Dictionary

irrigate To wash out. For example, one can irrigate a wound to clean it.

iron poisoning An abnormally excessive ingestion of iron resulting in injury to body tissues. Iron supplements meant for adults, such as pregnant women, are a major cause of poisoning in children. Children should never be given supplements or multivitamins containing iron unless they have been prescribed by a physician, and iron preparations for adults should…

iron A mineral that is necessary for the transport of oxygen via hemoglobin in red blood cells and for the oxidation process in cells by cytochromes. Food sources of iron include meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables, and cereals, especially those fortified with iron. See also deficiency, iron; excess iron; iron poisoning.

iritis Inflammation of the iris. Iritis can be associated with an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. It can also occur as a result of infection, other inflammatory conditions, or injury.

iris, speckled See Brushfield spot.

iris The circular, colored curtain of the eye. The opening of the iris forms the pupil. The iris helps regulate the amount of light that enters the eye.

iridology The practice of diagnosing disease by examining the iris of the eye. Although some diseases affect the eye, iridology is not considered scientific medicine.

iridectomy The process of making a hole in the iris. Iridectomy is a treatment for glaucoma.

IQ Intelligence quotient, an attempt to measure the intelligence of an individual. There are many different forms of IQ tests. For original calculations of IQ, the person’s mental age as determined by a test was divided by chronological age. See also intelligence test; intelligence, nonverbal; intelligence, verbal.

IPV Inactivated polio vaccine. See polio immunization.

ipsilateral On the same side, as opposed to contralateral. For example, a tumor involving the right side of the brain may affect vision ipsilaterally—that is, in the right eye.

ipecac, syrup of A solution that contains a naturally occurring substance that can cause vomiting (emesis). Ipecac is derived from dried roots of a Brazilian bush, Uragoga ipecacuanha. Syrup of ipecac is used to treat a few types of poisoning. It is important to consult with the local poison control center before administering syrup of…