MedTerm Speak

/ɒbˈkɔːrdeɪt/

Inverted heart-shaped; sometimes used to describe the shape of certain anatomical structures or lesions.

/oʊˈbiːsɪti/

The state of being grossly fat or overweight; a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat.

/ˈɒblɪɡət/

Restricted to a particular function or mode of life (e.g., an obligate parasite cannot survive without a host).

/ɒbˌnjuːbɪˈleɪʃən/

A state of clouding of consciousness or mental confusion.

/əbˈsɛʃən/

The state of being preoccupied with something to a troubling extent; an intrusive and unwanted thought.

/əbˈsɛsɪv kəmˈpʌlsɪv ˈsɪndroʊm/

OCD; a mental disorder where people have recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions).

/ˌɒbstəˈtrɪʃən/

A physician or surgeon qualified to practice in obstetrics.

/əbˈstɛtrɪks/

The branch of medicine and surgery concerned with childbirth and the care of women giving birth.

/əbˈstrʌkʃən/

A thing that impedes or prevents passage or progress; a blockage in a vessel or canal.

/əbˈstrʌkʃən ˈbaʊəl/

A partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine.

/ˌɒbtʌnˈdeɪʃən/

A state of reduced alertness and responsiveness to stimuli, less severe than stupor.

/ˈɒbtjʊreɪtər/

Either of two muscles covering the outer and inner surfaces of the pelvis; also a structure that closes an opening.

/ˈɒbtjʊreɪtər fəˈreɪmən/

A large opening in the hip bone through which blood vessels and nerves pass.

/ɒkˈsɪpɪtəl/

Relating to the back of the head or skull.

/ɒkˈsɪpɪtəl loʊb/

The rearmost lobe in each cerebral hemisphere of the brain, containing the visual processing center.

/əˈkluːʒən/

The blockage or closing of a blood vessel or hollow organ; also the contact between teeth when the jaws are closed.

/əˈkʌlt/

Hidden or not visible to the naked eye (e.g., occult fracture, occult blood).

/əˈkʌlt blʌd/

Blood that is not visible to the naked eye, usually detected by chemical testing of feces.

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl ˈθɛrəpi/

OT; a form of therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through daily activities.

/ˈɒkjʊlər/

Relating to the eye or the sense of sight.

/ˈɒkjʊlər maɪˈkrɒmɪtər/

A glass disk with a scale used in a microscope eyepiece to measure the size of specimens.

/ˈɒkjʊlər moʊˈtɪləti/

The study of the movements of the eye and its muscles.

/ˈɒkjʊlɪst/

An archaic term for an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

/ˌɒkjʊloʊkjuːˈteɪniəs ˈælbɪnɪzəm/

A group of conditions that affect pigmentation of the skin, hair, and eyes.

/ˌɒkjʊloʊˈmoʊtər nɜːrv/

The third cranial nerve (CN III), which controls most of the eye's movements and the size of the pupil.

/ˌɒkjʊloʊˈveɪɡəl ˈriːflɛks/

Aschner's phenomenon; a decrease in heart rate resulting from pressure applied to the eyeballs.

/ˈɒdi ˈsfɪŋktər/

The muscular valve that controls the flow of digestive juices (bile and pancreatic juice) into the duodenum.

/ˌoʊdɒnˈtældʒə/

Toothache.

/oʊˈdɒntəblæst/

A cell in the pulp of a tooth that produces dentin.

/oʊˈdɒntɔɪd ˈprɒsɛs/

A tooth-like projection from the second cervical vertebra (axis) around which the first vertebra (atlas) rotates.

/ˌoʊdɒnˈtoʊmə/

A benign tumor of odontogenic origin, typically composed of dental tissues like enamel and dentin.

/ˈoʊdər/

A distinctive smell, which can be a clinical indicator of infection or metabolic states.

/ɪˈdiːmə/

British spelling of edema; the accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues.

/ɪˈsɒfəɡəs/

British spelling of esophagus; the muscular tube connecting the throat with the stomach.

/ˈiːstrədʒən/

British spelling of estrogen; the primary female sex hormone.

/oʊmz lɔː/

In physiology, used to describe the relationship between blood flow, pressure, and resistance ($I = V/R$).

/oʊˈlɛkrənɒn/

The bony tip of the elbow.

/oʊˈliːɪk ˈæsɪd/

A monounsaturated fatty acid that occurs naturally in various animal and vegetable fats.

/olˈfæk.ʃən/

The action or capacity of smelling; the sense of smell.

/olˈfæk.tər.i nɜːrv/

The first cranial nerve (CN I), responsible for transmitting scent information to the brain.

/ˌɒlɪɡoʊkroʊˈmiːmiə/

A deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood.

/ˌɒlɪɡoʊsaɪˈθiːmiə/

A reduction in the total number of red blood cells in the body.

/ˌɒlɪɡoʊˈdɛndrəˌsaɪt/

A type of glial cell in the central nervous system that produces the myelin sheath.

/ˌɒlɪɡoʊˌdɛndroʊɡlaɪˈoʊmə/

A type of brain tumor that develops from oligodendrocytes (cells that provide support to nerve cells).

/ˌɒlɪɡoʊˈɛlɪmənt/

A trace element or micronutrient required by the body in very small amounts.

/ˌɒlɪɡoʊhaɪˈdræmniɒs/

A deficiency of amniotic fluid during pregnancy.

/ˌɒl.ɪ.ɡəʊˌmɛn.əˈriː.ə/

Infrequent or light menstrual periods in women of reproductive age.

/ˌɒlɪɡoʊˈpɛptaɪd/

A peptide whose molecules contain a small number of amino acid residues.

/ˌɒlɪɡoʊˈpaɪriːn/

Relating to spermatozoa that possess a reduced amount of chromatin.

/ˌɒlɪɡoʊˈspɜːrmiə/

A low sperm count.

/ˌɒl.ɪˈɡjʊə.ri.ə/

The production of abnormally small amounts of urine.

/oʊˈmɛntəˌpɛksi/

The surgical fixation of the omentum to another organ or the abdominal wall.

/əʊˈmɛn.təm/

A fold of peritoneum connecting the stomach with other abdominal organs.

/oʊˈmaɪə ˈrɛzərvwɑːr/

An intraventricular catheter system used for the aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid or the delivery of drugs.

/ɒmˈfælɪk/

Relating to the umbilicus (navel).

/ˌɒmfəˈlaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the umbilicus (navel), typically in a newborn.

/ɒmˈfæl.ə.siːl/

A birth defect in which the infant's intestine or other abdominal organs are outside of the body because of a hole in the belly button area.

/ˌɒmfəloʊˌmɛzənˈtɛrɪk/

The embryonic connection between the yolk sac and the midgut.

/ˌɒŋkoʊsɜːrˈkaɪəsɪs/

River blindness; a disease caused by infection with a parasitic worm.

/ˈɒŋkəˌsfɪər/

The larval stage of a tapeworm.

/ɒnˈkɒl.ə.dʒi/

The study and treatment of tumors and cancer.

/ˌɒŋkəˈlɪtɪk/

Tending to destroy tumor cells.

/ɒnˈtɒdʒəni/

The development of an individual organism or a part of an organism from the earliest stage to maturity.

/ˌɒnɪkoʊɡrɪˈfoʊsɪs/

A condition characterized by hypertrophy and thickening of the nail, resulting in a claw-like shape.

/ˌɒnɪˈkɒlɪsɪs/

The painless separation of the nail from the nail bed.

/ˌɒn.ɪ.kəʊ.maɪˈkəʊ.sɪs/

A fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails.

/ˌɒnɪkəˈrɛksɪs/

Brittleness or vertical ridges/splitting of the finger or toe nails.

/ˈoʊəˌsaɪt/

A cell in an ovary that may undergo meiotic division to form an ovum.

/ˌoʊəˈdʒɛnəsɪs/

The production or development of an ovum.

/ˌəʊ.ə.fəˈrɛk.tə.maɪz/

To perform an oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) on.

/ˌəʊ.ə.fəˈrɛk.tə.mi/

Surgical removal of one or both ovaries.

/ˌəʊ.ə.fəˈraɪ.tɪs/

Inflammation of an ovary.

/ˌəʊ.ə.fəˈrəʊ.pɛk.si/

Surgical fixation of an ovary to the abdominal wall to protect it from radiation damage.

/əʊˈpæs.ɪ.ti/

The quality of lacking transparency; in medicine, an area that stops X-rays or light.

/ˈoʊpənɪŋ snæp/

A sharp, high-pitched heart sound often heard in mitral stenosis.

/ˈɒpərəbəl/

Relating to a condition or patient that can be treated by a surgical operation.

/ˈɒpərətɪv/

Relating to a surgical operation.

/oʊˈpɜːrkjʊləm/

A lid or covering structure; in neurology, the parts of the cerebrum that cover the insula; in dentistry, the flap of gum over an erupting tooth.

/ɒfˈθæl.mɪk/

Relating to the eye and its diseases.

/ˌɒf.θælˈmɒl.ə.dʒɪst/

A medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care, including surgery.

/ˌɒfθælməˈpliːdʒə/

Paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles.

/ɒfˈθæl.mə.skəʊp/

An instrument for inspecting the retina and other parts of the eye.

/ˌɒfθælˈmɒskəpi/

The process of examining the interior of the eye with an ophthalmoscope.

/ˈoʊpiət/

A drug containing opium or its derivatives, used in medicine for inducing sleep and relieving pain.

/ˈəʊ.pi.ɔɪd/

A compound resembling opium in addictive properties or physiological effects.

/oʊˈpɪsθiɒn/

The midpoint of the posterior border of the foramen magnum.

/ˌɒpɪsˈθɒtənəs/

Spasm of the muscles causing backward arching of the head, neck, and spine, as in severe tetanus.

/ˌɒp.ə.tʃuːˈnɪs.tɪk ɪnˈfɛk.ʃən/

An infection caused by pathogens that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available, such as a weakened immune system.

/ˈɒptɪk ˈkaɪæzəm/

The X-shaped structure formed at the point below the brain where the two optic nerves cross over each other.

/ˈɒptɪk dɪsk/

The point of exit for ganglion cell axons leaving the eye; the 'blind spot' where there are no photoreceptors.

/ˈɒp.tɪk nɜːrv/

The second cranial nerve (CN II) that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.

/ɒpˈtɒm.ə.trɪst/

A healthcare professional who provides primary vision care, ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis of vision changes.

/ˈɔː.rəl/

Relating to the mouth; taken by mouth.

/ˈɔːrəl ˌkɒntrəˈsɛptɪv/

A pill taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy.

/ˈɔːrəl θrʌʃ/

A fungal infection of the mouth caused by the yeast Candida albicans.

/ɔːrˌbɪkjʊˈlɛərɪs ˈɒkjʊlaɪ/

The muscle in the face that closes the eyelids.

/ɔːrˌbɪkjʊˈlɛərɪs ˈɔːrɪs/

A complex of muscles in the lips that encircles the mouth; used for puckering.

/ˈɔː.bɪt/

The bony cavity in the skull that contains the eyeball; the eye socket.

/ˈɔːrbɪtəl ˈeɪpɛks/

The posterior-most part of the eye socket where the optic nerve and blood vessels enter.

/ˌɔːrkɪˈdɛktəmi/

Surgical removal of one or both testicles.

/ˌɔːrkiəˈpɛksi/

Surgical procedure to move an undescended testicle into the scrotum.

/ɔːˈkaɪ.tɪs/

Inflammation of one or both testicles.

/ˈɔː.ɡən/

A part of an organism that is typically self-contained and has a specific vital function.

/ˈɔːrɡən əv ˈkɔːrti/

The sensitive element in the inner ear that can be thought of as the body's microphone; it contains hair cells.

/ˌɔː.ɡəˈnɛl/

Any of several specialized structures within a cell (e.g., mitochondria, ribosomes).

/ɔːˈɡæn.ɪk/

Relating to or derived from living matter; in medicine, affecting the structure of an organ.

/ˈɔː.ɡə.nɪ.zəm/

An individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.

/ˌɔːrɡənoʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs/

The production and development of the organs of an animal or plant.

/ˈɔː.ɡæz.əm/

A climax of sexual excitement, characterized by feelings of pleasure and release of tension.

/ˈɔːrɡæzəm/

The physical and emotional sensation experienced at the peak of sexual excitation.

/ˈɒr.ɪ.fɪs/

An opening, particularly one in the body such as a nostril or the anus.

/ˈɒr.ɪ.dʒɪn/

The point or place where something begins; in anatomy, the fixed attachment of a muscle.

/ˌɔːroʊˈfærɪŋks/

The part of the throat at the back of the mouth.

/ˌɔː.θəˈdɒn.tɪks/

The branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention and correction of irregular teeth.

/ˈɔːrθəˌɡreɪd/

Moving or situated in a straight line; or relating to an upright walking posture.

/ˌɔːrθəmoʊˈlɛkjʊlər/

Relating to the use of substances that occur naturally in the body (vitamins, minerals) in optimal amounts.

/ˌɔː.θəˈpiː.dɪks/

The branch of medicine dealing with the correction of deformities of bones or muscles.

/ˌɔː.θɒpˈniː.ə/

Shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat, relieved by sitting or standing.

/ˌɔːrθəsaɪˈkaɪətri/

The study and treatment of mental and behavioral disorders, especially in children.

/ɔːˈθəʊ.sɪs/

A brace, splint, or other artificial external device used to support or correct the function of a limb or the spine.

/ˌɔːrθəˈstætɪk/

Relating to or caused by an upright posture.

/ˌɔː.θəˈstæt.ɪk ˌhaɪ.pəʊˈtɛn.ʃən/

A form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.

/ˌɔːrtoʊˈlɑːni tɛst/

A physical exam maneuver used to screen for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants.

/ɒs/

The medical term for bone; also refers to an opening or mouth (e.g., cervical os).

/əˈsɪl.ə.skəʊp/

A device used to view electrical signals, such as those from the heart or brain.

/ˌɒzmoʊˈlæləti/

The concentration of a solution expressed as the total number of solute particles per kilogram of solvent.

/ɒzˈməʊ.sɪs/

The process by which molecules of a solvent pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one.

/ɒzˈmɒtɪk ˈprɛʃər/

The pressure that would have to be applied to a pure solvent to prevent it from passing into a given solution by osmosis.

/ˈɒsiəs/

Consisting of or turned into bone; bony.

/ˈɒs.ɪ.kəl/

A very small bone, especially one of those in the middle ear.

/ˌɒs.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

The natural process of bone formation.

/ˌɒsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

The natural process of bone formation; turning into bone.

/ˌɒs.tiˈaɪ.tɪs/

Inflammation of the substance of a bone.

/ˌɒs.ti.əʊ.ɑːˈθraɪ.tɪs/

Degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, most common from middle age onward.

/ˌɒstioʊɑːrˈθrɒpəθi/

Any disease of the joints and bones.

/ˈɒs.ti.əʊ.blæst/

A cell from which bone develops.

/ˌɒstioʊkɒnˈdraɪtɪs/

Inflammation of bone and cartilage.

/ˌɒstioʊkɒnˈdroʊmə/

A benign tumor that develops during childhood or adolescence, made of bone and cartilage.

/ˈɒs.ti.əʊ.klæst/

A large multinucleate bone cell which absorbs bone tissue during growth and healing.

/ˈɒs.ti.əʊ.saɪt/

A bone cell, formed when an osteoblast becomes embedded in the matrix it has secreted.

/ˌɒstioʊˈdɪstrəfi/

Abnormal development of bone.

/ˌɒs.ti.əʊˈdʒɛn.ə.sɪs/

The formation of bone.

/ˈɒstioɪd/

Resembling bone; specifically the unmineralized organic portion of the bone matrix.

/ˌɒs.tiˈəʊ.mə/

A benign tumor of bone tissue.

/ˌɒs.ti.əʊ.məˈleɪ.ʃə/

Softening of the bones, typically through a deficiency of vitamin D or calcium.

/ˌɒs.ti.əʊˌmaɪ.əˈlaɪ.tɪs/

Inflammation of bone or bone marrow, usually due to infection.

/ˌɒs.tiˈɒp.ə.θi/

A branch of medical practice that emphasizes the physical manipulation of muscle tissue and bones.

/ˌɒstioʊˈpiːniə/

Reduced bone mass of lesser severity than osteoporosis.

/ˌɒstioʊpəˈtroʊsɪs/

A rare genetic disorder where bones become abnormally dense and prone to fracture; marble bone disease.

/ˈɒstioʊˌfaɪt/

A bony outgrowth or 'bone spur' associated with the degeneration of cartilage at joints.

/ˌɒs.ti.əʊ.pəˈrəʊ.sɪs/

A medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue.

/ˌɒstioʊproʊˈdʒɛnɪtər/

Stem cells located in the bone that are capable of differentiating into osteoblasts.

/ˌɒs.ti.əʊ.sɑːˈkəʊ.mə/

A malignant tumor of bone in which there is a proliferation of osteoblasts.

/ˌɒstioʊsklɪˈroʊsɪs/

An abnormal hardening or increase in density of bone.

/ˌɒs.tiˈɒt.ə.mi/

The surgical cutting of a bone or removal of a piece of bone.

/ˈɒstəmi/

A surgical operation to create an opening (stoma) from an area inside the body to the outside.

/əʊˈtæl.dʒə/

Pain in the ear; earache.

/oʊˈtældʒə/

Pain in the ear.

/ˈoʊtɪk/

Relating to the ear.

/ˈoʊtɪk ˈkæpsuːl/

The dense bony structure that surrounds the inner ear.

/oʊˈtaɪtɪs ɛksˈtɜːrnə/

Inflammation of the external ear canal; commonly known as swimmer's ear.

/oʊˈtaɪtɪs ˈmiːdiə/

Inflammation of the middle ear, often associated with a buildup of fluid.

/ˌoʊtoʊəˈkuːstɪk iˈmɪʃənz/

Sounds produced by the inner ear; used as a screening test for hearing in newborns.

/ˌoʊtoʊˌlærɪŋˈɡɒlədʒɪst/

A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders.

/ˈoʊtəlɪθ/

Small calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear that help with balance and gravity detection.

/oʊˈtɒlədʒi/

The study of the anatomy and diseases of the ear.

/ˌoʊtoʊmaɪˈkrɒskəpi/

Examination of the ear canal and eardrum using an operating microscope.

/ˌoʊtoʊmaɪˈkoʊsɪs/

A fungal infection of the external ear canal.

/ˌoʊtoʊnjʊˈrɒlədʒi/

The branch of medicine dealing with the parts of the nervous system related to the ear.

/ˈoʊtəˌplæsti/

Surgical repair or reconstruction of the external ear.

/ˌoʊtoʊˌpaɪəˈriːə/

The discharge of pus from the ear.

/ˌoʊtəˈriːə/

Discharge from the ear.

/ˌoʊtoʊsklɪˈroʊsɪs/

The abnormal growth of bone near the middle ear that can result in hearing loss.

/ˈoʊtəˌskoʊp/

An instrument used for visual examination of the eardrum and the passage of the outer ear.

/ˌoʊtoʊˌspʌndʒiˈoʊsɪs/

The early stage of otosclerosis characterized by the formation of spongy bone.

/ˌoʊtoʊˈtɒksɪk/

Having a toxic effect on the ear or its nerve supply (e.g., certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs).

/ˈaʊtˌpeɪʃənt/

A patient who receives medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital.

/ˈoʊvə/

The plural of ovum; female reproductive cells or eggs.

/ˈoʊvəl ˈwɪndoʊ/

A membrane-covered opening from the middle ear to the cochlea of the inner ear.

/oʊˈvɛəriən sɪst/

A fluid-filled sac within or on the surface of an ovary.

/oʊˈvɛəriən ˈlɪɡəmənt/

A fibrous ligament that connects the ovary to the lateral surface of the uterus.

/ˈoʊvəri/

The female reproductive organ in which ova or eggs are produced.

/ˈoʊvər ðə ˈkaʊntər/

OTC; medicines sold directly to a consumer without a prescription.

/ˈoʊvərˌdoʊs/

The ingestion or application of a drug or other substance in quantities greater than are recommended.

/ˈoʊvɪˌdʌkt/

The tube through which an ovum passes from an ovary; also called a Fallopian tube.

/oʊˈvɪpərəs/

Producing young by means of eggs that are hatched after they have been laid by the parent.

/ˈoʊvəˌsɛntər/

The centrosome of an egg cell.

/ˌoʊvoʊvaɪˈvɪpərəs/

Producing young by means of eggs which are hatched within the body of the parent.

/ˌɒvjʊˈleɪʃən/

The release of an egg from the ovary, typically occurring midway through the menstrual cycle.

/ˌɒvjʊˈleɪʃən prɪˈdɪktər kɪt/

A test used to determine the time in the menstrual cycle when a woman is most fertile.

/ˈoʊvəm/

A mature female reproductive cell that can divide to give rise to an embryo after fertilization.

/ɒkˈsɪmɪtri/

The measurement of the oxygen saturation of the blood, typically using a pulse oximeter.

/ˈɒksɪdʒən/

A colorless, odorless gas that is essential for life and used in medical treatments for respiratory distress.

/ˈɒksɪdʒən ˌsætʃʊˈreɪʃən/

The fraction of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin relative to total hemoglobin in the blood.

/ˌɒksɪdʒəˈneɪʃən/

The process of treating, combining, or enriching with oxygen.

/ˌɒksiˌhiːməˈɡloʊbɪn/

A bright red substance formed by the combination of hemoglobin with oxygen.

/ɒkˈsɪntɪk sɛl/

Another name for a parietal cell in the stomach that secretes hydrochloric acid.

/ˌɒksɪˈtoʊsɪn/

A hormone that causes increased contraction of the uterus during labor and stimulates the ejection of milk into the ducts of the breasts.

/ˌɒksijʊˈraɪəsɪs/

Infection with pinworms.

/oʊˈziːnə/

A chronic disease of the nose characterized by thinning of the mucous membrane and a foul-smelling discharge.