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 E
  • 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.