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Dictionary of Medical Terms

Gain a better understanding of medical terminology by searching our dictionary of more than 1,300 terms.

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All terms that start with the letter C
  • cachexia

    A generally weakened, emaciated condition of the body.

  • caffeine

    A bitter-tasting, water-soluble compound that acts as a central nervous system stimulant and has a mild diuretic (increasing urination)…

  • calciferol

    Vitamin D.

  • calcification

    Calcium salt deposits in soft tissues.

  • calculus

    A small, hard mass or stone formed in the body, as in a kidney or gallbladder, or a hard coating…

  • callus

    1. Localized thickening of the skin. 2. A fibrous band formed around the site of a fracture that seals the…

  • calorie

    The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree. Commonly used to express…

  • Calve-Perthes

    A disease in children affecting the growth plate of the head of the thigh, caused by interference in the blood…

  • camphor

    An agent derived from a cinnamon tree that’s used to relieve pain and itching.

  • cancer

    Abnormal cells with uncontrolled cell growth.

  • Candida

    The class of yeast that causes thrush and vaginal yeast infections.

  • canker

    An open sore on the lip or skin inside the mouth.

  • Cannabis

    The class of plants that includes marijuana and other hemps.

  • capillary

    A small, blood-containing vessel connecting the veins and arteries.

  • carbohydrates

    A group of energy-storage molecules that includes sugars and starches. Carbohydrates contain four calories per gram.

  • carbon dioxide

    An odorless, colorless gas produced as the end product of aerobic respiration.

  • carbon monoxide

    An odorless, colorless, poisonous gas produced from the incomplete combustion of carbon. Prevents the blood from carrying oxygen.

  • carbuncle

    A hard, painful, pus-filled infection of the skin. Carbuncles are larger than boils and frequently have more than one…

  • carcinogen

    A cancer-causing substance.

  • carcinoma

    A cancerous tumor.

  • cardiac

    Having to do with the heart or, less commonly, the upper portion of the stomach.

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