D

D


D D dalton; deciduous (tooth); density; deuterium; died; diopter; distal; dorsal vertebrae (D1-D12); dose; duration.


D. D. [L.] da (give); detur (let it be given); dexter (right); dosis (dose).


2,4-D 2,4-D a toxic chlorphenoxy herbicide (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), a component of Agent Orange.


D– d– a chemical prefix specifying the relative configuration of an enantiomer, indicating a carbohydrate with the same configuration at a specific carbon atom as d-glyceraldehyde or an amino acid having the same configuration as D-serine. Opposed to L-.


d d day; deci-; deoxyribose (in nucleosides and nucleotides).


d. d. [L.] da (give); detur (let it be given); dexter (right); dosis (dose).


d d density; diameter.


d- d- dextro- (right or clockwise, dextrorotatory). Opposed to l-.


Δ- Δ- (capital delta, the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet) position of a double bond in a carbon chain.


δ δ (delta, the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet) heavy chain of IgD; δ chain of hemoglobin.


δ- δ– a prefix designating (1) the position of a substituting atom or group in a chemical compound; (2) fourth in a series of four or more related entities or chemical compounds.


DaDa dalton.


DAC DAC decitabine.


dacarbazine dacarbazine a cytotoxic alkylating agent used as an antineoplastic primarily for treatment of malignant melanoma and in combination chemotherapy for Hodgkin disease and sarcomas.


daclizumab daclizumab an immunosuppressant used to prevent acute organ rejection in renal transplant patients.


dacry(o)- dacry(o)- word element [Gr.], tears or the lacrimal apparatus of the eye.


dacryoadenalgia dacryoadénalgie pain in a lacrimal gland.


dacryoadenectomy dacryoadénectomie excision of a lacrimal gland.


dacryoblennorrhea dacryoblennorrhée mucous flow from the lacrimal apparatus.


dacryocyst dacryocyste the lacrimal sac.


dacryocystectomy dacryocystectomie excision of the wall of the lacrimal sac.


dacryocystoblennorrhea dacryocystoblennorrhée chronic catarrhal inflammation of the lacrimal sac, with constriction of the lacrimal gland.


dacryocystocele dacryocystocèle hernial protrusion of the lacrimal sac.


dacryocystorhinostenosis dacryocystorhinosténose narrowing of the duct leading from the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity.


dacryocystorhinostomy dacryocystorhinostomie surgical creation of an opening between the lacrimal sac and nasal cavity.


dacryocystostenosis dacryocystosténose narrowing of the lacrimal sac.


dacryocystostomy dacryocystostomie creation of a new opening into the lacrimal sac.


dacryohemorrhea dacryohémorragie the discharge of tears mixed with blood.


dacryolith dacryolithe a lacrimal calculus.


dacryoma dacryome a tumor-like swelling due to obstruction of the lacrimal duct.


dacryops dacryops 1. a watery state of the eye. 2. distention of a lacrimal duct by contained fluid.


dacryopyosis dacryopyose suppuration of the lacrimal apparatus.


dacryoscintigraphy dacryoscintigraphie scintigraphy of the lacrimal ducts.


dacryostenosis dacryosténose stricture or narrowing of a lacrimal duct.


dacryosyrinx dacryosyrinx 1. a lacrimal duct. 2. a lacrimal fistula. 3. a syringe for irrigating the lacrimal ducts.


dactinomycin dactinomycine actinomycin D, an antibiotic derived from several species of Streptomyces; used as an antineoplastic.


dactyl dactyl a digit.


dactyl(o)- dactyl(o)- word element [Gr.], a digit; a finger or toe.


dactylography dactylographie the study of fingerprints.


dactylogryposis dactylogrypose permanent flexion of the fingers.


dactylology dactylologie signing.


dactylolysis 1. désyndactylisation surgical correction of syndactyly. 2. dactylolyse loss or amputation of a digit. d. spontanea dactylolyse spontanée ainhum.


dactyloscopy dactyloscopie examination of fingerprints for identification.


dactylus dactylus [L.] a digit.


DAF DAF decay accelerating factor.


dalfopristin dalfopristine a semisynthetic antibacterial used in conjunction with quinupristin against various gram-positive organisms, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.


dalteparin daltéparine an antithrombotic used as the sodium salt in the prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis in at-risk abdominal surgery patients.


dalton (D, Da) unité de masse atomique an arbitrary unit of mass, being 1/12 the mass of the nuclide of carbon-12, equivalent to 1.657 10− 24 g.


dam digue 1. a barrier to obstruct the flow of fluid. 2. a thin sheet of latex used in surgical procedures to separate certain tissues or structures. 3. disque rubber d. rubber d. d. en caoutchouc a thin sheet of latex rubber used to isolate teeth from mouth fluids during dental therapy.


damping amortisseur steady diminution of the amplitude of successive vibrations of a specific form of energy, as of electricity.


danaparoid danaparoïde an antithrombotic used as the sodium salt in the prophylaxis of pulmonary thromboembolism and deep vein thrombosis.


danazol danazol an anterior pituitary suppressant used in the treatment of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and gynecomastia and the prophylaxis of attacks of hereditary angioedema.


D and C D et C dilatation and curettage.


dandelion pissenlit a weedy herb, Taraxacum officinale, having deeply notched leaves and brilliant yellow flowers; used for dyspepsia, loss of appetite, urinary tract infections, and liver and gallbladder complaints.


dander squames small scales from the hair or feathers of animals, which may be a cause of allergy in sensitive persons.


dandruff pellicules 1. dry scaly material shed from the scalp; applied to that normally shed from the scalp epidermis as well as to the excessive scaly material associated with disease. 2. seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.


DANS DANS 5-dimethylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid; the acyl chloride is a fluorochrome employed in immunofluorescence studies of tissues and cells.


dantrolene dantrolène a skeletal muscle relaxant, used as the sodium salt in the treatment of chronic spasticity and the treatment and prophylaxis of malignant hyperthermia.


dapiprazole dapiprazole an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent used topically as the hydrochloride salt to reverse pharmacologically induced mydriasis.


dapsone dapsone an antibacterial bacteriostatic for a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms; used as a leprostatic, as a dermatitis herpetiformis suppressant, and in the prophylaxis of falciparum malaria.


dartos dartos 1. dartos muscle. 2. tunica dartos.


darwinism darwinisme the theory of evolution stating that change in a species over time is partly the result of a process of natural selection, which enables the species to continually adapt to its changing environment.


daunorubicin daunorubicine an anthracycline (q.v.) antibiotic used as an antineoplastic; administered as the hydrochloride salt or as a liposome-encapsulated preparation of the citrate salt.


DAy DAy Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine.


dB, db dB decibel.


DBS DBS deep brain stimulation.


DC DC direct current; Doctor of Chiropractic.


D & C D & C dilatation and curettage.


DCIS DCIS ductal carcinoma in situ.


DDP, cis-DDP DDP cisplatin.


DDS DDS dapsone; Doctor of Dental Surgery.


DDT DDT dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane, a powerful insect poison; used in dilution as a powder or in an oily solution as a spray.


de- dé- word element [L.], down; from; sometimes negative or privative, and often intensive.


deacylase déacylase any hydrolase that catalyzes the cleavage of an acyl group in ester or amide linkage.


dead mort 1. destitute of life. 2. anesthetic (1).


deaf sourd lacking the sense of hearing or not having the full power of hearing.


deafferentation désafférentation the elimination or interruption of sensory nerve fibers.


deafness surdité hearing loss. word d. s. verbale auditory aphasia.


deamidase déamidase an enzyme that splits amides to form a carboxylic acid and ammonia.


deamidization désamidation the removal of an amido group from a molecule.


deaminase désaminase an enzyme causing deamination, or removal of the amino group from organic compounds, usually cyclic amidines.


deamination désamination removal of the amino group, —NH2, from a compound.


death mort the cessation of life; permanent cessation of all vital bodily functions. activationinduced cell d. (AICD) m. cellulaire induite par activation recognition and deletion of T lymphocytes that have been induced to proliferate by receptor-mediated activation, preventing their overgrowth. black d. peste noire bubonic plague. brain d. m. cérébrale irreversible coma; irreversible brain damage as manifested by absolute unresponsiveness to all stimuli, absence of all spontaneous muscle activity, and an isoelectric electroencephalogram for 30 minutes, all in the absence of hypothermia or intoxication by central nervous system depressants. cot d., crib d. m. du nourrisson sudden infant death syndrome. programmed cell d. m. cellulaire programmée the theory that particular cells are programmed to die at specific sites and at specific stages of development. somatic d. m. somatique cessation of all vital cellular activity.


debility débilité asthenia.


debrancher enzyme enzyme débranchante see under enzyme.


débridement débridement [Fr.] the removal of foreign material or devitalized tissue from or adjacent to a traumatic or infected lesion until surrounding healthy tissue is exposed, either by cutting (surgical d.) or by application of an enzyme able to lyse devitalized tissue (enzymatic d.).


debris débris fragments of devitalized tissue or foreign matter. In dentistry, soft foreign material loosely attached to a tooth surface.


debt dette something owed. oxygen d. d. d’oxygène the oxygen that must be used in the oxidative energy processes after strenuous exercise to reconvert lactic acid to glucose and decomposed ATP and creatine phosphate to their original states.


debulking réduction tumorale cytoreduction; removal of the major portion of the material composing a lesion.


decalcification décalcification 1. loss of calcium salts from a bone or tooth. 2. the process of removing calcareous matter.


decannulation décanulation extubation of a cannula.


decantation décantation the pouring of a clear supernatant liquid from a sediment.


decapitation décapitation the removal of the head, as of an animal, fetus, or bone.


decapsulation décapsulation capsulectomy. renal d. d. rénale removal of all or part of the renal capsule.


decarboxylase décarboxylase any enzyme of the lyase class that catalyzes the removal of a carbon dioxide molecule from carboxylic acids.


decay décomposition 1. the decomposition of dead matter. 2. the process of decline, as in aging. beta d. d. bêta disintegration of the nucleus of an unstable radionuclide in which the mass number is unchanged, but atomic number is changed by 1, as a result of emission of a negatively or positively charged (beta) particle. tooth d. d. dentaire dental caries.


decedent défunt a person who has recently died.


deceleration décélération decrease in rate or speed. early d. d. précoce in fetal heart rate monitoring, a transient decrease in heart rate that coincides with the onset of a uterine contraction. late d. d. tardive in fetal heart rate monitoring, a transient decrease in heart rate occurring at or after the peak of a uterine contraction, which may indicate fetal hypoxia. variable d’s d. variables in fetal heart rate monitoring, a transient series of decelerations that vary in intensity, duration, and relation to uterine contraction, resulting from vagus nerve firing in response to a stimulus such as umbilical cord compression in the first stage of labor.


decenter décentrer in optics, to design or make a lens such that the visual axis does not pass through the optical center of the lens.


decerebrate décérébrer in experimental animals, to eliminate cerebral function, as by removal of the brain, transection of the brainstem, or ligation of the common carotid arteries and the basilar artery.


decerebrate décérébré 1. pertaining to an animal that has had cerebral function interrupted. 2. resulting from decerebration or, in humans, exhibiting neurologic characteristics similar to those of a decerebrated animal.


decholesterolization décholestérolisation reduction of blood cholesterol levels.


deci- déci- word element [L.], one tenth; used in naming units of measurement to indicate one tenth of the unit designated by the root with which it is combined (10− 1); symbol d.


decibel décibel a unit used to express the ratio of two powers, usually electric or acoustic powers, equal to one-tenth of a bel; one decibel equals approximately the smallest difference in acoustic power the human ear can detect.


decidua decidua the endometrium of the pregnant uterus, all of which, except the deepest layer, is shed at parturition. Adj.: decidual. basal d., d. basalis d. basale that portion directly underlying the chorionic sac and attached to the myometrium. capsular d., d. capsularis d. capsulaire that portion directly overlying the chorionic sac and facing the uterine cavity. parietal d., d. parietalis d. pariétale that portion lining the uterus elsewhere than at the site of attachment of the chorionic sac.


deciduitis déciduite a bacterial disease leading to changes in the decidua.


deciduosis déciduose the presence of decidual tissue or of tissue resembling the endometrium of pregnancy in an ectopic site.


deciduous temporaire falling off or shed at maturity, as the teeth of the first dentition.


deciliter (dL) décilitre one tenth (10− 1) of a liter; 100 milliliters.


decitabine (DAC) décitabine a cytotoxic compound used as an antineoplastic in the treatment of acute leukemia.


declination déviation cyclophoria.


declive déclive a slope or a slanting surface. In anatomy, the part of the vermis of the cerebellum just caudal to the primary fissure.


declivis déclive [L.] declive.


decoloration décoloration 1. removal of color; bleaching. 2. lack or loss of color.


decompensation décompensation 1. inability of the heart to maintain adequate circulation, marked by dyspnea, venous engorgement, and edema. 2. in psychiatry, failure of defense mechanisms resulting in progressive personality disintegration.


decomposition décomposition the separation of compound bodies into their constituent principles.


decompression décompression removal of pressure, especially from deep-sea divers and caisson workers to prevent bends, and from persons ascending to great heights. cardiac d. d. cardiaque decompression of heart. cerebral d. d. cérébrale relief of intracranial pressure by removal of a skull flap and incision of the dura mater. d. of heart d. du cœur pericardiotomy with evacuation of a hematoma. microvascular d. d. microvasculaire a microsurgical procedure for relief of trigeminal neuralgia. nerve d. d. nerveuse relief of pressure on a nerve by surgical removal of the constricting fibrous or bony tissue. d. of pericardium d. du péricarde decompression of heart. d. of spinal cord d. de la moelle épinière surgical relief of pressure on the spinal cord, which may be due to hematoma, bone fragments, etc.


decongestant 1. décongestif tending to reduce congestion or swelling. 2. décongestionnant an agent that so acts.


decontamination décontamination the freeing of a person or object of some contaminating substance, e.g., war gas, radioactive material, etc.


decortication décortication 1. removal of the outer covering from a plant, seed, or root. 2. removal of portions of the cortical substance of a structure or organ.


decrement 1. décrémentation subtraction, or decrease; the amount by which a quantity or value is decreased. 2. décours the stage of decline of a disease. Adj.: decremental.


decrudescence décroissance diminution or abatement of the intensity of symptoms.


decubitus décubitus pl. decubitus [L.] 1. an act of lying down; the position assumed in lying down. 2. decubitus ulcer. Adj.: decubital. dorsal d. d. dorsal lying on the back. lateral d. d. latéral lying on one side, designated right lateral d. when the subject lies on the right side and left lateral d. when he lies on the left side. ventral d. d. ventral lying on the stomach.


decussatio decussatio pl. decussationes [L.] decussation.


decussation décussation a crossing over; the intercrossing of fellow parts or structures in the form of an X. Forel d. d. de Forel the ventral tegmental decussation of the rubrospinal and rubroreticular tracts in the mesencephalon. fountain d. of Meynert d. de Meynert the dorsal tegmental decussation of the tectospinal tract in the mesencephalon. pyramidal d. d. pyramidale the anterior part of the lower medulla oblongata in which most of the fibers of the pyramids intersect.


dedifferentiation dédifférenciation anaplasia.


deep profond situated far beneath the surface; not superficial.


de-epicardialization épicardiectomie a surgical procedure for the relief of intractable angina pectoris, in which epicardial tissue is destroyed by application of a caustic agent to promote development of collateral circulation.


defecation défécation 1. the evacuation of fecal matter from the rectum. 2. the removal of impurities, such as chemically.


defecography défécographie the recording, by videotape or high-speed radiographs, of defecation following barium instillation into the rectum; used in the evaluation of fecal incontinence.


defect défaut an imperfection, failure, or absence. Adj.: defective. acquired d. d. acquis a non-genetic imperfection arising secondarily, after birth. aortic septal d. fistule aortopulmonaire a congenital anomaly in which there is abnormal communication between the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery just above the semilunar valves. atrial septal d’s, atrioseptal d’s communications inter-auriculaires congenital anomalies in which there is persistent patency of the atrial septum, due to failure of fusion between either the septum secundum or the septum primum and the endocardial cushions. birth d. malformation congénitale one present at birth, whether a morphological defect (dysmorphism) or an inborn error of metabolism. congenital d. malformation congénitale birth d. congenital ectodermal d. défaut congénital ectodermal anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. cortical d. lacune corticale métaphysaire a benign, symptomless, circumscribed rarefaction of cortical bone, detected radiographically. endocardial cushion d’s malformation des coussinets endocardiques a osteolytic, fibrous lesion occurring within the bone cortex, particularly in the metaphyseal region of long bones in childhood.


filling d. image lacunaire any localized defect in the contour of the stomach, duodenum, or intestine, as seen in the radiograph after a barium enema. genetic d. malformation génétique see under disease. luteal phase d. insuffisance lutéale inadequate secretory transformation of the endometrium during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle; it can cause infertility and habitual abortion. metaphyseal fibrous d. 1. lacune corticale métaphysaire fibrous cortical d. 2. dysplasie fibreuse des os nonossifying fibroma. neural tube d. anomalie du tube neural a developmental anomaly of failure of closure of the neural tube, resulting in conditions such as anencephaly or spina bifida. retention d. trouble de la mémoire de fixation a defect in the power of recalling or remembering names, numbers, or events. septal d. communication a defect in a cardiac septum resulting in an abnormal communication between the opposite chambers of the heart. ventricular septal d. communication interventriculaire a congenital cardiac anomaly in which there is persistent patency of the ventricular septum in either the muscular or fibrous portions, most often due to failure of the bulbar septum to completely close the interventricular foramen.


defeminization déféminisation loss of female sexual characteristics.


defense défense behavior directed to protection of the individual from injury. character d. d. de tempérament naturelle any character trait, e.g., a mannerism, attitude, or affectation, which serves as a defense mechanism. insanity d. d. d’aliénation mentale a legal concept that a person cannot be convicted of a crime if he lacked criminal responsibility by reason of insanity at the time of commission of the crime.


defensin défensine any of a group of small antimicrobial cationic peptides occurring in neutrophils and macrophages.


deferens deferens [L.] deferent; see ductus deferens.


deferent déférent conveying anything away, as from a center.


deferential déférentiel pertaining to the ductus deferens.


deferentitis déférentite inflammation of the ductus deferens.


deferoxamine déféroxamine an iron-chelating agent isolated from Streptomyces pilosus; used as the mesylate salt as an antidote in iron poisoning.


defervescence défervescence 1. abatement of fever. 2. the period of abatement of fever.


defibrillation défibrillation termination of atrial or ventricular fibrillation, usually by electroshock.


defibrillator défibrillateur an electronic apparatus used to counteract atrial or ventricular fibrillation by application of a brief electric shock to the heart. automatic external d. (AED) d. automatique externe a portable defibrillator designed to be automated such that it can be used by persons without substantial medical training who are responding to a cardiac emergency. automatic implantable cardioverter-d. d. automatique implantable, cardioverter see under cardioverter.


defibrination défibrination removal of fibrin from the blood.


defibrinogenation défibrinogénation induced defibrination, as in thrombolytic therapy.


deficiency carence a lack or shortage; a condition characterized by presence of less than normal or necessary supply or competence. color vision d. trouble de la vision des couleurs color blindness; any deviation from normal perception of one or more colors. disaccharidase d. déficit en disaccharidase less than normal activity of the enzymes of the intestinal mucosa that cleave disaccharides, usually denoting a generalized deficiency of all such enzymes secondary to a disorder of the small intestine. factor XI d. déficit en facteur XI an autosomal disorder due to lack of coagulation factor XI; seen predominantly in persons of Jewish ancestry and characterized by minor bleeding, mild bruising, severe prolonged postsurgical bleeding, and abnormal clotting test times. familial apolipoprotein C-II (apo C-II) d. déficit familial en apolipoprotéine C-II (apo C-II) a form of familial hyperchylomicronemia due to lack of apo C-II, a necessary cofactor for lipoprotein lipase. familial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) d. déficit familial en lipoprotéine de haute densité (HDL) any of several inherited disorders of lipoprotein and lipid metabolism that result in decreased plasma levels of HDL, particularly Tangier disease. familial lipoprotein d. déficit familial en lipoprotéines any inherited disorder of lipoprotein metabolism resulting in deficiency of one or more plasma lipoproteins. molybdenum cofactor d. c. en cofacteur molybdène an inherited disorder in which deficiency of the molybde num cofactor causes deficiency of a variety of enzymes, resulting in severe neurologic abnormalities, dislocated ocular lenses, mental retardation, xanthinuria, and early death. plasma thromboplastin antecedent d., PTA d. maladie de Rosenthal deficiency of factor IX. selective IgA d. déficit sélectif en IgA the most common immunodeficiency disorder, deficiency of IgA but normal levels of other immunoglobulin classes and normal cellular immunity; it is marked by recurrent sinopulmonary infections, allergy, gastrointestinal disease, and autoimmune diseases.


deficit déficit deficiency. oxygen d. d. d’oxygène see anoxia, hypoxemia, and hypoxia. pulse d. pouls déficitaire the difference between the heart rate and the pulse rate in atrial fibrillation. reversible ischemic neurologic d. (RIND) d. neurologique ischémique réversible a type of cerebral infarction whose clinical course lasts between 24 and 72 hours.


definitive définitif 1. established with certainty. 2. in embryology, denoting acquisition of final differentiation or character. 3. in parasitology, denoting the host in which a parasite reaches the sexual stage.


deflection déflexion deviation or movement from a straight line or given course, such as from the baseline in electrocardiography.


defluvium defluvium [L.] 1. a flowing down. 2. a disappearance.


defluxion défluxion 1. a sudden disappearance. 2. a copious discharge, as of catarrh. 3. a falling out, as of hair.


deformability déformabilité ability of cells to change shape when passing through narrow spaces, such as erythrocytes passing through the microvasculature.


deformation déformation 1. in dysmorphology, a type of structural defect characterized by the abnormal form or position of a body part, caused by a nondisruptive mechanical force. 2. the process of adapting in shape or form.


deformity déformation distortion of any part or of the body in general. Åkerlund d. signe d’Åkerlund an indentation (in addition to the niche) in the duodenal cap in the radiograph in duodenal ulcer. Arnold-Chiari d. malformation d’Arnold-Chiari protrusion of the cerebellum and medulla oblongata down into the spinal canal through the foramen magnum. Madelung d. difformité de Madelung radial deviation of the hand secondary to overgrowth of the distal ulna or shortening of the radius. reduction d. malformation de réduction congenital absence of a portion or all of a body part, especially of the limbs. silver fork d. d. de la main en dos de fourchette the deformity seen in Colles fracture. Sprengel d. d. de Sprengel congenital elevation of the scapula, due to failure of descent of the scapula to its normal thoracic position during fetal life. Volkmann d. d. de Volkmann see under disease.


Deg Deg degeneration.


degeneracy dégénérescence 1. the state of being degenerate. 2. the process of degenerating. 3. d. of code. d. of code d. du code génétique the presence in the genetic code of more than one codon encoding a specific amino acid.


degenerate dégénérer to change from a higher to a lower form.


degenerate dégénéré characterized by degeneration.


degeneration dégénérescence deterioration; change from a higher to a lower form, especially change of tissue to a lower or less functionally active form. Adj.: degenerative. ascending d. vieillissement croissant wallerian degeneration of centripetal nerve fibers that progresses toward the brain or spinal cord. age-related macular d. d. maculaire liée à l’âge types with onset between the ages of 50 and 60, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Most cases are exudative or dry, with gradual wearing out of retinal pigment cells and loss of central vision. A minority are exudative or wet, with formation of a neovascular membrane on or near the macula that interferes with vision. calcareous d. d. calcaire degeneration of tissue with deposit of calcareous material. caseous d. d. caséeuse caseation (2). cerebromacular d., (CMD) cerebroretinal d. d. cérébromaculaire 1. degeneration of brain cells and of the macula retinae. 2. any lipidosis with cerebral lesions and degeneration of the macula retinae. 3. any form of neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis. congenital macular d. d. maculaire de Best hereditary types with onset in childhood; see Best disease and Stargardt disease. Crooke hyaline d. d. hyaline de Crooke Crooke hyalinization. descending d. d. descendante wallerian degeneration that progresses peripherally along nerve fibers. fatty d. d. graisseuse deposit of fat globules in a tissue, a type of fatty change. fibrinous d. d. fibrinoïde necrosis with deposit of fibrin within the cells of the tissue. gray d. d. grise degeneration of the white substance of the spinal cord, in which it loses myelin and assumes a gray color. hepatolenticular d. d. heptatolenticulaire Wilson disease. hyaline d. d. hyaline a regressive change in cells in which the cytoplasm takes on a homogeneous, glassy appearance; also used loosely to describe the histologic appearance of tissues. lattice d. of retina d. palissadique de la rétine an often bilateral, usually benign asymptomatic condition, characterized by patches of fine gray or white intersecting lines in the peripheral retina, usually with numerous round punched-out areas of retinal thinning or retinal holes. macular d. d. maculaire degenerative changes in the macula retinae. Age-related macular degeneration (q.v.) is the most common cause of blindness in persons over age 65. Less common types that are congenital are Best disease and Stargardt disease. mucoid d. d. mucoïde that with deposit of myelin and lecithin in the cells. myxomatous d. d. myxomateuse degeneration in which mucus accumulates in connective tissues. spongy d. of central nervous system, spongy d. of white matter sclérose cérébrale spongieuse de Canavan a rare hereditary form of leukodystrophy of early onset in which widespread demyelination and vacuolation of cerebral white matter gives it a spongy appearance; there is mental retardation, megalocephaly, atony of neck muscles, limb spasticity, and blindness, with death in infancy. striatonigral d. d. striatonigrique a form of multiple system atrophy with nerve cell degeneration mainly in the region of the substantia nigra and the neostriatum; symptoms are similar to those of parkinsonism. subacute combined d. of spinal cord d. combinée subaiguë de la moelle épinière degeneration of posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord, with various motor and sensory disturbances; it is due to vitamin B12 deficiency and usually associated with pernicious anemia. tapetoretinal d. d. tapétorétinienne degeneration of the pigmented layer of the retina. transneuronal d. d. transneuronale atrophy of certain neurons after interruption of afferent axons or death of other neurons to which they send their efferent output. wallerian d. d. wallérienne fatty degeneration of a nerve fiber that has been severed from its nutritive centers. Zenker d. d. de Zenker hyaline degeneration and necrosis of striated muscle.


degloving dégantage intraoral surgical exposure of the bony mandibular chin; it can be performed in the posterior region if necessary.


deglutition déglutition swallowing.


degradation dégradation conversion of a chemical compound to one less complex, as by splitting off one or more groups of atoms.


degustation dégustation tasting.


dehiscence déhiscence a splitting open. uterine d. d. utérine rupture of the uterus following cesarean section, especially separation of the uterine scar prior to or during a subsequent labor. wound d. lâchage de suture separation of the layers of a surgical wound.


dehydratase déshydratase a common name for a hydro-lyase.


dehydrate déshydrater to remove water from (a compound, the body, etc.).


dehydration déshydratation 1. removal of water from a substance. 2. the condition that results from excessive loss of body water. hypernatremic d. d. hypernatrémique a condition in which electrolyte losses are disproportionately smaller than water losses.


7-dehydrocholesterol 7-déshydrocholestérol a sterol present in skin which, on ultraviolet irradiation, produces vitamin D. activated 7-d. 7-d. actif cholecalciferol.


11-dehydrocorticosterone 11-déshydrocorticostérone a steroid produced by the adrenal cortex.


dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) déshydroépiandrostérone a steroid secreted by the adrenal cortex, the major androgen precursor in females; often present in excessive amounts in patients with adrenal virilism.


dehydrogenase déshydrogénase an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of hydrogen or electrons from a donor, oxidizing it, to an acceptor, reducing it.


dehydroretinol déshydrorétinol vitamin A2, a form of vitamin A found with retinol (vitamin A1) in freshwater fish; it has one more conjugated double bond than retinol and approximately one-third its biological activity.


deionization désionisation the production of a mineral-free state by the removal of ions.


déjà vu déjà vu [Fr.] an illusion that a new situation is a repetition of a previous experience.


dejection abattement a mental state marked by sadness; the lowered mood characteristic of depression.


delamination délaminage separation into layers, as of the blastoderm.


delavirdine delavirdine an antiretroviral, inhibiting reverse transcriptase; used as the mesylate salt in the treatment of HIV infection.


delayed-release action retardée (à) releasing a drug at a time later than that immediately following its administration.


de-lead éliminer le plomb to induce the removal of lead from tissues and its excretion in the urine by the administration of chelating agents.


deleterious délétère injurious; harmful.


deletion délétion in genetics, loss of genetic material from a chromosome.


Delftia Delftia a genus of aerobic, gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacteria; D. acidovovorans (formerly classified in the genus Pseudomonas) is an opportunistic pathogen.


delinquent délinquent 1. failing to do that which is required by law or obligation. 2. a person who neglects a legal obligation.


deliquescence déliquescence dampness or liquefaction from the absorption of water from air. Adj.: deliquescent.


delirium délire pl. deliria a mental disturbance of relatively short duration usually reflecting a toxic state, marked by illusions, hallucinations, delusions, excitement, restlessness, impaired memory, and incoherence. alcohol withdrawal d. d. alcoolique aigu that caused by cessation or reduction in alcohol consumption, typically in alcoholics with many years of heavy drinking, characterized by autonomic hyperactivity, such as tachycardia, sweating, and hypertension; a coarse, irregular tremor; and delusions, vivid hallucinations, wild, agitated behavior; and possible seizures. d. tremens delirium tremens alcohol withdrawal d.


delivery accouchement expulsion or extraction of the child and fetal membranes at birth. abdominal d. césarienne delivery of an infant through an incision made into the intact uterus through the abdominal wall. breech d. a. par le siège delivery in which the fetal buttocks present first. forceps d. a. au forceps extraction of the child from the maternal passages by application of forceps to the fetal head; designated low or midforceps delivery according to the degree of engagement of the fetal head and high when engagement has not occurred. postmortem d. a. post mortem delivery of a child after death of the mother. spontaneous d. a. spontané birth of an infant without any aid from an attendant.


delle delle the clear area in the center of a stained erythrocyte.


dellen dellen saucer-shaped excavations at the periphery of the cornea, usually on the temporal side.


delta delta 1. the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet; see also δ-. 2. a triangular area.


deltoid deltoïde 1. triangular. 2. the deltoid muscle.


delusion délire an idiosyncratic false belief that is firmly maintained in spite of incontrovertible and obvious proof or evidence to the contrary. Adj.: delusional. bizarre d. d. bizarre one that is patently absurd, with no possible basis in fact. d. of control syndrome d’influence the delusion that one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions are not one’s own but are being imposed by someone else or other external force. depressive d. d. dépressif one that is congruent with a predominant depressed mood. erotomanic d. d. érotomaniaque one associated with erotomania. d. of grandeur, grandiose d. folie des grandeurs delusional conviction of one’s own importance, power, or knowledge or that one is, or has a special relationship with, a deity or a famous person. d. of jealousy d. de jalousie a delusional belief that one’s spouse or lover is unfaithful, based on erroneous inferences drawn from innocent events imagined to be evidence. mixed d. d. mixte one in which no central theme predominates. d. of negation, nihilistic d. d. de négation a depressive delusion that the self or part of the self, part of the body, other persons, or the whole world has ceased to exist. d. of persecution d. de persécution a delusion that one is being attacked, harassed, persecuted, cheated, or conspired against. d. of reference d. de référence a delusional conviction that ordinary events, objects, or behaviors of others have particular and unusual meanings specifically for oneself. systematized d’s d. thématiques a group of delusions organized around a common theme.


Demansia Demansia a genus of venomous snakes of the family Elapidae, including the brown snake of Australia and New Guinea.


demecarium demecarium an anticholinesterase agent used topically as the bromide salt in the treatment of glaucoma and accommodative esotropia.


demeclocycline deméclocycline a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic produced by a mutant strain of Streptomyces aureofaciens or semisynthetically; used as the hydrochloride salt.


dementia démence a general loss of cognitive abilities, including impairment of memory as well as one or more of the following: aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, or disturbed planning, organizing, and abstract thinking abilities. It does not include decreased cognitive functioning due to clouding of consciousness, depression, or other functional mental disorder. Alzheimer d. d. d’Alzheimer see under disease. d. of the Alzheimer type d. de type Alzheimer dementia of insidious onset and gradually progressive course, with histopathological changes characteristic of Alzheimer disease, categorized as early onset or late onset depending on whether or not it begins by the age of 65. arteriosclerotic d. d. vasculaire multi-infarct dementia as a result of cerebral arteriosclerosis. Binswanger d. d. de Binswanger see under disease. boxer’s d. d. pugilistique a syndrome due to cumulative cerebral injuries in boxers, with forgetfulness, slowness in thinking, dysarthric speech, and slow uncertain movements, especially of the legs. dialysis d. encéphalopathie des dialysés see under encephalopathy. multi-infarct d. d. artériopathique vascular d. paralytic d., d. paralytica d. paralytique general paresis. presenile d. d. présénile that occurring in younger persons, usually age 65 or younger; since most cases are due to Alzheimer disease, the term is sometimes used as a synonym of dementia of the Alzheimer type, early onset, and has also been used to denote Alzheimer disease. senile d. d. sénile that occurring in older persons, usually over the age of 65; since most cases are due to Alzheimer disease, the term is sometimes used as a synonym of dementia of the Alzheimer type, late onset. subcortical d. d. sous-corticale any of a group of dementias thought to be caused by lesions particularly affecting subcortical brain structures, characterized by memory loss with slowness of information processing and of the formation of intellectual responses. substanceinduced persisting d. d. persistente induite par une substance that resulting from exposure to or use or abuse of a substance (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, anticonvulsants, or lead) but persisting long after exposure ends, usually with permanent and worsening deficits. vascular d. d. vasculaire that with a stepwise deteriorating course and a patchy distribution of neurologic deficits caused by cerebrovascular disease.


demineralization déminéralisation excessive elimination of mineral or organic salts from tissues of the body.


Demodex Demodex a genus of mites parasitic within the hair follicles of the host, including the species D. folliculorum in humans.


demography démographie the statistical science dealing with populations, including matters of health, disease, births, and mortality.


demulcent adoucissant 1. soothing; bland. 2. a soothing mucilaginous or oily medicine or application.


demyelination démyélinisation destruction, removal, or loss of the myelin sheath of a nerve or nerves. segmental d. d. segmentaire degeneration of the myelin sheath in segments between successive nodes of Ranvier, with preservation of the axon.


denasality dénasalité hyponasality.


denaturation dénaturation destruction of the usual nature of a substance, as by the addition of methanol or acetone to alcohol to render it unfit for drinking, or the change in the physical properties of a substance, as a protein or nucleic acid, caused by heat or certain chemicals that alter tertiary structure.


dendrite dendrite one of the threadlike extensions of the cytoplasm of a neuron, which typically branch into treelike processes; they compose most of the receptive surface of a neuron.


dendritic dendritique 1. pertaining to or possessing dendrites. 2. arborescent.


dendr(o)- dendr(o)- word element [Gr.], tree; treelike.


Dendroaspis Dendroaspis a genus of extremely venomous African snakes of the family Elapidae, related to cobras but lacking a dilatable hood. D. angusticeps is the green mamba and D. polylepis is the black mamba.


dendrodendritic dendrodendritique referring to a synapse between dendrites of two neurons.


dendrophagocytosis dendrophagocytose the absorption by microglial cells of broken portions of astrocytes.


denervation dénervation interruption of the nerve connection to an organ or part.


dengue dengue an infectious, eruptive, febrile, viral disease of tropical areas, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, and marked by severe pains in the head, eyes, muscles, and joints, sore throat, catarrhal symptoms, and sometimes a skin eruption and painful swellings of parts. hemorrhagic d. d. hémorragique a serious sequela to regular dengue, characterized by hemorrhagic manifestations such as thrombocytopenia and hemoconcentration.


denial déni a type of defense mechanism in which the existence of unpleasant internal or external realities is kept out of conscious awareness.


denidation dénidation degeneration and expulsion of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle.


denileukin diftitox denileukin diftitox a genetically engineered construct combining amino acid sequences for specific diphtheria toxin fragments linked to sequences for interleukin-2 (IL-2); used as an antineoplastic.


dens dent pl. dentes [L.] 1. tooth. 2. a toothlike structure. 3. apophyse odontoïde dens axis; the toothlike process that projects from the superior surface of the body of the axis, ascending to articulate with the atlas. d. in dente dens in dente a malformed tooth caused by invagination of the crown before it is calcified, giving the appearance of a “tooth within a tooth.”


densitometry densitométrie determination of variations in density by comparison with that of another material or with a certain standard.


density densité 1. the quality of being compact or dense. 2. quantity per unit space, e.g., the mass of matter per unit volume. Symbol d. 3. the degree of darkening of exposed and processed photographic or x-ray film.


dental dentaire pertaining to a tooth or teeth.


dentalgia dentalgie toothache.


dentate denté notched; tooth-shaped.


dentes dentes [L.] plural of dens.


dentia dentia a condition relating to development or eruption of the teeth. d. praecox d. praecox premature eruption of the teeth; presence of teeth in the mouth at birth. d. tarda d. tarda delayed eruption of the teeth, beyond the usual time for their appearance.


dentibuccal buccodentaire pertaining to the cheek and teeth.


denticle denticule 1. a small toothlike process. 2. a distinct calcified mass within the pulp chamber of a tooth.


dentifrice dentifrice a preparation for cleansing and polishing the teeth; it may contain a therapeutic agent, such as fluoride, to inhibit dental caries.


dentigerous dentigère bearing or having teeth.


dentilabial dentolabial pertaining to the teeth and lips.


dentin dentine the chief substance of the teeth, surrounding the tooth pulp and covered by enamel on the crown and by cementum on the roots. Adj.: dentinal. adventitious d. d. adventive secondary d. circumpulpal d. d. circumpulpaire the inner portion of dentin, adjacent to the pulp, consisting of thinner fibrils. cover d. d. de couverture the peripheral portion of dentin, adjacent to the enamel or cementum, consisting of coarser fibers than the circumpulpar dentin. irregular d. d. irrégulière secondary d. mantle d. d. du cortex cover d. opalescent d. d. opalescente dentin giving an unusual translucent or opalescent appearance to the teeth, as occurs in dentinogenesis imperfecta. primary d. d. primaire dentin formed before the eruption of a tooth. secondary d. d. secondaire new dentin formed in response to stimuli associated with the normal aging process or with pathological conditions, such as caries or injury, or cavity preparation. transparent d. d. transparente dentin in which some dentinal tubules have become sclerotic or calcified, producing the appearance of translucency.


dentinocemental dentine-cément pertaining to the dentin and the cementum.


dentinoenamel émail-dentine pertaining to the dentin and the enamel.


dentinogenesis dentinogenèse the formation of dentin. d. imperfecta dentinogenesis imperfecta a hereditary condition marked by imperfect formation and calcification of dentin, giving the teeth a brown or blue opalescent appearance.


dentinogenic dentinogène forming or producing dentin.


dentinoma dentinome an odontogenic tumor consisting mainly of dysplastic dentin.


dentist dentiste a person with a degree in dentistry and authorized to practice dentistry.


dentistry 1. dentisterie that branch of the healing arts concerned with the teeth, oral cavity, and associated structures, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and restoration of defective or missing tissue. 2. médecine dentaire the work done by dentists, e.g., the creation of restorations, crowns, and bridges, and surgical procedures performed in and about the oral cavity. holistic d. d. holistique dental practice that takes into account the effect of dental treatment and materials on the overall health of the individual. operative d. d. chirurgicale dentistry concerned with restoration of parts of the teeth that are defective as a result of disease, trauma, or abnormal development to a state of normal function, health, and esthetics. pediatric d. d. pédiatrique pedodontics. preventive d. d. préventive dentistry concerned with maintenance of a normal masticating mechanism by fortifying the structures of the oral cavity against damage and disease. prosthetic d. d. prothétique prosthodontics. restorative d. d. restauratrice dentistry concerned with the restoration of existing teeth that are defective because of disease, trauma, or abnormal development to normal function, health, and appearance; it includes crowns and bridgework.


dentition dentition the teeth in the dental arch; ordinarily used to designate the natural teeth in position in their alveoli. deciduous d. d. déciduale see under tooth. mixed d. d. mixte the complement of teeth in the jaws after eruption of some of the permanent teeth, but before all the deciduous tee are shed. permanent d. d. permanente see under tooth. precocious d. d. précoce abnormally accelerated appearance of the deciduous or permanent teeth. primary d. d. primaire deciduous teeth; see under tooth. retarded d. d. retardée abnormally delayed appearance of the deciduous or permanent teeth.


dent(o)- dent(o)- word element [L.], tooth; toothlike.


dentoalveolar dentoalvéolaire pertaining to a tooth and its alveolus.


dentofacial dentofacial of or pertaining to the teeth and alveolar process and the face.


dentotropic dentotrope turning toward or having an affinity for tissues composing the teeth.


dentulous denté having natural teeth.


denture dentier a complement of teeth, either natural or artificial; ordinarily used to designate an artificial replacement for the natural teeth and adjacent tissues. complete d. d. complet an appliance replacing all the teeth of one jaw, as well as associated structures of the jaw. implant d. d. d’implant one constructed with a metal substructure embedded within the underlying soft structures of the jaws. interim d. d. intérimaire a denture to be used for a short interval of time for reasons of esthetics, mastication, occlusal support, convenience, or to condition the patient to the acceptance of an artificial substitute for missing natural teeth until more definitive prosthetic dental treatment can be provided. overlay d. prothèse hybride a complete denture supported both by soft tissue (mucosa) and by a few remaining natural teeth that have been altered, as by insertion of a long or short coping, to permit the denture to fit over them. partial d. d. partiel a dental appliance that is removable (removable partial d.) or permanently attached (fixed partial d. or bridge) and replaces one or more missing teeth, receiving support and retention from underlying tissues and some or all of the remaining teeth. provisional d. d. provisoire an interim denture used for the purpose of conditioning the patient to the acceptance of an artificial substitute for missing natural teeth. transitional d. prothèse de transition a partial denture which is to serve as a temporary prosthesis and to which teeth will be added as more teeth are lost and which will be replaced after postextraction tissue changes have occurred.


denudation dénuement the stripping or laying bare of any part.


deodorant déodorant 1. masking offensive odors. 2. an agent that so acts.


deorsumduction déorsoduction infraduction.


deossification désossification loss or removal of the mineral elements of bone.


deoxy- déoxy- chemical prefix designating a compound containing one less oxygen atom than the reference substance; see also words beginning desoxy-.


deoxycholic acid acide désoxycholique a secondary bile acid formed from cholic acid in the intestine; it is a choleretic.


deoxyhemoglobin désoxyhémoglobine hemoglobin not combined with oxygen, formed when oxyhemoglobin releases its oxygen to the tissues.


deoxyribonuclease (DNase) désoxyribonucléase any nuclease catalyzing the cleavage of phosphate ester linkages in deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA); separated by whether they cleave internal bonds or bonds at termini.


deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) acide désoxyribonucléique the nucleic acid in which the sugar is deoxyribose; composed also of phosphoric acid and the bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine. It constitutes the primary genetic material of all cellular organisms and the DNA viruses and occurs predominantly in the nucleus, usually as a double helix (q.v.), where it serves as a template for synthesis of ribonucleic acid (transcription). It is duplicated by replication.


deoxyribonucleoprotein désoxyribonucléoprotéine a nucleoprotein in which the sugar is d-2-deoxyribose.


deoxyribonucleoside désoxyribonucléoside a nucleoside having a purine or pyrimidine base bonded to deoxyribose.


deoxyribonucleotide désoxyribonucléotide a nucleotide having a purine or pyrimidine base bonded to deoxyribose, which in turn is bonded to a phosphate group.


deoxyribose désoxyribose a deoxypentose found in deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), deoxy ribonucleotides, and deoxyribonucleosides.


deoxyribovirus désoxyribovirus DNA virus.


deoxyuridine désoxyuridine a pyrimidine nucleoside, uracil linked to deoxyribose; its triphosphate derivative is an intermediate in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides.


dependence dépendance 1. a state of relying on or requiring the aid of something. 2. a state in which there is a compulsive or chronic need, as for a drug; see substance d. drug d., psychoactive substance d., substance d.d. à la drogue 1. compulsive use of a substance despite significant problems resulting from such use. Although tolerance and withdrawal were previously defined as necessary and sufficient for dependence, they are currently only two of several possible criteria. 2. substance abuse.


dependency dépendance reliance on others for love, affection, mothering, comfort, security, food, warmth, shelter, protection, and the like—the so-called dependency needs.


dependency dépendance reliance on others for love, affection, mothering, comfort, security, food, warmth, shelter, protection, and the like—the so-called dependency needs.


dependent 1. dépendant exhibiting dependence or dependency. 2. déclive hanging down.


Dependovirus Dependovirus adeno-associated viruses; a genus of viruses of the family Parvoviridae that require coinfection with an adenovirus or herpesvirus to provide a helper function for replication; asymptomatic human infection is common.


depersonalization dépersonnalisation alteration in the perception of self so that the usual sense of one’s own reality is temporarily lost or changed; it may be a manifestation of a neurosis or another mental disorder or can occur in mild form in normal persons.


depilation dépilation epilation; removal of hair by the roots.


depilatory dépilatoire 1. having the power to remove hair. 2. an agent for removing or destroying hair.


depletion déplétion the act or process of emptying or removing, as of fluid from a body compartment.


depolarization dépolarisation 1. the process or act of neutralizing polarity. 2. in electrophysiology, reversal of the resting potential in excitable cell membranes when stimulated. atrial premature d. (APD) d. auriculaire prématurée see under complex. ventricular premature d. (VPD) d. ventriculaire prématurée see under complex.


depolymerization depolymérisation the conversion of a polymer into its component monomers.


deposit dépôt 1. sediment or dregs. 2. extraneous inorganic matter collected in the tissues or in an organ of the body.


depot dépôt a body area in which a substance, e.g., a drug, can be accumulated, deposited, or stored and from which it can be distributed.


L–deprenyl L-deprenyl selegiline.


depressant dépresseur diminishing any functional activity; an agent that so acts. cardiac d. d. cardiaque an agent that depresses the rate or force of contraction of the heart.


depressed déprimé 1. below the normal level. 2. associated with psychological depression.


depression dépression 1. a hollow or de pressed area; downward or inward displacement. 2. a lowering or decrease of functional activity. 3. a mental state of altered mood characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement. Adj.: depressive. agitated d. d. agitée major depressive disorder accompanied by more or less constant activity. anaclitic d. d. anaclitique impairment of an infant’s physical, social, and intellectual development resulting from absence of mothering. congenital chondrosternal d. d. chondrosternale congénitale congenital deformity with a deep, funnel-shaped depression in the anterior chest wall. endogenous d. d. endogène a type caused by an intrinsic biological or somatic process rather than an environmental influence, in contrast to a reactive depression. major d. d. majeure major depressive disorder. neurotic d. d. névrotique one that is not a psychotic depression (q.v.); used sometimes broadly to indicate any depression without psychotic features and sometimes more narrowly to denote only milder forms of depression. pacchionian d’s fossettes granulaires small pits on the internal cranium on either side of the groove for the superior sagittal sinus, occupied by the arachnoid granulations. psychotic d. d. psychotique major depressive disorder with psychotic features, such as hallucinations, delusions, mutism, or stupor. reactive d., situational d. d. réactionnelle a usually transient depression that is precipitated by a stressful life event or other environmental factor; cf. endogenous d. unipolar d. d. unipolaire that unaccompanied by episodes of mania or hypomania, as in major depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder; the term is sometimes used to denote the former specifically.


depressor dépresseur 1. that which causes depression, as a muscle, agent, or instrument. 2. depressor nerve.


deprivation privation loss or absence of parts, powers, or things that are needed. emotional d. carence affective deprivation of adequate and appropriate interpersonal or environmental experience in the early development years. sensory d. p. sensorielle deprivation of usual external stimuli and the opportunity for perception.


depth profondeur distance measured perpendicularly downward from a surface. focal d., d. of focus p. de foyer the measure of the power of a lens to yield clear images of objects at different distances.


derailment déraillement disordered thought or speech characteristic of schizophrenia and marked by constant jumping from one topic to another before the first is fully realized.


derealization déréalisation a loss of the sensation of the reality of one’s surroundings. dereism pensée autiste dereistic thinking.


dereistic déréistique directed away from reality; not using normal logic; see under thinking


derepression dérépression removal of repression of a gene or operon, leading to or enhancing gene expression.


derivative dérivé a chemical substance produced from another substance either directly or by modification or partial substitution.


Dermabacter Dermabacter a genus of grampositive, facultatively anaerobic actinomycetes of the family Dermabacteraceae; D. hominis is a normal inhabitant of the human skin and an opportunistic pathogen.


Dermabacteraceae Dermabacteraceae a family of gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming bacteria of the suborder Micrococcineae.


dermabrasion dermabrasion planing of the skin done by mechanical means, e.g., sandpaper, wire brushes, etc.; see planing.


Dermacentor Dermacentor a genus of ticks that are important transmitters of disease. D. andersoni is parasitic in various wild mammals and transmits Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, and tick paralysis. D. variabilis, is usually parasitic in dogs but also attacks cattle, horses, rabbits, and humans and is the chief vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the central and eastern United States.


dermal dermique pertaining to the dermis or to the skin.


Dermanyssus Dermanyssus a genus of mites D. gallinae is the bird or chicken mite, which sometimes infests humans.


dermatitis dermatite pl. dermatitides inflammation of the skin. actinic d. d. actinique dermatitis due to exposure to actinic radiation, such as that from the sun, ultraviolet waves, or x- or gamma radiation. allergic d. eczéma allergique 1. atopic d. 2. allergic contact d. allergic contact d. eczéma allergique de contact contact dermatitis due to allergic sensitization. ammonia d. ammonia dermatitis diaper dermatitis attributed to skin irritation, due to the ammonia decomposition products of urine. atopic d. d. atopique a chronic inflammatory, pruritic, eczematous skin disorder in individuals with a hereditary predisposition to cutaneous pruritus; often accompanied by allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and asthma. berlock d. maladie de breloque dermatitis of the neck, face, or chest, caused by exposure to a toilet article containing bergamot oil followed by exposure to sunlight. cercarial d. d. cercarienne an itching dermatitis due to penetration into the skin of larval forms (cercaria) of schistosomes, found in those who bathe in infested waters. chronic actinic d. (CAD) d. actinique chronique a long-term form of photosensitivity dermatitis with an eczematous reaction to sunlight; the etiology is unknown, but sometimes it may be a continuation of photoallergic contact dermatitis after the allergen has been removed. contact d. d. de contact acute or chronic dermatitis caused by substances contacting the skin; it may involve allergic or nonallergic mechanisms. diaper d. erythème papulo-érosif diaper rash. d. exfoliativa neonatorum d. exfoliatrice du nouveau-né. staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. exfoliative d. d. exfoliante widespread erythema, desquamation, scaling, and itching of the skin, with loss of hair. factitial d. d. factice any of various types of self-inflicted lesions, usually produced by mechanical means, burning, or application of chemical irritants or caustics. d. herpetiformis dermatitis herpetiformis pruritic chronic dermatitis with successive groups of symmetrical, erythematous, papular, vesicular, eczematous, or bullous lesions, usually associated with asymptomatic gluten-sensitive enteropathy. infectious eczematous d. d. infectieuse eczémateuse a pustular eczematoid eruption arising from a primary lesion that is the source of an infectious exudate. insect d. d. causée par les insectes a transient skin eruption caused by the toxin-containing irritant hairs of insects such as certain moths and their caterpillars. irritant d. d. irritante a nonallergic type of contact dermatitis due to exposure to a substance that damages the skin. livedoid d. d. livédoïde local pain, swelling, livedoid changes, and increased temperature; due to temporary or prolonged local ischemia from vasculitis or from accidental arterial obliteration during intragluteal administration of medications. meadow d., meadow grass d. d. des prés phytophotodermatitis with eruption of vesicles and bullae in streaks or other configurations, caused by exposure to sunlight after contact with meadow grass. nickel d. d. causée par le nickel a type of contact dermatitis from prolonged exposure to nickel, such as in jewelry. photoallergic contact d., photocontact d. eczéma photoallergique de contact allergic contact dermatitis caused by the action of sunlight on skin sensitized by contact with substances such as halogenated salicylanilides, sandalwood oil, or hexachlorophene. photosensitivity d. d. photosensible any dermatitis occurring as a manifestation of photosensitivity. phototoxic d. d. phototoxique erythema followed by hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed areas of the skin, due to exposure to agents containing photosensitizing substances, such as coal tar and psoralen-containing perfumes, drugs, or plants, and then to sunlight. poison ivy d. d. de contact au Rhus toxicodendron allergic contact dermatitis due to exposure to plants of the genus Rhus, which contain urushiol, a skinsensitizing agent. radiation d. radiodermite due aux radiations radiodermatitis. rat mite d. d. de l’acarien du rat that due to a bite of the rat-mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti. rhus d. d. au genre Rhus poison ivy d. schistosome d. d. des nageurs cercarial d. seborrheic d. d. séborrhéique chronic pruritic dermatitis with erythema, scaling, and yellow crust on areas such as the scalp, with exfoliation of excessive dandruff. stasis d. d. de stase chronic eczematous dermatitis due to venous insufficiency, initially on the inner aspect of the lower leg above the internal malleolus, sometimes spreading over the lower leg, marked by edema, pigmentation, and often ulceration. uncinarial d. uncinariose ground itch. x-ray d. d. causée par les rayons X radiodermatitis.


dermat(o)- dermat(o)- word element [Gr.], skin.


dermatoautoplasty greffe autodermique autotransplantation of skin.


Dermatobia Dermatobia a genus of botflies. The larvae of D. hominis are parasitic in the skin of humans, mammals, and birds.


dermatofibroma dermatofibrome a fibrous tumorlike nodule of the skin, usually on the leg. Its etiology is not known, but it is most likely a neoplastic disorder. Although it is benign, itching and pain can be a source of severe discomfort.


dermatofibrosarcoma dermatofibrosarcome a fibrosarcoma of the skin. d. protuberans der matofibrome de Darier-Ferrand a locally aggressive, bulky, protuberant, nodular, fibrotic neoplasm in the dermis, usually on the trunk, often extending into the subcutaneous fat.


dermatoglyphics dermatoglyphie the study of fingerprints and similar skin patterns of hands and feet.


dermatographism dermatographisme urticaria due to physical allergy, in which moderately firm stroking or scratching of the skin with a dull instrument produces a pale, raised welt or wheal, with a red flare on each side. Adj.: dermatographic. black d. d. noir black or greenish streaking of the skin caused by deposit of fine metallic particles abraded from jewelry by various dusting powders. white d. d. blanc linear blanching of (usually erythematous) skin of persons with atopic dermatitis in response to firm stroking with a blunt instrument.


dermatoheteroplasty dermatohétéroplastie the grafting of skin derived from an individual of another species.


dermatology dermatologie the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases.


dermatolysis dermatolysie cutis laxa.


dermatome dermatome 1. an instrument for cutting thin skin slices for grafting. 2. the area of skin supplied with afferent nerve fibers by a single posterior spinal root. 3. the lateral part of an embryonic somite.


dermatomere dermatomère any segment or metamere of the embryonic integument.


dermatomycosis dermatomycose a superficial fungal infection of the skin or its appendages.


dermatomyoma dermatomyome leiomyoma cutis.


dermatomyositis dermatomyosite polymyositis with skin changes such as discoloration and plaques on elbows, knees, and knuckles.


dermatopathic dermopathique pertaining or attributable to disease of the skin, as dermatopathic lymphadenopathy.


dermatopathy dermopathie dermopathy.


Dermatophagoides Dermatophagoides a genus of sarcoptiform mites, usually found on the skin of chickens. D. pteronyssimus is the house dust mite, an antigenic species that produces allergic asthma in atopic persons.


dermatopharmacology dermatopharmacologie pharmacology as applied to dermatologic disorders.


Dermatophilaceae Dermatophilaceae a family of bacteria of the gram-positive, aerobic suborder Micrococcineae.


dermatophilosis dermatophilose an actinomycotic disease caused by Dermatophilus congolensis, affecting ruminants, horses, and sometimes humans. The human disease is marked by painless upper limb pustules that break down and form shallow red ulcers that later regress and leave scarring.


Dermatophilus Dermatophilus 1. Tunga. 2. a genus of pathogenic actinomycetes of the family Dermatophilaceae. D. congolensis is the etiologic agent of dermatophilosis.


dermatophyte dermatophyte a fungus parasitic upon the skin, including Microsporum, Epidermophyton, and Trichophyton.


dermatophytid dermatophytide an id reaction expressing hypersensitivity to infection by a dermatophyte, especially Epidermophyton,occurring on an area remote from the site of infection.


dermatophytosis dermatophytose 1. a superficial fungal infection caused by a dermatophyte, involving the stratum corneum of the skin, hair, or nails. 2. tinea pedis.


dermatoplasty dermatoplastie a plastic operation on the skin; operative replacement of destroyed or lost skin. Adj.: dermatoplastic.


dermatosis dermatose pl. dermatoses any skin disease, especially one not characterized by inflammation. d. papulosa nigra d. papuleuse noire a form of seborrheic keratosis seen chiefly in blacks, with multiple miliary pigmented papules usually on the cheek bones, but sometimes occurring more widely on the face and neck. progressive pigmentary d. d. pigmentaire progressive Schamberg disease. subcorneal pustular d. d. pustuleuse sous-cornée a bullous dermatosis resembling dermatitis herpetiformis, with single and grouped vesicles and sterile pustular blebs beneath the stratum corneum of the skin.


dermatozoon dermatozoaire any animal parasite on the skin; an ectoparasite.


dermis derme corium; the layer of skin beneath the epidermis, consisting of a bed of vascular connective tissue, and containing sensory nerves and organs, hair roots, and sebaceous and sweat glands. Adj.: dermal, dermic.


dermoblast dermoblaste the part of the mesoblast that develops into the dermis.


dermoid dermoïde 1. skinlike. 2. dermoid cyst.


dermoidectomy dermoïdectomie excision of a dermoid cyst.


dermomyotome dermomyotome all but the sclerotome of a mesodermal somite; the primordium of skeletal muscle and, perhaps, of the dermis.


dermopathy dermopathie any skin disorder.


diabetic d. d. diabétique benign discolored lesions on the shins seen in diabetes mellitus.


dermovascular dermovasculaire pertaining to the blood vessels of the skin.


DES DES diethylstilbestrol.


desaturation désaturation the process of converting a saturated compound to one that is unsaturated, such as the introduction of a double bond between carbon atoms of a fatty acid.


descemetocele descémétocèle hernia of the Descemet membrane.


descending descendant extending inferiorly.


descensus descensus pl. descensus [L.] downward displacement or prolapse.


desensitization désensibilisation 1. the prevention or reduction of immediate hypersensitivity reactions by administration of graded doses of allergen. 2. treatment of phobias and related disorders by intentionally exposing the patient, in imagination or in real life, to a hierarchy of emotionally distressing stimuli.


deserpidine deserpidine an alkaloid of Rauwolfia canescens, used as an antihypertensive.


desferrioxamine desferrioxamine deferoxamine.


desflurane desflurane an inhalational anesthetic used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.


desiccant dessiccatif 1. promoting dryness.2. an agent that promotes dryness.


desipramine désipramine a tricyclic antidepressant of the dibenzazepine class; used as the hydrochloride salt.


deslanoside deslanoside a cardiotonic glycoside obtained from lanatoside C; used where digitalis is recommended.


desmin desmine a protein that polymerizes to form the intermediate filaments of muscle cells; used as a marker of these cells.


desmitis desmite inflammation of a ligament.


desm(o)- desm(o)- word element [Gr.], ligament.


desmocranium voûte membraneuse du crâne the mass of mesoderm at the cranial end of the notochord in the early embryo, forming the earliest stage of the skull.


desmogenous desmogène of ligamentous origin.


desmography desmographie a description of ligaments.


desmoid desmoïde 1. fibrous or fibroid. 2. see under tumor. periosteal d. d. périostal a benign fibrous tumorlike proliferation of the periosteum, occurring particularly in the medial femoral condyle in adolescents.


desmolase desmolase any enzyme that catalyzes the addition or removal of some chemical group to or from a substrate without hydrolysis.


desmopathy desmopathie any disease of the ligaments.


desmoplasia desmoplasie the formation and development of fibrous tissue. Adj.: desmoplastic.


desmopressin desmopressine a synthetic analogue of vasopressin, used as the acetate salt as an antidiuretic in central diabetes insipidus and in primary nocturnal enuresis, and as an antihemorrhagic in hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease.


desmosome desmosome a circular, dense body that forms the site of attachment between cells, especially those of stratified epithelium of the epidermis; it consists of local differentiations of the apposing cell membranes with a dense cytoplasmic plaque underlying each membrane, toward which numerous tonofilaments converge.


desmotomy desmotomie incision or division of a ligament.


desogestrel desogestrel a progestational agent with little androgenic activity; used in combination with an estrogen as an oral contraceptive.


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


desorb désorber to remove a substance from the state of absorption or adsorption.


desoximetasone désoximétasone a synthetic corticosteroid used topically for the relief of inflammation and pruritus in corticosteroidresponsive dermatoses.


desoxy- desoxy- deoxy-.


despeciate déspécifier (se) to undergo despeciation; to subject to (as by chemical treatment) or to undergo loss of species antigenic characteristics.


desquamation desquamation the shedding of epithelial elements, chiefly of the skin, in scales or sheets. Adj.: desquamative.


dest. dest. [L.] destillata (distilled).


desulfhydrase désulfhydrase an enzyme that removes a hydrogen sulfide molecule from a compound.


DET DET diethyltryptamine.


detachment détachement the condition of being separated or disconnected. d. of retina, retinal d. d. de la rétine separation of the inner layers of the retina from the pigment epithelium.


detector détecteur an instrument or apparatus for revealing the presence of something. lie d. d. de mensonges polygraph.


detergent détergent 1. purifying, cleansing. 2. an agent that purifies or cleanses. 3. in biochemistry, any of a class of agents, characterized by a hydrophilic polar head group attached to a nonpolar hydrocarbon chain, which reduce the surface tension of water, emulsify, and aid in the solubilization of soil.


determinant déterminant a factor that establishes the nature of an entity or event. antigenic d. d. antigénique the structural component of an antigen molecule responsible for its specific interaction with antibody molecules elicited by the same or related antigen. hidden d. d. caché an antigenic determinant in an unexposed region of a molecule so that it is prevented from interacting with receptors on lymphocytes, or with antibody molecules, and is unable to induce an immune response; it may appear following stereochemical alterations of molecular structure.


determination détermination the establishment of the exact nature of an entity or event. embryonic d. d. embryonnaire the loss of pluripotentiality in any embryonic part and its start on the way to an unalterable fate. sex d. d. du sexe the process by which the sex of an organism is fixed; associated, in humans, with the presence or absence of a particular gene (SRY gene) on the Y chromosome.


determinism déterminisme the theory that all phenomena are the result of antecedent conditions, nothing occurs by chance, and there is no free will.


detoxification 1. détoxification reduction of the toxic properties of poisons. 2. désintoxication treatment designed to free an addict from a drug habit. 3. détoxication in naturopathy, the elimination of toxic substances from the body, either by metabolic change or by excretion. metabolic d. d. métabolique reduction of the toxicity of a substance by chemical changes induced in the body, producing a compound less poisonous or more readily eliminated.


detrition détrition the wearing away, as of teeth, by friction.


detritus détritus particulate matter produced by or remaining after the wearing away or disintegration of a substance or tissue.


detrusor détrusor [L.] 1. a body part that pushes down. 2. detrusor muscle.


detumescence détumescence the subsidence of congestion and swelling.


deutan deutane a person exhibiting deuteranomalopia or deuteranopia.


deuteranomaly deutéranomalie a type of anomalous trichromatic vision in which the second, green-sensitive cones have decreased sensitivity; the most common color vision deficiency. Adj.: deuteranomalous.


deuteranopia deutéranopie a type of dichromatic vision with confusion of greens and reds, and retention of the sensory mechanism for two hues only—blue and yellow. Adj.: deuteranopic.


deuteranopsia deutéranopie deuteranopia.


deuterium (D) deuterium see hydrogen.


Deuteromycetes Deuteromycètes in some systems of classification, the Fungi Imperfecti considered as a class.


Deuteromycota Deuteromycota the Fungi Imperfecti; a large heterogeneous group of fungi, ordinarily treated as a division, whose sexual stage does not exist or has not yet been discovered; subclassification is in form-classes, form-orders, etc., until their sexual stage is identified.


Deuteromycotina Deuteromycotina in some systems of classification, the Fungi Imperfecti viewed as a subdivision of the division Eumycota.


deuteropathy deutéropathie a disease that is secondary to another disease.


deuteroplasm deutéroplasme the passive or inactive materials in protoplasm, especially reserve foodstuffs, such as yolk.


devascularization dévascularisation interruption of circulation of blood to a part due to obstruction of blood vessels supplying it.


development développement the process of growth and differentiation. Adj.: developmental. cognitive d. d. cognitif the development of intelligence, conscious thought, and problemsolving ability that begins in infancy. psychosexual d. d. psychosexuel 1. development of the individual’s sexuality as affected by biological, cultural, and emotional influences from prenatal life onward throughout life. 2. in psychoanalysis, libidinal maturation from infancy through adulthood (including the oral, anal, and genital stages). psychosocial d. d. psychosocial the development of the personality, and the acquisition of social attitudes and skills, from infancy through maturity.


deviant déviant 1. varying from a determinable standard. 2. a person with characteristics varying from what is considered standard or normal.


deviation déviation 1. variation from the regular standard or course. 2. strabismus. 3. the difference between a sample value and the mean.complement d. d. du complément inhibition of complement fixation or complement-mediated immune hemolysis in the presence of excess antibody. conjugate d. d. conjuguée deflection of the eyes in the same direction at the same time. immune d. d. immune modification of the immune response to an antigen by previous inoculation of the same antigen. radial d. d. radiale 1. a hand deformity sometimes seen in rheumatoid arthritis, in which the fingers are displaced to the radial side. 2. splinting of arthritic hands into this position to correct ulnar deviation. sexual d. d. sexuelle sexual behavior or fantasy outside that which is morally, biologically, or legally sanctioned, often specifically one of the paraphilias. standard d. (SD) d. standard a measure of the amount by which each value deviates from the mean; equal to the square root of the variance; symbol σ. ulnar d. d. cubitale a hand deformity of chronic rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus in which swelling of the metacarpophalangeal joints causes displacement of the fingers to the ulnar side.


device appareil something contrived for a specific purpose. biventricular assist d. système d’assistance biventriculaire (BVAD) a ventricular assist device with the combined functions of both left and right ventricular assist devices. contraceptive d. a. contraceptif one used to prevent conception, such as a barrier contraceptive, an intrauterine device, or a means of preventing ovulation (e.g., birth control pill). intrauterine d. (IUD) dispositif intra-utérin a plastic or metallic device inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. ventricular assist d. (VAD) appareil d’assistance ventriculaire a circulatory support device that augments the function of the left ventricle, the right ventricle, or both, by providing mechanically assisted pulsatile blood flow.


deviometer déviomètre an instrument for measuring the deviation in strabismus.


devitalize dévitaliser to deprive of life or vitality.


dexamethasone dexaméthasone a synthetic glucocorticoid used primarily as an antiinflammatory in various conditions, including collagen diseases and allergic states; it is the basis of a screening test in the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome; used also as the acetate or sodium phosphate salt.


dexbrompheniramine dexbromphéniramine the dextrorotatory isomer of brompheniramine, used as the maleate salt as an antihistamine.


dexchlorpheniramine dexchlorphéniramine the dextrorotatory isomer of chlorpheniramine, used as the maleate salt as an antihistamine.


dexmedetomidine dexmédétomidine a selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, used as the hydrochloride salt as a sedative for patients in intensive care units.


dexmethylphenidate dexméthylphénidate a central nervous system stimulant used as the hydrochloride salt in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.


Dexon Dexon trademark for a synthetic suture material, polyglycolic acid, a polymer that is completely absorbable and nonirritating.


dexrazoxane dexrazoxane a cardioprotectant used in chemotherapy to counteract doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.


dexter droit [L.] right; on the right side.


dextrad vers la droite to or toward the right side.


dextral droit pertaining to the right side.


dextrality dextralité lateral dominance on the right side.


dextran dextran a high-molecular-weight polymer of d-glucose, produced by enzymes on the cell surface of certain lactic acid bacteria. Dextrans formed from sucrose by bacteria in the mouth adhere to the tooth surfaces and produce dental plaque. Commercially prepared, uniform molecular weight dextrans are used as plasma volume expanders, with specific preparations named for their average molecular weight.


dextranomer dextranomère small beads of highly hydrophilic dextran polymers, used in débridement of secreting wounds, such as venous stasis ulcers; the sterilized beads are poured over secreting wounds to absorb wound exudates and prevent crust formation.


dextrin dextrine 1. any one, or the mixture, of the water-soluble, intermediate polysaccharides formed during the hydrolysis of starch to sugar. 2. a preparation of such formed by boiling starch and used in pharmacy. limit d. d. limite any of the small polymers remaining after exhaustive digestion of glycogen or starch by enzymes that catalyze the removal of terminal sugar residues but that cannot cleave the linkages at branch points.


α-dextrinase α-dextrinase isomaltase, limit dextrinase; an enzyme catalyzing the cleavage of linear and branched oligoglucosides and maltose and isomaltose, completing the digestion of starch or glycogen to glucose. It occurs in the brush border of the intestinal mucosa, as a complex with sucrase; see also sucrase-isomaltase deficiency.


dextrinosis dextrinose accumulation in the tissues of an abnormal polysaccharide. limit d. glycogénose de type III glycogen storage disease, type III.


dextrinuria dextrinurie presence of dextrin in the urine.


dextr(o)- dextr(o)- word element [L.], right.


dextroamphetamine dextroamphétamine the dextrorotatory isomer of amphetamine; used as the sulfate salt in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Abuse of this drug may lead to dependence.


dextrocardia dextrorotation du cœur location of the heart in the right side of the thorax, the apex pointing to the right. isolated d. dextrorotation isolée du cœur mirror-image transposition of the heart without accompanying alteration of the abdominal viscera. mirror-image d. dextrocardie location of the heart in the right side of the chest, the atria being transposed and the right ventricle lying anteriorly and left of the left ventricle.


dextroclination dextrotorsion rotation of the upper poles of the vertical meridians of the eyes to the right.


dextroduction dextroduction movement of an eye to the right.


dextrogastria dextrogastrie displacement of the stomach to the right.


dextrogyration dextrogyration rotation to the right.


dextromanual droitier right-handed.


dextromethorphan dextromethorphan a synthetic morphine derivative used as an antitussive; used in the form of the base or as the hydrobromide salt or sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene (polistirex) copolymer.


dextroposition dextroposition displacement to the right.


dextrorotatory dextrorotatoire turning the plane of polarization to the right.


dextrose dextrose a monosaccharide, d-glucose monohydrate; used chiefly as a fluid and nutrient replenisher, and also as a diuretic and for various other clinical purposes. Known as d-glucose in biochemistry and physiology.


dextrosinistral 1. qui s’étend de droite à gauche extending from right to left. 2. gaucher ayant appris à se servir de sa main droite pour exécuter certains gestes a left-handed person trained to use the right hand.


dextroversion 1. dextroduction version to the right, especially movement of the eyes to the right. 2. dextroversion location of the heart in the right chest, the left ventricle remaining in the normal position on the left, but lying anterior to the right ventricle.


dezocine dézocine an opioid analgesic, having both agonist and antagonist activity, used for the short-term relief of pain.


DH DH delayed hypersensitivity.


DHA DHA docosahexaenoic acid.


dhatu dhatu [Sanskrit] in ayurveda, the seven physical interconnected body tissues that are produced from metabolism and energy and anchor mind and spirit: plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, marrow, and reproductive tissue. Each tissue, though separate, is formed from another and depends upon its predecessor for its health.


DHEA DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone.


DHF DHF dihydrofolate or dihydrofolic acid.


DHom DHom Doctor of Homeopathic Medicine.


DHT DHT dihydrotestosterone.


di- di- word element [Gr.], two.


dia- dia- word element [Gr.], through; between; apart; across; completely.


diabetes diabète any disorder characterized by excessive urine excretion. When used alone, the term refers to diabetes mellitus. adult-onset d. mellitus d. de l’adulte type 2 d. mellitus. brittle d. d. instable type 1 diabetes mellitus characterized by wide, unpredictable fluctuations of blood glucose values and difficult to control. bronze d., bronzed d. d. bronzé hemochromatosis. central d. insipidus d. insipide central diabetes insipidus due to injury of the neurohypophyseal system, with a deficient quantity of antidiuretic hormone being released or produced, causing failure of renal tubular reabsorption of water. gestational d., gestational d. mellitus d. gestationnel that with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. growth-onset d. mellitus d. sucré type 1 d. mellitus. d. insipidus d. insipide any of several types of polyuria in which the volume of urine exceeds 3 liters per day, causing dehydration and great thirst, as well as sometimes emaciation and great hunger. insulin-dependent d. mellitus (IDD, IDDM) d. sucré insulinodépendant type 1 d. mellitus. juvenile d. mellitus, juvenile-onset d. mellitus d. juvénile type 1 d. mellitus. ketosis-prone d. mellitus d. insulinoprive type 1 d. mellitus. maturity-onset d. mellitus d. sucré de Type II type 2 d. mellitus. d. mellitus (DM) d. sucré a chronic syndrome of impaired carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism owing to insufficient secretion of insulin or to target tissue insulin resistance. It occurs in two major forms: type 1 d. mellitus and type 2 d. mellitus, which differ in etiology, pathology, genetics, age of onset, and treatment. nephrogenic d. insipidus d. insipide néphrogénique inherited or acquired diabetes insipidus caused by failure of the renal tubules to reabsorb water in response to antidiuretic hormone, without disturbance in the renal filtration and solute excretion rates. non-insulin-dependent, d. mellitus (NIDD, NIDDM) d. sucré non insulinodépendant type 2 d. mellitus. preclinical d. d. préclinique former name for impaired glucose tolerance. renal d. d. rénal see under glycosuria. subclinical d. d. sous-clinique former name for impaired glucose tolerance. Type I d. mellitus d. sucré de Type I type 1 d. mellitus. type 1 d. mellitus d. sucré de type I one of the two major types of diabetes mellitus, characterized by abrupt onset of symptoms (often in early adolescence), insulinopenia, and dependence on exogenous insulin; it is due to lack of insulin production by the pancreatic beta cells. With inadequate control, hyperglycemia, protein wasting, and ketone body production occur; the hyperglycemia leads to overflow glycosuria, osmotic diuresis, hyperosmolarity, dehydration, and diabetic ketoacidosis, which can progress to nausea and vomiting, stupor, and potentially fatal hyperosmolar coma. The associated angiopathy of blood vessels (particularly microangiopathy) affects the retinas, kidneys, and arteriolar basement membranes. Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, paresthesias, blurred vision, and irritability also occur. Type II d. mellitus d. sucré de Type II type 2 d. mellitus. type 2 d. mellitus d. sucré de type II one of the two major types of diabetes mellitus, peaking in onset between 50 and 60 years of age, characterized by gradual onset with few symptoms of metabolic disturbance (glycosuria and its consequences) and control by diet, with or without oral hypoglycemics but without exogenous insulin required. Basal insulin secretion is maintained at normal or reduced levels, but insulin release in response to a glucose load is delayed or reduced. Defective glucose receptors on the pancreatic beta cells may be involved. It is often accompanied by disease of blood vessels, particularly the large ones, leading to premature atherosclerosis with myocardial infarction or stroke syndrome.


diabetic diabétique 1. pertaining to or affected with diabetes. 2. a person with diabetes.


diabetogenic diabétogène producing diabetes.


diabetogenous qui est dû au diabéte caused by diabetes.


diabrotic diabrotique 1. ulcerative; caustic. 2. a corrosive or escharotic substance.


diacetylmorphine diacétylmorphine heroin.


diaclasis diaclase osteoclasis.


diacrisis diacrisis 1. diagnosis. 2. a disease marked by a morbid state of the secretions. 3. a critical discharge or excretion.


diacylglycerol diacylglycérol any of various compounds of glycerol linked to two fatty acids; they are triglyceride and phospholipid degradation products and are second messengers in calcium-mediated responses to hormones.


diadochokinesia diadococynésie the function of arresting one motor impulse and substituting one that is diametrically opposite, permitting sequential alternating movements.


diagnose diagnostiquer to identify or recognize a disease.


diagnosis diagnostic the determination of the nature of a case of a disease or the distinguishing of one disease from another. Adj.: diagnostic. clinical d. d. clinique diagnosis based on signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings during life. differential d. d. différentiel the determination of which one of several diseases may be producing the symptoms. physical d. d. physique diagnosis based on information obtained by inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. serum d. d. sérologique serodiagnosis.


Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Manuel diagnostique et statistique des troubles mentaux a categorical system of classification of mental disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, that delineates objective criteria to be used in diagnosis.


diagnostics étude des diagnostics the science and practice of diagnosis of disease.


diagram diagramme a graphic representation, in simplest form, of an object or concept, made up of lines and lacking pictorial elements. vector d. d. vecteur a diagram representing the direction and magnitude of electromotive forces of the heart for one entire cycle, based on analysis of the scalar electrocardiogram.


diakinesis diacinèse the fifth and final stage of prophase in meiosis I, during which the chromosomes condense and shorten, the nucleolus and nuclear envelope disappear, and the spindle fibers form.


dialysance dialysance the minute rate of net exchange of solute molecules passing through a membrane in dialysis.


dialysate dialysat the fluid and solutes in a dialysis process that flow through the dialyzer, do not pass through the membrane, and are discarded along with removed toxic substances after leaving the dialyzer.


dialysis dialyse [Gr.] 1. the process of separating macromolecules from ions and low-molecular-weight compounds in solution by the difference in their rates of diffusion through a semipermeable membrane, through which crystalloids pass readily but colloids pass slowly or not at all. 2. hemodialysis. Adj.: dialytic. equilibrium d. d. à l’équilibre a technique of determination of the association constant of hapten-antibody reactions. lymph d. d. lymphatique removal of urea and other elements from lymph collected from the thoracic duct, treated outside the body, and later reinfused. peritoneal d. d. péritonéale dialysis through the peritoneum, the dialyzing solution being introduced into and removed from the peritoneal cavity, as either a continuous or an intermittent procedure.


dialyzer dialyseur hemodialyzer.


diameter diamètre the length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle and connecting opposite points on its circumference. Symbol d. anteroposterior d. d. antéropostérieur the distance between two points located on the anterior and posterior aspects, respectively, of the structure being measured, such as the true conjugate diameter of the pelvis or occipitofrontal diameter of the skull. Baudelocque d. d. de Baudelocque external conjugate d.; see pelvic d. conjugate d. d. conjugué see pelvic d. cranial d., craniometric d. d. crânien the distance between certain landmarks of the skull, such as the biparietal (between the two parietal eminences); bitemporal (between the two ends of the coronal suture); cervicobregmatic (between the center of the anterior fontanel and the junction of the neck with the floor of the mouth); frontomental (between the forehead and chin); occipitofrontal (between the external occipital protuberance and most prominent midpoint of the frontal bone); occipitomental (between the external occipital protuberance and the most prominent midpoint of the chin); and suboccipitobregmatic (between the lowest posterior point of the occiput and the center of the anterior fontanel). pelvic d. d. pelvien any diameter of the pelvis, such as diagonal conjugate, joining the posterior surface of the pubis to the tip of the sacral promontory; external conjugate, joining the depression under the last lumbar spine to the upper margin of the pubis; true (internal) conjugate, the anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic inlet, measured from the upper margin of the pubic symphysis to the sacrovertebral angle; oblique, joining one sacroiliac articulation to the iliopubic eminence of the other side; transverse (of inlet), joining the two most widely separated points of the pelvic inlet; transverse (of outlet), joining the medial surfaces of the ischial tuberosities.


p-diaminodiphenyl p–diaminodiphényl benzidine.


diamniotic diamniotique having or developing within separate amniotic cavities, as diamniotic twins.


diapause diapause a state of inactivity and arrested development accompanied by greatly decreased metabolism, as in many eggs, insect pupae, and plant seeds; it is a mechanism for surviving adverse winter conditions.


diapedesis diapédèse the outward passage of cellular elements of the blood through intact vessel walls. Adj.: diapedetic.


diaphemetric diaphémétrique pertaining to measurement of the sense of touch.


diaphoresis diaphorèse sweating, especially of a profuse type.


diaphoretic diaphorétique 1. pertaining to, characterized by, or promoting sweating. 2. an agent that promotes sweating.


diaphragm diaphragme 1. the musculomembranous partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities and serving as a major muscle aiding inhalation. 2. any separating membrane or structure. 3. a disk with one or more openings or with an adjustable opening, mounted in relation to a lens or source of radiation, by which part of the light or radiation may be excluded from the area. 4. a device of molded rubber or other soft plastic material, fitted over the uterine cervix before intercourse to prevent entrance of spermatozoa. Adj.: diaphragmatic. contraceptive d. d. contraceptif diaphragm (4). pelvic d. d. pelvien the portion of the floor of the pelvis formed by the coccygeal and levator ani muscles and their fasciae. polyarcuate d. d. polyarqué one showing abnormal scalloping of the margins on radiographic visualization. Potter-Bucky d. d. de Potter-Bucky see under grid. respiratory d. d. respiratoire diaphragm (1). urogenital d. d. urogénital traditional but no longer valid concept that fascial layers enclose the sphincter urethrae and deep transverse perineal muscles and together form a musculomembranous sheet that extends between the ischiopubic rami. vaginal d. d. vaginal diaphragm (4).


diaphragma diaphragma pl. diaphragmata [Gr.] diaphragm (1).


diaphragmitis diaphragmite phrenitis.


diaphyseal diaphysaire pertaining to or affecting the shaft of a long bone (diaphysis).


diaphysectomy diaphysectomie excision of part of a diaphysis.


diaphysis diaphyse pl. diaphyses [Gr.] 1. the shaft of a long bone, between the epiphyses. 2. the portion of a long bone formed from a primary center of ossification.


diaphysitis diaphysite inflammation of a diaphysis.


diapophysis diapophyse an upper transverse process of a vertebra.


diapyesis suppuration suppuration. Adj.: diapyetic.


diarrhea diarrhée abnormally frequent evacuation of watery feces. Adj.: diarrheal, diarrheic.


familial chloride d. d. chlorée congénitale a type of severe watery diarrhea that begins in early infancy with feces containing excessive chloride because of impairment of chloride-bicarbonate exchange in the lower colon. Affected infants have a distended abdomen, lethargy, and retarded growth and mental development. osmotic d. d. osmotique that due to the presence of osmotically active nonabsorbable solutes in the intestine, e.g., magnesium sulfate. parenteral d. d. parentérale diarrhea due to infections outside the gastrointestinal tract.


secretory d. d. de type sécrétoire watery voluminous diarrhea resulting from increased stimulation of ion and water secretion, inhibition of their absorption, or both; osmolality of the feces approximates that of plasma. toxigenic d. d. toxigénique the watery voluminous diarrhea caused by enterotoxins from enterotoxigenic bacteria such as Vibrio cholerae and enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli. traveler’s d. d. des voyageurs diarrhea in travelers, especially those visiting tropical or subtropical areas where sanitation is poor; many different agents can cause it, the most common being enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. tropical d. d. locale see under sprue. weanling d. d. de sevrage diarrhea in an infant when put on food other than its mother’s milk, usually due to inadequate sanitation and infection by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli or rotaviruses.


diarrheogenic diarrhéogène giving rise to diarrhea.


diarthric diarthrique diarticular; pertaining to or affecting two different joints.


diarthrosis diarthrose pl. diarthroses [Gr.] a synovial joint. Adj.: diarthrodial.


diarticular diarticulaire diarthric.


diaschisis diaschisis loss of function and electrical activity due to cerebral lesions in areas remote from the lesion but neuronally connected to it.


diascope diascope a glass or clear plastic plate pressed against the skin for observing changes produced in the underlying skin after the blood vessels are emptied and the skin is blanched.


diastase diastase a mixture of starch-hydrolyzing enzymes from malt; used to convert starch into simple sugars.


diastasis diastasis 1. dislocation or separation of two normally attached bones between which there is no true joint. Also, separation beyond the normal between associated bones, as between the ribs. 2. a relatively quiescent period of slow ventricular filling during the cardiac cycle, occurring just prior to atrial systole. diastema diastème pl. diastemata [Gr.] 1. a space or cleft. 2. a space between two adjacent teeth in the same dental arch. 3. a narrow zone in the equatorial plane through which the cytosome divides in mitosis.


diastematocrania diastématocranie congenital longitudinal fissure of the cranium. diastematomyelia diastématomyélie abnormal congenital division of the spinal cord by a bony spicule or fibrous band protruding from a vertebra or two, each half surrounded by a dural sac.


diastole diastole the dilatation, or the period of dilatation, of the heart, especially of the ventricles. Adj.: diastolic.


diastrophic diastrophique bent or curved; said of structures, such as bones, deformed in such manner.


diataxia ataxie bilatérale ataxia affecting both sides of the body. cerebral d. a. b. cérébrale cerebral palsy with ataxia.


diathermy diathermie the heating of body tissues due to their resistance to the passage of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, electric current, or ultrasonic waves. short wave d. d. à ondes courtes diathermy with high-frequency current, with frequency from 10 million to 100 million cycles per second and wavelength from 30 to 3 meters.


diathesis diathèse an unusual constitutional susceptibility or predisposition to a particular disease. Adj.: diathetic.


diatom diatomée a unicellular microscopic form of alga having a cell wall of silica.


diatomaceous qui se rapporte aux diatomées composed of diatoms; said of earth composed of the siliceous skeletons of diatoms.


diatrizoate diatrizoate the most commonly used water-soluble, iodinated, radiopaque medium; used in the form of its meglumine and sodium salts.


diazepam diazépam a benzodiazepine used as an antianxiety agent, sedative, antipanic agent, antitremor agent, skeletal muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, and in the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.


diaziquone (AZQ) diaziquone an alkylating agent that acts by cross-linking DNA; used as an antineoplastic in the treatment of primary brain malignancies.


diaz(o)- diaz(o)- the group —NinlineN—.


diazotize diazoter to introduce the diazo group into a compound.


diazoxide diazoxide an antihypertensive structurally related to chlorothiazide but having no diuretic properties; used for treatment of hypertensive emergencies. Because it inhibits release of insulin, it is also used in hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinism.


dibasic dibasique containing two replaceable hydrogen atoms, or furnishing two hydrogen ions.


dibenzazepine dibenzazépine any of a group of structurally related drugs including the tricyclic antidepressantsclomipramine, desipramine, imipramine, and trimipramine.


dibenzocycloheptadiene dibenzocycloheptadiène any of a group of structurally related drugs including the tricyclic antidepressantsamitriptyline, nortriptyline, and protriptyline.


dibenzodiazepine dibenzodiazépine any of a group of structurally related drugs including the antipsychotic agent clozapine.


dibenzoxazepine dibenzoxazépine any of a class of structurally related heterocyclic drugs, including the antipsychoticloxapine and the antidepressantamoxapine.


dibenzoxepine dibenzoxépine any of a group of structurally related drugs including the tricyclic antidepressantdoxepin.


dibothriocephaliasis dibothriocéphalose diphyllobothriasis.


dibromochloropropane dibromochloropropane a colorless, halogenated, carcinogenic hydrocarbon formerly used as a pesticide, fumigant, and nematocide but now restricted in usage.


1,2-dibromoethane 1,2-dibromoéthane ethylene dibromide.


dibucaine dibucaïne a local anesthetic used topically on the skin and mucous membranes and rectally.


DIC CIVD diffuse (or disseminated) intravascular coagulation.


dicentric dicentrique 1. pertaining to, developing from, or having two centers. 2. having two centromeres.


dicephalus dicéphale a fetus with two heads.


dichloralphenazone dichloralphénazone a complex of chloral hydrate and antipyrine (phenazone); used in combination with isometheptene mucate and acetaminophen in the treatment of migraine and tension headache.


o-dichlorobenzene o-dichlorobenzène a solvent, fumigant, and insecticide toxic by ingestion or inhalation.


dichlorphenamide dichlorphénamide a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor; used as an adjunct to reduce intraocular pressure in the treatment of glaucoma.


dichorial dichorionique dichorionic.


dichorionic dichorionique having two distinct chorions; said of dizygotic twins.


dichroism dichroïsme the quality or condition of showing one color in reflected and another in transmitted light. Adj.: dichroic.


dichromacy dichromatisme dichromatic vision.


dichromate dichromate a salt containing the bivalent Cr2O7 radical.


dichromatic dichromatique pertaining to or having dichromatic vision.


dichromatism dichromatisme 1. the quality of existing in or exhibiting two different colors. 2. dichromatic vision.


diclofenac diclofénac a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug used as the potassium or sodium salt in the treatment of rheumatic and nonrheumatic inflammatory conditions, and as the potassium salt to relieve pain and dysmenorrhea; also applied topically to the conjunctiva as the sodium salt to reduce ocular inflammation or photophobia after certain kinds of surgery and to the skin to treat actinic keratoses.


dicloxacillin dicloxacilline a semisynthetic penicillinase-resistant penicillin; used as the sodium salt, primarily in the treatment of infections due to penicillinase-producing staphylococci.


dicoelous biloculaire 1. hollowed on each of two sides. 2. having two cavities.


Dicrocoelium Dicrocoelium a genus of flukes, including D. dendriticum, which has been found in human biliary passages.


dicrotism dicrotisme the occurrence of two sphygmographic waves or elevations to one beat of the pulse. Adj.: dicrotic.


dictyotene dictyotène the protracted stage resembling suspended prophase in which the primary oocyte persists from late fetal life until discharged from the ovary at or after puberty.


dicumarol dicumarol a coumarinanticoagulant, which acts by inhibiting the hepatic synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors.


dicyclomine dicyclomine an anticholinergic, used as the hydrochloride salt as a gastrointestinal antispasmodic.


didanosine didanosine an analogue of dideoxyadenosine; an antiretroviral agent used for the treatment of advanced HIV-1 infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, administered orally.


2’,3’-dideoxyadenosine 2’,3’-didéoxyadénosine a dideoxynucleoside in which the base is adenine, used as an antiretroviral agent in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome


dideoxynucleoside didéoxynucléoside any of a group of synthetic nucleoside analogues, several of which are used as antiretroviral agents.


didermoma didermome a teratoma composed of cells and tissues derived from two cell layers.


didymitis didymite orchitis.


-didymus -didymus word element [Gr.], fetus with duplication of parts; conjoined symmetrical twins.


die die a form used in the construction of something, as a positive reproduction of the form of a prepared tooth in a suitable hard substance.


diecious sexuellement distinct sexually distinct; denoting species in which male and female genitals do not occur in the same individual.


dieldrin dieldrine a chlorinated insecticide; inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact may cause poisoning.


diencephalon diencéphale 1. the posterior part of the forebrain, consisting of the hypothalamus, thalamus, metathalamus, and epithalamus; the subthalamus is often recognized as a distinct division. 2. the posterior of the two brain vesicles formed by specialization in embryonic development. See also brain stem. Adj.: diencephalic.


dienestrol dienestrol a synthetic estrogen administered intravaginally in the treatment of atrophic vaginitis and kraurosis vulvae.


Dientamoeba Dientamoeba a genus of amebas commonly found in the human colon and appendix, including D. fragilis, a species that has been associated with diarrhea.


dieresis diérèse 1. the division or separation of parts normally united. 2. the surgical separation of parts.


diet régime the customary amount and kind of food and drink taken by a person from day to day; more narrowly, a diet planned to meet specific requirements of the individual, including or excluding certain foods. Adj.: dietary. acid-ash d. r. acide one of meat, fish, eggs, and cereals with little fruit or vegetables and no cheese or milk. alkali-ash d. r. alkalin one of fruit, vegetables, and milk with as little as possible of meat, fish, eggs, and cereals. balanced d. r. équilibré one containing foods which furnish all the nutritive factors in proper proportion for adequate nutrition. bland d. r. sans irritants gastriques one that is free of irritating or stimulating foods. diabetic d. r. diabétique one prescribed in diabetes mellitus, usually limited in the amount of sugar or readily available carbohydrate. elimination d. r. d’exclusion one for diagnosis of food allergy, based on sequential omission of foods that might cause the symptoms. Feingold d. r. Feingold a controversial diet for hyperactive children which excludes artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, and salicylates. gouty d. r. contre la goutte one for mitigation of gout, restricting nitrogenous, especially high-purine foods, and substituting dairy products, with prohibition of wines and liquors. high calorie d. r. hypercalorique one furnishing more calories than needed to maintain weight, often more than 3500–4000 calories per day. high fat d. r. cétogène ketogenic d. high fiber d. r. à forte teneur en fibres one relatively high in dietary fibers, which decreases bowel transit time and relieves constipation. high protein d. r. à forte teneur en protéines one containing large amounts of protein, consisting largely of meat, fish, milk, legumes, and nuts. ketogenic d. r. cétogène one containing large amounts of fat, with minimal amounts of protein and carbohydrate. low calorie d. r. à faible teneur en calories one containing fewer calories than needed to maintain weight, e.g., less than 1200 calories per day for an adult. low fat d. r. sans graisse one containing limited amounts of fat. low purine d. r. pauvre en purine one for mitigation of gout, omitting meat, fowl, and fish and substituting milk, eggs, cheese, and vegetable protein. low residue d. r. pauvre en résidus one giving the least possible fecal residue. low salt d., low sodium d. r. hyposodé one containing very little sodium chloride; often prescribed for hypertension and edematous states. protein-sparing d. r. d’épargne protéique one consisting only of liquid proteins or liquid mixtures of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and containing no more than 600 calories; designed to maintain a favorable nitrogen balance. purine-free d. r. sans purine see low purine d. salt-free d. r. sans sel low salt d.


dietetic diététique pertaining to diet or proper food.


dietetics diététique the science of diet and nutrition.


diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) acide diéthylènetriamine pentaacétique pentetic acid.


diethylpropion diéthylpropion a sympathomimetic amine used as an anorectic in the form of the hydrochloride salt.


diethylstilbestrol (DES) diéthylstilbestrol a synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen, used as the base or the diphosphate salt for the palliative treatment of prostatic carcinoma and sometimes breast carcinoma; it is an epigenetic carcinogen and females exposed to it in utero are subject to increased risk of vaginal and cervical carcinomas.


diethyltryptamine (DET) diéthyltryptamine a synthetic hallucinogenic substance closely related to dimethyltryptamine.


dietitian diététicien one skilled in the use of diet in health and disease.


difenoxin difénoxine an antiperistaltic used as the hydrochloride salt in the treatment of diarrhea.


difference différence the condition or magnitude of variation between two qualities or quantities. Adj.: differential. arteriovenous oxygen d. d. artérioveineuse en oxygène the difference in the blood oxygen content between the arterial and venous systems.


differentiate différencier 1. to distinguish, on the basis of differences. 2. to develop specialized form, character, or function differing from that surrounding it or from the original.


differentiation différenciation 1. the distinguishing of one thing from another. 2. the act or process of acquiring completely individual characters, as occurs in progressive diversification of embryonic cells and tissues. 3. increase in morphological or chemical heterogeneity.


diffraction diffraction the bending or breaking up of a ray of light into its component parts.


diffusate diffusat material that has diffused through a membrane, such as solutes that pass out of the blood into the dialysate fluid in a dialyzer;


diffuse diffus not definitely limited or localized; widely distributed.


diffuse diffuser (se) to pass through or to spread widely through a tissue or structure.


diffusible diffusable susceptible of becoming widely spread.


diffusion diffusion 1. the process of becoming diffused, or widely spread. 2. the spontaneous movement of molecules or other particles in solution, owing to their random thermal motion, to reach a uniform concentration throughout the solvent, a process requiring no addition of energy to the system. 3. in hemodialysis, the movement of solutes across semipermeable membranes down concentration gradients. 4. immunodiffusion. double d. d. double an immunodiffusion test in which both antigen and antibody diffuse into a common area so that, if the antigen and antibody are interacting, they combine to form bands of precipitate. gel d. d. en gélose a test in which antigen and antibody diffuse toward one another through a gel medium to form a precipitate.


diflorasone diflorasone a synthetic corticosteroid used topically as the diacetate salt in the treatment of inflammation and pruritus in certain dermatoses.


diflucortolone diflucortolone a synthetic corticosteroid used topically as the valerate salt for the relief of inflammation and pruritus in corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.


diflunisal diflunisal a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug that lacks antipyretic activity; used in the treatment of rheumatic and nonrheumatic inflammatory disorders, gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, dysmenorrhea, and vascular headaches.


digastric digastrique 1. having two bellies. 2. digastric muscle.


digestion digestion 1. the act or process of converting food into chemical substances that can be absorbed and assimilated. 2. the subjection of a substance to prolonged heat and moisture, so as to disintegrate and soften it. Adj.: digestive. artificial d. d. artificielle digestion outside the body. gastric d. d. gastrique digestion by gastric juice. gastrointestinal d. d. gastro-intestinale the gastric and intestinal digestions together. intestinal d. d. intestinale digestion by intestinal juices. pancreatic d. d. pancréatique digestion by pancreatic juice in the duodenum. salivary d. d. salivaire the change of starch into maltose by the saliva.


digit doigt a finger or toe.


digital digital 1. of, pertaining to, or performed with, a finger. 2. resembling the imprint of a finger. 3. relating to data that are represented in the form of discrete numeric symbols.


Digitalis Digitalis a genus of herbs. D. lanata yields digoxin and lanatoside, and the leaves of D. purpurea, the purple foxglove, furnish digitalis.


digitalis digitale 1. the dried leaf of Digitalis purpurea; used as a cardiotonic agent. 2. the digitalis glycosides or cardiac glycosides, collectively.


digitalization digitalisation the administration of digitalis or one of its glycosides in a dosage schedule designed to produce and then maintain optimal therapeutic concentrations of its cardiotonic glycosides.


digitate digité having digit-like branches.


digitation digitation 1. a finger-like process. 2. surgical creation of a functioning digit by making a cleft between two adjacent metacarpal bones, after amputation of some or all of the fingers.


digitonin digitonine a saponin from Digitalis purpurea with no cardiotonic action; used as a reagent to precipitate cholesterol.


digitoxigenin digitoxigénine the steroid nucleus that is the aglycone of digitoxin.


digitoxin digitoxine a cardiotonic glycoside from Digitalis purpurea and other Digitalis species; used similarly to digitalis.


digitus digitus pl. digiti [L.] a digit.


diglyceride diglycéride diacylglycerol.


digoxigenin digoxigénine the steroid nucleus that is the aglycone of digoxin.


digoxin digoxine a cardiotonic glycoside from the leaves of Digitalis lanata; used similarly to digitalis. d. immune Fab (ovine) digoxin immune Fab (ovine) see under Fab.


dihydric dihydrogéné having two hydrogen atoms in each molecule.


dihydrocodeine dihydrocodéine an opioid analgesic and antitussive; used as the acid tartrate for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain; administered orally.


dihydroergotamine dihydroergotamine an antiadrenergic derived from ergotamine; used as d. mesylate as a vasoconstrictor in the treatment of migraine.


dihydrofolate (DHF) dihydrofolate an ester or dissociated form of dihydrofolic acid.


dihydrofolic acid acide dihydrofolique any of the folic acids in which the bicyclic pteridine structure is in the dihydro, partially reduced form; they are intermediates in folate metabolism.


dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (NADP+) dihydropyrimidine déshydrogénase (NADP+) an enzyme catalyzing a step in the catabolism of pyrimidines; deficiency results in elevated plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal levels of pyrimidines, cerebral dysfunction in children, and hypersensitivity to 5-fluorouracil in adults.


dihydrotachysterol dihydrotachystérol an analogue of ergocalciferol that raises serum calcium levels, used in the treatment of hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, rickets, and osteodystrophy associated with a variety of disorders and the prophylaxis and treatment of postoperative or idiopathic tetany.


dihydrotestosterone (DHT) dihydrotestostérone an androgenic hormone formed in peripheral tissue by the action of 5α-reductase on testosterone; thought to be the androgen responsible for development of male primary sex characters during embryogenesis and of male secondary sex characters at puberty, and for adult male sexual function.


dihydroxy dihydroxy a molecule containing two molecules of the hydroxy (OH) radical; used also as a prefix (hydroxy-) to denote such a compound.


dihydroxyacetone dihydroxyacétone the simplest ketose, a triose; it is an isomer of glyceraldehyde. D. phosphate is an intermediate in glycolysis, the glycerol phosphate shuttle, and the biosynthesis of carbohydrates and lipids.


dihydroxyaluminum dihydroxyaluminium an aluminum compound having two hydroxyl groups in a molecule; available as d. aminoacetate and d. sodium carbonate, which are used as antacids.


dihydroxycholecalciferol dihydroxycholécalciférol a group of active metabolites of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or calcitriol) increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, enhances bone resorption, and prevents rickets, and, because of these activities at sites distant from the site of its synthesis, is considered to be a hormone. See also calcitriol. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 1,25-dihydroxyvitamine D 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, the corresponding dihydroxy derivative of ergocalciferol, or both collectively.


1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 1,25-dihydroxyvitamine D3 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol; see dihydroxycholecalciferol.


diiodotyrosine diiodotyrosine an organic iodine-containing precursor of thyroxine, liberated from thyroglobulin by hydrolysis.


diisocyanate diisocyanate any of a group of compounds containing two isocyanate groups (—NCO), used in the manufacture of plastics and elastomers; they can cause sensitization and are eye and respiratory system irritants.


diktyoma dictyome a medulloepithelioma of the epithelium lining the basal lamina of the ciliary body.


dilaceration dilacération a tearing apart, as of a cataract. In dentistry, an abnormal angulation or curve in the root or crown of a formed tooth.


dilatation dilatation 1. the condition, as of an orifice or tubular structure, of being dilated or stretched beyond normal dimensions. 2. the act of dilating or stretching. d. and curettage (D & C) d. et curetage expanding of the ostium uteri to permit scraping of the walls of the uterus. d. of the heart d. du cœur compensatory enlargement of the cavities of the heart, with thinning of its walls. segmental d. d. segmentaire dilatation of a portion of a tubular structure, such as the intestine, the segments on either side of the dilatation being of normal caliber.


dilate dilater to stretch an opening or hollow structure beyond its normal dimensions.


dilation dilatation 1. the act of dilating or stretching. 2. dilatation.


dilator dilatateur 1. a structure that dilates, or an instrument used to dilate. 2. dilator muscle.


diltiazem diltiazem a calcium channel blocker that acts as a vasodilator; used as the hydrochloride salt in the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension, and supraventricular tachycardia.


diluent diluant 1. causing dilution. 2. an agent that dilutes or renders less potent or irritant.


dilution dilution 1. reduction of concentration of an active substance by admixture of a neutral agent. 2. a substance that has undergone dilution. 3. in homeopathy, the diffusion of a given quantity of a medicinal agent in ten or one hundred times the same quantity of water. Adj.: dilutional. serial d. d. en série a set of dilutions in a mathematical sequence, as to obtain a culture plate with a countable number of separate colonies.


dimenhydrinate dimenhydrinate an antihistamine used as an antiemetic, particularly in the treatment of motion sickness.


dimer dimère 1. a compound formed by combination of two identical molecules. 2. a capsomer having two structural subunits.


dimercaprol dimercaprol a metal complexing agent used as an antidote to poisoning by arsenic, gold, mercury, and lead.


dimethicone diméthicone a silicone oil used as a skin protective. See also simethicone.


dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) diméthylsulfoxyde a powerful solvent with the ability to penetrate plant and animal tissues and to preserve living cells during freezing; it is instilled into the bladder for relief of interstitial cystitis and has been proposed as a topical analgesic and antiinflammatory agent and for increasing penetrability of other substances.


dimethyltryptamine (DMT) diméthyltryptamine a hallucinogenic substance derived from the plant Prestonia amazonica, which is native to parts of South America and the West Indies.


dimorphism dimorphisme the quality of existing in two distinct forms. Adj.: dimorphic, dimorphous. sexual d. d. sexuel 1. physical or behavioral differences associated with sex. 2. having some properties of both sexes, as in the early embryo and in some hermaphrodites.


dimple fossette a slight depression, as in the flesh of the cheek, chin, or sacral region. postanal d. f. coccygienne a dermal pit near the tip of the coccyx, indicative of the site of attachment of the embryonic neural tube to the skin.


dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC) dinitro-o-cresol a highly toxic pesticide that affects the central nervous system and energy-producing metabolic processes; metabolic rate is increased and fatal hyperpyrexia may occur.


dinitrotoluene dinitrotoluène any of three highly toxic, possibly carcinogenic isomers used in organic synthesis and the manufacture of dyes and explosives.


dinoflagellate dinoflagellé 1. of or pertaining to the order Dinoflagellida. 2. any individual of the order Dinoflagellida.


Dinoflagellida Dinoflagellida an order of minute plantlike, chiefly marine protozoa, which are an important component of plankton. They may be present in sea water in such vast numbers that they cause a discoloration (red tide), which may result in the death of marine animals, including fish, by exhaustion of their oxygen supply. Some species secrete a powerful neurotoxin that can cause a severe toxic reaction in humans who ingest shellfish that feed on the toxinproducing organisms.


dinoprost dinoprost name for prostaglandin F2α when used as a pharmaceutical; used as the base or the tromethamine salt as an oxytocic for induction of abortion, for evacuation of the uterus in management of missed abortion, and in treatment of hydatidiform mole.


dinoprostone dinoprostone name given to prostaglandin E2 when used pharmaceutically; used as an oxytocic for induction of abortion or labor, to aid ripening of the cervix, and in the treatment of missed abortion or hydatidiform mole.


dinucleotide dinucléotide one of the cleavage products into which a polynucleotide may be split, itself composed of two mononucleotides.


Dioctophyma Dioctophyma a genus of nematodes, including D. renale, the kidney worm, found in dogs, cattle, horses, and other animals, and rarely in humans; it is highly destructive to kidney tissue.


diopter dioptrie a unit for refractive power of lenses, being the reciprocal of the focal length expressed in meters; symbol D. prism d. d. prismatique a unit of prismatic deviation, being the deflection of 1 cm. at a distance of one meter; symbol Δ.


dioptometry dioptométrie the measurement of ocular accommodation and refraction.


dioptric dioptrique pertaining to refraction or to transmitted and refracted light; refracting.


diovulatory diovulatoire discharging two oocy tes in one ovariancycle.


dioxide bioxyde an oxide with two oxygen atoms.


dioxin dioxine any of the heterocyclic hydrocarbons present as trace contaminants in herbicides; many are oncogenic and teratogenic.


dioxybenzone dioxybenzone a topical sunscreening agent, absorbing UVB and some UVA light.


dipeptidase dipeptidase any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of the peptide linkage in a dipeptide.


Dipetalonema Dipetalonema a genus of nematode parasites (superfamily Filarioidea), including D. perstans and D. streptocerca, species primarily parasitic in humans, other primates serving as reservoir hosts.


diphasic diphasé, biphasique having two phases.


diphenhydramine diphenhydramine a potent antihistamine, used as the hydrochloride salt in the treatment of allergic symptoms and for its anticholinergic, antitussive, antiemetic, antivertigo, and antidyskinetic effects, and as the hydrochloride or citrate salt as a sedative and hypnotic.


diphenoxylate diphénoxylate an antiperistaltic derived from meperidine; the hydrochloride salt is used as an antidiarrheal.


diphenyl diphényl a toxic compound comprising two linked benzene rings, used as a fungistat in containers for shipping citrus fruits.


diphenylamine chlorarsine (DM) diphénylamine chloroarsine a toxic, irritant compound used as a war gas and, with tear gas, in riot control, as well as in some wood preserving solutions.


diphenylbutylpiperidine diphénylbutylpipéridine any of a class of structurally related antipsychotic agents that includes pimozide.


diphosphatidylglycerol diphosphatidylglycérol glycerol linked to two molecules of phosphatidic acid; 1,3-diphosphatidylglycerol is cardiolipin.


diphosphonate diphosphonate 1. a salt, ester, or anion of a dimer of phosphonic acid, structurally similar to pyrophosphate but more stable. 2. any of a group of such compounds, having affinity for sites of osteoid mineralization and used as sodium salts to inhibit bone resorption as well as complexed with technetium Tc 99 m for bone imaging.


diphtheria diphthérie an acute infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and its toxin, affecting the membranes of the nose, throat, or larynx, and marked by formation of a gray-white pseudomembrane, with fever, pain, and, in the laryngeal form, aphonia and respiratory obstruction. The toxin may also cause myocarditis and neuritis. Adj.: diphtherial, diphtheric, diphtheritic.


diphtheroid diphthéroïde 1. resembling diphtheria. 2. a bacterium resembling Corynebacterium diphtheriae but not causing diphtheria. 3. pseudodiphtheria.


diphyllobothriasis bothriocéphalose infection with Diphyllobothrium.


Diphyllobothrium Diphyllobothrium a genus of large tapeworms, including D. latum (broad or fish tapeworm), found in the intestine of humans, cats, dogs, and other fish-eating mammals; its first intermediate host is a crustacean and the second a fish, the infection in humans being acquired by eating inadequately cooked fish.


diphyodont diphyodonte having two dentitions, a deciduous and a permanent.


dipivefrin dipivéfrine an ester converted in the eye to epinephrine, lowering intraocular pressure by decreasing the production and increasing the outflow of aqueous humor; the hydrochloride salt is applied topically in the treatment of open-angle or secondary glaucoma.


diplacusis diplacousie the perception of a single auditory stimulus as two separate sounds. binaural d. d. biauriculaire different perception by the two ears of a single auditory stimulus. disharmonic d. d. dysharmonique de Kayser binaural diplacusis in which a pure tone is heard differently in the two ears. echo d. d. échotique binaural diplacusis in which a sound of brief duration is heard at different times in the two ears. monaural d. d. mono-auriculaire diplacusis in which a pure tone is heard in the same ear as a split tone of two frequencies.


diplegia diplégie paralysis of like parts on either side of the body. Adj.: diplegic.


diplobacillus diplobacille pl. diplobacilli a short, rod-shaped organism occurring in pairs.


diplococcus diplocoque pl. diplococci any of the spherical, lanceolate, or coffee-bean-shaped bacteria occurring usually in pairs as a result of incomplete separation after cell division in a single plane.


diploë diploé the spongy layer between the inner and outer compact layers of the flat bones of the skull. Adj.: diploetic, diploic.


diploid diploïde having two sets of chromosomes, as normally found in the somatic cells of eukaryotes (2n or, in humans, 46).


diplomyelia diplomyélie complete or incomplete duplication of the spinal cord.


diplopia diplopie the perception of two images of a single object. binocular d. d. binoculaire double vision in which the images of an object are formed on noncorresponding points of the retinas. crossed d. d. croisée diplopia in which the image belonging to the right eye is displaced to the left of the image belonging to the left eye. direct d. d. homonyme that in which the image belonging to the right eye appears to the right of the image belonging to the left eye. heteronymous d. d. hétéronyme crossed d. homonymous d. d. homonyme direct d. horizontal d. d. horizontale that in which the images lie in the same horizontal plane, being either direct or crossed. monocular d. d. monoculaire perception by one eye of two images of a single object. paradoxical d. d. paradoxale crossed d. torsional d. d. de torsion that in which the upper pole of the vertical axis of one image is inclined toward or away from that of the other. vertical d. d. verticale that in which one image appears above the other in the same vertical plane.


diplosome diplosome the two centrioles of a mammalian cell.


diplotene diplotène the fourth stage of prophase in meiosis I, during which the synaptonemal complex disintegrates and the homologous chromosomes separate, held together only by chiasmata.


dipole dipôle 1. a molecule having separated charges of equal and opposite sign. 2. a pair of electric charges or magnetic poles separated by a short distance.


dipsesis soif thirst. Adj.: dipsetic.


-dipsia -dipsia word element [Gr.], thirst.


dipsogen dipsogène an agent or measure that induces thirst and promotes ingestion of fluids. Adj.: dipsogenic.


dipsosis soif morbide excessive thirst.


dipstick bandelette réactive a strip of cellulose chemically impregnated to render it sensitive to protein, glucose, or other substances in the urine.


Diptera Diptères an order of insects, including flies, gnats, and mosquitoes.


dipterous diptère 1. having two wings. 2. pertaining to insects of the order Diptera.


Dipylidium Dipylidium a genus of tapeworms. D. caninum, the dog tapeworm, is parasitic in dogs and cats and is occasionally found in humans.


dipyridamole dipyridamole a platelet inhibitor and coronary vasodilator used to prevent thromboembolism associated with mechanical heart valves, to treat transient ischemic attacks, and as an adjunct in preventing myocardial reinfarction and in myocardial perfusion imaging.


direct direct 1. straight; in a straight line. 2. performed immediately and without the intervention of subsidiary means.


director sonde cannelée a grooved instrument for guiding a surgical instrument.


dirithromycin dirithromycine a macrolide antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, streptococcal pharyngitis, and skin and soft tissue infections; administered orally.


Dirofilaria Dirofilaria a genus of filarial nematodes (superfamily Filarioidea), including D. immitis, the heartworm, found in the right heart and veins of the dog, wolf, and fox.


dirofilariasis dirofilariose infection with nematodes of genus Dirofilaria, common in dogs but rare in humans.


dis- dis- word element [L.], reversal or separation


dis- dis- word element [Gr.], duplication.


disability 1. incapacité an incapacity or inability to function normally, physically or mentally. 2. invalidité anything that causes such an incapacity. 3. invalidité as defined by the federal government: “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last or has lasted for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” developmental d. i. de développement any disorder in which developmental milestones are not reached on schedule, or may not be reached at all.


disaccharidase disaccharidase an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of disaccharides.


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Jun 17, 2017 | Posted by in GÉNÉRAL | Comments Off on D

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