MedTerm Speak

Master the language of medicine

Absorption

ab-SORP-shun

/əbˈsɔːrpʃən/

The process by which a drug proceeds from the site of administration into the blood circulation.

Adjuvant

AD-joo-vunt

/ˈædʒʊvənt/

A substance added to a drug to increase its effectiveness or immune response.

Adrenergic

ad-ren-ER-jik

/ˌædrəˈnɜːrdʒɪk/

Relating to nerve cells or fibers that use epinephrine or norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter.

Affinity

uh-FIN-ih-tee

/əˈfɪnɪti/

The strength of the binding between a drug and its receptor.

Agonist

AG-uh-nist

/ˈæɡənɪst/

A drug that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a biological response.

Akathisia

ak-uh-THIZ-ee-uh

/ˌækəˈθɪziə/

A state of agitation or restlessness, often a side effect of antipsychotic medications.

Alopecia

al-oh-PEE-shuh

/ˌæləˈpiːʃə/

Partial or complete loss of hair, common in chemotherapy.

Analgesic

an-ul-JEE-zik

/ˌænəlˈdʒiːzɪk/

A class of drugs used to achieve relief from pain.

Anaphylaxis

an-uh-fuh-LAK-sis

/ˌænəfɪˈlæksɪs/

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Androgen

AN-druh-jen

/ˈændrədʒən/

A male sex hormone, such as testosterone.

Anesthetic

an-es-THET-ik

/ˌænəsˈθɛtɪk/

A drug that causes temporary loss of bodily sensation or consciousness.

Antagonist

an-TAG-uh-nist

/ænˈtæɡənɪst/

A drug that blocks or dampens a biological response by binding to a receptor.

Antiemetic

an-tee-ee-MET-ik

/ˌæntiiˈmɛtɪk/

A drug that is effective against vomiting and nausea.

Antipyretic

an-tee-py-RET-ik

/ˌæntipaɪˈrɛtɪk/

A substance or drug used to prevent or reduce fever.

Anxiolytic

ang-zee-oh-LIT-ik

/ˌæŋziəˈlɪtɪk/

A medication used to reduce anxiety.

Aphagia

uh-FAY-jee-uh

/əˈfeɪdʒiə/

The inability or refusal to swallow.

Arrhythmia

uh-RITH-mee-uh

/əˈrɪðmiə/

A condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.

Ascites

uh-SY-teez

/əˈsaɪtiːz/

The accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling.

Ataxia

uh-TAK-see-uh

/əˈtæksiə/

The loss of full control of bodily movements.

Atrophy

AT-ruh-fee

/ˈætrəfi/

The wasting away of a body organ or tissue.