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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 D
  • D and C

    Dilatation and curettage. A surgical procedure in which the uterine lining is removed by scraping.

  • dacryocystitis

    Inflammation of the sac that collects tears for drainage from the eye.

  • dandruff

    Little scales or flakes of dead skin on the scalp. Also called seborrheic dermatitis.

  • debridement

    Removal of foreign material or dead tissue.

  • decalcification

    Loss of calcium from the bones or teeth.

  • decidua

    The mucus lining of the uterus that’s passed after childbirth or during the menstrual period.

  • decubitus

    A skin ulcer or bedsore.

  • defibrillator

    A machine that delivers an electrical shock to an irregularly beating heart to restore normal rhythm.

  • degenerative joint disease

    A common form of arthritis in which tissue changes occur in one or more joints, such as swelling, lumps or…

  • dehydration

    Excessive loss of body water resulting in weakness, dizziness and other symptoms. It can be life-threatening if not treated, especially…

  • delirium

    An abnormal mental state characterized by excitement and hallucinations.

  • deltoid

    The triangular muscle of the shoulder.

  • delusion

    A false belief.

  • dementia

    Progressive mental deterioration.

  • dentition

    Arrangement of the teeth.

  • dependence

    A state of absolute need, both physical and psychological.

  • depilatory

    A substance that temporarily removes hair from the skin.

  • depression

    Decreased functional activity. Sinking of spirits. Intense sadness, beyond what’s normally expected.

  • dermabrasion

    A procedure that removes scars, tattoos or other skin defects with fine sandpaper or a high-speed brush.

  • dermatitis

    Inflammation of the skin.

  • dermatology

    A medical specialty that deals with the skin.

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