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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asbestos

A fibrous material used to make fireproof materials, electrical insulation, roofing and filters. Asbestos has been linked to a type…
ascites

Abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen that causes distention.
ascorbic acid

Vitamin C.
asthma

A chronic disorder characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness of the chest.
astigmatism

An irregularity in the curvature of the lens of the eye, resulting in a blurry or distorted image.
atelectasis

Collapsed lung. May occur following surgery or after a rib fracture.
atherosclerosis

A form of arteriosclerosis caused by fatty deposits in the arteries.
athlete's foot

A fungal infection of the skin of the feet.
atopy

A predisposition to allergy that’s inherited from parents. Included disorders are asthma, hay fever and eczema.
atria

The upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the veins and pass it to the lower chambers of…
atrophy

A decrease in the normal size of an organ. Wasting away.
aura

A peculiar sensation that occurs before other symptoms. An example is the sensation of flashing lights before a migraine…
autoimmune disease

A condition in which antibodies form against one’s own cells.
autotransfusion

A transfusion using the patient’s own blood.
axilla

The armpit.