Medical Abbreviations

Myocarditis is a medical term for inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). It is a diagnostic label used in clinical contexts and can affect heart function. The word combines Greek roots for heart and inflammation, and is pronounced with a careful, multi-syllabic rhythm common in medical terminology.

Myopathy is a medical term for diseases that weaken or damage the muscles. It denotes a primary muscular disorder rather than nerve or nerve-to-muscle transmission problems. The word is used in clinical contexts and research to describe inherited or acquired muscle pathology and impaired muscle function.

Myositis is a medical term referring to inflammation of the muscles, causing weakness and pain. It is a formal, clinical noun used in medical discussion, textbooks, and diagnostic reports. The term combines Greek roots for muscle (myo-) with inflammation (itis), and is used across specialties such as rheumatology and neurology.

Myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to relieve pressure or drain fluid from the middle ear. The term also refers to the incision itself. It is typically performed under anesthesia and may be temporary or accompanied by placement of a tympanostomy tube.

A medical condition characterized by the presence of stones in the kidney (renal calculi). The term denotes the disease state involving nephrolithiasis, nephritic processes, and potential obstruction or infection, and is used primarily in clinical contexts. It refers specifically to stone formation within the renal tract and is typically discussed in urology and nephrology settings.

Neuropathy is a medical term referring to nerve damage or dysfunction, especially affecting sensation or movement. It is commonly used in neurology and medicine to describe conditions where peripheral nerves are impaired, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness. The word combines Greek roots for nerve and disease and is used in professional and clinical contexts.

Ophthalmoscopy is a diagnostic examination of the interior of the eye, especially the retina, using a specialized ophthalmoscope. It involves focusing light into the eye and inspecting the ocular structures for signs of disease. The term is used in medical settings by clinicians and students to describe this specific eye examination.

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown and joint inflammation, leading to pain and reduced mobility. It typically affects knees, hips, hands, and spine, especially with aging. The term combines medical roots for bone and joint wear, and is used across clinical and everyday contexts by patients and professionals alike.

Osteogenesis is the biological process of bone formation, from the differentiation of osteoblasts to mineralization of the bone matrix. It is a key mechanism in growth, healing, and skeletal development, often discussed in medical and anatomical contexts. The term combines root elements meaning bone and origin, reflecting how bone tissue is produced and organized over time.

Osteomyelitis is a medical term describing an infection of bone. It typically starts in bone or adjacent tissue and can spread, causing inflammation and pain. The word is used in clinical, academic, and research contexts to discuss diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by reduced bone density and strength, increasing fracture risk, especially in older adults. It results from an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, often progressing silently until a fracture occurs. The term combines Greek roots for bone and porous, conveying the idea of porous bones.

Otorhinolaryngology is the medical specialty focused on the ears, nose, and throat, including the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the head and neck. It covers otology, rhinology, and laryngology, together addressing hearing, balance, upper airway, swallowing, and related cranial nerve functions. The term is often shortened to ENT in clinical practice.

Pancreatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. It can be acute or chronic and manifests with abdominal pain, nausea, and digestive issues. The term combines pancreatic and -itis (inflammation), reflecting its pathological nature and location.

Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein, usually in the leg. It can cause redness, swelling, warmth, and pain along the affected vein, sometimes related to thrombophlebitis when a clot forms. Medical evaluation is important, and treatment may include compression, anti-inflammatory measures, or anticoagulants depending on cause and severity.

Phlebotomy is the medical procedure of drawing blood, typically for diagnostic testing, transfusion preparation, or donation. The term describes the practice performed by clinicians or phlebotomists who collect venous blood samples using appropriate venipuncture techniques. It encompasses pre-procedure patient preparation, collection, labeling, and specimen handling to ensure accurate results.

A long noun referring to a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine silica dust. The term is primarily used as a technical, rarely-used word, often cited as one of the longest words in English. It denotes a specific, severe pneumoconiosis resulting from silica exposure.

Pneumothorax is a medical condition where air or gas accumulates in the pleural space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely. The term combines Greek roots with medical suffixes, and is used in clinical and radiology discussions to describe a potentially life‑threatening but treatable event.

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, often caused by infection or noninfectious factors. It can present as pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, or fever, and is diagnosed clinically with consideration of symptoms and, when needed, examination or tests. The term covers acute, chronic, and asymptomatic inflammatory conditions of the prostate.

Pyelonephritis is a medical condition marked by infection and inflammation of the kidney pelvis and renal tissue. It typically presents with fever, flank pain, and urinary symptoms, and it requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent complications. The term combines Greek roots referring to the renal pelvis and inflammation. It is pronounced with emphasis on the third syllable and a tricky sequence of vowel and consonant sounds.

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose for aesthetic or functional reasons. It involves altering bone, cartilage, and skin to achieve the desired contour, symmetry, or breathing improvement. The term combines ‘rhin/o-’ (nose) with ‘-plasty’ (forming or molding).

Sarcopenia is a medical term referring to the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength that occurs with aging. It’s used mainly in clinical and research contexts related to geriatrics and musculoskeletal health. The word conveys a specific condition, not a general description of aging, and is often discussed alongside interventions like resistance training and nutrition strategies.

Splenomegaly is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the spleen. It can arise from infections, liver disease, or hematologic disorders. In clinical contexts, it is often part of diagnostic discussions and requires careful assessment of associated symptoms and underlying causes.

Spondylolisthesis is a medical term describing a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. It typically results from stress or degeneration of the pars interarticularis and can cause lower back pain and nerve compression. The word is used in clinical contexts and radiology reports, often with specifics about the level of slippage.