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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  • conjunctiva

    The membrane lining the eyelids and covering the eyeball.

  • conjunctivitis

    Inflammation of the conjunctiva. Also called pink eye.

  • connective tissue

    Fibrous tissue with a wide variety of connecting and supporting functions within and between body organs.

  • conscious

    Mentally awake and aware. Knowing what one is doing and why.

  • constipation

    A condition in which the stool becomes too hard for easy elimination.

  • consumption

    1. Using up. 2. Wasting of the body; especially used in reference to advanced tuberculosis.

  • contagious

    Easily transmitted by direct or indirect contact.

  • contraception

    The intentional prevention of conception or impregnation. Also called birth control.

  • contraction

    A shortening or increase in tension.

  • contracture

    Deformity caused by abnormal shortening of the muscles.

  • contrast medium

    A substance used in x-ray studies to aid in showing internal structures.

  • contusion

    Bruise.

  • convulsion

    A seizure.

  • cor pulmonale

    Increased blood pressure in the lungs, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and fluid in the…

  • cornea

    The clear, external part of the eye.

  • corns

    A hardened area of skin on the foot caused by persistent friction or pressure.

  • coronary arteries

    The blood vessels encircling the heart that provide the heart muscle with oxygen.

  • corticosteroid hormones

    Hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

  • coryza

    Runny nose.

  • costochondritis

    Inflammation of the cartilage-containing joints where the ribs join the breastbone (sternum).

  • coxsackievirus

    A virus that can cause inflammation of the heart, brain or eye, or hand-foot-and-mouth disease.