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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discoid lupus erythematosus

A round, red, scaling rash on the nose, forehead, cheeks, scalp or other areas of the body. It may be…
disinfectant

A chemical agent used to destroy microorganisms on inanimate objects.
disk

A round, flat structure, particularly the fibrous cartilage layer between two vertebrae (the bones that make up the spine). Also…
diskectomy

Removal of an intervertebral disk of the spine.
dislocation

Displacement of a bone from a joint.
disorientation

Mental confusion, especially of time, place or person.
distal

A location farther from a point of reference. For example, the foot is distal to the knee, relative to the…
diuresis

Increased elimination of urine.
diverticula

Pouches or sacs opening out from a main cavity or tubular organ of the body.
diverticulitis

Inflammation of small pouches that may form on the wall of the colon.
diverticulosis

A condition in which pouches form on the wall of the colon.
dorsal

Toward the back.
douche

A flow of liquid or vapor directed onto or into a part of the body.
Down syndrome

A genetic disorder characterized by some degree of mental retardation and by various physical malformations, such as slanted eyes and…
DPT

A vaccine containing antigens from diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.
dressing

A bandage for an external wound.
dropsy

Abnormal buildup of fluid in tissues or a body cavity.
duct

A channel or passage through which fluids move.
duodenal

Having to do with the duodenum.
duodenum

The first part of the small intestine that begins at the stomach and is the entry point for the pancreatic…
Dupuytren's contracture

Scarring of the palmar ligament in the hand, causing progressive curling of one or more fingers and a thickening of…