MedTerm Speak

/biː sɛl/

A type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) that produces antibodies to help the immune system fight infections.

/bəˈbɪnski saɪn/

A reflex action in which the big toe remains extended or extends itself when the sole of the foot is stimulated; usually indicates motor neuron damage.

/bəˈsɪləs/

A rod-shaped bacterium.

/ˈbækˌfloʊ/

The flow of a fluid (such as blood or stomach acid) in a direction opposite to the normal one.

/ˌbæktɪˈriːmiə/

The presence of bacteria in the blood, which can lead to more serious infections like sepsis.

/bækˌtɪərɪˈsaɪdəl/

A substance or agent capable of killing bacteria.

/bækˌtɪərioʊˈdʒɛnɪk/

Produced by or originating from bacteria.

/bækˌtɪəriˈɒlədʒɪst/

A scientist who studies the characteristics and activities of bacteria.

/bækˌtɪəriˈɒlɪsɪs/

The rupture or destruction of bacterial cells.

/bækˈtɪərioʊˌfeɪdʒ/

A virus that parasitizes a bacterium by infecting it and reproducing inside it.

/bækˌtɪərioʊˈstætɪk/

An agent that inhibits the growth or reproduction of bacteria without necessarily killing them.

/bækˌtɪərɪˈjʊəriə/

The presence of bacteria in the urine.

/ˈbæɡɪŋ/

A colloquial medical term for manual ventilation of a patient using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) respirator.

/ˈbeɪkərz sɪst/

A fluid-filled swelling (popliteal cyst) that develops behind the knee.

/ˈbælənsɪv/

Tending to maintain or restore equilibrium.

/ˌbæləˈnaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by infection or poor hygiene.

/bəˈlɪzməs/

A movement disorder characterized by severe, involuntary flinging motions of the limbs.

/bəˈluːn ˈændʒioʊˌplæsti/

A procedure to open clogged arteries using a catheter with a small balloon at the tip.

/bəˈlɒtmənt/

A diagnostic technique of hitting or tapping the wall of a fluid-filled structure to feel the rebound of a floating object (e.g., a fetus).

/ˈbændɪdʒ/

A strip of material used to bind a wound or to protect or support an injury.

/bændz/

Immature forms of neutrophils; an increase in 'bands' in a blood count often indicates an acute infection.

/ˈbæŋkɑːrt ˈliːʒən/

An injury of the anterior (front) shoulder joint labrum due to shoulder dislocation.

/ˈbæntiz ˈsɪndroʊm/

A chronic congestive enlargement of the spleen resulting in blood cell destruction.

/bɑːrˈbɪtʃərɪt/

A class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants, used as sedatives or anesthetics.

/bɑːrˈbɪtʃəˌrɪzəm/

Intoxication or addiction resulting from the use of barbiturates.

/ˌbærɪˈætrɪks/

The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of obesity.

/ˈbɛəriəm/

A metallic element used as a contrast medium in X-ray imaging of the digestive tract.

/ˌbæroʊɡˈnoʊsɪs/

The ability to perceive or evaluate the weight of objects held in the hand.

/ˌbæroʊrɪˈsɛptər/

A sensory nerve ending that is sensitive to changes in blood pressure.

/ˌbæroʊˈtrɔːmə/

Injury caused by a change in air pressure, affecting typically the ear or lungs.

/ˈbæriər kriːm/

A preparation applied to the skin to protect it from irritants or moisture.

/ˈbɑːrtəlɪn ɡlænd/

Two pea-sized glands located near the opening of the vagina that secrete mucus for lubrication.

/ˈbɑːrtəlɪnz sɪst/

A fluid-filled swelling of the Bartholin’s glands near the vaginal opening.

/ˈbɑːrtənz ˈfræktʃər/

An intra-articular fracture of the distal radius with dislocation of the radiocarpal joint.

/ˈbeɪsəl/

Relating to or forming the base of a structure; the minimum level needed for maintaining vital functions.

/ˈbeɪsəl sɛl ˌkɑːrsɪˈnoʊmə/

A type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells of the epidermis.

/ˈbeɪsəl ˌmɛtəˈbɒlɪk reɪt/

The rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to keep vital functions going.

/ˈbæsɪlər/

Relating to, or situated at, the base of something, especially the skull or the brain.

/ˌbæsɪˈlɛmə/

Another term for the basement membrane of a tissue.

/ˌbeɪsɪˈfoʊbiə/

An abnormal fear of walking or standing erect.

/ˈbeɪsoʊˌsaɪt/

Another name for a basophil, a type of white blood cell.

/ˈbeɪsəˌfɪl/

A type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses.

/ˌbeɪsəˈfɪlɪk/

Readily stained with basic dyes; referring to cells or tissues that show an affinity for such dyes.

/bætʃ ˈkʌltʃər/

A technique used to grow microorganisms under specific conditions in a closed system.

/ˈbætərd tʃaɪld ˈsɪndroʊm/

A medical diagnosis used to describe a child who has sustained serious physical abuse.

/ˈbiːkər/

A lipped cylindrical glass container for laboratory use.

/biːt/

The pulsation of the heart or an artery.

/bɛd pæn/

A receptacle used by a bedridden patient for urination or defecation.

/ˈbɛdˌsɔːrz/

Injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin; also called decubitus ulcers.

/bɪˈheɪvjərəl ˈθɛrəpi/

A type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing undesirable behaviors through conditioning.

/bɛˈtʃɛts dɪˈziːz/

A rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout the body, leading to mouth sores and eye inflammation.

/ˈbɛltʃɪŋ/

The act of expelling gas from the stomach through the mouth; eructation.

/bɛlz ˈpɔːlzi/

Sudden weakness in the muscles on one half of the face due to inflammation of the facial nerve.

/ˌbɛns ˈdʒoʊnz ˈproʊtiːn/

A protein found in the urine of people with multiple myeloma.

/ˈbɛnɪdɪkts tɛst/

A chemical test used to detect the presence of reducing sugars, such as glucose, in urine.

/bɪˈnaɪn/

Not harmful in effect; specifically, a tumor that is not malignant or cancerous.

/ˈbɛnɪts ˈfræktʃər/

A fracture of the base of the first metacarpal bone which extends into the carpometacarpal joint.

/ˌbɛnzoʊdaɪˈæzɪˌpiːnz/

A class of psychoactive drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.

/ˌbɛriˈbɛri/

A disease caused by a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, affecting the heart and nervous system.

/bəˌrɪliˈoʊsɪs/

A chronic lung disease caused by exposure to beryllium dust or fumes.

/ˌbɛstiˈælɪti/

A psychological disorder or paraphilia involving sexual activity between a human and an animal.

/ˈbeɪtə sɛlz/

Cells in the pancreas that produce and secrete the hormone insulin.

/ˈbeɪtə ˈblɒkər/

A class of medications used to manage abnormal heart rhythms and protect the heart from a second heart attack.

/ˈbeɪtə hiːˈmɒlɪsɪs/

Complete lysis of red blood cells in the media around a bacterial colony.

/ˈbeɪtə ˌɪntərˈfɪərɒn/

A protein used to treat flare-ups of multiple sclerosis.

/ˈbeɪtə ˌθæləˈsiːmiə/

A blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin.

/ˌbaɪɑːrˈtɪkjʊlər/

Affecting or passing over two joints, as with certain muscles.

/baɪˈkɑːrbənət/

A byproduct of the body's metabolism that helps keep the pH of blood from becoming too acidic or too basic.

/baɪˈsɪpɪtəl/

Relating to a biceps muscle; having two heads.

/ˌbaɪˈkɒnkeɪv/

Concave on both sides; the typical shape of a mature red blood cell.

/baɪˈkʌspɪd/

Having two cusps or points, such as the mitral valve of the heart or premolar teeth.

/baɪˈkʌspɪd vælv/

The valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart; also known as the mitral valve.

/ˈbaɪfɪd/

Divided into two parts or lobes by a median cleft, such as a bifid uvula.

/ˌbaɪˈfoʊkəl/

Refers to lenses that have two different focal lengths, one for distant vision and one for near vision.

/ˌbaɪfərˈkeɪʃən/

The division of something into two branches or parts, such as a blood vessel.

/baɪˈlætərəl/

Affecting or relating to both sides of the body.

/baɪˈlætərəl ˈsɪmɪtri/

The property of being divisible into symmetrical halves on either side of a unique plane.

/baɪl/

A bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid that aids digestion and is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.

/baɪl dʌkt/

Any of the long tube-like structures that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum.

/ˈbɪliˌɛri/

Relating to bile or the bile duct system, including the gallbladder.

/ˌbɪlɪˈfʊlvɪn/

A tawny-yellow pigment found in bile, often associated with jaundice.

/ˌbɪlɪˈruːbɪn/

An orange-yellow pigment formed in the liver by the breakdown of hemoglobin and excreted in bile.

/ˌbɪlɪˈjʊəriə/

The presence of bile pigments in the urine.

/baɪˈmænjuəl/

Performed with or requiring the use of both hands, such as a bimanual pelvic exam.

/ˈbaɪnəri/

Composed of or involving two things or parts.

/ˈbaɪndər/

A broad bandage applied firmly around the body, such as the abdomen, for support or to keep dressings in place.

/bɪˈnɒkjʊlər/

Relating to or adapted for use with both eyes.

/ˌbaɪoʊˈæseɪ/

Measurement of the concentration or potency of a substance by its effect on living cells or tissues.

/ˌbaɪoʊəˌveɪləˈbɪlɪti/

The proportion of a drug or other substance which enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect.

/ˈbaɪoʊˌbɜːrdən/

The number of bacteria living on a surface that has not been sterilized.

/ˌbaɪoʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbəl/

Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

/ˌbaɪoʊˈfiːdbæk/

A technique used to learn to control some of your body's functions, such as your heart rate.

/ˈbaɪoʊˌhæzərd/

A biological agent or condition that constitutes a hazard to humans or the environment.

/ˈbaɪoʊˌmɑːrkər/

A measurable indicator of some biological state or condition, often used to track the progress of a disease.

/ˌbaɪoʊmɪˈkænɪks/

The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms.

/baɪˈɒmɪtri/

The statistical analysis of biological data.

/ˈbaɪɒpsi/

The removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination to diagnose a disease.

/ˈbaɪoʊˌrɪðəm/

A recurring cycle in the physiological processes of a living organism.

/ˈbɪpərəs/

Producing two offspring at one birth.

/baɪˈpɑːrtaɪt/

Consisting of two parts; in anatomy, used to describe bones that have failed to fuse, such as a bipartite patella.

/baɪˈpiːdəl/

Walking on two feet.

/baɪˈpoʊlər dɪˈsɔːrdər/

A mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and lows.

/ˈbɜːrθmɑːrk/

A benign irregularity on the skin which is present at birth or appears shortly after birth.

/baɪˈsɛkʃuəl/

Sexually attracted to both men and women.

/ˈbɪzməθ/

A chemical element used in medicine as an antacid and to treat certain gastrointestinal infections.

/ˈbɪstəri/

A small, narrow surgical knife, used for opening abscesses or slitting sinuses.

/ˈbaɪtwɪŋ/

A type of dental X-ray that shows the crowns of the upper and lower teeth in a particular area of the mouth.

/ˈblækˌaʊt/

A transient loss of consciousness or memory, often associated with a sudden drop in blood pressure or alcohol consumption.

/ˈblæstəˌsiːl/

The fluid-filled cavity of a blastocyst.

/ˈblæstəˌsɪst/

A mammalian blastula in which some differentiation of cells has occurred.

/ˌblæstəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/

The transformation of small lymphocytes into larger, undifferentiated cells capable of mitosis.

/blæsˈtoʊmə/

A type of cancer, more common in children, that is caused by malignancies in precursor cells (blasts).

/ˈbliːdɪŋ dɪˈsɔːrdərz/

A group of conditions that result when the blood cannot clot properly.

/ˈbliːdɪŋ taɪm/

A medical test done on a person to assess their platelets' function.

/ˈblɛndɪd ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/

In medical education, an approach that combines online digital materials with traditional classroom methods.

/ˈblɛnəˌsiːl/

A swelling or tumor caused by the accumulation of mucus, typically in the lacrimal sac.

/ˌblɛnəˈriːə/

An excessive discharge of mucus from the urethra or the vagina.

/ˌblɛfərɪˈdiːmə/

Fluid accumulation or swelling in the eyelid.

/ˌblɛfəˈraɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the eyelids, typically caused by blocked oil glands or bacteria.

/ˈblɛfərɒn/

The medical term for the eyelid.

/ˈblɛfəroʊˌplæsti/

Surgical repair or reconstruction of an eyelid.

/ˌblɛfərɒpˈtoʊsɪs/

Abnormal drooping of the upper eyelid.

/ˈblɛfəroʊˌspæzəm/

Involuntary tight closure of the eyelids.

/ˈblɛfərəˌstæt/

A surgical instrument used to hold the eyelids open during an operation.

/blaɪnd spɒt/

The small circular area at the back of the retina where the optic nerve enters the eye; it is insensitive to light.

/ˈblɪstər/

A small bubble on the skin filled with serum and caused by friction, burning, or other damage.

/blɒk/

An interruption of physiological function, such as a nerve block or heart block.

/blʌd kaʊnt/

A count of the number of red and white cells and platelets in a given volume of blood.

/blʌd ˈdoʊnər/

A person who voluntarily has blood drawn for use in transfusions.

/blʌd ˈprɛʃər/

The pressure of the blood in the circulatory system, often measured for diagnosis since it is closely related to the force and rate of the heartbeat.

/blʌd ˈtaɪpɪŋ/

A test to determine a person's blood group (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh factor.

/blʌd jʊˈriːə ˈnaɪtrədʒən/

A medical test (BUN) that measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, reflecting kidney function.

/ˈblʌdbɔːrn/

Carried by or transmitted through the blood.

/blʌd breɪn ˈbæriər/

A filtering mechanism of the capillaries that carry blood to the brain and spinal cord tissue, blocking the passage of certain substances.

/ˈbɒdi ˈkævɪti/

Any fluid-filled space in a multicellular organism which contains organs.

/ˈbɒdi mæs ˈɪndɛks/

A weight-to-height ratio, calculated by dividing one's weight in kilograms by the square of one's height in meters (BMI).

/ˈboʊləs/

A small rounded mass of a substance, especially of chewed food at the moment of swallowing, or a single dose of drug given intravenously.

/boʊn ˈdɛnsɪti/

A measure of the amount of minerals (mostly calcium and phosphorous) contained in a certain volume of bone.

/boʊn ˈmæroʊ/

A soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones, in which blood cells are produced.

/ˌbɔːrbəˈrɪɡməs/

A rumbling or gurgling noise made by the movement of fluid and gas in the intestines.

/ˈbɔːrnhəʊm dɪˈziːz/

An infection caused by the Coxsackie B virus, resulting in sharp chest or abdominal pain.

/ˈbɒtʃʊˌlɪzəm/

Food poisoning caused by a bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) growing on improperly sterilized canned meats and other preserved foods.

/ˈbuːʒi/

A thin cylinder of rubber, plastic, or metal inserted into a canal (such as the esophagus) to maintain or increase its caliber.

/baʊnd/

In biochemistry, a state where a substance is attached to a carrier protein, such as protein-bound iodine.

/ˌbuːtəˈnjɛər dɪˈfɔːrmɪti/

A finger injury where the middle joint bends in and the outermost joint bends back.

/ˈboʊvaɪn/

Relating to or affecting cattle; in medicine, used for heart valves or grafts derived from cows.

/ˈboʊənz dɪˈziːz/

A very early form of skin cancer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ.

/ˈboʊmənz ˈkæpsuːl/

A cup-like sac at the beginning of the tubular component of a nephron in the mammalian kidney.

/ˈbreɪkiəl/

Relating to the arm, specifically the upper arm, or to a structure resembling an arm.

/ˌbreɪkiˈældʒə/

Severe pain in the arm, often radiating from the neck.

/ˌbreɪkioʊsəˈfælɪk/

Relating to both the arm and the head, specifically the large artery or vein supplying those regions.

/ˈbreɪkioʊˌplæsti/

A surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arm; an arm lift.

/ˌbrækiːsəˈfælɪk/

Having a relatively broad, short skull.

/ˌbrækiˈθɛrəpi/

A form of radiotherapy where a sealed radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment.

/ˌbrædɪˈkɑːrdiə/

An abnormally slow heart rate, typically defined as under 60 beats per minute in adults.

/ˌbrædikaɪˈniːziə/

Slowness of movement, a classic symptom of Parkinson's disease.

/ˌbrædɪˈleɪliə/

Abnormally slow speech, often due to a brain lesion.

/ˌbrædɪˈpɛpsiə/

Abnormally slow digestion.

/ˌbrædɪpˈniːə/

Abnormally slow breathing rate.

/ˈbreɪnstɛm/

The central trunk of the mammalian brain, consisting of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.

/brɛst/

The tissue overlying the chest (pectoral) muscles; contains mammary glands in females.

/brɛθ saʊndz/

The noises produced by the structures of the lungs during breathing, heard via auscultation.

/briːtʃ/

A delivery in which the fetus emerges buttocks or feet first rather than head first.

/brɔːd ˈlɪɡəmənt/

The wide fold of peritoneum that connects the sides of the uterus to the walls and floor of the pelvis.

/ˈbroʊkəz ˈɛəriə/

A region in the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere, usually the left, with functions linked to speech production.

/ˌbroʊmɪˈdroʊsɪs/

Foul-smelling perspiration, usually caused by the breakdown of sweat by bacteria.

/ˈbrɒŋkaɪ/

The two main branches of the trachea that lead directly into the lungs.

/ˌbrɒŋkiˈɛktəsɪs/

A condition in which the lungs' airways become damaged, making it hard to clear mucus.

/ˈbrɒŋkioʊlz/

The minute branches into which a bronchus divides, eventually leading to the alveoli.

/ˌbrɒŋkioʊˈlaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the bronchioles, common in infants and young children.

/brɒŋˈkaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes.

/brɒŋˈkɒɡrəfi/

Radiological examination of the bronchial tree after the injection of a radiopaque contrast medium.

/ˌbrɒŋkoʊnjuːˈmoʊniə/

Inflammation of the lungs, arising in the bronchi or bronchioles and spreading to the alveoli.

/ˈbrɒŋkəˌskoʊp/

A fiber-optic instrument inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea and bronchi for examination.

/brɒŋˈkɒskəpi/

An endoscopic technique of visualizing the inside of the airways for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

/ˈbrɒŋkoʊˌspæzəm/

Tightening of the muscles that line the airways (bronchi) in your lungs.

/ˈbrɒŋkəs/

Any of the major air passages of the lungs which diverge from the windpipe (trachea).

/braʊ/

The forehead, or the part of the face above the eyes.

/braʊn fæt/

A dark-colored adipose tissue with many blood vessels, specialized for rapid heat production (thermogenesis).

/bruːz/

An injury appearing as an area of discolored skin on the body, caused by a blow or impact rupturing underlying blood vessels.

/bruːˈiː/

An abnormal sound, such as a blowing or swishing noise, heard through a stethoscope over a peripheral artery.

/ˈbrʌksɪzəm/

The involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, usually during sleep.

/ˈbjuːboʊ/

A swollen, inflamed lymph node in the armpit or groin, characteristic of certain infections like the plague.

/ˈbʌkəl/

Relating to the cheek or the mouth cavity.

/ˈbʌksɪˌneɪtər/

A thin, broad muscle forming the wall of the cheek.

/ˈbʌfər/

A substance that minimizes change in the acidity (pH) of a solution when an acid or base is added.

/ˈbʌfər ˈsɪstəm/

A solution that resists changes in pH when acid or alkali is added to it.

/bʌlb/

A rounded dilation or expansion of a particular organ or part, such as the aortic bulb.

/ˈbʌlbər/

Relating to the medulla oblongata or to a bulb-shaped part.

/ˌbʌlboʊjʊˈriːθrəl ɡlænd/

A pea-sized gland in the male reproductive system that produces a clear, slippery fluid that empties directly into the urethra.

/buːˈlɪmiə/

An eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging.

/ˈbʊlə/

A large blister containing serous fluid, usually defined as being greater than 0.5 cm in diameter.

/ˈbʊləs/

Characterized by the presence of large blisters or bullae.

/ˈbʌndəl əv hɪs/

A collection of heart muscle cells specialized for electrical conduction that transmits impulses from the AV node.

/ˈbʌnjən/

A painful swelling of the first joint of the big toe.

/bɜːrn/

Tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or radiation.

/bɜːr hoʊl/

A hole drilled into the skull to allow access for surgical procedures or to relieve pressure.

/ˈbɜːrsə/

A fluid-filled sac or cavity, especially one located at joints to reduce friction.

/bɜːrˈsaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of a bursa.

/ˈbʌtək/

Either of the two round fleshy parts of the human body that form the bottom.