Category: A

  • Air douche

    An air current directed onto the body for therapeutic purposes, usually directed to the tympanum for opening the eustachian tube.  

  • Dose-ranging study

    An investigation of different drug dosages to determine if any of the selected doses is better tolerated or more effective than the others.  

  • Air dose

    The intensity of radiation measured in air at the target. The measurement of x-ray dose in roentgens at a specific location in unrestricted airspace, encompassing the combined radiation emitted by the primary x-ray beam as well as the scattered radiation originating from the surrounding air, is determined using the Victoreen R-meter.  

  • Acute diverticulitis

    Diverticulitis in which the symptoms are similar to those of appendicitis but usually located in the left rather than the right lower quadrant of the abdomen: inflammation of the peritoneum, formation of an abscess, and in untreated patients, intestinal gangrene accompanied by perforation.  

  • Atrioventricular dissociation

    Dissociation that occurs when the independent pacemakers of the atria and ventricles of the heart are not synchronized. This is a hallmark of third-degree heart block.  

  • Ankle dislocation

    Traumatic displacement of the talocrural joint with or without concurrent fracture of the tibial or fibular malleoli, or both.  

  • Anticipated disease

    A disease that may be predicted to occur in individuals with a certain genetic, physical, or environmental predisposition.  

  • Disruptive discharge

    The passage of current through an insulating medium due to the breakdown of the medium under electrostatic stress.  

  • Artificial digestion

    Digestion occurring outside the living organism by an enzyme.  

  • Alkali-ash diet

    A diet designed to produce an alkaline urine. It contains foods such as fruits, vegetables, and milk and is lacking in meat, fish, eggs, and cereals.