Dictionary of Medical Terms

Dextrose. A simple six-carbon sugar naturally found in fruits, honey and blood.

Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

A sex gland (ovary or testis).

A highly contagious, sexually transmitted bacterial disease of the genital/urinary system.

A form of arthritis caused by deposits of uric acid crystals in the joints, usually the feet, hands and, especially,…

A piece of skin or other tissue used as a transplant.

A stain used as the first step in identifying bacteria.

A major epileptic seizure characterized by convulsions, unconsciousness and sometimes loss of urinary or bowel continence. Usually followed by a…

Overactive thyroid gland function (hyperthyroidism). Sometimes associated with protrusion of the eyes.

The region of the body where the thigh and lower abdomen meet.

A rare but reversible reaction to a viral illness or immunization that causes partial to complete loss of movement of…

The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of reproductive diseases in women.

Overdevelopment of male breast tissue. Usually benign and temporary.

Bad breath.

The sensory perception of sights, sounds or objects that don’t really exist.

The malleus, a hammer-shaped bone in the middle ear.

The tendon located in the back of the knee and lower thigh.

A viral infection characterized by a blister-like rash of the hands, feet and mouth.

A loose piece of skin at one side of a fingernail.

Leprosy.

Cleft lip or palate.