MedTerm Speak

/ˈpeɪsˌmeɪkər/

A device that emits electrical impulses to regulate the heartbeat.

/ˌpækɪˌmɛnɪnˈdʒaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the dura mater (the thickest outer layer of the meninges).

/ˈpædʒəts dɪˈziːz/

A chronic bone disorder that causes bones to become enlarged and misshapen; also refers to a type of breast cancer.

/ˈpælət/

The roof of the mouth, separating the oral and nasal cavities.

/ˈpæliətɪv/

Treatment focused on providing relief from symptoms and stress of a serious illness rather than a cure.

/ˈpælər/

An unhealthy pale appearance of the skin.

/ˈpɑːlmər/

Relating to the palm of the hand.

/pælˈpeɪʃən/

The act of feeling with the hand for diagnostic purposes.

/ˈpælpɪbrə/

The eyelid.

/ˌpælpɪˈteɪʃən/

A rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat due to agitation, exertion, or illness.

/ˈpɔːlzi/

Paralysis, especially that which is accompanied by involuntary tremors (e.g., Bell's palsy).

/ˈpæŋkriəs/

A large gland behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin.

/ˌpæŋkriəˈtaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the pancreas.

/pænˈdɛmɪk/

An outbreak of a disease prevalent over a whole country or the world.

/ˌpænsaɪnəˈsaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of all the paranasal sinuses on one or both sides of the face.

/ˌpæntəˈθɛnɪk ˈæsɪd/

Vitamin B5; essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A and metabolic processes.

/pæp smɪər/

A screening procedure for cervical cancer.

/pəˈpɪlə/

A small rounded protuberance on a part or organ of the body (e.g., taste buds).

/ˈpæpjuːl/

A small, raised, solid pimple or swelling, often forming part of a rash on the skin.

/pəˈræləsɪs/

The loss of the ability to move (and sometimes to feel anything) in part or most of the body.

/ˌpærəˈneɪzəl ˈsaɪnəsɪz/

Air-filled cavities in the bones of the face and skull that open into the nasal cavity.

/ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/

A mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution or unwarranted jealousy.

/ˌpærəˈfeɪʒə/

A speech disorder in which the wrong words or sounds are substituted for the correct ones.

/ˌpærəˈpliːdʒə/

Paralysis that affects the lower half of the body.

/ˌpærəˈpliːdʒɪk/

A person affected by paralysis of the legs and lower body.

/ˈpærəsaɪt/

An organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other's expense.

/ˌpærəˈsɒmniə/

A category of sleep disorders that involve abnormal movements, behaviors, or dreams (e.g., sleepwalking).

/ˌpærəsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/

Part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and slows the heart rate ('rest and digest').

/ˌpærəˈθaɪrɔɪd ɡlændz/

Four small glands located behind the thyroid that control the body's calcium levels.

/pəˈrɛŋkɪmə/

The functional tissue of an organ as distinguished from the connective and supporting tissue.

/pəˈrɛntərəl/

Administered or occurring elsewhere in the body than through the mouth and alimentary canal (e.g., via injection).

/ˌpærəsˈθiːʒə/

An abnormal sensation, typically tingling or pricking ('pins and needles'), caused chiefly by pressure on or damage to peripheral nerves.

/pəˈraɪɪtəl/

Relating to the wall of a body cavity or the parietal bone of the skull.

/pəˈraɪɪtəl loʊb/

The part of each cerebral hemisphere involved in processing sensory information like touch, pressure, and pain.

/ˈpɑːrkɪnsənz dɪˈziːz/

A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often including tremors and stiffness.

/pəˈrɒtɪd ɡlænd/

The largest of the salivary glands, located in front of the ears.

/ˈpærəksɪzəm/

A sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity; a sudden recurrence of symptoms.

/ˈpɑːrʃəl ˈsiːʒər/

A seizure that starts in one specific part of the brain; focal seizure.

/ˌpɑːrtjʊˈrɪʃən/

The action of giving birth to young; childbirth.

/pəˈtɛlə/

The kneecap; a small bone located in front of the knee joint.

/pəˈtɛlər ˈriːflɛks/

The knee-jerk reflex; a stretch reflex that tests spinal nerves L2, L3, and L4.

/ˈpeɪtənsi/

The condition of being open or unobstructed (e.g., a patent airway).

/ˈpæθədʒən/

A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.

/pəˈθɒlədʒi/

The science of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the branch of medicine that examines laboratory samples of body tissue.

/ˈpeɪʃənt/

A person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.

/piːk floʊ/

The maximum speed of expiration, as measured by a peak flow meter.

/piːk floʊ ˈmiːtər/

A handheld device used to measure how quickly a person can push air out of their lungs; used to monitor asthma.

/ˈpɛktərəl/

Relating to the breast or chest.

/ˌpiːdiəˈtrɪʃən/

A medical practitioner specializing in children and their diseases.

/pəˌdɪkjʊˈloʊsɪs/

Infestation with lice.

/ˈpɛdɪˌɡriː/

A diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a particular gene or organism and its ancestors from one generation to the next.

/pəˈlæɡrə/

A disease caused by a lack of nicotinic acid (niacin) in the diet, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

/ˈpɛlvɪk ˈɡɜːrdəl/

The enclosing structure formed by the pelvis, providing attachment for the lower limbs.

/ˈpɛlvɪs/

The large bony structure near the base of the spine to which the hind limbs or legs are attached.

/ˈpɛmfɪɡəs/

A rare skin disease that causes blisters and sores on the skin or mucous membranes.

/ˌpɛnɪˈsɪləmiːn/

A medication used to treat Wilson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis by binding to metals and assisting their removal from the body.

/ˌpɛnɪˈsɪlɪn/

An antibiotic or group of antibiotics produced naturally by certain blue molds.

/ˈpiːnɪs/

The male genital organ of higher vertebrates, carrying the duct for the transfer of sperm and the discharge of urine.

/ˈpɛntoʊs/

A sugar whose molecules contain five carbon atoms (e.g., ribose).

/ˈpɛptɪk ˈʌlsər/

A sore on the lining of your stomach, small intestine, or esophagus.

/ˈpɛptɪdeɪs/

An enzyme that breaks down peptides into amino acids.

/pərˈsɛpʃən/

The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.

/pərˈkʌʃən/

A method of tapping on a surface to determine the underlying structures, used in clinical examinations.

/ˌpɜːrkjuːˈteɪniəs/

Made, done, or effected through the skin.

/ˌpɜːrfəˈreɪʃən/

A hole made by boring or piercing; in medicine, a hole through the wall of an organ.

/pərˈfjuːʒən/

The passage of fluid through the circulatory system or lymphatic system to an organ or a tissue.

/ˌpɛrɪkɑːrˈdaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the pericardium (the sac-like membrane surrounding the heart).

/ˌpɛrɪˈkɑːrdiəm/

The membrane enclosing the heart, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and an inner double layer of serous membrane.

/pəˈrɪmɪtər/

In ophthalmology, an instrument for measuring the extent and characteristics of the visual field.

/ˌpɛrɪˈniːəm/

The area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva.

/ˌpɛrioʊˈdɒntəl/

Relating to or affecting the structures which surround and support the teeth.

/ˌpɛriˈɔːrbɪtəl/

Relating to the area surrounding the eye socket.

/ˌpɛriˈɒstiəl/

Relating to the periosteum (the membrane covering the outer surface of bones).

/ˌpɛriˈɒstiəm/

A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.

/pəˈrɪfərəl/

Away from the center; relating to the outer limits or edge of an object or body.

/pəˈrɪfərəl ˈnɜːrvəs ˈsɪstəm/

The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.

/ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs/

The involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine, creating wave-like movements that push the contents forward.

/pəˈrɪtəmi/

Surgical incision of the conjunctiva around the cornea.

/ˌpɛrɪtəˈniːəm/

The serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs.

/ˌpɛrɪtəˈnaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the peritoneum, typically caused by bacterial infection.

/ˌpɜːrmiəˈbɪləti/

The state or quality of a material or membrane that causes it to allow liquids or gases to pass through it.

/pərˈnɪʃəs əˈniːmiə/

A deficiency in the production of red blood cells through a lack of vitamin B12.

/ˈpɜːrnioʊ/

Also called chilblains; localized inflammation of the skin following exposure to cold and damp.

/ˌpɛrəˈniːəl/

Relating to the fibula or the outer part of the lower leg.

/ˌpɜːrspɪˈreɪʃən/

The process of sweating.

/pərˈtʌsɪs/

Whooping cough; a highly contagious respiratory tract infection.

/pɪˈtiːkiˌiː/

Small red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin.

/pɪˈtiːkiəl/

Pertaining to petechiae (small purple or red spots on the skin).

/ˈpɛti mæl/

An older term for an absence seizure, characterized by a brief loss of consciousness.

/ˈpaɪərz ˈpætʃɪz/

Groups of lymphocytes in the ileum of the small intestine that monitor intestinal bacteria.

/ˈfæɡəˌsaɪt/

A type of cell within the body capable of engulfing and absorbing bacteria and other small cells and particles.

/ˌfæɡəsaɪˈtoʊsɪs/

The ingestion of bacteria or other material by phagocytes.

/fəˈlændʒiːz/

The bones of the fingers and of the toes.

/ˈfæntəm lɪm/

The sensation that an amputated or missing limb is still attached.

/ˌfɑːrməkoʊkɪˈnɛtɪks/

The branch of pharmacology concerned with the movement of drugs within the body.

/ˌfɑːrməˈkɒlədʒi/

The branch of medicine concerned with the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs.

/ˈfærɪŋks/

The membrane-lined cavity behind the nose and mouth, connecting them to the esophagus.

/faɪˈmoʊsɪs/

A condition in which the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis.

/flɪˈbaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the walls of a vein.

/flɪˈbɒtəmi/

The surgical opening or puncture of a vein in order to withdraw blood.

/ˈfoʊbiə/

An extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something.

/ˌfɒsfoʊˈlɪpɪd/

A lipid containing a phosphate group in its molecule, a major component of cell membranes.

/ˌfoʊtoʊkoʊˌæɡjʊˈleɪʃən/

The use of laser light to clot blood vessels or destroy tissue, commonly used in the retina.

/ˌfoʊtəˈfoʊbiə/

Abnormal intolerance to light.

/ˈfrɛnɪk nɜːrv/

A nerve that originates in the neck and passes down between the lung and heart to reach the diaphragm.

/ˈfɪzɪkəl ˈθɛrəpi/

The treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise.

/fɪˈzɪʃən/

A person qualified to practice medicine.

/ˌfɪziəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

Relating to the branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.

/ˌfɪziˈɒlədʒi/

The branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.

/ˈpiːə ˈmeɪtər/

The delicate innermost membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cord.

/ˌpɪɡmɛnˈteɪʃən/

The natural coloring of animal or plant tissue.

/ˌpaɪloʊɪˈrɛkʃən/

Erection of the hair of the skin due to contraction of the arrector pili muscles; goosebumps.

/ˌpaɪləˈnaɪdəl sɪst/

An abnormal pocket in the skin that usually contains hair and skin debris, located near the tailbone.

/ˈpaɪniəl ɡlænd/

A pea-sized conical mass of tissue in the brain, secreting a hormone-like substance (melatonin).

/ˈpɪtɪŋ ɪˈdiːmə/

Swelling where a thumb pressure leaves an indentation in the skin.

/pɪˈtjuːɪtɛri ˌædəˈnoʊmə/

A benign tumor of the pituitary gland.

/pɪˈtjuːɪtɛri ɡlænd/

The major endocrine gland; a pea-sized body attached to the base of the brain, important in controlling growth and development.

/pləˈsiːboʊ/

A harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed more for the psychological benefit to the patient than for any physiological effect.

/pləˈsɛntə/

A flattened circular organ in the uterus of pregnant mammals, nourishing and maintaining the fetus through the umbilical cord.

/pləˈsɛntə ˈpriːviə/

A condition in which the placenta partially or wholly blocks the neck of the uterus, interfering with normal delivery.

/ˈplæntər/

Relating to the sole of the foot.

/ˈplæntər ˌfæʃiˈaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.

/ˈplæntər ˈriːflɛks/

A reflex elicited when the sole of the foot is stimulated; an abnormal response is called the Babinski sign.

/plæk/

A small, distinct, typically raised patch on skin or an organ; also refers to fatty deposits in arteries or bacteria on teeth.

/ˈplæzmə/

The colorless fluid part of blood, lymph, or milk, in which corpuscles or fat globules are suspended.

/plæzˈmoʊdiəm/

A genus of unicellular protozoans that are parasites of humans and cause malaria.

/ˈpleɪtlət/

A small colorless disk-shaped cell fragment without a nucleus, found in large numbers in blood and involved in clotting.

/ˈplʊərə/

Each of a pair of serous membranes lining the thorax and enveloping the lungs.

/ˈplʊərɪsi/

Inflammation of the pleurae, which impairs their lubricating function and causes pain when breathing.

/ˈplɛksəs/

A network of nerves or vessels in the body.

/ˌnjuːməˈnɛktəmi/

Surgical removal of a lung or part of a lung.

/njuːˈmoʊniə/

Lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection, in which the air sacs fill with pus and may become solid.

/ˌnjuːmoʊˈθɔːræks/

The presence of air or gas in the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall, causing collapse of the lung.

/pəˈdaɪətri/

The medical specialty concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity.

/ˈpoʊlioʊ/

Short for poliomyelitis; an infectious viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause temporary or permanent paralysis.

/ˌpɒlisiˈθiːmiə/

An abnormally increased concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, through either reduction of plasma volume or increase in red cell numbers.

/ˌpɒliˈdɪpsiə/

Abnormally great thirst as a symptom of disease (such as diabetes).

/ˈpɒlɪp/

A small growth, typically benign and with a stalk, protruding from a mucous membrane.

/ˌpɒliˈfeɪdʒiə/

Excessive or pathological overeating.

/ˌpɒliˈjʊəriə/

Production of abnormally large volumes of dilute urine.

/pɒnz/

The part of the brainstem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus.

/pɒpˈlɪtiəl/

Relating to the hollow at the back of the knee.

/pɔːr/

A minute opening in a surface, especially the skin, through which gases, liquids, or microscopic particles can pass.

/ˈpɔːrtəl veɪn/

A vein conveying blood to the liver from the spleen, stomach, pancreas, and intestines.

/poʊst trɔːˈmætɪk strɛs dɪsˈɔːrdər/

PTSD; a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock.

/pɒˈstɪəriər/

Further back in position; of or nearer the rear or hind end of the body.

/poʊstˈpɑːrtəm/

Following childbirth.

/pəˈtæsiəm/

An essential mineral (electrolyte) necessary for the function of all living cells.

/ˌpriːɪˈklæmpsiə/

A condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys.

/ˈpriːpjuːs/

The fold of skin surrounding the clitoris or the end of the penis; the foreskin.

/ˌprɛzbiˈoʊpiə/

Farsightedness caused by loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye, occurring typically in middle and old age.

/prɪˈskrɪpʃən/

An instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be provided with a medicine or treatment.

/ˈprɛvələns/

The fact or condition of being prevalent; the commonness of a disease within a population.

/ˈpraɪmɛri kɛər/

Health care at a basic rather than specialized level for people making a first approach to a doctor or nurse.

/praɪˈmɪpərə/

A woman who is giving birth for the first time.

/prɒɡˈnoʊsɪs/

The likely course of a disease or ailment.

/ˈproʊlæps/

A condition where organs, such as the uterus, fall out of their normal position.

/prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/

Rapid reproduction of a cell, part, or organism.

/proʊˈneɪʃən/

Rotation of the hand and forearm so that the palm faces backwards or downwards.

/ˌproʊfɪˈlæksɪs/

Action taken to prevent disease, especially by specified means or against a specified disease.

/ˌproʊprioʊˈsɛpʃən/

The sense of self-movement and body position.

/ˈprɒsteɪt ɡlænd/

A gland surrounding the neck of the bladder in male mammals and releasing prostatic fluid.

/prɒsˈθiːsɪs/

An artificial body part, such as a limb, a heart valve, or a breast implant.

/ˌproʊtiːˈnjʊəriə/

The presence of abnormal quantities of protein in the urine, which may indicate damage to the kidneys.

/proʊˈθrɒmbɪn/

A protein present in blood plasma which is converted into active thrombin during coagulation.

/ˈproʊtəkɒl/

The official procedure or system of rules governing treatment or research.

/ˈproʊtəˌplæzəm/

The colorless material comprising the living part of a cell, including the cytoplasm, nucleus, and other organelles.

/ˈprɒksɪməl/

Situated nearer to the center of the body or the point of attachment.

/pruːˈraɪtəs/

Severe itching of the skin, as a symptom of various ailments.

/səˈraɪəsɪs/

A skin disease marked by red, itchy, scaly patches.

/saɪˈkaɪətrɪst/

A medical practitioner specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

/saɪˈkɒlədʒi/

The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior.

/saɪˈkoʊsɪs/

A severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality.

/təˈrɪdʒiəm/

A noncancerous growth that starts in the clear, thin tissue (conjunctiva) of the eye and spreads onto the cornea.

/ˈtoʊsɪs/

Drooping of the upper eyelid due to paralysis or disease, or as a congenital condition.

/ˈtaɪəlɪzəm/

Excessive secretion of saliva.

/ˈpjuːbərti/

The period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction.

/ˈpjuːbɪs/

Either of a pair of bones forming the two sides of the pelvis.

/ˌpjuːərˈpɪəriəm/

The period of about six weeks after childbirth during which the mother's reproductive organs return to their original non-pregnant condition.

/ˈpʊlməˌnɛri/

Relating to the lungs.

/ˈpʊlməˌnɛri ˈɛmbəˌlɪzəm/

A condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot.

/pʌlp/

The soft, sensitive tissue in the center of a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels.

/pʌls/

The rhythmical throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them, typically felt in the wrists or neck.

/pʌls ɒkˈsɪmɪtər/

An electronic device that measures the proportion of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin in the blood.

/ˈpʌŋktəm/

A small anatomical point or opening, such as the tear duct opening on the eyelid.

/ˈpjuːpəl/

The dark circular opening in the center of the iris of the eye, varying in size to regulate the amount of light reaching the retina.

/ˈpɜːrɡətɪv/

A laxative; a substance used to strongly encourage the evacuation of the bowels.

/ˈpɜːrpjʊrə/

A rash of purple spots on the skin caused by internal bleeding from small blood vessels.

/ˈpjʊərʊlənt/

Consisting of, containing, or discharging pus.

/pʌs/

A thick yellowish or greenish opaque liquid produced in infected tissue, consisting of dead white blood cells and bacteria.

/ˈpʌstjuːl/

A small blister or pimple on the skin containing pus.

/ˌpaɪəˈlaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the renal pelvis (the area where urine collects in the kidney).

/ˈpaɪələˌɡræm/

An X-ray of the kidneys and ureters after injection of a contrast medium.

/ˌpaɪəloʊnɪˈfraɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the kidney as a whole due to bacterial infection.

/paɪˈlɔːrɪk ˈsfɪŋktər/

The muscular valve that regulates the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

/ˌpaɪəˈdʒɛnɪk/

Involving or relating to the production of pus.

/paɪˈrɛtɪk/

Relating to or characterized by fever.

/ˈpaɪrəˌdʒɛn/

A substance, typically produced by a bacterium, which produces fever when introduced or released into the blood.

/paɪˈroʊsɪs/

Heartburn; a burning sensation in the upper abdomen or lower chest.

/paɪˈjʊəriə/

The presence of pus in the urine, typically from a bacterial infection.