Medical Abbreviations

Arrhythmia is a medical condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat, meaning the heart's rhythm is too fast, too slow, or erratic. The term covers various disorders of the heart’s electrical system and can be benign or serious. In clinical contexts, arrhythmia is diagnosed through monitoring and treated according to severity and underlying cause.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries, narrowing and stiffening them. It develops over years through lipid deposition and inflammatory processes, potentially leading to cardiovascular events. The term combines Greek roots for fatty, porus, and hardening, reflecting its pathology.

Bradykinesia is a neurological term for slowness of movement, a hallmark of Parkinsonian syndromes. It describes a reduction in the speed and amplitude of voluntary movements, affecting tasks from walking to facial expressions. The term combines gr,

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition characterized by permanent dilation and damage to the bronchi, leading to persistent cough and sputum production. It results from repeated infections or inflammatory processes that weaken airway walls, causing abnormal widening and mucus retention. Recognizing the term itself helps in medical communication and patient education in clinical settings.

Bronchitis is a short- or long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs. It typically causes coughing, mucus production, and sometimes fever or chest discomfort. Acute bronchitis often follows a viral infection, while chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition linked to smoking or irritants.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can weaken its ability to pump blood. It encompasses several subtypes characterized by structural or functional changes in the myocardium, leading to heart failure symptoms or arrhythmias. The term combines cardio- (heart) with myo- (muscle) and -pathy (disease).

Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. It is typically performed to treat gallstone-related pain or infection. The term combines Greek roots for bile, bladder, and surgical removal, and is used in medical contexts and formal discussions of gastroenterology.

Chondromalacia is a medical condition describing softening, damage, or soft disruption of the cartilage under a joint, most commonly the kneecap. It presents with pain and crepitus when the joint moves. The term literally means cartilage (chondro-) softening (malacia) and is used in clinical settings to describe early degenerative changes.

Craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the skull to access the brain. It is performed to treat brain injuries, tumors, or other cerebrovascular conditions, and may be done with the patient under anesthesia. The term emphasizes the skull (cranium) and the incision into brain-covering layers, distinguishing it from less invasive methods.

Cyanosis is a medical term describing a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood. It is a clinical sign rather than a disease, typically indicating a cardiorespiratory issue. The word is used in professional medical contexts and requires careful pronunciation to avoid confusion with similar-sounding terms.

Cystitis is a medical term for inflammation of the bladder, usually presenting with pain and a frequent urge to urinate. It is a noun used in clinical and patient contexts to describe a condition that can be acute or chronic. Correct pronunciation helps you discuss symptoms precisely in medical conversations and documentation.

Electroencephalography is a medical imaging method that records electrical activity of the brain via scalp electrodes. It is used to diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other neurological conditions. The term labels the process of measuring brain potentials over time, producing a tracing that reflects neural dynamics across cortical regions.

Encephalomalacia is a neurological condition characterized by softening of brain tissue due to infarction, inflammation, or infection. It denotes irreversible cerebral tissue loss, often presenting as cavities or gliosis on imaging. The term is primarily used in medical contexts and linked to prognosis and pathology reports.