Medical Dictionary

The main source of TheFreeDictionary's Medical dictionary is The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary, Second Edition, which provides authoritative descriptions of medical conditions, medications, anatomical terms, noted medical personalities and much more.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary is ideal for both medical professionals and anyone who wants to keep up with the burgeoning array of terminology found in today's medical news. By avoiding jargon, the dictionary offers concise and easily accessible information for users searching for descriptions of over-the-counter or prescription medications, medical abbreviations, test procedures, medical research topics, or illnesses. Over 45,000 entries from all areas of medicine and healthcare are included.

The Medical dictionary also draws from The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine,Second Edition, which provides information on nearly 1,700 common medical disorders, tests, and treatments, and bridges the gap between basic consumer resources and highly technical professional materials.

Please note that this information is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a medical professional.

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testosterone

n.
A steroid hormone and the most potent naturally occurring androgen that is formed by the interstitial cells of the testes, and possibly by the ovary and adrenal cortex, may be produced in nonglandular tissues from precursors such as androstenedione, and is used in the treatment of hypogonadism, cryptorchism, carcinomas, and menorrhagia.

osteoarthritis

n. Abbr. OA
A form of arthritis, occurring mainly in older persons, that is characterized by chronic degeneration of the cartilage of the joints. Also called degenerative joint disease, hypertrophic arthritis, osteoarthrosis.

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