Dictionary

occult Hidden. For example, occult blood in the stool is hidden from the eye but can be detected by chemical tests.

occlude 1 To close, obstruct, or prevent passage. For example, to occlude an artery is to block the flow of blood. 2 To bring together. For example, to occlude the teeth is to oppose the upper with the lower teeth, as for chewing.

occiput The back of the head.

occipital bone The bone that forms the rear and rear bottom of the skull.

obtunded Mentally dulled. Head trauma may obtund a person.

obstructive sleep apnea See sleep apnea, obstructive.

obstruction, airway See airway obstruction.

obstetrics The art and science of managing pregnancy, labor, and the puerperium (the time after delivery).

obstetrician/gynecologist An obstetrician who also specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs. Abbreviated OB/GYN. Some OB/GYNs also provide general health care for women.

obstetrician A physician who specializes in obstetrics.

obstetrical forceps An instrument that has two blades and a handle and is designed to aid in the vaginal delivery of a baby.

obsessive-compulsive personality disorder A personality disorder that is characterized by pervasive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and interpersonal control. Abbreviated OCPD. OCPD may feature a preoccupation with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules; perfectionism; excessive devotion to work to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships; inability to discard worthless objects of no sentimental value;…