Author: Glossary

Describing a condition or symptom that is of very sudden onset, severe, and of short duration.  

Any one of a group of reddish to purplish dyes used in staining bacteria for microscopic observation and capable of killing various disease-causing microorganisms. Add fuchsin (acid magenta) is a mixture of sulfonated fuchsins; basic fuchsin (basic magenta) and new (trimethyl) fuchsin are basic histological dyes (basic fuchsin is also an antifungal agent). A red…

A diuretic used to treat fluid retention (edema) associated with heart, liver, or kidney disease and also high blood pressure. It is administered by mouth or injection; common side-effects are nausea and vomiting. A potent loop diuretic with a rapid onset (30 minutes), and short duration, of action.  

A technique for preparing specimens for electron microscopy. The unfixed tissue is frozen and then split with a knife and a layer of ice is sublimed from the exposed surface. The resultant image is thus not distorted by chemical fixatives.  

An antibiotic used in the form of an ointment, cream, or solution to treat skin, eye, and ear infections. It is also administered by mouth to treat gastroenteritis and food poisoning. Skin sensitivity sometimes occurs and when taken by mouth the drug may cause diarrhea and diseases due to growth of resistant organisms. A broad-spectrum…

An atypical form of a disease in which the usual symptoms fail to appear and its progress is stopped at an earlier stage than would ordinarily be expected. An aborted or incomplete form of disease arrested before running its course; an atypical and indefinite manifestation of an illness. The phrase used to denote any disease…

A person engaged in the preparation, storage, cooking, and serving of food. Such people should be free from infectious conditions, either in the form of disease or as carriers. They may be subject to inspection to prove freedom from infection, particularly those who handle food that is either to be eaten raw or has previously…

A condition in which two people who are closely involved with each other share a system of delusions. Sometimes one member of the pair has developed a ‘psychosis and has imposed it on the other by a process of suggestion; sometimes both members are schizophrenic and elaborate their delusions or hallucinations together. More than two…

A two-winged insect belonging to a large group called the Diptera. The mouthparts of flies are adapted for sucking and sometimes also for piercing and biting. Fly larvae (maggots) may infest human tissues and cause disease. An insect belonging to the order Diptera, characterized by sucking mouth parts, one pair of wings, and complete metamorphosis,…

A major tranquilizer used to treat schizophrenia. It is administered by injection; side-effects can include fatigue, digestive upsets, and drowsiness.