Nursing

Celiac (noun) refers to a person who has celiac disease or who adheres to a strict gluten-free diet due to intolerance to gluten. In medical and dietary contexts, it often describes people affected by gluten-related enteropathy, though colloquially it can describe someone with expertise in gluten-free cooking. The term is used in clinical discussions, research, and patient advocacy.

Cephalalgia is a medical term meaning headache. It refers to pain or discomfort in the head, typically arising from a variety of causes, and is often used in clinical contexts and scholarly writing. The word itself is not commonly spoken in everyday conversation but is essential in medical discourse and literature.

Cerebellum is a large, rounded structure at the back of the brain that coordinates movement, balance, and motor learning. It integrates sensory information to fine-tune actions and maintain posture. Although not involved in conscious planning, it plays a crucial role in smooth, coordinated activity and motor memory.

Cerumen is a medical term for earwax, the ear’s protective, waxy secretion. It is typically produced in the external auditory canal and serves to trap dust and debris while maintaining moisture. In clinical contexts, it can refer to either the substance itself or the ceruminous glands that produce it.

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, typically caused by gallstones or gallbladder irritation. It presents with right upper-quadrant abdominal pain, often fever and nausea, and may require medical evaluation or surgical treatment. The term combines Latin roots for bile and bladder, reflecting its anatomical origin. (2–4 sentences, ~60 words)

Cholelithiasis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of gallstones within the gallbladder or biliary tract, often causing biliary colic and potential complications. The term combines Greek roots referring to bile and stone and is used in clinical contexts as a formal diagnosis. It is a multisyllabic, Latinized medical noun encountered in radiology, gastroenterology, and general medicine notes.

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease marked by scarring (fibrosis) and impaired liver function, typically arising from long-term liver damage. It progresses through stages and can lead to jaundice, fatigue, and complications such as portal hypertension. The term is used in medical contexts and requires careful pronunciation for clear clinical communication.

Coagulation is the process by which a liquid, especially blood, changes into a semi-solid mass or gel, forming clumps or a clot. It involves a cascade of enzymatic reactions that convert soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin threads, trapping cells to seal a wound. The term also applies to any thickening or clotting-like change in liquids.

Cochlear is an adjective and noun relating to the cochlea of the inner ear, or to devices associated with hearing and auditory function. In biology, it describes structures shaped like a snail shell or spiral; in medicine, it often appears in terms like cochlear implant, cochlear nerve, or cochlear aqueduct. The term is used mostly in scientific, medical, and audiology contexts.

Colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the rectum to examine the colon. It allows direct visualization, biopsy, and possible polyp removal. The term combines colon with the suffix -oscopy, indicating viewing the colon internally.

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.

Dacryocystitis is a bacterial infection or inflammation of the lacrimal sac, often presenting with tearing, pain, and swelling near the inner corner of the eye. It can arise from blocked tear ducts and may require antibiotics or drainage. The term designates the anatomical site (dacryo- = tear duct, cystitis = inflammation of a sac).

Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to insufficient water for normal functions. It can affect skin, organs, and overall health, ranging from mild to life-threatening if not addressed. The term combines the prefix de- with hydration, referring to reduced bodily water content.

Diaphragm is a dome-shaped, muscular partition that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and plays a key role in breathing. It contracts and flattens to enlarge the chest cavity, generating inhalation, and relaxes to allow exhalation. Used in anatomy, medicine, and physiology discussions, the term also appears in everyday talk about breathing techniques and sports performance.

Diplopia is a medical condition in which a person sees two images of one object, causing double vision. It can result from issues with eye muscles, nerves, or the brain’s visual processing. The term is often used in clinical settings and requires medical evaluation to determine underlying causes and appropriate treatment.

Dysarthria is a motor-speech disorder characterized by impaired articulation caused by neurological weakness or incoordination. It affects the precision, speed, and clarity of spoken words, often producing slurred or mrop-tongue-like speech. The term covers various motor-imprecision patterns, stemming from brain or nerve problems, and is used in clinical and academic contexts to describe speech-intelligibility difficulties.

Dysentery is a bacterial or parasitic intestinal infection that causes severe diarrhea with blood, mucus, and abdominal pain. It can be rapidly debilitating and is spread through contaminated food or water, especially in unsanitary conditions. Obstacles to treatment include dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, making prompt medical attention important.

Dysuria is a medical term referring to painful or difficult urination. It describes a symptom rather than a disease, often indicating a urinary tract infection or other genitourinary issue. In clinical context, it is used to document patient-reported pain or discomfort during urination.

Ectasia is a medical term meaning dilation or distention of a tubular organ or passage. It denotes an expansion that may be localized or diffuse, often used to describe vessels, ducts, or hollow organs. The word is used in clinical contexts and can appear in radiology or anatomy discussions, typically as a noun. Syllable stress is on the second syllable: ec-TA-sia.

Embolism is the blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus, such as a clot or air bubble, leading to impaired blood flow and potential tissue damage. It is a medical term used to describe obstruction that originates away from the site and travels to a narrower vessel. The word appears in clinical discussions of stroke, pulmonary embolism, and related vascular events.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue, usually due to infection or autoimmune processes. It can cause fever, headache, seizures, and altered mental status, sometimes with long-term neurologic effects. The term combines Greek roots for brain and inflammation, and it is used in clinical, academic, and research contexts.