Breakthroughs in medical science Glossary for IELTS

10 Science terms

This glossary can help you prepare for the IELTS writing tasks related to breakthroughs in medical science.

ailment

noun

An illness, typically a minor one.

Example: Medicine now has such an advanced knowledge of human body systems that doctors can cure or heal a wide range of ailments.

breakthrough

noun

A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development.

Example: So many people have had their lives saved or improved by medical breakthroughs.

discovery

noun

The action or process of discovering or being discovered.

Example: The discoveries of vaccines to deal with the great killer diseases of history also took place over the last two centuries.

phenomenally

adverb

In a remarkable or exceptional way, especially exceptionally well.

Example: It is quite clear that these advances are phenomenally significant in most people’s lives today.

principal

adjective

First in order of importance; main.

Example: The three principal challenges facing surgery, which were pain, infection and bleeding, have all been overcome, allowing the lives of millions to be saved.

recognition

noun

Identification of someone or something or person from previous encounters or knowledge.

Example: Medical science has advanced beyond recognition and it can be argued that this has been the most significant change.

revolution

noun

A forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favour of a new system.

Example: The last two centuries have witnessed great advances of the industrial revolution.

significant

adjective

Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy.

Example: Medical science has advanced beyond recognition and it can be argued that this has been the most significant change.

surgery

noun

The branch of medical practice that treats injuries, diseases, and deformities by the physical removal, repair, or readjustment of organs and tissues, often involving cutting into the body.

Example: The three principal challenges facing surgery, which were pain, infection and bleeding, have all been overcome, allowing the lives of millions to be saved.

witness

verb

Have knowledge of (a development) from observation or experience.

Example: The last two centuries have witnessed great advances of the industrial revolution.