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 R

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respiration

The act or process of breathing. The process by which a living organism or cell takes in oxygen from the…
resuscitation

Restoring the heartbeat and/or breathing in someone who’s apparently dead. Also called artificial respiration.
retardation

Delay or halt of any process such as mental or physical development.
retina

The innermost layer of the eyeball. The retina contains the light-sensing rods and cones used for vision.
retinopathy

Degeneration of the retina.
retrobulbar

Behind the eyeball.
retrovirus

A virus that produces DNA from RNA (the opposite of the normal order). A group of viruses that includes…
Rh factor

One of the antigens present on red blood cells. Used in categorizing the type of blood a person has.
rheumatism

Pain in the muscles and joints. Characterized by inflammation and stiffness. Sometimes used to describe arthritis, bursitis and sciatica.
rhinitis

Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose.
rhinoplasty

Plastic surgery of the nose.
rhinorrhea

Runny nose.
rickets

A condition resulting from a vitamin D deficiency in childhood. Characterized by the softening of the bones and associated…
ringworm

A fungal infection of the skin.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever

An infectious disease spread by tick bites.
roseola infantum

A common viral infection of young children. Characterized by high fever, irritability and a faint rose-colored rash that appears on…
rubella

A mild childhood disease that causes fever and rash. Although rubella is mild in childhood, it’s dangerous to pregnant women…
rubeola

A type of measles that can lead to serious complications and death.