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
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
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
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
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
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