MedTerm Speak

/ˈaɪ bænd/

The region of a striated muscle sarcomere that contains only thin (actin) filaments; it appears light under a microscope.

/ˌaɪætrəˈdʒɛnɪk/

Relating to illness or complications caused by medical examination or treatment.

/ˌaɪbjuːˈproʊfɛn/

A common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation.

/ˈɪkθiɔɪd/

Resembling a fish; often used to describe skin that has a scaly appearance.

/ˌɪkθiˈoʊsɪs/

A group of genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, thickened, and scaly skin resembling fish scales.

/ˈɪktəl/

Relating to or caused by a physiological seizure or a stroke.

/ˈɪktərəs/

The medical term for jaundice; yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin.

/ɪd/

In psychoanalysis, the part of the mind in which innate instinctive impulses and primary processes are manifest.

/ˌaɪdiˈeɪʃən/

The formation of ideas or concepts, such as 'suicidal ideation,' which refers to thoughts about self-harm.

/aɪˈdɛntɪkəl twɪnz/

Twins developed from a single fertilized ovum (monozygotic), resulting in individuals of the same sex and nearly identical genetic makeup.

/ˌɪdiəˈpæθɪk/

Relating to any disease or condition which arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown.

/ˌɪdioʊˈsɪŋkrəsi/

An individual's unique and unexpected reaction to a drug or treatment.

/ˌaɪdɒksˈjʊərɪdiːn/

An antiviral drug used topically to treat herpes simplex infections, particularly of the eye.

/ˌɪliˈaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the ileum, the final section of the small intestine.

/ˌɪlioʊˈsiːkəl vælv/

The sphincter muscle situated at the junction of the ileum and the colon.

/ˌɪlioʊˈkɒlɪk/

Relating to the ileum and the colon.

/ˌɪlioʊˌprɒkˈtɒstəmi/

Surgical connection between the ileum and the rectum.

/ˌɪliˈɒstəmi/

A surgical opening constructed by bringing the end of the small intestine out onto the surface of the skin.

/ˈɪliəm/

The third and longest portion of the small intestine.

/ˈɪliəs/

A painful obstruction of the ileum or other part of the intestine, often due to lack of peristalsis.

/ˈɪliæk krɛst/

The curved superior border of the ilium (the large wing-like bone of the pelvis).

/ɪˈlaɪəkəs/

A flat, triangular muscle which fills the iliac fossa and acts to flex the hip.

/ˌɪlioʊˈfɛmərəl/

Relating to the ilium and the femur, such as the iliofemoral ligament (Bigelow's ligament).

/ˌɪlioʊˌhaɪpoʊˈɡæstrɪk nɜːrv/

A nerve originating from the lumbar plexus that supplies the abdominal muscles and skin of the hip and pubis.

/ˌɪlioʊˈsoʊəs/

The composite muscle formed by the psoas major and iliacus muscles; the strongest flexor of the hip.

/ˈɪliəm/

The large broad bone forming the upper part of each half of the pelvis.

/ɪˈluːʒən/

A thing that is or is likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses.

/ɪmˈbæləns/

A lack of proportion or relation between corresponding things, such as an 'electrolyte imbalance'.

/ˈɪmbəsɪl/

An archaic clinical term for a person with a moderate intellectual disability (no longer used in modern medicine).

/ˌɪmbɪˈbɪʃən/

The absorption of one substance by another, in particular the uptake of water by a plant or seed or a dental impression.

/ɪˌmoʊbɪlɪˈzeɪʃən/

The act of holding, suturing, or fastening a part in a fixed position, as with a splint or cast.

/ɪˈmjuːn ˈkɒmplɛks/

A molecule formed from the integral binding of an antibody to a soluble antigen.

/ɪˈmjuːn rɪˈspɒns/

The reaction of the cells and fluids of the body to the presence of a substance which is not recognized as a constituent of the body itself.

/ɪˈmjuːnɪti/

The ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies.

/ˌɪmjʊnɪˈzeɪʃən/

The process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine.

/ˌɪmjʊnoʊdɪˈfɪʃənsi/

Failure of the immune system to protect the body adequately from infection.

/ˌɪmjʊnoʊˈɡlɒbjʊlɪn/

Any of a class of proteins present in the serum and cells of the immune system, which function as antibodies.

/ˌɪmjʊˈnɒlədʒi/

The branch of medicine and biology concerned with immunity.

/ˌɪmjʊnoʊsəˈprɛʃən/

The partial or complete suppression of the immune response, often induced to prevent graft rejection.

/ˌɪmjʊnoʊˈθɛrəpi/

A type of medical treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight diseases like cancer.

/ɪmˈpæktɪd/

Pressed firmly together; used to describe a tooth that cannot emerge or a fracture where bone ends are driven into each other.

/ɪmˈpæktɪd tuːθ/

A tooth that is blocked from erupting through the gum by another tooth or bone.

/ɪmˈpɜːrfərət/

Lacking a normal opening; for example, an imperforate anus or hymen.

/ˌɪmpɪˈtaɪɡoʊ/

A contagious bacterial skin infection forming pustules and yellow crusty sores.

/ˌɪmplænˈteɪʃən/

The attachment of the fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus at the start of pregnancy.

/ˌɪmplænˈteɪʃən ˈbliːdɪŋ/

Light spotting that can occur when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.

/ˈɪmpətəns/

The inability in a man to achieve an erection or orgasm; also known as erectile dysfunction.

/ɪn ˈsaɪtjuː/

In its original place; for example, 'carcinoma in situ' refers to cancer that has not spread to neighboring tissue.

/ɪn ˈviːtroʊ/

A process performed or taking place in a test tube, culture dish, or elsewhere outside a living organism.

/ˈɪnbɔːrn ˈɛrər əv məˈtæbəˌlɪzəm/

A rare genetic disorder in which the body cannot properly turn food into energy.

/ɪnˈkɑːrsəˌreɪtɪd ˈhɜːrniə/

A hernia that is trapped in a way that it cannot be pushed back into the abdominal cavity.

/ˈɪnsɪdəns/

The frequency or rate of occurrence of a new disease in a population over a specific period.

/ɪnˈsɪʒən/

A surgical cut made in skin or flesh.

/ɪnˈsaɪzər/

A narrow-edged tooth at the front of the mouth, adapted for cutting.

/ɪnˈkɒntɪnəns/

Lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation.

/ˌɪnkjʊˈbeɪʃən/

The period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms.

/ˈɪnkjʊˌbeɪtər/

An apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions suitable for a newborn baby (especially one born prematurely) or for bacterial cultures.

/ˈɪŋkəs/

A small anvil-shaped bone in the middle ear, transmitting vibrations between the malleus and stapes.

/ˈɪŋkəs/

The anvil-shaped bone in the middle ear.

/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃən/

A valid reason to use a certain test, medication, or procedure.

/ˌɪndɪˈdʒɛstʃən/

Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen; also known as dyspepsia.

/ˌɪndjʊˈreɪʃən/

An abnormally hard spot or area on the skin or inside the body, often used to measure TB skin tests.

/ɪˈnɜːrt/

Lacking active properties; in pharmacology, an inactive ingredient in a pill.

/ˈɪnfənt mɔːrˈtælɪti reɪt/

The number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births.

/ˈɪnfəntaɪl pəˈræləsɪs/

An older name for poliomyelitis (polio).

/ɪnˈfæntɪˌlɪzəm/

A condition in which a person retains infantile physical or mental characteristics into adulthood.

/ɪnˈfɑːrkt/

An area of dead tissue caused by a lack of blood supply.

/ɪnˈfɑːrkʃən/

The obstruction of the blood supply to an organ or region of tissue, causing local death of the tissue (e.g., myocardial infarction).

/ɪnˈfɛkʃən/

The invasion and growth of germs in the body, such as bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi.

/ɪnˈfɛkʃən kənˈtroʊl/

Procedures and policies used in hospitals to prevent the spread of diseases.

/ɪnˈfɛkʃəs ˌmɒnoʊˌnuːkliˈoʊsɪs/

A contagious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, characterized by fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

/ɪnˈfɪəriər/

Anatomical term meaning lower in station or position; situated below another part.

/ɪnˈfɪəriər ˈviːnə ˈkeɪvə/

The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the right atrium of the heart.

/ɪnˌfɪəriˈɒrɪti ˈkɒmplɛks/

In psychology, an unrealistic feeling of general inadequacy.

/ˌɪnfərˈtɪlɪti/

The inability to conceive offspring in a woman or to induce conception in a man.

/ˌɪnfərˈtɪlɪti ˈspɛʃəlɪst/

A doctor (usually an endocrinologist) who helps couples with difficulty conceiving.

/ˌɪnfɪlˈtreɪʃən/

The diffusion or accumulation of a substance (like a fluid or drug) into tissues or cells.

/ˌɪnfləˈmeɪʃən/

A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, as a reaction to injury or infection.

/ɪnˈflæmətɔːri ˈbaʊəl dɪˈziːz/

IBD; a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis.

/ˌɪnfluˈɛnzə/

A highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing fever, severe aching, and catarrh.

/ɪnˈfɔːrmd kənˈsɛnt/

The process by which a patient learns about and agrees to the purpose, benefits, and risks of a medical procedure.

/ˌɪnfrəˈɔːrbɪtəl/

Situated beneath the orbit (eye socket).

/ˌɪnfrəspaɪˈneɪtəs/

A thick triangular muscle which occupies the chief part of the infraspinatous fossa of the scapula; part of the rotator cuff.

/ˌɪnfʌnˈdɪbjʊləm/

A funnel-shaped cavity or structure, such as the stalk connecting the pituitary gland to the brain.

/ɪnˈfjuːʒən/

The introduction of a fluid, such as saline or a drug, into the bloodstream or another body cavity.

/ɪnˈdʒɛstʃən/

The process of taking food, drink, or another substance into the body by swallowing it.

/ˈɪnɡroʊn neɪl/

A condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh.

/ˈɪŋɡwɪnəl/

Relating to the groin.

/ˈɪŋɡwɪnəl kəˈnæl/

A passage in the anterior abdominal wall that transmits the spermatic cord in males and the round ligament in females.

/ˈɪŋɡwɪnəl ˈhɜːrniə/

A condition in which soft tissue bulges through a weak point in the abdominal muscles, specifically in the groin area.

/ˌɪnhəˈleɪʃən/

The action of breathing in air or other vapors into the lungs.

/ɪnˈheɪlər/

A portable device for administering a drug that is to be breathed in, used especially for relieving asthma and other bronchial tube conditions.

/ˌɪnhɪˈbɪʃən/

The process of slowing down or preventing a chemical or physiological reaction.

/ɪnˈhɪbɪtər/

A substance that slows down or prevents a particular chemical reaction or other process.

/ˈɪniɒn/

The most prominent projection of the occipital bone at the posteroinferior (lower back) part of the skull.

/ɪˈnɪʃəl doʊs/

The first dose of a medication given to a patient; sometimes called a 'loading dose' if it is larger than subsequent doses.

/ɪnˈdʒɛktəbəl/

A medication that is capable of being injected into the body.

/ɪnˈdʒɛkʃən/

The act of forcing a liquid into a part of the body, usually through a needle.

/ˈɪndʒəri/

Harm or damage to the body caused by an external force or event.

/ˈɪnlɛt/

An entrance or passage; most commonly refers to the pelvic inlet, the upper opening of the true pelvis.

/ɪˈneɪt/

Inborn or natural; specifically refers to the 'innate immune system,' which is the body's first line of defense.

/ˈɪnər ɪər/

The semicircular canals and cochlea, which form the organs of balance and hearing.

/ˌɪnərˈveɪʃən/

The supply of nerves to a specific body part or organ.

/ˌɪnərˈveɪʃən/

The distribution or supply of nerves to a particular part of the body.

/ɪˌnɒkjʊˈleɪʃən/

The action of vaccinating or immunizing someone.

/ɪˈnɒkjʊləm/

A substance (such as a vaccine or bacteria) introduced into the body to produce or increase immunity.

/ɪnˈɒpərəbəl/

Not able to be treated or cured by surgical operation.

/ˌɪnɔːrˈɡænɪk/

Compounds that do not contain carbon; in medicine, refers to minerals like calcium or iron.

/ɪˈnoʊsɪtɒl/

A sugar-like substance found in the body and certain foods, often grouped with B vitamins.

/ˈɪnˌpeɪʃənt/

A patient who stays in a hospital while under treatment.

/ɪnˈsænɪti/

A legal term, rather than a medical one, used to denote a mental illness of such a severe nature that a person cannot distinguish fantasy from reality.

/ɪnˌsɛmɪˈneɪʃən/

The introduction of semen into the vagina or uterus by sexual intercourse or artificial means.

/ɪnˈsɪdiəs/

Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with very harmful effects; used to describe diseases like glaucoma.

/ˈɪnsaɪt/

In psychiatry, the capacity to understand one's own mental health condition.

/ɪnˈsɒljʊbəl/

Impossible to dissolve, particularly in water or blood.

/ɪnˈsɒmniə/

Habitual sleeplessness; inability to sleep.

/ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən/

The act of drawing air into the lungs; inhalation.

/ˌɪnstɪˈleɪʃən/

The process of putting a liquid, such as eye drops, into a body cavity drop by drop.

/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/

An innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals or humans in response to certain stimuli.

/ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənsi/

The condition of being inadequate for a given purpose, such as 'venous insufficiency' or 'renal insufficiency'.

/ˌɪnsəˈfleɪʃən/

The act of blowing something (such as a gas, powder, or vapor) into a body cavity.

/ˈɪnsʊlɪn/

A hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.

/ˈɪnsəlɪn rɪˈzɪstəns/

A condition in which cells in the muscles, fat, and liver don't respond well to insulin and can't easily take up glucose from the blood.

/ˈɪnsəlɪn ʃɒk/

A state of severe hypoglycemia caused by an overdose of insulin or a lack of food, leading to coma or convulsions.

/ˌɪnsəlɪˈnoʊmə/

A tumor in the pancreas that produces excessive amounts of insulin, causing low blood sugar.

/ɪnˈtɛɡjʊmənt/

A tough outer protective layer, especially the skin of an animal or human.

/ɪnˈtɛnsɪv kɛər ˈjuːnɪt/

A specialized department of a hospital that provides intensive care medicine (ICU).

/ɪnˈtɜːrkəˌleɪtɪd dɪsk/

Microscopic identifying features of cardiac muscle that help the heart pump as a single unit.

/ˌɪntərˈkɒndɪlər/

Situated between condyles (the rounded prominences at the end of some bones).

/ˌɪntərˈkɒstəl/

Situated between the ribs.

/ˌɪntərˈkʌrənt/

A disease or condition that occurs during the course of another disease.

/ˌɪntərdɪdʒɪˈteɪʃən/

The interlocking of finger-like processes from adjacent structures.

/ˌɪntərˈfɪərɒn/

A protein released by animal cells, usually in response to the entry of a virus, which has the property of inhibiting virus replication.

/ˌɪntərˈfɪərɒn/

Proteins produced by cells in response to a virus that help block the virus from reproducing.

/ˌɪntərˈluːkɪn/

Any of a class of glycoproteins produced by leukocytes for regulating immune responses.

/ˌɪntərˈloʊbər/

Situated between the lobes of an organ, such as the lungs or kidneys.

/ˌɪntərˈmɪtənt/

Stopping and starting at intervals; not continuous.

/ˌɪntərˈmɪtənt ˌklɔːdɪˈkeɪʃən/

Cramping pain in the leg is induced by exercise, typically caused by obstruction of the arteries.

/ɪnˈtɜːrnəl ˈmɛdsən/

The medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and medical treatment of adults.

/ˌɪntərˈnjʊərɒn/

A neuron which transmits impulses between other neurons, especially as part of a reflex arc.

/ɪnˈtɜːrnɪst/

A specialist in internal medicine.

/ˌɪntərˈɒsiəs/

Situated between bones, such as the interosseous muscles of the hand.

/ˌɪntərfəˈlændʒiəl/

Relating to the joints between the phalanges (bones) of the fingers or toes.

/ˈɪntərfeɪz/

The resting phase between successive mitotic divisions of a cell, or between the first and second divisions of meiosis.

/ˌɪntərˈsɛptəl/

Situated between two septa (partitions).

/ˌɪntərˈstɪʃəl/

Relating to the small, narrow spaces between tissues or organs.

/ˌɪntərˈstɪʃəl ˈfluːɪd/

The fluid found in the spaces around cells, which comes from substances that leak out of blood capillaries.

/ˌɪntərˈtraɪɡoʊ/

Inflammation or rash caused by skin-to-skin friction, most common in skin folds.

/ˌɪntərvɛnˈtrɪkjʊlər/

Located between the ventricles of the heart.

/ˌɪntərˈvɜːrtɪbrəl dɪsk/

A fibrocartilaginous cushion between adjacent vertebrae in the spinal column.

/ɪnˈtɛstɪnəl ˈflɔːrə/

The complex community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans.

/ɪnˈtɛstɪn/

The lower part of the alimentary canal from the stomach to the anus.

/ˈɪntɪmə/

The innermost coat of an organ, vessel, or part, especially a blood vessel (tunica intima).

/ɪnˈtɒlərəns/

Inability to eat a food or take a drug without adverse effects (e.g., lactose intolerance).

/ɪnˌtɒksɪˈkeɪʃən/

The state of being poisoned by a drug or other toxic substance, especially alcohol.

/ˌɪntrəæbˈdɒmɪnəl/

Situated within the abdomen.

/ˌɪntrəɑːrˈtɪkjʊlər/

Situated within or administered into a joint.

/ˌɪntrəˈsɛljʊlər/

Located or occurring within a cell or cells.

/ˌɪntrəˈkreɪniəl ˈprɛʃər/

The pressure exerted by fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull and on the brain tissue (ICP).

/ɪnˈtræktəbəl/

Difficult to manage or cure, such as intractable pain.

/ˌɪntrəˈdɜːrməl/

Within the layers of the skin.

/ˌɪntrəˌɛpɪˈθiːliəl/

Occurring within the epithelium (the thin layer of tissue on the surface of organs).

/ˌɪntrəˈmʌskjʊlər/

Situated in, or administered by entering a muscle.

/ˌɪntrəˈneɪzəl/

Within the nose or administered through the nose.

/ˌɪntrəˈɒkjʊlər/

Within the eyeball.

/ˌɪntrəˈθiːkəl/

Injected into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.

/ˌɪntrəˈjuːtərɪn/

Situated or occurring within the uterus.

/ˌɪntrəˈviːnəs/

Situated within, or administered into, a vein or veins (IV).

/ɪnˈtrɪnzɪk/

Belonging naturally to a part; inherent.

/ɪnˈtrɪnzɪk ˈfæktər/

A substance produced by the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.

/ˌɪntjuːˈbeɪʃən/

The insertion of a tube into a person's body, especially the trachea to maintain an open airway.

/ˌɪntəsəˈsɛpʃən/

The inversion of one portion of the intestine within another, which can cause obstruction.

/ˈɪnjʊlɪn/

A starch-like carbohydrate used in a clinical test to measure the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the kidneys.

/ɪˈnʌŋkʃən/

The act of rubbing an ointment or lotion into the skin.

/ɪnˌvædʒɪˈneɪʃən/

The process of being folded in or telescopic, as in the case of certain embryonic developments or an intussusception.

/ɪnˌvædʒɪˈneɪʃən/

The folding of one part within another, like a pouch.

/ɪnˈveɪsɪv/

Medical procedures requiring the entry of a body cavity or interruption of normal body functions; also used to describe aggressive cancers.

/ɪnˈvɜːrʒən/

A turning inward or inside out, such as the inward movement of the foot at the ankle joint.

/ɪnˈvɒləntɛri/

Done without conscious control; specifically, the action of smooth and cardiac muscles or autonomic reflexes.

/ˌɪnvəˈluːʃən/

The shrinkage of an organ in old age or when inactive, such as the uterus after childbirth.

/ˈaɪədaɪn/

A chemical element essential for the production of thyroid hormones; also used as a topical antiseptic.

/aɪˌɒntəfəˈriːsɪs/

A technique using a small electric charge to deliver a medicine or other chemical through the skin.

/ˌɪpsɪˈlætərəl/

Belonging to or occurring on the same side of the body.

/ˌɪrɪˈdɛktəmi/

Surgical removal of part of the iris of the eye.

/ˌɪrɪdoʊsaɪˈklaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the iris and the ciliary body of the eye.

/ˌɪrɪˈdɒlədʒi/

The study of the iris of the eye, especially as a diagnostic tool in alternative medicine (though not scientifically proven).

/ˈaɪrɪs/

The flat, colored, ring-shaped membrane behind the cornea of the eye, with an adjustable circular opening (pupil) in the center.

/aɪˈraɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the iris of the eye.

/ˈaɪərn dɪˈfɪʃənsi əˈniːmiə/

A condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells because of a lack of iron.

/ɪˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən/

Exposure to radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, often used in cancer treatment.

/ˌɪrɪˈdjuːsəbəl/

In surgery, a hernia that cannot be returned to its original position by manual manipulation.

/ˌɪrɪˈɡeɪʃən/

The washing out of a body cavity or wound with a stream of water or other fluid.

/ˈɪrɪtəbəl ˈbaʊəl ˈsɪndroʊm/

An intestinal disorder (IBS) causing pain in the belly, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

/ɪˈskiːmiə/

An inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles.

/ˈɪskiəm/

The curved bone forming the base of each half of the pelvis; the 'sit bone'.

/ˈaɪlət sɛlz/

Groups of cells in the pancreas (Islets of Langerhans) that produce hormones like insulin and glucagon.

/ˌaɪsəˈtɒnɪk/

A solution having the same osmotic pressure as some other solution, especially one in a cell or a body fluid.

/ˈaɪsətoʊp/

Forms of an element with different numbers of neutrons; radioactive isotopes are used in medical imaging and treatment.

/ˈɪsməs/

A narrow organ, passage, or piece of tissue connecting two larger parts, such as the one connecting the two lobes of the thyroid.

/ɪtʃ/

An uncomfortable sensation on the skin that causes a desire to scratch; clinically known as pruritus.