Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Dimple sign

    A sign used to differentiate a benign lesion, dermatofibroma, from nodular melanoma, which it may mimic. On application of lateral pressure with the thumb and index finger, the dermatofibroma dimples or becomes indented; melanomas, melanocytic nevi, and normal skin protrude above the initial plane.  

  • Dimple

    A small depression in the skin, especially of the cheek or chin.  

  • Dimethylmercury

    An exceptionally toxic form of mercury that may cause disease and death even after minute exposures. It is readily absorbed through the skin and respiratory tract.  

  • Dimethylamine

    A malodorous product of decay of materials that contain proteins.  

  • Dildoe

    An artificial penis-shaped device to simulate sexual intercourse.  

  • Vaginal dilator

    A glass, plastic, or metal device for dilating the vagina.  

  • Hygroscopic dilator

    A gynecological dilator made of materials that swell after absorbing fluids from body tissues. It is used to facilitate dilation of the cervix uteri (uterine cervix), e.g., in induction of labor or in dilation and curettage.  

  • Hegar’s dilator

    Graduated metal sounds that are inserted into the cervical canal and cause a graded dilation.  

  • Gynecological dilator

    An instrument for dilating the cervix uteri.  

  • Goodell’s dilator

    An instrument similar to the Bossi dilator except that it has three prongs.