Category: I

Fertilization that occurs in glass or a test tube. An artificial insemination technique in which an egg (ovum) is removed from a woman, and placed in a laboratory dish with sperm from the husband or a sperm donor. The fertilized egg is then implanted in the woman’s uterus to start a pregnancy. A method of…

Occurring or progressing with few or unnoticeable symptoms, so that the individual is unaware of the onset of the disease. Refers to the onset of a disease without symptoms. Causing harm without showing any obvious signs. To gradual, subtle, or hard-to-discern development, as in a disease (e.g., glaucoma) that develops without early symptoms. Of gradual,…

Administration of a vaccine in order to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies and, hence, immunity to disease. An injection of any biological substance intended to confer protection against disease. The action of inoculating someone. Process of deliberately injecting substance into the body to produce or increase immunity to the disease associated with the…

Viral infection that causes swollen lymph nodes and a sore throat. Also called glandular fever. A system disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, and sore throat. Recovery may be slow, taking several weeks or months. An infectious disease where the body has an excessive number of white blood…

What the medicine is for. A situation or sign which suggests that a specific treatment should be given or that a condition has a particular cause. In medicine, reason to prescribe a drug or perform a procedure; for example, the presence of a bacterial infection is an indication for the use of a specific antibiotic.…

The ingredients in a medicine that provide the “delivery system,” as opposed to those that produce the therapeutic effect. Among other necessary functions, inactive ingredients serve as flavors, colors, binders, lubricants, and preservatives.  

Partial or complete loss of control of urination. Inability to control the passage of urine, semen, or feces due to one or more physiologic or psychological conditions. Lacking voluntary control over the bladder and bowel. In most people can be treated and controlled, if not cured. Specific changes in body function, often resulting from disease…