Dictionary

WPW syndrome Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

wormwood The plant whose essence forms the basis of absinthe, a dangerous emerald-green liqueur. See also absinthe.

World Health Organization The subagency of the United Nations (UN) that is concerned with international health. Abbreviated WHO. Also known as Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS).

working memory See memory, short-term.

word processor’s cramp A dystonia that affects the muscles of the hand and sometimes the forearm and that occurs only during typing or use of a computer. Similar focal dystonias have also been called writer’s cramp, pianist’s cramp, musician’s cramp, and golfer’s cramp.

womb See uterus.

Wolhynia fever See trench fever.

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome A condition that is caused by an abnormality in the electrical system of the heart, which normally tells the heart muscle when to contract. Abbreviated WPW syndrome. In WPW syndrome there is an extra electrical connection inside the heart that acts as a short circuit, causing the heart to beat too rapidly and…

WNL Medical shorthand for within normal limits. For example, a laboratory test result may be WNL.

WM Medical shorthand for white male.

withdrawal symptoms Abnormal physical or psychological features that follow the abrupt discontinuation of a drug that has the capability of producing physical dependence. Common withdrawal symptoms include sweating, tremors, vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, and muscle pain.

wisdom tooth See tooth, wisdom.