder in which the usual integrity of the personality breaks down and two or more independent personalities emerge
multivalence: (chemistry) the state of having a valence greater than two
mummification: a condition resembling that of a mummy
Munchausen's syndrome: syndrome consisting of feigning acute and dramatic illness for which no clinical evidence is ever found
murrain: any disease of domestic animals that resembles a plague
muscle tone: normal tonicity of the muscles
muscularity: the physiological state of having or consisting of muscle
mushroom poisoning: toxic condition caused by eating certain species of mushrooms (especially Amanita species)
musicogenic epilepsy: reflex epilepsy induced by music
musophobia: a morbid fear of mice
muteness: the condition of being unable or unwilling to speak
myalgia: pain in a muscle or group of muscles
myasthenia: any muscular weakness
myasthenia: a chronic progressive disease characterized by chronic fatigue and muscular weakness (especially in the face and neck); caused by a deficiency of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junctions
myelatelia: any developmental defect of the spinal cord
myelitis: inflammation of the spinal cord
myeloblastic leukemia: a malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues; characterized by numerous myeloblasts in the blood stream
myelofibrosis: fibrosis of the bone marrow
myeloma: a tumor of the bone marrow (usually malignant) composed of cells normally found in bone marrow
myelomeningocele: a congenital defect of the central nervous system in which a sac containing part of the spinal cord and its meninges protrude through a gap in the vertebral column; frequently accompanied by hydrocephalus and mental retardation
myiasis: infestation of the body by the larvae of flies (usually through a wound or other opening) or any disease resulting from such infestation
myocardial inflammation: inflammation of the myocardium (the muscular tissue of the heart)
myoclonus: a clonic spasm of a muscle or muscle group
myoglobinuria: the presence of myoglobin in the urine
myoma: a benign tumor composed of muscle tissue
myometritis: inflammation of the myometrium
myopathy: any pathology of the muscles that is not attributable to nerve dysfunction
myopia: (ophthalmology) eyesight abnormality resulting from the eye's faulty refractive ability; distant objects appear blurred
myosarcoma: sarcoma of muscle tissue
myositis: inflammation of muscle tissue
myositis trichinosa: infestation by trichina larvae that are transmitted by eating inadequately cooked meat (especially pork); larvae migrate from the intestinal tract to the muscles where they become encysted
myotonia: abnormally long muscular contractions; slow relaxation of a muscle after a contraction
mysophobia: a morbid fear of dirt or contamination
myxedema: hypothyroidism marked by dry skin and swellings around lips and nose as well as mental deterioration
myxoma: a benign tumor of connective tissue containing jellylike material
myxomatosis: a viral disease (usually fatal) of rabbits
nabothian cyst: a cyst that forms in the nabothian glands of the uterine cervix
nakedness: the state of being without clothing or covering of any kind
name: a person's reputation
nanophthalmos: condition in which both eyes are abnormally small but otherwise normal
naphthalene poisoning: toxic condition resulting from inhaling or ingesting naphthalene
narcolepsy: a sleep disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep
Nash equilibrium: (game theory) a stable state of a system that involves several interacting participants in which no participant can gain by a change of strategy as long as all the other participants remain unchanged
nationality: the status of belonging to a particular nation by birth or naturalization
nationhood: the state of being a nation
natriuresis: the presence of abnormally large amounts of sodium in the urine
natural state: a wild primitive state untouched by civilization
nausea: the state that precedes vomiting
neatness: the state of being neat and smart and trim
nebula: cloudiness of the urine
NEC: an acute inflammatory disease occurring in the intestines of premature infants; necrosis of intestinal tissue may follow
necessity: the condition of being essential or indispensable
necrobiosis lipoidica: skin disease marked by thin shiny patches (especially on the legs); often associated with diabetes mellitus
necrotizing enteritis: enteritis characterized by bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal pain
neonatal death: death of a liveborn infant within the first 28 days of life
neophobia: a morbid fear of novelty
neoplasm: an abnormal new mass of tissue that serves no purpose
neotony: the state resulting when juvenile characteristics are retained by the adults of a species
nephralgia: pain in the kidney (usually felt in the loins)
nephroangiosclerosis: kidney disease that is usually associated with hypertension; sclerosis of the renal arterioles reduces blood flow that can lead to kidney failure and heart failure
nephrocalcinosis: renal lithiasis in which calcium deposits form in the renal parenchyma and result in reduced kidney function and blood in the urine
nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: diabetes insipidus caused by a failure of the kidney to respond to normal levels of vasopressin
nephrolithiasis: the presence of kidney stones (calculi) in the kidney
nephroptosia: prolapse of the kidney
nephrosis: a syndrome characterized by edema and large amounts of protein in the urine and usually increased blood cholesterol; usually associated with glomerulonephritis or with a complication of various systemic diseases
nerve compression: harmful pressure on a nerve (especially in nerves that pass over rigid prominences); causes nerve damage and muscle weakness
nerve deafness: hearing loss due to failure of the auditory nerve
nerve entrapment: repeated and long-term nerve compression (usually in nerves near joints that are subject to inflammation or swelling)
nerves: an uneasy psychological state
nervous breakdown: a severe or incapacitating emotional disorder
nervous disorder: a disorder of the nervous system
nervous exhaustion: an emotional disorder that leaves you exhausted and unable to work
neuralgia: acute spasmodic pain along the course of one or more nerves
neurasthenia: nervous breakdown (not in technical use)
neurilemoma: tumor of the fibrous covering of a peripheral nerve
neurinoma: tumor (usually benign) of the sheath surrounding a nerve
neuritis: inflammation of a nerve accompanied by pain and sometimes loss of function
neuroblastoma: malignant tumor containing embryonic nerve cells; usually metastasizes quickly
neurodermatitis: dermatitis in which localized areas (especially the forearms or back of the neck or outer part of the ankle) itch persistently; cause is unknown
neuroepithelioma: malignant tumor of the neuroepithelium
neurogenic bladder: a urinary bladder disorder caused by a lesion in the nervous system
neuroma: any tumor derived from cells of the nervous system
neuropathy: any pathology of the peripheral nerves
neurosis: a mental or personality disturbance not attributable to any known neurological or organic dysfunction
neurosyphilis: syphilis of the central nervous system
neurotic depression: a term used for any state of depression that is not psychotic
neutropenia: leukopenia in which the decrease is primarily in number of neutrophils (the chief phagocytic leukocyte)
nevoid elephantiasis: thickening of the skin (usually unilateral on an extremity) caused by congenital enlargement of lymph vessel and lymph vessel obstruction
New World leishmaniasis: a form of leishmaniasis endemic in Mexico and Central American and South America; sores are limited to the skin and mucosa
Newcastle disease: disease of domestic fowl and other birds
NGU: sexually transmitted urethritis (usually caused by chlamydia)
niche: a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it
nicotine addiction: an addiction to nicotine
nicotine poisoning: toxic condition caused by the ingestion or inhalation of large amounts of nicotine
Niemann-Pick disease: a disorder of lipid metabolism that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait
night: darkness
nihilism: complete denial of all established authority and institutions
nihilism: the delusion that things (or everything, including the self) do not exist; a sense that everything is unreal
nihility: the state of nonexistence
nitrogen balance: the balance between the amount of nitrogen taken in (to the soil or the body) and the amount given off (lost or excreted)
no-win situation: a situation in which a favorable outcome is impossible; you are bound to lose whatever you do
nobility: the state of being of noble birth
noise conditions: the condition of being noisy (as in a communication channel)
noise pollution: annoying and potentially harmful environmental noise
noli-me-tangere: a cancerous ulcer of soft tissue and bone
noma: acute ulceration of the mucous membranes of the mouth or genitals; often seen in undernourished children
nomination: the condition of having been proposed as a suitable candidate for appointment or election
nonbeing: the state of not being
nonbiodegradable pollution: pollution that accumulates in the environment and may appear in the food chain
nonentity: the state of not existing
nonoccurrence: absence by virtue of not occurring
nonthrombocytopenic purpura: purpura resulting from a defect in the capillaries caused by bacteria or drugs
Noonan's syndrome: syndrome seen only in males; marked by short stature and lowset ears and subnormal fertility
normal tension glaucoma: glaucoma that results from damage to the optic nerve although the intraocular pressure is normal
normalcy: being within certain limits that define the range of normal functioning
normothermia: normal body temperature
nowhere: an insignificant place
NREM sleep: a recurring sleep state during which rapid eye movements do not occur and dreaming does not occur; accounts for about 75% of normal sleep time
NSU: inflammation of the urethra of unknown cause
nuclear cataract: a cataract that affects the nucleus of the lens
nude: without clothing (especially in the phrase `in the nude')
numbness: partial or total lack of sensation in a part of the body; a symptom of nerve damage or dysfunction
nyctophobia: a morbid fear of night or darkness
nympholepsy: a frenzy of emotion; as for something unattainable
oak blight: a black plant louse that lives on oaks and dogwoods
oat cell carcinoma: highly malignant carcinoma composed of small round or egg-shaped cells with little cytoplasm; lung cancers are frequently oat cell carcinomas
obligation: the state of being obligated to do or pay something
obloquy: state of disgrace resulting from public abuse
obscureness: the state of being indistinct or indefinite for lack of adequate illumination
obscurity: an obscure and unimportant standing; not well known
obsessive-compulsive disorder: an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and persistent thoughts and feelings and repetitive, ritualized behaviors
obstipation: severe constipation resulting from an obstruction in the intestines
obstructive shock: shock caused by obstruction of blood flow
occasion: an opportunity to do something
occlusion: closure or blockage (as of a blood vessel)
occupational hazard: any condition of a job that can result in illness or injury
occurrence: an instance of something occurring
ochronosis: an accumulation of dark pigment in cartilage and other connective tissue; usually a symptom of alkaptonuria or phenol poisoning
oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy: a form of muscular dystrophy that usually begins between early adulthood and middle age and first affects muscles of the eyelid and throat; progresses slowly with swallowing problems common as the disease progresses; inheritance is autosomal dominant
odium: state of disgrace resulting from detestable behavior
odontalgia: an ache localized in or around a tooth
odynophagia: severe pain on swallowing due to a disorder of the esophagus
office: (of a government or government official) holding an office means being in power
old money: the inherited wealth of established upper-class families
Old World leishmaniasis: leishmaniasis of the skin; characterized by ulcerative skin lesions
oligodactyly: congenital condition in which some fingers or toes are missing
oligodontia: congenital condition in which some of the teeth are missing
oligopoly: (economics) a market in which control over the supply of a commodity is in the hands of a small number of producers and each one can influence prices and affect competitors
oligospermia: insufficient spermatozoa in the semen
oliguria: abnormally small production of urine; can be a symptom of kidney disease or obstruction of the urinary tract or edema or an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body
omission: something that has been omitted
omnipotence: the state of being omnipotent; having unlimited power
omnipresence: the state of being everywhere at once (or seeming to be everywhere at once)
omniscience: the state of being omniscient; having infinite knowledge
omphalocele: protrusion of the intestine and omentum through a hernia in the abdominal wall near the navel; usually self correcting after birth
onchocerciasis: infestation with slender threadlike roundworms (filaria) deposited under the skin by the bite of black fleas; when the eyes are involved it can result in blindness; common in Africa and tropical America
onion yellow dwarf: the yellow dwarf disease of onion plants
onycholysis: separation of a nail from its normal attachment to the nail bed
onychosis: any disease or disorder of the nails
oophoritis: inflammation of one or both ovaries
open marriage: a marriage in which each partner is free to enter into extraneous sexual relationships without guilt or jealousy from the other
opening: opportunity especially for employment or promotion
operation: the state of being in effect or being operative
ophidism: poisoning by snake venom
ophthalmia neonatorum: ophthalmia in newborns; contracted while passing through the birth canal; usually prevented with silver nitrate drops
ophthalmia: severe conjunctivitis
ophthalmoplegia: paralysis of the motor nerves of the eye
opisthorchiasis: infestation with flukes obtained from eating raw fish; common in eastern Asia
opisthotonos: severe spasm in which the back arches and the head bends back and heels flex toward the back
opportunistic infection: any infection caused by a microorganism that does not normally cause disease in humans; occurs in persons with abnormally functioning immune systems (as AIDS patients or transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs)
oppression: the state of being kept down by unjust use of force or authority:
oral cancer: malignant neoplasm of the lips of mouth; most common in men over the age of 60
orchidalgia: pain in the testes
orchitis: inflammation of one or both testes; characterized by pain and swelling
order: established customary state (especially of society)
order: a condition of regular or proper arrangement
ordinary: the expected or commonplace condition or situation
ordination: the status of being ordained to a sacred office
organic brain syndrome: mental abnormality resulting from disturbance of the structure or function of the brain
organic disorder: disorder caused by a detectable physiological or structural change in an organ
ornamentation: the state of being ornamented
ornithosis: an atypical pneumonia caused by a rickettsia microorganism and transmitted to humans from infected birds
orphanage: the condition of being a child without living parents
orthochorea: a form of chorea in which spasms occur mainly when the patient is erect
orthopnea: form of dyspnea in which the person can breathe comfortably only when standing or sitting erect; associated with asthma and emphysema and angina pectoris
orthostatic hypotension: low blood pressure occurring in some people when they stand up
oscheocele: swelling of the scrotum
oscitance: drowsiness and dullness manifested by yawning
osculation: (mathematics) a contact of two curves (or two surfaces) at which they have a common tangent
osteitis: inflammation of a bone as a consequence of infection or trauma or degeneration
osteoblastoma: benign tumor of bone and fibrous tissue; occurs in the vertebrae or femur or tibia or arm bones (especially in young adults)
osteochondroma: benign tumor containing both bone and cartilage; usually occurs near the end of a long bone
osteodystrophy: defective bone development; usually attributable to renal disease or to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism
osteogenesis imperfecta: autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue characterized by brittle bones that fracture easily
osteogenic sarcoma: malignant bone tumor; most common in children and young adults where it tends to affect the femur
osteoma: a slow growing benign tumor of consisting of bone tissue; usually on the skull or mandible
osteomalacia: abnormal softening of bones caused by deficiencies of phosphorus or calcium or vitamin D
osteomyelitis: an inflammation of bone and bone marrow (usually caused by bacterial infection)
osteoporosis: abnormal loss of bony tissue resulting in fragile porous bones attributable to a lack of calcium; most common in postmenopausal women
osteosclerosis: abnormal hardening or eburnation of bone
otitis: inflammation of the ear
otitis externa: inflammation of the external ear (including auricle and ear canal)
otitis media: inflammation of the middle ear; common in children
otorrhea: discharge from the external ear
otosclerosis: hereditary disorder in which ossification of the labyrinth of the inner ear causes tinnitus and eventual deafness
ovarian cyst: a cystic tumor (usually benign) of the ovary
ovarian pregnancy: ectopic pregnancy in the ovary
ovaritis: inflammation of the ovaries
overanxiety: excessive anxiety
overbite: (dentistry) malocclusion in which the upper teeth extend abnormally far over the lower teeth
overdrive: the state of high or excessive activity or productivity or concentration
ownership: the state or fact of being an owner
oxygen debt: a cumulative deficit of oxygen resulting from intense exercise; the deficit must be made up when the body returns to rest
ozaena: a chronic disease of the nose characterized by a foul-smelling nasal discharge and atrophy of nasal structures
ozone sickness: illness that can occur to persons exposed to ozone in high-altitude aircraft; characterized by sleepiness and headache and chest pains and itchiness
pachycheilia: an abnormal thickness of the lips
Paget's disease: a disease of bone occurring in the middle aged and elderly; excessive bone destruction sometimes leading to bone pain and fractures and skeletal deformities
palilalia: a pathological condition in which a word is rapidly and involuntarily repeated
palmature: an abnormality in which the fingers are webbed
palpitation: a rapid and irregular heart beat
palpitation: a shaky motion
palsy: a condition marked by uncontrollable tremor
palsy: loss of the ability to move a body part
pancarditis: inflammation of the entire heart (the epicardium and the myocardium and the endocardium)
pancreatic cancer: cancer of the pancreas
pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas; usually marked by abdominal pain
pancytopenia: an abnormal deficiency in all blood cells (red blood cells and white blood cells and platelets); usually associated with bone marrow tumor or with aplastic anemia
panencephalitis: diffuse inflammation of the entire brain
pang: a sharp spasm of pain
pang: a mental pain or distress
panic disorder: an anxiety disorder characterized by unpredictable panic attacks; the attacks are usually severe but brief
panic: sudden mass fear and anxiety over anticipated events
pansinusitis: inflammation of all of the paranasal sinuses
papillary tumor: a benign epithelial tumor forming a rounded mass
papilledema: swelling of the optic disc (where the optic nerve enters the eyeball); usually associated with an increase in intraocular pressure
pappataci fever: a mild viral disease transmitted by the bite of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasii
papule: a small inflamed elevation of skin that is nonsuppurative (as in chicken pox)
papulovesicle: a papule that changes into a blister
para: (obstetrics) the number of liveborn children a woman has delivered
paracentral scotoma: a scotoma that is adjacent to the fixation point
paracervical block: regional anesthesia resulting from the injection of a local anesthetic on each side of the cervix; used during labor and childbirth
paraesthesia: abnormal skin sensations (as tingling or tickling or itching or burning) usually associated with peripheral nerve damage
paralytic abasia: abasia related to paralysis of the leg muscles
parametritis: inflammation of connective tissue adjacent to the uterus
paramountcy: the state of being paramount; the highest rank or authority
paranoia: a psychological disorder characterized by delusions of persecution or grandeur
paranoic type schizophrenia: a form of schizophrenia characterized by delusions (of persecution or grandeur or jealousy); symptoms may include anger and anxiety and aloofness and doubts about gender identity; unlike other types of schizophrenia the patients are usually presentable and (if delusions are not acted on) may function in an apparently normal manner
paraparesis: a slight paralysis or weakness of both legs
paraplegia: paralysis of the lower half of the body (most often as a result of trauma)
paraquat poisoning: poisoning caused by ingestion of paraquat; characterized by progressive damage to the esophagus and liver and kidneys
parasitaemia: a condition in which parasites are present in the blood
parathion poisoning: a toxic condition resulting from inhalation or ingestion of the insecticide parathion; characterized by nausea and abdominal pains and headache and convulsions and sweating
paratyphoid: any of a variety of infectious intestinal diseases resembling typhoid fever
parentage: the state of being a parent
paresis: a slight or partial paralysis
Parkinson's syndrome: a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremor and impaired muscular coordination
paronychia: infection in the tissues adjacent to a nail on a finger or toe
parotitis: inflammation of one or both parotid glands
paroxysmal trepidant abasia: abasia related to spasticity of the legs
parrot disease: infectious disease of birds
partialness: the state of being only a part; not total; incomplete
pass: a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs
Passion of Christ: the suffering of Jesus at the Crucifixion
passion: something that is desired intensely
passive immunity: an impermanent form of acquired immunity in which antibodies against a disease are acquired naturally (as through the placenta to an unborn child) or artificially (as by injection of antiserum)
paternity: the state of being a father
pathological state: a physical condition that is caused by disease
pathology: any deviation from a healthy or normal condition
pavor nocturnus: a disorder of sleep characterized by a dream of terrifying dimensions far worse than a typical nightmare; they occur during NREM sleep
Pax Romana: the Roman peace; the long period of peace enforced on states in the Roman Empire
pay dirt: a profitable success
peace: harmonious relations; freedom from disputes
peace: the state prevailing during the absence of war
peace: the general security of public places
peaceableness: a state that is calm and tranquil
peach blight: a disease of trees bearing drupes
pedestal: a position of great esteem (and supposed superiority)
pediculosis corporis: infestation of body skin with lice
peduncle: the thin process of tissue that attaches a polyp to the body
pedunculated polyp: a polyp with a stalk or peduncle
peliosis: any of several blood diseases causing subcutaneous bleeding
pemphigus: a skin disease characterized by large thin-walled blisters (bullae) arising from normal skin or mucous membrane
penetrating injury: injury incurred when an object (as a knife or bullet or shrapnel) penetrates into the body
penumbra: a fringe region of partial shadow around an umbra
peonage: the condition of a peon
peptic ulcer: an ulcer of the mucous membrane lining of the alimentary tract
periarteritis: inflammation of the outer coat of an artery
periarteritis nodosa: a progressive disease of connective tissue that is characterized by nodules along arteries; nodules may block the artery and result in inadequate circulation to the particular area
pericarditis: inflammation of the pericardium
pericementoclasia: pus pocket formation around a tooth
peril: a state of danger involving risk
periodic apnea of the newborn: irregular breathing of newborns; periods of rapid breathing followed by apnea; believed to be associated with sudden infant death syndrome
periodontal disease: a disease that attacks the gum and bone and around the teeth
peritoneal inflammation: inflammation of the peritoneum
peritonsillar abscess: a painful pus filled inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissues; usually a complication of tonsillitis
perpetual motion: motion that continues indefinitely without any external source of energy; impossible in practice because of friction
Persian Gulf illness: a medical condition of uncertain origin that affected many veterans of the 1991 Gulf War; characterized by fatigue and headache and dizziness and nausea and rashes and joint pain and respiratory disorders
personality disorder: inflexible and maladaptive patterns of behavior
pertussis: a disease of the respiratory mucous membrane
pest: a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by Yersinia pestis and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal
pest: any epidemic disease with a high death rate
pesticide poisoning: toxic condition resulting from ingesting or inhaling a pesticide
petechia: a minute red or purple spot on the surface of the skin as the result of tiny hemorrhages of blood vessels in the skin (as in typhoid fever)
phaeochromocytoma: a vascular tumor of the adrenal gland; hypersecretion of epinephrine results in intermittent or sustained hypertension
phalangitis: inflammation of a finger or toe
phantom limb syndrome: syndrome consisting of discomfort or pain in a limb that has been amputated
pharyngitis: inflammation of the fauces and pharynx
phimosis: an abnormal tightness of the foreskin preventing retraction over the glans
phlebitis: inflammation of a vein (usually in the legs)
phlebothrombosis: thrombosis of a vein without prior inflammation of the vein; associated with sluggish blood flow (as in prolonged bedrest or pregnancy or surgery) or with rapid coagulation of the blood
phobia: an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme and irrational fear of simple things or social situations
phobophobia: a morbid fear of developing a phobia
phocomelia: an abnormality of development in which the upper part of an arm or leg is missing so the hands or feet are attached to the body like stumps; rare condition that results from taking thalidomide during pregnancy
photalgia: pain in the eye resulting from exposure to bright light (often associated with albinism)
photogenic epilepsy: reflex epilepsy induced by a flickering light
photophobia: a morbid fear of light
photoretinitis: damage to the retina resulting from exposure of the eye to the sun without adequate protection
phycomycosis: any fungal infection caused by fungi of the Phycomycetes group
physical condition: the condition or state of the body or bodily functions
pica: an eating disorder, frequent in children, in which non-nutritional objects are eaten persistently
Pick's disease: a progressive form of presenile dementia found most often in middle-aged and elderly women and characterized by degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes with loss of intellectual ability and transitory aphasia
picture: a situation treated as an observable object
PID: inflammation of the female pelvic organs (especially the Fallopian tubes) caused by infection by any of several microorganisms (chiefly gonococci and chlamydia); symptoms are abdominal pain and fever and foul-smelling vaginal discharge
pigeon toes: disability in which the toes are turned inward; often associated with knock-knee
pilar cyst: a common cyst of the skin; filled with fatty matter (sebum) that is secreted by a sebaceous gland that has been blocked
pinch: an injury resulting from getting some body part squeezed
pinch: a painful or straitened circumstance
pinealoma: tumor of the pineal gland
pink disease: serious bark disease of many tropical crop trees (coffee, citrus, rubber); branches have a covering of pink hyphae
pink elephants: any visual hallucination arising from heavy drinking
pinkroot: a fungal disease of onions
pinprick: a minor annoyance
pip: a disease of poultry
pip: a minor nonspecific ailment
pityriasis: any of several skin disorders characterized by shedding dry flakes of skin
pityriasis alba: common form of pityriasis (usually in children or young adults) characterized by round patches of depigmentation
pityriasis rosea: pityriasis in which an itchy rash develops over the trunk and extremities
PKD: kidney disease characterized by enlarged kidneys containing many cysts; often leads to kidney failure
PKU: a genetic disorder of metabolism; lack of the enzyme needed to turn phenylalanine into tyrosine results in an accumulation of phenylalanine in the body fluids which causes various degrees of mental deficiency
place: proper or appropriate position or location
place: a particular situation
place: proper or designated social situation
placenta previa: pregnancy in which the placenta is implanted in the lower part of the uterus (instead of the upper part); can cause bleeding late in pregnancy; delivery by cesarean section may be necessary
plagiocephaly: congenital malformation of the skull in which the main axis of the skull is oblique
plague pneumonia: a rapidly progressive and frequently fatal form of the plague that can spread through the air from person to person; characterized by lung involvement with chill, bloody expectoration and high fever
plainness: the state of being unmixed with other material
plane: a level of existence or development
plant disease: a disease that affects plants
plasma: (physical chemistry) a fourth state of matter distinct from solid or liquid or gas and present in stars and fusion reactors; a gas becomes a plasma when it is heated until the atoms lose all their electrons, leaving a highly electrified collection of nuclei and free electrons
plasmacytoma: neoplasm of plasma cells (usually in bone marrow)
play: a state in which action is feasible
playing field: the circumstances under which competition occurs
pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma: form of rhabdomyosarcoma that affects limb muscles of older adults
pleurisy: inflammation of the pleura of the lungs (especially the parietal layer)
pleuropneumonia: pleurisy and pneumonia
plight: a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
plurality: the state of being plural
PMS: a syndrome that occurs in many women from 2 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation
pneumococcal pneumonia: pneumonia caused by bacteria of the genus pneumococcus
pneumoconiosis: chronic respiratory disease caused by inhaling metallic or mineral particles
pneumonia: respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma (excluding the bronchi) with congestion caused by viruses or bacteria or irritants
pneumonitis: inflammation of the lungs; caused by a virus or an allergic reaction
pneumothorax: abnormal presence of air in the pleural cavity resulting in the collapse of the lung; may be spontaneous (due to injury to the chest) or induced (as a treatment for tuberculosis)
pock: a pustule in an eruptive disease
pockmark: a scar or pit on the skin that is left by a pustule of smallpox or acne or other eruptive disease
podalgia: foot pain
poetic license: license used by a writer or artist to heighten the effect of their work
poignance: a state of deeply felt distress or sorrow
poise: a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
poison ivy: dermatitis resulting from contact with the poison ivy plant
poison oak: dermatitis resulting from contact with a poison oak plant
poison sumac: dermatitis resulting from contact with a poison sumac plant
polarisation: the condition of having or giving polarity
political arena: a sphere of intense political activity
pollution: undesirable state of the natural environment being contaminated with harmful substances as a consequence of human activities
polyandry: polygamy in which a woman has more than one husband at a time
polyarteritis: inflammation of several arteries
polycythemia: a disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood
polydipsia: excessive thirst (as in cases of diabetes or kidney dysfunction)
polygamy: the condition or practice of having more than one spouse at a time
polygenic disease: an inherited disease controlled by several genes at once
polygyny: polygamy in which a man has more than one wife at a time
polymyositis: myositis characterized by weakness of limb and neck muscles and much muscle pain and swelling; progression and severity vary among individuals
polyp: a small vascular growth on the surface of a mucous membrane
polyploidy: the condition of being polyploid
polysomy: congenital defect of having one or more extra chromosomes in somatic cells
polyuria: renal disorder characterized by the production of large volumes of pale dilute urine; often associated with diabetes
polyvalence: (toxicology) the state of being capable of counteracting more than one toxin or antigen or kind of microorganism
porphyria: a genetic abnormality of metabolism causing abdominal pains and mental confusion
portal hypertension: increase in blood pressure in the veins of the portal system caused by obstruction in the liver (often associated with alcoholic cirrhosis), causing enlargement of the spleen and collateral veins
position: a condition or position in which you find yourself
position: the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society
possession: being controlled by passion or the supernatural
possibility: capability of existing or happening or being true
post-maturity: the state in which women have stopped ovulating
posterior subcapsular cataract: a cataract in the rear of the lens capsule
posterior synechia: adhesion between the iris and the lens
posthitis: inflammation of the foreskin of the penis; usually caused by bacterial infection
postnasal drip: chronic secretion of mucus from the rear of the nasal cavity into the nasopharynx
posttraumatic epilepsy: a convulsive epileptic state caused by a head injury
potato blight: a blight of potatoes
potato mosaic: a disease of the leaves of potato plants
potato wart: fungous disease causing dark warty spongy excrescences in the eyes of potato tubers
potato yellow dwarf: the yellow dwarf disease of potato plants
potence: the state of being potent; a male's capacity to have sexual intercourse
potency: the inherent capacity for coming into being
Pott's disease: TB of the spine with destruction of vertebrae resulting in curvature of the spine
poverty trap: a situation in which an increase in income results in a loss of benefits so that you are no better off
powder keg: a potentially explosive state
pox: a contagious disease characterized by purulent skin eruptions that may leave pock marks
precedence: status established in order of importance or urgency
precession: the motion of a spinning body (as a top) in which it wobbles so that the axis of rotation sweeps out a cone
predisposition: susceptibility to a pathogen
predominance: the state of being predominant over others
preeclampsia: abnormal state of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and fluid retention and albuminuria; can lead to eclampsia if untreated
preexistence: existing in a former state or previous to something else
premature labor: labor beginning prior to the 37th week of gestation
prematureness: the state of being premature
preparation: the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)
prepossession: the condition of being prepossessed
presence: the state of being present; current existence
presenile dementia: dementia with onset before the age of 65
preservation: the condition of being (well or ill) preserved
preserve: a domain that seems to be specially reserved for someone
pressure: an oppressive condition of physical or mental or social or economic distress
prestige: a high standing achieved through success or influence or wealth etc.
priapism: condition in which the penis is continually erect; usually painful and seldom with sexual arousal
primacy: the state of being first in importance
primary amenorrhea: delay of menarche beyond age 18
primary dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation that is intrinsic to menstruation and not the result of a disease
primary syphilis: the first stage; characterized by a chancre at the site of infection
princedom: the dignity or rank or position of a prince
prison: a prisonlike situation; a place of seeming confinement
proctalgia: pain in the rectum
proctitis: inflammation of the rectum; marked by bloody stools and a frequent urge to defecate; frequently associated with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
proctocele: protrusion or herniation of the rectum into the vagina; can occur if pelvic muscles are weakened by childbirth
procursive epilepsy: epilepsy in which a seizure is induced by whirling or running
prodroma: an early symptom that a disease is developing or that an attack is about to occur
profile: degree of exposure to public notice
profoundness: extremeness of degree
progeria: a rare abnormality marked by premature aging (grey hair and wrinkled skin and stooped posture) in a child
prognathism: the condition of being prognathous; the condition of having a projecting jaw
progressive vaccinia: a severe or even fatal form of vaccinia that occurs mainly in persons with an immunological deficiency; characterized by progressive enlargement of the initial lesion
prominence: the state of being prominent: widely known or eminent
prosperity: an economic state of growth with rising profits and full employment
prosperity: the condition of prospering; having good fortune
prostate cancer: cancer of the prostate gland
prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate gland characterized by perineal pain and irregular urination and (if severe) chills and fever
protanopia: dichromacy characterized by lowered sensitivity to long wavelengths of light resulting in an inability to distinguish red and purplish blue
protection: the condition of being protected
protozoal infection: any infection caused by a protozoan
protuberance: the condition of being protuberant; the condition of bulging out
proud flesh: the swollen tissue around a healing wound or ulcer
providence: a manifestation of God's foresightful care for his creatures
province: the proper sphere or extent of your activities
proxy war: a war instigated by a major power that does not itself participate
prurigo: chronic inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by blister capped papules and intense itching
psammoma: a tumor derived from fibrous tissue of the meninges or choroid plexus or certain other structures associated with the brain; characterized by sandlike particles
pseudohallucination: an image vivid enough to be a hallucination but recognized as unreal
pseudohermaphroditism: congenital condition in which a person has external genitalia of one sex and internal sex organs of the other sex
psilosis: a chronic disorder that occurs in tropical and non-tropical forms and in both children and adults; nutrients are not absorbed; symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhea and emaciation
psoriasis: a chronic skin disease characterized by dry red patches covered with scales; occurs especially on the scalp and ears and genitalia and the skin over bony prominences
psoriatic arthritis: a form of rheumatoid arthritis usually affecting fingers and toes and associated with psoriasis
psychic trauma: an emotional wound or shock often having long-lasting effects
psychomotor epilepsy: epilepsy characterized clinically by impairment of consciousness and amnesia for the episode; often involves purposeful movements of the arms and legs and sometimes hallucinations
psychosis: any severe mental disorder in which contact with reality is lost or highly distorted
psychosomatic disorder: a mental disorder that causes somatic symptoms
psychotic depression: a state of depression so severe that the person loses contact with reality and suffers a variety of functional impairments
ptomaine: a term for food poisoning that is no longer in scientific use; food poisoning was once thought to be caused by ingesting ptomaines
ptosis: drooping of the upper eyelid caused by muscle paralysis and weakness
PTSD: an anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events and characterized by such symptoms as survivor guilt, reliving the trauma in dreams, numbness and lack of involvement with reality, or recurrent thoughts and images
pudendal block: regional anesthesia resulting from the use of a local anesthetic to deaden the pudendal nerves in the region of the vulva and labia majora; used to ease discomfort during childbirth
pull: a sharp strain on muscles or ligaments
pulmonary congestion: congestion in the lungs
pulmonary embolism: blockage of the pulmonary artery by foreign matter or by a blood clot
pulmonary stenosis: abnormal narrowing of the opening into the pulmonary artery from the right ventricle
purdah: a state of social isolation
pure absence: an absence seizure without other complications; followed by 3-per-sec brainwave spikes
pureness: being undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material
purgatory: a temporary condition of torment or suffering
purple: (in ancient Rome) position of imperial status
purulence: symptom of being purulent (containing or forming pus)
purulent pleurisy: a collection of pus in the lung cavity
pustule: a small inflamed elevation of skin containing pus; a blister filled with pus
putrefaction: a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
putridity: the state of being putrid
PVC: irregularity of cardiac rhythm; recurrent occurrences can be a precursor of ventricular fibrillation
pyaemia: septicemia caused by pus-forming bacteria being released from an abscess
pycnodysostosis: a form of dwarfism accompanied by fragile bones and bad teeth
pycnosis: a degenerative state of the cell nucleus
pyelitis: inflammation of the renal pelvis
pyelonephritis: inflammation of the kidney and its pelvis caused by bacterial infection
pyloric stenosis: narrowing of the pyloric sphincter that blocks the passage of food from the stomach into the duodenum
pyorrhea: discharge of pus
pyrophobia: a morbid fear of fire
pyuria: presence of white blood cells in the urine; symptom of urinary tract infection
Q fever: an acute disease resembling influenza
quadrantanopia: blindness in one fourth of the visual field
quadriplegia: paralysis of both arms and both legs
quality: high social status
quality of life: your personal satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with the cultural or intellectual conditions under which you live (as distinct from material comfort)
qualm: a mild state of nausea
quarantine: enforced isolation of patients suffering from a contagious disease in order to prevent the spread of disease
quartan: a malarial fever that recurs every fourth day
quarter crack: a crack on the inside of a horse's forefoot
quickening: the stage of pregnancy at which the mother first feels the movements of the fetus
quicksand: a treacherous situation that tends to entrap and destroy
quiet: an untroubled state; free from disturbances
Quincke's edema: recurrent large circumscribed areas of subcutaneous edema; onset is sudden and it disappears within 24 hours; seen mainly in young women, often as an allergic reaction to food or drugs
race problem: a social and political problem caused by conflict between races occupying the same or adjacent regions
rachischisis: a not uncommon congenital defect in which a vertebra is malformed; unless several vertebrae are affected or there is myelomeningocele there are few symptoms; can be diagnosed by amniocentesis
rachitis: inflammation of the vertebral column
rachitis: childhood disease caused by deficiency of vitamin D and sunlight associated with impaired metabolism of calcium and phosphorus
racial immunity: natural immunity shared by all members of a particular race
radiance: an attractive combination of good health and happiness
radiation: syndrome resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g., exposure to radioactive chemicals or to nuclear explosions); low doses cause diarrhea and nausea and vomiting and sometimes loss of hair; greater exposure can cause sterility and cataracts and some forms of cancer and other diseases; severe exposure can cause death within hours
radiculitis: inflammation of the radicle of a nerve
radioprotection: protection against harmful effects of radiation
rage: violent state of the elements
rage: a state of extreme anger
raj: British dominion over India (1757-1947)
Ramsay Hunt syndrome: syndrome resulting from infection by the herpes varicella zoster virus; characterized by vertigo and pain in the ears and facial nerve paralysis and sometimes hearing loss
rancidity: the state of being rancid; having a rancid scent or flavor (as of old cooking oil)
rank: relative status
rank: position in a social hierarchy
ranking: position on a scale in relation to others in status or rank or achievement
ranula: a cyst on the underside of the tongue
raptus hemorrhagicus: seizure caused by a sudden profuse hemorrhage
ratability: the state of being liable to assessment or taxation
ratbite fever: either of two infectious diseases transmitted to humans by the bite of a rat or mouse; characterized by fever and headache and nausea and skin eruptions
rating: standing or position on a scale
rationality: the state of having good sense and sound judgment
rattrap: a difficult entangling situation
raw weather: unpleasantly cold and damp weather
raw wound: a wound that exposes subcutaneous tissue
rawness: a chilly dampness
rawness: a pain that is felt (as when the area is touched)
Raynaud's sign: cyanosis of the extremities; can occur when a spasm of the blood vessels is caused by exposure to cold or by strong emotion
reactivity: ready susceptibility to chemical change
ready: poised for action
realism: the state of being actual or real
reality: the state of the world as it really is rather than as you might want it to be
rebound tenderness: pain felt when a hand pressing on the abdomen is suddenly released; a symptom of peritoneal inflammation
receivership: the state of property that is in the hands of a receiver
recession: the state of the economy declines; a widespread decline in the GDP and employment and trade lasting from six months to a year
recurrent fever: marked by recurring high fever and transmitted by the bite of infected lice or ticks; characterized by episodes of high fever and chills and headache and muscle pain and nausea that recur every week or ten days for several months
red alert: the highest level of alert when an attack by the enemy seems imminent (or more generally a state of alert resulting from imminent danger)
red scare: a period of general fear of communists
red water: a disease of cattle; characterized by hematuria
red-green color blindness: confusion of red and green
referred pain: pain that is felt at a place in the body different from the injured or diseased part where the pain would be expected
reflex epilepsy: a form of epilepsy in which attacks are induced by peripheral stimulation
reflux: an abnormal backward flow of body fluids
reformation: improvement (or an intended improvement) in the existing form or condition of institutions or practices etc.; intended to make a striking change for the better in social or political or religious affairs
refractory anaemia: any of various anemic conditions that are not successfully treated by any means other than blood transfusions (and that are not associated with another primary disease)
refurbishment: the state of being restored to its former good condition
regional anaesthesia: loss of sensation in a region of the body produced by application of an anesthetic agent to all the nerves supplying that region (as when an epidural anesthetic is administered to the pelvic region during childbirth)
regularisation: the condition of having been made regular (or more regular)
regulation: the state of being controlled or governed
reign: royal authority; the dominion of a monarch
reinstatement: the condition of being reinstated
Reiter's syndrome: an inflammatory syndrome (etiology unknown) predominantly in males; characterized by arthritis and conjunctivitis and urethritis
rejection: the state of being rejected
relationship: a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection)
relationship: a state involving mutual dealings between people or parties or countries
reliance: the state of relying on something
REM sleep: a recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs; a state of rapidly shifting eye movements during sleep
renal colic: sharp pain in the lower back that radiates into the groin; associated with the passage of a renal calculus through the ureter
renal insufficiency: insufficient excretion of wastes by the kidneys
repair: a formal way of referring to the condition of something
repletion: the state of being satisfactorily full and unable to take on more
repression: a state of forcible subjugation
reprieve: a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
reproach: disgrace or shame
reprobation: rejection by God; the state of being condemned to eternal misery in Hell
reputation: notoriety for some particular characteristic
reputation: the state of being held in high esteem and honor
requisiteness: the state of being absolutely required
resistance: the capacity of an organism to defend itself against harmful environmental agents
respiratory alkalosis: alkalosis resulting from increased gas exchange in the lungs (as in hyperventilation associated with extreme anxiety or aspirin intoxication or metabolic acidosis)
respiratory disease: a disease affecting the respiratory system
respiratory infection: any infection of the respiratory tract
rest: a state of inaction
retarded depression: a state of clinical depression in which the individual is lethargic and slow to initiate action
retinitis: inflammation of the retina
retinoblastoma: malignant ocular tumor of retinal cells; usually occurs before the third year of life; composed of primitive small round retinal cells
retinopathy: a disease of the retina that can result in loss of vision
retirement: the state of being retired from one's business or occupation
retrobulbar neuritis: inflammation of the optic nerve behind the eye; common in multiple sclerosis
retroflection: a turning or tilting backward of an organ or body part
Reye's syndrome: acquired encephalopathy following acute viral infections (especially influenza or chicken pox) in young children; characterized by fever, vomiting, disorientation, coma, and fatty infiltration of the liver
Rh incompatibility: incompatibility of Rh blood types; a transfusion of Rh-positive blood given to a Rh-negative person (or vice versa) can result in hemolysis and anemia
rhabdomyoma: benign tumor of striated muscle
rhabdomyosarcoma: a highly malignant neoplasm derived from striated muscle
rhagades: cracks or fissures in the skin (especially around the mouth or anus)
rheumatic aortitis: aortitis occurring in rheumatic fever
rheumatic fever: a severe disease chiefly of children and characterized by painful inflammation of the joints and frequently damage to the heart valves
rheumatic heart disease: heart disease caused by recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever; characterized by changes in the myocardium or scarring of the heart valves that reduce the power of the heart to pump blood
rheumatism: any painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues
rheumatoid factor: autoantibody that is usually present in the serum of people with rheumatoid arthritis
rhinopathy: any disease or malformation of the nose
rhinorrhea: persistent watery mucus discharge from the nose (as in the common cold)
rhinosporidiosis: fungal infection of the nose; often acquired while swimming
rhinostenosis: narrowing of the passages in the nasal cavities
rhinotracheitis: a respiratory infection of the nose and throat in cattle
rhizoctinia disease: disease caused by rhizoctinia or fungi of Pellicularia and Corticium
Rhus dermatitis: contact dermatitis resulting from contact with plants of the genus Toxicodendron
rickettsial disease: infectious disease caused by ticks or mites or body lice infected with rickettsial bacteria
rickettsialpox: mild infectious rickettsial disease caused by a bacterium of the genus Rickettsia transmitted to humans by the bite a mite that lives on rodents; characterized by chills and fever and headache and skin lesions that resemble chickenpox
Rift Valley fever: an infection common in Africa caused by a bunyavirus; transmitted by mosquitoes or by handling infected animals
Riggs' disease: chronic periodontitis; purulent inflammation of the teeth sockets
rigor mortis: temporary stiffness of joints and muscular rigidity occurring after death
rim blight: a disease of tea plants
ring disease: disease of tomatoes and potatoes and tobacco etc caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas solanacearum
ringworm: infections of the skin or nails caused by fungi and appearing as itching circular patches
riot: a state of disorder involving group violence
ripeness: the state of being ripe
risklessness: safety as a consequence of entailing no risk
Rocky Mountain spotted fever: caused by rickettsial bacteria and transmitted by wood ticks
roller coaster: anything characterized by abrupt and extreme changes (especially up and down)
room: opportunity for
root rot: disease characterized by root decay; caused by various fungi
rootage: fixedness by or as if by roots
roots: the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage
rope burn: abrasion (usually on the hands) caused by friction from a rope
rubella panencephalitis: a rare loss of mental and physical skills in adolescents; associated with the rubella virus
ruin: an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
rule of law: a state of order in which events conform to the law
rummage: a jumble of things to be given away
run: unrestricted freedom to use
running: the state of being in operation
rupture: state of being torn or burst open
rust: a plant disease that produces a reddish-brown discoloration of leaves and stems; caused by various rust fungi
rustication: the condition naturally attaching to life in the country
rustiness: the condition of being coated or clogged with rust
saddle block anaesthesia: the parts of a patient's body that would touch a saddle if the patient were sitting in one are anesthetized by injecting a local anesthetic into the spinal cord
saddle sore: sore on a horseback rider chafed by a saddle
sadness: the state of being sad
safety: the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
Saint Anthony's fire: any of several inflammatory or gangrenous skin conditions
Saint Ignatius' itch: a disease caused by deficiency of niacin or tryptophan (or by a defect in the metabolic conversion of tryptophan to niacin); characterized by gastrointestinal disturbances and erythema and nervous or mental disorders; may be caused by malnutrition or alcoholism or other nutritional impairments
Saint Vitus dance: chorea occurring chiefly in children and associated with rheumatic fever
sale: the state of being purchasable; offered or exhibited for selling
salicylate poisoning: poisoning caused by the excessive ingestion of salicylates (usually aspirin)
salience: the state of being salient
salmonellosis: a kind of food poisoning caused by eating foods contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium
salpingitis: inflammation of a Fallopian tube (usually the result of infection spreading from the vagina or uterus) or of a Eustachian tube
salt depletion: loss of salt from the body without replacement (loss by vomiting or profuse perspiration or urination or diarrhea) thus upsetting the electrolyte balance
salvation: the state of being saved or preserved from harm
sand crack: a fissure in the wall of a horse's hoof often causing lameness
saneness: normal or sound powers of mind
sanitariness: the state of being conducive to health
sanitary condition: the state of sanitation (clean or dirty)
sanitation: the state of being clean and conducive to health
sapraemia: blood poisoning caused by putrefactive bacteria; results from eating putrefied matter
sarcoidosis: a chronic disease of unknown cause marked by the formation of nodules in the lungs and liver and lymph glands and salivary glands
sarcoma: a usually malignant tumor arising from connective tissue (bone or muscle etc.); one of the four major types of cancer
SARS: a respiratory disease of unknown etiology that apparently originated in mainland China in 2003; characterized by fever and coughing or difficulty breathing or hypoxia; can be fatal
satanophobia: an abnormal fear of Satan
saturation: a condition in which a quantity no longer responds to some external influence
saturation point: (chemistry) the stage at which a substance will receive no more of another substance in solution or in a vapor
say: the chance to speak
scald: a burn cause by hot liquid or steam
scalenus syndrome: discomfort and vascular symptoms and loss of sensation in a shoulder and arm; caused by a scalene muscle compressing the subclavian artery and part of the brachial plexus
scandalisation: the condition of being shocked (as by improper behavior)
scaphocephaly: congenital malformation of the skull which is long and narrow; frequently accompanied by mental retardation
scarlatina: an acute communicable disease (usually in children) characterized by fever and a red rash
scepter: the imperial authority symbolized by a scepter
schemozzle: (Yiddish) a confused situation or affair; a mess
schistosome dermatitis: a sensitization reaction to repeated invasion of the skin by cercariae of schistosomes
schizoid: characterized by symptoms similar to but less severe than schizophrenia
schizothymia: resembling schizophrenia but remaining within the bounds of normality
school phobia: a child's sudden fear of attending school
sciatica: neuralgia along the sciatic nerve
SCID: a congenital disease affecting T cells that can result from a mutation in any one of several different genes; children with it are susceptible to infectious disease; if untreated it is lethal within the first year or two of life
scleredema: a skin disease marked by hard edema of the tissue usually beginning in the face
scleritis: inflammation of the sclera
sclerotium disease: plant disease cause by fungi of the genus Sclerotium; also one in which sclerotia are formed
scoliosis: an abnormal lateral curve to the vertebral column
scorbutus: a condition caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
scorch: a plant disease that produces a browning or scorched appearance of plant tissues
scorch: a surface burn
score: an amount due (as at a restaurant or bar)
scot and lot: obligations of all kinds taken as a whole
scotoma: an isolated area of diminished vision within the visual field
scours: diarrhea in livestock
scrapie: a fatal disease of sheep characterized by chronic itching and loss of muscular control and progressive degeneration of the central nervous system
scrub typhus: transmitted by larval mites and widespread in Asia
seaworthiness: fitness to traverse the seas
seborrhea: a condition in which overactivity of the sebaceous glands causes the skin to become oily
seborrheic dermatitis: a chronic skin disease associated with seborrhea and greasy scales on the scalp or eyelids or other parts of the skin
seborrheic keratosis: a skin condition characterized by circumscribed wartlike lesions that can be itchy and covered with a greasy crust
second class: not the highest rank in a classification
second-degree burn: burn causing blisters on the skin and superficial destruction of the dermis
secondary amenorrhea: cessation of menstruation in a woman who had previously menstruated
secondary dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation that is caused by some specific disorder (as endometriosis)
secondary hypertension: hypertension that is secondary to another disease
secondary syphilis: the second stage; characterized by eruptions of the skin and mucous membrane
secureness: the state of freedom from fear or danger
security: the state of being free from danger or injury
sedation: a state of reduced excitement or anxiety that is induced by the administrative of a sedative agent
self-determination: government of a political unit by its own people
self-hypnosis: hypnosis induced by yourself
semidarkness: partial darkness
seminoma: malignant tumor of the testis; usually occurring in older men
senile dementia: dementia of the aged; results from degeneration of the brain in the absence of cerebrovascular disease
sensation: a state of widespread public excitement and interest
sense of the meeting: general agreement reached by an assembled group
sensitisation: the state of being sensitive (as to an antigen)
sensory epilepsy: focal epilepsy initiated by somatosensory phenomena
separability: the capability of being separated
separateness: political independence
separation: the state of lacking unity
sepsis: the presence of pus-forming bacteria or their toxins in the blood or tissues
septal defect: a congenital abnormality in the septum between the left and right sides of the heart
septic sore throat: an infection of the oral pharynx and tonsils by streptococcus
septicemic plague: an especially dangerous and generally fatal form of the plague in which infecting organisms invade the bloodstream; does not spread from person to person
sequela: any abnormality following or resulting from a disease or injury or treatment
sereness: a withered dryness
serfdom: the state of a serf
serial monogamy: a succession of short monogamous relationships (as by someone who undergoes multiple divorces)
serration: the condition of being serrated
serum disease: a delayed allergic reaction to the injection of an antiserum caused by an antibody reaction to an antigen in the donor serum
servitude: state of subjection to an owner or master or forced labor imposed as punishment
sessile polyp: a relatively flat polyp
sex drive: a physiological need for sexual activity
sex-linked disorder: any disease or abnormality that is determined by the sex hormones
sexual arousal: the arousal of sexual desires in preparation for sexual behavior
sexual relationship: a relationship involving sexual intimacy
shade: a position of relative inferiority
shade: relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
shadow: shade within clear boundaries
shadow: a dominating and pervasive presence
shagginess: unkemptness of hair
shakeout: an economic condition that results in the elimination of marginally financed participants in an industry
shambles: a condition of great disorder
shin splints: painful inflammation of the muscles around the shins; frequent among runners
shipping fever: a deadly form of septicemia in cattle and sheep; involves high fever and pneumonia; contracted under conditions of exposure or exhaustion (as often happens when the animals are shipped to market)
shirtsleeves: not wearing a jacket
shock: (pathology) bodily collapse or near collapse caused by inadequate oxygen delivery to the cells; characterized by reduced cardiac output and rapid heartbeat and circulatory insufficiency and pallor
short account: a brokerage account of someone who sells short (sells securities he does not own)
shortness: the condition of being short of something
show window: a setting in which something can be displayed to best effect
shuteye: informal term for sleep
sialadenitis: inflammation of the salivary glands
sick headache: a headache accompanied by nausea
sickness: defectiveness or unsoundness
side effect: a secondary and usually adverse effect of a drug or therapy
sideroblastic anaemia: refractory anemia characterized by sideroblasts in the bone marrow
sideropenia: a deficiency of iron; results from inadequate iron in the diet or from hemorrhage
siderosis: fibrosis of the lung caused by iron dust; occurs among welders and other metal workers
SIDS: sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant during sleep
sigeh: a Shiite tradition of temporary marriage permitted in Iran that allows a couple to specify the terms of their relationship; can last from a few minutes to 99 years
sign: (medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease
silence: the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking)
silicosis: a lung disease caused by inhaling particles of silica or quartz or slate
simple phobia: any phobia (other than agoraphobia) associated with relatively simple well-defined stimuli
sinus headache: a headache resulting from congestion or infection in the paranasal sinuses
sinusitis: inflammation of one of the paranasal sinuses
situation: a complex or critical or unusual difficulty
situation: the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
size: the actual state of affairs
sketchiness: incompleteness of details
ski conditions: the amount and state of snow for skiing
skin: a person's skin regarded as their life
skin cancer: a malignant neoplasm of the skin
SLE: an inflammatory disease of connective tissue with variable features including fever and weakness and fatigability and joint pains and skin lesions on the face or neck or arms
sleep apnea: apnea that occurs during sleep
sleep disorder: a disturbance of the normal sleep pattern
sleep: a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
sleep: a torpid state resembling deep sleep
sleeplessness: a temporary state in which you are unable (or unwilling) to sleep
sloppiness: a lack of order and tidiness; not cared for
slot: a position in a hierarchy or organization
slough of despond: (formal) extreme depression
slumber: a dormant or quiescent state
small-particle pollution: air pollution caused by fine particles of soot (as from power plants or diesel engines)
smallpox: a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever and weakness and skin eruption with pustules that form scabs that slough off leaving scars
smart: a kind of pain such as that caused by a wound or a burn or a sore
smog: air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
smut: destructive diseases of plants (especially cereal grasses) caused by fungi that produce black powdery masses of spores
smuttiness: the state of being dirty with soot
snakebite: a bite inflicted by a (venomous) snake
sneeze: a symptom consisting of the involuntary expulsion of air from the nose
snit: a state of agitated irritation
snowblindness: temporary blindness caused by exposure to sunlight reflected from snow or ice
SOB: a dyspneic condition
soberness: the state of being sober and not intoxicated by alcohol
social contract: an implicit agreement among people that results in the organization of society; individual surrenders liberty in return for protection
social phobia: any phobia (other than agoraphobia) associated with situations in which you are subject to criticism by others (as fear of eating in public or public speaking etc)
social stratification: the condition of being arranged in social strata or classes within a group
sodoku: the form of ratbite fever occurring in the Far East
soft rot: mushy or slimy decay of plants caused by bacteria or fungi
softness: a state of declining economic condition
softness: poor physical condition; being out of shape or out of condition (as from a life of ease and luxury)
sogginess: a heavy wetness
solace: comfort in disappointment or misery
solid: the state in which a substance has no tendency to flow under moderate stress; resists forces (such as compression) that tend to deform it; and retains a definite size and shape
solidity: state of having the interior filled with matter
solitary: confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners
solitude: the state or situation of being alone
solvency: the ability to meet maturing obligations as they come due
somatic delusion: a delusion concerning the body image or parts of the body
sordidness: sordid dirtiness
sore: an open skin infection
sottishness: stupefaction from drink
soundness: a state or condition free from damage or decay
soup: an unfortunate situation
sovereignty: government free from external control
spastic abasia: abasia due to spastic contractions of the leg muscles
spastic bladder: a urinary bladder disorder resulting from spinal cord lesion or multiple sclerosis or trauma; absence of bladder sensation and incontinence and interrupted voiding of urine
spavin: a swelling of the hock joint of a horse; resulting in lameness
speculativeness: financial risk
spider angioma: a dilation of superficial capillaries with a central red dot from which blood vessels radiate
Spielmeyer-Vogt disease: a congenital progressive disorder of lipid metabolism having an onset at age 5 and characterized by blindness and dementia and early death
spinach blight: a disease of spinach plants
spinal curvature: an abnormal curvature of the vertebral column
spinal: anesthesia of the lower half of the body; caused by injury to the spinal cord or by injecting an anesthetic beneath the arachnoid membrane that surrounds the spinal cord
spinocerebellar disorder: any of several congenital disorders marked by degeneration of the cerebellum and spinal cord resulting in spasticity and ataxia
spinsterhood: the state of being a spinster (usually an elderly unmarried woman)
spit and polish: careful attention to order and appearance (as in the military)
splash: a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
splenitis: inflammation of the spleen
splenomegaly: an abnormal enlargement of the spleen
spondylarthritis: arthritis that affects one or more of the intervertebral joints in the spine
spondylitis: inflammation of a spinal joint; characterized by pain and stiffness
spondylolisthesis: a forward dislocation of one vertebra over the one beneath it producing pressure on spinal nerves
sporotrichosis: a chronic fungal infection of the skin and lymph nodes
spot: a slight attack of illness
spotted fever: any of several severe febrile diseases characterized by skin rashes or spots on the skin
sprain: a painful injury to a joint caused by a sudden wrenching of its ligaments
spur blight: a disease of raspberries
spuriousness: state of lacking genuineness
square one: the situation in which you begin an endeavor and to which you return if your efforts fail
squint: abnormal alignment of one or both eyes
stability: a stable order (especially of society)
stagnancy: inactivity of liquids; being stagnant; standing still; without current or circulation
stammer: a speech disorder involving hesitations and involuntary repetitions of certain sounds
standardisation: the condition in which a standard has been successfully established
standdown: a suspension and relaxation from an alert state or a state of readiness
standing: social or financial or professional status or reputation
staphylococcal infection: an infection with staphylococcus bacteria; usually marked by abscess formation
stardom: the status of being acknowledged as a star
starvation acidosis: acidosis in which the acidity results from lack of food which leads to fat catabolism which in turn releases acidic ketone bodies
stasis: inactivity resulting from a static balance between opposing forces
stasis: an abnormal state in which the normal flow of a liquid (such as blood) is slowed or stopped
state: a state of depression or agitation
state of the art: the highest degree of development of an art or technique at a particular time
state of war: a legal state created by a declaration of war and ended by official declaration during which the international rules of war apply
state: (chemistry) the three traditional states of matter are solids (fixed shape and volume) and liquids (fixed volume and shaped by the container) and gases (filling the container)
stature: high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement
status asthmaticus: a prolonged and severe asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatment
status epilepticus: a condition in which there are continuing attacks of epilepsy without intervals of consciousness; can lead to brain damage and death
status quo: the existing state of affairs
steatorrhea: the presence of greater than normal amounts of fat in the feces which are frothy and foul smelling and floating; a symptom of disorders of fat metabolism and malabsorption syndrome
Steinert's disease: a severe form of muscular dystrophy marked by generalized weakness and muscular wasting that affects the face and feet and hands and neck; difficult speech and difficulty with the hands that spreads to the arms and shoulders and legs and hips; the onset can be any time from birth to middle age and the progression is slow; inheritance is autosomal dominant
stem blight: a fungous blight attacking the stems of plants
stenosis: abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway
stigmata: marks resembling the wounds on the crucified body of Christ
stigmatism: (optics) condition of an optical system (as a lens) in which light rays from a single point converge in a single focal point
stigmatism: the condition of having or being marked by stigmata
Still's disease: a form of rheumatoid arthritis that affects children; large joints become inflamed and bone growth may be retarded
stillness: calmness without winds
sting: a kind of pain; something as sudden and painful as being stung
stitch: a sharp spasm of pain in the side resulting from running
stock: the reputation and popularity a person has
Stokes-Adams syndrome: recurrent sudden attacks of unconsciousness caused by impaired conduction of the impulse that regulates the heartbeat
stomatitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth
storm center: a center of trouble or disturbance
storm: a violent commotion or disturbance
storminess: the state of being stormy
strain: injury to a muscle (often caused by overuse); results in swelling and pain
strain: difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension
strangulation: the condition of having respiration stopped by compression of the air passage
strawberry haemangioma: a congenital bright red superficial vascular tumor resembling a strawberry; tends to decrease in size during childhood
street: the streets of a city viewed as a depressed environment in which there is poverty and crime and prostitution and dereliction
street: a situation offering opportunities
strength: the condition of financial success
stress: (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
stridor: a whistling sound when breathing (usually heard on inspiration); indicates obstruction of the trachea or larynx
stringency: a state occasioned by scarcity of money and a shortage of credit
strip alert: a state of readiness for domestic defense aircraft
stripe blight: a disease of oats
stuffiness: state of obstruction or stoppage or air in the nose or throat
sturdiness: the state of being vigorous and robust
Sturm und Drang: a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally)
stymie: a situation in golf where an opponent's ball blocks the line between your ball and the hole
subacute bacterial endocarditis: a chronic bacterial infection of the endocardium and heart valves; symptoms develop slowly
subclinical absence: a transient impairment of cortical function demonstrable only by 3-per-second brainwave spikes
subjection: forced submission to control by others
submission: the condition of having submitted to control by someone or something else
subnormality: the state of being less than normal (especially with respect to intelligence)
subordinateness: secondary importance
subordination: the state of being subordinate to something
subservience: the condition of being something that is useful in reaching an end or carrying out a plan
subservience: in a subservient state
subsistence: the state of existing in reality; having substance
subsistence: a means of surviving
success: a state of prosperity or fame
suffering: misery resulting from affliction
sufficiency: sufficient resources to provide comfort and meet obligations
suggestibility: susceptibility or responsiveness to suggestion
superinfection: infection that occurs while you are being treated for another infection
superiority: the state of excelling or surpassing or going beyond usual limits
suprainfection: secondary infection caused by an opportunistic infection
susceptibility: the state of being susceptible; easily affected
suspended animation: a temporary cessation of vital functions with loss of consciousness resembling death; usually resulting from asphyxia
suspicion: the state of being suspected
suzerainty: the position or authority of a suzerain
svoboda: (Russia) freedom
swamp: a situation fraught with difficulties and imponderables
sweating sickness: a disease of cattle (especially calves)
sweet-potato ring rot: disease of sweet potatoes in which roots are girdled by rings of dry rot
swine flu: an acute and highly contagious respiratory disease of swine caused by the orthomyxovirus thought to be the same virus that caused the 1918 influenza pandemic
swing: a state of steady vigorous action that is characteristic of an activity
sword of Damocles: a constant and imminent peril
sword-cut: a scar from a cut made by a sword
sympatry: the occurrence of organisms in overlapping geographical areas, but without interbreeding
symphysis: an abnormal adhesion of two or more structures
symptom: (medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease
syncretism: the union (or attempted fusion) of different systems of thought or belief (especially in religion or philosophy)
syndactylism: birth defect in which there is partial or total webbing connecting two or more fingers or toes
syndrome: a pattern of symptoms indicative of some disease
synechia: adhesions between the iris and the lens or cornea resulting from trauma or eye surgery or as a complication of glaucoma or cataract; can lead to blindness
synovitis: inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines a synovial joint; results in pain and swelling
systolic murmur: a murmur heard during systole
T.B.: infection transmitted by inhalation or ingestion of tubercle bacilli and manifested in fever and small lesions (usually in the lungs but in various other parts of the body in acute stages)
tabes: wasting of the body during a chronic disease
tachycardia: abnormally rapid heartbeat (over 100 beats per minute)
tailspin: loss of emotional control often resulting in emotional collapse
Takayasu's arteritis: disorder characterized by the absence of a pulse in both arms and in the carotid arteries
talipes calcaneus: talipes in which the toes are pointed upward and the person walks on the heel of the foot
talipes equinus: talipes in which the toes are pointed downward
talipes valgus: deformity of the foot in which the foot is twisted outward
tamponade: blockage or closure (as of a wound or body cavity) by (or as if by) a tampon (especially to stop bleeding)
tangency: the state of being tangent; having contact at a single point or along a line without crossing
tapeworm infection: intestinal infection by a species of parasitic tapeworm; usually the result of eating inadequately cooked meat or fish
taphephobia: a morbid fear of being buried alive
tarantism: a nervous disorder characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance; popularly attributed to bite of the southern European tarantula or wolf spider
tardive dyskinesia: involuntary rolling of the tongue and twitching of the face or trunk or limbs; often occurs in patients with Parkinsonism who are treated with phenothiazine
tarsitis: inflammation of the eyelid
tautness: the physical condition of being stretched or strained
taxability: liability to taxation
Tay-Sachs disease: a hereditary disorder of lipid metabolism occurring most frequently in individuals of Jewish descent in eastern Europe; accumulation of lipids in nervous tissue results in death in early childhood
technicality: the state of being technical as in the use of technical terms or methods
tempestuousness: a state of wild storminess
temporal arteritis: inflammation of the temporal arteries; characterized by headaches and difficulty chewing and (sometimes) visual impairment
temporary state: a state that continues for a limited time
tendinitis: inflammation of a tendon
tendonous synovitis: inflammation of a tendon and its enveloping sheath
tenesmus: painful spasm of the anal sphincter along with an urgent desire to defecate without the significant production of feces; associated with irritable bowel syndrome
tension: a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature)
tension headache: a headache located at the back of the head; usually caused by body tension resulting from overwork or psychological stress
teratoma: a tumor consisting of a mixture of tissues not normally found at that site
tertiary syphilis: the third stage; characterized by involvement of internal organs especially the brain and spinal cord as well as the heart and liver
tetartanopia: a form of dichromacy characterized by lowered sensitivity to yellow light; so rare that its existence has been questioned
tetralogy of Fallot: a congenital heart defect producing cyanosis; characterized by four symptoms: pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect and malposition of the aorta over both ventricles and hypertrophy of the right ventricle
Texas fever: an infectious disease of cattle transmitted by the cattle tick
thanatophobia: a morbid fear of death
the shits: obscene terms for diarrhea
the true: conformity to reality or actuality
thereness: the state of being there--not here--in position
thereness: real existence
thermal equilibrium: a state in which all parts of a system are at the same temperature
thermal pollution: harm to lakes and rivers resulting from the release of excessive waste heat into them
thermalgesia: pain caused by heat
thin air: nowhere to be found in a giant void
thing: a special situation
thinking cap: a state in which one thinks
third-degree burn: burn characterized by destruction of both epidermis and dermis
thirst: a physiological need to drink
Thomsen's disease: a mild, rare, congenital form of myotonia characterized by muscle stiffness
thoracic actinomycosis: a serious form of actinomycosis that affects the chest
thoracic outlet syndrome: tingling sensations in the fingers; caused by compression on a nerve supplying the arm
thread blight: a disease of tropical woody plants (cacao or tea or citrus)
throb: a deep pulsating type of pain
throe: severe spasm of pain
throe: hard or painful trouble or struggle
thrombasthenia: a rare autosomal recessive disease in which the platelets do not produce clots in the normal way and hemorrhage results
thrombocytopenia: a blood disease characterized by an abnormally small number of platelets in the blood
thrombocytosis: increase in the number of platelets in the blood which tends to cause clots to form; associated with many neoplasms and chronic infections and other diseases
thromboembolism: occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus that has broken away from a thrombus
thrombophlebitis: phlebitis in conjunction with the formation of a blood clot (thrombus)
thrombosis: the formation or presence of a thrombus (a clot of coagulated blood attached at the site of its formation) in a blood vessel
thrombus: a blood clot formed within a blood vessel and remaining attached to its place of origin
throw: a single chance or instance
thrush: candidiasis of the oral cavity; seen mostly in infants or debilitated adults
thyroiditis: inflammation of the thyroid gland
TIA: brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
tic: a local and habitual twitching especially in the face
tic douloureux: intense paroxysmal neuralgia along the trigeminal nerve
ticking bomb: a problematic situation that will eventually become dangerous if not addressed
tidiness: the habit of being tidy
tie: equality of score in a contest
Tietze's syndrome: syndrome characterized by swelling of rib cartilage (causing pain)
tilth: the state of aggregation of soil and its condition for supporting plant growth
tin ear: an inability to distinguish differences in pitch
tinderbox: a dangerous state of affairs; a situation that is a potential source of violence
tinea capitis: fungal infection of the scalp characterized by bald patches
tinea corporis: fungal infection of nonhairy parts of the skin
tinea unguium: fungal infection of the nails (especially toenails)
tinnitus: a ringing or booming sensation in one or both ears; a symptom of an ear infection or Meniere's disease
tobacco mosaic: a plant disease causing discoloration of the leaves of tobacco plants
toe crack: a crack on the forepart of a horse's hindfoot
toehold: a relatively insignificant position from which future progress might be made
tomato blight: a disease of tomato plants
tomato streak: disease of a wide range of plants (tomatoes, potatoes, peas) resulting from a mixed infection of potato and tomato mosaic
tone: the elastic tension of living muscles, arteries, etc. that facilitate response to stimuli
tonic epilepsy: epilepsy in which the body is rigid during the seizure
tonsillitis: inflammation of the tonsils (especially the palatine tonsils)
topical anaesthesia: loss of sensation confined to the skin or mucous surfaces (as when benzocaine or Lidocaine is applied to the surface)
torment: unbearable physical pain
torpidity: a state of motor and mental inactivity with a partial suspension of sensibility
torticollis: an unnatural condition in which the head leans to one side because the neck muscles on that side are contracted
toxaemia: an abnormal condition of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and edema and protein in the urine
toxaemia: blood poisoning caused by bacterial toxic substances in the blood
toxoplasmosis: infection caused by parasites transmitted to humans from infected cats; if contracted by a pregnant woman it can result in serious damage to the fetus
tracheitis: inflammation of the trachea
tracheobronchitis: common respiratory infection characterized by inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi
trachoma: a chronic contagious disease caused by a bacterium and marked by inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye and the formation of scar tissue
transcendence: a state of being or existence above and beyond the limits of material experience
transcortical aphasia: a general term for aphasia that results from lesions outside of Broca's area or Wernicke's area of the cerebral cortex
transsexualism: condition in which a person identifies with a gender different from his or her physical gender
traumatophobia: a morbid fear of battle or physical injury
tremolo: (music) a tremulous effect produced by rapid repetition of a single tone or rapid alternation of two tones
tremor: shaking or trembling (usually resulting from weakness or stress or disease)
trench fever: marked by pain in muscles and joints and transmitted by lice
tribalism: the state of living together in tribes
trichomoniasis: infection of the vagina
trichuriasis: infestation by a roundworm; common in tropical areas with poor sanitation
trim: a state of arrangement or appearance
trip: a hallucinatory experience induced by drugs
triple crown: (baseball) an unofficial title won by a batter who leads the league in hitting average, runs batted in, and home runs
triple crown: (horse racing) a title won by a horse that can win the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness
triskaidekaphobia: a morbid fear of the number 13
trismus: prolonged spasm of the jaw muscles
trisomy: chrosomal abnormality in which there is one more than the normal number of chromosomes in a cell
trombiculiasis: infestation with chiggers
trophoblastic cancer: malignant neoplasm of the uterus derived from the epithelium of the chorion
trouble: an unwanted pregnancy
TSS: syndrome resulting from a serious acute (sometimes fatal) infection associated with the presence of staphylococcus; characterized by fever and diarrhea and nausea and diffuse erythema and shock; occurs especially in menstruating women using highly absorbent tampons
tubal pregnancy: ectopic pregnancy in a Fallopian tube
tubercle: a swelling that is the characteristic lesion of tuberculosis
tuberculoid leprosy: leprosy characterized by tumors in the skin and cutaneous nerves
tumescence: tumidity resulting from the presence of blood or other fluid in the tissues
tumidity: slight swelling of an organ or part
tunnel vision: visual impairment involving a loss of peripheral vision
turbulence: instability in the atmosphere
turgor: (biology) the normal rigid state of fullness of a cell or blood vessel or capillary resulting from pressure of the contents against the wall or membrane
Turner's syndrome: a chromosomal disorder in females who have only one X chromosome; marked by dwarfism and heart abnormalities and underdeveloped sex organs
twig blight: a disease of the ends of twigs of woody plants
twilight: a condition of decline following successes
twilight sleep: a state of general anesthesia in which the person retains a slight degree of consciousness; can be induced by injection of scopolamine or morphine
twitch: a sudden muscle spasm; especially one caused by a nervous condition
tympanites: distension of the abdomen that is caused by the accumulation of gas in the intestines or the peritoneal cavity
tympanitis: inflammation of the inner ear
type I allergic reaction: an allergic reaction that becomes apparent in a sensitized person only minutes after contact
type I diabetes: severe diabetes mellitus with an early onset; characterized by polyuria and excessive thirst and increased appetite and weight loss and episodic ketoacidosis; diet and insulin injections are required to control the disease
type II diabetes: mild form of diabetes mellitus that develops gradually in adults; can be precipitated by obesity or severe stress or menopause or other factors; can usually be controlled by diet and hypoglycemic agents without injections of insulin
type IV allergic reaction: an allergic reaction that becomes apparent only hours after contact
typhus: rickettsial disease transmitted by body lice and characterized by skin rash and high fever
typicality: the state of being that is typical
tyrosinemia: autosomal recessive defect in tyrosine metabolism resulting in liver and kidney disturbances and mental retardation
ubiety: the state of existing and being localized in space
ulalgia: pain in the gums
ulatrophia: recession of the gums
ulcer: a circumscribed inflammatory and often suppurating lesion on the skin or an internal mucous surface resulting in necrosis of tissue
ulcerative colitis: a serious chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and fever and chills and profuse diarrhea
ulemorrhagia: bleeding of the gums
ulitis: inflammation of the gums
ultimacy: the state or degree of being ultimate; the final or most extreme in degree or size or time or distance
umbra: a region of complete shadow resulting from total obstruction of light
unanimity: everyone being of one mind
unattainableness: the state of being unattainable
underdevelopment: state of inadequate development
undress: partial or complete nakedness
unemployment: the state of being unemployed or not having a job
unhappiness: state characterized by emotions ranging from mild discontentment to deep grief
unification: the state of being joined or united or linked
unipolar depression: a major depressive episode that occurs without the manic phase that occurs in the classic form of bipolar disorder
unison: corresponding exactly
unsanitariness: a state that is not conducive to health
unsoundness: a condition of damage or decay
untidiness: the condition of being untidy
upper respiratory infection: infection of the upper respiratory tract
uratemia: presence of abnormal amounts of uric acid salts in the blood; symptom of gout
uraturia: presence of abnormally large amounts of uric acid in the urine; symptom of gout
urbanisation: the condition of being urbanized
ureteritis: inflammation of the ureter
ureterocele: prolapse of the end of the ureter into the bladder; may obstruct urine flow
ureterorenal reflux: a backflow of urine from the ureter into the renal pelvis
ureterostenosis: stenosis of the ureter
urethritis: inflammation of the urethra; results in painful urination
urethrocele: prolapse of the urethra into the vagina
urgency: the state of being urgent; an earnest and insistent necessity
urgency: an urgent situation calling for prompt action
uricaciduria: presence of abnormal amounts of uric acid in the urine; symptom of gout
urinary hesitancy: difficulty in beginning the flow of urine; associated with prostate enlargement in men and with narrowing of the urethral opening in women; may be caused by emotional stress in either men or women
urinary tract infection: any infection of any of the organs of the urinary tract
urocele: extravasation of urine into the scrotal sac
urodynia: pain during urination
uropathy: any pathology of the urinary tract
utilization: the state of having been made use of
utopia: ideally perfect state; especially in its social and political and moral aspects
uveitis: inflammation of the uvea of the eye
uvulitis: inflammation of the uvula
vacancy: being unoccupied
vaccina: a local infection induced in humans by inoculation with the virus causing cowpox in order to confer resistance to smallpox; normally lasts three weeks and leaves a pitted scar
vaccination: the scar left following inoculation with a vaccine
vacuity: the absence of matter
vacuolation: the state of having become filled with vacuoles
vaginitis: inflammation of the vagina (usually associated with candidiasis)
vagrancy: the state of wandering from place to place; having no permanent home or means of livelihood
valgus: a deformity in which there is an abnormal displacement of part of a limb away from the midline of the body
valvular heart disease: heart disease caused by stenosis of the cardiac valves and obstructed blood flow or caused by degeneration and blood regurgitation
valvular incompetence: inability of a bodily valve to close completely
valvulitis: inflammation of a valve (especially of a cardiac valve as a consequence of rheumatic fever)
Van Bogaert encephalitis: a rare chronic progressive encephalitis caused by the measles virus and occurring primarily in children and young adults; death usually occurs within three years; characterized by primary measles infection before the age of two years
varicocele: dilatation of the veins associated with the spermatic cord in the testes
varicosis: pathological condition of being varicose or having varicose veins
varicosity: varix or varicose condition in which a vein is swollen and tortuous
varix: abnormally enlarged or twisted blood vessel or lymphatic vessel
varus: a deformity in which part of a limb is turned inward to an abnormal degree
vasculitis: inflammation of a blood vessel
vasovesiculitis: inflammation of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles; usually occurring with prostatitis
ventricular aneurysm: a localized dilation or protrusion on the wall of the left ventricle of the heart (occurring after a myocardial infarction)
ventricular fibrillation: fibrillation of heart muscles resulting in interference with rhythmic contractions of the ventricles and possibly leading to cardiac arrest
ventricular septal defect: a common congenital heart defect; an abnormal opening in the septum dividing the ventricles allows blood to pass directly from the left to the right ventricle; large openings may cause congestive heart failure
verticilliosis: wilt caused by fungi of the genus Verticillium
vesicoureteral reflux: a backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureter
vesicular stomatitis: a disease of horses, cattle, swine, and occasionally human beings; caused by the vesiculovirus
vesiculitis: inflammation of a seminal vesicle (usually in conjunction with prostatitis)
VHF: a group of illnesses caused by a viral infection (usually restricted to a specific geographic area); fever and gastrointestinal symptoms are followed by capillary hemorrhage
victimization: adversity resulting from being made a victim
villainage: the legal status or condition of servitude of a villein or feudal serf
Vincent's infection: an acute communicable infection of the respiratory tract and mouth marked by ulceration of the mucous membrane
violence: a turbulent state resulting in injuries and destruction etc.
viraemia: the presence of a virus in the blood stream
viral hepatitis: hepatitis caused by a virus
viral infection: infection by a virus that is pathogenic to humans
viral pneumonia: pneumonia caused by a virus
virginity: the condition or quality of being a virgin
virus: a harmful or corrupting agency
viscountcy: the dignity or rank or position of a viscount or viscountess
vision defect: impairment of the sense of sight
visual agnosia: inability to recognize or interpret objects in the visual field
visual hallucination: illusory visual perception
vital sign: sign of life; usually an indicator of a person's general physical condition
vitalisation: the state of being vitalized and filled with life
vitiligo: an acquired skin disease characterized by patches of unpigmented skin (often surrounded by a heavily pigmented border)
vogue: a current state of general acceptance and use
volvulus: abnormal twisting of the intestines (usually in the area of the ileum or sigmoid colon) resulting in intestinal obstruction
von Recklinghausen's disease: autosomal dominant disease characterized by numerous neurofibromas and by spots on the skin and often by developmental abnormalities
von Willebrand's disease: a form of hemophilia discovered by Erik von Willebrand; a genetic disorder that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait; characterized by a deficiency of the coagulation factor and by mucosal bleeding
vulvitis: inflammation of the vulva
vulvovaginitis: inflammation of the vulva and the vagina
wage setter: any economic condition or variable that serves to set wage rates
wale: a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions
wall: a difficult or awkward situation
walnut blight: a disease of English walnut trees
war power: an extraordinary power exercised (usually by the executive branch) in the prosecution of a war and involving an extension of the powers that the government normally has in peacetime
wart: an imperfection in someone or something that is suggestive of a wart (especially in smallness or unattractiveness)
water blister: blister containing a nonpurulent clear watery content
water on the knee: hydrarthrosis affecting the knee
water pollution: pollution of the water in rivers and lakes
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome: syndrome associated with bacterial meningitis; marked by sudden high fever and skin discoloration and petechiae with hemorrhage into the adrenal glands and cardiovascular collapse
way: the condition of things generally
weakness: the condition of being financially weak
wealth: the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
wear: impairment resulting from long use
Weil's disease: a severe form of leptospirosis in human beings
welcome: the state of being welcome
Werdnig-Hoffman disease: autosomal recessive disease in which the degeneration of spinal nerve cells and brain nerve cells leads to atrophy of skeletal muscles and flaccid paralysis; death usually occurs in early childhood
Werlhof's disease: purpura associated with a reduction in circulating blood platelets which can result from a variety of factors
Wernicke's aphasia: aphasia characterized by fluent but meaningless speech and severe impairment of the ability understand spoken or written words
Wernicke's encephalopathy: inflammatory degenerative disease of the brain caused by thiamine deficiency that is usually associated with alcoholism
West Indian smallpox: a mild form of smallpox caused by a less virulent form of the virus
West Nile encephalitis: encephalitis caused by the West Nile virus; can be fatal in humans and horses and birds
wetness: the condition of containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water)
wheat scab: a disease of the heads of wheat plants
wheeziness: presence of abnormal high-pitched sound heard with a stethoscope when an airway is blocked (as in asthma or chronic bronchitis)
whiplash: an injury to the neck (the cervical vertebrae) resulting from rapid acceleration or deceleration (as in an automobile accident)
white-coat hypertension: temporary rise in blood pressure in the doctor's office
widowhood: the state of being a widow who has not remarried
wilderness: (politics) a state of disfavor
Williams syndrome: a rare congenital disorder associated with deletion of genetic material in chromosome 7; characterized by mental deficiency and some growth deficiency and elfin faces but an overly social personality and a remarkable gift for vocabulary
Wilms' tumor: malignant renal tumor of young children characterized by hypertension and blood in the urine and the presence of a palpable mass
Wilson's disease: a rare inherited disorder of copper metabolism; copper accumulates in the liver and then in the red blood cells and brain
wilt: any plant disease characterized by drooping and shriveling; usually caused by parasites attacking the roots
windburn: redness and irritation of the skin caused by exposure to high-velocity wind
withdrawal symptom: any physical or psychological disturbance (as sweating or depression) experienced by a drug addict when deprived of the drug
wreck: something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation
wretchedness: the character of being uncomfortable and unpleasant
X-linked SCID: SCID in male children resulting from mutation of a gene that codes for a protein on the surface of T cells that allows them to develop a growth factor receptor
xanthelasma: xanthoma of the eyelids; occurs chiefly in the elderly
xanthoma: a skin problem marked by the development (on the eyelids and neck and back) of irregular yellow nodules; sometimes attributable to disturbances of cholesterol metabolism
xanthoma disseminatum: rare chronic xanthoma of adults in which orange or brownish papules develop on many surfaces of the body
xanthopsia: visual defect in which objects appear to have a yellowish hue; sometimes occurs in cases of jaundice
xanthosis: an abnormal yellow discoloration of the skin
xenophobia: a fear of foreigners or strangers
xeroderma pigmentosum: a rare genetic condition characterized by an eruption of exposed skin occurring in childhood and photosensitivity with severe sunburn; inherited as a recessive autosomal trait in which DNA repair processes are defective so they are more likely to chromosome breaks and cancers when exposed to ultraviolet light
xeroderma: a mild form of ichthyosis characterized by abnormal dryness and roughness of the skin
yellow dwarf: any of several virus diseases of plants characterized by stunting and yellowing of the leaves
yellow peril: the threat to Western civilization said to arise from the power of Asiatic peoples
yellow spot: any of several fungous or viral diseases characterized by yellow spotting on the leaves
yellow-blue color blindness: confusion of yellow and blue
yips: nervous tension that causes an athlete to fail (especially causes golfers to miss short putts)
yoke: an oppressive power
youth: early maturity; the state of being young or immature or inexperienced
Zeitgeist: the spirit of the time; the spirit characteristic of an age or generation
zinc deficiency: a deficiency caused by inadequate zinc in the diet or by liver disease or cystic fibrosis or other diseases
zoanthropy: the delusion that you have assumed the form of an animal
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: syndrome consisting of intractable peptic ulceration with gastric hypersecretion and hyperacidity
zoonosis: an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans
zoophobia: a morbid fear of animals
zoopsia: visual hallucination of animals; sometimes occurring in delirium tremens