Dictionary

nephrolith A kidney stone.

nephrolithiasis The process of forming a stone in the kidney or lower down in the urinary tract. Also known as urolithiasis. See also kidney stones.

NCI National Cancer Institute. See National Institutes of Health.

ND Naturopathic doctor. See naturopath.

nearsightedness See myopia.

nebulization The conversion of a medication into an aerosol or a spray to deliver the medication, for example, to the lungs.

nebulization, heated Administration of medication via fine spray that has been heated to increase its water content.

nebulizer A device for administering a medication by spraying a fine mist. Also known as atomizer.

Necator americanus The American hookworm, the cause of hookworm disease in people. See also hookworm.

neck, stiff See torticollis.

necropsy See autopsy.

necrosis The death of living cells or tissues. Necrosis can be due, for example, to lack of blood flow (ischemia). From the Greek nekros, meaning “dead body.”