Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Pinch meter

    A device for objectively measuring the strength of hand pinch in grams or pounds.  

  • Sprue pin

    In dentistry, a wax, plastic, or metal pattern used to make the channel or channels through which molten metal flows into a mold to make a casting. Also called sprue former.  

  • Self-threading pin

    A pin screwed through a small hole into dentin.  

  • Pimelopterygium

    A fatty outgrowth of the conjunctiva.  

  • Pilojection

    Introduction of hairs, by use of a pneumatic gun, into an aneurysm to induce clotting in the aneurysmal sac. It has been used in treating intracranial aneurysms.  

  • Pilocystic

    Encysted and containing hair, said of a dermoid cyst.  

  • Pilocarpine iontophoresis

    A test used to diagnose cystic fibrosis in which sweat glands on the skin are stimulated by an electrode after the skin has been wetted with pilocarpine. Elevated levels of chloride in the sweat establish the diagnosis.  

  • Abductor pillow

    A pillow or cushioned wedge placed between the legs of a patient after total hip replacement to maintain proper positioning and prevent dislocation/abduction of the joint.  

  • Pillion

    A temporary form of artificial leg, especially a peg-leg type of stump.  

  • Pillar of the fauces

    Folds of mucous membrane, one on each side of the fauces and between which is situated the palatine tonsil. The anterior pillar (in front of the tonsil) is also called the glossopalatine arch; the posterior pillar (behind the tonsil) is also called the pharyngopalatine arch.