MedTerm Speak

Master the language of medicine

Labile

LAY-byl

/ˈleɪbaɪl/

Chemically unstable or subject to change.

Lacrimation

lak-ruh-MAY-shun

/ˌlækrɪˈmeɪʃən/

The flow of tears.

Lactamase

LAK-tuh-mays

/ˈlæktəmeɪs/

Bacterial enzyme providing antibiotic resistance.

Laxative

LAK-suh-tiv

/ˈlæksətɪv/

Medicine used to facilitate bowel evacuation.

Leukopenia

loo-koh-PEE-nee-uh

/ˌluːkəˈpiːniə/

Reduction in white blood cells.

Ligand

LIG-und

/ˈlɪɡənd/

Molecule binding to a receptor site.

Lipid-soluble

LIP-id SOL-yuh-bul

/ˈlɪpɪd ˈsɒljʊbəl/

Ability to dissolve in fats to pass membranes.

Lipodystrophy

lip-oh-DIS-truh-fee

/ˌlɪpoʊˈdɪstrəfi/

Degeneration of adipose tissue.

Loading dose

LOH-ding dohs

/ˈloʊdɪŋ doʊs/

Initial large dose to reach therapeutic levels.

Local effect

LOH-kul ih-FEKT

/ˈloʊkəl ɪˈfɛkt/

Response at the site of administration.

Lotion

LOH-shun

/ˈloʊʃən/

Thick liquid preparation applied to skin.

Lozenge

LOZ-in-j

/ˈlɒzɪndʒ/

Medicated tablet dissolved in the mouth.

Lymphopenia

lim-foh-PEE-nee-uh

/ˌlɪmfoʊˈpiːniə/

Low concentration of lymphocytes.

Lysis

LY-sis

/ˈlaɪsɪs/

Disintegration of a cell by rupture.