Dictionary

alimentary Concerning food, nourishment, and the organs of digestion. From the Latin alimentum, meaning nourishment.

alienist French term for a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or another practitioner who cares for the mentally ill.

alexia Loss of the ability to read or understand the written word, due either to brain damage that disconnects these functions or to temporary dysfunction caused by abnormal electrical or chemical activity in the brain.

aldosteronism See Conn syndrome.

aldosterone A hormone produced by the outer portion (cortex) of the adrenal gland. Aldosterone regulates the balance of water and electrolytes in the body, encouraging the kidney to excrete potassium into the urine and retain sodium, thereby retaining water. It is classified as a mineralocorticoid hormone.

alcoholism Physical dependence on alcohol to the extent that stopping alcohol use would bring on withdrawal symptoms. In popular and therapeutic parlance, the term may also be used to refer to ingrained drinking habits that cause health or social problems. Treatment requires first ending the physical dependence and then making lifestyle changes that help the…

Alcoholics Anonymous A free self-help organization founded to assist people addicted to alcohol in breaking old behavior patterns and gaining support for consistently living a sober lifestyle.

alcohol use in pregnancy The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy, which can damage the fetus. See also fetal alcohol effect; fetal alcohol syndrome.

alcohol poisoning A condition in which a toxic amount of alcohol has been consumed, usually in a short period of time. The affected individual may become extremely disoriented, unresponsive, or unconscious, with shallow breathing. Because alcohol poisoning can be deadly, emergency treatment is necessary.

alcohol abuse Use of alcoholic beverages to excess, either on individual occasions (binge drinking) or as a regular practice. For some individuals—children or pregnant women, for example—almost any amount of alcohol use may be legally considered “alcohol abuse.” Heavy alcohol abuse can cause physical damage and death.

alcohol An organic substance formed when a hydroxyl group is substituted for a hydrogen atom in a hydrocarbon. The type of alcohol used in alcoholic beverages, ethanol, derives from fermenting sugar with yeast. After alcohol is ingested, the body converts it to sugar-based fuel. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, and it may…

albuminuria More than the normal amount of albumin in the urine. Albuminuria can be a sign that protein is leaking through the kidney, most often through the glomeruli, or a sign of significant kidney disease. It may also be the harmless result of vigorous exercise. Also known as proteinuria.