Biomedical technology glossary

20 Digital literacy terms

The glossary is about words used in the laboratory.

amino acids

noun (plural)

Organic molecules that combine to form proteins; they are the building blocks of proteins.

Example: There are 20 different amino acids used to build proteins in the human body.

fr: acides aminés

anatomy

noun

Study of the structure of the human body.

Example: Anatomy is essential for understanding organ placement.

fr: anatomie

buffer

noun

A solution that maintains a stable pH during experiments.

Example: The sample must be diluted in a phosphate buffer.

fr: tampon

calibration

noun

Adjustment of equipment to ensure accuracy.

Example: Calibration ensures that monitors display correct values.

fr: calibration

cell culture

noun

Technique of growing cells in controlled conditions.

Example: Cell culture is used for drug testing.

fr: culture cellulaire

centrifuge

noun

A machine that separates components of a mixture using rapid spinning.

Example: The centrifuge is used to separate plasma from whole blood.

fr: centrifugeuse

diagnostics

noun

Techniques used to identify diseases.

Example: Diagnostics allow early detection of medical conditions.

fr: diagnostics

dilution

noun

The process of reducing the concentration of a substance in a solution.

Example: A 1:10 dilution was prepared before measurement.

fr: dilution

glucose

noun

A simple sugar that is the main source of energy for the body’s cells.

Example: The body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose to produce energy.

fr: glucose

incubator

noun

A device that maintains controlled temperature and conditions for cell or bacterial growth.

Example: The cells were placed in the incubator at 37°C.

fr: incubateur

instrumentation

noun

Use and management of specialized biomedical tools.

Example: Instrumentation is essential for operating lab equipment.

fr: instrumentation

maintenance

noun

Actions taken to keep equipment functioning properly.

Example: Regular maintenance prevents device failures.

fr: entretien

microbiology

noun

Study of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.

Example: Microbiology helps identify infectious agents in samples.

fr: microbiologie

physiology

noun

Study of how biological systems function.

Example: Physiology explains how the heart pumps blood.

fr: physiologie

protein

noun

A large biological molecule made of amino acids that is essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and cells.

Example: Proteins help build and repair muscles after exercise.

fr: protéine

protocol

noun

A detailed set of instructions for performing a laboratory procedure.

Example: The protocol must be followed exactly to ensure accurate results.

fr: protocole

reagent

noun

A chemical substance used to cause a reaction or detect another substance.

Example: The reagent changes color when glucose is present.

fr: réactif

sample

noun

A portion of material collected for testing or analysis.

Example: The blood sample was analyzed for glucose levels.

fr: échantillon

sterilization

noun

Process of eliminating all microorganisms.

Example: Sterilization is required before using surgical tools.

fr: stérilisation

to pipette

verb

To use a pipette to measure or transfer a specific volume of liquid.

Example: Students must pipette the reagent carefully to avoid contamination.

fr: pipetter