Medical Terms - Glossary

Abortifacient:

Induces the premature expulsion (abortion) of a fetus. Same meaning as Ecbolic. For example, pennyroyal.

Adaptogenic:

Helping the human organism adapt to stressful conditions.

Ague:

An intermittent fever, sometimes with chills, as in malaria.

Alkaloid:

A large, varied group of complex nitrogen-containing compounds, usually alkaline, that react with acids to form soluble salts, many of which have physiological effects on humans. Includes nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, etc.

Alterative:

A medicinal substance that gradually restores health.

Amenorrhea:

Absence or suppression of menstruation.

Analgesic:

A pain-relieving medicine. Same as anaphrodisiac.

Anhydrotic:

Stops sweating.

Anodyne:

A pain-relieving medicine, milder than analgesic.

Antacid:

Neutralizes the acid produced by the stomach. Do the self-test to see if excessive acid is the cause of indigestion.

Anthelmintic:

An agent that destroys and expels worms from the intestines. Same as vermifuge.

Anti-aphrodisiac:

Suppressing sexual desire.

Antibacterial:

Destroys or stops the growth of bacteria.

Antibilious:

An herb that combats biliousness. The term biliousness refers to a group of symptoms consisting of nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, constipation, and gas that is caused by an excessive secretion of bile.

Antibiotic:

An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of, or kills, a living organism; usually used in reference to bacteria or other microorganisms.

Anti-convulsant:

Reducing or relieving convulsions or cramps.

Anti-emetic:

Prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting.

Anti-epileptic:

An agent that combats the convulsions or seizures of epilepsy.

Antifungal:

An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of fungi, or kills them outright.

Antigalactagogue:

Prevents or decreases secretion of milk.

Antihistaminic:

Neutralizing the effect or inhibiting production of histamine.

Anti-inflammatory:

Reducing or neutralizing inflammation.

Anti-lithic:

Aids in preventing the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder.

Antimicrobial:

An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of microorganisms, or kills them.

Anti-oxidant:

Preventing oxidation; a preservative.

Antiparasitical:

Destructive to parasites.

Anti-periodic:

Prevents the periodic recurrence of attacks of a disease; as in malaria.

Antiphlogistic:

An agent that counteracts inflammation.

Antipyretic:

Reduces fever. Same as febrifuge or refrigerant.

Anti-rheumatic:

An agent that relieves or cures rheumatism.

Antiscorbutic:

An agent effective against scurvy.

Antiseptic:

Preventing sepsis, decay, putrefaction; also, an agent that kills germs, microbes.

Antispasmodic:

Preventing or relieving spasms or cramps.

Anti-syphilitic:

Herbs that improve or cure syphilis. Also called antileutic.

Antitumor:

Preventing or effective against tumors or cancers.

Antitussive:

Preventing or relieving cough.

Antivenomous:

Acts against poisonous matter from animals and snakes.

Antiviral:

An agent that inhibits growth or multiplication of viruses, or kills them.

Antizymotic:

Herbs that can destroy disease-producing organisms.

Aperient:

Causes a gentle bowel movement.

Aphasia:

Inability to express oneself properly through speech or loss of verbal comprehension; sensory and motor areas may be involved.

Aphrodisiac:

Increasing or exciting sexual desire.

Apoplexy:

The result of a stroke (cerbrovascular accident (CVA)).

Aromatic:

Agents which emit a fragrant smell and produce a pungent taste. Used chiefly to make other medicines more palatable.

Ascaris:

Roundworm (also called maw-worm and eelworm) found in the small intestine causing colicky pains and diarrhea, especially in children.

Ascites:

Excessive accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity.

Asthenia:

Lack or loss of strength, usually involving muscular system.

Astringent:

An agent that causes tissue to contract.

Bactericidal:

An agent that kills bacteria.

Balsam:

The resin of a tree that is healing and soothing. Example: myrrh

Bitter tonic:

Bitter-tasting properties which stimulate the flow of saliva and gastric juice. Used to increase the appetite and aid in the process of digestion.

Bolus:

A suppository injected into the rectum or vagina.

Calmative:

An agent with mild sedative or calming effects.

Cardioactive:

Affecting the heart.

Carminative:

An agent that relieves and removes gas from the digestive system.

Cataplasm:

Another name for poultice.

Catarrh:

An inflammation of the mucous membranes with a free discharge. This has special reference to the air passages of the head and throat. For example; hayfever, rhinitis, influenza, bronchitis, pharyngitis, asthma.

Cathartic:

A powerful purgative or laxative, causing severe evacuation, with or without pain.

Cephalic:

Referring to diseases affecting the head and upper part of the body.

Cholagogue:

An agent that increases bile flow to the intestines.

Chorea:

Nervous disorder marked by muscular twitching of arms, legs and face.

CNS:

Central nervous system.

Condiment:

Enhances the flavor of food.

Contraindicated: Disadvantageous, perhaps dangerous; a treatment that should not be used in certain individuals or conditions due to risks (e.g., a drug may be contraindicated for pregnant women and persons with high blood pressure).

Cordial:

A stimulating medicine or drink.

Counterirritant:

An agent that produces inflammation or irritation when applied locally to affect another, usually irritated surface to stimulate circulation. (Example: a mustard plaster or liniment).

Cystitis:

Inflammation of the urinary bladder.

Cytotoxic:

An agent that is toxic to certain organs, tissues, or cells.

Decoction:

A preparation made by boiling a plant part in water. Compare with Infusion.

Demulcent:

An agent that is locally soothing and softening.

Demulcent febrifuge:

Reduces heat while building bodily fluids.

Deobstruent:

Removes obstructions by opening natural passages or pores of the body.

Depurative:

Tends to purify and cleanse the blood. Same as blood purifier.

Dermatomycoses:

Skin infection caused by fungi.

Detergent:

An agent that cleanses boils, sores, wounds, etc.

Detoxicant:

Removes toxins.

Diaphoretic:

An agent that induces sweating.

Digestant:

Contains substances (i.e. ferments, acids) which aid in digestion.

Digestive:

An agent that promotes digestion.

Discutient:

An agent that dissolves or causes something, such as a tumor, to disappear. Also called discussive.

Diuretic:

An agent that induces urination.

Drastic:

A violent purgative.

Dropsy:

Generalized edema (swelling).

Dyskinesia:

Defect in voluntary movement.

Dyspnea:

Sense of difficulty in breathing, often associated with lung or heart disease.

Ecbolic:

See abortifacient.

Emetic:

An agent that induces vomiting.

Emmenagogue:

A substance that promotes or assists the flow of menstrual fluid.

Emollient:

An agent that softens and soothes the skin when applied locally.

Enteritis:

Inflammation of the small intestine.

Enterorrhagia:

Hemorrhage from the intestine.

Enuresis:

Involuntary urination.

Ephidrosis:

Abnormal amount of sweating.

Epigastric:

Upper middle region of the abdomen.

Eructation:

Belching.

Erysipelis:

An acute disease of skin and subcutaneous tissue with spreading inflammation and swelling.

Esculent:

Edible or fit for eating.

Estrogenic:

A substance that induces female hormonal activity.

Exanthematous:

Refers to any eruptive disease or fever. An herbal remedy for skin eruptions such as measles, scarlet fever, etc.

Exophthalmic:

Protrusion of the eyeball.

Expectorant:

An agent that induces the removal (coughing up) of mucous secretions from the lungs.

Farinaceous:

Of the nature of flour or meal. Starchy or containing starch.

Febrifuge:

That which reduces fever. Same as antipyretic or refrigerant.

Fistula:

Abnormal tubelike passage from a normal cavity or tube to a free surface or to another cavity.

Flux:

Excessive flow or discharge. For example, in dysentery or excessive menstruation.

Fungicidal:

An agent that kills fungi.

Galactagogue:

Promotes secretion of milk.

Gastralgia:

Pain in the stomach.

Gastroenteritis:

Inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract.

Gastroptosis:

Condition in which the stomach occupies an abnormally low position in the abdomen.

Gleet:

A urethral discharge, either of mucus or pus; commonly seen in the chronic form of gonorrheal urethritis.

Hemiplegia:

Paralysis of one half of the body.

Hemostatic:

An agent that checks bleeding.

Hepatic:

An herb that promotes the well-being of the liver and increases the secretion of bile. For example; golden seal.

Herpatic:

A remedy for skin eruptions, ringworm, etc.

Homeopathic:

Relating to homeopathy, a system of medicine founded in the late 1700's by Samuel Hahnemann. The system is based on the principle that "like cures like". Practitioners believe that a substance that produces a set of symptoms in a well person will, in minute," potentized" doses, cure those same symptoms in a diseased individual.

Homeostasis:

Equilibrium of internal environment.

Hydrogogue:

Promotes watery evacuation of bowels.

Hydrophobia:

Rabies.

Hyperchlorhydria:

Excess of hydrochloric acid in gastric secretion.

Hypertensive:

Causing or marking a rise in blood pressure.

Hypochondriac:

Upper lateral region on each side of the body and below the thorax; beneath the ribs.

Hypnotic:

Tends to produce sleep.

Hypoglycemic:

Causing a deficiency of blood sugar.

Hypotensive:

Causing or marking a lowering of blood pressure.

Immunostimulant:

Stimulating various functions or activities of the immune system.

Infusion:

A preparation made by soaking a plant part in hot water (or cold water, for a cold infusion); in essence, a "tea". Compare Decoction. Intercostal: Between the ribs.

Laxative:

A mild purgative. An herb that acts to promote evacuation of the bowels.

Leukorrhea:

A whitish, viscid discharge from the vagina.

Lithotriptic:

Causing the dissolution or destruction of stones in the bladder or kidneys.

Lung fever:

A severe lung infection, as pneumonia.

Maturating:

An agent that promotes the maturing or bringing to a head of boils, carbuncles, etc.

Menorrhagia:

Excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Mitogenic:

An agent that affects cell division.

Monoplegia:

Paralysis of a single limb or a single group of muscles.

Mortification:

Gangrene.

Moxa:

A dried herb substance burned on or above the skin to stimulate an acupuncture point or serve as a counterirritant. A famous technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine, using dried, pressed leaves of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris).

Mucilaginous:

Pertaining to or resembling or containing mucilage: slimy. Herbs that have a soothing effect on inflamed mucous membranes.

Mydriatic:

Dilates the pupil.

Narcotic:

An addicting substance that reduces pain and produces sleep.

Nauseant:

An herb that causes nausea and vomiting. Somewhat similar to an emetic.

Nervine:

An agent that affects, strengthens, or calms the nerves.

Neurasthenia:

Severe nerve weakness; nervous exhaustion.

Neurodermatitis:

Inflammation of skin with itching that is associated with emotional disturbance.

Nutrient or Nutritive:

Nourishing, increases weight and density.

Ophthalmic:

Healing for disorders and diseases of the eye.

Ophthalmicum:

A remedy for diseases of the eye.

Osteomyelitis:

Inflammation of the bone, especially the marrow.

Oxyuris:

Genus of nematode intestinal worms which includes pinworms (also called threadworm and seatworm).

Panacea:

An agent good for what ails you, or what doesn't ail you. A "cure-all".

Parturient:

A substance that induces and promotes labor.

Pectoral:

Relieves disorders of the chest and lungs, as an expectorant.

Phagocytosis:

Ingestion and digestion of bacteria and particles by phagocytes.

Plethora:

Overfullness of blood vessels or of the total quantity of any fluid in the body.

Portal:

Concerning entrance to an organ, especially that through which blood is carried to liver.

Poultice:

A moist, usually warm or hot mass of plant material applied to the skin, or with cloth between the skin and plant material, to effect a medicinal action.

Prophylactic:

Agent which wards off disease.

Pruritis:

Severe itching.

Pterygium:

Opaque triangular thickening of tissue extending from inner canthus to border or cornea with apex toward the pupil of the eye.

Puerperal:

Period following childbirth.

Pungent:

Irritating or shapely painful. Producing a sharp sensation of taste or smell.

Purgative:

An agent that causes cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with griping (painful cramps).

Pyelitis:

Inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney and its calices.

Quicksilver:

An old term for mercury.

Quinsy:

Peritonsillar abscess or tonsillitis.

Refrigerant:

Relieves fever and thirst. A cooling remedy. Lowers body temperature.

Relaxant:

Tends to relax and relieve tension, especially muscular tension.

Resolvent:

Promotes the resolving and removing of abnormal growths, such as a tumor.

Rhinitis:

Inflammation of nasal mucosa.

Rubefacient:

An agent that causes reddening or irritation when applied to the skin.

Saponin:

A glycoside compound in plants, which, when shaken with water, has a foaming or "soapy" action.

Scald head:

Ringworm, or some similar affliction, of the scalp. May also refer to a disease of the hair follicles with formation of small yellow crusts and a very offensive odor; usually affects the scalp.

Scorbutic:

Concerning or affected with scurvy.

Scrofula:

Tuberculosis involving the lymph nodes of the neck, usually occurs in early life. Now very rarely seen.

Sedative:

Calms the nerves, allays excitement, induces relaxation, and is conducive to sleep.

Sialagogue:

Promotes the flow of saliva.

Sleeping disease:

Sleeping sickness; commonly found in Africa. Also viral encephalitis in which lethargy is a prominent feature.

Soporific:

Herbs that help to produce sleep.

Spasmolytic:

Checking spasms or cramps.

Specific:

A remedy having a curative effect on a particular disease or symptom.

Spermatorrhea:

Abnormally frequent involuntary loss of semen without orgasm.

Spondylosis:

Abnormal immobility and fixation of vertebral joints.

Stimulant:

An agent that causes increased activity of another agent, cell, tissue, organ, or organism.

Stomachic:

Substances which give strength and tone to the stomach. Also used to stimulate the appetite.

Strangury:

A slow and painful passage of the urine due to spasm of the urethra and urinary bladder.

Styptic:

Checking bleeding by contracting blood vessels.

Subcostal:

Beneath the ribs.

Sudorific:

Herbs that cause heavy perspiration.

Tetters:

A once popular name for various eczematous skin diseases. May also refer to a skin disease of animals communicable to man with intense itching.

Tincture:

A diluted alcohol solution of plant parts.

Tinea capitis:

Fungal skin disease of the scalp.

Tisane:

A term used frequently in Europe referring to popular herbal infusions, such as chamomile flowers, etc., which are commonly taken as a beverage or for mildly medicinal effects.

Teratogen:

A substance that can cause the deformity of a fetus.

Tonic:

An ambiguous term referring to a substance thought to have an overall positive medicinal effect of an unspecified nature (see adaptogenic).

Tuberculostatic:

Arresting the tubercle bacillus (the germ responsible for causing tuberculosis).

Uterotonic:

Having a positive effect on an unspecified nature of the uterus.

Vasoconstrictor:

An agent that causes blood vessels to constrict, or narrow the caliber.

Vasodepressant:

Lowers blood pressure by dilatation of blood vessels; having a depressing influence on circulation.

Vasodilator:

An agent that causes blood vessels to relax and dilate.

Vermicidal:

Having worm-killing properties; an agent that kills worms; a vermifuge. Also Vermicide.

Vermifuge:

Having worm-killing properties; an agent that kills worms.

Vesicant:

An agent that causes blistering, such as poison ivy.

Vulnerary:

An agent or herb used for healing wounds, fresh cuts, etc., usually used as a poultice.

Whites:

See leukorrhea.

Zymotic:

Caused by or pertaining to any infectious or contagious disease.