Medical Glossary

abortifacient: inducing abortion

abscesses: areas with necrotic liquid or pus accumulation

aching: causing physical pain or distress

acne: a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of the skin glands and

hair follicles

acrodynia: a disease of infancy and early childhood marked by pain and

swelling in, and pink coloration of, the fingers and toes and by listlessness,

irritability, failure to thrive, profuse, perspiration, and sometimes scarlet coloration of the cheeks and tip of the nose.

adenitis: inflammation of a gland

AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

albuminuria: presence of serum albumin (protein) in the urine

aldosteronism: hyperaldosteronism; an abnormality of electrolyte balance

caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone

alexipharmic: medicine that is intended to counter the effects of poison; an

antidote to poison or infection

alexiteric: protecting against infection, venom and poison

alopecia: hair loss; baldness; absence of hair from skin areas where it is

normally present

amylase: an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of starch into sugars

analgesic: an agent that reduces or eliminates pain

anaphylaxis: hypersensitivity resulting from sensitisation following prior

contact with the causative agent

anasarca: generalised massive oedema

angiogenic: an agent that promotes the growth of new blood vessels from

pre-existing vessels

anodyne: an agent that relieves pain.

anorexia: lack or loss of appetite for food

anthelmintic: an agent that destroys or expels parasitic intestinal worms

anthrax: a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that

forms spores

antianaphylactic: an agent that prevents anaphylaxis (exaggerated reaction

of an organism to which it has previously become sensitised)

antiangiogenic: preventing the growth of new blood vessels

antianxiety: allaying anxiety

antiapoptotic: preventing genetically programmed cell death

antiarrhythmic: preventing or alleviating irregular heart beats

antiatherogenic: an agent that is capable of stopping the formation of fat

deposits in blood vessels

antibacterial: an agent that destroys or stops the growth of bacteria

anticancer: reducing the frequency or rate of uncontrolled cell growth

anticarcinogenic: describing an agent that will stop the formation of a

cancer

anticholinergic: opposing or blocking the physiological action of a neurotransmitter,

acetylcholine, which contract muscles and causing excitatory

actions in the central nervous system

anticoagulant: acting to prevent clotting of blood

anticonvulsant: an agent that prevents or relieves seizures or epileptic

attack

antidepressant: an agent that stimulates the mood of a patient

antidiabetic: an agent that controls high blood sugar

antidiarrhoeal: substances used to prevent or treat diarrhoea

antidotal: counteracting the effects of a poison

antiemetic: an agent that prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting

antifertility: agent that is capable of reducing or adversely affecting

fertility.

antifilarial: an agent that counters nematode (roundworm) of the superfamily

Filarioidea

antifungal: an agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi

antigenotoxic: an agent that is capable of preventing damage to DNA

molecules in genes, causing mutations, tumours, etc.

antihyaluronidase: directed or effective against an enzyme (hyaluronidase)

that breaks down hyaluronic acid, thus facilitating the spread of fluid through

tissues

antihypertensive: an agent that controls high blood pressure

anti-inflammatory: an agent that counteracts inflammation

antileishmanial: directed or effective against leishmania, a parasitic protozoan

that causes leishmaniasis

antimalarial: an agent that prevents or treat the disease malaria caused by the

Plasmodium parasite

antimicrobial: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms

antimitotic: pertaining to certain substances capable of stopping cell division

(mitosis)

antimutagenic: directed or effective against substances that tends to increase

the frequency or extent of mutation

antineoplastic: inhibiting or preventing the growth and spread of neoplasms

or cancerous cells

antinociceptive: relieving pain

antiosteoporotic: directed or effective against osteoporosis (characterised by

decrease in bone mass with increased porosity and brittleness)

antioxidant: inhibiting oxidation or an agent that does so

antioxidative: protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation

antiplasmodial: directed or effective against the malarial parasites

(Plasmodium species)

antiplatelet: inhibiting or stopping the formation of platelet aggregation

antiproliferative: inhibiting cell growth

260 A Guide to Medicinal Plants

antiprotozoal: tending to destroy or inhibit the growth of protozoans

antipruritic: preventing or relieving itching

antipsychotic: any of the powerful tranquilisers used especially to treat

psychosis and believed to act by blocking dopamine nervous receptors

antipyretic: reducing fever or an agent that reduces fever

antirheumatic: relieving or preventing rheumatism

antischistosomal: directed or effective against infection caused by trematode

worms (schistosomes) which are parasitic in the blood of humans and other

mammals

antiseptic: any substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of

microorganisms

antispasmodic: an agent that prevents or relieves muscle spasms

antithyroidal: opposing thyroid function

antitrichomonal: directed or effective against some protozoa (Trichomonas)

antituberculosis: effective in the treatment of tuberculosis, a condition due

to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

antitumour: inhibiting the growth of tumour cells

antitussive: effective against cough; an agent that suppresses coughing

antiulcer: prevent or cure ulcers or irritation of the gastrointestinal tract

antiulcerogenic: directed or effective against development of ulcers

antivenom: an agent used in the treatment of poisoning by animal toxins

antiviral: acting, effective, or directed against viruses

anuria: lack of urine production

anxiolytic: relieving anxiety or an agent that relieves anxiety

aperient: a mild laxative or gentle purgative

aphrodisiac: an agent that stimulates sexual desire

apnoea: a condition whereby breathing is stopped

apoptotic: a term used to describe the state of programmed cell death

appendicitis: inflammation of the appendix

arrhythmia: abnormal heart beat

arthritis: inflammation of joints

ascites: effusion and accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity

asthma: a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterised by recurrent

breathing problems usually triggered by allergens

astringent: having the property of causing contraction of soft organic tissues

for the control of bleeding or secretions

atherosclerosis: thickening, hardening and loss of elasticity of the walls of

arteries

athlete’s foot: fungal infections on the feet, often smelly

atrophy: a wasting away; reduction in the size of a cell, tissue or organ

bacillary: pertaining to the bacteria bacilli or to rod-like structures

bechic: pertaining to cough

beriberi: a disease due to vitamin B1 deficiency, marked by inflammation of

nerves, heart problems and oedema

bilious: relating to or containing bile

blennorrhoea: any free discharge of mucus, especially from urethra or

vagina

blisters: a vesicle

boils: furuncle; tender, swollen areas of infection that usually form around

hair follicles

bronchial: pertaining to or affecting one or both windpipe

bronchiolitis obliterans: a disease of the lungs where the bronchioles are

inflamed and plugged with granulation tissue

bronchitis: inflammation of mucous membrane of the windpipe (bronchus)

cachexia: general ill health and malnutrition

calculus: abnormal hard deposit, usually composed of mineral salts,

occurring within the body

cancer: a malignant tumour of growth that expands locally by invasion and

systemically by metastasis

carbuncles: swollen lumps or masses under the skin due to skin infections

that often involve a group of hair follicles

cardiac: pertaining to the heart

cardioprotective: protecting the heart function

cardiotonic: an agent that increases tonicity of the heart muscles

carminative: an agent that relieves and removes gas from the digestive

system

cataracts: conditions in which there is a loss or reduction of transparency

of the lens of the eye causing progressive loss of clarity and detail of

images

catarrh: a condition of the mucous membranes characterised by inflammation

and mucous

cathartic: an active purgative, producing bowel movements and evacuation

of the bowels

cephalgia: headache

CELIAC DISEASE: A group of disorders characterized by diarrhoea and malabsorption. Included is the disorder gluten induced enteropathy.

chemopreventive: a chemical agent that can help prevent the development

of cancer

chilblains: inflammation or blister of the hands and feet caused by exposure

to cold or moisture

cholera: a form of intestinal infection that results in frequent watery stools,

cramping abdominal pain and eventual collapse from dehydration

cicatrizant: a medicine or application that promotes the healing of a sore or

wound, or the formation of a cicatrix, which is a scar left by the formation of

new connective tissue over a healing sore or wound

coagulant: an agent promoting clotting of blood

cold sore: a recurrent, small blister in and around the mouth caused by the

herpes simplex virus

colic: acute paraxysmal abdominal pain or pertaining to the colon

coma: a state of profound unconsciousness from which the patient cannot be

aroused, even by powerful stimuli

condiment: something used to give a special flavour to food, as mustard,

ketchup, salt, or spices

congestive heart failure: the heart fails to pump efficiently, resulting in

swelling, shortness of breath, weakness, etc.

conjunctivitis: inflammation of the conjunctiva, generally associated with

discharge

constipation: infrequent or difficult evacuation of faeces

contraceptive: an agent capable of preventing the formation of a foetus

contusion: injury to a part without a break in the skin; a bruise

convulsions: spasms, epilepsy

coolant: an agent that produces cooling

coryza: profuse discharge from the mucous membrane of the nose

counter–irritant: an agent producing counter-irritation, so that less pain at a

particular site is experienced

cramps: a painful spasmodic muscular contraction.

Crohn’s disease: a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract, particularly the small intestine and colon.

cystitis: inflammation of the urinary bladder.

cytotoxic: toxic to cells, preventing their reproduction or growth.

dehydration: depletion of body fluids.

delirium: mental state characterised by reduced ability to maintain attention

to external stimuli and disorganised thinking

demulcent: an agent that soothes and protects the part to which it is applied

deobstruent: removes obstructions by ducts or pores of the body

depressant: an agent that diminishes any functional activity

depurative: purifying the blood or the humours.

dermatitis: inflammation of the skin.

dermatosis: any skin disease, especially one not characterised by inflammation

diabetes: metabolic disorder resulting in high blood sugar and discharge of

large amounts of sugar in the urine.

diaphoretic: an agent that increases perspiration

diarrhoea: abnormally frequent discharge of watery stools

digitalis: the dried leaf of Digitalis purpurea; used as a tonic for the heart

dipsia: thirst

discutient: an agent that causes the dispersal or causes something, such as a

tumour or any pathologic accumulation, to disappear

diuretic: an agent that increases the production of urine

dropsy: an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in cellular tissues or in a

body cavity

dysentery: infection of the gut caused by a bacterium called shigella,

characterised by abdominal pain, diarrhoea with passage of mucus or blood

dysmenorrhoea: difficult and painful menstruation

dyspepsia: indigestion

dyspnoea: difficult or laboured breathing

dysrhythmias: an abnormality in an otherwise normal rhythmic pattern

dysuria: painful or difficult urination

ecchymoses: small haemorrhagic spots in the skin or mucous membrane,

forming a non-elevated, rounded or irregular, blue or purplish patch

eczema: an inflammatory condition of the skin characterised by redness,

itching, scales, crusts or scabs alone or in combination

elephantiasis: a disease caused by tumours in lymph node or filarial worms,

causing excessive swelling in limbs and genitalis

embrocations: alcohol-based treatments rubbed into the skin to relieve pain

or which produce reddening of the skin

embryotoxicity: any toxicity that affects an embryo

emetic: an agent that induces vomiting

emmenagogue: a substance that promotes or assists the flow of menstrual

fluid

emollient: an agent that will soften, soothe and protect the part when applied

locally

enteritis: inflammation of the intestine, especially the small intestine

epigastric: pertaining to the upper and middle region of the abdomen

epilepsy: convulsions

epistaxis: nosebleed

eruptions: lesions on the skin that are usually red, raised, and easily visible

erysipelas: is an acute streptococcus bacterial infection marked by deep red

inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. This disease is also known

as Saint Anthony’s fire

erythema: redness of the skin due to congestion of the capillaries

excrescences: abnormal outgrowth; a projection of morbid origin

expectorant: an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus

from the respiratory tract.

fad diets: diets suggesting you omit an entire category of food, eat a lot of any particular food or any alleged ‘miracle food’ should ring alarm bells. So should any diets that promise rapid weight loss or that don’t advise you to increase exercise – especially in the maintenance phase – as well as cut your food intake.

febrifuge: an agent that reduces fever

fertility: the capacity to conceive or induce conception

fibroids: non-cancerous tumours made of muscle cells and tissues that grow

in and around the wall of the uterus or womb

fibrosis: an abnormal formation of fibrous tissue as a reparative or reactive

process, as opposed to the formation of fibrous tissue that is a normal

constituent of an organ or tissue

filaricidal: an agent that kills filariae, nematodes that as adults are parasites

in the blood or tissues of mammals and as larvae usually develop in biting

insects

fistulae: abnormal connections between an organ, vessel or intestine and

another structure, usually due to injury, surgery or result from infection or

inflammation

flatulence: the presence of excessive gas in the intestinal tract, causing

discomfort

fluxes: excessive flow or discharge

furuncle: infection of a hair follicle

furunculosis: the persistent sequential occurrence of furuncles over a period

of weeks or months or the simultaneous occurrence of a number of

furuncles

galactophoritis: inflammation of the milk ducts

galactorrhoea: excessive or spontaneous milk flow; persistent secretion of

milk irrespective of nursing

gangrenous: characterised by the decay of body tissues, which become black

and smelly

gastritis: inflammation of the stomach

gastroenteritis: inflammation of the lining membrane of the stomach and the

intestinal tract

gastroprotective: protect the stomach

gavage: forced feeding, especially through a tube passed into the stomach

genotoxic: a toxic agent that damages DNA molecules in genes, causing

mutations, tumours, etc.

glottal: pertaining to the vocal apparatus of the larynx, consisting of the true

vocal cords and the opening between them

glucosidase: an enzyme of the hydrolase class that breaks down a glucoside

Gluten: are proteins found in barley (prolamines), oats (avedins), rye(hordeins), and wheat(gliadins and glutenin). Gluten is best known for providing a pleasing stretchy texture to yeast bread; it also provides bulk and texture to foods. .

gonorrhoea: infectious sexual disease due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae

gout: a metabolic disease that is a form of acute arthritis, marked by inflammation of the joints and great pain

gravel: calculi occurring in small particles

haemaglutination: agglutination of red blood cells

haematemesis: the vomiting of blood

haematometra: an accumulation of blood in the uterus

haematuria: the finding of blood in the urine

haemiplegia: paralysis of one side of the body

haemolytic: lysis of red blood cells liberating haemoglobin in the plasma

haemoptysis: coughing up of blood from the airways

haemorrhage: profuse bleeding from the blood vessels

haemorrhoids: piles

haemostatic: stop bleeding

heartburn: painful, burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid

flowing back into the esophagus

hepatitis: inflammation of the liver, usually due to viruses or toxins

hepatoprotective: protecting the liver functions

hepatotoxic: an agent that is toxic to liver cells

herpes: inflammation of the skin or mucuous membrane with clusters of

deep seated vesicles; a family of viruses that infect humans: herpes simplex

causes lip and genital sores; herpes zoster causes shingles

hiccups: sharp inspiratory sound with spasm of the glottis and diaphragm

HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS

hydragogue: producing watery discharge, especially from the bowels or a

cathartic that causes watery purgation

hydrocele: swelling of and fluid on the testicles

hydrothorax: a collection of serous fluid within the pleural cavity

hypercholesterolaemic: high level of cholesterol in the blood

hyperemesis: excessive vomiting

hyperkalemia: high concentration of potassium in the blood

hypertension: high blood pressure

hypocholesterolaemic: an abnormal deficiency of cholesterol in the blood

hypoglycaemic: producing a decrease in the blood sugar level

hypolipidaemic: producing or resulting from a decrease in the level of lipids

in the blood

hypotension: low blood pressure

hypotensive: marked by low blood pressure

immunoglobulin: a protein of animal origin with known antibody activity

immunomodulatory: having the ability to modify the immune response or

function of the immune system

immunostimulatory: the ability to stimulate the immune response

immunosuppressive: being able to reduce the immune response

impetigo: a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, usually

occurring around the nose and mouth; commonly occurring in children

infertility: diminution or absence of ability to produce offspring

inflammation: localised protective reaction of tissue to irritation, injury,

infection, chemicals, electricity, heat, cold or microorganisms. Characterised

by pain, redness, swelling and possible loss of function

influenza: the flu; an infectious viral respiratory disease characterised by

chills, fever, prostration, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, and a dry cough

inotropic: affecting the force or energy of muscular contractions

insanity: a legal term for mental illness, roughly equivalent to psychosis and

implying inability to be responsible for one’s acts

insomnia: inability to sleep

Intestinal or gastrointestinal (GI) tract:  is where digestion and absorption of food occur. The primary organs include the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine.

intoxication: poisoning

jaundice: yellowish discoloration of the whites of the eyes, skin and mucous

membranes caused by deposition of bile salts in these tissues

keratitis: inflammation of the cornea

lactogogue: a substance which stimulates the flow of milk

lameness: a state of being incapable of normal locomotion

larvicidal: larvae killing (especially of parasites)

laryngitis: inflammation of the lining of the larynx causing hoarseness

laxative: having a tendency to loosen or relax, specifically in relieving

constipation or an agent that relieves constipation

leishmaniasis: infection with Leishmania, a parasitic protozoa

leprosy: a chronic mycobacterial disease caused Mycobacterium leprae,

characterised by skin lesions and necrosis

lethargy: a condition of indifference or drowsiness

leucoderma: partial or total loss of skin pigmentation, often occurring in

patches. Also called vitiligo.

leucodermic: an agent that can cause partial or total loss of skin pigmentation,

often occurring in patches. Also called vitiligo

leucorrhoea: a gynecologic disorder resulting in abnormal, thick, whitish,

non-bloody discharge from the genital tract (uterus of vagina)

leukemia: a progressive, maglinant disease of the blood-forming organs,

marked by distorted proliferation and development of leukocytes and their

precursors in the blood and bone marrow

lipolytic: an agent that breaks down fats

lumbago: pain in the lumbar or loin region

lymphadenopathy: enlargement of lymph nodes usually associated with

inflammation or infection

malaria: a febrile disease caused by infection with Plasmodial parasites,

causing periodic attacks of chills, fever and sweating

mange: a skin disease of domestic animals or pets due to mites

mastitis: inflammation of the breast

measles: acute highly infectious viral human disease caused by a virus,

specifically a paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus, characterised by

cough, fever, small red lesions each with whitish centre, formed in the mouth

in early stages of the measles

melancholic: a depressed and unhappy emotional state with abnormal

inhibition of mental and bodily activity

menorrhagia: excessive or prolonged menstruation

metritis: inflammation of the uterus

metrorrhagia: uterine bleeding; usually abnormal amount, occurring

at completely irregular intervals, the period of flow sometimes being

prolonged

molluscicidal: effective for destroying molluscs

mumps: infectious disease caused by a paramyxovirus, marked by fever and

inflammation of parotid gland and swelling of the neck and throat

mydriasis: pupil dilation

myocardial: referring to the middle and the thickest layer of the heart wall,

composed of cardiac muscles

narcotic: a drug or agent which in moderate doses depresses the central

nervous system, relieving pain and producing sleep but in large doses,

produces unconsciousness, stupor, coma and possibly death

nausea: an unpleasant sensation vaguely referred to the epigastrium and

abdomen, with a tendency to vomit

necrosis: the morphological changes indicative of cell death

neonatal: pertaining to the first four weeks after birth

nephritis: inflammation of the kidneys

nephropathy: disease of the kidneys

nephroprotective: an agent that protects or prevents damage to the kidney

cells

nephrotoxic: toxic to kidney cells

neuralgia: pain occurring in the area served by a sensory nerve

neurasthenia: nervous debility dependent upon impairment in the functions

of the spinal cord

neurodermatitis: a general term for a dermatosis presumed to be caused by

itching due to emotional causes

neuroleptics: effects on cognition and behavior of antipsychotic drugs,

which produce a state of apathy, lack of initiative and limited range of

emotion

neuroprotective: an agent that protects or prevents damage to the nerves

neurotoxic: toxic to the nerves or nervous tissue

neurotoxicity: the quality of exerting a destructive or poisonous effect on

nerves

nits: the eggs or youngs of a parasitic insect, such as a lice

nodal rhythm: a type of heart rhythm disorder; the cardiac rhythm that

results when the heart is controlled by the atrioventricular node in which the

impulse arises in the atrioventricular node, ascends to the atria, and descends

to the ventricles more or less simultaneously

non–teratogenic: referring to substance which will not cause malformations

of an embryo or fetus

oedema: the presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid in the intercellular

tissue spaces of the body

oesophagitis: inflammation of the esophagus

oliguria: diminished urine secretion in relation to fluid intake

ophthalmia: severe inflammation of the eye

osteoclasis: surgical fracture or refracture of bones

osteodynia: ostealgia; pain in the bones

otitis: inflammation of the ear

oxytocic: an agent that promotes rapid labour by stimulating contractions of

the uterus

oxyuriasis: infection with Enterobius vermicularis (in humans) or with other

worms

pacemaker: a device that regulates the rhythm of the heart beat

palsy: paralysis

panacea: a remedy for all diseases

parasiticidal: destructive to the parasites

parturition: the act or process of giving birth to a child

periodontitis: inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth

pertussis: whooping cough

pharyngitis: inflammation of the pharynx (throat)

photoprotective: protecting against harmful effects of lights (UV-irradiation)

phototoxicity: toxic effect triggered by exposure to light

piles: haemorrhoids

piscicidal: a substance that kills fish

pleurisy: inflammation of the serous membrane investing the lungs and

lining the walls of the thoracic cavity

pneumonia: inflammation of the lungs due to a bacterial or viral infection,

which causes fever, shortness of breath, and the coughing up of phlegm

pollakiuria: abnormally frequent urination

postpartum: occurring after childbirth, with reference to the mother

prolapse: the falling down, or downward displacement, of a part or viscus

prophylactic: an agent that prevents or protects against a disease or condition

prurigo: any of several itchy skin eruptions in which the characteristic lesion

is dome-shaped with a small transient vesicle on top, followed by crusting or

lichenification

psoriasis: a chronic skin disease characterised by inflammation of the skin

and formation of red patches

puerperal: pertaining to a woman who has just given birth to a child or to the

period or state of confinement after childbirth

purgative: an agent that will cause evacuation of the intestinal contents

pustule: a small, circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus

radioprotective: serving to protect or aiding in protecting against the harmful

effects of radiation

rectocele: hernial protrusion of part of the rectum into the vagina

refrigerant: an agent that produces coolness or reduces fever, allays thirst

and gives a sensation of coolness to the system.

resolvent: promoting resolution or the dissipation of a pathologic growth

retching: strong involuntary effort to vomit

Reye’s syndrome: a rare disorder in children and teenagers while recovering

from childhood infections, such as chicken pox, flu, and other viral infections.

Reye’s syndrome include nausea, severe vomiting, fever, lethargy,

stupor, restlessness, and possibly delirium. Also caused by taking aspirin in

children less than 16 years old

rheumatism: general term for acute and chronic conditions characterised by

inflammation (arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis), soreness and stiffness of

muscles, and pain in joints

rhinitis: inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane

ringworm: any of a number of contagious skin diseases caused by certain

parasitic fungi and characterised by the formation of ring-shaped eruptive

patches

rubefacient: an agent that produces a mild irritation, reddening of the skin,

and local vasodilation increasing the blood supply to the area of application.

saluretics: agents that promotes urinary excretion of sodium and chloride

ions

scabies: a contagious skin disease characterised by itching, inflammation,

hair loss and secondary bacterial infection.

schistosomiasis: infection with Schistosoma (blood flukes) which causes

infection in man by penetrating the skin of people coming in contact with

infected waters

sclerosis: an induration or hardening, especially from inflammation and in

diseases of the interstitial tissues

scrofula: primary tuberculosis of the cervical lymph nodes; the inflamed

structures being subject to a cheesy degeneration

scurvy: disease characterised by spongy bleeding gums, loosening of teeth,

and mucous membranes that is caused by lack of Vitamin C

sedative: tending to calm, moderate, or transquilise nervousness or excitement

or an agent that does so

senility: the physical and mental deterioration associated with old age

septicaemia: blood poisoning

sialogogue: an agent that stimulates the flow of saliva

sinus bradycardia: a normal but slow heart rhythm

sinusitis: inflammation of a sinus

smallpox: an acute infectious disease due to poxvirus, marked by sustained

high fever and the appearance of skin eruptions and pustules, leaving small,

depressed, depigmented scars

sores: any lesion of the skin or mucous membranes

spasm: a sudden, violent, involuntary muscular contraction

spastic paraparesis: partial paralysis of the lower extremities due to muscular

stiffness and spasms

spermatogenesis: formation and development of sperms

spermatorrhoea: involuntary escape of semen, without orgasm

spermatotoxic: an agent that is toxic to spermatozoa

splenitis: inflammation of the spleen

splenosis: Implantation and subsequent growth of splenic tissue within the

abdomen as a result of disruption of the spleen

sprue: a chronic form of malabsorption syndrome

stammering: a disorder of speech behavious marked by involuntary pauses

in speech

stasis: stoppage of flow, as of blood or other body fluid

stimulant: an agent that excites the functional activity of an organ or system

stomachic: an agent that stimulates the appetite and gastric secretion

strabismus: squint

sty: a circumscribed abscess caused by bacterial infection of the glands on

the edge of the eyelid

styptic: astrigent or arresting haemorrhage by means of an astringent quality

sudorific: an agent that promotes sweating; diaphoretic

sunstroke: a condition caused by excessive exposure to the sun, marked by

high skin temperature, convulsions and coma.

suppository: an easily fusible medicated mass to be introduced into a body

orifice

syphilis: a contagious sexual disease caused by Treponema pallidum, characterised

by local formation of ulcerous skin eruptions and systemic infection

tachycardia: increased heart beat

tachypnea: very rapid respiration

taeniasis: infection with tapeworms

taenifuge: an agent that expels tapeworms

teratogenic: an agent that that causes physical defects in the developing

embryo

tetanus: an acute, sometimes fatal, disease of the central nervous system;

caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium

thrush: candidiasis of the oral mucous membranes, fungal infection by

Candida albicans with formation of whitish spots

tonic: producing and restoring normal tone or characterised by continuous

tension

tonsillitis: inflammation of the tonsils

trachoma: a contagious disease of the conjunctiva and cornea, producing

photophobia, pain, and lacrimation, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis

tuberculosis: any of the infectious diseases of man and other animals due to

species of Mycobacterium and marked by formation of tubercles and caseous

necrosis in tissues of any organs, usually the lung

tumour: an abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled multiplication

of cells and serving no physiological function

tympanites: abnormal distention due to the presence of gas or air in the intestine

or the peritoneal cavity

typhoid: acute infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhii and

char acterised by fever, severe physical and mental depression, diarrhoea and

headache

tyrosinase: an oxidising enzyme, occurring in plant and animal tissues,

that catalyses the aerobic oxidation of tyrosine into melanin and other

pigments

ulcerative colitis: a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon or colon and

rectum, characterised by abdominal pain and diarrhoea, often mixed with

blood and mucus

urinary calcification: the deposit of calcium salts in the tissues of the urinary

tract

urinary lithiasis: the formation of urinary stones

urodynia: pain in urination

urticaria: an allergic disorder marked by raised patches of skin causing itchy

swellings of the skin

uteral: relating to uterus

uterine haemorrhage: bleeding in the uterus

uterotonic: increasing the tone of uterine muscle

vaginismus: painful spasm of the vagina, hence often resulting in unsuccessful

penetration

varices: enlarged tortuous vein, artery or lymphatic vessel. adj. varicose

vasodilation: dilation of blood vessels

vasorelaxant: an agent that relaxes the blood vessels

venereal: due to or propagated by sexual intercourse

vermifuge: an agent that causes the expulsion of intestinal worms

verruca: a wart or one of the wart-like elevations on the endocardium in

various types of endocarditis

virility: the condition or quality of being virile

vitiligo: a condition in which destruction of melanocytes in small or large circumscribed areas results in patches of depigmentation often having a hyperpigmented border, and often enlarging slowly.

VO2max: maximum rate of oxygen utilisation of muscles during exercise.

vulnerary: a remedy useful in healing wounds

wandering pacemaker: an atrial arrhythmia that occurs when the natural

cardiac pacemaker site shifts between the sino-atrial node, the atria and/or the

atrioventricular node

warts: abnormal growths on the skin due to viral infection caused by human

papillomavirus

whitlow: an infection of the fingers caused by herpes simplex virus

whooping cough: a bacterial infection especially of the children caused by

bacterium Bordetella pertussis marked by convulsive spasmodic