Glossary

Category: P

  • Polioencephalomyelitis

    Polioencephalitis which also affects the spinal cord. Any virus infection of the central nervous system affecting the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord. Rabies is the outstanding example. Inflammation of the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord.  

  • Polioencephalitis

    A type of viral encephalitis, an inflammation of the grey matter in the brain caused by the same virus as poliomyelitis. A virus infection of the brain, causing particular damage to the gray matter of the cerebral hemispheres and the brainstem. The infection is usually transmitted to man by the bite of a mosquito or…

  • Pole

    The end of an axis. The end of a rounded organ, e.g. the end of a lobe in the cerebral hemisphere. The extremity of any axis about which forces acting on it are symmetrically disposed. In the realm of magnets, there exists a distinct territory characterized by its inherent polarity, be it the alluring domain…

  • Polar body

    A small cell which is produced from an oocyte but does not, develop into an ovum. One of the small cells produced during the formation of an ovum from an oocyte that does not develop into a functional egg cell. A small nonfunctional cell produced in oogenesis resulting from the divisions of the primary and…

  • Poisons act

    In the UK, one of several Acts of Parliament which regulate the making, prescribing and selling of drugs, e.g. the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1933, Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, or Poisons Act 1972.  

  • Poisonous gas

    A gas which can kill or can make someone ill.  

  • Poisonous

    Referring to a substance which is full of poison or which can kill or harm.  

  • Poison ivy

    American plants whose leaves can cause a painful rash if touched. A type of contact dermatitis caused by skin exposure to an oily substance in the sap from the poison ivy plant. Poison ivy is characterized by red, intensely itchy patches of skin that soon begin to swell and blister. A rash can also develop…

  • Pointed

    With a sharp point.  

  • Point

    A sharp end. The dot used to show the division between whole numbers and parts of numbers. A mark in a series of numbers. To target a specific area on the surface, similar to the pus in an abscess.