Health Glossary

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

Malaria

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted primarily through the bites…
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Malnutrition

A condition resulting from an imbalance, deficiency, or excess of energy, nutrients, or other essential components of nutrition. Malnutrition includes…
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Medication

A substance or preparation used to prevent, diagnose, treat, control, or relieve a disease, condition, or symptom. Medications can contain…
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Melanocyte

A melanocyte is a specialized pigment-producing cell that produces melanin and transfers it to nearby cells, particularly keratinocytes. Melanocytes are…
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Microbiome

The community of microorganisms and their genetic material that inhabit a particular environment, such as the human body. The human…
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Mitochondria

Membrane-bound organelles that carry out important metabolic processes, including the production of much of the cell’s usable energy in the…
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MOAH

MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons) are a group of hydrocarbon compounds containing aromatic structures that can occur as components of…
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MOSH

MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons) are a group of hydrocarbon compounds consisting primarily of saturated hydrocarbons that can occur in…
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