Dictionary

ESWL Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

etiology The study of causes, as in the causes of a disease. The form aetiology is generally used in the UK.

eugenics A pseudoscience with the stated aim of improving the genetic constitution of the human species by selective breeding. Eugenics is from a Greek word meaning “normal genes.” The use of Albert Einstein’s sperm to conceive a child by artificial insemination would represent an attempt at positive eugenics. The Nazis notoriously engaged in negative eugenics…

eukaryote An organism that consists of one or more cells with a nucleus and other well-developed compartments. Eukaryotes include all organisms except bacteria, viruses, and blue-green algae, which are prokaryotes, so people are eukaryotes. See also prokaryote.

euphenics A discipline that aims to improve the outcome of a genetic disease by altering the environment. The term euphenics is from a Greek word meaning “normal appearing.” For example, people with phenylketonuria (PKU) can avoid the expression of their disease by staying on a low-phenylalanine diet and avoiding major sources of phenylalanine such as…

euphoria Elevated mood. Euphoria is a desirable and natural occurrence when it results from happy or exciting events. An excessive degree of euphoria that is not linked to events is characteristic of hypomania and mania, which are abnormal mood states associated with bipolar disorders. See also bipolar disorder.

euploid The normal number of chromosomes for a species. In humans, the euploid number of chromosomes is 46; with the notable exception of the unfertilized egg and sperm, in which it is 23.

Eustachian tube The tube that runs from the middle ear to the pharynx. The function of the Eustachian tube is to protect, aerate, and drain the middle ear and mastoid. The Eustachian tube permits the gas pressure in the middle ear cavity to adjust to external air pressure. When you are descending in an airplane,…

euthanasia The hastening of death for a terminally ill patient. Euthanasia is from the Greek for “dying well.” See also active euthanasia; assisted suicide; eugenics.

euthyroid The state of having normal thyroid gland function. See also hyperthyroid; hypothyroid.

evacuation supplies kit See disaster supplies.

evening primrose oil A natural source of essential fatty acids (EFOs).