LINIMENTSolution or mixture of various substances in oily, alcoholic, or
emulsified form, intended for external application.
LUMBARPertaining to the part of the back between the thorax and the pelvis.
LYOPHILIZATIONThe creation of a stable preparation of a biological
substance (blood plasma, serum, etc.) by rapid freezing and dehydration of the
frozen product under high vacuum.
MACERATIONSoftening of a solid by soaking.
MAGMASThick, creamy, aqueous suspensions of inorganic substances in a very
fine state.
MALAISEA vague feeling of bodily discomfort.
MASTICATIONChewing.
MEDICAL ASEPTIC TECHNIQUEThe practice that prevents the spread of
pathogens from person to person, place to place, or place to person.
MELENAExcretion of black tarry stools.
METABOLISMThe sum of all the physical and chemical processes by which
living organized substance is produced and maintained. Also, the
transformation by which energy is made available to the organism.
METAMORPHOSISChange of shape or structure, particularly a transition
from one development stage to another, as from larva to adult form.
METROLOGYThe science of weights and measures.
MICROORGANISMA minute, living organism invisible to the naked eye.
MICTURATIONVoiding; urinating.
MORBIDITY RATEAn incidence rate that includes all persons in a particular
population who become ill during a specific period of time.
MORPHOLOGYThe science of forms and structure of organized beings.
MORTALITY RATEThe number of deaths, reported in a particular population,
over a specific period of time, divided by the total population, reported as deaths
per 1,000 population. If the deaths are from one cause, then it is known as a
disease-specific mortality rate.
MOTTLEDMarked with blotches or spots of different colors or shades.
MUCUSA sticky substance secreted by mucous membranes.
MYDRIATICAny drug that dilates the pupil.
MYELINA lipid substance that forms a sheath around certain nerve fibers.
MYELINATEDCovered with a myelin sheath.
NECROSISThe death of tissue, usually in small, localized areas.
NOSOCOMIALOriginating in a hospital.
NOTICEA directive of a one-time or limited nature that has a self-canceling
provision and the same force or effect as an instruction.
NUTRITIONThe total process of providing the body with nutriments, and
assimilating and using them.
AV-8
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