Glossary
ACE inhibitor: see: angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitor
acylated: acid radical incorporated into an
organic compound
adaptogen: an agent that increases the
nonspecific resistance of an organism to harmful influences, while generating a
normalizing action on bodily systems
Addison’s disease: hormonal disorder, resulting from
diminished production of cortisol and/or aldosterone, that causes weight loss,
muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the
skin
adenocarcinoma: cancerous growth of glandular tissue
originating from the intestines, uterus, and breast
adenoma: benign tumor of glandular tissue
epithelium (outer skin layer)
adrenergic: relating to nerve endings that use
norepinephrine as primary
neurotransmitters
adulteration: addition of any substance to a
product, with the intent to defraud
adynamia: lack of physical or emotional drive;
loss of strength or weakness
alveolar: referring to the air-filled space in
the lungs formed by sac-like dilations of the lung tissue
amenorrhea: absence of a woman’s monthly cycle
analgesic: a pain relieving product or compound
anaphylactic shock: severe allergic reaction
characterized by any combination of: shortness of breath, fainting, itching
skin rash, swelling of the throat, and a sudden decline in blood pressure
angiogenesis: blood vessel growth
angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitor: agent
(i.e., Enalapril, Captropril) that reduces peripheral vascular resistance via
blockage of the angiotensin converting enzyme that reduces myocardial oxygen
consumption, thereby improving cardiac output, reducing left ventricular and
vascular hypertrophy, and improving blood pressure
anticholinergic: chemical that diminishes the effect
of acetylcholine in the nervous system
anticoagulant: chemical compound that prevents
blood from clotting
antiemetic: agent that stops or alleviates
nausea and vomiting
antihistamine: drug that blocks the effect of
histamines thereby blocking an allergic reaction
antilithic: prevents or dissolves stones (e.g.,
kidney stones, gallstones)
antioxidant: group of substances that prevent
oxidative cell damage by scavenging free radicals generated during metabolic
processes
antiphlogistic: reduction of inflammation
anti-schistosomal: medicines or remedies that protect
against human parasitic infection (Schistosoma or blood flukes)
antithrombotic: treatment that dissolves blood clots
or prevents their formation
aphthous ulcers: commonly called canker sores,
characterized by mouth lesions
apoptosis: natural programmed cell destruction
and death which is an important component of lifecycle events ranging from
menstruation to arresting tumor growth
arrhythmia: change in heart rhythm, often noted
as an irregular heart beat
ascorbic acid: vitamin C
asthenia: condition characterized by muscle
weakness or loss of energy caused by muscular or psychological disorders
astringent: agent that controls bleeding or
secretion by causing tissues to contract or draw together
ataxia: uncoordinated movement of muscle
groups caused by a nerve disease characterized by unsteady gait
atherosclerosis: hardening of the arteries caused by
cholesterol-lipid-calcium deposits
Ayurvedic: ancient medical practice based on
total mental, physical, and spiritual health, and includes eight branches: internal
medicine, general surgery, head and neck, pediatrics, toxicology, fertility and
conception, rejuvenation, and psychiatry
AZT: also called zidovudine, the most widely used antiviral
drug in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients
bacteriuria: condition where bacteria are found
in the urine
barium enema: barium sulfate suspension used as an
enema (introduction of a fluid into the rectum and colon) to increase
visibility of an X-ray during a colon exam
bathmotropic: response to a stimulus that
increases nervous and muscular irritability
blood-brain barrier: membranous blood vessel barrier that
selectively controls the entry of substances into the brain tissue
borborygmi: normal rumbling and gurgling sounds
in the abdomen caused by gasses passing through intestinal liquids
bradycardia: a slow heartbeat (defined as a heart
rate that is less than 60 beats per minute)
brix: unit of measure showing the percentage of sugar
contained in a solution
bromsulphalein test: liver function test using an
injected dye and measuring its excretion from the liver and thus the general
functioning of the liver (especially cirrhosis)
cardiac glycoside: plant-derived substance used in
cases of heart failure that strengthen contractions and regulate the heartbeat
carminative: agent that expels gas from the
intestines and relieves gas pain and bloating
cataplasm: a poultice or soft external
application, often medicated
catarrh: nasal discharge as a result of a
viral or bacterial infection
cholagogue: an agent that stimulates the flow of
bile from the liver
cholangitis: acute infection of the biliary tract
usually caused by an obstruction of the bile duct
cholecystitis: inflammation of the gallbladder
choleretic: an agent or drug that stimulates
evacuation of bile from the liver
cholestatic: stoppage or suppression of bile from
the liver
chronotropic: an agent that affects the rate of
contraction of the heart
cicatrizing: to heal, forming a scar
climacteric: the syndrome of endocrine, somatic,
and psychic changes occurring at the termination of the reproductive period in
the female, or the accompanying the normal diminution of sexual activity in the
male
cold expression: method of extracting essential oils
from various botanicals, usually citrus fruits, by using cold water and
pressure
colic: painful spasm in the abdomen,
usually pertains to the colon
collagenosis: term used for a group of diseases of
unknown origin which attack the connective tissue (usually skin)
compress: folded material (wet, dry, hot, or
cold) applied firmly to a section of the body
conjunctivitis: inflammation of the membrane
(conjunctiva) that covers the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelid;
commonly known as “pink eye”
convalescence: recovery time after an illness or
operation
corpus cavernosum: the erectile tissue of a penis or
tissue leading to the clitoris
corpus luteum: glandular tissue in the ovary that
releases progesterone and estrogen after the onset of ovulation
counterirritant: an agent (e.g., mustard plaster)
that is applied to the skin to create inflammation with the purpose of
remedying a deeply underlying inflammatory condition
Crocq’s disease: disorder characterized by poor
circulation to the hands, and at times the feet, resulting in a cold, blue, and
sweaty condition (also known as acrocyanosis)
cryoprecipitate: a blood product made from fresh
frozen plasma containing a concentration of the cold insoluble portion of
plasma
cryotherapy: use of cold temperature for
therapeutic purposes
cyclooxygenase pathway: an enzyme system that metabolizes
arachidonic acid (AA), an essential fatty acid, to create prostaglandins and
thromboxanes
cyst: a usually abnormal growth made up of a thick-walled sac
filled with any combination of fluid, gas, or solid materials
cytokine: soluble glycoproteins which are produced
and released by cells of the immune system to regulate the immune response
cytological: relating to cell formation, anatomy,
and function
decoction: a medicinal preparation made by
steeping plants, usually the more dense parts, e.g., roots, barks, etc., in
boiling water
demulcent: a therapeutic substance that soothes
irritated tissue, particularly mucous membranes
dermabrasion: removal of skin imperfections (e.g.,
scars, wrinkles, tattoos) through a surgical procedure and/or other mechanical
methods
dermatitis: skin inflammation characterized by
redness and itching
Dermatosis: a general term referring to any skin
disease
detumescence: reduction of swelling, usually
refers to the reversal of erection of the genital organ
diabetes mellitus: chronic metabolic disease caused by
a deficiency of insulin produced, or lack of response to insulin, resulting in
increased blood sugar concentrations
diaphoretic: an agent that causes perspiration
diazepam: generic name for an antianxiety
sedative used to treat a variety of anxiety-related disorders, commonly known
as Valium®
digitalis: dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea, containing cardiac glycosides and used in
treating heart disease
dimer: a single compound formed by the
joining of two identical molecules
diuresis: increased elimination of urine
dromotropic: effect on the electric conduction of
the heart tissue
dysentery: an inflammation of the intestine
that causes painful diarrhea and stools containing blood and mucus
dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation
dyspepsia: term derived from “bad” (dys) “digestion” (pepsia) describing a
condition of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by
heartburn, nausea, and loss of appetite
dyspnea: breathlessness or shortness of
breath on exertion
ecchymosis: skin discoloration caused by
ruptured blood vessels leaking blood into the surrounding tissues (bruises)
eicosanoid: a product of arachidonic acid
metabolism
embolism: blood vessel obstruction, usually
refers to a blood clot
emmenagogue: an agent that promotes or aids
menstrual flow
emulsion: stable mixture of two or more
immiscible liquids, such as milk (oil dispersed in water)
encephalomyelitis: acute brain inflammation caused
either by a viral infection or in response to an infection
endogenous: produced within a cell or organism
endometriosis: gynecologic condition where
endometrial tissue is located outside of the uterus and may result in painful,
irregular menstrual cycles, or infertility
endometrium: uterus lining
endothelium: single cell layer that lines the
lumen of all blood vessels forming the interface between the blood and the
vessel wall
enteric coating: special tablet or capsule coating
that does not dissolve until mixed with fluids in the small intestine,
resulting in the coated agent’s delayed release into the patient’s system
enteritis: inflammation of the mucosal lining
of the small intestine
enterocystoplasty: a surgical procedure that augments
the bladder, using a portion of the intestine, for patients suffering from
bladder innervation problems (e.g., in spinal cord injury)
enterocyte: skin cell in the intestinal lining
epithelia/epithelium: a layer of cells forming the surface
of mucous membranes and the top layer of the skin
ergogenic: increased work output, actual and
potential
ergometric: pertaining to measuring the amount
of work done
eructation: condition where gas is produced from
the stomach resulting in hiccoughing or belching sounds
erythema: spotted skin and redness usually
indicative of infection or inflammation
exanthema: skin eruptions (break-out) in
conjunction with a viral disease such as measles
fermentation: chemical reaction where enzymes
decompose a complex material into more simple substances
fibrinolysis: dissolution of vascular system clots
fibromyalgia: chronic condition that includes
debilitating muscle pain and fatigue
fimbriae: a thread-like structure or
fingerlike filament
flavonoid: a plant-based compound containing a
carbon skeleton with two aromatic rings bridged by a three-carbon aliphatic
chain. Flavonoids are essential in
maintaining capillary walls and protecting against infection. One subgroup (anthocyanins) creates plant
pigmentation.
fluidextract: a liquid with the ratio of 1:1
whereby each cubic centimeter (cc) or milliliter (mL) of the solution contains
1 g of the extracted substance
fomentation: the application of warm liquid or
moist heat to the surface of the body to relieve pain
Fontaines stage category (Stage I-IV): demonstration of the extent of
peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD)
formononetin: an isoflavone that is thought to be
partially responsible for an herb’s estrogenic effect
fortification: strengthening the nutritional value
of a food by adding substances such as vitamins
furunculosis: condition marked by boils caused by
bacterial skin infections
galenicals: infusions, decoctions, and tinctures
prepared from medicinal plants
Geriatric Evaluation by Relative’s
Rating Instrument (GERRI):
a test which assesses daily living and social behavior
GERRI: See: Geriatric Evaluation by
Relative’s Rating Instrument
glossodynia: tongue pain, also called burning
tongue syndrome
glucose challenge: assesses glucose (blood sugar)
metabolism capabilities, also known as a glucose tolerance test
glycoside: a plant substance that, when
hydrolyzed, forms a sugar along with a non-sugar substance
gruel: porridge made by boiling grains in
water or milk
halothane: a general anesthetic made from
fluorinated hydrocarbon that is inhaled
Hamilton rating scale (HAM-D): depression rating scale for clinical
evaluations
Hamilton rating scale (HAM-A): anxiety rating scale for clinical
evaluations
hematoma: localized swelling and discoloration
within an organ or tissue resulting from a blood vessel break, a bruise
heparin: a polysaccharide that is used
therapeutically to inhibit blood platelet coagulation by forming an
antithrombin
histaminergic: a substance or reaction that relates
to histamine receptors (allergens and allergic reactions)
histological: relating to the microscopic
structure of plant and animal tissues
hyperemesis gravidarum: unusually excessive vomiting during
pregnancy that, if not treated, can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and
death
hypermenorrhea: menstruation that is excessive in
duration or is abnormally heavy
hyperplasia: excessive growth of normal tissue
hyperprolactinemia: condition linked to infertility and
marked by increased levels of the pituitary gland hormone, prolactin
hyphema: bleeding in the eye between the
cornea and iris
hypotensive: relates to lowered blood pressure
hypoxia: condition where cell tissues are
deprived of an adequate supply of oxygen
idiosyncratic: an abnormal susceptibility to some
drug, protein, or other agent which is peculiar to the individual
in vitro:
Latin phrase used to
indicate a process taking place within an artificial environment such as a test
tube
in vivo:
Latin phrase
referring to a process (e.g., a drug reaction) that occurs within a living
body, usually an animal
infusion: tea made by steeping (soaking) herbs
in hot or cold water
inotropic: affecting a cardiac muscle’s force
of contraction (contractility)
intermittent claudication: tightness or pain in the calf
muscles that arises when walking and subsides with rest, and is a result of
insufficient blood circulation
intracranial: inside the skull
intraperitoneal
injection: an injection into the abdominal cavity
ischemia: blood supply to a specific area is
temporarily reduced or cut-off
Kampo: ancient Japanese healing practice
that uses herbal formulas and focuses on treating systemic imbalances, thereby healing
physical and psychological ailments
kernicterus: abnormal condition in some infants
born with jaundice where excessive amounts of the bile pigment, bilirubin,
collect within and damage the brain
Kruskal-Wallis test: a non-parametric test, that compares
3 or more randomly sampled groups with the objective of finding out if, no
matter how they are grouped, they will have the same median range
lassitude: feeling lethargic, lacking energy
leukocyte: a white blood cell
leukopenia: reduction in the white blood cell
count, i.e., 5,000 or less
leukoplakia: condition where thick, white patches
form on mucus membranes (e.g. tounge, genitalia), and can be pre-cancerous
leukorrhea: vaginal discharge consisting of
mucous that is white or yellow in color
leukotriene: a product of the metabolism of
arachidonic acid mediating almost every aspect of an inflammatory reaction
(including asthma)
lichenoid: crust-like patches on the skin that
have a similar appearance and texture to a type of alga that grows on trees and
rocks
lignan: potential anti-cancer compound that
is found naturally in human and animal bodily fluids, as well as from more
advanced plants, can be lab-created
liniment: medicinal liquid that relieves pain
and stiffness when used externally
lipooxygenase pathway: means of metabolizing fats to
produce leukotrienes
log rank test: over a period of time, recording
events in people’s lives (survival functions) to create a table on which
statistical comparisons can be made, also known as Mantel-Cox
lumbago: backache located in the middle or
lower back
lysis: process where cells are destroyed
maceration: soaking a solid for a defined period
of time in a liquid
macrophage: mononuclear cells, originating from
bone marrow, that enter the blood stream and are capable of producing antigens
and activating immune system responses
Mann-Whitney test: a non-parametric inferential
statistical test to compare two randomly drawn, independent samples
mast cell: tissue cells responsible for
producing the mediators (i.e., histamines) for allergic reactions (e.g.,
sneezing, welts)
mastalgia: breast pain or discomfort
mastodynia: breast pain or discomfort
materia medica: general term referring to the
curative substances in medicinal remedies and the science that studies them
menorrhagia: heavy or prolonged menstrual
bleeding
metastasis: the spreading
of a disease resulting in secondary signs and symptoms in another part of the
body, usually cancerous
micturition: act of urinating
mitogenic: induction of cell division or change
motropic: relating to or influencing muscle
motions
mucilage: thick, sticky gel-like agent
produced by some plants and used as a therapeutic salve or to mix substances
that would normally be insoluble
mucositis: inflammation of a mucous membrane
muscarinic: a subtype of the parasympathetic
acetylcholinergic (ACh) receptor system
musculotropic: an agent that impacts or is drawn to
muscle tissues
mutagenic: an agent that induces changes in
genes
myalgia: muscle aches or pains
myalgic encephalomyelitis: painful disease that is
characterized by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, flu-like symptoms,
and loss of muscle strength
myocarditis: inflammation of the heart muscle
myocardium: center muscle layer of the heart
wall
myocyte: cell that makes up muscle tissue
myoglobinuria: losing myoglobins, beneficial
proteins in the muscles that provide and store oxygen, via urination as a
result of muscle trauma
native dry extract: an extract, typically
hydroalcoholic, of plant material from which the solvent has been evaporated to
leave a solid residue
neurogenic: relating to or stemming from nerve
tissue impulses
Neurodermatitis: scaly patches of skin resulting from
an itch that is irritated when scratched
neuropathy: general term for a disease involving
any aspect of the nervous system
neurovegetative: relating to the autonomic nervous
system’s supplying of nerve fibers to internal organs
NF-kB: See: nuclear factor kappa beta
nociceptor: outer layer nerve ending that
responds to painful or harmful agents
nocturia: persistent and excessive need to
urinate during regular sleeping hours; oftentimes increases in frequency with
aging
non-parametric: type of inferential statistical
analysis where no assumptions are applied regarding the defining properties of
the selected populations, commonly used in studies spanning the lifespan of a
population
norepinephrine: an effective blood vessel
constrictor secreted by the adrenal gland
notalgia paresthetica: dermatological condition
characterized by intense itching of the scapula region (the upper back)
Nuclear factor kappa beta: a redox-sensitive transcription
factor that promotes the transcription of genes that promote cell replication
and tissue growth
nulliparous: a woman who, by choice or medical
difficulties, has never given birth to a living child
octamer: DNA strands that carry polymer
chains consisting of 8 amino acids
oculomotor: relates to movements of the eye
ointment: solid dosage form for use on the
skin for soothing, healing, therapeutic, or cosmetic purposes
oleoresin: a mixture of essential oils and
resins extracted from plants
oligomenorrhea: menstruation that is sporadic or has
an unusually light flow
orthostatic: caused or impacted by standing
upright (e.g., change in blood pressure)
osteoarthritis: non-inflammatory destruction of
joint tissue resulting in pain and movement limitation
osteogenic: relating to the development, growth,
or repair of bone
osteoporosis: a condition in which bone mass is
decreased causing increased fracture risk and healing time
PAOD: see: peripheral arterial occlusive disease
papillary: surface of a lesion resembling a
fold, frond or villous projection
pappus: cup-like structure (calyx) of
plants, such as on dandelions, that is made of fibers, leaves, or thorns
paresthesia: often related to nerve damage, an
abnormal sensation of the skin that can include prickling, numbness, and
burning
paste: thick, smooth mixture that, when
dry, is stiff and can be used as an adhesive or applied to the skin for
therapeutic purposes
peripheral arterial occlusive disease
(PAOD): an arterial
disease leading to progressively increased pain, exhaustion, and debility
peroxidation: process characterized by oxidation
of fatty acids affecting the integrity of cell membranes which can be modulated
by the presence of antioxidants
pia mater: one of three membranes surrounding
the brain and spinal cord
pial: pertaining to pia mater
phagocytosis: process of a cell taking in and
digesting particles such as other cells or bacteria
Pharmacovigilence: the ongoing process of
identification and reporting of drug safety issues to provide early detection
in order to minimize the impact and extent of adverse drug reactions
pheochromocytoma: adrenal gland tumor that causes
excessive epinephrine and norepinephrine secretion and eventually leads to high
blood pressure
phlebopathy: any vein-related disease
phytochemicals: plant derived chemicals
plaster: paste-like material that hardens
when dried and is used to create a model of, or immobilize, a body part
plethysmography: measuring the size of body parts or
limbs to determine blood supply
polypectomy: extracting a polyp, a precancerous
growth, by means of surgery
post-phlebitis syndrome: chronic inflammation of the deep
veins of the legs, which then damages the vein or causes blockages in the
superficial veins
postprandial: period of time after consuming food
poultice: a thick paste applied to the skin
for the purpose of alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting
healing
procyanidin: type of flavonoid that includes
proanthocyanidins and procyanidin oligomers (PCOs)
prolactin: a pituitary gland hormone that when
combined with estrogen and progesterone, stimulates breast development and milk
formation during pregnancy
prophylactic: a preventative agent or process
prophylaxis: application of preventative measures
to reduce the incidence of disease
prostaglandin: metabolized from arachidonic acid
(unsaturated animal fatty acid) and important in several physiolgical
functions (e.g., vasoconstriction, smooth muscle stimulation)
prurigo (nodular): on-going skin condition
characterized by the eruption of severely itchy, pale papules (welts)
pruritus: condition characterized by intensely
itchy skin
psychometric: pertaining to the surveying of
psychological parameters including behavior, emotions, and cognitive abilities
psychomotor: mind-muscle connection, coordination
of physical activities with mental operations
psychovegetative: depressive, catatonic-like state
where a person appears to unknowingly respond to certain stimuli and lacks
corresponding cognitive neurological function
purpura: disorder marked by hemorrhage in the
skin or mucous membranes resulting in purple spots
putrefactive: an agent (usually bacteria) that
breaks down, or decomposes, organic substances with a resulting foul odor
pyelonephritis: inflammation, brought on by
bacterial infection, of the kidneys and surrounding area
pyuria: urine containing an abnormally high
level of pus and white blood cells leading to urine that has a cloudy
appearance, indication of a possible renal disease
qi: Chinese term referring to the vital force, or energy,
that is believed to be present in all things
Raynaud’s
disease: disorder marked by episodic vasoconstriction of digits (hands and
toes) leading to abnormally cold hands and feet; affects women three to five
times more frequently than men
retinopathy: pertaining to any retinal disease or
disorder
rheumatism: any inflammatory condition of the
joints, ligaments, bursae, or muscles characterized by limitation of movement,
pain, and structural degeneration
rheumatoid arthritis: progressive disorder characterized
by painful inflammation and destruction
of the joints and eventually malformation and disability
rhinitis: condition caused by chronic
inflammation of the nasal mucosa characterized by runny nose, itching, and
sneezing
rhizome: underground stem that grows
horizontally, sometimes stores starch
rhynchophylline: indole alkaloid found in some
species of Uncaria
rubefacient: externally applied agent that causes
the skin to become red
saccade: rapid, involuntary eye movement made
when shifting focus from one point to another
saponin: plant agent that creates a foam when
shaken with water
sarcoma: malignant tumor growing from
connective tissue such as bone or muscle
seborrheic dermatitis: chronic, recurring scaly rash
predominantly affecting the face, ears,
eyebrows, and scalp
secretolytic: a substance that reduces secretions
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
(SSRI):
antidepressant drug that is used to increase the amount of serotonin, a mood
balancing neurotransmitter and hormone (e.g., Prozac®, Zoloft®)
septicemia: condition characterized by the
presence of bacteria circulating in the blood, often associated with severe
disease and increased mortality
sesquiterpene: a plant-derived compound usually
with 15 carbons formed from isoprene units
Sjorgen’s syndrome: autoimmune disorder marked by dry
eyes and mouth, and occasional enlargement of the salivary glands
SKT: see: Syndrome Kurz Test
solute: substance dissolved in a liquid to
create a solution
solvent: liquid in which substances are
dissolved in order to create a solution
somatic: any agent, system, or process that
affects or is related to the physical body
spectrophotometry: a method of analysis in which
ultraviolet light or electromagnetic radiation is passed through a solution and
measured against the light spectrum
SSRI: see: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
struvite: type of crystal found in some kidney
stones
sympathomimetic: an agent that mediates sympathetic
nervous system reactions, particularly the effects of adrenaline (e.g.,
increased heart rate and sweating)
Syndrom-Kurztest (SKT): a short, simple test used for
determining cognitive impairment, specifically regarding attention and memory,
developed in Germany
tachyarrhythmia: rapid, irregular heart beat
tachycardia: heart palpitations exceeding 100
beats per minute in the average adult
tachyphylaxis: marked desensitization to certain
drugs or toxins following repeated administration of small doses
teratogenic: pertaining to abnormal embryo
development
thermogenic: heat producing
thrombocytopenia: blood disease marked by decreased
platelet count
thrombosis: condition characterized by vascular
system blood clots
thromboxane: a by-product of the arachidonic acid
metabolism, that can cause blood clotting and vein blockage
thrombophlebitis: inflammation of a vein combined with
formation of a blood clot (thrombus)
thrombus: a blood clot formed by the
aggregation of platelets, fibrin, clotting factors, and cellular elements that
obstructs a blood vessel or heart chamber
thyrotoxicosis: disease caused by overactive thyroid
gland leading to dangerous overproduction of thyroid hormones
tincture: a therapeutic solution created by
soaking an herb in alcohol to extract the pharmacologically active components
of the herb
tinnitus: condition marked by a ringing or
buzzing in the ears
tocopherol: compound having the biochemical
actions of vitamin E
tonic: a medicinal agent that improves
systemic functions or sense of well-being
tumescence: state of being or becoming swollen
uremia: disease marked by kidney dysfunction
leading to an increase of nitrogen-type waste products (toxins) in the blood
urogenital: regarding the organs in the urinary
and reproductive systems
urostomy: surgically created urinary tract
opening with an attached bag to collect urine
urticaria: allergic reaction resulting in itchy
welts or bumps
vasomotor: relating to the nerves that control
constriction and dilation of blood vessels
vertigo: dizziness or lightheadedness that
leads to the sensation of spinning or moving
viscid: thick or sticky liquid
vulnerary: remedy used to heal wounds