Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Aldolase

    An enzyme present in skeletal and heart muscle and the liver; important in converting glycogen into lactic acid. Its serum level is increased in certain muscle diseases and in hepatitis. In the realm of muscular physiology, a remarkable catalyst takes center stage—a scarcely known enzymatic marvel that resides predominantly within our muscular fibers. Its profound…

  • Alder reilly anomaly

    Large dark leukocyte granules that stain lilac. They consist of mucopolysaccharide deposits and are indicative of mucopolysaccharidosis.  

  • Alcohol use disorders identification test

    A survey of ten questions to diagnose those people whose alcohol consumption has become harmful to their health. The audit questionnaire includes three questions about a person’s possible dependence on alcohol, three that determine the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, and four that delve into any problems that may have been caused by a…

  • Alcohol-dependent sleep disorder

    Inability to sleep without consuming alcohol. The alcohol is used as a sedative/hypnotic drug.  

  • Rubbing alcohol

    A preparation containing not less than 68.5% and not more than 71.5% dehydrated alcohol by volume. The remainder consists of water and denaturants and may or may not contain color additives and perfume oils. It is used as a rubefacient. Rubbing alcohol is packaged, labeled, and sold in accordance with the regulations issued by the…

  • Polyvinyl alcohol

    A water soluble synthetic resin used in preparing medicines, esp. ophthalmic solutions.  

  • Diluted alcohol

    Alcohol containing not less than 41% and not more than 42% by weight of ethyl alcohol; used as a solvent. Also called diluted ethanol.  

  • Dehydrated alcohol

    Alcohol containing not less than 99.2% by weight of ethyl alcohol. This corresponds to 99.5% by volume of ethyl alcohol.  

  • Cetyl alcohol

    A white insoluble solid substance, C16H340, used in the manufacture of ointments.  

  • Alcaligenes xylosoxidans

    A species that does not ferment glucose. It has been implicated rarely in lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis and in other health-care associated infections in patients with immunosuppressing or malignant illnesses.