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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eardrum

The tympanic membrane that’s visible in the ear. It vibrates in response to sound waves.
ecchymosis

A collection of blood in the tissues causing a black and blue, or yellow, area.
ECG

Electrocardiogram.
eclampsia

An attack of convulsions. Particularly used to describe toxemia (toxins in the blood) of pregnancy.
ectopic pregnancy

When the fertilized egg is implanted and develops outside of the uterus.
ectropion

An outward turning of the eyelid.
eczema

A rash characterized by itching, scaling, swelling and oozing. A common allergic reaction.
edema

Buildup of excessive fluid around the cells in the body.
EEG

Electroencephalogram.
effacement

Thinning of the cervix during labor.
effusion

Buildup of fluid in a part of the body, particularly a joint.
ejaculation

The sudden ejection of semen from the male body. Climax.
EKG

Electrocardiogram.
electroconvulsive

A type of therapy used to treat severe, unresponsive depression by passing electrical current through the brain.
electrolysis

Destruction of tissue through the use of electricity; often used to permanently remove unwanted hair from the body.
electrolytes

Compounds that separate into charged particles in water. The main electrolytes in the human body are sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride,…
elephantiasis

A chronic disease characterized by the enlargement of certain parts of the body and by the hardening and ulceration of…
embolism

The obstruction of a blood vessel by a clot or mass of foreign material.
emesis

Ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
emphysema

Chronic lung disease characterized by loss of elasticity of lung tissue and resulting in trapped air in the lung.
empyema

Buildup of pus in a cavity of the body.

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