Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A hormone formed in the adrenal glands of the fetus and believed to have some influence on the aging process. A sex hormone secreted by the testes and adrenal glands that stimulates development of secondary sex characteristics. An androgenic substance, C19H2802, present in urine. It has about one fifth the potency of androsterone. The level…

The number of data entries free to vary when their total is fixed. In defining the properties of a statistical sample, the number of independent observations in a quantity. For example, if a sample contains a total of 10 children who are being classified by hair color (brown, black, or blond) and it is known…

Students enrolled in courses for credit who are recognized by the institution as seeking a degree or formal award. At the undergraduate level, they include students enrolled in vocational or occupational programs.  

An award by a college, university, or other postsecondary educational institution as official recognition for successful completion of a program of studies.. A title conferred on a student who has successfully completed a course of study; also an alternate term for diploma. The main kinds of college degrees are associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree,…

The process of swallowing and/or passing food, liquid, or air. The action of passing food or liquid, and sometimes also air, from the mouth into the oesophagus (technical).  

Characterized by a progressive deterioration of a tissue or tissues resulting in a reduction in the ability to function, chronic disease, acute disease. A disease or disorder in which there is progressive loss of function of a part of the body, or in which a part of the body fails to repair itself. An illness…

In neurology of a neuron following damage. A change in the structure of a cell or organ so that it no longer works properly. Passage from a higher to a lower condition decay. Physical and or mental decline that involves tissue and cellular changes and the loss of specialized function; the extreme result is death…

A deviation from normal shape or size resulting in disfigurement. A may be congenital, genetic, or acquired after birth. An unusual shape of part of the body. Condition in which the body in general or any part of it (e.g., the hand) is misshapen, distorted, or malformed. A deformity may result from injury, disease, or…

The rupture of the hymen in a virgin’s first experience with coitus, or through vaginal examination, or other means. The act of breaking the hymen of a virgin, usually at the first sexual intercourse. Rupture of the hymen during coitus, by accident, surgically, or through vaginal examination. Not many women have a hymen that is…

There are three types of definitions important in scientific work: (a) nominal definition, which states that we agree to use these particular words to describe some phenomenon; (b) operational definition, which asserts the specific measurements one will use to define a concept; and (c) real definition, which attempts to get at the essence of a…