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Glossary

Showing 351-360 out of 1156 Terms

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  • Dilute

    (dy-LOOT)

    To make something thinner, weaker, less concentrated, or less pure by adding something to it.

  • Discharge

    (DIS-charj)

    In medicine, a fluid that comes out of the body. Discharge can be normal or a sign of disease. Discharge also means release of a patient from care.

  • Disease

    A condition that prevents the body from working normally.

  • Disease progression

    (dih-ZEEZ pruh-GREH-shun)

    Cancer that continues to grow or spread.

  • Disease-free survival rate

    (dih-ZEEZ ... ser-VY-vul)

    In cancer, the length of time after primary treatment for a cancer ends that the patient survives without any signs or symptoms of that cancer. In a clinical trial, measuring the disease-free survival is one way to see how well a new treatment works. Also called DFS, relapse-free survival, and RFS.

  • Disinfectant

    (DIS-in-fek-tunt)

    Any substance or process that is used primarily on non-living objects to kill germs, such as viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can cause infection and disease. Most disinfectants are harsh chemicals but sometimes heat or radiation may be used.

  • Disorder

    (dis-OR-der)

    In medicine, a disturbance of normal functioning of the mind or body. Disorders may be caused by genetic factors, disease, or trauma.

  • Distal

    (DIS-tul)

    Refers to a part of the body that is farther away from the center of the body than another part. For example, the fingers are distal to the shoulder. The opposite is proximal.

  • Distant cancer

    (DIS-tunt KAN-ser)

    Refers to cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to distant organs or distant lymph nodes. Also known as distant metastasis.

  • Diuretics

    (DY-yoo-REH-tiks)

    A type of drug that causes the kidneys to make more urine. Diuretics help the body get rid of extra fluid and salt. They are used to treat high blood pressure, edema (extra fluid in the tissues), and other conditions. There are many different types of diuretics. They are sometimes called water pills.