Hi, my name is Yanni Djourdikh and I study Natural Sciences at Ahuntsic College. Studying Natural Sciences means that we explore fundamental scientific concepts in fields like biology, chemistry, and physics to better understand the living world. I might pursue my studies in medicine to become a doctor if my grades are good. Medicine means the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease to improve human health. I created this glossary for students like me who wish to pursue a career in healthcare or medical sciences. I hope this glossary will help you if you ever get a blank about the meaning of a medical term or if-you want to know its translation.
antibiotic
noun
Powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing.
Example: The doctor prescribed a ten-day course of an oral antibiotic for the bacterial sinus infection.
fr: antibiotique
auscultation
noun
A medical clinical examination technique that involves listening to the sounds produced by the body's internal organs.
Example: The doctor performed a thorough chest auscultation to check for fluid in the lungs.
fr: auscultation
biopsy
noun
A medical procedure that removes a small sample of cells or tissue from the body so a specialist can examine it under a microscope.
Example: The surgeon performed a needle biopsy to determine whether the tumor was malignant.
fr: biopsie
chronic
adjective
A condition or problem that lasts a long time, usually three months to a year or more, and keeps coming back.
Example: Managing chronic pain requires a combination of physical therapy and long-term medication.
fr: chronique
diagnosis
noun
The process or act of identifying a disease, condition, or problem by examining signs, symptoms, medical history, and test results.
Example: After reviewing the lab tests, the physician confirmed a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
fr: diagnostic
electrocardiogram
noun
A quick, safe, and painless test that records the electrical signals moving through your heart.
Example: The paramedic ordered an immediate electrocardiogram to check if the patient was having a heart attack.
fr: électrocardiogramme
etiology
noun
The study or establishment of the causes, origins, or reasons behind a disease, condition, or phenomenon.
Example: Dermatologists are still researching the exact etiology of psoriasis.
fr: étiologie
hypertension
noun
high blood pressure.
Example: If left untreated, essential hypertension can lead to severe cardiovascular complications.
fr: hypertension
pathogen
noun
Any tiny organism or agent—commonly called a germ—that can cause disease in a host.
Example: Strict hand hygiene prevents the spread of dangerous pathogens in hospital wards.
fr: pathogène
prognosis
noun
A doctor's prediction or educated guess about the likely outcome, course, and recovery chances of a disease or medical condition.
Example: Thanks to early intervention, the patient's long-term prognosis is excellent.
fr: pronostic
symptom
noun
A subjective feeling or experience—such as pain, fatigue, or nausea—that a person has, which indicates a departure from normal health or the presence of a disease.
Example: Persistent coughing and fever are common symptoms of a lower respiratory infection.
fr: symptôme
syndrome
noun
A collection of medical signs and symptoms that occur together and suggest a specific health condition or disease.
Example: Irritable bowel syndrome causes abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits.
fr: syndrome
trauma
noun
A severe physical injury or a deep psychological and emotional response to a distressing, overwhelming event that exceeds a person's ability to cope.
Example: The patient was rushed to the emergency department following severe blunt force trauma.
fr: traumatisme
triage
noun/verb
The process of sorting and prioritizing people or tasks based on how urgent or serious their needs are.
Example: In the emergency room, the triage nurse evaluates arriving patients based on the severity of their symptoms.
fr: triage
vaccine
noun
A biological preparation that helps the body build immunity against a specific infectious or malignant disease.
Example: Annual influenza vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe respiratory illness.
