Dictionary

precancerous Pertaining to something that is not yet cancerous but has the potential to develop into a cancer. See also premalignant.

preauricular pit See ear pit.

preauricular tag See ear tag.

pre- Prefix meaning before.

Prayer of Maimonides See Daily Prayer of a Physician.

Prader-Willi syndrome An uncommon genetic syndrome that is characterized by severe hypotonia (floppiness), poor sucking and feeding problems in early infancy, and, later in infancy, excessive eating that, if unchecked, leads gradually to marked obesity. Abbreviated PWS. Other sypmtoms include developmental delay, mild to moderate mental retardation with multiple learning disabilities, and small gonads. The…

PPS Postpolio syndrome.

PPMA Postpolio muscular atrophy.

power of attorney, durable See durable power of attorney.

pound A measure of weight that is equal to 16 ounces or, metrically, 453.6 grams. Abbreviated lb.

pouch, rectouterine See pouch of Douglas.

pouch of Douglas An extension of the peritoneal cavity between the rectum and the back wall of the uterus. Also known as the rectouterine pouch.