Dictionary of Medical Terms

Pinhead-sized whitish skin lesions found on the face or trunk of some newborn infants.

Prickly heat or “heat rash” as a result of inflammation of the sweat glands and characterized by small, white or…

Natural loss of a fetus from the womb before it is sufficiently developed to survive. Also called spontaneous abortion.

The valve of the heart between the left atrium and left ventricle that prevents the flow of blood back into…

Pelvic pain between periods, corresponding to the release of an ovum (egg) by an ovary.

1. A fleshy, pigmented skin blemish. 2. A mass of uterine tissue formed by a failure of the normal fertilization…

A viral infection of the skin characterized by lesions with depressed centers containing a curd-like substance.

A condition present at birth characterized by mental deficiency, a broad face and slanting eyes. Also called Down syndrome.

A large white blood cell leukocyte.

An infection with Epstein-Barr virus. Also called “mono.”

1. Pathologic or abnormal. 2. Having to do with, or characterized by, disease.

Nausea and vomiting occurring during pregnancy.

Magnetic resonance imaging.

The membrane covering canals and cavities that open on the outside of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract and…

A viral disease of childhood characterized by swelling of the parotid (salivary) glands and fever.

An extra heart sound that may be normal or abnormal.

Tissue made up of bundles of long, slender cells that contract when stimulated.

A damaged gene that may produce a disease or deficiency.

An inability or unwillingness to speak.

Muscle pain.

A chronic disease characterized by muscular weakness and fatigue.