Category: R

  • Rattle

    A harsh noise made in the throat, caused by a blockage to breathing and heard especially near death. Abnormal sound heard through a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders, it usually results from moisture in the air passages. A coarse crackle heard during auscultation of the chest. This finding suggests excessive airway secretions are…

  • Ratio

    A number which shows a proportion or which is the result of one number divided by another. A value obtained by dividing one number (the numerator) by another (the denominator). The relationship in degree or number between two things. Particular ratios are listed under the first word. The value obtained when one quantity is divided…

  • Raspatory

    A surgical instrument like a file, which is used to scrape the surface of a bone. A filelike surgical instrument used for scraping the surface of bone. A file used in surgery, especially for trimming bone surfaces.  

  • Rarefy

    (Of bones) to become less dense. To make something less dense.  

  • Rarefaction

    Condition in which bone tissue becomes more porous and less dense because of a lack of calcium. Thinning of bony tissue sufficient to cause decreased density of bone to X-rays, as in osteoarthritis. Diminution in the density of a bone as a result of withdrawal of calcium salts from it. The process of decreasing in…

  • Rapid-acting

    Referring to a drug or treatment which has an effect very quickly.  

  • Ranitidine

    A drug which reduces the amount of acid released by the stomach. It is used to treat peptic ulcers and gastritis. Oral/parenteral H2 histamine blocker used in the treatment of peptic ulcer, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux. An antiulcer drug used in the long-term treatment of gastric ulcers. Ranitidine (Zantac) is also used in the short-term…

  • Randomised

    Involving subjects which have been selected without a prearranged plan and in no particular pattern or order.  

  • Ramstedt’s operation

    Same as pylorotomy [Described 1912. After Wilhelm Conrad Ramstedt (1867-1963), German surgeon.] The surgical procedure used to alleviate pyloric stenosis in infants involves making an incision into the circular muscle layer of the pylorus. This incision permits the mucous membrane lining to protrude and widen the inner passage.  

  • Rally

    To recover after a period of illness.