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Medical Dictionary - Letter: c

Term	Definition	Pronunciation
C	Calorie (kilocalorie)
C&S	culture and sensitivity
CA	cancer
ca.	about; approximately
CABG	coronary artery bypass graft
cachexia	General ill health, malnutrition, and weight loss, usually associated with chronic disease.	kah-kek´se-ah
cacophony	A harsh, discordant sound or mixture of sounds.
CAD	coronary artery disease
caffeine	An alkaloid drug, found in coffee and tea that simulates the central nervous system increasing alertness. It is also a diuretic.
CAH	chronic active hepatitis
Cal	large calorie
calamine	A lotion or ointment used as mild astringent on the skin.
calc/i	calcium
calc/o	calcium
calcane/o	heel
calcaneus	The largest of the tarsal bones, situated at the lower and back part of the foot, forming the heel.
calcification	Process by which organic tissue becomes hardened by the physiologic deposit of calcium salts.
calcinosis	The abnormal deposition of calcium salts in tissues.
calcitonin	A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It helps regulate calcium levels.	kăl′sĭ-tō′nĭn
calcium	Combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.
calcium channel blockers	A class of drugs that inhibit calcium influx through cellular membranes. Used to reduce cardiac workload to treat hypertension or angina.
calcul/o	stone
cali/o	calyx
calibration	Determination, by measurement or comparison with a standard, of the correct value of each scale reading on a meter or other measuring instrument.
calipers	A measuring instrument consisting of two hinged legs. Used to measure thickness and diameters. Also used to determine time intervals for several EKG features.
calor/i	heat
calorimetry	The measurement of the quantity of heat involved in various processes or in the determination of the heat capacities of substances.
camphor	A crystalline substance used in topical pain relievers.
canal	A tubular passage.
cancer	General term for malignant neoplasms, sarcoma, carcinoma, leukemia and lymphoma.
candidiasis	An infection of moist skin areas caused by yeast. Often due to a weakened immune system or heavy antibiotic use.	kan″dĭ-di´ah-sis
cannabis	A drug, also known as marijuana, used to reduce nausea during chemotherapy, to alleviate chronic pain, to improve appetite in HIV/AIDS patients and to treat glaucoma.
cannibalism	Eating individuals of one's own species.
cannula	A flexible tube inserted into a duct or cavity to drain fluid or to deliver medication.
cap	capsule
capillaries	The minute blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells. They connect the arterioles and venules.	kap′ĭ-ler″ē
capillary action	A force causing fluids to rise up very fine tubes. This action is due to molecular adhesion of the liquid to the tube.
capillary fragility	The susceptibility of capillaries, under conditions of increased stress, to rupture. Seen as bleeding under the skin.
capillary hemangioma	A common benign tumors of infancy caused by an abnormal buildup of blood vessels under the skin. Also called a 'strawberry mark'.	kap'i-lār-ē hē-man'jē-ō'mă
capit/o	head
capn/o	carbon dioxide
-capnia	carbon dioxide
capnography	Continuous recording of the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air.
caps-	capsule
capsid	The outer protein protective shell of a virus.
capsule endoscopes	A pill sized video camera encased in a capsule, designed to be swallowed and subsequently traverse the gastrointestinal tract while transmitting diagnostic images.
capsulitis	Inflammation of the capsule surrounding a joint.
carb/o	carbon
carbohydrates	The largest class of organic compounds, including starch, glycogen, cellulose, polysaccharides, and simple monosaccharides. They constitute a main source of energy for body functions.
carbon dioxide	A colorless, odorless gas formed in body tissues during metabolism. It is carried in the blood to the lungs and then exhaled.
carbon monoxide	A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is very poisonous.
carbon tetrachloride	A solvent used in dry cleaning and manufacturing. Poisoning by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption is possible and may be fatal.
carboplatin	An platinum-containing compound used to treat advanced forms of lung and ovarian cancers.
carbuncle	A skin infection that often involves a group of hair follicles. The infected material forms a lump, which occurs deep in the skin and may contain pus.	kahr´bung-k'l
carcin/o	cancerous
carcinogen	Substances that increase the risk of neoplasms in humans or animals.
carcinogenesis	The development of a normal cell into an invasive cancer cell. It generally requires multiple steps, which may occur quickly or over a period of many years.
carcinoma	Cancer that originates in skin cells or tissue lining organs.	kahr″sĭ-no´mah
carcinoma in situ	A premalignant neoplasm confined to the epithelium of origin, without invasion of the basement membrane.
carcinomatosis	Carcinoma that has spread throughout the body.
carcinosarcoma	A malignant neoplasm that contains elements of carcinoma and sarcoma.
cardi/o	heart
cardia	That part of the stomach close to the opening from esophagus into the stomach. The cardia is so named because of its closeness to the heart.
-cardia	condition of the heart
cardiac	Of or pertaining to the heart.
cardiac catheterization	A diagnostic procedure for creating an angiogram using a contrast agent. Also used for treating blocked arteries.
cardiac tamponade	A dangerous compression of the heart by accumulated fluid (pericardial effusion) or blood in the pericardium surrounding the heart.
cardiology	The study of the heart, its physiology, and its functions.
cardiomegaly	An enlargement of the heart. Multiple causes.	kahr″de-o-meg´ah-le
cardiomyopathy	Disease of the heart muscle. Can be congenital, or acquired from infections, alcoholism, thyroid disease, toxic drugs.	kahr″de-o-mi-op´ah-the
cardiopulmonary resuscitation	An emergency procedure for life support consisting of manual, external heart massage and artificial respiration.
cardiotoxin	An agent that has damaging effect on the heart.
cardiovascular disease	A pathological condition involving the cardiovascular system including the heart, the blood vessels or the pericardium.
cardiovascular system	The heart and the blood vessels by which blood is pumped and circulated through the body.
carditis	Inflammation of the heart. Three types are pericarditis (pericardium), myocarditis (heart muscle) and endocarditis (endocardium).	kahr-di´tis
carotene	A red or yellow organic compound found in sweet potatoes, egg yolk, carrots, spinach, broccoli and other leafy vegetables.
carotid arteries	The two major arteries of the neck that supply blood to the head; each artery has two branches, internal and external.	kah-rot´id
carotid bruit	A murmur auscultated over the carotid artery on the neck. It can indicate arterial narrowing and an increased risk of stroke.
carotid stenosis	Narrowing of any part of the carotid arteries, most often due to atherosclerotic plaque formation.
carotid ultrasonography	A diagnostic imaging technique to reveal structural details of the carotid arteries.	kah-rot´id
carp/o	wrist
carpal	Relating to the wrist.
carpal bones	The eight bones of the wrist: scaphoid bone; lunate bone; triquetrum bone; pisiform bone; trapezium bone; trapezoid bone; capitate bone; and hamate bone.
carpal tunnel syndrome	A common source of hand numbness and pain. Can be associated with repetitive occupational trauma, wrist injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy.
carrier	A person who carries a microorganism without manifesting signs or symptoms of infection and who can readily transmit the disease to another host.
cartilage	A non-vascular form of connective tissue composed of chondrocytes embedded in a matrix. There are three major types: hyaline cartilage; fibrocartilage; and elastic cartilage.
caseation	The breakdown of diseased tissue into a cheese-like substance. Typical of tuberculosis.
casein	A nutritive milk protein containing all of the common amino acids and rich in the essential ones.
castration	Removal of the sex glands.
casts	Dressings made of fiberglass, plastic, or bandage impregnated with plaster of Paris used for immobilization of various parts of the body in cases of fractures, dislocations, and infected wounds.
CAT	computerized axial tomography
cat-scratch fever	A bacterial infection that usually arises one or more weeks following a feline scratch. Raised inflammatory nodules can be seen at the site of the scratch.
cata-	down
catabolic illness	A disease marked by weight loss and diminished muscle mass.
catalyst	A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed or permanently altered by the reaction.
cataract	A clouding of the eye's lens.	kat´ah-rakt kat´ah-rakt]
catastrophic illness	An acute or prolonged illness usually considered to be life-threatening or with the threat of serious residual disability. Treatment may be radical and is frequently costly.
catatonia	A neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by the patient becoming mute or immobile with extreme muscular rigidity.
catgut	Sterile collagen strands obtained from healthy mammals. Formerly used as absorbable surgical ligatures.
cathar/o	cleansing, purging
catharsis	A purging or cleansing. Release of emotions.
catheter	A hollow, flexible tube that is inserted into narrow body openings so that fluids can be drained or inserted. Also used as to visualize or image a vessel or cavity.
catheterization	Use of a flexible, hollow tube into a duct, blood vessel, hollow organ, or body cavity for injecting or withdrawing fluids for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
cation	A positively charged ion.
caud/o	tail
cauda equina	The lower part of the spinal cord consisting of the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal nerve roots.
caul	Amniotic sac that encloses the fetus.
caus/o	burn, burning
causalgia	A complex regional pain syndrome characterized by burning pain and marked sensitivity to touch in the distribution of an injured peripheral nerve.	kaw-zal´jah
causality	The relating of causes to the effects they produce. This influence must be predictable and reproducible.
caustic	A substance that destroys living tissue.
cauter/i	burn
cav/o	cavity, hollow
cavity	A hollow enclosed area.
cavogram	An angiogram of the vena cava, inferior or superior.
cavum	Any hollow, enclose area.
CBC	complete blood count
CBT	cognitive behavioral therapy
CC	chief complaint
CCU	coronary care unit; critical care unit
CDC	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
cec/o	cecum, first section of colon
cecum	The outpouching area of the large intestine that is below the entrance of the small intestine. It has a worm-like extension, the vermiform appendix.
cefaclor	Semisynthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotic derivative of cephalexin.
-cele	swelling, hernia
celi/o	abdomen
celiac	Pertaining to the abdominal cavity.
celiac artery	The arterial trunk that arises from the abdominal aorta and after a short course divides into the left gastric, common hepatic and splenic arteries.
celiac disease	A disease whose symptoms are precipitated by foods containing gluten, characterized by inflammation of the small intestine. An autoimmune disease.	se´le-ak
cell	The fundamental unit of all living tissue. They consist of a nucleus, cytoplasm and various organelles enclosed by a plasma membrane.
cellul/o	cell
cellulitis	A common skin infection caused by bacteria. It affects the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and the tissues below. S	sel″u-li´tis
cellulose	The chief constituent of plant fiber. Indigestible roughage.
cement	Fast setting material used to fix prostheses in place.
cementum	Bonelike tissue covering the roots of teeth.
census	An enumeration of a population.
center	The middle point of a geometric entity.
centesis	A puncture of a cavity.
centi-	hundred
centigrade	A thermometric scale.
centigram	A mass of one hundredth of a gram. Ten milligrams.
centiliter	A volume of one hundredth of a liter. Ten milliliters.
centimeter	A length of one hundredth of a meter. Ten millimeters.
centipoise	A measure of viscosity of a liquid. One hundredth of a poise.
centr/o	center
central line	IV line inserted for continuous access to a central vein.
central nervous system	The main information-processing organs of the nervous system, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges.
centrifugal	A force directed outward from a center or axis.
centrosome	Organelles responsible for the organization and nucleation of microtubules. Found in animals and some plants.
cephal/o	head
cephalad	Towards the head.
cephalic	Cranial. Relating to the head.
cerc-	tail
cercaria	The free-swimming larval forms of parasites found in an intermediate host.
cerclage	Binding together the ends of an oblique bone fracture or the chips of a broken patella.
cerebell/o	cerebellum (posterior section of brain)
cerebellum	The part of brain located behind the brainstem in the posterior base of skull (posterior cranial fossa). It coordinates voluntary muscle activity, balance and tone.
cerebr/o	cerebrum
cerebral contusion	A bruise of the brain tissue . Frequently caused by a blow to the head.
cerebral edema	An abnormal accumulation of fluid in brain tissue. Brain swelling.
cerebral hemorrhage	Bleeding into one or both cerebral hemispheres.
cerebral palsy	A chronic childhood disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills.
cerebrospinal fluid	A watery fluid that is continuously produced in the choroid plexus and circulates around the surface of the brain, the spinal cord and in the cerebral ventricles.
cerebrovascular accident	A stroke. It is caused by the interruption of the brain’s blood supply, usually because a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot, or a space-occupying lesion such as a tumor.
cerebrovascular disorders	One of several pathological conditions of impaired blood flow in the brain.
cerebrum	The largest, uppermost part of the brain. Responsible for initiating and coordinating all voluntary body activity. The cerebral cortex is responsible for intellectual activities.
cerumen	The yellow or brown waxy secretions produced by sweat glands in the external ear canal. Earwax.
cerumin/o	earwax
cervic/o	neck, cervix
cervical	Pertaining to the neck.
cervical cancer	A neoplasm of the cervix of the uterus.
cervical dysplasia	The abnormal growth of precancerous cells on the surface of the cervix.	dis-pla´zhah
cervical radiculopathy	A pinched nerve. It occurs when a nerve in the neck is irritated as it leaves the spinal canal.	rah-dik″u-lop´ah-the
cervicitis	An inflammation of the cervix	ser″vĭ-si´tis
cervix uteri	The neck portion of the uterus between the lower isthmus and the vagina forming the cervical canal.
cesarean section	A surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus, performed to deliver a fetus.
CF	cystic fibrosis
chafing	Irritation of the skin due to rubbing against skin or clothing.
chalazion	A small bump on the eyelid that forms due to blockage and swelling of an oil gland at the base of the eyelash.	kah-la´ze-on
chancre	The primary sore of syphilis. A painless ulcer occurring at the site of entry of the infection.
chancroid	Acute, highly contagious bacterial disease usually acquired through sexual contact. A venereal ulcer.
chapped	Relating to a dry, cracked, reddish skin condition, usually of the hands, caused by excessive moisture evaporation or cold.
character	Roughly equivalent to personality. The sum of the relatively fixed personality traits and habits.
charlatan	A medical fraud. A quack.
charts	A patient record including data in tables and graphs.
CHB	complete heart block
CHD	congenital heart disease; coronary heart disease
cheil/o	lips
cheilitis	Inflammation of the lips.
cheir-	hand
cheiralgia	Pain in the hands.
chem-	chemistry
chem/o	chemical
chemotaxis	The movement of cells or organisms in response to chemicals.
chemotherapy	Treatment of cancer and other diseases by means of chemical agents.
chest	The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen. Thorax.
cheyne-stokes respiration	An abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by apnea followed by increasingly deep, rapid breathing.
CHF	congestive heart failure
chigger	A blood sucking stage of mites.
child	A person between the stages of birth and puberty.
chills	The sudden sensation of being cold.
chimera	An individual that contains cell populations derived from different zygotes.
chin	The prominence formed by the anterior projection of the mandible and the soft tissue covering it.
chir/o	hand
chlamydia	A common sexually transmitted disease.	klah-mid´e-ah
chloasma	A condition in which brown patches appear on the face. Can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy or from sun exposure.	klo-az´mah
chlor/o	green
chlorine	A greenish-yellow gas with a strong odor. Used in many solvents and cleaning agents. Poisonous if inhaled or ingested.
chloroform	A commonly used laboratory solvent. It was previously used as an anesthetic, but was banned from use in the U.S. due to its toxicity and safety margins.
choan-	funnel
choanal	A funnel-shaped opening.
choking	A condition of the respiratory airways being blocked by an obstruction or constriction of the neck or swelling of the larynx.
chol/e	bile, gall
cholangi/o	bile vessel
cholangitis	Inflammation of the bile ducts due to bacterial infection or blockage.
cholecyst/o	gallbladder
cholecystitis	Inflammation of the gallbladder.	ko″le-sis-ti´tis
choledoch/o	common bile duct
cholelithiasis	Presence or formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.	ko″le-lĭ-thi´ah-sis
cholera	An acute diarrheal disease endemic in India and Southeast Asia.
cholestasis	Impairment of bile flow.
cholesterol	The principal sterol of the body. Contributes to cell structure and digestive bile. Helps produce vitamin D and some hormones.
chondr/i	cartilage
chondr/o	cartilage
chondral	Pertaining to cartilage.
chondrocyte	Polymorphic cells that form cartilage.
chondrogenesis	The development of cartilage.
chondroma	A benign tumor derived from mesodermal cells that form cartilage	kon-dro´mah
Chondromalacia	Abnormal softening or degeneration of cartilage. A common runner's injury in the knees.	kon″dro-mah-la´shah
chondrosarcoma	A slowly growing malignant neoplasm of cartilage cells, occurring most frequently in pelvic bones, scapula or in long bones.
chordoma	A rare, malignant tumor that develops from the embryonic remains of the notochord.
chorea	A condition marked by involuntary, purposeless, rapid, jerky movements.
chori/o	chorion (outer fetal sac)
chorion	The embryonic membrane surrounding the developing embryo. The chorion evolves into the fetal contribution of the placenta.
chorionic villus sampling	A prenatal diagnostic test to detect chromosomal problems	kor″e-on´ik
choroid	The thin, highly vascular layer between the retina and sclera.
choroiditis	Inflammation of the choroid layer of the eye.
-chroia	skin coloration
chrom/o	color
chromatography	Techniques used for separating and analyzing a chemical mixture.
chron/o	time
chronic	Prolonged. Long-term.
chronic fatigue syndrome	A debilitating disorder characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn't go away with rest.
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease	Respiratory diseases which affect bronchial air movement, causing breathing problems. Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
chrys/o	gold
chyl-	juice
chyle	The opaque, milky-white fluid consisting mainly of emulsified fats that passes through the lacteals of the small intestines into the lymphatic system.
chylothorax	An accumulation of chyle in the pleural space.
chym/o	juice, to pour
cicatrix	A scar left after the healing of a wound.
-cide	killing, agent that kills
cili-	eyelid, eyelash
cilia	Thick protuberances from epithelial cells.
cine-	movement
circa	Approximately.
circadian	Relating to biologic rhythms with a cycle time of about 24 hours.
circle of willis	A vascular network at the base of the brain.
circulation	The circuit of blood through the network of arteries and veins.
circum-	around
circumcision	Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.
circumduction	A conical movement of a limb extending from the joint.	ser″kum-duk´shun
cirrh/o	orange-yellow
cirrhosis	A chronic, progressive liver disease in which liver cells are replaced by scar tissue.	sĭ-ro´sis
cis-	on the same side, on the near side
Cl	chlorine
-clasis	breaking a bone
-clast	break
claudication	Limping
claustr/o	closed space
claustrophobia	The irrational fear of confined spaces.	klaws″tro-fo´be-ah
clavicle	The collar bone.
clavicul/o	clavicle
cleft lip	Congenital defect in the upper lip where the maxillary prominence fails to merge with the nasal prominences.
cleft palate	Congenital fissure of the median line of the palate.
cleid/o	clavicle
clin/o	bend, slope
clitoris	An erectile structure homologous with the penis, situated beneath the anterior labial commissure, partially hidden between the anterior ends of the labia minora.
CLL	chronic lymphocytic leukemia
clot	A soft, insoluble mass formed by blood or lymph.
clubfoot	A congenital deformed foot in which the patient cannot stand with sole flat on the ground.
cm	centimeter
CME	continuing medical education
CML	chronic myelogenous leukemia
CMV	cytomegalovirus
CNS	central nervous system
CO	carbon monoxide
co-	together, jointly
CO2	carbon dioxide
CoAg.	coarctation of the aorta
coagul/o	coagulation, clotting
coagulate	To change a liquid into a gel or solid.
coarse crackle	An abnormal breath sound that is discontinuous, brief and popping.
COBRA	Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
coccyg/o	coccyx (tailbone)
cochle/o	cochlea (inner part of ear)
cochlea	The part of the inner ear (labyrinth) that is concerned with hearing.
cochlear implant	An electronic device that provides a sense of sound to deaf or severely hard of hearing people.	kok'lē-ăr
coercion	The use of force or intimidation to obtain compliance.
cognition	Thinking.	kog-nish´un
coinfection	Simultaneous infection of a host organism by two or more pathogens.
coitus	Sexual intercourse.
col/o	colon
cold	A contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Transmitted by coughing and sneezing.
colitis	Inflammation of the colon.	ko-li´tis
collagen	A fibrous protein comprising about one third of the total protein in the body. It is a main constituent of skin, bone, ligaments and cartilage.
colon	The main segment of large intestine.
colon/o	colon
colonoscopy	Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery of the luminal surface of the colon.	ko″lon-os´kah-pe
color blindness	A weakness or inability to distinguish colors. A common form is the inability to distinguish red from green.
colorectal cancer	A malignant neoplasm of the large intestine.
colostomy	The surgical construction of an opening between the colon and the surface of the body.	kah-los´tah-me
colostrum	Milk produced in late pregnancy. High in protein and antibody content.	ko-los´trum
colp-	vagina
colp/o	vagina
colposcopy	The examination of the cervix and vagina by means of an endoscope introduced vaginally.
colpotomy	An incision in the vagina.
com-	jointly, together
coma	A deep state of unconsciousness. No voluntary motor signs.	ko´mah]
-coma	profound unconsciousness
comatose	Pertaining to a state of coma.
comedo	A blackhead.	kom´ĕ-do
communicable	Able to be transmitted, particularly a disease.
complexion	The color, texture and overall appearance of facial skin.
complication	A disease or condition arising during the treatment of another disease.
compound	A pharmaceutical preparation composed of two or more ingredients.
comprehension	Understanding.
compress	A pad of soft material used to apply cold, heat, medication or to control bleeding.
computational biology	A field of biology concerned with the collection and manipulation of biological data, and the use of such data to make biological discoveries or predictions.
con-	with, together
concave	Hollowed or depressed surface.
conception	When a spermatozoon enters an ovum. The beginning of pregnancy.
concierge medicine	An arrangement in which a patient pays an annual fee to a physician in exchange for services over and beyond normal insurance-reimbursed services.
concoction	A mixture of two or more medicinal substances.
concuss/o	shaken together
concussion	A traumatic brain injury. Measure severity by universal Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)	kon-kush´un
condition	The state of being.
conditioning	Learning that takes place when a conditioned stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus.
condom	A sheath that is worn over the penis during sex in order to prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted disease.
conduction	The transmission of electricity, heat, sound or other energy.
conduit	A channel.
condyl/o	knob
confinement	Being restrained to a particular place.
confusion	A mental state characterized by bewilderment, disorientation and emotional disturbance.
congenital heart defect	An abnormality that is present at birth and can affect the structure and function of an infant's heart.	kon-jen´ĭ-t'l de´fekt
congestion	Presence of abnormal amounts of fluids in an organ or vessel.
congestive heart failure	The heart isn't able to pump sufficient blood. Typical causes are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
coni/o	dust
conjugate	Paired or joined.
conjunctiv/o	mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of eyelids
conjunctiva	The mucous membrane that covers the posterior surface of the eyelids and the anterior pericorneal surface of the eyeball.
conjunctivitis	An inflammation of the clear tissue that lines the white part of the eye. Also called pink eye.	kon-junk″tĭ-vi´tis
Conn syndrome	Associated with increased secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands.
consanguinity	Kinship. The hereditary relationship between persons.
consci/o	aware
conscience	Awareness. In a moral sense, self-critical of what is right or wrong.
consciousness	Sense of awareness of self and of the environment.
consensual	Giving permission or agreement.
consent forms	Documents describing a medical treatment or research project, including proposed procedures, risks, and alternatives, that are to be signed by an individual, or the individual's proxy, to indicate his/her understanding of the document and a willingness to undergo the treatment or to participate in the research.
consolidation	The state of the lung when alveoli are filled with fluid, as in pneumonia.
constipation	Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces.
constitution	The overall health of a person, both mental and physical.
constrict/o	narrowing, drawing together
constriction	The abnormal narrowing of a channel or opening.
contagious	A transmissible or communicable disease or a person with such a disease.
contra-	against, opposite
contraception	Prevention of impregnation.
contraction	A shortening or increase in tension. In labor, the rhythmic tightening of the uterus.
contracture	A condition that occurs when normally elastic tissues are replaced by inelastic fiber-like tissue.	kon-trak´cher
contraindication	A factor in a patient's condition that prohibits a specific treatment.
control groups	Groups that serve as a standard for comparison in experimental studies.
controlled substances	Drugs or chemical agents regulated by government. This may include narcotics and prescription medications.
contus/o	to bruise
contusion	Injury caused by a blow to the body but that does not break the skin. A bruise. Characterized by swelling, pain and discoloration.
convalescence	The period of recovery following an illness.
convection	Transmission of energy in a liquid or gas involving circulation of particles.
convex	Having a surface that curves outward.
convulsion	A violent spasm of voluntary muscles. A type of seizure.
cool down	Gradually decreasing heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and body temperature after exercise.
COPD	chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
coping	The process of dealing with to problems in life in a way to work through them.
copr-	feces
copulation	Sexual union.
cor/o	pupil
corn	A hardened mass of epithelial cells usually found on the sole of the feet.
corne/o	cornea
cornea	The transparent, convex, anterior part of eye. It is the main refractory structure of the eye.
corneal edema	An excessive amount of fluid in the cornea due to damage of the epithelium or endothelium causing decreased visual acuity.
coron/o	encircle, crown
coronary artery	Supplies blood to the heart muscles from the aorta.	kor´ŏ-nar″e
coronary artery bypass	Surgical procedure which uses a healthy blood vessel segment, such as a vein, to bypass a blocked section of a coronary artery.
coronary artery disease	Reduced blood flow through the coronary arteries, resulting in chest pain and heart damage.
coronary occlusion	Obstruction of blood flow through one of the coronary arteries.
coronary thrombosis	Coagulation of blood in the coronary arteries. Can lead to myocardial infarction.	kor´ŏ-nar″e throm-bo´sis
coroner	A public official who investigates cases of unnatural death.
corpor/o	body
corpse	A dead body. Cadaver.
corpulence	Obesity.
corpuscle	1) A blood cell. 2) Any small mass.
correlation	A statistical relationship between variables.
corrosion	The gradual destruction of a substance or tissue, particularly by a chemical action.
cortex	The outer layer of an organ or other structure.
cortic/o	cortex, outer section
cortisol	The primary stress hormone.	kor´tĭ-sol]
cost/o	rib
costal	Pertaining to the ribs.
costochondritis	A benign inflammation of one or more of the costal cartilages. Usually caused by overuse of chest wall muscles.	kos′təkondrī′tis
cough	A sudden, audible exhalation of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis. It serves to clear the airways or lungs of irritants or to prevent aspiration of foreign materials.
coumadin	Medication to treat blood clots and prevent new clots from forming. Commonly used for chronic atrial fibrillation.	ko͞o′mə-dĭn
CP	cerebral palsy
CPAP	constant positive airway pressure
CPR	cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPT	Current Procedural Terminology
CR	conditioned reflex
crani/o	skull
cranial	aPertaining to the cranium.
cranium	The skeleton of the head, holding the brain.
crash cart	A cart carrying emergency medical equipment and supplies. Found in hospitals, particularly in emergency and intensive care departments.
-crasia	mixture, loss of control
craving	An intense desire to consume a substance.
creat-	meat, flesh
cremation	Incinerating a corpse.
crepitation	A crackling sound that occurs in joints.	krep″ĭ-ta´shun
CREST	calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia
cretinism	A congenital condition caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone.	kre´tĭ-nizm
crin/o	secrete
-crine	to secrete
crisis	The turning point of a disease.
-crit	separate
critical care	Health care provided to a critically ill patient during a medical emergency or crisis.
Crohn disease	Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract thought to be caused by inherited and environmental factors and a defect in the immune system.
croup	Pediatric respiratory infection causing swelling near the vocal cords. It is characterized by a barking cough or stridor.	kro͞op
crur/o	leg
cry/o	very cold
crypt/o	hidden
CSD	cat scratch disease
CSF	cerebrospinal fluid
CSH	combat support hospital
CT	computed tomography
Cu	copper
cubit/o	elbow, forearm
cubital	Pertaining to the elbow or forearm.
CUC	chronic ulcerative colitis
culd/o	cul-de-sac
cumulative	To pile on. Increasing by successive additions.
cune/o	wedge, wedge shaped
cupr/o	copper
curettage	An instrument shaped like a spoon, used for scraping material or tissue from a body cavity.
current	The flow of electricity or liquids.
Cushing syndrome	A condition when abnormally high levels of a hormone called cortisol are present.
-cusis	hearing
cuspid	A tooth with one cusp. In particular, he third tooth to the left and to the right of the midline of either jaw.
cutane/o	skin
CV	cardiovascular
CVA	cerebrovascular accident
CVP	central venous pressure
CVS	cardiovascular system
CXR	chest x-ray
cyan/o	blue
cyanosis	A bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygen in the blood.	si″ah-no´sis
cycl/o	recurring, round
-cyesis	pregnancy
cyst/o	urinary bladder, cyst, sac of fluid
cystic	Characterized by cysts.
cystic fibrosis	A genetic disease of the exocrine glands. Large amounts of thick mucus clog the lungs and obstruct the airways.	sis'tik fī-brō'sis, pan'krē-ăs
cystitis	Inflammation of the urinary bladder.	sis-ti´tis
cystocele	A prolapse of the bladder into the vagina.	sis´to-sēl
cyt/o	cell
-cyte	cell
cytokines	Substances, such as interferon, interleukin, and growth factors, that are secreted by certain cells of the immune system that act as intercellular mediators.
cytomegalovirus	A virus that can be inactive within healthy people, but can cause severe pneumonia when immune systems are suppressed. Symptoms similar to mononucleosis.	si″to-meg´ah-lo-vi″rus
-cytosis	condition of cells, increase in number of cells