Enter a word or phrase below to search our online dictionary of over 1,300 general medical terms, or click on a letter of the alphabet to view all terms beginning with that letter:
Search for 'G'
| Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
| galactorrhea | Excessive production of breast milk. |
| galactosemia | A disease present at birth caused by a genetic lack of an enzyme needed to metabolize galactose into glucose. May result in mental retardation, cataracts and liver damage. |
| gall | The bile produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. |
| gallbladder | The storage sac for bile, located below the liver. |
| gallstone | A stone-like mass that forms in the gallbladder. |
| gamma globulin | Blood protein that contains most antibodies. Used in the temporary prevention of hepatitis and as treatment for disorders with antibody deficiencies. |
| ganglion cyst | A benign, knot-like, cystic tumor on a tendon sheath. |
| gangrene | The decay of body tissue in a part of the body where the blood supply is obstructed by injury or disease. |
| gastric | Having to do with the stomach. |
| gastritis | Inflammation of the stomach lining. |
| gastroenteritis | Inflammation of the stomach and the intestines, usually producing symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. |
| gastrointestinal | Having to do with the stomach and intestines. |
| gene | A unit of heredity located on a chromosome. |
| generic | 1. General; typical; not specific. 2. Medicine that's not a name brand. |
| genetic | Hereditary. Having to do with the genes. |
| genitalia | The reproductive organs. |
| genitourinary system | The genitals and urinary organs. |
| geriatrics | The branch of medicine devoted to the elderly. |
| germ | A disease-causing microorganism. |
| German measles | See rubella. |
| gestation | The period of development within the uterus from conception to birth. |
| giantism | Abnormal growth of the body due to an excessive amount of growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland. |
| giardiasis | A diarrheal illness caused by infection with Giardia lamblia, a parasitic protozoan. |
| gingiva | The gums. |
| gingivitis | Inflammation of the gums. |
| gland | An organ that releases a chemical. Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands secrete externally, either through a tube or duct. |
| glaucoma | An eye disease, characterized by increased pressure within the eye, that can result in blindness if not treated. |
| glomerulonephritis | When the filtering units in the kidneys, called the glomeruli, are damaged, the kidneys don't function properly and waste and extra fluids build up in the body. |
| glossitis | Inflammation of the tongue. |
| glucose | Dextrose. A simple six-carbon sugar naturally found in fruits, honey and blood. |
| goiter | Enlargement of the thyroid gland. |
| gonad | A sex gland (ovary or testis). |
| gonorrhea | A highly contagious, sexually transmitted bacterial disease of the genital/urinary system. |
| gout | A form of arthritis caused by deposits of uric acid crystals in the joints, usually the feet, hands and, especially, the big toe. |
| graft | A piece of skin or other tissue used as a transplant. |
| Gram's stain | A stain used as the first step in identifying bacteria. |
| grand mal | A major epileptic seizure characterized by convulsions, unconsciousness and sometimes loss of urinary or bowel continence. Usually followed by a brief period of lethargy and disorientation. |
| Graves' disease | Overactive thyroid gland function (hyperthyroidism). Sometimes associated with protrusion of the eyes. |
| groin | The region of the body where the thigh and lower abdomen meet. |
| Guillain-Barre syndrome | A rare but reversible reaction to a viral illness or immunization that causes partial to complete loss of movement of certain muscles, weakness, numbness and tingling. In the severe form, a person may need intensive care and breathing support. |
| gynecology | The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of reproductive diseases in women. |
| gynecomastia | Overdevelopment of male breast tissue. Usually benign and temporary. |
