Category: N
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Noble metal
A metal consisting of elements that resist oxidation and corrosion in a moist or humid environment. A metal that resists corrosion or oxidation. Examples are gold, platinum, and silver.
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Nikolsky’s sign
Occurs when the apparently normal, superficial layer of skin or oral mucosa may be rubbed off with slight trauma. Originally associated with pemphigus vulgaris, but can be seen in several bullous conditions. A condition seen in pemphigus, where the external layer of the skin can be detached from the basal layer and rubbed off by…
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Nifedipine
A calcium channel blocker that is antianginal and antihypertensive by depressing the contraction of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle. This increases heart rate and cardiac output, and decreases systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. A coronary vasodilator drug that may be associated with gingival overgrowth. A class of drugs called calcium channel blockers that lower…
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Nidus
A central point or focus where a morbid process begins. Nucleus or center. A site where bacteria can settle and breed, which becomes a centre of infection. A place in which bacteria have settled and multiplied because of particularly suitable conditions: a focus of infection. A site of infection within the body from which it…
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Nickel‐chromium alloy
Dental casting alloys made primarily of nickel 70% and chromium 30% with trace amounts of molybdenum, manganese, silicon, carbon, and aluminum. The greater the nickel content, the more ductile the alloy; however, its strength, hardness, modulus of elasticity, and fusion temperature are adversely affected. Chromium, by its passivation effect, ensures corrosion resistance of the alloy.…
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Newton meter (Nm)
Unit of torque. Work performed by the application of 1 N from a distance of 1 m; equal to 1 J. In SI units, one newton per square meter. This is called one pascal (Pa). Thus 1 Pa = IN/m².
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Newton centimeter (Ncm)
Unit of rotational torque. Work performed by a force of 1 N applied at an arm distance of 1 cm.
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Newton (N)
Unit of force required to accelerate a mass of 1 kg at a rate of 1 m/s2; equivalent to 0.2248 lb or 102 g. A unit of measure of force. The SI unit of force, equal to the force required to impart to 1 kilogram an acceleration of 1 meter per second per second. The…
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New attachment
Union of connective tissue or epithelium with a root surface that has been deprived of its original attachment apparatus. New attachment may be epithelial adhesion and/or connective tissue adaptation or attachment and may include new cementum.
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Nevus (pi., nevi)
A pigmented or nonpigmented lesion on the skin or mucosa, which may undergo malignant transformation. Birthmark; a circumscribed malformation of the skin, especially if colored by hyperpigmentation or increased vascularity. A benign, localized overgrowth. Birthmark or mole; congenital discoloration of the skin due to abnormal pigmentation or vascular tumor. General name for a variety of…