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