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

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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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