Dictionary of Medical Terms

Earwax.

Having to do with the neck (cervical spine) or the cervix of the uterus.

The neck-like portion of an organ, especially the part of the uterus that extends into the vagina.

Delivery of a baby through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus.

A chronic, small swelling on the rim of the eyelid.

The painless ulcer of primary syphilis that appears on the genitals.

A sexually transmitted disease that causes soft, painful open sores in the genital area. Not syphilis. Characterized by swelling of…

Painful stiffness from muscular strain in an arm or leg.

A condition in which cracks or sores occur at the corners of the mouth.

A viral disease that usually begins with fever and cough, followed by a rash that progresses from red bumps to…

Painful redness of the fingers, toes or ears caused by exposure to cold.

This is a severe illness marked by fever that’s caused by an infection in mothers after giving birth. Also called…

A cold sensation with shivering that sometimes occurs before a fever.

An approach to health care based on the assumption that most diseases are caused by pressure on the nerves. This…

A microorganism, Chlamydia trachomatis, that’s a frequent cause of sexually transmitted disease. It can also cause pneumonia and eye…

Dark coloring of the skin often seen during pregnancy and at menopause. Also occurs in Addison’s disease.

The addition of chlorine to kill harmful microorganisms in water or sewage.

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Watery diarrhea caused by drinking water or eating food that’s con-taminated with Vibrio cholere. The disease is spread through the…

A tumor-like mass that sometimes forms as a result of a chronic middle ear infection.

A fat-like substance that, if present in the blood in large amounts, is associated with the development of heart…