MedTerm Speak

/ˈseɪkrəm/

A triangular bone in the lower back formed from fused vertebrae and situated between the two hip bones.

/ˈsædʒɪtəl pleɪn/

An anatomical plane that divides the body into right and left parts.

/ˈseɪliːn/

A solution of salt (sodium chloride) in water.

/ˈsælɪvɛri ɡlændz/

Glands that discharge a fluid secretion (saliva) into the mouth cavity.

/ˌsælməˈnɛlə/

A genus of bacteria that causes food poisoning, typhoid fever, and other diseases.

/ˌsælpɪnˈdʒaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes.

/sæŋˈɡwɪniəs/

Relating to blood; bloody.

/səˈfiːnəs veɪn/

One of the two main superficial veins of the leg.

/sɑːrˈkoʊmə/

A malignant tumor of connective or other non-epithelial tissue.

/ˈsætʃəreɪtɪd fæt/

A type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all or predominantly single bonds.

/ˈskeɪbiːz/

A contagious skin disease marked by itching and small raised red spots, caused by the itch mite.

/ˈskælpəl/

A small and extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery.

/ˈskæfɔɪd/

A large carpal bone of the wrist articulated with the radius.

/ˈskæpjʊlə/

The shoulder blade.

/skɑːr/

A mark left on the skin or within body tissue where a wound, burn, or sore has not healed completely and fibrous connective tissue has developed.

/saɪˈætɪkə/

Pain affecting the back, hip, and outer side of the leg, caused by compression of a spinal nerve root in the lower back.

/ˈsklɪərə/

The white outer layer of the eyeball.

/ˌsklɪərəˈdɜːrmə/

A chronic hardening and contraction of the skin and connective tissue.

/skləˈroʊsɪs/

Abnormal hardening of body tissue.

/ˌskoʊliˈoʊsɪs/

Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.

/ˈskroʊtəm/

The pouch of skin containing the testicles.

/ˈskɜːrvi/

A disease caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by swollen bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds.

/sɪˈbeɪʃəs ɡlænd/

A small gland in the skin which secretes a lubricating oily matter (sebum) into the hair follicles.

/ˌsɛbəˈriːə/

Excessive discharge of sebum from the sebaceous glands.

/ˈsiːbəm/

An oily secretion of the sebaceous glands.

/ˈsɛkəndɛri ɪnˈfɛkʃən/

An infection that occurs during or after treatment for another infection.

/sɪˈkriːʃən/

A process by which substances are produced and discharged from a cell, gland, or organ.

/ˈsɛdətɪv/

A drug taken for its calming or sleep-inducing effect.

/ˌsɛdɪmɛnˈteɪʃən reɪt/

ESR; a blood test that can reveal inflammatory activity in your body.

/ˈsiːʒər/

A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.

/ˈsiːmən/

The male reproductive fluid, containing spermatozoa in suspension.

/ˌsɛmiˈsɜːrkjʊlər kəˈnælz/

Three fluid-filled bony channels in the inner ear that help maintain balance.

/ˈsɛmɪnəl ˈvɛsɪkəl/

Each of a pair of glands that open into the vas deferens and secrete many of the components of semen.

/sɪˈnɛsəns/

The condition or process of deterioration with age.

/ˈsiːnaɪl/

Having or showing the weaknesses or diseases of old age, especially a loss of mental faculties.

/sɛnˈseɪʃən/

A physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body.

/ˈsɛpsɪs/

A life-threatening complication of an infection.

/ˌsɛptɪˈsiːmiə/

Blood poisoning, especially that caused by bacteria or their toxins.

/ˈsɛptəm/

A partition separating two chambers (e.g., in the nose or heart).

/sɪˈkwɛlə/

A condition which is the consequence of a previous disease or injury.

/sɪˈrɒlədʒi/

The scientific study or diagnostic examination of blood serum.

/sɪˈroʊsə/

The tissue of a serous membrane.

/ˈsɪərəm/

An amber-colored, protein-rich liquid that separates out when blood coagulates.

/ˈsɛsəmɔɪd boʊn/

A small independent bone or bony nodule developed in a tendon (e.g., the patella).

/ˈʃɪŋɡəlz/

Herpes zoster; a painful, blistering skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

/ʃɒk/

A critical condition brought on by the sudden drop in blood flow through the body.

/ˈʃoʊldər bleɪd/

The common name for the scapula.

/ʃʌnt/

An act of pushing or pulling something to one side; in medicine, a hole or passage which moves, or allows movement of, fluid from one part of the body to another.

/saɪˈæləˌɡræm/

An X-ray of the salivary ducts and glands.

/ˈsɪkəl sɛl əˈniːmiə/

A severe hereditary form of anemia in which a mutated form of hemoglobin distorts the red blood cells into a crescent shape.

/saɪd ɪˈfɛkt/

A secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment.

/sɪdz/

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old.

/ˈsɪɡmɔɪd ˈkoʊlən/

The S-shaped last part of the large intestine, leading into the rectum.

/ˌsɪɡmɔɪˈdɒskəpi/

Examination of the sigmoid colon by means of a flexible tube inserted through the anus.

/saɪn/

An objective evidence of disease (something a doctor sees), as opposed to a symptom (something a patient feels).

/ˌsɪlɪˈkoʊsɪs/

Lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust.

/ˈsaɪnəs/

A cavity within a bone or other tissue, especially one in the bones of the face or skull connecting with the nasal cavities.

/ˌsaɪnəˈsaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of a nasal sinus.

/ˈskɛlɪtəl ˈmʌsəl/

A muscle which is connected to the skeleton to form part of the mechanical system which moves the limbs and other parts of the body.

/ˈskɛlɪtən/

The internal framework of the body, composed of bone and cartilage.

/skɪn/

The thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal.

/skɪn ɡræft/

A surgical operation in which a piece of healthy skin is transplanted to a new site on the body.

/skʌl/

The bony structure that forms the head in vertebrates.

/sliːp ˈæpniə/

A potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.

/slɪŋ/

A flexible strap or belt used in the form of a loop to support or raise a weight; in medicine, used to support an injured arm.

/slɪpt dɪsk/

A common name for a prolapsed or herniated intervertebral disc.

/slʌf/

A layer or mass of dead tissue separated from surrounding living tissue, as in a wound or inflammation.

/smɔːl ɪnˈtɛstɪn/

The part of the intestine that runs between the stomach and the large intestine; consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

/ˈsmɔːlpɒks/

An acute contagious viral disease, with fever and pustules usually leaving permanent scars; it was effectively eradicated worldwide by 1980.

/smɪər/

A sample of tissue or secretions spread on a glass slide for microscopic examination.

/smuːð ˈmʌsəl/

Involuntary muscle tissue in the walls of viscera and blood vessels, lacking the striated appearance of skeletal muscle.

/ˈsnɛlən tʃɑːrt/

An eye chart used by eye care professionals to measure visual acuity.

/ˈsoʊdiəm/

An essential electrolyte that helps maintain the balance of water in and around your cells.

/sɒft ˈtɪʃuː/

Tissues that connect, support, or surround other structures and organs of the body (e.g., muscles, fat, blood vessels).

/ˈsoʊlər ˈplɛksəs/

A complex of radiating nerves at the pit of the stomach.

/ˈsɒljuːt/

The minor component in a solution, dissolved in the solvent.

/soʊˈmætɪk/

Relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind.

/sɒmˈnæmbjʊˌlɪzəm/

The medical term for sleepwalking.

/ˈsɒmnələns/

A state of strong desire for sleep, or sleeping for unusually long periods.

/ˈsɒnəˌɡræm/

A visual image produced from an ultrasound examination.

/ˌsɒpəˈrɪfɪk/

Tending to induce sleep.

/ˈspæzəm/

A sudden involuntary muscular contraction or convulsive movement.

/spæsˈtɪsɪti/

A condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted, causing stiffness or tightness.

/ˈspɛkjʊləm/

A metal or plastic instrument used to widen an opening of the body to allow a doctor to look inside.

/spɜːrm/

The male reproductive cell.

/ˈspɜːrmɪˌsaɪd/

A substance that kills spermatozoa, used as a contraceptive.

/ˈsfɪŋktər/

A ring of muscle surrounding and serving to guard or close an opening or tube (e.g., the anus or the exit of the stomach).

/ˌsfɪɡmoʊməˈnɒmɪtər/

An instrument for measuring blood pressure, typically consisting of an inflatable rubber cuff.

/ˌspaɪnə ˈbɪfɪdə/

A congenital defect of the spine in which part of the spinal cord and its meninges are exposed through a gap in the backbone.

/ˈspaɪnəl kɔːrd/

The cylindrical bundle of nerve fibers and associated tissue which is enclosed in the spine and connects nearly all parts of the body to the brain.

/spaɪn/

The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the small of the back, enclosing the spinal cord.

/ˈspaɪrəˌkiːt/

A flexible spirally twisted bacterium, especially the one that causes syphilis.

/spaɪˈrɒmɪtər/

An instrument for measuring the air capacity of the lungs.

/spliːn/

An abdominal organ involved in the production and removal of blood cells and forming part of the immune system.

/splɪˈnɛktəmi/

Surgical removal of the spleen.

/ˌsplɛnəˈmɛɡəli/

Abnormal enlargement of the spleen.

/splɪnt/

A rigid or flexible device used to keep in place and protect an injured part of the body.

/ˌspɒndɪˈlaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the joints of the backbone.

/ˌspɒndɪˈloʊsɪs/

A painful condition of the spine resulting from the degeneration of the intervertebral discs.

/spreɪn/

Wrench or twist the ligaments of a joint violently so as to cause pain and swelling but not dislocation.

/ˈspjuːtəm/

A mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract.

/ˈskweɪməs sɛl/

Thin, flat cells that look like fish scales, found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin.

/ˈsteɪdʒɪŋ/

A way of describing the size of a cancer and how far it has spread.

/ˈsteɪpiːz/

The stirrup-shaped small bone in the middle ear.

/ˌstæfɪləˈkɒkəs/

A bacterium of a genus that includes many pathogenic kinds that cause pus formation, especially in the skin and mucous membranes.

/ˈsteɪsɪs/

A period or state of inactivity or equilibrium; in medicine, the stopping of the normal flow of a body fluid.

/ˈstætɪn/

A class of lipid-lowering medications that reduce cholesterol levels.

/ˌstiːəˈtoʊsɪs/

Abnormal retention of lipids within a cell or organ, often the liver.

/stɪˈnoʊsɪs/

The abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body.

/stɛnt/

A tubular support placed temporarily inside a blood vessel, canal, or duct to aid healing or relieve an obstruction.

/ˌstɛriˈɒpsɪs/

The perception of depth produced by the reception in the brain of visual stimuli from both eyes in combination.

/ˈstɛraɪl/

Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; also refers to being unable to produce offspring.

/ˈstɜːrnəm/

The breastbone.

/ˈstɛərɔɪd/

A large group of chemical substances, such as hormones and drugs, used to reduce inflammation and treat various conditions.

/ˈstɛθəˌskoʊp/

A medical instrument for listening to the action of someone's heart or breathing.

/ˈstɪmjʊlənt/

A substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.

/ˈstɪmjʊləs/

A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.

/stɪtʃ/

A loop of thread or suture used to join the edges of a wound or surgical incision.

/ˈstoʊmə/

An artificial opening made into a hollow organ, especially one on the surface of the body leading to the gut or trachea.

/ˈstʌmək/

The internal organ in which the major part of the digestion of food occurs.

/ˌstoʊməˈtaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth.

/stuːl/

Waste matter discharged from the bowels; feces.

/strəˈbɪzməs/

A condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object; 'crossed eyes'.

/streɪn/

An injury to a muscle or tendon in which the muscle fibers tear as a result of overstretching.

/ˌstræŋɡjʊˈleɪʃən/

The compression of a part of the body, such as the bowel or a limb, that stops the flow of blood.

/ˈstrɑːtəm ˈkɔːrniəm/

The horny outer layer of the skin.

/ˌstrɛptəˈkɒkəs/

A bacterium of a genus that includes those causing scarlet fever, tonsillitis, and pneumonia.

/ˈstrɪktʃər/

An abnormal narrowing of a canal or passage in the body.

/straɪd/

The distance covered by one complete cycle of a person's gait; used in physical therapy assessment.

/ˈstraɪdər/

A harsh or grating sound in inhalation, caused by obstruction of the windpipe or larynx.

/stroʊk/

A sudden disabling attack or loss of consciousness caused by an interruption in the blood supply to the brain.

/ˈstroʊmə/

The supportive framework of a biological cell, tissue, or organ.

/ˈstuːpər/

A state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility.

/staɪ/

Hordeolum; a red, painful lump near the edge of the eyelid that may look like a boil or a pimple.

/ˌsʌbəˈkjuːt/

Between acute and chronic; a stage of disease that is not quite sudden but not long-term.

/ˌsʌbəˈræknɔɪd/

The space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater through which cerebrospinal fluid circulates.

/sʌbˈkleɪviən ˈɑːrtəri/

A major artery located below the clavicle that supplies blood to the arms.

/ˌsʌbˈklɪnɪkəl/

Relating to a disease which is not severe enough to present definite symptoms or signs.

/ˌsʌbkjuːˈteɪniəs/

Situated or applied under the skin.

/sʌbˈdjʊərəl ˌhiːməˈtoʊmə/

A pool of blood between the brain and its outermost covering.

/səbˈdʒɛktɪv/

Based on or influenced by personal feelings or opinions; in medicine, refers to symptoms reported by the patient.

/sʌbˈlɪŋɡwəl/

Applied under the tongue.

/ˌsʌblʌkˈseɪʃən/

A partial dislocation of a joint.

/ˌsʌbmjuːˈkoʊsə/

The layer of connective tissue beneath a mucous membrane.

/sʌbˈfrɛnɪk/

Situated below the diaphragm.

/ˈsʌbstəns əˈbjuːs/

Overindulgence in or dependence on an addictive substance, especially alcohol or drugs.

/ˈsʌbstreɪt/

A substance on which an enzyme acts.

/səˈkʌʃən/

The action of shaking the body to detect the presence of fluid and gas in a body cavity.

/ˌsuːdəˈrɪfərəs ɡlænd/

A sweat gland.

/ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/

The state or process of dying from being deprived of air or unable to breathe.

/ˈsʌlkəs/

A groove or furrow, especially one on the surface of the brain.

/ˌsuːpərˈiːɡoʊ/

The part of a person's mind that acts as a self-critical conscience, reflecting social standards learned from parents and teachers.

/ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl/

On the surface; not deep.

/suːˈpɪəriər/

Further above; higher in position.

/ˌsuːpɪˈneɪʃən/

Rotation of the forearm and hand so that the palm faces forward or upward.

/suːˈpaɪn/

Lying face upward.

/səˈpɒzɪtəri/

A solid medical preparation designed to be inserted into the rectum or vagina to dissolve.

/ˌsʌpjʊˈreɪʃən/

The formation or discharge of pus.

/ˌsuːprəˈriːnəl/

Situated above the kidney; relating to the adrenal glands.

/sɜːrˈfæktənt/

A substance which tends to reduce the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved; in the lungs, it prevents the collapse of alveoli.

/ˈsɜːrdʒən/

A medical practitioner qualified to practice surgery.

/ˈsɜːrdʒəri/

The branch of medicine that employs operative manual and instrumental techniques to treat pathological conditions.

/səˌsɛptəˈbɪləti/

The state or fact of being likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.

/ˈsuːtʃər/

A stitch or row of stitches holding together the edges of a wound or surgical incision; also the immovable junction between bones of the skull.

/ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

/ˈsɪmfɪsɪs/

A place where two bones are closely joined, either forming an immovable joint or completely fused.

/ˈsɪmptəm/

A physical or mental feature which is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient.

/ˌsɪmptəˈmætɪk/

Serving as a symptom or sign, especially of something undesirable.

/sɪˈnældʒə/

Another term for referred pain.

/ˈsaɪnæps/

A junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.

/ˌsɪnɑːrˈθroʊsɪs/

An immovably fixed joint between bones connected by fibrous tissue (e.g., the sutures of the skull).

/ˌsɪnkɒnˈdroʊsɪs/

A type of joint where the bones are joined by hyaline cartilage.

/ˈsɪŋkrənəs/

Existing or occurring at the same time.

/ˈsɪnklɪˌtɪzəm/

In obstetrics, the position of the fetal head when its sagittal suture is midway between the pubic symphysis and the sacral promontory.

/ˈsɪŋkəpi/

Temporary loss of consciousness caused by a fall in blood pressure; fainting.

/sɪnˈdæktɪli/

A condition where two or more digits are fused together; webbed fingers or toes.

/ˌsɪndɛzˈmoʊsɪs/

An immovable joint in which bones are joined by connective tissue (e.g., between the fibula and tibia at the ankle).

/ˈsɪndroʊm/

A group of symptoms which consistently occur together, or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms.

/sɪnˈdrɒmɪk/

Relating to or characteristic of a particular syndrome.

/sɪˈnɛkiə/

A condition where the iris adheres to either the cornea or the lens of the eye.

/ˌsɪnərˈdʒɪstɪk/

Relating to the interaction or cooperation of two or more agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

/ˌsɪndʒəˈneɪɪk/

Genetically identical; used of individuals or tissues.

/ˌsɪnɒfˈθælmiə/

Cyclopia; a rare congenital disorder where the two orbits of the eye are fused into one.

/ˌsɪnɒstiˈoʊsɪs/

The abnormal union of two neighboring bones by bony tissue.

/saɪˈnoʊviəl ˈfluːɪd/

A transparent, viscid lubricating fluid secreted by a membrane of a joint or tendon sheath.

/saɪˈnoʊviəl ˈmɛmbreɪn/

The connective tissue membrane that lines the cavity of a synovial joint and produces synovial fluid.

/ˌsɪnoʊvioʊəˈnælɪsɪs/

Laboratory examination of synovial fluid to diagnose joint disease.

/ˌsɪnoʊviˌoʊsɑːrˈkoʊmə/

A malignant tumor arising from synovial tissue.

/ˌsɪnəˈvaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of a synovial membrane.

/ˈsɪnθəsɪs/

The production of chemical compounds by reaction from simpler materials.

/ˈsɪntrəfi/

Biological interaction where the growth of one organism depends on the nutrients or factors provided by a neighboring organism.

/ˈsɪfɪlɪs/

A chronic bacterial disease that is contracted chiefly by infection during sexual intercourse.

/ˌsɪrɪnˈdʒɛktəmi/

Surgical excision of the walls of a fistula.

/ˌsɪrɪnˈdʒaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the Eustachian tube.

/sɪˌrɪŋɡoʊmaɪˈiːliə/

A chronic progressive disease in which longitudinal cavities form in the cervical segment of the spinal cord.

/sɪˈstɛmɪk/

Relating to a system, especially as opposed to a particular part; affecting the whole body.

/sɪˈstɛmɪk ˌsɜːrkjʊˈleɪʃən/

The part of the cardiovascular system which carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body, and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

/sɪˈstɛmɪk ˈluːpəs ˌɛrɪθiːməˈtoʊsəs/

SLE; an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage.

/ˈsɪstəli/

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood from the chambers into the arteries.

/sɪˈstɒlɪk ˈprɛʃər/

The blood pressure when the heart is contracting; the first number in a blood pressure reading.