Dictionary

trans- Prefix meaning across, over, or beyond, as in transplant operation (an operation in which an organ from one person is grafted into another person).

trans fat See trans fatty acid.

trans fatty acid An unhealthy substance that is made through the chemical process of hydrogenation of oils. Hydrogenation solidifies liquid oils and increases the shelf life and the flavor stability of oils and foods that contain them. Trans fatty acids are found in vegetable shortening and in some margarine, crackers, cookies, and snack foods. Trans…

transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic See aspartate aminotransferase.

transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic See alanine aminotransferase.

tooth root The lower two-thirds of a tooth. The roots are normally buried in bone, and they serve to anchor the tooth in position. The roots are covered with a thin layer of bone, and they are inserted into sockets in the bone of the jaw.

tooth root sensitivity Sensitivity of the tooth roots to cold, hot, and sour foods when they are no longer protected by healthy gum and bone. Chronic gum disease contributes to toothache due to root sensitivity. Bacterial toxins dissolve the bone around the roots and cause the gum and the bone to recede. Tooth root sensitivity…

toothache Pain in the tooth or gum. The most common cause of a toothache is a cavity or an injury to a tooth that exposes the pulp, which is heavily supplied by nerves.

tophi Plural of tophus.

tophus A nodular mass of uric acid crystals. Tophi are characteristically deposited in different soft tissue areas of the body in chronic (tophaceous) gout. Even though tophi are most commonly found as hard nodules around the fingers, at the tips of the elbows, and around the big toe, they can appear anywhere in the body….

topical Pertaining to a particular surface area. For example, a topical agent is applied to a certain area of the skin and is intended to affect only the area to which it is applied. Whether its effects are indeed limited to that area depends on whether the agent stays where it is put or is…

TORCH screen A blood test that is designed to screen for a group of infectious agents known by the acronym TORCH, which stands for Toxoplasma gondii, other viruses (HIV, measles, and so on), rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex. All these infectious agents are teratogens (agents that are capable of causing birth defects). The…