Dictionary

poly- Prefix meaning much or many, as in polycystic (characterized by many cysts).

Poly (Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte – PMN) Poly is a shorthand term for polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN), a type of white blood cell (WBC) that plays a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in fighting bacterial infections. Characteristics of PMNs Multilobed nucleus – The name “polymorphonuclear” refers to the variable shape of the nucleus.Granules in the cytoplasm…

pollex The thumb.

pollen Small, light, dry protein particles from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds that may be spread by the wind. Pollen particles are usually the male sex cells of a plant, and they are smaller than the tip of a pin. Pollen is a potent stimulator of allergic responses. It lodges in the mucous membranes that…

poliomyelitis See polio.

polio vaccine, Salk See polio vaccine, inactivated.

polio vaccine, Sabin See polio vaccine, oral.

polio vaccine, oral A vaccine that contains live attenuated (weakened) poliovirus. Abbreviated OPV.

polio vaccine, live See polio vaccine, oral.

polio vaccine, killed See polio vaccine, inactivated.

polio vaccine, inactivated A vaccine that is made from a suspension of poliovirus types that are inactivated (killed) with formalin. Abbreviated IPV. IPV is given by injection.

polio immunization One of the two polio vaccines that are available: oral polio vaccine (OPV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). OPV was formerly recommended for children in the US but was shown to actually cause polio in extremely rare cases and is no longer recommended. IPV is given as a shot in the arm or…