Category: P

  • Pyknic

    A body type identified by Kretschmer whose temperament was supposed to be cyclothymic leptosome. To a body type characterized by roundness of the extremities, stockiness, large chest and abdomen, and tendency to obesity.  

  • Pygmalion effect

    The use of subtle, often unconscious cues to create in others what one expects to find. Alternate name for the result of a self-fulfilling prophecy.  

  • Pyemia

    A generalized severe blood poisoning. Blood poisoning by pus-forming bacteria released from an abscess; abscesses may develop in various parts of the body. Blood poisoning by pus-forming bacteria released from an abscess. Widespread formation of abscesses may develop, with fatal results. A form of septicemia due to the presence of pus-forming organisms in the blood,…

  • Pyelitis

    Inflammation of the outlet of the kidney or of the pelvis. Inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney (the part of the kidney from which urine drains into the ureter). This is usually caused by a bacterial infection, which may develop in any condition causing obstruction to the flow of urine. The patient experiences pain…

  • Purkinje phenomenon

    The shift in the relative brightness of colors that occurs with the shift from rod to cone vision.  

  • Puritan influence

    In education, the influence of the puritans over the schools of New England during the Colonial period.  

  • Purge

    The use of vomiting or laxative to remove undigested food from the body. Elimination of food through self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or fasting. To evacuate the bowels by means of a cathartic. To trigger the emptying of the bowels; a substance that induces bowel movements.  

  • Pure research

    Pertaining to basic research.  

  • Pure line

    A strain of organisms that is relatively pure genetically because of prolonged inbreeding or through other means. The progeny of a single homozygous individual obtained by self-fertilization.  

  • Pupil

    The opening in the center of the iris of the eye for the transmission of light to the retina. The central opening in the iris of the eye, through which light enters the eye. Hole at the front of the eye through which light enters the eye. Circular opening in the center of the iris,…