Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Xenon-washout blood flow test
A test of blood flow to the male genitals to diagnose erectile dysfunction.
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Xanthurenic acid
A metabolite of tryptophan is found in normal urine, but appears in increased amounts in cases of vitamin B6 deficiency. An acid, C10H7NO4, excreted in the urine of pyridoxine-deficient animals after they are fed tryptophan. Also called 4,8-dihydroxyquinaldic acid
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Xanthomas
A small yellow plaque in the skin due to a fat deposit. A yellow fatty mass, often on the eyelids and hands, found in people with a high level of cholesterol in the blood. Benign, fatty, yellowish plaque, nodule, or tumor in the subcutaneous layers of the skin, usually due to accumulation of cholesterol and…
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Xanthine
A nitrogenous extractive contained in muscles tissue, liver, spleen, pancreas, and other organs and in the urine, formed during the metabolism of nucleoproteins. It is acted upon by certain enzymes to form uric acid and is excreted in the urine. An intermediate product in the breakdown of nucleic acids to uric acid, found in blood,…
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Wry neck
Torticollis. A condition in which the head is twisted to one side. It may be caused by the contraction of a scar, such as that resulting from a burn, or by paralysis of some of the muscles; as a result of injury at birth; or trauma to the area later in life. Treatment is by…
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Writ of error
In law, a situation in which an appellate court orders a lower court to submit a record of an action on which the lower court has based its decision, so that the appellate court may examine the alleged errors of the lower court.
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Writ in vacation
In law, a court order issued during intermission of court session.
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Wrist
The region of articulation between the forearm and hand. A joint between the hand and forearm. Joint between the forearm and the hand, formed of eight carpal bones; also called carpus. The area where the hand joins the arm. The wrist is a complex arrangement of joints between eight wrist bones (carpals in two rows…
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Wrinkles
A condition caused by atrophy of elastic tissue changes in the skin. Some develop in the normal course of aging, but severe wrinkling comes from repeated exposure to the sun. No cream, oil, or facial exercise can permanently smooth or remove. Only cosmetic surgery can produce a long-lasting effect on the appearance. A fold in…
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Wrecking bar
A short metal bar, chisel-shaped on both ends, one end of which is a half circle, used to effect forceful entry to release victims trapped in a vehicle or other enclosure.
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