Health Glossary

Demystifying medical language. Browse or search for clear, human-centered explanations of common medical terms.

Antibody

A protein produced by certain immune cells that specifically recognizes and binds to a particular antigen. Antibodies are produced by…
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Antifungal

An antifungal is a medicine or substance that acts against fungi or inhibits their growth or reproduction. Antifungal medicines are…
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Antigen

A substance or molecular structure that can be specifically recognized by components of the immune system, such as antibodies or…
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Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial describes a substance or medicine that acts against microorganisms or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.…
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Antiviral

An antiviral is a medicine or substance that acts against viruses or inhibits their ability to reproduce. Antiviral medicines work…
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Anxiety

A state of worry, fear, unease, or apprehension about a perceived or anticipated threat, uncertainty, or stressful situation. Anxiety can…
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Appetite

The desire or motivation to eat. Appetite is influenced by signals from the brain, digestive system, hormones, emotions, environment, medications,…
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Arrhythmia

An abnormal heart rhythm caused by a disturbance in the formation or conduction of the heart’s electrical signals. Arrhythmias may…
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Artemether

Artemether is a rapidly acting artemisinin derivative used in the treatment of malaria. Artemether acts against malaria parasites during their…
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Artemisinin

Artemisinin is a naturally occurring antimalarial compound originally isolated from Artemisia annua, a plant also known as sweet wormwood. Artemisinin…
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Artery

An artery is a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart. Most arteries carry oxygen-rich blood, but the…
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Artesunate

Artesunate is a rapidly acting artemisinin derivative used to treat malaria, including severe malaria. Artesunate acts rapidly against malaria parasites…
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Arthritis

A group of conditions that cause inflammation, structural changes, or other disease processes affecting one or more joints. Arthritis is…
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Aseptic

Aseptic describes conditions, practices or procedures designed to prevent the introduction or spread of microorganisms that could contaminate a product,…
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