Medicine vocabulary list with definitions

Medicine vocabulary list with definitions

Medicine: The science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

List of Medicine vocabulary

Medicine Vocabulary with Definitions and Examples

Ampoule

• Definition: A sealed glass container used to hold a single dose of a drug or vaccine.
• Example: The nurse carefully broke the ampoule to administer the vaccine.

Bandage

• Definition: A strip of material used to bind a wound or protect an injured part of the body.
• Example: He wrapped a bandage around his sprained ankle.

Bottle

• Definition: A container with a narrow neck, used for storing liquids.
• Example: The cough syrup comes in a 200ml bottle.

Cure

• Definition: A treatment that eliminates a disease or condition.
• Example: Researchers are working to find a cure for cancer.

Diet

• Definition: The kinds of food that a person habitually eats.
• Example: The doctor recommended a low-sodium diet to help manage blood pressure.

Dispensary

• Definition: A place where medicines are prepared and provided.
• Example: The dispensary is open 24 hours for emergency prescriptions.

Doctor

• Definition: A medical professional who diagnoses and treats illnesses.
• Example: The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection.

Dose

• Definition: A specific quantity of a medicine or drug taken at one time.
• Example: The recommended dose of the medication is 500 mg twice a day.

Dressing

• Definition: A protective covering placed over a wound.
• Example: The nurse changed the dressing on the patient’s wound.

Drop

• Definition: A small quantity of liquid, often administered in drops.
• Example: The eye drops are to be applied twice a day.

Drug

• Definition: A substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease.
• Example: The drug was effective in reducing symptoms.

Gargling

• Definition: The act of rinsing the throat with a liquid by holding it in the mouth and making a bubbling sound.
• Example: Gargling with salt water can help soothe a sore throat.

Hospital

• Definition: An institution providing medical and surgical treatment and nursing care for sick or injured people.
• Example: He was admitted to the hospital for surgery.

Laxative

• Definition: A substance that promotes bowel movements.
• Example: The doctor prescribed a laxative to relieve constipation.

Medicine

• Definition: A substance used for treating disease or injury.
• Example: Take the medicine twice daily with meals.

Midwife

• Definition: A trained professional who assists women in childbirth.
• Example: The midwife provided excellent care during the home birth.

Mixture

• Definition: A combination of substances, especially medicinal ones.
• Example: The pharmacist prepared a mixture for the patient’s cough.

Ointment

• Definition: A smooth, oily preparation applied to the skin for medicinal purposes.
• Example: Apply the ointment to the affected area twice a day.

Operation

• Definition: A surgical procedure to treat a disease or injury.
• Example: The patient underwent an operation to remove the tumor.

Phial

• Definition: A small glass container for holding liquid medicines.
• Example: The laboratory stored the vaccine in a phial.

Physician

• Definition: A medical doctor, especially one who practices general medicine.
• Example: The physician examined the patient and prescribed medication.

Pill

• Definition: A small, round, solid medicine to be swallowed.
• Example: She takes a pill every morning for her thyroid condition.

Poultice

• Definition: A soft, moist mass of material applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation.
• Example: The herbal poultice helped reduce the swelling.

Purgative

• Definition: A medicine that causes evacuation of the bowels.
• Example: The doctor administered a purgative to cleanse the patient’s system.

Stethoscope

• Definition: A medical instrument used to listen to the sounds of the heart, lungs, and other organs.
• Example: The doctor used a stethoscope to check the patient’s heartbeat.

Surgery

• Definition: Medical treatment involving an operation.
• Example: The patient is scheduled for heart surgery next week.

Syringe

• Definition: A device used to inject fluids into or withdraw them from something.
• Example: The nurse used a syringe to give the patient an injection.

Tablet

• Definition: A solid dose of medication.
• Example: Take one tablet with water before meals.

Thermometer

• Definition: An instrument for measuring temperature.
• Example: The thermometer showed that he had a fever of 101°F.

Tincture

• Definition: A solution of a medicinal substance in alcohol.
• Example: Apply the tincture to the cut twice daily.

Treatment

• Definition: Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.
• Example: The treatment for the infection lasted two weeks.

Antibiotic

• Definition: A medicine that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms.
• Example: The doctor prescribed an antibiotic for the bacterial infection.

Analgesic

• Definition: A drug that relieves pain.
• Example: She took an analgesic to alleviate her headache.

Antiseptic

• Definition: A substance that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
• Example: Clean the wound with an antiseptic before bandaging it.

Vaccine

• Definition: A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against diseases.
• Example: Children are given a vaccine to protect against measles.

Prescription

• Definition: An instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be issued a medicine or treatment.
• Example: The pharmacist filled the prescription for antibiotics.

Over-the-counter (OTC)

• Definition: Medicines available without a prescription.
• Example: You can buy these pain relievers over-the-counter.

Dosage

• Definition: The size or frequency of a dose of a medicine or drug.
• Example: Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle.

Capsule

• Definition: A small container with medicine inside that is taken orally.
• Example: The doctor prescribed a course of antibiotics in capsule form.

Syrup

• Definition: A thick liquid containing medicine.
• Example: The child was given a cough syrup to relieve symptoms.

Injection

• Definition: The act of administering a drug or other substance into the body with a syringe.
• Example: The nurse gave the patient an injection of insulin.

Intravenous (IV)

• Definition: Administered into a vein.
• Example: The patient received fluids intravenously.

Infusion

• Definition: The slow injection of a substance into a vein.
• Example: The patient was put on an IV infusion for hydration.

Anesthesia

• Definition: A state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness.
• Example: The patient was given anesthesia before the surgery.

Sedative

• Definition: A drug taken to calm or soothe.
• Example: The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient sleep.

Antihistamine

• Definition: A drug that counteracts the effects of histamine and is used to treat allergic reactions.
• Example: She took an antihistamine for her hay fever.

Antidepressant

• Definition: A drug used to relieve symptoms of depression.
• Example: The doctor prescribed an antidepressant to improve her mood.

Steroid

• Definition: A type of organic compound used to reduce inflammation.
• Example: The athlete was prescribed a steroid to help with recovery.

Hormone

• Definition: A regulatory substance produced in an organism to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.
• Example: Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

Insulin

• Definition: A hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood glucose levels.
• Example: Diabetic patients often need insulin injections.

Chemotherapy

• Definition: The use of chemical substances to treat cancer.
• Example: She is undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Radiotherapy

• Definition: The use of radiation to treat disease, especially cancer.
• Example: Radiotherapy was used to target the tumor.

Immunotherapy

• Definition: Treatment that uses certain parts of a person’s immune system to fight diseases.
• Example: Immunotherapy has shown promise in treating certain types of cancer.

Antiviral

• Definition: A drug used to treat viral infections.
• Example: The doctor prescribed an antiviral medication for the flu.

Antifungal

• Definition: A drug used to treat fungal infections.
• Example: She used an antifungal cream to treat athlete’s foot.

Antipyretic

• Definition: A drug used to reduce fever.
• Example: Paracetamol is a common antipyretic.

Diuretic

• Definition: A drug that increases the excretion of urine.
• Example: The doctor prescribed a diuretic to reduce blood pressure.

Anticoagulant

• Definition: A substance that prevents blood clotting.
• Example: Patients with heart conditions often take anticoagulants.

Antiplatelet

• Definition: A drug that prevents blood cells (platelets) from sticking together and forming a clot.
• Example: Aspirin is commonly used as an antiplatelet therapy.

Beta-blocker

• Definition: A drug that reduces blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline.
• Example: Beta-blockers are often prescribed for hypertension.

Calcium channel blocker

• Definition: A drug that relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
• Example: Calcium channel blockers are used to treat high blood pressure.

Statin

• Definition: A class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Example: The doctor prescribed a statin to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Probiotic

• Definition: Live bacteria and yeasts beneficial for digestive health.
• Example: Probiotics are often found in yogurt.

Decongestant

• Definition: A drug that relieves nasal congestion.
• Example: The decongestant helped clear her stuffy nose.

Expectorant

• Definition: A medicine that helps bring up mucus from the lungs.
• Example: The expectorant made it easier for her to cough up phlegm.

Bronchodilator

• Definition: A drug that relaxes the muscles around the airways.
• Example: Asthma patients use bronchodilators to help open their airways.

Antacid

• Definition: A substance that neutralizes stomach acidity.
• Example: He took an antacid to relieve his heartburn.

Antiemetic

• Definition: A drug that prevents or reduces nausea and vomiting.
• Example: She was given an antiemetic to help with her motion sickness.

Antidiarrheal

• Definition: A drug that alleviates diarrhea.
• Example: The traveler took an antidiarrheal to prevent digestive issues.

Antispasmodic

• Definition: A drug used to relieve muscle spasms.
• Example: The doctor prescribed an antispasmodic for the patient’s stomach cramps.

Muscle relaxant

• Definition: A drug that reduces muscle tension.
• Example: The patient was given a muscle relaxant for back pain.

Corticosteroid

• Definition: A drug that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
• Example: The doctor prescribed a corticosteroid for the patient’s severe allergies.

NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)

• Definition: A class of drugs that provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Example: Ibuprofen is a common NSAID used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Opioid

• Definition: A class of drugs used to reduce severe pain.
• Example: The patient was prescribed an opioid after surgery.

Narcotic

• Definition: A drug that relieves pain and induces sleep; often associated with opioids.
• Example: Morphine is a powerful narcotic used in pain management.

Antimalarial

• Definition: A drug used to prevent or treat malaria.
• Example: Travelers to malaria-endemic areas often take antimalarials as a precaution.

Antitussive

• Definition: A drug used to prevent or relieve a cough.
• Example: The patient was given an antitussive to help with his persistent cough.

Antiepileptic

• Definition: A drug used to prevent or control seizures.
• Example: She was prescribed an antiepileptic to manage her epilepsy.

Antipsychotic

• Definition: A drug used to manage psychosis, including delusions and hallucinations.
• Example: The patient was prescribed an antipsychotic to treat his schizophrenia.

Antigout

• Definition: A drug used to treat gout by reducing uric acid levels.
• Example: The doctor prescribed antigout medication to manage his condition.

Antiglaucoma

• Definition: A drug used to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
• Example: The eye drops are an antiglaucoma medication to prevent vision loss.

Vasodilator

• Definition: A drug that dilates blood vessels to improve blood flow.
• Example: Vasodilators are used to treat conditions like hypertension and angina.

Hypnotic

• Definition: A drug that induces sleep.
• Example: The patient was prescribed a hypnotic to help with insomnia.

Antianxiety

• Definition: A drug used to relieve anxiety.
• Example: The doctor prescribed an antianxiety medication to help her manage stress.

Stimulant

• Definition: A substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.
• Example: Caffeine is a common stimulant found in coffee and tea.

Anticholinergic

• Definition: A drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine in the brain.
• Example: Anticholinergic medications are often used to treat motion sickness.

Immunosuppressant

• Definition: A drug that suppresses the immune system’s response.
• Example: Patients who have had organ transplants often take immunosuppressants.

Antineoplastic

• Definition: A drug used to treat cancer by inhibiting the growth of malignant cells.
• Example: Chemotherapy involves the use of antineoplastic drugs.

Biologic

• Definition: A product derived from living organisms used in the treatment of diseases.
• Example: Biologics are used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Analogue

• Definition: A compound with a structure similar to that of another compound but differing from it in respect to a certain component.
• Example: Insulin analogues are used to manage blood sugar levels in diabetes.

Placebo

• Definition: A substance with no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs.
• Example: The control group received a placebo during the clinical trial.

Compound

• Definition: A substance formed from two or more elements chemically united in fixed proportions.
• Example: The new drug is a compound of several active ingredients.

Pharmacology

• Definition: The branch of medicine concerned with the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs.
• Example: She is studying pharmacology to understand how different drugs affect the body.

Toxicology

• Definition: The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.
• Example: Toxicology reports help determine the cause of poisoning.

Homeopathy

• Definition: A system of alternative medicine based on the use of highly diluted substances.
• Example: Homeopathy uses natural remedies to stimulate the body’s healing processes.

Herbal medicine

• Definition: The use of plants and plant extracts for medicinal purposes.
• Example: Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.

Complementary medicine

• Definition: Treatments that are used along with standard medical treatments but are not considered standard.
• Example: Acupuncture is a form of complementary medicine used to relieve pain.

Alternative medicine

• Definition: Treatments that are used instead of standard medical treatments.
• Example: Some people use alternative medicine like chiropractic care to treat back pain.

Clinical trial

• Definition: A research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people.
• Example: The new cancer drug is currently in clinical trials.

Generic drug

• – Definition: A medication that has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug but is usually less expensive.
• – Example: The doctor prescribed a generic drug to save costs.

Brand-name drug

• – Definition: A drug sold under a proprietary, trademark-protected name.
• – Example: Tylenol is a brand-name drug for acetaminophen.

Controlled substance

• – Definition: A drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, and use are regulated by the government.
• – Example: Opioids are classified as controlled substances due to their potential for abuse.

Pharmacist

• – Definition: A healthcare professional who prepares and dispenses medications.
• – Example: The pharmacist provided detailed instructions on how to take the medication.

Pharmacy

• – Definition: A place where medicinal drugs are prepared, dispensed, and sold.
• – Example: She went to the pharmacy to fill her prescription.

Pharmacodynamics

• – Definition: The study of the effects of drugs on the body.
• – Example: Pharmacodynamics examines how drugs interact with cellular receptors.

Pharmacokinetics

• – Definition: The study of how drugs move through the body.
• – Example: Pharmacokinetics involves understanding drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Therapeutic index

• – Definition: The ratio between the toxic and therapeutic doses of a drug.
• – Example: A drug with a high therapeutic index is considered safer.

Side effect

• – Definition: An unwanted or unexpected effect of a medication.
• – Example: Common side effects of the medication include nausea and dizziness.

Adverse reaction

• – Definition: An unintended, harmful reaction to a drug.
• – Example: The patient experienced an adverse reaction to the new medication.

Contraindication

• – Definition: A condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment.
• – Example: Pregnancy is a contraindication for certain medications.

Drug interaction

• – Definition: A reaction between two or more drugs or between a drug and a food or supplement.
• – Example: Grapefruit juice can cause drug interactions with certain medications.

Efficacy

• – Definition: The ability to produce a desired or intended result.
• – Example: The efficacy of the new vaccine was proven in clinical trials.

Potency

• – Definition: The strength of a drug or its ability to produce an effect.
• – Example: A lower dose of a highly potent drug may be required to achieve the desired effect.

Bioavailability

• – Definition: The proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is able to have an active effect.
• – Example: The bioavailability of the oral medication is 50%.

Half-life

• – Definition: The time required for the concentration of a drug in the body to decrease by half.
• – Example: The drug has a half-life of six hours.

Metabolism

• – Definition: The process by which the body breaks down and converts medication into active chemical substances.
• – Example: Liver enzymes are crucial for the metabolism of many drugs.

Excretion

• – Definition: The process of eliminating waste products or drugs from the body.
• – Example: The kidneys play a vital role in the excretion of drugs.

Absorption

• – Definition: The process by which a drug is taken into the body and enters the bloodstream.
• – Example: The absorption of the drug is affected by the presence of food in the stomach.

Distribution

• – Definition: The dispersion of a drug throughout the fluids and tissues of the body.
• – Example: The distribution of the drug determines how effectively it reaches the target tissues.

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