I put this list together as a student, so you will see some things in here that are quite simple. You will also see some words with *s/l* beside them. These are sound-alikes. I put them in the list, the way it sounded to me, then in the right column I entered the word the way it should be, or entered a possible alternative. There are prefixes, suffixes, drugs, abbreviations,etc. Some words have definitions, some do not. Please let me know if you run across any errors and I will correct them.
Word or Root | Definition |
E to A changes | |
e. coli | cause of many cases of acute cystitis |
ear instillation | introduction of a medicated solution into the external canal |
ear lavage | irrigation of the external ear canal, commonly done to remove excessive buildup of cerumen |
earthle *s/l* | Hürthle *alt 129* |
ebcephal- | brain |
EBNA | Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen |
eburnation | joint disease? |
EBV | Epstein-Barr virus |
ec- | out or away |
ECASA- | enteric-coated aspirin |
eccentric | pertaining to away from center |
eccentricity | oddity or peculiarity |
ecchymosis | bruise; a black and blue mark - large purpura |
echno, echmo *s/l* | ECMO |
ECG | echocardiography |
echinacea root | herbal medicine |
ECHO | Echocardiogram *ECHO* - a picture of the heart produced on a television screen by 'echoes' of ultrasound [Procedure] |
echocardiography *ECHO* | recording of sound waves through the heart to evaluate structure and motion |
eclampsia | true toxemia of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, albuminuria, edema of the legs and feet, severe headaches, dizziness, convulsions, and coma |
ECMO | Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation |
Ecotrin | drug |
ectasis | expansion or dilation |
ectomy | excision or removal |
ectopia | displacement |
ectopic | pertaining to a place outside |
ectopic pregnancy | implantation of the fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity, often in the tube, ovary, or rarely the abdominal cavity |
ectopy | |
ectropion | outward turning of the rim of the eyelid |
ECU | emergency care unit |
eczema | to boil out; skin conditon characterized by the appearance of inflamed, swollen papules and vesicles that crust and scale, often with the sensation of itching & burning |
EDC | estimated date of confinement |
edema | presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid; swelling |
edema, dependent | painless swelling in the ankles and feet |
edentia | condition of teeth out |
EEG | electroencephalogram |
EEG with MP leads | |
eepol *s/l* | EPO (epoetin alfa .....re: anemia) |
efatropium *s/l* | ipratropium *Atrovent inhaler* |
effect | result or outcome |
efferent nerves | carry impulses away from the brain and spinal cord |
effort | effort |
effusion | escape of fluid into the tissue |
effusion | pleural effusion |
egophony | |
EHL | electrohydraulic lithotrypsy *disintegrating a stone* |
EIPV | Enhanced-Potency Inactivated Polio Vaccine |
ejaculatory duct | duct formed by the union of the vas deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle; it's fluid is carried into the urethra |
ejection fraction | measurement of volume percentage of left ventricular contects ejected with each contraction |
ejection fraction | |
ekaza *s/l* | ECASA (enteric-coated aspirin) |
EKG | Electrocardiogram |
EKG readings | 12 leads are: aVR, aVL, aVF, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 *s/l AV, LV5 and 6 = aVL, V5, and V6* |
EL 10 *DHEA* immunomodulator | |
elastic recoil | ability of the lung to 'snap back' at the end of inspiration. |
elecampane | herbal medicine |
electrocardiogram *ECG or EKG* | Electrocardiogram *ECG or EKG* - a record of the electrical activity of the heart; it records electical impulses preceding contraction of the heart muscle. [Procedure: ECG] |
electrocautery | use of an instrument heated by electric current *cautery* to coagulate bleeding areas by burning the tissue *e.g. to sear a blood vessel* |
electrodesiccation | use of short, high frequency, electric currents to destroy tissue by drying-the active electrode makes direct contact with the skin lesion |
electroencephalogram EEG | test/procedure for nervous system |
electrolytes | electrolytes=140, 3.9, 23 or preferrably electrolytes: sodium 140, potassium 3.9, CO2 23 |
electrolytes | measurement of the level of specific ions *sodium, potassium, CO2, and chloride* in the blood; electrolyte balance is essential for normal metabolism |
electromeningeal *s/l* | leptomeningeal |
electromyogram *EMG* | a neurodiagnostic graphic record of the electrical activity of muscle at rest and during contraction to diagnose neuromusculoskeletal disorders *e.g. muscular dystrophy* |
electrophoresis | |
elongated | |
embarrassment | to impede the function of; to obstruct |
embolectomy | incision into an artery for the removal of an embolus |
embolism | the sudden blocking of an artery by an embolus carried to the site by the blood flow. |
embolus | travelling clot |
embryo | developing organism from fertilization to the end of the eigth week |
emergently | |
emesis | vomiting |
EMG | electromyogram |
emia | blood |
emiotherapy | not correct - try immunotherapy |
emiscontin *s/l* | drug - MS Contin |
emphysan | to expand |
emphysema | a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by dilation and destruction of alveoli leading to large air spaces, decreased elastic recoil and air trapping. Emphysema is one of two conditions which present as a singular disease called COPD; the other is chronic bronchitis. [JHEncy] |
emphysematous | emphysematous |
emphysematous changes | |
empirical antibiotic | using an antibiotic before the culture has grown out a specific bacteria; this is then changed if the organism is not sensitive to the antibiotic used |
empyema | accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity |
empyema | empyema |
empyema | |
Enbrel *entanercept* | drug for rheumatoid arthritis |
encapsulate | within little box |
encephal | brain |
encephalitis | inflammation of the brain |
encephalopathy, Wernicke's | vitamin B1 *thiamin* deficiency, cause of dementia |
end- | within |
end expiratory wheezes | |
end inspiratory wheezes | |
end respiratory wheezes | |
endarterectomy | to remove plaque and restore circulation |
andarterectomy *s/l* | endarterectomy; coring of the lining of an artery to clear a blockage caused by a clot or artherosclerotic plaque build-up |
enderstein dion level *s/l* | androsterenedione |
endobronchial | |
endocarditis | inflammation of the lining of the heart |
endocardium | membrane lining the cavities of the heart |
endocrinologist | |
endolymph | fluid within the labyrinth of the ear |
endomethazine *s/l* | indomethacin |
endometrial stripe | |
endometriitis | inflammation of the endometrium |
endometriosis | condition characterized by migration of portions of the edmometrial tissue outide the uterine cavity |
endometrium | lining of the uterus that is shed approximately every 28-30 days in the non-pregnant female during menstruation |
endorectal *transrectal* sonogram of the prostate | scan of the prostate made after introducing an ultrasonic transducer ito the rectum-also used to guide needle biopsy |
endoscope | instrument of examination within |
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography | endoscopic procedure including x-ray fluoroscopy; also known as esophagogastrodueodenoscopy *EGD* or panendoscopy |
endoscopy | examination with a body cavity with a flexible endoscope for diagnosis or treatment; used in the gastrointestinal tract to detect abnormalities and perform procedures such as a biopsy, excision of lesions, dilation of narrowed areas, removal of a swallowed object |
endosteum | membrane lining the medullary cavity of a bone |
endotracheal anesthesia | |
endotracheal intubation | passage of a tube into the trachea via the nose or mouth to open the airway for delivering gas mixtures to the lungs |
endotracheal tube *ET* | a tube which by which a patient is connected to a respirator, it's inserted through the patient's mouth or nose, passes through the throat *and vocal cords*, and into the air passages. The patient will be unable to speak while the tube is in place. |
endovaginal sonogram | ultrasound image of the uterus |
endovascular surgery | interventional procedures performed at the time of cardiac catheterization |
endo-within | |
end-stage emphysema | end-stage refers to the patient for whom the damage to their lungs has reached a stage where symptoms severey affect their quality of life and has begun to affect other organs, such as the heart. Drugs, progressive exercise programs, oxygen, lung reduction surgery, and ultimately lung transplants are considered in a step-wise fashion to maximise the oxygen delivery from what lung tissue remains." [definition provided by Donald R. McGee, MD] |
end-stage organ disease | a disease that ultimately leads to functional organ failure. Examples: emphysema *lungs*, cardiomyopathy *heart*, and polycystic kidney disease *kidneys*. |
English plantain | allergen |
ENT | Ear, Nose & Throat |
entanercept *Enbrel* | drug for rheumatoid arthritis |
enter | intestine |
enter- | small intestine |
enteritis | inflammation of the small intestine |
enterocele | also rectocele, cystocele |
enterocele | pouching sac of peritoneum between the vagina and rectum |
entroconan *s/l* | troponin |
entroitus *s/l* | introitus |
entropion | inward turning of the rim of the eyelid |
enucleation | |
enureses, nocturnal | bed wetting during sleep |
enuresis | to void urine; involuntary discharge of urine, most often refers to a lack of bladder control |
en-within | |
enzyme | chemical that speeds up reactions between substances |
EOMI | extraocular movements intact |
eosinophils | leukocytes that are likely to be elevated in response to severe nasal allergy |
e-out or away | |
epi | upon |
epicardium | membrane forming the outer layer of the heart |
Epicoccum | allergen |
epidermal | pertaining to upon the skin |
epidermal tumors | skin tumors arising from the epidermis |
epidermis | thin, cellular outer layer of the skin |
epididym | epididymis |
epididymectomy | removal of the epididymis |
epididymis | coiled duct on top and at the side of the testis that stores sperm before emission |
epididymis | singular - empididymides=plural |
epididymitis | inflammation of the epididymis |
epididymus | cordlike structure within the scrotum |
epigastric | also midepigastric |
epigastric region | upper middle region below the sternum |
epigastrium | structure upon the stomach |
epiglottis | a lid-like structure that covers the larynx during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway |
epiglottitis | |
epilepsy | disorder affecting the central nervous system characterized by recurrent seizures |
epiloia | tuberous sclerosis, characteristically includes hamartomas of the glial tissues of the brain |
epinecheal *s/l* | eponychial |
epinephrine | affect sympathetic nervous system in stress response |
epinephrine, racemic | |
epiphora | abnormal overflow of tears caused by blockage of the lacrimal duct |
epiphyseal plate | growth center at end of bone |
epiphysis | wide ends of a long bone |
epiphysitis | inflammation of epiphyseal regions of the long bone |
episi- | vulva *opening* |
episiotomy | incision of the perineum to facilitate delivery |
epispadias | urethral opening on the upper surface of the penis |
epitaxis | nosebleed |
epithelium | cells covering external and internal surfaces of the body |
epi-upon | |
Epogen injection | used for treatment of anemia, usually from chronic renal insufficiency |
eponychial | |
epthoid sinus *s/l* | ethmoidal sinus |
equivocal | vauge, questionable |
ER | emergency room |
erect position | normal standing position |
ergometer | bicycle |
erosion | to knaw away; loss of superficial epidermis leaving an area of moisture but no bleeding |
erosive osteoarthritis | |
erthyemanous | this is wrong - use erythematous |
eructation | belch |
eruption | appearance of a lesion on the skin |
eryth | red |
erythema | redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries |
erythematous | redness or inflammation of the skin *see erythema* |
erythr | red |
erythroblastosis fetalis | disorder that results from the imcompatibility of a fetus with an Rh positive blood factor and a mother who if Rh negative, causing red blood cell destruction in the fetus - necessitates a blood transfusion to save the fetus |
erythrominodosin *s/l* | erythema nodosum |
erythromycin | antibiotic |
erythropoietin | drug used for people with low hematocrits; chronic renal failure |
escutcheon | normal hair pattern |
esophag- | esophagus |
esophageal varices | swollen, twisted veins in the esophagus especially susceptible to ulceration and hemorrhage |
esophagitis | inflammation of the esophagus |
esophagogastrodueodenoscopy | *EGD* endoscopic procedure including x-ray fluoroscopy; also known as panendoscopy |
esophagoplasty | repair of the esophagus |
esophagoscopy | examination of the esophagus with an esophagoscope |
esophagus | muscular tube that moves food from the pharynx to the stomach |
esophogeal | pertaining to the esophagus |
esotropia | right or left eye deviates inward toward the nose |
esthesi- | sensation |
estimated date of confinement | expected date of delivery of baby - usually 280 days or 40 weeks from date of conception |
estrabusiness *s/l* | strabismus re: EENT |
estradiol | estrogen produced by the ovaries |
estro- | female |
estrogen | hormone responsible for the development & maintenance of secondary female sex characteristics |
ESWL | translate when ESWL is dictated |
ET | endotracheal tube |
et scan *s/l* | PET scan * *positive emmission tomography* |
Ethilon *suture* | nylon suture *example: repaired using 4-0 Ethilon X 4* |
ethmo- | sieve-like |
etiology | all the causes of a disease or abnormal condition |
etnol oral antibiotic *s/l* | empirical antibiotic |
ETOH | ethly alcohol |
eye-uritis *s/l* | arteritis |
eu- | normal |
eucalyptus leaf | herbal medicine |
eugenic | pertaining to good condition |
eu-good or normal | |
eupnea | normal breathing |
eustachian obstruction | blockage of the eustachian tube usually as a result of infection; as in otitis media |
eustachian tube | tube connecting the middle ear to the pharynx *throat* |
Euthroid | drug |
euthyroid | thyroid gland is functioning normally |
evacuation of subdural hematoma | removal of accumulation of blood in the space below the dura of the brain |
eversion | turning outward |
evoked potentials | test/procedure for nervous system |
exacerbation | increase in severity of a disease with aggravation of symptoms |
exanthema | eruption |
exanthematous | eruption of the skin caused by a viral disease |
excise | to cut out |
excisional biopsy *Bx* | removal of an entire lesion for pathological examination |
excoriation | abrasion from scratching |
excursion | |
exertion | |
exidy *s/l* | exudate |
exo- | outside |
exocrin gland | pancreas |
exocrine | denoting secretion outside |
exogenous obesity | |
exophthalmus | protrusion of one or both eyeballs, often because of thyroid dysfunction or a tumor behind the eyeball |
exophthalmometer | |
exostosis | a projection arising from a bone that develops from cartilage |
exostosis | bony browth from surface of bone |
exotropia | right or left eye deviates outward away from the nose |
expansile gas | |
expectorant | a drug that breaks up mucus and promotes coughing |
expectorant | coughing up and spitting out of material from the lungs |
expectoration | expectoration |
expiration | breathing out; exhaling |
expiration | |
expiratory | expiratory |
Expiratory Reserve Volume *ERV* | Expiratory Reserve Volume *ERV* - maximal amount of air that can be expired starting at Functional Residual Capacity *FRC*. |
expiratory time | expiratory time |
extant | same as "existing", ex: in light of his extant coronary disease |
extension | straightening at the joint so that the angle between the bones is increased |
extensive mechanism realignment *s/l* | extensor mechanism realignment |
extensor digitorum cummunis | |
extensor mechanism realigment | |
external auditory canal | external passage for sounds collected from the pinna to the tympanum |
extra- | outside |
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator *ECMO* | Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator *ECMO* - a device that acts as an artificial lung, oxygenating the blood that passes through it from the patient's blood vessels. |
extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy | *ESWL* procedure using ultrasound to penetrate the body from outside and bombard and diintegrate a stone within |
extracranial MRA | megnetic resonance image of the neck to visualize the carotid artery |
extradural defect | |
extraocular | |
extra-outside | |
extravascular | pertaining to outside vessel |
extremis | meaning at the point of death |
extubation | |
exudate | Exudate - the material composed of serum, fibrin and white blood cells in variable amounts that escapes from blood vessls into a superficial lesion |
eye grounds | |
eye instillation | introduction of a medicated solution into the eye |
eye irrigation | washingof the eye with water or other fluid |
eye trocar | used to help isolate the eye from its surrounding structures so that anesthesia can be instilled |
eyebright herb | herbal medicine |
eyelid *palpebra* | moveable protective fold that opens and closes, covering the eye |