CDC February 2007
Glossary of Medical Terms for DHCS
Please note: word in bold is correct medical term, word in italics is common usage expression
Adapted from the website, http://users.ugent.be/~rvdstich/eugloss/welcome.html, sponsored by the
European Union and Heymanns Institute of Pharmacology
A
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abdomen , gut (pop)
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abdominal , gut-related (pop)
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aberrant , irregular (pop)
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abortion , abortion (pop) , termination of pregnancy
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abrasion , graze (pop)
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abrupt , sudden (pop)
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abscess , abscess (pop), boil
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abstinence , going without (pop)
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accumulation , build-up (pop)
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acidosis , high blood acidity (pop)
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acne , acne (pop)
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acuity , sharpness (pop)
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acute , severe (pop)
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adenitis , gland inflammation (pop)
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adenoma , non-cancerous tumour (pop)
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adhesion , sticking (pop)
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adnexitis , fallopian tube/ovary inflammation (pop)
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adverse , harmful (pop)
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aerobic , with oxygen (pop)
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aetiology , study of disease cause (pop)
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affinity , attraction (pop)
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agalactia , not producing milk (pop)
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agent , substance (pop)
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aggravation , worsening (pop)
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aggregation , joining (pop)
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agitation , anxiety (pop)
CDC February 2007
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AIDS , Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, causes by Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)
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akinesia , lack of movement (pop)
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albumin , water-soluble blood protein (pop)
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alcoholism , alcoholism (pop)
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alimentary , digestion-related (pop)
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allergen , substance causing allergy (pop)
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allergic , allergic (pop)
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alopecia , baldness (pop)
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ambulant , walking (pop)
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amenorrhoea , lack of periods (pop)
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amino acid , protein building block (pop)
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amnesia , amnesia (pop), loss of memory
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anaemia , anaemia (pop), low haemaglobin
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anaerobic , without oxygen (pop)
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anaesthesia , deadening of sensation (pop)
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anaesthetic , drug to deaden sensation (pop)
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anal , anal (pop)
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analgesic , pain-killer (pop)
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anaphylactic , severe allergic response-related (pop)
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anastomosis , connection between two vessels or tubes (pop)
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anatomical , body-related (pop)
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aneurysm , swelling in artery wall (pop)
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angina pectoris , angina (pop), heart/chest pain
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anorectal , back passage-related (pop)
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anorexia , anorexia (pop) , lack of appetite
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anoxia , total lack of oxygen (pop)
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antacid , indigestion remedy (pop)
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anthelmintic , anti-worm drug (pop)
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antibiotic , antibiotic (pop)
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antibody , antibody (pop)
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anticoagulant , substance that prevents blood clotting (pop)
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anticonvulsant , substance to stop convulsions (pop)
CDC February 2007
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antidepressant , tranquilizer (pop)
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antidiabetic , diabetes drug (pop)
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antidiuretic , substance to slow urine formation (pop)
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antiemetic , substance to stop vomiting (pop)
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antiepileptic , epilepsy drug (pop)
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antifungal , fungus-killer (pop)
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antihistamine , antihistamine (pop)
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antihypertensive , high blood pressure drug (pop)
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antiinfective , disinfection (pop)
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antiinflammatory , substance to reduce swelling (pop)
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antimicrobial , substance to kill microorganisms (pop)
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antimycotic , fungus treatment (pop)
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antipruritic , itch treatment (pop)
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antipsychotic , tranquilizer (pop)
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antipyretic , fever treatment (pop)
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antiseptic , antiseptic (pop)
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antispasmodic , spasm treatment (pop)
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antithrombotic , blood clotting treatment (pop)
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antitussive , cough medicine (pop)
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antiviral , virus treatment (pop)
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anuria , non-production of urine (pop)
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anus , back passage (pop), rectum
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anxiety , anxiety (pop)
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apathy , apathy (pop)
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aphasia , stroke (pop)
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apnoea , stopping breathing (pop)
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aqueous , watery (pop)
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arrhythmia , irregular heartbeat (pop)
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arterial , artery-related (pop)
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arteriosclerosis , hardening of the arteries (pop)
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arteriovenous , artery and vein-related (pop)
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arthralgia , pain in a joint (pop)
CDC February 2007
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arthritis , arthritis (pop)
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arthropathy , joint disease (pop)
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arthrosis , joint disease (pop)
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articular , joint-related (pop)
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ascites , fluid collection in abdomen (pop)
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asepsis , cleanliness (pop)
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aseptic , clean (pop)
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aspiration , breathing in (pop)
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assay , analytical test (pop)
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asthma , disease which causes narrowing of the upper airways
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asymptomatic , without symptoms (pop)
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asystole , no heart beat (pop)
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ataxia , lack of coordination (pop)
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atony , lack of muscle tone (pop)
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atopic , allergic reaction (pop)
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atrial , heart-related (pop)
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atrioventricular , heart-related (pop)
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atrium , part of the heart (pop)
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atrophy , wasting (pop)
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atypical , unusual (pop)
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auditory , hearing-related (pop)
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auricular , ear-related (pop)
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auscultation , listening with a stethoscope (pop)
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autonomic , unconscious (pop)
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bacillus , bacteria (pop)
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balanitis , swollen penis (pop)
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benign , non-malignant (pop)
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bilateral , two-sided (pop)
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biliary , bile-related (pop)
B
CDC February 2007
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bipolar affective disorder , manic depression
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biopsy , biopsy (pop)
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blepharitis , eyelid inflammation (pop)
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bolus injection , big injection (pop)
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bowels, that which is passed from the back passage
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bradycardia , slow heartbeat (pop)
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bradykinesia , sluggishness (pop)
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bradypnoea , slow breathing (pop)
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bronchial , bronchial (pop)
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bronchiectasis , widening of the airways (pop)
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bronchitis , bronchitis (pop)
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bronchoconstriction , tight chestedness (pop)
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bronchodilatation , drug to help breathing (pop)
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bronchopneumonia , bronchial pneumonia (pop)
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bronchopulmonary , chest-related (pop)
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bronchus , breathing tube (pop)
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bursitis , inflammation of the bursa in the knee (pop)
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cachexia , wasting away (pop)
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calcification , hardening (pop)
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calculus , stone (pop)
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candidiasis , thrush (pop)
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capillary , capillary (pop)
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carbohydrate , carbohydrate (pop)
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carcinogenic , cancer-causing (pop)
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carcinoma , cancer (pop)
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cardiac , cardiac (pop), from the heart
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cardiogenic , originating in the heart (pop)
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cardiological , heart study-related (pop)
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cardiomegaly , heart enlargement (pop)
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cardiomyopathy , chronic heart disease (pop)
C
CDC February 2007
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cardiopathy , heart disease (pop)
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cardiopulmonary , heart and lung-related (pop)
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cardiorespiratory , heart and lung-related (pop)
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cardiovascular , heart and blood vessel-related (pop)
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caries , tooth decay (pop)
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castration , castration (pop), removal of testicles
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cataract , cataract (pop), ocular lens opacity impairing vision

catheter , fine tube, (urine) bag (pop)
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catheterization , fitting a (urine) bag (pop)
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caudal , nearer the tail (pop)
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causal , cause-related (pop)
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caustic , corrosive (pop)
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cavity , hollow (pop)
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cellulitis , inflammation of connective tissue (pop)
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cerebellar , brain-related (pop)
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cerebral , brain-related (pop)
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cerebrospinal , brain and spinal cord-related (pop)
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cerebrovascular , brain and blood vessel-related (pop)
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cerumen , earwax (pop)
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cervical , womb/uterus neck-related (pop)
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chemotherapy , chemotherapy (pop)
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chicken pox (pop) , varicella
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chickenpox/shingles virus (pop) , herpes zoster
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chlamydia , sexually transmitted infection
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chloasma , dark patches on the face (pop)
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cholangiography , bile duct X-ray (pop)
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cholangitis , bile duct inflammation (pop)
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cholecystitis , gall bladder inflammation (pop)
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cholelithiasis , gallstones (pop)
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cholestasis , bile flow stoppage (pop)
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cholesterol , cholesterol (pop)
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cicatrization , scarring (pop)
CDC February 2007
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cirrhosis , liver disease (pop)
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clinical , clinical (pop)
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clitoral , clitoris-related (pop)
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coagulation , clotting (pop)
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cochlear , acoustic nerve-related (pop)
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cognitive , understood (pop)
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coitus , sexual intercourse (pop)
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cold sore/ genital herpes virus (pop) , herpes simplex
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colic (pop) , gastralgia, stomach pain
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colitis , colon inflammation (pop)
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collection of pus (pop) , empyema
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colon and rectum-related (pop) , colorectal
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colon inflammation (pop) , diverticulitis
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colon enlargement (pop) , megacolon
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colonic flora , colon bacteria (pop)
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colorectal , colon and rectum-related (pop)
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comatose , comatose (pop), in a coma
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commensal , microorganism (pop), normally occurring
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conception , conception (pop), in the beginning
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concomitant , associated (pop)
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condyloma , genital warts (pop)
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congenital , from birth (pop)
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congestion , congestion (pop) , build up
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conjugated , joined (pop)
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conjunctivitis , eye inflammation (pop)
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conservative , not extreme (pop)
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constipation , constipation (pop), difficulty passing faeces
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contraception , birth control (pop)
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contraceptive , contraceptive (pop)
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contraction , contraction (pop)
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contracture , permanent tissue shortening (pop)
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contusion , bruise (pop)
CDC February 2007
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conventional , normal (pop)
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coronary , heart muscle/artery-related (pop)
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correlation , association (pop)
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cortex , outer layer (pop)
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cortical , cortex-related (pop)
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corticosteroid , hormone (pop)
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cough medicine (pop) , expectorant
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cough medicine (pop) , antitussive
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coughing up blood (pop) , haemoptysis
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cranial , skull-related (pop)
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Crohn's disease (pop) , ileitis
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cumulative , increasing (pop)
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curative , curing (pop)
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curettage , D&C (pop) , scrape out contents of uterus
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cut into vagina in childbirth (pop) , episiotomy
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cut (pop) , incision
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cutaneous , skin-related (pop)
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cyanosis , bluish skin (pop)
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cyclic , regular (pop)
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cyst , cyst (pop) , lump filled with fluid
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cystic fibrosis , cystic fibrosis (pop)
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cystitis , cystitis (pop),infection in bladder or urethra
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cystoscopy , bladder examination (pop)
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cytotoxic , cancer drug (pop)
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D&C (pop) , dilatation and curettage of the uterus
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decongestant , decongestant (pop)
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decubitus , lying down (pop)
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defaecation , emptying the bowels (pop)
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defibrillation , restoring heart beat (pop)
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degenerative , worsening (pop)
D
CDC February 2007
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degradation , break-down (pop)
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dehydration , dehydration (pop)
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delirium , being delerious (pop)
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dementia , losing your mind (pop), mental condition of ‘forgetfulness’
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dentition , set of teeth (pop)
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depigmentation , loss of normal pigment (pop)
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depletion , removal (pop)
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depression , depression (pop)
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deprivation , loss or lack (pop)
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dermatitis , skin problems (pop)
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dermatological , skin-related (pop)
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desquamation , flaky skin (pop)
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detoxication , drug addiction treatment (pop)
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diabetes , diabetes (pop)
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diagnosis , diagnosis (pop)
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dialysis , dialysis (pop), filtering system
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diaphoresis , sweating (pop)
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diarrhoea , diarrhoea (pop) , frequent bowel motions
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diastolic , part of blood pressure (pop)
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difficulty in swallowing (pop) , dysphagia
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diffuse , widely distributed (pop)
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digestive , digestive (pop)
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dilatation , stretching (pop)
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diphtheria , diptheria (pop)
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diplopia , double vision (pop)
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disease prevention (pop) , prophylaxis
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disease contracted in hospital (pop) , nosocomial
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diseased state (pop) , morbidity
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disinfectant , disenfectant (pop)
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disk-shaped (pop) , discoid
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dislocation , moving out of position (pop)
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disposition , tendency (pop)
CDC February 2007
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disseminate , scatter (pop)
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dissociation , separation (pop)
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distal , further from central (pop)
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distension , enlarging (pop)
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diuresis , passing more urine than normal (pop)
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diuretic , drug to increase urine output (pop)
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diverticulitis , colon inflammation (pop)
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donor , donor (pop)
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dorsal , back-related (pop)
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douching , washing out (pop)
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duct , passage (pop)

duct narrowing (pop) , stenosis
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duodenum , gut (pop)
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dura mater , covering of brain and spinal chord (pop)
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dysarthria , speech defect (pop)
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dyscrasia , bad temper (pop)
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dysentery , dysentry (pop), chronic or bloody diarrhoea
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dysfunction , malfunction (pop)
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dyskinesia , jerky movements (pop)
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dysmenorrhoea , bad periods (pop)
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dyspareunia , painful intercourse (pop)
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dyspepsia , indigestion (pop)
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dysphagia , difficulty in swallowing (pop)
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dysphoria , anxiety (pop)
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dysplasia , abnormality of development (pop)
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dyspnoea , laboured breathing (pop)
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dystonia , muscle disorders (pop)
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dystrophy , growth failure in tissue (pop)
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dysuria , painful urination (pop)
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E.N.T (pop) , otorhinolaryngology , Ear, Nose and Throat
E
CDC February 2007
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ecchymosis , bruising (pop)
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echography , scan (pop)
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eclampsia , pregnancy complication (pop)
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ectopic , in the wrong place (pop)
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eczema , eczema (pop)

effusion , escape of fluid (pop)
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ejaculation , ejaculation (pop)
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elective , non-urgent (pop)
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electrocardiography , heart monitor (pop), ECG

electroencephalography , brain scan (pop), EEG

electrolyte , solution which conducts electricity (pop)

electrophysiological , involving study of electrical phenomena in living bodies (pop)

embolism , sudden blocking of an artery (pop)

embryo , embryo (pop)

emesis , vomiting (pop)

emetic , substance to cause vomiting (pop)

emollient , soothing (pop)

emphysema , chronic airways - lung disease (pop)

empiric , based on experience (pop)

empyema , collection of pus (pop)

encephalitis , brain inflammation (pop)
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encephalopathy , brain disease (pop)
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endemic , occuring continuously in a population (pop)
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endocarditis , heart (lining and valve) inflammation (pop)

endocrine , internal secretion-related (pop)
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endogenous , without obvious external cause (pop)
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endometriosis , condition related to painful periods (pop)

endoscopy , internal examination using fibre optic tube (pop)

endothelium , lining of heart and blood vessels (pop)

enema , enema (pop), medical treatment given into the anus

enteric coated , coating on tablets (pop)

enteritis , small intestine inflammation (pop)
CDC February 2007
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enterocolitis , (small and large) intestine inflammation (pop)

enterohepatic , intestine and liver-related (pop)
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enuresis , bedwetting (pop)
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enzyme , enzyme (pop)

eosinophilia , increase in white blood cells (pop)

epicondylitis , tennis elbow (pop)

epidemic , epidemic (pop)

epidural , painkiller during childbirth (pop)

epigastric , upper abdomen-related (pop)

epilepsy , epilepsy (pop)

epiphyseal , bone growth-related (pop)

episiotomy , cut to vagina in childbirth (pop)

epistaxis , nosebleed (pop)

erection , erection (pop)

eructation , belching (pop)

erysipelas , skin infection (pop)

erythema , skin redness (pop)

euphoria , euphoria (pop)

evacuation , emptying (pop)

exacerbation , worsening (pop)

excretion , removal of waste (pop)

exfoliation , shedding of cells (pop)

exocrine , glands which secrete outwards (pop)

exogenous , with an external origin (pop)

exophthalmos , protuding eyes (pop)

expectorant , cough medicine (pop)

expiration , breathing out (pop)

extracellular , outside cells (pop)

extracorporeal , outside the body (pop)

extraction , removal (pop)

extrapyramidal , part of central nerve system (pop)

extravasation , escape of blood or fluid into tissue (pop)
CDC February 2007
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extravascular , outside a vessel (pop)
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exudate , leaded fluid (pop)
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eye-related (pop) , optic

eye socket-related (pop) , orbital

eye socket-related (pop) , periorbital

eye – retinal nerve disease (pop) , retinopathy

eye infection (pop) , trachoma

eyelid inflammation (pop) , blepharitis

faeces , faeces (pop), bowel motion, passed from back passage

fatal , fatal (pop) , deadly

febrile , feverish (pop)

femoral , thigh-related (pop)

fertility , fertility (pop)

fever (pop) , pyrexia

feverish (pop) , febrile

fibrosis , fibrous tissue formation (pop)

first period (pop) , menarche

fistula , abnormal passage (pop)

flaccid , soft (pop)

flaky skin (pop) , desquamation

flatulence , wind (pop)

foetal , foetal (pop), of the unborn baby

folliculitis , follicle inflammation (pop)

fontanelle , soft spot on top of infant’s head (pop)

fracture , fracture (pop), broken

frequency , frequency (pop)

frequency (pop) , frequency

frequent urination at night (pop) , nocturia

frigidity , frigidity, difficulty having sexual intercourse (pop),

fungicide , fungicide (pop)
F
CDC February 2007
G
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galactorrhoea , excessive milk production (pop)
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gangrene , gangrene (pop), necrosis
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gastritis , upset stomach (pop)
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gastroduodenal , stomach and gut-related (pop)

gastrointestinal , gastro-intestinal (pop)

gastro-oesophageal , stomach and gullet-related (pop)
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genital , genital (pop)

genitourinary , genital and urinary organ-related (pop)

geriatric , geriatric (pop)

gestation , pregnancy (pop)

gingivitis , gum inflammation (pop)

giving relief but not cure (pop) , palliative

giving birth (pop) , parturition

gland inflammation (pop) , adenitis

glands which secrete outwards (pop) , exocrine

glaucoma , progressive blindness (pop)

glomerulonephritis , acute kidney inflammation (pop)

glossitis , tongue inflammation (pop)

glottis , voice box (pop)

glycosuria , sugar in the urine (pop)

gonadal , testicle-related (pop)

gonorrhoea , gonorrhoea (pop), sexually transmitted infection

gout (pop) , hyperuricaemia, inflammation of a joint related to uric acid accumulation

grand mal , epileptic seizure (pop)

gravidity , pregnancy (pop), number of pregnancies

graze (pop) , abrasion

groin-related (pop) , inguinal

gum inflammation (pop) , gingivitis

gut (pop) , duodenum
CDC February 2007
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gut (pop) , abdomen

gut-related (pop) , abdominal

gynaecological , gynaelogical (pop), related to women’s reproductive tract

gynaecomastia , development of breasts in men (pop)

habitual , usual (pop)

haematemesis , vomiting blood (pop)

haematological, blood study-related (pop)

haematoma , bruising (pop)

haematuria , blood in the urine (pop)

haemodialysis , dialysis (pop), filtering of the blood by a machine

haemoglobin , cells in blood that transport oxygen around body

haemoglobinopathy , disease of abnormal haemoglobin

haemolysis , destruction of red blood cells (pop)

haemoptysis , coughing up blood (pop)

haemorrhage , haemorrhage (pop), heavy blood loss

haemorrhoids , piles (pop), enlarged blood vessels around the anus

haemostasis , stopping bleeding (pop)

hallucination , hallucination (pop)

harmful (pop) , adverse

hay fever (pop) , rhinitis

heart and lung-related (pop) , cardiopulmonary

heart and blood vessel-related (pop) , cardiovascular

heart monitor (pop) , electrocardiography

heart muscle/artery-related (pop) , coronary

heart failure (pop) , fluid accumulation in the lungs from ineffective pumping

heart attack (pop) , myocardial infarction

heart inflammation (pop) , myocarditis

heart inflammation (pop) , pericarditis

heavy periods (pop) , menorrhagia

helminths , worm infection (pop)
H
CDC February 2007
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hemiplegia , paralysis of one side (pop)

hepatic , liver-related (pop)

hepatitis , hepatitis (pop)

hepatobiliary , liver and bile duct-related (pop)

hepatocellular , liver cell-related (pop)

hepatomegaly , liver enlargement (pop)

hepatotoxic , poisonous to liver cells (pop)

heredity , heredity (pop), can be passed on

hernia , hernia (pop), hole in muscle fibres allowing internal contents out

herpes zoster , chickenpox/shingles virus (pop)

herpes simplex , cold sore/ genital herpes virus (pop)

hiccup (pop) , singultus

high blood pressure (pop) , hypertension

high blood sugar (pop) , hyperglycaemia

high body temperature (pop) , hyperthermia

hirsutism , hairiness (pop)

homogeneous , uniform (pop)

hormonal , hormonal (pop)

humeral , upper arm-related (pop)

humeroscapular , shoulder-related (pop)

hydration , adding water (pop)

hydrocephalus , water on the brain (pop)

hygienic , hygienic (pop)

hyperemesis , excessive vomiting (pop)

hyperglycaemia , high blood sugar (pop)

hyperreflexia , exaggerated reflexes (pop)

hypersecretion , excessive secretion (pop)

hypersensitivity , over-sensitivity (pop)

hypertension , high blood pressure (pop)

hyperthyroidism , over-active thyroid (pop)

hypertrophy , increase in the size of an organ (pop)

hyperventilation , hyperventilation (pop)
CDC February 2007

hypochondriasis , being hypochondriac (pop)

hypoglycaemia , low blood sugar (pop)

hypotension , low blood pressure (pop)

hypotensive , with low blood pressure (pop)

hypothyroidism , underactive thyroid (pop)

hypotonia , muscle wastage (pop)

hypotrophy , ageing (pop)

hypovolaemia , low blood volume (pop)

hypoxaemia , blood oxygen deficiency (pop)

hypoxia , tissue oxygen deficiency (pop)

hysterectomy , hysterectomy (pop)

hysteria (pop) , madness, frenzy

icterus , jaundice (pop)

idiopathic , of unknown cause (pop)

ileitis , Crohn's disease (pop)

ileus , intestinal blockage (pop)

immobilization , stopping movement (pop)

immunization , immunization (pop)

impetigo , impetigo (pop)

impotence , impotence (pop), inability to sustain a penile erection

in situ , in the normal place (pop)

inactive , inactive (pop)

inadequate , inadequate (pop)

incision , cut (pop)

inclusive (pop) , inclusive

incontinence , incontinence (pop), inability to control bladder or bowels

incubation , incubation (pop)

induration , hardening (pop)

infarction , heart attack (pop)

infection , infection (pop)
I
CDC February 2007

infiltration , infiltration (pop)

inflammation , inflammation (pop)

influenza , flu (pop)

infrequent periods (pop) , oligomenorrhoea

infuse , pour in (pop)

infusion , transfusion not of blood (pop)

ingestion , swallowing (pop)

inguinal , groin-related (pop)

inhalation , breathing in (pop)

inherent , natural (pop)

initial dose (pop) , loading dose

injection , injection (pop)

inoperable , inoperable (pop)

inorganic , non-organic (pop)

insomnia , sleeplessness (pop)

inspiration , breathing in (pop)

intercostal , between the ribs (pop)

intercourse (pop) , coitus

intermittent , intermittent (pop)

interstitial , in gaps between tissue (pop)

intoxication , poisoning (pop)

intramuscular , within the muscle (pop)

intraocular , within the eye (pop)

intrathecal , within the fluid surrounding the spinal cord (pop)

intravascular , within a blood vessel (pop)

intravenous , within a vein (pop)

intubation , inserting a tube (pop)

invasive , involving an operation or other organs(pop)

irreversible , irreversible (pop)

irreversible (pop) , irreversible

ischaemia , inadequate blood flow cutting off supply (pop)

isolate , isolate (pop)
CDC February 2007

itching (pop) , pruritus

jaundice (pop) , icterus

jejunum , part of the small intestine (pop)

joint-related (pop) , articular

joint disease (pop) , arthropathy

joint disease (pop) , arthrosis

juvenile , juvenile (pop)

keloid , raised scar (pop)

kidney inflammation (pop) , nephritis

kidney disorder-related (pop) , nephrotic

kidney disease (pop) , nephropathy

kidney blood vessel-related (pop) , renovascular

kidney-related (pop) , renal

kidney failure (pop) , uraemia

kinetic , motion-related (pop)

labile , unstable (pop)

laboured breathing (pop) , dyspnoea

laceration , tear (pop)

lack of periods (pop) , amenorrhoea

lack of muscle tone (pop) , atony

lack of coordination (pop) , ataxia

lack of movement (pop) , akinesia

lacrimal , tear-related (pop)

lactation , milk production (pop)

laryngitis , sore throat (pop)

lassitude , weariness (pop)

latent period , inactive period (pop)
J
K
L
CDC February 2007

lateral , towards the side (pop)

laxative , laxative (pop)

laying down (pop) , supine

lesion , injury (pop)

lethal , lethal (pop)

lethargy , lethargy (pop)

leukaemia , leukaemia (pop), cancer of the blood

leukorrhoea , vaginal discharge (pop)

libido , libido, sexual desire (pop)

lice (pop) , pediculosis

ligament , ligament (pop)

lipid , fat (pop)

liquor , liquor , amniotic fluid(pop)

listening with a stethoscope (pop) , auscultation

liver disease (pop) , cirrhosis

liver cell-related (pop) , hepatocellular

liver-related (pop) , hepatic

liver and bile duct-related (pop) , hepatobiliary

liver enlargement (pop) , hepatomegaly

loading dose , initial dose (pop)

lobe , lobe (pop)

lochia , post-birth vaginal discharge (pop)

low blood pressure (pop) , hypotension

low blood volume (pop) , hypovolaemia

lumbago , lumbago, pain in the back region (pop)

lumbar , lumbar , to do with the back(pop)

lumen , inside of a tube (pop)

lung disease (pop) , emphysema

lung inflammation (pop) , alveolitis

lung-related (pop) , pulmonary

lung power (pop) , peak flow

lung capacity (pop) , vital capacity
CDC February 2007

luxation , dislocation (pop)

lymphadenopathy , lymph node disease (pop)

lymphoma , cancer (pop)
M

macule , small, flat spot (pop)

maculopapular , small spot-related (pop)

malabsorption , poor digestion (pop)

malaise , vague illness (pop)

malaria , parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes

malformation , malformation (pop)

malignant , malignant (pop)

mammary , breast-related (pop)

mania , mania (pop)

manic , manic (pop)

manifest , visible (pop)

manifestation , sign (pop)

massive , solid (pop)

masticatory , chewing-related (pop)

mastitis , sore breasts , breast infection(pop)

mastoiditis , ear infection (pop)

maxillary , face bone-related (pop)

maximal , maximal (pop)

maximum , maximum (pop)

mechanism , mechanism (pop)

medication , medication (pop)

medicinal , medicinal (pop)

megacolon , colon enlargement (pop)

melaena , dark, blood-stained stools (pop)

melanoma , aggressive skin cancer (pop)

membrane , membrane (pop)

menarche , first period (pop)
CDC February 2007

meningitis , meningitis, infection of the meninges(brain) (pop)

menopause , menopause (pop)

menorrhagia , heavy periods (pop)

menstruation , periods (pop)

mental , mental (pop)

mesenteric , involving the skin attaching various organs to the body (pop)

metabolism , metabolism (pop)

metrorrhagia , breakthrough bleeding (pop)

micro-organism , micro-organism (pop)

microscopic , microscopic (pop)

micturition , urination, passing urine(pop)

migraine , migraine, severe headache with light sensitivity and vomiting (pop)

minimal , minimal (pop)

minimize , minimize (pop)

minimum , minimum (pop)

mobility , mobility (pop)

mobilization , mobilization (pop)

modify , modify (pop)

mole (pop) , benign pigmented skin lesion

monitoring , monitoring (pop)

mononucleosis , glandular fever (pop)

morbidity , diseased state, disease rate (pop)

mortality , mortality, death rate (pop)

mucopurulent , containing mucus and pus (pop)

mucosa , mucus membrane (pop)

mucus , mucus (pop)

multiparous , woman who has had 2 or more babies (pop)

muscle relaxant , muscle relaxant (pop)

muscular , muscular (pop)

musculature , muscles (pop)

mutation , mutation (pop)

mutism , dumbness, inability to speak (pop)
CDC February 2007

myalgia , muscle pain (pop)

mycobacterium , bacteria (pop)

myocardial infarction , heart attack (pop)

myocarditis , heart inflammation (pop)

myopathy , muscle diease (pop)

myopia , short-sightedness (pop)

myositis , muscle inflammation (pop)
N

narcotic , morphine-like drug (pop)

nasal , nose-related (pop)

nausea , feeling sick (pop)

needing to go to the toilet often(pop) , urgency

neonatal , new baby-related (pop)

nephritis , kidney inflammation (pop)

nephropathy , kidney disease (pop)

nephrotic , kidney disorder-related (pop)

nephrotoxic , destructive to the kidneys (pop)

neural , nerve-related (pop)

neuritis , nerve inflammation (pop)

neurological , nervous system-related (pop)

neuromuscular , muscle and nerve-related (pop)

neuropathy , nervous system disorder (pop)

nocturia , frequent urination at night (pop)

nosocomial , disease contracted in hospital (pop)

nulliparous , never having given birth (pop)

nutrition , all foods taken into the body (pop)

nystagmus , wonky eyes, cross eyed (pop)
O

obesity , obesity, very overweight (pop)

obstetric , medical care of women in pregnancy and childbirth (pop)
CDC February 2007

obstruction , obstruction (pop)

occasional , occasional (pop)

occlusion , closed (pop)

ocular , eye-related (pop)

odour , smell (pop)

oedema , swelling due to fluid (pop)

oesophagitis , gullet inflammation (pop)

oestrogen , female hormone (pop)

oligomenorrhoea , infrequent periods (pop)

oliguria , abnormally small urine output (pop)

oophorectomy , removal of an ovary (pop)

ophthalmic , eye-related (pop)

opiate/opioid) , opium-like drug (pop)

opportunistic , disease caused by organisms that are usually held in check by immune system

optic , eye-related (pop)

orbital , eye socket-related (pop)

orchitis , testicle inflammation (pop)

orgasm , orgasm, culmination of sexual excitement (pop)

orthopaedic , correcting deformity (pop)

orthostatic , upright posture-related (pop)

ossicle , small bone (pop)

ossification , bone formation (pop)

osteoarthritis , osteoarthritis (pop)

osteomalacia , bone softening (pop)

osteomyelitis , bone inflammation, bone infection(pop)

osteoporosis , osteoporosis, disease resulting in reduced bone mass (pop)

otitis , ear inflammation (pop)

otosclerosis , progressive deafness (pop)

ototoxic , damaging hearing (pop)

ovarian , ovary-related (pop)

overdose , overdose (pop)

ovulation , ovulation, egg secretion(pop)
CDC February 2007

ovum , egg (pop)

oxygenation , oxygenation (pop)

oxytocic , inducing a baby (pop)

pacemaker , pacemaker (pop)

paediatric , paedriatric (pop)

pain-killer (pop) , analgesic

painful intercourse (pop) , dyspareunia

painful urination (pop) , dysuria

painkiller during childbirth (injected into back)(pop) , epidural

palliative , giving relief but not cure (pop)

palpitation , palpitation (pop)

pancreatitis , inflammation of the pancreas (pop)

papilloedema , swollen optical disk (pop)

papule , mole (pop)

paracentesis , fluid removal by drainage (pop)

paradoxical , paradoxical (pop)

paraesthesia , pins and needles (pop)

parallel , parallel (pop)

paralysis , paralysis (pop)

paralysis of one side (pop) , hemiplegia

paranoia , paranoia (pop)

paraplegia , paralysis (pop)

parasitic , parasite-related (pop)

parity , number of live births

Parkinsonism , Parkinson's disease (pop)

parotitis , swollen glands under chin (pop)

parturition , giving birth (pop)

pathogen , disease-producing organism (pop)

pathological , disease study-related (pop)
P
CDC February 2007

patient , patient (pop)

peak flow , lung power (pop)

pediculosis , lice (pop)

pelvic , pelvic (pop)

penetration , penetration (pop)

penis , penis (pop)

peptic ulcer , stomach ulcer (pop)

percutaneous , through the skin (pop)

perforation , perforation (pop)

perfusion , through passage of fluid (pop)

perianal , back passage-related (pop)

periarthritis , joint inflammation (pop)

pericarditis , heart inflammation (pop)

peridural , outside the brain/spinal cord (pop)

perinatal , shortly after the birth (pop)

perineal , pelvis-related (pop)

peri operative , immediate pre and post-operative (pop)

periorbital , eye socket-related (pop)

peripheral , peripheral (pop)

peristalsis , pushing of food though the body (pop)

peritonitis , peritonitis (pop)

permeability , permeability (pop)

perspiration , perspiration (pop)

pertussis , whooping cough (pop)

pessary , pessary, medication given into the vagina(pop)

petit mal , minor epilepsy (pop)

phallic , phallic (pop)

pharmaceutical , pharmaceutical (pop)

pharmacological , drug science-related (pop)

pharyngitis , sore throat (pop)

phlebitis , vein inflammation (pop)

phlegm (pop) , sputum
CDC February 2007

phobia , phobia (pop)

photophobia , intolerance to light (pop)

photosensitivity , over-sensitivity to light (pop)

physiological , normal (pop)

piles (pop) , haemorrhoids

placebo , placebo (pop)

placenta , placenta (pop)

pleurisy , pleurisy (pop)

pneumonia , pneumonia (pop)

poison (pop) , toxin

poliomyelitis , polio (pop)

polydipsia , drinking a lot of fluids, excessive thirst (pop)

polyuria , going to the toilet a lot(passing urine) (pop)

posterior , posterior, behind, at the back(pop)

postmenopausal , postmonopausal (pop)

postnatal , postnatal (pop)

postoperative , postoperative (pop)

postpartum , after childbirth (pop)

postprandial , after dinner (pop)

posttraumatic , posttraumatic (pop)

postural , posture-related (pop)

potency , sexual ability (pop)

prebirth (pop) , prenatal

precipitation , precipitation (pop)

preeclampsia , complication of late pregnancy involving hypertension and oedema (pop)

premature , premature (pop)

premedication , premed (pop)

premenstrual , premenstrual (pop)

prenatal , prebirth (pop)

preoperative , before an operation (pop)

prepuce , foreskin (pop)

prescription , prescription (pop)
CDC February 2007

prevention , prevention (pop)

priapism , continuous erection (pop)

primary , first (pop)

primary vaccination , first vaccination (pop)

procedure , procedure (pop)

procreation , procreation (pop)

proctitis , sore anus (pop)

progestogen , female hormone (pop)

prognosis , outlook (pop)

prolapse , prolapse (pop)

proliferation , multiplication (pop)

prophylaxis , disease prevention (pop)

proptosis , protruding eyes (pop)

prostatism , prostate trouble (pop)

prostatitis , prostate inflammation (pop)

prosthesis , artificial limb (pop)

protrusion , protrusion (pop)

proximal , nearest (pop)

pruritic , itchy (pop)

pruritus , itching (pop)

psoriasis , psoriasis (pop)

psychiatric , psychiatric (pop)

psychological , psychological (pop)

psychomotor , involving motor effects of mental activity (pop)

psychosis , mental illness (pop)

psychosomatic , psychosomatic (pop)

psychotropic , mood-altering (pop)

ptosis , droopy upper eyelid (pop)

puberty , puberty (pop)

puerperium , the time required for the vagina and uterus to return to normal after birth (pop)

pulmonary , lung-related (pop)

puncture , puncture (pop)
CDC February 2007

purgative , strong laxative (pop)

purpura , blood spots, bruising and discolouring to skin (pop)

purulent , pusy, infected discharge (pop)

pustular , boil-like (pop)

pusy (pop) , purulent

pyelonephritis , inflammation of the kidney and its pelvis (pop)

pylorus , narrow outlet of stomach (pop)

pyoderma , pusy skin disease (pop)

pyogenic , pusy (pop)

pyrexia , fever (pop)

QRS complex , part of heart monitor readout (pop)

qualitative , qualitative (pop)

quantitative , quantitative (pop)

quiescent , inactive (pop)

racing heart (pop) , tachycardia

radiography , X-ray (pop)

radiological , X-ray-related (pop)

radiotherapy , radiotherapy (pop)

reaction , reaction (pop)

reactivation , reactivation (pop)

rebound effect , rebound effect (pop)

recidivist , person who lapses back into old habits (pop)

recipient , recipient (pop)

rectal , bowel-related (pop)

recuperation , recuperation (pop)

recurrent , recurring (pop)

reduction , reduction (pop)

reflex , reflex (pop)

reflux , return flow back (pop)
Q
R
CDC February 2007

regurgitation , bringing back (pop)

rehydration , rehydration (pop)

reinfection , reinfection (pop)

relaxant , relaxant (pop)

remission , remission (pop)

renal , kidney-related (pop)

replication , duplication (pop)

reproduction , reproduction (pop)

research , research (pop)

resection , removal of any part of the body (pop)

reservoir , reservoir (pop)

residual , residual (pop)

resistant , resistant (pop)

resorption , resorption (pop)

respiratory , respiratory (pop)

response , response (pop)

restless legs , restless legs (pop)

resuscitation , resuscitation (pop)

retard , delay (pop)

retardation , delaying (pop)

retention , retention (pop)

retinal , eye-related (pop)

retinopathy , eye-disease (pop)

retraction , moving backwards (pop)

retrograde , backwards (pop)

retrosternal , behind the breastbone (pop)

reversible , reversible (pop)

rheumatoid ,inflammation of the joint(pop)

rhinitis , hay fever (pop)

rhinorrhoea , a runny nose (pop)

rhonchus , wheezing (pop)

rickets , rickets, Vitamin D deficiency (pop)
CDC February 2007

rigidity , stiffness (pop)

ringworm (pop) , dermatophytosis

risk factor , risk factor (pop)

routinely , usually (pop)

rubella , German measles (pop)

rupture , rupture (pop)

salivation , salivating (pop)

salpingitis , inflammation of the fallopian tubes (pop)

sarcoma , tumour (pop)

scabies , scabies (pop)

scarring (pop) , cicatrization

scatter (pop) , disseminate

schistosomiasis (bilharzia) , chronic intestinal or bladder infection spread by river snails

schizophrenia , schizophrenia (pop)

sciatica , sciatica (pop)

sclera , white of the eye (pop)

sclerosis , hardening (pop)

scotoma , blind spot (pop)

seborrhoea , oily skin (pop)

secondary , secondary (pop)

secretion , secretion (pop)

sedative , sedative (pop)

sedentary , sedentary (pop)

segment , segment (pop)

selective , selective (pop)

senility , old age, disease of old age infirmity (pop)

sensory , sense-related (pop)

septic , septic (pop)

septicaemia , blood poisoning (pop)

septum , dividing wall (pop)

sequelae , complication (pop)
S
CDC February 2007

seroconversion , the change of a test from negative to positive, indicating the development of
antibodies (pop)

serological , blood study-related (pop)

serum , serum (pop)

sexually transmitted (pop) , venereal

shock , shock (pop)

short-sightedness (pop) , myopia

shortly after the birth (pop) , perinatal

shunt , bypass (pop)

side effect , side effect (pop)

sigmoid colon , part of the intestine(pop)

significant , significant (pop)

simultaneous , simultaneous (pop)

sinusitis , sinusitis (pop)

skeletal , skeletal (pop)

skin problems (pop) , dermatitis

skin redness (pop) , erythema

skin colouring (pop) , pigmentation

skull-related (pop) , cranial

soft spot (pop) , fontanelle

soft (pop) , flaccid

solution , solution (pop)

somnambulism , sleep-walking (pop)

soporific , sleep-inducing (pop)

sore throat (pop) , laryngitis

sore throat (pop) , pharyngitis

sore bottom (pop) , proctitis

sore breasts (pop) , mastitis

spasm , spasm (pop)

spasmodic , spasmodic (pop)

spastic , spastic (pop)

spasticity , muscle rigidity (pop)
CDC February 2007

specific , specific (pop)

spectrum , spectrum (pop)

spermatogenesis , sperm-formation (pop)

spermicide , sperm-killing contraceptive (pop)

sphincter , ring like band of muscle fibres that control an outlet (pop)

spinal , spinal (pop)

splenomegaly , spleen enlargement (pop)

sporadic , random (pop)

spotting , spotting (pop)

sputum , phlegm (pop)

stasis , keeping in check (pop)

stenosis , duct narrowing (pop)

sterility , sterility (pop)

sterilization , sterilization (pop)

steroid , steriod (pop)

stimulant , stimulant (pop)

stomach ulcer (pop) , peptic ulcer

stone (pop) , calculus

stopping breathing (pop) , apnoea

stopping movement (pop) , immobilization

stopping bleeding (pop) , haemostasis

strabismus , squint (pop)

stress , stress (pop)

stria , stretch marks (pop)

stroke (pop) , cerebrovascular accident

stupor , stupor (pop)

subacute , somewhat acute (pop)

subarachnoid , in the brain (pop)

subcutaneous , below the skin (pop)

subjective , subjective (pop)

sublingual , under the tongue (pop)

substance , substance (pop)
CDC February 2007

sudden blocking of an artery (pop) , embolism

sudden (pop) , abrupt

supine , laying down (pop)

supplement , supplement (pop)

suppository , suppository, medication give into the rectum (pop)

suppuration , discharging pus (pop)

supraventricular , above the heart chambers (pop)

surgical , surgical (pop)

suspension , suspension (pop)

swallowing (pop) , ingestion

sweating (pop) , diaphoresis

swelling in artery wall (pop) , aneurysm

swelling due to fluid (pop) , oedema

swollen penis (pop) , balanitis

swollen optical disk (pop) , papilloedema

swollen glands (pop) , parotitis

sympathetic , sympathetic (pop)

symptom , symptom (pop)

symptomatic , symptomatic (pop)

syncope , fainting (pop)

syndrome , syndrome (pop)

syphilis , sexually transmitted genital ulcer disease

systemic , whole body-related (pop)

systolic , part of blood pressure reading (pop)

tachycardia , racing heart (pop)

tear-related (pop) , lacrimal

tendency (pop) , predisposition

tendency (pop) , tendency

tendonitis , inflamed tendons (pop)

tenosynovitis , inflammation of a tendon sheath (pop)
T
CDC February 2007

teratogenic, producing fetal abnormality (pop)

terminal , terminal (pop)

test , test (pop)

testicle inflammation (pop) , orchitis

testicle-related (pop) , testicular

testicular , testicle-related (pop)

tetanus , tetanus (pop)

tetany , muscle spasm (pop)

therapeutic , therapeutic (pop)

therapy , therapy (pop)

thoracic , chest-related (pop)

thrombosis , thrombosis (pop)

thrombus , blood clot (pop)

thrush (pop) , candidiasis

tic , tic (pop)

tinea pedis , foot infection (pop)

tinnitus , ringing in the ears (pop)

tolerance , tolerance (pop)

tone , tone (pop)

tonic , tonic (pop)

tonsillitis , tonsillitis (pop)

topical , applied to the surface (pop)

torticollis , twisting of head and neck (pop)

toxaemia , blood poisoning (pop)

toxic , toxic (pop)

toxicity , poisonousness (pop)

toxin , poison (pop)

toxoplasmosis , infection from cat faeces (pop)

trachoma , eye infection (pop)

tract , channel (pop)

tranquillizer , tranquillizer (pop)

transfer , transfer (pop)
CDC February 2007

transfusion , transfusion (pop)

transitory , brief (pop)

transmission , transmission (pop)

transplantation , transplantation (pop)

transurethral , through the urine tube (pop)

traumatic , traumatic (pop)

tremor , tremor (pop)

tube , tube (pop)

tuberculosis , infectious disease usually spread by coughing

tumour , tumour (pop)

ulcer , ulcer (pop)

ulceration , ulceration (pop)

unconscious (pop) , autonomic

under the tongue (pop) , sublingual

uniform , uniform (pop)

unilateral , one-sided (pop)

unstable (pop) , labile

upper abdomen-related (pop) , epigastric

upright posture-related (pop) , orthostatic

upset stomach (pop) , gastritis

uraemia , kidney failure (pop)

urethritis , infection in the urethra (pop)

urgency , needing to go to the toilet (pop)

urinary , urine-related (pop)

urinary and genital apparatus-related (pop) , urogenital

urination (pop) , micturition

urine-related (pop) , urinary

urogenital , urinary and genital apparatus-related (pop)

urticaria , hives (pop)

usually (pop) , routinely

uterus , womb (pop)
U
CDC February 2007
V

vaccination , vaccination (pop)

vaccine , vaccine (pop)

vaginal discharge (pop) , leukorrhoea

vaginal , vaginal (pop)

vague illness (pop) , malaise

varicella , chicken pox (pop)

varicose vein , varicose vein (pop)

vascular , blood vessel-related (pop)

vasoconstriction , narrowing of the small arteries (pop)

vasodilatation , widening of the blood vessels (pop)

vegetative , without consciousness (pop)

venereal , sexually transmitted (pop)

venous , vein-related (pop)

ventilation , breathing (pop)

vertebral , vertebra-related, small bones in back bone (pop)

vertigo , fear of heights (pop)

viral , viral (pop)

visceral , relating to an organ in the chest area (pop)

vision , vision (pop)

visual , visual (pop)

vital capacity , lung capacity (pop)

voice box (pop) , glottis

voluntary , voluntary (pop)

vomiting (pop) , emesis

vomiting blood (pop) , haematemesis

vomitus , vomit (pop)

vulval , vulva-related (pop)

walking (pop) , ambulant
W
CDC February 2007

warning senstion (pop) , aura

washing out (pop) , douching

washing (pop) , irrigation

wasting away (pop) , cachexia

wasting (pop) , atrophy

water on the brain (pop) , hydrocephalus

weariness (pop) , lassitude

wheezing (pop) , rhonchus

white of the eye (pop) , sclera

whole body-related (pop) , systemic

whooping cough (pop) , pertussis

wind (pop) , flatulence

withdrawal , withdrawal (pop)

within the fluid surrounding the spinal cord (pop) , intrathecal

within the eye (pop) , intraocular

within the muscle (pop) , intramuscular

within a blood vessel (pop) , intravascular

within a vein (pop) , intravenous

without symptoms (pop) , asymptomatic

without consciousness (pop) , vegetative

woman who has had 2 or more babies (pop) , multiparous

womb (pop) , uterus

wonky eyes, cross eyed (pop) , nystagmus

worsening (pop) , aggravation

worsening (pop) , exacerbation
X

x-ray (pop) , radiography

x-ray-related (pop) , radiological