Dictionary of Medical Terms

A harsh or squeaky sound in breathing, often associated with a blocked larynx.

1. Pressure; strain. 2. Any condition that causes mental or physical strain or tension.

1. To filter. 2. Excessive effort. 3. Overstretching a portion of a muscle. 4. Within a species, a group of…

A deviation in which both eyes aren’t trained on the same spot. Also called crossed eyes or lazy eye.

Feces, or bowel movement.

Inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth.

1. Mouth-like opening. 2. An opening used for drainage.

An inflammatory disease characterized by rapid attack of fever, skin blisters and sores on the lips, eyes, mouth, nasal passage…

The breastbone.

1. Free from living microorganisms. 2. Unable to have children.

Narrowing of a body passage or opening.

A small bone of the middle ear. Also called the stirrup.

Replacement of the stapes with other materials (wire, bone, plastic).

Surgical removal of the stapes.

Mucus secreted by the lungs, bronchi and trachea that’s ejected by coughing or clearing the throat.

A projecting body. For example, from a bone.

A twisting or stretching injury of a ligament or muscle of a joint, with or without dislocating a bone.

Narrowing of the spinal column resulting in reduction of the spaces between the vertebrae which may cause compression of the…

Inflammation of the vertebrae.

A device for holding broken or injured parts in place.

Enlargement of the spleen.