A

A A accommodation; adenine or adenosine; alanine; ampere; anode; anterior.

A A absorbance; activity (3); area; mass number.

A₂ A₂ aortic second sound.

A A angstrom.

a a accommodation; atto-.

a. a. [L.] annum (year); aqua (water); arteria (artery).

a-₁ a–₁ word element [Gr.], without., not.

a–₂ a–₂ word element [L.], separation, away from.

a activity (2).

α α (alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet) heavy chain of IgA; α chain of hemoglobin.

α– α- a prefix designating (1) the position of a substituting atom or group in a chemical compound; (2) the specific rotation of an optically active compound; (3) the orientation of an exocyclic atom or group; (4) a plasma protein migrating with the α band in electrophoresis; (5) first in a series of related entities or chemical compounds.

AA AA achievement age; Alcoholics Anonymous; amino acid.

udbamac udbamac ana (of each), used in prescription writing.

aa. aa. [L.] arteriae (arteries).

AAA AAA American Association of Anatomists.

AAAA AAAA American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants.

AAAAI AAAAI American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.

AAAS AAAS American Association for the Advancement of Science.

AAB AAB American Association of Bioanalysts.

AABB AABB American Association of Blood Banks.

AACA AACA American Association of Clinical Anatomists.

AACAP AACAP American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

AACC AACC American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

AACE AACE American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

AACH AACH American Academy on Communication in Healthcare.

AACN AACN American Association of Colleges of Nursing; American Association of Critical- Care Nurses.

AAD AAD American Academy of Dermatology.

AADS AADS American Association of Dental Schools.

AAE AAE American Association of Endodontists.

AAFP AAFP American Academy of Family Physicians.

AAGP AAGP American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.

AAHC AAHC American Association of Healthcare Consultants; Association of Academic Health Centers; American Accreditation HealthCare Commission, Inc.

AAHD AAHD American Association of Hospital Dentists.

AAHE AAHE Association for the Advancement of Health Education.

AAHPER AAHPER American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

AAHS AAHS American Association for Hand Surgery.

AAHSL AAHSL Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries.

AAI AAI American Association of Immunologists.

AAID AAID American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

AALNC AALNC American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants.

AAMA AAMA American Association of Medical Assistants.

AAMC AAMC American Association of Medical Colleges.

AAMFT AAMFT American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

AAMI AAMI Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.

AAMP AAMP American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics; American Association of Medical Personnel.

AAMR AAMR American Academy of Mental Retardation.

AAMT AAMT American Association for Medical Transcription.

AAN AAN American Academy of Neurology; American Academy of Nursing.

AANA AANA American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

AANN AANN American Association of Neuroscience Nurses.

AANP AANP American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; American Association of Naturopathic Physicians; American Association of Neuropathologists.

AAO AAO American Academy of Ophthalmology; American Academy of Optometry; American Academy of Osteopathy; American Academy of Otolaryngology; American Association of Orthodontists.

AAOHN AAOHN American Association of Occupational Health Nurses.

AAO-HNS AAO-HNS American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

AAOM AAOM American Academy of Oral Medicine; American Association of Oriental Medicine; American Association of Orthopaedic Medicine.

AAOMR AAOMR American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.

AAOMS AAOMS American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

AAOP AAOP American Academy of Oral Pathology.

AAOS AAOS American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

AAP AAP American Academy of Pediatrics; American Academy of Pedodontics; American Academy of Periodontology; American Association of Pathologists; American Academy of Psychotherapists; Association of American Physicians.

AAPA AAPA American Academy of Physician Assistants; American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants.

AAPCC AAPCC American Association of Poison Control Centers.

AAPD AAPD American Academy of Pediatric Dentists.

AAPHD AAPHD American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

AAPHP AAPHP American Association of Public Health Physicians.

AAPM AAPM American Academy of Pain Medicine; American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

AAPM&R AAPM&R American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

AAPS AAPS American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists; American Association of Plastic Surgeons; Association of American Physicians and Surgeons.

AARC AARC American Association for Respiratory Care.

AART AART American Association for Rehabilitation Therapy.

AAS AAS American Analgesia Society.

AAST AAST American Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

AATA AATA American Art Therapy Association.

AATS AATS American Association for Thoracic Surgery.

AB AB [L.] Artium Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Arts).

Ab Ab antibody.

ab ab [L.] preposition, from.

ab- ab- word element [L.], from; off; away from.

ABA ABA American Burn Association.

abacavir abacavir a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used as the sulfate salt as an antiretroviral in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

abarognosis abarognosie baragnosis.

abarthrosis abarthrose abarticulation.

abarticulation 1. abarthrose synovial joint. 2. luxation dislocation of a joint.

abasia abasie inability to walk. Adj.: abasic, abatic. a.-astasia astasie-abasie astasia-abasia. a. atactica a. ataxique abasia with uncertain movements, due to a defect of coordination. choreic a. a. choréique abasia due to chorea of the legs. paralytic a. a. paralytique abasia due to paralysis of leg muscles. paroxysmal trepidant, a. spastic a. a. spastique abasia due to spastic stiffening of the legs on attempting to stand. a. trepidans a. spastique abasia due to trembling of the legs.

ABAT ABAT American Board of Applied Toxicology.

abatacept abatacept a synthetic recombinant protein that acts as an inhibitor of T-cell activation; used in the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to other medications.

abatement apaisement decrease in severity of a pain or symptom.

ABC ABC argon beam coagulator; aspiration biopsy cytology.

abciximab abciximab a human-murine monoclonal antibody Fab fragment that inhibits the aggregation of platelets, used as an antithrombotic in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

ABCP ABCP American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.

abdomen abdomen that part of the body lying between the thorax and the pelvis, and containing the abdominal cavity and viscera. acute a. a. aigu an acute intra-abdominal condition of abrupt onset, usually associated with pain due to inflammation, perforation, obstruction, infarction, or rupture of abdominal organs, and usually requiring emergency surgical intervention. carinate a., navicular a. a. caréné scaphoid a. a. obstipum a. obstipum congenital shortness of the rectus abdominis muscle. scaphoid a. a. scaphoïde one whose anterior wall is hollowed, occurring in children with cerebral disease. surgical a. a. chirurgical acute a.

abdominal abdominal pertaining to the abdomen.

abdomin(o)- abdomin(o)- word element [L.], abdomen.

abdominocentesis paracentèse abdominale surgical puncture of the abdomen.

abdominocystic abdominokystique pertaining to the abdomen and gallbladder.

abdominohysterectomy hystérectomie abdominale hysterectomy through an abdominal incision.

abdominohysterotomy abdomino-hystérotomie abdominal hysterotomy.

abdominovaginal abdominovaginal pertaining to the abdomen and vagina.

abdominovesical abdominovésical 1. abdominocystic. 2. pertaining to or connecting the abdominal cavity and urinary bladder.

abducens abducteur [L.] abducent.

abducent abducteur serving to abduct a part.

abduct produire un mouvement d’abduction (écarter de l’axe médian) to draw away from the median plane, or (the digits) from the axial line of a limb. Adj.: abducent.

abduction abduction the act of abducting; the state of being abducted.

abductor abducteur that which abducts; see also under muscle and Plate 6.

aberrancy aberrance aberration (3).

aberrant aberrant wandering or deviating from the usual or normal course.

aberratio aberratio [L.] aberration (1).

aberration aberration 1. deviation from the normal or usual. 2. unequal refraction or focalization of a lens. 3. in cardiology, aberrant conduction. chromatic a. a. chromatique unequal refraction of light rays of different wavelength, producing a blurred image with fringes of color. chromosome a. a. chromosomique an irregularity in the number or structure of chromosomes, usually a gain, loss, exchange, or alteration of sequence of genetic material, which often alters embryonic development. intraventricular a. a. intraventricular aberrant conduction within the ventricles of an impulse generated in the supraventricular region, excluding abnormalities due to fixed organic defects in conduction. mental a. a. mentale any pathological deviation from normal mental activity, usually limited to a circumscribed deviation in an otherwise adapted individual.

abetalipoproteinemia abêtalipoprotéinémie a hereditary syndrome marked by a lack of lipoproteins that contain apolipoprotein B (chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins) in the blood and by acanthocytosis, hypocholesterolemia, progressive ataxic neuropathy, atypical retinitis pigmentosa, and malabsorption. normotriglyceridemic a. a. normotriglycéridémique a variant form in which apolipoprotein (apo) B-48 is present but apo B-100 is absent; chylomicrons are formed, and some fat absorption may occur.

ABGC ABGC American Board of Genetic Counseling.

abiosis abiose absence of life. Adj.: abiotic.

abiotrophy abiotrophie progressive loss of vitality of certain tissues, leading to disorders; applied to degenerative hereditary diseases of late onset, e.g., Huntington’s chorea.

ablate exciser, pratiquer une ablation to remove, especially by cutting; to extirpate.

ablatio ablatio [L.] ablation.

ablation ablation 1. separation or detachment; extirpation; eradication. 2. removal or destruction, especially by cutting. transurethral needle a. (TUNA) a. prostatique transurétrale par aiguille production of localized necrotic lesions of the prostate using radiofrequency energy delivered through interstitial needles inserted via the urethra into the prostate; used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

ablepharia ablépharie cryptophthalmos. Adj:. ablepharous.

ABMG ABMG American Board of Medical Genetics.

ABMS ABMS American Board of Medical Specialties.

abnormal anormal not normal; contrary to the usual structure, position, condition, behavior, or rule.

abnormality 1. anomalie the state of being abnormal. 2. malformation a malformation.

ABOHN ABOHN American Board for Occupational Health Nurses.

aborad aborad directed away from the mouth.

aboral éloigné de la bouche opposite to, away from, or remote from the mouth.

abort avorter 1. to arrest prematurely a disease or developmental process. 2. to cause, undergo, or experience abortion. 3. to become checked in development.

abortifacient abortif 1. causing abortion. 2. an agent that induces abortion.

abortion avortement 1. expulsion from the uterus of the products of conception before the fetus is viable. 2. premature stoppage of a natural or a pathological process. artificial a. a. artificiel induced a. complete a. a. complet one in which all the products of conception are expelled from the uterus and identified. habitual a. a. habituel à répétition spontaneous abortion occurring in three or more successive pregnancies, at about the same level of development. incomplete a. a. incomplet that with retention of parts of the products of conception. induced a. a. provoqué that brought on intentionally by medication or instrumentation. inevitable a. a. inévitable a condition in which vaginal bleeding has been profuse, the cervix has become dilated, and abortion will invariably occur. infected a. a. septique that associated with infection of the genital tract. missed a. rétention fœtale retention in the uterus of an abortus that has been dead for at least eight weeks. septic a. a. septique that associated with serious infection of the uterus leading to generalized infection. spontaneous a. a. spontané that occurring naturally. therapeutic a. a. thérapeutique that induced for medical considerations. threatened a. menace d’a. a condition in which vaginal bleeding is less than in inevitable abortion, the cervix is not dilated, and abortion may or may not occur.

abortive abortif 1. incompletely developed. 2. abortifacient (1). 3. cutting short the course of a disease.

abortus avorton a fetus weighing less than 500 g or having completed less than 20 weeks gestational age at the time of expulsion from the uterus, having no chance of survival.

ABPANC ABPANC American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification.

abrasion abrasion 1. a rubbing or scraping off through unusual or abnormal action; see also planing. 2. a rubbed or scraped area on skin or mucous membrane.

abrasive abrasif 1. causing abrasion. 2. an agent that produces abrasion.

abreaction abréaction the reliving of an experience in such a way that previously repressed emotions associated with it are released.

abruptio décollement [L.] separation. a. placentae hématome rétroplacentaire premature detachment of the placenta.

abscess abcès a localized collection of pus in a cavity formed by disintegration of tissues. amebic a. a. amibien one caused by Entamoeba histolytica, usually occurring in the liver but also in the lungs, brain, and spleen. alveolar a. a. alvéolaire apical a. (2). apical a. a. apical 1. one at the apex of an organ. 2. a suppurative inflammatory reaction involving the tissues surrounding the apical portion of a tooth, occurring in acute and chronic forms. appendiceal a., appendicular a. a. appendicocèle one resulting from perforation of an acutely inflamed appendix. Bartholin a. a. de Bartholin acute infection of the excretory duct of a Bartholin gland. Bezold a. a. de Bezold one deep in the neck as a complication of acute mastoiditis. brain a. a. du cerveau one affecting the brain as a result of extension of an infection (e.g., otitis media) from an adjacent area, or through bloodborne infection. Brodie a. a. de Brodie a roughly spherical region of bone destruction, filled with pus or connective tissue, usually in the metaphyseal region of long bones and caused by Staphylococcus aureus or S. albus. cold a. a. froid 1. one of slow development and with little inflammation. 2. tuberculous a. collar button a. a. en bouton de chemise a superficial abscess connected with a deeper one by a passage. diffuse a. a. diffus a collection of pus not enclosed by a capsule. gas a. a. gazeux one containing gas, caused by gas-forming bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens. miliary a. a. miliaire one of a set of small multiple abscesses. Pautrier a. a. de Pautrier see under microabscess. perianal a. a. péri-anal one beneath the skin of the anus and the anal canal. periodontal a. a. parodontal a localized collection of pus in the periodontal tissue. peritonsillar a. a. péritonsillaire one in the connective tissue of the tonsil capsule, from suppuration of the tonsil. phlegmonous a. a. phlegmoneux one associated with acute inflammation of the subcutaneous connective tissue. ring a. a. annulaire de la cornée a ring-shaped purulent infiltration at the periphery of the cornea. shirt stud a. a. en bouton de chemise collar button a. stitch a. a. de suture one developed around a stitch or suture. thecal a. a. intrathecal one arising in a sheath, as in a tendon sheath. tuberculous a. a. tuberculeux one due to infection with tubercle bacilli. vitreous a. a. vitreux an abscess of the vitreous humor, resulting from infection, trauma, or foreign body. wandering a. a. métastatique one that burrows into tissues and finally points at a distance from the site of origin. Welch a. a. de Welch gas a.

abscissa axe des abscisses the horizontal line in a graph along which are plotted the units of one of the factors considered in the study. Symbol x.

abscission excision removal by cutting.

abscopal abscopal pertaining to the effect on nonirradiated tissue resulting from irradiation of other tissue of the organism.

Absidia Absidia a genus of fungi of the order Mucorales. A. corymbifera and several other species may cause mycosis in humans. A. ramosa grows on bread and decaying vegetation and causes otomycosis and sometimes mucormycosis.

absolute absolu free from limitations; unlimited; uncombined.

absorb absorber 1. to take in or assimilate, as to take up substances into or across tissues, e.g., the skin or intestine. 2. to react with radiation energy so as to attenuate it. 3. to retain specific wavelengths of radiation incident upon a substance, either raising its temperature or changing the energy state of its molecules.

absorbable absorbable capable of being absorbed.

absorbance absorbance 1. in analytical chemistry, a measure of the light that a solution does not transmit compared to a pure solution. Symbol A. 2. in radiology, a measure of the ability of a medium to absorb radiation, expressed as the logarithm of the ratio of the intensity of the radiation entering the medium to that leaving it.

absorbefacient favorisant l’absorption 1. causing or promoting absorption. 2. absorbent (3).

absorbent absorbant 1. able to take in, or suck up and incorporate. 2. a tissue structure involved in absorption. 3. a substance that absorbs or promotes absorption.

absorption absorption 1. the uptake of substances into or across tissues. 2. in psychology, devotion of thought to one object or activity only. 3. in radiology, uptake of energy by matter with which radiation interacts. 4. in chemistry, the penetration of a substance within the inner structure of another. intestinal a. a. intestinale the uptake from the intestinal lumen of fluids, solutes, proteins, fats, and other nutrients into the intestinal epithelial cells, blood, lymph, or interstitial fluids.

absorptive absorbant capable of absorbing; absorbent; pertaining to absorption.

absorptivity absorptivité a measure of the amount of light absorbed by a solution.

abstergent détergent 1. cleansing or detergent. 2. a cleansing agent.

abstinence abstinence a refraining from the use of or indulgence in food, stimulants, or sexual activity. periodic a. continence périodique rhythm method.

Abstraction suppression d’un constituant 1. the withdrawal of any ingredient from a compound. 2. infragnathie malocclusion in which the occlusal plane is further from the eye-ear plane, causing lengthening of the face; cf. attraction (2).

abulia aboulie 1. loss or deficiency of will power, initiative, or drive. 2. akinetic mutism that is less than total. Adj.: abulic.

abuse abus misuse, maltreatment, or excessive use. child a. syndrome des enfants maltraités see battered-child syndrome. drug a. toxicomanie substance a. physical a. violences corporelles any act resulting in a nonaccidental physical injury. psychoactive substance a. a. de substances psychoactives substance a. sexual a. sévices sexuels assault or other crime of a sexual nature, which need not be physical. Acts of a sexual nature are considered abuse if performed with minors or nonconsenting adults. substance a. a. de substances toxiques use of a substance that modifies mood or behavior in a manner characterized by a maladaptive pattern of use. See also substance dependence, under dependence.

abutment butée, dent pilier a supporting structure to sustain lateral or horizontal pressure, as the anchorage tooth for a fixed or removable partial denture.

AC AC acromioclavicular; air conduction; alternating current; anodal closure; aortic closure.

Ac Ac actinium.

a.c. a.c. [L.] ante cibum (before meals).

ACA ACA American Chiropractic Association; American College of Apothecaries; American Council on Alcoholism; American Counseling Association.

ACAAI ACAAI American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

ACAM ACAM American College for Advancement in Medicine.

acampsia acampsie rigidity of a part or limb.

acantha 1. épine dorsale spine (1). 2. apophyse épineuse a spinous process of a vertebra.

acanthamebiasis acanthamibiase infection with Acanthamoeba castellani.

Acanthamoeba Acanthamoeba a genus of free-living ameboid protozoa (order Amoebida) found usually in fresh water or moist soil. Certain species, such as A. astronyxis, A. castellanii, A. culbertsoni, A. hatchetti, A. polyphaga, and A. rhisodes, may occur as human pathogens.

acanthesthesia acanthesthésie perverted sensation of a sharp point pricking the body.

acanthion acanthion a point at the tip of the anterior nasal spine.

acanth(o)- acanth(o)- word element [Gr.], sharp spine; thorn.

Acanthocephala Acanthocéphales a phylum of elongate, mostly cylindrical organisms (thornyheaded worms) parasitic in the intestines of all classes of vertebrates; in some classifications, considered to be a class of the phylum Nemathelminthes.

Acanthocephalus Acanthocephalus a genus of parasitic worms (phylum Acanthocephala).

acanthocyte acanthocyte a spiculed erythrocyte with spiny protoplasmic projections of varying lengths distributed irregularly over its surface, as is seen in abetalipoproteinemia.

acanthocytosis acanthocytose the presence in the blood of acanthocytes, characteristic of abetalipoproteinemia and sometimes used synonymously.

acantholysis acantholyse dissolution of the intercellular bridges of the stratum spinosum of the epidermis. Adj.: acantholytic.

acanthoma acanthome pl. acanthomas, acanthomata a tumor composed of epidermal or squamous cells.

Acanthophis Acanthophis a genus of snakes of the family Elapidae. A. antarcticus is the death adder of Australia and New Guinea.

acanthosis hyperacanthose diffuse hyperplasia and thickening of the stratum spinosum of the epidermis. Adj.: acantholytic. a. nigricans acanthosis nigricans diffuse velvety acanthosis with dark pigmentation, chiefly in the axillae; in adults, one form is often associated with an internal carcinoma (malignant a. nigricans), and another form is benign, nevoid, and more or less generalized. A benign juvenile form is called pseudoacanthosis nigricans.

acanthrocytosis acanthocytose acanthocytosis.

acarbose acarbose an α-glucosidase inhibitor used in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

acardia acardie congenital absence of the heart.

acardius acardius an imperfectly formed free twin fetus, lacking a heart and other body parts.

acariasis acariose infestation with mites.

acaricide acaricide 1. destructive to mites. 2. an agent that destroys mites.

acarid acarien a tick or mite of the order Acarina.

acaridiasis acaridiose acariasis.

Acarina Acarina an order of arthropods (class Arachnida), including mites and ticks.

acarinosis acariase acariasis.

acarodermatitis acarodermatite any skin inflammation caused by mites (acarids). a. urticarioides acarodermatite grain itch.

acarology acarologie the scientific study of mites and ticks.

Acarus Acarus a genus of small mites, frequent causes of skin diseases such as itch or mange. A. folliculorum A. folliculorum Demodex folliculorum. A. siro A. siro a mite that causes vanillism in vanilla pod handlers.

acatalasemia acatalasémie acatalasia.

acatalasia acatalasie a rare hereditary disease seen mostly in Japan and Switzerland, marked by absence of catalase; it may be associated with infections of oral structures.

acaudate acaudé lacking a tail.

ACC ACC American College of Cardiology.

ACCA ACCA American College of Cardiovascular Administrators.

accelerator accélérateur [L.] 1. an agent or apparatus that increases the rate at which something occurs or progresses. 2. any nerve or muscle that hastens the performance of a function. 3. any of a group of chemicals used in the vulcanization of rubber or other polymerization reactions. serum prothrombin conversion a. (SPCA) p. (SPCA) coagulation factor VII. serum thrombotic a. proaccélérine a factor in serum which has procoagulant properties and the ability to induce blood coagulation.

acceptor accepteur a substance which unites with another substance; specifically, one that unites with hydrogen or oxygen in an oxidoreduction reaction and so enables the reaction to proceed.

accessional acquisitionnel pertaining to that which has been added or acquired.

accessory accessoire supplementary; affording aid to another similar and generally more important thing.

accidental accidentel 1. occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally. 2. nonessential; not innate or intrinsic.

acclimation acclimatation the process of becoming accustomed to a new environment.

ACCME ACCME Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

accommodation accommodation adjustment, especially of the eye for seeing objects at various distances. Symbol A or a. negative a. a. négative adjustment of the eye for long distances by relaxation of the ciliary muscles. positive a. a. positive adjustment of the eye for short distances by contraction of the ciliary muscles.

accommodative accommodatif pertaining to, of the nature of, or affecting accommodation.

accouchement accouchement [Fr.] 1. childbirth. 2. delivery. a. forcé a. forcé rapid forcible delivery by one of several methods; originally, rapid dilatation of the cervix with the hands, followed by version and extraction of the fetus.

ACCP ACCP American College of Chest Physicians; American College of Clinical Pharmacology; American College of Clinical Pharmacy.

ACCSCT ACCSCT Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.

accrementition accroissement growth by addition of similar tissue.

accretion accrétion 1. growth by addition of material. 2. accumulation. 3. adherence of parts normally separated.

acebutolol acébutolol a cardioselective β₁-adrenergic blocking agent with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity; used as the hydrochloride salt in the treatment of hypertension, anginia pectoris, and arrhythmias.

acellular acellulaire not cellular in structure.

acelomate acelomate having no coelom or body cavity.

ACEN ACEN Academy of Canadian Executive Nurses (Canada).

acentric 1. excentré not central; not located in the center. 2. acentrique lacking a centromere, so that the chromosome will not survive cell divisions.

ACEP ACEP American College of Emergency Physicians.

acephalous acéphale headless.

acephalus monstre acéphale a headless fetus.

acervuline acervulé aggregated; heaped up; said of certain glands.

acetabular acétabulaire, cotyloïde pertaining to the acetabulum.

acetabulectomy acétabulectomie excision of the acetabulum.

acetabuloplasty acétabuloplastie plastic repair of the acetabulum.

acetabulum acétabulum pl. acetabula [L.] the cup-shaped cavity on the lateral surface of the hip bone, receiving the head of the femur.

acetal acétal 1. any of a class of organic compounds formed by combination of an aldehyde molecule and two alcohol molecules. 2. CH₃CH(OC₂H₅)₂, a colorless, volatile liquid used as a solvent and in cosmetics.

acetaldehyde acétaldéhyde a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of acetic acid, perfumes, and flavors; it is also an intermediate in the metabolism of alcohol. It can cause irritation of mucous membranes, pneumonia, headache, and unconsciousness.

acetaminophen paracétamol an analgesic and antipyretic with effects similar to aspirin but only weakly antiinflammatory.

acetate acétate any salt of acetic acid.

acetazolamide acétazolamide a renal carbonic anhydrase inhibitor with uses that include treatment of glaucoma, epilepsy, familial periodic paralysis, acute mountain sickness, and uric acid renal calculi.

Acetest Acetest trademark for a reagent tablet containing sodium nitroprusside, aminoacetic acid, dibasic sodium phosphate, and lactose, turning purple in the presence of ketone bodies in urine, blood, plasma, or serum, the intensity of the color reaction indicative of the acetoacetate or acetone concentration.

acetic acétique pertaining to vinegar or its acid; sour.

acetic acid acide acétique the two-carbon carboxylic acid, the characteristic component of vinegar; used as a solvent, menstruum, and pharmaceutic necessity. Glacial a. a. (anhydrous acetic acid) is used as a solvent, vesicant and caustic, and pharmaceutical necessity.

acetoacetic acid acide acétoacétique (β-ketobutyric acid, one of the ketone bodies produced in the liver and occurring in excess in the blood and urine in ketosis.

Acetobacteraceae Acétobactéracées a family of aerobic, gram-negative, acetic acid-producing bacteria of the order Rhodospirillales.

acetohexamide acétohexamide an oral hypoglycemic used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

acetohydroxamic acid acide acétohydroxamique an inhibitor of bacterial urease used in the prophylaxis and treatment of certain renal calculi and the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by urease-producing bacteria.

acetone acétone a flammable, colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor, which is a solvent and antiseptic and is one of the ketone bodies produced in ketoacidosis.

acetonitrile acétonitrile a colorless liquid with an etherlike odor used as an extractant, solvent, and intermediate; ingestion or inhalation yields cyanide as a metabolic product.

acetonuria acétonurie ketonuria.

acetous acéteux pertaining to, producing, or resembling acetic acid.

acetract acétracte an extract of a medicinal herb prepared using acetic acid as the solvent.

acetyl acétyle the monovalent radical CH₃CO₃—, a combining form of acetic acid.

acetylation acétylation introduction of an acetyl radical into an organic molecule.

acetylator acétylateur an organism capable of metabolic acetylation; in humans, acetylator status (fast or slow) is determined by the rate of acetylation of sulfamethazine.

acetylcholine acétylcholine (ACh) the acetic acid ester of choline, which is a neurotransmitter at cholinergic synapses in the central, sympathetic, and parasympathetic nervous systems; used in the form of the chloride salt as a miotic.

acetylcholinesterase acétylcholinestérase (AChE) an enzyme present in the central nervous system, particularly in nervous tissue, muscle, and red cells, that catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine to choline and acetic acid.

acetyl CoA acétyl CoA acetyl coenzyme A.

acetyl-CoA carboxylase acétyl coenzyme A carboxylase a ligase that catalyzes the ratelimiting step in the synthesis of fatty acids from acetyl groups.

acetyl coenzyme A acétylcoenzyme A acetyl CoA; an important intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the chief precursor of lipids and steroids; it is formed by the attachment to coenzyme A of an acetyl group during the oxidation of carbohydrates, fatty acids, or amino acids.

acetylcysteine acétylcystéine a derivative of cysteine used as a mucolytic in various bronchopulmonary disorders and as an antidote to acetaminophen poisoning.

acetylene acétylène HC—CH, a colorless, volatile, explosive gas, the simplest alkyne (unsaturated, triple-bonded hydrocarbon).

N-acetylgalactosamine N-acétilgalactosamine the acetyl derivative of galactosamine; it is a component of structural glycosaminoglycans, glycolipids, and membrane glycoproteins.

N-acetylglucosamine N-acetylglucosamine the acetyl derivative of glucosamine; it is a component of structural glycosaminoglycans, glycolipids, and membrane glycoproteins.

N-acetylneuraminic acid N-acide acétylneuraminique the acetyl derivative of the amino sugar neuraminic acid; it occurs in many glycoproteins, glycolipids, and polysaccharides.

acetylsalicylic acid acide acétylsalicylique (ASA ) aspirin.

acetyltransferase acétyltransférase any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an acetyl group from one substance to another.

ACG ACG American College of Gastroenterology; angiocardiography; apexcardiogram.

AcG AcG accelerator globulin (coagulation factor V).

ACGIH ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

ACh ACh acetylcholine.

ACHA ACHA American College Health Association.

achalasia achalasie failure to relax of smooth muscle fibers at any junction of one part of the gastrointestinal tract with another, especially failure of the esophagogastric sphincter to relax with swallowing, due to degeneration of ganglion cells in the wall of the organ.

Achatina Achatina a genus of very large land snails, including A. fulica, which serves as an intermediate host of Angiostrongylus cantonenis.

ACHE ACHE American Council for Headache Education; American College of Healthcare Executives.

AChE AChE acetylcholinesterase.

ache 1. douleur a continuous, fixed pain, as distinguished from twinges. 2. avoir mal to suffer such pain.

acheiria acheirie 1. congenital absence of one or both hands. 2. lack of sensation of the hands or a feeling of their absence.

achillobursitis achillobursite inflammation and thickening of the bursae about the Achilles tendon.

achillodynia achillodynie 1. pain in the Achilles tendon. 2. achillobursitis.

achillorrhaphy achillorrhaphie suturing of the Achilles tendon.

achillotenotomy achilloténotomie surgical division of the Achilles tendon.

achlorhydria achlorhydrie absence of hydrochloric acid from gastric secretions. Adj.: achlorhydric.

ACHNE ACHNE Association of Community Health Nursing Educators.

acholia acholie lack or absence of bile secretion. Adj.: acholic.

acholuric acholurique not characterized by choluria.

achondrogenesis achondrogenése a hereditary disorder characterized by hypoplasia of bone, resulting in markedly shortened limbs; the head and trunk are normal.

achondroplasia achondroplasie a hereditary, congenital disorder of cartilage formation, leading to a type of short-limbed dwarfism.

achondroplastic achondroplasique pertaining to, or affected with, achondroplasia.

achrestic achrestique not using some normal tool or process, as the inability of those with achrestic anemia to utilize vitamin B₁₂.

achromasia achromasie 1. hypopigmentation. 2. achromatosis (2).

achromat 1. achromatope an achromatic objective. 2. achromate monochromat.

achromatic achromatique 1. producing no discoloration. 2. staining with difficulty. 3. refracting light without decomposing it into its component colors. 4. monochromatic (2).

achromatophil achromatophile 1. not easily stainable. 2. an organism or tissue that does not stain easily.

achromatopsia achromatopsie monochromatic vision.

achromatosis achromatose 1. hypopigmentation. 2. lack of staining power in a cell or tissue.

achromatous achromique colorless.

achromaturia achromaturie the excretion of colorless urine.

achromia achromie hypopigmentation. Adj.: achromic.

achylia achylie absence of hydrochloric acid and pepsinogens (pepsin) in the gastric juice.

acicular aciculaire needle-shaped.

acid acide 1. sour. 2. a chemical compound that dissociates in solution, releasing hydrogen ions and lowering the solution pH (a proton donor). An acidic solution has a pH below 7.0. Cf. base (3). For particular acids, see the specific names. a. citrate dextrose (ACD) a. citrate dextrose anticoagulant citrate dextrose solution. amino a. a. aminé see under amino. carboxylic a. a. carboxylique any organic compound containing the carboxy group (—COOH), including amino and fatty acids. fatty a. a. gras see under F. haloid a. a. haloïde an acid which contains no oxygen in the molecule but is composed of hydrogen and a halogen element. hydroxy a. a. hydroxy an organic acid that contains an additional hydroxyl group. inorganic a. a. inorganique any acid containing no carbon atoms. nucleic a. a. nucléique see under N. organic a. a. organique an acid containing one or more carbon atoms; often specifically a carboxylic acid.

acidemia acidémie increased acidity of the blood. For those characterized by increased concentration of a specific acid, see at the acid. organic a. a. organique increased concentration of one or more organic acids in the blood.

acid-fast acido-résistant not readily decolorized by acids after staining.

acidic acidique of or pertaining to an acid; acidforming.

acidifiable acidifiable capable of being made acid.

acidified acidifé having been made acid.

acidifier acidifiant an agent that causes acidity; a substance used to increase gastric acidity.

Acidaminococcaceae Acidaminococcaceae a family of anaerobic, gram-negative bacteria of the order Clostridiales.

acidity acidité the quality of being acid; the power to unite with positively charged ions or with basic substances.

acid lipase 1. lipase acide cholesterol esterase. 2. acide lipase a lipase with an acid pH optimum.

acid maltase acide maltase a hydrolase that catalyzes the degradation of glycogen to glucose in the lysosomes; deficiency of enzyme activity results in glycogen storage disease, type II.

acidophil acidophile 1. a structure, cell, or other histologic element staining readily with acid dyes. 2. cellule acidophile one of the hormone-producing acidophilic cells of the adenohypophysis, including corticotrophs, lactotrophs, lipotrophs, and somatotrophs. 3. an organism that grows well in highly acid media. 4. acidophilic.

acidophilic acidophile 1. readily stained with acid dyes. 2. growing in highly acid media; said of microorganisms.

acidosis acidose 1. the accumulation of acid and hydrogen ions or depletion of the alkaline reserve (bicarbonate content) in the blood and body tissues, decreasing the pH. 2. a pathologic condition resulting from this process. Cf. alkalosis. Adj.: acidotic. compensated a. a. compensée a condition in which the compensatory mechanisms have returned the pH toward normal. diabetic a. a. diabétique metabolic acidosis produced by accumulation of ketones in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. hypercapnic a. a. gazeuse respiratory a. hyperchloremic a. a. hyperchlorémique metabolic acidosis accompanied by elevated plasma chloride. lactic a. a. lactique a metabolic acidosis occurring as a result of excess lactic acid in the blood, due to conditions causing impaired cellular respiration. metabolic a., nonrespiratory a. a. métabolique a disturbance in which the acidbase status shifts toward the acid because of loss of base or retention of noncarbonic, or fixed (nonvolatile), acids. renal hyperchloremia a., renal tubular a. (RTA) a. rénale hyperchlorémiquemetabolic acidosis resulting from impairment of renal function. respiratory a. a. respiratoire acidosis due to excess retention of carbon dioxide in the body. starvation a. a. due à une inanition metabolic acidosis due to accumulation of ketone bodies which may accompany a caloric deficit. uremic a. a. urémique metabolic acidosis seen in chronic renal disease when the ability to excrete acid is decreased.

acid phosphatase phosphatase acide a hydrolase found in mammalian liver, spleen, bone marrow, plasma and formed blood elements, and prostate gland, catalyzing the cleavage of orthophosphate from orthophosphoric monoesters under acid conditions; determination of its activity in serum is an important diagnostic test.

acidulated acidulé rendered acid in reaction.

acidulous acidulé somewhat acid.

aciduria acidurie excess of acid in the urine. For those characterized by increased concentration of a specific acid, see at the acid. organic a. a. organique excessive excretion of one or more organic acids in the urine.

aciduric acidurique capable of growing in extremely acid media; said of bacteria.

acinar acineux pertaining to or affecting one or more acini.

Acinetobacter Acinetobacter a genus of bacteria (family Moraxellaceae), consisting of aerobic, gram-negative, paired coccobacilli, it is widely distributed in nature and part of the normal mammalian flora, but can cause severe primary infections in compromised hosts.

acinic acineux acinar.

aciniform aciniforme shaped like an acinus, or grape.

acinitis acinite inflammation of the acini of a gland.

acinose acineux made up of acini.

acinous acineux acinar.

acinus acinus pl. acini [L.] a small saclike dilation, particularly one in a gland; see also alveolus. liver a. a. hépatique the smallest functional unit of the liver, a diamond-shaped mass of liver parenchyma that is supplied by terminal branches of the portal vein and hepatic artery and drained by a terminal branch of the bile duct. pancreatic a. a. pancréatique one of the secretory units of the exocrine pancreas, where pancreatic juice is produced. pulmonary a. a. pulmonaire terminal respiratory unit. thyroid acini acini thyroïdiens see under follicle.

acitretin acitrétine a second generation retinoid used in treatment of severe psoriasis.

ACLA ACLA American Clinical Laboratory Association.

aclasis aclasie pathologic continuity of structure, as in multiple exostoses. diaphyseal a. a. diaphysaire, maladie exostosante multiple exostoses.

acme acmé the critical stage or crisis of a disease.

ACMG ACMG American College of Medical Genetics.

ACMT ACMT American College of Medical Toxicology.

ACN ACN American College of Nutrition.

acne acné an inflammatory disease of the skin; often specifically, acne vulgaris. bromide a. a. bromique a type caused by ingestion of bromide compounds, one of the most common manifestations of bromine intoxication; it does not include comedo formation. common a. a. vulgaire a. vulgaris. a. conglobata, conglobate a. a. conglobata severe acne with many comedones, marked by suppuration, cysts, sinuses, and scarring. contact a. a. de contact acne produced by contact with a chemical, such as in cosmetic or grooming agents or in industry. cosmetic a. a. cosmétique contact acne on the chin and cheeks as a reaction to facial cosmetics. cystic a. a. kystique acne with cysts that contain keratin and sebum. a. detergicans a. detergicans aggravation of acne lesions by frequent or severe washing with soaps or rough cloths. excoriated a. a. excoriée a superficial type seen most often in girls and young women, caused by the neurotic habit of picking and squeezing tiny (or nonexistent) facial lesions; it produces secondary lesions that can leave scars. a. fulminans a. fulminante a severe form seen in teenage males, with sudden onset of fever and eruption of highly inflammatory, tender, ulcerative, crusted lesions on the back, chest, and face. halogen a. a. halogénique that caused by ingestion of salts of bromine, chlorine, or iodine, such as in cold remedies, sedatives, analgesics, and vitamin supplements. a. indurata a. indurata a progression of papular acne with deep, destructive lesions that may leave scars. keloid a. a. chéloïdienne keloidal a. a. keloidalis development of hard follicular plaques along the posterior hairline, which fuse to form a thick, sclerotic band across the occiput. a. mechanica, mechanical a. a. Mécanique aggravation of acne lesions by mechanical factors such as rubbing or stretching, as by chin straps, clothing, back packs, casts, or car seats. nodulocystic a. a. nodulo-kystique severe cystic acne, usually seen in young men, with subcutaneous nodules that may become inflamed and leave scars. occupational a. a. professionnelle contact acne caused by exposure to industrial chemicals, such as oils, tars, waxes, or chlorinated hydrocarbons (see chloracne). papular a. a. papuleuse acne vulgaris with formation of papules. pomade a. a. des pommades contact acne in blacks who groom their scalp and facial hair with greasy lubricants, marked by closed comedones. premenstrual a. a. prémenstnuelle acne that appears shortly before menses (or occasionally after them). tropical a. a. tropicale a severe type seen in hot, humid climates, with nodular, cystic, and pustular lesions chiefly on the back, buttocks, and thighs. a. venenata a. venenata contact a. a. vulgaris a. juvénile chronic acne, usually seen in adolescence, with comedones, papules, nodules, and pustules on the face, neck, and upper part of the trunk.

acnegenic acnéigène producing acne.

ACNM ACNM American College of Nurse- Midwives.

ACNP ACNP American College of Nurse Practitioners.

acoelomate acœlomate without a coelom or body cavity; an animal lacking a body cavity.

ACOEM ACOEM American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

ACOG ACOG American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

aconite aconit a poisonous substance from the dried tuberous root of Aconitum napellus, which contains aconitine and related alkaloids and causes potentially fatal ventricular fibrillation and respiratory paralysis. It is used in Chinese herbal medicine and homeopathy as an analgesic, antiinflammatory, and cardiac tonic.

aconitine aconitine a poisonous alkaloid, the active principle of aconite.

acorea acorée absence of the pupil.

acoria acorie excessive ingestion of food, not from hunger but due to loss of the sensation of satiety.

ACOS ACOS American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.

acoustic acoustique relating to sound or hearing.

acoustics acoustique the science of sound or of hearing.

acoustogram acoustogramme the graphic tracing of the curves of sounds produced by motion of a joint.

ACP ACP acid phosphatase; American College of Physicians; American College of Psychiatrists; Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals.

ACPM ACPM American College of Preventive Medicine.

ACPS ACPS acrocephalopolysyndactyly.

acquired acquis incurred as a result of factors acting from or originating outside the organism; not inherited.

acquisition acquisition in psychology, the period in learning during which progressive increments in response strength can be measured. Also, the process involved in such learning.

ACR ACR American College of Radiology; American College of Rheumatology.

acral se rapportant aux extrémités pertaining to or affecting a limb or other extremity.

Acremonium Acremonium a genus of imperfect fungi rarely isolated from human infection. A. falciforme, A. kiliense, and A. recifei are agents of eumycotic mycetoma.

acridine acridine an alkaloid from anthracene used in the synthesis of dyes and drugs.

acrivastine acrivastine an antihistamine used in treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

acr(o)- acr(o)- word element [Gr.], extreme; top; extremity.

acroagnosis acroagnose lack of sensory recognition of a limb; lack of acrognosis.

acroanesthesia acroanesthesie anesthesia of the limbs.

acroarthritis acroarthrite arthritis of the limbs.

acroblast acroblaste Golgi material in the spermatid from which the acrosome develops.

acrobrachycephaly acrobrachycephalie abnormal height of the skull, with shortness of its anteroposterior dimension. Adj.: acrobrachycephalic.

acrocentric acrocentrique having the centromere toward one end of the replicating chromosome so that one arm is much longer than the other.

acrocephalopolysyndactyly acrocephalopolysyndactylie (ACPS) acrocephalosyndactyly with polydactyly as an additional feature. Type I is Pfeiffer’s syndrome, and type II is Carpenter’s syndrome.

acrocephalosyndactyly acrocephalo-syndactylie any of a group of autosomal dominant syndromes in which craniostenosis is associated with acrocephaly and syndactyly. Type I is Apert’s syndrome, type III is Chotzer’n syndrome, and type V is Pfeiffer’s syndrome.

acrocephaly acrocephalie oxycephaly.

acrochordon acrochordon skin tag; a small pedunculated growth, usually on the head, neck, upper chest, or axilla of an older women.

acrocinesis acrocinesie excessive motility; abnormal freedom of movement. Adj.: acrocinetic.

acrocontracture acrocontracture contracture of the muscles of the hand or foot.

acrocyanosis acrocyanose cyanosis of the limbs with discoloration of the skin of digits, wrists, and ankles, and profuse sweating and coldness of digits.

acrodermatitis acrodermatite inflammation of the skin of the hands or feet. a. chronica atrophicans a. chronique atrophiante chronic inflammation of the skin, usually of limbs, leading to sclerosis and atrophy of the skin, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. a. continua a. continue d’Hallopeau a variant of pustular psoriasis, with chronic inflammation of limbs that in some cases becomes generalized. a. enteropathica a. enteropathique a hereditary disorder due to defective zinc uptake, with a vesiculopustulous dermatitis preferentially located around orifices and on the head, elbows, knees, hands, and feet, associated with gastrointestinal disturbances, chiefly manifested by diarrhea, and total alopecia. Hallopeau a. a. d’Hallopeau a. continua. infantile a. a. infantile papular a. of childhood Gianotti-Crosti syndrome.

acrodermatosis acrodermatose pl. acrodermatoses any disease of the skin of the limbs.

acrodolichomelia acrodolichomelie abnormal length of the hands and feet.

acrodynia acrodynie a disease of early childhood marked by pain and swelling in, and pink coloration of, the fingers and toes and by listlessness, irritability, failure to thrive, profuse perspiration, and sometimes scarlet coloration of the cheeks and tip of the nose. Most cases are toxic neuropathies caused by exposure to mercury.

acroesthesia acroesthesie 1. exaggerated sensitiveness. 2. pain in the limbs.

acrognosis acrognose sensory recognition of the limbs and of the different portions of each limb in relation to each other.

acrohypothermy acrohypothermie abnormalcoldness of the hands and feet.

acrokeratosis acrokeratose a condition in which there are horny growths on the skin of the limbs.

acrokinesia acrocinesie acrocinesis. Adj.: acrokinetic.

acrolein acroleine a volatile, highly toxic liquid, produced industrially and also one of the degradation products of cyclophosphamide.

acromegaly acromegalie abnormal enlargement of limbs, caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone after maturity.

acrometagenesis acrometagenese undue growth of the limbs.

acromial acromial pertaining to the acromion.

acromicria acromicrie hypoplasia of the limbs and digits, nose, and jaws.

acromi(o)- acromi(o)- word element [Gr.], acromion.

acromioclavicular acromio-claviculaire pertaining to the acromion and clavicle.

acromion acromion the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula, forming the highest point of the shoulder.

acromionectomy acromiectomie resection of the acromion.

acromioplasty acromioplastie surgical removal of the anterior hook of the acromion to relieve mechanical compression of the rotator cuff during movement of the glenohumeral joint.

acromphalus 1. acromphalus bulging of the navel; sometimes a sign of umbilical hernia. 2. acromphale the center of the navel.

acromyotonia acromyotonie contracture of the hand or foot resulting in spastic deformity.

acroneurosis acroneurose any neuropathy of the limbs.

acro-osteolysis acro-ostéolyse osteolysis involving the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes.

acropachy acropachie clubbing of the fingers and toes.

acropachyderma acropachydermie thickening of the skin of the limbs, as seen in acromegaly and pachydermoperiostitis.

acroparalysis acroparalysie paralysis of limbs.

acroparesthesia acroparesthésie 1. paresthesia of the digits. 2. a disease marked by attacks of tingling, numbness, and stiffness chiefly in the fingers, hands, and forearms, sometimes with pain, skin pallor, or slight cyanosis.

acropathology acropathologie pathology of diseases of limbs.

acropathy acropathie any disease of limbs. ulcerative mutilating a. a. ulcéromutilant hereditary sensory radicular neuropathy.

acrophobia acrophobie irrational fear of heights.

acropustulosis acropustulose pustulosis of the extremities. A congenital form (infantile a.) is characterized by recurring episodes of small pruritic pustules on the hands and feet followed by remission.

acroscleroderma acrosclérodermie acrosclerosis.

acrosclerosis acrosclérose a combination of Raynaud’s disease and scleroderma of the distal limbs, especially digits, the neck, and often the nose.

acrosomal acrosomial pertaining to the acrosome.

acrosome acrosome the caplike, membranebound structure covering the anterior portion of the head of a spermatozoon; it contains enzymes for penetrating the oocyte.

acrospiroma acrospirome a benign adnexal tumor of the distal portion of a sweat gland.

acrotism acrotisme absence or imperceptibility of the pulse. Adj.: acrotic.

acrylamide acrylamide a vinyl monomer used in the production of polymers with many industrial and research uses; the monomeric form is a neurotoxin.

acrylic acrylique pertaining to or containing polymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or acrylonitrile; see also under resin.

acrylic acid acide acrylique a readily polymerizing liquid used as a monomer for acrylic polymers.

acrylonitrile acrylonitrile a colorless halogenated hydrocarbon used in the making of plastics and as a pesticide; its vapors are irritant to the respiratory tract and eyes, can cause systemic poisoning, and are carcinogenic.

ACS ACS American Cancer Society; American Chemical Society; American College of Surgeons.

ACSM ACSM American College of Sports Medicine.

ACTA ACTA American Cardiology Technologists Association.

ACTE ACTE Association for Career and Technical Education.

ACTH ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone; see corticotropin.

actin actine a structural protein present in all eukaryotic cells, important both as a component of the cytoskeleton and for its role in cell motility, existing as a globular monomer (G-actin) and as long fibers (F-actin). In combination with myosin it is responsible for muscular contraction.

acting out mise en acte the expression of unconscious feelings and fantasies in behavior; reacting to present situations as if they were the original situation that gave rise to the feelings and fantasies.

actinic actinique producing chemical action; said of rays of light beyond the violet end of the spectrum.

actinium actinium (Ac) chemical element (see Table of Elements), at. no. 89.

actin(o)- actin(o)- word element [Gr.], ray; rayshaped; radiation.

actinobacillosis actinobacillose an actinomycosis-like disease of domestic animals and occasionally humans, caused by Actinobacillus lignieresii, in which the bacilli form radiating structures in the tissues.

Actinobacillus Actinobacillus a genus of gram-negative, nonmotile, coccoid or rodshaped bacteria that cause of actinobacillosis in domestic animals and occasionally humans; A. ureae is a cause of ozena.

Actinobacteria Actinobacteria 1. a morphologically and physiologically diverse phylum of bacteria, containing a large number of medically important organisms. 2. the sole class of bacteria of this phylum; it is divided into several subclasses.

Actinobacteridae Actinobacteridae a large, diverse subclass of bacteria of the class Actinobacteria.

Actinobaculum Actinobaculum a genus of gram-positive, anaerobic or facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria of the family Actinomycetaceae. A. schaalii, A. massiliae, and A. urinale cause urinary tract infections.

actinodermatitis actinodermatose radiodermatitis.

Actinomadura Actinomadura a genus of bacteria (family Thermomonosporaceae). A. madurae causes actinomycotic mycetoma in which granules in the discharged pus are white; A. pelletieri causes actinomycotic mycetoma in which granules are red.

Actinomyces Actinomyces a genus of bacteria (family Actinomycetaceae). A. israelii A. israelii a species parasitic in the mouth, proliferating in necrotic tissue; it is the etiologic agent of human actinomycosis and can cause actinomycotic mycetoma. A. naeslundii A. naeslundii an anaerobic species that is a normal inhabitant of the oral cavity and a cause of human actinomycosis and periodontal disease.

Actinomycetaceae Actinomycetaceae a family of gram-positive bacteria of the suborder Actinomycineae (order Actinomycetales).

Actinomycetales Actinomycetales an order of bacteria of the subclass Actinobacteridae made up of elongated cells having a tendency to branch.

actinomycete actinomycète any bacterium of the order Actinomycetales. nocardioform a’s a. nocardioformes a morphological group of actinomycetes characterized by a mycelium that breaks up into bacillary or coccal forms; all genera in this group are gram-positive and aerobic.

actinomycin actinomycine a family of antibiotics from various species of Streptomyces, which are active against bacteria and fungi; it includes the antineoplastic agent dactinomycin (actinomycin D).

Actinomycineae Actinomycineae a suborder of bacteria of the order Actinomycetales.

actinomycosis actinomycose an infectious disease caused by Actinomyces; marked by swelling and abscesses in the head and neck region and sometimes in the peritoneum, or in the lung due to aspiration. Adj.: actinomycotic.

actinotherapy actinothérapie phototherapy.

action action the accomplishment of an effect, whether mechanical or chemical, or the effect so produced. ball-valve a. phénomène de clapet the intermittent obstruction caused by a free or partially attached foreign body in a tubular or cavitary structure, as by a foreign body in a bronchus, a stone in a bile duct, or a tumor in the cardiac atrium. cumulative a. a. cumulative action of increased intensity, as the sudden and markedly increased action of a drug after administration of several doses, due to the accumulation of the drug in the body. reflex a. a. réflexe a response, often involuntary, resulting from passage of excitation potential from a receptor to a muscle or gland over a reflex arc.

activation activation 1. the act or process of rendering active. 2. the transformation of a proenzyme into an active enzyme by the action of a kinase or another enzyme. 3. the process by which the central nervous system is stimulated into activity through the mediation of the reticular activating system. 4. the deliberate induction of a pattern of electrical activity in the brain. allosteric a. a. allostérique increase in enzyme activity by binding of an effector at an allosteric site that affects binding or turnover at the catalytic site. contact a. a. par contact initiation of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation through interaction of coagulation factor XII with various electronegative surfaces. lymphocyte a. a. des lymphocytes stimulation of lymphocytes by antigen or mitogens resulting in macromolecular synthesis (RNA, protein, and DNA) and production of lymphokines, followed by proliferation and differentiation of the progeny into various effector and memory cells.

activator activateur 1. a substance that combines with an enzyme to increase its catalytic activity. 2. a substance that stimulates the development of a specific structure in the embryo. 3. a chemical or other form of energy that causes another substance to become reactive or that induces a chemical reaction. plasminogen a. a. du plasminogène any of a group of substances that have the ability to cleave plasminogen and convert it into the active form plasmin. prothrombin a. a. de la prothrombine any one of the substances in the extrinsic or intrinsic pathways of coagulation. single chain urokinase-type plasminogen a. (scu-PA) a. du plasminogène de type urokinase à chaîne unique prourokinase. tissue plasminogen a., t-plasminogen a. (TPA,t-PA) a. tissulaire du plasminogène an endopeptidase synthesized by endothelial cells that binds to fibrin clots and catalyzes the cleavage of plasminogen to the active form plasmin. t-PA produced by recombinant technology is used for therapeutic thrombolysis. u-plasminogen a. a. du plasminogène urinaire formal name for urokinase. Called also urinary plasminogen a.

active actif characterized by action; not passive; not expectant.

activin activine any of several polypeptide growth and differentiation factors, members of the transforming growth factor-β family, that stimulate the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone, play roles in neuroendocrine regulation, modulate production of other hormones, and affect gonadal functions.

activity activité 1. the quality or process of exerting energy or of accomplishing an effect. 2. a thermodynamic quantity that represents the effective concentration of a solute in a nonideal solution. Symbol a. 3. the number of disintegrations per unit time of a radioactive material. Symbol A. 4. the presence of recordable electrical energy in a muscle or nerve (electrical a.). 5. optical a. end-plate a. a. de la plaque terminale spontaneous activity recorded close to motor end plates in normal muscle. enzyme a. a. enzymatique the catalytic effect exerted by an enzyme, expressed as units per milligram of enzyme (specific a.) or as molecules of substrate transformed per minute per molecule of enzyme (molecular a.). intrinsic sympathomimetic a. (ISA) a. sympathomimétique intrinsèque the ability of a β-blocker to stimulate β-adrenergic receptors weakly during β-blockade. optical a. a. optique the ability of a chemical compound to rotate the plane of polarization of plane-polarized light.

actomyosin actomyosine the complex of actin and myosin occurring in muscle fibers.

acuity acuité clarity or clearness, especially of vision.

acuminate acuminé sharp-pointed.

acupoint point (de méridien) d’acupuncture any of the specific sites for needle insertion in acupuncture; also used in other therapies, including acupressure and moxibustion. Most are areas of high electrical conductance on the body surface.

acupressure digitopuncture the use of pressure applied, usually with the hands, at acupoints in order to release muscular tension for therapeutic purposes.

acupuncture acupuncture a traditional Chinese practice of piercing specific areas of the body (acupoints) along peripheral nerves with fine needles to relieve pain, to induce surgical anesthesia, and for therapeutic purposes. Other means of stimulating the acupoints, including lasers, ultrasound, and electricity, may also be used. Korean hand a. manupuncture coréenne a type in which the hand is considered to be a representation of the entire body, and stimulation of specific points on the hand is used to obtain effects in distant areas of the body.

acus acus a needle or needle-like process.

acute aigu having severe symptoms and a short course.

acyanotic acyanotique characterized by absence of cyanosis.

acyclovir aciclovir a synthetic purine nucleoside with selective activity against herpes simplex virus; used as the base or the sodium salt in the treatment of genital and mucocutaneous herpesvirus infections.

acyl acyle an organic radical derived from an organic acid by removal of the hydroxyl group from the carboxyl group.

acylase acylase amidase (1).

acyl CoA acyl coA acyl coenzyme A.

acyl-CoA dehydrogenase acyl-coA déshydrogénase any of several enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of acyl coenzyme A thioesters as a step in the degradation of fatty acids. Individual enzymes are specific for certain ranges of acyl chain lengths: long-chain a.-CoA d. (LCAD), medium-chain a.-CoA d. (MCAD), and shortchain a.-CoA d. (SCAD).

acyl coenzyme A acyl coenzyme A acyl CoA; a thiol ester of a carboxylic acid, particularly a long-chain fatty acid, and coenzyme A; its formation is the first step in fatty acid oxidation.

acylglycerol glycéride glyceride.

N-acylsphingosine N-acylsphingosine ceramide.

acyltransferase acyltransférase any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an acyl group from one substance to another.

acystia acystie congenital absence of the bladder.

AD AD [L.] auris dextra (right ear).

ad ad [L.] preposition, to.

ADA ADA adenosine deaminase; American Dental Association; American Diabetes Association; American Dietetic Association; Americans with Disabilities Act.

ADAA ADAA American Dental Assistants Association.

adactyly adactylie congenital absence of fingers or toes. Adj.: adactylous.

adalimumab adalimumab a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks the action of tumor necrosis factor α, used to alleviate the signs and symptoms of and inhibit the progression of structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis; administered subcutaneously.

adamantine adamantin pertaining to the enamel of the teeth.

adamantinoma adamantinome ameloblastoma.

adamantoblast adamantoblaste ameloblast.

adamantoma adamantinome ameloblastoma.

adapalene adapalène a synthetic analogue of retinoic acid used topically in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

adaptation adaptation 1. the adjustment of an organism to its environment, or the process by which it enhances such fitness. 2. the normal adjustment of the eye to variations in intensity of light. 3. the decline in the frequency of firing of a neuron, particularly of a receptor, under conditions of constant stimulation. 4. in dentistry, (a) the proper fitting of a denture, (b) the degree of proximity and interlocking of restorative material to a tooth preparation, (c) the exact adjustment of bands to teeth. 5. in microbiology, the adjustment of bacterial physiology to a new environment. color a. a. colorée 1. changes in visual perception of color with prolonged stimulation. 2. adjustment of vision to degree of brightness or color tone of illumination. dark a. a. à l’obscurité adaptation of the eye to vision in the dark or in reduced illumination. genetic a. a. génétique the natural selection of the progeny of a mutant better adapted to a new environment. light a. a. à la lumière adaptation of the eye to vision in the sunlight or in bright illumination (photopia), with reduction in the concentration of the photosensitive pigments of the eye. phenotypic a. a. phénotypique a change in the properties of an organism in response to genetic mutation or to a change in the environment.

adaptometer adaptomètre an instrument for measuring the time required for retinal adaptation, i.e., for regeneration of the visual purple; used in detecting night blindness, vitamin A deficiency, and retinitis pigmentosa. color a. a. de Goldmann-Weekers an instrument to demonstrate adaptation of the eye to color or light.

ADCC ADCC antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

adder vipère péliade 1. Vipera berus. 2. any of many venomous snakes of the family Viperidae, such as the puff adder and European viper. death a. v. de la mort Acanthophis antarcticus, an extremely venomous elapid snake of Australia and New Guinea with a short, stout body and a tail with a spine at the tip. puff a. v. heurtante Bitis arrietans, an extremely venomous, brightly colored, viperine snake found in Africa and Arabia; when annoyed it inflates its stubby body and hisses loudly.

addiction 1. addiction the state of being given up to some habit or compulsion. 2. Toxicomanie, addiction strong physiological and psychological dependence on a drug or other psychoactive substance.

addisonism addisonisme addisonian syndrome.

adduct provoquer une adduction to draw toward the median plane or (in the digits) toward the axial line of a limb.

adduct adduit inclusion complex.

adduction adduction the act of adducting; the state of being adducted.

adductor adducteur [L.] that which adducts, as the adductor muscle.

adenalgia adénodynie pain in a gland.

adendritic adendritique lacking dendrites.

adenectomy adénectomie excision of a gland.

adenectopia adénectopie malposition or displacement of a gland.

adenia adénie chronic enlargement of the lymphatic glands, as in lymphoma.

adenine adénine a purine base; in plant and animal cells usually occurring complexed with ribose or deoxyribose to form adenosine and deoxyadenosine, components of nucleic acids, nucleotides, and coenzymes. A preparation is used to improve the preservation of whole blood. Symbol A. a. arabinoside adénine- arabinoside vidarabine.

adenitis adénite inflammation of a gland. Bartholin a. bartholinite inflammation of the greater vestibular glands (Bartholin glands) resulting from acute infection of the gland. cervical a. a. cervical see under lymphadenopathy. mesenteric a. a. mésentérique see under lymphadenitis. vestibular a. v. vulvaire chronic inflammation of the lesser vestibular glands with small, painful ulcerations of the mucosa of the vestibule of the vagina.

aden(o)- adén(o)- word element [Gr.], gland.

adenoacanthoma adéno-acanthome adenocarcinoma in which some of the cells exhibit squamous differentiation.

adenoameloblastoma adéno-améloblastome adenomatoid odontogenic tumor.

adenoblast adénoblaste an embryonic cell that gives rise to glandular tissue.

adenocarcinoma adénocarcinome carcinoma derived from glandular tissue or in which the tumor cells form recognizable glandular structures. acinar a. a. acinaire 1. see under carcinoma. 2. the most common neoplasm of the prostate, usually arising in the peripheral acini. acinic cell a., acinous a. a. à cellules acineuses see under carcinoma. bronchogenic a. a. bronchogénique the usual type of adenocarcinoma of the lung; cf. bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. clear cell a. a. à cellules claires a rare malignant tumor of the female genital tract, containing tubules or small cysts; it may occur in the ovary, uterus, cervix, or vagina. One form has been linked to in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol. ductal a. of the prostate a. canalaire de la prostate adenocarcinoma of columnar epithelium in the peripheral prostatic ducts; it may project into the urethra. endometrioid a. a. ndométrioïde the most common form of endometrioid carcinoma, containing tumor cells differentiated into glandular tissue with little or no stroma. gastric a. a. gastrique any of a group of common stomach cancers, usually located in the antrum; it occurs particularly in Japan, Iceland, Chile, and Finland and may be linked to certain dietary substances such as nitrosamines and benzpyrene. a. of the lung a. du poumon a type of bronchogenic carcinoma made up of cuboidal or columnar cells in a discrete mass, usually at the periphery of the lungs. papillary a., polypoid a. a. papillaire that in which the tumor elements are arranged as finger-like processes or as a solid spherical nodule projecting from an epithelial surface. a. of the prostate a. de la prostate acinar a. (2).

adenocele adénocelè cystadenoma.

adenocellulitis adénocellulite inflammation of a gland and the tissue around it.

adenocystic adénokystique having both glandular (adenoid) and cystic elements.

adenocystoma adénocystome cystadenoma.

adenocyte adénocyte a mature secretory cell of a gland.

adenofibroma adénofibrome a tumor composed of connective tissue containing glandular structures.

adenogenous adénogène originating from glandular tissue.

adenography adénographie radiography of the glands. Adj.: adenographic.

aenohypophysectomy adénohypophysectomie excision or ablation of the adenohypophysis.

adenohypophysis adénohypophyse the anterior (glandular) lobe of the pituitary gland; it secretes the anterior pituitary hormones such as growth hormone, thyrotropin, and others. Adj.: adenohypophyseal.

adenoid végétation adénoïde 1. pharyngeal tonsil. 2. adénoïde pertaining to a pharyngeal tonsil. 3. adénoïde resembling a gland. 4. (in the pl.) the pharyngeal tonsils; used particularly when they are hypertrophied.

adenoiditis adénoïdite inflammation of the adenoids.

adenolipoma adénolipome a tumor composed of both glandular and fatty tissue elements.

adenolymphitis adénolymphite lymphadenitis.

adenolymphoma adénolymphome a benign parotid gland tumor characterized by cystic spaces lined by tall columnar eosinophilic epithelial cells, overlying a lymphoid tissue–containing stroma.

adenoma adénome a benign epithelial tumor in which the cells form recognizable glandular structures or in which the cells are derived from glandular epithelium. adrenocortical a. a. corticosurrénal a benign tumor of the adrenal cortex, usually small and unilateral; most types cause endocrine symptoms. basal cell a. a. à cellules basales a benign, encapsulated, slow-growing, painless salivary gland tumor of intercalated or reserve cell origin, occurring mainly in males, in the parotid gland or upper lip; solid, canalicular, trabecular-tubular, and membranous types can be distinguished histologically. bile duct a. a. du canal biliaire a small firm white nodule with multiple bile ducts embedded in a fibrous stroma. bronchial a’s a. bronchiques tumors of low-grade malignancy situated in the submucosal tissues of large bronchi; sometimes composed of well-differentiated cells and usually circumscribed, with two histologic forms: carcinoid and cylindroma. carcinoma ex pleomorphic a. c. sur adénome pléomorphe see under carcinoma. chromophobe a., chromophobic a. a. chromophobe null-cell a. corticotroph a. a. corticotrope a pituitary adenoma made up predominantly of corticotrophs and secreting excess corticotropin. endocrine-active a. a. endocrinien actif functioning a. endocrine-inactive a. a. endocrinien inactif nonfunctioning a. follicular a. a. folliculaire adenoma of the thyroid in which the cells are arranged in the form of follicles. functional a., functioning a. a. fonctionnel a pituitary adenoma that secretes excessive amounts of a hormone. glycoprotein a. a. glycoprotéiné a pituitary adenoma that causes excessive secretion of one of the three glycoprotein hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and thyrotropin). gonadotrope a., gonadotroph a. a. gonadotrope a pituitary adenoma made up of gonadotroph-like cells that secrete excessive amounts of follicle-stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone, causing precocious puberty, visual disturbances, or hypogonadism. growth hormone-secreting a. a. secrétant l’hormone de croissance a pituitary adenoma made up of somatotroph-like cells that secrete excessive amounts of growth hormone, causing gigantism in children or acromegaly in adults. hepatocellular a. a. hépatocellulaire a benign circumscribed tumor of the liver, usually in the right lobe, growing in a sheetlike fashion; it may be highly vascular with a tendency to hemorrhage and with areas of necrosis. Hurthle cell a. a. à cellules de Hurthle see under tumor. liver cell a. a. cellulaire hépatique hepatocellular a. macrofollicular a. a. macrofolliculaire a follicular adenoma composed of large follicles filled with colloid and lined with flat epithelium. microfollicular a. a. microfolliculaire a follicular adenoma with small, closely-packed follicles lined with epithelium. mixed-cell a. a. cellulaire mixte a pituitary adenoma containing more than one cell type, usually making it plurihormonal. monomorphic a. a. monomorphique any of a group of benign salivary gland tumors that lack connective tissue changes and are each predominantly composed of a single cell type. nipple a. a. du mamelon a benign lesion of the breast, clinically resembling Paget’s disease of the breast, consisting of ductal and stromal proliferation beneath the nipple; it presents as a mass, ulceration, or erosion, with a serous or bloody discharge. nonfunctional a., non functioning a. a. non fonctionnel a pituitary adenoma that does not secrete excessive amounts of any hormone; many null-cell adenomas are of this type. nullcell a. a. à cellules nulles a pituitary adenoma whose cells give negative results on tests for staining and hormone secretion, although some may contain functioning cells and be associated with a hyperpituitary state. oncocytic a., oxyphilic a. a. oncocytaire 1. oncocytoma. 2. Hurthle cell adenoma. papillary a. a. papillaire nipple a. papillary cystic a. a. papillaire kystique papillary cystadenoma. pituitary a. a. hypophysaire a benign neoplasm of the anterior pituitary gland; the endocrine-active a’s contain cells that secrete anterior pituitary hormones; the endocrine-inactive a’s are not secretory. pleomorphic a. a. pléomorphe a benign, slow-growing, epithelial tumor of the salivary gland, usually of the parotid gland, sometimes serving as a locus for development of a malignant epithelial neoplasm (malignant pleomorphic a.). plurihormonal a. a. pluri-hormonal an endocrine-active adenoma that secretes two or more hormones, usually growth hormone and one or more of the glycoprotein types. prolactin cell a., prolactin-secreting a. a. à prolactine prolactinoma. sebaceous a., a. sebaceum a. sébacé 1. see under hyperplasia. 2. widely-used misnomer for a hamartoma on the face seen with tuberous sclerosis. thyrotrope a., thyrotroph a. a. thyréotrope a pituitary adenoma made up of thyrotroph-like cells that secrete excess thyrotroph and cause hyperthyroidism. trabecular a. a. trabéculai a follicular adenoma whose cells are closely packed to form cords or trabeculae, with only a few small follicles. tubular a. a. ubulaire 1. an adenoma whose cells are arranged in tubules. 2. androblastoma (1). 3. the most common type of adenomatous polyp of the colon, with tubules highly variable in size and often occurring singly. villous a. a. villeux an uncommon type of adenomatous polyp of the colon that is large, soft, and papillary and often premalignant.

adenomalacia adénomalacie abnormal softening of a gland.

adenomatoid adénomatoïde resembling adenoma.

adenomatosis adénomatose the development of numerous adenomatous growths.

adenomatous adénomateux 1. pertaining to an adenoma. 2. pertaining to nodular hyperplasia of a gland.

adenomegaly adénomégalie enlargement of a gland.

adenomere adénomère the blind terminal portion of a developing gland, becoming the functional portion of the organ.

adenomyofibroma adénomyofibrome a fibroma containing both glandular and muscular elements.

adenomyoma adénomyome 1. a benign tumor consisting of smooth muscle and glandular elements. 2. see adenomyosis.

adenomyomatosis adénomyomatose the formation of multiple adenomyomatous nodules in the tissues around or in the uterus.

adenomyometritis adenomyometrite an inflammatory lesion of the endometrium, which may lead to adenomyosis.

adenomyosarcoma adenomyosarcome a mixed mesodermal tumor containing striated muscle cells.

adenomyosis adenomyose benign ingrowth of the endometrium into the uterine musculature, sometimes with hypertrophy of the latter; if the lesion forms a circumscribed tumorlike nodule, it is called adenomyoma.

adenopathy adenopathie lymphadenopathy.

adenopharyngitis adenopharyngite inflammation of the adenoids and pharynx, usually involving the tonsils.

adenosarcoma adenosarcome a mixed tumor composed of both glandular and sarcomatous elements.

adenosclerosis adénosclérose hardening of a gland.

adenosine adenosine a purine nucleoside consisting of adenine and ribose; a component of RNA. It is also a cardiac depressant and vasodilator used as an antiarrhythmic and as an adjunct in myocardial perfusion imaging in patients incapable of exercising adequately to undergo an exercise stress test. Symbol A. cyclic a. monophosphate a. monophosphate cyclique a cyclic nucleotide, adenosine 3’,5’-cyclic monophosphate, that serves as an intracellular, and sometimes extracellular, “second messenger” mediating the action of many peptide or amine hormones. Abbreviated 3’,5’-AMP, cAMP, and cyclic AMP. a. diphosphate (ADP) a. adenosine diphosphorique a nucleotide, the 5’-pyrophosphate of adenosine, involved in energy metabolism; it is produced by the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and converted back to ATP by the metabolic processes oxidative phosphorylation and substratelevel phosphorylation. a. monophosphate (AMP) a. 5-monophosphate adenylic acid; a nucleotide, the 5’-phosphate of adenosine, involved in energy metabolism and nucleotide synthesis. a. triphosphate (ATP) a. triphosphate a nucleotide, the 5’-triphosphate of adenosine, involved in energy metabolism and required for RNA synthesis; it occurs in all cells and is used to store energy in the form of high-energy phosphate bonds. The free energy derived from its hydrolysis is used to drive metabolic reactions, to transport molecules against concentration gradients, and to produce mechanical motion.

adenosine deaminase (ADA) adenosine deaminase an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolytic deamination of adenosine to form inosine, a reaction of purine metabolism. Enzyme activity is absent in many individuals with severe combined immunodeficiency.

adenosinetriphosphatase adénosine triphosphatase an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP, driving processes such as muscle contraction, maintenance of concentration gradients, membrane transport, and regulation of ion concentrations.

adenosis adénose 1. any disease of the glands. 2. the abnormal development of glandular tissue. mammary sclerosing a., sclerosing a. of breast a. sclérosante mammaire a form of disease of the breast characterized by multiple firm tender nodules, fibrous tissue, mastodynia, and sometimes small cysts.

adenosquamous adénosquameux having both glandular (adenoid) and squamous elements.

adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) adénosylcobalamine one of two metabolically active forms of cobalamin synthesized upon ingestion of vitamin B₁₂; it is the predominant form in the liver.

adenotome adénotome an instrument for excision of adenoids.

Adenoviridae Adénoviridae the adenoviruses: a family of DNA viruses with a double-stranded genome, generally with a narrow host range, and transferred by direct or indirect transmission; it includes the genus Mastadenovirus.

adenovirus adénovirus any virus belonging to the family Adenoviridae. Adj.: adenoviral. mammalian a’s a. des mammifères Mastadenovirus.

adenyl adényl 1. the radical of adenine. 2. sometimes (incorrectly) used for adenylyl.

adenylate adénylate the dissociated form of adenylic acid.

adenylate kinase adénylate kinase an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of two molecules of ADP to AMP and ATP; it occurs predominantly in muscle, providing energy for muscle contraction.

adenyl cyclase adényl cyclase an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and inorganic pyrophosphate (PP_i). It is activated by the attachment of a hormone or neurotransmitter to a specific membrane-bound receptor.

adenylic acid acide adénosine-5¹-monophosphate phosphorylated adenosine, usually adenosine monophosphate.

adenylyl adénylyl the radical of adenosine monophosphate with one OH ion removed.

adequacy adéquation the state of being sufficient for a specific purpose. velopharyngeal a. a. vélopharyngienne sufficient functional closure of the velum against the postpharyngeal wall so that air and hence sound cannot enter the nasopharyngeal and nasal cavities.

ADH ADH antidiuretic hormone.

ADHA ADHA American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

adherence adhésion the act or condition of sticking to something. Adj.: adherent. immune a. immunoadhérence the adherence of antigen-antibody complexes or cells coated with antibody or complement to cells bearing complement receptors or Fc receptors. It is a sensitive detector of complement-fixing antibody.

adhesion adhérence 1. the property of remaining in close proximity. 2. the stable joining of parts to one another, which may occur abnormally. 3. a fibrous band or structure by which parts abnormally adhere. interthalamic a. commissure grise a band of gray matter joining the thalami; it develops as a secondary adhesion and is often absent. primary a. a. primaire healing by first intention. secondary a. a. secondaire healing by second intention.

adhesiotomy adhésiotomie surgical division of adhesions.

adhesive adhésif 1. sticky; tenacious. 2. a substance that causes close adherence of adjoining surfaces.

adiadochokinesia adiadococinésie a dyskinesia consisting of inability to perform the rapid alternating movements of diadochokinesia.

adiaphoria adiaphorie nonresponse to stimuli as a result of previous exposure to similar stimuli; see also refractory period, under period.

adiaspiromycosis adiaspiromycose a pulmonary disease of many species of rodents and occasionally of humans, due to inhalation of spores of the fungi Emmonsia parva and E. crescens, and marked by huge spherules (adiaspores) in the lungs.

adiaspore adiaspore a spore produced by the soil fungi Emmonsia parva and E. crescens; see adiaspiromycosis.

adip(o)- adip(o)- word element [L.],fat.

adipocele adipocèle a hernia containing fat or fatty tissue.

adipocellular adipocellulaire composed of fat and connective tissue.

adipocere adipocire a waxy substance formed during decomposition of dead animal bodies, consisting mainly of insoluble salts of fatty acids. Adj.: adipoceratous.

adipocyte adipocyte fat cell.

adipocytokine adipocytokine a general term for any of a number of bioactive factors, synthesized and secreted adipose tissue, that modulate the physiological function of other tissues.

adipogenic adipogène lipogenic.

adipokinesis mobilisation de la graisse the mobilization of fat in the body. Adj.: adipokinetic.

adipolysis adipolyse lipolysis. Adj.: adipolytic.

adiponecrosis adiponécrose necrosis of fatty tissue.

adiponectin adiponectine an adipocytokine important in insulin resistance and energy homeostasis; plasma and adipose tissue levels are reduced in diabetic and obese persons.

adipopexis adipopexie the fixation or storing of fats. Adj.: adipopectic.

adipose 1. adipeux fatty. 2. adiposité the fat present in the cells of adipose tissue.

adiposis 1. adiposité généralisée obesity. 2. adipose fatty change in an organ or tissue. a. cerebralis adiposis cerebralis cerebral adiposity. a. dolorosa a. douloureuse a disease, usually of women, marked by painful fatty swellings and nerve lesions; pulmonary complications may be fatal. a. hepatica stéatose hépatique fatty change of the liver.

adipositis adiposité panniculitis.

adiposity adiposité obesity. cerebral a. a. cérébrale fatness due to cerebral disease, especially of the hypothalamus.

adiposuria adiposurie lipiduria.

adipsia adipsie absence of thirst, or abnormal avoidance of drinking.

aditus aditus pl. aditus [L.] in anatomic nomenclature, an opening or entrance.

adjustment adaptation 1. the act or process of modification of physical parts made in response to changing conditions. 2. in psychology, the relative degree of harmony between an individual’s needs and the requirements of the environment. 3. ajustement in chiropractic, any of various manual and mechanical interventions, most often applied to the spine, in which controlled and directed forces are applied to a joint to correct structural dysfunction and restore normal nerve function.

adjuvant adjuvant 1. assisting or aiding. 2. a substance that aids another, such as an auxiliary remedy. 3. a nonspecific stimulator of the immune response. aluminum a. a. aluminium an aluminum-containing compound, such as aluminum hydroxide or alum, that by combining with soluble antigen forms a precipitate; slow release of the antigen from the precipitate on injection causes prolonged, strong antibody response. Freund a. a. de Freund a water-in-oil emulsion incorporating antigen, in the aqueous phase, into lightweight paraffin oil with the aid of an emulsifying agent. On injection, this mixture (Freund’s incomplete a.) induces strong persistent antibody formation. The addition of killed, dried mycobacteria, e.g., Mycobacterium butyricum, to the oil phase (Freund’ complete a.) elicits cell-mediated immunity (delayed hypersensitivity), as well as humoral antibody formation.

adjuvanticity adjuvanticité the ability to modify the immune response.

adnerval 1. situated near a nerve. 2. qui se dirige vers un nerf toward a nerve, said of electric current that passes through muscle toward the entrance point of a nerve.

adneural adnerval.

adnexa annexes [L., pl.] appendages. a. oculi a. oculaires the eyelids, lacrimal apparatus, and other eye appendages. skin a. phanère see under appendage. a. uteri a. de l’utérus uterine appendages.

adnexal annexiel pertaining to adnexa.

AdoCbl AdoCbl adenosylcobalamin.

adolescence adolescence the period between puberty and the completion of physical growth, roughly from 11 to 19 years of age. Adj.: adolescent.

adoral adoral toward or near the mouth.

ADP ADP adenosine diphosphate.

adrenal 1. surrénal paranephric. 2. surrénale adrenal gland. 3. surrénal(ien) pertaining to an adrenal gland.

Adrenalin Adrénalin trademark for preparations of epinephrine.

adrenaline adrénaline epinephrine.

adrenalinuria adrénalinurie the presence of epinephrine in the urine.

adrenalism adrénalisme any disorder of adrenal function, whether decreased or increased.

adrenalitis adrénalite inflammation of the adrenal glands.

adrenergic adrénergique 1. activated by, characteristic of, or secreting epinephrine or related substances, particularly the sympathetic nerve fibers that liberate norepinephrine at a synapse when a nerve impulse passes. 2. any agent that produces such an effect. See also under receptor.

adren(o)- adrén(o)- word element [L.], adrenal gland.

adrenoceptor récepteur adrénergique adrenergic receptor. Adj.: adrenoceptive.

adrenocortical corticosurrénal pertaining to or arising from the adrenal cortex.

adrenocorticohyperplasia hyperplasie corticosurrénale adrenal cortical hyperplasia.

adrenocorticoid adrénocorticoïde corticosteroid.

adrenocorticomimetic adréno-cortico-mimétique having effects similar to those of hormones of the adrenal cortex.

adrenocorticotrophic adrénocorticortrophe adrenocorticotropic.

adrenocorticotrophin adrénocorticotrophine corticotropin.

adrenocorticotropic adrénocorticotrope having a stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex.

adrenocorticotropin adrénocorticotropine corticotropin.

adrenodoxin adrénodoxine an iron-sulfur protein of the adrenal cortex that serves as an electron carrier in the biosynthesis of adrenal steroids from cholesterol.

adrenoleukodystrophy leucodystrophie avec insuffisance surrénale an X-linked disorder related to Schilder’s disease, characterized by diffuse abnormality of the cerebral white matter with mental retardation and adrenal atrophy.

adrenolytic adrénolytique inhibiting the action of the adrenergic nerves, or the response to epinephrine.

adrenomedullary adrénomédullaire pertaining to or originating in the adrenal medulla.

adrenomegaly adrénomégalie enlargement of one or both of the adrenal glands.

adrenomimetic sympathicomimétique sympathomimetic.

adrenomyeloneuropathy adrénomyéloneuropathie a hereditary condition related to adrenoleukodystrophy but including spinal cord degeneration and peripheral neuropathy.

adrenoreceptor récepteur sympathique adrenergic receptor.

adrenotoxin adrénotoxine any substance that is toxic to the adrenal glands.

Adriamycin Adriamycine trademark for preparations of doxorubicin hydrochloride.

adsorb adsorber to attract and retain other material on the surface; to conduct the process of adsorption.

adsorbent adsorbant 1. pertaining to or characterized by adsorption. 2. a substance that attracts other materials or particles to its surface by adsorption.

adsorption adsorption the action of a substance in attracting and holding other materials or particles on its surface.

ADTA ADTA American Dance Therapy Association.

adtorsion adtorsion intorsion.

adult adulte having attained full growth or maturity, or an organism that has done so.

adulteration adultération addition of an impure, cheap, or unnecessary ingredient to cheat, cheapen, or falsify a preparation; in legal terminology, incorrect labeling, including dosage not in accordance with the label.

advancement avancement 1. surgical detachment, as of a muscle or tendon, followed by reattachment at a point farther forward than the original position. 2. the surgical moving forward of the mandible in the correction of jaw deformity.

adventitia 1. adventiciel adventitial. 2. adventice tunica adventitia.

adventitial adventiciel pertaining to the tunica adventitia.

adventitious accidentel 1. accidental or acquired; not natural or hereditary. 2. found out of the normal or usual place. 3. adventiciel adventitial.

adversive adversif opposite; as the turning to one side in an adversive seizure.

adynamia adynamie asthenia. Adj.: adynamic.

adysplasia adysplasie severe dysplasia in which an organ or part is shrunken and sometimes ectopic, and initially appears to be absent.

A-E, AE A-E above-elbow; see under amputation.

AED AED automatic external defibrillator.

Aedes Aedes a genus of mosquitoes, including approximately 600 species; some are vectors of disease, others are pests. It includes A. aegypti, a vector of yellow fever and dengue.

aeration 1. hématose the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen by the blood in the lungs. 2. gazéification the charging of a liquid with air or gas.

aer(o)- aér(o)- word element [Gr.], air; gas.

aerobe aérobie a microorganism that lives and grows in the presence of free oxygen. facultative a. a. facultatif one that can live in the presence or absence of oxygen. obligate a. a. obligatoire one that requires oxygen for growth.

aerobic aérobie 1. having molecular oxygen present. 2. growing, living, or occurring in the presence of molecular oxygen. 3. requiring oxygen for respiration. 4. aérobique designed to increase oxygen consumption by the body.

aerobiology aérobiologie the study of the distribution of microorganisms by the air.

aerobiosis aérobiose life in the presence of molecular oxygen.

aerocele aérocèle pneumatocele (1). epidural a. a. épidural a collection of air between the dura mater and the wall of the spinal column.

Aerococcaceae Aerococcaceae a family of gram-positive cocci of the order Lactobacillales, occurring singly or in pairs, tetrads, or short chains.

Aerococcus Aerococcus a genus of aerobic, gram-positive cocci of the family Aerococcaceae. A. viridans, a part of the normal skin flora, is an opportunistic pathogen.

aerodermectasia aérodermectasie subcutaneous emphysema.

aerodontalgia aérodontalgie pain in the teeth due to lowered atmospheric pressure at high altitudes.

aeroembolism aéroembolisme air embolism.

aerogen aérogène a gas-producing bacterium.

Aeromonas Aeromonas a genus of schizomycetes usually found in water, some being pathogenic for fish, amphibians, reptiles, and humans.

aeropathy aéropathie any disease due to change in atmospheric pressure, e.g., decompression sickness.

aeroperitonia aéropéritoine pneumoperitoneum.

aerophagia aérophagie excessive swallowing of air, usually an unconscious process associated with anxiety.

aerophilic aérophile requiring air for proper growth.

aerosinusitis aérosinusite barosinusitis.

aerosol aérosol a colloid system in which solid or liquid particles are suspended in a gas, especially a suspension of a drug or other substance to be dispensed in a fine spray or mist.

aerotaxis aérotaxie movement of an organism in response to the presence of molecular oxygen.

aerotitis otite des aviateurs barotitis.

aerotolerant aérotolérant surviving and growing in small amounts of air; said of anaerobic microorganisms.

aerotympanal aérotympanique pertaining to or involving the air and the tympanum.

aes- aes- for words beginning thus, see those beginning es-, et-.

Aesculapius Aesculapius [L.] the god of healing in Roman mythology; see also caduceus and under staff.

afebrile afébrile, apyrétique without fever.

affect affect the external expression of emotion attached to ideas or mental representations of objects.

affective affectif pertaining to affect.

afferent afférent 1. conveying toward a center. 2. something that so conducts, such as a fiber or nerve.

affinity affinité 1. attraction; a tendency to seek out or unite with another object or substance. 2. in chemistry, the tendency of two substances to form strong or weak chemical bonds forming molecules or complexes. 3. in immunology, the thermodynamic bond strength of an antigen-antibody complex. Cf. f.

afibrinogenemia afibrinogénémie deficiency or absence of fibrinogen (coagulation factor I) in the blood. congenital a. a. congénitale a rare autosomal recessive hemorrhagic coagulation disorder characterized by complete incoagulability of the blood.

aflatoxin aflatoxine a toxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, molds which contaminate ground nut seedlings; it has been implicated as a cause of hepatic carcinoma in humans.

AFP AFP alpha fetoprotein.

afterbirth délivre the placenta and membranes delivered from the uterus after childbirth.

afterbrain moelle allongée, bulbe rachidien metencephalon.

afterdepolarization post-dépolarisation a depolarizing afterpotential, frequently one of a series, sometimes occurring in tissues not normally excitable. It may occur before (early a.) or after (delayed a.) full repolarization.

afterimage image consécutive a retinal impression remaining after cessation of the stimulus causing it.

afterload post-charge ventriculaire the force against which cardiac muscle shortens: in isolated muscle, the force resisting shortening after the muscle is stimulated to contract; in the intact heart, the pressure against which the ventricle ejects blood.

afterpains tranchées utérines cramplike pains following the birth of a child, due to uterine contractions.

afterpotential potentiel consécutif the small action potential generated following termination of the spike or main potential; it has negative and (paradoxically named) positive phases, the latter being in fact more negative than the resting potential.

aftertaste arrière-goût a taste continuing after the substance producing it has been removed.

AFX FXA atypical fibroxanthoma.

AG GA atrial gallop.

Ag Ag antigen; silver (L. argentum).

AGA AGA American Gastroenterological Association.

agalactia agalactie absence or failure of secretion of milk.

agammaglobulinemia agammaglobulinémie absence of all classes of immunoglobulins in the blood. See also hypogammaglobulinemia. X-linked a. a. liée à l’X an X-linked disorder characterized by absence of circulating B lymphocytes, plasma cells, or germinal centers in lymphoid tissues, very low levels of circulating immunoglobulins, susceptibility to bacterial infection, and symptoms resembling rheumatoid arthritis; apparently due to failure of pre-B cells to differentiate into mature B cells.

aganglionic aganglionnaire pertaining to or characterized by the absence of ganglion cells.

aganglionosis aganglionose congenital absence of parasympathetic ganglion cells.

agar agar-agar a dried hydrophilic, colloidal substance extracted from various species of red algae; used in solid culture media for bacteria and other microorganisms, as a bulk laxative, in making emulsions, and as a supporting medium in procedures such as immunodiffusion and electrophoresis.

agaric agaric 1. any mushroom, more especially any species of Agaricus. 2. a preparation of rotten wood mixed with fungi or dried mushrooms.

agastric agastrique having no alimentary canal.

age âge 1. the duration, or the measure of time, of the existence of a person or object. 2. the measure of an attribute relative to the chronological age of an average normal individual. achievement a. â. d’instruction acquise the age of a person expressed as the chronologic age of a normal person showing the same proficiency in study. bone a. â. osseux osseous development shown radiographically, stated in terms of the chronologic age at which the development is ordinarily attained. chronologic a. â. chronologique the measure of time elapsed since a person’s birth. fertilization a. â. gestationnel the age of a conceptus defined by the time elapsed since fertilization. gestational a. â. gestationnel the age of a conceptus or pregnancy; in human clinical practice, timed from onset of the last normal menstrual period. Elsewhere the onset may be timed from estrus, coitus, artificial insemination, vaginal plug formation, fertilization, or implantation. mental a. â. mental the age level of mental ability of a person as gauged by standard intelligence tests.

agenesia agénésie 1. imperfect development. 2. sterility or impotence.

agenesis agénésie absence of an organ, particularly that due to nonappearance of its primordium in the embryo. gonadal a. a. gonadique complete failure of gonadal development, as in Turner’s syndrome. nuclear a. a. nucléaire Möbius’ syndrome.

agenitalism agénitalisme 1. absence of the genitals. 2. a condition caused by failure to secrete gonadal hormones.

agenosomia agénosomie congenital absence or imperfect development of the genitals and eventration of the lower part of the abdomen.

agent agent something capable of producing an effect. adrenergic blocking a. adrénolytique one that inhibits response to sympathetic impulses by blocking the alpha (alpha-adrenergic blocking a.) or beta (beta-adrenergic blocking a.) receptor sites of effector organs. adrenergic neuron blocking a. anti-adrénergique one that inhibits the release of norepinephrine from postganglionic adrenergic nerve endings. alkylating a. alkylant, alkoylant a cytotoxic agent, e.g., a nitrogen mustard, which is highly reactive and can donate an alkyl group to another compound. Alkylating agents inhibit cell division by reacting with DNA and are used as antineoplastic agents. blocking a. inhibiteur an agent that inhibits a biological action, such as movement of an ion across the cell membrane, passage of a neural impulse, or interaction with a specific receptor. calcium channel blocking a. inhibiteur calcique any of a class of drugs that inhibit the influx of calcium ions across the cell membrane or inhibit the mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores; used in the treatment of angina, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. chelating a. chélateur 1. a compound that combines with metal ions to form stable ring structures. 2. a substance used to reduce the concentration of free metal ion in solution by complexing it. cholinergic blocking a. inhibiteur cholinergique one that blocks or inactivates acetylcholine. emulsifying a. a. émulsifiant emulsifier. ganglionic blocking a. ganglioplégique one that blocks nerve impulses at autonomic ganglionic synapses. inotropic a. a. inotrope any of a class of agents affecting the force of muscle contraction, particularly a drug affecting the force of cardiac contraction; positive inotropic agents increase, and negative inotropic agents decrease the force of cardiac muscle contraction. luting a. a. lutant lute (1). neuromuscular blocking a. inhibiteur neuromusculaire a compound that causes paralysis of skeletal muscle by blocking neural transmission at the neuromuscular junction. nonsteroidal antiinflammatory a. a. anti-inflammatoire non stéroïdien see under drug. A. Orange Agent orange a herbicide containing 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D and the contaminant dioxin; it is suspected of being carcinogenic and teratogenic. oxidizing a. agent oxydant a substance capable of accepting electrons from another substance, thereby oxidizing the second substance and itself becoming reduced. potassium channel blocking a. inhibiteur des canaux potassiques any of a class of antiarrhythmic agents that inhibit the movement of potassium ions through the potassium channels, thus prolonging repolarization of the cell membrane. progestational a. agent progestatif progestin: any of a group of hormones secreted by the corpus luteum and placenta and, in small amounts, by the adrenal cortex, including progesterone; they induce the formation of a secretory endometrium. Agents having progestational activity are also produced synthetically. psychoactive a. drogue psychoactive see under substance. reducing a. agent réducteur a substance that acts as an electron donor in a chemical redox reaction. sclerosing a. agent sclérosant sclerosant; a chemical irritant injected into a vein in sclerotherapy. sodium channel blocking a. inhibiteur des canaux sodiques any of a class of antiarrhythmic agents that prevent ectopic beats by acting on partially inactivated sodium channels to inhibit abnormal depolarizations. surface-active a. a. de surface a substance that exerts a change on the surface properties of a liquid, especially one that reduces its surface tension, as a detergent. wetting a. a. mouillant a substance that lowers the surface tension of water to promote wetting.

ageusia agueusie absence of the sense of taste. Adj.: ageusic.

agger agger pl. aggeres [L.] an eminence or elevation. a. nasi a. nasi a ridgelike elevation midway between the anterior extremity of the middle nasal concha and the inner surface of the dorsum of the nose.

agglutinant agglutinant 1. promoting union by adhesion. 2. a tenacious or gluey substance that holds parts together during the healing process.

agglutination agglutination 1. the action of an agglutinant substance. 2. the process of union in wound healing. 3. the clumping together in suspension of antigen-bearing cells, microorganisms, or particles in the presence of specific antibodies (agglutinins). Adj.: agglutinative. cross a. a. croisée the agglutination of particulate antigen by antibody raised against a different but related antigen; see also group a. group a. a. de groupe agglutination of members of a group of biologically related organisms or corpuscles by an agglutinin specific for that group. intravascular a. a. intravasculaire clumping of particulate elements within the blood vessels; used conventionally to denote red blood cell aggregation.

agglutinator agglutinateur an agglutinin.

agglutinin agglutinine 1. antibody which aggregates a particulate antigen, e.g., bacteria, following combination with the homologous antigen. 2. any substance other than antibody, e.g., lectin, that is capable of agglutinating particles. anti-Rh a. a. antiRh an agglutinin not normally present in human plasma, which may be produced in Rh⁻ mothers carrying an Rh+ fetus or after transfusion of Rh+ blood into an Rh⁻ patient. chief a. a. principale major a. cold a. a. froide one that acts only at relatively low temperatures (0°-20 ° C). group a. a. de groupe one that has a specific action on a particular group of microorganisms. H a. a. H one that is specific for flagellar antigens of the motile strain of a microorganism. immune a. a. immune any agglutinating antibody. incomplete a. a. incomplète one that at appropriate concentrations fails to agglutinate the homologous antigen. leukocyte a. a. anti-leucocytaire one that is directed against neutrophilic and other leukocytes. major a. a. majeure that present at highest titer in an antiserum. minor a., partial a. a. Mineure one present in agglutinative serum which acts on organisms and cells that are closely related to the specific antigen, but in a lower dilution. warm a. a. chaude an agglutinin more reactive at 37° C than at lower temperatures.

agglutinogen agglutinogène 1. any substance that, acting as an antigen, stimulates the production of agglutinin. 2. the particulate antigen used in conducting agglutination tests.

agglutinophilic agglutinophile agglutinating easily.

aggregate agréger to crowd or cluster together.

aggregate 1. agrégés crowded or clustered together. 2. agrégat a mass or assemblage.

aggregation 1. agrégation massing or clumping of materials or people together. 2. agglomération a clumped mass of material. familial a. a. familiale the occurrence of more cases of a given disorder in close relatives of a person with the disorder than in control families. platelet a. a. plaquettaire a clumping together of platelets induced by various agents (e.g., thrombin) as part of the mechanism leading to thrombus formation.

aggression agressivité behavior leading to selfassertion; it may arise from innate drives and/ or a response to frustration, and may be manifested by destructive and attacking behavior, by hostility and obstructionism, or by self-expressive drive to mastery.

aggressive agressif 1. characterized by aggression. 2. rapidly spreading and invasive, as a tumor. 3. énergique characterized by or pertaining to intensive or vigorous treatment.

aging vieillissement the gradual structural changes that occur with the passage of time, that are not due to disease or accident, and that eventually lead to death.

agitation agitation excessive, purposeless cognitive and motor activity or restlessness, usually associated with a state of tension or anxiety. Called also psychomotor a.

aglossia aglossie congenital absence of the tongue.

aglycemia aglycémie absence of sugar from the blood.

aglycon aglycon the noncarbohydrate group of a glycoside molecule.

aglycone aglycone aglycon.

agni agni [Sanskrit] in ayurveda, the digestive and metabolic energy created by the doshas that transforms nourishment into forms (ojas) that are used by the body and mind.

agnogenic agnogénique idiopathic.

agnosia agnosie inability to recognize the import of sensory impressions; the varieties correspond with several senses and are distinguished as auditory (acoustic), gustatory, olfactory, tactile, and visual. face a., facial a. a. des physionomies prosopagnosia. finger a. a. digitale loss of ability to indicate one’s own or another’s fingers. time a. a. temporelle loss of comprehension of the succession and duration of events. visual a. a. visuelle inability to recognize familiar objects by sight, usually due to a lesion in one of the visual association areas.

-agogue agogue word element [Gr.], something which leads or induces.

agonadism agonadisme the condition of being without sex glands. Adj.: agonadal.

agonal agonique pertaining to or occurring just before death.

agonist agoniste 1. one involved in a struggle or competition. 2. agonistic muscle. 3. in pharmacology, a drug that has an affinity for and stimulates physiologic activity at cell receptors normally stimulated by naturally occurring substances.

agonistic agoniste pertaining to a struggle or competition; as an agonistic muscle, counteracted by an antagonistic muscle.

agoraphobia agoraphobie intense, irrational fear of open spaces, characterized by marked fear of venturing out alone or of being in public places where escape would be difficult or help might be unavailable; sometimes occurring in association with panic attacks.

agrammatism agrammatisme inability to speak grammatically because of brain injury or disease, usually with simplified sentence structure and errors in tense, number, and gender.

-agra -agra word element [Gr.], attack; seizure.

agranular agranulaire lacking granules.

agranulocyte agranulocyte nongranular leukocyte.

agranulocytosis agranulocytose a symptom complex characterized by decreased granulocytes and by lesions of the throat, other mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, and skin; most cases are complications of drug therapy, radiation, or exposure to chemicals.

agranuloplastic agranuloplastique forming nongranular cells only; not forming granular cells.

agraphia agraphie impairment or loss of the ability to write. Adj.: agraphic.

AGS AGS American Geriatrics Society.

AGT TDA antiglobulin test.

agyria agyrie a malformation in which the convolutions of the cerebral cortex are not fully formed, so that the brain surface is smooth. Adj.: agyric.

AHA AHA American Heart Association; American Hospital Association.

AHCA AHCA American Health Care Association.

AHF AHF antihemophilic factor (coagulation factor VIII).

AHG AHG antihemophilic globulin (coagulation factor VIII).

AHIMA AHIMA American Health Information Management Association.

AI IA aortic insufficiency; artificial insemination.

AICC AICC anti-inhibitor coagulant complex.

AICD AICD activation-induced cell death; automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

AID IAD donor insemination (artificial insemination by donor).

aid aide help or assistance; by extension, applied to any device by which a function can be improved or augmented, as a hearing aid. first a. premiers secours the initial emergency care and treatment of an injured or ill person before definitive medical and surgical management can be secured. hearing a. prothèse auditive a device that amplifies sound to help deaf persons hear, often specifically a device worn on the body. pharmaceutical a. auxiliaire pharmaceutique see under necessity.

AIDS sida acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

AIH AIH American Institute of Homeopathy; artificial insemination by husband.

AIHA AIHA American Industrial Hygiene Association; American International Health Alliance; autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

AIIC AIIC Association des Infirmières et Infirmiers du Canada.

ailurophobia ailurophobie irrational fear of cats.

ainhum aïnhum [Port.] a disease in which formation of a linear constriction around a digit, particularly the fifth toe, leads to spontaneous amputation of the distal part of the digit.

AIP PAI acute intermittent porphyria.

air air the gaseous mixture which makes up the atmosphere. alveolar a. a. alvéolaire see under gas. residual a. volume résiduel see under volume. tidal a. a. courant see under volume.

airborne aérogène suspended in, transported by, or spread by air.

airsickness mal de l’air motion sickness due to travel by airplane.

airway 1. voies respiratoires the passage by which air enters and leaves the lungs. 2. a device for securing unobstructed respiration. esophageal obturator a. sonde œsogastrique de ventilation a tube inserted into the esophagus to maintain airway patency in unconscious persons for positive-pressure ventilation through the attached face mask. conducting a. v. aérienne conductrice the upper and lower airways considered together. laryngeal mask a. masque laryngé a device for maintaining a patent airway without tracheal intubation, consisting of a tube connected to an oval inflatable cuff that seals the larynx. lower a. v. respiratoires inférieures the airway from the inferior end of the larynx to the ends of the terminal bronchioles. nasopharyngeal a. v. respiratoires nasopharyngées a tube inserted through a nostril, across the floor of the nose, and through the nasopharynx so that the tongue does not block air flow in an unconscious person. oropharyngeal a. sonde oropharyngée a tube inserted through the mouth and pharynx so that the tongue does not block air flow in an unconscious person. upper a. v. respiratoires supérieures the airway from the nares and lips to the larynx.

AIUM AIUM American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

AJCC AJCC American Joint Committee on Cancer.

A-K, AK A-K above-knee; see transfemoral amputation, under amputation.

akathisia akathisie a condition marked by motor restlessness, ranging from anxiety to inability to lie or sit quietly or to sleep, a common extrapyramidal side effect of neuroleptic drugs.

akinesia akinésie absence, poverty, or loss of control of voluntary muscle movements. a. algera akinesia algera, syndrome de Mœbius a condition characterized by generalized pain associated with movement of any kind.

akinesthesia akinesthésie absence or loss of movement sense (kinesthesia).

akinetic akinétique pertaining to, characterized by, or causing akinesia.

Al Al aluminum.

ALA ALA American Laryngological Association; American Lung Association; aminolevulinic acid.

Ala Ala alanine.

ala aile pl. alae [L.] a winglike process. Adj.: alar, alate. a. nasi a. du nez wing of nose: the flaring cartilaginous expansion forming the outer side of each of the nares.

alactasia alactasie malabsorption of lactose due to deficiency of lactase; see lactase deficiency.

alanine (Ala, A) alanine a nonessential amino acid occurring in proteins and also free in plasma. β-a. bêta-alanine an amino acid not found in proteins but occurring free and in some peptides; it is a precursor of acetyl CoA and an intermediate in uracil and cytosine catabolism.

alanine aminotransferase alanine aminotransférase alanine transaminase.

alanine transaminase alanine transaminase an enzyme normally present in serum and body tissues, especially in the liver; it is released into the serum as a result of tissue injury, hence the concentration in the serum may be increased in patients with acute damage to hepatic cells.

alar alaire pertaining to an ala, or wing.

alate ailé pertaining to an ala; having wings; winged.

alatrofloxacin alatrofloxacine a broad-spectrum antibacterial that is the prodrug of trovafloxicin, to which it is rapidly converted after intravenous infusion; used as the mesylate salt.

alba alba [L.] white.

albedo albedo [L.] whiteness. a. retinae a. retinæ paleness of the retina due to edema caused by transudation of fluid from the retinal capillaries.

albendazole albendazole a broad-spectrum anthelmintic used against many helminths and in the treatment of hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis.

albicans albicans [L.] white.

albiduria albidurie the discharge of white or pale urine.

albinism albinisme congenital absence, either total or partial, of normal pigmentation in the body (hair, skin, eyes) due to a defect in melanin synthesis. Adj.: albinotic. ocular a. a. oculaire that in which skin and hair pigmentation is virtually or wholly normal, with ocular abnormalities varying by type. It is usually transmitted in X-linked fashion. oculocutaneous a. (OCA) a. oculo-cutan albinism that affects skin, hair, and eyes, usually transmitted in autosomal recessive fashion; all types have decreased melanotic pigmentation of the hair, skin, and eyes, hypoplastic foveas, photophobia, nystagmus, and decreased visual acuity.

albino albinos a person affected with albinism.

albinoidism albinoïdisme defective pigmentation of ocular or oculocutaneous structures, differing from albinism by the absence of eye defects such as hypoplastic foveas, nystagmus, and photophobia.

albinuria albinurie albiduria.

albuginea albuginée tunica albuginea, particularly of the testis.

albumin albumine 1. any protein that is soluble in water and also in moderately concentrated salt solutions. 2. the major plasma protein, responsible for much of the plasma colloidal osmotic pressure and serving as a transport protein for large organic anions (e.g., fatty acids, bilirubin, some drugs) and for some hormones when their specific binding globulins are saturated. Adj.: albuminous. egg a. ovalbumine albumin of egg whites. a. human a. humaine a preparation of human serum albumin, used as a plasma volume expander and to increase bilirubin binding in hyperbilirubinemia. iodinated I 125 a. a. marquée à l’iode 125 a radiopharmaceutical used in blood and plasma volume, circulation time, and cardiac output determinations, consisting of albumin human labeled with iodine-125. iodinated I 131 a. a. marquée à l’iode 131 a radiopharmaceutical used in blood pool imaging and plasma volume determinations, consisting of albumin human labeled with iodine-131. serum a. sérum-albumine albumin (2).

albuminocholia albuminocholie the presence of albumin in the bile.

albuminoid albuminoïde 1. resembling albumin. 2. a scleroprotein. 3. an albumin-like substance, such as a scleroprotein.

albuminoptysis albuminoptysie albumin in the sputum.

albuminuria albuminurie presence in the urine of serum albumin, the most common kind of proteinuria. Adj.: albuminuric.

albuterol albutérol a β₂-adrenergic receptor agonist used as the base or sulfate salt as a bronchodilator.

Alcaligenaceae Alcaligenaceae a family of gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria of the order Burkholderiales.

Alcaligenes Alcaligenes a widespread genus of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria of the family Alcaligenaceae, found in the intestines and as part of the normal skin flora, and occasionally the cause of opportunistic infections. A. faecalis causes nosocomial septicemia.

alclometasone alclométasone a synthetic corticosteroid used topically in the dipropionate form for the relief of inflammation and pruritus.

alcohol alcool 1. any of a class of organic compounds containing the hydroxyl (—OH) functional group except those in which the OH group is attached to an aromatic ring (phenols). Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary according to whether the carbon atom to which the OH group is attached is bonded to one, two, or three other carbon atoms and as monohydric, dihydric, or trihydric according to whether they contain one, two, or three OH groups; the latter two are called diols and triols, respectively. 2. ethanol. 3. a pharmaceutical preparation of ethanol, used as a disinfectant, solvent, and preservative; applied topically as a rubefacient, disinfectant, astringent, hemostatic, and coolant; and used internally in sclerotherapy and in the treatment of pain, of spasticity, and of poisoning by methyl alcohol or ethylene glycol. absolute a. a. absolu dehydrated a. benzyl a. a. benzylique a colorless liquid used as a bacteriostatic in solutions for injection and topically as a local anesthetic. cetostearyl a. a. cétostéarylique a mixture of stearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol used as an emulsifier. cetyl a. a. cétylique a solid alcohol used as an emulsifying and stiffening agent. dehydrated a. a. anhydre an extremely hygroscopic, transparent, colorless, volatile liquid, 100 per cent strength ethanol; used as a solvent and injected into nerves and ganglia for relief of pain. denatured a. a. dénaturé ethanol rendered unfit for internal use by addition of methanol or acetone. ethyl a., grain a. a. éthylique ethanol. isopropyl a. a. isopropylique a transparent, colorless, volatile liquid, used as a solvent and disinfectant, and as a topical antiseptic. isopropyl rubbing a. a. à friction isopropylique a preparation containing between 68 and 72 per cent isopropyl alcohol in water, used as a rubefacient. methyl a. a. méthylique a clear, colorless, flammable liquid, CH3OH, used as a solvent. Ingestion may cause blindness or death. polyvinyl a. a. polyvinylique a water-soluble synthetic polymer used as a viscosity-increasing agent in pharmaceuticals and as a lubricant and protectant in ophthalmic preparations. n-propyl a. alcool n -propylique a colorless liquid with an alcohol-like odor; used as a solvent. rubbing a. a. à friction a preparation of acetone, the alcohol denaturant methyl isobutyl ketone, and 68.5 to 71.5 per cent ethanol; used as a rubefacient. stearyl a. a. stéarique a solid alcohol prepared from stearic acid and used as an emollient and emulsifier. wood a. a. méthylique methanol.

alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) alcool déshydrogénase an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible oxidation of primary or secondary alcohols to aldehydes; the reaction is the first step in the metabolism of alcohols by the liver.

alcoholic alcoolique 1. pertaining to or containing alcohol. 2. a person suffering from alcoholism.

alcoholism alcoolisme a disorder marked by a pathological pattern of alcohol use that causes serious impairment in social or occupational functioning. It includes both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.

alcoholysis alcoolyse decomposition of a compound due to the incorporation and splitting of alcohol.

alcuronium alcuronium a non-depolarizing skeletal muscle relaxant used as the chloride salt.

aldaric acid acide aldarique a dicarboxylic acid resulting from oxidation of both terminal groups of an aldose to carboxyl groups.

aldehyde aldéhyde 1. any of a class of organic compounds containing the group —CHO, i.e., one with a carbonyl group (C=O) located at one end of the carbon chain. 2. a suffix used to denote a compound occurring in aldehyde conformation. 3. acetaldehyde.

aldehyde-lyase aldéhyde-lyase any of a group of lyases that catalyze the cleavage of a C—C bond in a molecule having a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group to form two molecules, each an aldehyde or ketone.

aldehyde reductase aldose réductase an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of aldoses; in one form of galactosemia, its catalysis of reduction of excess galactose in the lens of the eye results in cataract formation.

aldesleukin aldesleukine a recombinant interleukin-2 product used as an antineoplastic and biological response modifier.

aldicarb aldicarb a carbamate pesticide used as an insecticide; in some countries, also used as a rodenticide.

aldolase aldolase 1. aldehyde-lyase. 2. an enzyme that acts as a catalyst in the production of dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde phosphate from fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. It occurs in several isozymes, one of which is deficient in hereditary fructose intolerance.

aldonic acid acide aldonique a carboxylic acid resulting from oxidation of the aldehyde group of an aldose to a carboxyl group.

aldose aldose one of two subgroups of monosaccharides, being those containing an aldehyde group (—CHO).

aldosterone aldostérone the major mineralocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. It promotes the retention of sodium and bicarbonate, the excretion of potassium and hydrogen ions, and the secondary retention of water. Large excesses can invoke plasma volume expansion, edema, and hypertension.

aldosteronism aldostéronisme hyperaldosteronism; an abnormality of electrolyte balance caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone. primary a. a. primaire that due to oversecretion of aldosterone by an adrenal adenoma, marked by hypokalemia, alkalosis, muscular weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, and hypertension. pseudoprimary a. a. pseudoprimaire signs and symptoms identical to those of primary aldosteronism but caused by factors other than excessive aldosterone secretion. secondary a. a. secondaire that due to extra-adrenal stimulation of aldosterone secretion, usually associated with edematous states such as nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, heart failure, or malignant hypertension.

aldosteronoma aldostéronome a tumor, usually an adenoma, of the adrenal cortex that secretes aldosterone, causing primary aldosteronism.

aldrin aldrine a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide, closely related to dieldrin; ingestion or skin contact causes neurotoxic reactions that can be fatal.

alecithal alécithe without yolk; applied to eggs with very little yolk.

alemtuzumab alemtuzumab a recombinant monoclonal antibody directed against the CD antigen CD52; used as an antineoplastic in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

alendronate alendronate a bisphosphonate calcium-regulating agent used in the form of the sodium salt to inhibit the resorption of bone in the treatment of osteitis deformans, osteoporosis, and hypercalcemia related to malignancy.

aleukemia aleucemie 1. leukopenia. 2. aleukemic leukemia.

aleukemic aleucemique pertaining to or characterized by leukopenia.

aleukia aleucie leukopenia.

aleukocytosis aleucocytose leukopenia.

alexia alexie a form of receptive aphasia in which ability to understand written language is lost as a result of a cerebral lesion. Adj.: alexic. cortical a. a. corticale a form of sensory aphasia due to lesions of the left gyrus angularis. motor a. a. motrice alexia in which the patient understands written or printed material but cannot read it aloud. musical a. a. musicale loss of the ability to read music. optical a. a. optique alexia. subcortical a. a. sous-cortical a form due to interruption of the connection between the optic center and the parietal lobe, including the gyrus angularis of the dominant hemisphere.

aleydigism aleydigisme absence of androgen secretion by Leydig cells.

alfacalcidol alfacalcidol a synthetic analogue of calcitriol, used in the treatment of hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, rickets, and osteodystrophy associated with various medical conditions.

alfentanil alfentanil an opioid analgesic of rapid onset and short duration derived from fentanyl, used as the hydrochloride salt in the induction of general anesthesia and as an adjunct in general, regional, and local anesthesia.

ALG GAL antilymphocyte globulin.

alge- alge- word element [Gr.], pain.

algesia algesie 1. pain sense. 2. excessive sensitivity to pain, a type of hyperesthesia. Adj.: algesic, algetic.

algesimeter algesimetre an instrument for measuring sensitiveness to pain.

algesi(o)-algési(o)- word element [Gr.], pain.

algesiogenic algésiogéne dolorific.

algesthesia algesthesie 1. pain sense. 2. any painful sensation.

-algesi(o) -algési(o) word element [Gr.], pain.

algid algide chilly or cold.

alginate alginate a salt of alginic acid; water-soluble alginates are useful as materials for dental impressions.

alginic acid acide alginique a hydrophilic colloidal carbohydrate obtained from seaweed, used as a tablet binder and emulsifying agent.

alglucerase alglucérase a form of β-glucocerebrosidase used to replace glucocerebrosidase (glucosylceramidase) in the treatment of the adult form of Gaucher’s disease.

alg(o)- alg(o)- word element [Gr.], pain.

algodystrophy algodystrophie complex regional pain syndrome type 1.

algogenic algogéne algesiogenic.

algophobia algophobie irrational fear of pain.

algorithm algorithme 1. a step-by-step method of solving a problem or making decisions, as in making a diagnosis. 2. an established mechanical procedure for solving certain mathematical problems.

aliasing 1. distorsion de repliement introduction of an artifact or error in sampling of a periodic signal when the sampling frequency is too low to capture the signal properly. 2. repliement spectral in pulsed Doppler ultrasonography, an artifact occurring when the velocity of the sampled object is too great for the Doppler frequency to be determined by the system. 3. artefact de repliement an artifact occurring in magnetic resonance imaging when a part being examined is larger than the field of view; an image of the area outside the field of view appears as an artifact inside the field of view.

alicyclic alicyclique having the properties of both aliphatic and cyclic substances.

alienia alienie asplenia.

aliform aliforme shaped like a wing.

alimentary alimentaire pertaining to food or nutritive material, or to the organs of digestion.

alimentation alimentation giving or receiving of nourishment. rectal a. a. rectale feeding by injection of nutriment into the rectum. total parenteral a. a. parenterale totale see under nutrition.

alinasal alinasal pertaining to either ala of the nose.

aliphatic aliphatique pertaining to any member of one of the two major groups of organic compounds, those with a straight or branched chain structure.

alisphenoid alisphénoïde 1. pertaining to the greater wing of the sphenoid. 2. a cartilage of the fetal chondrocranium on either side of the basisphenoid; later in development it forms the greater part of the great wing of the sphenoid.

alitretinoin alitrétinoïne a topical antineoplastic used in the treatment of AIDS-related cutaneous Kaposi’s sarcoma.

alizarin alizarine a red crystalline dye prepared synthetically or obtained from madder; its compounds are used as indicators.

alkalemia alcalémie increased pH (abnormal alkalinity) of the blood.

alkali alcali any of a class of compounds with pH greater than 7.0, which form soluble soaps with fatty acids, turn red litmus blue, and form soluble carbonates, e.g., hydroxides or carbonates of sodium or potassium.

alkaline alcalin 1. having the reactions of an alkali. 2. having a pH greater than 7.0.

alkaline phosphatase (ALP) phosphatase alcaline an enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of orthophosphate from orthophosphoric monoesters under alkaline conditions. Differing forms of the enzyme occur in normal and malignant tissues. The activity in serum is useful in the clinical diagnosis of many illnesses. Deficient bone enzyme activity, an autosomal recessive trait, causes hypophosphatasia. leukocyte a. p. (LAP) p. a. leucocytaire the isozyme of alkaline phosphatase occurring in the leukocytes, specifically in the neutrophils; LAP activity is used in the differential diagnosis of neutrophilia, being lowered in chronic myelogenous leukemia but elevated in a variety of other disorders.

alkalinuria alcalinurie an alkaline condition of the urine.

alkalizer alcalinisant an agent that neutralizes acids or causes alkalinization.

alkaloid alcaloïde any of a group of organic basic substances found in plants, many of which are pharmacologically active, e.g., atropine, caffeine, morphine, nicotine, quinine, and strychnine. ergot a’s a. de l’ergot a group of chemically related alkaloids either derived from ergot or synthesized; some cause ergotism while others are medicinal. vinca a’s a. de la pervenche alkaloids produced by the common periwinkle plant (Vinca rosea); two, vincristine and vinblastine, are used as antineoplastic agents.

alkalosis alcalose a pathologic condition due to accumulation of base in, or loss of acid from, the body. Cf. acidosis. Adj.: alkalotic. altitude a. a. due à l’altitude increased alkalinity in blood and tissues due to exposure to high altitudes. compensated a. a. compensée a form in which compensatory mechanisms have returned the pH toward normal. hypochloremic a. a. hypochlorémique metabolic alkalosis marked by hypochloremia together with hyponatremia and hypokalemia, resulting from the loss of sodium chloride and hydrochloric acid due to prolonged vomiting. hypokalemic a. a. hypokaliémique metabolic alkalosis associated with a low serum potassium level. metabolic a. a. métabolique a disturbance in which the acid-base status shifts toward the alkaline side because of retention of base or loss of noncarbonic, or fixed (nonvolatile), acids. respiratory a. a. respiratoire a state due to excess loss of carbon dioxide from the body, usually as a result of hyperventilation.

alkane alcane any of a class of saturated hydrocarbons with a straight or branched chain structure, of the general formula C_nH2_n + 2.

alkaptonuria alcaptonurie an autosomal recessive aminoacidopathy with accumulation of homogentisic acid in urine (causing urine to darken on standing), ochronosis, and arthritis. Adj.: alkaptonuric.

alkyl alkyle the monovalent radical formed when an aliphatic hydrocarbon loses one hydrogen atom.

alkylation alkylation the substitution of an alkyl group for an active hydrogen atom in an organic compound.

ALL LLA acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

allachesthesia allachesthésie allesthesia.

allantiasis allantiasis sausage poisoning; botulism from improperly prepared sausages.

allantochorion allantochorion a compound membrane formed by fusion of the allantois and chorion.

allantoic allantoïdien pertaining to the allantois.

allantoid 1. allantoïdien resembling the allantois. 2. allantoïde sausage-shaped.

allantoidoangiopagous allantoïdo-angiopage joined by the vessels of the umbilical cord, as some twins.

allantoin allantoïne a crystalline substance found in allantoic fluid, fetal urine, many plants, and produced synthetically; used topically as an astringent and keratolytic.

allantois allantoïde a ventral outgrowth of the embryos of reptiles, birds, and mammals. In humans, it is vestigial except that its blood vessels give rise to those of the umbilical cord.

allele allèle one of two or more alternative forms of a gene occurring at a particular chromosomal locus; they determine alternative characters in inheritance. Adj.: allelic. hypomorphic a. a. hypomorphe a mutant allele whose effect is subnormal expression of a normal phenotype. multiple a’s a. multiples alleles of which there are more than two alternative forms possible at any one locus. null a., silent a. a. Nul one that codes for a nonfunctional or undetectable product.

allelotaxis allélotaxie development of an organ from several embryonic structures.

allergen allergène an antigenic substance capable of producing immediate hypersensitivity (allergy). Adj.: allergenic. pollen a. a. de pollen any protein antigen of weed, tree, or grass pollens capable of causing allergic asthma or rhinitis; pollen antigen extracts are used in skin testing for pollen sensitivity and in immunotherapy (desensitization) for pollen allergy.

allergy allergie a hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular allergen, reexposure bringing to light an altered capacity to react. See hypersensitivity. Adj.: allergic. atopic a. a. atopique atopy. bacterial a. a. bactérienne specific hypersensitivity to a particular bacterial antigen. bronchial a. a. bronchique atopic asthma; see asthma. cold a. a. au froid a condition manifested by local and systemic reactions, mediated by histamine, which is released from mast cells and basophils as a result of exposure to cold. contact a. a. de contact see under dermatitis. delayed a. a. retardée see under hypersensitivity. drug a. a. médicamenteuse an allergic reaction occurring as the result of unusual sensitivity to a drug. food a., gastrointestinal a. a. alimentaire allergy produced by ingested antigens in food, usually manifested by a skin reaction. hereditary a. a. héréditaire atopy. immediate a. a. immédiate see under hypersensitivity. latent a. a. latente that not manifested by symptoms but which may be detected by tests. physical a. a. physique a condition in which the patient is sensitive to the effects of physical agents, such as heat, cold, light, etc. pollen a. a. au pollen hay fever. polyvalent a. a. polyvalente see pathergy (2). spontaneous a. a. héréditaire atopy.

allesthesia alloesthésie the experiencing of a sensation, e.g., pain or touch, as occurring at a point remote from where the stimulus actually is applied.

allethrin alléthrine a synthetic analogue of the natural insecticide pyrethrin, used as an insecticide.

allicin allicine an oily substance, extracted from garlic, which has antibacterial activity.

all(o)- all(o)- word element [Gr.], other; deviating from normal.

alloantibody alloanticorps isoantibody.

alloantigen alloantigène an antigen present in allelic forms encoded at the same gene locus in different individuals of the same species.

allochiria allochirie dyschiria in which if one limb is stimulated the sensation is referred to the opposite side. Adj.: allochiral.

allocortex allocortex the older, original part of the cerebral cortex, comprising the archicortex and the paleocortex.

Allodermanyssus Allodenmanyssus a genus of blood-sucking mites; A. sanguineus is a parasite of mice and a vector of Rickettsia akari, the cause of rickettsialpox.

allodynia allodynie pain produced by a non-noxious stimulus.

alloeroticism alloérotisme 1. sexual feeling directed to another person. 2. a state of maturity characterized both by direction of erotic energies to another and also by the ability to form a love relationship with that other. Adj.: alloerotic.

allogeneic allogénique 1. having cell types that are antigenically distinct. 2. in transplantation biology, denoting individuals (or tissues) that are of the same species but antigenically distinct. Cf. syngeneic and xenogeneic. allogenic allogénique allogeneic.

allograft allogreffe a graft between individuals of the same species, but of different genotypes. Called also homograft.

allogroup allogroupe an allotype linkage group, especially of allotypes for the four IgG subclasses, which are closely linked and inherited as a unit.

alloimmune allo-immun specifically immune to an allogeneic antigen.

alloimmunization allo-immunisation an immune response generated in an individual or strain of one species by an alloantigen from a different individual or strain of the same species.

allomerism allomérisme change in chemical constitution without change in crystalline form.

allomorphism allomorphisme change in crystalline form without change in chemical constitution.

allopathy allopathie that system of therapeutics in which diseases are treated by producing a condition incompatible with or antagonistic to the condition to be cured or alleviated. Cf. homeopathy. Adj.: allopathic.

alloplasia alloplasie heteroplasia.

alloplast alloplaste an inert foreign body used for implantation into tissue. Adj.: alloplastic.

alloplasty alloplastie in psychoanalytic theory, adaptation by alteration of the environment rather than one’s self. Adj.: alloplastic.

allopurinol allopurinol an isomer of hypoxanthine, capable of inhibiting xanthine oxidase and thus of reducing serum and urinary levels of uric acid; used in prophylaxis and treatment of hyperuricemia and uric acid nephropathy and prophylaxis of renal calculus recurrence.

alloreactive alloréactif pertaining to the immune response in reaction to a transplanted allograft.

allorhythmia allorhythmie irregularity of the heart beat or pulse that recurs regularly. Adj.: allorhythmic.

all or none loi du « tout ou rien » the heart muscle, under whatever stimulation, will contract to the fullest extent or not at all; in other muscles and in nerves, stimulation of a fiber causes an action potential to travel over the entire fiber, or not to travel at all.

allosensitization allosensibilisation sensitization to alloantigens (isoantigens), as to Rh antigens during pregnancy.

allosome allosome a foreign constituent of the cytoplasm which has entered from outside the cell.

allostasis allostasie maintenance of internal physical or psychological stability by making changes during situations of challenge. Adj.: allostatic.

allosteric allostérique pertaining to allostery.

allosterism allostérisme allostery.

allostery allostérie the condition in which binding of a substrate, product, or other effector to a subunit of a multi-subunit enzyme at a site (allosteric site) other than the functional site alters its conformation and functional properties.

allotope allotope a site on the constant or nonvarying portion of an antibody molecule that can be recognized by a combining site of other antibodies.

allotransplantation allogreffe allogeneic transplantation.

allotropic allotropique 1. exhibiting allotropism. 2. concerned with others; said of a type of personality that is more preoccupied with others than with oneself.

allotropism allotropisme existence of an element in two or more distinct forms, e.g., graphite and diamond.

allotype allotype any of several allelic variants of a protein that are characterized by antigenic differences. Adj.: allotypic.

alloxan alloxane an oxidized product of uric acid that tends to destroy the islet cells of the pancreas, thus producing diabetes (alloxan diabetes).

allyl allyle a univalent radical, —CH₂= CHCH₂.

almotriptan almotriptan a selective serotonin receptor agonist used as the malate salt in the acute treatment of migraine.

aloe aloès 1. a succulent plant, of the genus Aloe. 2. the dried juice of leaves of various species of Aloe, used in various dermatologic and cosmetic preparations. Adj.: aloetic.

alopecia alopécie baldness; absence of hair from skin areas where it is normally present. Adj.: alopecic. androgenetic a. a. androgénétique a progressive, diffuse, symmetric loss of scalp hair, believed due to a combination of genetic predisposition and increased response of hair follicles to androgens, in men beginning around age 30 with hair loss from the vertex and frontoparietal regions (male pattern a. or male pattern baldness), and in females beginning later with less severe hair loss in the frontocentral area of the scalp (female pattern a. or female pattern baldness). a. areata pelade hair loss, usually reversible, in sharply defined areas, usually involving the beard or scalp. cicatricial a. a. cicatricielle irreversible loss of hair associated with scarring, usually on the scalp. female pattern a. a. séborrhéique féminine see androgenetic a. male pattern a. a. séborrhéique masculine see androgenetic a. a. totalis a. totale loss of hair from the entire scalp. traction a. a. de traction traumatic alopecia due to continuous or prolonged traction on the hair, such as in certain hairstyles or in the habit of compulsively twisting one’s own hair. traumatic a. a. traumatique hair loss caused by injury to the hair follicles in a given area, such as by rubbing, traction, or a chemical agent. a. universalis a. universelle loss of hair from the entire body.

ALP PAL alkaline phosphatase.

alpha alpha α, the first letter of the Greek alphabet; see also α-.

alpha₂-antiplasmin alpha₂-antiplasmine see antiplasmin.

alpha₁-antitrypsin alpha₁-antitrypsine a plasma α₁-globulin produced primarily in the liver; it inhibits the activity of elastase, cathepsin G, trypsin, and other proteolytic enzymes. Deficiency is associated with development of emphysema.

alpha fetoprotein (AFP) alpha-fœtoprotéine a plasma protein produced by the fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract and also by hepatocellular carcinoma, germ cell neoplasms, other cancers, and some benign hepatic diseases in adults. The serum AFP level is used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment, and the amniotic fluid AFP level is used in the prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects.

Alphaherpesvirinae Alphaherpesvirinae the herpes simplex-like viruses; a subfamily of the Herpesviridae, containing the genera Simplexvirus and Varicellavirus.

alphalytic alphalytique 1. blocking α- adrenergic receptors. 2. α-blocker.

alpha₂-macroglobulin alpha₂-macroglobuline α₂-macroglobulin.

alphamimetic alphamimetique 1. stimulating or mimicking stimulation of α-adrenergic receptors. 2. an alpha-adrenergic agent.

Alphaproteobacteria Alphaproteobacteria a class of bacteria of the Proteobacteria.

Alphavirus Alphavirus a genus of viruses of the family Togaviridae that cause encephalitis or febrile illness with rash or arthralgia.

alprazolam alprazolam a short-acting benzodiazepine used as an antianxiety agent.

alprostadil alprostadil name for prostaglandin E₁ when used pharmaceutically as a vasodilator and platelet aggregation inhibitor; used for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus and the diagnosis and treatment of impotence.

ALS SLA amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; antilymphocyte serum.

alteplase alteplase a tissue plasminogen activator produced by recombinant DNA technology; used in fibrinolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction and as a thrombolytic in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke and pulmonary embolism.

alternans alternans [L.] 1. alternating; see pulsus alternans. 2. alternation. electrical a. alternance électrique alternating variations in the amplitude of specific electrocardiographic waves over successive cardiac cycles. mechanical a. alternance méchanique alternation of the heart, particularly in contrast to electrical alternans. pulsus a. pouls alternant see under pulsus. total a. alternance totale pulsus alternans in which alternating beats are so weak as to be undetected, causing apparent halving of the pulse rate.

alternate alternatif 1. following in turns. 2. pertaining to every other one in a series. 3. occurring in place of another; acting as a substitute.

alternating 1. alternant, alternatif occurring in regular succession. 2. alternant alternately direct and reversed.

alternation alternance the succession of two opposing or different events in turn. a. of generations a. des générations the regular alternation of two or more different forms or of different modes of reproduction in the life cycle; sometimes specifically the alternating formation of diploid and haploid generations. a. of the heart a. du cœur mechanical alternans; alternating variation in the intensity of the heartbeat or pulse over successive cardiac cycles of regular rhythm.

alternobaric alternobarique pertaining to alternating or changing barometric pressures.

altretamine altrétamine an antineoplastic agent used in the palliative treatment of ovarian cancer.

alum alun 1. a local astringent and styptic, prepared as an ammonium (ammonium a.) or potassium (potassium a.) compound; also used as an adjuvant in adsorbed vaccines and toxoids. 2. any member of a class of double sulfates formed on this type.

alumina alumine 1. aluminum oxide. 2. (in pharmaceuticals) aluminum hydroxide. hydrated a. hydroxyde d’aluminium aluminum hydroxide.

aluminosis aluminose pneumoconiosis due to the presence of aluminum-bearing dust in the lungs.

aluminum (Al) aluminium chemical element (see Table of Elements), at. no. 13. a. acetate acétate d’a. a salt prepared by the reaction of aluminum hydroxide and acetic acid; used in solution as an astringent. basic a. carbonate c. basique d’aluminium see under gel. a. chloride trichloure d’aluminium a topical astringent and anhidrotic. a. chlorohydrate chlorohydrate d’aluminium the hydrate of aluminum chloride hydroxide, astringent and anhidrotic; used as an antiperspirant and as an anhidrotic in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. a. hydroxide hydroxyde d’aluminium Al(OH)3, used as an antacid, and as an adjuvant in adsorbed vaccines and toxoids; see also under gel. a. oxide alumine Al₂O₃, occurring naturally as various minerals such as corundum; used in the production of abrasives, refractories, ceramics, catalysts, to strengthen dental ceramics, and in chromatography. a. phosphate phosphate d’a. an aluminum salt used as an adjuvant in adsorbed vaccines and toxoids, with calcium sulfate and sodium silicate in dental cements, and as an antacid. a. subacetate sous-acétate d’aluminium a basic acetate ester derivative used topically as an astringent. a. sulfate sulfate d’aluminium an astringent, used topically as a local antiperspirant; also used in the preparation of aluminum subacetate topical solution.

alveolar alvéolaire [L. abveolaris] pertaining to an alveolus.

alveolate alvéolé marked by honeycomb-like pits.

alveolitis alvéolite inflammation of a dental or pulmonary alveolus. allergic a., extrinsic allergic a. a. allergique extrinsèque hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

alveolocapillary alvéolocapillaire pertaining to the pulmonary alveoli and capillaries.

alveoloclasia alvéoloclasie disintegration or resorption of the inner wall of a tooth alveolus.

alveolodental alvéolodentaire pertaining to a tooth and its alveolus. alveoloplasty alvéoloplastie surgical alteration of the shape and condition of the alveolar process, in preparation for denture construction.

alveolus alvéole pl. alveoli [L.] a small saclike dilatation; see also acinus. dental a. alvéole dentaire one of the cavities or sockets of the jaw, in which the roots of the teeth are embedded. pulmonary alveoli alvéoles pulmonaires small outpocketings of the alveolar ducts and sacs and terminal bronchioles through whose walls the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen takes place between the alveolar air and capillary blood; see Plate 25.

alveus alveus pl. alvei [L.] a canal or trough.

alymphocytosis alymphocytose deficiency or absence of lymphocytes from the blood; lymphopenia.

alymphoplasia alymphoplasie failure of development of lymphoid tissue.

AM AM [L.] Artium Magister (Master of Arts).

Am Am americium.

AMA AMA Aerospace Medical Association; American Medical Association; Australian Medical Association.

ama ama [Sanskrit] in ayurveda, physical and mental toxins that are produced by poor digestion and living habits and accumulate and clog the channels of the body.

amacrine amacrine 1. without long processes. 2. see under cell.

amalgam amalgame an alloy of two or more metals, one of which is mercury.

amalgamation amalgamation trituration (3).

Amanita Amanit a genus of poisonous mushrooms; ingestion of A. phalloides, A. muscaria, A. pantherina, A. verna, and others causes poisoning manifested by vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, followed by a period of improvement, and culminating in signs of severe hepatic, renal, and central nervous system damage. Most fatalities are due to A. phalloides.

amantadine amantadine an antiviral compound used as the hydrochloride salt to treat influenza A; also used as an antidyskinetic in the treatment of parkinsonism and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions.

amastia amastie congenital absence of one or both mammary glands.

amastigote amastigote a morphologic stage in the life cycle of trypanosomatid protozoa; the oval or round cell has a nucleus, kinetoplast, and basal body but neither an undulating membrane nor an external flagellum.

amaurosis amaurose blindness, especially that occurring without apparent lesion of the eye. Adj.: amaurotic. a. congenita of Leber, congenital a. a. congénitale de Leber a form of hereditary blindness, occurring at or shortly after birth, associated with an atypical form of diffuse pigmentation and commonly with optic atrophy and attenuation of the retinal vessels.

ambenonium ambémonium a cholinesterase inhibitor; the chloride salt is used to treat symptoms of muscular weakness and fatigue in myasthenia gravis.

ambidextrous ambidextre able to use either hand with equal dexterity.

ambilateral ambilatéral pertaining to or affecting both sides.

ambilevous ambisinistre, non latéralisé unable to use either hand with dexterity.

ambiopia ambiopie diplopia.

ambisexual 1. ambisexuel bisexual. 2. ambosexuel pertaining to or characterized by hermaphroditism. 3. ambosexuel denoting sexual characteristics common to both sexes, e.g., pubic hair.

ambivalence ambivalence simultaneous existence of conflicting attitudes, emotions, ideas, or wishes toward the same object. Adj.: Ambivalent.

Amblyomma Amblyomma a genus of hard- bodied ticks with about 100 species; they transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick paralysis, and a variety of animal diseases.

amblyopia amblyopie dimness of vision without detectable organic lesion of the eye. Adj.: amblyopic. a. ex anopsia amblyopia ex anapsia that resulting from long disuse. color a. a. chromatique dimness of color vision due to toxic or other influences. nocturnal a. a. nocturne abnormal dimness of vision at night. nutritional a. a. nutritionnelle scotomata due to poor nutrition; seen in alcoholics and patients with severe nutritional deprivation or vitamin B12 deficiency, as in pernicious anemia. toxic a. a. toxique that due to poisoning, as from alcohol or tobacco.

amblyoscope amblyoscope an instrument for training an amblyopic eye to take part in vision and for increasing fusion of the eyes.

ambo ambo ambon.

amboceptor ambocepteur hemolysin, particularly its double receptors, the one combining with the blood cell, the other with complement.

ambon ambon the fibrocartilaginous ring forming the edge of the socket in which the head of a long bone is lodged.

ambulant ambulant ambulatory.

ambulatory ambulatoire 1. walking or able to walk; not confined to bed. 2. of a condition or a procedure, not requiring admission to a hospital.

amcinonide amcinonide a synthetic corticosteroid used topically for the relief of inflammation and pruritus in corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

amdinocillin amdinocilline a semisynthetic penicillin effective against many gram-negative bacteria and used in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

ameba amibe pl. amebae, amebas [L.] a minute protozoan (class Rhizopoda, subphylum Sarcodina), occurring as a single-celled nucleated mass of protoplasm that changes shape by extending cytoplasmic processes (pseudopodia), by means of which it moves about and absorbs food; most amebae are free-living but some parasitize humans. Adj.: amebic.

amebiasis amibiase infection with amebae, especially Entamoeba histolytica. a. cutis a. cutanée painful ulcers or verrucous plaques on the skin, seen in persons with active intestinal or hepatic amebiasis. hepatic a. a. hépatique amebic hepatitis. intestinal a. a. intestinale amebic dysentery. pulmonary a. a. pulmonaire infection of the thoracic space secondary to intestinal amebiasis, with amebic liver abscesses.

amebic amibien pertaining to or of the nature of an ameba.

amebicide amœbicide an agent that kills amebae. Adj.: amebicidal.

amebocyte amibocyte ameboid cell.

ameboid amiboïde resembling an ameba in form or movement.

ameboma amoebome a tumor-like mass caused by granulomatous reaction in the intestines in amebiasis.

amebula amibule the motile ameboid stage of spores of certain sporozoa.

amelanotic amélanotique pertaining to or characterized by the absence of melanin.

amelia amélie congenital absence of a limb or limbs.

amelification amélification the development of enamel cells into enamel.

ameloblast améloblaste a cell that takes part in forming dental enamel.

ameloblastic améloblastique pertaining to ameloblasts or to an ameloblastoma.

ameloblastoma améloblastome a usually benign but locally invasive odontogenic tumor of tissue of the type characteristic of the enamel organ, but which does not differentiate to the point of enamel formation.melanotic a. progonome mélanotique melanotic neuroectodermal tumor. pituitary a. a. pituitaire craniopharyngioma.

amelodentinal amélodentinaire pertaining to the enamel and dentin of a tooth.

amelogenesis amélogenèse the formation of dental enamel. a. imperfecta imperfecta a hereditary condition resulting in defective development of dental enamel, marked by a brown color of the teeth; due to improper differentiation of the ameloblasts.

amelogenin amelogénine any of several proteins secreted by ameloblasts and forming the organic matrix of tooth enamel.

amelus amèle an individual exhibiting amelia.

amenorrhea aménorrhée absence or abnormal stoppage of the menses. Adj.: amenorrheal. primary a. a. primaire failure of menstruation to occur at puberty. secondary a. a. secondaire cessation of menstruation after it has once been established at puberty.

amensalism amensalisme symbiosis in which one population (or individual) is adversely affected and the other is unaffected.

amentia idiotie former term for profound mental retardation.

americium (Am) américium chemical element (see Table of Elements), at. no. 95.

ametria amétrie congenital absence of the uterus.

ametropia amétropie a condition of the eye in which images fail to come to a proper focus on the retina, due to a discrepancy between the size and refractive powers of the eye. Adj.: ametropic.

AMI AMI acute myocardial infarction; Association of Medical Illustrators.

AMIA AMIA American Medical Informatics Association.

amiculum amiculum pl. amicula [L.] a dense surrounding coat of white fibers, as the sheath of the inferior olive and of the dentate nucleus.

amidase amidase 1. any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of carbon-nitrogen bonds in amides. 2. an enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of the carbon-nitrogen bond of a monocarboxylic acid amide to form a monocarboxylic acid and ammonia.

amide amide any compound derived from ammonia by substitution of an acid radical for hydrogen, or from an acid by replacing the —OH group by —NH₂.

amidine amidine any compound containing the amidino (—C(= NH)—NH₂) group.

amidine-lyase amidine-lyase an enzyme that catalyzes the removal of an amidino group, as from L-argininosuccinate to form fumarate and L-arginine.

amido-ligase amido-ligase any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of the amide nitrogen from glutamine to an acceptor molecule.

amifostine amifostine a chemoprotectant used to prevent renal toxicity in cisplatin chemotherapy.

amikacin amikacine a semisynthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from kanamycin, used as the sulfate salt in the treatment of a wide range of infections due to aerobic gram-negative bacilli.

amiloride amiloride a potassium-sparing diuretic used as the hydrochloride salt in the treatment of edema and hypertension and in the prevention and treatment of hypokalemia.

amiloxate amiloxate an absorber of ultraviolet B radiation, used topically as a sunscreen.

amimia amimie loss of the power of expression by the use of signs or gestures.

amination amination the creation of an amine, either by addition of an amino group to an organic acceptor compound or by reduction of a nitro compound.

amine amine an organic compound containing nitrogen; any of a group of compounds formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by organic radicals. biogenic a. a. biogène a type of amine synthesized by plants and animals and frequently involved in signaling, e.g., neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, catecholamines, and serotonin; others are hormones or components of vitamins, phospholipids, bacteria, or ribosomes, e.g., cadaverine, choline, histamine, and spermine. sympathomimetic a’s amines sympathomimétiques amines that mimic the actions of the sympathetic nervous system, comprising the catecholamines and drugs that mimic their actions.

aminergic aminergique activated by, characteristic of, or secreting one of the biogenic amines.

amino amino- the monovalent radical NH₂, when not united with an acid radical.

amino acid acide aminé one of a class of organic compounds containing the amino (NH₂) and the carboxyl (COOH) groups; they occur naturally in plant and animal tissue and form the chief constituents of protein. branched-chain a. a’s a. aminés à chaîne ramifiée leucine, isoleucine, and valine. essential a. a’s acides aminés essentiels the nine α-amino acids that cannot be synthesized by humans but must be obtained from the diet. nonessential a. a’s acides aminés non essentiels the eleven α-amino acids that can be synthesized by humans and are not specifically required in the diet.

aminoacidemia aminoacidémie an excess of amino acids in the blood.

aminoacidopathy aminoacidopathie any of a group of disorders due to a defect in an enzymatic step in the metabolic pathway of one or more amino acids or in a protein mediator necessary for transport of certain amino acids into or out of cells.

aminoaciduria aminoacidurie an excess of amino acids in the urine.

aminoacylase aminoacylase an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of the acyl group from acylated L-amino acids.

aminobenzoate aminobenzoate p-aminobenzoate, any salt or ester of p-aminobenzoic acid; the potassium salt is used as an antifibrotic in some dermatologic disorders and various esters are used as topical sunscreens.

p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) acide p-aminobenzoïque a substance required for folic acid synthesis by many organisms; it also absorbs ultraviolet light (UVB rays) and is used (called also aminobenzoic acid) as a topical sunscreen.

γ-aminobutyrate γ-aminobutyrate the anion of γ-aminobutyric acid.

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) γ-acide aminobutyrique the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain but also occurring in several extraneural tissues, including kidney and pancreatic islet β cells. Released from presynaptic cells upon depolarization, it modulates membrane chloride permeability and inhibits postsynaptic cell firing.

ɛ-aminocaproic acid acide ɛ-aminocaproïque a nonessential amino acid that is an inhibitor of plasmin and of plasminogen activators and, indirectly, of fibrinolysis; used for treatment (as aminocaproic acid) of acute bleeding syndromes due to fibrinolysis and for the prevention and treatment of postsurgical hemorrhage.

aminoglutethimide aminoglutethimide an inhibitor of cholesterol metabolism, thereby reducing adrenocortical steroid synthesis; used in the treatment of Cushing’s syndrome. It also inhibits estrogen production from androgens in peripheral tissue.

aminoglycoside aminoglycoside, aminoside any of a group of antibacterial antibiotics (e.g., streptomycin, gentamicin) derived from various bacterial species, especially species of Streptomyces, or produced synthetically; they interfere with the function of bacterial ribosomes.

p-aminohippurate p-aminohippurate a salt, conjugate base, or ester of p-aminohippuric acid; the sodium salt is used to measure effective renal plasma flow and to determine the functional capacity of the tubular excretory mechanism.

p-aminohippuric acid (PAH,PAHA) acide p-aminohippurique the glycine amide of p-aminobenzoic acid, which is filtered by the renal glomeruli and secreted into the urine by the proximal tubules. See also p-aminohippurate.

aminolevulinate aminolevulinate the conjugate base of aminolevulinic acid.

aminolevulinic acid (ALA) acide aminolevulinique δ-aminolevulinic acid; an intermediate in the synthesis of heme; blood and urinary levels are increased in lead poisoning, and urinary levels are increased in some porphyrias. The hydrochloride salt is used as a topical photosensitizer in the treatment of nonhyperkeratotic actinic keratoses.

aminolysis aminolyse reaction with an amine, resulting in the addition of (or substitution by) an imino group —NH—.

6-aminopenicillanic acid acide-6 aminopenicillanique the active nucleus common to all penicillins; it may be substituted at the 6-amino position to form the semisynthetic penicillins.

p-aminophenol p-aminophenol a dye intermediate and photographic developer and the parent compound of acetaminophen; it is a potent allergen that causes dermatitis, asthma, and methemoglobinemia.

aminophylline aminophylline a salt of theophylline, used as a bronchodilator and as an antidote to dipyridamole toxicity.

aminoquinoline aminoquinoline a heterocyclic compound derived from quinoline by the addition of an amino group; the 4-aminoquinoline and 8-aminoquinoline derivatives constitute classes of antimalarials.

aminosalicylate aminosalicylate any salt of p-aminosalicylic acid; they are antibacterials effective against mycobacteria and the sodium salt is used as a tuberculostatic.

aminosalicylic acid acide aminosalicylique official pharmaceutical name for p-aminosalicylic acid.

5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) acide 5-aminosalicylique mesalamine.

p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS,PASA) acide p-aminosalicyliqu an analogue of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) with antibacterial properties; used to inhibit growth and multiplication of the tubercle bacillus.

aminotransferase aminotransférase transaminase.

aminuria aminurie an excess of amines in the urine.

amiodarone amiodarone a potassium channel blocking agent used as the hydrochloride salt in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.

amitosis amitose direct cell division, i.e., the cell divides by simple cleavage of the nucleus without formation of spireme spindle figures or chromosomes. Adj.: amitotic.

amitriptyline amitriptyline a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative effects; also used in treating enuresis, chronic pain, peptic ulcer, and bulimia nervosa.

AML LMA acute myelogenous leukemia.

amlexanox amlexanox a topical antiulcer agent used in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

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