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A clear English medical dictionary created for translators, medical writers, editors and localization professionals who need reliable terminology support when working with healthcare, pharmaceutical and clinical texts.
Medical translation requires more than word-for-word equivalence. Translators need to understand the meaning of clinical terms, the context in which they are used and the difference between specialist terminology and patient-friendly language. This medical terminology glossary helps bridge that gap by offering concise English explanations of complex healthcare terms.
Use this page to search medical terminology, check plain-English definitions, prepare glossaries, verify terminology before translating and improve consistency across translation memories, CAT tools and multilingual healthcare projects.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 5-hydroxytryptamine | Also known as serotonin, a neurotransmitter |
| Abdomen | Belly |
| Ablation | Procedure to burn or remove parts of [tissue] [an organ] |
| Ablation, radiofrequency | Destroying cancer cells with heat generated from radio waves |
| Abrasions | Grazes |
| Abscess | A swollen area where pus has collected |
| Absence seizure | See seizure, absence |
| Acetylcholine | See neurotransmitter |
| Acetylsalicylic acid | Also known as aspirin |
| Acid regurgitation | Stomach acid flowing up into the mouth |
| Acneiform | Resembling acne |
| Acromegaly | Excessive growth particularly of the bones of the hands, feet and face caused by too much growth hormone [from the pituitary gland] |
| Actinic keratoses | [precancerous] abnormal skin growths caused by too much sunlight |
| Acute | [short-lived] [sudden] [short-term] |
| Acute coronary syndrome | [heart] conditions such as heart attack and unstable angina [(a type of severe chest pain)] [caused by blocked blood supply to parts of the heart] |
| Acute systemic hypersensitivity reaction | See hypersensitivity reaction, acute systemic |
| Adipocytes | Fat cells |
| Adjunct | Add-on |
| Adjuvant (vaccines) | A substance [such as aluminium] that increases the effect of the vaccine |
| Administer / administration | Do not use; use simple verbs such as 'give' or 'take' |
| Advanced (cancer) | Has [started to] spread |
| Aggregate | Stick together |
| Agonist | A substance that attaches to a receptor (target) and triggers an effect |
| Agranulocytosis | Very low level of a type of white blood cell [called granulocytes] [which are important for fighting off infection] |
| Akathisia | A constant urge to move |
| Alcohol intoxication | Excessive alcohol consumption |
| Alkaloids | Substances that are naturally found in plants |
| Allergen | A substance that causes an allergy |
| Allergen challenge | A test to measure a patient's reaction to a defined dose of an allergen (the substance that they are allergic to) |
| Allergic rhinitis | See rhinitis, allergic |
| Allotransplantation | When a patient receives cells, tissues or organs from a donor |
| Alopecia | Hair loss |
| Alveolitis, allergic | See pneumonitis, hypersensitivity |
| Ambulatory | Able to walk |
| Amnesia | Memory loss |
| Anaemia | [low levels of red blood cells] [low levels of haemoglobin] [which can cause tiredness and pale skin] |
| Anaemia, aplastic | When bone marrow stops producing new blood cells [causing tiredness, lower ability to fight infection and uncontrolled bleeding] |
| Anaemia, haemolytic | Excessive breakdown of red blood cells [causing tiredness and pale skin] |
| Anaesthetic | A medicine [which blocks sensation] used to prevent pain and discomfort [during surgery and medical procedures] |
| Anaesthetic block | See nerve block |
| Anaesthetic, general | A medicine that can be used to prevent pain by making the patient unconscious |
| Anaesthetic, local | A medicine that blocks out sensation to prevent pain in a part of the body [during surgery or other medical procedure] |
| Anaesthetist | A doctor specialised in anaesthesia |
| Analgesic | Painkiller |
| Analgesic, intraspinal | Painkilling medicine injected into the spine |
| Anaphylactic reaction (shock) | See anaphylaxis |
| Anaphylactoid reaction | Sudden, severe allergic reaction [with breathing difficulty, swelling, light-headedness, fast heartbeat, sweating and loss of consciousness] |
| Anaphylaxis | Sudden, severe allergic reaction [with breathing difficulty, swelling, light-headedness, fast heartbeat, sweating and loss of consciousness] |
| Androgen | Male sex hormone like testosterone |
| Aneurysm | Bulging and weakening of blood vessel [wall] |
| Angina | See angina pectoris |
| Angina attacks | Sudden pains to the chest, jaw and back, brought on by physical effort and due to problems with the blood flow to the heart |
| Angina pectoris | Pains to the chest, jaw and back, brought on by physical effort and due to problems with the blood flow to the heart |
| Angina, unstable | Chest pain caused by interruptions in the heart's blood supply, that can occur at rest [or without an obvious trigger] |
| Angioedema | Rapid swelling under the skin [in areas such as the face, throat, arms and legs] [which can be life threatening if throat swelling blocks the airway] |
| Angiogenesis | Growth of new blood vessels |
| Angiography | X-rays of blood vessels |
| Angioplasty | A procedure to unblock a narrowed blood vessel [in the heart] |
| Anorexia | Loss of appetite |
| Anovulation | When ovaries fail to produce eggs |
| Antagonist | A substance that blocks a receptor (target) and stops other substances attaching to it and triggering an effect |
| Antibody | A protein in the blood that helps the body's defences by identifying and attaching to specific foreign substances including germs; [in relation to a side effect] a protein the body produces that attaches to the medicine [and can affect how well treatment |
| Anticoagulant | A substance that prevents the blood from clotting |
| Antiemetic | A substance that [prevents] [and] [treats] nausea and vomiting |
| Antigen | A specific structure that the body can recognise as 'foreign' and against which it can produce an antibody |
| Antihistamine | A [medicine] [substance] that prevents symptoms of allergy |
| Antihypertensive | Blood pressure lowering |
| Antioxidant | A substance that can prevent damage from highly reactive molecules called 'free radicals' |
| Antiplatelet medicines | Medicines that prevent platelets in the blood from clumping and blocking arteries |
| Antipyretic | A medicine for treating fever |
| Antiretroviral | Hiv medicine |
| Anuria | When a patient cannot make or pass urine |
| Aortic stenosis | See stenosis, aortic |
| Apathy | Lack of interest or energy |
| Aphasia | Problems with use of language [including speech, understanding and reading] [because of brain damage] |
| Apheresis | A procedure where blood is passed through an external device that removes [x] before returning the blood to the body |
| Apnoea | Interruption of breathing; see sleep apnoea; obstructive sleep apnoea |
| Apnoea, obstructive sleep | Repeated interruption of breathing during sleep due to airways becoming blocked |
| Apnoea, sleep | Frequent interruption of breathing during sleep |
| Aqueous humour | The watery fluid in the eye |
| Arachnoid | One of the membranes protecting the spine and the brain |
| Arrhythmia | Abnormal or irregular heartbeat |
| Artery disease, peripheral | Reduced blood flow in arteries of the legs and arms |
| Arthralgia | Joint pain |
| Arthritis | Pain and inflammation in the joints |
| Arthropathy | Damage to the joints |
| Ascites | A build-up of fluid in the abdomen |
| Aspergillosis | An infection caused by a fungus called aspergillus |
| Asthenia | Weakness |
| Asymptomatic | Showing no [symptoms] [effects] |
| Ataxia | Inability to co-ordinate muscle movements |
| Atelectasis | Collapse of the whole or part of a lung |
| Atherosclerosis | A disease in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries [which can cause blockage] |
| Atherothrombotic events | Problems caused by blood clots and hardening of the arteries |
| Atonic seizure | See seizure, atonic |
| Atony | Lack of normal muscle [strength] [movement] [function] |
| Atopic | Linked to an allergy |
| Atopic dermatitis | See eczema, atopic |
| Atrial fibrillation | See fibrillation, atrial |
| Atrial flutter | See flutter, atrial |
| Atrioventricular (av) block | A type of heart rhythm disorder |
| Atrophy | Wasting away of body tissue or organ |
| Atrophy, muscular | Muscle wasting |
| Attenuated | Weakened |
| Atypical absence seizure | See seizure, atypical absence |
| Aura | Unusual visual or other sensory experiences |
| Autograft | Healthy [tissue] [bone] [skin] [….] Taken from one part of the patient's body and grafted in another |
| Autoimmune disease | A disease caused by the body's own defence system attacking normal tissue |
| Autologous | [tissue] [cells] from the patient's own body |
| Avascular necrosis | Death of bone tissue due to interruption of blood supply |
| B cells | Cells in the immune system |
| B lymphocytes | See b cells |
| Bacteraemia | Bacteria present in the blood |
| Bacteriostatic | Stops bacteria from multiplying |
| Bell's palsy | Weakness in the face muscles |
| Benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph) | Enlarged prostate gland [that is not cancerous] |
| Bile | A fluid produced in the liver that helps to break down fats |
| Biliary cirrhosis | See cirrhosis, biliary |
| Bilirubin | A breakdown product of red blood cells |
| Bilirubin (elevated) | See hyperbilirubinaemia |
| Bioequivalent | Two medicines are bioequivalent when they produce the same levels of the active substance in the body. |
| Biological medicine | A medicine made by cells [grown in a laboratory] |
| Biopsy | Examination of tissue removed from the body [to check for disease] |
| Biowaiver | An exemption from having to show bioequivalence between the medicine and its reference product |
| Blepharitis | Inflammation of the eyelid(s) |
| Blood pressure, diastolic | Blood pressure when the heart is between beats [(lower one of the two readings)] |
| Blood pressure, systolic | Blood pressure when the heart beats [( higher one of the two readings)] |
| Blood urea nitrogen (bun) | A marker for liver and kidney problems |
| Bmi | Body mass index [a measure of body weight in relation to height] |
| Body surface area | Use: calculated using the [patient / child]'s height and weight |
| Bolus injection | Full dose injected in one go [over a few seconds] |
| Bone (mineral) density | A measure of how strong the bones are |
| Bone marrow | Spongy tissue inside the large bones [where blood cells are produced] |
| Bone marrow transplantation | See haematopoietic (blood) stem cell transplantation |
| Bradycardia | Slow heart rate |
| Breakthrough pain | Flare-up of pain despite ongoing treatment with painkillers |
| Bronchi | Airways in the lungs |
| Bronchiectasis | When airways have become weakened and scarred |
| Bronchitis | Inflammation of the airways in the lungs |
| Bronchoconstriction | Narrowing of the airways [causing breathing difficulty and wheezing] |
| Bronchodilator | A medicine that widens the airways in the lungs |
| Bronchospasm | Excessive [and prolonged] contraction of the airway muscles causing breathing difficulty |
| Bruxism | [involuntary] teeth grinding |
| Bulimia nervosa | An eating disorder |
| Bulla(e) | Large blister(s) with pus |
| Bullous | Blistered |
| Bullous eruption | Blisters |
| Cachexia | Muscle wasting with significant weight loss |
| Calcitonin | A hormone [produced by the thyroid gland] that helps to control the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood |
| Candidiasis | Thrush, a fungal infection [caused by candida] |
| Cannula | A thin tube inserted into [the body][a vein] |
| Cannula, indwelling intravenous | A thin tube permanently inserted into a vein |
| Capillary leak syndrome | Leakage of fluid from blood vessels causing tissue swelling and a drop in blood pressure |
| Capsid | Shell (of a virus) |
| Carcinoid syndrome | Symptoms caused by [cancerous] tumours that release substances into the blood [that act on different organs] |
| Carcinoid tumour | A tumour of the endocrine system that produces hormones |
| Carcinoma | A type of cancer |
| Cardiac | Heart |
| Cardiac arrest | Heart stops beating |
| Cardiac arrhythmia | See arrhythmia |
| Cardiomyopathy | Damage to the heart muscle |
| Cardiotoxicity | Harm to the heart |
| Cardiovascular | Affecting the heart and blood circulation |
| Cardiovascular system | Heart and blood vessels |
| Cardioversion | A process that restores the heart's normal rhythm |
| Cartilage | Tough, flexible tissue in joints and other areas such as the nose and ears |
| Castration | Surgical or chemical prevention of the effects of male hormones [released by the testes] |
| Catalyse | Help |
| Cataplexy | Sudden muscle weakness and collapse caused by a strong emotion or laughter [in people with narcolepsy] |
| Cataract | Clouding of the lens |
| Catheter | A flexible tube inserted into the body |
| Cd4 t-cells | White blood cells that are important in helping to fight infections |
| Cellulitis | Inflammation of the deep skin tissue |
| Central nervous system | Brain and spinal cord |
| Central venous catheter | See central venous line |
| Central venous line | A tube through the skin into a large vein [used for giving medicines and fluids] |
| Cerebral | Of [cerebrum, a part of] the brain |
| Cerebral oedema | See oedema, cerebral |
| Cerebrospinal fluid | Fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord |
| Cerebrovascular accident | Stroke |
| Cerebrovascular disease | Disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain |
| Cervical cancer | Cancer of the cervix |
| Cervical dystonia | Twisting and pulling of the neck and head caused by abnormal tightening of neck muscles |
| Cervix | The neck of the womb |
| Chd | See coronary heart disease |
| Chelate | [explain in text] 'attaches to another chemical to form a 'chelate' that can be removed from the body in the stools' |
| Cholestasis | Reduced flow of bile from the liver [because of a blockage] |
| Cholestatic hepatitis | See hepatitis, cholestatic |
| Choroid | The layer below the retina that contains blood vessels |
| Chromatopsia | Changes in colour perception |
| Chromosomal translocation | When parts of genes are rearranged between two chromosomes |
| Chromosome | Genetic material |
| Chronic | Long term |
| Chronic renal failure | See renal failure, chronic |
| Chronic stable angina pectoris | See angina pectoris |
| Circumoral | Around the mouth |
| Cirrhosis | [scarring of the liver] [a type of liver disease] |
| Cirrhosis, biliary | Liver damage caused by build-up of bile |
| Coagulation | Clotting |
| Coagulopathy | Problems with blood clotting |
| Cognitive | Ability to think, learn and remember |
| Colitis | Inflammation in the large bowel [causing pain and diarrhoea] |
| Colloidal | Solid particles evenly spread in a liquid |
| Colon | Lower part of the gut |
| Colonoscopy | A procedure to examine the large bowel though a tube with a camera |
| Colorectal cancer | A cancer that starts in the large bowel and involves the rectum (the lowest part of the gut) |
| Community-acquired infection | Infection that has been caught outside of hospital |
| Compensated liver disease | See liver disease, compensated |
| Complete response | No sign of cancer after treatment |
| Compliance | The ability of patients to stick to their treatment |
| Complicated flu | See flu, complicated |
| Complicated infection | See infection, complicated |
| Congenital | Present at birth |
| Congestive heart failure | See heart failure, congestive |
| Conjunctiva | The membrane that lines the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid |
| Conjunctivitis | Redness and discomfort in the eye |
| Connective tissue | The tissue that binds and supports the skin and internal organs |
| Constriction | Narrowing |
| Contraception | Prevention of pregnancy |
| Contrast agent | A compound that helps make internal body structures easier to see during imaging and medical procedures |
| Contusion | Bruising |
| Convulsion | An episode of spasm(s) and reduced consciousness |
| Cornea | The transparent layer in front of the eye that covers the pupil and iris |
| Corneal opacity | Clouding of the cornea |
| Coronary arteries | Blood vessels that supply the heart muscle |
| Coronary artery disease | See coronary heart disease |
| Coronary heart disease | Heart disease caused by narrowing or blockage of blood vessels supplying the heart muscle |
| Corpora cavernosa | The spongy tissue of the penis |
| Corpscular volume | Size of the red blood cells |
| C-reactive protein | A marker of inflammation |
| Creatine kinase | An enzyme released into the blood when muscle is damaged |
| Creatine phosphokinase (cpk) | See creatine kinase |
| Creatinine | A breakdown product of muscle [removed by the kidneys] |
| Creatinine (elevated) | A sign of [worsening] kidney problems |
| Creatinine clearance | A measure of how well the kidneys are working |
| Crepitation | Unusual crackling sound |
| Crohn's disease | An inflammatory disease affecting the gut |
| Cryotherapy | Freezing |
| Crystalluria | [crystal] particles in the urine |
| Cushing's syndrome | Disorder with signs such as weight gain, fat build-up on the face and bruising caused by too much of [a type of steroid] [corticosteroid] hormone |
| Cutaneous small vessel vasculitis | Inflammation of blood vessels in the skin [which may result in a rash or bruising] |
| Cyanosis | Skin and lips turning blue [because of a lack of oxygen] |
| Cystitis | [inflammation] [infection] in the bladder [which can cause pain and discomfort when passing urine] |
| Cytokine release syndrome | [life-threatening] condition causing fever, vomiting, shortness of breath, headache and low blood pressure |
| Cytomegalovirus (cmv) retinitis | A viral infection of the retina, which can cause loss of vision |
| Cytopenia | Low number of cells in the blood [or tissue] |
| Cytotoxic | Cell-killing or able to kill [dividing] cells [such as cancer cells] |
| Dander | Shed skin and hair |
| Decompensated heart failure | See heart failure, decompensated |
| Decompensated liver disease | See liver disease, decompensated |
| Deep vein thrombosis (dvt) | Blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg |
| Delirium | Confusion |
| Deltoid muscle | Muscle covering the shoulder joint |
| Delusion | False beliefs |
| Dementia | Loss of intellectual function |
| Demyelinating polyneuropathy | A neurological disorder characterised by progressive weakness and loss of sensation in the legs and arms |
| Demyelination | Breakdown of the covering around nerve fibres [which can affect brain activity, muscle control and sensations] |
| Depot injection | A type of injection where the medicine is prepared so that it is absorbed by the body very slowly |
| Dermatitis | Inflammation of the skin |
| Dermatitis, atopic | See eczema, atopic |
| Dermatology | The treatment of skin conditions |
| Desquamation | Shedding of the upper layers of the skin |
| Diabetic foot infection | Infection that occurs in the feet of people with diabetes |
| Diabetic ketoacidosis | A serious complication of diabetes with high levels of ketones in the blood [include relevant symptoms if needed] |
| Diabetic peripheral neuropathy | Damage to the nerves in the extremities that can occur in people with diabetes |
| Diabetic precoma | A dangerous condition that can occur in diabetes |
| Dialysis | Technique for removing unwanted substances and excess fluid from the blood [when the kidneys do not work well enough] |
| Dialysis, peritoneal | Type of dialysis [involving circulating fluid into the abdomen and then allowing the fluid to flow out] |
| Diaphoresis | Excessive sweating |
| Diaphragm | The main breathing muscle under the lungs |
| Diastolic blood pressure | See blood pressure, diastolic |
| Digital ulcers | See ulcers, digital |
| Dilate | Widen; expand |
| Diplopia | Double vision |
| Disease-modifying (drugs or therapy) | Treatment that changes the progress of a [long-term] disease |
| Dissociation (psychiatry) | Feeling disconnected from emotions and physical surroundings |
| Distension | Swelling |
| Diuretic | A medicine that increases urine production [and reduces build up of water in the body] [and lowers blood pressure] |
| Diverticulitis | A disease affecting the gut |
| Dna | Genetic material |
| Dopamine | See neurotransmitter |
| Dormant | Inactive |
| Dress (drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) | A severe reaction affecting the skin, blood and internal organs |
| Ductus arteriosus, patent | A condition where the blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the baby's lungs before birth fails to close after birth. This causes heart and lung problems in the baby. |
| Duodenitis | Inflammation of the duodenum, the part of the gut leading out of the stomach |
| Duodenum | The part of the gut leading out of the stomach |
| Dysaesthesia | Unpleasant and abnormal feeling when touched |
| Dysarthria | Difficulty speaking |
| Dysgeusia | Taste disturbance |
| Dyskinesia | Difficulty controlling movement |
| Dyslipidaemia | Abnormal levels of fat in the blood |
| Dysmenorrhoea | Period pains |
| Dyspepsia | Indigestion |
| Dysphagia | Difficulty swallowing |
| Dysphonia | Changes in the sound or tone of the voice |
| Dysplasia | Presence of abnormal cells [which may become cancerous] |
| Dyspnoea | Difficulty breathing |
| Dystonia | Involuntary muscle contractions |
| Dysuria | Painful urination |
| Ecchymosis | Bruise |
| Echocardiography | A diagnostic test where an image of the heart is obtained using ultrasound |
| Ectopia lentis | A disorder where the lens of the eye is in the wrong position |
| Ectopic pregnancy | Pregnancy developing outside the womb |
| Eczema | Itchy, red and dry skin |
| Eczema, atopic | Itchy, red and dry skin in people prone to allergies |
| Efficacy | 1) effectiveness; 2) how well [x][a medicine] works in clinical studies |
| Ejection fraction | How much blood is pumped out of the heart in one beat |
| Electrocardiogram (ecg) | A test of the heart's [electrical] activity |
| Electrolytes | Salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and bicarbonate [in blood and other fluids in the body] |
| Embolisation | A procedure to block a blood vessel [to stop bleeding or to block the flow of blood to a tumour or abnormal cells] |
| Embolism | Obstruction of a blood vessel [by a clot] |
| Embolism, air/gas | Air or gas bubbles in the blood that obstruct a blood vessel |
| Emetogenic | Triggering nausea and vomiting |
| Emotional lability | Mood swings |
| Empirical treatment | Treatment started on current knowledge until better information is available |
| Encephalitis | Inflammation of the brain |
| Encephalopathy | Brain disorder caused by a harmful substance or infection |
| Encephalopathy, hepatic | Brain damage caused by liver problems |
| Encephalopathy, hyperammonaemic | Brain damage caused by high levels of ammonia |
| Endocarditis | Infection of the sac around the heart [which can lead to serious heart complications] |
| Endocrine | 1) related to [glands that produce] hormones in the body; 2) hormonal |
| Endometrium | The lining of the womb |
| Endophthalmitis | Inflammation of the inside the eye [often caused by infections] |
| Endoscope | A flexible device used to look inside body cavities |
| Endoscopy | A procedure that uses a tube with a camera to look inside the body |
| Engraftment | When the cells start growing [and producing normal blood cells] |
| Enzyme | A protein that helps specific chemical processes in the body |
| Enzyme replacement therapy | Therapy in which the patient is provided the enzyme that is lacking |
| Eosinophil | A type of white blood cell |
| Eosinophilia | An excess of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell |
| Epidemic | When a disease spreads to a large number of people in a community, region or country |
| Epidemiological studies | Studies of the causes and distribution of diseases in the population |
| Epidermis | Outer layer of the skin |
| Epigastralgia | Pain around the upper part of the stomach |
| Epigastric (region) | Upper and middle part of the belly |
| Epiphyses | The growing ends of long bones [which become part of the main bone when growth finishes] |
| Epistaxis | Nosebleed |
| Erectile dysfunction | Inability to get or keep an erection; impotence |
| Erosion | Ulcer |
| Eructation | Belching |
| Erythema | Reddening of the skin |
| Erythropoietin | Hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells [by the bone marrow] |
| Event-free survival | [used in cancer trials] how long patients live without [a complication or sign of disease occurring or coming back] [their disease coming back] |
| Exacerbation | Flare-up |
| Exercise capacity | The ability to carry out physical activity |
| Exfoliative | Flaky |
| Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ecmo) | A technique to oxygenate the blood outside the body using a device similar to a heart-lung machine |
| Extrapyramidal side effects/symptoms | Effects on a part of the brain that regulates movement [which may result in tremor, muscle spasms or movement disorders] |
| Extravasation | When a medicine that is normally injected into a vein leaks or is accidentally injected into the tissue surrounding the vein, where it can cause serious damage |
| Faecal urgency | Urgent need to open the bowels |
| Familial | Runs in the family |
| Familial adenomatous polyposis | Formation of numerous growths mainly in the large intestine |
| Familial hypercholesterolaemia | High blood cholesterol levels that run in the family |
| Fatigue | Tiredness |
| Febrile | Feverish |
| Febrile neutropenia | See neutropenia, febrile |
| Ferritin | A protein that stores iron in the body |
| Fev1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) | The most air a person can breathe out in 1 second |
| Fibrillation | Uncoordinated twitching of muscle [fibres] |
| Fibrillation, atrial | Irregular and uncoordinated contractions of the upper chambers of the heart [caused by problems in the flow of electrical impulses] [which may cause [palpitations] [fast heart beat]] |
| Fibrillation, ventricular | Dangerous, irregular and uncoordinated contractions of the lower chambers of the heart [caused by problems in the flow of electrical impulses] [which can stop the heart working] |
| Fibrinolytic | Dissolves blood clots made out of a substance called fibrin |
| Fibroids | Non-cancerous growths in the womb |
| Fibrosis | Tissue scarring and thickening |
| Fibrosis, pulmonary | Lung damage with tissue scarring and thickening |
| Fissure | Tear or crack |
| Fistula | Abnormal passageway [between the gut and other organs] |
| Flare | Worsening of disease |
| Flatulence | Gas |
| Flu, complicated | Serious effects of flu generally requiring hospital care |
| Flushing | Reddening of the skin |
| Flutter, atrial | Rapid contractions of the upper chambers of the heart [caused by problems in the flow of electrical impulses] [which causes strain on the heart because the upper and lower chambers are beating at different speeds] |
| Follicles | Small sacs [in the ovary] that hold the eggs |
| Folliculitis | Inflammation of hair follicles |
| Forced expiratory volume | The most air a person can breathe out [in one second] |
| Forced vital capacity | A measure of how much air the lungs can hold |
| Formication | A sensation of something crawling on or under the skin |
| Fvc | See forced vital capacity |
| Gangrene | Decay and death of tissue |
| Gastric retention | When the stomach does not empty properly |
| Gastritis | Inflammation of the stomach lining |
| Gastroenteritis | Diarrhoea and vomiting |
| Gastrointestinal | Stomach and gut |
| Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease | Disease where stomach acid rises up into the oesophagus |
| Gastro-resistant | [tablets] [capsules] that can pass through the stomach intact |
| Gastrostomy | Inserting a tube through the skin into the stomach; see peg |
| General anaesthetic | See anaesthetic, general |
| Generalised anxiety disorder | Long-term anxiety or nervousness about everyday matters |
| Generalised seizure | See seizure, generalised |
| Genotoxic substance | A substance that is harmful to dna, the genetic material in cells |
| Glaucoma | Damage to the nerve in the eye [usually caused by high pressure in the eye] |
| Glaucoma, angle-closure | Damage to the nerve in the eye caused by pressure inside the eye rising rapidly because fluid cannot drain out |
| Glaucoma, narrow-angle | See glaucoma, angle-closure |
| Glaucoma, open-angle | Damage to the nerves in the eye caused by high pressure due to clogging of fluid drainage canals |
| Glioma | A type of brain tumour that begins in 'glial' cells (the cells that surround and support nerve cells) |
| Glossodynia | Burning or tingling sensation in or around the mouth |
| Glucose | Sugar |
| Gluteal region | Buttocks |
| Glycosylated haemoglobin (hba1c) | The proportion of haemoglobin in the blood that has glucose attached. Hba1c indicates how well blood glucose is controlled |
| Gout | High levels of uric acid in the blood causing symptoms especially painful inflammation in the joints |
| Graft versus host disease | When transplanted cells attack the body [because the transplanted tissue or organ regards the patient's tissue as 'foreign' and attacks the body] |
| Granulation | Wound healing |
| Granulation, hypertrophic | Excessive production of tissue during wound healing |
| Granulocytes | A type of white blood cell |
| Guillain-barré syndrome | An immune system disorder that causes nerve inflammation [and can result in pain, numbness, muscle weakness and difficulty walking] |
| Gynaecomastia | Abnormal breast enlargement |
| Haemagglutination | Clumping of red blood cells |
| Haemagglutinins | [virus] proteins that make red blood cells clump together |
| Haematological | [of] [related to] blood |
| Haematoma | A collection of blood under the skin |
| Haematopoietic (blood) stem cell transplantation | A procedure where the patient's bone marrow is [cleared of cells and] replaced [by stem cells] [from a donor] [with the patient's own stem cells] to form new bone marrow [that produces healthy cells] |
| Haematopoietic progenitor cells | See stem cells |
| Haematuria | Blood in the urine |
| Haemodialysis | Procedure for removing waste products from the blood [used in patients with kidney disease] [using a blood filtration machine] |
| Haemoglobin | The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body |
| Haemolytic anaemia | See anaemia, haemolytic |
| Haemophilia a | An inherited bleeding disorder caused by lack of factor viii |
| Haemophilia b | An inherited bleeding disorder caused by lack of factor ix |
| Haemoptysis | Coughing blood |
| Haemorrhage | Bleeding |
| Haemorrhagic stroke | See stroke, haemorrhagic |
| Haemostasis | Stopping bleeding |
| Hallucination | Seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there |
| Hand foot syndrome | Rash and numbness on the palms and soles |
| Hay fever | Inflammation of the nasal passages caused by an allergy to pollen |
| Heart failure | When the heart does not pump blood as well as it should [with shortness of breath, tiredness and ankle swelling] |
| Heart failure, congestive | When the heart does not pump blood as well as it should [with build-up of fluid around the heart] [causing shortness of breath, tiredness and ankle swelling] |
| Heart failure, decompensated | When the heart is working less and less well |
| Hepatic | Liver |
| Hepatic encephalopathy | See encephalopathy, hepatic |
| Hepatitis | Inflammation of the liver |
| Hepatitis, cholestatic | Build-up of bile leading to inflammation of the liver |
| Hepatomegaly | Enlarged liver |
| Her2 | A protein involved in the growth of certain types of breast cancer |
| Herpes simplex | Viral infection of the mouth (such as cold sores) or the genitals |
| Herpes zoster | See shingles |
| Hirsutism | Excessive hair [in parts where there is usually very little or no hair] |
| Histamine | A substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms |
| Hmg-coa reductase | An enzyme in the liver that is needed to make cholesterol |
| Hodgkin's lymphoma | See lymphoma |
| Hormone | A substance [released by a gland] that circulates in the blood and helps body organs to work in specific ways |
| Hormone treatment | Treatment that blocks or increases the effects of specific hormones |
| Hyperaemia | Increased blood flow |
| Hyperaemia, ocular | Red eye |
| Hyperammonaemia | High blood levels of ammonia |
| Hyperammonaemic encephalopathy | See encephalopathy, hyperammonaemic |
| Hyperbilirubinaemia | High blood levels of bilirubin[, a breakdown product of red blood cells, which can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes][, indicating liver problems] |
| Hypercalcaemia | High blood calcium levels |
| Hypercalciuria | High calcium levels in the urine |
| Hyperchloraemic acidosis | Excess acid in the blood caused by too much chloride |
| Hypercholesteraemia | High blood cholesterol levels |
| Hypercholesterolaemia, primary | High blood cholesterol levels that have no identifiable cause |
| Hyperglycaemia | High blood glucose levels |
| Hyperglycaemic coma | Coma caused by too much blood glucose |
| Hyperhidrosis | Excessive sweating |
| Hyperkalaemia | High blood potassium levels [which can cause tiredness, muscle weakness, feeling sick and heart rhythm disturbances] |
| Hyperlactataemia | High blood levels of lactic acid |
| Hyperlipidaemia | High blood levels of fat |
| Hypernatraemia | High blood sodium levels [which can cause thirst, tiredness, confusion and seizures] |
| Hyperparathyroidism | When the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, which raises calcium levels in the blood [and can lead to bone and muscle pain, dehydration, and fragile bones] |
| Hyperphosphataemia | High blood phosphate levels |
| Hyperplasia | Enlargement of an organ or body tissue [caused by increased cell division] |
| Hypersensitive | Allergic |
| Hypersensitivity | Allergic reactions |
| Hypersensitivity reaction, acute systemic | Allergic reaction with widespread effects such as shortness of breath, skin rashes and low blood pressure |
| Hypertension | High blood pressure |
| Hypertension, ocular | Raised pressure in the eye |
| Hypertensive crisis | Sudden, dangerously high blood pressure |
| Hyperthermia | High body temperature |
| Hyperthyroidism | An overactive thyroid gland [which can cause weight loss, nervousness, rapid or irregular heartbeart and tiredness] |
| Hypertonia | Muscle tension |
| Hypertriglyceridaemia | High blood levels of triglycerides, a type of fat |
| Hypertrophic granulation | See granulation, hypertrophic |
| Hypertrophy | Excessive growth; |
| Hyperuricaemia | High blood levels of uric acid |
| Hypervolaemic | When the amount of water in the body is higher than normal |
| Hypoacusis | Hearing loss |
| Hypoaesthesia | Reduced sensation to touch, pain and temperature |
| Hypoalbuminaemia | Low levels of albumin, a blood protein |
| Hypocalcaemia | Low blood calcium levels |
| Hypoglycaemia | Low blood glucose levels |
| Hypokalaemia | Low blood potassium levels [which can cause weakness, muscle cramps, tingling and heart rhythm disturbance] |
| Hypomagnesaemia | Low blood magnesium levels |
| Hypomania | Feeling excited and overactive |
| Hyponatraemia | Low blood sodium levels [which can cause headache, tiredness, fits and coma] |
| Hypophosphataemia | Low blood levels of phosphates |
| Hypoplasia | Incomplete development of an organ or tissue |
| Hypoproteinaemia | Low blood protein levels |
| Hypotension | Low blood pressure |
| Hypotension, orthostatic | See hypotension, postural |
| Hypotension, postural | Feeling dizzy or lightheaded on standing or sitting up because of a drop in blood pressure |
| Hypothalamus | A region of the brain |
| Hypothyroidism | An underactive thyroid gland [with tiredness, weight gain, and skin and hair changes] |
| Hypotonia | Reduced muscle strength or tone |
| Hypoxia | Lack of oxygen in body tissues |
| Icterus | See jaundice |
| Idiopathic | The cause of the disease is unknown |
| Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (itp) | A disease in which people do not have enough platelets and are at high risk of bleeding |
| Ileum (ileal) | Last part of the small intestine |
| Ileus | Loss of movement in bowel muscles |
| Immediate-release tablet | A tablet that releases the active substance immediately |
| Immune reactivation syndrome | See immune reconstitution syndrome |
| Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (iris) | See immune reconstitution syndrome |
| Immune reconstitution syndrome | When the recovering immune system starts fighting off hidden infection, causing inflammation and damage to healthy tissue [such as the liver and thyroid gland] |
| Immune system | The body's natural defences |
| Immunity | Protection |
| Immunocompetent person | Person with an immune system that works normally |
| Immunocompromised person | Person with a weakened immune system |
| Immunodeficiency disorder, primary | When body defences are reduced from birth |
| Immunogenicity | The ability to make the immune system respond to the [viruses/bacteria etc.]; [In studies] the ability of x to trigger the production of antibodies |
| Immunoglobulins | Antibodies; see antibody |
| Immunological response | Triggering of the body's defences against [an organism or a foreign substance] |
| Immunomodulator | A substance that changes the activity of the body's defences |
| Immunosuppressant medicine | A medicine that reduces the activity of the immune system |
| Immunosuppressive | Reduces the activity of the immune system |
| Immunotherapy | Medicines that stimulate the immune system [to kill the cancer cells] |
| Impetigo | A skin infection causing crusting scabs |
| Inactivated (vaccine) | See vaccine, inactivated |
| Incidence | The number of people who get the [disease/condition/illness] every [year] |
| Incontinence | Lack of control over passing [urine][stools] |
| Incontinence, stress | Accidental leaks of urine caused by sudden pressure on the bladder [brought on, for example, by coughing, laughing, lifting and exercising] |
| Incontinence, urge | See urinary urgency |
| Indolent | Slow-growing (cancer) |
| Induration | Hardening [at the injection site] |
| Indwelling intravenous cannula | See cannula, indwelling intravenous |
| Infection, complicated | Infection that is difficult to treat because it has spread within the body or because the patient has other conditions |
| Infection, upper respiratory tract | Nose and throat infection |
| Infection, urinary tract | Infection of the parts of the body that collect and pass out urine |
| Influenza | Flu |
| Infusion | Drip |
| Insomnia | Difficulty sleeping |
| Insomnia, primary | Insomnia with no identified cause [including medical, mental or environmental causes] |
| Interstitial lung disease | See lung disease, interstitial |
| Intra-abdominal infections | Infections within the abdomen (belly) |
| Intracranial | Within the skull [in or around the brain] |
| Intradermal | [within][into] the skin |
| Intramuscular | Into a muscle |
| Intraocular | Into the eye |
| Intraspinal analgesia | Analgesic, intraspinal |
| Intrathecal | Into the spinal canal [into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord] |
| Intravenous[ly] | Into a vein |
| Intravitreal | Inserted into the vitreous humour, the jelly-like fluid in the eye |
| Intubation | Insertion of a breathing tube through the nose or the mouth |
| Intussusception | When part of the bowel becomes enfolded within another part of the bowel, leading to a blockage |
| Invasive disease | Disease [that has spread] [capable of spreading] to other parts of the body |
| Invasive procedure | A medical procedure that may involve piercing or cutting into the body or inserting instruments |
| Ions | Charged particles |
| Iron overload | An excess of iron in the body |
| Ischaemia | Reduced blood supply |
| Ischaemic heart disease | See coronary heart disease |
| Ischaemic stroke | See stroke, ischaemic |
| Jaundice | Yellowing of the skin and eyes |
| Kaposi's sarcoma | A type of cancer affecting the skin |
| Keratitis | Inflammation of the cornea |
| Keratoconjunctivitis sicca | Dry eyes |
| Keratopathy | Damage to the cornea, the transparent layer of the eye |
| Ketoacidosis | A dangerous condition with high blood levels of ketones [that can make blood more acidic] |
| Lacerations | Cuts |
| Lacrimation | Watery eyes |
| Lactate dehydrogenase | A marker for tissue damage |
| Lactic acidosis | A build-up of lactic acid in the body |
| Larynx | Voice box |
| Laxatives | Medicines that treat constipation |
| Lean body mass | Body weight excluding fat |
| Lesion | Injury; abnormality |
| Lethargy | Lack of energy |
| Leucocytes | White blood cells |
| Leucocytosis | High levels of white blood cells |
| Leucopenia | Low levels of white blood cells |
| Leukaemia | Cancer of the white blood cells |
| Limb | Arm or leg |
| Lipids | Fats |
| Lipoatrophy | Loss of fat below the skin [that can change body shape] |
| Lipodystrophy (syndrome) | Changes in the distribution of body fat |
| Liver disease, compensated | When the liver is damaged but is still able to work [adequately] |
| Liver disease, decompensated | When the liver is damaged and can no longer work adequately |
| Liver impairment | Problems with the liver |
| Local anaesthetic | See anaesthetic, local |
| Long qt syndrome | See qt[c] prolongation |
| Low density lipoprotein (ldl)-cholesterol | 'bad' cholesterol |
| Lower respiratory tract infection | Infection of the lungs such as bronchitis or pneumonia |
| Lumbar puncture | Inserting a needle into the lower spine [to test for] [to treat] conditions affecting the spinal cord and brain] |
| Lumbar vertebra | One of the bones in the lower part of the spine |
| Lung disease, interstitial | Disorders causing scarring in the lungs |
| Luteinising hormone (lh) | The hormone that triggers the release of eggs during the menstrual cycle |
| Lymphadenopathy | Enlarged lymph nodes, or 'swollen glands' |
| Lymphatic system | A network of vessels that transport fluid from tissues through the lymph nodes and into the bloodstream |
| Lymphocele | Collection of lymph fluid usually in the lower belly |
| Lymphocytes | A type of white blood cell |
| Lymphoma | Cancer of lymphocytes, white blood cells involved in the body's defences |
| Lymphopenia | Low levels of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell |
| Lyophilisate | Medicine [or food] that has been dried [by freeze drying] |
| Lysis | Cell death |
| Macrocytosis | Enlargement of red blood cells |
| Macrophage | A type of white blood cell |
| Macula | The central part of the retina at the back of the eye |
| Macular oedema | See oedema, macular |
| Magnetic resonance imaging (mri) | Technique for detailed scanning of internal organs [using magnetic fields] |
| Maintenance (dose, treatment) | [continuing] [ongoing] [subsequent] |
| Malabsorption | Poor absorption of nutrients from the digestive system |
| Malaise | Feeling generally unwell |
| Malignant | Cancerous |
| Mania | Mental disorder with extreme excitement and overactivity |
| Manic episodes | Periods of extremely high mood |
| Mantle cell lymphoma | An aggressive cancer of a type of white blood cell called b lymphocytes |
| Melanoma | A type of skin cancer affecting cells called melanocytes |
| Meningitis | Inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord |
| Metabolites | Breakdown products in the body; the substances that [a food] [a medicine] [a chemical] is broken down into |
| Metastasis | Cancer that has spread from another part of the body |
| Metastatic | Has spread to other parts of the body |
| Methaemoglobinaemia | Too much of an abnormal haemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen effectively |
| Minimal residual disease | When very few cancer cells remain in the body after treatment |
| Mitochondria | The energy-producing components within cells |
| Monoclonal antibody | An antibody (a type of protein) designed to recognise and attach to [named antigen] [a specific target] |
| Monotherapy | Used on its own |
| Mortality | Death rate |
| Mucopurulent | Containing mucus and pus |
| Mucosa | See mucous membranes |
| Mucositis | Inflammation of the moist body surfaces |
| Mucositis, oral | Inflammation of the lining in the mouth [ranging from soreness and redness to severe ulceration] |
| Mucous membranes | Moist body surfaces, such as the lining of the mouth |
| Mucus | A thick bodily fluid for lubrication and protection |
| Multiple myeloma | A cancer of the bone marrow |
| Multiple sclerosis (ms) | A disease of the brain and spinal cord in which inflammation destroys the protective covering around nerves and damages the nerves |
| Multiple sclerosis, primary progressive | Gradual start of multiple sclerosis with steady worsening of the disease |
| Multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting | When the disease causes multiple sclerosis attacks (relapses) followed by periods with milder symptoms (remission) |
| Multiple sclerosis, secondary progressive | When relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis steadily worsens without any improvement |
| Muscle relaxants | Medicines used to relax muscles [including muscles that help the patient to breathe] |
| Muscular atrophy | See atrophy, muscular |
| Musculoskeletal | Relating to the muscles and bones |
| Mutated | Changed |
| Myalgia | Muscle pain |
| Myasthenia gravis | A disease causing muscle weakness |
| Myelin | Protective covering of nerves |
| Myeloablative therapy | Treatments that destroy the bone marrow |
| Myelodysplastic syndromes | When the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells or platelets |
| Myeloid | Of [in] bone marrow |
| Myeloproliferative diseases | [a slow-growing cancer with] production of too many blood cells of a particular type [that can cause blockages] |
| Myelosuppression | A condition in which the bone marrow cannot make enough blood cells |
| Myocardial infarction | Heart attack [because of blockage in blood supply to a part of the heart] |
| Myocarditis | Inflammation of heart muscle |
| Myoclonic seizure | See seizure, myoclonic |
| Myopathy | Muscle disease causing weakness |
| Myopia | Near-sightedness or short-sightedness |
| Myositis ossificans | Abnormal bone growth in the muscle |
| Naevus/nevus | [mole] [visible area of skin damage] |
| Naïve patients | Patients who have not been treated before |
| Nanobody | A small antibody |
| Narcolepsy | A sleep disorder that causes a person to fall asleep suddenly and unexpectedly |
| Narrow-angle glaucoma | See glaucoma, angle-closure |
| Nasal congestion | A blocked nose |
| Nasal polyps | Growths in the lining of the nose |
| Nasogastric tube | A tube through the nose to the stomach |
| Nasopharyngitis | Inflammation of the nose and throat |
| Nausea | Feeling sick |
| Nebuliser | Device to produce a mist [of the medicine] for the patient to breathe in [through a mask or mouthpiece] |
| Necrosis | Death of cells or tissue |
| Neoadjuvant treatment | Preliminary treatment to shrink the [cancer] [tumour] |
| Neonate | Newborn baby |
| Neonatologist | Doctor specialising in treating newborn babies |
| Neoplasm | Cancerous or non-cancerous growths |
| Nephritis | Kidney inflammation |
| Nephrolithiasis | Kidney stones |
| Nerve block | Procedure to block sensation to a part of the body |
| Neuralgia | Nerve pain |
| Neuralgia, post-herpetic | Long-lasting nerve burning pain that may occur after shingles |
| Neuroleptic malignant syndrome | A dangerous reaction with fever, rigid muscles, changing blood pressure and coma, usually caused by antipsychotic medicines |
| Neurological | Relating to the brain or nerves |
| Neuropathic pain | See pain, neuropathic |
| Neuropathic ulcer | See ulcer, neuropathic |
| Neuropathy | Nerve damage |
| Neuropathy, peripheral | Nerve damage in arms and legs [causing pain or numbness, burning and tingling] |
| Neuropathy, peripheral motor | Nerve damage causing difficulty with movement |
| Neuropathy, sensory | Nerve damage affecting sensation of pain, temperature and touch |
| Neuropsychiatric disorders | Disorders of the brain and nerves resulting in altered thinking or behaviour |
| Neurosurgery | Surgery on the nervous system, including the brain |
| Neurotransmitter | A substance that nerve cells use to communicate with neighbouring cells |
| Neutropenia | Low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell [that fights infection] |
| Neutropenia, febrile | Low levels of white blood cells with fever [due to infection] |
| Neutropenic | With low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell |
| Neutropenic fever | See neutropenia, febrile |
| Neutrophil | A type of white blood cell [that fights infection] |
| Nocturia | Need to pass urine at night |
| Nonclinical studies | Laboratory studies |
| Non-hodgkin's lymphoma | See lymphoma |
| Nosocomial | [infection] [disease] picked up in hospital |
| Obesity | Being very overweight |
| Observational studies | Studies looking at the effects of medicines as they are used by patients in a real-life setting |
| Obstructive sleep apnoea (syndrome) | See apnoea, obstructive sleep |
| Ocular | Of eye |
| Ocular hyperaemia | See hyperaemia, ocular |
| Ocular hypertension | See hypertension, ocular |
| Oedema | Swelling; fluid retention |
| Oedema, cerebral | Swelling in the brain |
| Oedema, macular | Swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina at the back of the eye |
| Oedema, periorbital | Puffy eyes |
| Oedema, peripheral | Swelling especially of the ankles and feet [due to fluid retention] |
| Oesophageal | [gullet] [foodpipe] [tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach] |
| Oesophageal stenosis | See stenosis |
| Oesophagitis | Inflammation of the foodpipe |
| Oesophagus | The tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach |
| Oestrogen | A female sex hormone |
| Oestrogen-receptor negative | Where the cancer cells do not have receptors for the hormone oestrogen on their surface |
| Oestrogen-receptor positive | Where the cancer cells have receptors for the hormone oestrogen on their surface |
| Oligo-ovulatory | Rarely produces eggs |
| Oliguria | Low urine output |
| Oncologist | Cancer specialist |
| Opacity | Clouding |
| Open-angle glaucoma | See glaucoma, open-angle |
| Ophthalmologist | Eye specialist |
| Opioid | A [painkiller][medicine] that is related to morphine |
| Opportunistic infections | Infections seen in patients with a weakened immune system |
| Optic nerve | The nerve that sends signals from the eye to the brain |
| Oral mucositis | See mucositis, oral |
| Orodispersible | That dissolves in the mouth |
| Oropharynx (oropharyngeal) | Mouth and throat |
| Orphan medicine | A medicine used in rare diseases |
| Orthopaedic | Relating to the bones |
| Orthostatic | On standing or sitting up |
| Orthostatic hypotension | See hypotension, postural |
| Ossification | Bone formation |
| Osteoarthritis | Swelling and pain in the joints |
| Osteoblasts | Bone-forming cells |
| Osteoclasts | Cells that are involved in breaking down the bone tissue |
| Osteomalacia | A condition in which bones become soft and deformed |
| Osteomyelitis | Bone infection |
| Osteonecrosis | Death of bone tissue |
| Osteopenia | Reduction in bone strength |
| Osteoporosis | A disease that makes bones fragile |
| Otitis media | Infection of the middle ear |
| Ovalbumin | A protein in egg white |
| Ovarian cysts | Sacs of fluid within the ovaries |
| Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome | When the ovaries over-respond to treatment [causing nausea, weight gain and diarrhoea] |
| Ovarian stimulation | Fertility treatment where the ovaries are stimulated to release more eggs |
| Overall response rate | [used in cancer trials] percentage of patients who have either no sign of cancer or [shrinkage of the tumour][a decrease in the extent of the cancer] after treatment |
| Overall survival | [used in cancer trials] how long patients live |
| Ovulation | The release of eggs [during the menstrual cycle] |
| Oxygen saturation | A measure of oxygen levels in the blood |
| Paediatrician | Doctor specialised in the treatment of children |
| Paget's disease | A disease involving bone destruction and regrowth, which causes deformity |
| Pain, neuropathic | Pain due to nerve damage |
| Palliative | Relieving symptoms |
| Palliative care | Treatment of the symptoms of a disease that is not intended to lead to cure |
| Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome | See hand foot syndrome |
| Palpitations | A forceful heartbeat that may be rapid or irregular |
| Palsy | Paralysis with weakness and shaking |
| Pancreatitis | Inflammation of the pancreas [causing severe pain in the belly and back] |
| Pancytopenia | [low levels of blood cells] / [low levels of all types of blood cells [including platelets]] |
| Pandemic | When a disease spreads to a large number of people in many countries worldwide |
| Papillomaviruses | Viruses that cause warts and abnormal tissue growth |
| Paraesthesia | Sensations like numbness, tingling, pins and needles |
| Parathyroid glands | Glands that secrete the hormone that controls blood calcium levels |
| Parkinson's disease | A progressive brain disease that causes shaking and muscle stiffness and slows movement |
| Parkinsonism | Effects similar to parkinson's disease such as shaking, muscle stiffness and slow movement |
| Paronychia | Nail bed infection |
| Partial response | [used in cancer trials] [shrinkage of the tumour][decrease in the extent of the cancer] after treatment |
| Partial[-onset] seizure [with [or without] secondary generalisation] | See seizure, partial[-onset] [with [or without] secondary generalisation] |
| Patent ductus arteriosus | See ductus arteriosus, patent |
| Patient-reported outcome | [used in cancer trials] report directly from the patient of how well they are doing |
| Patient-year | The equivalent of one patient taking the medicine for one year |
| Peak expiratory flow | The maximum speed a person can breathe out |
| Pedal arteries | Arteries that supply blood to the feet |
| Peg (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) | A feeding tube inserted through the skin into the stomach; see gastrostomy |
| Pegylated | Attached to a chemical called polyethylene glycol |
| Pegylated liposomes | Tiny fatty spheres that are [coated with] [attached to] a chemical called polyethylene glycol |
| Pelvic | Lower abdominal |
| Pelvic inflammatory disease | A type of infection of the upper part of the female genital tract |
| Peptic ulcer disease | Ulcers in the stomach or the duodenum |
| Peptide | A short chain of amino acids |
| Percutaneous coronary intervention | A procedure that unblocks blood vessels of the heart to restore its blood supply |
| Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy | See peg |
| Percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography (ptca) | Surgical procedure that is used to unblock narrowed coronary arteries |
| Perennial | Occurs throughout the year |
| Performance status | A rating of how well a patient is |
| Perfusion | Blood circulation [through an organ] |
| Pericardial disease | Disease of the membrane around the heart |
| Pericarditis | Inflammation of the membrane around the heart |
| Periocular infections | Infections around the eyes |
| Periorbital oedema | See oedema, periorbital |
| Peripheral arterial disease | See artery disease, peripheral |
| Peripheral motor neuropathy | See neuropathy, peripheral motor |
| Peripheral neuropathy | See neuropathy, peripheral |
| Peripheral oedema | See oedema, peripheral |
| Peritoneal cavity | The area of the belly that contains the intestines |
| Peritoneal dialysis | See dialysis, peritoneal |
| Peritoneum | The membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal (belly) cavity |
| Pertussis | Whooping cough |
| Petechiae | Tiny blood spots under the skin |
| Phaeochromocytoma | A tumour of the adrenal gland |
| Phagocytes | Specialised 'scavenger' cells of the immune system |
| Pharmacodynamics | A medicine's effects in the body |
| Pharmacokinetics | How a medicine is absorbed, modified and removed from the body |
| Pharyngitis | Sore throat |
| Philadelphia chromosome positive (ph+) | When some of the patient's genes have rearranged themselves to form a special chromosome called the philadelphia chromosome. |
| Phlebitis | Inflammation of a vein |
| Phlebotomy | Removal of some of the blood from the body |
| Phosphenes (luminous phenomena) | A temporary brightness in the field of vision |
| Photodynamic therapy | Treatment in which a medicine is 'switched on' by [a special type of] light |
| Photophobia | Abnormal sensitivity of the eyes to light |
| Photopsia | Flashes of light in the field of vision |
| Photosensitising agent | A medicine 'switched on' by [a special type of] light [and used for photodynamic therapy] |
| Photosensitivity reactions | Sunburn-like reactions (following exposure to light) |
| Pigmentation | Colouring of the skin, hair and eyes |
| Pituitary gland | A gland [at the base of the brain] that controls many other hormone-producing glands in the body |
| Placebo | Dummy treatment |
| Plaque psoriasis | See psoriasis |
| Plasma | The liquid part of the blood; the part of the blood left when the blood cells are removed |
| Plasma exchange | A procedure to remove [unwanted] [substances] [antibodies] from plasma (the liquid part of the blood) [by replacing the patient's plasma with plasma from a donor] |
| Plasmapheresis | See plasma exchange |
| Plasmin | An enzyme that breaks up clots [and helps restore the normal blood flow to the heart] |
| Platelet aggregation | Platelets clumping together [which can lead to a blood clot] |
| Platelets | Components that help the blood to clot |
| Pleural effusion | Fluid around the lungs |
| Pleuritic pain | A type of chest pain |
| Pneumonia | Infection of the lungs |
| Pneumonitis | Inflammation in the lungs [causing shortness of breath and cough] |
| Pneumonitis, hypersensitivity | Inflammation in the lungs due to an allergy [causing shortness of breath and cough] |
| Poliomyelitis | Polio |
| Pollakiuria | Abnormally frequent urination |
| Polyuria | Increase in urine production |
| Porphyria | An inability to break down chemicals called porphyrins |
| Portal vein | Vein leading to the liver |
| Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome | Brain swelling with [usually temporary effects such as] headache, changes in vision, reduced consciousness and seizures |
| Post-herpetic neuralgia (phn) | See neuralgia, post-herpetic |
| Postmenopausal women | Women who have been through the menopause |
| Postpartum | After childbirth |
| Postural hypotension | See hypotension, postural |
| Precancerous lesions | Abnormal cells that could develop into cancer |
| Preclinical studies | Laboratory studies |
| Preprandially | Before meals |
| Pres | See posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome |
| Preterm | Premature |
| Prevalence | The number of people with the disease |
| Primary hypercholesterolaemia | See hypercholesterolaemia, primary |
| Primary immunodeficiency syndrome | See immunodeficiency disorder, primary |
| Primary insomnia | See insomnia, primary |
| Proctalgia | Anal pain |
| Prodrug | A medicine that is converted to an active form in the body |
| Progression (disease) | [used in cancer trials] getting worse |
| Progression-free survival | [used in cancer trials] how long patients live without their disease getting worse |
| Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (pml) | A rare but serious [viral] brain infection [with symptoms similar to those of a multiple sclerosis attack] |
| Prolonged release | The active substance is released slowly over a few |
| Prophylaxis | Prevention |
| Prostate | Gland that produces fluid that nourishes and carries sperm |
| Proteasome | A system within cells that breaks down proteins when they are no longer needed |
| Proteinuria | Excess protein in the urine |
| Pruritus | Itching |
| Psoriasis | [a] [an inflammatory] disease causing red, scaly patches on the skin |
| Psoriatic arthritis | A disease, causing inflammation in the joints in combination with psoriasis |
| Psychomotor hyperactivity | Restlessness |
| Psychosis | Altered sense of reality |
| Pulmonary (arterial) hypertension | High blood pressure in [the arteries of] the lungs |
| Pulmonary artery | The blood vessel that leads from the heart to the lungs |
| Pulmonary embolism | Clot in a blood vessel in the lungs [which can cause chest pain, breathlessness and fainting] |
| Pulmonary fibrosis | See fibrosis, pulmonary |
| Pulmonary nodule | A small [area of damage] [lump] in the lungs |
| Punctate keratitis | Spots of inflammation in the cornea |
| Pure red cell aplasia | A condition in which no red blood cells are produced |
| Purpura | Purple patches like bruising |
| Pustulation | Blisters |
| Pyelonephritis | Kidney infection |
| Pyrexia | Fever |
| Qt interval | A measure of the heart's electrical activity |
| Qt[c] prolongation | Abnormal electrical activity of the heart that affects its rhythm |
| Radiofrequency ablation | See ablation, radiofrequency |
| Radiolabelling | Where a radioactive tag is attached to a substance |
| Radiotherapy | Treatment with radiation |
| Raynaud's disease (phenomenon, syndrome) | Severe narrowing of blood vessels in the cold [with skin turning white or blue] |
| Receptor | Target |
| Rectum | The lowest part of the gut [that stores faeces] |
| Recurrence | When [symptoms/the disease] come(s) back [after treatment] |
| Recurrent | [has come back/keeps coming back] [after previous treatment] |
| Refractory | When treatment does not work |
| Registry (patient or disease) | Ongoing collection of information about [a specific group of] patients affected by a particular condition |
| Relapse | When [symptoms/the disease] come(s) back [after treatment] |
| Relapse-free survival | [used in cancer trials] how long patients live without their disease coming back |
| Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis | See multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting |
| Remission | A period without disease symptoms after treatment |
| Renal | Kidney |
| Renal failure | Inability of the kidneys to work properly |
| Renal failure, chronic | Long-term, progressive decrease in the kidneys' ability to work properly |
| Renal impairment | Reduced kidney function |
| Resistant (treatment) | When treatment does not work |
| Respiratory depression | When breathing is too slow and shallow |
| Respiratory failure | Inability of the lungs [to work properly][to take in oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide properly] |
| Respiratory insufficiency | Difficulty breathing |
| Respiratory system | Lungs and airways |
| Respiratory tract congestion | Blocked airways |
| Respiratory tract infection | Infection of the airways |
| Response | Improvement related to treatment |
| Response rate | [used in cancer trials] percentage of patients who improve [on treatment] |
| Restless legs syndrome | A disorder where the patient has uncontrollable urges to move the legs to stop uncomfortable, painful or odd sensations, usually at night |
| Reticulocytopenia | Low levels of reticulocytes, a type of immature red blood cell |
| Retina | The light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye |
| Retinopathy | Damage to the retina |
| Revascularisation | Restoration of blood flow |
| Reverse transcriptase | An enzyme produced by [virus] that allows it to infect cells in the body and make more viruses |
| Rhabdomyolysis | Breakdown of muscles often leading to kidney damage |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | A disease with painful swelling and damage of joints [caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells] |
| Rhinitis | Stuffy and runny nose |
| Rhinitis, allergic | Stuffy and runny nose [with inflammation] caused by an allergy [e.G., Hay fever or dust-mite allergy] |
| Rhinorrhoea | Runny nose |
| Ribosomes | The parts of the cell that produce proteins |
| Rigors | Shaking chills |
| Rna | Genetic material [instructions for producing proteins] |
| Rotavirus | A virus that causes gastroenteritis |
| Rubella | German measles |
| Saccadic (eye movements) | Rapid eye movements |
| Scleroderma | Hardening of the skin and connective tissue around internal organs |
| Sclerosis, systemic | See scleroderma |
| Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis | Inflammation of the eyes caused by pollen in patients with hay fever |
| Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Hay fever |
| Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis | See multiple sclerosis, secondary progressive |
| Sedation | [calming effect] [induce sleepiness] |
| Seizure | Use seizure; do not use fit |
| Seizure, absence | A type of seizure during which a person has a blank stare but is partly aware of surroundings |
| Seizure, atonic | Brief loss of muscle control and reduced consciousness |
| Seizure, atypical absence | A type of seizure during which a person has a blank stare [possibly losing awareness of surroundings] |
| Seizure, generalised | Seizure affecting most or all of the brain |
| Seizure, myoclonic | Short, shock-like jerks of a muscle or group of muscles |
| Seizure, partial[-onset] [with [or without] secondary generalisation] | Epileptic seizure starting in one specific part of the brain. [Secondary generalisation is when the seizure subsequently spreads to the whole brain] |
| Seizure, tonic | Brief seizure with muscle contraction |
| Seizure, tonic-atonic | A type of seizure that often involves the patient falling to the floor |
| Seizure, tonic-clonic | Major seizure, including loss of consciousness |
| Sensitivity (of disease) | When a condition is treatable by a [medicine] [group of medicines] |
| Sensitivity (test) | A measure of how well a test can detect those who have a [disease] [condition] |
| Sensory neuropathy | See neuropathy, sensory |
| Sepsis | [when bacteria and their toxins circulate in the blood leading to organ damage][blood poisoning] |
| Septic shock | A dangerous drop in blood pressure caused by severe infection |
| Septicaemia | Blood poisoning |
| Seroconversion | Development of antibodies [(proteins in the body's defence system)] against a specific target |
| Serum sickness | Allergic reaction to injected proteins [and blood products] [with fever, rash, joint pain, digestive system problems and headache] |
| Shingles | A painful, blistering rash in one part of the body |
| Shock | A steep fall in blood pressure |
| Sinus node | The 'pacemaker' for the heart that controls the heart contractions and regulates heart rate |
| Sinus rhythm | Normal heartbeat |
| Sinuses | Air-filled passageways in the bones around the nose and eyes |
| Sinusitis | Inflammation of the sinuses |
| Sleep apnoea | See apnoea, sleep |
| Sleep latency | The length of time taken to fall asleep |
| Slit lamp | An instrument used by eye specialists to look into the eye |
| Soft tissues | Tissues just below the skin |
| Somnolence | Sleepiness |
| Spasticity | Continuously stiffened muscles |
| Specificity (test) | A measure of how well a test can distinguish people with a condition from those who don't have it |
| Splenomegaly | Enlarged spleen |
| Sputum | Phlegm |
| St segment elevation | An abnormal reading on the electrocardiogram (ecg) |
| Stable angina pectoris | See angina pectoris |
| Standard of care | Treatment that medical experts consider most appropriate |
| Statin | The standard type of medicine used to reduce cholesterol |
| Status epilepticus | An epileptic seizure, or series of seizures, lasting longer than 5 minutes |
| Stem cell transplant | See haematopoietic (blood) stem cell transplantation |
| Stem cells (haematopoietic stem cells) | Cells that can develop into different types of (blood) cells |
| Stenosis | Narrowing of a [body passage] [blood vessel] |
| Stenosis, aortic | Narrowing of the aorta |
| Stent | A short tube placed in an artery to prevent it closing up |
| Steroid | Use corticosteroid |
| Stevens-johnson syndrome | Life-threatening reaction with flu-like symptoms and painful rash affecting the skin, mouth, eyes and genitals |
| Stomatitis | Inflammation of the lining of the mouth |
| Stress incontinence | See incontinence, stress |
| Stroke | Sudden interruption of blood flow in the brain which can cause paralysis and unconsciousness |
| Stroke, haemorrhagic | Stroke [(sudden interruption of blood flow in the brain)] caused by bleeding in a part of the brain |
| Stroke, ischaemic | Stroke [(sudden interruption of blood flow in the brain)] caused by blocked blood supply to a part of the brain |
| Subcutaneous injection | Injection under the skin |
| Subcutaneous(ly) | Under the skin |
| Sublingual tablet | A tablet that is placed under the tongue where it dissolves |
| Supportive care | Treatment to prevent or relieve the symptoms of the disease [but not specific treatment against the disease] |
| Surfactant (lung) | A substance lining the airsacs which allows gases to pass easily between the lung and blood |
| Survival rate, overall | [used in cancer trials] percentage of patients who live for a specific period [after diagnosis or treatment] |
| Survival, overall | [used in cancer trials] how long patients live |
| Suspension | A liquid with solid particles in it |
| Sutured | Stitched |
| Syncope | Fainting |
| Systemic (side effects) | Side effects that can affect anywhere in the body |
| Systemic lupus erythematosus | A condition in which the body's defence system attacks normal tissue causing symptoms such as swollen joints, tiredness and rashes |
| Systemic treatment | Treatment with [a] medicine[s] given [by mouth] [or] [by injection] |
| Systolic blood pressure | See blood pressure, systolic |
| T cells | Cells in the immune system |
| T lymphocytes | See t cells |
| Tachycardia | Rapid heartbeat |
| Tachypnoea | Rapid breathing |
| Tapering (dose) | Reducing the dose gradually |
| Tardive dyskinesia | Uncontrolled movements of the face and jaw |
| Tenosynovitis | Inflammation of the sheath surrounding a tendon |
| Teratogen | A substance that can cause birth defects in the unborn baby |
| Teratogenicity | Ability to cause birth defects |
| Test term | Short description |
| Thrombin | A protein involved in blood clotting |
| Thrombocytopenia | Low levels of blood platelets [which can lead to bleeding and bruising] |
| Thrombocytopenic purpura | Formation of blood clots in small blood vessels, lowering the level of platelets and causing purple spots on the skin |
| Thromboembolism | Problems due to the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels |
| Thrombolytic | Dissolves blood clots |
| Thrombophlebitis | Inflammation in a vein leading to a blood clot [and blockage] |
| Thrombosis | Formation of blood clots in the blood vessels |
| Thrombotic events | Problems due to the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels |
| Thymus gland | A gland [in the chest] that prepares [cells] [lymphocytes] to help the body's defences |
| Tibia | Shin bone |
| Time to (disease) progression | [used in cancer trials] the time until the disease started worsening [again] |
| Time to treatment failure | [used in cancer trials] the time until the treatment stopped working |
| Tinnitus | Ringing or buzzing in the ears |
| Tonic seizure | See seizure, tonic |
| Tonic-atonic seizure | See seizure, tonic-atonic |
| Tonic-clonic seizure | See seizure, tonic-clonic |
| Tonsillitis | Infection of the tonsils |
| Tophi | Deposits of uric acid crystals in joints, skin or cartilage [which can cause damage] |
| Topically | On the skin |
| Torsades de pointes | Abnormal electrical activity in the heart with life-threatening rhythm disturbance |
| Torticollis | See cervical dystonia |
| Toxic epidermal necrolysis | Life-threatening reaction with flu-like effects and blistering in the skin, mouth, eyes and genitals |
| Toxin | A harmful substance produced by infectious organisms |
| Toxoid | An inactivated toxin |
| Trachea | Windpipe |
| Transdermal patch | Patch to give [a medicine] [medicines] through the skin |
| Transplant rejection | When the immune system attacks the transplanted organ |
| Trauma | [severe] injury |
| Treatment-experienced | [had been] treated for [disease] before |
| Treatment-naïve | [had] never [been] treated for [disease] |
| Tremor | Shaking |
| Triglycerides | A type of fat |
| Trismus | Contraction of the jaw muscles that hold the mouth shut |
| Tumour flare reaction | A side effect that is similar to worsening of the cancer [symptoms may include painful and swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, slight fever, bone pain and skin rash] |
| Tumour lysis syndrome | A serious [side effect] [complication] with rapid break down of cancer cells [causing high levels of uric acid, potassium and phosphate] |
| Ulcer | Open sore |
| Ulcer, neuropathic | Open sore caused by a nerve problem |
| Ulcerative collitis | Inflammation of the large intestine causing ulceration and bleeding |
| Ulcers, digital | Sores on the fingers and toes |
| Unresectable | Cannot be removed by surgery |
| Unstable bladder | An overactive bladder, when the bladder muscles contract suddenly |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | See infection, upper respiratory tract |
| Urethra | The tube that leads from the bladder to the outside [of the body] |
| Urge incontinence | See urinary urgency |
| Urgency | Sudden urge to pass urine |
| Uricaemia | High blood levels of uric acid |
| Urinary retention | Inability to completely empty the bladder |
| Urinary tract | Structures that carry urine [such as the bladder] |
| Urinary tract infection | See infection, urinary tract |
| Urinary urgency | Sudden urge to pass urine [with urine leakage] |
| Urticaria | Itchy rash |
| Uterus | Womb |
| Uveitis | Inflammation of the uvea, the layer beneath the white of the eyeball |
| Vaccine, inactivated | A vaccine that uses an organism that has been killed |
| Vaccine, live attenuated | A vaccine that uses a weakened form of the organism |
| Vaccine, mrna | A vaccine that contains a molecule called mrna which has instructions for making a foreign protein, triggering an immune response inside the body and protecting from infection |
| Varicella | Chickenpox |
| Varices | Swollen [and knotted] veins |
| Vascular | [affecting] [of] blood vessels |
| Vasculitis | Inflammation of blood vessels |
| Vasoconstrictor | A substance that narrows blood vessels |
| Vasodilation | Widening of the blood vessels |
| Vaso-occlusive crises | When blood vessels become blocked by abnormal red blood cells, restricting the flow of blood to an organ |
| Vasopressors | Medicines that increase blood pressure |
| Ventilator | A machine that helps a patient to breathe |
| Ventricle (heart) | One of the two lower chambers of the heart [that pumps blood into the circulation] |
| Ventricular fibrillation | See fibrillation, ventricular |
| Vertebral | (of the) spine |
| Vertigo | A spinning sensation |
| Vesicle | Small blister |
| Viral load | The amount of virus found in the blood |
| Viral vector | A virus that has been altered so that it can carry genetic material into cells |
| Visual acuity | Sharpness of vision |
| Vitreous floaters | Small, dark shapes moving in the field of vision |
| Volume depletion | Reduced amounts of fluids in the body |
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