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 'V'
| Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
| vaccination | Inoculation with weakened or dead microorganisms to develop immunity and prevent disease caused by the regular strain of that microorganism. |
| vaccine | A preparation of killed or weakened microorganisms, given to treat or prevent disease. |
| vagina | The muscular canal in women between the vulva and the uterus. It serves as the entry for spermatozoa and as the birth canal. |
| vaginismus | Painful spasm of the vagina. |
| varicocele | Dilated veins in the spermatic cord above or around the testis that can cause decreased sperm production on the affected side. |
| varicose veins | Swollen, distended veins especially visible in the legs. |
| vas deferens | The duct through which sperm travels from the testicle to the urethra of the penis. |
| vascular | Of or having vessels, particularly the blood vessels. |
| vasculitis | Inflammation of the walls of the small blood vessels. |
| vasectomy | Surgical removal or tying of the vas deferens to prevent the passing of sperm. Used as a form of birth control. |
| vasoconstriction | Causing the narrowing or closing (constriction) of blood vessels. |
| vasodilation | Causing the widening or opening (dilation) of blood vessels. |
| vector | An animal that spreads an infectious agent from one host to another. Also called a carrier. |
| vein | A vessel that carries blood from the various parts of the body to the heart. |
| venom | A toxin secreted by an animal. |
| venous | Having to do with a vein. |
| ventricle | 1. Either of the two chambers that contract to pump blood from the heart. 2. Any of several small fluid-filled cavities in the brain. |
| verruca | See wart. |
| vertebrae | The bones that make up the spine. |
| vertigo | A spinning sensation often accompanied by mild to severe nausea. |
| vesicle | 1. A small, sac-like cavity. 2. A blister. |
| vesicourethral reflux | An abnormal condition that allows urine to flow from the bladder back into a ureter. |
| virus | The agent of an infectious disease, smaller than bacteria, that must have a living host in order to grow or reproduce. |
| viscera | The large internal organs. |
| vision | The sense of sight. |
| vitamin | An organic substance found in food and essential in small quantities for good health. |
| vitiligo | A skin condition characterized by sharply defined white patches that contain no skin color (pigment). |
| vitreous humor | The jelly-like material that fills the eyeball between the lens and retina. |
| vomiting | Ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth. |
| vulva | The external parts of the female reproductive tract surrounding the opening to the vagina. |
