MedTerm Speak

/ˈlæsəreɪtɪd wuːnd/

A wound produced by the tearing of soft body tissue.

/ˌlækrɪˈmeɪʃən/

The secretion of tears, especially in excess.

/ˈlæktiəl/

The lymphatic vessels of the small intestine which absorb digested fats.

/lækˈtɪfərəs dʌkt/

Ducts that drain the mammary glands and carry milk to the nipple.

/ˌlæktoʊbəˈsɪləs/

A genus of beneficial bacteria that convert sugars into lactic acid.

/ˈlæktoʊs brɛθ tɛst/

A test used to diagnose lactose intolerance by measuring hydrogen levels in the breath.

/ləˈkjuːnər stroʊk/

A type of ischemic stroke that occurs when the small arteries in the brain become blocked.

/ˈleɪətrɪl/

A controversial substance sometimes promoted as an alternative cancer treatment (Vitamin B17).

/ˈlæmˌdɔɪd ˈsuːtʃər/

The connection between the parietal bones and the occipital bone at the back of the skull.

/ləˈmɛlə/

A thin layer, membrane, or plate-like structure (e.g., in bone tissue).

/ˈlæmɪnə/

A thin layer or flat plate; in the spine, it forms the back part of the vertebral arch.

/ˈlæmɪnə ˈproʊpriə/

A thin layer of loose connective tissue which lies beneath the epithelium.

/læns/

To cut or open with a lancet, typically to drain an abscess.

/ˈlænsɪt/

A small, broad, two-edged surgical knife or needle used to obtain blood samples.

/lænˈduːzi ˌdeɪʒəˈriːn ˈdɪstrəfi/

Also known as Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

/ˈlɑːŋərhɑːnz sɛlz/

Dendritic cells in the skin that help with the immune response.

/ˌlæpərəˈskɒpɪkli əˈsɪstɪd/

A procedure performed partly through a laparoscope and partly through an incision.

/lɑːrdʒ ɪnˈtɛstɪn/

The cecum, colon, and rectum collectively; responsible for water absorption.

/ləˈrɪndʒiəl nɜːrv/

Nerves that supply the muscles of the larynx.

/ˌlærɪnˈdʒɛktəmi/

Surgical removal of the larynx (voice box).

/ləˈrɪŋɡoʊˌsiːl/

A congenital anomalous air sac communicating with the cavity of the larynx.

/ləˌrɪŋɡoʊfəˈrɪndʒiəl ˈriːflʌks/

LPR; 'Silent reflux' where stomach acid reaches the throat.

/ləˌrɪŋɡoʊˈfærɪŋks/

The lower part of the pharynx, just above the larynx and esophagus.

/ləˈrɪŋɡoʊˌspæzəm/

A brief, temporary closure of the vocal cords that can obstruct breathing.

/ˌlærɪŋˈɡɒtəmi/

Surgical incision into the larynx.

/ˈlærɪŋks ˈkænsər/

Malignant cells forming in the tissues of the larynx.

/ˈleɪzər ˈsɜːrdʒəri/

The use of a laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) to cut or destroy tissue.

/ˈleɪsɪk/

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis; a type of refractive surgery for correcting vision.

/ˈlæsɪtjuːd/

A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy.

/ˈleɪtənsi/

The period between exposure to a pathogen or stimulus and the clinical appearance of symptoms.

/ˈleɪtənt ˈpɪəriəd/

The time between exposure to radiation or a toxin and the onset of symptoms.

/ˈlætərəl/

Anatomical term meaning toward the side of the body, away from the midline.

/ˈlætərəl ˌɛpɪˌkɒndɪˈlaɪtɪs/

Commonly known as tennis elbow; inflammation of the outer elbow tendons.

/ˈlætərəl məˈliːələs/

The bony prominence on the outer side of the ankle (part of the fibula).

/ˈlætərəl rɪˈkʌmbənt/

Lying on one side.

/ləˌtɪsɪməs ˈdɔːrsaɪ/

The broad, flat muscle of the lower back; the largest muscle in the upper body.

/ləˈvɑːʒ/

The washing out of a body cavity, such as the stomach or lungs, with water or a medicated solution.

/ləˈvɑːʒ ˈɡæstrɪk/

Commonly called 'stomach pumping'; cleaning out the contents of the stomach.

/ˈlæksətɪv/

A substance that facilitates or stimulates the evacuation of the bowels.

/liːd/

In cardiology, a wire or electrode that connects a heart monitor to the body.

/lɛd laɪn/

A bluish-grey line on the gums indicating chronic lead poisoning.

/lɛd ˈpɔɪzənɪŋ/

A medical condition caused by an increased level of lead in the body, which can affect the brain and nervous system.

/ˈleɪbərz həˈrɛdɪˌtɛri ˈɒptɪk njʊˈrɒpəθi/

A mitochondrial genetic disease causing sudden vision loss.

/ˈlɛsɪθɪn/

A group of fatty substances found in plant and animal tissues; essential for cell membranes.

/ləˈfɔːrt ˈfræktʃər/

A classification system for fractures of the midface (maxilla).

/lɛft ˈeɪtriəm/

One of the four chambers of the heart; receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.

/lɛft ˈbʌndəl bræntʃ blɒk/

LBBB; an abnormality in the heart's electrical conduction system that delays activation of the left ventricle.

/lɛft ˈvɛntrɪkəl/

The heart chamber that pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

/lɛɡ kælˈveɪ ˈpɜːrθiːz/

A childhood condition where the ball of the hip joint temporarily loses blood supply.

/ˌliːdʒəˈnɛərz dɪˈziːz/

A severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.

/ˌlaɪoʊmaɪˈoʊmə/

A benign tumor of smooth muscle; most commonly found in the uterus (fibroids).

/ˌlaɪoʊˌmaɪoʊsɑːrˈkoʊmə/

A rare type of cancer that affects smooth muscle tissue.

/ˌliːʃməˈnaɪəsɪs/

A parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies.

/lɛnz/

The transparent, biconvex structure in the eye that helps to refract light to be focused on the retina.

/lɛnˈtaɪɡoʊ/

A small pigmented spot on the skin with a clearly defined edge; a 'liver spot'.

/ˈliːənaɪn ˈfeɪʃiiːz/

A face that resembles that of a lion; seen in certain forms of leprosy or Paget's disease.

/ˈlɛptɪn/

A hormone produced by fat cells that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger.

/ˌlɛptoʊməˈnɪndʒiːz/

The two innermost layers of the tissues (arachnoid mater and pia mater) that surround the brain and spinal cord.

/ˈlɛəri vaɪl dɪsˌkɒndroʊstiˈoʊsɪs/

A genetic skeletal disorder characterized by shortening of the long bones in the forearms and legs.

/ləˈriːʃɪz ˈsɪndroʊm/

Aortoiliac occlusive disease; a blockage of the abdominal aorta as it transitions into the common iliac arteries.

/ˈliːʒən/

Any abnormality or damage in an organ or tissue (such as a wound, ulcer, or tumor).

/ˈlɛθərdʒi/

A lack of energy and enthusiasm; abnormal drowsiness or sluggishness.

/ˈluːsiːn/

An essential amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins.

/luːˈkiːmiə/

A cancer of the blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.

/ˈluːkəˌsaɪt/

A white blood cell; a cell that circulates in the blood and body fluids and is involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease.

/ˌluːkoʊsaɪˈtoʊsɪs/

An increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood, often during an infection.

/ˌluːkoʊˈdɜːrmə/

A skin condition where there is a loss of pigmentation, resulting in white patches.

/ˌluːkoʊˈdɪstrəfi/

A group of rare genetic disorders that affect the white matter (myelin) of the brain.

/luːˈkoʊmə/

A dense white opacity of the cornea.

/ˌluːkoʊˈnɪkiə/

White spots or lines that appear on the finger or toe nails.

/ˌluːkoʊˈpiːniə/

A reduction in the number of white blood cells in the blood, which can weaken the immune system.

/ˌluːkoʊˈpleɪkiə/

Thickened, white patches that form on the gums, the insides of the cheeks, or the tongue.

/ˌluːkəˈriːə/

A thick, whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge.

/ləˈveɪtər/

A muscle that raises or elevates a body part (e.g., levator ani).

/ˌliːvoʊˈdoʊpə/

A drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease; it is converted to dopamine in the brain.

/lɪˈbiːdoʊ/

Sexual desire or the psychic energy derived from primitive biological urges.

/ˈlaɪkən ˈpleɪnəs/

An inflammatory condition of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by itchy, flat-topped bumps.

/ˈlaɪkən skləˈroʊsəs/

A chronic inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the genital and anal areas.

/laɪˌkɛnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Thickened and leathery skin, usually the result of constant scratching or rubbing.

/ˈlaɪdəˌkeɪn/

A local anesthetic and cardiac depressant used as an antiarrhythmic agent.

/laɪˈiːnəl/

Pertaining to the spleen; splenic.

/ˈlaɪəntəri/

Diarrhea in which undigested food is discharged.

/ˈlɪɡəmənt/

A short band of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or holds together a joint.

/ˌlɪɡəˈmɛntəm ˈfleɪvəm/

Yellow ligaments that connect the laminae of adjacent vertebrae from the axis to the sacrum.

/laɪˈɡeɪʃən/

The surgical procedure of closing off a blood vessel or duct with a suture or clip.

/ˈlɪmbɪk ˈsɪstəm/

A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, concerned with instinct and mood.

/ˈlɪmbəs/

The border or margin of a structure, especially the junction of the cornea and sclera in the eye.

/ˈlɪmɪnəl/

Relating to a sensory threshold; the minimum amount of stimulus needed to produce a response.

/ˈlɪniəl/

Pertaining to a line or ancestry.

/ˈlɪniər ˈfræktʃər/

A fracture that runs parallel to the long axis of a bone.

/ˈlɪŋɡwəl/

Relating to, near, or on the side toward the tongue.

/lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪks/

The scientific study of language; relevant in speech-language pathology.

/lɪˈnaɪtɪs ˈplæstɪkə/

A type of stomach cancer that spreads to the muscles of the stomach wall and makes it thick and rigid.

/ˈlaɪpeɪs/

A pancreatic enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of fats to fatty acids and glycerol.

/ˈlɪpɪd/

A group of organic compounds including fats, oils, and waxes that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

/ˈlɪpɪd ˈpænəl/

A blood test that measures lipids (fats and fatty substances) such as cholesterol and triglycerides.

/ˌlɪpɪˈdoʊsɪs/

Any disorder of lipid metabolism involving abnormal accumulation of lipids in cells.

/ˌlɪpɪˈdjʊəriə/

The presence of lipids (fats) in the urine.

/ˌlɪpəˈdʒɛnəsɪs/

The metabolic process of forming fat.

/lɪˈpɒlɪsɪs/

The breakdown of fats and other lipids by hydrolysis to release fatty acids.

/lɪˈpoʊmə/

A benign tumor composed of fatty tissue.

/ˌlɪpəˈfɪlɪk/

Tending to combine with or dissolve in lipids or fats.

/ˌlɪpoʊˈproʊtiːn/

A biochemical assembly that contains both proteins and lipids, used for transporting fats through the blood.

/ˌlɪpoʊˈproʊtiːn ˈlaɪpeɪs/

An enzyme that breaks down triglycerides found in lipoproteins.

/ˌlɪpoʊsɑːrˈkoʊmə/

A malignant tumor that develops in fatty tissue.

/ˈlɪpoʊˌsʌkʃən/

A cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from many different sites on the human body.

/lɪˈpjʊəriə/

The presence of oil or fat in the urine.

/lɪˈsɪnəprɪl/

An ACE inhibitor drug used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

/lɪˌstɪəriˈoʊsɪs/

A serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.

/lɪˈθaɪəsɪs/

The formation of stony concretions (calculi) in the body, such as kidney stones.

/ˈlɪθiəm/

A chemical element used as a psychiatric medication to treat bipolar disorder.

/lɪˈθɒtəmi/

Surgical removal of a stone (calculus) from the bladder, kidney, or urinary tract.

/lɪˈθɒtəmi pəˈzɪʃən/

A position for medical examination or surgical procedures where the patient is on their back with legs in stirrups.

/ˈlɪθəˌtrɪpsi/

A treatment, typically using ultrasound shock waves, by which a kidney stone or other calculus is broken into small particles.

/lɪˈviːdoʊ rəˌtɪkjʊˈlɛərɪs/

A skin condition characterized by a purplish, lace-like pattern on the skin.

/ˈlɪvər/

The largest internal organ, responsible for detoxifying chemicals, metabolizing drugs, and producing bile.

/ˈlɪvər sɪˈroʊsɪs/

Late-stage liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue.

/ˈlɪvər ˈfʌŋkʃən tɛsts/

LFTs; blood tests used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage.

/ˈlɪvɪŋ wɪl/

A written statement detailing a person's desires regarding their medical treatment in circumstances in which they are no longer able to express informed consent.

/ˈloʊə ˈloʊə/

A species of parasitic filarial worm, also known as the African eye worm.

/ˈloʊbər/

Relating to or affecting a lobe (especially of the lung).

/loʊˈbɛktəmi/

Surgical removal of a lobe of an organ, such as the lung, thyroid, or liver.

/ˈlɒbjʊlər ˌkɑːrsɪˈnoʊmə/

A type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules).

/ˈloʊkəl ˌænəsˈθiːʒə/

A technique to numb a specific part of the body to prevent pain during a minor procedure.

/ˈloʊkiə/

The normal discharge from the uterus after childbirth.

/ˌlɒkt ˈɪn ˈsɪndroʊm/

A condition in which a patient is aware but cannot move or communicate verbally due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles.

/ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtər/

Relating to locomotion (movement).

/lɒˈɡɒpəθi/

An older term for any disorder of speech of central origin.

/ˌlɒɡəˈriːə/

A communication disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable, and often incoherent talkativeness.

/lɒŋ ˈæktɪŋ/

Pharmacological term for a medication designed to be released slowly so it works for a long period.

/ˌlɒndʒɪˈtjuːdɪnəl/

Running lengthwise; in research, a study that observes the same subjects over a long period.

/luːp əv ˈhɛnli/

The U-shaped part of a nephron in the kidney that recovers water and sodium chloride from urine.

/ˌlɔːrdoʊˌskoʊliˈoʊsɪs/

A condition involving both an abnormal backward curvature and a lateral curvature of the spine.

/lɔːrˈdoʊsɪs/

Excessive inward curvature of the spine (swayback).

/ˈloʊər ˌɡæstroʊɪnˈtɛstɪnəl ˈsɪəriːz/

A medical test (barium enema) used to examine the rectum, colon, and lower part of the small intestine.

/ˈloʊər ˈmoʊtər ˈnjʊərɒn/

Nerve cells that connect the brainstem and spinal cord to muscle fibers.

/lɒkˈsɒsəˌlɪzəm/

A condition produced by the bite of the brown recluse spider, potentially causing necrotic skin lesions.

/ˈlɒzɪndʒ/

A small medicated tablet intended to be dissolved slowly in the mouth.

/ˈluːsɪd ˈɪntərvəl/

A temporary period of consciousness or mental clarity following a traumatic brain injury before a relapse.

/ˈlʊdvɪɡz ænˈdʒaɪnə/

A serious, potentially life-threatening cellulitis (infection) of the floor of the mouth.

/lʌmˈbeɪɡoʊ/

Pain in the muscles and joints of the lower back.

/ˈlʌmbər/

Relating to the lower part of the back.

/ˈlʌmbər ˈpʌŋktʃər/

The procedure of taking fluid from the spine in the lower back through a hollow needle (spinal tap).

/ˌlʌmboʊˈseɪkrəl/

Relating to the lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum.

/ˈluːmən/

The central cavity of a tubular structure, such as an artery or intestine.

/lʌmˈpɛktəmi/

Surgical removal of a discrete portion or 'lump' of breast tissue, typically for cancer.

/ˈluːneɪt boʊn/

A crescent-shaped carpal bone in the human hand.

/lʌŋ/

The primary organ of the respiratory system in humans and most animals.

/lʌŋ kəˈpæsɪti/

The volume of air in the lungs upon the maximum effort of inspiration.

/ˈluːnjʊlə/

The white, crescent-shaped area at the base of the fingernail.

/ˈluːpəs/

An autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.

/ˈluːpəs ˌɛrəˌθiməˈtoʊsəs/

An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue, often causing a butterfly-shaped rash.

/ˈluːtiəl feɪz/

The latter phase of the menstrual cycle, occurring after ovulation and before menstruation.

/ˈluːtiəˌnaɪzɪŋ ˈhɔːrmoʊn/

LH; a hormone that triggers ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production in males.

/ˌluːtiˈoʊmə/

A tumor of the ovary that occurs during pregnancy and produces sex hormones.

/lʌkˈseɪʃən/

The total displacement of a bone from its joint (dislocation).

/lʌkˈseɪʃən/

Complete dislocation of a joint.

/laɪm dɪˈziːz/

A tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

/lɪmf/

A colorless fluid containing white blood cells, which bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the blood.

/lɪmf noʊd/

Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and store cells that help fight infection.

/lɪmˌfædəˈnɛktəmi/

Surgical removal of one or more lymph nodes.

/ˌlɪmfædəˈnaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the lymph nodes, often due to an infection.

/lɪmˌfædəˈnɒpəθi/

A disease or swelling of the lymph nodes.

/lɪmˌfændʒiɛkˈteɪʒə/

Dilation of the lymphatic vessels.

/lɪmˌfændʒiˈɒɡrəfi/

Imaging of the lymphatic vessels and nodes using a contrast medium.

/lɪmˌfændʒiˈoʊmə/

A benign growth or malformation of the lymphatic vessels.

/ˌlɪmfænˈdʒaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, often appearing as red streaks on the skin.

/lɪmˈfætɪk ˈsɪstəm/

A network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins and transport lymph.

/ˌlɪmfɪˈdiːmə/

Swelling in an arm or leg caused by a lymphatic system blockage.

/ˈlɪmfəblæst/

An immature lymphocyte; often seen in certain types of leukemia.

/ˈlɪmfəsaɪt/

A type of white blood cell (T cells and B cells) crucial to the immune system.

/ˌlɪmfəˌsaɪtəˈpiːniə/

An abnormally low level of lymphocytes in the blood.

/lɪmˈfɒɡrəfi/

The visualization of the lymphatic system via X-ray or other imaging.

/ˈlɪmfəkaɪn/

A substance produced by lymphocytes that helps direct the immune system response.

/lɪmˈfoʊmə/

Cancer of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system.

/ˌlɪmfərɛˌtɪkjʊˈloʊsɪs/

Proliferation of the reticuloendothelial cells of the lymph nodes.

/laɪˌɒfɪlɪˈzeɪʃən/

Freeze-drying; a process used to preserve perishable materials like vaccines or blood plasma.

/ˈlaɪsɪs/

The disintegration or rupture of a cell membrane; also the gradual decline of a disease.

/ˈlaɪsəˌsoʊm/

An organelle in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells containing degradative enzymes.

/ˈlɪtɪk/

Relating to lysis or the destruction of cells (e.g., osteolytic lesions in bone).