Medical Terms

Understanding Medical Terms: A to Z

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Medical terms are a language that describes diseases, symptoms, processes, medical procedures, human body components, and pharmacology. They are utilized in the clinical and medical fields. This article covers all medical terms alphabetically and their meanings, starting with the letters A through Z.

Medical Terms with A

  1. Abdominoplasty: A procedure to remove excess skin from the abdomen and tighten the muscles
  2. Abduction: A body part moving away from the center of the body, like an arm or leg
  3. Ablation: A treatment that destroys a small amount of damaged tissue by using alcohol, heat, cold, electrical energy, or other methods.
  4. Abortion: A procedure to end a pregnancy
  5. Abrasion: A cut or scrape that typically is not serious.
  6. Abscess: A tender, pus-filled pocket that forms in a tissue, usually due to infection.
  7. Ache: Pain
  8. Achlorhydria: A condition of producing no or little acid from the stomach
  9. Acidosis:  A condition of overproduction of acid in the blood. It has two forms: metabolic acidosis (an excessive loss of bicarbonate from the blood) and respiratory acidosis (a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood that results from poor lung function or depressed breathing).
  10. Acute: Sudden but usually short
  11. Adenocarcinoma: A advanced type of cancer that grows in the epithelial cells of the glands
  12. Adenoma: A benign growth of epithelial cells with a glandular origin
  13. Addiction: Inability to control one’s behavior or use of a substance, as well as a persistent desire for it despite the negative effects
  14. Adduction: A body part moving toward or across the center
  15. Adenectomy: Excision of a gland
  16. Adenoma: Benign tumor of glandular tissue
  17. Adenomyosis: Endometriosis in the muscle wall of the uterus
  18. Adjuvant therapy: Treatment given after surgery
  19. Aerobic: Any process that requires oxygen
  20. Aerophagia: Excessive swallowing of air
  21. Agnosia: A rare disease in which a person cannot recognize objects, shapes, or people
  22. Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of public places and open spaces
  23. Albinism: A group of genetic conditions characterized by a decrease or absence of melanin pigments in the skin, hair, and eyes.
  24. Albuminuria: High amounts of albumin (protein) in the urine, possibly indicating kidney dysfunction
  25. Allodynia: Pain from something that doesn’t normally hurt, like a light touch
  26. Alopecia: Hair loss
  27. Amenorrhea: Absence of menstrual discharge
  28. Amnesia: Unusual memory loss or forgetfulness
  29. Anaerobic: Any process that does not require oxygen
  30. Analgesia: Absence of pain
  31. Analgesic: Medicine that alleviates pain
  32. Anaphylaxis: A severe and potentially life-threatening allergic condition that needs immediate treatment
  33. Anesthesia: A medical way of relieving pain
  34. Anemia: Deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood
  35. Anencephaly: A birth defect in which the infant is born without the skull bones that cover the brain or without most of the brain.
  36. Aneurysm: A swelling or bulge on a portion of a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the vessel’s wall
  37. Angina pectoris: Chest pain that lasts for a short time and is caused by the heart not getting enough oxygen and blood
  38. Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels
  39. Angiography: A test that demonstrates how blood moves through the heart and blood vessels
  40. Angioplasty: A procedure used to open narrowed or blocked arteries by inserting a catheter or tube into the affected artery
  41. Ankle-brachial index: A test that compares blood pressure at the elbow and the ankle
  42. Anorectal dysfunction: Dysfunction of the anus and rectum resulting in constipation or loss of control bowel movements
  43. Anorexia: An eating disorder in which a person severely restricts calories to the point of near starvation and has a severe fear of gaining weight
  44. Antagonist: a substance that has the opposite effect or action of another substance
  45. Antenatal: Before birth (prenatal)
  46. Antibody: proteins that protect you when an unwanted substance (e.g., bacteria) enters your body
  47. Antigen: A substance in the blood that helps trigger the immune system to develop antibodies
  48. Anuria: Less than 100 ml of urine in 24 hours
  49. Aphasia: Difficulty speaking or comprehending language
  50. Apnea: A temporary pause in breathing during sleep that can be very brief or can last so long that the amount of oxygen in the blood drops dangerously low
  51. Apolipoproteins: Proteins that combine with triglyceride and cholesterol to form lipoproteins
  52. Apoptosis: A form of programmed cell death in which defective or redundant cells self-destruct
  53. Apraxia: A condition of the brain in which a person cannot perform certain actions despite their desire and physical ability to do so
  54. Arousal: The state of being awake or responding to one or more of the five senses’ signals
  55. Arrhythmia: Any deviation from the normal rhythm of the heart
  56. Arteriography: An imaging test that produces arterial images using x-rays and a special dye
  57. Arthralgia: Pain in a joint
  58. Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint
  59. Arthrocentesis: A technique that uses a syringe to drain fluid from a joint.
  60. Arthrodesis: A procedure to relieve pain by joining two bones together and providing stability to a damaged, arthritic, or painful joint.
  61. Arthropathy: Joint disease or disorder
  62. Arthroplasty: A surgical procedure to relieve arthritis or fix an abnormality by rebuilding or replacing a joint
  63. Arthroscopy: A procedure used to diagnose or repair joint problems by making an incision and inserting tiny lenses, lighting, and other instruments
  64. Asphyxia: A life-threatening condition due to lack of oxygen caused by an obstruction of the airways, downing, or chocking
  65. Ataxia: Being unable to control movement
  66. Atheroma: Fatty plaque inside an artery
  67. Atherosclerosis: A narrowing condition of the artery reducing the blood flow due to the deposition of fatty plaque in the walls of arteries
  68. Atopic: Having an inherited predisposition to allergies
  69. Atrophy: Organ or tissue loss as a result of malnutrition, disease, or aging
  70. Audiometry: A comprehensive hearing test that includes listening to sounds of various volumes and frequencies
  71. Autoimmune response: The body produces antibodies to react against the body’s own tissues
  72. Autopsy: Opening and examining a dead body surgically to look for diseases and determine the cause of death

Medical Terms with B

  1. Bacteremia: The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream
  2. Bandemia: A condition of excess or increased levels (≥ 10%) of band cells (immature white blood cells) released by the bone marrow into the bloodstream
  3. Benign: Non-cancerous cell
  4. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): A noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that obstructs the flow of urine
  5. Blackout: An episode of temporary memory loss resulting from the ingestion of alcohol or other drugs
  6. Blepharoplasty: Cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of droopy eyelids by removing excess skin and fat
  7. Bicornuate: A heart-shaped uterus
  8. Biopsy: A tissue sample for testing purposes
  9. Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids
  10. Body mass index (BMI): Body fat measurement based on height and weight
  11. Bradycardia: A slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute
  12. Breech position: baby is lying bottom or feet first in the womb
  13. Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi
  14. Bruit: Unusual sound, heard through a stethoscope, that blood makes when it rushes past an obstruction, like a blockage in an artery
  15. Bunion: A bump of bone or tissue that forms at the big toe joint, causing inflammation and considerable pain
  16. Bunionette: A small, painful bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot, at the base of the small toe
  17. Bursa: A protective, fluid-filled sac located in or near the joints that cushion the movement of bone against tendons, skin, and muscle
  18. Bursitis: Pain and swelling of the bursa, the small fluid-filled pads that act as cushions in or near the joints
  19. Bypass: A procedure used to divert the flow of blood or other fluids.

Medical Terms with C

  1. Calcification: The buildup of calcium deposits in soft tissue, causing it to harden
  2. Callus: Hardened, thick skin that forms after repeated friction
  3. Cancer: A group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way
  4. Carcinogen: Any substance that can cause cancer
  5. Cardiac afterload (systemic vascular resistance, SVR): A pressure or force required to open the aortic valve and eject blood from the ventricle
  6. Cardiac arrest: The sudden cessation of contractions capable of circulating blood to the body and brain
  7. Cardiac output: Amount of blood your heart pumps in one minute
  8. Cardiac preload (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, LVEDP): The amount of blood in the ventricles before contraction of the heart or at the end of the diastole
  9. Cardiac tamponade (pericardial tamponade): A medical or traumatic emergency caused by a compression of the heart due to accumulation of pericardial fluid (pericardial effusion). The fluid-filled pericardial sac prevents from filling chambers of the heart, reducing cardiac output.
  10. Cardioplegia: Temporarily stopping the heart during heart surgery
  11. Cardiopulmonary bypass: The use of a machine (heart/lung machine) to circulate and oxygenate the blood while surgery is performed on the heart
  12. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): A combination of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing that keep oxygenated blood circulating to the brain and tissues
  13. Cardioversion: The use of an electrical shock to stop an abnormal heart rhythm (an arrhythmia) and restore a normal one (sinus rhythm)
  14. Carditis: Inflammation of the heart
  15. Carpel tunnel syndrome: A condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm through the hand, is compressed; symptoms include pain, tingling, and numbness, as well as hand weakness
  16. Cataplexy: Sudden paralysis of some or all muscles brought on by laughter, anger, fright, or strong emotions
  17. Cataract: A clouding or fogging of the lens of the eye that may blur or tint vision
  18. Catastrophic reaction: A strong emotional reaction to a minor event
  19. Cellulitis: Inflamed or infected tissue beneath the skin
  20. Cephalalgia: A headache
  21. Cervicitis: Inflammation of the cervix
  22. Cesarean section: A surgery to deliver a baby through your abdomen and uterus
  23. Chemonucleolysis: A treatment for low back pain that involves injecting the enzyme chymopapain into a herniated disk
  24. Chemotherapy: The use of chemicals to treat disease; often used to destroy cancer cells
  25. Cholecystectomy: Excision of gallbladder
  26. Cholelithiasis: Stone in the gall bladder
  27. Cholestasis: Diminution in the flow of bile
  28. Chlorosis: Severe iron deficiency characterized by a yellow-green tinge to the skin
  29. Chondrocalcinosis: Arthritis caused by calcium crystals
  30. Chronic: Something that persists or continues for at least six months
  31. Cirrhosis: A chronic disease of the liver that progressively destroys the liver’s ability to aid in digestion and detoxification
  32. Claudication: A muscle cramp, usually felt in the calf, caused by poor blood flow to the legs
  33. Coarctation: A narrowed area in the pulmonary aorta present from birth
  34. Colic: Severe abdominal pain caused by spasms in the intestines or in a portion of the kidneys
  35. Colitis: Inflammation of the colon
  36. Colostomy: Surgery that brings one end of the large intestine out through an opening in the abdomen for the elimination of stool
  37. Colostrum: The first milk expressed after delivery (exclusively for two to five days)
  38. Colpitis: Inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis)
  39. Complication: Problems that develop after an operation, treatment, or illness
  40. Conception: When an egg is fertilized by sperm and then starts to grow in the womb
  41. Contusion: A bruise
  42. Cryotherapy: Use of extreme cold to freeze and destroy diseased tissue
  43. Culture: A bacterial sensitivity test to choose the right antibiotic to treat the infection
  44. Curettage: Using a spoon-shaped instrument to remove diseased tissue or sample tissue
  45. Cyanosis: A condition in which skin turns blue due to a lack of oxygen in the blood
  46. Cyst: An abnormal growth in the body that is noncancerous
  47. Cystitis: Inflammation of the urinary bladder
  48. Cystocele: The descent of the bladder into the vagina
  49. Cystostomy: Surgical opening made into the bladder

Medical Terms with D

  1. Debility: Weakness or a loss of physical strength
  2. Defibrillation: The delivery of an electric shock to the heart to stop an abnormal rhythm and restore a normal heartbeat
  3. Defibrillator: A medical device that uses electric shocks to restore a normal heartbeat
  4. Delirium: Sudden, severe confusion that occurs because of a mental or physical illness
  5. Delusion: A false or irrational belief held by a person despite evidence to the contrary
  6. Dermatomyositis: A rare disease in which the muscles become weak and stiff and a skin rash appears
  7. Detoxification: The process of removing harmful, or toxic, substances from a person’s body
  8. Diagnosis: Evaluation of symptoms, tests, and other factors to identify a disease, condition, or disorder
  9. Diastole: The relaxation phase of the normal heart cycle
  10. Dislocation: The movement of a bone from its normal position
  11. Diplopia: Double vision
  12. Dysarthria: A speech disability caused by an injury to the brain centers controlling the face, mouth, neck, or throat
  13. Dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation
  14. Dyspareunia: Pain during or after sexual intercourse
  15. Dyspepsia: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
  16. Dysphagia: Difficulty chewing and swallowing food
  17. Dysplasia: Abnormal changes in cells of a tissue
  18. Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  19. Dystonia: A disorder in which muscles twitch, causing uncontrollable twisting movements

Medical Terms with E

  1. Eclampsia: The new onset of seizures or coma in a pregnant woman with preeclampsia
  2. Ectopic pregnancy: When a fertilized egg (embryo) implants outside the uterus
  3. Eczema: A condition in which areas of the skin are dry, itchy, red, and cracked
  4. Edema: Swelling caused by fluid accumulation
  5. Effusion: An abnormal buildup of fluid in a joint or tissue
  6. Ejaculation: A sudden discharge of a fluid from a duct; often used to describe the expulsion of seminal fluid from the urethra of the penis during orgasm
  7. Embolism: An arterial blockage, often caused by a blood clot
  8. Embryo: A fertilized egg
  9. Endemic: Continually present among people in a geographic region
  10. Endocarditis: A rare but life-threatening infection of the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium) due to bacteria (most common), fungi, or other germs entering the bloodstream and traveling to the heart
  11. Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus
  12. Endometritis: Inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium)
  13. Endoscopy: A procedure to view inside a body cavity or organ by inserting a flexible tube with a light and camera
  14. Enteritis: Inflammation of the intestines
  15. Enterocele: The descent of the small intestine into the vagina
  16. Enzyme: A protein found in cells that speeds up chemical reactions in the body
  17. Epidemic: The occurrence of more cases of disease than expected within a population in a geographic area over a set time
  18. Episiotomy: A cut made through the vaginal wall and perineum to make more space to deliver the baby
  19. Erythema: Redness of the skin because of the widening of capillaries just below the surface of the skin
  20. Exostosis: Abnormal bony growths in the ear caused by swimming regularly in cold water

Medical Terms with F

  1. Fatigue: A lack of energy
  2. Febrile: Feverish; having a high body temperature
  3. Feces (Stool): The waste matter discharged in a bowel movement
  4. Fecundity: Being fertile
  5. Fertility: The ability to conceive a baby
  6. Fertilization: When a sperm enters an egg and an embryo forms
  7. Fetus: An unborn baby
  8. Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscle (myometrium) of the uterus
  9. First-degree tear: A small skin-deep tear of the perineum during childbirth which usually heals naturally
  10. First stage of labor: The period of the beginning of the uterine contraction and relaxation until the full dilatation of the cervix (10cm)
  11. Flatulence: Excess gas in the stomach or intestines that is expelled from the anus
  12. Fracture: Broken bone or cartilage
  13. Frequency: The pitch of a sound; measured by the speed at which sound waves vibrate

Medical Terms with G

  1. Ganglion: An abnormal but harmless mass of tissue, usually nerve cells
  2. Gangrene: Death of tissue in part of the body because blood has stopped flowing there
  3. Gastralgia: Pain in the stomach
  4. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach
  5. Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines
  6. Genetic: Referring to inherited characteristics or genes
  7. Gestation: The process or period of developing a fetus inside the uterus between conception and birth
  8. Gestational diabetes: A form of diabetes triggered during pregnancy
  9. Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums
  10. Glossitis: Inflammation of the tongue
  11. Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland that creates a lump in the neck
  12. Gonioscopy: A test used to detect glaucoma that examines the area where fluid drains out of the eye
  13. Gout: A form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the joints
  14. Graft: Transplanting tissue from one part of the body to another

Medical Terms with H

  1. Hallucination: A perception of something that is not there
  2. Heart attack (Myocardial infarction or MI): A serious medical condition due to lack of blood flow (partial or complete block) to the heart that may damage the heart muscle
  3. Heartburn: A burning pain in the chest or throat, caused when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus
  4. Hematemesis: The vomiting of bright red blood, indicating bleeding in the upper digestive tract
  5. Hematoma: Blood that leaks out of blood vessels and collects in the body
  6. Hematuria: Blood in the urine
  7. Hemianopia: Poor vision or blindness in half of the visual field, affecting one or both eyes
  8. Hemiparesis: Muscle weakness on one side of the body
  9. Hemiplegia: Paralysis of one side of the body
  10. Hemochromatosis: A genetic condition in which the body absorbs and stores too much iron
  11. Hemodialysis: A treatment procedure to remove wastes and extra water from the blood when the kidneys are not working properly
  12. Hemolysis: Breaking down of red blood cells in the body
  13. Hemoptysis: Coughing up or spitting up blood from the lungs
  14. Hemorrhage: Escape of blood from a vessel (bleeding)
  15. Hemostasis: Arrest of bleeding
  16. Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver
  17. Hirsutism: Excessive facial or body hair in women
  18. Hives (urticaria): An itchy rash of usually short duration
  19. Homeostasis: The capacity of the body to maintain the appropriate levels of blood pressure temperature, water content, and oxygen for cell survival
  20. Host: A person or other living organism that can be infected by a virus or other pathogen under natural conditions
  21. Hydrophobia: Fear of water
  22. Hyperalgesia: An increased sensitivity to pain
  23. Hypercapnia (hypercarbia): A condition of excessive partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) above 45 mmHg
  24. Hypercholesterolemia: High levels of cholesterol in the blood
  25. Hyperglycemia: An abnormally high amount of sugar in the blood
  26. Hyperinsulinemia: High levels of insulin in the bloodstream
  27. Hyperopia: Difficulty seeing objects that are nearby; farsightedness
  28. Hyperplasia: Increased production of cells in normal tissue or organ
  29. Hypertension: High blood pressure
  30. Hypertrophy: Increase in the size of tissues
  31. Hyperventilation:  An irregular, rapid, and deep breathing that occurs when exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) is more than the body can produce, causing imbalance between inhaling oxygen (O2) and exhaling CO2
  32. Hypoglycemia: A condition in which blood sugar drops to an abnormally low level
  33. Hypoperfusion: A condition of reduced amount of blood flow (perfusion) within a vessel due to heart failure, loss of blood volume, or low blood pressure
  34. Hypopnea: Breathing that is shallower and slower than normal
  35. Hypotension: Low blood pressure
  36. Hypoxemia: A condition of a low level of oxygen (O2) in the blood
  37. Hypoxia: When all or part of the body doesn’t get enough oxygen
  38. Hysterodynia: Pain in the uterus
  39. Hysterectomy: Excision of the uterus

Medical Terms with I

  1. Iatrogenic: Complications or poor effects caused by medical treatment
  2. Idiopathic: A condition or disease of unknown origin
  3. Immobilize: To restrict the movement of a limb or other part of the body to help in healing
  4. Immunity: Protection against infectious diseases through the action of the immune system
  5. Immunization: Injection of harmless bacteria or viruses to spur the body to produce antibodies so it can resist a particular disease
  6. Immunoglobulin: Substances made by the immune system that attack foreign substances
  7. Implantation: A process through which an embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus
  8. Incision: A cut made into the skin or an organ during surgery
  9. Incontinence: Involuntary passing of urine or feces
  10. Incubation period: The time between when a person is exposed to an infection and when symptoms appear
  11. Intubation: Insertion of an endotracheal tube to assist the patient’s breathing
  12. Infarction: The death of tissue due to a lack of blood
  13. Infection: The growth of harmful organisms that can cause disease, such as bacteria, in the body
  14. Induction of labor: A process of stimulation of labor artificially
  15. Infertility/subfertility: Failure to conceive after having regular sexual intercourse for more than a year
  16. Inflammation: A bodily response in which white blood cells and other immune cells protect your body from disease or injury
  17. Infusion: A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream through a needle
  18. Inoperable: A condition that cannot be treated by surgery
  19. Insomnia: The inability to fall asleep or remain asleep long enough to feel rested
  20. In situ: Latin for in place
  21. Intolerance: An adverse reaction that may have similar symptoms to an allergic reaction but does not engage the immune system, and thus is not an allergy
  22. Intrapartum: During birth
  23. Intravenous (IV): Indicates medication or fluid that’s delivered by vein
  24. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): A fertility treatment that involves directly inserting sperm into a woman’s uterus
  25. Invasive: A medical procedure when a cut is made to the body or an instrument is inserted
  26. In vitro fertilization (IVF): A technique where eggs are collected from a woman and fertilized with a man’s sperm outside the body
  27. Ischemia: Inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body

Medical Terms with J

  1. Japanese encephalitis: A vaccine-preventable viral brain infection that’s spread through mosquito bites
  2. Jaundice: A serious liver condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes (sclera), and mucous membranes turn yellow

Medical Terms with K

  1. Keratectomy: A procedure in which a laser is used to correct vision problems by reshaping the cornea
  2. Ketones: An acid remaining when the body burns its own fat
  3. Kidney failure: The final stage of chronic kidney disease
  4. Kyphoplasty: A surgical procedure that eases or eliminates the pain of spinal fractures

Medical Terms with L

  1. Labor: The stage of childbirth
  2. Laceration: A tear in the skin
  3. Lanugo: Fine, soft hair that grows all over the body of a fetus and is typically shed before birth
  4. Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure carried out with tiny instruments inserted through small openings in the skin
  5. Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx
  6. Lesion: An infected, diseased, or wounded area of tissue
  7. Leucoderma: Loss of skin pigmentation resulting in white patches
  8. Leucorrhea: Whitish vaginal discharge
  9. Leukocytosis: A condition of increased white blood cells (WBCs) greater than 11,000 per mm3
  10. Leukopenia: A condition of decreased leukocytes (WBCs) less than 4,000 per mm3
  11. Libido: Sexual desire
  12. Lipohypertrophy: A buildup of fatty tissue
  13. Lipoma: A noncancerous tumor or growth composed of fat cells
  14. Liposuction: A cosmetic procedure that removes fat from an area of the body
  15. Lobotomy: A surgical procedure to sever one or more branches of nerves into the frontal lobe of the brain
  16. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): A procedure in which a hollow needle is inserted into the lower part of the spinal canal to withdraw fluid for testing
  17. Lymphedema: Blockage in or damage to the lymphatic systems, causing lymphatic fluid to build up in tissues, making them swell
  18. Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects cells in the lymphatic system

Medical Terms with M

  1. Malaise: A general feeling of illness that can be a sign of disease
  2. Malignant: Cancerous cell
  3. Malnutrition: Failure to eat or to properly absorb the nutrients needed for good health
  4. Mastopexy: A cosmetic surgery to reshape and lift drooping breasts
  5. Masturbation: Sexual self-stimulation
  6. Meconium: A newborn’s first poop
  7. Meningitis: Inflammation in the brain caused by a virus or bacteria
  8. Menopause: The time when a woman’s period stops
  9. Metabolism: A chemical process that takes place as your body converts foods and drinks into energy
  10. Metastasis: The spread of cancer cells from the primary site to another part of the body
  11. Micturition: Emptying the bladder (urination/voiding)
  12. Miscarriage: Loss of a pregnancy during the first 23 weeks (spontaneous abortion)
  13. Motility: The ability of the digestive tract to move its contents
  14. Metritis: Inflammation of the uterus
  15. Menorrhea: Menstrual bleeding
  16. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS): A syndrome associated with one or more organ systems failures that results from a dysregulated inflammatory response and is not necessarily related to the initial disease or injury process
  17. Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the substance that covers nerve fibers
  18. Mutation: The process by which a change occurs in genetic material and is inherited by the next generation
  19. Myalgia: Muscle pain
  20. Myasthenia gravis (MG): An abnormal weakness in a muscle or group of muscles
  21. Myelitis: Inflammation of the spinal cord
  22. Myelography: A test that uses a special dye and X-rays to detect spinal cord problems
  23. Myocardial infarction or MI (Heart attack): A medical emergency due to lack of blood flow (partial or complete block) to the heart that may damage the heart muscle
  24. Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium)
  25. Myoma: Tumor of muscle
  26. Myopia: Nearsightedness

Medical Terms with N

  1. Narcolepsy: A sleep disorder that causes extreme sleepiness and uncontrollable sleep attacks, making a person fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day
  2. Nebulizer: A device that converts liquid medicine into a mist that can be breathed in
  3. Necrosis: The premature death of living cells or tissues
  4. Neoadjuvant therapy: Treatment administered before surgery
  5. Neonate: The first 28 days of life (newborn)
  6. Nephralgia: Pain in the kidney
  7. Nephrectomy: Excision of a kidney
  8. Nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney
  9. Nephrolithiasis: Stone in the kidney
  10. Nephroptosis: Downward displacement of the kidney
  11. Neuralgia: A burning or stabbing pain that follows the path of a nerve
  12. Neurasthenia: Nervous debility
  13. Neuroplasty: Surgical repair of nerves
  14. Neutropenia: An abnormally low number of white blood cells

Medical Terms with O

  1. Obesity: A body weight that is much higher than is healthy. Defined as having a body mass index of 30 or more
  2. Observation: A temporary status that lets patients stay in the hospital for a certain amount of time while their doctor decides whether they should be admitted or discharged.
  3. Occlusion: The closing or blocking of a hollow organ or body part
  4. Oligohydramnios: Too little fluid (amniotic fluid) surrounding the baby in the uterus
  5. Oliguria: urine output less than 500 ml in 24 hours
  6. Orchiectomy: Surgery to remove the testicles
  7. Os: The opening of the cervix
  8. Ossification: The process by which bone is formed
  9. Osteomalacia: Softening of the bone (Deficiency of calcium and vitamin D)
  10. Osteomyelitis: A bone infection caused by bacteria or fungi
  11. Osteopenia: Mild thinning and weakening of the bones
  12. Osteophyte: An outgrowth of bone on a joint or spinal disk
  13. Osteoporosis: Significant thinning and weakening of bones over time, making them vulnerable to breaks
  14. Osteotomy: An operation in which bone is cut to change its alignment or shorten or lengthen it
  15. Otalgia: Ear pain
  16. Ovulation: The process by which the ovaries produce and release an egg each month
  17. Oxidation: A process in which oxygen combines with a substance, altering its structure and changing or destroying its normal function

Medical Terms with P

  1. Palliative care: Treatment that relieves the symptoms of a serious illness, but does not cure the disease itself
  2. Palpitation: Sensation that the heart is beating rapidly or irregularly
  3. Palsy: Paralysis in part of the body, often with loss of sensation and uncontrolled body movements
  4. Pandemic: A disease outbreak affecting large populations or a whole region, country, or continent
  5. Paraplegia: Paralysis of the legs and lower part of the body
  6. Parkinson’s disease: A brain disorder that causes movement problems, including shaking, difficulty walking, and rigidity in muscles
  7. Paroxysm: A sudden, violent attack or convulsion; or the worsening of symptoms or recurrence of disease
  8. Pathogen: A tiny organism such as a virus, bacterium, or parasite that can invade the body and produce disease
  9. Pathology: The underlying abnormalities that contribute to or are characteristic of a disease
  10. Perforation: A hole, such as an ulcer, in an organ or tissue
  11. Perfusion: Passage of a fluid through a specific organ or an area of the body
  12. Pericardial tamponade (cardiac tamponade): A medical or traumatic emergency caused by a compression of the heart due to accumulation of pericardial fluid (pericardial effusion). The fluid-filled pericardial sac prevents from filling chambers of the heart, reducing cardiac output.
  13. Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium
  14. Peristalsis: Wavelike movement of intestinal muscles that propels food through the digestive tract
  15. Peritonitis: Inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and surrounds most abdominal organs
  16. Phagocytes: Cells that can ingest other cells, bacteria, and foreign particles
  17. Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx
  18. Phonophobia: Sensitivity to noise, often experienced during a migraine attack
  19. Photophobia: Sensitivity to light
  20. Photopsia: A sensation of sparks or flashes of light across the visual field
  21. Physiotherapy: Special exercises and physical activities to improve body function and strength
  22. Placebo: A false or inactive medication or treatment that may still offer relief despite being ineffective
  23. Placenta accreta: When the placenta is attached to the muscle of the womb and does not come away properly after the birth
  24. Placenta previa: A condition where the placenta covers all or part of the cervix
  25. Polydipsia: Excessive thirst
  26. Polyhydramnios: Too much fluid (amniotic fluid) surrounding the baby in the uterus
  27. Polyp: Mass or growth of thin tissue
  28. Polyuria: excessive urination
  29. Postmortem: A medical examination of the dead body to find a cause of death
  30. Postnatal: After birth
  31. Postpartum: The period of a woman after childbirth
  32. Postpartum hemorrhage: Heavy blood loss after the delivery of the baby
  33. Pre-eclampsia (toxemia): A condition that occurs in the second half of pregnancy, associated with high blood pressure and protein in the urine
  34. Preterm (premature) birth: The baby is born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy
  35. Preterm labor: Labor that happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy
  36. Preterm rupture of the membrane: A pregnant woman’s waters break before 37 weeks of pregnancy
  37. Prognosis: The predicated outcome of disease progression and treatment
  38. Prolapse: The bladder, uterus, or bowel push through the wall of the vagina
  39. Prophylaxis: Treatment given or action taken to prevent disease
  40. Proptosis: Forward bulging or displacement of an organ, especially of an eye
  41. Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland
  42. Proteinuria: Protein in the urine
  43. Pruritis: Itching
  44. Pudendal block: A local anesthetic injection inside the vagina
  45. Pulmonary embolism (PE): A blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung and blocks blood flow
  46. Pus: A thick, yellow, or green liquid that is composed of dead cells and bacteria, most often found at the site of a bacterial infection
  47. Pyloromyotomy: Incision of the pyloric sphincter muscle
  48. Pyloroplasty: Incision of the plastic pylorus to widen the passage
  49. Pyoderma: Skin infection with pus formation

Medical Terms with Q

  1. Quadriplegia: Paralysis of all limbs, often caused by a severe neck injury
  2. Quarantine: A period of time in which a sick person is kept away from others to prevent the spread of disease

Medical Terms with R

  1. Radiation: Energy in the form of particles or waves, such as x-rays and gamma rays
  2. Rales: Abnormal lung sounds that might be a sign of fluid buildup congestion in the lungs
  3. Rebound: The reversal of response upon withdrawal of a stimulus
  4. Recovery: A return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength
  5. Rectocele: The decent of the rectum into the vagina
  6. Regurgitation: The act of bringing swallowed food back into the mouth or blood back into a heart chamber
  7. Rejection: A reaction that occurs when a person’s immune system recognizes a transplanted organ as a threatening substance and tries to rid the body of it
  8. Relapse: Return of disease or symptoms after a patient has recovered
  9. Remission: A lessening in the severity of a disease and its symptoms
  10. Remodeling: Altering a body part
  11. Rejection: The surgical removal of a lesion or part or all of an organ or other body structure
  12. Resistance: The ability of a pathogen to withstand drugs previously effective against them
  13. Resuscitation: The process of reviving a person who is not breathing or whose heart is not beating using techniques such as artificial respiration and heart massage
  14. Retrograde ejaculation:  Semen flows back into the bladder rather than out through the penis
  15. Rhinoplasty: Reshaping the cartilage and bone of the nose to achieve the desired profile
  16. Risk: The chance that an activity or hazard will give rise to harm
  17. Risk factor: Any factor that can cause a person to be more likely to develop a disease
  18. Rupture: A tear or break in an organ or tissue

Medical Terms with S

  1. Screening: A test or set of tests to check for a condition in a person who shows no symptoms, but who may be at risk
  2. Second-degree tear: A tear during childbirth that affects the muscle of the perineum as well as the skin
  3. Second stage of labor: The period when the cervix is fully dilated until the birth
  4. Secretion: The release of chemical substances produced by the body; or the substance that is produced
  5. Seizure: an abnormal, sudden, excessive discharge of electrical activity within the brain
  6. Semen: The fluid that contains sperm
  7. Sepsis: The immune system’s overreaction to an infection or injury which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death
  8. Septicemia: A condition in which disease-causing organisms have spread to the bloodstream from an infection elsewhere in the body
  9. Sexually transmitted infection (STI): An infection that is passed on through close physical contact during sex
  10. Shock: A critical condition due to the sudden drop in blood flow through the body
  11. Shoulder dystocia:  A situation during birth when the baby’s head has been born but one of the shoulders becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, preventing the birth of the baby’s body
  12. Sickle cell disease (SCD): An inherited condition in which red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body, develop abnormally
  13. Side effect: An unwanted, and sometimes dangerous, reaction caused by medication or other treatment
  14. Spasm: An involuntary muscle contraction
  15. Sperm: The male reproductive cell which fertilizes a woman’s eggs
  16. Sphygmomanometer: A device to measure blood pressure
  17. Spinal Bifida: a birth disorder that involves the incomplete development of the spine
  18. Sprain: A stretched or torn ligament
  19. Stenosis: An abnormal narrowing of a passageway
  20. Sterilization: Permanent contraception
  21. Steroids: A group of natural or synthetic hormones
  22. Stethoscope: a small device used to listen to a patient’s heartbeat and breathing
  23. Stillbirth: A baby is born dead after the 23rd completed week of pregnancy
  24. Strain: A stretched or torn muscle or tendon
  25. Stroke: Blockage or rupture of a blood vessel supplying the brain
  26. Succenturiate lobe: An additional piece of placenta connected by membranes
  27. Surgery: The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries through surgical procedures
  28. Symptom: A specific medical sign of a condition, illness, or disease
  29. Symphysis fundal height: A measure of the size of the uterus used to monitor a baby’s growth and development during pregnancy
  30. Syncope: Fainting or loss of consciousness caused by a temporary shortage of oxygen in the brain
  31. Syndrome: A collection of different signs and symptoms that are all part of the same underlying medical condition
  32. Systemic: Pertaining to something that affects the whole body rather than separate organs or parts
  33. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS): A systemic inflammatory process caused by infection, inflammation, ischemia, trauma, or several insults resulting in abnormalities in vital signs and laboratory tests
  34. Systole: The brief period during which the heart contracts during a normal heartbeat, pumping blood into the aorta and the pulmonary artery

Medical Terms with T

  1. Tachycardia: A rapid heartbeat usually above 100 beats per minute
  2. Tampon: A tube of absorbent material that fits into the vagina to absorb the menstrual blood
  3. Third-degree tear: A tear during childbirth that extends downwards from the vaginal wall and perineum to the anal sphincter
  4. Third stage of labor: The time from the delivery of the infant until delivery of the maternal placenta
  5. Thrombolysis: Breaking up a blood clot
  6. Thrombosis: Formation of a clot in a blood vessel
  7. Thrombophilia: A blood clotting abnormality that tends to run in families, whereby the blood is more likely to clot than usual
  8. Thyroidectomy: Excision of the thyroid gland
  9. Tinnitus: A ringing in the ears or some other sound that has no external cause
  10. Tolerance: The ability to deal with annoying or unpleasant situations, or to continue existing despite challenging circumstances
  11. Tonometry: A glaucoma screening test that measures the pressure inside the eye
  12. Toxic: Pertaining to something poisonous
  13. Tracheostomy: An air passage is made in the trachea through the front of the neck when the usual route for breathing is blocked
  14. Transplant: The removal of an organ or tissue from one body that is implanted into another
  15. Transabdominal scan: A scan where the probe is moved across the abdomen
  16. Transvaginal scan: A scan where the probe is placed inside the vagina
  17. Transverse position: The baby is lying across the abdomen
  18. Tremor: A rhythmic, quivering movement of muscles
  19. Trimester: A three-month period of time
  20. Tubal occlusion: An operation that blocks, and seals. or cuts the fallopian tubes (sterilization)
  21. Tumor: Any type of swelling or enlargement of tissues

Medical Terms with U

  1. Ulcer: A break in the skin or other surface that often occurs along with inflammation, infection, or cancerous growth.
  2. Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves are used to provide images of the body, tissues, and internal organs
  3. Urea: A waste product of protein digestion and metabolism
  4. Urethritis: A waste product of protein digestion and metabolism
  5. Urodynamics: Tests to assess how the bladder is working
  6. Urticaria (hives): An itchy rash of usually short duration
  7. Uterine prolapse: The descent of the uterus and cervix, within or outside the vaginal canal
  8. Uterine rupture: This is when the muscle of your uterus tears, usually because of contractions while you are in labor

Medical Terms with V

  1. Vasectomy: A permanent method of contraception for men
  2. Vaccine: A substance that stimulates antibody production to provide immunity against disease
  3. Vaccination: The administration of a vaccine to aid in the development of disease-specific immunity
  4. Varicella: The medical name for chickenpox
  5. Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels
  6. Vasoconstriction:  A narrowing of the blood vessels that results in decreased blood flow
  7. Vasodilation: A widening of the blood vessels that results in increased blood flow
  8. Vasospasm: Uncontrollable contraction or spasm of a blood vessel
  9. Venipuncture: The drawing of blood from a vein
  10. Venous thrombosis: A blood clot that forms in a vein
  11. Ventilator: A machine that inflates the lungs with oxygen
  12. Ventouse delivery: A way of helping deliver a baby by using suction through a special cup placed on the baby’s head
  13. Vertigo: Dizziness, often a spinning sensation or a feeling that the ground is tilting
  14. Virulent: A disease or condition that is highly infectious or dangerous or rapidly progressing
  15. Vital signs: Measures the essential body functions (temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure)

Medical Terms with W

  1. Wart: An abnormal fibrous growth caused by a viral infection
  2. White-coat hypertension: Blood pressure that is elevated in a doctor’s office but is normal at home
  3. Withdrawal: A term used to characterize the emotional and physical effects of abruptly stopping the use of an addictive substance, such as alcohol, opiates, or opioids
  4. Womb: The uterus

Medical Terms with X

  1. Xanthelasma: A xanthoma on the eyelid
  2. Xanthoma: A yellow, lipid-laden deposit in the skin or on a tendon

Medical Terms with Y

  1. YAG Capsulotomy: A laser procedure used to correct blurry vision caused by cloudiness that may form in the eye’s skin after cataract surgery

Medical Terms with Z

  1. Zoonotic disease: a disease caused by harmful germs that can spread from animals to humans under normal circumstances

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