Dictionary of Medical Terms

A microorganism, Chlamydia trachomatis, that’s a frequent cause of sexually transmitted disease. It can also cause pneumonia and eye…

Dark coloring of the skin often seen during pregnancy and at menopause. Also occurs in Addison’s disease.

The addition of chlorine to kill harmful microorganisms in water or sewage.

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Watery diarrhea caused by drinking water or eating food that’s con-taminated with Vibrio cholere. The disease is spread through the…

A tumor-like mass that sometimes forms as a result of a chronic middle ear infection.

A fat-like substance that, if present in the blood in large amounts, is associated with the development of heart…

Inflammation of the cartilage.

Softening of cartilage.

A nervous system disorder characterized by involuntary spasms of the limbs or facial muscles. A hereditary form is called Huntington’s…

The DNA-containing cellular structures that carry genetic information.

Persistent. Ongoing. Lasting a long time.

Short, hair-like structures extending from certain cells.

A repetitive pattern or fluctuation with a 24-hour cycle.

The flow of blood through the body. Includes the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.

Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.

Inflammatory disease of the liver characterized by scarring and shrinkage.

Pain in the legs while walking that’s caused by blockage of the arteries.

Fear of closed spaces.

Collarbone.

A condition of the hand causing distorted fingers resulting from nerve injury.