Dictionary

pestilence 1 Originally, bubonic plague. See also plague. 2 Any epidemic disease that is highly contagious, infectious, virulent, and devastating.

pest See plague.

pes planus Flatfoot.

pes cavus A foot with an arch that is too high.

pes Latin word meaning foot.

pervasive developmental disorder Abreviated PDD, one of a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialization and communication. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy and typically onset is prior to 3 years of age. Symptoms may include communication problems such as using and understanding language; difficulty…

pertussis A communicable, potentially deadly illness that is characterized by fits of coughing followed by a noisy, “whooping” indrawn breath. Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The illness is most likely to affect young children, but it sometimes appears in teenagers and adults, even those who have been previously immunized. When teenagers and…

Perthes disease See Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

perspiration 1 The secretion of fluid by the sweat (sudoriferous) glands. These small, tubular glands are situated within the skin and in the subcutaneous tissue under it. They discharge fluid through tiny openings in the surface of the skin. Perspiration serves at least two purposes: It removes waste products such as urea and ammonia, and…

personality disorder A disorder characterized by the long-standing use of mechanisms of coping in an inappropriate, stereotyped, and maladaptive manner. Personality disorders are enduring and persistent styles of behavior and thought, not atypical episodes. The personality disorders encompass a group of behavioral disorders that are different and distinct from the psychotic and neurotic disorders. The…

pernicious vomiting of pregnancy See hyperemesis gravidarum.

peritonsillar abscess A collection of pus behind the tonsils that pushes one of the tonsils toward the uvula. A peritonsillar abscess is generally very painful and is usually associated with a decreased ability to open the mouth. If left untreated, the infection can spread deep in the neck, causing airway obstruction and life-threatening complications.