Dictionary

anorexic 1 Pertaining to, or having the appearance of, anorexia. 2 Lack of appetite. 3 A drug or other agent that causes anorexia and so diminishes the appetite. See also anorexia.

anorexia nervosa An eating disorder characterized by extreme attempts to control the diet and/or an aversion to food. It affects young women most often, but it may also be seen in men, children, and older adults. Symptoms can include extreme weight loss, weakness, and dulling of hair and skin. In some cases, anorexia nervosa may…

anorexia A decreased appetite or an aversion to food, resulting in disturbed eating habits and weight loss. Anorexia may be caused by some medications and medical conditions, particularly in elderly or hospitalized patients. See also anorexia nervosa.

anomaly, congenital A birth defect. A minor congenital anomaly is an unusual anatomic feature such as a short second toe that is of no serious medical or cosmetic consequence. By contrast, a major congenital anomaly is a defect such as a cleft palate that is of serious medical or cosmetic consequence.

anomaly Any deviation from normal, out of the ordinary. In medicine, an anomaly is usually something that is abnormal at birth.

annexin V A substance that normally forms a shield around certain phospholipid molecules in the blood, blocking their entry into coagulation (clotting) reactions. Annexin V is thought to be a cause of antiphospholipid syndrome.

annexin One of a family of proteins that bind calcium and phospholipids.

ANLL Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

anlage 1 In biology, whatever precedes something else. 2 In embryology, a precursor or forerunner, of a more mature structure or organ. 3 In psychoanalysis, a predisposition to a given trait or personality characteristic.

ankyrin deficiency A genetic disorder of the red blood cell membrane. Ankyrin deficiency is the cause of hereditary spherocytosis. See also spherocytosis, hereditary.

ankylosing spondylitis A form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine. Over time, chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process called ankylosis. Ankylosing spondylitis can sometimes be seen…

ankylosing Having a tendency to stiffen and fuse together.