MedTerm Speak

/ˈtiː sɛl/

A type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) that plays a central role in the immune response.

/ˌteɪbiːz dɔːrˈseɪlɪs/

Slow degeneration of the sensory neurons caused by tertiary syphilis.

/ˈtæki/

A prefix meaning fast or rapid.

/ˌtækiˈkɑːrdiə/

An abnormally rapid heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute.

/ˌtækɪfɪˈlæksɪs/

A rapid decrease in the response to a drug after repeated doses.

/ˌtækɪpˈniːə/

Abnormally rapid breathing.

/ˈtæktaɪl/

Relating to the sense of touch.

/ˈteɪləs/

The large bone in the ankle that articulates with the tibia of the leg and the calcaneum and navicular of the foot.

/təˈmɒksɪfɛn/

A medication used to prevent and treat certain types of breast cancer.

/ˌtæmpəˈneɪd/

Compression of the heart by an accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac.

/ˈteɪpwɜːrm/

A parasitic flatworm, the adult of which lives in the intestine of humans and animals.

/ˈtɑːrɡɪt sɛl/

A cell which bears receptors for a hormone, drug, or other signaling molecule; also refers to an abnormal red blood cell seen in certain anemias.

/ˈtɑːrsəl/

Relating to the tarsus (ankle bones).

/ˈtɑːrsəl ˈtʌnəl ˈsɪndroʊm/

Compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel in the ankle.

/ˈtɑːrsəs/

The group of seven small bones which form the ankle and upper foot; also the plate of dense connective tissue in the eyelid.

/ˈtɑːrtər/

Dental calculus; a hard calcified deposit that forms on the teeth.

/ˌteɪ ˈsæks dɪˈziːz/

A rare, inherited disorder that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

/tɪər dʌkt/

The nasolacrimal duct; a passage through which tears pass from the lacrimal sac into the nose.

/tɪərz/

The salty fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands to lubricate the surface of the eye.

/tɛɡˈmɛntəm/

A general area within the brainstem, located between the ventricular system and distinctive basal or ventral structures.

/tɛlˌændʒiɛkˈteɪʒə/

A condition in which widened venules (tiny blood vessels) cause threadlike red lines or patterns on the skin; 'spider veins'.

/təˈlɛmɪtri/

The remote monitoring of a patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate or rhythm, via radio or electronic signals.

/ˌtɛlɛnˈsɛfəlɒn/

The most highly developed part of the forebrain, consisting chiefly of the cerebral hemispheres.

/ˈtɛləmɪər/

A compound structure at the end of a chromosome that protects the end of the chromosome from deterioration.

/ˈtɛmpərəl/

Relating to the temples or the temporal bone of the skull; also relating to time.

/ˈtɛmpərəl ˌɑːrtəˈraɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the lining of the arteries, most often those in the head, especially the temples.

/ˈtɛmpərəl boʊn/

Either of a pair of bones that form part of the side of the skull and enclose the middle and inner ear.

/ˈtɛmpərəl loʊb/

The part of each cerebral hemisphere that lies beneath the temple, involved in hearing and memory.

/ˌtɛmpəroʊmænˈdɪbjʊlər/

TMJ; the joint between the temporal bone and the mandible (jawbone).

/ˈtɛndɪnəs/

Relating to, or of the nature of, a tendon.

/ˈtɛndən/

A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone.

/ˌtɛndəˈnaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of a tendon, most commonly from overuse.

/ˌtɛnoʊˌsɪnəˈvaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of a tendon sheath.

/tɛˈnɒtəmi/

The surgical cutting of a tendon.

/ˈtɛnʃən ˈhɛdeɪk/

A common type of headache caused by muscle tension in the neck, face, and scalp.

/ˈtɛnsər/

A muscle that stretches or tightens a part.

/təˈrætədʒən/

An agent or factor which causes malformation of an embryo.

/ˌtɛrəˈtoʊmə/

A tumor composed of tissues not normally present at the site (typically containing hair, teeth, or muscle).

/ˈtɛriːz ˈmeɪdʒər/

A muscle of the upper limb that attaches to the scapula and the humerus.

/ˈtɜːrmɪnəl/

Relating to or forming the end or extremity of something; also used to describe a disease that cannot be cured and will lead to death.

/ˈtɜːrmɪnəl ˈɪlnəs/

An irreversible illness that in the near future will result in death.

/ˈtɜːrʃiɛri kɛər/

Specialized consultative care, usually on referral from primary or secondary medical care providers (e.g., specialized surgery or cancer care).

/tɛˈstɪkjʊlər ˈtɔːrʃən/

A medical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle.

/ˈtɛstɪs/

The male reproductive organ that produces sperm and testosterone; plural: testes.

/tɛˈstɒstəˌroʊn/

The primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid, responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.

/ˈtɛtənəs/

A serious bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms and can lead to death; also known as lockjaw.

/ˈtɛtəni/

A condition marked by intermittent muscular spasms, caused by malfunction of the parathyroid glands and a consequent deficiency of calcium.

/ˌtɛtrəˈpliːdʒə/

Another term for quadriplegia; paralysis of all four limbs and the torso.

/θəˈlæmɪk/

Relating to the thalamus.

/ˌθæləˈmɒtəmi/

The surgical destruction of a tiny area of the thalamus to treat movement disorders.

/ˈθæləməs/

A large mass of gray matter in the center of the brain that acts as a relay station for sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex.

/ˌθæləˈsiːmiə/

An inherited blood disorder characterized by less oxygen-carrying protein (hemoglobin) and fewer red blood cells in the body than normal.

/ˈθiːnɑːr/

The fleshy area of the palm at the base of the thumb.

/ˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪk/

Relating to the healing of disease or having a beneficial effect on the body or mind.

/ˈθɛrəpi/

Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.

/θərˈmɒɡrəfi/

A technique for producing an image of the heat rays emitted by different parts of the body.

/ˌθɜːrmoʊˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/

The process that allows the body to maintain its core internal temperature.

/ˈθaɪəmɪn/

Vitamin B1; a vitamin of the B complex that is essential for carbohydrate metabolism.

/ˌθɔːrəsɛnˈtiːsɪs/

A procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs and the wall of the chest.

/θəˈræsɪk/

Relating to the thorax (the chest).

/θəˈræsɪk dʌkt/

The main vessel of the lymphatic system, passing upward in front of the spine.

/θəˈræsɪk ˈaʊtlət/

A group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib are compressed.

/ˌθɔːrəˈkɒtəmi/

A surgical incision into the chest wall to gain access to the lungs, heart, or esophagus.

/ˈθɔːræks/

The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, including the cavity enclosed by the ribs and containing the heart and lungs.

/θræʃ/

A colloquial term sometimes used for the convulsive movements seen in severe seizures or respiratory distress.

/ˌθrɒmboʊˌændʒiˈaɪtɪs əˈblɪtərænz/

Also known as Buerger's disease; inflammation and thrombosis in small and medium-sized blood vessels, typically in the legs.

/ˈθrɒmbəˌsaɪt/

Another name for a platelet.

/ˌθrɒmboʊˌsaɪtəˈpiːniə/

A condition characterized by an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood.

/ˌθrɒmboʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs/

The formation of a blood clot (thrombus).

/θrɒmˈbɒlɪsɪs/

The dissolution of a blood clot, especially as induced artificially by infusion of an enzyme.

/ˌθrɒmbəˈlɪtɪk/

Relating to the dissolution of a blood clot.

/ˌθrɒmboʊflɪˈbaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the wall of a vein with associated thrombosis, often occurring in the legs.

/ˌθrɒmboʊˈpɔɪɪtɪn/

A glycoprotein hormone produced by the liver and kidney which regulates the production of platelets.

/θrɒmˈboʊsɪs/

The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system.

/ˈθrɒmbəs/

A blood clot formed in situ within the vascular system of the body and impeding blood flow.

/θrʌʃ/

A fungal infection in the mouth and throat caused by the yeast Candida albicans.

/ˈθaɪməˌsaɪt/

An immune cell present in the thymus, before it becomes a fully mature T cell.

/θaɪˈmoʊmə/

A tumor originating from the epithelial cells of the thymus.

/ˈθaɪməs/

A lymphoid organ situated in the neck of vertebrates that produces T cells for the immune system.

/ˌθaɪroʊˈɡlɒsəl sɪst/

A fibrous cyst that forms from a persistent thyroglossal duct.

/ˈθaɪrɔɪd ɡlænd/

A large ductless gland in the neck that secretes hormones regulating growth and development through the rate of metabolism.

/ˈθaɪrɔɪd ˈstɪmjʊleɪtɪŋ ˈhɔːrmoʊn/

TSH; a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that tells the thyroid how much hormone to produce.

/ˌθaɪrɔɪˈdɛktəmi/

The surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.

/ˌθaɪrɔɪˈdaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the thyroid gland.

/ˌθaɪroʊˌtɒksɪˈkoʊsɪs/

The clinical syndrome caused by excess thyroid hormone in the body, regardless of the source.

/θaɪˈrɒksɪn/

T4; the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland, which acts to increase the metabolic rate.

/ˈtɪbiə/

The inner and typically larger of the two bones between the knee and the ankle; the shinbone.

/ˌtɪbiˈeɪlɪs ænˈtɪəriər/

A muscle in the lower leg that originates in the upper two-thirds of the lateral surface of the tibia and helps with dorsiflexion.

/tɪk/

A habitual spasmodic contraction of the muscles, most often in the face.

/ˌtɪk ˌduːləˈruː/

Another name for trigeminal neuralgia; severe, stabbing pain in the face.

/ˈtaɪdəl ˈvɒljuːm/

The amount of air that moves in or out of the lungs with each respiratory cycle.

/ˈtɪŋktʃər/

A medicine made by dissolving a drug in alcohol.

/ˈtɪniə/

The medical name for ringworm, a group of fungal skin infections.

/tɪˈnaɪtəs/

Ringing or buzzing in the ears.

/ˈtɪʃuː/

Any of the distinct types of material of which animals or plants are made, consisting of specialized cells and their products.

/taɪˈtreɪʃən/

The process of adjusting the dose of a medication for maximum benefit without adverse effects.

/tɒdz pəˈræləsɪs/

Temporary paralysis or weakness following a seizure, usually affecting one side of the body.

/ˈtɒlərəns/

The ability or willingness to endure something, in medicine, the capacity of the body to endure a drug after repeated use.

/ˈtoʊməˌɡræm/

A radiograph produced by tomography.

/təˈmɒɡrəfi/

A technique for displaying a representation of a cross-section through a human body using X-rays or ultrasound.

/toʊn/

The normal state of tension in a muscle at rest.

/tʌŋ/

The fleshy muscular organ in the mouth of a mammal, used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and articulating speech.

/ˈtɒnɪk/

Giving a feeling of vigor or well-being; in medicine, refers to continuous muscle contraction.

/təˈnɒmɪtər/

An instrument for measuring the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure).

/ˈtɒnsɪlər/

Relating to the tonsils.

/ˌtɒnsɪˈlɛktəmi/

The surgical removal of the tonsils.

/ˌtɒnsɪˈlaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the tonsils.

/ˈtɒnsɪlz/

Two small masses of lymphoid tissue in the throat, one on each side of the root of the tongue.

/ˈtoʊfəs/

A deposit of crystalline uric acid and other substances at the surface of joints or in skin or cartilage, typically as a feature of gout.

/ˈtɒpɪkəl/

Applied directly to a part of the body (e.g., creams, ointments).

/ˌtɒpɒɡˈnoʊsɪs/

The ability to localize a touch sensation on the skin.

/ˈtɔːrpər/

A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.

/tɔːrk/

A twisting force that tends to cause rotation, often measured in orthopedics and biomechanics.

/ˈtɔːrʃən/

The action of twisting or the state of being twisted (e.g., testicular torsion).

/ˌtɔːrtɪˈkɒlɪs/

Wryneck; a condition where the head becomes persistently turned to one side, often associated with painful muscle spasms.

/ˌtɔːrtɪˈkɒlɪs spæzˈmɒdɪk/

A painful condition in which neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to twist.

/ˈtoʊtəl hɪp rɪˈpleɪsmənt/

A surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant.

/ˈtoʊtəl lʌŋ kəˈpæsɪti/

The maximum amount of air the lungs can hold.

/ˈtʊərnɪkeɪ/

A device for stopping the flow of blood through a vein or artery, typically by compressing a limb with a cord or tight bandage.

/tɒkˈsiːmiə/

Blood poisoning by toxins from a local bacterial infection.

/ˈtɒksɪk/

Poisonous; relating to or caused by poison.

/ˌtɒksɪˈkɒlədʒi/

The branch of science concerned with the nature, effects, and detection of poisons.

/ˈtɒksɪn/

A poison of plant or animal origin, especially one produced by microorganisms.

/ˌtɒksəplæzˈmoʊsɪs/

An infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, usually from undercooked meat or cat feces.

/trəˈbɛkjʊlə/

A small, often microscopic, tissue element in the form of a small beam, strut or rod that supports or anchors a framework of parts within a body or organ.

/ˈtreɪkiə/

The windpipe; a large membranous tube reinforced by rings of cartilage, extending from the larynx to the bronchial tubes.

/ˌtreɪkiˈaɪtɪs/

Inflammation of the trachea.

/ˌtreɪkioʊˈbrɒŋkiəl/

Relating to both the trachea and the bronchial tubes.

/ˌtreɪkiˈɒstəmi/

A surgical procedure to create an opening through the neck into the trachea (windpipe).

/ˌtreɪkiˈɒtəmi/

The surgical incision in the trachea for the purpose of a tracheostomy.

/trækt/

A major passage in the body, or a large bundle of nerve fibers.

/ˈtrækʃən/

The application of a sustained pull on a limb or muscle, especially in order to maintain the position of a fractured bone or to correct a deformity.

/trækˈtɒtəmi/

Surgical severance of a nerve tract in the spinal cord or brainstem to relieve pain.

/ˈtreɪɡəs/

The small, pointed eminence of the external ear, situated in front of the concha and projecting backward over the meatus.

/træns/

A half-conscious state characterized by an absence of response to external stimuli, typically as induced by hypnosis or entered by a medium.

/ˈtræŋkwɪlaɪzər/

A medicinal drug taken to reduce tension or anxiety.

/trænzˈæmɪneɪs/

An enzyme involved in the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another; high levels in blood often indicate liver damage.

/trænˈskrɪpʃən/

The process by which the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA).

/ˌtrænzkjuːˈteɪniəs/

Passing, entering, or made through the skin (e.g., TENS unit).

/trænzˈdɜːrməl/

Relating to or denoting the application of a medicine or drug through the skin, typically via a patch.

/trænzˈdjuːsər/

A device that converts one form of energy into another, such as an ultrasound probe.

/trænsˈfjuːʒən/

An act of transferring donated blood, blood products, or other fluids into the circulatory system of a person.

/ˈtrænʒənt ɪˈskiːmɪk əˈtæk/

TIA; a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by loss of blood flow in the brain without tissue death; often called a 'mini-stroke'.

/ˌtrænzɪˌluːmɪˈneɪʃən/

The passing of strong light through a body part or cavity for medical examination (e.g., checking sinuses or a hydrocele).

/trænsˈleɪʃən/

The process by which a cell makes proteins using the genetic information carried in messenger RNA (mRNA).

/trænzˈmjʊərəl/

Occurring through or involving the entire thickness of the wall of an organ or vessel.

/ˈtrænsplænt/

An operation in which an organ or tissue is transplanted from one person or site to another.

/ˌtrænspəˈzɪʃən/

The displacement of an organ or body part to the opposite side from which it is normally located.

/ˈtrænsjʊdeɪt/

Extravascular fluid with low protein content and low specific gravity; often caused by disturbances in hydrostatic or osmotic pressure.

/trænzˈvɜːrs/

Situated or extending across something.

/trænzˈvɜːrs ˈkoʊlən/

The middle part of the large intestine, passing across the abdomen from right to left below the stomach.

/trəˈpiːziəm/

A wrist bone (carpal) located at the base of the thumb.

/trəˈpiːziəs/

A large triangular muscle extending over the back of the neck and shoulders and moving the scapula.

/ˈtræpəzɔɪd boʊn/

The smallest carpal bone in the distal row of the wrist.

/ˈtrɔːmə/

A deeply distressing or disturbing experience, or physical injury.

/ˈtrɛmər/

An involuntary quivering movement.

/ˈtraɪæd/

A group of three associated symptoms or signs (e.g., Cushing's triad).

/triːˈɑːʒ/

The assignment of degrees of urgency to wounds or illnesses to decide the order of treatment of a large number of patients.

/ˈtraɪsɛps/

A large muscle on the back of the upper arm responsible for extending the elbow.

/trɪˈkaɪəsɪs/

A common eyelid abnormality where the eyelashes are misdirected and grow inward toward the eye.

/trɪˈkɒlədʒi/

The branch of medical and cosmetic study and practice concerned with the hair and scalp.

/ˌtrɪkəməˈnaɪəsɪs/

A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.

/traɪˈkʌspɪd vælv/

The valve situated at the opening of the right atrium of the heart into the right ventricle.

/traɪˈdʒɛmɪnəl nɜːrv/

The fifth cranial nerve (CN V), responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.

/traɪˈɡlɪsəraɪd/

The main constituents of natural fats and oils; high levels in the blood are associated with metabolic syndrome.

/ˈtraɪɡoʊn/

A triangular region or area, specifically the smooth triangular region of the internal urinary bladder.

/traɪˈmɛstər/

A period of three months, especially as a division of the duration of pregnancy.

/ˈtroʊkɑːr/

A sharp-pointed surgical instrument used with a cannula to puncture a body cavity for fluid drainage or laparoscopic access.

/troʊˈkæntər/

Any of a number of bony prominences toward the near end of the femur (greater and lesser trochanter).

/ˈtroʊkiː/

A small medicated tablet, such as a lozenge, designed to dissolve in the mouth.

/ˈtrɒkliər nɜːrv/

The fourth cranial nerve (CN IV), which controls the superior oblique muscle of the eye.

/troʊˈfɪsɪti/

The nutrition or maintenance of a tissue or organ.

/ˈtroʊfəblæst/

A layer of tissue on the outside of a mammalian blastocyst, supplying the embryo with nourishment and later forming the major part of the placenta.

/ˈtrɒpɪkəl ˈmɛdsən/

The branch of medicine concerned with diseases that are unique to, more widespread in, or more difficult to control in tropical and subtropical regions.

/truː rɪbz/

The first seven pairs of ribs, which are attached directly to the sternum.

/trʌŋk/

The human body apart from the limbs and head; the torso.

/ˈtrɪpsɪn/

A digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine, secreted by the pancreas.

/ˈtuːbəl laɪˈɡeɪʃən/

A surgical procedure for female sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are severed and tied or sealed.

/tuːb/

A long, hollow cylinder of metal, plastic, or glass used in medical procedures (e.g., ET tube, NG tube).

/ˈtuːbərkəl/

A small rounded projection or protuberance, especially on a bone or on the surface of an animal or plant.

/tjuːˈbɜːrkjʊlɪn tɛst/

A test for immunity to or infection with tuberculosis, performed by injecting a small amount of tuberculin protein into the skin.

/tjuːˌbɜːrkjʊˈloʊsɪs/

TB; an infectious bacterial disease characterized by the growth of nodules (tubercles) in the tissues, especially the lungs.

/ˌtuːbəˈrɒsɪti/

A large rounded prominence on a bone, usually serving for the attachment of muscles or ligaments.

/ˈtuːbjuːl/

A minute tube, especially as an anatomical structure (e.g., renal tubules).

/ˌtuːləˈriːmiə/

A severe infectious bacterial disease of animals (especially rodents) transmissible to humans.

/ˌtjuːmɪˈfækʃən/

The process of puffing up or swelling.

/ˈtuːmər/

A swelling of a part of the body, generally without inflammation, caused by an abnormal growth of tissue.

/ˈtjuːnɪkə/

A membranous layer of a blood vessel or other tubular structure.

/ˈtuːnɪŋ fɔːrk/

A two-pronged steel device used by medical professionals to test hearing and vibration sense.

/tɜːrˈbɪdəti/

Cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles.

/ˈtɜːrbɪnət/

Bony structures inside the nose that help warm and humidify air.

/ˈtɜːrɡər/

The state of turgidity and resulting rigidity of cells or tissues, typically due to the absorption of fluid; used to assess dehydration via skin elasticity.

/tɪmˈpænɪk ˈmɛmbreɪn/

The eardrum.

/ˌtɪmpəˈnɒmɪtri/

An examination used to test the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum.

/ˌtɪmpənəˈplæsti/

The surgical operation performed for the reconstruction of the eardrum or the small bones of the middle ear.

/taɪp wʌn ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz/

A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

/taɪp tuː ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz/

A chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose).

/ˈtaɪfɔɪd ˈfiːvər/

An infectious bacterial fever with an eruption of red spots on the chest and abdomen and severe intestinal irritation.

/ˈtaɪfəs/

An infectious disease caused by rickettsiae, characterized by a purple rash, headaches, fever, and usually delirium.

/ˌtaɪroʊsɪˈniːmiə/

A genetic disorder characterized by the body's inability to effectively break down the amino acid tyrosine.