MedTerm Speak

/ˌdækrioʊsɪˈstaɪtɪs/

Infection of the tear sac (lacrimal sac), usually caused by a blockage in the tear duct.

/ˈdæktɪl/

A digit; a finger or a toe.

/ˌdæktɪˈlaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of an entire digit (finger or toe), often associated with sickle cell disease or psoriatic arthritis.

/ˈdɔːltənɪzəm/

An older term for red-green color blindness.

/ˈdɑːrtoʊs/

The thin layer of smooth muscle fiber in the subcutaneous tissue of the scrotum.

/ˈdɛfnəs/

The condition of lacking the power of hearing or having very little hearing.

/diːˌæmɪˈneɪʃən/

The removal of an amino group from an amino acid or other compound, primarily occurring in the liver.

/dɛθ/

The permanent cessation of all vital functions; in clinical medicine, often defined by the cessation of brain activity.

/dɪˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃən/

The state of being weak or feeble.

/dɪˈbriːdmənt/

The medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to improve the healing potential of the remaining healthy tissue.

/diːˈsɛrɪbrət/

Relating to a state of unconsciousness with a specific rigid posture, indicating severe brain damage at the level of the brainstem.

/diːˌsɛrɪˈbreɪʃən/

The elimination of cerebral function by transecting the brainstem or by severing the blood supply to the brain.

/dɪˈsɪdʒuə/

The thick layer of modified mucous membrane which lines the uterus during pregnancy and is shed with the afterbirth.

/dɪˈsɪdʒuəs tiːθ/

The first set of teeth in humans and other mammals; commonly known as baby teeth or milk teeth.

/ˌdiːkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/

The process of decaying; the breakdown of complex substances into simpler forms.

/ˌdiːkəmˈprɛʃən/

The reduction of pressure, or a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on an organ or structure (e.g., the spinal cord).

/ˌdiːkəmˈprɛʃən ˈsɪknəs/

A condition caused by dissolved gases coming out of solution into bubbles inside the body on depressurization (also known as 'the bends').

/ˌdiːkənˈdʒɛstənt/

A type of pharmaceutical drug used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract.

/dɪˈkjuːbɪtəs ˈʌlsər/

A pressure sore or bedsore caused by prolonged pressure on the skin.

/diːp veɪn θrɒmˈboʊsɪs/

A blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, most commonly in the lower legs or thighs (DVT).

/ˌdɛfɪˈkeɪʃən/

The discharge of feces from the body.

/ˌdɛfɪˈkoʊɡræm/

An X-ray study of the anus and rectum during the process of defecation to evaluate functional disorders.

/dɪˈfɛns ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/

An unconscious psychological strategy used to protect a person from anxiety arising from unacceptable thoughts or feelings.

/dɪˈfɛnsɪnz/

Small cysteine-rich cationic proteins found in both vertebrates and invertebrates that function as host defense peptides.

/ˌdɛfərˈvɛsəns/

The period of an illness during which a fever subsides.

/diːˌfɪbrɪˈleɪʃən/

The stopping of fibrillation of the heart by administering a controlled electric shock.

/dɪˈfɪʃənsi/

A lack or shortage, especially of a nutrient or hormone necessary for health.

/dɪˈfɔːrmɪti/

A permanent structural deviation from the normal shape or size of a body part.

/dɪˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃən/

The gradual deterioration of specific tissues, cells, or organs with corresponding loss of function.

/dɪˈdʒɛnərətɪv dʒɔɪnt dɪˈziːz/

Another name for osteoarthritis, characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage.

/ˌdiːɡluːˈtɪʃən/

The action or process of swallowing.

/ˌdiːɡluːˈtɪʃən ˈæpniə/

The temporary cessation of breathing during the act of swallowing.

/dɪˈhɪsəns/

The splitting or bursting open of a wound, typically a surgical incision.

/ˌdiːhaɪˈdreɪʃən/

A harmful reduction in the amount of water in the body.

/diːˌhaɪdroʊˌɛpiˌændrəˈstɪəroʊn/

DHEA; a natural steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones.

/dɪˈlɪriəm/

An acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence, occurring in intoxication or fever.

/ˈdɛltɔɪd/

The large, triangular muscle covering the shoulder joint.

/dɪˈmɛnʃə/

A chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury.

/dɪˈmɛnʃə ˈpriːkɒks/

An obsolete term for schizophrenia.

/dɪˈmɒɡrəfi/

The study of statistics such as births, deaths, income, or the incidence of disease, which illustrate the changing structure of human populations.

/dɪˈmʌlsənt/

A substance that relieves irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth or throat by forming a protective film.

/diːˈmaɪəlɪneɪt/

To remove or destroy the myelin sheath of a nerve or nerves.

/diːˌmaɪəlɪˈneɪʃən/

Damage to the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

/ˈdɛndraɪt/

A short branched extension of a nerve cell, along which impulses received from other cells are transmitted to the cell body.

/dɛnˈdrɪtɪk sɛl/

A special type of immune cell that boosts immune responses by showing antigens on its surface to other cells of the immune system.

/ˌdiːnərˈveɪʃən/

Loss of nerve supply to a body part, which can lead to muscle atrophy.

/dɛnz/

A tooth-like projection, specifically the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra (axis).

/dɛnˈtældʒə/

The medical term for a toothache.

/ˈdɛntɪfrɪs/

A paste or powder for cleaning the teeth; toothpaste.

/ˈdɛntɪn/

Hard dense bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth, beneath the enamel.

/ˈdɛntʃər/

A removable plate or frame holding one or more artificial teeth.

/dɪˈpɛndənsi/

The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something, often used regarding substance use.

/diːˌpɜːrsənəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

A mental state in which a person feels detached from their own body or mental processes.

/ˌdɛpɪˈleɪʃən/

The removal of hair, especially by chemical or mechanical means.

/diːˌpoʊləraɪˈzeɪʃən/

A change within a cell during which the cell undergoes a shift in electric charge distribution, essential for nerve impulse transmission.

/dɪˈprɛsənt/

A drug that lowers neurotransmission levels, which is to depress or reduce arousal or stimulation.

/dɪˈprɛʃən/

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest; also a physical hollow or dip in a surface.

/dɪˈprɛsər/

A muscle that pulls down a part of the body; also an instrument used to push a part down (e.g., a tongue depressor).

/ˌdɜːrməˈbreɪʒən/

The removal of superficial layers of skin with a rapidly revolving abrasive tool, used in cosmetic surgery.

/ˌdɜːrməˈtaɪtɪs/

A general term for inflammation of the skin.

/ˌdɜːrmətoʊˈɡlɪfɪks/

The study of skin markings or patterns on fingers, hands, and feet (fingerprints).

/ˌdɜːrməˈtɒlədʒɪst/

A medical practitioner qualified to diagnose and treat skin disorders.

/ˈdɜːrməˌtoʊm/

An area of the skin supplied by nerves from a single spinal root.

/ˈdɜːrməˌtoʊm/

A surgical instrument used to cut thin slices of skin for grafting; also refers to an area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve.

/ˌdɜːrmətoʊmaɪəˈsaɪtɪs/

An inflammatory disease marked by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash.

/ˌdɜːrmətoʊfaɪˈtoʊsɪs/

A fungal infection of the skin, such as ringworm or athlete's foot.

/ˌdɜːrməˈtoʊsɪs/

A disease of the skin, especially one that does not cause inflammation.

/ˈdɜːrmɪs/

The thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis that forms the true skin, containing blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles.

/ˌdɜːrməˈɡræfɪzm/

A condition in which light scratches on the skin cause raised, red wheals (skin writing).

/ˈdɛsəˌmeɪz ˈmɛmbreɪn/

The basement membrane that lies between the corneal proper substance and the endothelial layer of the cornea.

/dɪˈsɛnsəs/

The falling or lowering of an organ from its normal position; a prolapse.

/diːˌsɛnsɪtɪˈzeɪʃən/

The process of reducing sensitivity or reactivity, often used in allergy treatment or psychological therapy.

/ˌdɛsɪˈkeɪʃən/

The state of extreme dryness, or the process of extreme drying.

/ˈdɛzmɔɪd/

Fibrous or firm; used to describe a type of connective tissue tumor.

/ˈdɛzmɔɪd ˈtuːmər/

A noncancerous growth that develops in the connective tissue that provides strength and flexibility to structures such as bones and muscles.

/ˈdɛzməˌsoʊm/

A structure by which two adjacent cells are attached, formed from protein plaques in the cell membranes linked by filaments.

/ˌdɛskwəˈmeɪʃən/

The shedding or peeling of the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis).

/dɪˈtætʃt ˈrɛtɪnə/

An emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position.

/diːˌtɒksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

The process of removing toxic substances or qualities, typically performed by the liver.

/dɪˈtruːsər ˈmʌsəl/

The smooth muscle found in the wall of the bladder that contracts to expel urine.

/ˈdɛkstrən/

A complex branched polysaccharide used as an antithrombotic and to expand plasma volume in hypovolemic shock.

/ˌdɛkstroʊˈkɑːrdiə/

A rare congenital condition in which the apex of the heart is located on the right side of the body.

/ˈdɛkstroʊs/

The name of a simple sugar that is made from corn and is chemically identical to glucose (blood sugar).

/ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz ˈmɛlɪtəs/

A disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated glucose levels.

/ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs/

The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.

/ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs rɪˈleɪtɪd ɡruːp/

A system (DRG) to classify hospital cases into one of approximately 500 groups, used for reimbursement purposes.

/daɪˈæləˌseɪt/

The part of a mixture that passes through the membrane in dialysis.

/daɪˈælɪsɪs/

The clinical purification of blood as a substitute for the normal function of the kidney.

/ˌdaɪəpəˈdiːsɪs/

The passage of blood cells through the intact walls of the capillaries, typically accompanying inflammation.

/ˌdaɪəfəˈriːsɪs/

Sweating, especially to an unusual degree as a symptom of disease or a side effect of a drug.

/ˈdaɪəˌfræm/

A dome-shaped, muscular partition separating the thorax from the abdomen; it plays a major role in breathing.

/ˌdaɪəfræɡˈmætɪk ˈhɜːrniə/

A birth defect where there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity.

/daɪˈæfɪsɪs/

The shaft or central part of a long bone.

/ˌdaɪəˈriːə/

A condition in which feces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form.

/ˌdaɪɑːrˈθroʊsɪs/

A form of articulation (joint) that permits free movement; a synovial joint.

/daɪˈæstəli/

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood.

/ˌdaɪəˈstɒlɪk ˈprɛʃər/

The minimum arterial pressure during relaxation and dilatation of the ventricles of the heart.

/ˈdaɪəˌθɜːrmi/

A medical and surgical technique involving the production of heat in a part of the body by high-frequency electric currents.

/daɪˈæθəsɪs/

A hereditary or constitutional predisposition to a very specific disease or condition.

/ˌdaɪkroʊˈmætɪk/

Having or exhibiting two colors; in vision, a form of color blindness where only two of the three primary colors can be seen.

/ˌdaɪəˈtɛtɪks/

The branch of knowledge concerned with the diet and its effects on health.

/ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl kaʊnt/

A test that measures the number of each type of white blood cell in the body.

/dɪˈfjuːʒən/

The spreading of something more widely; in biology, the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

/daɪˈdʒɛstʃən/

The process of breaking down food by mechanical and enzymatic action in the alimentary canal into substances that can be used by the body.

/ˈdɪdʒɪt/

A finger or a toe.

/ˌdɪdʒɪˈtælɪs/

A drug prepared from the dried leaves of foxglove, used to stimulate the heart muscle and treat heart failure.

/ˌdaɪləˈteɪʃən/

The action of stretching or enlarging an organ or part beyond its normal dimensions.

/daɪˈɒtɪk/

Relating to or affecting both ears.

/ˌdɪploʊˈkɒkəs/

A bacterium that occurs as pairs of cocci, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.

/ˈdɪplɔɪd/

Containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

/dɪˈploʊpiə/

Technical term for double vision.

/ˌdɪpsəˈmeɪniə/

An historical term for an uncontrollable craving for alcoholic beverages.

/daɪˈsækəˌraɪd/

Any of a class of sugars whose molecules contain two monosaccharide residues, such as sucrose or lactose.

/dɪsɑːrˌtɪkjʊˈleɪʃən/

Amputation through a joint, without cutting through bone.

/dɪˈskaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the intervertebral disc space, often caused by infection.

/dɪˈskɒɡrəfi/

An imaging test used to evaluate back pain, involving the injection of contrast dye into a spinal disc.

/dɪˈskriːt/

In clinical observation, describing lesions or spots that are separate and do not run together.

/ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛktənt/

A chemical liquid that destroys bacteria, used on non-living surfaces.

/ˌdɪsloʊˈkeɪʃən/

Injury or disability caused when the normal position of a joint or other part of the body is disturbed.

/dɪsˌɔːriənˈteɪʃən/

A state of mental confusion as to time, place, or identity.

/dɪˈspɛnsəri/

A room or facility where medicines are prepared and provided.

/dɪˈsɛkʃən/

The action of cutting something open, especially a body or plant, to study its internal parts; also refers to a tear in the wall of an artery.

/dɪˈsɛmɪˌneɪtɪd/

Scattered or distributed throughout an organ or the entire body.

/dɪˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən/

A mental process of disconnecting from one's thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity.

/ˈdɪstəl/

Situated farthest from the center, median line, or point of attachment or origin.

/dɪˈstɛnʃən/

The state of being enlarged, swollen, or stretched from internal pressure.

/ˌdaɪjʊˈriːsɪs/

Increased or excessive production of urine.

/ˌdaɪjʊˈrɛtɪk/

A substance that promotes the production of urine.

/ˌdaɪvərtɪkjʊˈlaɪtɪs/

Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract.

/ˌdaɪvərˈtɪkjʊləm/

An abnormal sac or pouch formed at a weak point in the wall of the alimentary tract or other hollow organ.

/ˈdɒmɪnənt dʒiːn/

A gene that expresses its phenotype even when paired with a different allele.

/ˈdoʊnər/

A person who provides blood, an organ, or other biological tissue for use in another person.

/ˈdoʊpəˌmiːn/

A compound present in the body as a neurotransmitter and a precursor of other substances including epinephrine.

/ˈdɔːrsəl/

Relating to the upper side or back of an animal, plant, or organ.

/ˌdɔːrsɪˈflɛkʃən/

Backward flexion or bending, as of the hand or foot.

/ˈdɔːrsəm/

The back of the body or the upper surface of an organ (e.g., the dorsum of the hand).

/ˈdoʊsɪdʒ/

The size or frequency of a dose of a medicine or drug.

/doʊs/

A quantity of a medicine or drug taken or recommended to be taken at a particular time.

/duːʃ/

A stream of water or air directed against or into a body cavity or part, often for medicinal or hygienic purposes.

/daʊn ˈsɪndroʊm/

A genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21.

/dræˈʒeɪ/

A sugar-coated pill or capsule used to mask the taste of a bitter medicine.

/ˈdreɪnɪdʒ/

The removal of fluids from a wound or body cavity, often using a tube or wick.

/drɑːft/

A single liquid dose of a medicine to be swallowed; a potion.

/ˈdrɛsɪŋ/

A sterile pad or compress applied to a wound to promote healing and protect the wound from further harm.

/drɪp/

The continuous slow administration of a fluid, such as saline or a drug, into a vein.

/draɪv/

In psychology, an urgent basic need or instinctual impulse that motivates behavior.

/ˌdroʊməˈtrɒpɪk/

Affecting the speed of conduction of electrical impulses in the heart.

/ˈdrɒpsi/

An old-fashioned term for edema; the swelling of soft tissues due to the accumulation of excess water.

/drʌɡ/

A substance used as a medicine or used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease.

/draɪ ˈsɒkɪt/

A painful dental condition (alveolar osteitis) that can occur after a tooth extraction if the blood clot fails to form or is dislodged.

/duːˈʃɛn ˈmʌskjʊlər ˈdɪstrəfi/

A severe form of muscular dystrophy caused by a genetic defect, primarily affecting boys, characterized by rapid muscle degeneration.

/dʌkt/

A tube or vessel of the body through which fluids pass, such as bile or tears.

/ˈdʌktlɪs ɡlænd/

An endocrine gland that secretes its products (hormones) directly into the blood rather than through a duct.

/ˈdʌktjuːl/

A very small duct or channel.

/ˈdʌktəs ɑːrˌtɪəriˈoʊsəs/

A blood vessel in the fetus connecting the pulmonary artery directly to the ascending aorta; it normally closes shortly after birth.

/ˈdʌlɪŋ/

The reduction of the intensity of a sensation, such as pain.

/ˈdʌmnəs/

An obsolete term for mutism; the inability or refusal to speak.

/ˌdjuːoʊdəˈnaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

/ˌdjuːoʊdəˈnɒstəmi/

A surgical procedure to create an opening into the duodenum.

/ˌdjuːəˈdiːnəm/

The first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach.

/dʊˌpwiːˈtrɑːnz kənˈtræktʃər/

A condition in which one or more fingers become permanently bent in a flexed position due to thickening of tissue in the palm.

/ˈdjʊərə ˈmeɪtər/

The tough outermost membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cord.

/ˈdwɔːrfɪzəm/

A condition of being abnormally small in stature, often resulting from a genetic or medical condition.

/ˌdaɪnəˈmɒmɪtər/

An instrument used to measure the strength of a muscle contraction, typically the grip strength.

/dɪsˈɑːrθriə/

Difficult or unclear articulation of speech that is otherwise linguistically normal, due to neurological damage.

/ˌdɪsˌɔːtəˈnoʊmiə/

A disorder of autonomic nervous system function, involving failure of the sympathetic or parasympathetic systems.

/ˌdɪskælˈkjuːliə/

A specific learning disability that affects a person's ability to understand number-based information and math.

/ˌdɪskɒndroʊˈpleɪziə/

An abnormal development of cartilage, often resulting in tumors or deformities in the bones.

/dɪsˈkreɪziə/

An abnormal or diseased state of the body, especially in relation to the blood.

/disˈkrāzhə/

An old medical term now used to describe an abnormal or pathological condition of the blood.

/ˈdɪsəntri/

Infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the feces.

/ˌdɪsɛsˈθiːziə/

An abnormal, unpleasant sense of touch, often felt as burning, tingling, or electric shocks.

/dɪsˈfʌŋkʃən/

Abnormality or impairment in the function of a specified bodily organ or system.

/dɪsˈɡræfiə/

A learning disability that affects writing abilities, including spelling, handwriting, and organizing ideas.

/ˌdɪskɪˈniːziə/

Involuntary, erratic, writhing movements of the face, arms, legs, or trunk.

/dɪsˈlɛksiə/

A learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words.

/ˌdɪslɪpɪˈdiːmiə/

An abnormal amount of lipids (e.g., cholesterol and/or fat) in the blood.

/ˌdɪsmɛnəˈriːə/

Painful menstruation, typically involving abdominal cramps.

/dɪsˈmɛtriə/

A lack of coordination of movement typified by the undershoot or overshoot of intended position with a limb.

/dɪsˈmɔːrfiə/

A deformity or abnormality in the shape or size of a specified part of the body.

/ˌdɪsmaɪəlɪˈneɪʃən/

The defective formation or maintenance of the myelin sheath of nerve fibers.

/dɪˈsoʊpiə/

Defective or impaired vision.

/ˌdɪsɒˈrɛksiə/

An abnormal or impaired appetite.

/dɪˈsɒzmiə/

Any alteration or distortion in the perception of smell.

/ˌdɪsɒˈstoʊsɪs/

Defective formation of bone.

/ˌdɪspəˈruːniə/

Difficult or painful sexual intercourse.

/dɪsˈpɛpsiə/

Indigestion; a vague feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen after eating.

/dɪsˈfeɪdʒiə/

Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, as a symptom of disease.

/dɪsˈfeɪziə/

Language disorder marked by deficiency in the generation of speech, and sometimes also in its comprehension, due to brain disease or injury.

/dɪsˈfoʊniə/

Difficulty in speaking due to a physical disorder of the mouth, tongue, throat, or vocal cords.

/dɪsˈfɔːriə/

A state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied; the opposite of euphoria.

/dɪsˈpleɪziə/

The presence of cells of an abnormal type within a tissue, which may signify a stage preceding development of cancer.

/dɪspˈniːə/

Difficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath.

/dɪspˈniːə/

Difficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath.

/dɪspˈniːɪk/

Relating to or suffering from dyspnea (shortness of breath).

/dɪsˈtoʊsiə/

Difficult birth, typically caused by a large or awkwardly positioned fetus, or by smallness of the maternal pelvis.

/dɪsˈtoʊniə/

A state of abnormal muscle tone resulting in muscular spasm and abnormal posture, typically due to neurological disease.

/ˈdɪstrəfɪn/

A protein found in muscle fibers; its absence leads to muscular dystrophy.

/ˈdɪstrəfi/

A disorder in which an organ or tissue of the body wastes away.

/dɪsˈjʊəriə/

Painful or difficult urination.