MedTerm Speak

Master the language of medicine

Decongestion

dee-kun-JES-chun

/ˌdiːkənˈdʒɛstʃən/

The process of reducing nasal congestion or swelling.

Demulcent

dih-MUL-sunt

/dɪˈmʌlsənt/

An agent that forms a soothing film over a mucous membrane.

Dependence

dih-PEN-dunts

/dɪˈpɛndəns/

A state in which an organism functions normally only in the presence of a drug.

Depolarization

dee-poh-ler-ih-ZAY-shun

/diːˌpoʊləreɪˈzeɪʃən/

A shift in electric charge distribution within a cell.

Dermatitis

dur-muh-TY-tis

/ˌdɜːrməˈtaɪtɪs/

A general term that describes a common skin irritation.

Desensitization

dee-sen-sih-tih-ZAY-shun

/diːˌsɛnsɪtɪˈzeɪʃən/

Reducing sensitivity or reactivity to a specific drug or allergen.

Desiccant

DES-ih-kunt

/ˈdɛsɪkənt/

A hygroscopic substance used as a drying agent.

Detoxification

dee-tok-sih-fih-KAY-shun

/diːˌtɒksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Removal of toxic substances from a living organism.

Diffusion

dih-FYOO-zhun

/dɪˈfjuːʒən/

Passive movement of molecules from high to low concentration.

Digitalization

dij-ih-tul-ih-ZAY-shun

/ˌdɪdʒɪtələˈzeɪʃən/

Administration of digitalis until the desired effect is achieved.

Diphasic

dy-FAY-zik

/daɪˈfeɪzɪk/

Having two phases, such as a drug response in two stages.

Disinfectant

dis-in-FEK-tunt

/ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛktənt/

A liquid that destroys bacteria on inanimate surfaces.

Distal

DIS-tul

/ˈdɪstəl/

Situated away from the center of the body.

Diuretic

dy-yuh-RET-ik

/ˌdaɪjʊˈrɛtɪk/

A substance that promotes the production of urine.

Dopamine

DOH-puh-meen

/ˈdoʊpəmiːn/

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure and motor control.

Dose-response

dohs-ri-SPONS

/doʊs rɪˈspɒns/

The relationship between drug amount and its effect.

Dromotropic

droh-moh-TROP-ik

/ˌdroʊməˈtrɒpɪk/

Affecting the conduction velocity of impulses in the heart.

Dyskinesia

dis-kih-NEE-zhuh

/ˌdɪskɪˈniːʒə/

Abnormality or impairment of voluntary movement.

Dyspnea

DISP-nee-uh

/dɪspˈniːə/

Difficult or labored breathing.

Dystonia

dis-TOH-nee-uh

/dɪsˈtoʊniə/

Abnormal muscle tone resulting in muscular spasm.