Dictionary

disease, metabolic See metabolic disease.

disease Illness or sickness, often characterized by abnormal sensations (symptoms) and physical findings (signs). For a specific disease, see the specific disease (such as Addison disease) under its alphabetical listing.

discordant 1 Showing discordance, lack of synchrony. For example, a couple may be discordant for a sexually transmitted infection, with one partner having it and the other not. 2 In transplantation genetics, between different species. For example, a discordant graft is a transplant between members of very different species.

discoid lupus See lupus, discoid.

discharge 1 The flow of fluid from part of the body, such as the nose or vagina. 2 To officially permit a patient to leave the hospital.

disaster supplies Items stored in case of emergency, such as a prolonged power outage, earthquake, or flood. Recommended disaster supplies include the following: Water. Store at least 3 gallons of waterper person (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation/sanitation × three days). Store it in plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles. Food….

directive, advance medical See advance directive.

diplopia A condition in which a single object appears as two objects. Also known as double vision.

diploid The number of chromosomes in most cells of the body. The diploid in humans is 46, which is twice the haploid number of 23 chromosomes contained in human eggs (ova) and sperm.

diphtheria An acute infectious upper respiratory tract disease that affects the throat. It is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Symptoms include sore throat and mild fever at first. As the disease progresses, a membranous substance forms in the throat that makes it difficult to breathe and swallow. Diphtheria can be deadly. It is one…

dilator A device used to stretch or enlarge an opening. Patients with scarring of the esophagus can require a dilator procedure to open the esophagus for adequate passage of food and fluids.

dilation and curettage A minor operation in which the cervix is expanded (dilatated) enough to permit the cervical canal and uterine lining to be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette (curettage). Abbreviated D & C. D & C is normally used to remove abnormal material from the uterus, such as unexpelled placental material…