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Deciphering Medspeak

Medspeak Terms

Use the alphabetical index to look up a term.

A . B . C . D . E . F . G . H . I . J . K . L . M . N . O . P . Q . R . S . T . U . V . W . X . Y . Z

To top of page A

ACE INHIBITORS- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, a class of drugs used in the treatment of heart disease to help keep blood vessels dilated (open) to improve blood flow

ACUTE- condition that requires immediate medical attention

ADJUNCT - a necessary addition to a diagnostic or treatment process

AIDS- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a disease in which the body's immune system loses the ability to fight off infections

ALGIA - when used as part of word, means pain or ache, e.g. myalgia or muscle pain

ALLERGY - over-reaction by the immune system to substances that are normally harmless such as dust, animal hairs, certain foods or pollen

To top of page B

BACTERIA- one-celled microorganisms found in soil, water and air, some of which cause infectious disease in humans and animals

BASAL METABOLIC RATE - a measurement of thyroid function via a breathing test that measures oxygen used and calories spent while at rest

BENIGN - noncancerous

BETA BLOCKERS- drugs often used to treat hypertension to reduce the rate and force of the heart beat

BRACHI, BRACHIO - prefix indicating a connection to the arm

BRADY - prefix meaning slow, e.g. bradycardia or slow heart beat; bradylalia, slow speech

BRONCHI, BRONCHO- when used as part of a word, refers to the passages that lead to the lungs, e.g. bronchitis, inflammation of the bronchial passages

To top of page C

CARCIN - when used as part of a word, means cancer, e.g., carcinogen, a substance known to cause cancer

CARDIO - when used as part of a word, refers to the heart

CENTESIS - puncture with a hollow needle to draw fluid

CHD - Coronary Heart Disease

CHROMOSOME - a threadlike structure in every cell that carries genetic codes

CHRONIC - condition or disease that can be controlled but not cured, e.g., asthma, diabetes

CYST - closed, fluid-filled, or semisolid sac embedded in the tissue

To top of page D

DECRUDESCENC - lessening of the severity of symptoms

DEGENERATIVE DISORDER - conditions characterized by deterioration of body parts that worsen over time, such as arthritis or muscular dystrophy

DERM, DERMA - when used as part of a word, means skin

DIAGNOSIS - identifying a disease or condition by examining the patient's history, symptoms, appearance, and, if necessary, analysis of diagnostic tests

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS - is a list of the different diseases that can cause these symptoms

DIS - when used as a part of a word means removal or reversal, e.g., disability or dislocate

DYS - when used as a part of a word, means difficulty, e.g., dysarthria, difficulty in speaking; dyslexia, difficulty reading because some letters appear in reverse order

To top of page Didn't find it here?

Try the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus dictionary or medical encyclopedia.

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