Dictionary

death, black See bubonic plague.

death rate, crude The number of deaths in the population divided by the average population (or the population at midyear).

debilitate To impair the strength of or to enfeeble. A chronic progressive disease may debilitate a patient.

debride To remove dead, contaminated, or adherent tissue and/or foreign material. To debride a wound is to remove all materials that may promote infection and impede healing. This may be done by enzymes (as with proteolytic enzymes), mechanical methods (as in a whirlpool), or sharp debridement (using intruments).

deciduous teeth See primary teeth.

decongestant A drug that shrinks the swollen membranes in the nose, making it easier for a person to breathe. Decongestants can be taken orally or as nasal spray. Decongestant nasal spray should not be used for more than 5 days without a physician’s recommendation. Many decongestant nasal sprays cause a worsening of symptoms (a rebound…

decubitus ulcer See bedsore.

deep vein thrombosis A blood clot within a deep vein, typically in the thigh or leg. The blood clot (thrombus) can break off as an embolus and make its way to the lung, where it can cause lung problems. Abbreviated DVT. Also known as economy-class syndrome.

defecation syncope See vasovagal syncope.

defect, atrial septal See atrial septal defect.

defect, enzyme See enzyme defect.

defect, ventricular septal See ventricular septal defect.