Dictionary

singultus See hiccup.

Simian crease A single transverse crease in the palm, a minor variation associated with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and a number of chromosomal and other abnormalities. Also called a four-finger crease; single palmar flexion crease; single upper palm crease.

silver poisoning See argyria.

silver A metal that is used in some medications and in many natural remedies. Used in the past in silver amalgam for filling cavities in teeth. Silver has antibiotic properties. However, overuse of silver or use of products containing silver by people with certain health conditions can result in silver poisoning (argyria). See also argyria.

SIL Squamous intraepithelial lesion.

signature 1 The part of the prescription that contains the physician’s directions to the patient. For example, the signature might say “take twice daily with food.” Also known as sig. 2 The outward appearance of a natural object, which was once taken as a token of its special properties. For example, this ancient doctrine of…

sign Any objective evidence of disease, as opposed to a symptom, which is, by nature, subjective. For example, gross blood in the stool is a sign of disease; it is evidence that can be recognized by the patient, physician, nurse, or someone else. Abdominal pain is a symptom; it is something only the patient can…

sigmoidoscopy A procedure in which a physician inserts a viewing tube (sigmoidoscope) into the rectum for the purpose of inspecting the lower colon and rectum. If an abnormal area is detected, a biopsy can be performed.

sigmoidoscope A lighted instrument that is used to view the inside of the lower colon.

sigmoid In human anatomy, the lower colon (the lower portion of the large bowel). Sigmoid is short for sigmoid colon. From the Greek letter sigma, which is shaped like a C. Sigmoid also means curved in two directions like the letter S. For example, a sigmoid curve is an S-shaped curve.

sight, day See nyctanopia.

sig Signature.