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 P
  • progeny

    Children.

  • progeria

    Premature aging.

  • progesterone

    A steroid produced by the ovaries to prepare the uterus for the reception and development of the fertilized ovum…

  • prognosis

    The probable outcome of a disease.

  • prolactin

    The pituitary hormone that promotes the growth of breast tissue and encourages the production of milk.

  • prolapse

    The falling or slipping out of place of an internal organ, such as when the uterus falls into the…

  • prostate

    A male reproductive gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra.

  • prosthesis

    An artificial substitute for a missing body part.

  • protein

    An organic compound composed primarily of amino acids.

  • proteinuria

    Protein in the urine.

  • pruritus

    Itching.

  • psoriasis

    Chronic, recurring skin disease characterized by red, inflamed patches covered with scales.

  • psychiatry

    The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental disorders.

  • psychoanalysis

    A technique developed by Sigmund Freud for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

  • psychology

    The scientific study of mental processes and behavior.

  • psychopath

    A person with a mental disorder characterized by the conspicuous disregard for the rights and needs of others, the lack…

  • psychosis

    A mental disorder with serious derangement of the thinking process, often including delusions or hallucinations.

  • ptilosis

    Shedding of the eyelashes.

  • ptosis

    A prolapse or falling of some organ or structure, especially the drooping of a paralyzed upper eyelid.

  • puberty

    The stage of life during which the secondary sexual characteristics begin to develop and sexual reproduction becomes possible.

  • pubis

    The most forward bone of the pelvis.