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circadian
A repetitive pattern or fluctuation with a 24-hour cycle.
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cilia
Short, hair-like structures extending from certain cells.
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chronic
Persistent. Ongoing. Lasting a long time.
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chromosomes
The DNA-containing cellular structures that carry genetic information.
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chorea
A nervous system disorder characterized by involuntary spasms of the limbs or facial muscles. A hereditary form is called Huntington’s…
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chondromalacia
Softening of cartilage.
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chondritis
Inflammation of the cartilage.
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cholesterol
A fat-like substance that, if present in the blood in large amounts, is associated with the development of heart…
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cholesteatoma
A tumor-like mass that sometimes forms as a result of a chronic middle ear infection.
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cholera
Watery diarrhea caused by drinking water or eating food that’s con-taminated with Vibrio cholere. The disease is spread through the…
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cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder.
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chlorination
The addition of chlorine to kill harmful microorganisms in water or sewage.
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Chlamydia
A microorganism, Chlamydia trachomatis, that’s a frequent cause of sexually transmitted disease. It can also cause pneumonia and eye…
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chiropractic
An approach to health care based on the assumption that most diseases are caused by pressure on the nerves. This…
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chill
A cold sensation with shivering that sometimes occurs before a fever.
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childbed fever
This is a severe illness marked by fever that’s caused by an infection in mothers after giving birth. Also called…
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chilblain
Painful redness of the fingers, toes or ears caused by exposure to cold.
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chickenpox
A viral disease that usually begins with fever and cough, followed by a rash that progresses from red bumps to…
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cheilosis
A condition in which cracks or sores occur at the corners of the mouth.
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chancroid
A sexually transmitted disease that causes soft, painful open sores in the genital area. Not syphilis. Characterized by swelling of…
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chancre
The painless ulcer of primary syphilis that appears on the genitals.