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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  • carrier

    Someone who’s capable of transmitting a disease (especially an infectious or genetic disorder) to another person but who usually has…

  • cartilage

    Elastic connective tissue on the joint surfaces of bone and some parts of the skeleton, including the nose and…

  • castor oil

    An oil extracted from the castor bean plant that’s irritating to the intestine and promotes bowel movements.

  • castration

    To remove the gonads, such as the testicles, making the male unable to have children.

  • cat-scratch fever

    A bacterial infection acquired through the scratch of a cat or other animal.

  • catalepsy

    A condition in which the body and limbs stay in the position in which they’re placed.

  • cataract

    An opaque area in the lens of the eye.

  • catheter

    A tube used to drain or inject fluids.

  • cauliflower ear

    A trauma-induced deformity of the ear caused by repeated cartilage and soft-tissue injury.

  • caustic

    A chemical that can cause burns.

  • cauterize

    To purposely burn with a hot instrument or caustic substance to destroy tissue, such as a wart.

  • cavity

    A hollow place or hole within the body.

  • CBC

    Complete blood cell count.

  • cecum

    The first part of the large intestine just below the small intestine or ileum.

  • celiac

    Having to do with the abdomen.

  • cell

    The basic unit of organization of all living organisms.

  • cellulitis

    Infection of the skin.

  • cellulose

    A complex carbohydrate. Cellulose is a source of dietary fiber because it can’t be digested.

  • cephalalgia

    Headache.

  • cerebellum

    The part of the brain that coordinates muscular movements.

  • cerebrum

    The main part of the brain.