Dictionary

wasp sting A sting from a wasp, which can trigger allergic reactions that vary greatly in severity. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential. In some cases, allergy injection therapy is highly effective.

wasting 1 Gradual loss (for example, of weight), deterioration, and emaciation as in a wasting disease. 2 Excessive depletion as in salt wasting; the excessive loss of salt.

water on the brain See hydrocephalus.

water-hammer pulse See Corrigan pulse.

wax dip See paraffin dip.

WBC White blood cell.

WDWN Abbreviation for “well-developed, wellnourished,” shorthand used by physicians when jotting down the results of a physical examination. For example, a WDWNWF would be a well-developed, well-nourished white female.

weaver’s bottom Inflammation of the bursa that separates the gluteus maximus muscle of the buttocks from the underlying bony prominence of the bone that a person sits on (ischial tuberosity). Weaver’s bottom is a form of bursitis that is usually caused by prolonged sitting on hard surfaces that press against the bones of the bottom…

Wegener granulomatosis See granulomatosis, Wegener.

vitamin An organic substance that naturally occurs in plants or animal tissue that is essential for normal metabolism of the body and to life. Vitamins play a part in dozens of crucial activities in the body: Some are antioxidants, preventing oxidation of cells and potentially preventing cancer; others permit or deny chemical reactions involved in…

vitamin therapy The use of vitamins to prevent or cure disease, often as a complementary therapy to accompany medication or other treatments. One variant on this theme, megavitamin therapy, is still rather controversial. It is important to consult a physician before adding vitamin supplements to a health regimen. See also Appendix C, “Vitamins.”

vitelline duct See yolk stalk.