|
A |
|
|
14-3-3 test
(PrD) |
Detection of elevated levels of the 14-3-3 protein in the
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been reported to support a CJD diagnosis
in the scientific literature, but many people with confirmed CJD have a
negative or normal result while many others who do not have CJD, but
have other neurological disease, have a positive result. |
|
ABC
(HS) |
Atomic, Biological, Chemical. An umbrella
term for weapons of mass destruction. CBRNE (Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive) is the preferred term today. |
|
Abdomen
(Ento) |
The posterior of the three body divisions of
an insect. The other two body divisions are head and thorax. |
|
Abdomen
(Zoo) |
A region of the body between the chest and
the pelvis; belly. |
|
Abdominocentesis
(Vet) |
The insertion of a needle into the abdominal
cavity to remove fluids.
|
|
Aberrant host
(Para) |
One in which the parasite cannot complete its
development or appropriate phase of its development. A dead end host
form which it cannot continue its life cycle.
|
|
Abiotic
(Eco) |
Non-living, physical or chemical. For
example: abiotic damage to a crop includes damage by solar radiation,
temperature, humidity, pH.
|
|
Abiotic factors
(Eco) |
Inanimate, inorganic, not living. In
agriculture, abiotic factors include temperature, moisture, light, etc.
|
|
Abnormal
(Bio) |
Not normal. Deviating from the usual
structure, position, condition, or behavior. In referring to a growth,
abnormal may mean that it is cancerous or premalignant (likely to become
cancer).
|
|
Abnormal host
(Para) |
This term implies that the host is not the
usual one. In this broad sense there are two kinds of abnormal hosts,
accidental and aberrant. We prefer to use one or the other of these two
terms because they carry more precise meaning.
|
|
ABO
(HS) |
Agents of Biological Origin. A synonym for
biological weapons.
|
|
Abomasum
(Ento) |
Fourth and final region of stomach in
Ruminantia.
|
|
Abopercular end
(Para) |
In eggs having an operculum, the opposite end
is referred to as the "abopercular end."
|
|
Aboral surface
(Aqua) |
Upward facing side of an echinoderm.
|
|
Abraded
(Ento) |
Scrapped or rubbed.
|
|
Abscess
(Bio) |
A local accumulation of pus anywhere in the body. The
following are some examples of abscesses: 1. A skin abscess is better
known as a common boil; 2. A peritonsillar abscess is a persistent
collection of pus behind the tonsils; and 3. A perianal abscess is a
pool of pus that forms next to the anus, often causing considerable
tenderness and swelling in that area and pain on sitting down and on
defecating.
|
|
Abscess
(Trop, Vet) |
A collection of pus around an inflamed area
as a result of tissue destruction. It is usually found when the disease
is localized. In solid tissues, an abscess is a cavity formed by tissue
destruction.
|
|
Abscess
(Vet) |
A localized accumulation of pus; usually
associated with infection.
|
|
Absorption
(PEH) |
The process of taking in, as when a sponge
takes up water. Chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream after
breathing or swallowing. Chemicals can also be absorbed through the skin
into the bloodstream and then transported to other organs. Not all of
the chemical breathed, swallowed, or touched is always absorbed.
|
|
Abundance index
(Eco) |
Information obtained from samples or
observations and used as a measure of the weight or number of fish which
make up a stock.
|
|
ACAA
(HS) |
Automated Chemical Agent Alarm.
|
|
ACAMS
(HS) |
Automated Chemical Agent Monitoring System.
|
|
Acari
(Ento) |
An order in the class Arachnida, including
the mites and ticks. They are characterized by an oval, one-part body
and a minute to small body size. |
|
Acaricide
(Ento) |
Chemical that kills mites and ticks. Most
acaricides are also insecticides. |
|
Acarina
(Ento) |
An order in the class Arachnidae, comprised
of the mites and ticks, characterized by a one-part body and minute to
small body size.
|
|
Acarinum (Ento) |
Small invagination in the abdomen of old
world carpenter bees providing protection for symbiotic mites.
|
|
Acarologist
(Ento) |
A person who studies the life cycles,
behavior, ecology, or diversity of ticks and mites as their work or
hobby.
|
|
Acceptable daily intake
(Ento) |
The daily ingested intake of a pesticide
(expressed as mg/kg body weight per day) that, over the entire lifetime
of a human being, standard man = 60 Kg, appears to be without
appreciable risk on the basis of all known facts at a specified time.
|
|
Access control
(HS) |
The process of restricting access into an
affected zone to emergency workers and other authorized individuals
only.
|
|
Accessory genitalia (Ento) |
Seen only in Odonata on sternites of second
and third abdominal segments.
|
|
Accessory gland
(Ento) |
A gland associated with reproductive organs
of either mates or females and producing substances accompanying the
sperms or eggs. |
|
Accident
(OH) |
A sudden event that may result in illness
or injury.
|
|
Accidental host
(Para) |
A host in which the parasite is not commonly
found, nevertheless it is one suitable for the parasite's development.
In some instances (e.g. cysticercosis) the accidental host becomes a
"dead end" because even though the parasite develops through its
appropriate stages, it fails to find a portal of exit and is thus
blocked from continuing its life cycle. |
|
ACDA
(HS) |
Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. The US
government agency with a responsibility for monitoring the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction and helping to control their spread.
|
|
ACE inhibitor
(Vet) |
Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor. Drug
which decreases the function of this particular enzyme. The
angiotensin-converting-enzyme changes a compound called angiotensin I to
angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent blood vessel constrictor. ACE
inhibitors, then, have the effect of dilating blood vessels, since less
Angiotensin II is produced. |
|
Acetabulum
(Para) |
A muscular organ of attachment, commonly
called a "sucker", usually associated with the scolex of tapeworms.
|
|
Acetylcholine
(Aqua) |
A neurotransmitter released at neuromuscular
junctions and autonomic synapses.
|
|
Acetylcholine
(Ento) |
Chemical transmitter of nerve and
nerve-muscle impulses between nerve and across nerve-muscle junctions.
In normal nerve activity it is hydrolysed by the enzyme cholinesterase
after each impulse. Some pesticides work by blocking the function of the
cholinesterase enzyme. |
|
Acetylcholine esterase (Ento) |
Enzyme within the synaptic gap that
hydrolyses acetylcholine to choline and acetic acid.
|
|
ACGIH
(OH) |
See American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists. |
|
Acicular (Ento) |
Pointed, needle shaped.
|
|
Acid
(Vet) |
A fluid containing a high proportion of
hydrogen ions, giving the liquid a sour taste. Measured by pH units,
with 1 the most acidic, and 14 the least acidic. Chemical reactions in
the body have to take place at or near neutrality, pH 7.
|
|
Acid rain
(Eco) |
Natural rainfall which contains nitric and
sulfuric acids due to oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide discharged
into the air by industries, power plants, and automobiles.
|
|
Acidopore (Ento) |
Flexible setae fringed nozzle in formicine
ants.
|
|
ACOEM (OH) |
See
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
|
|
ACPG
(HS) |
Advanced Chemical Protection Garment.
|
|
ACPLA
(HS) |
Agent containing particles per liter of air.
|
|
Acquired
(Bio) |
Anything that is not present at birth but develops some
time later. In medicine, the word "acquired" implies "new" or "added."
An acquired condition is "new" in the sense that it is not genetic
(inherited) and "added" in the sense that was not present at birth.
|
|
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
(Trop, Vet) |
A severe manifestation of infection with the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
|
|
Acquired immunity
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
The inherited potential to resist a disease
or infection. See immunity.
|
|
Acrostichal bristles
(Ento) |
The two rows of hairs or bristles lying one
on either side of the mid-line of the thorax of a true fly.
|
|
ACTD
(HS) |
Advanced concept technology demonstration.
|
|
ACTH (Vet) |
Adrenocorticotropic hormone. A hormone,
secreted by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal gland to
work.
|
|
Action potential
(Vet) |
The depolarization of a nerve cell, shown as
a spike on an oscilloscope. |
|
Activated charcoal
(Vet) |
Charcoal which has been treated to increase
its adsorptive power (ability to have chemicals adhere to it); used to
treat various forms of poisoning. |
|
Activation
(HS) |
Usually the first phase of the response to a
nuclear emergency, which consists of bringing together members of the
National Support Structure. |
|
Activator
(Ento) |
A substance added to a pesticide that
increases its toxicity resulting in more effective control.
|
|
Active immunity
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
Immunity produced when an animal’s own immune
system reacts to a stimulus e.g., a virus or bacteria, and produces
antibodies and cells which will protect it from the disease caused by
the bacteria or virus. Compare with passive immunity.
|
|
Active ingredient
(Ento) |
The toxic component of a formulated
pesticide.
|
|
Active space (Ento) |
The space within which the concentration of a
pheromone or other behaviorally active substance is concentrated enough
to generate the required response, remembering that like light and sound
pheromones become more dilute the further they radiate out from their
source. |
|
Active transmission
(Epi, Para, Trop, Vet) |
This may take either of two forms: (1) When
an animate vector is involved, the vector itself seeks out the host and
brings to it the parasite, as in African trypanosomiasis. (2) When an
active, aggressive parasite is involved, the parasite itself seeks out
the host and enters it, as in schistosomiasis.
|
|
Activity
(HS) |
See Radioactivity.
|
|
Aculeate
(Ento) |
Those members of the Hymenoptera which
possess a sting.
|
|
Acuminate
(Ento) |
Tapering to a long point.
|
|
Acute
(Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
Of short duration, characterized by sudden
sharpness or severity. Opposite of chronic.
|
|
Acute (injury or illness)
(OH) |
An injury or illness that happens quickly.
|
|
Acute
(PEH) |
Occurring over a short time, usually a few
minutes or hours. An acute exposure can result in short term or long
term health effects. An acute effect happens within a short time after
exposure.
|
|
Acute exposure
(PEH) |
Contact with a substance that occurs once or
for only a short time (up to 14 days).
|
|
Acute toxicity
(Ento) |
The toxicity of a substance determined at the
end of 24 hours. The toxicity that causes damage or death from a single
dose or exposure. |
|
ADA
(OH) |
See Americans with Disabilities Act.
|
|
ADCPE
(HS) |
Advance Deployable Collective Protective
Equipment.
|
|
Adder
(Zoo) |
A group of snakes with a wide geographical
distribution, belonging to the family Elapidae. Also known as vipers.
|
|
Addison's
disease
(Vet) |
Addison's disease is also known as
hypoadrenocorticism. It is a disease that results from a decrease in
corticosteroid secretion from the adrenal gland.
|
|
Additive effect
(PEH) |
A biologic response to exposure to multiple
substances that equals the sum of responses of all the individual
substances added together. |
|
Adeagus
(Ento) |
The part of the male genitalia which is
inserted into the female during copulation and which carries the sperm
into the female. Its shape is often important in separating closely
related species.
|
|
Adecticous
(Ento) |
Referring to the state in which the pupa does
not posses movable mandibles, the opposite being decticous. Arthropods
having non-articulated, often reduced mandibles.
|
|
Adenocarcinoma
(Trop) |
Malignant tumor of glandular epithelium.
|
|
Adenoma
(Trop) |
Benign tumor of glandular epithelium.
|
|
Adhesive
(Ento) |
Substance added to a formulation to increase
the surface retention (persistence) of a pesticide.
|
|
Adjuster
(OH) |
Investigator of insurance claims.
|
|
Adjuvant
(Ento) |
A substance that improves the properties of a
pesticide formulation. For example wetting agents, spreaders,
emulsifiers, dispersing agents, foam suppressants, penetrants, and
correctives.
|
|
Adjuvant
(Vet) |
A substance added to killed vaccines to
stimulate a better immune response by the body. Common adjuvants contain
aluminum compounds. |
|
Adrenal glands
(Vet) |
Two small glands near the kidneys that
produce many hormones required for life.
|
|
Adrenaline
(Vet) |
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that
elevates heart and respiration rates; also called epinephrine.
|
|
Adrenergic
(Vet) |
Communication between the nerves and muscles
that uses epinephrine as the messenger hormone. Adrenergic stimulation
is what is involved in the 'flight or fight' response, which means the
body is alerted to a danger of some sort and prepares to basically run
or fight. Adrenergic stimulation results in an increased heart rate,
sweating, and increased blood pressure.
|
|
ADS
(HS) |
Area Detection System.
|
|
Adsorbent
(Vet) |
A solid substance which attracts other
molecules to its surface.
|
|
Adult
(Ento) |
The last, or mature, stage in the life cycle
of an insect. It is the reproductive stage.
|
|
Adult mosquito
(Trop) |
The adult is a slender, delicate insect with
six comparatively long, thin legs. The outer covering of the body is
composed of a tough substance called chitin. The body is divided into
three distinct parts: head, thorax and abdomen.
|
|
Adult stage
(Para) |
The stage that is sexually mature and in
which procreation occurs.
|
|
Adulterate
(Ento) |
To reduce the purity of a material below the
standards it is supposed to represent. For example, a pesticide that
does not conform to the professed standard or quality as documented on
its label or labelling.
|
|
Adulticide (Ento, Vet) |
Chemical substance that kills the adult stage
of arthropod pests/parasites.
|
|
Adverse health effect
(PEH) |
A change in body function or cell structure,
that might lead to disease or health problems.
|
|
Aedeagus (Ento) |
Intermittent organ of males of most insect
groups, often used for identification.
|
|
Aedes
(Trop) |
A mosquito genus in the sub-family Culicine.
Various species may transmit arboviral and filarial infections.
|
|
Aerobic
(Eco, Vet) |
Needing oxygen to live.
|
|
Aerobic bacteria
(Vet) |
Bacteria that require oxygen to survive and
grow.
|
|
Aeromonas
(Trop) |
A genus of Gram negative rods that can cause
wound infections, especially in Aquaculture workers. Certain pathotypes
can also be the cause of diarrhea, including travelers’ diarrhea.
|
|
Aeropile
(Ento) |
The opening in the chorion (egg shell)
through which air enters, often covered by a plastron.
|
|
Aerosol
(HS) |
A suspension of very fine particles in air.
The particles are small enough to remain suspended in air for very long
times as a result of buffeting by air molecules. Aerosols are a primary
method of delivering chemical and biological weapons and the properties
of aerosol particles that allow them to enter the lungs are well-known.
|
|
AERP
(HS) |
Aircrew Eyes/Respiratory Protection System.
|
|
Aeshnidae
(Ento) |
Dragonflies.
|
|
Aestivate
(Zoo) |
To pass the summer in a certain manner or
condition, often in a dormant or torpid state. It is when animals,
especially desert animals, go into a state of torpor or hibernation in
response to very dry conditions or hot temperatures. They usually emerge
for a period of activity in the fall of the year.
|
|
Aestivation
(Ento, Zoo) |
1)
Condition
in which an organism has a period of inactivity as an adaptive response
to unfavorable conditions encountered during the hot or dry season,
e.g., aestivating adults of some anopheles species. 2) Dormancy
during a warm or dry season which allows insects to survive during
periods of extreme heat or drought.
2)
|
|
Aetiology
(Epi) |
See etiology - The study of the causes of
disease.
|
|
AFDC
(HS) |
Air Force
Doctrine Center.
|
|
Afebrile, apyretic
(Trop, Vet) |
Without a fever. This is often important in
differentiating poisoning from an infection with similar signs and
symptoms. The infection may give rise to a fever while the poisoning
does not.
|
|
Aflatoxins
(Ento) |
Toxins that are produced by the fungus
Aspergillus flavus.
|
|
African trypanosomiasis
(Trop) |
A systemic disease caused by parasite of the
Trypanosoma brucei family, and transmitted by the bite of the tsetse
fly. There is West African trypanosomiasis and East African
trypanosomiasis, referring to the areas in Africa where they are found.
Also called African sleeping sickness.
|
|
AFRRI
(HS) |
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute.
|
|
Age distribution
(Stat) |
The frequency of different ages or age groups
in a given population. The distribution may refer to either how many or
what proportion of the group. The population is usually patients with a
specific disease but the concept is not restricted to humans and is not
restricted to medicine.
|
|
Age factors
(Stat) |
Age as a constituent element or influence
contributing to the production of a result. It may be applicable to the
cause or the effect of a circumstance. It is used with human or animal
concepts but should be differentiated from aging, a physiological
process, and time factors which refers only to the passage of time.
|
|
Age polyethism
(Stat) |
The regular changing of roles of colony
members as they get older.
|
|
Agent
(Trop) |
A substance, living or inanimate, or a force,
sometimes rather intangible, the excessive presence or relative lack of
which is the immediate or proximal cause of a particular disease.
|
|
Age-structured model
(Epi) |
A mathematical model which take into
consideration the division of the host population into different age
classes. Such models can used to consider the consequences of such
factors as age-dependent infection, morbidity or mortality rates or of
age-specific vaccination schedules.
|
|
Agglutination
(Vet) |
Clumping together.
|
|
Agglutinin
(Trop, Vet) |
A substance that promotes the agglutination
of cells. It may be an antibody, an antigen, or an external agent such
as a plant lectin.
|
|
Aggregate
(Ento, Zoo) |
A group of individuals drawn together due to
some environmental attraction, such as safe sleeping area, basking
areas, food source, or mating.
|
|
Aggregation
(Ento, Zoo) |
Coming together of organisms into a group.
For example a swarm of locusts.
|
|
Aggregation
(Epi) |
A distribution of parasites amongst hosts is
said to be aggregated, or over dispersed, if parasites are found to
co-occur in particular hosts more often than if the parasites were
distributed at random amongst all hosts. A more precise test would be if
the distribution differed significantly from a Poisson distribution; a
good heuristic is whether the variance to mean ratio is bigger than
unity (in appropriate units). Macroparasites are typically aggregated in
their host populations, so that the majority of hosts harbor few or no
parasites while a few hosts harbor large parasite burdens. Aggregated
distributions are often well described empirically by the negative
binomial distribution.
|
|
Aggressive
(Bio) |
In oncology, quickly growing, tending to
spread rapidly. As, for example, an aggressive tumor.
|
|
Aging
(HS) |
A phenomenon associated with nerve agent
exposure. The nerve agent reacts with its target, acetylcholinesterase,
to inhibit it. If treatment is not begun immediately there is a second.
slower reaction (the aging reaction) that results in a form of the
enzyme that is less responsive to reactivation, making it harder for the
victim to recover.
|
|
Agricultural chemical
(Eco) |
Chemicals used to improve agricultural
production and to protect crops (pesticides, plant hormones, chemical
fertilizers, etc.).
|
|
Agricultural commodity
(Eco) |
Any plant or part of a plant, animal or
animal product that is to be bought or sold.
|
|
Agro-ecology
(Eco) |
The study of ecology in relation to
agricultural systems.
|
|
Agro-ecosystem
(Eco) |
The ecosystem composed of cultivated land and
surrounding or intermixed uncultivated areas, the plants contained or
grown thereon, and their associated animals.
|
|
AICPS
(HS) |
Advanced Integrated Collective Protective
System.
|
|
AIDECONS
(HS) |
Aircraft Interior Decontamination System.
|
|
AIDET
(HS) |
Aircraft Interior Detector.
|
|
AIDS
(Trop, Vet) |
Acquired immune deficiency disease; a
condition resulting from infection with one of a particular group of
viruses (see HIV) in which the immune system does not function to
prevent or reduce the effects of various disease entities.
|
|
AIDS-related complex
(Trop) |
A variety of chronic symptoms and physical
findings that occur in some persons who are infected with HIV, but do
not meet the Centers for Disease Control's definition of AIDS. Symptoms
may include chronic swollen glands, recurrent fevers, unintentional
weight loss, chronic diarrhea, lethargy, minor alterations of the immune
system (less severe than those that occur in AIDS), and oral thrush. ARC
may or may not develop into AIDS.
|
|
AIHA
(OH) |
See American Industrial Hygiene
Association.
|
|
Air sac
(Ento, Zoo) |
A dilated portion of a trachea.
|
|
AIRIS
(HS) |
Adaptive Infra-Red Imaging Spectroradiometer.
|
|
Airshed
(Eco) |
The geographic area responsible for emitting
75% of the air pollution reaching a body of water. The Chesapeake Bay's
airshed reaches north into Canada, west into Indiana and south into
South Carolina.
|
|
Akinetic Mutism
(PrD) |
1) A state where a person can no longer move or talk due
to damage to the base of the brain, but the person is awake (not
comatose) and their eyes are open and can follow what is going on around
them. 2) The loss of the voluntary ability to speak and move. This
term should be specifically stated. Unless it is clearly stated that the
patient is awake and not comatose, do not substitute the term
"unresponsive." |
|
Ala
(Trop) |
A winged-like expansion of cuticular
integument of nematodes; an expansion at the esophageal region called
"cervical alae", e.g. in Toxocara species, or at the posterior end
called "caudal alae" and in the larval stages of some nematodes the
expansion may extend almost entire lateral aspects of the body, these
expansions are called "lateral alae". In Oxyuridae, e.g. Entoerobius
vermicularis, the cuticle at the anterior end expands dorso-ventrally
into "cephalic alae."
|
|
Alae
(Para) |
Flattened, wing-like expansions of the
cuticle of nematodes.
|
|
Alar squama
(Ento) |
The middle of three flap-like outgrowths at
the base of the wing in various flies.
|
|
Alary muscles
(Ento) |
Muscles in the dorsal diaphragm, the
contractions of which induce the flow of blood into the hemocoet
surrounding the heart.
|
|
Alatae
(Ento) |
Winged forms.
|
|
Alate
(Ento) |
Winged; having wings.
|
|
Albino
(Vet, Zoo) |
Skin lacks all dark pigments such as black,
brown, orange and red; albino herps are white with some yellow. Current
use in herpetoculture applies this term to all reptiles lacking one or
more colors. Thus, anerythristic, amelanistic and albinos are all being
referred to as albino. |
|
Albumin
(Vet) |
A protein in the blood responsible for the
maintenance of osmotic (water) pressure in the blood; also binds
(attaches) to large molecules in the blood and serves to transport them;
produced by the liver; also called 'serum albumin.'
|
|
Albuminuria
(Vet) |
The presence of albumins in the urine. This
is a sign of kidney damage because the kidneys normally filter proteins
from the urine stream with extreme efficiency.
|
|
Alcohol
(Eco) |
A liquid chemical extracted from plants.
|
|
Aldosterone
(Vet) |
A hormone secreted by the adrenal gland that
stimulates sodium (and therefore water) retention and potassium
excretion; important in blood pressure maintenance.
|
|
Aldrin
(Trop) |
A synthetic insecticide; a chlorinated
hydrocarbon of not less than 95%
1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro-1,4,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydro-exo-1,4-endo-5,8-dimethanonaphthalene;
moderately toxic to mammals, acute oral LD, for rats 44 mg/kg;
phytotoxicity: none when properly formulated, but some crops are
sensitive to solvents in certain formulations.
|
|
Algae
(Aqua) |
Photosynthetic plants which may be
single-celled or multi-celled, some (phytoplankton) float in the water
while others (tuff and macroalgae) form clumps or thick carpets on
vacant surfaces, others (coralline algae) are encrusting and form a hard
veneer on surfaces.
|
|
Algae
(Eco) |
Simple rootless plants that grow in bodies of
water (e.g. estuaries) at rates in relative proportion to the amounts of
nutrients (e.g. nitrogen and phosphorus) available in water.
|
|
Algicide
(Eco) |
A chemical substance used to control algae.
|
|
Algid
(Trop) |
A fever in which the patient suffers from
peripheral vascular collapse. Also known as a “cold” fever as their skin
feels cold and clammy. |
|
Alien species
(Aqua) |
Any species, including its seeds, eggs,
spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species
that is not native to that ecosystem (from Executive Order 13112 on
Invasive Species). Also called an exotic species, non-native species,
non-indigenous species or introduced species.
|
|
Alimentary
(Vet) |
Pertaining to food or the digestive tract.
|
|
Aliphatic
(Vet) |
A term applied to the "open chain" or fatty
series of hydrocarbons.
|
|
Alitrunk
(Ento) |
Thorax and propodeum of narrow waisted
hymenopterans.
|
|
Alkaline
(Vet) |
A substance with very few hydrogen ions, and
a pH over 7. Lye is strongly alkaline.
|
|
Alkaline soil
(Eco) |
Soil containing alkali salts, usually in
amounts that are harmful to crop growth. Usually the pH of these soils
is above 8.5.
|
|
Alkaloids
(Eco) |
Substances found in plants, many having
powerful pharmacologic action, and characterized by content of nitrogen
and the property of combining with acids to form salts.
|
|
Allatectomy
(Ento) |
An operation resulting in removal of the
corpora allata (paired or fused ganglion-like bodies in the head of
insects.)
|
|
Allergen
(Vet) |
A substance that causes an allergic reaction,
e.g., pollen.
|
|
Allometric growth
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
A genetically determined tendency for a
certain body part to grow at a more rapid rate than other parts.
|
|
Allomone
(Vet) |
A compound released by one organism which
evokes a reaction in an individual of a different species and that is
favorable to the emitter but not to the receiver. Examples: 1) Plant
allomones which deter feeding. 2) Alarm pheromones in ants.
|
|
Alloparental
(Ento, Zoo) |
When individuals other than the parent assist
in the caring for that parents offspring.
|
|
Allopatric
(Ento, Zoo) |
Two or more forms of a species having
essentially separate distributions. |
|
Allowance
(Ento, Zoo) |
The allowed nutrient load a source may
discharge.
|
|
Alopecia
(Trop, Vet) |
The loss of hair. Often occurs after
treatment of cancer with chemo-therapeutic agents.
|
|
Alpha (α) particle
(HS) |
A positively charged particle consisting of
two protons and two neutrons, emitted by some radioactive elements. They
are highly ionizing, but do not travel far: shielding against alpha
particles requires only a thin layer of material, such as a piece of
paper.
|
|
Alternate host
(Para) |
One which alternates with another in the life
cycle of a parasite; snails and man are alternate hosts of schistosomes.
|
|
Alternation of generations
(Ento, Para) |
This describes the life cycle of a species in
which two or more different forms occur in successive generations, one
sexual, the other asexual. |
|
Alternative hypothesis
(Stat) |
In hypothesis testing, a null hypothesis
(typically, that there is no effect) is compared with an alternative
hypothesis (typically, that there is an effect, or that there is an
effect of a particular sign). For example, in evaluating whether a new
cancer remedy works, the null hypothesis typically would be that the
remedy does not work, while the alternative hypothesis would be that the
remedy does work. When the data are sufficiently improbable under the
assumption that the null hypothesis is true, the null hypothesis is
rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis. |
|
Alternative work
(OH) |
A new job (with comparable pay) offered by
the same employer after you’ve been injured or made ill on the job such
that the doctor says you cannot return to your former job.
|
|
Altricial
(Zoo) |
Refers to mammals born in a fairly
undeveloped state; the young require close parental care for a period of
time. Rabbits are born in an altricial state, whereas, hares are
precocial.
|
|
Altruism
(Vet) |
1) The principle or practice of unselfish
concern for or devotion to the welfare of others. 2) Altruistic -
unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others.
|
|
Altruistic
(Vet) |
Self-destructive or potentially
self-destructive behavior performed for the benefit of others.
|
|
Alula
(Ento) |
In insects: the outermost of the three
flap-like outgrowths at the base of the wing in various flies: really a
part of the wing membrane.
|
|
Alveoli
(Vet) |
The tiny microscopic areas of the lung where
the actual exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and out of the
blood occurs. Also called alveolus and alveolar sacs.
|
|
AMA
(OH) |
See American Medical Association.
|
|
AMAD
(HS) |
Automatic Mustard Agent Detector.
|
|
Amber
(Eco) |
Fossilized gum (tree sap). It is a hard,
sometimes clear, yellowish-brown material, often containing fossilized
insects. |
|
Ambient
(PEH) |
Surrounding. Ambient air usually means
outdoor air.
|
|
Ambient temperature
(Eco) |
The overall temperature of the environment.
|
|
Amblypygi
(Ento) |
An order of the Class Arachnida, comprised of
the tailless whipscorpions, which are characterized by a broad
cepahalothorax, prominent pincerlike pedipalps, and a first pair of legs
that are long and whiplike.
|
|
Ambrosia
(Eco) |
The fungus cultivated by wood-boring beetles
of the family Scolytidae. |
|
AMCCOM
(HS) |
Armaments, Munitions and Chemical Commands.
|
|
Ameba (Para) |
A single celled organism which has no rigid
body structure. Amebas move about and take in food by extending
pseudopods. Examples of parasitic amoebae include Entamoeba
histolytica (cause of amebic dysentery) and Naegleria sp. and
Acanthameba sp. (causes of eosinophilic meningitis). |
|
Amebiasis
(Trop) |
Protozoal disease caused by Entamoeba
histolytica, which may present as an amebic liver abscess,
intestinal amebiasis or disseminated amebiasis. |
|
AMEDDC&S
(HS) |
Army
Medical Department Center and School (US).
|
|
Amelanistic
(Zoo) |
Skin lacks all melanin, the substance which
produces brown and black coloring in the skin.
|
|
Ameloblastoma
(Trop) |
Aggressive benign tumor of the jaw, usually
the lower jaw. It is more common in Asian and African people. It results
from a proliferation of ameloblast cells, which is the cell that forms
enamel.
|
|
American
College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM)
(OH) |
Provides ongoing training and education to
some 6,000 specialized occupational and environmental physicians;
publishes Occupational Medical Guidelines.
|
|
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
(OH) |
Publishes standards for exposure to
industrial chemicals, among other activities.
|
|
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
(OH) |
Represents industrial hygiene specialists
responsible for sampling and analyzing worker exposures to physical,
chemical, biological and radiological hazards; provides ongoing
training.
|
|
American Medical Association (AMA)
(OH) |
Publishes a series of Guides to the
Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.
|
|
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
(OH) |
A privately funded, voluntary membership
organization that develops consensus standards for a wide variety of
devices and procedures. |
|
American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS)
(OH) |
Grants credentials to practitioners of
industrial security, including assets, personnel and processes; oversees
the professional designation, Certified Protection Professional (CPP).
|
|
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
(OH) |
The United States’ oldest occupational health
and safety organization representing safety professionals; provides
ongoing education and information about regulatory matters.
|
|
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
(OH) |
A federal law that prohibits discrimination
against people with disabilities.
|
|
Ametabola
(Ento) |
Insects which do not undergo a metamorphosis.
|
|
Ametabolous
(Ento) |
Without metamorphosis; that is, changing
little in form during the course of growth and molting.
|
|
Amine
(Vet) |
An organic compound containing nitrogen,
derived from ammonia, NH3, by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms by as
many hydrocarbon radicals.
|
|
Amino acid
(Vet) |
Organic compounds that contain the amino
(NH,) group and the carboxyl (COOH) group. Amino acids are the building
blocks of proteins.
|
|
Aminoglycoside
(Vet) |
A class of antibiotics which act by
interfering with bacterial protein synthesis within the bacteria which
results in the death of the bacteria. Antibiotics in this class include
gentamicin (Gentocin), kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin,
and amikacin. Many of these antibiotics are not well-absorbed from the
animal's digestive system, so are often administered as injections, or
used topically.
|
|
Amitotic division
(Vet) |
Nuclear division by constriction without the
formation of chromosomes yielding two equal nuclei.
|
|
Ammonia
(Vet) |
A colorless alkaline gas, NH3,
soluble in water.
|
|
Amoebic liver abscess (ALA)
(Trop) |
Abscess of the liver caused by Entamoeba
histolytica and often containing so called “anchovy sauce” fluid.
|
|
Amphibian
(Zoo) |
A group of cold-blooded vertebrates whose
reproductive biology is closely tied to water. Includes frogs, toads,
newts and salamanders.
|
|
Amphipods
(Zoo) |
Small, shrimplike crustaceans.
|
|
Amplexus
(Zoo) |
The copulatory behavior of Anurans, where the
male sits on the female’s back and grasps her with his forelimbs. May
be inguinal, axillary, cephalic, straddled, or glued.
|
|
Amylase
(Vet) |
Digestive enzyme, produced by the pancreas
which breaks down carbohydrates and starches.
|
|
Amyloid
(PrD) |
A chemical structure that can accumulate in brain tissue
becuase of a variety of different diseases. In CJD, the amyloid is
normally made up of the prion protein.
|
|
Anabolic steroid
(Vet) |
A type of steroid (not a corticosteroid like
prednisone, cortisone, or dexamethasone) which promotes the building of
tissues, like muscle.
|
|
Anadromous
(Zoo) |
Fish that spend most of their life in salt
water but migrate into freshwater tributaries to spawn (i.e. shad,
sturgeon).
|
|
Anaemia
(Trop) |
Decrease in number of red blood cells and/or
quantity of hemoglobin. Malaria causes anemia through rupture of red
blood cells during merozoite release. The anaemia caused may be extreme.
Pallor may be visible in the patient.
|
|
Anaerobic
(Eco, Vet) |
Not containing oxygen or not requiring
oxygen.
|
|
Anaerobic bacteria
(Vet) |
Bacteria which only live in an environment in
which there is no or little oxygen.
|
|
Anal
(Vet) |
Pertaining to last abdominal segment which
bears the anus.
|
|
Anal angle
(Ento) |
The small apical area enclosed by the inner
and outer margins of the hindwing.
|
|
Anal fin
(Aqua) |
The fin on the median (i.e. middle) line
behind the vent (i.e. the anus).
|
|
Anal fold
(Ento) |
A fold in the inner margin of the hindwing.
|
|
Anal veins
(Ento) |
The hindmost or most posterior longitudinal
wing veins.
|
|
Analgesia
(Trop, Vet) |
Pain reduction or relief.
|
|
Analgesic
(Vet) |
An agent for deadening the sense of pain
without loss of consciousness. |
|
Analogy
(Vet) |
Similarity in function filling a common need
but having a different evolutionary origin.
|
|
Analysis
(Bio) |
A psychology term for processes used to gain
understanding of complex emotional or behavioral issues.
|
|
Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
(Stat) |
An analytical method that compares the means
of groups by analyzing each group's contribution to the overall
uncertainty of the data, the variance.
|
|
Analyte
(PEH) |
A chemical for which a sample (such as water,
air, blood, urine or other substance) is tested. For example, if the
analyte is mercury, the laboratory test will determine the amount of
mercury in the sample.
|
|
Analytic epidemiologic study
(PEH) |
A study that evaluates the association
between exposure to hazardous substances and disease by testing
scientific hypotheses.
|
|
Analytic epidemiology
(Epi) |
A focused study of the determinants of
disease or reasons for high or low frequency of disease in specific
groups.
|
|
Anamnestic response
(Vet) |
The faster and greater immune response
produced by an animal who has previously encountered that specific
antigen. Memory cells are responsible for this more efficient response.
Also called secondary response.
|
|
Anamorphosis
(Ento) |
Development of an organism in which one or
more body segments are added posteriorly at each molt.
|
|
Anaphylaxis
(Trop) |
Increasing sensitivity of the body to a
protein after an initial reaction which may have been mild. The second
or third exposure to this protein may cause severe respiratory or
circulatory embarrassment, leading to death.
|
|
Anaphylaxis
(Vet) |
Anaphylaxis is a rare, life-threatening,
immediate allergic reaction to something ingested or injected. If
untreated, it results in shock, respiratory and cardiac failure, and
death. May also be referred to as anaphylactic shock or anaphylactoid
reaction.
|
|
Anaplasmosis
(Ento) |
Infection with Anaplasma, a genus of Sporozoa
that infests red blood cells.
|
|
Anapsis (Zoo) |
Refers to reptilian skull in which there are
no temporal openings. A comparative common condition in fossil forms;
in living reptiles, known only in turtles.
|
|
Anasa wilt
(Ento) |
A wilt disease of cucurbits caused solely by
the feeding of the squash bug, no parasitic microorganism involved.
|
|
Anatomy
(Vet) |
Science which deals with the structure of
organisms.
|
|
ANBACIS
(HS) |
Automated Nuclear, Biological and Chemical
Information System.
|
|
Ancyclostoma caninum
(Trop) |
See eosinophilic enteritis.
|
|
Ancyclostoma duodenale
(Trop) |
See hookworm.
|
|
Androconia
(Ento) |
In male butterflies, specialized wing scales
(often called scent scales) possessing special glands which produce a
chemical attractive to females. |
|
Androgen
(Vet) |
A hormone which produces male sexual
characteristics, e.g., testosterone.
|
|
Anemia
(Trop, Vet) |
A reduced number or volume of red blood
cells, which results in lowered hemoglobin levels as seen in a number of
tropical diseases, e.g. malaria, hookworm disease. It may present with a
number of symptoms and signs including fatigue and pallor, especially of
the conjunctival and mucous membranes. There are many possible causes.
|
|
Anemic
(Vet) |
Deficient in blood quantity or quality.
|
|
Anemone
(Aqua, Trop) |
A usually colorful group of Anthozoans common
on reefs. Contact with human skin of divers or snorkellers may cause
severe, localized skin reactions, and systemic symptoms including severe
tiredness. Research is current in this area.
|
|
Anemotaxis
(Ento) |
Orientation with respect to currents in air.
|
|
Anesthesia
(Vet) |
Loss of sensation or feeling; induced
artificially with drugs to permit painful procedures such as surgery.
|
|
Angina
(Vet) |
The most widely understood use of the term
relates to a pain in the chest (angina pectoris) that arises from
insufficient blood supply to the heart. These pains start in the chest
and typically spread out to the left side of the body and in severe
cases (heart attacks) may affect the left arm and hand.
|
|
Angiography
(Vet) |
The x-ray of vessels after injecting a
contrasting fluid.
|
|
Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor
(Vet) |
ACE inhibitor. Drug which decreases the
function of this particular enzyme. The angiotensin-converting-enzyme
changes a compound called angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin
II is a potent blood vessel constrictor. ACE inhibitors, then, have the
effect of dilating blood vessels, since less Angiotensin II is produced.
|
|
Angler
(Eco) |
Someone who goes fishing: somebody who fishes
with a hook, line, and rod.
|
|
Angulate
(Vet) |
Forming an angle.
|
|
Animal trap
(Trop) |
A cage generally made of cloth, which is
baited with an animal such as a cow, goat, etc. Collections of
mosquitoes are made on the walls of this trap to assess and compare
populations biting domestic animals with populations in dwellings.
|
|
Anisocoria
(Vet) |
A condition in which the pupils of the eyes
are not of equal size.
|
|
Annual
(Eco) |
Plant species that completes its life cycle
in one year.
|
|
Annual blood examination rate (ABER)
(Trop) |
Calculated as (number of slides
examined/population) x 100. WHO recommendation for malarious areas is
that the number of slides examined per month should equal at least 1% of
the population.
|
|
Annual parasite incidence (API)
(Trop) |
API = (confirmed cases during 1
year/population under surveillance) x 1000.
|
|
Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (ASOII)
(OH) |
Conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) on a national level; some employers are required to participate
and others do so voluntarily. |
|
Annulate
(Ento) |
Formed in ring-like segments or with
ring-like markings; usually referring to antennae.
|
|
Anopheles
(Trop) |
A mosquito genus in the subfamily Anophelinae.
Only certain species transmit human malaria and filariasis.
|
|
Anoplura
(Ento) |
An insect order, including the sucking lice.
They are external parasites that feed by sucking blood. They have a
flattened, wingless body, sucking mouthparts, and an incomplete
metamorphosis. |
|
Anorexia
(Vet) |
Loss of appetite.
|
|
Anoxic
(Eco) |
A condition where no oxygen is present. Much
of the anoxic zone is anaerobic, with absolutely no oxygen, a condition
in which toxic hydrogen sulfide gas is emitted in the decomposition
process.
|
|
ANSI
(OH) |
See American National Standards Institute.
|
|
Ant
(Ento) |
Any of various social insects of the family
Formicidae. Only the males and fertile females have wings. They are
living in colonies that have a complex social organization.
|
|
Antagonism
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
An ecological association between organisms
in which one or more of the participants is harmed or has its activities
limited.
|
|
Antagonist
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
An agent or substance that counteracts the
action of another.
|
|
Antagonistic effect
(PEH) |
A biologic response to exposure to multiple
substances that is less than would be expected if the known effects of
the individual substances were added together.
|
|
Antenatal
(Vet) |
The period between conception and birth. Same
as prenatal.
|
|
Antenna
(Ento) |
1) Pair of segmented appendages located on
the head and usually sensory in function - the 'feelers'. 2) A pair of
jointed appendages located on the head of an insect above the
mouthparts, which are usually used for smelling and feeling (touching),
and in some cases for hearing. |
|
Antennation
(Ento) |
Touching with the antenna.
|
|
Antenodal veins
(Ento) |
Small cross-veins at the front of the
dragonfly or damselfly wing, between the wing base and the nodus.
|
|
Anterior |
Positioned in front of another body part, or
towards the head of the animal. Opposite of posterior.
|
|
Anthelmintic
(Epi, Vet) |
Medication which kills certain types of
intestinal worms; dewormer.
|
|
Anthesis
(Eco) |
The period during which the flower is open.
|
|
Anthozoa
(Aqua, Eco) |
The taxonomic Class of animals, including sea
anemones, and hard and soft corals.
|
|
Anthracnose
(Eco) |
A plant disease having characteristic
lesions, necrosis and hypoplasia on stems, leaves and fruit. Anthracnose
is usually caused by certain imperfect fungi, e.g. Colletotrichum,
Gloeosporium, and Kabatiella.
|
|
Anthrax
(Trop) |
A zoonotic infection of humans contracted
from sheep, cows and similar animals and their products. Caused by
Bacillus anthracis, a spore-bearing Gram positive rod. Anthrax
includes a cutaneous form (malignant pustule), a pneumonic form
(Woolsorters’ disease) and intestinal anthrax. The form of the disease
depends largely of the site of entry. |
|
Anthropogenic
(Zoo) |
Of human origin.
|
|
Anthropomorphic
(Zoo) |
Regarding animals as possessing human
qualities
|
|
Anthropophagy
(Trop) |
The process of feeding on people. Similar to
anthropophilic. Anthropophilic species prefer to feed on people as
opposed to animals. |
|
Antibiosis
(Para) |
1) Any deleterious effect on insect survival
resulting from feeding on a resistant host. 2) An association between
two or more organisms that is detrimental to one or more of them.
|
|
Antibiotics
(Vet) |
1) Usually refers to drugs administered to
kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria; not effective against viral
infections. 2) Drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria and
other microorganisms. Originally, an antibiotic was a substance produced
by one microorganism that selectively inhibits the growth of another.
Synthetic antibiotics, usually chemically related to natural
antibiotics, have since been produced that accomplish comparable tasks.
|
|
Antibodies |
An immunoglobulin or protein formed in the
body in response to a specific antigen or foreign protein such as
bacteria or viruses or venom. Their presence helps prevent symptoms or
disease processes on further exposures to the same antigen.
|
|
Antibody
(Epi, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
A protein belonging to the class of proteins
called immunoglobulins. Antibodies are produced by plasma cells to
counteract specific antigens or foreign proteins (including infectious
agents like viruses, bacteria, etc... or venom). The antibodies then
combine with the antigen they are made to fight and often cause the
death of that infectious agent. Their presence helps prevent symptoms or
disease processes on further exposures to the same antigen.
|
|
Antibody titer
(Vet) |
A measurement of the amount of antibodies in
the blood. The test to measure antibodies is usually performed by making
a number of dilutions of the blood and then measuring at what dilution
there is sufficient antibody to react in the test. For example, a titer
of 1:8 (one to eight) means the blood can be diluted to one part blood
and seven parts saline and still produce a positive reaction in the
test. The higher the titer (1:16 is higher than 1:8), the more antibody
is present.
|
|
Anticholinergic
(Vet) |
Stopping the communications between certain
nerves and muscles of the body including those of the gastrointestinal
tract and heart. These nerves are called 'parasympathetic' nerves and do
such things as constrict the pupils of the eye, stimulate contractions
of the muscles in the intestine, and slow the heart rate.
Anticholinergic drugs would have the effect, then, of dilating the
pupil, slowing contractions of the intestines, and increasing the heart
rate.
|
|
Anticholinesterase
(Vet) |
A drug that blocks the enzyme
acetylcholinesterase; this results in stimulation of the parasympathetic
nervous system.
|
|
Anticoagulation
(Vet) |
Stopping the blood clotting process.
|
|
Anticoagulin
(Vet) |
A substance antagonistic to the coagulation
of blood.
|
|
Anticonvulsant
(Vet) |
A drug used to prevent or decrease the
severity of convulsions.
|
|
Antidiuretic hormone
(Vet) |
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland
that reduces the production of urine in the kidneys and therefore
prevents water loss Also called vasopressin.
|
|
Anti-drift agent
(Ento) |
A substance added to pesticides to reduce the
number of fine droplets produced at the spray nozzle.
|
|
Antiemetic
(Vet) |
An agent that decreases or stops vomiting.
|
|
Anti-feedant
(Ento) |
A substance that deters or inhibits feeding
by an insect but does not necessarily kill it.
|
|
Antifungal
(Eco) |
Drugs administered to kill or inhibit the
growth of fungi.
|
|
Antigen
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
A molecular structure on surfaces of such
particles as bacteria and viruses. This structure is recognized by the
body as 'foreign' and stimulates the body to produce special proteins
called antibodies to inactivate this foreign invader. See also Antibody.
|
|
Anti-microbial
(Vet) |
A chemical substance that kills or inhibits
micro-organisms.
|
|
Antimycotic
(Vet) |
An antibiotic that kills fungi infecting an
animal.
|
|
Antiprotozoal
(Vet) |
An agent that kills protozoa, which are
one-celled organisms such as Giardia.
|
|
Antipruritic
(Vet) |
Relieves itching.
|
|
Antipyretic
(Vet) |
A substance used to relieve fever.
|
|
Antiseptic
(Vet) |
A substance which inhibits the growth of
bacteria, but does not kill them. |
|
Antiserum
(Trop, Vet) |
Blood serum that contains antibodies to known
antigens. An antiserum is an important agent in the diagnosis or
treatment of many diseases and important poisonings such as botulism.
They are often prepared from immunized rabbits, sheep, horses or goats.
|
|
Antispasmodic
(Vet) |
An agent that relieves or decreases spasms in
muscle. The muscle could include 'smooth muscle' which is the type of
muscle in intestines that causes them to contract and move food through
the digestive system.
|
|
Antitoxin
(Eco, Trop, Vet) |
A substance that blocks the action of a
toxin. Often it is an antiserum to the toxin.
|
|
Antitussive
(Vet) |
Cough suppressant.
|
|
Antivenin (aka, Antivenom)
(Aqua, Trop) |
Antibody mixtures produced by an animal after
exposure to small doses of injected venom that may be harmful to man. As
the doses are small, the injection is not lethal and antibodies are
formed. This resultant antibody mixture is then collected from the
animal's blood, purified, concentrated, and thus becomes an antivenin.
It can then be injected into humans to counteract symptoms (or death)
produced by the venom of the animal potentially lethal to humans. An
antivenin is specific for the venom against which it is prepared, and
does not neutralize other antivenins. A rare exception to this is Tiger
snake (Notechis scutatus) antivenin which can be used to
effectively counteract the venom of the sea snakes if specific sea snake
antivenin is not available.
|
|
Antiviral
(Eco) |
An agent that kills a virus or that
suppresses its ability to replicate and, hence, inhibits its capability
to multiply and reproduce.
|
|
Antlers
(Zoo) |
Antlers are found on members of the deer
family. They consist of bone and are shed each year. New antlers grow
each spring and are covered by skin (called velvet) which has blood
vessels that carry nutrients to the growing antler. In the fall of the
year the skin dies and is rubbed off on bushes and saplings. Antlers are
typically found only on males, except in the caribou.
|
|
Antlion
(Ento) |
A common name for a larva of the family
Myrmeleontidae. They dig cone-shaped pitfalls in the sand for trapping
ants.
|
|
Anura
(Zoo) |
Extant frogs.
|
|
Anuria
(Vet) |
The condition of complete failure in the
function of the kidneys such that no urine is produced.
|
|
Anus
(Vet) |
A muscular opening at the end of the
digestive tract where fecal waste is expelled.
|
|
AOE / COE
(OH) |
Arising Out of Employment / Course of
Employment; a term used in the workers’ compensation field. Claims are
only accepted for compensation or disability if the incident occurred
AOE/COE.
|
|
Aorta
(Vet) |
The anterior, non-chambered, narrow part of
the insect heart which opens into the head.
|
|
Apex
(Vet) |
Top. For example, the point where the costal
vein and the outer margin of the forewing meet.
|
|
Aphicide
(Ento) |
An insecticide especially effective against
aphids.
|
|
Aphid
(Ento) |
Insect belonging to the family Aphididae in
the order Hemiptera, suborder Homoptera. Sometimes referred to as plant
louse.
|
|
Aphididae
(Ento) |
Order Hemiptera, suborder Homoptera, soft
bodied insects feeding on plant sap, greenfly, and blackfly.
|
|
API
(Trop) |
The Annual Parasitic Index per 1000
population in obtained by dividing positive cases (x 1000) by total
population.
|
|
Apiary
(Ento) |
A place where bees are kept, normally a group
of hives.
|
|
Apical
(Ento) |
At or concerning the tip or furthest part of
any organ: apical cells, for example are at the wing-tip.
|
|
Apical area
(Ento) |
Of the forewing, the area just inside of and
contiguous with the apex. |
|
Apical complex
(Para) |
A complex set of organelles found at the
anterior end of the protozoans of the Phylum Apicomplexa. The apical
complex has a role in the penetration of host cells.
|
|
Apices
(Ento) |
See Apex.
|
|
Apicomplexa
(Trop) |
Sporozoan protozoa which have no organs of
locomotion. Includes the malaria parasites and Toxoplasma.
|
|
Apiculture
(Ento) |
Bee-keeping. Culture and care of bees.
|
|
Aplastic anemia
(Vet) |
A serious condition in which red blood cells,
white blood cells, and platelets are not produced in sufficient
quantity.
|
|
Apocrita
(Ento) |
Order Hymenoptera, ants bees, wasps.
|
|
Apodeme
(Ento) |
An invagination of the exoskeleton that
serves as a point of muscle attachment.
|
|
Apodous (Ento) |
Without legs.
|
|
Apolysis
(Ento) |
Retraction of the epidermal cells from the
inner surface of the endocuticle, the first step in molting.
|
|
Aposematic (Ento, Zoo) |
A color form or behavior which serves as a
warning of distaste or danger, such as the yellow and black of a wasp.
|
|
Aposematism
(Ento, Zoo) |
Possession of vivid coloration that
identifies an animal as having distasteful or unpleasant properties.
|
|
Aposomatic coloration (Ento, Zoo) |
Warning coloration in which conspicuous
markings on an animal serve to discourage potential predators. Common
in the dendrobatid frogs, salamanders and newts, and coral snakes.
|
|
Appendage
(Vet) |
Any limb or other organ, such as an antenna,
which is attached to the body by a joint.
|
|
Appendicular Ataxia
(Prd) |
Lack of coordination in a limb.
|
|
Appendix
(Ento) |
Short vein, especially seen as a short
continuation after a main vein has changed direction.
|
|
Appetitive behavior
(Ento) |
Searching behavior of variable pattern,
seeking an appropriate stimulus. |
|
Apportionment
(OH) |
A way of figuring out how much permanent
disability is due to a worker. |
|
Apposition eye
(Ento) |
A type of compound eye occurring in diurnal
insects, in which each ommatidium is surrounded by a shield of pigment.
|
|
Apterae
(Ento) |
Wingless forms.
|
|
Apterous
(Ento) |
Without wings. Wingless.
|
|
Apterygota
(Ento) |
Subclass of the insects including the most
primitive orders with no metamorphosis. Except for the size, all larval
stages closely resemble the adults (which are wingless).
|
|
Apterygote
(Ento) |
Any of the primitive insects which have never
developed wings during their history.
|
|
Aquaculture
(Eco) |
The farming of plants and animals that live
in water, i.e. shellfish, fish, algae.
|
|
Aquarist
(Aqua) |
A person who keeps or maintains an aquarium.
|
|
Aquarium trade
(Aqua) |
The selling of aquatic life for public or
private display.
|
|
Aquaterrarium
(Zoo) |
Housing which includes an area of dry land
and an expanse of water for swimming.
|
|
Aquatic
(Aqua) |
Growing or living in, or frequenting water.
|
|
Aquatic
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Living in water.
|
|
Aquatic reefs
(Eco) |
An aquatic reef is a solid, three
dimensional, highly structured ecological community, with oysters as its
dominant species which provides vital habitat for Bay species such as
finfish, shellfish and crabs. They consist of densely packed individual
oysters that grow upward and outward creating a hard surface over many
acres of bay bottom and three-dimensional habitat.
|
|
Aqueous humor
(Vet) |
The fluid found within the eyeball which
provides nourishment to the interior eye structures and keeps the
eyeball inflated.
|
|
Aquifer
(Eco) |
An underground source of water. This water
may be contained in a layer of rock, sand or gravel.
|
|
Arachnid
(Zoo) |
A group of invertebrates which includes
spiders, scorpions, mites and ticks. Arachnids have four pairs of legs
and simple eyes.
|
|
Arachnid vectors
(Epi) |
Members of the class Arachnida, especially
spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks, which transmit infective organisms
from one host to another or from an inanimate reservoir to an animate
host.
|
|
Arachnida
(Ento) |
Class within the phylum Arthropoda. It
includes a numbers of orders such as spiders, mites, and ticks.
|
|
Arachnologist
(Ento) |
A person who studies the life cycles,
behavior, ecology, or diversity of arachnids (spider and their
relatives) as their work or hobby.
|
|
Arachnology
(Ento) |
The study of arachnids and their relatives,
their life cycles, behavior, ecology, diversity and control.
|
|
Arachnophobia
(Vet) |
The irrational fear of arachnids, most
commonly spiders.
|
|
Aradidae
(Ento) |
Order Hemiptera, barkbugs, most feed on fungi
under the bark of dead trees.
|
|
Araneae
(Ento) |
An order belonging to the class Arachnida,
comprised of the spiders. They are characterized by two body parts
(cephalothorax and abdomen), eight legs, and a pair of fangs
(chelicerae).
|
|
Araneida
(Ento) |
An order of the class Arachnida, comprised of
the spiders, characterized by two body parts (cephalothorax and
abdomen), eight legs, and a pair of fangs (chelicerae).
|
|
Arboreal
(Ento, Zoo) |
A creature which spends most of its time in
trees or bushes.
|
|
Arbovirus
(Epi) |
A virus which uses Arthropods as vectors and
is transmitted in their saliva to the definitive host. For example,
yellow fever.
|
|
Arch
(Zoo) |
A bridge of bone in the skull, such as
zygomatic arch.
|
|
Arciferal pectoral girdle
(Zoo) |
Ancestral condition in Anurans where the
midventral bones or cartilage of the pectoral girdle overlap.
|
|
Arcuate curved
(Ento) |
Arched like a bow.
|
|
Area under curve (AUC)
(Stat) |
A statistical means of summarizing
information from a series of measurements on one individual. It is
frequently used in clinical pharmacology where the AUC from serum levels
can be interpreted as the total uptake of whatever has been
administered. As a plot of the concentration of a drug against time,
after a single dose of medicine, producing a standard shape curve, it is
a means of comparing the bioavailability of the same drug made by
different companies.
|
|
Areolate
(Ento) |
Division of an area into smaller
areas-areolae-by lines or cracks such as a insects wing.
|
|
Argasid
(Trop) |
The soft ticks or tampans. Vectors of Endemic
relapsing fever.
|
|
Arista
(Ento) |
A large bristle-like outgrowth located on the
dorsal side of the last (third) antennal segment in the insect order
Diptera.
|
|
Aristate
(Ento) |
Bearing arista.
|
|
ARM
(OH) |
See Associate in Risk Management.
|
|
Arolium
(Ento) |
A padlike lobe projection between the tarsal
claws of many insects. Usually very small, but well developed in
grasshoppers and some other insects.
|
|
Arrested development
(Para) |
See hypobiosis.
|
|
Arrhenoyoky
(Ento) |
The production of males from unfertilized
eggs.
|
|
Arrhythmia
(Vet) |
A variation from normal heart rhythm.
|
|
Artemether
(Trop) |
Also called Arteether and more soluble forms
called Artesunate. An antimalarial drug derived from artemisinin.
Artemisinin is produced from the Chinese herbal drug Qinghaosu. It is
used for rapid clearance of susceptible peripheral parasites, especially
in the treatment of severe malaria, due to Plasmodium falciparum.
|
|
Arteries
(Vet) |
Thick walled vessels that carry blood away
from the heart to the lungs and body tissues; the pulmonary arteries
carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs, but all other arteries carry
oxygenated blood.
|
|
Arthralgia
(Vet) |
Pain in the joints.
|
|
Arthritis
(Vet) |
Inflammation and swelling in the joints; has
multiple causes including lameness.
|
|
Arthropod
(Eco) |
A large group of invertebrate animals with
jointed legs, including the insects, scorpions, crustaceans and spiders.
|
|
Arthropod vectors
(Stat) |
Arthropods, other than insects and arachnids,
which transmit infective organisms from one host to another or from an
inanimate reservoir to an animate host.
|
|
Arthropod (Eco, End, Para) |
Organisms which are characterized by having a
number of jointed legs, numerous body segments which may be fused or
unfused and a hard outer covering or exoskeleton made of chitin. Phylum
Arthropoda contains the following Classes: Insecta (insects), Arachnida
(spiders, mites, ticks, scorpions, etc), Chilopoda (centipedes),
Diplopoda (millipedes), and Crustacea (crabs, shrimp, lobsters, water
fleas). Related groups include the Onychophora (Peripatus, etc), the
Tardigrades (water bears, etc), and the Pentastomids (tongue worms).
|
|
Arthropoda
(Ento) |
A phylum within the animal kingdom. It
includes Crayfish, Millipedes, Centipedes, Spiders, and Insects.
Arthropoda have a segmented body with a hard outer skeleton
(exoskeleton). Usually the segments are grouped in two or three body
regions. The body has a bilateral symmetry and it has paired segmented
appendages.
|
|
Arthrospore
(Eco) |
Spores generated by some fungi that look like
they come from structures with many joints.
|
|
Articular
(Vet) |
Pertaining to a joint.
|
|
Artifactual (spurious) association
(Epi) |
A false association that occurs by chance or
through bias.
|
|
Artificial reef
(Eco) |
A structure aggregated from material designed
to attract living aquatic organisms.
|
|
ASBREM
(HS) |
Armed Services Biomedical Research Evaluation
and Management.
|
|
Ascarid
(Vet) |
Roundworm.
|
|
Ascaris
(Trop) |
A genus of nematodes which includes the
intestinal roundworm of humans, Ascaris lumbricoides.
|
|
Ascites
(Trop, Vet) |
An accumulation of a serous effusion in the
abdominal cavity seen in a number of conditions such as cirrhosis and
schistosomiasis.
|
|
Ascomycete
(Eco) |
One of the major groups of fungi including
some that are pathogens of man, animals, and crops. They are
characterized by the formation of an ascus or sac that carries spores
arising from sexual reproduction. They also produce spores called
conidia that are not the result of sexual processes and that are
important in their spread. They are easily spread by light winds or
rain. Ascomycetes also include brewers and bakers yeasts and a number of
other food organisms.
|
|
Asepsis
(Trop) |
Absence of septic matter, or freedom from
infection. The prevention of the access of microorganisms.
|
|
Aseptic
(Trop, Vet) |
The absence of infection. Some conditions do
not show signs indicating an obvious infection and are described as
aseptic. The term can also refer to conditions, an operating room should
be free of microorganisms and surgery can then be performed aseptically.
|
|
Aseptic meningitis
(Vet) |
A meningitis or inflammation of the
protective layer of the brain that does not appear to arise from
infection.
|
|
Aseptic technique
(Trop) |
Not septic; free from septic material
technique.
|
|
Asexual reproduction
(Aqua) |
Reproduction whereby new individuals are
derived from a single parent without the production of gametes or
reproductive structures.
|
|
Asexual reproduction
(Vet) |
Reproduction without the formation and fusion
of gametes, usually male and female. Formation of new individuals by any
nonsexual means, e.g. binary fission, budding, or schizogony.
|
|
Ashdown's medium
(Trop) |
A differential selective culture medium for
Burkholderia pseudomallei, devised by Dr Lesley Richard Ashdown
(1943-93), Townsville, Australia. B. pseudomallei grow as
distinctive purple rugose colonies on this medium.
|
|
ASIS
(OH) |
See American Society of Industrial
Security.
|
|
ASOII
(OH) |
See Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries
and Illnesses.
|
|
Aspergillosis
(Trop) |
Infection caused by the opportunistic
saprophytic fungus, Aspergillus. Can include the effects of
aflatoxin which is formed by the fungi growing on moldy foods such as
peanuts and which can be associated with cancer of the liver.
|
|
Asphyxia
(Vet) |
Two things happen in asphyxia or
asphyxiation. One is that there is less oxygen available to the body
than needed. This sounds a lot like choking, but asphyxia is
characterized by an increase in the availability of other gases,
typically carbon dioxide, that displace oxygen leading to
unconsciousness or death.
|
|
Aspirate
(Vet) |
Withdraw fluid or cells through the use of
suction - usually the suction produced by pulling back on the plunger of
a syringe attached to a needle which is inserted into the area to be
sampled. Also the breathing in of a fluid or foreign substances.
|
|
Aspirator
(Ento) |
A simple suction device for picking up small
insects, make out of a small bottle, a cork, and two pieces of tubing.
|
|
Assassin bug
(Ento) |
General name of bugs belonging to the family
Reduviidae.
|
|
ASSE
(OH) |
See American Society of Safety Engineers.
|
|
Assessment
(Stat) |
A process of evaluating options which enables
informed choices to be made between alternatives.
|
|
Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
(OH) |
A professional designation offered by the
Insurance Institute of America.
|
|
Association
(Stat) |
Two variables are associated if some of the
variability of one can be accounted for by the other. In a scatterplot
of the two variables, if the scatter in the values of the variable
plotted on the vertical axis is smaller in narrow ranges of the variable
plotted on the horizontal axis (i.e., in vertical "slices") than
it is overall, the two variables are associated. The correlation
coefficient is a measure of linear association, which is a special case
of association in which large values of one variable tend to occur with
large values of the other, and small values of one tend to occur with
small values of the other (positive association), or in which large
values of one tend to occur with small values of the other, and vice
versa (negative association).
|
|
Associative learning
(Ento) |
Acquisition of the capacity to associate a
stimulus with a reward or punishment.
|
|
Astelocyttarus
(Ento) |
Pertaining to nests, normally those of
social wasps, in which the come is attached directly to the support.
|
|
Aster yellows
(Ento) |
A virus disease of many kinds of plants
transmitted by the six spotted leaf hopper and characterized by stunting
of plants, sterility, and chlorosis in foliage.
|
|
Asymmetrical
(Ento) |
Organs or body parts not alike on either side
of a dividing line or plane.
|
|
Asymmetrical warfare
(HS) |
In the realm of military affairs and national
security, asymmetry is acting, organizing, and thinking differently than
opponents in order to maximize one’s own advantages, exploit an
opponent’s weaknesses, attain the initiative, or gain greater freedom of
action. It can be political-strategic, military-strategic, operational,
or a combination of these. It can entail different methods,
technologies, values, organizations, time perspectives, or some
combination of these. It can be short-term or long-term. It can be
deliberate or by default. It can be discrete or pursued in conjunction
with symmetric approaches. It can have both psychological and physical
dimensions.
|
|
Asymptomatic
(Trop, Vet) |
A term used to decide a condition in which no
symptoms are present. |
|
Asynchronous flight muscles
(Ento) |
Flight muscles in which contraction is not
synchronized with the reception of nervous stimuli.
|
|
Asystole
(Trop) |
Absence of visible contraction of the heart,
and consequent circulation of the blood, resulting rapidly in death.
This may occur after envenomation. |
|
Ataxia
(Vet, PrD) |
1) Shaky movements, wobbliness, unsteady walk
and clumsiness usually caused by damage to the cerebellum, a part of the
brain which controls movement. 2) Failure of muscular coordination.
Affected patients have coordination, postural and balance problems early
in the disease process and as the disease progresses, severe ataxia
leads to loss of ability to walk.
|
|
Atmospheric deposition
(Eco) |
When the air pollution hits the earth
surface. Air pollution washed out of the sky by rain or snow is called
"wet deposition." When air pollution deposits without benefit of rain
its called "dry deposition."
|
|
ATNAA
(HS) |
Antidote Treatment Nerve Agent
Auto-Injector. Atropine and pralixdoxime chloride injection.
|
|
Atoll
(Vet) |
A coral island consisting of a reef
surrounding a lagoon.
|
|
Atom
(HS) |
The smallest part of an element, comprising a
nucleus of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons orbiting the
nucleus.
|
|
Atopy
(Vet) |
An allergy to something that is inhaled such
as pollen or house dust. Also called inhalant allergy.
|
|
ATP
(Vet) |
Adenosine triphosphate; a compound used for
energy by cells.
|
|
Atrax
(Trop) |
A genus of spiders which includes the
australian funnel web spiders.
|
|
Atrial fibrillation
(Vet) |
A heart condition in which the atria
(chambers of the heart that receive the blood) contract rapidly,
irregularly, and independently of the ventricles (the chambers of the
heart that pump the blood). This greatly decreases the efficiency of the
heart and its ability to move blood. |
|
Atrial flutter
(Vet) |
A heart condition in which the atria
(chambers of the heart that receive the blood) contract rapidly,
irregularly, and independently of the ventricles (the chambers of the
heart that pump the blood). This greatly decreases the efficiency of the
heart and its ability to move blood.
|
|
Atrium
(Ento) |
Any chamber just inside a body opening, such
as within a spiracle.
|
|
Atrium
(Vet) |
The two chambers of the heart that receive
blood. The right atrium receives blood from the body. The left atrium
receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
|
|
Atrophied
(Ento) |
Shrunken or reduced in size.
|
|
Atrophy
(Vet) |
An abnormal decrease in size of an organ or
tissue.
|
|
Attenuated
(Trop, Vet) |
Weakened. An attenuated virus is one which
has been changed such that it will no longer cause disease. An
attenuated virus would be used in a modified live vaccine.
|
|
Attini
(Ento) |
Foliage cutting ants which feed on fungi
grown on cut foliage.
|
|
Attractants
(Ento) |
Substances which elicit a positive
directional response; chemicals having positive attraction for animals
such as insects, usually in low concentration and at considerable
distances.
|
|
Attributable fraction
(Epi) |
The same as etiological fraction.
|
|
Atypical mycobacteria
(Trop) |
A group of mycobacteria which differ in their
growth characteristics from Mycobacterium tuberculosis but which
they resemble in being acid-fast. The atypical mycobacteria are also
known as the Potentially Pathogenic Environmental Mycobacteria
(P.P.E.M.). They can cause a spectrum of human disease which in some
cases can resemble tuberculosis. Mostly they cause disease in
immunologically compromised humans such as those suffering from AIDS.
|
|
AUIB
(HS) |
Aircrew Uniform Integrated Battlefield
(protective overgarment).
|
|
Auscultate
(Vet) |
To listen for sounds produced within the
body, usually with the aid of a stethoscope.
|
|
Australian encephalitis
(Trop)
|
An arboviral disease in Australia transmitted
by mosquitoes. |
|
Autochthonous
(Trop)
|
Locally transmitted by mosquitoes.
Differentiated from imported, congenital, or blood-borne malaria.
|
|
Autocidal control
(Ento) |
The use of insects for self-destruction,
chiefly by release of sterile individuals.
|
|
Autoclave
(HS) |
A vessel for treating materials with
superheated steam under pressure to kill microorganisms in the material.
A domestic pressure cooker can be used to autoclave small quantities of
material.
|
|
Autoecious (also monoecious or monoxenous)
(Para) |
Applied to a parasitic organism that can
complete its life cycle in a single host species.
|
|
Autogenous
(Ento) |
In blood-feeding insects, the ability to
produce eggs without taking blood. |
|
Autoimmune
(Vet) |
A condition in which the immune system
attacks the body's own tissues. To properly function, the immune system
must identify foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, parasites,
slivers, etc., and it must be able to distinguish normal body tissue
from these foreign substances. If it fails to distinguish the
difference, it attempts to destroy the tissue it wrongly identifies as
foreign. For example, in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the body destroys
its own red blood cells. In rheumatoid arthritis it attacks the cells in
the joints.
|
|
Autoinfection
(Para, Trop) |
Reinfection by a parasite derived from within
the host and which is not exposed to the outside environment.
|
|
Autonomic Nervous System
(Vet) |
The part of the nervous system that operates
autonomously, that is, without regulation from an external agent. It
regulates involuntary actions such as the beating of the heart and the
rhythmic contraction of the intestines.
|
|
Autosomal
(PrD) |
Refers to any of the chromosomes other than
the sex-determining chromosomes (i.e., the X and Y) or the genes on
these chromosomes. |
|
Autosomal dominant
(PrD) |
A gene on one of the non-sex chromosomes that
is always expressed, even if only one copy is present. Describes a
trait or disorder in which the phenotype is expressed in those who have
inherited only one copy of a particular gene mutation (heterozygotes);
specifically refers to a gene on one of the 22 pairs of autosomes
(non-sex chromosomes).
|
|
Autotomy
(Zoo) |
The ability of certain lower animals, such as
lizards and starfish, to cast off injured body parts, such as the tail
and, usually, to regenerate new ones.
|
|
Autotomy plane
(Zoo) |
The zone or septum of soft tissue which
passes through a caudal vertebrae, along which breakage takes place in
autotomy.
|
|
Autotroph
(Eco) |
Any organism that is able to manufacture its
own food. Most plants are autotrophs, as are many protists and bacteria.
Autotrophs may be photoautotrophic, using light energy to manufacture
food, or chemoautotrophic, using chemical energy.
|
|
AVAD
(HS) |
Automatic Vapor Agent Detector.
|
|
Average
(Stat) |
Average usually denotes the arithmetic mean,
but it can also denote the median, the mode, the geometric mean, and
weighted means, among other things.
|
|
Average incidence density
(Trop) |
The ratio of the number of new cases of the
disease and the amount of population-time of follow-up (e.g.
person-year) of the disease-free population.
|
|
Axilla
(Vet) |
Armpit.
|
|
Axillary sclerite
(Ento) |
A small sclerite at the wing base,
articulating with the thorax.
|
|
Axioms of probability
(Stat) |
There are three axioms of probability: (1)
Chances are always at least zero. (2) The chance that something happens
is 100%. (3) If two events cannot both occur at the same time (if they
are disjoint or mutually exclusive), the chance that either one occurs
is the sum of the chances that each occurs. For example, consider an
experiment that consists of tossing a coin once. The first axiom says
that the chance that the coin lands heads, for instance, must be at
least zero. The second axiom says that the chance that the coin either
lands heads or lands tails or lands on its edge or doesn't land at all
is 100%. The third axiom says that the chance that the coin either lands
heads or lands tails is the sum of the chance that the coin lands heads
and the chance that the coin lands tails, because both cannot occur in
the same coin toss. All other mathematical facts about probability can
be derived from these three axioms. For example, it is true that the
chance that an event does not occur is (100% - the chance that the event
occurs). This is a consequence of the second and third axioms.
|
|
Axon
(Vet) |
The process of a nerve cell that conducts
impulses away from the cell body.
|
|
Axoneme (rhizoplast)
(Para) |
In flagellates, an internal fibril arising
from a blepharoplast and passing through the cytoplasm. An axoneme may
leave the body of the flagellate with a small sheath of cytoplasm to
become a flagellum or run along the surface of the body lifting the
periplast (cell membrane) to form an undulating membrane.
|
|
Axostyle
(Para) |
A rod-like structure that gives rigidity to
the bodies of some flagellates. |
|
Azadirachtin
(Eco) |
Azadirachtin is one of the active ingredients
in pesticides that are produced from the neem tree. It acts as a
powerful insect antifeedant and growth regulator.
|
|
Azotemia
(Vet) |
The presence of increased nitrogenous waste
products in the blood as a result of kidney malfunction.
|
|
B |
Top |
|
B cell
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
The type of lymphocyte which produces
antibody. A white blood cell which produces antibody. Also called B
lymphocyte. Compare with 'T cells.'
|
|
Bachelor
(Ento, Zoo) |
An unmated male.
|
|
Bacilluria (Vet) |
Having bacteria in the urine.
|
|
Bacillus
(Ento) |
A rod-shaped bacterium.
|
|
Bacillus cereus
(Trop) |
A Gram positive saprophytic rod which grows
on parboiled unrefrigerated rice and other food. It produces potent
exotoxins which can cause food poisoning – especially in Chinese and
other restaurants specializing in rice dishes. Food poisoning from this
organism can cause an emetic syndrome (associated with vomiting) or a
diarrheal syndrome.
|
|
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Ento) |
A spore forming bacterium which can be used
to control certain insect pests especially caterpillars.
|
|
Background level
(PEH) |
An average or expected amount of a substance
or radioactive material in a specific environment, or typical amounts of
substances that occur naturally in an environment.
|
|
Backwater
(Eco) |
A still body of water or a still portion of a
larger body of water, unaffected by the flow of the larger body of
water. An example would be a small stagnant branch of a river.
|
|
Bacteraemia
(Epi, Trop) |
Presence of bacteria in the blood stream
without multiplication.
|
|
Bacteria
(Trop) |
Single or multicellular organisms belonging
to Kingdom Prokaryotae. These organisms are often coccoid or rod- shaped
but can also be curved, pleomorphic or spiral. They can be Gram
positive, Gram negative or Gram variable.
|
|
Bacterial (Trop) |
Of or pertaining to bacteria. For example, a
bacterial lung infection.
|
|
Bactericide
(Trop) |
A substance that is toxic to bacteria.
|
|
Bacteriocidal
(Vet) |
A description of an agent that kills
bacteria.
|
|
Bacteriophage
(Trop) |
A virus which parasitizes a bacterium; a
bacterial virus.
|
|
Bacteriostatic
(Vet) |
A description of an agent that stops the
growth (reproduction) of bacteria, but does NOT kill them.
|
|
Bacterium
(Ento, Vet) |
1) Microscopic organisms that lack nuclei and
other organelles; pathogenic species cause disease, while nonpathogenic
species are harmless. 2) Bacteria in the blood.
|
|
BADS
(HS) |
Biological Agent Detection System.
|
|
Bait
(Ento, Zoo) |
A formulation, including attractants,
toxicants, and/or mechanical devices used as a lure for killing pests.
Usually poisoned foodstuff used to attract and kill insects or rodents.
|
|
BAL
(HS) |
British anti-Lewisite. An evil-smelling
organic sulfur compound that is used to treat exposure to Lewisite and
related blister agents.It may also be used in the treatment of arsenic
poisoning.
|
|
Balance
(Stat) |
The condition in a study in which all
subgroups being analyzed have equal numbers of patients.
|
|
Balancers
(Zoo) |
Lateral appendages on the heads of some
larval salamanders.
|
|
Balantidium coli
(Trop) |
A ciliate protozoan of pigs which can infect
humans causing balantidial dysentery.
|
|
Ballast water
(Aqua) |
Water carried in special tanks (ballast
tanks) of ships used to provide stability needed when carrying less than
a full load of cargo and to keep the ship at the proper depth in the
water. When the ship is loaded with cargo, the ballast water is released
to surrounding waters; when the ship is empty, it takes on more water to
keep it upright. Some vessels use sand as ballast rather than water.
|
|
Ballooning
(Ento) |
A method of airborne transportation used by
small caterpillars and spiders; by producing lots of short silk threads
they are able to float in the air.
|
|
Barmah forest virus
(Trop) |
A mosquito-borne arbovirus causing symptoms
similar to Ross River virus infection in Australia. See also Ross River
virus.
|
|
Bartonella
(Trop) |
A genus of small Gram negative bacilli.
Includes the agents for Bartonellosis (Carrion’s Disease) caused by
B. bacilliformis in South America. Other species include B.
henselae, the cause of Cat Scratch Fever and B. quintana, the
cause of Trench Fever.
|
|
Basal
(Ento) |
Concerning the base of a structure - that
part nearest the body. Basal cells in Diptera are generally small cells
near the base of the wing. |
|
Basal cell carcinoma
(Trop) |
A generally slow growing malignant epithelial
tumor, which has potential to invade and metastasize, especially if
untreated.
|
|
Basal granule
(Para) |
In ciliates, the granule-like body from which
each cilium arises. Comparable to the blepharoplast from which a
flagellum arises.
|
|
Basal lamina
(Ento) |
One of two layers that form the basement
membrane, an amorphous sheet which underlies epithelial cells.
|
|
Basalare
(Ento) |
A small sclerite in the upper part of the
pleuron that articulates with the axillary sclerites.
|
|
Baseflow
(Eco) |
Stream or river flows consisting entirely of
groundwater contributions. |
|
Baseline
(Eco) |
The numeric level of nutrient load at a
particular point in time that serves to establish nurtient reduction
goals and allowances.
|
|
Basement membrane
(Ento) |
A noncellular sheath separating the epidermal
cells from the hemolymph. |
|
Basic reproductive rate, ratio
(Epi) |
See Reproductive Ratio.
|
|
Basidiomycete
(Eco) |
One of the major groups of fungi including
mushrooms, toadstools, rusts and smuts. They are differentiated from the
ascomycetes by their sexual structures which are club shaped and expose
the sexual spores. The rusts and smuts are plant pathogens and include
some that may be used as anti-crop weapons. Most edible fungi are
basidiomycetes.
|
|
Basitarsus
(Ento) |
First and usually the largest segment of the
tarsus.
|
|
Basking
(Zoo) |
Resting in the direct rays of the sun.
|
|
Basking light
(Zoo) |
A light or overhead heating element that
produces an area of higher heat in an enclosure required by the reptile
for digestion.
|
|
Bat
(Trop, Zoo) |
Winged mammals which can be associated with
the transmission of rabies, Lyssavirus and Australian Bat Morbillivirus
infections to humans. Most species are insectivorous or fruit-eaters,
but the vampire bats of Latin America feed on mammalian blood.
|
|
Batesian mimicry
(Ento, Zoo) |
Resemblance of a palatable species to one
that is unpalatable or has effective defenses.
|
|
Bathymetry
(Eco) |
The physical characteristics, including
depth, contour, and shape of the bottom of a body of water.
|
|
Batumen
(Ento) |
A protective layer of propilis or hard
cerumen that encloses the nest cavity of a stingless bee colony.
|
|
Bay Scapes
(Eco) |
Environmentally-sound landscapes benefiting
people, wildlife, and the Chesapeake Bay. They are low-input landscapes,
requiring less mowing, less fertilizing, and less pesticide use. They
help to protect the water quality in our streams, rivers, and the
Chesapeake Bay. Along with reducing pollution, BayScapes provide diverse
habitats for songbirds, small mammals, butterflies, and other creatures.
|
|
BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guêrin)
(Trop) |
A live attenuated vaccine used in
tuberculosis.
|
|
BD
(HS) |
Biological Defense, Biological Detector.
|
|
BDA
(HS) |
Bilateral Destruction Agreement, Bomb Damage
Assessment.
|
|
BDO
(HS) |
Battledress overgarment.
|
|
BDWS
(HS) |
Biological Detector and Warning System.
|
|
Beak
(Ento) |
Proboscis. The long, protruding mouthpart
structures of an insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts. This type of
mouthparts can be found in the suborders Heteroptera (true bugs) and
Homoptera (cicadas and others).
|
|
Beak
(Zoo) |
Hard or bony mouthparts on chelonians and
some tadpoles.
|
|
Beating sheet
(Ento) |
A piece of cloth used to catch insects shaken
from a tree branch.
|
|
Becquerel (Bq)
(HS) |
The International System unit used to measure
the radioactivity of a radioactive source. 1 Bq = 1 nuclear
disintegration per second. The unit is named after the French physicist
A-H. Becquerel.
|
|
Bedbugs
(Ento, Trop) |
Blood sucking hemipterans belonging to the
genus Cimex. Not important in the transmission of disease but can
cause irritating allergic response to their saliva.
|
|
Bedrock
(Eco) |
The solid rock underneath surface soils.
|
|
Bee
(Ento) |
Any of several insects of the superfamily
Apoidea. Bees are winged, hairy-bodied, usually stinging insects,
including both solitary and social species. They are characterized by
sucking and chewing mouthparts for gathering nectar and pollen.
|
|
Bee milk
(Ento) |
A secretion produced by the glands in the
heads of workers who are less than 18 days old. These young workers eat
large amounts of pollen which is the main source of the milk.
|
|
Bee-flies
(Ento) |
Common name for Bombyliidae.
|
|
Beekeeper
(Ento) |
A person who tends bees and uses them to
pollinate crops and to produce honey and beeswax.
|
|
Beetle
(Ento) |
Any of numerous insects of the order
Coleoptera. Beetles have biting mouthparts. Their forewings are modified
to form a strong covering that protects the underlying membranous hind
wings when at rest.
|
|
Behavior
(Para) |
The branch of science that deals with the way
a species reacts or responds to a variety of stimuli.
|
|
Beneficial insects
(Ento) |
Insect that serves the interest of man. For
example insect pest predators and parasitoids that help to keep pest
populations under control. Also bees and other pollinating insects are
beneficial insects.
|
|
Benign
(Trop, Vet) |
A mild illness or non-malignant form of a
tumor. Benign tumors usually have well defined edges and tend to grow
slowly.
|
|
Benthic
(Aqua) |
Bottom-dwelling, living on the seabed.
|
|
Benthic macroinvertebrates
(Eco) |
Macroinvertebrates are large, generally
soft-bodied organisms that lack backbones. Benthic macroinvertebrates
live in or on the bottom sediment in aquatic environments.
|
|
Benthos
(Eco) |
A group of organisms, most often
invertebrates, which live in or on the bottom in aquatic habitats (such
as clams that live in the sediments) which are typically immotile or of
limited motility or range.
|
|
Benzene hexachloride
(Ento) |
BHC. A synthetic insecticide, a chlorinated
hydrocarbon, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocvclohexane of mixed isomers;
slightly more toxic to mammals than DDT, acute oral LD51 for rats about
200 mg/kg; phytotoxicity: more toxic than DDT, interferes with
germination, suppresses growth and reduces yields except at low
concentration; certain crop plants, as potato absorb crude BHC with
consequent tainting of tubers.
|
|
Berlese funnel
(Ento) |
An insect collecting device that consists of
a large funnel containing a piece of screen, with a container below it;
materials, such as leaf litter, soil, or rotting wood, is placed in the
funnel and heat from a light placed above the funnel forces the hidden
insects down the funnel into the container.
|
|
Best management practices (BMP)
(Eco) |
A practice or combination of practices that
provide the most effective and practicable means of controlling point
and nonpoint pollutants at levels compatible with environmental quality
goals.
|
|
Beta (β) particle
(HS) |
A charged particle consisting of a positive
or negative electron, emitted by a radioactive element. Beta particles
can travel farther than alpha particles, and can penetrate about 2 cm.
into human skin. Shielding from beta particles requires material of the
thickness and density of a piece of plywood.
|
|
Beta blockers
(Vet) |
Heart medications which block certain
receptors in the heart called beta receptors. The beta receptors receive
signals which generally increase the heart rate. If the heart rate is
abnormally fast and uneven, beta blockers will help stabilize the rate
and rhythm of contractions.
|
|
Beta lactams
(Trop) |
Antibiotics with a beta-lactam ring in their
molecular structure, including the penicillins and the cephalosporins.
Act on penicillin binding proteins in the mucopeptides of the bacterial
cell wall. Can be destroyed by bacterial beta-lactamases.
|
|
Beta-carotene
(Vet) |
A plant pigment which can be converted to
Vitamin A by many animals, but not by cats.
|
|
Beta-lactamases
(Vet) |
Enzymes produced by some bacteria which
inactivate certain types of penicillin, thus making the bacteria
resistant to them.
|
|
Betelnut
(Trop) |
An areca-nut chewed in India, south east Asia
and the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, as a stimulant. Betelnut
can have side effects such a staining of teeth and is possibly
carcinogenic.
|
|
Bias
(Stat) |
A measurement procedure or estimator is said
to be biased if, on the average, it gives an answer that differs from
the truth. The bias is the average (expected) difference between the
measurement and the truth. For example, if you get on the scale with
clothes on, that biases the measurement to be larger than your true
weight (this would be a positive bias). The design of an experiment or
of a survey can also lead to bias. Bias can be deliberate, but it is not
necessarily so.
|
|
Bib
(Zoo) |
A patch of colored feathers under the chin of
a bird.
|
|
Bibionidae
(Ento) |
Fever flies, March flies. Order Diptera.
|
|
BIDE
(Epi) |
Birth, Immigration, Death, Emigration: the
four demographic processes which might act on a population compartment
in a typical compartmental model.
|
|
BIDS
(HS) |
Biological Integrated Detection System.
|
|
Biennial reproduction (Zoo) |
Having a two-year reproductive cycle.
|
|
Bifid
(Vet) |
Split in two.
|
|
Bifurcated
(Zoo) |
Notched in two, such as a snake's tongue.
Iguana tongues have a small, deep pink notch in the tip, often only
visible once the iguana has reached a year or so of age.
|
|
Biguanides
(Trop) |
Group of antimalarial drugs which includes
Proguanil (Paludrine) used for malaria prophylaxis.
|
|
Bilateral
(Vet) |
On both sides.
|
|
Bilateral symmetry
(Eco, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
A body design found in most animals in which
if an imaginary plane divided the body into left and right halves, each
side would be a mirror image of the other.
|
|
Bile
(Vet) |
A liquid produced by the liver, stored in the
gall bladder, and dispensed into the small intestine as needed; aids in
the digestion and absorption of fats.
|
|
Bile acids
(Vet) |
Certain compounds produced by the liver,
bound to amino acids, and excreted in the bile to aid in the digestion
of fats.
|
|
Bilge
(Aqua) |
Another term for ballast water.
|
|
Bilharzia
(Trop) |
Schistosomiasis; a diseases caused by a
parasitic trematode and acquired by contact with water infected with
cercariae shed by the snail intermediate host.
|
|
Bilirubin
(Vet) |
An orange-yellow pigment in bile that is a
product of red blood cell breakdown; it is normally excreted with the
urine or feces, and a buildup in the body can cause jaundice.
|
|
Bilobed tarsus
(Ento) |
The second to last tarsal segment divided
into two lobes.
|
|
Bimodal
(Stat) |
Having two modes.
|
|
Bimodal foraging
(Ento, Zoo) |
Having two modes of foraging.
|
|
Binary chemical weapon
(HS) |
A method of delivering chemical weapons that
involves generating the chemical weapon in the delivery vehicle as it is
on its way to the target. The weapon is formed, e.g. inside a bomb
casing, by the reaction of a pair of chemicals that are less toxic than
the chemical agent itself. This simplifies the storage and handling of
the agents before use.
|
|
Binary fission
(Para) |
Reproduction by division of an individual
into two individuals each a duplicate of the other. Division by which
two equal and similar individuals are formed e.g. amoeba (Entamoeba
histolytica). Division may be transverse, e.g. ciliates (Balantidium
coli) or longitudinal e.g. flagellates (Trypanosoma gambiense). It
usually occurs in the free-living state but may occur in the encysted
state where several divisions may occur within a single cyst, e.g. E.
histolytica produces four daughter amoebae in the cyst stage. Division
may be either amitotic or mitotic.
|
|
Binocular vision
(Zoo) |
Having to do with or the use of both eye
simultaneously.
|
|
Binomial distribution
(Stat) |
A random variable has a binomial distribution
(with parameters n and p) if it is the number of
"successes" in a fixed number n of independent random trials, all
of which have the same probability p of resulting in "success."
Under these assumptions, the probability of k successes (and
n-k failures) is nCk pk(1-p)n-k,
where nCk is the number of combinations of
n objects taken k at a time: nCk
= n!/(k!(n-k)!). The expected value of a random
variable with the Binomial distribution is n×p, and the standard
error of a random variable with the Binomial distribution is (n×p×(1
- p))½. Or, the probability distribution associated
with two mutually exclusive outcomes; used to model cumulative incidence
rates and prevalence rates. The Bernoulli distribution is a special case
of binomial distribution.
|
|
Binominal nomenclature
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
The system of naming organisms with two
names, generic and specific. |
|
Binuclear
(Vet) |
A cell having two nuclei.
|
|
Bioaccumulation
(Eco) |
When contaminants accumulate in the tissues
of a living creature, typically increasing in concentration as they move
through the food chain. For example, when a small fish eats contaminated
algae, and a bigger fish eats many contaminated small fish, and a human
eats the bigger fish, that human is consuming a fish that is loaded with
the chemical. |
|
Bioassay
(Eco) |
A simple biological test that uses an
indicator organism to measure the potency of a given substance in a
biological system. An example of a bioassay would be a test that
measures algal growth in response to different nutrient concentrations.
|
|
Bioassay
(Trop) |
Assessment of the efficacy and persistence of
an insecticidal treatment by exposing mosquitoes of known susceptibility
to a treated surface or area for a standard period of time.
|
|
Biocide
(Eco) |
A chemical substance that is toxic to a wide
range of organisms (e.g. insects, snails, birds, people).
|
|
Biodegradable
(Eco) |
Capable of being broken down by
micro-organisms. It usually refers to biological processes in soil,
water and sewage. It can also refer to man-made organic compounds such
as pesticides.
|
|
Biodegradation
(PEH) |
Decomposition or breakdown of a substance
through the action of microorganisms (such as bacteria or fungi) or
other natural physical processes (such as sunlight).
|
|
Biodiversity (or Biological Diversity)
(Aqua) |
The variety of species, their genetic
make-up, and the natural communities which they compose. All the
different kinds of organisms living in an area.
|
|
Biohazard
(OH) |
Any biological organism or product of
organisms that presents a risk to human health.
|
|
Biologic indicators of exposure study
(PEH) |
A study that uses (a) biomedical testing or
(b) the measurement of a substance [an analyte], its metabolite, or
another marker of exposure in human body fluids or tissues to confirm
human exposure to a hazardous substance [also see exposure
investigation].
|
|
Biologic monitoring
(PEH) |
Measuring hazardous substances in biologic
materials (such as blood, hair, urine, or breath) to determine whether
exposure has occurred. A blood test for lead is an example of biologic
monitoring.
|
|
Biologic uptake
(PEH) |
The transfer of substances from the
environment to plants, animals, and humans.
|
|
Biologic vector
(Para) |
A living obligate host in which the parasite
undergoes morphologic change and/or multiplication. There are three
classes of biologic vectors: (1) Propagative in which the parasite
multiplies but does not undergo morphologic change, (2) Cyclopropagative
in which the parasite undergoes cyclic, morphologic changes and also
multiplies,(3) Cyclodevelopmental in which the parasite undergoes cyclic
morphologic change, but does not multiply.
|
|
Biological classification |
The hierarchical grouping of organisms into
categories based on evolutionary relationships. Seven hierarchical
levels (or taxa) are commonly used: kingdom, phylum, class, order,
family, genus, and species.
|
|
Biological control
(Aqua) |
Limiting an organism's distribution and
abundance by using its natural enemies (eg. predators, diseases) or by
interfering with its life cycle.
|
|
Biological control
(Eco) |
The use of natural enemies such as predators,
parasites, and pathogenic micro-organisms or antagonists to control pest
populations, diseases or weeds. This can be achieved either through
conservation and stimulation of indigenous natural enemies, or by the
importation and mass introduction of exotic natural enemies.
|
|
Biological control (or Bio-control)
(Aqua) |
Using one kind of organism to help manage a
harmful species. For example, certain beetles feed on purple
loosestrife, an invasive species, and help control its spread.
|
|
Biological control agent
(Vet) |
Any biological agent that adversely affects
pests.
|
|
Biological diversity
(Eco) |
The variety of life in all its forms, levels
and combinations including ecosystem diversity, species diversity and
genetic diversity.
|
|
Biological monitoring
(PEH) |
Analyzing chemicals, hormone levels or other
substances in biological materials (blood, urine, breath, etc.) as a
measure of chemical exposure, health status, etc. in humans or animals.
A blood test for lead is an example of biological monitoring.
|
|
Biological nutrient removal (BNR)
(Eco) |
A temperature dependent process in which the
ammonia nitrogen present in raw wastewater is converted by bacteria
first to nitrate nitrogen and then to nitrogen gas.
|
|
Biological pesticide
(Ento) |
A pesticide the active ingredient of which
consists of a living organism or virus.
|
|
Biological safety
(OH) |
A specialized area with the goal of
protecting workers from agents of disease, such as bacteria and viruses,
by using containment, decontamination and PPE procedures. Also known as
“biosafety.”
|
|
Biological threat (DOD)
(HS) |
A threat that consists of biological material
planned to be deployed to produce casualties in personnel or animals or
damage plants. See also biological agent; biological ammunition;
biological defense; biological environment; chemical, biological, and
radiological operation; contamination; contamination control.
|
|
Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act
(HS) |
US
legislation that makes it illegal to prepare, procure or possess
biological weapons for the purposes of terrorism.
|
|
Bioluminescence
(Ento, Zoo) |
The ability of certain organisms to produce
light.
|
|
Biomass
(Eco) |
The quantity of living matter, expressed as a
concentration or weight per unit area.
|
|
Biome
(Aqua) |
Major regional ecological community of plants
and animals associated with a particular climate. Examples include:
tropical rainforest biome, desert biome, lake biome, and estuarine
biome.
|
|
Biome
(Para) |
Large terrestrial regions characterized by
similar climate, soil, and living things.
|
|
Biomedical testing
(PEH) |
Testing of persons to find out whether a
change in a body function might have occurred because of exposure to a
hazardous substance.
|
|
Biometry
(Stat) |
The use of statistical methods to analyze
biological observations and phenomena.
|
|
Bionomics
(Vet) |
The study of the habits, breeding, and
adaptations of living forms.
|
|
Biopsy
(Trop, Vet) |
A surgical process in which a small piece of
tissue is cut out or otherwise sampled, e.g. through a needle biopsy, to
enable a diagnosis. |
|
Biorational pesticides
(Ento) |
Pesticides based on bacteria, viruses, fungi
or protozoa; includes pest control agents, and chemical analogues of
naturally occurring biochemicals (pheromones, insect growth regulators).
|
|
Bioretention
(Eco) |
Bioretention sites are an innovative method
for stormwater management that retains stormwater on site and uses
plants and layers of soil, sand, and mulch to reduce the amount of
nutrients and other pollutants that enter local waterways. Also called
Rain Gardens. |
|
Biosafety level
(HS) |
A set of procedural and physical safeguards
used when handling pathogens. There are four levels BL-1 to BL-4. BL-1
is the lowest level and is seen in a well-run microbiological
laboratory. BL-4 is an extreme form of isolation for the handling of
pathogens such as Ebola virus. Only a handful of laboratories worldwide
have BL-4 facilities.
|
|
Biota
(PEH) |
Plants and animals in an environment. Some of
these plants and animals might be sources of food, clothing, or
medicines for people.
|
|
Biotic
(Vet) |
Living.
|
|
Biotic release
(Vet) |
The sudden release of a population from its
natural enemies, often resulting in a population explosion.
|
|
Biotype
(Vet) |
A population of a species that differs
genetically from another population with respect to host affiliation.
Also called host race.
|
|
Bipectinate
(Ento) |
Concerned mainly with the antennae-feathery
like extensions projecting out from two sides of a central axis.
|
|
Biphasic (Trop, Vet) |
Occurring in two phases. A biphasic disease
is one that runs its course with the patient appearing to improve. It
then reappears some time later, often attacking a different part of the
body and often with much more severe symptoms and consequences.
|
|
Bipolar staining
(Trop) |
The effect of the two ends of a bacillus
staining while the center of the rod remains unstained when stained with
Giemsa stain.
|
|
Bird scarer
(Zoo) |
Device to repel birds from crops (e.g.
scarecrow).
|
|
Birth certificates
(Stat) |
Official certifications by a physician
recording the individual's birth date, place of birth, parentage and
other required identifying data which are filed with the local registrar
of vital statistics.
|
|
Birth order
(Stat) |
The sequence in which children are born into
the family.
|
|
Birth rate
(Stat) |
The number of births in a given population
per year or other unit of time. |
|
Bisexual
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Having both sexes present and functional in
the same organism.
|
|
Bitch
(Vet) |
A female dog.
|
|
Bite
(Trop) |
The use of teeth or other similar hard
substance to puncture the skin of a victim, possibly resulting in the
introduction of venom (e.g. snake bite). |
|
Biting lice (Ento) |
Mallophaga.
|
|
Biting midges
(Ento) |
Ceratopogonidae.
|
|
Bivalve
(Zoo) |
Mollusk with two shells connected by a hinge
(i.e. clams, oysters).
|
|
Bivariate
(Stat) |
Having or having to do with two variables.
For example, bivariate data are data where we have two measurements of
each individual. These measurements might be the heights and weights of
a group of people (an individual is a person), the heights of fathers
and sons (an individual is a father-son pair), the pressure and
temperature of a fixed volume of gas (an "individual" is the volume of
gas under a certain set of experimental conditions), etc.
Scatterplots, the correlation coefficient, and regression make sense for
bivariate data but not univariate data |
|
Bivoltine
(Ento, Zoo) |
Having two generations per year.
|
|
Bivouac
(Ento) |
The mass of army ant workers within which the
queen and brood live while the colony is not on the move.
|
|
Blackfly
(Trop) |
Blood-sucking flies belonging to the genus
Simulium. Includes the vectors of human Onchocerciasis (River
Blindness) in parts of Africa and Latin America.
|
|
Bladder
(Vet) |
A sac that receives and holds a liquid until
it is excreted, e.g., urinary bladder, gall bladder.
|
|
Blast
(Eco) |
Plant disease similar to blight.
|
|
Blastoderm
(Ento, Zoo) |
The thin cellular layer that surrounds the
yolk of an egg.
|
|
Blastogenesis
(Ento, Zoo) |
The origination of different castes, within a
species, from the egg by means other than genetic.
|
|
Blastomycosis
(Trop) |
A deep (systemic) mycotic infection caused by
dimorphic fungi. North American Blastomycosis caused by Blastomyces
dermatitidis in N. America and tropical Africa while Paracoccidioides
braziliensis causes S. American Blastomycosis in South America.
|
|
Blattodea
(Ento) |
One of the insect groups, made up of the
cockroaches, characterized by leathery wings, chewing mouthparts,
slender, running legs, and gradual metamorphosis.
|
|
Blepharoplast
(Para) |
A small granule-like body, usually appearing
in the cytoplasm, from which an axoneme arises. Axonemes may form
rod-like structures in the cytoplasm, cilia, or flagella.
|
|
Blepharospasm
(Vet) |
A twitching of the eyelid.
|
|
Blepharospasm
(Vet) |
Spasm of the eyelids often resulting in
complete closure of the lids due to eye pain, such as seen with a
scratch on the cornea.
|
|
Blight
(Eco) |
Common name for a number of different
diseases on plants. Blight is characterized by the rapid death of plant
tissue (e.g. leaf blight, blossom blight, shoot blight).
|
|
Blind, blind experiment
(Stat) |
In a blind experiment, the subjects do not
know whether they are in the treatment group or the control group. In
order to have a blind experiment with human subjects, it is usually
necessary to administer a placebo to the control group.
|
|
Blindness
(Vet, PrD) |
Loss of useful sight. Blindness can be
temporary or permanent. Damage to any portion of the eye, the optic
nerve, or the area of the brain responsible for vision can lead to
blindness. There are numerous (actually, innumerable) causes of
blindness. The current politically correct terms for blindness include
visually handicapped and visually challenged. |
|
Blister
(Vet) |
A fluid-filled vesicle on the skin filled
with a watery straw-colored fluid. Blisters arise from physical wear and
tear, e.g. on the feet or from burns or irritation, such as from some
plant extracts.
|
|
Blister agent
(HS) |
A chemical weapon that causes blisters on the
skin. They often cause comparable damage on other tissues such as the
mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or skin. Mustard gas and Lewisite
are blister agents. |
|
Blister beetle
(Ento) |
Meloidae.
|
|
Bloat
(Vet) |
Filling of the stomach with air.
|
|
Blood
(Vet) |
The familiar red fluid in the body that
contains white and red blood cells, platelets, proteins, and other
elements. The blood is transported throughout the body by the
circulatory system. Blood functions in two directions: arterial and
venous. Arterial blood is the means by which oxygen and nutrients are
transported to tissues while venous blood is the means by which carbon
dioxide and metabolic by-products are transported to the lungs and
kidneys, respectively, for removal from the body.
|
|
Blood clotting
(Vet) |
The formation of a blood clot. Blood clotting
is a complex process involving almost 20 proteins called coagulation
factors. When the disruption of a blood vessel is detected, coagulation
factors begin a chain of tightly regulated events that lead to the
formation of large complexes of a protein called fibrin that help to
seal the break.
|
|
Blood culture
(Vet) |
A method for determining the presence of a
pathogen in the blood by culturing samples on a medium that will support
the growth of the pathogen. It is a routine diagnostic method.
|
|
Blood gases
(Vet) |
Gases, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide,
which are in the blood.
|
|
Blood glucose
(Vet) |
A graph of blood glucose levels over time. At
the time of insulin injection, and at regular intervals throughout the
day, the level of glucose in the blood is determined through laboratory
testing.
|
|
Blood meal
(Ento) |
A feeding of blood that helps a female
insect’s reproductive system produce viable eggs.
|
|
Bloodborne pathogens
(OH) |
Disease-causing microorganisms present in
human blood, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV),
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other pathogens.
|
|
Bloodshot
(Vet) |
Usually applied to the eye, it describes a
red, inflamed appearance that comes from the local blood vessels
becoming constricted.
|
|
Bloom
(Eco) |
A population burst of phytoplankton that
remains within a defined part of the water column.
|
|
Bloom period
(Eco) |
The period during which flowers are opened.
|
|
Blossom stage
(Eco) |
Crop stage from the time the first blossoms
open until the petals fall.
|
|
Blotch
(Eco) |
A plant disease characterized by large,
necrotic and irregular in shape, spots or blots on leaves, shoots and
stems.
|
|
Blubber (Aqua) |
Colloquial term for Catostylus.
|
|
Bluebottle (Aqua) |
Colloquial term for the single-tentacled
Physalia utriculus.
|
|
B-Lymphocyte (or B-Cell)
(Trop) |
A type of white blood cell that circulates
through the body and is able to detect the presence of the foreign
agents. Once exposed to an antigen on the agent, these cells
differentiate into plasma cells to produce antibody. |
|
BNICE
(HS) |
Biological, Nuclear, Incendiary, Chemical and
Explosive.
|
|
BNICER
(HS) |
Biological, Nuclear, Incendiary, Chemical,
Explosive and Radiological.
|
|
Body burden
(PEH) |
The total amount of a substance in the body.
Some substances build up in the body because they are stored in fat or
bone or because they leave the body very slowly.
|
|
Bog
(Eco) |
A wetland that has poorly drained acidic
peat-soil dominated by sedges and sphagnum moss.
|
|
Bombus
(Ento) |
Bumble-bees.
|
|
Bombykol
(Ento) |
The sex attractant pheromone of the female
silkworm moth.
|
|
Bombyliidae
(Ento) |
Bee-flies, order Diptera,
suborder-Brachycera.
|
|
Bone marrow
(Vet) |
A soft tissue composed of blood vessels and
connective tissues found at the center of bones; the primary function is
blood cell production. |
|
Bone marrow suppression
(Vet) |
A condition in which the cells of the bone
marrow which produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
are inhibited. This may result from the use of certain drugs, such as
anti-cancer agents.
|
|
Book lung
(Eco) |
A respiratory cavity containing a series of
leaflike folds.
|
|
Boomerang leg
(Trop) |
A condition whereby the tibiae are curved
resulting from such conditions as congenital syphilis or yaws.
|
|
Boomslang
(Trop) |
An African tree snake belonging to the family
Colubridae. It is highly venomous, the venom being hemotoxic in nature
and causing profuse bleeding. Bites are rare, however, as the snake is
back fanged.
|
|
Booting stage
(Eco) |
Growth stage of grain crops when the leaf
sheath swells up due to the growth of developing spike or panicle.
|
|
Bootstrap estimate of standard error
(Stat) |
The name for this idea comes from the idiom
"to pull oneself up by one's bootstraps," which connotes getting out of
a hole without anything to stand on. The idea of the bootstrap is to
assume, for the purposes of estimating uncertainties, that the sample is
the population, then use the SE for sampling from the sample to estimate
the SE of sampling from the population. For sampling from a box of
numbers, the SD of the sample is the bootstrap estimate of the SD of the
box from which the sample is drawn. For sample percentages, this takes a
particularly simple form: the SE of the sample percentage of n
draws from a box, with replacement, is SD(box)/n½,
where for a box that contains only zeros and ones, SD(box) = ((fraction
of ones in box)×(fraction of zeros in box) )½. The
bootstrap estimate of the SE of the sample percentage consists of
estimating SD(box) by ((fraction of ones in sample)×(fraction of
zeros in sample))½. When the sample size is large, this
approximation is likely to be good.
|
|
Borborygmus
(Vet) |
The sound of gas moving through the
intestine; bowel sounds.
|
|
Boreal
(Zoo) |
Of or relating to the north.
|
|
Borrelia
(Trop) |
A genus of spirochetes causing Lyme Disease (Borrelia
burgdorferi) and Relapsing fever (B. recurrentis; B.
duttoni). These zoonotic infections are transmitted through the
bites of argasid ticks (tampans).
|
|
Boss
(Zoo) |
A round protuberance or swelling.
|
|
Bot
(Ento) |
The larva of certain flies which are
parasitic in the body of mammals.
|
|
Bot fly
(Ento) |
Common name for Gasterophilidae and
Oestridae.
|
|
Botanical pesticide
(Ento) |
A pesticide obtained from plants, e.g.
pyrethrum, nicotine, azadirachtin and rotenone.
|
|
Bothrium
(Para, Trop) |
A sucker (organ of attachment) in the form of
a grove on the scolex of tapeworms e.g. Diphyllobothrium latum.
|
|
Botulism
(Zoo) |
Food poisoning by the neurotoxin botulin,
characterized by vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty of vision, central
nervous systems, disturbances of secretion, dyspepsia, a barking cough,
and ptsosis.
|
|
Bovine
(PrD) |
Having to do with cows and cattle, as in bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease), bovine tuberculosis, and
bovine growth hormone.
|
|
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
(PrD) |
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, "mad cow disease."
|
|
Box jellyfish
(Aqua, Trop) |
Colloquial term used to refer to Chironex
fleckeri, but which actually includes every species of the Class
Cubozoa.
|
|
Brace vein
(Ento) |
A slanting cross vein just behind the inner
end of the stigma in some dragonflies.
|
|
Brachypterous
(Ento) |
With short wings that do not cover the
abdomen, used of individuals of a species which otherwise has longer
wings.
|
|
Brackish
(Eco) |
Describing water that is slightly salty;
water whose salinity is between that of normal fresh water and normal
sea water.
|
|
Braconid
(Ento) |
Insect belonging to the family Braconidae.
This is a family of parasitoid wasps. Many braconid species are
important in biological control of pests.
|
|
Bracts
(Zoo) |
1) A small modified leaf with a relative
undeveloped blade, in the axil of which grows an inflorescence or
flower. 2) A leaf or leaflike structure associated with a sporangium.
|
|
Bradycardia
(Vet) |
An abnormal slowing of the heart rate.
|
|
Bradyzoite
(Para) |
A stage in the life cycle of protozoa of the
family Sarcocystidae (tissue-cyst-forming coccidia). In particular this
is the term used to describe the merozoite which forms within the tissue
cyst in the intermediate host (and rarely within the definitive host).
This infectious stage rarely infects new cells within the intermediate
host; rather it is the infectious stage for the definitive host.
|
|
Brain
(Vet, Bio, PrD) |
That part of the central nervous system that
is located within the cranium (skull). The brain functions as the
primary receiver, organizer and distributor of information for the body.
It has two (right and left) halves called "hemispheres."
|
|
Branch (DOD)
(HS) |
The contingency options built into the basic
plan. A branch is used for changing the mission, orientation, or
direction of movement of a force to aid success of the operation based
on anticipated events, opportunities, or disruptions caused by enemy
actions and reactions. See also sequel. |
|
Brand name
(Vet) |
Trade name. Name given to a product sold by a
company to distinguish it from similar products made by other companies.
|
|
Breakpoint
(Epi) |
See transmission breakpoint.
|
|
Breathing
(Vet, Bio) |
The process of respiration, during which air
is inhaled into the lungs through the mouth or nose due to muscle
contraction, and then exhaled due to muscle relaxation.
|
|
Brevicomin
(Ento) |
An aggregation pheromone of the bark beetle
Dendroctonus brevicomis. |
|
BRHA
(HS) |
Body Region Hazard Analysis. A method of
evaluating risk that uses agent skin pentration values.
|
|
Broadcast application
(Vet) |
Application over an entire area rather than
only on rows, beds, or middles. For example broadcast application of a
pesticide. Also referred to as blanket application
|
|
Broad-leaved plants
(Eco) |
Plants that are not mosses and not grasses.
|
|
Broad-spectrum pesticide
(Vet) |
A non-selective pesticide that has activity
against a wide range of pests. For example, a broad-spectrum insecticide
will kill a wide range of insects.
|
|
Bromeliad
(Eco) |
A plant in the family which includes
pineapples. They often have small collections of water at the base of
the leaves and are favored breeding places of Aedes aegypti and
other mosquitoes.
|
|
Bronchi
(Vet) |
The plural of bronchus, the large air
passages of the lungs.
|
|
Bronchiole
(Vet) |
The small airways in the lung that come off
of the larger bronchus; bronchioles are 1 mm or less in diameter.
|
|
Bronchoconstriction
(Vet) |
The narrowing of the air passages of the
lungs.
|
|
Bronchodilator
(Vet) |
Medication which opens up the main air
passages to the lungs.
|
|
Bronchoscope
(Vet) |
A tool designed to facilitate inspection of
the trachea and bronchi; used in both diagnostic and therapeutic
procedures.
|
|
Bronchoscopy
(Vet) |
The internal inspection of the trachea and
bronchi using a bronchoscope. |
|
Bronchospasm
(Vet) |
A condition in which the muscles surrounding
the air passages to the lungs contract, narrowing the passages.
|
|
Brood
(Ento) |
In insects, a group of individuals of a given
species which have hatched into young or which have become adult at
approximately the same time and which live together in a defined and
limited area. Often referring to the immature stages of ants, bees, and
wasps.
|
|
Brood
(Zoo) |
The offspring of animals, usually a number of
young that are produced or hatched at one time.
|
|
Brood capsule
(Trop) |
A small cyst attached to a germinal layer of
the hydatid, containing many protoscolices.
|
|
Brood pouch
(Ento) |
A liquid-filled sac on a female isopod's
(sowbug or pillbug) body where eggs are held and hatched.
|
|
Brown plant hopper (BPH)
(Ento) |
Rice pest in South and South-East Asia.
|
|
Brown snake
(Trop) |
A venomous snake found on the mainland of
Australia. It belongs to the family Elapidae and is extremely venomous,
having a potent neurotoxin. |
|
Browse
(Zoo) |
1) To eat; nibble at; eat from. 2) To graze;
feed on; pasture on.
|
|
Browser
(Zoo) |
Mammals that feed predominantly on the
growing shoots and buds of certain woody shrubs and trees. This includes
many members of the deer family.
|
|
Brucellosis
(Trop) |
A zoonotic disease of humans contracted from
goats, sheep, pigs or cattle. Can be caused by Brucella melitensis,
B. abortus or B. suis Unpasteurized milk can be a source
for human infection.
|
|
Brumation
(Zoo) |
Torpor induced by prolonged periods of low
temperatures.
|
|
Brush feet
(Ento) |
The small, short forelegs of certain
butterfly of the families Nymphalidae (brushfoots and anglewings) and
Danaidae (monarchs); these legs are not used for walking or grasping.
|
|
BTWC
(HS) |
Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. A
treaty aimed at limiting the spread of biological weapons.
|
|
Bubo
(Trop) |
Enlarged lymph gland containing pus. Often in
the groin. Seen especially in Bubonic Plague, Lymphogranuloma venereum,
and chancroid. |
|
Bubonic plague
(Trop) |
The most common form of plague, characterized
by an abrupt onset of fever, chills, weakness, and headache followed by
pain, tenderness, and buboes associated with a marked hemorrahagic
tendency, the development of of disseminated coagulation, necrotic
purpura, and extensive symmetrical gangrene; severe complications
include pneumonia and septicemia. The notorious Black Plague that
devastated the population of Europe and Asia in the 1300s was a form of
bubonic plague.
|
|
Buccal
(Ento, Zoo) |
The tissues in the mouth (roof, walls, gums).
|
|
Buccal capsule
(Trop) |
The thickening of the cuticular lining of
buccal cavity; buccal capsule may be large, small, vestigial or absent.
In some nematodes, the cuticle lining within the buccal capsule may be
modified to be chitinous teeth or cutting plates as in Ancylostomatidae
or a stylet as in Trichinelloidea. |
|
Buccal cavity
(Ento, Para) |
In nematodes, the mouth chamber that joins
the mouth opening with the esophagus. This structure used for
differentiating juvenile worms of Strongyloides and hookworms.
|
|
Buccal force pump
(Zoo) |
Oral musculature and morphology used in
positive pressure ventilation. |
|
Buccopharyngeal respiration
(Zoo) |
Condition in amphibians and some turtles
where gas exchange takes place across a highly vascularized capillary
bed in the mouth or pharynx. |
|
Budding
(Ento, Para) |
Reproduction by which a new individual unlike
the parent is produced. The new individual formed may grow and develop
to be the same as the parent as occurs in some free-living protozoa or
may develop into a different morphological form in some species, e.g. in
trematodes; cercariae develop from the germinal layer within a sporocyst
and emerge from the sporocyst as free-living cercariae.
|
|
Buff
(Zoo) |
Yellowish-brown; medium or dark tan.
|
|
Buffalo gnats
(Ento) |
Common name for blackflies, Simuliidae.
|
|
Bufotoxin
(Zoo) |
A major grouping of toad poison derivatives.
|
|
Bug
(Ento) |
True bugs are insects of the suborder
Heteroptera (order Hemiptera). They are wingless or four-winged, with
mouthparts adapted for piercing and sucking. The term bug is sometimes
used to refer to any insect or similar organisms such as centipedes and
mites.
|
|
Bugfolk
(Ento) |
Story characters that exhibit both human and
insect characteristics.
|
|
Bugs
(Ento) |
Common term for Hemiptera.
|
|
Bulb
(Ento) |
Rounded expansion of an organ.
|
|
Bullrout
(Trop) |
A venomous fresh water fish similar to
stonefish. See Scorpaenidae.
|
|
BUN
(Vet) |
Short for 'blood urea nitrogen,' a blood test
that estimates kidney function.
|
|
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
(OH) |
A preeminent source of injury- and
illness-related statistics and publisher of annual surveys taken from
employer injury and illness records. |
|
Burkholderia
(Trop) |
A genus of Gram negative rods including
Burkholderia pseudomallei which can cause a severe infection of
humans, called melioidosis in tropical regions including Australia and
S.E. Asia.
|
|
Burkitt’s lymphoma
(Trop) |
Lymphoid tumor associated with Epstein-Barr
(EB) virus. Especially common in malaria endemic areas, such as Africa
and Papua New Guinea. May be associated with the immunosuppressive
effects of the malaria infection.
|
|
Bursa
(Trop) |
An umbrella-like expansion of the cuticle at
the posterior end of some male nematodes as in Ancylostomatidae and
Metastrongylidae. The bursa is supported by elongated stalks called
rays. The shape and size of the bursa and the arrangement and size of
the rays are used for identification of the nematodes.
|
|
Bursa
copulatrix
(Ento) |
That part of the female genitalia which
receives the aedeagus and sperm during copulation. Its structure is
often important in separating closely related species.
|
|
Bursicon
(Ento) |
The hormone controlling tanning and
expansion, produced by neurosecretory cells of the brain.
|
|
Butterfly
(Ento) |
Any of various insects of the order
Lepidoptera. Butterflies have slender bodies, knobbed antennae, and four
broad, usually colorful wings. Most butterflies are day-flying insects.
|
|
Button spider
(Trop) |
A South African spider similar to the Redback
spider of Australia and the Black Widow spider of America. Belongs to
the species Latrodectus indistinctus.
|
|
Buyer
(Eco) |
An entity that purchases nutrient credits.
|
|
BW
(HS) |
Biological weapons, biological warfare.
|
|
BWMOD
(HS) |
Biological Weapons Means of Dissemination.
|
|
Bycatch
(Eco) |
Fish or other animals caught by accident in
fishing gear. Bycatch is usually thrown back dead or dying.
|
|
Byrrhidae
(Ento) |
Pill beetles, order Coleoptera.
|
|
Byssoid
(Ento) |
To consist of fine threads.
|
|
C |
Top |
|
C.P.R.
(Vet) |
See Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
|
|
Cabinet
(Ento) |
The special locker where an entomologist or
arachnologist keeps their collection.
|
|
Cache
(Zoo) |
A collection of items kept in one location.
|
|
Cachexia
(Trop, Vet) |
Wasting of body tissues. Extremely thin.
|
|
Caddis flies
(Ento) |
Order Trichoptera.
|
|
Caecum
(Ento, Para) |
A sac-like extension of the intestine that is
open only at one end. Similar to a diverticulum. Seen in organisms with
a true intestine.
|
|
Caecum (pl. Caeca)
(Aqua) |
Organ used in the digestion and absorption of
food.
|
|
Caecum
(Zoo) |
Refers to a sack or pouch connected to the
intestine of mammals. A caecum is usually found in herbivorous mammals
and they house bacteria, which help digest the plant material that the
mammal eats.
|
|
CAI
(HS) |
Chemical Accident/Incident.
|
|
CAIS
(HS) |
Chemical Agent Identification Set.
|
|
Calcar
(Zoo) |
1) A spur or spurlike process projecting from
the leg of a bird. 2) A bony or cartilaginous process on the heel bone
of bats, which helps to support the portion of the wing membrane lying
between the legs.
|
|
Calcareous
(Eco) |
Referring to soils or rocks, possessing those
elements which result in alkaline or basic reactions.
|
|
Calcified
(Vet) |
The hardening of tissue through the influx of
calcium, usually as a result of chronic inflammation.
|
|
Calculus
(Vet) |
Abnormal stone-like structure(s) usually
composed of mineral salts, e.g., a bladder calculus is the same thing as
a bladder stone.
|
|
Calibrate
(Eco) |
To determine the amount of pesticide that
will be applied to the target area.
|
|
CALIOPE
(HS) |
Chemical Analysis by Laser Interrogation of
Proliferation Effluents.
|
|
Calling
(Ento) |
A virgin female releasing sex pheromones to
attract males for mating.
|
|
Calliphoridae
(Ento) |
A suborder of Dipteran flies- blowflies such
as greenbottles and bluebottles.
|
|
Callow
(Ento) |
Newly eclosed workers in social insect
colonies whose exoskeletons are still soft and whose color has not fully
matured.
|
|
Callus
(Ento) |
Rounded swelling used especially to describe
swollen regions at the front and back of certain Diptera.
|
|
Calopterygidae
(Ento) |
Family of damselflies.
|
|
Calorie
(Vet) |
The unit of measurement of energy derived
from digested food. Fat contains about twice as many calories per gram
as protein or carbohydrate. One calorie is the amount of heat required
to raise the temperature of one gram of water by 1 degree Celcius.
|
|
Calypter
(Ento) |
Innermost of the three flap-like outgrowths
at the base of the wing in various flies. Also known as the thoracic
squama, it generally conceals the haltere.
|
|
Calyptodomous
(Ento) |
Of the nests of wasps, referring to those
which are surrounded by an envelope.
|
|
CAM
(HS) |
Chemical Agent Monitor.
|
|
Cambium
(Eco) |
In vascular plants, a layer of meristematic
tissue that gives rise to the xylem, phloem and (in woody plants) bark.
|
|
Camel spider
(Zoo) |
A common name for a solpugid, because it's
commonly found in sandy regions of the world.
|
|
Camouflage
(Ento, Zoo) |
The use of color patterns, shape, texture,
and/or behavior to remain concealed from predators or prey.
|
|
Campaniform sensillum
(Ento) |
A sense organ consisting of a dome-shaped
portion of the cuticle with associated sensory neuron; perceives
stresses in the cuticle.
|
|
Campanulate
(Vet) |
Bell
shaped.
|
|
Campodeiform
(Ento) |
A larva having the form of a bristletail
(Thysanura) of the genus Campodea. A campodeiform larva is elongate and
flattened, and has well developed legs and antennae. Usually they are
active.
|
|
CANA
(HS) |
Convulsant Antidote for Nerve Agents. In the
aftermath of an attack with a nerve agent, victims may suffer from
convulsions and also from anxiety or depression. This can be treated
with an anticonvulsant that also acts as an antidepressant. Diazepam, an
antidepressant is used to meet both of these needs.
|
|
Cancer (PEH, Vet) |
1) A malignant tumor. 2) Any one of a group
of diseases that occur when cells in the body become abnormal and grow
or multiply out of control. |
|
Cancer risk
(PEH) |
A theoretical risk for getting cancer if
exposed to a substance every day for 70 years (a lifetime exposure). The
true risk might be lower.
|
|
Candida
(Trop) |
A yeast-like fungus which comprises part of
the normal flora of the gut but which can cause candidiasis (which
includes oral and vaginal thrush) usually as an overgrowth syndrome in
diabetics, the immunologically compromised, or as a result of the use of
broad spectrum antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines) and the contraceptive
pill.
|
|
Candida
(Vet) |
A certain genus of yeast which can cause
disease in humans and animals; an infection with Candida is called
candidiasis.
|
|
Canine
(Vet) |
Pertaining to dogs.
|
|
Canker
(Eco) |
A necrotic, sometimes sunken or cracked area
surrounded by living tissue on a stem. Canker is a necrotic symptom of
disease in woody plant parts. The necrosis is restricted to an area
surrounded by callus. |
|
Cannibalism
(PrD, Aqua) |
An organism feeding on a member of the same
species.
|
|
Cannibalistic
(Ento, Zoo) |
Feeding on other individuals of the same
species.
|
|
Cantharidae
(Ento) |
Family of soft-bodied beetles-soldier beetles
and sailor beetles.
|
|
Cantharidin
(Ento) |
A defense allomone of blister beetles (also
known as "Spanish fly").
|
|
Cap
(Eco) |
The total nutrient load that is allowed to be
discharged into a given water body. The cap is the baseline minus the
amount of load reduction needed to meet the goal. The cap is equal, or
greater than, the sum of the allowances.
|
|
CAP
(PEH) |
See Community Assistance Panel.
|
|
Cap load
(Eco) |
Cap loads are the maximum pollutant load of
nutrients and sediments that can be allowed and still meet Chesapeake
Bay water quality criteria. |
|
Cap load allocations
(Eco) |
Based on each tributary's nutrient and
sediment input to the Bay, the total Chesapeake Bay load is apportioned
to each tributary and jurisdiction. The cap load allocations show where
the nutrient and sediment loads will most effectively be reduced to
achieve the restoration goal.
|
|
Capillaria
(Trop) |
A genus of nematode which includes
Capillaria hepatica and C. philippinensis both of which can
infect humans.
|
|
Capillary
(Vet) |
Smallest, narrowest blood vessel in the blood
circulatory system of a vertebrate.
|
|
Capitate
(Ento) |
With an apical knob like enlargement.
|
|
Capitulum
(Ento) |
Head like structure of ticks which bears the
feeding organs.
|
|
Capsid
(Trop, Vet) |
The protein hull of a virus that protects its
genetic material and that allows it to bind to its target cells. The
capsid also stimulates the formation of antibodies and detection of
antibodies to capsid proteins is important in diagnosis of viral
diseases. |
|
Carabidae
(Ento) |
Major family of beetles-ground beetles.
|
|
Carabiform larva
(Ento) |
A larva shaped like the larva of a carabid
beetle, that is etiolate, flattened, and with well-developed legs; with
no filaments on the end of the abdomen.
|
|
Carapace
(Vet, Zoo) |
A bony or chitenous case or shell covering
the back or part of the back of an animal, such as a crab, turtle, or
tortoise.
|
|
Carbamates
(Ento) |
A chemical class of insecticides. Carbamates
are derived from carbamic acid and have anti-cholinesterase activity.
|
|
Carbohydrate
(Vet) |
Compounds made up of chains of sugar units.
Simple carbohydrates include table sugar (sucrose), milk sugar
(lactose), and fruit sugar (fructose). Complex carbohydrates are very
long chains held together by bonds that may not be digestible in the
stomach and intestine of a carnivore. Starch is a digestible complex
carbohydrate. Seed hulls such as oat bran are digestible by ruminants
and horses, but not carnivores. |
|
Carbuncle
(Zoo) |
Egg tooth, used by oviparous species to cut a
slit in their shell through which they will push their way out.
|
|
CARC
(HS) |
Chemical Agent Resistant Coating. Coating or
paint for vehicles and other equipments that prevents the agent becoming
bound to the surface and easing decontamination.
|
|
Carcinogen
(Ento, PEH, Trop, Vet) |
A chemical or other agent that has been
implicated in causing cancer. |
|
Carcinoma
(Trop, Vet) |
A malignant cancer that arises from the
epithelial tissues of the body such as the skin, intestinal tract, and
bladder.
|
|
Carcinoma simplex
(Trop) |
Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma.
|
|
Carcinoma-in-situ
(Trop) |
Malignant epithelial tumor showing no
invasion.
|
|
Cardiac
(Vet) |
Related to the heart.
|
|
Cardiac arrest
(Trop) |
Absence of a palpable pulse, and thus of
circulation of blood around the body by the heart contraction. The cause
may be asystole or ventricular fibrillation.
|
|
Cardiac muscle
(Vet, Bio) |
A type of muscle with unique features only
found in the heart. The cardiac muscle is the muscle of the heart and
medically is called the myocardium ("myo-" being the prefix renoting
muscle).
|
|
Cardiomyopathy
(Vet) |
Diseases of the heart muscle; does not
include diseases of the valves of the heart or congenital defects.
|
|
Cardiopulmonary
(Vet) |
Relating to the heart and lungs.
|
|
Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
(Vet) |
A combination of mouth to mouth resuscitation
(E.A.R.) to oxygenate the blood, and external chest compression (E.C.C.)
to compress the heart to help pump this artificially oxygenated blood
around the body to maintain tissue oxygen concentration and prevent
death. |
|
Cardiovascular
(Vet) |
Related to the heart and blood vessels.
|
|
Cardo
(Ento) |
The basal segment of the maxilla or secondary
jaw.
|
|
CARDS
(HS) |
Chemical Agent Remote Detection System.
|
|
Carina
(Ento) |
A pronounced ridge or keel.
|
|
Carnivore
(Eco, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Literally, an organism that eats meat. Most
carnivores are animals, but a few fungi, plants, and protists are as
well.
|
|
Carnivorous
(Eco, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Feeding on the flesh of other animals. See
also Herbivorous.
|
|
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
(OH) |
A medical condition wherein the median nerve
and flexor tendons pass through an anatomic tunnel in the wrist; pain
caused by CTS can be helped by the wearing of wrist supports.
|
|
Carpus
(Vet) |
The wrist (front leg) of dogs and cats.
|
|
Carrier
(Eco) |
Inert material serving as diluent and vehicle
for a chemical compound (active ingredient) to facilitate its
application. For example in pesticides that are formulated as a dust.
Organism harbouring a parasitic organism without itself showing symptoms
of the disease caused by that organism. |
|
Carrier
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
An individual who is infected but has no
symptoms of disease. There are two types of carrier state: silent
carriers retain their infectiousness, while latent carriers are not
infectious. For example, many of those infected with tuberculosis are
silent carriers, while infection with herpes virus may create latent
carriers.
|
|
Carrion
(Zoo) |
The decaying flesh of a dead body, esp. when
regarded as food for scavenging animals.
|
|
Carrying capacity
(Epi) |
The maximum number of individuals a habitat
can sustainably support. Typically defined so as not to include losses
from predation or disease. |
|
Carukia barnesi
(Aqua) |
Also known as the Irukandji, a small, usually
invisible, box-jellyfish with a single tentacle in each corner
(carybdeid). The sting may be quite mild, and is sometimes not visible
on the skin. However, some 30 minutes after the sting a number of
severe systemic symptoms called the Irukandji syndrome occur. The
symptoms include severe low back pain, muscle cramps in all 4 limbs and
the chest wall, restlessness, anxiety, and a "feeling of potential
doom." Severe hypertension and pulmonary edema may occur, which may
become life threatening, although no deaths have been reported to date.
The effects are believed to be due to the excess release of
catecholamines. |
|
Carybdea rastoni
(Aqua) |
A small box-jellyfish with a single tentacle
in each corner. Common in non-tropical areas; the sting is usually mild,
but occasionally may cause severe skin pain. Commonly known as Jimble.
|
|
Carybdeids
(Aqua) |
Jellyfish members of the Class Cubozoa with a
single tentacle in each of the four corners (except in certain rare
species).
|
|
CAS registry number
(PEH) |
A unique number assigned to a substance or
mixture by the American Chemical Society Abstracts Service.
|
|
CASARM
(HS) |
Chemical Agent Standard Analytical Reference
Material.
|
|
Case
(Trop) |
A particular instance of disease; as in a
case of typhoid fever. A case is not synonymous with a patient, for the
latter is the human being affected with the disease.
|
|
Case control study
(Epi, PEH) |
A design for epidemiological studies that
matches individuals with a disease or health problem (cases) with others
who do not have that condition (controls). Frequently, individuals
included in the study are matched for factors such as age, race,
socioeconomic status, occupation and area of residence. Comparisons are
then made between the two groups.
|
|
Case fatality rate
(Trop) |
Usually expressed as the percentage of
persons diagnosed as having a specified disease who die as a result of
that illness within a given period. This term is most frequently applied
to a specific outbreak of acute disease in which all patients have been
followed for an adequate period of time to include all attributable
deaths. The case-fatality rate must be clearly differentiated from the
mortality rate (q.v.). Also called fatality rate, fatality percentage,
and case-fatality ratio. |
|
Case study
(PEH) |
A medical or epidemiologic evaluation of one
person or a small group of people to gather information about specific
health conditions and past exposures.
|
|
Caste
(Ento) |
A form or type of adult in a social insect
colony. For example the soldiers and workers in a colony of termites.
|
|
Castes
(Ento) |
Groups of individuals that become
irreversibly behaviorally distinct at some point prior to reproductive
maturity. One of three or more distinct forms which make up the
population among social insects. The usual three castes are queen, drone
(male), and worker. The termites and some of the ants have one or more
soldier castes as well. |
|
Castor
(Zoo) |
Scent from the gland of a beaver.
|
|
Castration
(Vet) |
The removal of the sex organs making the
animal incapable of reproduction; the correct use of the word can be
used to describe both male and female animals, but it is commonly used
to describe only males. |
|
Catabolism (Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Degradation of food molecules that results in
energy.
|
|
Catadromous
(Zoo) |
Fish that live in freshwater and migrate to
saltwater to spawn.
|
|
Catalytic model
(Epi) |
A rather misleading name for a type of
compartmental model in which the force of infection is treated as a
parameter to be estimated.
|
|
Cataract
(Vet) |
A cloudiness of the lens of the eye, reducing
vision and giving the eye a pearly appearance.
|
|
Catarrh
(Aqua) |
Inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially
of the respiratory tract, accompanied by excessive secretions.
|
|
Catchment area
(Stat) |
A geographic area defined and served by a
health program or institution. |
|
Catecholamines
(Trop) |
Hormones released by the body under any
stressful reaction, or after envenomation (e.g. Jellyfish), that affect
the circulatory system, often increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
|
|
Categorical variable
(Stat) |
A variable whose value ranges over
categories, such as {red, green, blue}, {male, female}, {Arizona,
California, Montana, New York}, {short, tall}, {Asian, African-American,
Caucasian, Hispanic, Native American, Polynesian}, {straight, curly},
etc. Some categorical variables are ordinal. The distinction between
categorical variables and qualitative variables is a bit blurry. C.f.
quantitative variable.
|
|
Caterpillar
(Ento) |
Larva of an insect belonging to the order
Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). Caterpillars usually have a
cylindrical body, a distinct head capsule, chewing mouthparts, thoracic
legs, and abdominal prolegs. The name caterpillar is also used for
larvae of scorpionflies and sawflies. |
|
Catfacing
(Ento) |
The injury caused by the feeding of such
insects as plant bugs and stink bugs on developing fruit which results
in uneven growth and a deformed mature fruit.
|
|
Catostylus
(Aqua) |
Commonly known as the blubber, Catostylus is
a rhizostome jellyfish with no tentacles but which has 8 modified
feeding 'arms' armed with the nematocysts. Usually causes a very mild
sting with slight skin irritation, although more severe stings have been
rarely reported.
|
|
Cauda
(Ento) |
Terminal protrusion, such as that on aphids
for manipulating honeydew. |
|
Caudal
(Ento, PEH, Zoo) |
A directional term used to refer to an area
more toward the cauda, or tail region; opposite of cranial. Referring to
the tail or rear part of the body. |
|
Caudal autotomy
(Zoo) |
Breakage and loss of the tail in a
spontaneous and intrinsic fracturing across an autotomy plane by
convulsive contractions of tail muscle initiated by the animal.
|
|
Caudal papillae
(Trop) |
A group of sensory organs at the posterior
end of some male nematodes (excluding phasmids which are situated on the
lateral aspects of the tip of the tail); the number and arrangement of
caudal papillae are used for identification of nematodes such as in
Ascarididae and Thelaziidae. |
|
Causal agent of disease
(Eco, Ento, Epi, Para, Trop,
Vet, Zoo) |
That which is capable of causing disease. |
|
Causal organism
(Eco, Ento, Epi, Para, Trop,
Vet, Zoo) |
The pathogen that produces a given disease.
|
|
Causality
(Stat) |
The relating of causes to the effects they
produce. Causes are termed necessary when they must always precede an
effect and sufficient when they initiate or produce an effect. Any of
several factors may be associated with the potential disease causation
or outcome, including predisposing factors, enabling factors,
precipitating factors, reinforcing factors, and risk factors.
|
|
Causation, causal relation
(Stat) |
Two variables are causally related if changes
in the value of one cause the other to change. For example, if one heats
a rigid container filled with a gas, which causes the pressure of the
gas in the container to increase. Two variables can be associated
without having any causal relation, and even if two variables have a
causal relation, their correlation can be small or zero.
|
|
Cause of death
(Stat) |
Factors which produce cessation of all vital
bodily functions. They can be analyzed from an epidemiologic viewpoint.
|
|
Cause specific
(Trop) |
These rates commonly are also age, death rate
sex, or race specific. They are expressed as numbers of deaths assigned
to a stated cause in a calendar year, divided by total population as of
July 1st of that year, expressed in 100,000.
|
|
Caval syndrome
(Vet) |
Disease caused by large numbers of worms in
the right side of the heart and vena cava, which results in blood
circulation problems in the liver leading to the breakdown of red blood
cells, anemia, weakness, and collapse.
|
|
CB, C/B
(HS) |
Chemical biological.
|
|
CBASK
(HS) |
Chemical/Biological Agent Sample Kit.
|
|
CBAWM
(HS) |
Chemical Biological Agent Water Monitoring
Kit.
|
|
CBDCOM
(HS) |
Chemical and Biological Defense Command.
|
|
CBIRF
(HS) |
Chemical Biological Incident Response Force.
A special unit belonging to the US Marine Corps that is trained to
respond to chemical or biological terrorist incidents. It is also
responsible for developing and improving response techniques and in
training other responders.
|
|
CBPS
(HS) |
Chemical Biological Protected Shelter.
|
|
CBRNE
(HS) |
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
and Explosives.
|
|
CBW
(HS) |
Chemical and Biological Weapons.
|
|
CCL
(HS) |
Contamination Control Line.
|
|
CDE
(HS) |
Chemical Defense Equipment.
|
|
CDEPAT
(HS) |
Chemical Equipment Process Action Team.
|
|
CDTF
(HS) |
Chemical Decontamination Training Facility.
|
|
Cecum
(Ento) |
A pouch in which in some animals houses a
bacterial population which is involved in the digestion of cellulose.
|
|
Cecum
(Vet) |
A blind sac that opens into the colon; found
in many animals.
|
|
Cell (of the wing)
(Ento) |
An area of the wing bounded by a number of
veins. A cell is closed if it is completely surrounded by veins and
opens if it is bounded partly by the wing margin.
|
|
Cell
(Trop) |
The smallest unit of living material that can
function independently.
|
|
Cell culture
(Eco) |
The growing of cells in vitro.
|
|
Cell membrane
(Para) |
The superficial, resistant, outer membrane of
the cell formed by the ectoplasm, the periplast.
|
|
Cell-mediated immunity
(Trop)
|
A defense mechanism involving the coordinated
activity of two subpopulations of T-Lymphocytes, helper T-Cells and
killer T-Cells. Helper T-Cells produce a variety of substances that
stimulate and regulate other participants in the immune response. Killer
T-Lymphocytes destroy cells in the body that bear foreign antigens (e.g.
cells that are infected with viruses or other microorganisms).
|
|
Cellulose
(Eco) |
A carbohydrate composed of repeating units of
the sugar glucose. Cellulose is a main component of the cell walls of
plants and algae.
|
|
Cement layer
(Ento) |
A thin layer on the surface of insect
cuticles formed by the hardened secretion of the dermal glands.
|
|
Cenozoic
(Zoo) |
1) The most recent geologic era, extending
from the beginning of the Tertiary period (about 65 million years ago)
to the present. 2) Referring to the rock formed during that time.
|
|
Censuses
(Stat) |
Enumerations of populations usually recording
identities of all persons in every place of residence with age or date
of birth, sex, occupation, national origin, language, marital status,
income, relation to head of household, information on the dwelling
place, education, literacy, health-related data (e.g., permanent
disability), etc.
|
|
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
(PEH) |
The US agency charged with tracking and
investigating public health trends. The stated mission of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, commonly called the CDC, is "To
promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling
disease, injury, and disability." |
|
Centipede
(Ento) |
Animal belonging to the class Chilopoda. Some
characteristics of centipedes are an elongate, flattened, wormlike
shape, a hard external skeleton, two body sections (head and
many-segmented trunk), 15 to 30 pairs of legs (one pair per trunk
segment), a pair of antennae with 14 or more segments, and simple eyes.
|
|
Central limit theorem
(Stat) |
The central limit theorem states that the
probability histograms of the sample mean and sample sum of n
draws with replacement from a box of labeled tickets converge to a
normal curve as the sample size n grows, in the following sense:
As n grows, the area of the probability histogram for any range
of values approaches the area under the normal curve for the same range
of values, converted to standard units. See also the normal
approximation.
|
|
Central nervous system (CNS)
(PEH) |
The part of the nervous system that includes
the brain and the spinal cord.
|
|
Centrifuge
(Vet) |
A machine that rapidly spins liquid samples
and separates out the particles by their density.
|
|
Cephalic
(Vet) |
Of or pertaining to the head.
|
|
Cephalic gland
(Para) |
In trematodes, the gland in a miracidium that
produces a fluid which enables the miracidium to penetrate the tissues
of its snail host. A penetration gland.
|
|
Cephalic gland duct
(Para) |
The duct that carries penetration fluid from
the gland to the tissue of the host.
|
|
Cephalic papillae
(Trop) |
A group of sensory organs around the mouth
opening (excluding amphids which are situated on the lateral aspects of
the mouth); the number and arrangement of the cephalic papillae are
significant for the classification of nematodes.
|
|
Cephalopod
(Eco) |
A member of the group of molluscs that
includes octopuses, squid, nautiluses and cuttlefishes.
|
|
Cephalothorax
(Ento) |
The front end portion of an arachnid. The
legs are connected to this structure.
|
|
Cerambycidae
(Ento) |
Family of beetles containing the longhorn
beetles or long-horned beetles. |
|
Cercaria
(Para) |
In the trematode life cycle, the cercaria is
a larval trematode (which may or may not have a tail, depending on the
species). The cercaria develops from the germinal cells of the
sporocyst or redia and emerges from the snail (intermediate host) to
later become (in most species) the metacercaria.
|
|
Cercariae
(Trop) |
The infective stages of the Schistosomes and
other trematodes, which are free living in water. In some trematodes
(e.g. Fasciola), the cercariae develop into metacercariae for
infection.
|
|
Cerci
(Ento) |
The paired appendages, often very long, which
spring from the tip of the abdomen in many insects.
|
|
CERCLA
(PEH) |
See Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.
|
|
Cercomer
(Para) |
In a tapeworm embryo, the caudal vestige of
the onchosphere, containing six hooklets.
|
|
Cercus
(Ento) |
An antenna-like sensory appendage arising
from the posterior end of the abdomen. Or, One of a pair of feeler-like
appendage located near the tip on an insect's abdomen.
|
|
Cereal
(Eco) |
A grass grown for its edible seed or grain,
such as maize, wheat, rice, barley and millet.
|
|
Cerebellar ataxia
(PrD) |
Shaky movements, wobbliness, unsteady walk and clumsiness
usually caused by damage to the cerebellum, a part of the brain which
controls movement.
|
|
Cerebellar signs (PrD) |
Pertaining to the cerebellum, the part of the brain in
the back of the head between the cerebrum and the brain stem; the
cerebellum controls balance for walking and standing and other complex
motor functions. |
|
Cerebellum
(Vet, PrD) |
A portion of the brain located on the
brainstem that controls coordination. |
|
Cerebral
(Vet, PrD) |
Relating to the part of the brain known as
the cerebrum.
|
|
Cerebral gas embolism
(Aqua) |
Gas bubbles traveling and lodging
(embolizing) in the arteries that supply the brain with blood (and
oxygen). Gas emboli in the brain can lead to a stroke-like condition
with disorientation, difficulty walking and talking, coma, and death.
|
|
Cerebral malaria
(Trop) |
This grave complication of malaria happens at
times with P. falciparum infection and involves malaria infection
of the very small capillaries that flow through the tissues of the
brain. This complication has a fatality rate of 15% or more, even when
treated and is extremely serious. |
|
Cerebrospinal fluid, CSF
(Vet, PrD) |
A serum like fluid that bathes the spinal
cord and the brain. It would be sampled by lumbar puncture for
microbiological or chemical testing if patients came down with an
encephalitis. Its primary function appears to be acting as a shock
absorber for the central nervous system. |
|
Cerebrum
(Vet, PrD) |
The largest portion of the brain that
performs all higher cognitive functions and is situated in the front
part of the cranial cavity.
|
|
CERT (FEMA/DOD)
(HS) |
Community Emergency Response Team.
|
|
Certain event
(Stat) |
An event is certain if its probability
is 100%. Even if an event is certain, it might not occur. However, by
the complement rule, the chance that it does not occur is 0%.
|
|
Cerumen
(Ento) |
A mixture of wax and propolis used by social
bees in nest construction. |
|
Cervical (Vet) |
Just behind the head, concerning the neck.
|
|
Cervix
(Ento) |
The largely membranous neck region of an
insect, between head and thorax.
|
|
Cestoda
(Trop) |
Tapeworms, which are segmented Platyhelminths
(Flatworms) consisting, in their adult stage, of a scolex for attachment
to the gut of the final host, an unsegmented neck region and a long
segmented strobila consisting of immature, mature and gravid proglottids
(segments). |
|
Cestode
(Para)
|
See Tapeworm.
|
|
Cetacean
(Zoo) |
Any member of the group of marine mammals
that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises.
|
|
CFR
(OH) |
See Code of Federal Regulations.
|
|
Chaetae
(Ento) |
Stiff hairs, singular-chaeta.
|
|
Chaetotaxy
(Ento) |
The arrangement of the bristles or chaetae on
an insect: especially important in the classification of the Diptera,
Collembla and several other groups.
|
|
Chagas’ disease
(Trop) |
A zoonotic protozoan disease endemic to parts
of Latin America and caused by Trypanosoma cruzi with reduviid
(Triatomid or assassin) bugs as the vectors.
|
|
Chain reaction
(HS) |
A nuclear reaction set off by the fission of
the nucleus of an atom, such as uranium, releasing neutrons which in
turn cause fission of other nuclei, thus maintaining the fission
reaction over time.
|
|
Chance variation, chance error
(Stat) |
A random variable can be decomposed into a
sum of its expected value and chance variation around its expected
value. The expected value of the chance variation is zero; the standard
error of the chance variation is the same as the standard error of the
random variable---the size of a "typical" difference between the random
variable and its expected value. See also sampling error.
|
|
Chancroid
(Trop) |
Tropical sexually transmitted disease caused
by Haemophilus ducreyi. Also known as soft sore. It is
characterized by soft, extremely painful ulcers on the genitals and
enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. |
|
Chaparral
(Eco) |
A type of vegetation characterized by low,
thickly growing evergreen shrubs or bushes with flat, broad leaves and
interlacing branches; the typical natural growth of many areas with a
climate of cool moist winters and long dry summers, as in much of the
western United States, East and South Africa, West Australia, Chile,
small part of California and Mediterranean area. Mainly drought
resistant shrubs.
|
|
Charcot-Leyden crystals
(Para) |
A slender crystal, pointed at both ends,
formed from the breakdown products of eosinophils usually following some
type of immune response. |
|
CHATH
(HS) |
Chemically/Biologically Hardened
Air-Transportable Hospital.
|
|
Chebychev's inequality
(Stat) |
For lists: For every number k>0, the
fraction of elements in a list that are k SD's or further from
the arithmetic mean of the list is at most 1/k2. For
random variables: For every number k>0, the probability that a random
variable X is k SEs or further from its expected value is at most 1/k2.
|
|
Chelation
(Vet) |
Binding of a substance to a metal, thus
helping the body to remove it. |
|
Chelicera
(Ento) |
One of the major elements in the mouthparts
of spiders and related arthropods; not jaw-like, but in the form of
fangs, pincers, or piercing organs.
|
|
Chelonia
(Zoo) |
The reptile group comprised of turtles,
terrapins and tortoises.
|
|
Chelonian
(Zoo) |
A collective term referring to turtles and
tortoises.
|
|
Chemical control
(Ento, Zoo) |
Control of pests with synthetic pesticides.
|
|
Chemical Hygiene Plan
(OH) |
A written plan, required of laboratories
meeting certain criteria, that establishes safety standards for workers
exposed to hazardous chemicals; used to implement control measures,
training and other protective measures.
|
|
Chemical name
(Vet) |
Scientific name of the active ingredient(s)
in a formulated pesticide.
|
|
Chemoprophylaxis
(Epi) |
Drug treatment designed to prevent future
occurrences of disease. Treatment may be chemotherapy as far as an
individual is concerned but chemopropylactic for the population as a
whole.
|
|
Chemoprophylaxis
(Trop) |
The administration of a chemical, including
antibiotics, to prevent the development of an infection or the
progression of an infection to active manifest disease, or to eliminate
the carriage of a specific infectious agent to prevent transmission and
disease in others. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, refers to use of a
chemical to treat a clinically manifest disease or to limit its further
progress.
|
|
Chemoreceptor
(Ento) |
Receptor activated by chemicals. In insects,
chemoreceptors for smell are usually situated on the antennae. Receptors
for taste may be found on all parts of the insect's body, but they are
located mainly on mouthparts and their feet. Some insects, including
bees and wasps, have taste organs on their antennae.
|
|
Chemosterilant
(Ento) |
Chemical substance that cause sterilisation.
|
|
Chemotaxis
(Ento) |
Orientation with respect to a chemical
gradient.
|
|
Chemotherapy
(Epi) |
Drug treatment of a diseased individual.
|
|
Chemotherapy
(Trop) |
The use of chemicals/pharmaceuticals to treat
disease.
|
|
CHEMWARN
(HS) |
Chemical Warning.
|
|
Chewing mouthparts
(Ento) |
The collection of body appendages (mandibles,
labrum, maxillae and labium) which are used by insects to take in solid
food.
|
|
Chigger
(Ento) |
The parasitic larva of trombiculid mites.
|
|
Childhood immunization schedule
(Trop) |
The schedule laid down by most countries to
recommend which routine immunizations should be given to children and
the intervals at which boosters should be administered. Such routine
immunizations usually include tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio,
Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (H.I.B.) and after one year
of age, measles, rubella and mumps vaccines.
|
|
Chill
(Vet) |
An overall feeling of cold, accompanied by
shivering and pallor (paleness). Although the patient may feel cold, the
core body temperature is actually higher than normal.
|
|
Chilopoda
(Ento) |
One of the classes of arthropods, commonly
referred to as centipedes, characterized by a two-parted body (head and
many-segmented trunk), and one pair of antennae; each trunk segment bear
a single pair of legs. |
|
Chirodropids
(Aqua, Trop) |
Jellyfish members of the Class Cubozoa with
more than one (and up to 15) tentacles in each corner. The jellyfish
group causing more morbidity and mortality than any other in the world.
At present there are 5 common species acknowledged, but current research
may change this. |
|
Chirodropus gorilla
(Aqua) |
A multi-tentacled box-jellyfish present on
the western coast of tropical Africa. Has the potential to cause human
death, although none have been reported to date.
|
|
Chironex fleckeri
(Aqua) |
A multi-tentacled box-jellyfish present in
tropical Australian waters and responsible for at least 63 deaths since
first reported in 1883. Specimens have recently been discovered in
Borneo, and are currently believed to be even more widespread in the
Indo-Pacific.
|
|
Chironomid
(Trop) |
A family of biting flies known as biting
midges.
|
|
Chironomids
(Ento) |
Minute, long-legged nonbiting two-winged
flies with piercing mouthparts; the aquatic larvae of various species
are green, blue, yellow, colorless, or red type called bloodworms.
|
|
Chiropsalmus buitendijki
(Aqua) |
A multi-tentacled box-jellyfish present in
the tropical eastern Indian Ocean, but particularly common around south
India, Sri Lanka and eastwards towards Java.
|
|
Chiropsalmus quadrigatus
(Aqua) |
A multi-tentacled box-jellyfish present
throughout the Indo-Pacific, and currently believed to be responsible
for regular deaths in many Indo-Pacific countries, amounting to many
thousands of deaths over time. Similar in appearance to Chironex,
leading to some difficulties in identification.
|
|
Chiropsalmus quadrumanus
(Aqua) |
A multi-tentacled box-jellyfish present on
the eastern coastline of tropical America. It has caused at least one
documented death in Texas, USA.
|
|
Chi-square curve
(Stat) |
The chi-square curve is a family of curves
that depend on a parameter called degrees of freedom (d.f.). The
chi-square curve is an approximation to the probability histogram of the
chi-square statistic for multinomial model if the expected number
of outcomes in each category is large. The chi-square curve is positive,
and its total area is 100%, so we can think of it as the probability
histogram of a random variable. The balance point of the curve is
d.f., so the expected value of the corresponding random variable
would equal d.f.. The standard error of the corresponding random
variable would be (2×d.f.)½. As d.f. grows, the
shape of the chi-square curve approaches the shape of the normal curve.
|
|
Chi-square distribution
(Stat) |
A distribution in which a variable is
distributed like the sum of the the squares of any given independent
random variable, each of which has a normal distribution with mean of
zero and variance of one. The chi-square test is a statistical test
based on comparison of a test statistic to a chi-square distribution.
The oldest of these tests are used to detect whether two or more
population distributions differ from one another.
|
|
Chi-square methods
(Stat) |
A group of qualitative variable techniques
whose results are compared to values found in a theoretical Chi-square
distribution table.
|
|
Chi-square statistic
(Stat) |
The chi-square statistic is used to
measure the agreement between categorical data and a multinomial model
that predicts the relative frequency of outcomes in each possible
category. Suppose there are n independent trials, each of which
can result in one of k possible outcomes. Suppose that in each
trial, the probability that outcome i occurs is pi,
for i = 1, 2, . . . , k, and that these probabilities
are the same in every trial. The expected number of times outcome 1
occurs in the n trials is n×p1; more
generally, the expected number of times outcome i occurs is
expectedi = n×pi. If the
model is correct, we would expect the n trials to result in
outcome i about n×pi times, give or take
a bit. Let observedi denote the number of times an
outcome of type i occurs in the n trials, for i = 1,
2, . . . , k. The chi-squared statistic summarizes the
discrepancies between the expected number of times each outcome occurs
(assuming that the model is true) and the observed number of times each
outcome occurs, by summing the squares of the discrepancies, normalized
by the expected numbers, over all the categories: chi-squared
=(observed1 - expected1)2/expected1 + (observed2 - expected2)
2/expected2 + . . . + (observedk - expectedk) 2/expectedk. As the
sample size n increases, if the model is correct, the sampling
distribution of the chi-squared statistic is approximated increasingly
well by the chi-squared curve with (#categories - 1) = k - 1 degrees of
freedom (d.f.), in the sense that the chance that the chi-squared
statistic is in any given range grows closer and closer to the area
under the Chi-Squared curve over the same range.
|
|
Chitin
(Ento) |
A chemical compound (nitrogenous
polysaccharide) occurring in the cuticle of insects and other
arthropods.
|
|
Chitinous shell
(Para) |
The hard shell of nematode eggs lined with
the vitelline membrane which encases the embryo.
|
|
Chlamydia
(Trop) |
A genus of intracellular Gram negative
bacteria including Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae
and C. psittaci.
|
|
Chloroform
(Trop) |
A chemical used for immobilizing mosquitoes
to facilitate their handling. It is toxic and should be used with
extreme care.
|
|
Chlorophyll
(Eco) |
Ally active part of most plants.
|
|
Chlorophyll a
(Eco) |
A pigment contained in plants that is used to
turn light energy into food. Chlorophyll also gives plants their green
color.
|
|
Chloroquine
(Trop) |
A 4-aminoquinoline drug commonly used for
treating malaria. Resistance is widespread in Plasmodium falciparum.
|
|
Chlorosis
(Eco) |
Yellowing or mottling of normally green
tissue as a result of lack of chlorophyll, through its failure to
develop, or destruction by chemical effects, disease etc.
|
|
Choana
(Vet) |
An opening between the nasal cavity and
oropharynx (mouth) in birds and reptiles.
|
|
Choking
(Vet) |
Having difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
|
|
Cholangiocarcinoma
(Trop) |
A cancer in the bile ducts of the liver
associated with Opisthorchiasis. See Opisthorchiasis.
|
|
Cholangiohepatitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the gall bladder, bile ducts,
and liver.
|
|
Cholangitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of a bile duct. See
Cholecystitis.
|
|
Cholecystitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the gallbladder. See
Cholangitis.
|
|
Cholera
(Trop) |
An acute, infectious disease caused by the
consumption of water or food contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio
cholerae.
|
|
Cholinesterase
(Ento) |
An enzyme that is necessary for proper nerve
functioning. Cholinesterase is inhibited or damaged by pesticides
belonging to the organophosphates and carbamates.
|
|
Cholinesterase inhibitor
(Ento) |
A substance which inhibits the enzyme
chlorinesterase. It prevents transmission of nerve impulses from one
nerve cell to another or to a muscle.
|
|
Chondroitin
(Vet) |
Decreases the activity of enzymes which break
down cartilage in a joint. |
|
Chondroprotective agent
(Vet) |
A nutritional supplement that protects
cartilage. |
|
Chordotonal organ
(Ento) |
An elongate sense organ attached to the inner
surface of the body wall and sensitive to stretching and to vibrations.
|
|
Chorea
(PrD) |
Irregular, spasmodic, involuntary movements of the limbs
or facial muscles, often accompanied by hypotonia (decreased tone of
skeletal muscles).
|
|
Chorion
(Ento) |
The inner shell or covering of the insect
egg.
|
|
Chromatin
(Para) |
The darkly-staining portion of the nucleus
forming a network of nuclear material within the achromatin of the
nucleus, sometimes adhering to the inner surface of the nuclear
membrane. The portion of the nucleus containing the DNA.
|
|
Chromatoid bar or body
(Para) |
A bar, rod, or splinter- shaped body in the
cytoplasm of an ameba that stains darkly and resembles chromatin.
|
|
Chromatoid basal rod
(Para) |
The rod-like structure that forms the base of
the undulating membrane of flagellates.
|
|
Chromoblastomycosis
(Trop) |
A subcutaneous fungal disease caused by the
dermatiacious fungi belonging to the genera Phialophora, Fonsecaea, and
Cladosporium.
|
|
Chromosomes
(Ento) |
At cell division the dark-staining,
rod-shaped structures which contain the hereditary units called genes.
|
|
Chronic
(Ento, PEH, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
Of a long duration: a chronic illness
persists for weeks, months, or even for the life of animal. See also
acute.
|
|
Chronic
(OH) |
Continual or repeated exposure; usually
associated with illness.
|
|
Chronic diarrhea
(Trop) |
Refers to diarrheal episodes of presumed
infectious etiology that begin acutely but have an unusually long
duration, usually more than 14 days. |
|
Chronic effect
(Vet) |
A slow and continuous effect.
|
|
Chronic exposure
(PEH) |
Contact with a substance that occurs over a
long time (more than 1 year).
|
|
Chronic superficial keratitis
(Vet) |
A chronic condition of the eye in which blood
vessels grow across the cornea (the clear surface of the eye). The
cornea looks hazy and sometimes reddened; it may eventually take on a
dark pigment. This condition is also called pannus.
|
|
Chronic symptoms
(Vet) |
Symptoms that appear over a long period of
time.
|
|
Chronic toxicity
(Vet) |
The effect of a chemical following prolonged
and repeated exposure.
|
|
Chronic Wasting Disease
(PrD) |
A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
(TSE) of North American deer and elk, a progressive neurodegenerative
disorder that produces spongiform changes in the brain and chronic
weight loss leading to the death of these animals. There is no known
relationship between chronic wasting disease (CWD) and any other TSE of
animals or people. |
|
Chrysalis
(Ento) |
The pupa of a butterfly.
|
|
Chrysaora quinquecirrha
(Aqua) |
A jellyfish very common on the eastern
seaboard of the United States where vast numbers of nuisance stings
occur seasonally (summer) each year. It causes mainly an irritating skin
rash, but may cause systemic symptoms including painful breathing, nasal
and respiratory catarrh and cough. No deaths have ever been reported.
Possibly also present in Western Australia.
|
|
Chytridiomycosis
(Zoo) |
Condition whereby an amphibian is infected
with a fugus of the genus Chytridium; an emerging disease thought to
account for several recent amphibian extinctions and declines.
|
|
CI
(OH) |
See Cumulative Injury.
|
|
Ciguatera
(Trop) |
Tropical fish poisoning occurring 1-24hrs
after ingestion of fish containing ciguatoxin. Symptoms are diverse and
include (in approximate frequency): lassitude, muscle pains, burning of
skin when cold objects are touched, itching, joint pains, paresthesia
(especially hands, feet and lips), headache and diarrhea, as well as
many other less common symptoms. Ciguatera is a major world health
problem in countries relying on reef fish as the main source of protein
and has caused many deaths. Neurological signs and symptoms may last for
months, even years. |
|
Ciguatoxin
(Trop) |
The toxin causing ciguatera. It is produced
by dinoflagellates which are then eaten by small fish. As these fish get
eaten by larger ones progressing up the food chain the toxin becomes
concentrated in the flesh (and liver) and can then intoxicate humans. In
humans the toxin is not destroyed and so further ingestion of ciguatoxin
causes a cumulative effect.
|
|
Cilia (Aqua, Para, Trop, Zoo) |
Small beating hairs on the outside of cells.
In complex organisms like humans, these cilia may be found on cells
lining the respiratory passages, where they help the flow of mucus. In
simpler organisms they may aid in movement. Single-celled organisms
which use cilia to move around are called ciliates.
|
|
Ciliated
(Ento) |
Bearing minute setae, hairs in many
non-insects.
|
|
Ciliophora
(Trop) |
Protozoa moving by means of short hair-like
cilia covering the cell. There is only one species of medical
importance, Balantidium coli, which is the cause of balantidial
dysentery.
|
|
Circadian
(Zoo) |
Refers to a 24 hour period. A "circadian
cycle" would be a 24 hour period and a "circadian rhythm" would refer to
the rhythm of activity of a specific mammal.
|
|
Circadian rhythm
(Vet) |
An endogenous rhythm involving a response at
about 24-hour intervals. |
|
Circulatory virus
(Ento) |
A virus that circulates within the body of an
insect before being introduced into a new host.
|
|
Cirrhosis
(Vet) |
A liver disease caused by the replacement of
damaged cells with connective tissue; severe scarring can eventually
cause liver failure.
|
|
Cirrus (Para, Trop) |
The male copulatory organ in helminths.
|
|
Cirrus pore
(Trop) |
The opening through which the cirrus is
protruded.
|
|
Cirrus pouch
(Trop) |
A hollow organ surrounding the inverted
cirrus.
|
|
CITES
(Zoo) |
The Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species. This body regulates trade in wildlife.
|
|
Civil support (CS)
(HS) |
DoD support to US civil authorities for
domestic emergencies, and for designated law enforcement and other
activities.
|
|
Cladogram
(Ento) |
A diagram showing nothing more than the
sequence in which groups of organisms are interpreted to have originated
and diverged in the course of evolution.
|
|
Claim form
(OH) |
Paperwork used to report a work injury or
illness to the employer.
|
|
Claimant
(OH) |
A person who makes an insurance claim.
|
|
Claspers
(Ento) |
Special hold-fast abdominal structures
present in some male insects, which are used to hold onto the female
during the mating process.
|
|
Class |
The taxonomic group below a Phylum, and above
Order. See Biological classification or Taxonomy.
|
|
Class boundary
(Stat) |
A point that is the left endpoint of one
class interval, and the right endpoint of another class interval.
|
|
Class I, II, III, IV medications
(Vet) |
Drugs are classified by the Drug Enforcement
Administration of the Department of Justice depending upon such criteria
as the potential for human abuse.
|
|
Class interval
(Stat) |
In plotting a histogram, one starts by
dividing the range of values into a set of non-overlapping intervals,
called class intervals, in such a way that every datum is contained in
some class interval.
|
|
Classical epidemiology
(Epi) |
Our term for the varieties of epidemiology
primarily concerned with the statistical relationships between disease
agents, both infectious and non-infectious; for example a study to
establish the relative risk of lung cancer associated with smoking.
Contrast with ecological epidemiology. |
|
Classification
(Vet) |
The animal kingdom is divided in phyla, for
example the phylum Arthropoda. Each phylum is subdivided in classes, for
example the class Hexapoda. Classes are subdivided into orders, for
example the order Coleoptera. Orders are divided into families, families
into genera, and genera are divided into species.
|
|
Claustral foundation
(Ento) |
A way of setting up of a new colony by a
queen, or king and queen in the termites, which involves her/them being
sealing her/themselves a way in a small chamber and raising the first
group of workers entirely (or almost so) on stored body reserves (fat
and often the flight muscles). |
|
Claval suture
(Ento) |
An impressed line on the forewing of true
bugs that separates the clavus from the remainder of the corium.
|
|
Clavate
(Ento) |
Distal end being swollen, club-shaped,
usually referring to antennae.
|
|
Clavus
(Ento) |
A portion of the forewing in the true bugs
and hoppers (Homoptera) that is located between the inside edge and the
claval suture.
|
|
Claw
(Ento) |
A sharp, hooked structure generally found on
or near the tarsal segment of the leg.
|
|
Claw-shaped phalanges
(Zoo) |
Condition found in Hylid frogs (Hylidae)
whereby intercalary cartilage forms a claw on digits.
|
|
Clay
(Eco) |
Type of soil with mineral soil particles that
are less than 0.002 mm in diameter.
|
|
Cleaning
(Trop) |
The removal by scrubbing and washing, as with
hot water, soap or suitable detergent or by vacuum cleaning, of
infectious agents and of organic matter from surfaces on which and in
which infectious agents may find favorable conditions for surviving or
multiplying.
|
|
Cleptoparasite
(Ento) |
A parasite that consumes the food stored by
another insect in a nest. |
|
Cleptoparasitism
(Ento) |
Where one female uses the resources and nest
of another individual (of either the same or a different species) to
provide for her young thus usurping the owners efforts and preventing
her from using them. |
|
Climate
(Eco) |
The total long-term characteristics of
weather for any region It includes rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind
direction and wind velocity. |
|
Climatic release
(Eco) |
Release of climatic restraints, such as a
period of favorable weather or entry into a favorable region, resulting
in population increase.
|
|
Cline
(Eco) |
A progressive, usually continuous change in
one or more characters of a species over a geographic or altitudinal
range.
|
|
Clinical study
(Vet) |
A planned examination of the effectiveness of
a new drug or treatment for a disease as compared to a control group not
receiving the treatment. Also called a clinical trial.
|
|
Clinical trials
(Stat) |
Pre-planned studies of the safety, efficacy,
or optimum dosage schedule (if appropriate) of one or more diagnostic,
therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques selected
according to predetermined criteria of eligibility and observed for
predefined evidence of favorable and unfavorable effects. This concept
includes clinical trials conducted both in the U.S. and in other
countries.
|
|
Clinical trials, phase I
(Stat) |
Studies performed to evaluate the safety of
diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques
in healthy subjects and to determine the safe dosage range (if
appropriate). These tests also are used to determine pharmacologic and
pharmacokinetic properties (toxicity, metabolism, absorption,
elimination, and preferred route of administration). They involve a
small number of persons and usually last about 1 year. This concept
includes phase I studies conducted both in the U.S. and in other
countries.
|
|
Clinical trials, phase II
(Stat) |
Studies that are usually controlled to assess
the effectiveness and dosage (if appropriate) of diagnostic,
therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques. These
studies are performed on several hundred volunteers, including a limited
number of patients with the target disease or disorder, and last about
two years. This concept includes phase II studies conducted in both the
U.S. and in other countries. |
|
Clinical trials, phase III
(Stat) |
Comparative studies to verify the
effectiveness of diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs,
devices, or techniques determined in phase II studies. During these
trials, patients are monitored closely by physicians to identify any
adverse reactions from long-term use. These studies are performed on
groups of patients large enough to identify clinically significant
responses and usually last about three years. This concept includes
phase III studies conducted in both the U.S. and in other countries.
|
|
Clinical trials, phase IV
(Stat) |
Planned post-marketing studies of diagnostic,
therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques that have
been approved for general sale. These studies are often conducted to
obtain additional data about the safety and efficacy of a product. This
concept includes phase IV studies conducted in both the U.S. and in
other countries. |
|
Cloaca
(Trop) |
A common opening of the alimentary and
reproductive systems of male nematodes, normally situated on the ventral
side at the posterior end of the body.
|
|
Cloaca
(Vet) |
A common tube-like structure through which
feces, urine, and reproductive fluids/eggs pass in birds, turtles, and
other lower vertebrates.
|
|
Cloaca
(Zoo) |
A passage used for eliminating fecal, urinary
and reproductive discharges. From the Latin word meaning sewer.
|
|
Clone
(Ento) |
A population of individuals all derived
asexually from the same single parent. For example, a group of plants
originating by vegetative propagation from a single plant.
|
|
Close contact infection
(Epi) |
An infection which requires close contact,
other than sexual contact, between susceptible and infectious
individuals, for transmission. |
|
Clotting factors
(Vet) |
Protein components in the blood which help it
to clot. Clotting is a complex mechanism. In addition to platelets, clot
formation is the result of a long chain of chemical reactions carried
out by individual molecules called 'clotting factors.' Each factor is
numbered such that factor I leads to a reaction with factor II forming a
new substance. This then reacts with factor III and so on to factor
XII.
|
|
Club
(Ento) |
The thickened terminal (farthest from the
head) end of the antennae. |
|
Clubbed
(Ento) |
With the distal part expanded, enlarged, or
swollen. For example, a clubbed antenna.
|
|
Clubbed antenna
(Ento) |
The outer antennal segments are expanded,
enlarged, or swollen and resemble a club.
|
|
Cluster analysis
(Stat) |
A set of statistical methods used to group
variables or observations into strongly inter-related subgroups. In
epidemiology, it may be used to analyze a closely grouped series of
events or cases of disease or other health-related phenomenon with
well-defined distribution patterns in relation to time or place or both.
|
|
Cluster investigation
(PEH) |
A review of an unusual number, real or
perceived, of health events (for example, reports of cancer) grouped
together in time and location. Cluster investigations are designed to
confirm case reports; determine whether they represent an unusual
disease occurrence; and, if possible, explore possible causes and
contributing environmental factors. |
|
Cluster sample
(Stat) |
In a cluster sample, the sampling unit is a
collection of population units, not single population units. For
example, techniques for adjusting the U.S. census start with a sample of
geographic blocks, then (try to) enumerate all inhabitants of the blocks
in the sample to obtain a sample of people. This is an example of a
cluster sample. The blocks are chosen separately from different strata,
so the overall design is a stratified cluster sample.
|
|
Clutch
(Eco, Vet, Zoo) |
A group of eggs hatched together: the number
of eggs hatched by an animal or a pair of animals at one time
|
|
Clutch-mate
(Zoo) |
Individuals who hatched from the same clutch
of eggs.
|
|
Clypeus
(Ento) |
Lowest part of the insect face, just above
the labrum.
|
|
CMAD
(HS) |
Chemical Agent Miniature Detector.
|
|
CMV
(Epi) |
Cytomegalovirus. A herpes virus which causes
glandular fever.
|
|
Cnidaria
(Aqua, Trop) |
The specific term now used by biologists to
describe members of a Phylum which are principally marine animals,
radially symmetrical, and which have tentacles (i.e. jellyfish).
Reproduction usually encompasses a polyp and/or medusa stage. Previously
this Phylum was aggregated with others under the term coelenterates.
|
|
CNS
(Vet) |
Central nervous system. Includes the brain,
spinal cord, and the nerves leading from them.
|
|
Coagulation
(Vet) |
The process of clotting.
|
|
Coagulopathy
(Vet) |
A condition affecting the blood's ability to
form a clot.
|
|
Coarctate
(Ento) |
Enclosed within the last larval skin, which
therefore acts as a cocoon and protects the pupa. Such pupae are found
in the flies.
|
|
Coastal plain
(Eco) |
The level land with generally finer and
fertile soils downstream of the piedmont and fall line, where tidal
influence is felt in the rivers.
|
|
Cobalt treatment
(Trop) |
Radiation that uses gamma rays generated by
cobalt-60, a radioactive isotope of the element cobalt.
|
|
Cobra
(Trop) |
Snakes belonging to the family Elapidae. They
have fixed front fangs and are widespread throughout Africa and Asia.
Possess a potent neurotoxin. |
|
Coccidia
(Vet) |
A one-celled parasite in the category of
protozoa. In dogs and cats, coccidia are generally parasites of the
intestinal tract.
|
|
Coccoid
(Vet) |
Sphere-shaped.
|
|
Coccus
(Ento) |
A spherical bacterium.
|
|
Cochran-Mantel-Haenzel method
(Stat) |
A Chi-square method that permits statistical
comparison of odds ratios across subgroups and also allows differences
in those ratios to be adjusted.
|
|
Cocoon
(Ento) |
A case, made partly or completely of silk,
which protects the pupa in many insects, especially Lepidoptera. The
cocoon is made by the larva before it pupates.
|
|
CODA
(HS) |
Chemical/Biological Operational Decision
Aid. Software for prediction of casualties and performance degradation
of military operations in a chemical/biological environment.
|
|
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
(OH) |
A collection of regulations decreed under
U.S. law. |
|
Code of Safe Practices
(OH) |
Workplace rules on how to perform duties
safely and keep the worksite safe; must be specific to the employer’s
operations and posted at each job site.
|
|
Codon 129
(PrD) |
The human prion protein (PrP) has a common polymorphism
at codon 129 of the gene PRNP; this polymorphism has a strong influence
on genetic susceptibility to prion diseases.
|
|
Coelenterates
(Aqua, Trop) |
Animals having no spine. This group
originally contained Spongiaria, Cnidaria and Ctenophora. Coelenterata
is a term which generally includes the cnidarians and ctenophores. As
the phylum Cnidaria does not include the ctenophores; the two terms are
not interchangeable. |
|
Coelom
(Aqua) |
Fluid-filled cavity found in many different
types of animals; usually contains main body organs.
|
|
Coelom
(Eco) |
Body cavity or space between the body wall
and the digestive tract.
|
|
Coenurus
(Para) |
A larval cystic stage of a tapeworm
containing an inner germinal layer producing multiple scolices within a
single cavity.
|
|
Coevolution
(Eco) |
An evolutionary change in a trait of
individuals of one population in response to a trait of individuals of a
second population, followed by an evolutionary response of the second
population to a change in the first. |
|
Cofactor
(Trop) |
A factor other than the basic causative agent
of a disease that increases the likelihood of developing that disease.
Cofactors may include the presence of other microorganisms or
psychological factors such as stress. |
|
Cognitive dysfunction
(Vet) |
A common medical condition in older dogs that
results from abnormal brain function, causing certain behavior changes
such as disorientation, housebreaking problems, and changes in sleeping
patterns and interactions with others.
|
|
Cohort
(Epi) |
A subsection of a population with a common
feature, usually age. For example, all those individuals in the US born
in 1964 form a birth cohort. |
|
Cohort study
(PEH) |
A study in which a group of people with a
past exposure to chemicals or other risk factors are followed over time
and their disease experience compared to that of a group of people
without the exposure. |
|
Co-housing
(Zoo) |
Housing males and females together.
|
|
Cold packs
(Trop) |
An excellent analgesic treatment for the skin
pain of many envenomations, especially those of jellyfish stings. It is
usually less effective than heat for the treatment of stonefish,
stingray and other venomous-spined fish envenomations.
|
|
Cold-blooded
(Vet) |
Having a body temperature that is not
regulated internally, but varies with the environmental temperature.
Turtles, lizards, and snakes are cold-blooded.
|
|
Coleoptera
(Ento) |
Insect order containing the beetles. Beetles
are characterized by hard front wings that meet in a straight line in
the middle of the back, chewing mouthparts, and a complete
metamorphosis.
|
|
Coleopterist
(Ento) |
A person who studies the life cycles,
behavior, ecology, or diversity of beetles as their work or hobby.
|
|
Coliform bacteria
(Eco) |
A group of bacteria primarily found in human
and animal intestines and wastes. These bacteria are widely used as
indicator organisms to show the presence of such wastes in water and the
possible presence of pathogenic (disease-producing) bacteria.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the fecal coliform bacteria widely
used for this purpose. |
|
Colitis
(Vet) |
An infection or inflammation of the colon.
|
|
Collective bargaining agreement
(OH) |
An agreement negotiated between a labor
union and an employer to detail the terms of employment for the workers.
|
|
Collembola
(Ento) |
Primitive insect order containing the
springtails. They are characterized by wingless bodies with a spring
mechanism, chewing mouthparts, and no metamorphosis.
|
|
Colleterial gland
(Ento) |
An accessory gland of the female that
produces the ootheca.
|
|
Colliblast
(Eco) |
An adhesive or glue-like cell situated on the
tentacles of ctenophores (comb jellyfish) that may be used to capture
prey.
|
|
Collophore
(Ento) |
A suckerlike structure found on the underside
of a springtail's first abdominal segment; it is thought to absorb
water, produce certin chemicals, and function as a suction cup.
|
|
Colon
(Vet) |
A part of the digestive tract, specifically
the part of large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum.
|
|
Colonization
(Trop) |
The development of cells in a part to which
they have been carried by metastasis. Can also be used to describe
bacteria establishing and multiplying on a particular part of the body.
|
|
Colonoscopy
(Trop) |
Test to look into the rectum and colon
through a long, flexible, narrow tube (called a colonoscope) with a
light and tiny lens on the end.
|
|
Colony
(Ento) |
An organized group of the same kind of
insects that live together, usually in some type of a nest, and depend
upon each other for survival.
|
|
Colostomy
(Trop) |
A temporary or permanent opening in the colon
and the abdominal wall to allow feces to pass out before reaching the
anus.
|
|
Colostrum
(Vet) |
The antibody-rich first milk produced
immediately before and after giving birth.
|
|
Coma
(Vet, PrD) |
Being in a state of unconsciousness.
|
|
Comb
(Ento) |
A group of spines on the leg of an insect
specifically used for cleaning other parts of the insect’s body.
|
|
Combinations
(Stat) |
The number of combinations of n things
taken k at a time is the number of ways of picking a subset of
k of the n things, without replacement, and without regard to
the order in which the elements of the subset are picked. The number of
such combinations is nCk = n!/(k!(n-k)!),
where k! (pronounced "k factorial") is k×(k-1)×(k-2)×
· · · × 1. The numbers nCk are also called
the Binomial coefficients. From a set that has n elements
one can form a total of 2n subsets of all sizes. For
example, from the set {a, b, c}, which has 3 elements, one can form the
23 = 8 subsets {}, {a}, {b}, {c}, {a,b}, {a,c}, {b,c},
{a,b,c}. Because the number of subsets with k elements one can
form from a set with n elements is nCk,
and the total number of subsets of a set is the sum of the numbers of
possible subsets of each size, it follows that nC0+nC1+nC2+
. . . +nCn = 2n. The
calculator has a button (nCm) that lets you compute the number of
combinations of m things chosen from a set of n things. To
use the button, first type the value of n, then push the nCm
button, then type the value of m, then press the "=" button.
|
|
Combined nitrogen
(Vet) |
Nitrogen in a form in which it is bonded to
other elements. For example ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3-),
and nitrite (NO2-).
|
|
Comedo
(Vet) |
A blackhead, usually the result of a plugged
gland within the skin.
|
|
Commensal
(Eco, Para) |
A commensal organism is one which lives
within the body of another but does not normally cause any harm. In
times of stress, commensals may turn into pathogens. See opportunistic
pathogen.
|
|
Commensalism
(Para) |
A symbiotic relationship between organisms of
different species in which one, the commensal, is obligated to derive
its nourishment from the other, its host, but in no way does it deprive
or damage its host. |
|
Commissure
(Ento) |
A bridge connecting any two bodies or
structures on a body.
|
|
Common Cold
(PEH) |
A viral upper respiratory tract infection.
This contagious illness can be caused by many different types of
viruses, and the body can never build up resistance to all of them. For
this reason, colds are a frequent and recurring problem. In fact
kindergarten children average 12 colds per year, while adolescents and
adults have around seven colds per year.
|
|
Common name
(Ento) |
The name of an insect that is used only in a
particular region or country. See also scientific name.
|
|
Common pesticide name
(Ento) |
A common chemical name given to a pesticide
by a recognised committee on pesticide nomenclature. Many pesticides are
known by a number of trade or brand names but have only one recognised
common name. |
|
Communal
(Ento) |
Where females of one species co-operate in
nest building but not in brood care.
|
|
Communicability
(Trop) |
Capability of being transmitted from one
person to another.
|
|
Communicable disease
(Trop) |
An illness due to a specific infectious agent
or its toxic products that arises through transmission of that agent or
its products from an infected person, animal or inanimate reservoir to a
susceptible host; either directly or indirectly through an intermediate
plant or animal host, vector or the inanimate environment. Also called
infectious disease. |
|
Communicable period
(Trop) |
The time or times during which the infectious
agent may be transferred directly or indirectly from an infected person
to another person, from an infected animal to human, or from an infected
human to an animal, including arthropods. In diseases such as
diphtheria and scarlet fever, in which mucous membranes are involved
from the first entry of the pathogen, the period of communicability is
from the date of first exposure to a source of infection until the
infective microorganism is no longer disseminated from the involved
mucous membranes, i.e., from the period before the prodromata until
termination of a carrier stage, if this develops. Most diseases are not
communicable during the early incubation period or after full recovery.
In diseases transmitted by arthropods, such as malaria and yellow fever,
the periods of communicability are those during which the infectious
agent occurs in infective form in the blood or other tissues of the
infected person in sufficient numbers to permit vector infections. A
period of communicability is also to be distinguished for the arthropod
vector - namely, that time during which the agent is present in the
tissues of the arthropod in such form and locus (infective stage) as to
be transmissible.
|
|
Communication
(Ento) |
The production of a signal by an individual
that influences the behavior of another individual and that is mutually
beneficial.
|
|
Community
(Para) |
A group of animals and plants living together
within an ecosystem.
|
|
Community assistance panel (CAP)
(PEH) |
A group of people from a community and from
health and environmental agencies who work with ATSDR to resolve issues
and problems related to hazardous substances in the community. CAP
members work with ATSDR to gather and review community health concerns,
provide information on how people might have been or might now be
exposed to hazardous substances, and inform ATSDR on ways to involve the
community in its activities.
|
|
Comorbidity
(Stat) |
The presence of co-existing or additional
diseases with reference to an initial diagnosis or with reference to the
index condition that is the subject of study. Comorbidity may affect
the ability of affected individuals to function and also their survival;
it may be used as a prognostic indicator for length of hospital stay,
cost factors, and outcome or survival.
|
|
Companionate planting
(Ento) |
The intercropping of certain repellent plants
with crop plants. |
|
Comparison value (CV)
(PEH) |
Calculated concentration of a substance in
air, water, food, or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful (adverse)
health effects in exposed people. The CV is used as a screening level
during the public health assessment process. Substances found in amounts
greater than their CVs might be selected for further evaluation in the
public health assessment process. |
|
Compartmental model
(Epi) |
A mathematical model which divides hosts into
different compartments according to their infectious state. A typical
model for microparasites might be an SEIR model. Sometimes referred to
as a prevalence model. |
|
Compatible
(Vet) |
In chemistry: Two compounds are compatible
when they can be mixed without undesirably affecting each other's
properties. In biology: Refers to a pathogen being able to form a
parasitic relationship with a host plant.
|
|
Compensation
(Eco) |
The ability of plants or plant parts to make
up for damage caused to other parts of the plant. For example a rice
plant that lost a tiller because of attack by a stem borer will produce
new tillers to compensate for this. |
|
Competition (or Compete)
(Eco) |
Competition occurs when two or more
organisms, or populations, interfere with or inhibit one another as they
strive to secure a resource that is in limited supply. For example weeds
compete with crop plants for nutrients, moisture, light and other
essential growth factors. Competition can also occur between individuals
of the same species. |
|
Competitive exclusion principle
(Stat) |
The concept that two species cannot long
coexist if they have identical niches.
|
|
Competitor
(Eco) |
A species that may compete with another
species for the same resources, such as food, water or space.
|
|
Complement
(Stat) |
The complement of a subset of a given set is
the collection of all elements of the set that are not elements of the
subset.
|
|
Complement rule
(Stat) |
The probability of the complement of an event
is 100% minus the probability of the event: P(Ac) = 100% -
P(A).
|
|
Complete blood count
(Vet) |
A count of the total number of cells in a
given amount of blood, including the red and white blood cells; often
referred to as a 'CBC,' it is one of the most common tests done to check
for abnormalities of the blood. |
|
Complete metamorphosis
(Ento) |
Metamorphosis in which the insect develops
through four distinct stages, e.g.., ova or egg, larva, pupa, and adult
or imago; the wings (when present) develop internally during the larval
stage. Also called complex metomorphosis.
|
|
Completed exposure pathway
(PEH) |
See exposure pathway. |
|
Complex
(Trop) |
A group of closely related species once
thought to be a single species. |
|
Complex metamorphosis
(Ento) |
See Complete metomorphosis.
|
|
Complication
(Vet, Bio) |
In medicine, an additional problem that
arises following a procedure, treatment or illness and is secondary to
it. A complication complicates the situation.
|
|
Composite sample
(PEH) |
A sample which is made by combining samples
from two or more locations. The sample can be of water, soil or another
medium.
|
|
Compost
(Eco) |
A mixture of organic materials used to
improve soil structure and fertility. Compost is usually prepared by
microbial degradation of plant materials.
|
|
Compound eye
(Ento) |
A compound eye includes many lenses, each
with six sides. These fit together like the cells of a honeycomb. Some
insects can see sharp images and different colors. All insects can see
movement better than shape.
|
|
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act of 1980 (CERCLA)
(PEH) |
CERCLA, also known as Superfund, is the
federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of hazardous substances
in the environment and at hazardous waste sites. ATSDR, which was
created by CERCLA, is responsible for assessing health issues and
supporting public health activities related to hazardous waste sites or
other environmental releases of hazardous substances. This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA).
|
|
Compressed
(Ento) |
Flattened laterally (from side to side).
|
|
Compression/immobilization bandage
(Trop) |
A firmly-applied, broad, elastic bandage
applied to a limb to prevent the spread of venom injected after certain
bites or stings. The pressure is enough to compress veins and lymphatic
vessels, but not to cut off arterial supply and so it can remain on
indefinitely. The bandage is first applied directly over the envenomated
area, and then extended over the entire limb which is then immobilized
in a splint.
|
|
Computerized tomography scan (CT scan)
(Vet) |
A radiological imaging procedure that uses
x-ray pictures to produce slices through a patient's body. Also called a
computerized axial tomography (CAT).
|
|
Concentrate
(Ento) |
Refers to a commercial pesticide preparation
before dilution for use.
|
|
Concentrate spraying
(Ento) |
Direct applications of a pesticide
concentrate without dilution.
|
|
Concentration (method)
(Para) |
A procedure for increasing the strength of or
numbers in a medium e.g. 10% acid is more concentrated than 5% acid. A
method or procedure that increases the intensity or numbers within a
medium usually by reducing the volume of the medium or some component of
it. A procedure carried out on a fecal specimen that increases the
number of organisms found in a given unit over examination of a similar
size unit before concentration.
|
|
Concentration
(PEH) |
The amount of one substance dissolved or
contained in a given amount of another substance or medium, such as
soil, water, air, food, blood, hair, urine, breath, or any other media.
For example, sea water has a higher concentration of salt than fresh
water does. The concentration can be shown for example as kilo per litre
or as a percentage by weight. |
|
Concept of operations (CONOPS) (DOD)
(HS) |
A verbal or graphic statement, in broad
outline, of a commander's assumptions or intent in regard to an
operation or series of operations. The concept of operations frequently
is embodied in campaign plans and operation plans; in the latter case,
particularly when the plans cover a series of connected operations to be
carried out simultaneously or in succession. The concept is designed to
give an overall picture of the operation. It is included primarily for
additional clarity of purpose. Also called commander's concept or
CONOPS.
|
|
Conception
(Vet) |
The onset of pregnancy, when the fertilized
egg attaches to the uterus.
|
|
Condition
(Bio) |
The term "condition" has a number of
biomedical meanings including the following: 1. An unhealthy state, such
as in "this is a progressive condition." 2. A state of fitness, such as
"getting into condition." 3. Something that is essential to the
occurrence of something else; essentially a "precondition." As a verb:
to cause a change in something so that a response that was previously
associated with a certain stimulus becomes associated with another
stimulus; to condition a person, as in behavioral conditioning.
|
|
Conditional probability
(Stat) |
Suppose we are interested in the probability
that some event A occurs, and we learn that the event B occurred. How
should we update the probability of A to reflect this new knowledge?
This is what the conditional probability does: it says how the
additional knowledge that B occurred should affect the probability that
A occurred quantitatively. For example, suppose that A and B are
mutually exclusive. Then if B occurred, A did not, so the conditional
probability that A occurred given that B occurred is zero. At the other
extreme, suppose that B is a subset of A, so that A must occur whenever
B does. Then if we learn that B occurred, A must have occurred too, so
the conditional probability that A occurred given that B occurred is
100%. For in-between cases, where A and B intersect, but B is not a
subset of A, the conditional probability of A given B is a number
between zero and 100%. Basically, one "restricts" the outcome space S
to consider only the part of S that is in B, because we know that
B occurred. For A to have happened given that B happened requires that
AB happened, so we are interested in the event AB. To have a legitimate
probability requires that P(S) = 100%, so if we are restricting
the outcome space to B, we need to divide by the probability of B to
make the probability of this new S be 100%. On this scale, the
probability that AB happened is P(AB)/P(B). This is the definition of
the conditional probability of A given B, provided P(B) is not zero
(division by zero is undefined). Note that the special cases AB = {} (A
and B are mutually exclusive) and AB = B (B is a subset of A) agree with
our intuition as described at the top of this paragraph. Conditional
probabilities satisfy the axioms of probability, just as ordinary
probabilities do.
|
|
Cone shells
(Trop) |
Mollusks with cone-shaped shells, at least
two species of which (Conus geographicus and C. textile)
have been responsible for some 18 human deaths, usually from respiratory
arrest. C. geographicus has caused at least one Australian death.
|
|
Cones
(Zoo) |
Visual receptors of the vertebrate retina
that can distinguish different wavelengths of the visual spectrum and is
especially sensitive to bright light.
|
|
Confidence interval
(Stat) |
A confidence interval for a parameter is a
random interval constructed from data in such a way that the probability
that the interval contains the true value of the parameter can be
specified before the data are collected.
|
|
Confidence intervals
(Stat) |
A range of values for a variable of interest,
e.g., a rate, constructed so that this range has a specified probability
of including the true value of the variable.
|
|
Confidence level
(Stat) |
The confidence level of a confidence interval
is the chance that the interval that will result once data are collected
will contain the corresponding parameter. If one computes confidence
intervals again and again from independent data, the long-term limit of
the fraction of intervals that contain the parameter is the confidence
level.
|
|
Confined spaces
(OH) |
Workplace areas whose configurations hinder
the activities of any employee who must enter, work in and / or exit
such spaces.
|
|
Confounding
(Stat) |
When the differences between the treatment
and control groups other than the treatment produce differences in
response that are not distinguishable from the effect of the treatment,
those differences between the groups are said to be confounded with the
effect of the treatment (if any). For example, prominent statisticians
questioned whether differences between individuals that led some to
smoke and others not to (rather than the act of smoking itself) were
responsible for the observed difference in the frequencies with which
smokers and non-smokers contract various illnesses. If that were the
case, those factors would be confounded with the effect of smoking.
Confounding is quite likely to affect observational studies and
experiments that are not randomized. Confounding tends to be decreased
by randomization. See also Simpson's Paradox.
|
|
Confounding factors
(Stat) |
Factors that can cause or prevent the outcome
of interest, are not intermediate variables, and are not associated with
the factor(s) under investigation. They give rise to situations in which
the effects of two processes are not separated, or the contribution of
causal factors cannot be separated, or the measure of the effect of
exposure or risk is distorted because of its association with other
factors influencing the outcome of the study.
|
|
Congener
(Zoo) |
An organism that is a member of the same
genus as another animal.
|
|
Congenital
(Vet) |
A characteristic of an animal that is present
at birth. It may be inherited or induced by events that occur during
pregnancy.
|
|
Congenital malaria
(Trop) |
Malaria acquired from the mother at birth.
|
|
Conical
(Eco) |
Cone-shaped: shaped like a cone.
|
|
Conidium
(Eco) |
A spore derived from ascomycete (sac) fungi
that is not a product of the sexual process.
|
|
Conifer
(Eco) |
Any of various needle-leaved or scale-leaved,
mostly evergreen, cone-bearing trees or shrubs such as pines, spruces,
and cypress.
|
|
Coniferous
(Zoo) |
Of or relating to the conifers.
|
|
Conjunctiva
(Vet) |
A thin membrane which lines the inside of the
eyelids and covers part of the eyeball.
|
|
Conjunctival suffusion
(Vet) |
An inflammation of the conjunctiva, perhaps
accompanied by oozing.
|
|
Conjunctivitis
(Trop, Vet) |
An inflammation of the lining of the eyelids;
may cause pain, redness, itching, and a discharge.
|
|
Connective
(Ento) |
A longitudinal cord of nerve fibers
connecting successive ganglia.
|
|
Consequence management (DOD)
(HS) |
Those measures taken to protect public health
and safety, restore essential government services, and provide emergency
relief to governments, businesses, and individuals affected by the
consequences of a chemical, biological, nuclear, and/or high-yield
explosive situation. For domestic consequence management, the primary
authority rests with the States to respond and the Federal Government to
provide assistance as required. Also called CM.
|
|
Conspecific
(Ento, Zoo) |
Members belonging to the same species.
|
|
Constipation
(Vet) |
A condition in which the movement of food
through the digestive system is longer than normal; often results in
hard, dry stool.
|
|
Construction gland
(Ento) |
A gland of wasps producing a size-like
substance which enables them to make paper out of wood-pulp.
|
|
Construction Safety Orders (CSO)
(OH) |
OSHA regulations that are specific to
construction operations and hazard controls.
|
|
Consumer
(Eco) |
Any organism which must consume other
organisms (living or dead) to satisfy its energy needs.
|
|
Contact
(Trop) |
A person or animal that has been in such
association with an infected person or animal or a contaminated
environment as to have an opportunity to acquire the infection.
|
|
Contact herbicide
(Eco) |
Herbicide that kills those plant parts with
which it comes into contact.
|
|
Contact insecticide
(Ento) |
Insecticide that kills insects by contact
with the cuticle.
|
|
Contact pesticide
(Ento, Zoo) |
Pesticide which relies on coming into contact
with the target organism. For example a contact insecticide.
|
|
Contact poison (Ento, Zoo) |
Pesticide that kills when it contacts some
external part of a pest. For example contact insecticide.
|
|
Contact rate
(Epi) |
The rate at which susceptibles meet
infecteds. Usually measured as individuals per unit time.
|
|
Contagious
(Trop) |
An infectious disease which is transmissible
from one person to another. Sometimes used synonymously with
infectious.
|
|
Contagious distribution
(Epi) |
Same as an aggregated distribution.
|
|
Contaminated source
(Para) |
Something, soil, water, an object, or
anything that is in contact with feces and may be the source of an
infective agent or organism. An organism may or may not cause disease.
|
|
Contamination
(EHS, Para, Trop) |
The presence of an infectious agent on a body
surface, in clothes, bedding, toys, surgical instruments or dressings,
or other inanimate articles or substances including water and food.
Pollution is distinct from contamination and implies the presence of
offensive, but not necessarily infectious matter in the environment.
Contamination of a body surface does not imply a carrier state.
|
|
Contiguous
(Vet) |
Meeting or touching - usually applied to
eyes.
|
|
Continental shelf
(Aqua) |
The relatively shallow portion of the sea
floor that adjoins and surrounds most parts of the continents.
|
|
Contingency operation (DOD)
(HS) |
A military operation that is either
designated by the Secretary of Defense as a contingency operation or
becomes a contingency operation as a matter of law (10 United States
code (USC) 101[a][13]). It is a military operation that: a. is
designated by the Secretary of Defense as an operation in which members
of the Armed Forces are or may become involved in military actions,
operations, or hostilities against an enemy of the United States or
against an opposing force; or b. is created by definition of law. Under
10 USC 101 (a)(13)(B), a contingency operation exists if a military
operation results in the (1) callup to (or retention on) active duty of
members of the uniformed Services under certain enumerated statutes (10
USC Sections 688, 12301(a), 12302, 12304, 12305, 12406, or 331-335); and
(2) the callup to (or retention on) active duty of members of the
uniformed Services under other (non-enumerated) statutes during war or
national emergency declared by the President or Congress. See also
contingency; operation.
|
|
Continuity correction
(Stat) |
In using the normal approximation to the
binomial probability histogram, one can get more accurate answers by
finding the area under the normal curve corresponding to half-integers,
transformed to standard units. This is clearest if we are seeking the
chance of a particular number of successes. For example, suppose we seek
to approximate the chance of 10 successes in 25 independent trials, each
with probability p = 40% of success. The number of successes in
this scenario has a binomial distribution with parameters n = 25
and p = 40%. The expected number of successes is np = 10,
and the standard error is (np(1-p))½ = 6½
= 2.45. If we consider the area under the normal curve at the point 10
successes, transformed to standard units, we get zero: the area under a
point is always zero. We get a better approximation by considering 10
successes to be the range from 9 1/2 to 10 1/2 successes. The only
possible number of successes between 9 1/2 and 10 1/2 is 10, so this is
exactly right for the binomial distribution. Because the normal curve is
continuous and a binomial random variable is discrete, we need to "smear
out" the binomial probability over an appropriate range. The lower
endpoint of the range, 9 1/2 successes, is (9.5 - 10)/2.45 = -0.20
standard units. The upper endpoint of the range, 10 1/2 successes, is
(10.5 - 10)/2.45 = +0.20 standard units. The area under the normal curve
between -0.20 and +0.20 is about 15.8%. The true binomial probability is
25C10×(0.4)10×(0.6)15
= 16%. In a similar way, if we seek the normal approximation to the
probability that a binomial random variable is in the range from i
successes to k successes, inclusive, we should find the area
under the normal curve from i-1/2 to k+1/2 successes,
transformed to standard units. If we seek the probability of more than
i successes and fewer than k successes, we should find the
area under the normal curve corresponding to the range i+1/2 to
k-1/2 successes, transformed to standard units. If we seek the
probability of more than i but no more than k successes,
we should find the area under the normal curve corresponding to the
range i+1/2 to k+1/2 successes, transformed to standard
units. If we seek the probability of at least i but fewer than
k successes, we should find the area under the normal curve
corresponding to the range i-1/2 to k-1/2 successes,
transformed to standard units. Including or excluding the half-integer
ranges at the ends of the interval in this manner is called the
continuity correction.
|
|
Continuity of operations (COOP) (DOD)
(HS) |
The degree or state of being continuous in
the conduct of functions, tasks, or duties necessary to accomplish a
military action or mission in carrying out the national military
strategy. It includes the functions and duties of the commander, as well
as the supporting functions and duties performed by the staff and others
acting under the authority and direction of the commander.
|
|
Continuous time model
(Epi) |
A model in which the system changes
continuously over time. Derivatives (e.g. dY/dt) are the
mathematical formalism for describing such continuous change. The
differential equation which embodies a model provides the values of
these derivatives at any particular time point; calculus or a computer
can then be used to move the state of the model forwards in time.
Continuous models have the advantage over discrete time models in that
they are more amenable to algebraic manipulation, although they are
slightly harder to implement on a computer. The same as a differential
equation model.
|
|
Continuous variable
(Stat) |
A quantitative variable is continuous
if its set of possible values is uncountable. Examples include
temperature, exact height, exact age (including parts of a second). In
practice, one can never measure a continuous variable to infinite
precision, so continuous variables are sometimes approximated by
discrete variables. A random variable X is also called continuous
if its set of possible values is uncountable, and the chance that it
takes any particular value is zero (in symbols, if P(X = x) = 0
for every real number x). A random variable is continuous if and
only if its cumulative probability distribution function is a continuous
function (a function with no jumps).
|
|
Contractile vacuole
(Para) |
In Balantidium coli and many free-living
protozoa, especially ciliates, a vacuole that is associated with
removing liquid wastes from the body of the organism. In living
ciliates, the contractile vacuole near the surface of the protozoa can
be seen to fill with clear fluid, and then by sudden contraction,
discharge the fluid through the surface of the body then to disappear,
only to reappear in the same place as a small vacuole that begins to
fill again.
|
|
Contrapositive
(Stat) |
If p and q are two logical
propositions, then the contrapositive of the proposition (p
IMPLIES q) is the proposition ((NOT q)
IMPLIES (NOT p) ). The contrapositive is logically
equivalent to the original proposition.
|
|
Contrast agents
(Vet) |
A substance given orally or injected into a
patient that makes the affected tissue easier to identify on an x-ray.
|
|
Control
(Para) |
Reduction of disease incidence, prevalence,
morbidity or mortality to a locally acceptable level as a result of
deliberate efforts. Continued intervention measures are required to
maintain the reduction.
|
|
Control
(Stat) |
There are at least three senses of control in
statistics: a member of the control group, to whom no treatment is
given; a controlled experiment, and to control for a possible
confounding variable.
|
|
Control for a variable
(Stat) |
To control for a variable is to try to
separate its effect from the treatment effect, so it will not confound
with the treatment. There are many methods that try to control for
variables. Some are based on matching individuals between treatment and
control; others use assumptions about the nature of the effects of the
variables to try to model the effect mathematically, for example, using
regression.
|
|
Control group
(Stat) |
The subjects in a controlled experiment who
do not receive the treatment.
|
|
Control techniques
(Aqua) |
Methods used to exclude, remove or kill an
organism.
|
|
Controlled clinical trials
(Stat) |
Clinical trials involving one or more test
treatments, at least one control treatment, specified outcome measures
for evaluating the studied intervention, and a bias-free method for
assigning patients to the test treatment. The treatment may be drugs,
devices, or procedures studied for diagnostic, therapeutic, or
prophylactic effectiveness. Control measures include placebos, active
medicines, no-treatment, dosage forms and regimens, historical
comparisons, etc. When randomization using mathematical techniques, such
as the use of a random numbers table, is employed to assign patients to
test or control treatments, the trials are characterized as randomized
controlled trials. However, trials employing treatment allocation
methods such as coin flips, odd-even numbers, patient social security
numbers, days of the week, medical record numbers, or other such pseudo-
or quasi-random processes, are simply designated as controlled clinical
trials.
|
|
Controlled experiment
(Stat) |
An experiment that uses the method of
comparison to evaluate the effect of a treatment by comparing treated
subjects with a control group, who do not receive the treatment.
|
|
Controlled, randomized experiment
(Stat) |
A controlled experiment in which the
assignment of subjects to the treatment group or control group is done
at random, for example, by tossing a coin.
|
|
Contusion
(Vet) |
An injury to underlying tissues without
breaking the skin; a bruise.
|
|
Convalescence, Convalescent
(Trop, Vet) |
Convalescence is the period of recovery from
an illness, accident or operation leading to normal health and strength.
Often used for the period after the acute phase of a condition. A
convalescent is some undergoing convalescence.
|
|
Convalescent serum
(Trop, Vet) |
Blood serum from a convalescent. If the
convalescent is recovering from an infectious disease, the serum will
carry antibodies to the infective agent and can be used to treat other
cases in the absence of other treatments.
|
|
Convenience sample
(Stat) |
A sample drawn because of its convenience;
not a probability sample. For example, I might take a sample of opinions
in Columbus (where I live) by just asking my 10 nearest neighbors. That
would be a sample of convenience, and would be unlikely to be
representative of all of Columbus. Samples of convenience are not
typically representative, and it is not typically possible to quantify
how unrepresentative results based on samples of convenience will be.
|
|
Converge, convergence
(Stat) |
A sequence of numbers x1,
x2, x3 . . . converges if
there is a number x such that for any number E>0, there is a
number k (which can depend on E) such that |xj
- x| < E whenever j > k. If such a number x
exists, it is called the limit of the sequence x1,
x2, x3 . . . .
|
|
Convergence in probability
(Stat) |
A sequence of random variables X1,
X2, X3 . . . converges in probability if there
is a random variable X such that for any number E>0, the sequence of
numbers P(|X1 - X| < e), P(|X2 - X| < e), P(|X3
- X| < e), . . . converges to 100%.
|
|
Converse
(Stat) |
If p and q are two logical
propositions, then the converse of the proposition (p
IMPLIES q) is the proposition (q IMPLIES p).
|
|
Convex
(Ento, Zoo) |
Having a curved form that bulges outward
(resembling the outer surface of a sphere). The opposite of concave.
|
|
Convulsion
(Vet) |
Involuntary and uncontrolled contractions of
muscles marked by great intensity.
|
|
Copepod
(Eco) |
A type of small planktonic crustacean.
Copepods are a major group within the mesozooplankton, and are both
important grazers of phytoplankton and food for fish.
|
|
Coprophagia
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Eating dung or fecal matter; normal behavior
in some animals, such as rabbits.
|
|
Coprophagous
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Feeding on fecal material.
|
|
Coprophagy
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
The act of eating feces.
|
|
Coprozoic or Coprophagous
(Para) |
Literally this means living in or found in
feces. Often it is applied to a spurious parasite, one that has been
ingested and passed through the intestinal tract without infecting man.
|
|
Copularium
(Ento) |
The first chamber built by a newly mated pair
of sexual termites.
|
|
Copulation
(Ento, Zoo) |
The act of sexual coupling by male and
female.
|
|
Coracidium (Ento, Para, Trop) |
In pseudophyllidian tapeworms, the
onchosphere enclosed in its ciliated embryophore after hatching from the
egg shell. It is free-swimming, and is the precursor of the first stage
larva (procercoid) of pseudophyllidian tapeworms.
|
|
Coral / Corals
(Aqua) |
Are marine organisms from the Class Anthozoa
and exist as small sea anemone–like polyps, typically in colonies of
many identical individuals. The group includes the important reef
builders that are found in tropical oceans, which secrete calcium
carbonate to form a hard skeleton.
|
|
Coral recovery
(Aqua) |
Process that involves the re-establishment of
corals in areas devastated by disturbances such as cyclones/hurricanes
and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish.
|
|
Coral reef (or Reef) (Aqua) |
A massive, wave-resistant structure, built
largely by coral, and consisting of skeletal and chemically precipitated
materials.
|
|
Corbicula
(Ento) |
The pollen basket on the hind leg of many
bees, formed by stout hairs on the borders of the tibia.
|
|
Core vaccine
(Vet) |
Vaccine which should be given to all animals
of certain species, example, parvovirus vaccine in dogs or panleukopenia
in cats. See noncore vaccine.
|
|
Corium
(Ento) |
The elongate, usually thickened, basal part
of the front wing in members of the suborder Heteroptera (true bugs).
|
|
Cornea
(Vet) |
The clear part of the front of the eye which
allows light in.
|
|
Cornicle
(Ento) |
One of a pair of tubular structures extending
from the posterior part of the abdomen of aphids which secretes an
allomone and an alarm pheromone.
|
|
Coronatae
(Trop) |
The taxonomic Order of grooved jellyfish.
|
|
Coronavirus
(Trop) |
RNA viruses causing the common cold.
|
|
Corpora allata
(Ento) |
A pair of small endocrine glands located just
behind the brain.
|
|
Corpus allatum
(Ento) |
A small endocrine gland situated behind the
brain, the source of juvenile hormone.
|
|
Corpus cardiacum
(Ento) |
A small organ of nervous origin just behind
the brain, associated with storage and release of PTTH and other
hormones.
|
|
Corpus pedunculatum
(Ento) |
See mushroom body.
|
|
Correlation
(Stat) |
A measure of linear association between two
(ordered) lists. Two variables can be strongly correlated without having
any causal relationship, and two variables can have a causal
relationship and yet be uncorrelated.
|
|
Correlation coefficient
(Stat) |
In linear regression, a measure of the
closeness of data points to the best-fit line. It can assume a value
between -1 and +1; the nearer the value to either -1 or +1, the nearer
are the points to the line. Or, The correlation coefficient r is a
measure of how nearly a scatterplot falls on a straight line. The
correlation coefficient is always between -1 and +1. To compute the
correlation coefficient of a list of pairs of measurements (X,Y), first
transform X and Y individually into standard units. Multiply
corresponding elements of the transformed pairs to get a single list of
numbers. The correlation coefficient is the mean of that list of
products. |
|
Corridor
(Zoo) |
A connection between adjacent land areas that
allows the passage of fauna from one area to the other.
|
|
Cortex
(Para) |
An outside layer e.g. cortex of the kidney.
In helminths, the outer, mammillated coating of an egg of Ascaris
lumbricoides.
|
|
Corticosteroid
(Vet) |
Hormones produced by the adrenal gland which
are important to almost every function of cells and organs. They are
divided into two groups: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
Glucocorticoids regulate protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism.
Mineralocorticoids regulate electrolyte balances.
|
|
Cortisol
(Vet) |
The main glucocorticoid; a hormone naturally
produced by the adrenal gland; it is synthesized commercially as
hydrocortisone and is used to reduce inflammation.
|
|
Corynebacterium
(Trop) |
The genus of Gram positive bacilli including
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the cause of diphtheria in humans.
Genus also includes C. minutissimum, the cause of erythrasma in
humans and the diphtheroids which are commensal corynebacteria making up
part of the human respiratory tract normal flora.
|
|
Cosmopolitan
(Eco) |
Widely distributed over the globe.
|
|
Costa
(Ento) |
One of the major longitudinal veins, usually
forming the front margin of the wing and usually abbreviated to C. The
costal margin is the front edge of the wing.
|
|
Costa
(Para) |
In flagellates, a rib-like body; the
chromatoid basal rod supporting the base of an undulating membrane.
|
|
Costal cell
(Ento) |
Cell formed between the costal and sub-costal
vein.
|
|
Costal fold
(Ento) |
A narrow, thin membrane folded back on the
upper surface of the costa of the forewing of butterflies, it contains
androconia.
|
|
Costal grooves
(Zoo) |
The deep, vertical groove on the side of a
salamander's body, indicating the position of a rib.
|
|
Cotyledon
(Eco) |
Seed leaf. Leaf-like structures in the
embryos of seeds. Grasses have one cotyledon in each seed
(monocotyledon), while most other plants have two (dicotyledon).
|
|
Cotyledon leaves
(Eco) |
The first leaf or pair of leaves developed by
the embryo of seed plants. |
|
Coumestan
(Vet) |
Estrogen-like substance produced by certain
plants such as alfalfa; types of phytoestrogen.
|
|
Coumestral
(Vet) |
Estrogen-like substances produced by certain
plants such as alfalfa; types of phytoestrogen.
|
|
Countable set
(Stat) |
A set is countable if its elements can be put
in one-to-one correspondence with a subset of the integers. For example,
the sets {0, 1, 7, -3}, {red, green, blue}, { . . . ,-2, -1, 0, 1, 2,
. . . }, {straight, curly}, and the set of all fractions, are
countable. If a set is not countable, it is uncountable. The set of all
real numbers is uncountable. |
|
Counterdrug (DOD)
(HS) |
Those active measures taken to detect,
monitor, and counter the production, trafficking, and use of illegal
drugs. Also called CD. |
|
Counterdrug operations (DOD)
(HS) |
Civil or military actions taken to reduce or
eliminate illicit drug trafficking. See also counterdrug; counterdrug
nonoperational support; counterdrug operational support.
|
|
Counterdrug support office (DOD)
(HS) |
In counterdrug operations, offices under the
office of the Department of Defense Coordinator for Drug Enforcement
Policy and Support, responsible for processing, tracking, and
coordinating all nonoperational support requests from drug law
enforcement officials. Also called CDSO. See also counterdrug;
counterdrug operations.
|
|
Cover
(Eco) |
Proportion of surface area of plant material
on which a pesticide has been deposited.
|
|
Cover
(Stat) |
A confidence interval is said to cover
if the interval contains the true value of the parameter. Before the
data are collected, the chance that the confidence interval will contain
the parameter value is the coverage probability, which equals the
confidence level after the data are collected and the confidence
interval is actually computed. |
|
Cover crop
(Eco) |
A crop grown to maintain a plant cover on the
land to prevent erosion and leaching. If the cover crop is turned under
to improve the soil, it becomes a green-manure crop.
|
|
Coverage probability
(Stat) |
The coverage probability of a procedure for
making confidence intervals is the chance that the procedure produces an
interval that covers the truth.
|
|
Cox regression method
(Stat) |
An analytical method in which event data for
each group under comparison are transformed to fit a linear model.
Models for each group are then compared to determine whether they are
equal. This method assumes that hazard rates for each group are at least
proportional to each other.
|
|
Coxa
(Ento) |
The basal segment of the insect leg, often
immovably attached to the body.
|
|
Coxiella burnettii
(Trop) |
A rickettsial organism which causes Q (Query)
Fever, a zoonotic infection of particular importance to farmers,
veterinarians and slaughterhouse workers.
|
|
CP
(HS) |
Chemical Protective, Counterproliferation,
Collective Protection.
|
|
CP/CBD
(HS) |
Counterproliferation and Chemical Biological
Defense. Shorthand for US Department of Defense Office of
Counterproliferation and Chemical /Biological Defense.
|
|
CPE
(HS) |
Chemical Protective Equipment.
|
|
CPO
(HS) |
Chemical Protective Overgarment.
|
|
CPOG
(HS) |
Chemical Protective Overgarment.
|
|
CPR |
See Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
|
|
CPRC
(HS) |
Counterproliferation Program Review
Committee.
|
|
CPS
(HS) |
Collective protection shelter. A structure
secured against chemical or biological agents within which people can
work without needing to wear protective clothing.
|
|
CRA
(HS) |
Contamination Reduction Area.
|
|
Crablice
(Trop) |
Pthirus pubis
also
known as the Pubic louse.
|
|
Crackers
(Ento) |
The common name for certain grasshoppers
(locusts) and butterflies that make a loud "crackling" sound when they
fly.
|
|
Cranial
(Zoo) |
Towards the head end of the body.
|
|
Cranial crest
(Zoo) |
A raised, bony ridge on top or on the side or
the head in some Bufonid species.
|
|
Crawler
(Ento) |
The active first immature of a scale insect.
|
|
CRDEC
(HS) |
Chemical Research, Development and
Engineering Command.
|
|
Credits
(Eco) |
The amount of nutrient load reduced below the
allowance.
|
|
Cremaster
(Ento) |
A hook-like spine located on the top or
bottom of a Lepidoptera pupa that is designed to anchor the pupa to a
branch or other object.
|
|
Crepitating
(Ento) |
The act of making a crackling noise created
by the flashing and snapping of an insects wings.
|
|
Crepuscular
(Ento, Zoo) |
A creature which predominantly becomes active
at dusk or before dawn. |
|
Crest
(Zoo) |
A decorative ridge of skin or spikes that may
occur on the neck, back and/or tail.
|
|
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
(PrD) |
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (also called Jakob-Creutzfeldt
disease or CJD) is a rare, degenerative, invariably fatal brain
disorder. Typically, onset of symptoms occurs at about age 60. There are
three major categories of CJD: sporadic CJD, genetic CJD and acquired
CJD. There is currently no single diagnostic test for CJD. The first
concern is to rule out treatable forms of dementia such as encephalitis
or chronic meningitis. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of CJD is by
brain biopsy or autopsy. While CJD can be transmitted to other people,
the risk of this happening is extremely small.
|
|
Cricket
(Ento) |
Any of various insects of the family
Gryllidae. Crickets have long antennae and legs adapted for jumping.
The males of many species stridulate by rubbing the front wings
together. In this way they produce a characteristic shrill chirping
sound.
|
|
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)
(Trop) |
A tick-borne arboviral infection extending in
distribution from Eastern Europe and Asia through to Southern Africa.
|
|
Crisis
(OH) |
A time of turmoil or an event (or series of
events) that brings specific focus and attention to an organization.
|
|
Critical infrastructure
(HS) |
Systems and assets, whether physical or
virtual, so vital to the United States that the incapacity or
destruction of such systems and assets would have a debilitating impact
on security, national economic security, national public health or
safety, or any combination of those matters.
|
|
Critical period
(Eco) |
The time span during which crops must be kept
weed-free to maximise yield.
|
|
Critical value
(Stat) |
The critical value in a hypothesis test is
the value of the test statistic beyond which we would reject the null
hypothesis. The critical value is set so that the probability that the
test statistic is beyond the critical value is at most equal to the
significance level if the null hypothesis be true.
|
|
Crochets
(Ento) |
The hooked spines at the tip of the prolegs
of lepidopterous caterpillars. Caterpillars of sawflies have prolegs
without crochets.
|
|
Crop
(Eco) |
Community of plants grown to provide feed,
food, fibre or other useful commodities.
|
|
Crop
(Vet) |
An organ between the esophagus and stomach of
many domestic birds, which serves as a temporary food storage organ.
|
|
Crop diversification
(Eco) |
Cropping system where a number of different
crops are planted in the same area and may be rotated from field to
field, year after year.
|
|
Crop hygiene
(Eco) |
The removal and destruction of infested or
diseased plants from a crop so that they do not form a source of
infestation for healthy plants.
|
|
Crop loss
(Eco) |
A reduction in the quantity and/or quality of
the crop yield.
|
|
Crop residue
(Eco) |
The unused part of the crop that is not
harvested. It is usually returned to the land by ploughing (e.g. straw,
cornstalks).
|
|
Cross band
(Vet) |
A more-or-less broad stripe or marking across
the body.
|
|
Cross-pollination
(Eco) |
Placing or deposition of the pollen from a
flower to the stigma of a flower of another plant.
|
|
Cross-resistance
(Vet) |
A phenomenon that occurs when the development
of physiological resistance to a given chemical results in the
simultaneous increase in resistance to other chemicals.
|
|
Cross-sectional study
(Stat) |
A cross-sectional study compares different
individuals to each other at the same time--it looks at a cross-section
of a population. The differences between those individuals can confound
with the effect being explored. For example, in trying to determine the
effect of age on sexual promiscuity, a cross-sectional study would be
likely to confound the effect of age with the effect of the mores the
subjects were taught as children: the older individuals were probably
raised with a very different attitude towards promiscuity than the
younger subjects. Thus it would be imprudent to attribute differences in
promiscuity to the aging process.
|
|
Cross-vein
(Vet) |
A short vein joining any two neighboring
longitudinal veins.
|
|
Crown
(Zoo) |
The top part of the head.
|
|
CRS
(Epi) |
Congenital rubella syndrome.
|
|
Crude birth rate
(Epi) |
The number of live births in a year divided
by the population size.
|
|
Crude death rate
(Epi) |
The number of deaths in a year divided by the
population size.
|
|
Crust
(Vet) |
Area of dried fluid or cells on the skin. The
fluid may have been blood, serum, pus, or medication.
|
|
Crustacea
(Aqua, Zoo) |
A class of arthropods composed of
crustaceans. Any of a group of aquatic animals having hard shells,
jointed bodies and appendages, and gills for breathing (e.g. crabs,
shrimp, copepods).
|
|
Crustacean
(Aqua, Zoo) |
A type of small animal characterized by a
hard external skeleton, two body sections, 5-7 pairs of legs, two pair
of antennae, and simple eyes; common examples of crustaceans include
barnacles, shrimp, crayfish, lobsters, crabs, and sowbugs/pillbugs.
|
|
Crypsis
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Close resemblance of an animal to its
physical or biotic background (also called protective coloration).
|
|
Cryptic
(Aqua, Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Coloring and or pattern adapted for the
purpose of protection from predators or prey by concealment.
|
|
Cryptic
(Trop) |
An isolated case of malaria not associated
with secondary cases, as determined by appropriate epidemiologic
investigations.
|
|
Cryptic coloration
(Aqua, Ento, Zoo) |
Color patterns or markings that render an
animal less visually apparent because they distort or disguise the
outline, shape or form of the body, thereby providing a degree of
protection from predators; examples of cryptic coloration include the
stripes of tiger beetles and zebras. |
|
Cryptobiotic
(Aqua, Ento, Zoo) |
Leading a hidden or concealed life. |
|
Cryptococcus
(Trop) |
Capsulate yeast which can infect humans. Can
give rise to a cryptococcoma in the lung and may lead to cryptococcal
meningitis. One species with two subspecies recognized, Cryptococcus
neoformans neoformans in which human infection is associated with
pigeon droppings and C. neoformans gattii associated with Red
River Gums.
|
|
Cryptosporidium
(Trop) |
Apicomplexan protozoan associated with a
watery diarrhea in children and immunocompromised adults. Zoonotic
infection often contracted from contaminated water. Common species in
humans is Cryptosporidium parvum.
|
|
CSL
(HS) |
Chemical Systems Laboratory.
|
|
CSO
(OH) |
See Construction Safety Orders.
|
|
CTS
(OH) |
See Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
|
|
Cubitus
(Ento) |
One of the major longitudinal veins, situated
in the rear half of the wing and usually with 2 or 3 branches:
abbreviated to Cu.
|
|
Cubomedusae
(Trop) |
A term that included all box jellyfish
species, now mainly replaced by cubozoa.
|
|
Cubos
(Aqua) |
Colloquial name used in the Philippines and
other Indo-Pacific countries to describe Chiropsalmus quadrigatus.
|
|
Cubozoa
(Aqua) |
The taxonomic Class of box-shaped jellyfish
consisting both of chirodropids and carybdeids.
|
|
Cucurbits
(Eco) |
Any of various mostly climbing or trailing
plants of the family Cucurbitaceae, which includes the squash, pumpkin,
cucumber, gourd, watermelon, and cantaloupe.
|
|
Culicine
(Trop) |
Most mosquitoes that are not anophelines fall
into this group. Culicines are not vectors of human malaria, but the
subfamily includes the important genera Aedes, Culex and
Mansonia. May transmit a number of diseases (yellow fever, dengue
fever, filariasis, viral encephalitis).
|
|
Cultivar
(Eco) |
A cultivated variety (genetic strain) of a
domesticated crop plant.
|
|
Cultural control
(Eco) |
A method of crop protection using careful
timing and a combination of agronomic practices such as tillage,
planting, irrigation, sanitation, mixed cropping and crop rotation,
which makes the environment less favorable for the proliferation of
certain pests or diseases.
|
|
Culture
(Vet) |
The process in which a sample of fluid or
tissue is taken from an animal and placed in special media which allows
the bacteria, virus, etc., to grow (reproduce) in the laboratory.
|
|
Cumulative incidence
(Trop) |
The proportion of number of newly detected
cases that developed during follow-up by the number of disease-free
subjects at the start of follow-up. |
|
Cumulative Injury (CI)
(OH) |
An injury caused by repeated events or
repeated exposures at work, such as the loss of hearing due to constant
loud noise.
|
|
Cumulative pesticides
(Ento) |
Pesticides that tend to accumulate or build
up in the tissues of animals or in the environment (soil, water).
|
|
Cumulative probability distribution function (cdf)
(Stat) |
The cumulative distribution function of a
random variable is the chance that the random variable is less than or
equal to x, as a function of x. In symbols, if F is
the cdf of the random variable X, then F(x) = P( X <= x).
The cumulative distribution function must tend to zero as x
approaches minus infinity, and must tend to unity as x approaches
infinity. It is a positive function, and increases monotonically: if
y > x, then F(y) >= F(x). The
cumulative distribution function completely characterizes the
probability distribution of a random variable.
|
|
Cuneus
(Ento) |
A more or less triangular region of the
forewing of certain heteropteran bugs, separated from the corium by a
groove or suture.
|
|
Curative pesticide
(Ento) |
A pesticide that can inhibit or eradicate a
disease-causing organism after it has become established in the plant or
animal.
|
|
Curative treatment
(Vet) |
Treatment that reduced disease when infection
has already taken place. |
|
Curie
(HS) |
The unit formerly used to measure
radioactivity, replaced in much of the world by the becquerel. However,
the curie is still used in the United States.
|
|
Cursorial (Ento, Zoo) |
Adapted for running.
|
|
Cushings disease
(Vet) |
Cushing's disease is also known as
hyperadrenocorticism. It is a disease that results from an increase in
corticosteroid secretion from the adrenal gland.
|
|
Cuspidal
(Ento) |
Two segments of curved lines meeting and
terminating at a sharp point. |
|
Cusps
(Zoo) |
One of the protuberances on or near the
masticating surface of a tooth. |
|
Cutaneous
(Vet) |
Relating to the skin.
|
|
Cutaneous larva migrans
(Trop) |
A cutaneous eruption resulting from exposure
of the skin the infective filariform larva of non-human hookworms,
Ancylostoma braziliense, A. caninum and some Strongyloides
spp (especially S. procyormis of the raccoon and S. myopotami
of the nutria).
|
|
Cutaneous leishmaniasis
(Trop) |
A spectrum of skin disease caused by
protozoan Leishmania spp, with a lifecycle and vectors identical
to that of Leishmania donovani (see visceral leishmaniasis). The
spectrum of disease ranges from a single, dry cutaneous lesion (L.
tropica) through to destructive mucocutaneous lesions (L.
braziliensis braziliensis).
|
|
Cutaneous respiration
(Zoo) |
Condition found in Lissamphibians and
Trionychid turtles (Trionychidae) whereby gas exchange occurs across
highly vascularized skin.
|
|
Cuticle
(Ento) |
The noncellular outer layer of the body wall
of an arthropod.
|
|
Cuticle
(Para) |
The outer skin of vertebrates, the epidermis.
In helminths, the outer covering layer secreted from the hypodermis or
subcuticular layer.
|
|
Cuticutin
(Ento) |
The tough, insoluble substance making up the
outer surface of the epicuticle, containing cross-linked lipid and
protein molecules.
|
|
Cutworm
(Ento) |
Caterpillars of certain moths that live in
the soil. They emerge at night to eat foliage and stems. Cutworms can be
serious pests of root crops and of many other crops during the seedling
stage.
|
|
CVS
(Trop) |
Cardiovascular system; the heart, arteries,
veins and capillaries.
|
|
CW
(HS) |
Chemical weapon or weapons; chemical warfare.
|
|
CWC
(HS) |
Chemical Weapons Convention. A treaty
intended to limit the spread of chemical weapons and ultimately to bring
about their elimination.
|
|
CWCIMS
(HS) |
Chemical Weapons Convention Information
Management System.
|
|
CWCIT
(HS) |
Chemical Weapons Convention Inspection Tool.
A software suite from Veridian for use in verification inspections that
can be used to design routine and challenge inspections in support of
the Chemical Weapons Convention.
|
|
CWCIWG
(HS) |
Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation
Working Group.
|
|
CWDSO
(HS) |
Chemical Weapons Destruction Support Office.
|
|
CWMOD
(HS) |
Chemical Weapons Means Of Dissemination.
|
|
Cyanea
(Aqua, Trop) |
The most-common world-wide jellyfish with a
flat, contracting bell with hundreds (thousands in large specimens) of
fine tentacles hanging beneath. The size varies from a few centimeters
bell diameter with 50cm long tentacles, to bell diameters up to 2.3
meters, with 30 meter long tentacles. Fortunately the sting, although it
may cause moderately-severe skin pain, usually causes no systemic
symptoms, although nausea, vomiting and dizziness have been reported.
|
|
Cyanosis
(Vet) |
Bluish or grayish color to the skin and gums
which occurs when the animal has insufficient oxygen.
|
|
Cyanotic
(Vet) |
A bluish appearance to the skin resulting
from a shortage of oxygen.
|
|
Cycle; cycling
(Zoo) |
The recurring reproductive phase, triggered
by hormonal changes triggered by environmental cues. May occur on an
annual basis, or a more or less frequent basis.
|
|
Cyclodevelopmental
(Para) |
A relationship in which the parasite
undergoes cyclic morphologic change, but does not multiply. The term
usually relates to the development of a parasite in its intermediate
host.
|
|
Cycloid scales
(Aqua) |
Fish scales that are oval or elliptical in
shape with a smooth edge. In this type of scale, the anterior part of
each scale is usually overlapped by the posterior portion of the scale
in front of it, giving the fish greater flexibility than fishes with
other types of scales. There are four main kinds of scales (placoid,
cosmoid, cycloid and ctenoid, and ganoid,) and numerous variations of
each kind.
|
|
Cycloid scales
(Zoo) |
Scale resembling a circle.
|
|
Cyclophyllidiea (Cyclophyllidian)
(Para) |
An order of tapeworms. Tapeworms having four
sucker discs encircling the scolex as in Taenia saginata and
sometimes also a rostellum with hooks as in Taenia solium.
|
|
Cyclopropagative
(Para) |
A relationship in which the parasite
undergoes cyclic, morphologic changes and also multiplies.
|
|
Cyclorrhaphous diptera
(Ento) |
The group of flies which emerge from the
puparium through a circular opening at one end of the puparium. These
flies belong to the more advanced families.
|
|
Cyclosporidium cayetanensis
(Trop) |
Initially believed to be a blue -green alga,
now known to be an apicomplexan protozoan. Can cause diarrhea in
humans.
|
|
Cyst
(Para) |
In parasitology, the term cyst may have two
meanings. Firstly, a cyst may be the resistant dormant stage of a
single-celled organism which is passed out and encourages the
propagation of the species. Alternatively, cyst may refer to the
intermediate stage of some tapeworms (e.g., hydatid cysts). This cyst
must be eaten by the definitive host for it to be infected.
|
|
Cyst
(Vet) |
An abnormal sac-like structure that is lined
with cells which produce a liquid or thick material.
|
|
Cyst wall
(Para) |
The outermost part of the protective coating
protecting an encysted protozoan.
|
|
Cystadenoma
(Trop) |
Benign tumor of epithelial tissue forming
cysts.
|
|
Cysticercoid
(Para) |
A single, evaginated scolex that is embedded
in a small solid cyst that are typically found in small intermediate
hosts such as arthropods (Cyclophyllidian tapeworms).
|
|
Cysticercoid
(Trop) |
A larval form of a tapeworm which has a solid
body and no bladder.
|
|
Cysticercosis
(Trop) |
An infection caused by the pork tapeworm;
Taenia solium. Infection occurs when the tapeworm larvae enter the
body and form cysticerci (SIS-tuh-sir-KEY) (cysts). When cysticerci are
found in the brain, the condition is called neurocysticercosis (NEW-row
SIS-tuh-sir-KO-sis). |
|
Cysticercus
(Para, Trop) |
Larval stage in the cestode life cycle which
is a fluid filled cyst containing an attached single invaginated scolex
typically found in mammal intermediate hosts.
|
|
Cystitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
|
|
Cytochrome
(Vet) |
Iron containing proteins that play an
important role in the utilization of oxygen by the body. The iron is in
the form of heme, as in hemoglobin, and the proteins appear red in
solution.
|
|
Cytochrome oxidase
(Vet) |
A component of the pathway that traps energy
released by the Krebs cycle. It is the primary target of cyanides and is
the point at which oxygen becomes involved in the metabolic process.
|
|
Cytochrome P450
(Vet) |
A motley collection of enzymes that catalyze
the incorporation of oxygen into a wide array of molecules. They play a
role in the degradation of foreign compounds in the body and seem to
perform a protective function. Like other cytochromes, they contain iron
in the form of heme and they have an absorption spectrum with a specific
peak at 450 nm that gives them their name.
|
|
Cytokines
(Vet) |
Compounds produced by certain cells, which
act as messengers to control the action of lymphocytes and other cells
in an immune response. |
|
Cytology
(Ento, Trop, Vet) |
The study of cells; often refers to the
microscopic examination of a sample taken from the skin, organ, or
lesion to look for the cause of a condition.
|
|
Cytopharynx
(Para) |
The chamber behind the mouth (cytostome) in
protozoa into which food may be taken then passed into the cytoplasm via
food vacuoles formed at its base. Cytostome and cytopharynx are often
considered synonymous. |
|
Cytoplasm
(Para, Vet) |
Substances which make up the inside of a cell
and surround the nucleus of the cell which contains the genetic
material.
|
|
Cytoplasmic granules
(Para) |
Granular-appearing materials within the
cytoplasm, especially in amoebae.
|
|
Cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (CPV)
(Ento) |
A virus that develops in the cytoplasm of
host cells, chiefly in the midgut. |
|
Cytopyge
(Para) |
In Balantidium and some other ciliates, the
permanent opening in the ectoplasm through which the residue of
digestion of food materials is discharged (anal opening). In other
organisms, the wastes may be discharged through a number of points in
the body surface.
|
|
Cytoskeleton
(Vet) |
The component of a cell that gives it its
shape. It is made up of filaments of proteins that are constantly being
assembled and reassembled to change the shape of the cell and to allow
it to move, to take up foreign particles and so on. Their are three
major components: microfilaments, intermediate filaments and
microtubules. Disruption of the function of any one of these components
can prevent a cell functioning normally or kill it. |
|
Cytostomal flagellum
(Para) |
In Chilomastix, a flagellum that lies in a
grove behind the cytostome (usually within the cytopharynx) and directs
solid food particles to the posterior end where food vacuoles are
formed.
|
|
Cytostome
(Para) |
In some protozoa, especially flagellates and
ciliates, the cavity that opens by way of the peristome (the lips) to
allow solid food particles to enter (the mouth). In some species, a food
vacuole may form directly behind the cytostome or it may open into a
cytopharynx (esophagus-like structure) and the food vacuole is formed at
the base of the cytopharynx. |
|
Cytotoxic drugs
(Trop) |
Chemicals used to kill cancerous cells. Most
cytotoxic drugs also kill normal cells. There is a delicate balance
between killing enough cancer cells and not so many normal cells.
|
|
Cytotoxin
(HS, Vet) |
A toxin that kills the target cell. Some
toxins only block an essential function and when flushed out of the
victim allow a complete recovery. The damage caused by a cytotoxin may
prevent complete recovery. |
|
D |
Top |
|
DAAMS
(HS) |
Depot Area Air Monitoring System.
|
|
DALY
(Trop) |
Disability Adjusted Life Years.
|
|
DAM
(HS) |
Decontamination Agent: Multipurpose.
|
|
Damage
(Eco) |
The adverse effect on plants or crops due to
biotic or abiotic agents, resulting in economic loss (reduction of yield
and/or quality).
|
|
Damping off
(Eco) |
Diseases of seedlings characterized by the
rot of seedlings near soil level. This can happen prior to emergence or
after emergence.
|
|
Damselfly
(Ento) |
Any of various insects of the suborder
Zygoptera. Damselflies are often brightly colored, predatory insects.
They have a long slender body and elongated membranous wings that fold
together when the insect is at rest.
|
|
DAP
(HS) |
Decontamination Apparatus, portable.
|
|
Darwinian fitness
(Vet) |
Differential reproduction, in terms of the
number of genes an individual passes to the next generation.
|
|
Data collection
(Stat) |
Systematic gathering of data for a particular
purpose from various sources, including questionnaires, interviews,
observation, existing records, and electronic devices. The process is
usually preliminary to statistical analysis of the data.
|
|
Data interpretation, statistical
(Stat) |
Application of statistical procedures to
analyze specific observed or assumed facts from a particular study.
|
|
Date of injury
(OH) |
The specific date of injury or illness, or
the date of knowledge that the injury was caused by work.
|
|
Daughter cyst
(Trop) |
A cyst formed by endogenous or exogenous
budding from the germinal layer of a hydatid.
|
|
Dayfly
(Ento) |
See Mayfly.
|
|
DCAC
(HS) |
Demilitarization Chemical Agent Concentrator.
|
|
DCS
(Aqua) |
See Decompression Sickness.
|
|
DDT
(Eco, Ento) |
A group of colorless chemicalsused as
insecticides. DDTs are toxic to man and animals when swallowed or
absorbed through the skin.
|
|
De Novo Mutation
(PrD) |
An alteration in a gene that is present for
the first time in one family member as a result of a mutation in a germ
cell (egg or sperm) of one of the parents or in the fertilized egg
itself.
|
|
Deactivation
(HS) |
The process of terminating the provisions
under the Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan at the end of the emergency
response phase, and transition to the recovery phase.
|
|
Dead heart
(Eco) |
A symptom of insect damage in which the
central shoot of the plant dies.
|
|
Dead-End host
(Para) |
One in which the parasite reaches an end
point and is unable to continue its life cycle. See Aberrant host.
|
|
Deafness
(PEH, Vet) |
Deafness is defined by partial or complete
hearing loss. Levels of hearing impairment vary from a mild but
important loss of sensitivity to a total loss of hearing. Older adults
suffer most often from hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss affects 30
to 35 percent of the population between the ages of 65 and 75 years, and
40 percent of the population over the age of 75. The most common cause
of hearing loss in children is otitis media, a disorder that affects
predominantly infants and young children. A substantial number of
hearing impairments are caused by environmental factors such as noise,
drugs, and toxins. Many sensorineural hearing losses result from a
genetic predisposition.
|
|
Dealate
(Ento) |
Wingless as a result of the insect casting or
breaking off its own wings, as in newly mated queen ants and termites.
|
|
Death benefits
(OH) |
Benefits paid to dependants when a work
injury or illness results in death.
|
|
Death certificates
(Stat) |
Official records of individual deaths
including the cause of death certified by a physician, and any other
required identifying information.
|
|
Debride
(Zoo) |
The removal of dead or injured tissue.
|
|
Deciduous
(Zoo) |
Falling off or being shed during a certain
season or at a partial stage of growth such as leaves or antlers.
|
|
Decomposer
(Ento, Zoo) |
An organism that utilises dead organic matter
as food, decomposing it into more simple substances.
|
|
Decompression illness (DCI)
(Aqua, Trop) |
An illness suffered by divers when diving too
deep or too long and characterized by nitrogen bubbles forming in the
tissues of the body. This may cause a multitude of symptoms although
joint pains are those most-commonly encountered. Confusion may be caused
in divers that have suffered an Irukandji sting as the symptoms have
some similarities.
|
|
Decompression sickness (DCS)(Aqua) |
A sometimes fatal disorder caused by the
release of gas bubbles in the blood upon a decrease in pressure upon too
rapid an ascent from a deep dive. The gas bubbles can travel to tissues
and joints, causing the diver to bend over in pain (hence the name
nickname "the bends"). If a gas bubble (or air embolism) forms in the
blood and blocks a blood vessel in an important organ, it may also cause
distress in breathing, neuralgic pains and paralysis, or even death.
|
|
Decontaminate
(Vet) |
Remove injurious material.
|
|
Decontamination
(Ento) |
The removal or breakdown of any pesticide
chemical from any surface or piece of equipment.
|
|
Decontamination
(HS) |
The removal of radioactive material from
people, objects, animals or property. This procedure can be as simple as
washing thoroughly with soap and water.
|
|
Decreased drought flow
(Eco) |
Inadequate groundwater recharge causes
diminished or loss of flow in watercourses.
|
|
Decticous
(Ento) |
Referring to the state in which the pupa
possesses movable mandibles which can be used for biting.
|
|
DEET
(Trop) |
Diethyltoluamide. An effective insect
repellant used on the skin.
|
|
Defecate
(Zoo) |
To extrude feces from the bowel.
|
|
Defecation
(Vet) |
The elimination of feces from the rectum.
|
|
Deficiency disease
(Vet) |
A disease resulting from the lack of one or
more essential nutrients.
|
|
Definitive host
(Epi, Para, Trop) |
Found in all parasitic life cycles. The
definitive host is the host in which the sexual stages of the parasite
mature. If there are no sexual stages in the life cycle, then the
definitive host is the host in the life cycle considered most important
to humans.
|
|
Degree days
(Ento) |
Insect development depends on temperature.
Below a certain temperature threshold there is no development. Also
there is a maximum temperature above which development stops. For a
certain day, the number of degree days can be calculated using the
threshold and the maximum temperature. If the average temperature of
that day is one degree higher than the threshold this will count for one
degree day (two degrees above the thresholds is two degree days, etc.)
Calculating degree days over a period of time can be used to predict
when the development of the insect will be completed.
|
|
Dehydration
(Vet, Zoo) |
Reduction of water in body tissues and blood;
can be fatal. Dehydration can be due to insufficient water intake, a
too-arid an environment, or as a result of thermal burns.
|
|
Delayed health effect
(PEH) |
A disease or an injury that happens as a
result of exposures that might have occurred in the past.
|
|
Delayed implantation
(Zoo) |
Usually, the fertilized egg implants in the
wall of the female's uterus shortly after mating and fertilization.
However, in delayed implantation, the fertilized egg does not implant in
the female's uterus until much later, thus implantation is delayed. Once
implantation occurs the fertilized egg quickly becomes a developing
embryo. This process is found in family Mustelidae (weasel family) and
family Ursidae (bear family).
|
|
Delayed toxicity
(Vet) |
The effects of a toxic substance may become
evident some time after exposure which may delay treatment.
|
|
Delirium (PrD) |
A sudden state of severe confusion and rapid
changes in brain function, sometimes associated with hallucinations and
hyperactivity, in which the patient is inaccessible to normal contact.
Symptoms may include inability to concentrate and disorganized thinking
evidenced by rambling, irrelevant, or incoherent speech. There may be a
reduced level of consciousness, sensory misperceptions and illusions,
disturbances of sleep, drowsiness, disorientation to time, place, or
person, and problems with memory.
|
|
Delirium
(Trop, Vet) |
A state characterized by rambling, incoherent
speech, hallucination, disorientation, loss of memory, and anxiety. It
can be brought about by fever, shock, poisoning or other causes.
|
|
Dementia
(PrD) |
Dementia is the general term for a progressive brain
disorder that gradually destroys memory and the ability to learn,
reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities; the
development of dementia in CJD patients is very pronounced over a short
period of time (days or weeks) unlike dementia associated with
Alzheimer’s Disease.
|
|
Demography
(Stat) |
Statistical interpretation and description of
a population with reference to distribution, composition, or structure.
|
|
Dengue
(Trop) |
A virus disease of man marked by severe pains
in head, eyes, muscles, and joints and transmitted by certain
mosquitoes.
|
|
Dengue fever
(Trop) |
A flavivirus, dengue virus types 1-4,
transmitted by infected specific Aedes spp. mosquitoes. Sudden
abrupt onset of high fever, headache, retrobulbar pain and lumbosacral
pain. Fever lasts 6-7 days and may be 'saddleback'. Initial symptoms
followed by generalized myalgia, bone pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting
and weakness. A transient mottled rash may appear on 1st/2nd day and a
second rash appears with resolution of fever - at first on trunk,
spreading outward. WCC and platelet count depressed. Mild hemorrhagic
phenomena shortly thereafter.
|
|
Dengue hemorrhagic fever
(Trop) |
Usually a second infection with a different
serotype of the dengue virus. A primary infection at a young age is
common finding. Age of patient with DHF is often less than 5 years, but
young adults may be affected. Severe illness with abnormal vascular
permeability, hypovolemia and abnormal clotting mechanisms. Bleeding
into skin or internally. Dengue shock syndrome may also be a
complication.
|
|
Denied claim
(OH) |
An injury case in which the insurance
company believes an injury or illness is not covered by workers’
compensation.
|
|
Denitrification
(Eco) |
The conversion of nitrite and nitrate
nitrogen (after nitrification) to inert nitrogen gas. This treatment
process requires that little or no oxygen be present in the system and
that an organic food source be provided to foster growth of another type
of bacteria. The organic food source can be either recycled waste
activated sludge or methanol. The resultant nitrogen gas is released to
the atmosphere.
|
|
Density
(Vet) |
This is a term used to describe populations.
It refers to the number of animals per unit area, such as the number of
mice per acre or hectare. |
|
Density gradient
(Para) |
Refers to the varying sequence of densities
of materials suspended in a liquid column with the densest material at
the bottom and the least dense material at the top. A phenomenon that
results from gravity sedimentation.
|
|
Density, density scale
(Stat) |
The vertical axis of a histogram has units of
percent per unit of the horizontal axis. This is called a density scale;
it measures how dense the observations are in each bin. See also
probability density.
|
|
Density-dependent
(Epi) |
1) Effects whose intensity changes with
increasing population density. 2) Effects whose intensity increases
with increasing population density, for example a mortality which
becomes very high near a carrying capacity. Effects which become less
pronounced at higher population sizes (perhaps the reduction in
fecundity caused by the difficulty of mating) are sometimes called
inverse density dependent. Density dependent effects are often a cause
of nonlinearity in a model. |
|
Density-dependent factor
(Epi) |
A factor that causes a level of mortality
that varies with the number of individuals in the population.
|
|
Density-independent
(Epi) |
The mortality or the survival varies
independently of population density.
|
|
Density-independent factor
(Epi) |
A factor that causes a level of mortality
that is unrelated to population density.
|
|
Dental health surveys
(Stat) |
A systematic collection of factual data
pertaining to dental or oral health and disease in a human population
within a given geographic area. |
|
Dentate
(Ento, Zoo) |
Toothed, possessing teeth or teeth like
structures.
|
|
Denticulate
(Ento, Zoo) |
Bearing very small tooth-like projections.
|
|
Dentition
(Zoo) |
1) The kind, number, and arrangement of the
teeth of man and animals. 2) The development and cutting or eruption of
teeth.
|
|
Department of Labor (DOL)
(OH) |
A U.S. cabinet-level department responsible
for agencies that oversee safety and health, including the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA).
|
|
Dependent events, dependent random variables
(Stat) |
Two events or random variables are dependent
if they are not independent.
|
|
Dependent variable
(Stat) |
In regression, the variable whose values are
supposed to be explained by changes in the other variable (the the
independent or explanatory variable).
|
|
Deposit
(Eco) |
Quantity of a pesticide formulation deposited
on a unit area of plant, plant part or other surface at a given
application. It may refer to the deposit of the total spray preparation,
or it may refer only to the amount of chemical left after the water
evaporates.
|
|
Deposition
(OH) |
A formal session in which an attorney asks
questions of a party under oath; may be used as evidence at a trial.
|
|
Dermal
(PEH, Vet, Zoo) |
Referring to the skin. For example, dermal
absorption means passing through the skin.
|
|
Dermal contact
(PEH) |
Contact with the skin.
|
|
Dermal toxicity
(Vet) |
Toxicity of a chemical substance as a result
of contact with the skin.
|
|
Dermaptera
(Ento) |
Insect order, made up of the earwigs. They
are characterized by short, hardened wing covers, chewing mouthparts,
pincerlike abdominal cerci, and an incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
Dermatitis
(Vet) |
An inflammation of the skin.
|
|
Dermatophyte
(Trop) |
Mold fungi belonging to the genera
Microsporum, Trichophyton or Epidermophyton. Cause tinea or
ringworm.
|
|
Dermo
(Eco) |
Oyster disease caused by the protozoan
parasite, Perkinsus marinus.
|
|
DERP
(HS) |
Disposable Eye/Respiratory Protector.
|
|
Descenting
(Vet) |
The removal of the anal sacs of a carnivore
to prevent the animal from releasing the very strong-smelling secretion.
|
|
Descriptive epidemiology
(PEH) |
The study of the amount and distribution of a
disease in a specified population by person, place, and time.
|
|
Deserts
(Eco) |
Arid, low precipitation areas with sparse
vegetation and limited fauna.
|
|
Desiccation
(Eco) |
Any process of moisture removal.
|
|
Designated officials
(HS) |
Federal personnel designated by their
department or agency to either represent their organisation or to serve
in a supporting role within the National Support Structure.
|
|
Designated use
(Eco) |
An element of a water quality standard,
expressed as a narrative statement, describing an appropriate intended
human and/or aquatic life objective for a water body. Designated uses
for a water body may include: recreation, shellfishing, water supply
and/or aquatic life habitat.
|
|
Detection limit
(PEH) |
The smallest amount of substance that a
laboratory test can reliably measure in a sample of air, water, soil or
other medium.
|
|
Detergents
(Eco) |
Wetting agents. Substances that increase the
spreading of spray liquids and enable wettable powders to disperse
readily in water.
|
|
Deterministic model
(Epi) |
A mathematical model in which the parameters
and variables are not subject to random fluctuations, so that the system
is at any time entirely defined by the initial conditions chosen.
Contrast with a stochastic model.
|
|
Detoxify
(Vet) |
To make an active ingredient in a pesticide
or other poisonous chemical harmless and incapable of being toxic to
plants and animals.
|
|
Detritus (Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Accumulated organic debris from dead
organisms, often an important source of nutrients in a food web.
|
|
Detrivore
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Any organism which obtains most of its
nutrients from the detritus in an ecosystem.
|
|
Deutocerebrum
(Ento) |
The middle section of the brain, which
innervates the antennae.
|
|
Deutonymph
(Ento) |
The third instar of a mite.
|
|
Deviation
(Stat) |
A deviation is the difference between a datum
and some reference value, typically the mean of the data. In computing
the SD, one finds the rms of the deviations from the mean, the
differences between the individual data and the mean of the data.
|
|
Dewlap
(Zoo) |
The flap or fold of skin on lizards along the
throat from chin to chest; some may be flared outward during territorial
and aggression displays.
|
|
Dextrose
(Vet) |
A commonly used name for glucose (sugar)
solutions given intravenously to treat fluid or nutrient loss.
|
|
Diabetes mellitus
(Vet) |
A metabolic disease caused by failure of the
pancreas to produce insulin, a hormone that allows blood sugar (glucose)
to be taken up by cells that require it for function.
|
|
Diagnostic tests
(Vet) |
Procedures run to find the cause of disease
or discomfort; tests used to make a diagnosis.
|
|
Dialysis
(Vet) |
A process which involves removing waste
products from the body.
|
|
Diapause
(Ento) |
A period of dormancy during which the
development of the insect is arrested. In the life cycle of many
insects, this period of suspended growth and reduced metabolism will
make them more resistant to unfavorable environmental conditions such as
low temperatures.
|
|
Diaphragm
(Vet) |
A horizontal membranous partition of the body
cavity.
|
|
Diarrhea
(Para, Trop, Vet) |
1) Usually defined as the passage of three or
more liquid motions within 24 hours. However, for exclusively breast-fed
infants this may not be satisfactory and the definition is usually based
upon what the mother considers to be diarrhea. 2) Frequent, loose, and
watery bowel movements. 3) A condition in which the movement of food
through the digestive system is faster than normal
|
|
Diarrheal episode
(Trop) |
Conventionally defined as beginning with the
first 24-hour period that meets the definition of diarrhea and ending
with the last diarrheal day that is followed by at least two consecutive
days that do not meet the definition of diarrhea.
|
|
Diatom
(Eco) |
The common name for the Bacillariophyceae, a
class of unicellular microscopic algae with a symmetrical siliceous
exoskeleton. Diatoms are considered a good food source for zooplankton.
|
|
Dichotomous key
(Ento, Zoo) |
A device for identifying organisms based on
the answers to a series of questions, with each question involving
alternate choices.
|
|
Dick test
(Trop) |
Skin test used to determine the immune status
to scarlet fever.
|
|
Dicot
(Eco) |
A flowering plant that produces two seed
leaves or cotyledons when it germinates. This includes most herbaceous
plants, trees, and shrubs.
|
|
Dicotyledon
(Eco) |
Plant having two cotyledons in each seed,
e.g. beans. Dicotyledons include flowering plants which are not
monocotyledons, the majority of annual weeds and many perennial weeds.
See dicot.
|
|
Dictionary
(Epi) |
A device for starting futile arguments over
definitions.
|
|
Dictyoptera
(Ento) |
Insect order containing the cockroaches and
mantids.
|
|
Die-back
(Ento) |
Necrotic symptom of disease in which death of
shoot tissues begins at the tip and progresses backwards to the main
stem.
|
|
Diecious
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
The sexes are distinctly separate. Male
reproductive organs are present in one individual, the female organs in
another.
|
|
Dientamoeba fragilis
(Trop) |
An intestinal flagellate protozoan of humans.
May be associated with a mild diarrhea.
|
|
Diestrus
(Vet) |
The stage of the estrus cycle which occurs
after the animal goes out of heat.
|
|
Diet surveys
(Stat) |
Systematic collections of factual data
pertaining to the diet of a human population within a given geographic
area.
|
|
Dietary indiscretion
(Vet) |
Eating what one should not. Dogs with dietary
indiscretion eat garbage, dead fish on shore, etc.
|
|
Difference equation
(Epi) |
The mathematical formulation corresponding to
a discrete time model. |
|
Differential equation
(Epi) |
The mathematical formulation corresponding to
a continuous model; an equation involving derivatives.
|
|
Differentiation (Ento, Trop) |
1) The process of natural change in a cell
from simple to complex and performing a particular function. 2) Increase
in visible distinctive morphology.
|
|
Digenetic
(Para) |
Three or more generations (literally "two",
adult and larval) required for completion of one life cycle (or
generation), as in digenetic trematodes. In parasitology, application of
this term is virtually limited to those trematodes requiring one or more
intermediate hosts.
|
|
Digestibility
(Vet) |
Expressed as a percent, is a measure of the
content of food that is retained in the body after food is eaten. The
difference between the weight of food eaten and the weight of stool
produced, divided by the weight of the food.
|
|
Digestion
(Vet) |
Process whereby food or nutrients are broken
down (by physical or chemical means) into simpler forms which can be
absorbed by body tissues.
|
|
Digestive system
(Vet) |
The organ system including the mouth, teeth,
tongue, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and various glands that
functions to ingest, digest, and absorb nutrients.
|
|
Digitalis glycosides
(Vet) |
Class of drugs including digitoxin and
digoxin, which are drugs derived from the Digitalis purpurea plant, and
used in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
|
|
Dilate
(Vet) |
To make an anatomical opening wider. When it
has opened it is dilated after going through the process of dilation or
dilatation.
|
|
Dilated cardiomyopathy
(Vet) |
A heart condition in which the heart
enlarges, but the heart muscle becomes thinner.
|
|
Dilated pupil
(Vet) |
A pupil of the eye that is open wider than
would be typical for the light conditions. Dilation of the eyes can be a
sign of certain forms of intoxication and often is described by a
patient as a fear of bright light (photophobia).
|
|
Diluent
(Eco) |
Any liquid or solid material serving to
dilute or carry an active ingredient. Diluents may aid in mechanical
application of a formulated pesticide, but do not directly influence
their toxicity (e.g. water in sprays, oils in sprays, finely-ground
inert materials in dust).
|
|
Dimorphic
(Vet) |
Occurring in two distinct forms.
|
|
Dimorphism
(Ento, Zoo) |
A difference in size, form, or color, between
individuals of the same species, characterizing two distinct types.
|
|
Dinoflagellates
(Eco, Trop) |
Tiny organisms related to coral reefs that
are responsible for a number of toxins including saxitoxin (paralytic
shellfish poisoning) and ciguatoxin (tropical fish poisoning), and also
causing red tides or "reef spawn" in tropical waters.
|
|
Dioecious
(Epi) |
Having separate sexes. Opposite of
monoecious.
|
|
Dip net
(Ento) |
A special type of net used to collect aquatic
insects from various types of aquatic habitats. These nets are usually
characterized by their D-shaped wire hoop and durable canvas-sided net
bag.
|
|
Dip treatment
(Ento) |
The application of a liquid pesticide to a
plant by momentarily immersing it, wholly or partially, under the
surface of the liquid to coat the plant with the chemical.
|
|
Diphtheria
(Trop) |
Disease caused by the exotoxin released by
toxigenic strains of Corynebaterium diphtheriae. May present as
cutaneous diphtheria, nasal diphtheria, or the more severe pharyngeal or
laryngeal diphtheria. |
|
Diphtheroids
(Trop) |
Non-pathogenic members of the bacterial genus
Corynebacterium. Comprise part of the normal flora of humans and may be
occasional opportunistic pathogens.
|
|
Diphyllobothrium latum
(Trop) |
The broad or fish tapeworm of humans and
other fish-eating mammals. Infection acquired by eating fish containing
the infective plerocercoid (sparganum) larva. May be associated in
humans with a megaloblastic (macrocytic) anemia due to competition for
Vitamin B12. Also called Dibothriocephalus latum.
|
|
Diploid
(Ento, Zoo) |
Cell containing a double set of chromosomes
which are arranged in homologous pairs within the nucleus. Most cells in
the body are diploids except gametes which have a single set of unpaired
chromosomes.
|
|
Diplopoda
(Ento) |
A class of arthropods. See Millipedes.
|
|
Diptera
(Ento) |
Insect order containing flies (gnats,
mosquitoes, true flies). They are characterized by a single pair of
membranous wings, a pair of halters (instead of the hind wings), sucking
mouthparts, and a complete metamorphosis.
|
|
Dipterist
(Ento) |
A person who studies the life cycles,
behavior, ecology, or diversity of flies as their work or hobby.
|
|
Dipylidium caninum
(Trop) |
The dog or double-pored tapeworm.
Cosmopolitan in dogs. Occasionally infects humans by accidental
ingestion of the intermediate host, the dog flea.
|
|
Direct development
(Zoo) |
The disappearance in some amphibians of a
larval stage. Eggs hatch directly into individuals with adult
morphology.
|
|
Direct fluorescent antibody test
(Trop) |
A test most frequently used to diagnose
rabies in animals.
|
|
Direct life cycle
(Epi) |
A life cycle in which a parasite is
transmitted directly from one host to the next without an intermediate
host or vector of another species.
|
|
Direct parasite life cycle
(Para) |
A life cycle of a parasite in which the
pre-parasitic larvae develop in the environment as free-living stages in
which the eggs will either hatch and the pre-parasitic larvae are
entirely free-living and the infective stage is usually an L3 and
infection occurs via ingestion of infective stage or skin penetration or
the eggs do not hatch and pre-parasitic larvae develop inside their eggs
and infective stage is usually the egg containing the infective larva
and infection of the definitive host occurs via ingestion of the
infective stage.
|
|
Direct pest
(Ento) |
A pest insect that attacks a part of a plant
that is harvested, as contrasted to an indirect pest.
|
|
DIRLAUTH
(HS) |
Direct Liaison Authorized - is that authority
granted by a commander to a subordinate to directly consult or
coordinate an action with a command or agency within or outside of the
granting command.
|
|
DIRMOBFOR (DOD)
(HS) |
Director of mobility forces.
|
|
Disability
(OH) |
See Permanent Disability (PD).
|
|
Disaster
(OH) |
A catastrophic event that overwhelms the
capabilities of an organization. |
|
Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII)
(OH) |
Oversees training and education for
professionals in the area of business continuity, including testing
criteria and national tests.
|
|
Discal
(Ento) |
The central portion of a wing from the costa
to the inner margin.
|
|
Discal cell
(Ento) |
Name given to a prominent and often quite
large cell near the middle of the wing. The discal cell of one insect
group may not be bounded by the same veins as that of another group.
|
|
Dischargers
(Eco) |
The sources that emit, give off, or dispose
of a gas or liquid.
|
|
Discrete time model
(Epi) |
A model in which the system jumps from one
state to the next at fixed intervals or timesteps. These difference
models are simple to understand but often difficult to analyze; Contrast
continuous time models. The parameters in such a model refer to the
amount of change over the finite timestep; they are sometimes referred
to as finite rates. A differential equation is what you eventually get
from a difference equation when you let the timestep get smaller and
smaller and smaller. |
|
Discrete variable
(Stat) |
A quantitative variable whose set of possible
values is countable. Typical examples of discrete variables are
variables whose possible values are a subset of the integers, such as
Social Security numbers, the number of people in a family, ages rounded
to the nearest year, etc. Discrete variables are "chunky." A
discrete random variable is one whose set of possible values is
countable. A random variable is discrete if and only if its cumulative
probability distribution function is a stair-step function; i.e.,
if it is piecewise constant and only increases by jumps. |
|
Discriminant analysis
(Stat) |
A statistical analytic technique used with
discrete dependent variables, concerned with separating sets of observed
values and allocating new values. It is sometimes used instead of
regression analysis. |
|
Disease
(Ento, Epi, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
The condition of the living plant or animal
body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning. A disease
is characterized by pathological responses called symptoms.
|
|
Disease incidence
(Ento, Epi, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
The frequency of diseased or damaged
individuals or their parts. Usually it is the portion of units diseased.
|
|
Disease intensity
(Ento, Epi, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
The total amount of disease present.
|
|
Disease notification
(Stat) |
Notification or reporting by a physician or
other health care provider of the occurrence of specified contagious
diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV infections to designated public
health agencies. The United States system of reporting notifiable
diseases evolved from the Quarantine Act of 1878, which authorized the
US Public Health Service to collect morbidity data on cholera, smallpox,
and yellow fever; each state in the U.S. (as well as the USAF) has its
own list of notifiable diseases and depends largely on reporting by the
individual health care provider.
|
|
Disease outbreaks
(Stat) |
Sudden increase in the incidence of a
disease. The concept includes epidemics.
|
|
Disease prevention
(PEH) |
Measures used to prevent a disease or reduce
its severity.
|
|
Disease registry
(PEH) |
A system of ongoing registration of all cases
of a particular disease or health condition in a defined population.
|
|
Disease transmission
(Stat) |
The transmission of infectious disease or
pathogens. When transmission is within the same species, the mode can be
horizontal or vertical. |
|
Disease transmission, horizontal
(Stat) |
The transmission of infectious disease or
pathogens from one individual to another in the same generation.
|
|
Disease transmission, patient-to-professional
(Stat) |
The transmission of infectious disease or
pathogens from patients to health professionals or health care workers.
It includes transmission via direct or indirect exposure to bacterial,
fungal, parasitic, or viral agents. |
|
Disease transmission, professional-to-patient
(Stat) |
The transmission of infectious disease or
pathogens from health professional or health care worker to patients. It
includes transmission via direct or indirect exposure to bacterial,
fungal, parasitic, or viral agents.
|
|
Disease transmission, vertical
(Stat) |
The transmission of infectious disease or
pathogens from one generation to another. It includes transmission in
utero or intrapartum by exposure to blood and secretions, and postpartum
exposure via breastfeeding.
|
|
Disease vectors
(Stat) |
Invertebrates or non-human vertebrates which
transmit infective organisms from one host to another.
|
|
Disease-free survival
(Stat) |
Period after successful treatment in which
there is no appearance of the symptoms or effects of the disease.
|
|
Disinfect
(Ento) |
To free from infection. For example by the
destruction of a pest established in or on plants or plant parts.
|
|
Disinfection
(Trop, Vet) |
1) Killing of infectious agents outside the
body by chemical or physical means directly applied. 2) Concurrent
disinfection is the application of disinfective measures as soon as
possible after the discharge of infectious material from the body of an
infected person, or after the soiling of articles with such infectious
discharges. All personal contact with such discharges or articles being
prevented prior to such disinfection. 3) Terminal disinfection is
application of disinfective measures after the patient has been removed
by death or to a hospital, or has ceased to be a source of infection, or
after isolation practices have been discontinued. Terminal disinfection
is rarely practiced; terminal cleaning generally suffices along with
airing and sunning of rooms, furniture and bedding. It is necessary only
for diseases spread by indirect contact; steam sterilization of bedding
was considered desirable after smallpox (now eradicated).
|
|
Disjoint or mutually exclusive events
(Stat) |
Two events are disjoint or mutually exclusive
if the occurrence of one is incompatible with the occurrence of the
other; that is, if they can't both happen at once (if they have no
outcome in common). Equivalently, two events are disjoint if their
intersection is the empty set.
|
|
Dispersal (or Disperse)(Eco) |
The movement of organisms or their spores or
gametes throughout the ecological niche of that particular organism.
Dispersal may be out of a population (emigration) or into a population
(immigration).
|
|
Dispersion
(Eco) |
See dispersal.
|
|
Disruptive coloration
(Ento, Zoo) |
A special type of camouflage that uses
irregular patterns to break up (disrupt) the outline of an animal's body
making it difficult to see.
|
|
Disseminated
(Trop) |
Spread of the disease throughout the body,
usually through the blood.
|
|
Dissemination
(Ento) |
The transport of inoculum or pest from a
diseased to a healthy plant.
|
|
Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN)
(Eco) |
An important nutrient for the growth of
plants. DIN is nitrogen that is readily usable by plants.
|
|
Dissolved oxygen
(Eco) |
Microscopic bubbles of oxygen that are mixed
in the water and occur between water molecules. Dissolved oxygen is
necessary for healthy lakes, rivers, and estuaries. Most aquatic plants
and animals need oxygen to survive. Fish will drown in water when the
dissolved oxygen levels get too low. The absence of dissolved oxygen in
water is a sign of possible pollution.
|
|
Distad
(Vet) |
In a direction away from the body.
|
|
Distal
(Trop) |
Description of part of the body that is
farthest from the heart.
|
|
Distal
(Vet) |
Referring to the part of an appendage that is
farthest from the body.
|
|
Distemper
(Vet) |
Canine distemper is a viral disease that
causes a severe and often fatal systemic illness in dogs and their close
relatives. Distemper is also fatal in animals such as raccoons, and
mustelids including skunks, mink, and ferrets.
|
|
Distribution
(Eco) |
Where organisms live in an area; the
geographical area (i.e., range) within which a species or other group of
organisms occurs.
|
|
Distribution (or probability distribution)
(Stat) |
1) A mathematical function characterized by
constants, called parameters, that relate the values that a variable can
assume to the probability that a particular value will occur. 2) The
distribution of a set of numerical data is how their values are
distributed over the real numbers. It is completely characterized by the
empirical distribution function. Similarly, the probability distribution
of a random variable is completely characterized by its probability
distribution function. Sometimes the word "distribution" is used as a
synonym for the empirical distribution function or the probability
distribution function.
|
|
Distribution
(Vet) |
The geographical area inhabited by a species.
|
|
Distribution function, empirical
(Stat) |
The empirical (cumulative) distribution
function of a set of numerical data is, for each real value of x,
the fraction of observations that are less than or equal to x. A
plot of the empirical distribution function is an uneven set of stairs.
The width of the stairs is the spacing between adjacent data; the height
of the stairs depends on how many data have exactly the same value. The
distribution function is zero for small enough (negative) values of x,
and is unity for large enough values of x. It increases
monotonically: if y > x, the empirical distribution function
evaluated at y is at least as large as the empirical distribution
function evaluated at x.
|
|
Diuresis
(Vet) |
Increase in urine production.
|
|
Diuretic
(Vet) |
Agent which increases the secretion of urine,
ridding the body of excess fluid. |
|
Diurnal
(Eco, Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
Active during the day. Opposite of
nocturnal.
|
|
Diversity
(Eco) |
An ecological measure of the variety of
organisms present in a habitat.
|
|
Diverticulum
(Para) |
A sac-like structure extending out from a
tubular organ such as a blood vessel or intestine.
|
|
DMAT
(HS) |
Disaster Medical Assistance Team. A group of
medical and support personnel designed to provide emergency medical care
during a disaster or other unusual even. DMATs deploy to disaster sites
with adequate supplies and equipment to support themselves for a period
of 72 hours while providing medical care at a fixed or temporary medical
site.
|
|
DNA
(Vet) |
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the chemical compound
that occurs in cells and is the basic structure for genes.
|
|
DOL
(OH) |
See Department of Labor.
|
|
Domestic animal
(Vet) |
An animal that has been housed and fed by man
for generations and has little fear of man as a result. Some domestic
animals learn to depend on human provision so completely that they have
little ability to survive if returned to a natural habitat.
|
|
Donovan bodies
(Trop) |
Diagnostic stages of granuloma inguinale
(Donovanosis).
|
|
Donovanosis
(Trop) |
Also known as granuloma inguinale. A tropical
sexually transmitted disease caused by Calymmatobacterium
granulomatis.
|
|
Doodlebug
(Ento) |
A common name for the larvae of antlions or
tiger beetles, which dig pits in the sand for capturing ants and other
insects.
|
|
Dormancy
(Vet) |
A condition of quiescence or inactivity.
|
|
Dorsal
(Ento, Zoo) |
Anatomy of or on the back: relating to or
situated on the back of the body.
|
|
Dorsal diaphragm
(Vet) |
A muscular sheet underlying the heart which
assists in the flow of blood.
|
|
Dorsal longitudinal muscles
(Ento) |
Muscles running longitudinally, dorsally in
insect segments, in the thorax powering the downstroke of the wings of
most insects.
|
|
Dorsal nectary organ
(Ento) |
In the larvae of many species of Lycaenidae
(blue butterflies) a gland located in the dorsal region of the 7th
abdominal segment, it secretes a sweet substance which is attractive to
ants.
|
|
Dorsal ocellus
(Ento) |
The simple eye in adult insects and in nymphs
and naiads.
|
|
Dorsal shield
(Ento) |
The scutum or sclerotized plate covering all
or most of the dorsal surface in males and the anterior portion in
females, nymphs, and larvae of hard-backed ticks.
|
|
Dorso-central bristles
(Ento) |
Two rows of setae running along either outer
side of the acrostichal bristles on the thorax of diptera.
|
|
Dorsolateral (Ento, Zoo) |
Pertaining to the side and the back.
|
|
Dorsolateral fold
(Zoo) |
Enlarged, glandular ridges running from
behind the eye along the dorsolateral margin in some frogs; particularly
evident in some Ranids.
|
|
Dorsoventral
(Ento, Zoo) |
Relating to the dorsal and lateral sides of
the body.
|
|
Dorsoventral muscles
(Ento) |
Muscles inserting on the dorsum of the thorax
and originating ventrally, powering the upstroke of the wings of most
insects.
|
|
Dorsoventrally
(Ento) |
Reference to an insect's body in the top to
bottom aspect, as in dorsoventrally flattened.
|
|
Dorsum (Vet) |
Upper surface of an animal-the back.
|
|
Dosage, dose
(Vet) |
The quantity of pesticide applied per
individual (plant or animal), or per unit area, or per unit volume, or
per unit weight.
|
|
Dosage-mortality curve
(Ento) |
The curve resulting from plotting percentage
mortality of test insects over a period of time against dosage of
insecticide.
|
|
Dose (for chemicals that are not radioactive)
(PEH) |
The amount of a substance to which a person
is exposed over some time period. Dose is a measurement of exposure.
Dose is often expressed as milligram (amount) per kilogram (a measure of
body weight) per day (a measure of time) when people eat or drink
contaminated water, food, or soil. In general, the greater the dose, the
greater the likelihood of an effect. An exposure dose is how much of a
substance is encountered in the environment. An absorbed dose is the
amount of a substance that actually got into the body through the eyes,
skin, stomach, intestines, or lungs.
|
|
Dose (for radioactive chemicals)
(PEH) |
The radiation dose is the amount of energy
from radiation that is actually absorbed by the body. This is not the
same as measurements of the amount of radiation in the environment.
|
|
Dose
(PEH) |
The amount of substance to which a person is
exposed.
|
|
Dose assessment
(HS) |
The process of quantifying the biological
effects of exposure to radiation, taking into account factors such as
the type of radiation, the parts of the body which are exposed, the
duration of exposure, and shielding. |
|
Dose limits
(HS) |
Limits to exposure to radiation set by
regulation. Dose limits are intended to protect workers and the public
from over-exposure to radiation. Separate public and occupational dose
limits are established. Also called exposure limits.
|
|
Dose, absorbed
(HS) |
The energy imparted by ionizing radiation to
a unit mass of any material, living or non-living. Expressed in Grays
(Gy). 1Gy = 1 joule per kilogram. |
|
Dose, effective
(HS) |
The absorbed dose multiplied by factors
accounting for the specific sensitivities of different parts of the body
to various types of radiation. Expressed in Sieverts (Sv). Also referred
to as whole body dose. |
|
Dose, whole body
(HS) |
Synonym for effective dose (qv).
|
|
Dose-response relationship
(PEH) |
The relationship between the amount of
exposure [dose] to a substance and the resulting changes in body
function or health (response). |
|
Dosimeter
(HS) |
An instrument used to measure the absorbed
dose from external exposure to radiation.
|
|
Double-blind experiment
(Stat) |
In a double-blind experiment, neither the
subjects nor the people evaluating the subjects know who is in the
treatment group and who is in the control group. This mitigates the
placebo effect and guards against conscious and unconscious prejudice
for or against the treatment on the part of the evaluators.
|
|
Double-blind method
(Stat) |
A method of studying a drug or procedure in
which both the subjects and investigators are kept unaware of who is
actually getting which specific treatment.
|
|
Doubling time
(Stat) |
The time needed for a population to double in
size (number of individuals).
|
|
Doxycycline
(Trop) |
An antibiotic of the tetracycline class also
used to suppress malarial parasites and has variable effects against the
liver stages of Plasmodium falciparum.
|
|
DPE
(HS) |
Demilitarization Protective Ensemble.
|
|
DPIE
(HS) |
Decontamination Packet, Individual Equipment.
the decontamination gear issued to the soldier for self-decontamination.
|
|
Dracunculus medinensis
(Trop) |
The guineaworm of parts of Africa, the Middle
East and Asia. A nematode worm causing painful subcutaneous lesions.
|
|
Dragonfly
(Ento) |
Any of various insects of the suborder
Anisoptera (order Odonata). Dragonflies are large insects with a long
slender body and two pairs of narrow, net-veined wings. Usually the
wings are held outstretched while resting. They feed as predators on
small flying insects. Sometimes they are referred to as mosquito hawk or
snake doctor.
|
|
Drift
(Ento) |
Movement by the wind of pesticide droplets or
dust beyond the intended area of application.
|
|
Drift spraying
(Ento) |
Method of applying pesticide aerosol sprays
for the control of flying insects.
|
|
DRII
(OH) |
See Disaster Recovery Institute
International.
|
|
Drone
(Ento) |
A male bee.
|
|
Drop net
(Trop) |
A large net on a rigid frame, which is
dropped over vegetation to collect specimens of outdoor-resting
mosquitoes.
|
|
Droplet
(Eco) |
A particle of moisture in air small enough to
settle relatively slowly, but without necessarily being suspended
indefinitely.
|
|
Dry deposition
(Eco) |
Atmospheric deposition that occurs when
particles settle to a surface, collide with and attach to a surface
(adsorption) or are absorbed. |
|
Dry eye
(Vet) |
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is the
technical term for a condition also known as dry eye. It occurs because
of inadequate tear production. Symptoms include a thick, yellowish
discharge from the eye. |
|
DS2
(HS) |
Decontaminating Solution 2. A solution in
water of a number of relatively cheap, but reactive chemicals that can
be used to inactivate chemical weapons on contaminated objects, such as
vehicles. |
|
DTIRP
(HS) |
Defense Treaty Inspection Readiness Program.
|
|
Dual-use
(HS) |
Something that can be used for peaceful
purposes and for weapons use. For example, precision machining
equipments that can be used to manufacture weapons, chemical reactor
vessels that can be used to make pharmaceuticals and chemical weapons
and fermentors that can be used in the preparation vaccines and
biological weapons.
|
|
Duff layer
(Zoo) |
Organic matter in various stages of
decomposition on the floor of the forest.
|
|
Dufour's gland
(Ento) |
An exocrine gland on the ventral, posterior
part of the abdomen of female Hymenoptera, the source of pheromones
serving diverse functions.
|
|
Dulosis
(Ento) |
The act of slave making in ants, a species
which makes a slave of another is often referred to as Dulotic.
|
|
Dung
(Vet) |
Animal excrement.
|
|
Duodenum
(Vet) |
The first portion of the small intestine
extending from the stomach to the jejunum; most chemical digestion and
absorption of nutrients occurs here.
|
|
Durable resistance
(Ento) |
Long lasting resistance of a plant against a
pest that is rarely overcome by the pest.
|
|
Duration of immunity
(Vet) |
Length of time an animal is protected from a
disease. Vaccines for some diseases provide long durations of immunity
(years), while vaccines for some other diseases only provide immunity
that lasts for 6 months.
|
|
Dust
(Ento) |
A pesticide which is formulated to be used as
a dry powder.
|
|
Dust
(OH) |
Particles produced when organic or inorganic
materials are crushed, abraded or ground; protected against in the
workplace by dust masks and respirators.
|
|
Dustable powder
(Ento) |
Free-flowing powder pesticide formulation
suitable for dusting.
|
|
Duster
(Ento) |
Equipment for applying pesticides that are
formulated as a dust.
|
|
Dwarf tapeworm
(Trop) |
Hymenolepis nana,
a small cestode of rodents and humans.
|
|
Dynamics
(Vet) |
In population ecology the study of the
reasons for changes in population size. For example, pest dynamics is
the study of changes in pest population size.
|
|
Dysecdysis
(Vet, Zoo) |
Abnormal shedding of the skin in reptiles.
|
|
Dysentery
(Para, Trop) |
Bloody diarrhea. The classical manifestations
are fever, crampy abdominal pain, tenesmus with mucous bloody stool. All
of the enteropathogens that have the facility to invade or destroy the
intestinal mucosa, especially the colonic mucosa, will have clinical
presentation of dysentery. The common organisms are Shigella
spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia
enterocolitica, Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (E.I.E.C.),Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia Coli (E.H.E.C.) Entamoeba histolytica.
|
|
Dysesthesia
(PrD) |
Painful sensory symptoms, distortion/impairment of any
sense (especially the sense of touch), a condition in which an
unpleasant sensation is produced by ordinary stimuli.
|
|
Dysfunction
(Vet) |
A failure to function normally, often applied
to an organ or organ system.
|
|
Dysphagia
(Vet, PrD) |
Difficulty in swallowing due to problems in
nerve or muscle control.
|
|
Dysplasia
(Trop, Vet) |
Abnormal atypical cellular proliferation, but
not yet advanced enough to be called neoplasia. Usually a forerunner to
neoplasia.
|
|
Dyspnea
(Vet) |
Shortness of breath.
|
|
Dystocia
(Vet) |
Abnormal or difficult labor or birth.
|
|
Dystonia
(PrD) |
Involuntary, sustained muscle contractions that
frequently cause twisting body motions, tremor, and abnormal posture
(these movements may involve the entire body, or only an isolated area).
|
|
Dystrophic
(Vet) |
Disorder caused by incorrect nutrition.
|
|
Dysuria
(Vet) |
Difficult or painful urination.
|
|
E |
Top |
|
E. coli O157:H7 (E. coli or Escherichia coli)
(Trop) |
Species of bacteria found in the intestines
of man and healthy cattle; often the cause of urinary tract infections,
diarrhea in infants, and wound infections.
|
|
EAP
(OH) |
See Employee Assistance Program.
|
|
EAR
(Trop) |
See expired air resuscitation.
|
|
Ear canal
(Vet) |
The tube that connects the external ear with
the ear drum.
|
|
Ear drum
(Vet) |
The membrane that divides the outer ear from
the inner ear, where the mechanism of hearing takes place. The membrane
prevents infection from reaching the inner ear, as well as vibrating to
amplify sounds. |
|
Ear mites
(Vet) |
Small parasitic insects that live in the ear
canal of an animal, and that are able to survive outside the ear for
only very short periods of time. |
|
Early Suppression, Fast Response (ESFR)
(OH) |
A system for extinguishing a hazard upon or
shortly after its inception, such as sprinklers and fire protection
systems.
|
|
Earwig
(Ento) |
Any of various insects of the order
Dermaptera. Earwigs have an elongate body with a pair of pincerlike
appendages protruding from the rear of the abdomen.
|
|
Easement
(Eco) |
A limited right to make use of a property
owned by another, for example, a right of way across the property.
|
|
Ebb tide
(Eco) |
A falling tide.
|
|
Ebola
(Trop) |
One of the severe African viral hemorrhagic
fevers.
|
|
EBV
(Epi) |
Epstein-Barr virus. A herpes virus which
causes glandular fever and some cancers.
|
|
ECC
(Trop) |
See external cardiac compression.
|
|
Ecdysis
(Ento)
|
Molting process in insects. The process of
shedding the exoskeleton.
|
|
Ecdysis (Vet) |
The act of losing or removing the dead,
keratinous, outermost layer of epidermis. In snakes, the old skin is
usually rolled off in one piece; in most other reptiles and amphibians
it may come off in pieces, and is often pulled off with the teeth and
then swallowed.
|
|
Ecdysone
(Ento) |
A molting hormone, secreted by the
prothoracic glands.
|
|
ECG
(Vet) |
A printout of an analysis of the electrical
activity in the heart.
|
|
Echinococcus
(Trop) |
Genus of cestodes which includes the hydatid
tapeworms, Echinococcus granulosus, E. multilocularis, E.
vogeli and E. oligarthrus. |
|
Echinoderm
(Aqua) |
Are a phylum of marine animals (including sea
stars). Echinoderms are found at every ocean depth.
|
|
Echinoderm
(Eco) |
A marine invertebrate animal that has a
radially symmetrical body, tube feet, and a system of calcareous plates
under the skin. Starfish, sea urchins, sea lilies, and sea cucumbers are
echinoderms.
|
|
Echocardiogram
(Vet) |
The image produced by performing an
ultrasound examination of the heart.
|
|
Echolocation
(Zoo) |
The process whereby the distance and
direction of objects is determined by the reception of the reflection of
an ultrasonic pulse.
|
|
Eclosion
(Ento) |
Hatching of the egg, or emergence of the
adult insect at the terminal molt.
|
|
Ecological area
(Trop) |
A well defined geographical area, for example
a tropical rain forest, characterized by certain assemblages of plants
and animals.
|
|
Ecological correlation
(Stat) |
The correlation between averages of groups of
individuals, instead of individuals. Ecological correlation can be
misleading about the association of individuals.
|
|
Ecological epidemiology
(Epi) |
A branch of epidemiology which views disease
as a result of the ecological interactions between populations of hosts
and parasites.
|
|
Ecological homolog
(Eco) |
One of two or more species having most niche
parameters in common. |
|
Ecologist
(Eco) |
Scientist who studies the interactions
between species of organisms and their environment (studies the
ecosystem).
|
|
Ecology
(Eco) |
The study of interrelationships between
living things and to their environment.
|
|
Economic damage
(Eco) |
The amount of crop injury which will justify
the cost of control measures. |
|
Economic injury level (EIL)
(Eco) |
1) The lowest population density that will
cause economic damage. The density of a pest population at which the
cost of pest control equals the amount of crop loss caused by the pest.
2) The level of damage to a crop that is equal in value to the cost of
suppressive measures. |
|
Economic threshold (ET)
(Eco) |
The density of a pest population at which
control measures are justified to prevent an increasing pest population
from reaching the economic injury level. The economic threshold may be
expressed in pest numbers or amount of crop damage. (Note: It is not
easy to define economic thresholds, as growth of pest populations and
resulting damage does not only depend on the size of the pest population
but also on other factors, such as crop stage, crop condition, presence
of natural enemies, weather, etc. All these factors should be considered
together when deciding if control measures are needed.)
|
|
Eco-stressors
(Eco) |
Five stressors are identified as affecting
coastal and marine ecosystems: pollution, invasive species, climate
change, extreme events, and land or resource use.
|
|
Ecosystem
(Eco) |
All the organisms in a particular region and
the environment in which they live. The elements of an ecosystem
interact with each other in some way, and so depend on each other either
directly or indirectly.
|
|
Ecotone
(Eco) |
A transition zone between two distinct
habitats that contains species from each area, as well as organisms
unique to it.
|
|
Eco-toxicology
(Vet) |
The study of toxic effects of chemical
substances in living organisms, especially on populations and
communities within defined ecosystems. Eco-toxicology includes transfer
pathways of these chemicals and their interaction with the environment.
|
|
Ectoderm
(Aqua) |
The outer tissues of an organism from which
nerve, gland and nematocyst cells will develop.
|
|
Ectoderm
(Ento) |
The outer embryological layer which gives
rise to the nervous system, integument, and several other parts of an
insect.
|
|
Ectohormone
(Ento, Zoo) |
A substance secreted by an animal to the
outside of its body causing a specific reaction, such as determination
of physiological development, in a receiving individual of the same
species.
|
|
Ectoparasite
(Ento, Para, Trop, Vet) |
A parasite that lives on the outside of its
host.
|
|
Ectoparasitoid
(Ento) |
A parasitoid that develops outside its host.
It obtains nutrition by penetration of the host's body wall.
|
|
Ectopic
(Para) |
Literally, this means displaced. In the
context of parasitology it refers to a parasite that is in an atypical
location within its host.
|
|
Ectopic
(Vet) |
Non-malignant tissue growing in an unusual
location. For example, an ectopic pregnancy is conception of a normal
embryo outside the normal location, which is the uterus.
|
|
Ectoplasm
(Para) |
The more hyaline, outer peripheral cytoplasm
of a protozoan. The portion of the cytoplasm from which cilia usually
originate. The surface of the ectoplasm apparently gives rise to the
cell membrane, the periplast. |
|
Ectotherm
(Zoo) |
Having to regulate internal body temperature
by seeking out different external heat sources. See poikilotherm.
|
|
Ectothermic
(Zoo) |
A creature that cannot regulate its own body
temperature, rather it's regulated by the environment, so they often
bask for heat, burrow, and hibernate.
|
|
Edema
(Vet) |
Swelling due to accumulation of fluid in a
tissue, organ, or body cavity. |
|
Edema
(Vet) |
A condition in which the tissues of the body
contain too much body fluid. The fluid accumulation may cause swelling
in the affected area.
|
|
Eelworms
(Ento) |
Nematodes.
|
|
Effect modifiers
(Stat) |
Factors that modify the effect of the
putative causal factor(s) under study.
|
|
Efficacy
(Epi) |
An index of the potency of a drug or disease
treatment. For an Anthelmintic, usually estimated as the proportion of
the worm burden in a host killed by a single dose or short-term course
of the treatment. Efficacy is the measure of the impact of a treatment
e.g. vaccine, under trial conditions (as opposed to effectiveness which
is its impact within the population). Thus efficacy is the percentage
reduction in infection or disease caused by a vaccine in a trial group
compared to a control group. Specifically, if Iv is the incidence in
vaccinated individuals and Iu is the incidence that would have occurred
in that group had they not been vaccinated, then vaccine efficacy for
that group is v=1-Iv/Iu. Note that this may include the effects of
protection due to herd immunity, and so is not the same as same as
immunogenicity, even if the presence of an immune reaction always
indicated individual protection.
|
|
Effluent
(Eco) |
The discharge to a body of water from a
defined source, generally consisting of a mixture of waste and water
from industrial or municipal facilities.
|
|
Effusion
(Vet) |
Blood or lymph escaping into surrounding
tissues from a blood or lymphatic vessel.
|
|
Eft
(Zoo) |
Terrestrial larval stage of some
Salamandrids.
|
|
Egg
(Para) |
The female reproductive cell or ovum before
fertilization, or the complex sex product following fertilization (if
this occurs) with the addition of yoke and other nutritive materials and
the addition of the embryonic membrane and other shell layers.
|
|
Egg capsule
(Trop) |
A membranous structure containing eggs of a
tapeworm, in the absence of uterus.
|
|
Egg pod
(Ento) |
A capsule which encloses the egg mass of
grasshoppers and which is formed through the cementing of soil particles
together by secretions of the ovipositing female.
|
|
Eggs
(Trop) |
Fertilized female reproductive cells (ova)
with nutrient material.
|
|
EIR
(Trop) |
Entomological Inoculation Rate.
|
|
Ejaculatory duct
(Ento, Zoo) |
A median duct that carries the sperm from the
internal reproductive system to the exterior.
|
|
EKG
(Vet) |
A printout of an analysis of the electrical
activity in the heart.
|
|
El Nino
(Eco) |
A complex set of changes in the water
temperature in the Eastern Pacific equatorial region, producing a warm
current; it occurs annually to some degree between October and February,
but in some years intensifies and causes unusual storms and destruction
of marine life and land ecosystems.
|
|
Elapidae
(Trop) |
Family of snakes which includes poisonous
snakes with fixed front fangs such as the cobras, the mambas and the
Australian tiger snakes. |
|
Elateriform larva
(Ento) |
A larva with the form of a wireworm; i.e.
long and slender, heavily sclerotized, with short thoracic legs, and
with few body hairs.
|
|
Elbowed antenna
(Ento) |
Antenna, particularly of ants, in which there
is a distinct angle between two of the segments - usually between the
1st and 2nd segments, in which case the 1st segment is usually much
longer than the others. |
|
Electrocardiogram
(Vet) |
A printout of an analysis of the electrical
activity in the heart.
|
|
Electrocautery
(Vet) |
An instrument with a very hot tip, heated by
electricity, is applied to a tissue. Electrocautery may be used to make
an incision, remove a mass, or to stop bleeding.
|
|
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
(PrD) |
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of the
electrical activity of your brain. Flat metal discs (electrodes) placed
on your scalp detect and record the patterns of electrical activity
generated by your brain. The EEG characteristic of CJD is often
described as slow and triphasic in nature. Periodic sharp and slow wave
complexes (PSWC) are suggestive but not specific for CJD.
|
|
Electrolyte
(Vet) |
Chemically, an element when dissolved in
water, will cause the solution to transmit electricity. In medicine,
certain elements in the blood which are critically important to life,
including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and phosphorous.
|
|
Electroretinography
(Vet) |
The recording of electrical changes in the
retina of the eye in response to stimulation by light.
|
|
Element
(HS) |
A substance that cannot be further broken
down by chemical means. Matter is composed of elements. An element is
characterized by the number of protons in its nucleus.
|
|
Elephantiasis
(Trop) |
Marked swelling and inflammation of the
lymphatics, associated with hypertrophy and thickening of the overlying
skins and subcutaneous tissues, usually in the lower limbs and external
genitalia. While not exclusive to filariasis, it is seen often in
chronic filariasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia
malayi. The affected areas often taken on a woody character and can
be extensive. See also filariasis. |
|
Elimination
(Trop) |
The process of removing something on a
temporary or semipermanent basis.
|
|
ELISA
(Epi, Trop) |
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A
technique using the antigen binding properties of antibodies to detect
specific antigens or antibodies. Visualization is typically made
possible by enzyme induced color formation. ELISA is now often used to
determine whether mosquito salivary glands are positive for sporozoites.
|
|
Elizabethan collar
(Vet) |
A large, plastic, cone-shaped collar used on
cats, dogs, and birds to prevent them from licking or biting at skin,
wound dressings, or casts. |
|
Elytra
(Ento) |
Plural of elytron.
|
|
Elytron
(Ento) |
1) The tough, horny forewing of a beetle or
an earwig (See also Hemi-elytron); 2) The hardened front wing of a
beetle. 3) A thickened, leathery or hard front wing. Present in insects
belonging to the orders Coleoptera (beetles) and Dermaptera (earwigs).
|
|
Emaciation
(Trop, Vet) |
1) The severe loss of body weight; body
weight is generally less than 50% of that in a normal animal. 2) Wasting
of body tissues. Thin. |
|
Emarginate
(Ento) |
With a distinct notch or indentation in the
margin.
|
|
Embioptera
(Ento) |
Insect order, made up of the webspinners.
They are characterized by slender bodies, wings absent or membranous,
chewing mouthparts, and an incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
Embolism
(Trop) |
A blockage of blood vessels either by blood
clot, fat or air.
|
|
Embolium
(Ento) |
A narrow region along the front margin of the
forewing in certain heteropteran bugs: separated from the rest of the
corium by a groove or suture.
|
|
Embryo
(Para) |
The stage in development following cleavage
of the egg up to, but not including, the first larval or first juvenile
stage.
|
|
Embryo
(Zoo) |
1) The stage of multicellular organism that
develops form a zygote before it becomes free-living. 2) Specifically,
in vertebrates, the period from after the long axis appears until all
major structures are represented. |
|
Embryonated egg (Larvated egg)
(Para) |
A nematode egg with a developed larva inside
it. Most nematode eggs leave the host in the morula stage and develop
in the environment to the embryonated stage. A few nematode eggs are
embryonated at the time they leave the host.
|
|
Embryophore
(Para) |
In tapeworms, the envelope immediately
surrounding the onchosphere and derived from it.
|
|
Emergence
(Eco, Ento) |
1) The process of the adult insect leaving
the pupal case or the last nymphal skin. 2) Germination of a seed and
the appearance of the first leaves of the crop plant above the ground.
|
|
Emergence trap
(Ento) |
A special trap used to collect insects as
they emerge from the soil or water. |
|
Emergency disaster plan
(OH) |
An organizational plan for swift, efficient
and cost-effective responses to medical, fire, care, shelter and
communications needs after disasters. |
|
Emergency function
(HS) |
General subject area which groups actions
that may be taken by a primary and a number of supporting departments or
agencies in the preparedness or response phase of an emergency.
|
|
Emergency planning zone
(HS) |
A defined area around a nuclear facility for
which detailed planning and preparations are made in advance to ensure
that appropriate protective measures can be applied in a timely and
accurate manner.
|
|
Emergency preparedness
(OH) |
Includes construction design, food and
sanitation equipment storage, as well as conducting drills and preparing
a disaster plan.
|
|
Emergency support function
(HS) |
General subject area which groups actions
that may be taken by a primary department or agency and where the focus
is exclusively on providing support to provinces in the response phase
of an emergency. |
|
Emergency worker
(HS) |
Persons performing emergency services who are
required to remain in, or to enter, offsite areas affected, or likely to
be affected by radiation from an accident, and for whom special safety
arrangements are required. They may include police, firefighters,
ambulance and emergency social services workers, and other essential
services.
|
|
Emergent wetland
(Eco) |
A wetland dominated by nonwoody, soft-stemmed
plants.
|
|
Emerging infectious diseases
(Trop) |
Commonly defined as diseases that have newly
appeared in a population, and/or diseases that have existed in the past,
but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. Emerging
diseases include: AIDS, Lyme disease, Escherichia coli O157:H7
(E. coli), hantavirus, and others. Re-emerging diseases include:
malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, pertussis, influenza, and others.
|
|
Emery's rule
(Ento) |
The rule resulting from the observation that
species of social parasite are very closely related to their host.
|
|
Emesis
(Vet) |
Vomiting.
|
|
Emetine
(Trop) |
A drug used in the treatment of invasive
intestinal or extraintestinal amebiasis caused by Entamoeba
histolytica. No longer widely used due to its toxicity.
Dehydroemetine is also effective and is somewhat less toxic. |
|
Emigration
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
The movement of individuals out of a
population.
|
|
Emissions
(Eco) |
Refers to pollution being released or
discharged into the air from natural or man-made sources. Pollutants may
be released directly into the air from a structural device (smokestack,
chimney, exhaust pipe) or indirectly via volatilization or dispersal
(aerosol spraying).
|
|
Emphysema
(Trop, Vet) |
An inflammatory condition of the lungs. In
response to the inflammation, the air spaces enlarge leading to the
lungs losing their natural flexibility and making breathing difficult.
|
|
Empirical law of averages
(Stat) |
The empirical law of averages lies at the
base of the frequency theory of probability. This law, which is, in
fact, an assumption about how the world works, rather than a
mathematical or physical law, states that if one repeats a random
experiment over and over, independently and under identical conditions,
the fraction of trials that result in a given outcome converges to a
limit as the number of trials grows without bound.
|
|
Employee
(OH) |
A person whose work activities are under
the control of an individual or entity; minors and undocumented workers
are included in the definition. |
|
Employee assistance program (EAP)
(OH) |
A program contracted by the employer and
staffed by psychologists and other health professionals to which
employees under stress or exhibiting behaviors that may create an unsafe
work environment can be referred. |
|
Employee exposure records
(OH) |
Information, results or records concerning
employee exposures to harmful substances or agents in the workplace,
such as inventories of chemicals, material safety data sheets and work
area sampling results. |
|
Employee medical records
(OH) |
Documentation of workers’ health status by
physicians, nurses or other health professionals; includes exams, first
aid records, diagnoses and treatments.
|
|
Empodium
(Ento) |
An either bristle-like or pad-like structure
between the claws on the feet of diptera.
|
|
Emporiatics
(Trop) |
The study of the diseases of travelers or
Travel Medicine.
|
|
Empty set
(Stat) |
The empty set, denoted {} or Ø, is the set
that has no members.
|
|
Emulsifiable concentrate (e.c.)
(Ento) |
A liquid pesticide formulation that when
added to water spontaneously disperses as fine droplets to form a stable
emulsion.
|
|
Emulsifier
(Eco) |
A substance that promotes the suspension of
one liquid in another. Emulsifiers are often added to pesticide
formulations (for example to mix oil based pesticide formulations in
water).
|
|
Enanthema
(Vet) |
A rash in which the discoloration of the skin
occurs below the surface. |
|
Encapsulation
(Ento) |
The enclosure of a parasitoid larva within
the blood of the host by a layer of hemocytes.
|
|
Encephalitis
(Trop, Vet) |
An inflammation caused by a viral infection.
While specific viruses may vary and exposure occurs through insect
bites, food or drink, or skin contact, travelers are most at risk from
insect bites.
|
|
Encephalopathy
(Vet) |
Any degenerative disease of the brain. Causes
include liver disease resulting in the buildup of toxic by-products of
metabolism, heavy metal poisoning, and loss of blood supply.
|
|
Endangered
(Eco) |
A species that is in immediate danger of
becoming extinct and needs protection to survive.
|
|
Endangered species
(Eco) |
An animal or plant species threatened with
extinction.
|
|
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
(Aqua) |
President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered
Species Act (ESA) into law in 1973. The ESA provides broad protection
for species of fish, wildlife and plants that are listed as threatened
or endangered throughout all or a significant portion of their range and
the conservation of the ecosystems on which they depend. "Species" is
defined by the Act to mean a species, a subspecies, or, for vertebrates
only, a distinct population. Provisions are made for listing species, as
well as for recovery plans and the designation of critical habitat for
listed species.
|
|
Endemic
(Epi) |
A term to describe levels of infection which
do not exhibit wide fluctuations through time in a defined place. For
microparasites like measles, the term is used slightly differently to
indicate an infection which can persist in a population in the long term
without needing to be reintroduced from outside.
|
|
Endemic
(Trop) |
1) The constant presence of a disease or
infectious agent within a given geographic area; it may also refer to
the usual prevalence of a given disease within such area. Hyperendemic
expresses a constant presence at a high level of incidence, and
holoendemic a high level of prevalence with infections beginning early
in life and affecting most of the population, e.g., malaria in some
places. 2) A disease caused by the health conditions constantly present
within a community. It usually describes an infection that is
transmitted directly or indirectly between humans and is occurring at
the usual expected rate.
|
|
Endemic
(Zoo) |
The situation where a species or other
taxonomic group is restricted to a particular geographic region.
|
|
Endemic fadeout
(Epi) |
Parasite extinction occurring because endemic
levels are so low that it is possible for small stochastic fluctuations
to remove all parasites. Contrast epidemic fadeout.
|
|
Endemic species
(Eco) |
A species that occurs only in one very
restricted area, such as an island or a mountain range.
|
|
Endo
(Vet) |
A prefix meaning within.
|
|
Endocarditis
(Vet) |
An inflammation of the membrane that lines
the interior of the heart.
|
|
Endocrine
(Vet) |
Pertaining to the secretion of hormones. The
endocrine system consists of various glands which produce hormones.
|
|
Endocrine gland
(Vet) |
A gland that discharges its products
(hormones) to the inside.
|
|
Endocuticle
(Ento) |
The inner zone of the procuticle, softer and
lighter in color than the exocuticle.
|
|
Endoderm
(Trop) |
The inner tissues of an organism.
|
|
Endogenous activity
(Ento) |
Nervous discharges that arise spontaneously,
in the absence of stimulation.
|
|
Endogenous budding
(Trop) |
Inward development from the germinal layer of
a hydatid resulting in the formation of a daughter cyst or brood
capsule.
|
|
Endoparasite
(Para)
|
A parasite which lives principally within the
tissues of an organism.
|
|
Endoparasitoid
(Ento) |
A parasitoid that develops within its host.
|
|
Endophagic
(Trop) |
Preferring to feed indoors.
|
|
Endophilic
(Trop) |
Tends to inhabit/rest in indoor areas.
Examples of endophilic anopheline species include Anopheles darlingi and
An. funestus. Endophilism makes the blocking of malaria transmission
through application of residual insecticides to walls easier to
accomplish.
|
|
Endoplasm
(Para) |
That portion on the cytoplasm in which
vacuoles form and in which internal organelles and inclusions are
suspended.
|
|
Endopterygota
(Ento) |
Subclass of the insects including the orders
with a complete metamorphosis. In these insects the external (and
internal) changes during the life history are the greatest. The eggs
hatch into larvae which feed actively during the different instars. The
larvae may or may not have legs. The development of wings is not visible
during the larval stages. After several molts a pupa is formed. A pupa
is an inactive stage, it does not feed and it does not move. Sometimes
the pupa is protected by a cocoon of silk, or it is found in an earthen
cell in the soil. During this pupal stage big changes take place
internally. After the pupal stage, a highly active winged adult appears.
Often, the larvae and the adults live in different types of habitat and
use different types of food.
|
|
Endopterygote
(Ento) |
Any insect in which the wings develop inside
the body of the early stages and in which there is a complete
metamorphosis and pupal stage.
|
|
Endoscope
(Vet) |
A long flexible instrument which can be
passed into the body to view various structures through the use of fiber
optics.
|
|
Endoskeleton
(Zoo) |
The internal structure or skeleton of an
invertebrate.
|
|
Endothermy
(Zoo) |
Term describing the internal generation of
heat by mammals.
|
|
Endotoxin
(Trop) |
Toxin released when certain bacterial species
die.
|
|
Endotracheal tube
(Vet) |
This tube is placed into the animal's trachea
(windpipe) to allow the oxygen and gases to be breathed into the lungs.
|
|
Endpoint convention
(Stat) |
In plotting a histogram, one must decide
whether to include a datum that lies at a class boundary with the class
interval to the left or the right of the boundary. The rule for making
this assignment is called an endpoint convention. The two
standard endpoint conventions are (1) to include the left endpoint of
all class intervals and exclude the right, except for the rightmost
class interval, which includes both of its endpoints, and (2) to include
the right endpoint of all class intervals and exclude the left, except
for the leftmost interval, which includes both of its endpoints.
|
|
Engorged
(Ento) |
Filled with blood, as in a tick after a
complete blood-meal, usually resulting in a disproportionally enlarged
abdomen.
|
|
Ensheathed
(Para) |
A larval nematode that is within the retained
cuticle of the previous stage.
|
|
Enteritis necroticans
(Trop, Vet) |
An inflammation of the small intestine with
necrosis of the affected tissue caused by certain species of bacteria.
|
|
Entero
(Vet) |
A prefix relating to the digestive tract.
|
|
Entoeral feeding
(Vet) |
A method to feed an animal in which a tube is
placed through the body wall into the intestine, and a nutritious liquid
is forced through the tube into the intestine.
|
|
Entoeric fever
(Trop) |
Typhoid and Paratyphoid. Septicemic diseases
caused by Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi.
|
|
Entoeritis
(Vet) |
An inflammation of the intestines.
|
|
Entoerobius vermicularis
(Trop) |
A small nematode parasite of humans. Also
known as pinworm, threadworm or seatworm. Infection often associated
with anal pruritis, especially in children.
|
|
Entomogenous
(Ento) |
Growing in or on an insect, for example
certain fungi.
|
|
Entomological inoculation rate (EIR)
(Trop) |
EIR = mas, where ma = number of mosquito
bites per night and s = proportion of those bites positive for
sporozoites.
|
|
Entomologist
(Ento) |
A person who studies the biology of insects.
|
|
Entomology
(Ento) |
The study of insects.
|
|
Entomophagous
(Ento) |
Feeding on insects.
|
|
Entomophobia
(Ento) |
An unreasonable (irrational) fear of insects.
|
|
Entomopox virus
(Ento) |
A virus that multiplies in the cell cytoplasm
of fat body and blood cells in a variety of insects.
|
|
Entory control
(HS) |
A protective measure in which non-essential
personnel are prevented from entering an affected area.
|
|
Envelope
(Ento) |
The carton or wax outermost later of the nest
of a social insect, particularly those of wasps.
|
|
Envenomation
(Trop) |
The injection of a venom into the tissues by
teeth, spines, miniature harpoons (nematocysts) or drills.
|
|
Envenomation
(Vet) |
The act of injecting a poisonous material
(venom).
|
|
Environment
(Eco) |
The place in which an organism lives and the
circumstances under which it lives. Environment includes measures like
moisture and temperature, as much as it refers to the actual physical
place where an organism is found.
|
|
Environmental data
(Eco) |
Any measurements or information that describe
environmental processes, location, or conditions; ecological or health
effects and consequences; or the performance of environmental
technology. For EPA, environmental data include information collected
directly from measurements, produced from models, and compiled from
other sources such as data bases or the literature.
|
|
Environmental manipulation
(Trop) |
Making temporary changes to the environment
with the objective of reducing vector abundance.
|
|
Environmental media
(PEH) |
Soil, water, air, biota (plants and animals),
or any other parts of the environment that can contain contaminants.
|
|
Environmental media and transport mechanism
(PEH) |
Environmental media include water, air, soil,
and biota (plants and animals). Transport mechanisms move contaminants
from the source to points where human exposure can occur. The
environmental media and transport mechanism is the second part of an
exposure pathway.
|
|
Environmental modification
(Trop) |
Making permanent changes to the environment
with the objective of reducing vector abundance.
|
|
Environmental pollution
(Eco) |
Undesirable levels of pesticides in air,
soil, water, vegetation, animals and man.
|
|
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
(OH) |
Oversees U.S. programs that focus on
environmental protection, pollution, remediation and programs such as
Superfund sites (brownfields).
|
|
Environmental technology
(Eco) |
An all-inclusive term used to describe
pollution control devices and systems, waste treatment processes and
storage facilities, and site remediation technologies and their
components that may be utilized to remove pollutants or contaminants
from or prevent them from entering the environment. Examples include wet
scrubbers (air), soil washing (soil), granulated activated carbon unit
(water), and filtration (air, water). Usually, this term applies to
hardware-based systems; however, it also applies to methods or
techniques used for pollution prevention, pollutant reduction, or
containment of contamination to prevent further movement of the
contaminants, such as capping, solidification or vitrification, and
biological treatment.
|
|
Enzyme
(Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
Enzymes are special proteins produced by
cells which cause chemical changes in other substances, but which are
not themselves changed in the process.
|
|
Eosinophil
(Vet) |
A type of white blood cell that commonly
increases in numbers as a response to parasites and allergies.
|
|
Eosinophilia (Trop, Vet) |
An increase in the number of eosinophils in
the blood and associated with an allergic response or an invasive
helminth infection.
|
|
Eosinophilic enteritis
(Trop) |
A disease in patients presenting with severe
abdominal colic, evanescent small bowel obstruction and a peripheral
blood eosinophilia. Zoonotic hookworms are believed to be the
causative agent.
|
|
EPA (OH) |
See Environmental Protection Agency.
|
|
Ephemeroptera
(Ento) |
Insect order, made up of the mayflies. They
are characterized by membranous wings, nonfunctional mouthparts, two or
three abdominal cerci, and an incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
Epicuticle
(Ento) |
The outer zone of the insect cuticle, rich in
lipid and protein and lacking chitin.
|
|
Epidemic
(Epi, Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
Unusual frequent occurrence of disease in the
light of past experience. The occurrence in a community of region of a
group of illness (or an outbreak) of similar nature, clearly in excess
of normal expectancy and derived from a common or a propagated source.
The number of cases indicating presence of an epidemic will vary
according to the infectious agent, size and type of population exposed,
previous experience or lack of exposure to the disease, time and place
of occurrence. Epidemicity is thus relative to usual frequency of the
disease in the same area, among the specified population, at the same
season of the year. A single case of a communicable disease long absent
from the population, or first invasion by a disease not previously
recognized in the area is to be considered sufficient evidence of an
epidemic to require immediate reporting and full investigation.
|
|
Epidemic fadeout
(Epi) |
Parasite extinction occurring because numbers
are so low immediately following an epidemic that it is possible for
small stochastic fluctuations to remove all parasites. Contrast endemic
fadeout.
|
|
Epidemic polyarthritis
(Trop) |
Disease common in Australia and caused by the
ross river virus, an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes.
|
|
Epidemiologic surveillance
(PEH) |
See public health surveillance.
|
|
Epidemiology (Epi, PEH, Trop) |
A science concerned with describing the
pattern of occurrence of disease in a population and determining the
factors which influence disease prevalence and distribution with the
ultimate objective of providing the basis of control of prevention.
|
|
Epidermis
(Ento) |
The cellular layer of the integument that
secretes or deposits a comparatively thick cuticle on its outer surface.
|
|
Epidermis
(Vet, Zoo) |
The surface layer of the skin of a
vertebrate.
|
|
Epidermoid carcinoma
(Trop) |
Squamous cell carcinoma; cancer of squamous
epithelium.
|
|
Epidermophyton
(Trop) |
Genus of dermatophyte fungi associated with
tinea or ringworm in humans.
|
|
Epifaunal
(Eco) |
Plants, animals and bacteria that are
attached to the hard bottom or substrate; are capable of movement; or
that live on the sediment surface.
|
|
Epigaeic
(Ento) |
Living or foraging primarily above ground.
|
|
Epimeron
(Ento) |
The posterior part of the side wall of any of
the three thoracic segments. |
|
Epimorphosis
(Ento) |
A type of development in which the insect
emerges from the egg with its full compliment of body segments. Opposite
of anamorphosis.
|
|
Epinotum
(Ento) |
The first abdominal segment when it is fused
with the last thoracic one, relating to the higher thin waisted
hymenoptera. Also called a propodeum.
|
|
Epipharynx
(Ento) |
A component of many insect mouth-parts which
is attached to the posterior surface of the labrum or clypeus. In
chewing insects it is usually only a small lobe, but in the fleas it is
greatly enlarged and used for sucking blood.
|
|
Epiphora
(Vet) |
An overflow of tears upon the cheeks due to a
blockage or narrowing of the tear ducts.
|
|
Epiphyte
(Eco) |
A plant which grows upon another plant. The
epiphyte does not eat the plant on which it grows, but merely uses the
plant for structural support, or as a way to get off the ground and into
the canopy environment. For example, orchids, lichens, and mosses that
grow on trees.
|
|
Epiphytic
(Eco) |
Substances that grow or accumulate on the
leaves of submerged aquatic plants. This material can include algae,
bacteria, detritus, and sediment.
|
|
Epiphytotic
(Epi) |
An epidemic in a plant host population.
|
|
Epiproct
(Ento) |
An appendage arising from the mid-line of the
last abdominal segment, just above the anus. In the bristletails and
some mayflies it is very long and forms the central tail.
|
|
Epistaxis
(Vet) |
Bleeding from the nose.
|
|
Episternum
(Ento) |
The anterior part of the side wall of any of
the three thoracic segments. |
|
Epizootic
(Epi) |
An epidemic in an animal host population.
|
|
Equilibrium
(Epi) |
A state in which a system is not changing. A
population size might be at a static equilibrium at which nothing is
happening (there are no births or deaths) or a dynamic equilibrium at
which different processes are balanced (there are the same numbers of
births and deaths). More generally, the state to which a system
eventually evolves, for example sustained periodic oscillations, might
be called equilibrium.
|
|
Equilibrium position (EP)
(Ento) |
In insect bioeconomics, the average density
of a potential pest on a specific crop.
|
|
Eradication
(Para) |
Permanent reduction to zero of the worldwide
incidence of infection caused by a specific agent as a result of
deliberate efforts. Intervention measures are no longer needed.
|
|
Eradication
(Trop) |
The process of removing something
permanently.
|
|
Ergatogyne
(Ento) |
Any female member of a eusocial group whose
morphological development is somewhere between that of a worker and a
queen.
|
|
Ergonomics
(OH) |
The consideration of the variability in
human capabilities when selecting, designing or modifying equipment,
tools, work tasks, furniture and the work environment in general.
|
|
Erosion
(Eco) |
The disruption and movement of soil particles
by wind, water, or ice, either occuring naturally or as a result of land
use.
|
|
Erosion
(Vet) |
A shallow defect in the skin. When healed, it
will not cause a scar.
|
|
Eruciform
(Ento) |
Concerning larva- 1) cylindrical with stumpy
pseudopods at rear and true thoracic legs at front-caterpillars; 2)
Caterpillar like; more or less cylindrical with a well developed head
and stumpy legs at the rear as well as the true thoracic legs. The
caterpillars of butterflies and moths are typical examples.
|
|
Eruption
(Vet) |
The appearance of a rash on the skin. The
rash is said to erupt. This does not imply breaking of the skin.
|
|
Erythema
(Vet) |
Redness of the skin caused by blood clogging
in small blood vessels.
|
|
Erythrocyte
(Vet) |
Red blood cell; contains hemoglobin, which
carries oxygen to the tissues.
|
|
Erythrocytic schizogony
(Trop) |
The process of asexual reproduction of
malaria parasites within red blood cells.
|
|
Escherichia coli
(Trop) |
Full term for E. coli, the colon
bacillus.
|
|
ESFR
(OH) |
See Early Suppression, Fast Response.
|
|
Esophageal reflux
(Vet) |
A condition in which stomach contents move
backward into the esophagus.
|
|
Esophagus
(Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
Structure attached to the oral cavity/mouth
of an organism which connects to the rest of the digestive system. The
esophagus can be classified according to the shape and structure. The
muscular tube for the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach.
|
|
Estimator
(Stat) |
An estimator is a rule for "guessing" the
value of a population parameter based on a random sample from the
population. An estimator is a random variable, because its value depends
on which particular sample is obtained, which is random. A canonical
example of an estimator is the sample mean, which is an estimator of the
population mean.
|
|
Estivation
(Zoo) |
Similar to hibernation. Some reptiles will
bury themselves and remain dormant when the climate is too dry and/or
hot for comfort.
|
|
Estradiol
(Zoo) |
The estrogen hormon primarily responsible for
stimulating yolk synthesis in females.
|
|
Estrogen
(Vet) |
A female hormone produced by the ovaries,
which results in the onset of estrus.
|
|
Estrous cycle
(Zoo) |
The recurring periods of heat, or estrus, in
the adult female of most mammals and the correlated changes in the
reproductive tract from one period to the next.
|
|
Estrus
(Vet, Zoo) |
Female mammals typically are receptive to
mating with a male only when reproductive hormones and other
physiological changes allow her to be receptive. Part of this process
involves the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation) which can then
be fertilized by the male's sperm. Many of the larger mammals mate only
once per year, thus the females reach the state of "estrus" just once,
when they mate. Many small mammals, such as the mice, mate more than
once each year, thus the females reach estrus more than once each year.
|
|
Estuarine species
(Eco) |
A permanent resident of an estuary. Also
called a resident species.
|
|
Estuary (Eco) |
A semienclosed body of water that has a free
connection with the open sea and within which seawater (from the ocean)
is diluted measurably with freshwater that is derived from land drainage
(i.e. the Chesapeake Bay). Brackish estuarine waters are decreasingly
salty in the upstream direction and vice versa. The ocean tides are
projected upstream to the fall lines.
|
|
Etaquine
(Trop) |
See also Tefanoquine. An anti-relapse drug
used to prevent relapses in malaria due to Plasmodium vivax or
P. ovale. When used with a chemotherapeutic drug such as chloroquine
for these malaria species, it thus can achieve a radical cure.
|
|
Etiologic agent
(Trop) |
An agent pertaining to etiology.
|
|
Etiological fraction
(Epi) |
The reduction in disease when a risk factor
is removed. If I* is the number of people that a risk factor is
responsible for and I is the total number of cases over the same period,
then the Etiological fraction is I*/I. Equivalently, the etiological
fraction is (I-Io)/I. where Io is the number of cases in the absence of
the risk factor. Also known as the attributable fraction.
|
|
Etiology
(OH) |
The origin of a disease, or the study of
the causes of disease.
|
|
Etiology
(Trop) |
The cause of a disease. The study of the
causes of diseases. May be classified as follows: Genetic; Infection;
Nutrition; Environment; Neoplastic; Psychosomatic; Iatrogenic;
Congenital; Autoimmune; Toxic; Traumatic; Metabolic; Degenerative; and
Idiopathic.
|
|
Euryhaline
(Eco) |
Tolerating various salt concentrations. Used
to describe aquatic organisms that tolerate a wide range of salinity.
|
|
Eusocial
(Ento) |
A species which lives in a society such that
individuals of the species cooperate in caring for the young, which not
all of them have produced; there is a reproductive division of labor,
with more or less sterile individuals working on behalf of fecund
individuals; and there is an overlap of at least two generations in life
stages capable of contributing to colony labor, so that offspring assist
parents during some period of their life.
|
|
Eusociality
(Ento) |
A type of social behavior involving overlap
of generations, cooperative brood care, and a caste system in which many
colony members are sterile.
|
|
Eutrophic
(Eco) |
Describes an aquatic system with high
nutrient concentrations. These nutrient concentrations fuel algal
growth. This algae eventually dies and decomposes, with reduces the
amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.
|
|
Eutrophication
(Eco) |
The process of excess nutrients accelerating
the growth of algae, oftentimes ultimately depleting the water of
oxygen.
|
|
Evacuation
(HS) |
A protective measure in which individuals
must leave their homes quickly, staying away for a limited period of
time to avoid or reduce radiation exposure.
|
|
Event
(Stat) |
An event is a subset of outcome space. An
event determined by a random variable is an event of the form A=(X is in
A). When the random variable X is observed, that determines whether or
not A occurs: if the value of X happens to be in A, A occurs; if not, A
does not occur.
|
|
Eversible gland
(Ento) |
A special caterpillar "stink" gland, located
within the prothorax; when frightened, the caterpillar inflates this
inside-out gland suddenly making it visible.
|
|
Eversion
(Zoo) |
Turning out; inside out.
|
|
Evolution
(Eco) |
All mammals and other living organisms change
through time. Evolution specifically refers to change in organisms that
are genetic; that is, frequencies of specific genes in the organism's
genetic makeup change. This results in changes in genetic
characteristics.
|
|
Ewe
(Zoo) |
An adult female sheep.
|
|
Exanthem
(Vet) |
A rash in which the irritated areas rise
above the surface of the skin.
|
|
Exarate pupa
(Ento) |
A pupa in which all the appendages, legs
etc., are free and capable of movement.
|
|
Excavate
(Ento) |
Hollowed out: applied to the coxae of many
beetles, which are hollowed out to receive the femora when the legs are
folded.
|
|
Excision
(Trop) |
Removal of tissue.
|
|
Excision biopsy
(Trop) |
A biopsy of a lesion for the purposes of
diagnosis in which the whole lesion is excised.
|
|
Excretion
(Ento, Zoo) |
The elimination of the waste products of
metabolism.
|
|
Excretory pore
(Trop) |
An opening of the excretory system, normally
situated on the ventral side at the anterior part of the body (e.g. in
trematode miracidia).
|
|
Exerythrocytic schizogony
(Trop)
|
The process of asexual reproduction of
malaria parasites outside of red blood cells, usually in the liver. This
process is asymptomatic.
|
|
Exhaustive
(Stat) |
A collection of events {A1, A2,
A3, . . . } is exhaustive if at least one of them
must occur; that is, if S = A1 U A2 U A3
U . . . where S is the outcome space. A collection of subsets
exhausts another set if that set is contained in the union of the
collection.
|
|
Existing use
(Eco) |
Use actually attained in the waterbody on or
after November 28, 1975, whether or not it is included in the water
quality standards.
|
|
Exit trap
(Trop) |
A trap constructed to capture mosquitoes that
are exiting a house or structure. Exit traps are often used in studies
that compare the tendency of mosquitoes to rest indoors after feeding
versus to fly outside after feeding.
|
|
Exit traps
(Trop) |
Devices typically placed over doors and
windows of houses or animal shelters to catch mosquitoes leaving these
buildings.
|
|
Exocrine gland
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
A gland that discharges its products to the
outside.
|
|
Exocuticle
(Ento) |
The hard and usually darkened layer of the
cuticle lying between the endocuticle and epicuticle.
|
|
Exogenous budding
(Trop) |
Outward or external development from the
germinal layer of a larval cestode.
|
|
Exophagic
(Trop) |
Preferring to feed outdoors.
|
|
Exophilic
(Trop) |
Tends to inhabit/rest in outdoor areas. After
biting, an exophilic mosquito flies outside and rests woods, grass, or
other outside areas. Exophilism makes use of residual insecticides in
buildings less effective.
|
|
Exophthalmos
(Vet) |
The abnormal outward protrusion (bulging) of
the eye.
|
|
Exopterygota
(Ento) |
Subclass of the insects including the orders
with a simple or incomplete metamorphosis. In molting from egg, via the
nymphal stages to an adult, there is a gradual change in the external
appearance. The late nymphal stages already show the development of wing
pads. But only in the last molt functional wings are developed. The
nymphs usually have the same feeding habits as the adults.
|
|
Exopterygote
(Ento) |
1) Insect in which the wings develop
gradually outside the body, incomplete metamorphosis and no pupal stage.
2) Any insect in which the wings develop gradually on the outside of the
body, in which there is only a partial metamorphosis and no pupal stage.
|
|
Exoskeleton
(Ento, Zoo) |
1) A skeleton or supporting structure on the
outside of the body. Present in all members of the Arthropoda. 2)
Collectively the external plates of the body wall. 3) A skeleton
external to the remainder of the body, the muscles attaching to its
inner surface.
|
|
Exotic
(Eco, Vet) |
An animal not native to the geographical area
where it is living.
|
|
Exotic species
(Aqua) |
A species that has been transported by human
activities, either intentionally or accidentally, into a region where it
did not occur previously. Also called an alien species, non-indigenous
species, or introduced species.
|
|
Exotic species
(Eco, Vet) |
An organism that evolved in one part of the
world and that now occurs either accidentally or intentionally in a new
region. Opposite: native species.
|
|
Exotoxin
(Trop) |
A toxin secreted by certain bacterial species
or strains into the surrounding medium during growth. Often cause
clinical features very specific to the disease (e.g. tetanus,
diphtheria, cholera). Exotoxins secreted by enteric organisms are often
termed enterotoxins.
|
|
Expectation, expected value
(Stat) |
The expected value of a random variable is
the long-term limiting average of its values in independent repeated
experiments. The expected value of the random variable X is denoted EX
or E(X). For a discrete random variable (one that has a countable number
of possible values) the expected value is the weighted average of its
possible values, where the weight assigned to each possible value is the
chance that the random variable takes that value. One can think of the
expected value of a random variable as the point at which its
probability histogram would balance, if it were cut out of a uniform
material. Taking the expected value is a linear operation: if X and Y
are two random variables, the expected value of their sum is the sum of
their expected values (E(X+Y) = E(X) + E(Y)), and the expected value of
a constant a times a random variable X is the constant times the
expected value of X (E(a×X ) = a× E(X)).
|
|
Experience period
(OH) |
The time period to which a company refers
when evaluating an insurance policy.
|
|
Experiment
(Stat) |
What distinguishes an experiment from an
observational study is that in an experiment, the experimenter decides
who receives the treatment.
|
|
Expired air resuscitation
(Trop) |
The use of expired (used) air blown from a
rescuer into the airway and lungs of an unconscious victim who is not
breathing, sufficient to sustain his life.
|
|
Explanatory variable
(Stat) |
In regression, the explanatory or independent
variable is the one that is supposed to "explain" the other. For
example, in examining crop yield versus quantity of fertilizer applied,
the quantity of fertilizer would be the explanatory or independent
variable, and the crop yield would be the dependent variable. In
experiments, the explanatory variable is the one that is manipulated;
the one that is observed is the dependent variable.
|
|
Exponential decay
(Epi) |
A decline in which the rate of decay is
always proportional to the amount of material remaining; the constant of
proportionality is the rate constant.
|
|
Exponential growth
(Epi) |
An increase in which the rate of growth is
always proportional to the amount of material remaining; the constant of
proportionality is the rate constant.
|
|
Exposure
(HS) |
External or internal irradiation.
|
|
Exposure
(OH) |
The particular risk factor experienced by
the worker, with the specific modifying factors of intensity, time
characteristics and duration.
|
|
Exposure
(PEH) |
Contact with a substance by swallowing,
breathing, or touching the skin or eyes. Exposure may be acute exposure,
of intermediate duration, or chronic.
|
|
Exposure assessment
(PEH) |
A process that estimates the amount of a
chemical that enters or comes into contact with people or animals. An
exposure assessment also describes how often and for how long an
exposure occurred, and the nature and size of a population exposed to a
chemical.
|
|
Exposure investigation
(PEH) |
The collection and analysis of site-specific
information and biologic tests to determine whether people have been
exposed to hazardous substances.
|
|
Exposure odds ratio
(Epi) |
See Odds ratio.
|
|
Exposure pathway
(PEH) |
The route a substance takes from its source
(where it began) to its end point (where it ends), and how people can
come into contact with (or get exposed to) it. An exposure pathway has
five parts: a source of contamination (such as an abandoned business);
an environmental media and transport mechanism (such as movement through
groundwater); a point of exposure (such as a private well); a route of
exposure (eating, drinking, breathing, or touching), and a receptor
population (people potentially or actually exposed). When all five parts
are present, the exposure pathway is termed a completed exposure
pathway.
|
|
Exposure pathways
(HS) |
Routes by which radioactive material can
reach and/or irradiate a person. Examples are an exposure from a
radioactive plume, deposition on the soil, or ingestion of contaminated
food and water.
|
|
Exposure registry
(PEH) |
A system of ongoing followup of people who
have had documented environmental exposures.
|
|
Exposure, external
(HS) |
Irradiation from a nearby source of
radiation. The radiation emitted by the source travels through the air
and irradiates the person.
|
|
Exposure, internal
(HS) |
Irradiation from a radioactive substance
inside the body. A radioactive substance may be inhaled, as a
radioactive gas or particles suspended in air, or ingested in
radioactive dust, or water contaminated with radioactive substances. It
may also enter the body through a cut in the skin. Some of these
substances will decay in a very short time, or the body may excrete
them. Others may lodge in body tissue, where they will continue to emit
radiation.
|
|
Exposure, surface
(HS) |
Irradiation from a source of radiation on a
person's skin. The radiation source is in tiny particles which expose
the skin and the underlying tissue, until they are washed away.
|
|
Exposure-dose reconstruction
(PEH) |
A method of estimating the amount of people's
past exposure to hazardous substances. Computer and approximation
methods are used when past information is limited, not available, or
missing.
|
|
Exsheathment
(Para) |
The final step in molting of the infective
stage when the old cuticle (sheath) is lost and the new nematode stage
emerges inside the definitive host. It is a requirement for the
establishment for infection in the host.
|
|
Extant
(Eco) |
In existence; still existing; not destroyed
or lost.
|
|
Extant species
(Eco) |
A species which is currently in existence.
|
|
Extension
(Ento) |
All methods, techniques and activities aimed
at the dissemination and proliferation of agricultural information in
rural communities, which make such information more easily accessible to
desired target groups such as small farmers, pest control operators, and
agricultural students.
|
|
Extensor rigidity
(Vet) |
A condition in which muscles contract and
tend to straighten the limb, prevent it from relaxing.
|
|
Extermination
(Ento) |
Complete extinction of a species over a large
continuous area such as an island or a continent.
|
|
External cardiac compression
(Trop) |
Compression of the outside of the sternum and
ribs, effectively emptying and filling the heart to push blood through
arteries to supply oxygen to the body - particularly to the brain.
|
|
Extinct species
(Eco) |
A species which has disappeared from
existence due to either natural or human-induced means.
|
|
Extinction
(Eco) |
The process of becoming extinct; dying out or
coming to an end.
|
|
Extirpate
(Eco) |
The local disappearance of a species, as
opposed to extinction, which is global disappearance.
|
|
Extirpation
(Eco) |
Removing, destroying, pulling up
extermination or otherwise making extinct.
|
|
Extracranial
(Vet) |
Originating external to the cranial (brain)
cavity.
|
|
Extrahepatic
(Vet) |
Outside of the liver.
|
|
Extraoral feeding
(Aqua) |
Process of feeding whereby the stomach is
everted through the mouth. |
|
Extrapolation
(Stat) |
See Interpolation.
|
|
Extrapyramidal signs
(PrD) |
Refer to disorders of brain structures
controlling movement; mainly with reference to the basal ganglia and
related structures. The most commonly recognized extrapyramidal signs
are those that we associate with Parkinson’s disease. Extrapyramidal
signs of CJD may include: bradykinesia/hypokinesia (slowness of
movement); rigidity (limb or neck); tremor; hypomimia (flat facies,
masked facies, lack of facial expression); postural instability;
shuffling gait; ballismus/hemiballismus (sudden flinging movements of
the extremities); chorea/choreoathetosis (writhing movements of the
body/extremities).
|
|
Extrinsic
(Vet) |
Having its origin outside the limits of an
organ with which it is associated.
|
|
Exuvia
(Ento) |
The cast-off outer skin of an insect or other
arthropod.
|
|
Exuviae
(Ento) |
The cast (shed) exoskeleton of an arthropod.
|
|
Eye-cap
(Ento) |
Hood formed by the base of the antenna and
partly covering the eye in certain small moths.
|
|
Eyespot
(Ento) |
A circular, eyelike marking on the body or
wing of an insect that is usually used to frighten possible predators
away.
|
|
F |
Top |
|
F1
(Vet) |
The first-generation offspring of a given
mating.
|
|
F2
(Vet) |
The second-generation offspring of a given
mating.
|
|
Facet
(Ento) |
The surface of an ommatidium - one of the
units making up the compound eye.
|
|
Facets
(Ento) |
The individual units that compose a compound
eye.
|
|
Factor analysis, statistical
(Stat) |
A set of statistical methods for analyzing
the correlations among several variables in order to estimate the number
of fundamental dimensions that underlie the observed data and to
describe and measure those dimensions. It is used frequently in the
development of scoring systems for rating scales and questionnaires.
|
|
Factorial
(Stat) |
For an integer k that is greater than
or equal to 1, k! (pronounced "k factorial") is k×(k-1)×(k-2)×
. . . ×1. By convention, 0! = 1. There are k! ways of
ordering k distinct objects. For example, 9! is the number of
batting orders of 9 baseball players, and 52! is the number of different
ways a standard deck of playing cards can be ordered. The calculator
above has a button to compute the factorial of a number. To compute k!,
first type the value of k, then press the button labeled "!".
|
|
Facultative metamorphosis
(Zoo)
|
Condition found in some amphibian species
where larvae may or may not metamorphose depending on environmental
conditions.
|
|
Facultative parasite
(Para) |
One that can complete its life cycle in a
free-living environment or, alternatively, that lives during part (or
all) of its cycle within a host.
|
|
Falcate
(Vet) |
Sickle-shaped.
|
|
Fall line
(Eco) |
A line joining the waterfalls on several
rivers that marks the point where each river descends from the upland to
the lowland and marks the limit of navigability of each river.
|
|
Fallow
(Eco) |
Plowed but left unseeded during a growing
season.
|
|
False discovery rate
(Stat) |
In testing a collection of hypotheses, the
false discovery rate is the fraction of rejected null hypotheses that
are rejected erroneously (the number of Type I errors divided by the
number of rejected null hypotheses), with the convention that if no
hypothesis is rejected, the false discovery rate is zero.
|
|
False hookworm
(Trop) |
Ternidens deminuus,
an intestinal nematode of monkeys in the Old World tropics and recorded
from humans in Southern Africa and Mauritius. One of the nodular worms.
|
|
False negative
(Trop, Vet) |
A negative test result for a condition that
is, in fact, present.
|
|
False negative test result
(Trop, Vet) |
The result of a diagnostic test is negative;
but the animal actually does have the condition tested for.
|
|
False positive (Trop, Vet) |
A positive test result for a condition that
is not, in fact, present.
|
|
False positive test result
(Trop, Vet) |
The result of a diagnostic test is positive;
but the animal actually does not have the condition tested for.
|
|
Familial
(PrD, Vet, Bio) |
Describes a trait that is observed with
higher frequency within the same family, whether the etiology is genetic
or environmental, or a combination of the two. Tending to occur in more
members of a family than expected by chance alone (a familial disorder).
|
|
Family |
A taxonomic group of similar, related,
animals. The taxonomic group that is below Order, but above Genus.
|
|
Family
(Eco) |
A taxonomic group of similar, related,
animals. The taxonomic group that is below Order, but above Genus.
Family names always end in "idae", for example Meloidae.
|
|
Family characteristics
(Stat) |
Size and composition of the family.
|
|
Farmyard manure
(Eco) |
Cattle feces mixed with straw or similar
material used as bedding in sheds, barns or night yards. Farmyard manure
is often heaped and left to rot well before using it as an organic
fertilizer in crop fields. It helps to improve water-retaining
properties of soils.
|
|
Farnesene
(Ento) |
An alarm pheromone of aphids, secreted from
the cornicles.
|
|
Fascicle
(Ento) |
A small bundle; the bundle of piercing
stylets of insects with piercing sucking mouthparts.
|
|
Fasciola hepatica
(Trop) |
The common liver fluke. In tropical regions
this species is replaced by F. gigantica. Like all trematodes, their
intermediate hosts are aquatic snails. Infection occurs when the
infective metacercariae are ingested on vegetation in swampy areas.
Normal final (definitive) hosts are sheep, cattle and various wild
animal species. Humans can acquire fascioliasis if they eat
contaminated water cress etc.
|
|
Fasciolopsis buski
(Trop) |
The intestinal fluke. Definitive hosts are
pigs and humans. Metacercariae encyst on aquatic plants such as water
chestnuts in south east Asia. |
|
Fat
(Bio) |
1) Along with proteins and carbohydrates, one of the
three nutrients used as energy sources by the body. The energy produced
by fats is 9 calories per gram. Proteins and carbohydrates each provide
4 calories per gram. 2) Total fat; the sum of saturated, monounsaturated
and polyunsaturated fats. Intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated
fats can help reduce blood cholesterol when substituted for saturated
fats in the diet. 3) A slang term for obese or adipose. 4) In chemistry,
a compound formed from chemicals called fatty acids. These fats are
greasy, solid materials found in animal tissues and in some plants. Fats
are the major component of the flabby material of a body, commonly known
as blubber.
|
|
Fat body
(Vet) |
Accumulation of large cells in the hemocoel
that store metabolites and are centers of intermediary metabolism.
|
|
Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI)
(PrD) |
Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is a very rare autosomal
dominant inherited disease of the brain. The dominant gene responsible
has been found in just 28 families worldwide; if only one parent has the
gene, the offspring have a 50% chance of inheriting it and developing
the disease. The patient's progression into complete sleeplessness is
untreatable, and ultimately fatal. There are four stages of the disease:
1. The first stage is progressive insomnia that develops over
approximately four months and includes a collection of psychiatric
problems such as panic attacks and bizarre phobias. 2. The second stage
includes hallucinations, panic, agitation and sweating and lasts about
five months. 3. The third stage lasts about three months and is total
insomnia with weight loss. The individual at this point looks much older
and may experience incontinence. 4. The fourth stage is around six
months long and is recognized as dementia, total insomnia and sudden
death after becoming mute.
|
|
Fatal outcome
(Stat) |
Death resulting from the presence of a
disease in an individual, as shown by a single case report or a limited
number of patients. This should be differentiated from death, the
physiological cessation of life and from mortality, an epidemiological
or statistical concept.
|
|
Fats
(Bio) |
Plural of the word "fat".
|
|
Fatty change
(Vet) |
An accumulation of fat in the liver, often a
symptom of heart disease and related problems of circulation.
|
|
Fauna
(Eco) |
All of the animals found in a given area.
|
|
Feasibility study
(PEH) |
A study by EPA to determine the best way to
clean up environmental contamination. A number of factors are
considered, including health risk, costs, and what methods will work
well.
|
|
Feces (Ento, Para, Vet, Zoo) |
Waste materials, including undigested food
and sloughed-off intestinal cells, which are expelled from the
intestinal tract through the anus. |
|
Fecundity
(Ento, Epi, Vet) |
The capacity to produce offspring; the rate
of offspring production.
|
|
Federal coordination officer
(HS) |
The senior official designated by Health
Canada or the Lead Federal Minister for the response to provide liaison
and coordinate support between the provincial emergency operations
center and the National Support Center.
|
|
Federal liaison officers
(HS) |
The federal officials who are responsible for
ensuring liaison between a provincial group (eg. Coordination group,
information group, technical group), the corresponding group in the
National Support Center, and federal regional resources.
|
|
Federal Register
(OH) |
A daily publication of the U.S. government
that highlights recently decreed laws, rules and regulations.
|
|
Feeding habits
(Trop) |
Habits determining the times and places of
feeding and the sources of blood meals for mosquitoes.
|
|
Feeding scar
(Aqua) |
Patch (white) of coral recently killed by a
crown-of-thorns starfish.
|
|
Feline
(Vet) |
Pertaining to cats.
|
|
Femoral pores
(Zoo) |
Enlarged pores found on the inside of the
thighs of males and females. Males have larger pores than females. The
plugs in the male iguana's pores grow during breeding season and are
used to scent mark their territory. Females do some scent marking but
not as extensively as males. Chemicals in the waxy plugs can be used to
tell if the iguana who left the mark was male or female.
|
|
Femur
(Ento) |
The third segment of the insect leg, beyond
the trochanter and before the tibia.
|
|
Fermentation
(Eco) |
The process of growing a selected organism,
usually a bacterium, mould or yeast, on substrate so as to bring about a
desired change or to generate products of the cells' metabolism. For
example ethanol and carbon dioxide are produced from yeast fermentation.
|
|
Fertile
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Capable of producing offspring.
|
|
Fertilization
(Eco) |
The application of nutrients (fertilizer) to
soil in order to promote growth and development of crop plants.
|
|
Fertilization
(Zoo) |
When a sperm from a male penetrates the ova
of a female. In oviparous species, fertilization occurs when the sperm
meet the ova as they pass through the oviduct, a passage which also
layers the outside of the egg with calcium to form a shell.
|
|
Fertilizer
(Eco) |
Substance added to soil to make it more
fertile.
|
|
Fetal
(Vet) |
Pertaining to an unborn animal, or fetus.
|
|
Fetotoxin
(Ento) |
A substance that can poison the fetus (child
developing in the womb). |
|
Fetus
(Vet) |
The unborn offspring from the end of the 8th
week after conception (when the major structures have formed) until
birth. Up until the eighth week, the developing offspring is called an
embryo.
|
|
Fever
(Trop, Vet) |
A body temperature above the normal 98.6F
(37C) that is seen in many diseases. Diseases that cause raised
temperatures may also be called fevers, e.g. yellow fever, dengue fever,
rabbit fever (tularemia). |
|
Fibril
(Vet) |
The contractile unit of a muscle cell
(fiber).
|
|
Fibrosis
(Zoo) |
Excessive fibrous tissue formation as a
result of injury, infection; calcium deficiency causes fibrosis of the
long bones of the body.
|
|
Fievre boutonneuse
(Trop) |
Wide-spread spotted fever. Tick-borne and
caused by Rickettsia conori. |
|
Filament
(Ento) |
A thread-like structure, especially one at
the end of an antenna.
|
|
Filarial worm
(Para) |
A group of long, hair-like nematodes in which
the adults live in the blood or tissues of vertebrates. In some species,
the larvae may be found in the blood. Examples of diseases caused by
filarial worms include Elephantiasis and River Blindness.
|
|
Filariasis
(Trop) |
A parasitic infection caused by filarial
nematode worms, such as Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi,
causing a variety of illnesses. See also elephantiasis and
onchocerciasis.
|
|
Filariform (juvenile)
(Para) |
A post-feeding-stage, of a nematode
characterized by its delicate, elongate structure and its slim,
capillary esophagus. Also, the infective stage of hookworm, filarial
worms, and some other nematodes. |
|
Filariform
(Trop) |
A long, slender, simple and muscular
structure as in Strongyloidea.
|
|
Filiform
(Ento) |
Hairlike or threadlike (often referring to
the antennae).
|
|
Filter chamber
(Ento) |
A modification of the gut of many Homoptera
(such as aphids), permitting much water and some carbohydrates to bypass
the midgut. |
|
Filter feeder
(Ento) |
An insect that seines particles from water by
means of brushes or webs. |
|
Filter feeder
(Zoo) |
An organism which filters food from the
environment via a straining mechanism.
|
|
Fine needle aspirate
(Vet) |
Suction is applied to a hollow needle which
has been inserted into tissue and a core of the tissue is withdrawn to
culture and/or examine microscopically.
|
|
Finite population correction
(Stat) |
When sampling without replacement, as in a
simple random sample, the SE of sample sums and sample means depends on
the fraction of the population that is in the sample: the greater the
fraction, the smaller the SE. Sampling with replacement is like sampling
from an infinitely large population. The adjustment to the SE for
sampling without replacement is called the finite population correction.
The SE for sampling without replacement is smaller than the SE for
sampling with replacement by the finite population correction factor ((N
-n)/(N - 1))½. Note that for sample size n=1,
there is no difference between sampling with and without replacement;
the finite population correction is then unity. If the sample size is
the entire population of N units, there is no variability in the
result of sampling without replacement (every member of the population
is in the sample exactly once), and the SE should be zero. This is
indeed what the finite population correction gives (the numerator
vanishes).
|
|
Fire and life safety program
(OH) |
A plan implemented by businesses and other
organizations to protect constituents (e.g., employees, tenants);
includes elements such as preventing fire, checking building design for
compliance with fire and safety codes, ensuring proper emergency exits
and avoiding electrical hazards.
|
|
Fire Jelly
(Aqua) |
See Morbakka.
|
|
Firmisternal pectoral girdle
(Zoo) |
Midventral fusion of the epicoracoids of the
frog pectoral girdle. Derived condition found in Ranid frogs.
|
|
First aid
(OH) |
Emergency measures to be taken before regular
medical help can be obtained; first aid kits are required in the
workplace.
|
|
First generation
(Vet) |
A description of medications developed from
an earlier form of the medication. First generation medications were
developed from the original form of the drug; second generation
medications are adaptations of first generation drugs; third generation
drugs are adaptations of second generation, etc.
|
|
Fish poisoning
(Trop) |
Poisoning that occurs by eating various
species of fish and shellfish at certain times of the year when they
contain poisonous biotoxins. This can occur even if the fish is well
cooked.
|
|
Fisher's exact test (for the equality of two percentages)
(Stat) |
Consider two populations of zeros and ones.
Let p1 be the proportion of ones in the first
population, and let p2 be the proportion of ones in
the second population. We would like to test the null hypothesis that
p1 = p2 on the basis of a simple random
sample from each population. Let n1 be the size of the
sample from population 1, and let n2 be the size of
the sample from population 2. Let G be the total number of ones
in both samples. If the null hypothesis be true, the two samples are
like one larger sample from a single population of zeros and ones. The
allocation of ones between the two samples would be expected to be
proportional to the relative sizes of the samples, but would have some
chance variability. Conditional on G and the two sample sizes,
under the null hypothesis, the tickets in the first sample are like a
random sample of size n1 without replacement from a
collection of N = n1 + n2
units of which G are labeled with ones. Thus, under the null
hypothesis, the number of tickets labeled with ones in the first sample
has (conditional on G) an hypergeometric distribution with
parameters N, G, and n1. Fisher's exact
test uses this distribution to set the ranges of observed values of the
number of ones in the first sample for which we would reject the null
hypothesis.
|
|
Fishing mortality rate
(Eco) |
The percentage of fish physically removed
from a species' population due to fishing.
|
|
Fission
(HS) |
Splitting of the nucleus of a heavy atom into
two lighter nuclei, accompanied by the release of neutrons and other
types of energy of the fission products.
|
|
Fixed action pattern
(Ento) |
A segment of behavior performed in a
stereotyped, species-specific manner.
|
|
Flabellate
(Ento) |
With projecting flaps on one side, applied
especially to antennae.
|
|
Flagellum
(Eco) |
A long, threadlike or whiplike appendage
found in certain cells or unicellular organisms that functions as an
organ of locomotion.
|
|
Flagellum
(Ento) |
1) The distal (farthest away from the body)
part of the antenna, beyond the 2nd segment. 2) The outermost part of
the antenna, beyond the scape and pedicel, usually divided into many
subsegments (flagellomeres).
|
|
Flagellum
(Para) |
1) A filament, arising from a granule-like
body (the blepharoplast) and covered by a thin sheath of cytoplasm that
usually projects from the body of an organism and functions as an
organelle of locomotion or when lying in a groove in the cytostome
causes movement of the fluid medium in a certain direction. In sessile
flageolets, the flagella create currents in the medium to bring food
particles to the mouth of the organism and to move wastes away from it.
2) A long beating hair found on a cell which normally aids in movement.
Human sperm cells have a flagellum. Single-celled organisms which move
about using flagella are called Flagellates. |
|
Flame cell
(Para) |
A structure in a primitive excretory system
in Platyhelminthes. Cilia in flame cells apparently move fluid wastes
from the body into the protonephritic tubules to be excreted. Sometimes
flame cells can be seen in living schistosome eggs.
|
|
Flank
(Zoo) |
The fleshy part of an animal between the ribs
and hip.
|
|
Flatulence
(Vet) |
Increased stomach or intestinal gas.
|
|
Flatworms
(Para)
|
A group of organisms comprising phylum
Platyhelminths. Flatworms have flat bodies and are normally
hermaphroditic.
|
|
Flea
(Ento) |
Any of various insects of the order
Siphonaptera. Fleas are small, wingless, bloodsucking insects that have
legs adapted for jumping. They are parasitic on warm-blooded animals.
|
|
Flea beetle
(Ento) |
Any of various beetles of the subfamily
Alticinae. They are small leaf-feeding beetles that have hind legs
adapted for jumping.
|
|
Flea dip
(Vet) |
A solution made to kill fleas, applied to an
animal and not rinsed off, to allow it to have residual action.
|
|
Fledge
(Zoo) |
1) Of a young bird, to acquire the feathers
needed for flight. 2) To raise a young bird to maturity.
|
|
Fledglings
(Zoo) |
A young bird that has recently fledged.
|
|
Flexion
(PEH) |
The process of bending or the state of being
bent. Flexion of the fingers results in a clenched fist.
|
|
Flinder’s island spotted fever
(Trop) |
A tick-borne disease found on Flinder’s
Island, north of Tasmania. Zoonotic and caused by Rickettsia honei.
|
|
Flock
(Zoo) |
A group of animals, especially birds, that
remain together, as for defense from predators or efficiency in locating
food.
|
|
Flood tide
(Eco) |
A rising tide.
|
|
Flora
(Eco) |
All of the plants found in a given area.
|
|
Florid Plaques
(PrD) |
The neuropathology of vCJD is significantly different
from sCJD. For example, a large number of PrP amyloid plaques surrounded
by a halo of vacuolation (“florid plaques”) are seen, particularly in
the cerebral and cerebellar cortical gray matter. The florid plaques are
not specific for vCJD but their widespread distribution is
characteristic of the disease. |
|
Flourish
(Eco) |
To do well, sustain continuous steady strong
growth.
|
|
Flu
(PEH, Vet) |
Short for influenza. The flu is caused by
viruses that infect the respiratory tract which are divided into three
types, designated A, B, and C. Most people who get the flu recover
completely in 1 to 2 weeks, but some people develop serious and
potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia.
Much of the illness and death caused by influenza can be prevented by
annual influenza vaccination. |
|
Fluffs
(Zoo) |
Young dead mice whose fur is just showing
through their skin. Used as reptile food.
|
|
Fluke
(Para, Trop) |
A group of organisms characterized by having
a flat, unsegmented body and complex multi-stage life-cycles. Flukes are
members of the Phylum Platyhelminths, or the flatworms, which also
includes the Tapeworms and the non-parasitic Turbellarians. Flukes are
entirely parasitic, and are hermaphroditic, save for some groups.
Examples of flukes include the liver fluke and the schistosomes.
|
|
Fluoroscopy
(Vet) |
An x-ray procedure in which x-rays are
transmitted through the body onto a fluorescent screen; beneficial in
that movement of joints or organ systems can be observed (e.g., the
movement of material through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines).
|
|
FLUTD
(Vet) |
Feline lower urinary tract disease; a
condition in cats characterized by blood in the urine, urination outside
of the litter box, and straining to urinate. The name for this condition
was previously called feline urological syndrome (FUS).
|
|
Fly
(Ento) |
Any of numerous two-winged insects of the
order Diptera, especially any of the family Muscidae. Examples of true
flies are the house fly and the tsetse fly. The true flies (order
Diptera) should not be confused with other insects that are called
"flies", such as caddisfly, butterfly, and dragonfly, that belong to
other insect orders.
|
|
Focus
(Trop) |
The origin or source of an infection or
vector population.
|
|
Fog treatment
(Ento) |
The application of a pesticide as a fine mist
for the control of pests.
|
|
Foliar application
(Eco) |
Application of a pesticide to the leaves or
foliage or plants.
|
|
Foliar spray fertilizers
(Eco) |
Nutrients sprayed in solution on to leaves.
|
|
Follicle
(Ento) |
A tubule of the testis in which sperm are
produced.
|
|
Follicle
(Vet) |
The group of cells in the skin in which a
hair or feather develops.
|
|
Follicle
(Zoo) |
1) A small bodily cavity or sac; any small
spherical group of cells containing a cavity. 2) Small egg-containing
sacks found in the female ovary. In fertile human females, one follicle
will become dominant and release a mature egg (ovulate) during every
cycle. In oviparous reptile species, several mature eggs will be
produced, depending on the species and the individual.
|
|
Follicular vitellogenesis
(Zoo) |
The development of the yolk in the eggs.
|
|
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
(PEH) |
The Food and Drug Administration, an agency within the
U.S. Public Health Service, which is a part of the Department of Health
and Human Services.
|
|
Food chain / food web
(Eco) |
The network of feeding relationships in a
community as a series of links of trophic levels, such as primary
producers, herbivores, and primary carnivores. Includes all interactions
of predator and prey, along with the exchange of nutrients into and out
of the soil. These interactions connect the various members of an
ecosystem, and describe how energy passes from one organism to another.
|
|
Food control
(HS) |
Measures taken to prevent the consumption of
foodstuffs that have been radioactively contaminated above acceptable
levels as a result of a nuclear emergency, including the supply of
uncontaminated foodstuffs. |
|
Food irradiation
(Trop) |
A technology that provides a specific dose of
ionizing radiation from a source such as a radioisotope (e.g., Cobalt
60), or from machines that produce accelerated electron beams or x-rays.
Doses for irradiation of food and materiel are: low, 1 or less kiloGrays
(kGy), used for disinfestation of insects from fruit, spices and grain;
and parasite disinfection from fish and meat; medium, 1-10 kGy (commonly
1-4 kGy), used for pasteurization and the destruction of bacteria and
fungi; and high, 10-50 kGy, used for sterilization of food as well as
medical supplies (including IV fluids, implants, syringes, needles,
thread, clips and gowns). |
|
Foodplant
(Ento) |
The preferred host plant for plant-eating
insects.
|
|
Foot rot
(Eco) |
Rotting that involves the lower part of the
stem-root axis, but not the distal parts of the roots.
|
|
Football-shaped scatterplot
(Stat) |
In a football-shaped scatterplot, most of the
points lie within a tilted oval, shaped more-or-less like a football. A
football-shaped scatterplot is one in which the data are
homoscedastically scattered about a straight line. |
|
Footprint
(HS) |
A description of the area contaminated by
release of a substance. The term can be used to describe the area
contaminated by an agent, or as an indicator of the performance of a
dispersal device.
|
|
Forage
(Ento, Zoo) |
To wander about in search of food.
|
|
Forbs
(Eco) |
Term for any plant that is not a grass.
|
|
Force of infection
(Epi) |
The per capita rate at which susceptibles are
infected.
|
|
Forceps
(Ento) |
A tool for picking up small insect or
arachnid specimens; also known as tweezers.
|
|
Foregut
(Ento) |
The anterior part of the alimentary canal
from the mouth to the midgut. |
|
Foreign body
(Vet) |
Any abnormal substance within the body.
Examples include wood slivers, ingested cloth or balls, glass in the
feet, etc.
|
|
Foreleg
(Ento) |
One of the two front legs on an insect's
body.
|
|
Forensic entomology
(Ento) |
The application of the science of entomology
to answer questions of interest to the legal system, for example in
relation to a crime or to a civil action.
|
|
Forewing
(Ento) |
One of the two wings that make up the front
pair of an insect's wings. |
|
Form
(Vet) |
A subdivision within a species or variety.
|
|
Forma specialis
(Para) |
Special form. Biotype (or group of biotypes)
of a species of pathogen that differs from others in the ability to
infect selected genera or species of susceptible plants. Forma specialis
can be abbreviated as f. sp. |
|
Formicarium
(Ento) |
An artificial ant nest; an ant farm.
|
|
Formulation
(Ento) |
Way in which basic pesticide is prepared and
sold for use. A formulation contains the active ingredient(s) and other
substances such as carriers and stickers. Examples of formulations
include: emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powders, suspension
concentrates, dusts, baits, fumigants, aerosols and granules.
|
|
Fossorial (Ento, Zoo) |
Adapted for digging or burrowing. It often
refers to animals that live predominantly underground.
|
|
Foulbrood
(Ento) |
A bacterial disease of honey bee larvae and
pupae.
|
|
Founder effect
(Ento) |
Speciation resulting from the establishment
of a small population in an entirely new area and the subsequent
divergence of the resulting population from the parent stock.
|
|
Foveola
(Ento) |
One of the paired depressions on each side of
the vertex in grasshoppers. |
|
Fracture
(Vet) |
A break in the bone; generally caused by
trauma, twisting, or weakened bone structure due to disease.
|
|
Frame, sampling frame
(Stat) |
A sampling frame is a collection of units
from which a sample will be drawn. Ideally, the frame is identical to
the population we want to learn about; more typically, the frame is only
a subset of the population of interest. The difference between the frame
and the population can be a source of bias in sampling design, if the
parameter of interest has a different value for the frame than it does
for the population. |
|
Frass
(Eco) |
Plant fragments made by plant-feeding
insects, usually mixed with excrement.
|
|
Fraud
(OH) |
Any knowingly false statement for the
purpose of obtaining or denying workers’ compensation benefits.
|
|
Free radical
(Vet) |
Atom which carries an unpaired electron; free
radicals can potentially injure cells and may be responsible for
numerous age-related diseases. |
|
Free-living
(Para) |
Living in a free and unrestrained manner in
the environment; living free of a host.
|
|
Frenulum
(Ento) |
A bristle or group of bristles on the hind
wings of certain moths and butterflies that holds the forewings and hind
wings together during flight. |
|
Frequency
(OH) |
A measure of how often injuries and illness
occur; expressed as a raw number or in some form of rate or ratio.
|
|
Frequency table
(Stat) |
A table listing the frequency (number) or
relative frequency (fraction or percentage) of observations in different
ranges, called class intervals. |
|
Frequency theory of probability
(Stat) |
See probability, theories of.
|
|
Freshet
(Eco) |
An increase of water flow into an estuary
during the late winter or spring, owing to increased precipitation and
snow melt in the watershed. |
|
FRISS
(HS) |
First Responders Integrated Support System. A
communication system for integrating data from a number of sensors in
monitoring possible terrorist releases of chemical or biological agents.
|
|
Frons
(Ento) |
Upper part of the insect face, between and
below the antennae and usually carrying the median ocellus or simple
eye. In true flies (Diptera) it occupies almost all of the front surface
of the head apart from the eyes. |
|
Front
(Ento) |
That portion of the face between the
antennae, eyes and ocelli. |
|
Frontal bristles
(Ento) |
The two vertical rows of bristles running
down the face of a fly from the ocelli to the antennae.
|
|
Frontalin
(Ento) |
A sex attractant pheromone of male bark
beetles.
|
|
Fronto-orbital bristles
(Ento) |
The short row of bristles on each side of a
fly's head between the eye and the frontal bristles.
|
|
Frugivorous
(Zoo) |
Feeding mainly or exclusively on fruits.
|
|
Fruit fly
(Ento) |
Any of various small flies of the family
Drosophilidae (order Diptera). The larvae feed on ripening or fermenting
fruits and vegetables or Any of various flies of the family Tephritidae
(order Diptera). The larvae hatch in plant tissue.
|
|
Fugu
(Trop) |
The term applied to mild puffer fish
poisoning causing mild paresthesia around the lips after eating fish
prepared by a special cook. Accidental overdose may, and does, cause
human fatality.
|
|
Full-sib
(Vet) |
Having both parents in common.
|
|
Fulminant
(Vet) |
A condition that develops rapidly and with
great severity. The term also implies great pain in the development.
|
|
Fumes
(OH) |
Particles that develop after being heated;
mostly arise from metals and plastics.
|
|
Fumigant
(Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
Liquid or solid chemical that forms vapours
that kill organisms. Fumigants are often used in the treatment of areas
difficult to penetrate with sprays or other pesticidal formulations.
|
|
Fumigation
(Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
Any process by which the killing of animal
forms, especially arthropods and rodents, is accomplished by the use of
gaseous agents. |
|
Fundamental rule of counting
(Stat) |
If a sequence of experiments or trials T1,
T2, T3, . . . , Tk could result,
respectively, in n1, n2 n3,
. . . , nk possible outcomes, and the numbers n1,
n2 n3, . . . , nk do
not depend on which outcomes actually occurred, the entire sequence
of k experiments has n1× n2 ×
n3× . . . × nk possible
outcomes.
|
|
Fungal (Eco) |
Pertaining to a fungus. For example, a
fungal skin infection.
|
|
Fungi
(Eco) |
Plural of fungus.
|
|
Fungicidal
(Eco) |
Killing fungi.
|
|
Fungicide
(Eco) |
Substance that kills or inhibits the
development of fungus spores or mycelium.
|
|
Fungicide resistance
(Eco) |
A decrease in sensitivity to a fungicide.
Fungicide resistance is the result of selection or mutation following
exposure to the fungicide.
|
|
Fungus
(Eco) |
Non-chlorophyll-bearing plants of a lower
order than mosses and liverworts). Fungi often show mycelial, spreading
growth. Some fungi can be disease causing organisms of plants. Others
live on dead plant material and play a role as decomposers. Examples of
fungi: rusts, smuts, mildews, moulds and yeasts.
|
|
Furcula
(Ento) |
A forked, spring-like apparatus located on
the abdomen of a springtail. |
|
FUS
(Vet) |
Feline urological syndrome; a condition in
cats characterized by blood in the urine, urination outside of the
litter box, and straining to urinate. The name for this condition is now
called feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
|
|
Fuscous
(Ento) |
Smokey grey-brown in color, normally applied
to wings.
|
|
Future total force project
(HS) |
Was designed to explore potential solutions
to some of the Air Force’s most pressing recruiting, retention, manning
and budgetary problems. The people assigned to the project have been
given the freedom to “think way outside the box” to come up with
concepts that might strengthen the rapidly evolving Air Force of the
21st century... Among other concepts, Future Total Force experts are
looking at how the Air Force can offer more flexible career alternatives
that would enable airmen to move seamlessly between the active-duty,
Reserve, National Guard and civilian programs.
|
|
Future total force wing
(HS) |
Active duty and Reserve Component airmen work
side-by-side in a single unit. First one formed on 1 Oct 2002, when Air
National Guard's 116th Bomb Wing and Air Combat Command's 93rd Air
Control Wing merged to form the 116th Air Control Wing.
|
|
G |
Top |
|
Gait
(Zoo, PrD) |
A manner of walking, stepping, or running.
Often used to assess horses or dogs for lameness.
|
|
Galea
(Ento) |
1) The outer branch of the maxillae, the
inner one being the lacinia. 2) An apical lobe of the maxilla of an
insect.
|
|
Gall
(Eco, Ento) |
1) An abnormal growth (tumor) of plant
tissues caused by the stimulus of certain insects, bacteria, fungi or
mites. 2) An abnormal growth of a plant caused by the presence in its
tissues of a young insect or some other organism. Aphids, gall wasps,
and gall midges are among the major gall-causing insects.
|
|
Gamete
(Aqua, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
A mature reproductive cell capable of uniting
with another reproductive cell to form a fertilized cell, the zygote,
which can develop into a new individual (animal or plant). Sperm or ova.
|
|
Gametes
(Aqua, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Cells (e.g. eggs and sperm) which fuse during
sexual reproduction to form early developmental stage (zygote) of new
individual.
|
|
Gametocyte
(Para, Trop) |
The sexual reproductive stage of the malaria
parasite. Gametocytes [macro- and micro-gametocytes] circulate in the
blood stream, are picked up by the Anopheles mosquito, undergo sexual
reproduction in the midgut of the mosquito, and attaches to the
mosquito's midgut, where they form an oocyst that eventually produces
sporozoites.
|
|
Gametocyte count
(Para, Trop) |
Number of gametocytes per mm3 of blood. The
lower the gametocyte count, the lower the infectivity of the human to
the mosquito |
|
Gametocyte rate
(Para, Trop) |
Percentage of persons in an area who carry
gametocytes. Expressed as a percentage. The less the gametocyte rate of
an area, the fewer infective humans are available for mosquitoes, and
the less likely that transmission is to occur.
|
|
Gametogenesis
(Para, Trop) |
The intracellular development of gametocytes
(macrogametocytes, female and microgametocytes, male) that by meiosis
(reduction division) yield either female or male gametes as in malarial
parasites.
|
|
Gamma rays
(HS) |
High-energy electromagnetic radiation
producing ionisation of exposed matter. Gamma rays are very penetrating:
they can travel hundreds of metres in air and can pass through the human
body. Shielding against gamma rays requires thick layers of dense
materials, such as lead. |
|
Ganglion
(Ento) |
A knotlike swelling of the insect nerve cord
that contains a concentration of coordinating nerve cells.
|
|
Ganoid scales
(Eco) |
Modified, cosmoid scales, usually rhomboid in
shape, which consist of a bony basal layer, a layer of dentine, and an
outer layer of ganoine. They are typically found on gars, sturgeons and
paddlefishes.
|
|
Gas embolism
(Trop) |
A blockage of a blood vessel by air or gas,
usually caused when a diver ascends too rapidly, when the air expands,
causing rupture of the lung tissues which then allows the air into the
blood stream. It often results in death due to air bubbles occluding the
blood vessels supply to the brain. |
|
Gases
(OH) |
Formless fluids that may be toxic; can be
protected against by the wearing of gas masks.
|
|
Gaster
(Ento) |
1) The rounded part of the abdomen behind the
nodelike segment or segments (in ants). 2) The hymenopteran abdomen -
apart from the 1st segment (the propodeum) which is fused to the thorax.
The front part of the gaster often forms a narrow waist. |
|
Gastric
(Vet) |
Relating to the stomach.
|
|
Gastric caecum
(Ento) |
1) A fingerlike, anterior extension of the
midgut that serves a function in food absorption. 2) The sac-like
diverticula at the anterior end of the midgut.
|
|
Gastric cirri
(Aqua, Trop) |
Hair-like appendages in the stomach of most
cubozoan jellyfish. They contain nematocysts and aid in digestion.
|
|
Gastric lavage
(Vet) |
To flush out the stomach.
|
|
Gastritis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the stomach.
|
|
Gastrointestinal
(Vet) |
Also known as GI. Pertaining to the stomach
and intestines. The term 'digestive system' includes the mouth,
gastrointestinal tract, anus, pancreas, and liver.
|
|
Gastropod
(Eco) |
The largest and most successful class of
mollusks (phylum Mollusca), containing over 35,000 living species and
15,000 fossil forms. Most gastropods have a one piece shell (univalve),
however in some, such as slugs and nudibranchs there is no shell at all.
Gastropods have a well defined head, with one or two sensory tentacles
and a mouth. They travel by using a single large muscular foot.
|
|
Gastrovascular cavity
(Aqua, Trop) |
The digestive system of the cnidarian,
consisting of the stomach and its connecting canals which perform a
similar task to vascular system of higher orders.
|
|
Gena
(Ento) |
The lower side of an insect's face; the
cheeks.
|
|
Genal comb
(Ento) |
A row of stout spines on the lower border of
the cheek of certain fleas. |
|
Gene (Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
The functional unit of heredity. A segment of
DNA (or RNA in certain viruses) that encodes a single protein or confers
a specific trait.
|
|
Gene
(PrD) |
The functional and physical unit of heredity
passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes
contain the information for making a specific protein. The basic unit
of heredity, consisting of a segment of DNA arranged in a linear manner
along a chromosome, which codes for a specific protein or segment of
protein leading to a particular characteristic or function. The
functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to
offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the
information for making a specific protein. The fundamental physical and
functional unit of heredity. A gene is an ordered sequence of
nucleotides located in a particular position on a particular chromosome
that encodes a specific functional product (i.e., a protein or RNA
molecule). |
|
Gene expression
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
The full use of the information in a gene via
transcription and translation leading to production of a protein.
|
|
Gene-for-gene resistance
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Vertical resistance.
|
|
Genera
(Eco) |
Plural of genus.
|
|
General Industry Safety Orders (GISO)
(OH) |
OSHA orders that apply to all businesses
across the board.
|
|
General use pesticide
(Ento) |
A pesticide that can be purchased and used by
the general public See also: Restricted-use pesticide.
|
|
Generation
(Eco) |
1) The period from any given stage in the
life cycle to the same stage in the offspring. 2) The group of
individuals of a given species that have been reproduced at
approximately the same time; the group of individuals of the same
genealogical rank.
|
|
Genetic control
(Vet) |
A method of pest control which makes use of
selected strains of the target species that possess genetic
abnormalities. When released into the target population they mate with
wild individuals and produce sterile offspring.
|
|
Genetic screening
(Stat) |
Searching a population or individuals for
persons possessing certain genotypes or karyotypes that: (1) are already
associated with disease or predispose to disease; (2) may lead to
disease in their descendants; or (3) produce other variations not known
to be associated with disease. Genetic screening may be directed toward
identifying phenotypic expression of genetic traits. It includes
prenatal genetic screening.
|
|
Genetics
(Eco) |
The branch of science dealing with the
principles of heredity and variation in animals and plants.
|
|
Geniculate
(Ento) |
Abruptly bent or elbowed.
|
|
Genital atrium
(Para) |
In Platyhelminthes, the antechamber to the
genital tubules.
|
|
Genital claspers
(Ento) |
Organs of the male genitalia which serve to
hold the female during copulation.
|
|
Genital primordium
(Para) |
A group of cells in juvenile nematodes that
are the precursors of a reproductive system. Seen in rabditoid juveniles
of Strongyloides but usually not detectable in those of hookworms.
|
|
Genitalia
(Ento, Zoo) |
1) The copulatory organs of insects and other
animals. The shape and arrangement of the genitalia are often used to
distinguish closely related and otherwise very similar species. 2)
Structures associated with the release of sperm or eggs.
|
|
Genome
(Ento, Zoo) |
The total genetic information present in a
cell or organism.
|
|
Genotype
(Ento, Zoo) |
The total genetic character of an organism,
i.e. all its D.N.A. or genes |
|
Genus (pl. Genera) |
A group of closely related species.
Subdivision of a family. Genus names are written with a capital and
should be printed either in italics or underlined. The name of the genus
is incorporated into the scientific names of all the member species:
Pieris napi and Pieris rapae, for example, both belong to the
genus Pieris.
|
|
Geographic information system (GIS)
(PEH) |
A mapping system that uses computers to
collect, store, manipulate, analyze, and display data. For example, GIS
can show the concentration of a contaminant within a community in
relation to points of reference such as streets and homes.
|
|
Geohelminth
(Para) |
A worm which spends a certain time during its
lifecycle living in the soil. |
|
Geometric distribution
(Stat) |
The geometric distribution describes the
number of trials up to and including the first success, in independent
trials with the same probability of success. The geometric distribution
depends only on the single parameter p, the probability of
success in each trial. For example, the number of times one must toss a
fair coin until the first time the coin lands heads has a geometric
distribution with parameter p = 50%. The geometric distribution
assigns probability p×(1 - p)k-1to
the event that it takes k trials to the first success. The
expected value of the geometric distribution is 1/p, and its SE
is (1-p)½/p.
|
|
Geometric mean
(Stat) |
The geometric mean of n numbers {x1,
x2, x3, . . . , xn}
is the nth root of their product: (x1×x2×x3×
. . . ×xn)1/n.
|
|
Geomorphologic change
(Eco) |
Changes in the folds, faults, structural
shapes and effects of the earth’s surface and the processes that create
them.
|
|
Geriatric assessment
(Stat) |
Evaluation of the level of physical,
physiological, or mental functioning in the older population group.
|
|
Germ
(Vet, Bio) |
1) A cell or group of cells (called a
primordium) capable of developing into an organ, a part or an organism
in its entirety. Eggs and sperm are germ cells. 2) A pathogenic a
microorganism. A microbe capable of causing disease. The germ theory of
disease held, correctly, that these minute bodies can cause disease.
|
|
Germ band
(Ento) |
A thickening of the blastoderm that produces
the embryo.
|
|
Germ cell
(Para) |
Cells in an egg from which the embryo grows.
|
|
Germarium
(Ento) |
An area at the tip of the sperm follicles or
ovarioles where sperm or egg formation is initiated.
|
|
Germs
(Vet) |
Any microscopic organism that can potentially
cause disease; includes viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
|
|
Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker (GSS) Syndrome
(PrD) |
Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) is an
extremely rare, neurodegenerative brain disorder. It is almost always
inherited and is found in only a few families around the world. Onset of
the disease usually occurs between the ages of 35 and 55. In the early
stages, patients may experience varying levels of ataxia (lack of muscle
coordination), including clumsiness, unsteadiness, and difficulty
walking. As the disease progresses, the ataxia becomes more pronounced
and most patients develop dementia. GSS belongs to a family of human and
animal diseases known as the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
(TSEs) or prion diseases. Other prion diseases include Jakob-Creutzfeldt
disease, kuru and fatal familial insomnia. |
|
Gestation
(Vet, Zoo) |
Refers to the length of time between when a
fertilized egg implants in the wall of a female's uterus and birth of
the young. Pregnancy.
|
|
Ghost host
(Para) |
A cyst of a protozoan in which the body has
shriveled to become unrecognizable. Endolimax nana and Giardia lamblia
cysts may become ghost cysts when fixation is delayed or when exposed to
warmer temperatures.
|
|
Giabrous
(Vet) |
Without hairs.
|
|
Giant axon
(Ento) |
A large-diameter axon of an intemeuron that
traverses several body segments and conducts messages quickly.
|
|
Giardia duodenalis
(Trop) |
An intestinal flagellate protozoa of humans
and other animals causing giardiasis which may often present as a
long-lasting, chronic malabsorptive diarrhea. Syn. includes G.
intestinalis and G. lamblia.
|
|
Giardiasis
(Trop) |
An infectious, diarrheal disease caused by
the parasite Giardia lamblia, which can be transmitted through
oral-fecal contact and by water contaminated by feces.
|
|
Gill
(Zoo) |
Breathing organ possessed by many aquatic
creatures, including numerous young insects. Insect gills are usually
very fine outgrowths from the body and they contain numerous air-tubes,
or tracheae. Oxygen passes into the tubes from the water by diffusion.
|
|
Gill rakers
(Zoo) |
Finger-like processes on the gill arches in
fishes and larval amphibians. |
|
Gill slits
(Ento) |
Openings on the sides of some isopods through
which they breathe.
|
|
Gingival
(Vet) |
Relating to the gums.
|
|
Gingivitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the gums.
|
|
Girdle
(Ento) |
A silken thread supporting the midsection of
a pupa.
|
|
GIS
(Trop) |
Geographic Information System.
|
|
GISO
(OH) |
See General Industry Safety Orders.
|
|
Glabrous
(Ento) |
Smooth and hairless.
|
|
Gland
(Vet) |
A structure that secretes a substance
essential to a living organism's survival.
|
|
Glassine envelope
(Ento) |
A wrapper made of smooth, transparent paper
that is used to store insect specimens, especially butterflies, moths,
and dragonflies.
|
|
Glaucoma
(Vet) |
Increased pressure within the eye caused by
an accumulation of fluids; can lead to blindness if left untreated.
|
|
Glial cell
(Ento) |
A cell surrounding the axon of a neuron.
|
|
Gliosis
(PrD) |
Activation of neuroglia in the area of a degenerative
lesion.
|
|
Glipizide
(Vet) |
An oral medication that can be used to
control blood glucose levels in some diabetic cats that still have some
insulin production.
|
|
Globose
(Vet) |
Rounded, globular, or marble-shaped.
|
|
Globular
(Vet) |
With a round shape, like that of a marble.
|
|
Glomerulus
(Vet) |
This literally means a small cluster;
commonly used to refer to the renal glomerulus, the area of blood
filtering in the kidney.
|
|
Glossa
(Ento) |
One of a pair of lobes at the tip of the
labium or lower lip: usually very small, but long in honey bees and
bumble bees, in which the two glossae are used to suck up nectar.
|
|
Glottis
(Zoo) |
The opening at the back of the tongue leading
into the trachea.
|
|
Glucocorticoid
(Vet) |
Hormones produced by the adrenal gland which
regulate protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and are important to
almost every function of cells and organs. They also stabilize cell
membranes which is an important part of their function in treating
allergic reactions. Also called glucocorticosteroids.
|
|
Glucocorticosteroid
(Vet) |
Hormones produced by the adrenal gland which
regulate protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and are important to
almost every function of cells and organs. They also stabilize cell
membranes which is an important part of their function in treating
allergic reactions. Also called glucocorticoids.
|
|
Glucosamine
(Vet) |
One of the building blocks the body uses
to make new cartilage.
|
|
Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
(Trop) |
A deficiency in the enzyme G6PD resulting in
a hemolytic anemia. This hemoglobinopathy contraindicates the use of the
4-aminoquinolines such as primaquine for the radical treatment of benign
tertian and ovale tertian malaria.
|
|
Glucosuria
(Vet) |
Glucose in the urine. Also called glycosuria.
|
|
Glycogen
(Vet) |
A storage form of glucose in the body.
|
|
Glycogen vacuole
(Para) |
A vacuole, usually in a cyst, in which
glycogen (carbohydrate storage material) is accumulated until needed in
the development process. Such vacuoles usually form early in the
development of an amebic cyst and are usually present in cysts of
Iodamoeba butschlii.
|
|
Glycosaminoglycans
(Vet) |
Compounds which serve as the building blocks
of cartilage, which covers the ends of bones within a joint. Glucosamine
and chondroitin are necessary for the body to make glycosaminoglycans.
|
|
GMO
(Eco) |
Genetically modified organism. An organism
whose genes have been deliberately manipulated.
|
|
Gnathosoma
(Ento) |
The anterior part of the body of mites and
ticks which bears the mouth and mouthparts.
|
|
Gonad
(Aqua, Trop) |
A group of male or female reproductive cells,
which in jellyfish often line the sides of the stomach, but may extend
through the bell of a jellyfish in the most mature specimens, especially
the chirodropids.
|
|
Gonads
(Aqua) |
Organs responsible for producing eggs or
sperm in animals.
|
|
Gonionemus
(Aqua, Trop) |
A small hydroid found around the world. It is
usually innocuous, but in one small area of the northern Honshu island
of Japan, and in a similar area on the opposite side of the Sea of Japan
around Vladivostock, a sting causes severe systemic symptoms very
similar to the Irukandji syndrome. Similar to Irukandji stings,
Gonionemus stings occur in epidemics with more in some years than
others. It has not caused a proven death, although some unproven deaths
have been claimed in the past.
|
|
Gonococcus
(Trop) |
Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
|
|
Gonopore
(Ento) |
The external opening of the reproductive
organs.
|
|
Gonorrhea
(Trop) |
A sexually transmitted disease caused by the
Gram negative diplococcus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
|
|
Gonotrophic stage
(Trop) |
The condition of female mosquitoes during
blood ingestion, ovarian development, leading to oviposition.
|
|
Gorget
(Zoo) |
A patch on the throat of a bird or other
animal, distinguished by color, texture, etc.
|
|
GPS
(Trop) |
Global Positioning System.
|
|
Grade
(Trop) |
Estimate of the degree of malignancy of a
neoplasm.
|
|
Gradient
(PEH) |
The change in a property over a certain
distance. For example, lead can accumulate in surface soil near a road
due to automobile exhaust. As you move away from the road, the amount of
lead in the surface soil decreases. This change in the lead
concentration with distance from the road is called a gradient.
|
|
Gradual metamorphosis
(Ento) |
See Incomplete metomorphosis.
|
|
Grafting
(Ento) |
A method of plant propagation by
transplantation of a bud or a scion of one plant on another plant. The
joining of cut surfaces of two plants so as to form a living union.
|
|
Gram negative
(Trop) |
A classification of bacteria based upon their
lack of retention of a certain stain in the laboratory. The staining
quality is based on the structure of the cell wall surrounding the
bacteria. This structure of the cell wall influences which antibiotics
will kill the bacteria. This laboratory staining method was developed by
Hans Gram in 1884.
|
|
Gram positive
(Trop) |
A classification of bacteria based upon their
uptake of a certain stain in the laboratory. The staining quality is
based on the structure of the cell wall surrounding the bacteria. This
structure of the cell wall influences which antibiotics will kill the
bacteria. This laboratory staining method was developed by Hans Gram in
1884.
|
|
Gram stain
(Trop) |
Stain developed in 1884 by Hans Christian
Gram, whereby Gram positive bacteria stain purple while Gram negative
bacteria stain red.
|
|
Gramineae
(Eco) |
A family of plants. Grasses, including
cereals.
|
|
Graminoids
(Eco) |
Grasses.
|
|
Grand rounds
(PEH) |
Training sessions for physicians and other
health care providers about health topics.
|
|
Granulate
(Ento) |
Covered with small granules, or grain-like
lumps (usually referring to the sculpturing of the exoskeleton).
|
|
Granule
(Ento) |
Particle of inert material which is mixed or
impregnated with a pesticide. |
|
Granulocyte
(Vet) |
White blood cells (components of the immune
system) characterized by the presence of granules in the cytoplasm. The
granules contain enzymes that play a role in the defensive response to
infection.
|
|
Granuloma
(Vet) |
Tumor-like mass caused by a chronic
inflammatory or infectious condition.
|
|
Granuloma inguinale
(Trop) |
A sexually-transmitted disease that causes
surface destruction and granuloma formation in the skin and subcutaneous
tissue. It is a bacterial disease caused by the organism
Calymmatobacterium granulomatis. The disease is commonly found in
tropical and subtropical areas such as Southeast India, Guyana, and New
Guinea, but it occurs on occasion in the United States, typically in the
Southeast. |
|
Granulosis virus (GV)
(Ento) |
A virus that multiplies in both the nucleus
and cytoplasm of host cells, usually in the fat body.
|
|
Graph of averages
(Stat) |
For bivariate data, a graph of averages is a
plot of the average values of one variable (say y) for small
ranges of values of the other variable (say x), against the value
of the second variable (x) at the midpoints of the ranges.
|
|
Grasshopper
(Ento) |
Any of numerous insects of the families
Acrididae and Tettigoniidae (order Orthoptera). Grasshoppers usually
have long, powerful hind legs adapted for jumping.
|
|
Grasslands
(Para) |
Variable climate with temperature extremes.
|
|
Gravid
(Ento, Zoo) |
Describing a female that is carrying
developing offspring within its body. Pregnant.
|
|
Gravid
(Para) |
Filled with eggs, as a gravid pinworm or
gravid proglottid of a tapeworm. |
|
Gravidity
(Stat) |
The number of pregnancies, complete or
incomplete, experienced by a female. It is different from parity, which
is the number of offspring born. |
|
Gray (Gy)
(HS) |
The Système Internationale unit used to
measure the absorbed dose (q.v.). 1 gray = 1 joule of energy transferred
to 1 kilogram of matter. The gray, named after English radiobiologist
Louis Gray, replaced the rad. |
|
Grazer
(Zoo) |
Refers to a mammal that predominantly feeds
on non-woody vegetation such as grasses and forbs (non-woody leafy
plants). Elk are predominantly grazers except for a short period of time
during the winter when they are browsers. Typically grazers do eat some
browse, and browsers do eat some grass.
|
|
Grease band
(Ento) |
Adhesive material applied as a band round the
tree trunk to trap insects. |
|
Greenbug
(Ento) |
The common name for certain types of aphids
that feed on crop plants. |
|
Gregarious
(Ento, Zoo) |
Living in groups, herds, or flock.
|
|
Groundwater
(Eco) |
Water beneath the earth's surface in the
spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces [compare with
surface water].
|
|
Growth regulators
(Eco, Ento) |
Organic substances that are effective in
minute amounts for controlling or modifying growth processes in plants
or insects. For example: plant hormones.
|
|
Growth stage
(Eco) |
A morphologic phase of plant or crop
development that can be easily recognised in the field. For example,
seedling stage, tillering stage, flowering stage, etc.
|
|
Grub
(Ento) |
A thick-bodied larva of a beetle with
thoracic legs and a well developed head. The body is curved, C-shaped.
|
|
Grubbing
(Ento) |
Digging out roots.
|
|
Grylloblattodea
(Ento) |
Insect order containing the rock crawlers.
|
|
Guano
(Zoo) |
Manure composed of chiefly of bat excrement.
|
|
Guard bees
(Ento) |
The worker bees that wait by the entrance of
the hive and attack intruders and trespassers.
|
|
Gubernaculum
(Trop) |
A cuticular thickening of the dorsal wall of
the spicular pouch in nematodes.
|
|
Guinea worm
(Trop) |
Dracunculus medinensis.
|
|
Gular fold
(Zoo) |
A transverse fold of skin across the throat.
|
|
Gum
(Eco) |
Sticky substance formed by cells in reaction
to wounding or infection. |
|
Gummosis
(Eco) |
Production of gum by plant tissues.
|
|
Guttural
(Zoo) |
Produced in the throat; harsh, rasping, etc.:
said of sounds.
|
|
GVO
(HS) |
Green vinyl overboots. A component of
military chemical/biological protective suits.
|
|
Gymnophiona
(Aqua, Zoo) |
The caecilians.
|
|
Gynandromorph
(Ento) |
An individual creature with a mixture of male
and female characteristics. One half of the body may be male and the
other half female. This is particularly noticeable when it occurs among
the blue butterflies and others in which the sexes are differently
colored.
|
|
H |
Top |
|
H2 antagonist
(Vet) |
A compound which binds (attaches) to the area
on a cell at which histamine also binds. By binding at the same site,
the antagonist blocks histamine from binding and prevents histamine from
producing its effects, which include the production of stomach acid.
|
|
Habitat
(Eco) |
The place and conditions in which a plant or
animal lives.
|
|
Habituation
(Eco) |
Learning not to respond to a stimulus that
provides no reward or punishment.
|
|
Habitus
(Vet) |
Body-build, general appearance.
|
|
Haemolymph
(Ento) |
The blood plasma or liquid part of the blood,
though generally synonymous for blood of insects.
|
|
Hair jellyfish
(Aqua) |
Colloquial term for Cyanea - also known as
Lion's Mane.
|
|
Hair pencils
(Ento) |
Tufts of fine setae serving to dust
pheromone-coated particles onto a member of the opposite sex.
|
|
Half-life (t½) (HS, PEH, Vet) |
The time it takes for half the original
amount of a substance to disappear. In the environment, the half-life is
the time it takes for half the original amount of a substance to
disappear when it is changed to another chemical by bacteria, fungi,
sunlight, or other chemical processes. In the human body, the half-life
is the time it takes for half the original amount of the substance to
disappear, either by being changed to another substance or by leaving
the body. In the case of radioactive material, the half life is the
amount of time necessary for one half the initial number of radioactive
atoms to change or transform into another atom (that is normally not
radioactive). After two half lives, 25% of the original number of
radioactive atoms remain. |
|
Half-sib
(Vet) |
Having one parent in common.
|
|
Halofantrine
(Trop) |
US Army discovered antimalarial related to
mefloquine, used to kill blood parasites, especially in the treatment of
severe malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum.
|
|
Haltere
(Ento) |
One of the balancing organs in dipteran
flies. These club shaped organs are the modified rear wings.
|
|
Hamuli
(Ento) |
The minute hooks on the front edge of the
hind wing of bees and other hymenopterans, used to link the front and
hind wings together. The hook which holds the springtail's spring in
place is also called the hamula. |
|
Hand-held contamination monitor
(HS) |
A portable instrument used to monitor surface
radioactive contamination of people, clothing, or objects.
|
|
Hantavirus
(Trop) |
Also known as Four Corners virus. A rodent
virus from the white-footed deer mouse of the USA. Causes severe
respiratory disease of humans. |
|
Hapalochlaena
spp.
(Trop) |
Usually known as the blue-ringed octopus, a
bite from this cephalopod can cause respiratory paralysis (but not
unconsciousness) within 30 minutes of a painless bite by the beak on the
underside of this small octopus. It is normally some 8-11cm across, and
a dull brown color. However, when irritated (e.g.. by children playing
with it) attractive blue rings appear, and a bite may occurs. Rapid
(within 10 minutes) onset of progressive muscle weakness, with speech
and respiratory difficulty, dysphagia and visual disturbance occur;
respiratory failure mayoccur. There have been two Australian deaths. EAR
can prevent death from respiratory failure. |
|
Haplodiploidy
(Vet) |
A type of parthenogenesis in which males are
produced from unfertilized eggs and are therefore haptoid, while the
females are diploid.
|
|
Hard corals
(Aqua) |
Corals which secrete a calcareous skeleton;
responsible for forming reefs. |
|
Hard-bottom habitat / "Live-bottom" habitat
(Aqua) |
An area of rocky outcroppings, also referred
to as ledges, which are surrounded by a relatively thin veneer of sand,
which varies in vertical relief.
|
|
Harem
(Zoo) |
The mating and association of several adult
females with one male.
|
|
Harmful organisms
(Vet) |
Pests. Includes vertebrate and invertebrate
pests, pathogens and weeds. |
|
Hatch
(Ento, Zoo) |
To break out of the egg.
|
|
Haustellate
(Ento) |
Adapted for sucking liquids rather than
biting solid food.
|
|
HAV/HBV/HCV
(Epi) |
Hepatitis A, B and C virus. These very
different viruses all cause the liver disease hepatitis. Hepatitis B and
C are blood borne, while Hepatitis A is an enterovirus which is
fecal-orally transmitted.
|
|
Hazard (DOD)
(HS) |
A condition with the potential to cause
injury, illness, or death of personnel; damage to or loss of equipment
or property; or mission degradation.
|
|
Hazard
(OH) |
A condition with the potential to cause
harm or physical damage.
|
|
Hazard
(PEH) |
A source of potential harm from past,
current, or future exposures.
|
|
Hazard control program
(OH) |
A formal written program to control one or
more types of occupational health and safety hazards or to prevent
degradation of the environment; usually includes instructions for
managing specific hazards. |
|
Hazardous substance release and health effects database (HazDat)
(PEH) |
The scientific and administrative database
system developed by ATSDR to manage data collection, retrieval, and
analysis of site-specific information on hazardous substances, community
health concerns, and public health activities.
|
|
Hazardous waste
(PEH) |
Potentially harmful substances that have been
released or discarded into the environment.
|
|
HCO
(OH) |
See health care organization.
|
|
Head
(Ento) |
The frontal body region, which bears the
antennae, eyes, and mouthparts.
|
|
Head pressing
(Vet) |
Pressing the head against a wall or other
hard object.
|
|
Headache
(PEH) |
A pain in the head with the pain being above
the eyes or the ears, behind the head (occipital), or in the back of the
upper neck. Headache, like chest pain or back ache, has many causes.
|
|
Heading stage
(Eco) |
Growth stage of grain crops when the seed
head of a plant begins to emerge from the sheath.
|
|
Health assessment for contaminated sites
(PEH) |
Determination of actual or possible health
effects due to environmental contamination or exposure. It includes a
health-based interpretation of all the information known about the
situation. The information may come from site investigations
(environmental sampling and studies), exposure assessments, risk
assessments, biological monitoring or health effects studies. The health
assessment is used to advise people how to prevent or reduce their
exposures, to determine remedial actions or the need for additional
studies. |
|
Health care organization (HCO)
(OH) |
Provides managed medical care within the
workers’ compensation system in some states.
|
|
Health consultation
(PEH) |
A review of available information or
collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard. Health
consultations are focused on a specific exposure issue. Health
consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
assessment, which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and
chemical.
|
|
Health education
(PEH) |
Health education is the process by which
individuals and groups of people learn to behave in a manner conducive
to the promotion, maintenance or restoration of health. Education for
health begins with people as they are, with whatever interests they may
have in improving their living conditions. Its aim is to develop in them
a sense of responsibility for health conditions, as individuals and as
members of families and communities. In communicable disease control,
health education commonly includes an appraisal of what is known by a
population about a disease, an assessment of habits and attitudes of the
people as they relate to spread and frequency of the disease, and the
presentation of specific means to remedy observed deficiencies.
|
|
Health effects studies related to contaminants
(PEH) |
Studies of the health of people who may have
been exposed to contaminants. They include, but are not limited to,
epidemiological studies, reviews of health status of people in exposure
or disease registries, and doing medical tests.
|
|
Health hazards
(OH) |
Substances that pose a risk through either
acute (immediate) or chronic (long-term) toxicity.
|
|
Health investigation
(PEH) |
The collection and evaluation of information
about the health of community residents. This information is used to
describe or count the occurrence of a disease, symptom, or clinical
measure and to evaluate the possible association between the occurrence
and exposure to hazardous substances.
|
|
Health promotion
(PEH) |
The process of enabling people to increase
control over, and to improve, their health.
|
|
Health registry
(PEH) |
A record of people exposed to a specific
substance (such as a heavy metal), or having a specific health condition
(such as cancer or a communicable disease).
|
|
Health statistics review
(PEH) |
The analysis of existing health information
(i.e., from death certificates, birth defects registries, and cancer
registries) to determine if there is excess disease in a specific
population, geographic area, and time period. A health statistics review
is a descriptive epidemiologic study. |
|
Health status
(Stat) |
The level of health of the individual, group,
or population as subjectively assessed by the individual or by more
objective measures. |
|
Health status indicators
(Stat) |
The measurement of the health status for a
given population using a variety of indices, including morbidity,
mortality, and available health resources.
|
|
Health surveys
(Stat) |
A systematic collection of factual data
pertaining to health and disease in a human population within a given
geographic area.
|
|
Health transition
(Stat) |
Demographic and epidemiologic changes that
have occurred in the last five decades in many developing countries and
that are characterized by major growth in the number and proportion of
middle-aged and elderly persons and in the frequency of the diseases
that occur in these age groups. The health transition is the result of
efforts to improve maternal and child health via primary care and
outreach services and such efforts have been responsible for a decrease
in the birth rate; reduced maternal mortality; improved preventive
services; reduced infant mortality, and the increased life expectancy
that defines the transition.
|
|
Heart
(Bio) |
The muscle that pumps blood received from
veins into arteries throughout the body. It is positioned in the chest
behind the sternum (breastbone; in front of the trachea, esophagus, and
aorta; and above the diaphragm muscle that separates the chest and
abdominal cavities. The normal heart is about the size of a closed fist,
and weighs about 10.5 ounces. It is cone-shaped, with the point of the
cone pointing down to the left. Two-thirds of the heart lies in the left
side of the chest with the balance in the right chest.
|
|
Heart
(Ento) |
A muscular tube extending dorsally and
longitudinally through the insect abdomen, continuous with the aorta,
serving in circulation of blood. |
|
Heart block
(Vet) |
A condition in which the electrical impulses
of the heart are not properly conducted from the atria (chambers which
receive the blood) to the ventricles (chambers which pump the blood).
|
|
Heartworm
(Vet) |
A species of parasitic worm (Dirofilaria
immitis) that lives and reproduces in the chambers of the heart of
an animal. Microscopic, immature worms (microfilariae) circulate in the
blood and are taken in by mosquitoes that bite the animal. Microfilariae
mature in the mouthparts of the mosquito and infect another susceptible
animal bitten by the same mosquito. |
|
Heat
(Trop) |
An effective analgesic for some
deeply-injected envenomations including stonefish, stingray and other
venomous-spined fish.
|
|
Heavy metals
(Eco) |
Any metallic chemical element that has a
relatively high density and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations.
|
|
Heinz body
(Vet) |
A condition in which the red blood cells are
destroyed and this results in anemia. The specific type of anemia is
called 'Heinz body anemia' because the red cells develop an abnormality
called a 'Heinz body' which can be seen under the microscope. This
anemia can occur as a reaction to certain medications and also in cats
that eat onions. |
|
Heliotherm
(Zoo) |
Basks in the heat of the sun (or other
overhead bright heat source). Commonly found in arboreal and
semiarboreal iguanids and agamids, chameleonids, etc. Aquatic and
semiaquatic turtles also bask. Snakes use a combination of heliothermic
and thigmothermic strategies. |
|
Hellgrammite
(Ento) |
The aquatic larva of a dobsonfly.
|
|
Helminths
(Epi, Para, Trop) |
Worms, in
particular the five groups of parasitic worms: Monogeneans (flukes),
Digeneans (flukes, schistosomes), Cestodes (tapeworms), Nematodes
(roundworms), and Acanthocephalans (spiny-headed worms). |
|
Helping host
(Para) |
In essence this is a mechanical intermediate
host/vector (usually animate).
|
|
Hemagglutination
(Vet) |
Hemagglutination is the clumping of red blood
cells that can be caused by some viruses. This process is easily
visualized and so has been turned into a method for identifying
antibodies in the blood - the hemagglutination test. Red blood cells
that are coated with an antigen from a suspected pathogen are incubated
with serum from a test subject. If the serum contains antibodies, the
cells will clump (hemagglutinate). The hemagglutination inhibition test
is a version of this method used measure the quantity of an antigen in a
sample.
|
|
Hemagglutinin
(Vet) |
A substance that can cause red blood cells to
clump. Some viruses, notably the influenza virus and its relatives,
produce hemagglutinins and some plant toxins, such as ricin, are also
capable of causing hemagglutination. Hemagglutination may also occur as
a consequence of some diseases.
|
|
Hemangiosarcoma
(Vet) |
A malignant tumor of the blood vessels,
usually occurring in the skin, liver, spleen, right atrium of the heart,
and muscle; also called angiosarcoma.
|
|
Hematemesis
(Vet) |
The vomiting of blood. It is typical of the
later stages of some hemorrhagic fevers and of poisonings, which prevent
repair of the stomach wall.
|
|
Hematocrit
(Vet) |
PCV (Packed Cell Volume), hematocrit: A
laboratory test to monitor relative number of red blood cells present in
the blood. A blood sample is placed in a tiny glass tube and spun in a
centrifuge. The cells are heavier than the plasma and are compacted at
one end of the tube. After the tube is spun, it is examined and the
packed cell volume is determined as the percentage of the red cellular
portion relative to the total amount of blood in the tube (i.e.
remainder being the plasma). |
|
Hematology
(Vet) |
The study of blood, its physiology and
pathology.
|
|
Hematoma
(Vet) |
A mass of blood within the tissues.
Generally, the result of trauma to the blood vessels or abnormal blood
clotting.
|
|
Hematophagous
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Feeding or subsisting on blood.
|
|
Hematuria
(Vet) |
A condition of blood in the urine.
|
|
Hemelytron
(Ento) |
Forewing of a heteropteran bug; has a
membranous tip.
|
|
Hemi-elytron
(Ento) |
The forewing of a heteropteran bug, differing
from the beetle elytron in having the distal portion membranous.
|
|
Hemimetabola
(Ento) |
Insects having a simple metamorphosis. For
example in the Orthoptera, Heteroptera and Homoptera. See incomplete
metamorphosis. |
|
Hemimetabolous
(Ento) |
Insect which has an incomplete metamorphic
life cycle, no pupal stages. |
|
Hemimetabolous metamorphosis
(Ento) |
1) Gradual metamorphosis in insects, in which
the nymphs are generally similar in body form to the adults and become
more like the adults with each instar. 2) Having an incomplete
metamorphosis, with no pupal stage in the life history. 3) Having
incomplete metamorphosis. |
|
Hemipenes
(Zoo) |
The paired copulatory organs lying laterally
in a cavity in the base of the tail in snakes and lizards.
|
|
Hemiptera
(Ento) |
One of the insect groups, made up of the true
bugs, characterized by half leathery/half membranous forewings
(hemelytra), sucking mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
|
|
Hemocoel
(Ento) |
The blood-filled body cavity.
|
|
Hemocoele
(Para) |
A body cavity in mollusks and arthropods
through which the blood (hemocoele fluid) circulates carrying nutrients
etc. to the organs.
|
|
Hemocytes
(Ento) |
Blood cells.
|
|
Hemodialysis
(Vet) |
A process used to remove waste products from
the blood.
|
|
Hemoglobin
(Zoo) |
The oxygen-carrying pigment of the
erythrocytes, formed by the developing erythrocyte in the bone marrow.
It is a complex protein composed of four heme groups and four globin
polypeptide chains.
|
|
Hemolymph
(Ento) |
The "blood" of insects, combining functions
of the lymph and blood of vertebrates (other than respiration).
|
|
Hemolysis
(Zoo) |
See lyse (lysis).
|
|
Hemolytic
(Vet) |
Causing the red blood cells to break open.
|
|
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
(Trop) |
A disease primarily of infancy and early
childhood. It is characterized by the triad of microangiopathic
hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. Diarrhea
and upper respiratory infection are the most common precipitating
factors.
|
|
Hemoptysis
(Vet) |
Blood in the sputum.
|
|
Hemorrhage
(Trop, Vet) |
To bleed excessively; may be the result of
injury or blood clotting abnormalities.
|
|
Hemostat
(Vet) |
A small surgical instrument used to clamp
blood vessels to prevent bleeding.
|
|
Hemotoxin
(Zoo) |
A toxin that destroys red blood cells.
|
|
Hendra virus
(Trop) |
Virus of Flying Foxes (Fruit Bats) in
Australia. Can infect horses and humans. Also known as the Equine
morbillivirus.
|
|
Hepatic
(Vet) |
Pertaining to the liver.
|
|
Hepatic
(Zoo) |
Relating to the liver.
|
|
Hepatic fibrosis
(Vet) |
Scarring of the liver.
|
|
Hepatitis
(Trop) |
An inflammation or infection of the liver.
|
|
Hepatitis viruses
(Trop) |
The most common causes of viral hepatitis are
those caused by the Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G viruses. Hepatitis F
virus has been described but is a doubtful entity. Other viruses which
can cause hepatitis include the Epstein-Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus, and
the Yellow Fever virus. |
|
Hepatocyte
(Vet) |
The commonest type of cell in the liver.
|
|
Hepatomegaly
(Vet) |
Enlargement of the liver.
|
|
Hepatonephritis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the kidney (nephritis) and
the liver (hepatitis).
|
|
Hepatozoon
(Trop) |
A genus of tick-borne apicomplexan protozoa
infecting a range of animal species including lizards and snakes but not
humans.
|
|
Herbaceous
(Eco) |
1) Of or relating to an herb. 2) Soft and
green, rather than woody. 3) Plants without woody stems. |
|
Herbicide
(Eco) |
Substance used for preventing, destroying or
controlling weeds.
|
|
Herbivore
(Eco, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Plant eating. An organism that feeds on plant
material. See also carnivore and omnivore.
|
|
Herbivorous
(Eco, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Feeding exclusively or mainly on plants.
Includes fructivores (fruit eaters) and folivores (leaf eaters).
|
|
Herd immunity (Epi, Trop) |
1) Specifically, the mechanism by which an
infection may be eradicated from a population although some susceptibles
still remain, because the remainder of the population is immune and thus
transmission is reduced. More generally, the immunological status of a
population of hosts and its effect on transmission rates. 2) The
immunity of a group or community. The resistance of a group to invasion
and spread of an infectious agent, based on the resistance to infection
of a high proportion of individual members of the group.
|
|
Hermaphrodite
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Bisexual. In flowering plants: both stamens
and carpels are present in the same flower In animals: An individual
with both male and female gametes.
|
|
Hermaphroditic (Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
An organism having both sexes: a plant or
animal having both male and female reproductive organs and secondary
sexual characteristics. |
|
Hernia
(Vet) |
The protrusion of an organ through an
abnormal opening.
|
|
Herp
(Zoo) |
A reptile or amphibian. "Herpers" is the term
used to refer to people who are interested in or who keep herps.
Herpetoculture refers to the keeping and breeding of herps.
|
|
Herpes
(PEH) |
A family of viruses. Herpes also refers to
infection with one of the human herpesviruses, especially herpes simplex
types 1 and 2.
|
|
Herpes simplex virus
(Trop) |
Causative virus of genital herpes and herpes
labalis or cold sores.
|
|
Herpes zoster virus
(Trop) |
Causative virus of chicken pox and shingles.
|
|
Herpetology
(Zoo) |
The study of reptiles and amphibians. From
the Greek word herpeton, "things that creep and crawl on their
bellies". The herpesvirus is based on the same Greek root, named for the
viruses creeping along the nerves in the body.
|
|
Herptile
(Zoo) |
Any reptile or amphibian.
|
|
Herxheimer
(Zoo) |
Also known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer
reaction. Used to describe the die-off effect of many antibiotics,
paraciticides, and antifungals. When the drug kills off the initial
large numbers of most susceptible organisms, the patient experiences
several days or a week or more of feeling worse as the dead organism
lyse and pass through the gut until they are excreted/voided. Once the
dead organisms clear out, the patient feels better, resuming more normal
daily activities, coloring and appetite. A second, less severe, herx
effect may be observed subsequent to the follow-up doses that deal with
the more resistant organisms. |
|
Het
(Zoo) |
Short for hetero, the standard color/pattern
for which an animal carries dominant genes.
|
|
Heterocrony
(Zoo) |
The disassociation during development of
factors of shape, size and maturity, so that organisms mature in these
respects at earlier or later growth stages. Leads to paedomorphosis.
|
|
Heteroecious (Heteroxenous)
(Para) |
Applied to a parasitic organism in which
different stages of the life cycle occur in different species of host
organism.
|
|
Heterogeneity
(Zoo) |
The fact or state of being dissimilar, as in
composition, source, quantity, dimensions, and so on.
|
|
Heterogonic
(Para) |
Development in which both females and males
are present in the colony. |
|
Heteromerous
(Ento)
|
Unequal numbers of tarsal segments on all
legs.
|
|
Heterophil antibody
(Trop) |
Antibody which reacts with an antigen which
has not stimulated its production (i.e. a cross-reacting antibody).
|
|
Heteroptera
(Ento) |
Order of insects containing the bugs.
|
|
Heteroscedasticity
(Stat) |
Mixed scatter. A scatterplot or residual plot
shows heteroscedasticity if the scatter in vertical slices through the
plot depends on where you take the slice. Linear regression is not
usually a good idea if the data are heteroscedastic.
|
|
Hexacanth
(Trop) |
A larval stage of the tapeworm having six
hooks.
|
|
Hexacanth embryo
(Para) |
"Six-hooked" embryo, the mature embryo within
the egg of many tapeworms, including all species that parasitize man in
the adult stage. |
|
Hexapod
(Ento) |
An animal possessing six legs, more
specifically the parent group that contains insects and their close kin.
|
|
Hexapoda
(Ento) |
Insects. A class within the phylum
Arthropoda.
|
|
HI test
(Epi) |
Hemagglutination inhibition test. A
serological test used to detect antibodies specific to a particular
family of viruses which possess the ability to agglutinate red blood
cells e.g. measles, rubella and influenza. |
|
HIB
(Epi) |
Abbreviation for Haemophilus influenzae
type B.
|
|
Hibernacula (Zoo) |
The places in which an animal hibernates or
overwinters; winter quarters. |
|
Hibernate
(Ento, Zoo) |
To pass the winter in a condition of
hibernation.
|
|
Hibernation
(Ento, Zoo) |
A dormant, sleeplike state, with a lower body
temperature and slower heart and breathing rate, that is characteristic
of various animals during the winter months in cold climates, such as
bears, bats, certain birds, snakes, frogs, and turtles; this state tends
to protect against cold weather and to reduce the need for food. Ground
squirrels are good examples of hibernating mammals as some hibernate for
about 9 months. Hibernators do arouse from hibernation periodically, but
usually stay in their hibernation chamber or nest.
|
|
High titer vaccine
(Vet) |
A modified live vaccine that contains a
higher number of virus particles than the 'average' vaccine. High titer
vaccines can generally elicit an immune system response in young animals
who have a maternal antibody level that would prevent them from
responding to an 'average' vaccine.
|
|
Hindgut
(Ento) |
The posterior part of the alimentary canal
between the midgut and anus. |
|
Histamine H2 receptor antagonist
(Vet) |
A compound which binds (attaches) to the area
on a cell at which histamine also binds. By binding at the same site,
the antagonist blocks histamine from binding and prevents histamine from
producing its effects, which include the production of stomach acid.
|
|
Histogram
(Stat) |
A histogram is a kind of plot that summarizes
how data are distributed. Starting with a set of class intervals, the
histogram is a set of rectangles ("bins") sitting on the horizontal
axis. The bases of the rectangles are the class intervals, and their
heights are such that their areas are proportional to the fraction of
observations in the corresponding class intervals. That is, the height
of a given rectangle is the fraction of observations in the
corresponding class interval, divided by the length of the corresponding
class interval. A histogram does not need a vertical scale, because the
total area of the histogram must equal 100%. The units of the vertical
axis are percent per unit of the horizontal axis. This is called the
density scale. The horizontal axis of a histogram needs a scale. If
any observations coincide with the endpoints of class intervals, the
endpoint convention is important. |
|
Histoplasmosis
(Trop) |
A mycotic disease caused by the dimorphic
fungi Histoplasma capsulatum and H. duboisei. The former
primarily affects the lungs and is acquired by inhalation of spores in
bat droppings (often in caves) and the latter affects the skin and is
restricted to West Africa. |
|
Historical controls
(Stat) |
Sometimes, the a treatment group is compared
with individuals from another epoch who did not receive the treatment;
for example, in studying the possible effect of fluoridated water on
childhood cancer, we might compare cancer rates in a community before
and after fluorine was added to the water supply. Those individuals who
were children before fluoridation started would comprise an historical
control group. Experiments and studies with historical controls tend to
be more susceptible to confounding than those with contemporary
controls, because many factors that might affect the outcome other than
the treatment tend to change over time as well.
|
|
Histosiphon
(Ento) |
Same as stylostome.The tube formed by the
host as a result of the feeding of a chigger secreting salivary fluids,
the chigger partially digests skin tissues, which induces the host to
form a proteinaceous tube walling off the injury.
|
|
HIV
(Epi, Para, Trop) |
Human Immunodeficiency Virus. A group of
viruses that impact on the immune system and severely reduce its
effectiveness in fighting disease. Infection may lead to AIDS. Infection
occurs through transfer of blood, tissue fluids, and body fluids from an
infected to an uninfected individual.
|
|
Hive
(Ento) |
The home of a bee colony.
|
|
Hob
(Vet) |
A male ferret.
|
|
Holoendemic
(Epi) |
An infection whose prevalence is fairly
uniform throughout a region, country or continent. Mainly used in the
malaria literature.
|
|
Holoendemic
(Trop) |
Perennial transmission of a high degree
resulting in a significant immune response in all age groups,
particularly in adults.
|
|
Hologonic
(Para) |
Development in which only one sex (usually
the female) is present in a colony.
|
|
Holometabola
(Ento) |
The higher insects which have complex
metamorphosis. The life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa and adult.
|
|
Holometabolous
(Ento) |
1) Having a complete metamorphosis, with
larval and pupal stages in the life history. 2) Having complete
metamorphosis, passing through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. |
|
Holoptic
(Ento) |
With the eyes touching or almost touching on
the top of the head: used mainly when describing flies.
|
|
Holotype
(Ento) |
The type specimen of a species is the actual
insect from which the original description of that species was produced.
If several specimens were used for this purpose, one of them should have
been designated as the type. Because the type can be of only one sex, it
is usual to designate a certain individual of the opposite sex as the
allotype. The original type specimen is then called the holotype. These
‘type specimens' are very important in taxonomy and classification.
|
|
Homeland defense (HLD)
(HS) |
The protection of US territory, sovereignty,
domestic population, and critical infrastructure against external
threats and aggression.
|
|
Homeland security (HLS)
(HS) |
The preparation for, prevention of,
deterrence of, preemption of, defense against and response to threats
and aggressions directed towards US territory, sovereignty, domestic
population, infrastructure; as well as crisis management, consequence
management, and other domestic civil support.
|
|
Homeostasis
(Ento) |
Maintenance of a functionally steady state in
the body, in the colony of social insects, or in an ecosystem.
|
|
Homologous (Ento, Zoo) |
Organs or parts which exhibit similarity in
structure, in position with reference to other parts, and in mode of
development, but not necessarily similarity of function, are said to be
homologous.
|
|
Homology (Ento, Zoo) |
Similarity in structure resulting from having
had a common evolutionary origin.
|
|
Homonym
(Eco) |
A scientific name which has been given to two
different species. When such an instance comes to light one of the
species must be given another name.
|
|
Homoptera
(Ento) |
Order of insects containing cicadas, hoppers,
psyllids, whiteflies, aphids and scale insects. They are characterized
by uniformly leathery or uniformly membranous forewings, sucking
mouthparts, and an incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
Homopterist
(Ento) |
A person who studies the life cycles,
behavior, ecology, or diversity of homopteran insects as their work or
hobby.
|
|
Homoscedasticity
(Stat) |
"Same scatter." A scatterplot or residual
plot shows homoscedasticity if the scatter in vertical slices through
the plot does not depend much on where you take the slice.
|
|
Honey
(Ento) |
A special type of bee food, made from
partially digested flower nectar. |
|
Honeydew
(Ento) |
A liquid discharged by certain insects that
is high in sugar content (aphids, scale insects, mealybugs).
|
|
Hooklet
(Para) |
In tapeworms, the small hook-like organ of
attachment present on the rostellum of the tapeworm scolex. A small
hook.
|
|
Hookworm
(Trop) |
A parasitic nematode found in the intestines
of humans and animals. They are usually transmitted by infection with
the third stage filariform larva orally or through the skin. Examples
include Ancyclostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
|
|
Hoppers
(Ento) |
Young locusts or crickets.
|
|
Horizon
(Eco) |
A layer of soil, roughly parallel to the
surface of the soil, with distinct characteristics which were produced
by soil-forming processes. |
|
Horizontal resistance
(Eco) |
Resistance that does not involve a
gene-for-gene relationship. Opposite of vertical resistance.
|
|
Horizontal survey
(Epi) |
A study of a community; perhaps stratified by
age, sex, ethnicity etc., but at one point in time or over a short time
interval. Although a snapshot, horizontal surveys of prevalence and
intensity within different age classes of a community can nevertheless
provide valuable information on the rate at which hosts acquire
infection through time, provided that the host and parasite populations
have remained approximately stable for a period of time (i.e. stable
endemicity). Same as cross-sectional study, converse of longitudinal
study.
|
|
Horizontal transmission
(Epi) |
Transmission occurring generally within a
population, but not including vertical transmission.
|
|
Hormone (Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
A chemical produced in the body by endocrine
glands and carried in the blood to other organs where the hormone causes
processes to change in the target organ. A chemical messenger.
|
|
Horns
(Zoo) |
Consist of an inner, boney core covered by an
outer sheath that is much like our fingernails. Horns are not shed
annually as are antlers. They are found in the Bovidae family (bighorn
sheep and mountain goats), and in pronghorns.
|
|
Hornworm
(Ento) |
Larvae of the family Sphingidae (hawkmoths).
A caterpillar with dorsal spine or horn on the last abdominal segment.
|
|
Hospital mortality
(Stat) |
A vital statistic measuring or recording the
rate of death from any cause in hospitalized populations.
|
|
Hospital records
(Stat) |
Compilations of data on hospital activities
and programs; excludes patient medical records.
|
|
Host
(Ento, Epi, Para, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
1) The plant on which an insect feeds. The
organism in or on which a parasite lives. Organism that furnishes food,
shelter or other benefits to another organism of a different species. 2)
The organism in or on which a parasite lives; the plant on which an
insect or other arthropod feeds. 3) An organism that harbors and
nourishes another.
|
|
Host plant resistance
(Eco) |
A method of pest control in which resistant
crop plants are used.
|
|
Host preference
(Trop) |
The preference of a mosquito (or other
parasite or micropredator) for a particular type of host, human or
animal. (To be distinguished from simple readiness to feed on a given
type of host when no other is available).
|
|
Host race
(Ento, Epi, Para, Trop) |
A population of a species that shows a
genetically determined preference for a particular host plant or animal
species.
|
|
Host range
(Eco) |
The various kinds of host plants that may be
attacked by a pest.
|
|
Host range
(Trop) |
Array of hosts susceptible to infection with
an agent.
|
|
HPAC
(HS) |
Hazard Prediction Assessment Capability.
|
|
HPV
(Epi) |
Human papillomavirus, causing genital warts
and genital cancers.
|
|
HSV
(Epi) |
Herpes simplex virus. Types one and two,
HSV-I and HSV-II, are among the causes of cold sores and genital ulcers.
|
|
HTH
(HS) |
High test hypochlorite. A very strong
bleach-like agent used for decontamination.
|
|
Human prion disease
(PrD) |
Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform
encephalopathies (TSEs) are a family of rare progressive
neurodegenerative disorders that affect both humans and animals. They
are distinguished by long incubation periods, characteristic spongiform
changes associated with neuronal loss, and a failure to induce
inflammatory response. The causative agent of TSEs is believed to be a
prion. A disease due to a prion, a proteinaceous infectious particle
that lacks nucleic acids. Prions are composed largely, if not entirely,
of an altered formal (an abnormal isoform) of a normal cellular protein.
|
|
Humeral angle
(Ento) |
The front basal part of the wing, close to
its attachment to the body. |
|
Humeral vein
(Ento) |
A small cross-vein running from the costa to
the sub-costa in the humeral (basal) region of the wing.
|
|
Humerus
(Ento) |
The shoulder of an insect, formed by the
forward angle of the front wings.
|
|
Humidity
(Zoo) |
The moisture content of air.
|
|
Humoral immunity
(Vet) |
The immunity that is the result of antibody
production by B cells.
|
|
Humus
(Eco) |
The well-decomposed, more or less stable part
of the organic matter of the soil.
|
|
Hyaline
(Vet) |
To be clear and colorless in structure.
|
|
Hybrid
(Vet, Zoo) |
An animal that has parents of two different
species, for instance, a mule's mother is a horse and its father is a
donkey.
|
|
Hybridize
(Eco) |
Crossbreeding a plant or an animal.
|
|
Hydatid
(Trop) |
Larval stage of Echinococcus,
generally containing daughter cysts with a large number of
protoscolices.
|
|
Hydatid cyst
(Para) |
1) A cystic larval stage of Echinococcus
spp. containing an inner germinal layer produces many scolices, which,
when set free into the cystic cavity, can develop into daughter cysts in
which further production of scolices takes place. 2) Larva of
Echinococcus spp. which is a large fluid filled cyst containing many
invaginated scolecies and daughter cysts that also contain many
invaginated scolecies. There are two types of hydatid cysts: E.
granulosus has uniloculular (one-chambered) cyst and E.
multilocularis has a multi-locular (many chambered) cyst.
|
|
Hydatid sand
(Trop) |
Free protoscolices lying inside a hydatid.
|
|
Hydrocephalus
(Vet) |
A condition of fluid accumulation in the
ventricles (spaces) of the brain; the swelling generally creates
pressure on the brain tissues and can cause severe damage if not treated
properly.
|
|
Hydroid
(Aqua, Eco) |
A plant-like member of the Class Hydrozoa.
|
|
Hydrologic
(Eco) |
The cyclic phenomena of waters of the earth -
precipitation, runoff, storage and evaporation.
|
|
Hydrological
(Eco) |
The scientific study of the properties,
distribution, and effects of water on the earth's surface, in the soil
and underlying rocks, and in the atmosphere.
|
|
Hydrophiidae
(Trop) |
The family name of sea snakes (but not the
kraits).
|
|
Hydroponics
(Eco) |
The growing of plants in aqueous chemical
solutions.
|
|
Hydrostatic skeleton
(Ento) |
Maintenance of body form by the pressure
exerted by muscles on a fluid-filled body cavity, most important in
soft-bodied larvae.
|
|
Hydrozoa
(Aqua) |
The taxonomic class including the plume-like
hydroids, hard stinging "corals", small jellyfish with bells (i.e.
bell-shaped bodies), and members of the Order Siphonophora which may be
buoyed up by gaseous floats.
|
|
Hygrophilus
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Moisture loving.
|
|
Hymenoptera
(Ento) |
Insect order containing bees, wasps, ants,
and sawflies. They are characterized by membranous wings, chewing or
chewing-lapping mouthparts, and a complete metamorphosis.
|
|
Hymenopterist
(Ento) |
A person who studies the life cycles,
behavior, ecology, or diversity of wasps and bees as their work or
hobby.
|
|
Hyper
(Vet) |
A prefix meaning abnormally high or
excessive.
|
|
Hypercalcemia
(Vet) |
An increased level of calcium in the blood.
|
|
Hyperendemic
(Trop) |
Intense, seasonal transmission where the
immunity is insufficient to prevent the effect of diseases on all age
groups.
|
|
Hyperesthesia
(Vet) |
Abnormal sensitivity to touch, pain, or other
sensory stimuli.
|
|
Hypergeometric distribution
(Stat) |
The hypergeometric distribution with
parameters N, G and n is the distribution of the
number of "good" objects in a simple random sample of size n (i.e.,
a random sample without replacement in which every subset of size n
has the same chance of occurring) from a population of N objects
of which G are "good." The chance of getting exactly g
good objects in such a sample is: GCg
× N-GCn-g/NCn,
provided g <= n, g <= G, and n - g <= N - G.
(The probability is zero otherwise.) The expected value of the
hypergeometric distribution is n×G/N, and its
standard error is: ((N-n)/(N-1))½ × (n
× G/N × (1-G/N) )½.
|
|
Hyperglycemia
(Vet) |
Higher than normal blood glucose level.
|
|
Hyperinfection
(Para) |
Infection superimposed upon an existing
infection by the same parasite in which the parasite reaches high
numbers. The term usually refers to internal autoinfection e.g.
strongyloidiasis, oxyuriasis (pinworm), or hymenolepiasis nana. See
Autoinfection.
|
|
Hyperkalemia
(Vet) |
Increased level of potassium in the blood.
|
|
Hypermetamorphosis
(Ento) |
A kind of complete metamorphosis in which the
different larval instars represent two or more different types of larva.
During the various larval stages the morphology can change, for example
from that of a campodeiform larva (elongate and flattened body with
well-developed legs and antannae) to a scarabaeiform larva (grublike) or
to a vermiform larva (maggotlike).
|
|
Hyperparasite
(Para) |
A parasite whose host is another parasite.
|
|
Hyperparasitoid
(Ento) |
An insect that is a parasitoid of a
parasitoid.
|
|
Hyperphosphatemia
(Vet) |
Elevated blood phosphate levels.
|
|
Hyperpigmentation
(Vet) |
An increased dark color in the skin caused by
the pigment melanin.
|
|
Hyperplasia
(Vet) |
An increase of the number of cells within an
organ.
|
|
Hyperplastic
(Vet) |
Abnormal increase in the amount of tissue. In
prostatic hyperplasia, the prostate enlarges due to an increased number
of normal, not cancerous, cells.
|
|
Hyperreactive
(Vet) |
Producing an exaggerated or greater than
normal response to a stimulus. |
|
Hyperreflexia
(Vet, PrD) |
An abnormal, increased action of the reflexes; a reaction
of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system to over-stimulation.
|
|
Hypersensitive
(Vet) |
A type of allergic condition in which the
body overreacts to a certain agent such as a bee sting or medication.
|
|
Hypersensitivity
(Trop) |
Extreme sensitivity to any protein, over and
above its normal effect. It usually occurs in certain sensitive people
after more than one exposure to the offending protein.
|
|
Hypertension (Vet, Trop) |
High blood pressure - usually above 150/95mm
Hg.
|
|
Hyperthermia
(Vet) |
An increase in body temperature above
normal.
|
|
Hyperthyroidism
(Vet) |
A condition, more commonly seen in cats, in
which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
|
|
Hypertrophy
(Vet) |
An increase in the size of a tissue or organ
due to the enlargement of existing cells.
|
|
Hyperventilate
(Vet) |
An increase in the rate and/or depth of
respiration such that the body loses too much carbon dioxide.
|
|
Hypha
(Eco) |
One of the simplest branched filaments of the
mycelium of a fungus that is composed of one or more cylindrical cells
and that increases in length by growth at its tip. New hyphae arise as
lateral branches.
|
|
Hypnozoite
(Trop) |
A stage of malaria parasites found in liver
cells. After sporozoites invade liver cells, some develop into latent
forms called hypnozoites. They become active months or years later,
producing a recurrent malaria attack. Only P. vivax and P. ovale species
that infect humans develop latent stage hypnozoites. Primaquine is the
only available drug active against hypnozoites.
|
|
Hypo
(Vet) |
A prefix meaning abnormally low or deficient.
|
|
Hypobiosis
(Para) |
A temporary halt in nematode development
within the host at an early stage in the parasitic phase of the life
cycle in nematodes with direct life cycles only. Nematodes arrest as
immature forms in the definitive hosts at a time when conditions in the
external environment pose a hazard to survival of free living
pre-parasitic stages (usually in winter or dry seasons). Once
conditions are more favorable, the arrested development resume their
development to adults the life cycle continues. |
|
Hypocotyl
(Eco) |
The stem of the embryo or young seedling
below the cotyledons.
|
|
Hypodermis
(Ento) |
The living, cellular layer of the insect
cuticle, which is responsible for secreting the compounds that form the
hard, non-living outer cuticle. Also sometimes called the epidermis.
|
|
Hypoendemic (Epi, Trop) |
Little transmission, effect on general
population not important.
|
|
Hypoglycaemia
(Trop) |
Hypoglycemia -blood glucose less than the
lower value of normal (70-110 mg/dl [3.9-6.1 mmol/L in SI reference
units]). Glucose levels of 40 and below constitute severe hypoglycemia,
a life-threatening emergency. Hypoglycemia is common in malaria, as
malaria parasitized red blood cells utilize glucose 75 times faster than
uninfected cells. In addition, treatment with quinine and quinidine
stimulate insulin secretion, reducing blood glucose.
|
|
Hypoglycemia
(Vet) |
Lower than normal blood glucose level.
|
|
Hypognathous
(Ento)
|
Possessing a vertical head with mouthparts at
the bottom.
|
|
Hypokalemia
(Vet) |
Lower than normal level of potassium in the
blood.
|
|
Hypopharynx
(Ento) |
1) A component of the insect mouth-parts
arising behind the mouth and just in front of the labium or lower lip.
Usually short and tongue-like in species with biting jaws, but often
drawn out to form a tube for the salivary duct in those species with
sucking mouths. 2) A tonguelike structure in the buccal cavity,
associated with the labium. |
|
Hypoplasia
(Vet) |
Inadequate or defective development of
tissue.
|
|
Hypopleural bristles
(Ento) |
A curved row of bristles on the side of the
thorax of certain true flies just below and in front of the haltere and
just above the base of the hind leg.
|
|
Hypostome
(Ento) |
In ticks, the median ventral dart-like
mouthpart that is immovably attached to basal part of the capittilum.
|
|
Hypotension
(Trop, Vet) |
Low blood pressure - usually with the
diastolic (the lower level) below 60 mm Hg., and sufficient to cause
dizziness or fainting.
|
|
Hypothermia
(Vet) |
A decrease in body temperature below normal.
|
|
Hypothesis |
An argument or set of arguments which are
assumed to explain the occurrence of particular events or phenomena;
formulating and testing hypotheses are the basis of scientific
investigation.
|
|
Hypothesis testing
(Stat) |
Statistical hypothesis testing is formalized
as making a decision between rejecting or not rejecting a null
hypothesis, on the basis of a set of observations. Two types of errors
can result from any decision rule (test): rejecting the null hypothesis
when it is true (a Type I error), and failing to reject the null
hypothesis when it is false (a Type II error). For any hypothesis, it is
possible to develop many different decision rules (tests). Typically,
one specifies ahead of time the chance of a Type I error one is willing
to allow. That chance is called the significance level of the test or
decision rule. For a given significance level, one way of deciding which
decision rule is best is to pick the one that has the smallest chance of
a Type II error when a given alternative hypothesis is true. The chance
of correctly rejecting the null hypothesis when a given alternative
hypothesis is true is called the power of the test against that
alternative hypothesis.
|
|
Hypothyroidism
(Vet) |
A condition, more common in dogs, in which
the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
|
|
Hypovitaminosis A
(Vet) |
A condition in which the body suffers from a
deficiency in Vitamin A.
|
|
Hypoxia
(Trop, Vet) |
Low oxygen saturation levels in an
organmism's blood or tissues.
|
|
Hypoxic
(Trop, Vet) |
A condition where only very low levels of
oxygen are present.
|
|
Hysterosoma
(Ento) |
In mites, the posterior part of the body when
there is a demarcation of the body between the second and third pair of
legs.
|
|
I |
Top |
|
Iatrogenic
(Trop, PrD) |
1) Describes any adverse condition resulting
from medical treatment. 2) A condition resulting from the action of the
doctor. For example, an allergic reaction resulting from administration
of an injection by a veterinarian.
|
|
IBAD
(HS) |
Interim Biological Agent Detector. An early
form of a biological agent detector that could be deployed to the
battlefield.
|
|
ICAD
(HS) |
Individual Chemical Agent Detector. A
chemical agent that can be used by a single individual.
|
|
ICAM
(HS) |
Improved Chemical Agent Monitor.
|
|
ICDS
(HS) |
Improved Chemical Detection System.
|
|
Ice
(Trop) |
An excellent analgesic to stop the skin pain
of many envenomations, especially those of jellyfish stings. It is
usually less effective than heat for the treatment of stonefish,
stingray and other venomous-spined fish envenomations.
|
|
ICt50
(HS) |
Median incapacitating exposure. The dose of a
substance likely to incapacitate an individual in about half of all
exposures. This particular measure refers to exposure by inhalation and
has different units and values from ID50.
|
|
Icterus (Trop, Vet) |
Commonly referred to as jaundice. A yellowing
of the tissues, usually as a result of abnormal liver function.
|
|
ID50
(HS) |
Median incapacitating exposure. The dose of a
substance likely to incapacitate an individual in about half of all
exposures.
|
|
IDDM
(Vet) |
Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. A form
of diabetes in which so little insulin is produced that supplemental
insulin must be given for the animal to live. Also called Type I
diabetes mellitus.
|
|
IDHL
(OH) |
See Immediately Dangerous to Life and
Health.
|
|
Idiopathic
(Trop, Vet) |
Of unknown cause.
|
|
IDLH
(HS) |
Immediate Danger to Life and Health.
|
|
IFF, if and only if
(Stat) |
If p and q are two logical
propositions, then(p IFF q) is a proposition that
is true when both p and q are true, and when both p
and q are false. If is logically equivalent to the proposition: (
(p IMPLIES q) AND (q IMPLIES
p) ) and to the proposition ( (p AND q)
OR ((NOT p) AND (NOT q)) ).
|
|
IIA
(OH) |
See Insurance Institute of America.
|
|
IIPP
(OH) |
See Injury and Illness Prevention Program.
|
|
Ileum
(Ento) |
The anterior part of the hindgut, preceding
the rectum.
|
|
Ileus
(Vet) |
A condition in which there is an absence of
muscular contractions of the intestine which normally move the food
through the system; can result in an intestinal obstruction.
|
|
Imaginal disc
(Ento) |
A group of cells set aside in the embryo and
maintained through the larval stage as a center of development of adult
structures.
|
|
Imago
(Ento) |
The last stage of development of an insect,
after the last ecdysis (molt) of an incomplete metamorphosis, or after
emergence from pupation where the metamorphosis is complete. As this is
the only stage which is sexually mature, and has functional wings in
winged species, the imago is often referred to as the adult stage.
|
|
Immature
(Vet) |
A developmental stage preceding the adult
stages. For example caterpillars and pupae are immature stages.
|
|
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDHL)
(OH) |
An atmospheric concentration of any toxic,
corrosive, or asphyxiant substance that poses an immediate threat to
life, would cause irreversible or delayed adverse health effects or
would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape from a dangerous
atmosphere.
|
|
Imminent hazard
(OH) |
Any condition or practice in a workplace
that could cause death or serious physical harm immediately or before
the hazard can be eliminated. |
|
Immune
(Trop) |
Protected against infection. The Latin
immunis means free, exempt.
|
|
Immune individual
(Trop) |
A person or animal that has specific
protective antibodies and/or cellular immunity as a result of previous
infection or immunization, or is so conditioned by such previous
specific experience as to respond in such a way that prevents the
development of infection and/or clinical illness following reexposure to
the specific infectious agent. Immunity is relative: a level of
protection that could be adequate under ordinary conditions may be
overwhelmed by an excessive dose of the infectious agent or by exposure
through an unusual portal of entry; protection may also be impaired by
immunosuppressive drug therapy, concurrent disease or the aging
process. See Resistance.
|
|
Immune person/animal
(Trop) |
A person or animal that possesses specific
previous antibodies or cellular immunity as a result of previous
infection or immunization, or is so conditioned by such previous
specific experience as to respond adequately with production of
antibodies sufficient to prevent illness following exposure to the
specific infectious agent of the disease. Immunity is relative; an
ordinarily effective protection may be overwhelmed by an excessive dose
of the infectious agent or an unusual portal of entry.
|
|
Immune system
(Vet) |
The body's defense system which recognizes
infectious agents and other foreign compounds, and works to destroy
them.
|
|
Immune-mediated
(Vet) |
A condition or disease caused by abnormal
activity of the immune system in which the body's immune system either
over-reacts or starts attacking the body itself. See also autoimmune.
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|
Immunity
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
1) A state in which a host is not susceptible
to infection or disease, or 2) the mechanisms by which this is achieved.
Immunity is achieved by an individual through one of three routes:
natural or innate immunity genetically inherited or acquired through
maternal antibody, acquired immunity conferred after contact with a
disease, and artificial immunity after a successful vaccination. Also
termed specific immunity, resistance or specific resistance. Specific
immunity is divided into cellular immunity acting via the direct
involvement of T cells and humoral immunity involving antibodies and B
cells. |
|
Immunization
(Trop, Vet) |
The process of rendering an animal protected
(immune) against a certain disease. Vaccination is a way to produce
immunization. However, just because an animal has been vaccinated
(received a vaccine) does not necessarily mean the animal is immune. If
the body did not correctly react to the vaccine or if the vaccine was
defective, immunity would not occur. No vaccine produces immunity in
100% of the population to which it was given. Vaccination is not the
same as immunization. |
|
Immunoassay
(Vet) |
An analytical or diagnostic method that uses
the interaction between an antigen and an antibody to detect one or the
other. They are highly regarded for their specificity and sensitivity.
|
|
Immunodeficiency
(Vet) |
Reduced function of the immune system of an
animal, making it more susceptible to infectious disease. Can be an
inherited defect or caused by drugs, radiation, or viruses.
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|
Immunodiffusion
(Vet) |
A version of an immunoassay. The antibody and
the antigen are placed in wells in a medium such as agar and allowed to
diffuse through agar. When the antigen and antibody meet, they bind and
form complexes that precipitate forming a fine line called a precipitin
line that can be detected. |
|
Immunogenicity
(Epi) |
The ability of a vaccine to stimulate the
immune system, as measured by the proportion of individuals who produce
specific antibody or T cells, or the amount of antibody produced, say.
|
|
Immunoglobulin G
(Vet) |
The predominant form of immunoglobulin found
free in body fluids. Binding of an antigen, such as a microorganism, by
IgG can lead to it being swallowed by cells of the immune system called
phagocytes, or it can trigger the activation of complement.
|
|
Immunoglobulin M
(Vet) |
A form of immunoglobulin that is the first to
appear in response to an infection. It is a very large molecule, the
equivalent of five molecules of IgG and is limited in distribution to
the blood. Binding of an antigen, such as a microorganism, by IgM can
trigger the activation of complement.
|
|
Immunoglobulins
(Trop) |
Body proteins that act as antibodies. 1.
IgG: The immunoglobulin that can be measured in the serum approximately
two weeks after a challenge by an antigen. Can cross the placenta from
mother to fetus. 2. IgM: The immunoglobulin that can be measured very
soon after a challenge by an antigen. The level returns to a
non-measurable level very quickly and so this measurement is useful as a
test for recent envenomation (or illness). Cannot cross the placenta
from mother to fetus. Presence in a neonate therefore indicates
infection of the body. 3. IgE: Reaginic antibody; immunoglobulin found
in association with allergic or homocytotrophic responses. 4. IgA:
Secretory antibody; immunoglobulin found in nonvascular fluids, such as
the saliva, bile, aqueous humor, synovial fluid etc.
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|
Immunopathology
(Epi) |
Damage to the host caused by its own immune
response against a pathogen.
|
|
Immunostimulant
(Vet) |
A compound which stimulates the immune system
to work more effectively to kill bacteria, viruses, or cancer cells.
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|
Immunosuppressed
(Trop) |
A state of the body where the immune system
defenses do not work properly. This can be the result of illness or the
administration of certain drugs (commonly ones used to fight cancer).
|
|
Immunosuppression
(Epi) |
A reduction in the capacity of the immune
system. Caused by infection, drug treatment, pregnancy, and malnutrition
among others. Immunosuppressed individuals are commonly referred to as
immunocompromised.
|
|
Immunosuppressive
(Vet) |
Something, for instance a drug, hormone, or
virus, which reduces the function of the immune system of an animal. An
animal with reduced function of its immune system is called
'immunosuppressed.'
|
|
Immunotherapy
(Trop) |
A type of cancer treatment which involves
stimulating the body's immune system.
|
|
Immunotoxin
(Vet) |
A substance that damages the immune system.
|
|
Impaired waters list (or impairments)
(Eco) |
Impaired waters are waters that do not meet
State water quality standards. Under the Clean Water Act, section
303(d), States, territories and authorized tribes are required to
develop lists of impaired waters. The law requires that these
jurisdictions establish priority rankings for waters on the lists and
develop TMDLs for these waters. |
|
Impervious
(Eco) |
Surfaces that will not allow things to pass
through. Paved roads, sidewalks and driveways are examples because water
cannot pass through them
|
|
Implantation
(Zoo) |
The embedding of a fertilized ovum
(blastocyst) into the endometrium. |
|
Implementation of the FNEP
(HS) |
Bringing into force the provisions of the
Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan as the basis for coordination of actions
and related expenditures at the federal level in response to a nuclear
emergency.
|
|
Implies, logical implication
(Stat) |
Logical implication is an operation on two
logical propositions. If p and q are two logical
propositions, (p IMPLIES q) is a logical proposition that
is true if p is false, or if both p and q are true.
The proposition (p IMPLIES q) is logically equivalent to
the proposition ((NOT p) OR q). |
|
Imported malaria
(Trop) |
A case of malaria that is brought into an
area by someone who has become infected somewhere else. The person could
be either a tourist or immigrant.
|
|
Impressed
(Vet) |
Having shallow depressed, sunken or indented
areas.
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|
In apparent infection
(Trop) |
The presence of infection in a host without
occurrence of recognizable clinical signs or symptoms. In apparent
infections are only identifiable by laboratory means. A synonym would be
subclinical infection. |
|
In vitro
(Ento, PEH, Trop, Zoo) |
In an artificial environment outside a living
organism or body. |
|
In vivo (Ento, PEH, Trop, Zoo) |
Within a living organism or body.
|
|
Inapparent infection
(Trop) |
The presence of infection in a host without
recognizable clinical signs or symptoms. Inapparent infections are
identifiable only by laboratory means such as a blood test or by the
development of positive reactivity to specific skin tests.
|
|
Inchworm
(Ento) |
A type of caterpillar that moves in a
"slinky" fashion because it is lacks prolegs on the middle part of the
abdomen.
|
|
Incidence (Epi, PEH, Stat, Trop) |
The number of new cases of a given disease
during a given period in a specified population. It also is used for the
rate at which new events occur in a defined population. It is
differentiated from prevalence; which refers to all cases, new or old,
in the population at a given time. |
|
Incidence rate
(Stat, Trop) |
The number of new cases of a specified
disease diagnosed or reported during a defined period of time, divided
by the number of persons in a stated population in which the cases
occurred. This is usually expressed as cases per 1’000 or 100’000 per
annum. This rate may be expressed as age- or gender-specific or as
specific for any other population characteristic or subdivision. Attack
rate, or case rate, is a proportion measuring cumulative incidence often
used for particular groups, observed for limited periods and under
special circumstances, as in an epidemic; it is usually expressed as
percent (cases per 100 in the group). The secondary attack rate is the
number of cases among familial or institutional contacts occurring
within the accepted incubation period following exposure to a primary
case, in relation to the total of exposed contacts; the denominator may
be restricted to susceptible contacts when determinable. Infection rate
is a proportion that expresses the incidence of all identified
infections, manifest and in apparent.
|
|
Incident
(OH) |
An event, with known casual factors,
leading to injury or illness.
|
|
Incident command system (ICS)
(HS) |
A part of the National Interagency Incident
Management System (NIIMS), ICS provides a comprehensive framework for
managing emergency and non-emergency events. Originally created to
coordinate firefighting efforts at forest fires, it has been expanded to
an all-hazard, all-risk management system.
|
|
Incisor
(Eco) |
Flat sharp front tooth. One of the flat
sharp-edged teeth in the front of the mouth, used for cutting and
tearing food.
|
|
Inclusion body
(Ento) |
A protein crystal that encloses an insect
virus.
|
|
Inclusions
(Trop) |
Particles in the cytoplasm or nucleus of
cells infected with certain viruses or bacteria such as the chlamydiae.
|
|
Inclusive fitness
(Ento, Zoo) |
Net genetic representation of an individual
in succeeding generations, through personal reproduction and that of
individuals bearing identical genes.
|
|
Incomplete metamorphosis
(Ento) |
Metamorphosis in which the wings (when
present) develop externally during the immature stage and there is no
prolonged resting stage (i.e. pupa) preceding the last molt; stages
included are the egg, nymphal, and adult. Slight changes from molt to
molt until wings and genitalia are fully formed in the adult. Also
called gradual or partial metamorphosis, and paurometabolous
development.
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|
Incontinence
(Vet) |
The inability to control the excretion of
wastes; generally used to describe the inability to control urination.
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|
Incubate
(Zoo) |
To sit on and hatch eggs.
|
|
Incubation period
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
The time interval between initial contact
with an infectious agent and the first appearance of symptoms associated
with the infection. In a vector, it is the time between entrance of an
organism into the vector and the time when that vector can transmit the
infection (extrinsic incubation period). The period in people between
the time of exposure to a parasite and the time when the parasite can be
detected in blood or stool is called the prepatent period.
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|
Independent adjuster
(OH) |
A person who charges a fee to the insurance
company to adjust claims. |
|
Independent and identically distributed (iid)
(Stat) |
A collection of two or more random variables
{X1, X2, . . . , } is independent and
identically distributed if the variables have the same probability
distribution, and are independent.
|
|
Independent contractor
(OH) |
A fee-for-hire individual who exercises
control over how the work is done; labor law enforcement agencies and
the courts look at several factors to decide if someone is an
independent contractor or an employee. |
|
Independent variable
(Stat) |
In regression, the independent variable is
the one that is supposed to explain the other. Usually, one regresses
the "dependent variable" on the "independent variable." There is not
always a clear choice of the independent variable. The independent
variable is usually plotted on the horizontal axis. Independent in this
context does not mean the same thing as statistically independent.
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|
Independent, independence
(Stat) |
Two events A and B are (statistically)
independent if the chance that they both happen simultaneously is the
product of the chances that each occurs individually; i.e., if P(AB) =
P(A)P(B). This is essentially equivalent to saying that learning that
one event occurs does not give any information about whether the other
event occurred too: the conditional probability of A given B is the same
as the unconditional probability of A, i.e., P(A|B) = P(A). Two random
variables X and Y are independent if all events they determine are
independent, for example, if the event {a < X <= b} is independent of
the event {c < Y <= d} for all choices of a, b, c, and d. A collection
of more than two random variables is independent if for every proper
subset of the variables, every event determined by that subset of the
variables is independent of every event determined by the variables in
the complement of the subset. For example, the three random variables X,
Y, and Z are independent if every event determined by X is independent
of every event determined by Y and every event determined by X is
independent of every event determined by Y and Z and every event
determined by Y is independent of every event determined by X and Z and
every event determined by Z is independent of every event determined by
X and Y.
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|
Indeterminate public health hazard
(PEH) |
The category used in ATSDR's public health
assessment documents when a professional judgment about the level of
health hazard cannot be made because information critical to such a
decision is lacking.
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|
Indicator random variable
(Stat) |
The indicator [random variable] of the event
A, often written 1A, is the random variable that equals unity
if A occurs, and zero if A does not occur. The expected value of the
indicator of A is the probability of A, P(A), and the standard error of
the indicator of A is (P(A)×(1-P(A))½. The sum 1A
+ 1B + 1C + . . . of the indicators of a
collection of events {A, B, C, . . . } counts how many of the events
{A, B, C, . . . } occur in a given trial. The product of the indicators
of a collection of events is the indicator of the intersection of the
events (the product equals one if and only if all of indicators equal
one). The maximum of the indicators of a collection of events is the
indicator of the union of the events (the maximum equals one if any of
the indicators equals one).
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|
Indicator species
(Zoo) |
A species usually of narrow ecological
amplitude with respect to one or more environmental factors; indicative
of a particular ecological condition or set of conditions.
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|
Indigenous species
(Eco) |
A species which evolved on the North American
continent, was present at the time of European Colonization, and is
resident within the Chesapeake Bay basin without human manipulation.
|
|
Indirect life cycle
(Epi, Para) |
A life cycle of a parasite in which the
pre-parasitic larvae develop inside an appropriate intermediate host.
|
|
Indirect pest
(Ento) |
A pest insect that feeds on a part of the
plant that is not marketed.
|
|
Indirect transmission
(Epi) |
Transmission of a parasite through an
indirect life cycle.
|
|
Induced malaria
(Trop) |
Malaria acquired through artificial means
such as, blood transfusion, dirty syringes, or malariotherapy.
|
|
Industrial hygiene
(OH) |
A specialized area that recognizes,
evaluates and controls chronic (longer-term) worker exposures to harmful
physical or chemical agents or conditions such as noise levels,
ventilation rates, airborne contaminants, heat exposure and radiation.
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|
Industrial safety procedures
(OH) |
Guidelines for implementing safety
regulations and practices in industrial settings, designed to prevent
accidents or acute illnesses; procedures include those for the safety of
cranes, trenches, construction, electrical, confined spaces and
elevators.
|
|
Inert
(Eco) |
A substance having no biological action.
|
|
Inert ingredient
(Eco) |
Any substance in a pesticide formulation that
has no pesticidal action. |
|
Infant
(Stat, PEH) |
A child up to 2 years (24 months) of age.
|
|
Infant mortality
(Stat) |
Perinatal, neonatal, and infant deaths in a
given population.
|
|
Infant parasite rate
(Trop) |
The percentage of infants below one year old
who show parasites in their blood films. If the infant parasite rate is
zero for three consecutive years in a locality, this is regarded as
absence of local transmission, provided that the survey is done every
year and enough slides have been examined.
|
|
Infect
(Ento) |
Of a parasite or pathogen, to enter and grow,
or to replicate, within plant tissues.
|
|
Infected
(Epi) |
A host who has an infection.
|
|
Infected individual
(Trop) |
A person or animal that harbors an infectious
agent and who has either manifest disease or in apparent infection. An
infectious person or animal is one from whom the infectious agent can be
naturally acquired. |
|
Infected person
(Trop) |
A person who harbors an infectious agent and
who has either manifest disease or in apparent infection. An infectious
person is one from whom the infectious agent can be naturally acquired.
|
|
Infected source
(Para) |
An animal or plant (an intermediate host) in
which a parasite has established an infection and can act as the source
of infection for another host. Infection occurs when the infective stage
is ingested along with the intermediate host or part of it is eaten.
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|
Infection
(Ento, Epi, Para, Trop, Vet) |
The introduction or entry of a parasite or
pathogenic micro-organism into a susceptible host, resulting in the
presence of that organism within the body of the host, whether or not
this causes pathologic effects. |
|
Infectious agent
(Trop, Vet) |
An organism (virus, rickettsia, bacteria,
fungus, protozoan, or helminth) that is capable of producing infection
or infectious disease. Infectivity expresses the ability of the disease
agent to enter, survive and multiply in the host; infectiousness
indicates the relative ease with which a disease is transmitted to other
hosts.
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|
Infectious disease
(Trop, Vet) |
A clinically manifest disease of humans or
animals resulting from an infection.
|
|
Infectious period
(Epi) |
The time period during which infecteds are
able to transmit an infection to any susceptible host or vector they
contact. Note that the infectious period may not necessarily be
associated with symptoms of the disease. |
|
Infective stage
(Para) |
That stage in the life cycle of a parasite
during which it is capable of producing infection.
|
|
Infectivity
(Trop) |
The quality of being infectious;
infectiousness.
|
|
Infest
(Ento) |
In insects: to occupy and cause damage. In
soil: to contaminate by fungi, eelworms or insects. To introduce a
pathogen into the environment of a host.
|
|
Infestation
(Eco) |
Presence of animal pests (insects, rodents,
etc.) on the plant crops.
|
|
Infestation
(Para, Trop, Vet) |
1) For persons or animals, the lodgment,
development and reproduction of arthropods on the surface of the body or
in the clothing. Infested articles or premises are those that harbor or
give shelter to animal forms, especially arthropods and rodents. 2) An
invasion by animal ectoparasites. Infestation is used more for gross
parasites on the surface of the body that produce mechanical effects;
infection of parasites within the body.
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|
Infested source
(Para) |
A source of the infective stage of a parasite
when that stage is essentially free-living, e.g. cercariae of
schistosomes that infest water (swim about freely outside of the host)
are capable of initiating the infection of a suitable host. Cercariae
infest water, the source from which infection is initiated.
|
|
Inflammation (Trop, Vet) |
A condition in which tissue reacts to injury
and undergoes changes during the healing process. As an example, a toe
with a sliver of wood in it would be inflamed and show the signs of
inflammation which include redness, increased temperature, pain,
swelling, and a loss of or disordered function. The toe is swollen, red,
hot, painful, and the animal is reluctant to walk on that toe.
|
|
Inflorescence
(Eco) |
The flowering portion of a plant.
|
|
Influenza (Flu)
(Trop) |
A viral respiratory tract infection. The
influenza viruses are divided into three types: A, B, and C.
|
|
Infrastructure
(Eco) |
The physical systems and that support
community function (roads, sewers, water lines).
|
|
Infusion
(Trop, Vet) |
Introducing a therapeutic solution into the
body through a vein. A typical case is water and electrolyte replacement
in the treatment of cholera. It may also be used to deliver some
antibiotics such as vancomycin. The solution that is used may also be
called an infusion.
|
|
Infusoria
(Vet) |
Microscopic organisms which are cultured as a
food for the fry of freshwater fish.
|
|
Ingest
(End, Zoo) |
To eat or swallow.
|
|
Ingestion
(PEH) |
Swallowing. Chemicals in or on food, drink,
utensils, cigarettes, hands, etc. can be ingested. After ingestion,
chemicals may be absorbed into the blood and distributed throughout the
body.
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|
Ingestion exposure emergency planning zone
(HS) |
A defined zone around a nuclear facility for
which detailed planning and preparations are made in advance to ensure
that appropriate measures against exposure from ingestion of radioactive
material can be applies in a timely and accurate manner.
|
|
Inguinal amplexus
(Zoo)
|
Sexual embrace of anurans; the grasping of
the female's body by the male's forelimbs from a dorsal position just
above the hind legs. The grip is usually quite strong, and is not
released until oviposition is completed. |
|
Inhalation
(PEH) |
Breathing. People can take in chemicals by
breathing contaminated air. |
|
Inherited
(Vet) |
A trait passed from one generation to the
next in the genes from each parent.
|
|
Injuries and Illnesses Log (300)
(OH) |
Required recordkeeping about injuries and
illnesses caused by work-related activities that result in lost work
time, fatalities, off-site treatment and / or restricted work activity.
Log information must be posted at the worksite.
|
|
Injury
(Eco) |
Damage of a plant which impairs growth,
functioning or appearance, but not necessarily resulting in loss of
yield or quality.
|
|
Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
(OH) |
A health and safety program that employers
develop and implement.
|
|
Innate
(Vet) |
A permanent characteristic that is present
because of the genetic make-up of the animal.
|
|
Inner shell
(Para) |
Eggs of some helminths have an inner and an
outer shell, e.g. Hymenolepis nana. Ascaris eggs have an outer
mammillated coat (the cortex) that covers the thick hyaline shell.
|
|
Inoculum
(Epi) |
The amount of parasite to which an individual
host is exposed at transmission.
|
|
Inorganic compound
(Eco) |
A compound which does not contain carbon
atoms. Carbon dioxide, CO2, is the only exception and is
considered an inorganic compound.
|
|
Inquiline
(Eco) |
A creature that shares the home of another
species without having any obvious effect on that species.
|
|
Insect
(Ento) |
Insects are animals belonging to the class
Hexapoda. They have a segmented body with three distinct regions; the
head, the thorax, and the abdomen. The head bears one pair of antennae,
compound eyes, and the mouthparts. The thorax bears three pairs of legs
(one on each of the three thoracic segments). The thorax bears often one
or two pairs of wings (on the second and/or third thoracic segments). A
gonopore is present at the posterior end of the abdomen. |
|
Insect growth regulator (IGR)
(Ento) |
Chemical substance which disrupts the action
of insect hormones that control processes such as molting, development
from pupa to adult, etc. |
|
Insect vectors
(Ento) |
Insects that transmit infective organisms
from one host to another or from an inanimate reservoir to an animate
host.
|
|
Insecta
(Ento) |
A class of the phylum Arthropoda,
distinguished by adults having three body regions: head, thorax, and
abdomen; and by having the thorax three-segmented with each segment
bearing a pair of legs.
|
|
Insectarium
(Ento) |
A building for raising and displaying live
insects; an insect zoo.
|
|
Insecticide
(Ento, Trop) |
Any chemical substance used for the
destruction of insects, whether applied as powder, liquid, atomized
liquid, aerosol or “paint” spray; residual action is usual. The term
larvicide is generally used to designate insecticides applied
specifically for destruction of immature stages of arthropods;
adulticide or imagocide, to designate those applied to destroy mature or
adult forms. The term insecticide is often used broadly to encompass
substances for the destruction of all arthropods, but acaricide is more
properly used for agents against ticks and mites. |
|
Insecticide resistance
(Ento, Trop) |
The ability of a mosquito or other insect to
survive contact with an insecticide in quantities that would normally
kill a mosquito of the same species.
|
|
Insectivore
(Eco, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Eats only insects.
|
|
Insectivorous
(Eco, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
A creature which feeds mainly on
invertebrates.
|
|
Insertion
(PrD) |
Chromosome abnormality due to insertion of a
segment from one chromosome into another chromosome.
|
|
Insight learning
(Ento) |
The ability to combine teamed behavior from
diverse experiences to solve a problem.
|
|
Insoluble carbohydrate
(Vet) |
Insoluble fiber. Fiber that resists enzymatic
digestion in the small intestine.
|
|
Insomnia
(PrD) |
Prolonged and usually abnormal inability to
obtain adequate sleep--called also agrypnia.
|
|
Inspections
(OH) |
Periodic audits of the workplace
environment, including equipment, chemicals, building structure,
documented procedures, records and employee knowledge of job
requirements and hazards. Interdepartmental or external (conducted by
outside agencies) inspections check for compliance with health and
safety regulations.
|
|
Instantaneous rate
(Epi) |
In a short time interval, the number of
events taking place during the interval is approximately proportional to
the length of the interval. The constant of proportionality is the rate
at which these events occur. This argument becomes more and more exact
as the length of the time interval becomes shorter and shorter. When the
time interval has shrunk to an instant, the rate has become an
`instantaneous rate'. |
|
Instar
(Ento) |
The stage in an insect's life history between
any two molts. A newly-hatched insect which has not yet moulted is said
to be a first-instar nymph or larva. The adult (imago) is the final
instar.
|
|
Instars
(Ento) |
Stages of insect growth and development. In
mosquitoes there are four larval instars, each terminating with the
shedding of the cuticle.
|
|
Instinct
(Ento, Zoo) |
Behavior performed without previous
experience and without interaction with other members of the species.
|
|
Insulin
(Vet) |
A hormone produced by the pancreas which is
necessary for glucose to be able to enter the cells of the body and be
used for energy.
|
|
Insulin resistance
(Vet) |
A condition in which the blood glucose level
remains higher than it should at an insulin dosage of 2 units/pound of
body weight per day in cats. |
|
Insulinoma
(Vet) |
Insulin-producing tumor of the pancreas; the
increased production and blood level of insulin resulting from these
tumors can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
|
|
Insurance Institute of America (IIA)
(OH) |
Oversees a variety of continuing education
programs for professionals in the insurance business and related fields,
including certifications such as the Associate of Risk Management (ARM).
|
|
Insurer
(OH) |
The insurance company that may provide a
workers’ compensation policy. |
|
Integrated control
(Eco, Ento, Trop) |
A combination of biological and insecticidal
methods of control.
|
|
Integrated pest management (IPM)
(Eco, Ento, Trop) |
1) Sometimes referred to as Integrated Pest
Control. A pest management system that, in the context of the associated
environment and the population dynamics of the pest species, utilizes
all suitable techniques and methods in as compatible a manner as
possible and maintains the pest population at levels below those causing
economic injury. Often, the term IPM includes all elements contributing
to an effective, safe, sustainable and economically sound crop
protection system. 2) An approach to the control of pests (insects,
diseases, weeds) in which all available techniques are evaluated and
integrated into a unified program. |
|
Integument (Ento)
|
Outer cuticle or epidermis of insect and
helminthes.
|
|
Intel fusion
(HS) |
Intelligence systems based on warfighter
requirements that conform to the Joint Technical Architecture.
|
|
Intensity
(Epi) |
1) The mean parasite burden within all the
infected members of the host population. Also called mean abundance. 2)
The mean parasite burden within both infected and uninfected hosts. It
is important to indicate which usage is adopted, since they give
different statistics, unless the prevalence is 100%. Macroparasites, and
infections like malaria, are usually measured in terms of intensity.
|
|
Intercalary cartilage (Zoo) |
A phalanx-like cartilaginous element inserted
between the ultimate and penultimate phalanges in the digits of the frog
families.
|
|
Intercalary vein
(Ento) |
An additional longitudinal vein, arising at
the wing margin and running inwards but not directly connected to any of
the major veins.
|
|
Intercropping
(Eco) |
The growing of two or more crops
simultaneously in the same field.
|
|
Interference competition
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Competition in which individuals are
prevented from feeding, mating, or laying eggs as a result of the
presence of other individuals.
|
|
Interferon
(Trop) |
An antiviral chemical secreted by an infected
cell which strengthens the defense of nearby cells not yet infected.
|
|
Interim remedial measure (IRM)
(PEH) |
An action taken at a contaminated site to
reduce the chances of human or environmental exposure to site
contaminants. Interim remedial measures are planned and carried out
before comprehensive remedial studies. They can prevent additional
damage during the study phase, but don’t interfere in any way with the
need to develop a complete remedial program.
|
|
Interleukin-2
(Trop) |
A substance produced by T-lymphocytes that
stimulates activated T-lymphocytes and some activated B-Lymphocytes to
proliferate. Also known as T-Cell growth factor.
|
|
Intermediate duration exposure
(PEH) |
Contact with a substance that occurs for more
than 14 days and less than a year.
|
|
Intermediate host
(Ento, Epi, Para, Trop, Vet) |
In the life cycle of some parasites, the
immature form of the parasite must pass through a different type of host
(animal, insect, snail, etc.), called the intermediate host, before it
can re-enter and infect the type of animal it came from. An example
would be heartworms. The adult worm lives in the dog or cat. The
immature form, laid by the adult heartworm, is taken up by the mosquito.
The immature form develops within the mosquito, and is then reintroduced
into another dog or cat where it develops into the mature adult and the
cycle repeats itself. The intermediate host for heartworms, then, is the
mosquito. See vector. |
|
Internal fertilization
(Zoo) |
1) Broadly, the reproductive condition in
animals, such as birds and mammals, when the egg is fertilized within
the female's body. 2) Specifically, the union of the nuclei of the egg
cell and the sperm cell, resulting in the disappearance of their nuclear
membranes and the combination of their chromosomes.
|
|
International nuclear event scale (INES)
(HS) |
A scale to promptly and consistently
communicate to the public the safety significance of reported events at
nuclear installations.
|
|
International terrorism
(HS) |
Activities that involve violent acts or acts
dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the
United States or of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if
committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or any State;
appear to be intended - to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
to affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnapping;
and occur totally outside the United States, or transcend national
boundaries in terms of the means by which they are accomplished, the
persons they appear intended to coerce or intimidate, or the locale in
which their perpetrators operate or seek asylum. |
|
Interneuron
(Ento, Zoo) |
A nerve cell located within the central
nervous system and serving to connect other neurons.
|
|
Interplanting
(Eco) |
The interplanting of one crop within another,
for example with the purpose of trapping or repelling pest insects.
|
|
Interpolation
(Stat) |
Given a set of bivariate data (x, y),
to impute a value of y corresponding to some value of x at
which there is no measurement of y is called interpolation, if
the value of x is within the range of the measured values of x.
If the value of x is outside the range of measured values,
imputing a corresponding value of y is called extrapolation.
|
|
Inter-quartile range (IQR)
(Stat) |
The inter-quartile range of a list of numbers
is the upper quartile minus the lower quartile.
|
|
Intersection
(Stat) |
The intersection of two or more sets is the
set of elements that all the sets have in common; the elements contained
in every one of the sets. The intersection of the events A and B is
written "A and B" and "AB." |
|
Intersexual selection
(Ento, Zoo) |
Natural selection involving choices between
the sexes, often on the basis of courtship displays.
|
|
Interspecific competition
(Zoo) |
One species subtly depresses another species'
survival or breeding success through reduction of critical resources.
|
|
Interstitial
(Vet) |
Between parts or within the spaces of tissue.
|
|
Intertidal
(Eco) |
The area of shore located between high and
low tides.
|
|
Interval
(Trop) |
Time between paroxysms in malaria.
|
|
Intervention
(HS) |
Any action of provision beyond normal
procedures undertaken to manage the emergency and mitigate its impacts,
including all emergency organisation structures, response actions,
communications, and public information and directives.
|
|
Intervention studies
(Stat) |
Epidemiologic investigations designed to test
a hypothesized cause-effect relation by modifying the supposed causal
factor(s) in the study population.
|
|
Interviews
(Stat) |
Conversations with an individual or
individuals held in order to obtain information about their background
and other personal biographical data, their attitudes and opinions, etc.
It includes school admission or job interviews.
|
|
Intestine
(Vet) |
The part of the digestive system extending
from the stomach to the rectum; includes both the small and large
intestines and functions in the absorption of water and nutrients; also
called bowel or gut.
|
|
Intoxication
(Vet) |
Poisoning. The adverse effect due to the
intake of or exposure to any substance.
|
|
Intracellular
(Vet) |
An action taking place within a cell.
|
|
Intracranial
(Vet) |
Originating within the cranial (brain)
cavity.
|
|
Intramuscular
(Vet) |
Into the muscle (IM).
|
|
Intranasal
(Vet) |
Into the nose.
|
|
Intrasexual competition
(Ento, Zoo) |
Competition between the sexes.
|
|
Intrasexual selection
(Ento, Zoo) |
Natural selection involving competition among
members of one sex of a species, usually for mates.
|
|
Intraspecific nest parasitism
(Zoo) |
The addition of eggs to another female's
nest.
|
|
Intravenous
(Trop, Vet) |
Injected into or delivered through a needle
in a vein.
|
|
Intrinsic
(Ento) |
Located entirely within an organ.
|
|
Introduced malaria
(Trop)
|
Malaria acquired by mosquito transmission
from an imported case in an area where malaria is not a regular
occurrence.
|
|
Introduced species
(Eco) |
Species which have been intentionally or
inadventently brought into a region or area. Also called exotic species.
|
|
Intromission
(Zoo) |
The act of copulation, during which the male
transfers his sperm into the female.
|
|
Intussusception
(Vet) |
A condition in which one part of the
intestine 'telescopes' into another. |
|
Invasive species
(Aqua) |
A species that has been transported by
natural processes or human activities, either intentionally or
accidentally, into a region where it did not occur previously, and
reproduces and spreads rapidly into new locations, causing economic or
environmental harm or harm to human health (from Executive Order 13112
on Invasive Species).
|
|
Invasiveness
(Trop) |
The ability of a microorganism to enter the
body and to spread more or less widely throughout the tissues. The
organism may or may not cause clinical symptoms.
|
|
Invertebrate (Ento, Zoo) |
Animals which lack a backbone and include
such as squids, octopuses, lobsters, or shrimps, crabs, shellfishes, sea
urchins and starfishes. |
|
Investigative new drug
(Vet) |
A drug that has passed a number of mandated
tests that show that it may be useful and effective and that can be
tested in human volunteers. |
|
Ionisation
(HS) |
Removal of an electron from a neutral atom or
molecule, creating a positively charged ion. These atoms recombine very
quickly and can cause biological effects in cells. One cause of
ionisation is exposure to radioactive particles or rays.
|
|
IPDS
(HS) |
Improved (chemical) Point Detection System.
|
|
IPE
(HS) |
Individual Protective Equipment. The gear
that a soldier carries to protect himself in the event of a chemical or
biological attack. Typically, it includes protective mask gloves and
overgarments and may also include antibiotics or chemical agent
antidotes.
|
|
IPM
(Ento) |
Integrated Pest Management.
|
|
Iridescence
(Ento, Zoo) |
The production of color by diffraction of
light, which results in color changes when viewed at different angles.
|
|
Iridescent
(Ento, Zoo) |
Displaying a shining, rainbow-like range of
colors.
|
|
Iris
(Vet) |
The colored portion of the eye is called the
iris. In the center of the iris is the black opening called the pupil.
This opening can be made larger or smaller by muscles called ciliary
bodies, which attach to the colored iris, causing it to expand or
contract.
|
|
Irradiation
(HS) |
Exposure of material or the human body to
radiation.
|
|
Irukandji
(Aqua) |
A jellyfish and a syndrome name derived from
the name of a tribe of Aboriginals near Palm Cove, Cairns in north
Queensland where many jellyfish stings with severe systemic symptoms
were first reported (and still occur).
|
|
Ischemia
(Trop) |
Lack of tissue oxygen and nutrients usually
due to impaired (arterial) blood flow.
|
|
ISD
(HS) |
Individual Soldier Detection.
|
|
Isoflavone
(Vet) |
An estrogen-like substance produced by
pasture plants; a type of phytoestrogen.
|
|
Isolation (Eco, Trop) |
The separation, for the period of
communicability, of infected persons or animals from others, in such
places and under such conditions as will prevent the direct or indirect
conveyance of the infectious agent from those infected to those who are
susceptible or who may spread the agent to others. Can also be used in
relation to microorganisms. |
|
Isopod
(Ento) |
An animal that has an exoskeleton, three main
body parts and seven pairs of legs; commonly called sowbugs and
pillbugs.
|
|
Isopoda
(Ento) |
An order of the class Crustacea comprised of
sowbugs and pillbugs, which are characterized by terrestrial habits and
dome-shaped bodies. |
|
Isoptera
(Ento) |
Insect order containing termites. They are
characterized by membranous wings (or wingless), beadlike antennae,
chewing mouthparts, and an incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
Isotopes
(HS) |
Forms of an element whose atoms have the same
number of protons, but a different number of neutrons. All the isotopes
of an element have the same chemical properties, but their physical
properties, such as atomic mass, vary.
|
|
ITAP
(HS) |
Improved Toxicological Agent Protective
(suit).
|
|
Ixodid
(Ento) |
Hard tick belonging to the family Ixodidae.
Includes amongst others, the genera Amblyomma, Dermacentor,
Ixodes Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. |
|
J |
Top |
|
Jacobson's organ
(Zoo) |
An organ for detecting odor. The organ is
located in the roof of the mouth.
|
|
Jakob-Creutzfeldt Disease (CJD)
(PrD) |
Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease (also called Creutzfeldt-Jakob
disease or CJD) is a rare, degenerative, invariably fatal brain
disorder. Typically, onset of symptoms occurs at about age 60. There are
three major categories of CJD: sporadic CJD, genetic CJD and acquired
CJD. There is currently no single diagnostic test for CJD. The first
concern is to rule out treatable forms of dementia such as encephalitis
or chronic meningitis. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of CJD is by
brain biopsy or autopsy. While CJD can be transmitted to other people,
the risk of this happening is extremely small.
|
|
Japanese encephalitis
(Trop) |
A flavivirus, related to Murray Valley virus.
Rice paddy breeding Culicine mosquitoes, Culex tritaeniorhyehus,
often transmit the disease. Mosquitoes are largely zoophilic.
Occasionally Aedes spp and Anophelines implicated in
transmission. Disease consists of prodrome, encephalitis and recovery
(or death on average in 7%). Affects mostly children less than five
years of age and leaves sequelae. A vaccination is available. |
|
Jaundice
(Trop, Vet) |
The condition in which there is a buildup of
waste products in the body called bilirubin. Bilirubin is yellow in
color, therefore, an animal with jaundice will have yellow gums, skin
(often seen on the inside flap of the ear), and a yellowish cast to the
'whites' of the eyes. It can occur if a large number of red blood cells
are destroyed, the liver is not functioning normally, or the bile ducts
are blocked.
|
|
JBPDS
(HS) |
Joint Biological Point Detection System.
|
|
JC6 Joint Staff Support Center Site-R
(HS) |
Functions as the disaster recovery and
contingency relocation site for Joint Staff Support Center (JSSC).
|
|
JEEP (DOD)
(HS) |
Joint emergency evacuation plan
|
|
Jejunum
(Vet) |
The longest part of the small intestine
extending from the duodenum to the ileum.
|
|
Jerboas
(Zoo) |
A small, nocturnal, social rodent of the
family Dipodidae found in Old World deserts, having enlarged hind limbs
that are modified for leaping. |
|
Jet lag
(Trop) |
A feeling of disorientation or tiredness
which follows a long air journey. Jet lag is usually most pronounced
when traveling from West to East over areas with time zone differences.
|
|
Jetty
(Eco) |
A wall or other barrier built out into a body
of water to shelter a harbor, protect a shoreline from erosion, and/or
redirect water currents |
|
JHA
(OH) |
See Job Hazard Analysis.
|
|
Jill
(Zoo) |
A female ferret.
|
|
Jimble
(Aqua) |
Colloquial term for Carybdea rastoni.
|
|
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
(OH) |
A step-by-step method of identifying the
hazards associated with a particular task; also known as Job Safety
Analysis (JSA).
|
|
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
(OH) |
A way to identify the hazards associated
with a job or task; also known as Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).
|
|
Johnston's organ
(Ento) |
1) A sense organ located in the second
antennal segment of many insects and particularly well developed in male
mosquitoes and certain other Diptera. 2) An organ in the pedicel of the
antenna, consisting of a cluster of chordotonal sensilla.
|
|
Joint
(Ento, Zoo) |
An articulation between neighboring parts,
such as the femur and tibia of the leg, but the word is commonly used as
a synonym of segment - meaning any of the divisions of the body or its
appendages. |
|
Joint probability distribution
(Stat) |
If X1, X2,
. . . , Xk are random variables, their joint
probability distribution gives the probability of events determined
by the collection of random variables: for any collection of sets of
numbers {A1, . . . , Ak}, the
joint probability distribution determines P( (X1 is in
A1) and (X2 is in A2)
and . . . and (Xk is in Ak) ).
|
|
Jointing stage
(Eco) |
Growth stage of grain crops when the
internodes of the stems are elongating.
|
|
JPO-Bio
(HS) |
Joint Program Office for Biological Defense.
|
|
JSA
(OH) |
See Job Safety Analysis.
|
|
JSCC-CDE
(HS) |
Joint Service Coordinating Committee for
Chemical Defense Equipment. |
|
JSLIST
(HS) |
Joint Services Lightweight Integrated Suit
Technology.
|
|
Jugular
(Vet) |
Referring to the neck; specifically, the
large jugular veins that return blood from the head and neck to the
heart.
|
|
Jugum
(Ento) |
A narrow lobe projecting from the base of the
forewing in certain moths and overlapping the hind wing, thereby
coupling the two wings together. |
|
Juvabione
(Ento) |
An insect growth regulator occurring in
certain trees and causing abnormal development of insects feeding on the
tree.
|
|
Juvenile
(Ento, Zoo) |
Strictly speaking, a juvenile is any of a
species which is not yet sexually mature. In the context of many
surveys, however, it is most often used interchangeably with
young-of-year (YOY).
|
|
Juvenile hormone (JH)
(Ento) |
A hormone secreted by the corpora allata that
maintains juvenile features in immature insects and controls certain
aspects of adult physiology and behavior.
|
|
Juvenile stage
(Para) |
Any stage in the development of a helminth
parasite (usually in reference to nematodes) between the egg and the
mature adult stage that appears similar in shape and structure to the
adult. The term implies a form less developed but similar in structure
to the adult. Trematodes pass through larval stages; nematodes pass
through juvenile stages. The term "larvae" for juvenile nematodes has
become so entrenched that the correct term is rarely used.
|
|
K |
Top |
|
Kairomone
(Eco) |
A chemical or mixture of chemicals emitted by
an organism (e.g. a plant) that induces a response in an individual of
another species (e.g. an insect) that is beneficial to the receiving
organism. For example a plant scent that makes the plant more easily
identifiable to an insect pest. |
|
Kala azar
(Trop) |
See visceral leishmaniasis.
|
|
Kaplan-Meier method (or product limit method)
(Stat) |
A method for analyzing survival data, based
on the distribution of variable time periods between events (or deaths).
|
|
Kaposi's sarcoma
(Trop) |
A cancer or tumor of the blood and/or
lymphatic vessel walls. It usually appears as blue-violet to brownish
skin blotches or lumps. Before the appearance of AIDS, it was rare in
the developed world. AIDS associated Kaposi's sarcoma is much more
aggressive than the earlier form of the disease and is associated with
Human Herpes Virus 8. |
|
Karnofsky performance status
(Stat) |
A performance measure for rating the ability
of a person to perform usual activities, evaluating a patient's progress
after a therapeutic procedure, and determining a patient's suitability
for therapy. It is used most commonly in the prognosis of cancer
therapy, usually after chemotherapy and customarily administered before
and after therapy. |
|
Karyosome
(Para) |
A structure within the nucleus having a
relatively constant size and location in each species and made up of two
components, one achromatic and another that stains similar to chromatin
and appears as a granule or bundle of granules. The size and location of
the karyosome, especially the staining portion, is frequently used as an
aid in differentiating species of amoebae that are similar in structure.
|
|
Katayama syndrome
(Trop) |
A syndrome characterized by allergic symptoms
and involving the respiratory tract (i.e. fever, cough, rash and marked
eosinophilia) sometimes seen in patients who have had exposure to a
large number of schistosome cercariae, especially Schistosoma
japonicum, sometimes S. mansoni, rarely S. haematobium.
Syndrome occurs during the invasive stage of schistosomiasis from the
time of cercarial penetration of the skin to the time of early egg
laying in the veins. |
|
KCS
(Vet) |
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the technical
term for a condition also known as dry eye. It occurs because of
inadequate tear production. Symptoms include a thick, yellowish
discharge from the eye.
|
|
Keel
(Vet) |
A narrow ridge: also called a carina.
|
|
Keratin
(Zoo) |
A hard, tough, non-soluble protein.
|
|
Keratinized metatarsal tubercle
(Zoo) |
Hard “spade” found on the hind foot of some
Anurans used for burrowing. |
|
Keratinized scale (Zoo) |
Scales containing keratin, which is a hard,
tough, non-soluble protein produced in the epidermis of both reptiles
and amphibians.
|
|
Keratitis
(Trop, Vet) |
Inflammation of the cornea of the eye; may be
caused by infection, trauma, or an allergic reaction.
|
|
Keratoconjunctivitis
(Trop) |
Inflammation of the cornea and the
conjunctiva.
|
|
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
(Vet) |
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is the
technical term for a condition also known as 'dry eye'. It occurs
because of inadequate tear production. Symptoms include a thick,
yellowish discharge from the eye. |
|
Keratolytic
(Vet) |
Softens and loosens crusts and scales on the
skin.
|
|
Ketoacidosis
(Vet) |
A life-threatening condition in which
ketones, which result from the breakdown of fat for energy, accumulate
in the bloodstream and the pH of the blood decreases.
|
|
Key
(Para) |
A "biological Key" is a guide to the
identification of individual organisms of a group of plants or animals
having specific determining characteristics arranged in a systematic
way; a series of questions arranged in a format designed to lead the
users to an accurate identification of species within a biological group
of organisms.
|
|
Key assets
(HS) |
Individual targets whose destruction would
not endanger vital systems, but could create local disaster or
profoundly damage our Nation’s morale or confidence. Key assets include
symbols or historical attractions, such as prominent national, state, or
local monuments and icons. In some cases, these include quasi-public
symbol that are identified strongly with the United States as a Nation,
and fall completely under the jurisdiction of state and local officials
or even private foundations. Key assets also include individual or
localized facilities that deserve special protection because of their
destructive potential or their value to the local community.
|
|
Key position (DOD)
(HS) |
A civilian position, public or private
(designated by the employer and approved by the Secretary concerned),
that cannot be vacated during war or national emergency.
|
|
Keystone species
(Eco) |
A predator at the top of a food web, or
discrete subweb, capable of consuming organisms of more than one trophic
level beneath it.
|
|
KI
(HS) |
See Potassium iodide.
|
|
Killed vaccine
(Vet) |
Vaccines which are made by taking the real,
disease-causing viruses (or bacteria), killing them, and putting them
into a liquid base.
|
|
Kinesis
(Vet) |
An undirected movement in which the speed of
movement or the frequency of turning depends on the intensity of
stimulation.
|
|
Kinetic skull
(Vet) |
Having mobile joints between various parts of
the skull, e.g., being able to unhinge the jaws. This allows the mouth
of the animal, e.g., snake, to open wider so that it can eat large prey.
|
|
Kinetoplast
(Trop) |
Small highly staining body at the base of the
flagellum of flagellate protozoa.
|
|
Kingdom |
The highest taxonomic level. See Taxonomy.
|
|
Kit
(Vet) |
A baby ferret.
|
|
Kleptoparasitised
(Zoo) |
An animal that obtained its food mainly by
scavenging the food supplies of another species, especially one with
which it habitually lives in close proximity.
|
|
Kraits
(Trop) |
Sea kraits are similar to, and can be
regarded as sea snakes, although they are more heavily-built and their
nostrils are not situated on the upper surface of the snout.
Laticauda colubrina (the banded sea snake) and Laticauda
laticaudata (the black-banded sea snake) are the most common.
|
|
Krebs cycle
(Vet) |
A series of biochemical reactions that play
an important role in the generation of energy by aerobic
(oxygen-requiring) organisms. The pathway takesthe end products of the
breakdown of sugars (pyruvic acid), attaches it to citric acid and
gradually converts the pyruvic acid to carbon dioxide and hydrogen that
leads to the regeneration of the citric acid. The hydrogen is captured
in a form that can be fed into an energy capturing system.
|
|
Kuru
(PrD) |
A brain damaging "laughing disease" in Papua
New Guinea, where until recently, tribes ate brains of the dead. It is a
very obscure brain disease caused by abnormal brain proteins (prions).
Kuru was associated with transmission by eating human brains as part of
funerals in some tribes of Papua New Guinea. The disease is now
basically extinct. |
|
Kwashiorkor
(Trop) |
Severe protein deficiency disease seen in
malnourished children.
|
|
L |
Top |
|
L1, L2, and L3
(Trop) |
Immature developing (L1 and L2) and infective
(L3) stages of nematode larvae, e.g. filariasis, hookworm etc.... In
filariasis, after an infective blood meal, microfilariae exsheath,
penetrate the stomach wall and pass into the hematocoele, from where
they migrate to the thoracic muscles of the mosquito. In the thorax, the
small larvae become more or less inactive, grow shorter but considerably
fatter and develop, after 2 days, into "sausage shaped" forms (L1). They
undergo two (2) molts and the resultant third stage larvae (L3) become
active. This is the infective stage and is formed some 10 days or more
after the microfilariae have been ingested with a blood meal.
|
|
Label
(Ento, Zoo) |
A small paper tag used to record information
about a specimen, such as the locality, date and collector(s) [locality
label], identification [determination label], or habits [bionomics
label].
|
|
Labellum
(Ento) |
The expanded tip of the labium, used by many
flies to mop up surface fluids.
|
|
Labial
(Ento) |
Pertaining to the labium.
|
|
Labial palpus
(Ento) |
The labial palps, One of the pair of sensory
appendages (feeler-like and 2 to 5 segments long) of the insect labium.
|
|
Labial scale
(Zoo) |
Scale that borders the lip in reptiles.
|
|
Lability
(Trop) |
Chemical instability.
|
|
Labium
(Ento) |
1) The 'lower lip' of the insect mouth-parts,
formed by the fusion of two maxilla-like appendages. 2) The third set of
mouthparts of insects (or underlip), located behind the maxillae.
|
|
Labrum
(Ento) |
1) The 'upper lip' of the insect mouth-parts:
not a true appendage but a movable sclerite on the front of the head.
2) A flaplike structure anterior to the mouthparts, below the clypeus.
|
|
Labrum-epipharynx
(Ento) |
A mouthpart composed of the labrum and
epipharynx and usually elongate.
|
|
Lacinia
(Ento) |
Inner branch of the maxilla.
|
|
Lactate
(Zoo) |
To secrete milk.
|
|
Lactating
(Zoo) |
Producing milk.
|
|
Lactation
(Zoo) |
The secretion of milk, especially in the
nourishment of an infant.
|
|
Ladybird
(Ento) |
Bright colored beetle in de Coccinellidae
family (order Coleoptera). Most species of ladybirds are predatory
insects (both the adults and the larvae). They feed on aphids and other
small insects and play an important role in biological control of
certain pests. Also known as ladybug.
|
|
Lagoon
(Aqua) |
Body of protected water inside a reef; often
surrounded by unbroken ramparts of coral.
|
|
Lamella
(Ento) |
A thin, leaf-like flap or plate, the name
being applied to the outgrowths of certain antennae.
|
|
Lamellate
(Ento)
|
To possess lamellae often used in reference
to antennae.
|
|
Laminae
(Zoo) |
The scales for the epidermal plates of the
shell of turtles.
|
|
Lanceolate
(Vet) |
A term describing bacteria that are thin and
tapered at both ends.
|
|
Land cover
(Eco) |
Anything that exists on, and is visible from
above, the earth's surface. Examples include vegetation, exposed or
barren land, water, snow, and ice.
|
|
Land use
(Eco) |
The way land is developed and used in terms
of the kinds of anthropogenic activities that occur (agriculture,
residential areas, industrial areas).
|
|
Lanyard
(OH) |
A flexible length of rope, wire or strap used
to secure the body, belt or body harness to a deceleration device,
lifeline or anchorage.
|
|
Large intestine
(Vet) |
The lower part of the intestinal tract;
usually made up of the colon, cecum, and rectum. Bacteria that live
harmlessly in the large intestine help to digest complex carbohydrates.
|
|
Larva (pl. Larvae)
(Ento, Para, Trop) |
The post-embryonic stage in which internal
organs are developing or are partially developed and are at least
partially functioning. Any preadult stage in the life cycle of a
parasite that is morphologically distinct from the adult stage. The term
larva should probably not be used for immature nematodes since they are
not morphologically distinct from the adults but simply smaller and less
developed.
|
|
Larva currens
(Trop) |
A rash rather like that of cutaneous larva
migrans resulting from penetration of the filariform larva of
Strongyloides stercoralis in the skin around the anus and buttocks,
as part of autoinfection.
|
|
Larval habitat
(Trop) |
The type of aquatic environment in which
mosquito larvae are typically found.
|
|
Larval survey
(Trop) |
The process of searching for mosquito larvae
in a defined area. Larvae are collected and taken to the laboratory for
identification and enumeration.
|
|
Larvicide
(Ento, Trop) |
Chemical substance that destroys larvae of a
pest.
|
|
Larvivorous fish
(Trop) |
Fish species which feed preferentially on
mosquito larvae. They may contribute significantly to the reduction of
vector densities.
|
|
Larynx
(Vet) |
The larynx is a muscular tube in the neck
that allows air to pass from the throat to the trachea (windpipe). The
larynx contains the vocal cords, which allow people and animals to make
sounds. The larynx has cartilage that opens to allow air into the
trachea.
|
|
Lassa fever
(Trop) |
A serious viral hemorrhagic fever of humans
harbored by small rodents such as the multimammate mouse of West and
Central Africa. |
|
Latency period
(PEH) |
The period of time between exposure to
something that causes a disease and the onset of the health effect.
Cancer caused by chemical exposure may have a latency period of 5 to 40
years.
|
|
Latent
(Vet) |
A dormant stage of disease; the patient is
infected with an organism, but is not yet ill.
|
|
Latent learning
(Vet) |
Conditioning in which the reward occurs some
time following receipt of the stimulus.
|
|
Latent period (Epi, Trop) |
The time from infection to when the
individual is infectious to others. In helminths it is termed the
pre-patent period. Not the same as the incubation period.
|
|
Latent stage
(Trop) |
Resting or inactive stage found in some viral
infections such as the herpes viruses.
|
|
Lateral
(Ento, Zoo) |
Referring to the side (left side or right
side).
|
|
Lateral gonad
(Aqua) |
In chirodropids the gonad tissue often
originates on the side wall of the bell.
|
|
Lateral ocellus
(Ento) |
The simple eye in holometabolous larvae. Also
called stemma.
|
|
Lateral oviduct
(Ento) |
In insects, one of the paired lateral ducts
of the female genital system connected with the ovary.
|
|
Laterally flattened
(Ento) |
Flattened from side to side (as if compressed
from both the left and right sides).
|
|
Laticaudidae
(Trop) |
Family name for sea snake kraits.
|
|
Latrodectus
(Trop) |
A genus of spiders which includes such
venomous species as the blackwidow spider of the USA, the redback spider
of Australia and the button spider of South Africa.
|
|
Law of averages
(Stat) |
The Law of Averages says that the average of
independent observations of random variables that have the same
probability distribution is increasingly likely to be close to the
expected value of the random variables as the number of observations
grows. More precisely, if X1, X2, X3,
. . . , are independent random variables with the same probability
distribution, and E(X) is their common expected value, then for every
number E > 0, P{|(X1 + X2 + . . . + Xn)/n
- E(X) | < E} converges to 100% as n grows. This is equivalent to
saying that the sequence of sample means X1, (X1+X2)/2,
(X1+X2+X3)/3, . . . converges in
probability to E(X). |
|
Law of large numbers
(Stat) |
The Law of Large Numbers says that in
repeated, independent trials with the same probability p of
success in each trial, the percentage of successes is increasingly
likely to be close to the chance of success as the number of trials
increases. More precisely, the chance that the percentage of successes
differs from the probability p by more than a fixed positive
amount, E > 0, converges to zero as the number of trials n goes
to infinity, for every number e > 0. Note that in contrast to the
difference between the percentage of successes and the
probability of success, the difference between the number of
successes and the expected number of successes, n×p, tends
to grow as n grows. The following tool illustrates the law of
large numbers; the button toggles between displaying the difference
between the number of successes and the expected number of successes,
and the difference between the percentage of successes and the expected
percentage of successes. |
|
LC50
(Epi) |
Lethal Concentration 50%. Concentration
required to kill 50% of test organisms.
|
|
LCBPG
(HS) |
Lightweight Chemical/Biological Protective
Garment.
|
|
LD50
(Epi) |
Lethal Dose 50%. The dose required to kill
50% of test organisms.
|
|
LDS
(HS) |
Lightweight Decontamination System.
|
|
Leaching (Ento) |
The movement of a pesticide or other chemical
downward through the soil as a result of water movement.
|
|
Leaching
(PEH) |
As water moves through soils or landfills,
chemicals in the soil may dissolve in the water thereby contaminating
the groundwater. This is called leaching.
|
|
Leaf insect (Ento) |
Insect in the order Phasmida. Stick insects
resemble sticks. Leaf insects (in the same order) look like leaves.
|
|
Leaf miner
(Ento) |
An insect that lives between the lower and
upper surface of a leaf feeding on the leaf cells. For example the
larvae of Agromyzidae (Diptera). |
|
Leaf roller
(Ento) |
Any of several moths of the family
Tortricidae (order Lepidoptera). The caterpillars make nests of rolled
leaves and silk.
|
|
Leaf scorch (Ento) |
Leaf necrosis, usually marginal, due to
phytotoxicity or nutrient deficiency.
|
|
Leaf-crown
(Trop) |
The cuticular extension to fine pointed
processes in the nematodes which have no lip; extension from the rim of
the mouth called "external leaf-crown", from the rim of the buccal
capsule called "internal leaf-crown" as in Strongyloidea.
|
|
Learning Disability
(PrD) |
A childhood disorder characterized by
difficulty with certain skills such as reading or writing in individuals
with normal intelligence. Learning disorders affect the ability to
interpret what one sees and hears or the ability to link information
from different parts of the brain . These limitations can show up in
many ways -- as specific difficulties with spoken and written language,
coordination, self-control, or attention. Such difficulties extend to
schoolwork and can impede learning to read or write, or to do math.
|
|
Least-squares analysis
(Stat) |
A principle of estimation in which the
estimates of a set of parameters in a statistical model are those
quantities minimizing the sum of squared differences between the
observed values of a dependent variable and the values predicted by the
model.
|
|
Leech
(Trop) |
A blood-feeding annelid worm.
|
|
Legionnaire’s disease
(Trop) |
Infection by the Gram negative rod,
Legionella pneumophila and other species of the Genus. Often
presents as an atypical pneumonia. Outbreaks have been reported from
various countries.
|
|
Legislative control
(Vet) |
The use of legislation to control the
importation and to prevent any spread of a pest within a country.
|
|
Leishman-Donovan bodies (LD bodies)
(Trop) |
Amastigote stages of protozoa of the genus
Leishmania. These stages in a skin biopsy, bone marrow or spleen
aspirate are diagnostic of Leishmaniasis.
|
|
Lek
(Zoo) |
Communal courtship grounds.
|
|
Lepidoptera
(Ento) |
A large order of scaly-winged insects
including the butterflies, skippers, and moths, often brightly colored
and having a coiled sucking proboscis, undergo a complete metamorphosis.
|
|
Lepidopterist
(Ento) |
A person who studies the life cycles,
behavior, ecology, or diversity of butterflies, moths and skippers as
their work or hobby.
|
|
Leptospirosis
(Trop) |
A zoonosis. It is an acute, febrile,
septicemic disease caused by the Leptospira interrogans which has
more than 200 serovars. The disease is characterized by a broad spectrum
of clinical manifestations including fever, chills, headache,
conjunctivitis and muscular pains. The disease may be subclinical in
mild cases but jaundice and renal failure is observed in severe cases.
Includes Weil’s Disease. Can result in aseptic meningitis. |
|
Lesion (Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Any break in the epidermis of a plant or a
localized, diseased or disordered tissue.
|
|
Lethal
(HS, Vet) |
Causing death or capable of causing death as
opposed to being harmful. Nerve agents are lethal because they cause
death in many exposed to them. Riot gases such as CS are not lethal
because they only kill under very unusual circumstances. Lymphocytic
choriomeningitis virus and brucellosis are not lethal because they
rarely kill, inhalation anthrax and pneumonic plague are essentially
untreatable and can be described as lethal.
|
|
Lethargic
(Zoo) |
The state of being abnormally drowsy or
stupor.
|
|
Lethargy
(Zoo) |
Drowsiness or prolonged lapses into
unconsciousness.
|
|
Leukocyte (Trop, Vet) |
A white blood cell.
|
|
Leukocytosis
(Vet) |
An unusually high concentration of white
blood cells in the blood that is typical of an acute infection.
|
|
Leukopenia (Trop, Vet) |
A condition in which the numbers of white
blood cells in the blood are lower than normal.
|
|
Liability
(OH) |
Responsibility to another person for
negligence causing harm.
|
|
Liability insurance (OH) |
Pays damages to the party that was harmed.
|
|
Lice
(Ento) |
Plural of louse.
|
|
Lichen
(Eco) |
The common name for any member of the group
Lichenes, occurring as fungal and algae cells in symbiotic union and
growing in various forms of rocks or trees.
|
|
Lichenification
(Vet) |
Thickening and hardening of the skin.
|
|
Liebespiel
(Zoo) |
“Love games;” complex, stereotyped courtship
behavior of many Urodela. |
|
Lien
(OH) |
A right or claim for payment against a
worker’s compensation case.
|
|
Life cycle
(Ento) |
The sequence events in the development of an
insect that occur from birth (hatching of the egg) to reproduction
(mating and egg laying). |
|
Life cycle
(Para) |
The stages an organism goes through over time
containing a possible pre-parasitic and a parasitic phase. Usually
represented as a circle beginning with the formation of a individual and
ending with the production of the next generation. In parasitology the
life cycle of the parasite gives the investigator predictive value for
understanding pathogenesis and clinical signs, and for understanding the
epidemiology and control of the parasite. Life cycles can either be
direct or indirect. |
|
Life cycle
(Trop) |
The stages of development through which a
plant or animal passes during its life. For mosquitoes these stages are:
egg, larva, pupa, adult. Generally, there are two types of life cycle
for nematodes: direct and indirect types. 1. Direct Life Cycle:
requires no intermediate host, after hatching from the eggs the larvae
develop in the open from free-living to infective stages and gain access
to the definitive host by mouth or penetration through skin. 2.
Indirect Life Cycle: requires one or two intermediate hosts for
development to infective stage. |
|
Life expectancy
(Epi, Stat) |
A figure representing the number of years,
based on known statistics, to which any person of a given age may
reasonably expect to live. Longevity.
|
|
Life history
(Stat) |
Habits and changes undergone by an organism
from the egg stage to its death as an adult.
|
|
Life table
(Stat) |
A tabulation of the life stages of an
organism with a cumulative record of mortality and survival.
|
|
Life table method
(Stat) |
A method for analyzing survival data, based
on the proportion of study subjects surviving to fixed time intervals
after treatment or study initiation.
|
|
Life tables
(Stat) |
Summarizing techniques used to describe the
pattern of mortality and survival in populations. These methods can be
applied to the study not only of death, but also of any defined endpoint
such as the onset of disease or the occurrence of disease complications.
|
|
Light attenuation
(Eco) |
Absorption, scattering, or reflection of
light by water, chlorophyll a, dissolved substances, or particulate
matter. Light attenuation reduces the amount of light available to
submerged aquatic vegetation. |
|
Light compass orientation
(Eco) |
Orientation in which a constant angle with a
light source (usually the sun) is maintained.
|
|
Light duty
(OH) |
A temporary change in one’s job assignment
to accommodate work restrictions.
|
|
Light traps
(Trop) |
A mechanical trap which use a combination of
light and/or carbon dioxide to attract and trap adult mosquitoes.
|
|
Ligulae
(Ento) |
Name given to the lobes at the tip of the
labium: usually divided into glossae and paraglossae.
|
|
Likelihood
(Epi) |
Given some data (for example maternal
antibody levels), and a model for how a process supposedly generating it
occurs, (for example, exponential decay with rate m), and for how
variance is likely to occur in observations of the process (for example
sampling error), the likelihood that a particular model (i.e. a
particular m plus the error in observation can generate the
observed data. Picking the parameter value which is most likely to have
generated the observed data is the method of maximum likelihood.
|
|
Likelihood functions
(Stat) |
Functions constructed from a statistical
model and a set of observed data which give the probability of that data
for various values of the unknown model parameters. Those parameter
values that maximize the probability are the maximum likelihood
estimates of the parameters. |
|
Limit
(Stat) |
See Converge.
|
|
Linear
(Epi) |
A process is linear if doubling the starting
conditions doubles the outcome. For example, the number of new
schistosome infections establishing in mice is directly proportional to
the number of cercaria the mice are exposed to, over a certain range.
Outside this range, the response is nonlinear: there is no longer a
direct proportionality. Linear differential equations are ones whose
solutions are linear. This property allows us to solve linear
differential equations completely: most nonlinear differential equations
can't be solved analytically.
|
|
Linear association
(Stat) |
Two variables are linearly associated if a
change in one is associated with a proportional change in the other,
with the same constant of proportionality throughout the range of
measurement. The correlation coefficient measures the degree of linear
association on a scale of -1 to 1. |
|
Linear models
(Stat) |
Statistical models in which the value of a
parameter for a given value of a factor is assumed to be equal to a +
bx, where a and b are constants. The models predict a linear regression.
|
|
Linear operation
(Stat) |
Suppose f is a function or operation
that acts on things we shall denote generically by the lower-case Roman
letters x and y. Suppose it makes sense to multiply x
and y by numbers (which we denote by a), and that it makes
sense to add things like x and y together. We say that
f is linear if for every number a and every value of
x and y for which f(x) and f(y)
are defined, (i) f( a×x ) is defined and equals
a×f(x), and (ii) f( x + y ) is
defined and equals f(x) + f(y). C.f.
affine. |
|
Linear regression method
(Stat) |
For a single item, a method for determining
the best-fit line through points representing the paired values of two
measurement systems (one representing a dependent variable and the other
representing an independent variable). Under certain conditions,
statistical tests of the slope and intercept can be made, and confidence
intervals about the line can be computed.
|
|
Linin fibrils
(Para) |
Very delicate fiber like strands that may
appear in the nuclei between the karyosome and the peripheral chromatin
of some protozoa after staining, especially in some trophozoites of
Entamoeba histolytica. |
|
Lion's mane
(Aqua) |
Colloquial term for Cyanea.
|
|
Lip
(Trop) |
An extension of cuticle around the mouth of
nematodes; there may be three, one dorsal and two subventral as in
Ascaroidea or two as in Spiruroidea or absent as in Strongyloides and
Filarioidea.
|
|
Lipase
(Vet) |
Digestive enzyme, produced by the pancreas,
which breaks down fat. |
|
Listeria
(Trop, Vet) |
A group of bacteria capable of causing
miscarriage (spontaneous abortion), stillbirth and premature birth and
which can also cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young
children, frail or elderly people, and persons with a weakened immune
system. Listeria contamination has been responsible for numerous recalls
of food.
|
|
Litigated claim
(OH) |
A workers’ compensation claim in which an
attorney is involved, most likely on behalf of the injured worker.
|
|
Litter
(Zoo) |
1) Multiple offspring produced at a single
birth by a multiparous animal. 2) A spongy layer of twigs, leaves, bark
and organic debris covering the floor of a forest.
|
|
Little mauve stinger
(Aqua) |
Colloquial term for Pelagia noctiluca.
|
|
Littoral zone
(Eco) |
The area of shallow fresh water in which
light penetrates to the bottom and nurtures rooted plants.
|
|
Liver
(Vet) |
The largest organ in the abdomen, responsible
for producing enzymes required for digestion of food, and bile that
helps to digest fat. The liver also detoxifies the blood and may be
damaged in the process.
|
|
Loa Loa
(Trop) |
Filarial nematodes transmitted by the horse
fly (Chrysops) in west central Africa. Causes loiasis, characterized by
fugitive, subcutaneous (Calabar) swellings.
|
|
Loads
(Eco) |
The Bay receives pollution from many
different sources. Each type of source adds to the total pollution
"load" the Bay receives.
|
|
Loam
(Eco) |
A rich soil.
|
|
Local infection
(Eco) |
An infection affecting only a limited part of
the plant.
|
|
Location, measure of
(Stat) |
A measure of location is a way of summarizing
what a "typical" element of a list is---it is a one-number summary of a
distribution. See also arithmetic mean, median, and mode.
|
|
Lockout / blockout (also known as lockout / tagout)
(OH) |
Requires that any energy source -
electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, compressed air or any other source
that might cause unexpected movement - must be disengaged or blocked;
electrical sources must be de-energized and locked or positively sealed
in the off position. Even a locked-out machine, however, may not be safe
if parts of the machine are not blocked to prevent inadvertent movement.
|
|
Locust
(Ento) |
Any of numerous grasshoppers of the family
Acrididae (order Orthoptera). Locusts are often migrating in huge swarms
that consume vegetation and crops.
|
|
LOEL
(HS) |
Lowest Observable Effect Level. The lowest
concentration at which a chemical agent is seen to have an effect.
|
|
Loess
(Eco) |
An extremely fertile, fine-grained loam
composed of quartz, feldspar, hornblende, mica, and clay; deposited by
the wind during the Pleistocene Age. It originates in arid regions from
glacial outwash.
|
|
Log of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA 300)
(OH) |
Used by employers to record and classify
work-related injuries and illnesses and note the severity. Employers
must record information about every work-related death and about every
work-related injury or illness that involves loss of consciousness,
restricted work activity or job transfer, days away from work or medical
treatment beyond first aid. |
|
Logistic models
(Stat) |
Statistical models which describe the
relationship between a qualitative dependent variable (that is, one
which can take only certain discrete values, such as the presence or
absence of a disease) and an independent variable. A common application
is in epidemiology for estimating an individual's risk (probability of a
disease) as a function of a given risk factor.
|
|
Logistic regression method
(Stat) |
A specialized log-linear modeling technique
in which the logarithm of the proportion of a group having a particular
characteristic, divided by one minus that proportion, is fit into a
multiple regression linear model. |
|
Log-linear modeling techniques
(Stat) |
Methods for analyzing qualitative data in
which a function of the probability that a particular event will occur
is logarithmically transformed to fit a linear model.
|
|
Longitudinal
(Ento) |
Lengthwise of the body or of an appendage
(leg, wing, antenna, etc.) |
|
Longitudinal cords
(Para) |
In nematodes, four cords (lines) that extend
from the anterior to the posterior end (one dorsal, one ventral, and two
lateral) which enclose the longitudinal nerves and, in the lateral
cords, the longitudinal excretory tubules.
|
|
Longitudinal study
(Epi, Stat) |
A study in which individuals are followed
over time, and compared with themselves at different times, to
determine, for example, the effect of aging on some measured variable.
Longitudinal studies provide much more persuasive evidence about the
effect of aging than do cross-sectional studies.
|
|
Looper
(Ento) |
A caterpillar belonging to the family
Geometridae. Loopers have only one pair of abdominal prolegs (besides
the terminal claspers). They move with a characteristic looping of the
body.
|
|
Loss
(OH) |
The amount of money that an insurance
company pays on a claim.
|
|
Loss history
(OH) |
An organization’s history of losses
(claims). Insurance companies view loss history as an indication of an
organization’s propensity for losses in the future.
|
|
Loss prevention
(OH) |
Activities undertaken to eliminate injuries
and illness.
|
|
Loss reduction
(OH) |
Activities undertaken to reduce the
magnitude or severity of injuries and illnesses.
|
|
Louse
(Ento, Trop) |
Any of numerous insects of the orders
Mallophaga or Anoplura. Lice are small, flat-bodied, wingless biting or
sucking insects. Many species are external parasites on various animals,
including human beings. |
|
Low impact development (LID)
(Eco) |
A comprehensive land planning and engineering
design approach with a goal of maintaining and enhancing the
pre-development hydrologic regime of urban and developing watersheds.
This design approach incorporates strategic planning with
micro-management techniques to achieve superior environmental
protection, while allowing for development or infrastructure
rehabilitation to occur.
|
|
Low passage vaccine
(Vet) |
A low passage vaccine contains virus
particles which have been attenuated, or weakened, less than those in
the 'average' vaccine. Low passage vaccines can generally elicit an
immune system response in young animals who have a maternal antibody
level that would prevent them from responding to an 'average' vaccine.
|
|
Lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL)
(PEH) |
The lowest tested dose of a substance that
has been reported to cause harmful (adverse) health effects in people or
animals.
|
|
LRSBDS
(HS) |
Long-range Biological Stand-off Detection
System.
|
|
LSCD
(HS) |
LASER Stand-off Chemical Detector.
|
|
Lumbar
(Vet) |
The lower half of the back. Between the
lowest ribs and the pelvis.
|
|
Lumbar Puncture
(PrD) |
A lumbar puncture or "LP" is a procedure
whereby spinal fluid is removed from the spinal canal for the purpose of
diagnostic testing. It is particularly helpful in the diagnosis of
inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, especially
infections, such as meningitis. It can also provide clues to the
diagnosis of stroke, spinal cord tumor and cancer in the central nervous
system.
|
|
Lumen
(Vet) |
The space within a tubular organ such as the
intestine.
|
|
Lunate
(Vet) |
Crescent (moon)-shaped.
|
|
Lung flukes
(Trop) |
Trematode worms infecting the lungs of humans
and other crab-eating mammals. Belong to the genus Paragonimus
and are found in parts of Africa, Latin America, Asia and SE Asia.
|
|
Lungworm
(Para) |
The common name for any of various parasitic
nematodes that infect the lungs of vertebrates, principally domestic
animals.
|
|
Lunule
(Ento) |
A cresent shaped marking, as found in some
tiger beetles and moths.
|
|
Lyme disease (LD)
(Trop) |
A zoonotic multi-stage, multi-system
bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi,
a spiral-shaped bacterium that is most commonly transmitted by Ixodid
ticks.
|
|
Lymph
(Vet) |
A body fluid that is distinct from blood. It
derives from the fluid filling the spaces between cells and has a lower
concentration of protein than blood plasma and it is populated by white
blood cells. It plays an important role in the response to disease. The
lymph has its own circulatory system, the lymphatic system, which joins
the blood system in the chest. |
|
Lymph nodes
(Vet) |
Part of the immune system of an animal. Small
masses of tissue that contain white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Blood from the nearby area is filtered through the lymph node allowing
foreign or infectious material to be recognized and destroyed if
possible.
|
|
Lymphadenopathy
(Trop, Vet) |
Enlargement of the lymph nodes. Swelling of
the body lymph glands which is sometimes painful, especially after
envenomation. Lymph glands when swollen may be almost anywhere in the
body, but are more easily felt in the neck, under the arms (axillae) and
in the groins. |
|
Lymphocytes
(Vet) |
The class of cells in the body which are
responsible for mounting an immune response. Two main types are B cells
and T cells.
|
|
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
(Trop) |
A tropical sexually transmitted disease
caused by Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes L1, L2 and L3.
|
|
Lymphoid
(Vet) |
Relating to the lymphoid system. Also known
as the lymphatic system. |
|
Lymphoid tissue
(Vet) |
A tissue belonging to the lymphoid or
lymphatic system such as a lymph node, lymphatic duct, or the spleen.
Lymphoid tissues are components of the immune system.
|
|
Lymphokines
(Vet) |
Chemicals produced by T lymphocytes. Some
lymphokines signal macrophages and other phagocytes to destroy foreign
invaders.
|
|
Lymphoma
(Trop) |
A malignant neoplasm of lymphoid tissue.
|
|
Lysis (lyse, -lyse, lysing, -lysis)
(Trop, Vet) |
Lysis is the destruction of a cell, through
the rupture of the cell wall by the contents of the cell or through some
outside action. Hemolysis (destruction of blood cells) can occur during
the taking of a blood sample (needle gauge too small; blood pressure
high due to stress), or when transferring collected blood too quickly
from the collection syringe to the processing tube. Hemolysis can cause
abnormal blood test results which must be taken into consideration when
evaluating certain high/low ranges.
|
|
Lyssa virus
(Trop) |
A group of rhabdoviruses closely related to
the rabies virus. The Australian Bat Lyssa virus is found in flying
foxes (fruit bats) and can cause a rabies-like disease in humans. The
disease should be handled as for rabies and can be prevented by using
rabies vaccine.
|
|
Lytocarpus philippinus
(Aqua) |
Commonly known as fireweed, Lytocarpus
is a stinging hydroid (hydrozoan) that grows on pilings, rocks and
overhangs in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Skin contact
causes an itchy vesicular rash.
|
|
M |
Top |
|
MACA
(HS) |
Military Assistance to Civil Authorities
|
|
Machine guarding
(OH) |
A device or system that prevents objects from
getting caught in the moving parts of machinery.
|
|
Macrogametocyte
(Trop) |
The female form of the gametocyte.
|
|
Macronucleus
(Para) |
In some ciliates, the large kidney-shaped
nucleus. Its function is not clearly understood but it is usually in
association with a "micronucleus". |
|
Macro-organism
(Eco) |
An organism visible without the aid of a
microscope.
|
|
Macroparasites
(Epi) |
Typically, the parasitic helminths and
arthropods. In general, parasites which do not multiply within their
definitive hosts but instead produce transmission stages (eggs and
larvae) which pass into the external environment. Immune responses
elicited against macroparasites generally depend on the number of
parasites present in a given host and tends to be of a relatively
transient nature. The key epidemiological measurement is generally the
number of parasites per host. Such parasites are often found in a
highly aggregated distribution. Contrast microparasites.
|
|
Macrophage
(Para, Trop, Vet) |
A type of phagocyte (cell in the body which
'eats' damaged cells and foreign substances such as virus and bacteria).
|
|
Macrophyte
(Eco) |
An individual alga large enough to be seen
easily with the unaided eye. |
|
Macroplankton
(Eco) |
Planktonic organisms that are 200-2,000
micrometers in size.
|
|
Macropterous
(Ento) |
Long-winged.
|
|
Macula
(Ento) |
A pale marking found on the body or wings of
an insect; especially common in the beetles.
|
|
Macular
(Vet) |
Relating to the macula, the area of the
retina involved in vision.
|
|
Maggot
(Ento) |
Larva of Diptera. They are legless,
soft-bodied, and do not have a distinct head capsule. Often they are
found in decaying matter. A vermiform larva; a larva without legs and
without well-developed head capsule. |
|
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
(PrD) |
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique
used to produce non-invasive, high quality images of the inside of the
human body. Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic (CT) scans, which use
radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. MRI can easily be
performed through clothing. However, because the magnet is very, very
strong, certain types of metal can cause significant errors, called
artifacts, in the images.
|
|
Malabsorption syndrome
(Vet) |
A condition involving the intestine in which
food may not be properly digested or the nutrients not absorbed.
|
|
Malaise
(Trop, PrD) |
Subjective feeling of being sick, ill, or not
healthy. The feeling is generalized, varying from mild to severe in
intensity. It may be the lone clinical manifestation of malaria, or may
accompany other signs and symptoms, such as fever, headache, or nausea.
This may be expressed as "feel achey all over," "flu-like symptoms,"
etc.
|
|
Malaise trap
(Ento) |
A large, tentlike trap made out of netting
used to catch flying insects. |
|
Malaria
(Trop) |
A protozoan disease of humans caused by blood
parasites of the species, Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale
or P. malariae and transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes.
P. falciparum is most likely to cause death, if untreated and can
also be a great mimicker in its presentation. Malaria should be
suspected in anyone with a fever or who is otherwise unwell and has
returned from a malarious area. |
|
Malaria prophylaxis
(Trop)
|
Measures taken for protection against
malaria, e.g. administration of a drug and personal protective measures
that prevents a person from becoming infected with the disease.
|
|
Malignant
(Trop, Vet) |
A process that does harm to nearby tissues.
Usually synonymous with cancer, a tumor that grows quickly and spreads
into other tissues. |
|
Mallophaga
(Ento) |
Insect order, made up of the chewing lice.
They are characterized by flattened, wingless bodies, chewing
mouthparts, and an incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
Malnutrition
(Vet) |
Ill health due to dietary deficiency or
imbalance.
|
|
Malpighian tubule
(Ento) |
An excretory tubule, opening into the gut at
the junction of the midgut and hindgut.
|
|
Mamba (Trop, Zoo) |
Highly venomous African elapid snakes.
Include the green mamba and the black mamba.
|
|
Mammal
(Zoo) |
Warm blooded, usually hairy vertebrates whose
offspring are fed with milk secreted by the mammary gland.
|
|
Mammary
(Vet) |
Pertaining to the breast.
|
|
MANAA
(HS) |
Medical Aerosolized Nerve Agent Antidote.
|
|
Manca
(Ento) |
A newborn isopod (pillbug or sowbug); mancas
are white and have only six pairs of legs.
|
|
Mandible
(Ento) |
The jaw of an insect. It may be sharply
toothed and used for biting, as in grasshoppers and wasps, or it may be
drawn out to form a slender needle as in mosquitoes. Mandibles are
completely absent in most flies and lepidopterans. One of the most
anterior pair of insect mouthparts, often jawlike and working from side
to side.
|
|
Mandible
(Zoo) |
Lower jaw.
|
|
Mandibulate
(Ento) |
Having mandibles suited for biting and
chewing.
|
|
Manejo integrado de plagas
(Ento) |
This is the Spanish equivalent of Integrated
Pest Management (IPM).
|
|
Mange
(Vet) |
Any of several skin and ear conditions caused
by a variety of mites.
|
|
Mansonella
(Trop)
|
A genus of filarial nematode worms which can
infect humans in Africa and South America. Transmitted by biting midges
belonging to the genus Culicoides. Important species infecting
humans include M. ozzardi, M. perstans and M.
streptocerca.
|
|
Mansonia
(Trop)
|
A genus of mosquitoes, some species of which
can be involved in the transmission of human filariasis due to Brugia
malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti.
|
|
Mantid
(Ento) |
Insect belonging to the family Mantidae
(order Dictyoptera). Mantids are large, elongate insects with enlarged
front legs that are adapted for grasping their prey (other insects).
They have an incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
Mantis
(Ento) |
Insect belonging to the order mantodea.
Mantis or praying mantis are insects which holds the forelegs in an
upright folded position as if in prayer.
|
|
Mantle
(Zoo) |
The back, wings, and scapulars of a bird.
|
|
Mantodea
(Ento) |
One of the insect groups, made up of the
praying mantids, characterized by leathery wings, chewing mouthparts,
raptorial forelegs, and gradual metamorphosis.
|
|
Mantoux test
(Trop) |
A skin test used to identify most people with
M. tuberculosis within six to eight weeks after initial exposure.
|
|
Manubrium
(Aqua, Trop) |
The tube between the stomach and the mouth of
a jellyfish - equivalent to the esophagus in humans.
|
|
MAOIs
(Vet) |
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Substances that
inactivate the enzyme monoamine oxidase which regulates certain
transmitter chemicals between nerves. These compounds include certain
types of antidepressants and also insecticides containing amitraz.
|
|
Marburg
disease
(Trop)
|
A serious African viral hemorrhagic fever
harbored by monkeys. Named after the city of Marburg in Germany where a
serious outbreak occurred amongst laboratory workers handling the
tissues of African Green (Vervet) monkeys.
|
|
Margin of error
(Stat) |
A measure of the uncertainty in an estimate
of a parameter; unfortunately, not everyone agrees what it should mean.
The margin of error of an estimate is typically one or two times
the estimated standard error of the estimate.
|
|
Marginal cell
(Ento) |
One of a number of cells bordering the front
margin of the wing in the outer region.
|
|
Margined
(Ento) |
With a sharp lateral (outside) edge.
|
|
Marine
(Aqua, Eco) |
Refers to the ocean.
|
|
Markov's inequality
(Stat) |
For lists: If a list contains no negative
numbers, the fraction of numbers in the list at least as large as any
given constant a>0 is no larger than the arithmetic mean of the
list, divided by a. For random variables: if a random variable X
must be nonnegative, the chance that X exceeds any given constant a>0 is
no larger than the expected value of X, divided by a.
|
|
Marsh
(Eco) |
An emergent wetland that is usually
seasonally flooded or wet, and often dominated by one or a few plant
species.
|
|
Marsupial
(Zoo) |
An order of mammals including kangaroos,
opossums, and sugar gliders in which the female has a pouch on the
abdomen which holds the young and has nipples for the young to nurse.
|
|
Mass action transmission
(Epi) |
Transmission of infection which occurs at a
rate directly proportional to the number or density of both susceptibles
and infecteds present. Some authors reserve the name mass action for
transmission processes of the form b X Y/N, which we associate with
STD-type transmission, and describe transmission rates of the form b X
Y, as pseudo-mass action; the two are equivalent if the population size
is unchanging. |
|
Mass screening
(Stat) |
Organized periodic procedures performed on
large groups of people for the purpose of detecting disease.
|
|
Massive corals
(Aqua) |
Coral colonies which generally are
boulder-like.
|
|
Mast
(Eco) |
The fruit of forest trees such as oak and
beech used as fodder for hogs and other animals.
|
|
Mast cell tumor
(Vet) |
A nodular growth, usually on the skin, which
involves cells (mast cells) which contain large amounts of histamine and
normally play a role in allergic reactions. All mast cell tumors in dogs
should be considered potentially malignant.
|
|
Masticate
(Vet) |
Chew.
|
|
Mastitis
(Vet) |
An infection or inflammation of the mammary
glands.
|
|
Matched-pair analysis
(Stat) |
A type of analysis in which subjects in a
study group and a comparison group are made comparable with respect to
extraneous factors by individually pairing study subjects with the
comparison group subjects. |
|
Mate
(Ento, Zoo) |
An organism's reproductive partner.
|
|
Material handling equipment
(OH) |
Devices like scissor-lifts, pallet jacks
and rolling tables designed to assist in the transport of material.
|
|
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
(OH) |
Literature prepared by a manufacturer that
contains information such as a list of hazardous ingredients, safety
precautions for handling, spill- or release-response procedures and
first aid instructions. |
|
Maternal antibody
(Vet) |
Antibody in a newborn animal which the
newborn acquired through the placenta or colostrum (the first milk).
|
|
Maternal immunity
(Vet) |
Immunity for a neonate provided by IgG
antibody generated by a mother and passed across the placenta to the
unborn offspring. This provides short lived protection (with a typical
half life of 3-6 months) to the neonate. Also known as immunity.
|
|
Maternal mortality
(Stat) |
Maternal deaths resulting from complications
of pregnancy and childbirth in a given population.
|
|
Mathematical model
(Stat) |
A formal framework to convey ideas about the
components of a host-parasite interaction. Construction requires three
major types of information: (a) a clear understanding of the interaction
within the individual host between the infectious agent and the host,
(b) the mode and rate of transmission between individuals, and (c) host
population characteristics such as demography and behavior.
Mathematical models can aid exploration of the behavior of the system
under various conditions from which to determine the dominant factors
generating observed patterns and phenomena. They also aid data
collection and interpretation and parameter estimation, and provide
tools for identifying possible approaches to control and for assessing
the potential impact of different intervention measures. |
|
Mating
(Ento) |
The act by which male and female insects join
together using special parts of their bodies. After they’ve mated, the
female can lay eggs.
|
|
Maxilla
(Ento) |
Jaw, upper jawbone. One of a pair of
mouthparts characteristic of chewing insects. The maxilla has lobes and
bears a multi-segmented palp. Maxillae are used for grasping and tasting
of food.
|
|
Maxilla
(Zoo) |
Upper jaw.
|
|
Maxillary teeth
(Zoo) |
Teeth located on the two principal dermal
bones of the upper jaw in reptiles and amphibians.
|
|
Maxillary (Ento) |
Concerning the maxillae.
|
|
Maxilliped
(Eco) |
Claw-like structures located near the mouth
on the heads of crustaceans, which are found in pairs. There are three
pairs of maxilliped on a typical crustacean.
|
|
Maximum contaminant level (MCL)
(PEH) |
The highest (maximum) level of a contaminant
allowed to go uncorrected by a public water system under federal or
state regulations. Depending on the contaminant, allowable levels might
be calculated as an average over time, or might be based on individual
test results. Corrective steps are implemented if the MCL is exceeded. |
|
Maximum likelihood estimate (MLE)
(Stat) |
The maximum likelihood estimate of a
parameter from data is the possible value of the parameter for which the
chance of observing the data largest. That is, suppose that the
parameter is p, and that we observe data x. Then the
maximum likelihood estimate of p is: estimate p by the
value q that makes P(observing x when the value of p
is q) as large as possible. For example, suppose we are trying to
estimate the chance that a (possibly biased) coin lands heads when it is
tossed. Our data will be the number of times x the coin lands
heads in n independent tosses of the coin. The distribution of
the number of times the coin lands heads is binomial with parameters
n (known) and p (unknown). The chance of observing x
heads in n trials if the chance of heads in a given trial is q
is nCx qx(1-q)n-x.
The maximum likelihood estimate of p would be the value of
q that makes that chance largest. We can find that value of q
explicitly using calculus; it turns out to be q = x/n,
the fraction of times the coin is observed to land heads in the n
tosses. Thus the maximum likelihood estimate of the chance of heads from
the number of heads in n independent tosses of the coin is the
observed fraction of tosses in which the coin lands heads.
|
|
Mayfly
(Ento) |
Any of various insects of the order
Ephemeroptera. Mayflies are fragile winged insects that develop from
aquatic nymphs. In the adult stage they live no longer than a few days.
Sometimes they are called dayfly. |
|
MBDRP
(HS) |
Medical Biological Defense Research Program.
|
|
MCBDRP
(HS) |
Medical Chemical and Biological Defense
Research Program.
|
|
MCBW
(HS) |
Mass Casualty Battlefield Weapons. A term
developed by the US military to describe weapons capable of causing
large numbers of casualties on the battlefield and reducing combat
effectiveness. This implies that they are fairly rapidly acting. It also
implies that they are not destructive of property.
|
|
MCDRP
(HS) |
Medical Chemical Defense Research Program.
|
|
MCW
(HS) |
Mass Casualty Weapons. Agents capable of
causing large numbers of casualties, but not causing mass destruction.
The term describes weapons that would be effective against unprotected
populations, but would also include MCBW.
|
|
Meal
(Vet) |
When referring to food ingredients, meal
means a ground-up preparation. Chicken meal is ground up chicken, which
might include bones and feathers. Meat meal means ground up muscle meat.
|
|
Mealworm
(Ento) |
Common name for the slender larvae of the
beetle family Tenebrionidae (Darkling beetles). They are generally found
in grains and cereals. |
|
Mealybug
(Ento) |
Any of various insects of the family
Pseudococcidae. These are small wingless insects that have the body
covered with a white powdery waxy substance.
|
|
Mean squared error (MSE)
(Stat) |
The mean squared error of an estimator of a
parameter is the expected value of the square of the difference between
the estimator and the parameter. In symbols, if X is an estimator of the
parameter t, then MSE(X) = E( (X-t)2 ). The MSE
measures how far the estimator is off from what it is trying to
estimate, on the average in repeated experiments. It is a summary
measure of the accuracy of the estimator. It combines any tendency of
the estimator to overshoot or undershoot the truth (bias), and the
variability of the estimator (SE). The MSE can be written in terms of
the bias and SE of the estimator: MSE(X) = (bias(X))2 +
(SE(X))2. |
|
Mean, arithmetic mean
(Stat) |
The sum of a list of numbers, divided by the
number of numbers. See also average.
|
|
Measles
(Trop) |
An acute and highly contagious viral disease
characterized by fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a spreading
skin rash. Measles, also known as rubeola, is a potentially disastrous
disease. It can be complicated by ear infections, pneumonia,
encephalitis (which can cause convulsions, mental retardation, and even
death), the sudden onset of low blood platelet levels with severe
bleeding (acute thrombocytopenic purpura), or a chronic brain disease
that occurs months to years after an attack of measles (subacute
sclerosing panencephalitis). |
|
Measuring worm
(Ento) |
A geometrid caterpillar that moves in
alternate contractions and expansions suggestive of measuring.
|
|
Mebendazole
(Trop) |
An effective and safe benzamidazole
anthelmintic with a wide spectrum of action against intestinal nematodes
including hookworms, Ascaris, Enterobius and Trichuris.
|
|
Mechanical vector
(Para) |
An object, either animate or inanimate, which
transports a parasite to its host. This differs from a biologic vector
in that the biologic vector contributes actively to the growth and/or
development of the parasite. |
|
Meconium
(Ento) |
The reddish fluid ejected by a member of the
lepidoptera after emerging from the pupa/chrysalis.
|
|
Mecoptera
(Ento) |
Insect order, made up of the scorpionflies.
They are characterized by membranous wings, elongate faces with chewing
mouthparts, a scorpion-shaped abdomen (male only), and a complete
metamorphosis. |
|
Media
(Ento) |
The longitudinal vein running through the
central region of the wing in most insects: often the 4th and
abbreviated to M.
|
|
Media
(PEH) |
Elements of a surrounding environment that
can be sampled for contamination; usually soil, water, or air. Plants,
as well as humans (when sampling blood, urine, etc) and animals (such as
sampling fish to update fish consumption advisories) can also be
considered media. The singular of "media" is "medium".
|
|
Medial (Median)
(Ento, Zoo) |
Referring to the center, usually the midline,
of an animal.
|
|
Median
(Stat) |
"Middle value" of a list. The smallest number
such that at least half the numbers in the list are no greater than it.
If the list has an odd number of entries, the median is the middle entry
in the list after sorting the list into increasing order. If the list
has an even number of entries, the median is the smaller of the two
middle numbers after sorting. The median can be estimated from a
histogram by finding the smallest number such that the area under the
histogram to the left of that number is 50%. |
|
Median oviduct
(Ento) |
In insects, the single duct formed by the
merging of the paired lateral oviducts; this duct opens posteriorly into
a genital chamber or vagina. |
|
Median survival time
(Stat) |
Time at which 50% of the animals had died.
|
|
Mediastinum
(Vet) |
The organs of the chest cavity excluding the
lungs. Essentially, it is the area immediately behind the breastbone
containing the esophagus, trachea and heart.
|
|
Medical monitoring
(PEH) |
A set of medical tests and physical exams
specifically designed to evaluate whether an individual's exposure could
negatively affect that person's health. |
|
Medical Provider Network (MPN) (OH) |
An entity or group of health care providers
set up by an insurer (such as a workers’ compensation carrier) or a
self-insured employer in order to treat workers injured on the job.
|
|
Medical records
(Stat) |
Recording of pertinent information concerning
patient's illness or illnesses.
|
|
Medical treatment
(OH) |
The treatment reasonably required to cure
or relieve the effects of a work-related injury or illness; also known
as medical care.
|
|
Medusa
(Aqua) |
The adult, recognizable stage of a
free-swimming jellyfish.
|
|
Mefloquine
(Trop) |
An antimalarial related to quinine,
tetracycline and halofantrine used to suppress blood parasites,
especially chloroquine resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum.
There has been increasing resistance to mefloquine reported in malaria
due to Plasmodium falciparum.
|
|
Megacolon
(Vet) |
A condition in which the colon enlarges and
dilates, which results in feces accumulating in the colon. Constipation
then occurs. This condition is more common in cats than dogs.
|
|
Mehlis's glands
(Trop)
|
A unicellular gland in cestodes, which
encircles the ootype. Its function is not known.
|
|
Meiosis (Ento, Zoo) |
Reduction division; the process of division
of the nuclear material of a cell that, by the final division, yields a
gamete with a haploid number of chromosomes.
|
|
Melanism
(Zoo) |
Blackness, the opposite of albinism.
|
|
Melanistic
(Zoo) |
Refers to the black color phase of some
mammals. For example, some populations of marmots are melanistic or
black.
|
|
Melanoma
(Trop) |
Any tumor of melanin-pigmented cells. Usually
have highly malignant properties.
|
|
Melena
(Vet) |
Darkening of the stool due to the presence of
digested blood, which indicates bleeding is occurring in the stomach
and/or beginning of the small intestine. The feces generally look black
and tarry.
|
|
Melioidosis
(Trop) |
An infectious disease caused by a soil
bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei, seen in many areas of the
tropics and is particularly prevalent during the wet season. The illness
may present in a number of ways including life threatening acute
septicemia as well as pneumonia and chronic suppuration, which has a
lower mortality.
|
|
Member of a set
(Stat) |
Something is a member of a set if it is one
of the things in the set.
|
|
Membranous
(Ento) |
Like a membrane. Often referring to thin,
mostly transparent, insect wings. Thin and transparent (in reference to
wings); thin and pliable (in reference to integument).
|
|
Memory, immunologic
(Vet) |
When an animal mounts an immune response
against a foreign substance, some cells are created to 'remember' the
antigens on that substance. If the animal is again exposed to the
substance, these cells will help the body respond much faster and to a
higher degree. |
|
Meningitis
(Trop) |
Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes
that envelop the brain and the spinal cord.
|
|
Meningococcal meningitis
(Trop) |
Inflammation of the meninges (the membranes
covering of the brain and spinal cord) due to infection with the
meningococcus bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.
|
|
Meningococcus
(Trop) |
Neisseria meningitidis.
|
|
Meningoencephalitis
(Trop, Vet) |
An inflammation affecting the brain and the
meninges (protective covering of the brain and spinal cord). This can be
caused by bacterial or viral infection and can be debilitating or
lethal.
|
|
Mental gland
(Zoo) |
A gland beneath the skin of some male
salamanders; produces pheromones meant to stimulate the female.
|
|
Mental retardation
(PrD) |
A term used when a person has certain
limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating,
taking care of him or herself, and social skills. These limitations will
cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than a typical child.
Children with mental retardation may take longer to learn to speak,
walk, and take care of their personal needs such as dressing or eating.
They are likely to have trouble learning in school. They will learn, but
it will take them longer. There may be some things they cannot learn. As
many as 3 out of every 100 people have mental retardation. In fact, 1
out of every 10 children who need special education has some form of
mental retardation. |
|
Menziesia
(Eco) |
A type of shrub.
|
|
Meroistic ovary
(Ento) |
An ovary possessing nurse cells that are
connected to or accompany the oocytes.
|
|
Meront
(Para) |
See Schizont.
|
|
Merozoite
(Para) |
The invasive stage that is the end result of
schizogony.
|
|
Merozoites
(Trop) |
A stage of the life cycle of the malarial
parasite.
|
|
Mesentery
(Para) |
A sheet of tissue or membrane that enfolds
and supports an internal organ by attaching it to the body wall or
another organ. Adults of schistosomes live and female worms pass their
eggs in the mesenteric venules associated with the intestine and urinary
bladder. |
|
Mesic
(Zoo) |
1) Of or relating to organisms that require
moderate amounts of moisture. 2) Describing a habitat with moderate
moisture.
|
|
Mesoendemic
(Epi) |
A term from the malaria literature used to
mean (roughly) an area with some transmission.
|
|
Mesoendemic
(Trop) |
The disease is found among small, rural
communities with varying intensity depending on local circumstances.
|
|
Mesogloea
(Aqua, Trop) |
The jelly part of a jellyfish - the thickened
substance between the epidermis and gastrodermis that gives the
jellyfish its shape.
|
|
Mesohaline
(Eco) |
Describes waters with salinity between 5 and
18 ppt. These areas are typically in the middle portion of an estuary.
|
|
Mesonotum
(Ento) |
The dorsal surface of the 2nd thoracic
segment - the mesothorax: usually the largest thoracic sclerite.
|
|
Mesopleuron
(Ento) |
The sclerite or sclerites making up the side
wall of the mesothorax.
|
|
Mesoscutellum
(Ento) |
Hindmost of the three major divisions of the
mesonotum, often triangular or shield-shaped: usually abbreviated to
scutellum.
|
|
Mesoscutum
(Ento) |
The middle and usually the largest division
of the mesonotum.
|
|
Mesosternum
(Ento) |
The ventral surface or sclerite of the
mesothorax.
|
|
Mesothorax
(Ento) |
The middle, or second, segment of the insect
thorax.
|
|
Mesotrophic
(Eco) |
Describes an aquatic system somewhere between
eutrophic (nutrient enriched) and oligotrophic (nutrient poor).
|
|
Mesozoic
(Eco) |
1) The geologic era extending from the end of
the Paleozoic era to the beginning of the Cenozoic era, dating form
approximately 225 to 65 million years ago; included the Triassic,
Jurassic, and Cretacious Periods. 2) The rocks formed during this era. |
|
Metabolic acidosis
(Vet) |
A condition in which the pH of the blood is
too acidic because of the production of certain types of acids.
|
|
Metabolism
(Vet) |
All the chemical reactions that enable the
body to work. For example, food is metabolized (chemically changed) to
supply the body with energy. Chemicals can be metabolized by the body
and made either more or less harmful.
|
|
Metabolize
(Vet) |
To have molecules transformed within the body
tissue through chemical processes.
|
|
Metabolize energy (ME)
(Vet) |
The net energy available to an animal from a
certain food. |
|
Metacarpus
(Vet) |
The front limb between the carpus and the
phalanges (toes).
|
|
Metacercaria
(Para) |
1) The encysted stage of a monecious,
trematode succeeding the cercaria. The cercaria invades or attaches to
an animal or plant (the second intermediate host) where it encysts to
await transfer (usually by ingestion) to the definitive host. In blood
flukes, the cercaria does not encyst but directly invades the definitive
host at which time the tail of the cercarial stage is left behind. 2)
Stage of trematode life cycle that the cercaria after invading the
second intermediate host or attaching itself to vegetation, develop
into. When ingested by the definitive host, the metacercaria will
develop to the adult stage.
|
|
Metacestode
(Para) |
Mature tapeworm larvae.
|
|
Metamorphosis
(Aqua) |
Process during which there is a marked change
in form; e.g. crown-of-thorns starfish change from a larval form to
juvenile starfish.
|
|
Metamorphosis
(Ento, Zoo) |
A change in form during the development. The
change from a larval state to an adult state, ie: from tadpole to frog.
See also complete metamorphosis, incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
Metanotum
(Ento) |
The dorsal surface of the metathorax. It is
often very small and its sub-divisions are usually obscured.
|
|
Metaplasia
(Trop) |
Change of a mature type of cell in a tissue
to another mature type of cell usually present in another tissue; e.g.,
development of squamous epithelium in the trachea among the normal
respiratory epithelium = squamous metaplasia.
|
|
Metapleuron
(Ento) |
The sclerite or sclerites making up the side
wall of the metathorax.
|
|
Metastasis
(Trop, Vet) |
The spread of cancer cells through the blood,
lymphatics or directly and establishment of these new groups of cells at
locations distant from the original cancer.
|
|
Metasternum
(Ento) |
The ventral surface or sclerite of the
metathorax.
|
|
Metatarsus
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
The basal segment of the tarsus or foot:
usually the largest segment. |
|
Metathorax
(Ento) |
The posterior, or third, segment of the
thorax.
|
|
Metazoa
(Eco) |
That division of the animal kingdom which
embraces all animals whose cells become differentiated to form tissues.
It includes all animals except the protozoa.
|
|
Metazoans
(Eco) |
Multicellular animals.
|
|
Methemoglobin
(Vet) |
An altered hemoglobin which does not carry
oxygen.
|
|
Methemoglobinemia
(Vet) |
A condition of the blood in which there are
large amounts of methemoglobin which is altered hemoglobin and does not
carry oxygen. |
|
Method of comparison
(Stat) |
The most basic and important method of
determining whether a treatment has an effect: compare what happens to
individuals who are treated (the treatment group) with what happens to
individuals who are not treated (the control group).
|
|
Metronidazole
(Trop) |
An antibiotic used widely for anaerobic
bacterial infections (including pseudomembranous colitis) and also for
such protozoan infections as giardiasis, trichomoniasis and amebiasis.
|
|
Microbial control
(Ento) |
Control of insects (or other organisms) by
the use of micro-organisms (including viruses).
|
|
Microbial insecticide
(Ento) |
A pathogenic micro-organism or its products
(toxins etc.) that is applied in the same way as a conventional
pesticide to control a pest population. |
|
Microbial pesticides
(Ento) |
Living micro-organisms, such as fungi,
bacteria, viruses, protozoa and nematodes, as well as metabolites
produced by micro-organisms that are used in pest control.
|
|
Microfilaremia
(Trop, Vet) |
The presence of microfilariae in the blood.
|
|
Microfilaria
(Trop, Vet) |
The larval form of some parasitic worms, for
example heartworms. These worms do not lay eggs, instead they produce
microfilariae.
|
|
Microfilaricide
(Vet) |
Compound which kills microfilaria, the
immature forms of heartworms which circulate in the blood.
|
|
Microgametocyte
(Trop)
|
The male form of the gametocyte.
|
|
Micrometer
(Eco) |
An instrument for measuring units equal to a
micron, 0.001 millimeter.
|
|
Micronucleus
(Para) |
In ciliates, a small nucleus closely
associated with the macronucleus. The macronucleus and micronucleus
perform differently than do the nuclei in most other protozoa during
division.
|
|
Microorganism
(Eco) |
A single-celled life form that is invisible
to the naked eye and that may cause disease in man or animals.
|
|
Microparasites
(Epi) |
Typically, viruses, bacteria, fungi and
protozoa. More generally, parasites which multiply within their
definitive hosts. Microparasites are characterized by small size, short
generation times, and a tendency to induce immunity to reinfection in
those hosts that survive. The duration of infection is usually short in
relation to the lifespan of the host, but there are important
exceptions, such as the slow viruses. The key epidemiological variable,
by contrast with macroparasites, is whether or not the individual host
is infected.
|
|
Micropyle
(Ento) |
A pore in the chorion through which sperm
enter.
|
|
Micropyle
(Para) |
In coccidia, a pore in the cyst wall closed
by a plug of material which is more easily dissolved than the cyst wall
and through which the structures formed in the cyst emerge.
|
|
Microtopography
(Eco) |
Topography on a smaller scale.
|
|
Microtrichia
(Ento) |
Minute hairs projecting from the integument,
they are formed around cellular filaments.
|
|
Microvilli
(Para) |
The smaller villi of the intestine. See
Villi.
|
|
MIDAS
(HS) |
Meterological Information and Dispersion
Assessment System. Software designed to model the dispersion of material
as a function of weather conditions.
|
|
MIDAS-AT
(HS) |
Meteorological Information and Dispersion
System Anti-Terrorism. A refinement of MIDAS for use in modeling
terrorist releases of agents.
|
|
Middens
(Eco) |
A large refuse heap containing such materials
discarded materials, food remains, bones, and so on.
|
|
Midgut
(Ento) |
The middle part of the alimentary canal and
the main site of digestion and absorption.
|
|
Migration
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
1) In general, any movement of an animal from
one location to another. 2) Specifically, a predictable, recurring
group movement that is characteristic of the members of a given species,
and that occurs regularly in response to seasonal changes in
temperature, precipitation, and so on.
|
|
Migratory
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Describing groups of organisms which move
from one habitat to another on a regular or seasonal basis.
|
|
MIHF
(Zoo) |
Male iguana - human female. Since this
cumbersom combination is used with increasing frequency when discussing
issues relating to male iguana aggression, this acronym will simplify
the typing, if not the biochemistry. |
|
Mildew
(Eco) |
Disease causes by a fungus and characterized
by the appearance of a white, mycelial growth and spores on the surface
of infected plant parts. |
|
Milleporina
(Trop) |
Known by the colloquial term of Fire coral,
it is not a true coral, although it is part of the reef-building
community. It has a smooth feel but when touched may cause severe
burning pain. The skin may then develop a severe raised, itch rash which
may suppurate and produce localized pus, or even skin death (necrosis).
|
|
Millerian mimicry (Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Presence of a similar aposematic pattern in
unrelated, distasteful or poisonous species.
|
|
Millipedes
(Ento) |
Animal belonging to the class Diplopoda. Some
characteristics of millipedes are, a cylindrical, two-parted body (head
and many-segmented trunk), one pair of antennae and the trunk segments
each bearing two pairs of legs.
|
|
Mimicry
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
1) The resemblance of an organism to its
natural surroundings, providing some protection from enemies. 2)
Presence of a pattern in a palatable species that closely resembles the
pattern of an unpalatable species (Batesian mimicry).
|
|
Mine
(Eco, Ento) |
Deep hole or tunnel in a plant part caused by
burrowing insects or their larvae.
|
|
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
(OH) |
An agency of the Department of Labor that
oversees surface and subsurface mining safety rules and regulations.
MSHA conducts inspections, assists with training, and can issue
citations, penalties and-cease-and-desist orders in situations where a
mine’s practices create imminent danger to workers.
|
|
Mine tailings
(Eco) |
The decomposed outcrop of a bed or vein of
valuable material.
|
|
Mineralization
(Vet) |
The process in which minerals are laid down
within tissue in an abnormal pattern causing a hardening of the tissue.
|
|
Mineralocorticoids
(Vet) |
Hormones produced by the adrenal gland which
regulate the amounts of sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood.
|
|
Minimal risk level (MRL)
(PEH) |
An ATSDR estimate of daily human exposure to
a hazardous substance at or below which that substance is unlikely to
pose a measurable risk of harmful (adverse), noncancerous effects. MRLs
are calculated for a route of exposure (inhalation or oral) over a
specified time period (acute, intermediate, or chronic). MRLs should not
be used as predictors of harmful (adverse) health effects.
|
|
Minuten
(Ento) |
Very tiny pins for mounting small insect
specimens.
|
|
Miosis
(Vet) |
A narrowing of the pupils leading to blurred
vision. It is often the first symptom of nervegas poisoning and can also
be seen in overdoses of some street drugs. The term is not to be
confused with mEiosis which is a type of cell division.
|
|
Miracidium
(Para) |
1) In trematodes, the larva that emerges from
the egg. 2) The pyriform, ciliated larva of a trematode that developed
in and hatched from the egg. The miracidium will penetrate the snail
and undergo development to the next stage in the lifecycle.
|
|
Miticide
(Ento) |
Pesticide that can kill mites, ticks and
spiders. See Acaracide.
|
|
Mitigate |
Taking action to avoid or reduce damages or
to make less severe or harsh.
|
|
Mitochondria
(Vet, Zoo) |
Self-replicating organelles, bounded by two
membranes, that are found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells and
produce cellular energy in the the form of ATP via the oxidative
phosphorilation reactions. |
|
Mitotic division
(Ento, Zoo) |
Nuclear division in which definite
chromosomes and a spindle, associated with the presence of centrosomes.
In some instances the nuclear membrane persists while in others the
nuclear membrane is not evident as seen in higher species.
|
|
Mixed tumor
(Trop) |
A neoplasm with a number of different cell
types undergoing cancerous change.
|
|
MMMV, M3V
(HS) |
Mobile Medic Mentoring Vehicle.
|
|
MOBILAB
(HS) |
Mobile laboratories carrying extensive
real-time analytical systems for rapid detection of and identification
of chemical and biological agents. They are based on the Ford E-350 van
and were developed for CBIRF and can be air transported by the C-130
transport aircraft.
|
|
MOD
(HS) |
Means Of Dissemination.
|
|
Mode
(Stat) |
For lists, the mode is a most common
(frequent) value. A list can have more than one mode. For histograms, a
mode is a relative maximum. |
|
Models, statistical
(Stat) |
Statistical formulations or analyses which,
when applied to data and found to fit the data, are then used to verify
the assumptions and parameters used in the analysis. Examples of
statistical models are the linear model, binomial model, polynomial
model, two-parameter model, etc.
|
|
Moderator
(HS) |
The substance, often liquid, in the core of a
nuclear reactor that slows neutrons to promote the fission chain
reaction. In CANDU reactors, the moderator is heavy water, a form of
water with an isotope of hydrogen that has two neutrons.
|
|
Modified live vaccine
(Vet) |
Vaccines which are made by taking the real,
disease-causing virus and altering (attenuating) it in a laboratory to a
non-disease causing virus. |
|
Modified work
(OH) |
A change in an employee’s working
conditions in order to accommodate work restrictions.
|
|
Mold
(Ento) |
A fungus which grows as hyphae interwoven
into an extensive mycelium. Mold usually grows on decaying matter or on
plant surfaces. |
|
Mollusca
(Eco) |
A phylum composed of a large group of animals
having no backbone, soft unsegmented bodies, usually covered with a hard
shell. The shell is secreted by a covering mantle and is formed on
snails, oysters, clams, and whelks but not on slugs, octopuses, or
squids.
|
|
Molluscan host
(Para) |
A member of the phylum Mollusca that acts as
an intermediate host for the class Trematode.
|
|
Molluscicide
(Para, Trop, Zoo) |
A chemical substance used for the destruction
of snails and other molluscs.
|
|
Mollusk (Zoo) |
Invertebrates such as snails which mostly
have a shell. Includes the octopus.
|
|
Molt (Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
1) To shed hair, outer skin, feathers, or
horns before replacement of parts of new growth. 2) An act, instance, or
process of molting.
|
|
Molting hormone (MH)
(Ento) |
See Ecdysone.
|
|
Moment
(Stat) |
The kth moment of a list is the
average value of the elements raised to the kth power; that is,
if the list consists of the N elements x1, x2,
. . . , xN, the kth moment of the list is: (
x1k + x2k
+ xNk )/N. The kth moment of
a random variable X is the expected value of Xk, E(Xk).
|
|
Moniliform
(Ento)
|
Concerning antennae-bead-like segments; each
separated from the next. |
|
Monkey B virus
(Trop) |
A herpes virus of monkeys that can infect
humans, usually through handling monkey tissues at autopsy or in the
laboratory.
|
|
Monkey pox
(Trop) |
A pox viral disease of monkeys in Central
Africa which can infect humans. |
|
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(Vet) |
MAOI. Substances that inactivate the enzyme
monoamine oxidase which regulates certain transmitter chemicals between
nerves. These compounds include certain types of antidepressants and
also insecticides containing amitraz.
|
|
Monoculture
(Ento) |
A uniform stand of one kind of crop plant.
|
|
Monoecious (Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Male and female sexual apparatus present in
the same individual. Same as hermaphrodite; opposite of dioecious.
|
|
Monoestrus
(Zoo) |
Refers to a mammal having only one estrus
cycle in a year. Elk are a good example.
|
|
Monogamy
(Zoo) |
A mating pattern in which males and females
are paired one to one for at least one reproductive season; usually
associated with parental care by both parents. Prolonged and exclusive
pair bond with a single member of the opposite sex in order to raise
young.
|
|
Monogenetic
(Para) |
A single generation constituting a complete
life cycle.
|
|
Monophagous
(Ento, Zoo) |
1) Feeding upon only one kind of food, for
example one species or one genus of plants. 2) Feeding on a single plant
or animal species.
|
|
Monotypic
(Eco) |
Only one representative of a certain lineage;
e.g. Ensatina is considered a monotypic genus because only one species
is recognized. |
|
Monovalent vaccine
(Vet) |
A vaccine that is manufactured to stimulate
the body to produce protection against only one disease, e.g., rabies
vaccine.
|
|
MOPP
(HS) |
Mission
Oriented Protective Posture. A graded series of protective measures to
be taken depending upon the risk of a chemical orbiological attack.
There are five levels (0 - 4) with four being the highest. A MOPP suit
is the protective overgarment and mask used by US forces to operating in
a chemical or biological attack environment. |
|
Morbakka
(Aqua, Trop) |
The colloquial name for a number of large
box-jellyfish with a single tentacle in each corner. There are probably
a number of species that are grouped under this name. The sting causes a
burning pain to the skin and rarely, a mild Irukandji syndrome. See also
Moreton Bay Carybdeid, and Fire jelly.
|
|
Morbidity
(Para, PEH, Trop) |
Something that affects the normal body
functioning, but not causing death. The condition of being diseased or
morbid or sick.
|
|
Morbidity rate
(Stat) |
An incidence rate (q.v.) used to include all
persons in the population under consideration who become clinically ill
during the period of time stated. The population may be limited to a
specific gender or age group, or to those with certain other
characteristics.
|
|
Moreton
Bay Carybdeid
(Aqua) |
A Morbakka that is often caught in the
Moreton Bay area, just north of Brisbane, Queensland. See also Fire
jelly.
|
|
Morph
(Zoo) |
A color or pattern.
|
|
Morphology
(Trop) |
The type of form or structure of a plant or
animal.
|
|
Mortality
(Para, PEH, Trop) |
The effects of something resulting in death.
The quality of being mortal or dead. The death rate; the ratio of total
number of deaths to the total population.
|
|
Mortality rate
(Epi, Stat, Trop) |
A rate calculated in the same way as an
incidence rate (q.v.) by dividing the number of deaths occurring in the
population during the stated period of time, usually a year, by the
number of persons at risk of dying during the period. A total or crude
mortality rate utilizes deaths from all causes, usually expressed as
deaths per 1’000. A disease-specific mortality rate covers deaths due to
only one disease and is often reported on the basis of 100’000 persons.
the population base may be defined by gender, age or other
characteristics. The mortality rate must not be confused with
case-fatality rate (q.v.).
|
|
Morula stage
(Para) |
The cleaving stage of an egg in which it
forms a mulberry-like, solid mass of cells.
|
|
Mosquito
(Ento) |
Any of various two-winged insects of the
family Culicidae (order Diptera). In most species the female is
distinguished by a long proboscis for sucking blood. Some species of
mosquitoes are vectors of diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.
|
|
Mosquito hawk
(Ento) |
See dragonfly.
|
|
Mosquito net
(Ento) |
A fine net or screen used to keep out
mosquitoes.
|
|
Mosquito repellent
(Trop) |
Any substance producing a negative response
in mosquitoes, causing them to avoid a close approach (such as alighting
on the skin of a host animal or entering a treated room).
|
|
Moth
(Ento) |
Any of numerous insects of the order
Lepidoptera. Moths are generally distinguished from butterflies by their
nocturnal activity, hairlike or feathery antennae, stout bodies, and the
frenulum that holds the front and back wings together.
|
|
Motility
(Vet) |
Movement.
|
|
Motor
(PrD) |
In medicine, having to do with the movement
of a part of the body. Something that produces motion or refers to
motion. For example, a motor neuron is a nerve cell that conveys an
impulse to a muscle causing it to contract. The term "motor" today is
also applied to a nerve that signals a gland to secrete. Motor is as
opposed to sensory. |
|
Mottle
(Ento) |
A pattern of indistinct light and dark areas
on plant tissue. Usually a symptom of virus diseases.
|
|
Mouth
(Bio) |
1) The upper opening of the digestive tract,
beginning with the lips and containing the teeth, gums, and tongue.
Foodstuffs are broken down mechanically in the mouth by chewing and
saliva is added as a lubricant. Saliva contains amylase, an enzyme that
digests starch. 2) Any opening or aperture in the body. The mouth in
both senses of the word is also called the os, the Latin word for an
opening, or mouth. The o in os is pronounced as in hope. The genitive
form of os is oris from which comes the word oral.
|
|
Movement Tremor
(PrD) |
Involuntary trembling/quivering.
|
|
MPN
(OH) |
See Medical Provider Network.
|
|
MRED
(HS) |
Minimum Required Exposure Dosage. The
minimum dosage necessary to produce an effect.
|
|
MSD
(OH) |
See musculoskeletal Disorder.
|
|
MSDS
(OH) |
See Material Safety Data Sheets.
|
|
MSHA
(OH) |
See Mine Safety and Health Administration.
|
|
MSX
(Eco) |
An oyster disease caused by the protozoan
parasite, Haplosporidium nelsoni.
|
|
Mucolytic
(Vet) |
Breaks down mucous.
|
|
Mucopolysaccharide
(Vet) |
A carbohydrate which also contains a
hexosamine molecule and is a component of mucous.
|
|
Mucosa
(Vet) |
Specialized membrane which covers various
passages and cavities exposed to the air such as the mouth, nose, inner
portion of the eyelids, vagina. Examination of the mucous membranes can
provide important information: if they are dry, the animal is likely
dehydrated; pale, and the animal may be anemic or in shock; yellow, and
the animal is said to jaundiced due to accumulation of waste products
which should be eliminated by the liver. Mucous membranes. |
|
Mucous membranes
(Vet) |
Specialized membrane which covers various
passages and cavities exposed to the air such as the mouth, nose, inner
portion of the eyelids, vagina. Examination of the mucous membranes can
provide important information: if they are dry, the animal is likely
dehydrated; pale, and the animal may be anemic or in shock; yellow, and
the animal is said to be jaundiced due to accumulation of waste products
which should be eliminated by the liver.
|
|
Mulch
(Ento) |
Material used to form a covering over the
soil, usually to prevent evaporation of soil moisture. For example rice
straw can be used as a mulch to cover the soil between individual
vegetable plants.
|
|
MULO
(HS) |
Multipurpose Overboot.
|
|
Multilocular cyst
(Para) |
A type of cestode cyst with many cavities in
which scolices develop.
|
|
Multilocular hydatid
(Trop) |
Larval stage of Echinococcus
multilocularis in which exogenous development occurs resulting in
infiltration of tissues.
|
|
Multimodal distribution
(Stat) |
A distribution with more than one mode.
|
|
Multinomial distribution
(Stat) |
Consider a sequence of n independent
trials, each of which can result in an outcome in any of k
categories. Let pj be the probability that each trial
results in an outcome in category j, j = 1, 2, . . . ,
k, so p1 + p2 + . . . +
pk = 100%. The number of outcomes of each type has a
multinomial distribution. In particular, the probability that the
n trials result in n1 outcomes of sub> outcomes of
type 2, . . . , and nk outcomes of type k
is... n!/(n1! × n2! ×
. . . × nk!) × p1n1
× p2n2 × . . . × pknk,
if n1, . . . , nk are nonnegative
integers that sum to n; the chance is zero otherwise.
|
|
Multiphasic screening
(Stat) |
The simultaneous use of multiple laboratory
procedures for the detection of various diseases. These are usually
performed on groups of people. |
|
Multiple infection
(Epi) |
An infection in which an individual is
infected by parasites of more than one species.
|
|
Multiple regression analysis
(Stat) |
A multivariate extension of linear regression
in which two or more independent variables are fit into a best linear
model of a dependent variable.
|
|
Multiplication rule
(Stat) |
The chance that events A and B both occur (i.e.,
that event AB occurs), is the conditional probability that A occurs
given that B occurs, times the unconditional probability that B occurs.
|
|
Multiplicity in hypothesis tests
(Stat) |
In hypothesis testing, if more than one
hypothesis is tested, the actual significance level of the combined
tests is not equal to the nominal significance level of the individual
tests.
|
|
Multivalent vaccine
(Vet) |
A vaccine that combines two or more
components to stimulate the body to produce protection against all the
components. Most 'distemper' vaccines for puppies are of the multivalent
type, and commonly include distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus cough,
hepatitis, and parainfluenza. |
|
Multivariate analysis
(Stat) |
A set of techniques used when variation in
several variables has to be studied simultaneously. In statistics,
multivariate analysis is interpreted as any analytic method that allows
simultaneous study of two or more dependent variables.
|
|
Multivariate data
(Stat) |
A set of measurements of two or more
variables per individual. See bivariate.
|
|
Multivoltine
(Ento) |
Having several generations a year.
|
|
Mumps
(Trop) |
An acute and highly contagious viral disease
that usually occurs in childhood. Spread by airborne droplets from the
upper respiratory tract, the disease usually takes two to three weeks to
appear.
|
|
Murine typhus
(Trop) |
A zoonotic febrile disease caused by the
rodent bacterial species, Rickettsia typhi, and transmitted by
fleas of the genus Xenopsylla.
|
|
Musca
(Trop) |
A genus of flies which includes the housefly,
M. domestica, a potential mechanical vector of enteric viral,
bacterial and parasitic pathogens. Can also mechanically transmit
trachoma.
|
|
Muscle
(Bio, Vet) |
Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily
functions as a source of power. There are three types of muscle in the
body. Muscle which is responsible for moving extremities and external
areas of the body is called "skeletal muscle." Heart muscle is called
"cardiac muscle." Muscle that is in the walls of arteries and bowel is
called "smooth muscle." |
|
Muscle pump
(Trop) |
The contraction and relaxation of the limb
muscles that helps pump the low pressure venous blood from the
extremities back to the central collecting system.
|
|
Muscular
(Bio, Vet) |
Having to do with the muscles. Also, endowed
with above average muscle development. Muscular system refers to all of
the muscles of the body collectively.
|
|
Musculoskeletal
(Vet) |
Pertaining to the muscles and skeleton.
|
|
Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)
(OH) |
An injury or illness of soft tissues of the
fingers, upper arms, shoulders and neck, lower back or legs that is
primarily caused or exacerbated by workplace risk factors such as
sustained and repeated exertions or awkward postures and manipulations.
See also Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
|
|
Mushroom body
(Ento) |
A complex fiber tract in the anterior part of
the brain, often suggesting the shape of a mushroom, associated
primarily with the integration of sensory information.
|
|
Muskeg
(Eco) |
1) A bog characterized by scattered and
stunted evergreens. 2) Broadly, any area of wetland vegetation. |
|
Mutagen
(PEH) |
A substance that causes mutations (genetic
damage) in cells.
|
|
Mutation
(PEH, PrD) |
A suddenly occurring heritable change in DNA.
Mutations may be brought about by chemical or physical agents (mutagens)
or as a result of an accidental change in genes.
|
|
Mutualism
(Eco) |
A symbiotic relationship in which both
partners benefit from the association.
|
|
Mutually exclusive
(Stat) |
Two events are mutually exclusive if the
occurrence of one is incompatible with the occurrence of the other; that
is, if they can't both happen at once (if they have no outcome in
common). Equivalently, two events are disjoint if their intersection is
the empty set. |
|
Myalgia
(Vet) |
Pain in the muscles, often associated with
tenderness.
|
|
Myasthenia gravis
(Vet) |
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease
in which there is a failure of the nerves' ability to stimulate and
control the actions of certain muscles.
|
|
Mycelium
(Eco) |
The vegetative structure of a fungus, made up
of hyphae.
|
|
Mycetome
(Ento) |
A specialized internal organ that houses
symbiotic microorganisms.
|
|
Mycology
(Eco) |
The study of fungi.
|
|
Mycoplasma
(Eco) |
A micro-organism intermediate in size between
viruses and bacteria. Mycoplasma possess many virus-like properties.
|
|
Mycorrhizal fungi
(Zoo) |
The symbiotic relationship between certain
nonpathogenic or weakly pathogenic fungi and the living cells of roots
of certain higher plants.
|
|
Mycosis
(Eco) |
Disease caused by a fungus such as
blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and ringworm.
|
|
Mycotoxin
(Eco) |
A toxin from a fungus, including aflatoxins
and trichothecenes.
|
|
Mydriasis
(Vet) |
Small pupil size.
|
|
Myelitis (PrD) |
Inflammation of the spinal cord.
|
|
Myelogram
(Vet) |
Radiograph (x-ray) of the spinal cord taken
after a contrasting dye has been injected into the space around the
spinal cord.
|
|
Myiasis
(Ento, Trop) |
Infection of mammals (including humans) by
certain dipterous larvae (maggots). Various clinical forms recognized,
including cutaneous myiasis, intestinal myiasis, ophthalmomyiasis,
urinogenital myiasis and sanguinivorous myiasis.
|
|
Myocardium
(Vet) |
The middle layer of heart muscle.
|
|
Myoclonus
(PrD) |
Sudden, involuntary contractions or jerking
of a muscle or group of muscles. Terms such as “myoclonic jerks”,
“myoclonic jerking”, “myoclonic activity” are also acceptable. These
variants of myoclonus may be mentioned: Nocturnal myoclonus; Facial
myoclonus; Action myoclonus; Startle myoclonus. Terms such as
“twitching”, “tremulousness”, or “shaking / shakiness” are not
equivalent, and the term “clonus” represents a separate neurologic sign. |
|
Myogenic flight muscles
(Ento) |
Flight muscles that contract repeatedly as a
result of mechanical stretch and do not require a nervous impulse for
each contraction.
|
|
Myogenic rhythms
(Ento, Zoo) |
Rhythms produced by spontaneously active
muscles. |
|
Myriapods
(Ento) |
Arthropods with many legs, such as the
centipedes and millipedes.
|
|
Myrmecologist
(Ento) |
A person who studies the life cycles,
behavior, ecology, or diversity of ants as their work or hobby.
|
|
Myrmecophile
(Ento) |
A symbiont found in the colonies of ants,
usually living at expense of the food in the nest.
|
|
Myrmecophyte
(Eco, Ento) |
A plant that has special cavities in which
ants live.
|
|
N |
Top |
|
NAAK
(HS) |
Nerve Agent Antidote Kit.
|
|
NAAS
(HS) |
Nerve Agent Antidote System.
|
|
Naiad
(Ento) |
Larva of a dragonfly or damselfly (Odonata).
An aquatic, gill-bearing nymph.
|
|
Nairobi
eye
(Trop) |
An acute inflammation of the eye resulting
from an irritant secreted by beetles of the genus Paederus,
getting onto the eye.
|
|
Nanometer
(Trop) |
A unit used in electronmicroscopy and
virology. 1 nm = 1 thousandth of a µm.
|
|
Nape
(Zoo) |
The back of the neck.
|
|
NAPP
(HS) |
Nerve Agent Pyridostigmine Treatment. A
standard preventive measure against exposure to nerve agents.
|
|
Naris
(Zoo) |
The openings of the nasal cavity.
|
|
Nasolabial groove
(Zoo) |
A depression running from the external naris
to the edge of the upper lip in Plethodontid salamanders.
|
|
Nasutus
(Ento) |
A type of soldier caste in certain termites;
this form bears a median frontal rostrum through which it ejects a
defensive fluid; the jaws are small or vestigial.
|
|
Natal
(Zoo) |
Relating to or occurring at birth.
|
|
Natality
(Zoo) |
Refers to births. Specifically, it refers to
the birth rate of an animal, while mortality specifically refers to the
death rate.
|
|
National disaster medical system (NDMS)
(HS) |
Is an asset sharing partnership designed to
provide emergency medical assistance to States following a catastrophic
disaster or other major emergency.
|
|
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
(OH) |
A voluntary membership organization whose aim
is to promote and improve fire prevention and protection; publishes 16
national fire codes. |
|
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
(OH) |
The federal agency responsible for
conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of
work-related disease and injury. NIOSH is part of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). |
|
National interagency incident management system (NIIMS)
(HS) |
Is a system for responding to a wide range of
emergencies, including fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados,
tidal waves, riots, spilling of hazardous materials, and other natural
or human-caused incidents. |
|
National
Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center (NPDPSC)
(PrD) |
Established in 1997 at the Division of Neuropathology of
Case Western Reserve University to monitor the occurrence of prion
diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, it is the
national NIH-funded testing and surveillance center for CJD.
|
|
National priorities list for uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
(PEH) |
EPA's list of the most serious uncontrolled
or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States. The NPL is
updated on a regular basis. |
|
National priority list (NPL)
(PEH) |
A list maintained by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) of certain inactive hazardous waste sites. The
list is produced and updated periodically by the EPA.
|
|
National special security event (NSSE)
(HS) |
When an event is designated a National
Special Security Event, the Secret Service assumes its mandated role as
the lead agency for the design and implementation of the operational
security plan.
|
|
National support center
(HS) |
The location of the federal emergency
operating groups established to coordinate actions between the federal
departments and agencies, and other jurisdictions, involved in the
response to a nuclear emergency. |
|
National support structure
(HS) |
The structure manifested for coordinating the
federal response to a nuclear emergency, activated either prior to or
following implementation of the Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan.
|
|
National toxicology program (NTP)
(PEH) |
Part of the Department of Health and Human
Services. NTP develops and carries out tests to predict whether a
chemical will cause harm to humans.
|
|
Native species
(Eco) |
Species which have lived in a particular
region or area for an extended period of time.
|
|
Natural control
(Eco) |
1) The collective action of environmental
factors to maintain a pest population size at an acceptable level over a
period of time. 2) The maintenance of a population at non-outbreak
levels by natural environmental factors, biotic and abiotic.
|
|
Natural enemy
(Eco) |
An animal or plant which kills or injures
another animal or plant. For example predators, parasites and pathogens
that attack pests. |
|
Natural history of disease
(Trop) |
The progressive development of a disease that
runs its course without treatment. 1. Stage of susceptibility; 2. Stage
of presymptomatic; 3. Stage of clinical disease; and 4. Stage of
disability/resolution |
|
Natural host
(Para) |
A host in which the pathogenic micro-organism
or parasite is commonly found and in which it can complete its
development.
|
|
Natural infrastructure
(Eco) |
Physical systems provided by the earth that
support life (water cycle, nitrogen cycle, water purification)
|
|
Natural selection
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Selection among a group of animals or plants
by the forces of nature. It allows those of the group best fitted to
survive in the particular environment to live and reproduce, while those
not fitted to that environemnt will die. By this means, the species or
group gradually adapts to the environment as poorly adapted individuals
are gradually eliminated over many generations.
|
|
Nauplii
(Zoo) |
Newly hatched brine shrimp.
|
|
Nausea
(Vet) |
A sick feeling in the stomach, typically with
a strong urge to vomit.
|
|
NBC
(HS) |
Nuclear, Biological, Chemical. An older term
for weapons of mass destruction contemporaneous with NBC and now
replaced by CBRNE.
|
|
NBCC
(HS) |
Nuclear Biological Chemical Center.
|
|
NBCC
(HS) |
Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and
Conventional.
|
|
NBCRS
(HS) |
Nuclear, Biological and Chemical
Reconnaissance Vehicle.
|
|
NBCWARN
(HS) |
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warning.
|
|
NBCWRS (HS) |
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warning and
Reporting System.
|
|
Nearly normal distribution
(Stat) |
A population of numbers (a list of numbers)
is said to have a nearly normal distribution if the histogram of
its values in standard units nearly follows a normal curve. More
precisely, suppose that the mean of the list is µ and the standard
deviation of the list is SD. Then the list is nearly normally
distributed if, for every two numbers a < b, the fraction
of numbers in the list that are between a and b is
approximately equal to the area under the normal curve between (a - µ)/SD
and (a - µ)/SD. |
|
Nebulize
(Vet) |
Convert into a fine spray form.
|
|
Necator americanus
(Trop) |
See Hookworm.
|
|
Neck
(Trop) |
The connecting tissues between the scolex and
strobila of a tapeworm. This part is unsegmented.
|
|
Necrophagous
(Ento, Zoo) |
Feeding on dead animal matter.
|
|
Necropsy
(Vet) |
Postmortem examination.
|
|
Necrosis
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
A localized and rapid destruction of a cell
or group of cells. For example rot and canker are necrotic symptoms.
|
|
Necrotic
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Having symptoms characterized by the death or
disintegration of cells or tissues.
|
|
Nectar
(Eco) |
The sugary liquid secreted by many flowers.
|
|
Nectar guide (Eco, Ento) |
A streak on a flower that guides insects to
nectar sources.
|
|
Nectary
(Eco) |
A floral gland which secretes nectar.
|
|
Needle
(Eco) |
A long slender leaf, such as those seen on
the Loblolly pine.
|
|
Negative binomial distribution (Epi, Stat) |
Consider a sequence of independent trials
with the same probability p of success in each trial. The number
of trials up to and including the rth success has the negative
Binomial distribution with parameters n and r. If the
random variable N has the negative binomial distribution with parameters
n and r, then P(N=k) = k-1Cr-1
× pr × (1-p)k-r, for k =
r, r+1, r+2, . . . , and zero for k < r,
because there must be at least r trials to have r
successes. The negative binomial distribution is derived as follows: for
the rth success to occur on the kth trial, there must have
been r-1 successes in the first k-1 trials, and the kth
trial must result in success. The chance of the former is the chance of
r-1 successes in k-1 independent trials with the same
probability of success in each trial, which, according to the Binomial
distribution with parameters n=k-1 and p, has
probability k-1Cr-1
× pr-1 × (1-p)k-r.
The chance of the latter event is p, by assumption. Because the
trials are independent, we can find the chance that both events occur by
multiplying their chances together, which gives the expression for P(N=k)
above. |
|
Negative predictive value
(Stat, Trop) |
The probability that a person with a negative
test is free of the disease and is not a false negative.
|
|
Negri bodies (Trop) |
Inclusions found in the cytoplasm of brain
neurons in rabies.
|
|
Neisseria
(Trop) |
Group of bacteria that includes the cause of
gonorrhea.
|
|
Nekton
(Eco) |
Organisms with swimming abilities that permit
them to move actively through the water column and to move against
currents (i.e. fish, crabs). |
|
Nematicide
(Ento) |
Chemical used to kill nematodes.
|
|
Nematocyst
(Aqua, Trop) |
The stinging cells present on the tentacles
(and the bell of some species) of cnidarian. Each nematocyst consists of
a coiled tube which may be bathed in venom. When the trigger on the
outside of the nematocyst is touched, the tube rapidly inverts itself
firing like a harpoon into the tissues of the prey. Venom on the outside
of this tube is thus deposited in the tissues, and possibly into blood
vessels during this trajectory. Finally, in some specialized nematocysts
venom is then discharged through the open end of this thread tube and is
deposited in the tissues o f the prey. |
|
Nematocyte
(Aqua) |
Consists of an coiled tube that may be bathed
in venom. When the trigger on the outside of the nematocyte is touched,
the tube rapidly inverts itself firing rather like a harpoon into the
tissues of the prey. Venom on the outside of this tube is thus deposited
in the tissues, and possibly into blood vessels during this trajectory.
Finally, in some specialized nematocysts, venom is then discharged
through the open end of this thread tube and is deposited in the tissues
of the prey. |
|
Nematode (Epi, Trop) |
A group of organisms also known as the
Roundworms. Nematodes have what can only be described as a typical
"worm" shape - long, tapered at the ends and round in cross-section
(think of the shape of an earthworm, but earthworms are not nematodes).
They have an internal body cavity, with recognizable digestive and
reproductive tracts. Nematodes are generally dioecious. They reproduce
by laying eggs, or larvae which hatch from their eggs inside the body of
the female worm. They are among the most common multicellular parasite
of humans in the world, although the majority of nematodes are not
parasitic, living in the soil.
|
|
Neonatal screening
(Stat) |
The identification of selected parameters in
newborn infants by various tests, examinations, or other procedures.
Screening may be performed by clinical or laboratory measures. A
screening test is designed to sort out healthy neonates from those not
well, but the screening test is not intended as a diagnostic device,
rather instead as epidemiologic. |
|
Neonate
(Zoo) |
Newly hatched or born.
|
|
Neoplasia
(Vet) |
Abnormal growth and accumulation of cells.
Neoplasias may be benign or malignant.
|
|
Neoplasm
(Trop) |
New or abnormal uncontrolled growth.
|
|
Neopterous
(Ento) |
Possessing the ability to fold the wings
backward over the abdomen.
|
|
Neotenic
(Zoo) |
Reaching sexual maturity while still in
larval form.
|
|
Neotony
(Zoo) |
Retention of larval or embryonic
characteristics past the time of reproductive maturity.
|
|
Nephropathy
(Vet) |
Any disease or abnormal functioning of the
kidney.
|
|
Nephrotoxic
(Vet, Zoo) |
Chemically damaging to the kidneys.
|
|
Neritic
(Eco) |
A part of the pelagic zone which extends from
the high tide line to the bottom.
|
|
Nerve
(PrD) |
A bundle of fibers that uses chemical and electrical
signals to transmit sensory and motor information from one body part to
another. |
|
Nervous system
(PrD) |
The entire nerve apparatus, composed of a
central part, the brain and spinal cord, and a peripheral part, the
cranial and spinal nerves, autonomic ganglia, and plexuses. (Stedman,
26th ed) The bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain
and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and
that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the
effector organs.
|
|
Nest
(Ento, Zoo) |
The burrow or pallet dug by the female in
which to deposit her eggs.
|
|
Nesting (Ento, Zoo) |
To build a nest; to make or live in a nest,
especially in preparation for giving birth to young.
|
|
Nesting density
(Zoo) |
The amount of bird nesting in the area.
|
|
Neural
(PrD) |
Having to do with nerve cells.
|
|
Neural lamella
(Ento) |
A fibrous, noncellular layer that surrounds
and supports a ganglion.
|
|
Neurogenic flight muscles
(Ento) |
Flight muscles that contract each time a
nerve impulse is received.
|
|
Neurogenic rhythms (Ento, Zoo) |
Rhythms maintained by spontaneously active
neurons.
|
|
Neurohemal organ
(Ento, Zoo) |
An organ associated with the nervous system
which stores and releases hormones.
|
|
Neurological
(PrD) |
Having to do with the nerves or the nervous system.
|
|
Neurological
(Vet) |
Relating to the nerves, neurological symptoms
indicate problems with the functioning of nerves.
|
|
Neuromuscular
(Aqua) |
Relating to nerves and muscles; jointly
involving or affecting nervous and muscular components.
|
|
Neuromuscular junction
(Vet) |
The junction between a nerve and the muscle
it controls. Nerve impulses use chemical messengers to cross the gap and
it is this process that is the target of nerve agents and a number of
drugs used to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders.
|
|
Neuron (Ento, Zoo) |
The cell of a nerve responsible for
transmission of the signal along the nerve fiber.
|
|
Neuron
(PrD) |
The basic cellular units of nervous tissue.
Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is
to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the nervous system. A
type of cell that receives and sends messages from the body to the brain
and back to the body. The messages are sent by a weak electrical
current. Also called a nerve cell. |
|
Neurone (Ento, Zoo) |
The entire nerve cell including all its
processes.
|
|
Neuropathy (Ento, Zoo) |
Abnormal functioning of nerves.
|
|
Neuropile
(Ento, Zoo) |
The mass of closely packed nerve cell
processes comprising the central part of a ganglion.
|
|
Neuroptera
(Ento) |
Insect order, containing the dobsonflies,
fishflies, alderflies, owlflies, snakeflies, antlions, and lacewings.
They are characterized by membranous wings, chewing mouthparts, and a
complete metamorphosis.
|
|
Neurosecretory cell
(Ento, Zoo) |
A cell of the nervous system that is
specialized for the production and release of hormones.
|
|
Neurosurgeon
(PrD) |
A physician trained in surgery of the nervous
system and who specializes in surgery on the brain and other parts of
the nervous system. Sometimes called a "brain surgeon."
|
|
Neurotoxin
(Aqua, Ento, Zoo) |
A substance that damages nerves or the
nervous system.
|
|
Neurotransmitter
(Aqua, Ento, Zoo) |
Chemical used as a messenger from one nerve
cell to another.
|
|
Neuter
(Vet) |
Sterilization by surgical removal of the
testicles of a male animal or ovaries of a female animal.
|
|
Neutralize (Vet) |
To change from acidic or alkaline to a
neutral pH.
|
|
Neutron (HS) |
A subatomic particle in the nucleus of an
atom, without an electrical charge. Neutrons may be produced in nuclear
fission reactors, or rarely, in spontaneous fission reactions in
uranium.
|
|
Neutropenia
(Vet) |
Low levels of neutrophils in the blood.
|
|
Neutrophil
(Vet) |
A type of cell of the immune system
identified by granules in the cytoplasm with no specific affinity for
acid or basic dyes, and nuclei with a lobed appearance. They absorb
bacteria and digest them using enzymes of the cytoplasmic granules. They
are often called the first line of defense against disease.
|
|
NFPA
(OH) |
See National Fire Protection Association.
|
|
Niche
(Eco) |
The unique position occupied by a particular
species, conceived both in terms of the actual physical area that it
inhabits and the function that it performs within the community.
|
|
NIDDM
(Vet) |
Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. A
type of diabetes mellitus in which although the blood glucose levels are
higher than normal, they are not immediately life-threatening, and the
animal can survive without supplemental insulin. Also called Type II
diabetes.
|
|
Nilaparvata lugens
(Ento) |
Brown planthopper (BPH). It is a small cicada
that can destroy rice crops. |
|
NIOSH
(OH) |
See National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health.
|
|
Nipah virus
(Trop) |
Virus first identified from the village of
Nipah in Malaysia. Carried by flying foxes (fruit bats). Can infect pigs
and humans.
|
|
Nit
(Ento) |
The egg of a louse, which is glued to the
hair of its host.
|
|
Nitrification
(Eco) |
The process to which bacterial populations
under aerobic conditions, gradually oxidize ammonium to nitrate with the
intermediate formation of nitrite. Biological nitrification is a key
step in nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment systems.
|
|
Nitrogen
(Eco) |
Is used primarily by plants and animals to
synthesize protein. Nitrogen enters the ecosystem in several chemical
forms and also occurs in other dissolved or particulate forms, such as
tissues of living and dead organisms.
|
|
No apparent public health hazard
(PEH) |
A category used in ATSDR's public health
assessments for sites where human exposure to contaminated media might
be occurring, might have occurred in the past, or might occur in the
future, but where the exposure is not expected to cause any harmful
health effects. |
|
No public health hazard
(PEH) |
A category used in ATSDR's public health
assessment documents for sites where people have never and will never
come into contact with harmful amounts of site-related substances.
|
|
NOAA
(Aqua) |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), a U.S. federal agency that conducts research and
gathers data about the global oceans, atmosphere, space, and sun, and
applies this knowledge to science and service that touch the lives of
all Americans. NOAA provides these services through five major
organizations: the National Weather Service, the National Ocean Service,
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the National Environmental
Satellite, Data and Information Service, and NOAA Research; and numerous
special program units. In addition, NOAA research and operational
activities are supported by the nation's seventh uniformed service, the
NOAA Corps, a commissioned officer corps of men and women who operate
NOAA ships and aircraft, and serve in scientific and administrative
posts. |
|
NOAEL
(HS) |
No Observable Adverse Effect Level. The
highest concentration at which a chemical agent is seen to be without
adverse effect.
|
|
Nocturnal
(Eco, Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
Describing an animal that is active mainly or
exclusively at night, rather than by day.
|
|
Nodular worms
(Trop) |
Nematodes which live in nodules in the wall
of the large intestine. Belong to the genus Oesophagostomum.
Infect a range of mammal species including humans.
|
|
Nodule
(Eco) |
A tumor-like structure produced by the roots
of nitrogen-fixing plants. The nodules contain symbiotic nitrogen-fixing
microbes. Nodules can be found for example in legumes.
|
|
Nodule
(Vet) |
Solid bump or lump in the skin that is over
1/3 inch in diameter.
|
|
Nodus
(Ento) |
The kink or notch on the costal margin of the
dragonfly wing. The name is also used for the strong, short cross-vein
just behind the notch. |
|
NOEL
(HS) |
No Observable Effect Level. The highest
concentration at which a chemical agent is seen to be without effect.
|
|
Nomadic
(Zoo) |
A way of life in which there is no permanent
residence site and the group moves from place to place according to the
season, the available of food supply and other such factors; the route
of travel often follows a traditional pattern.
|
|
Noncore vaccine
(Vet) |
Vaccine which should only be given to animals
at increased risk of exposure to a disease. See core vaccine.
|
|
Non-direct transmission
(Epi) |
A mode of transmission that differs in some
mysterious way from indirect transmission; we don't make a distinction
in this course.
|
|
Non-infectious disease
(Ento) |
A disease which cannot be transmitted from
one plant to another. It is not caused by a pathogen but by an
environmental factor.
|
|
Non-lethal
(HS, Vet) |
Capable of incapacitating an opponent without
killing. Riot gases are a typical chemical example and lymphocytic
choriomeningitis and Chikungunya fever are biological weapons examples.
Other non-lethal weapons, such as sticky foams, are a subject of
considerable study.
|
|
Nonlinear
(Stat) |
Not linear.
|
|
Nonlinear association
(Stat) |
The relationship between two variables is
nonlinear if a change in one is associated with a change in the other
that is depends on the value of the first; that is, if the change in the
second is not simply proportional to the change in the first,
independent of the value of the first variable. |
|
Nonparametric statistics
(Stat) |
A class of statistical methods applicable to
a large set of probability distributions used to test for correlation,
location, independence, etc. In most nonparametric statistical tests,
the original scores or observations are replaced by another variable
containing less information. An important class of nonparametric tests
employs the ordinal properties of the data. Another class of tests uses
information about whether an observation is above or below some fixed
value such as the median, and a third class is based on the frequency of
the occurrence of runs in the data.
|
|
Nonparametric tests
(Stat) |
Hypothesis tests that do not require data to
be consistent with any particular theoretical distribution, such as
normal distribution.
|
|
Nonpathogenic
(Vet) |
Not causing disease. Some bacteria, such as
those that normally live in an animal's intestines, are nonpathogenic.
|
|
Non-persistent virus
(Para) |
A virus that persists in its vector for only
a few hours (usually less than 4 hours).
|
|
Nonpoint source
(Eco) |
A diffuse source of pollution that cannot be
attributed to a clearly identifiable, specific physical location or a
defined discharge channel. This includes the nutrients that runoff the
ground from any land use - croplands, feedlots, lawns, parking lots,
streets, forests, etc. - and enter waterways. It also includes nutrients
that enter through air pollution, through the groundwater, or from
septic systems.
|
|
Non-renewal (OH) |
A decision by an insurance company not to
renew a policy.
|
|
Nonresponse
(Stat) |
In surveys, it is rare that everyone who is
invited to participate (everyone whose phone number is called, everyone
who is mailed a questionnaire, everyone an interviewer tries to stop on
the street . . . ) in fact responds. The difference between the invited
sample sought, and that obtained, is the nonresponse.
|
|
Nonresponse bias
(Stat) |
In a survey, those who respond may differ
from those who do not, in ways that are related to the effect one is
trying to measure. For example, a telephone survey of how many hours
people work is likely to miss people who are working late, and are
therefore not at home to answer the phone. When that happens, the survey
may suffer from nonresponse bias. Nonresponse bias makes the result of a
survey differ systematically from the truth.
|
|
Nonresponse rate
(Stat) |
The fraction of nonresponders in a survey:
the number of nonresponders divided by the number of people invited to
participate (the number sent questionnaires, the number of interview
attempts, etc.) If the nonresponse rate is appreciable, the survey
suffers from large nonresponse bias.
|
|
Nonseptic
(Vet) |
A condition not caused by an infection. For
example, septic arthritis is caused by an infection with bacteria,
yeast, or other agent; a case of nonseptic arthritis may be caused by
injury or cancer.
|
|
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
(Vet) |
NSAIDS. Agents which reduce inflammation, but
are not in the class of drugs known as steroids. Examples include
aspirin, Rimadyl, and phenylbutazone.
|
|
Non-target organisms
(Eco) |
Those organisms which are not the intended
targets of a particular use of a pesticide.
|
|
No-observed-adverse-effect level
(PEH) |
NOAEL. The highest tested dose of a
substance that has been reported to have no harmful (adverse) health
effects on people or animals. |
|
Normal approximation
(Stat) |
The normal approximation to data is to
approximate areas under the histogram of data, transformed into standard
units, by the corresponding areas under the normal curve. Many
probability distributions can be approximated by a normal distribution,
in the sense that the area under the probability histogram is close to
the area under a corresponding part of the normal curve. To find the
corresponding part of the normal curve, the range must be converted to
standard units, by subtracting the expected value and dividing by the
standard error. For example, the area under the binomial probability
histogram for n = 50 and p = 30% between 9.5 and 17.5 is
74.2%. To use the normal approximation, we transform the endpoints to
standard units, by subtracting the expected value (for the Binomial
random variable, n×p = 15 for these values of n and
p) and dividing the result by the standard error (for a Binomial,
(n × p × (1-p))1/2 = 3.24 for these
values of n and p). The area normal approximation is the
area under the normal curve between (9.5 - 15)/3.24 = -1.697 and (17.5 -
15)/3.24 = 0.772; that area is 73.5%, slightly smaller than the
corresponding area under the binomial histogram. See also the continuity
correction.
|
|
Normal curve
(Stat) |
The normal curve is the familiar "bell
curve." The mathematical expression for the normal curve is y =
(2×pi)-½E-x2/2, where pi is the ratio of
the circumference of a circle to its diameter (3.14159265 . . . ), and E
is the base of the natural logarithm (2.71828 . . . ). The normal curve
is symmetric around the point x=0, and positive for every value
of x. The area under the normal curve is unity, and the SD of the
normal curve, suitably defined, is also unity. Many (but not most)
histograms, converted into standard units, approximately follow the
normal curve. |
|
Normal distribution
(Stat) |
1) Continuous frequency distribution of
infinite range. Its properties are as follows: 1) continuous,
symmetrical distribution with both tails extending to infinity; 2)
arithmetic mean, mode, and median identical; and 3) shape completely
determined by the mean and standard deviation. 4) A random variable X
has a normal distribution with mean m and standard error s if for every
pair of numbers a <= b, the chance that a < (X-m)/s < b is... P(a <
(X-m)/s < b) = area under the normal curve between a and b. If there
are numbers m and s such that X has a normal distribution with mean m
and standard error s, then X is said to have a normal distribution or to
be normally distributed. If X has a normal distribution with mean m=0
and standard error s=1, then X is said to have a standard normal
distribution. The notation X~N(m,s2) means that X has a normal
distribution with mean m and standard error s; for example, X~N(0,1),
means X has a standard normal distribution. |
|
Normal
host
(Para) |
This ambiguous term is often used as a
synonym for typical host.
|
|
Norwegian scabies
(Trop) |
A severe form of scabies presenting often in
immunosuppressed individuals, often presenting with a generalized
dermatitis, extensive scaling and occasionally vesiculation and
crusting. The severe itch may be reduced or absent. Secondary infection
can develop. See also Scabies. |
|
Nosocomial infection
(Trop) |
An infection occurring in a patient in a
hospital or other healthcare facility in whom it was not present or
incubating at the time of admission; or the residual of an infection
acquired during a previous admission. Includes infections acquired in
the hospital but appearing after discharge, and also such infections
among the staff of the facility. |
|
NOT - negation or logical negation
(Stat) |
The negation of a logical proposition p,
NOT p, is a proposition that is the logical opposite of p.
That is, if p is true, NOT p is false, and if p is
false, NOT p is true. Negation takes precedence over other
logical operations. |
|
Notaulix
(Ento) |
One of a pair of longitudinal grooves on the
mesonotum of certain hymenopterans, dividing the mesonotum into a
central area and two lateral areas.
|
|
Notifiable disease (Epi, Trop) |
An infectious or other disease required to be
notified to the relevant State Government Authority for entry onto the
Notifiable Diseases Register. |
|
Notification
(HS) |
A punctual action by which a specific
individual or an organisation is formally informed of a critical
decision or action. It should not be confused with reporting, which has
a specific and separate meaning.
|
|
Notochord
(Eco) |
A flexible rodlike structure that forms the
main support of the body in the lowest chordates, such as the lancelet;
a primitive backbone.
|
|
Notopleuron
(Ento) |
A triangular area on the thorax of certain
flies, just behind the humeral callus and occupying parts of both dorsal
and lateral surfaces. |
|
Notum
(Ento) |
1) The dorsal or top surface of a body
segment (often referring to the segments of the thorax). 2) The dorsal
or upper surface of any thoracic segment: usually prefixed by pro-,
meso-, or meta- to indicate the relevant segment. 3) A dorsal sclerite
of the insect thorax. |
|
Noxious (Vet) |
Harmful to the health.
|
|
NPL
(PEH) |
See National Priorities List for Uncontrolled
Hazardous Waste Sites.
|
|
Nuchal
(Zoo) |
Refers to the neck area. An iguana has a
nuchal (from the back of the head to the shoulders) and a dorsal crest.
|
|
Nuclear disintegration
(HS) |
Synonym for radioactive decay (q.v.).
|
|
Nuclear emergency
(HS) |
An emergency which has led, or could lead, to
a radiological threat to public health and safety, property, or the
environment.
|
|
Nuclear emergency function
(HS) |
Subject area which groups actions
specifically related to a nuclear emergency that may be taken by primary
and/or supporting departments or agencies in the response phase of a
nuclear emergency. |
|
Nuclear facility
(HS) |
A nuclear reactor, sub-critical nuclear
reactor, research reactor, or plant for the separation, processing,
reprocessing, or fabrication of fissionable substances from irradiated
fuel. It also includes all land, buildings and equipment that are
connected or associated with these reactor or plants. |
|
Nuclear Liability Act
(HS) |
The Federal Act that establishes guidelines
for insurance for damages resulting from a nuclear emergency.
|
|
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
(Trop) |
A technique for making images of the organs
of the body using the way protons resonate in a magnetic field.
|
|
Nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV)
(Ento) |
A disease causing virus of insects, mainly
the larvae of certain Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. Certain types of NPV
are cultured commercially and sold as microbial insecticides.
|
|
Nuclear powered vessel
(HS) |
A marine vessel whose main propulsion system
is driven by a nuclear reactor.
|
|
Nucleated erythrocytes
(Vet) |
Immature form of red blood cells.
|
|
Nucleic acid
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Group of chemicals found in cells and which
carry biochemical codes for heredity and day-to-day functioning of
cells.
|
|
Nucleoplasm
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
The protoplasm of the nucleus not including
the karyosome, plastin, and chromatin.
|
|
Nucleus
(Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
A spheroid body within the protoplasm of a
cell, distinguished from the rest of the cell by its dense structure and
presence of chromatin. The nucleus controls growth, cell division, and
other activities of the cell; and contains DNA, the basic substance
controlling the genetic characteristics of the cell or organism.
|
|
Null hypothesis
(Stat) |
In hypothesis testing, the hypothesis we wish
to falsify on the basis of the data. The null hypothesis is typically
that something is not present, that there is no effect, or that there is
no difference between treatment and control.
|
|
Number needed to treat (NNT)
(Stat) |
The number of patients who need to be treated
to prevent 1 adverse outcome.
|
|
Nurse cells
(Ento) |
Cells that are located in the ovarian tubes
of certain insects and that furnish nutriment to the developing eggs.
|
|
Nursery
(Ento, Zoo) |
A place where eggs or young are cared for.
|
|
Nutraceutical
(Vet) |
A very broad term describing certain
components in food (plant or animal) or nutritional supplements, which
contain substances normally present in the body that aid in the proper
functioning of body systems. |
|
Nutrient
(Vet) |
Compounds in foods which are essential for
life. Nutrients include protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, etc.
|
|
Nutrient removal technology (NRT)
(Eco) |
Also known as biological nutrient removal
(BNR). The process whereby nutrients are removed from wastewater in
addition to the organic content.
|
|
Nutrient trading
(Eco) |
The transfer of nutrient reduction credits,
specifically those for nitrogen and phosphorus.
|
|
Nutrients
(Eco) |
Compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus
dissolved in water which are essential to both plants and animals. Too
much nitrogen and phosphorus act as pollutants and can lead to unwanted
consequences - primarily algae blooms that cloud the water and rob it of
oxygen critical to most forms of aquatic life. Sewage treatment plants,
industries, vehicle exhaust, acid rain, and runoff from agricultural,
residential and urban areas are sources of nutrients.
|
|
Nymph (Ento, Para) |
1) An immature stage of an insect that does
not have a pupa stage. 2) Name given to the young stages of those
insects which undergo a partial metamorphosis. The nymph is usually
quite similar to the adult except that its wings are not fully
developed. It normally feeds on the same kind of food as the adult.
|
|
Nystagmus
(Vet, PrD) |
Constant involuntary movement of the eye,
often from side to side.
|
|
O |
Top |
|
Obligate
(Eco, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Restricted to a single mode of behavior or
environmental condition. |
|
Obligate carnivore
(Vet) |
An animal that requires in its diet nutrients
that are found in sufficient quantities only in meat or other animal
products.
|
|
Obligate parasite
(Para) |
One that requires a specific host in order to
complete its life cycle. A parasite which cannot survive or reproduce
outside the body of its host organism.
|
|
Observational study
(Stat) |
Controlled experiment.
|
|
Observer variation
(Stat) |
The failure by the observer to measure or
identify a phenomenon accurately, which results in an error. Sources for
this may be due to the observer's missing an abnormality, or to faulty
technique resulting in incorrect test measurement, or to
misinterpretation of the data. Two varieties are inter-observer
variation (the amount observers vary from one another when reporting on
the same material) and intra-observer variation (the amount one observer
varies between observations when reporting more than once on the same
material). |
|
Obsessive compulsive
(Vet) |
A behavioral condition in which a pet
repeatedly performs an action out of context. It is thought that the
behavior is an expression of stress, frustration and/or conflict.
Certain breeds are more prone to these behaviors. The behaviors include
tail-chasing, some cases of excessive barking, continual licking, and
biting the air as if snapping at an invisible fly.
|
|
Obtect pupa
(Ento) |
A pupa in which the legs and other appendages
are closely appressed to the rest of the body and not capable of free
movement - as in the butterfly chrysalis.
|
|
Occasional pest
(Ento) |
A pest generally under natural control. It
causes economic damage only sporadically or in localized areas.
|
|
Occipital suture
(Ento) |
A groove running round the posterior region
of the head of some insects and separating the vertex from the occiput.
On the sides of the head the same groove marks the posterior boundary of
the cheeks or genae. |
|
Occiput
(Ento) |
Hindmost region of the top of the head, just
in front of the neck membrane. In some insects it is separated from the
vertex by the occipital suture, but it is not usually present as a
distinct plate or sclerite. |
|
Occult
(Para, Vet) |
Indicating a disease or condition that is
clinically not apparent.
|
|
Occult blood
(Para, Vet) |
Blood in such small quantities that it is not
readily detectable except by chemical means.
|
|
Occult infection (Para, Vet) |
An infection with adult worms but no
corresponding diagnostic stage. For example in infections with
Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) some hosts may not have circulating
microfilaria (this may be a result of immune-mediated clearance of the
microfilaria, a single-sex infection, chemosterilization of the adult
worms by drug treatment, or senescent adults). This would be known as
an "occult heartworm infection". |
|
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
(OH) |
An agency of the Department of Labor with
the mission to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of
America’s workers.
|
|
Ocellar bristles
(Ento) |
Bristles arising around or between the ocelli
in various flies.
|
|
Ocellar triangle
(Ento) |
A triangular area, usually quite distinct
from the rest of the head, on which the ocelli of true flies are
carried.
|
|
Ocellus
(Aqua) |
The "eye" present midway between the corners
of cubozoan ("box") jellyfish. It is capable of distinguishing light and
dark, and is probably responsible for evasive action by the jellyfish.
|
|
Ocellus
(Ento) |
1) A simple eye on the dorsal part of the
head, containing a single facet. 2) One of the simple eyes of insects,
usually occurring in a group of three on the top of the head, although
one or more may be absent from many insects.
|
|
Ocellus
(Trop) |
The eye, present midway between the corners
of cubozoan jellyfish. It is capable of distinguishing light and dark,
and is probably responsible for evasive action by the jellyfish. Term
ocellus also refers to the simple eyes of insects and spiders as opposed
to their compound eyes. |
|
Ocular
(Vet) |
Relating to the eye.
|
|
Odds
(Stat) |
The odds in favor of an event is the ratio of
the probability that the event occurs to the probability that the event
does not occur. For example, suppose an experiment can result in any of
n possible outcomes, all equally likely, and that k of the
outcomes result in a "win" and n-k result in a "loss."
Then the chance of winning is k/n; the chance of not
winning is (n-k)/n; and the odds in favor of
winning are (k/n)/((n-k)/n) = k/(n-k),
which is the number of favorable outcomes divided by the number of
unfavorable outcomes. Note that odds are not synonymous with
probability, but the two can be converted back and forth. If the odds in
favor of an event are q, then the probability of the event is
q/(1+q). If the probability of an event is p, the odds
in favor of the event are p/(1-p) and the odds against the
event are (1-p)/p. |
|
Odds ratio
(Epi, Stat) |
A comparison of the presence of a risk factor
for disease in a sample of diseased subjects and non diseased controls.
The number of people with disease who were exposed to a risk factor
(I.e.) over those with disease who were not exposed (Io) divided by
those without disease who were exposed (Ne) over those without who were
not exposed (No). Thus OR=(I.e./Io)/(Ne/No)= I.e. No / Io Ne. This
measure should be used for case control studies where we retrospectively
look at risks in those with and without disease. Also known as exposure
odds ratio. |
|
Odonata
(Ento) |
Insect order, including the dragonflies and
damselflies. They are characterized by membranous wings, bristlelike
antennae, long, slender bodies, chewing mouthparts, and an incomplete
metamorphosis. |
|
Odor threshold
(PEH) |
The lowest concentration of a chemical that
can be smelled. Different chemicals have different odor thresholds.
Also, some people can smell a chemical at lower concentrations than
others can.
|
|
Oesophagostomum
(Trop) |
A genus of nematodes that includes the
nodular worms.
|
|
Oesophagus
(Ento) |
The narrow part of the alimentary canal
immediately posterior to the pharynx and mouth.
|
|
Off label
(Vet) |
Term used to describe the use of a medication
for a condition for which it was not FDA approved. A large number of
medications used in veterinary medicine are used 'off label.' If
veterinarians only used FDA approved medications, options for treatments
of certain conditions would be severely limited or nonexistent. The
safety and efficacy of off-label uses of medications is often determined
in university research settings, but the manufacturer of the drug does
submit the results or go through the elaborate FDA approval process.
|
|
Offal
(Vet) |
Animal organs rejected at slaughter as unfit
for human consumption, e.g., spleen, intestine, brain, lungs.
|
|
Off-site
(HS) |
The area outside the boundary of a nuclear
facility. The municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government
are responsible for off-site emergency planning, preparedness and
response.
|
|
Oligohaline
(Eco) |
Describes waters with salinity between 0.5
and 5 ppt. These areas are typically in the upper portion of an estuary.
|
|
Oligolectic
(Ento) |
Utilizing a very limited number of plant
species as sources of pollen (said chiefly of bees).
|
|
Oligophagous
(Ento) |
Feeding on a somewhat restricted group of
plant or animal species.
|
|
Oligotrophic
(Eco) |
Refers to water bodies or habitats with low
concentrations of nutrients. |
|
Oligouria
(Vet) |
Infrequent urination.
|
|
Ommatidium
(Ento) |
A functional unit of the compound eye,
expressed externally as a facet. Single unit which together form the
compound eye of insects.
|
|
Omnivore
(Eco, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Organisms that feed on material of both plant
and animal origin. See also carnivore and herbivore.
|
|
Omnivorous
(Eco, Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Eat both plant and animal matter.
|
|
Onchocerciasis
(Trop) |
River Blindness. A disease caused by the
parasitic filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus.
|
|
Onchosphere
(Para) |
The stage that escapes from the egg shell and
later from the embryophore of tapeworms. In human tapeworms it is a
six-hooked (hexacanth) embryo.
|
|
Oncogene
(Trop) |
A gene in a cancer cell that causes its
growth to be uncontrolled. A regulatory gene that has changed and is
responsible for uncontrolled growth.
|
|
Oncologist
(Trop) |
Doctor who specializes in treating cancer.
|
|
Oncology
(Trop) |
The study of cancer.
|
|
Oncosphere
(Trop) |
A hexacanth embryo of cestodes.
|
|
One-sided test
(Stat) |
A hypothesis test of the null hypothesis that
the value of a parameter, µ, is equal to a null value, µ0,
designed to have power against either the alternative hypothesis that µ
< µ0 or the alternative µ > µ0 (but not both).
|
|
Onset
(Bio) |
In medicine, the first appearance of the
signs or symptoms of an illness as, for example, the onset of rheumatoid
arthritis. There is always an onset to a disease but never to the return
to good health. The default setting is good health.
|
|
On-site
(HS) |
The area inside the boundary of a nuclear
facility, also called the exclusion area. The operators of nuclear
facilities are responsible for on-site emergency planning, preparedness
and response.
|
|
Oocyst (Para, Trop) |
The stage of a coccidian protozoa that is
evacuated with the feces. Sporocysts develop within the oocyst and, as
the oocyst matures, sporozoites develop within sporocysts (except
cryptosporidia where sporozoites develop free in the oocyst). Mature
oocysts containing sporozoites, or rarely sporocysts freed from oocysts,
become the infective stage for an intermediate host.
|
|
Oocyte
(Zoo) |
An egg before maturation (oogenesis).
|
|
Oogenesis
(Zoo) |
The formation and maturation of an egg.
|
|
Ookinete
(Trop) |
Motile (mobile) stage of the malaria parasite
resulting from fertilization of the macrogametocyte by
microgametocyte(s) in the mosquito gut. After passing through the gut
wall, it becomes an oocyst. |
|
Ootheca
(Ento) |
1) The covering or case of an egg mass of
certain insects in the orders Orthoptera (grasshoppers) and Dictyoptera
(cockroaches, mantids). 2) An egg case formed by the secretions of
accessory genital glands or oviducts, such as the purse-like structure
carried around by cockroaches or the spongy mass in which mantids lay
their eggs. 3) A hardened protective structure surrounding the egg mass
composed of tanned protein and secreted by accessory glands.
|
|
Ootype
(Trop) |
The fertilizing chamber where the ovum is
fertilized by the spermatozoon. |
|
OPCW
(HS) |
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons. This is the organization tasked with overseeing the
implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and resolving problems
associated with it. |
|
Open Space
(Eco) |
An area of land that is valued for natural
processes and wildlife, for agricultural and sylvan production, for
active and passive recreation, and providing other public benefits.
|
|
Opercular chamber
(Zoo) |
The closed cavity which covers the internal
gills of the frog embryo, opening to the outside through a spiracle.
|
|
Operculum
(Para) |
Eggs of some trematode and cestode helminths
have a cap-like structure at one end through which the embryo (larva)
emerges. Protrusions surrounding the base of the operculum, called
shoulders, are present in eggs of some species.
|
|
Opiliones
(Ento) |
An order of the class Arachnida, comprised of
the harvestment or daddy-long- legs, which are characterized by a
compact one-piece body and very long legs.
|
|
Opioid
(Vet) |
Narcotic drug which has an activity similar
to that of opium.
|
|
Opisthogoneate
(Ento) |
Having the genital opening situated
terminally, at the posterior end of the body.
|
|
Opisthorchiasis
(Trop) |
A disease caused by liver flukes from the
Opisthorchis species, e.g. O. viverrini seen widely in
southeast Asia.
|
|
Opportunistic infections
(Trop) |
A variety of diseases which occur in some
individuals who do not have healthy immune systems. These are
microorganisms which do not usually cause diseases in a healthy
individual. They are seen in AIDS patients and include Pneumocystis
carinii pneumonia, massive or overwhelming herpes infections,
atypical mycobacteria, toxoplasmosis or chronic or overwhelming
candidiasis.
|
|
Opportunistic parasite
(Para) |
An organism that is not typically a parasite
but may become parasitic under specific conditions. Amebae of the genus
Neglaria are usually free-living but may become opportunistic parasites.
|
|
Opportunistic pathogen
(Para)
|
An organism which is normally harmless, but
which may turn nasty if given the opportunity. For example, one of the
dangers for people in the last stages of HIV infection is infection by
any number of organisms which pose no threat to individuals with fully
functioning immune systems. |
|
Opsoclonus
(PrD) |
Horizontal and vertical oscillations of the
eyes.
|
|
OR, disjunction, logical disjunction
(Stat) |
An operation on two logical propositions. If
p and q are two propositions, (p OR) q
is a proposition that is true if p is true or if q is true
(or both); otherwise, it is false. That is, (p OR) is true
unless both p and q are false. C.f. exclusive disjunction,
XOR.
|
|
Oral
(Aqua, Ento, Vet, Trop, Zoo) |
Relating to the mouth. The area with the
mouth opening. |
|
Oral hypoglycemic
(Vet) |
A medication, given by mouth, which lowers
the level of glucose in the blood.
|
|
Oral surface
(Aqua) |
Downward facing side of most echinoderms -
the surface including the mouth.
|
|
Oral toxicity
(Trop, Vet) |
The toxicity of a compound when ingested. The
oral toxicity of a pesticide is expressed in milligrams of chemical per
kilogram of body weight. It is the amount which when given orally in a
single dose will kill 50% of the animals. See also LD50.
|
|
Oral vibrissae
(Ento) |
Large bristles situated just above the mouth
in some diptera, usually referred to as vibrissae.
|
|
Order |
The taxonomic term for a group above Genus,
but below Class. See Biological classification and Taxonomy.
|
|
Order
(Ento) |
A subdivision of a class containing a group
of related families; the class Hexapoda (insects) contains about 30
different orders.
|
|
Ordinal variable
(Stat) |
A variable whose possible values have a
natural order, such as {short, medium, long}, {cold, warm, hot}, or {0,
1, 2, 3, . . . }. In contrast, a variable whose possible values are
{straight, curly} or {Arizona, California, Montana, New York} would not
naturally be ordinal. Arithmetic with the possible values of an ordinal
variable does not necessarily make sense, but it does make sense to say
that one possible value is larger than another.
|
|
Organic
(Eco) |
Generally considered as originating from
plants or animals, and made primarily of carbon and hydrogen. Scientists
use the term organic to mean those chemical compounds which are based on
carbon.
|
|
Organic compound
(Eco) |
A compound which contains one or more carbon
atoms. Except CO2 which is not considered an organic compound.
|
|
Organic matter
(Eco) |
The fraction of the soil composed of carbon
based materials. |
|
Organochlorine insecticide
(Ento) |
One of the many chlorinated hydrocarbon
insecticides. For example, DDT, dieldrin, chlordane, BHC, Lindane.
|
|
Organoleptic
(Vet) |
Generally relating to the senses, the term is
widely used in the food industry in relation to properties of foods such
as flavor and texture.
|
|
Organophosphate
(Ento) |
Class of insecticides derived from phosphoric
acid esters. Organophosphates inhibite the functioning of the enzyme
cholinesterase. |
|
Oribatid mite
(Ento) |
A mite belonging to the Oribatei, a large
unit of mites containing about 35 families in the suborder
Sarcoptiformes.
|
|
Ornithodoros
(Trop) |
A genus of soft ticks (argasid or tampans).
Includes the species O. moubata that transmits relapsing fever
caused by Borrelia duttoni.
|
|
Orthoptera
(Ento) |
Insect order containing grasshoppers and
crickets. They are characterized by leathery forewings, chewing
mouthparts, and a gradual metamorphosis. Usually the hindlegs are
enlarged and adapted for jumping.
|
|
Orthostatic hypotension
(Trop) |
Decrease in blood pressure occurring when an
individual arises from a seated or lying position. A small decrease in
blood pressure is normal, but large decreases are abnormal, especially
if accompanied by clinical manifestations such as faintness,
light-headedness, dizziness, or increased pulse. Orthostatic hypotension
is a common finding in patients with malaria infections. The patient may
complain of notable tiredness after conducting light office work, etc.
|
|
OSHA (OH) |
See Occupational Safety and Health
Administration.
|
|
Osmeterium
(Ento) |
An eversible gland on the thorax of the
larvae of swallowtail butterflies that secretes allomones.
|
|
Osmotic diuretic
(Vet) |
A compound that increases the amount of urine
formed and rids the body of excess fluid by being filtered through the
kidney into the urine in concentrated amounts and carrying water with
it.
|
|
Ossicles (Aqua) |
Primary building blocks of the internal
skeleton of starfish; made of magnesium calcite and arranged to form
lattice-like structures joined by connective tissue; strength of the
skeleton depends on the amount of space between the blocks of skeleton.
|
|
Ossified skull (Zoo) |
Bony skull.
|
|
Osteoderm
(Zoo) |
A bony deposit in the form of a plate or
scale found in the dermal layers of the skin.
|
|
Osteomalacia
(Vet) |
Softening of the bones.
|
|
Osteomyelitis
(Vet) |
An inflammation and infection of the bone.
|
|
Ostia
(Ento) |
Segmentally arranged inlet pores in the walls
of the heart.
|
|
Otic
(Vet) |
Pertaining to the ear.
|
|
Ototoxic
(Vet) |
Destructive to the structures of the ear.
|
|
Outbreak (of starfish)
(Aqua) |
The predator starfish feeds on corals by
spreading its stomach over them and using digestive enzymes to liquefy
tissue.
|
|
Outbreak of malaria
(Trop) |
A sudden increase in the number of people
sick with malaria in a particular area (village, town, district).
|
|
Outcome space
(Stat) |
The outcome space is the set of all possible
outcomes of a given random experiment. The outcome space is often
denoted by the capital letter S. |
|
Outlier
(Stat) |
An outlier is an observation that is many
SD's from the mean. It is sometimes tempting to discard outliers, but
this is imprudent unless the cause of the outlier can be identified, and
the outlier is determined to be spurious. Otherwise, discarding outliers
can cause one to underestimate the true variability of the measurement
process. |
|
Ova
(Zoo) |
Eggs. The mature ova are 10-100 times the
size of inactive (pre-vitellogenic) ova. An ovum technically becomes an
egg once the albumin and shell are added as they pass through the
oviduct into to coelomic cavity.
|
|
Ovarian ducts
(Zoo) |
Secrete albumin as well as shelling the eggs.
|
|
Ovariectomy
(Vet) |
Surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
|
|
Ovariole
(Ento) |
One of the tubules making up the ovary, in
which the eggs are formed. |
|
Ovariosalpingectomy
(Vet) |
Surgical removal of the ovary and uterine
tube (oviduct).
|
|
Ovary
(Ento, Zoo) |
The female gonad, producing eggs and female
hormones. The ovary varies in appearance and size depending on the stage
of oogenesis. An inactive ovary may appear as a small smear of
caviar-looking substance, while an active ovary looks like a mass of
white spheres (the developing eggs) held together by transparent
membranes laced with blood vessels. |
|
Over the counter
(Vet) |
Can be purchased without a prescription, like
aspirin and vitamins.
|
|
Overdispersion
(Epi) |
See Aggregation.
|
|
Overfishing
(Aqua) |
Harvesting an aquatic population below its
reproductive capacity to replenish itself.
|
|
Overwinter
(Ento) |
The process by which an insect survives the
winter months; also known as hibernation or diapause.
|
|
Ovicide
(Ento) |
Pesticide that destroys eggs. Also called
ovacide.
|
|
Oviparous (Ento, Zoo) |
1) Reproduction by laying eggs. 2) Producing
eggs which are hatched outside the body of the female.
|
|
Oviposit
(Ento, Zoo) |
To lay or discharge eggs, especially as
applied to organisms with a specialized egg-laying structure, such as an
ovipositor.
|
|
Oviposition
(Ento, Zoo) |
Laying eggs.
|
|
Ovipositor
(Ento) |
1) The external genitalia of a female insect,
used for laying eggs. 2) The tubular or valved egg-laying apparatus of
a female insect: concealed in many insects, but extremely large among
the bush-crickets and some parasitic hymenopterans. 3) In bees and
wasps, this has been modified into the stinger. |
|
Ovisorption
(Ento) |
Resorption of eggs prior to time of
oviposition.
|
|
Ovoviviparous
(Ento) |
1) Producing living young by the hatching of
the egg while still within the female. 2) Producing small larvae, the
eggs having hatched inside the mother.
|
|
Ovoviviparous
(Zoo) |
Reproduces by forming eggs which are
retained, in a shell-less form, inside the mother until they are ready
to hatch. They either hatch inside the body, appearing outside as if
through viviparous birth, or the egg sacs are expelled from the mother's
body and the young break through the sac membrane to free themselves.
|
|
Ovulate
(Zoo) |
The release of an egg from the ovary of the
female.
|
|
Ovulation
(Zoo) |
The discharge of an ovum from a vesicular
follicle of the ovary; this usually occurs on the 14th day after the
first day of the last menstrual period.
|
|
Ovum (Ento, Zoo) |
The mature, naked, female reproductive cell
with a haploid number of chromosomes preceding combination with the male
gamete and the addition of an embryonic membrane and other shell layers.
An unfertilized egg.
|
|
Oxidize
(Vet) |
To combine with oxygen.
|
|
Oxygen deficiency
(OH) |
The concentration of oxygen, by volume
(19.5 percent), below which atmosphere-supplying respiratory protection
must be provided.
|
|
Oxytocin
(Vet) |
A hormone that stimulates milk flow in
lactating mammals (females nursing their young), and contractions of the
muscles of the reproductive tract in many species.
|
|
P |
Top |
|
PA
(HS, Vet) |
Protective Antigen. The term may be
specifically applied to a component of the anthrax toxin, but any
antigen that can stimulate a protective response from the immune system
may be called a protective antigen. |
|
Pacific man-o'war
(Aqua, Trop) |
The colloquial term for the multi-tentacled
hydrozoan colony Physalia physalis.
|
|
Packed cell volume
(Vet) |
A laboratory test to monitor the relative
number of red blood cells present in the blood. A blood sample is placed
in a tiny glass tube and spun in a centrifuge. The cells are heavier
than the plasma and are compacted at one end of the tube. After the tube
is spun, it is examined and the packed cell volume is determined as the
percentage of the red cellular portion relative to the total amount of
blood in the tube (i.e., remainder being the plasma). The normal for
dogs is 40-59 and cats is 29-50.
|
|
Paedogenesis
(Para) |
A process in the molluscan intermediate host
which involves the production of new individuals by a single larval
form in which one trematode egg may eventually develop into hundreds of
adults.
|
|
Paedomorphosis
(Zoo) |
Condition in which a larva becomes sexually
mature without attaining the adult body form. Paedomorphosis may be
achieved by neotony or by progenesis.
|
|
Pain
(Aqua, Trop, PrD) |
An unpleasant sensation that can range from
mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physical and
emotional components. The physical part of pain results from nerve
stimulation. Pain may be contained to a discrete area, as in an injury,
or it can be more diffuse, as in disorders like fibromyalgia. Pain is
mediated by specific nerve fibers that carry the pain impulses to the
brain where their conscious appreciation may be modified by many
factors.
|
|
Paired t-Test
(Stat) |
A test in which two related samples (such as
before and after measurements) arise from a study; the test is based on
the difference between the sample values, and the test statistic is a
called a Student's t. |
|
Palatable
(Vet) |
Tasty; refers to food that is readily
accepted.
|
|
Palatal complex
(Zoo) |
Bones and soft tissue that make up the
palate.
|
|
Palp
(Ento) |
A segmented leg-like structure arising on the
maxilla or labium. Palps have a sensory function and play a major role
in tasting food.
|
|
Palpation
(Vet) |
To examine with the hands or fingers.
|
|
Palps
(Ento, Zoo) |
A sensory appendage found in many
invertebrate species, that is located near the mouth, and used to assess
or manipulate food before it is eaten |
|
Palpus
(Ento) |
Paired segmented appendage on the maxilla
(maxillary palp) or on the labium (labial palp) of insects. Also called
palp.
|
|
Pancreatitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the pancreas, a severe and
sometimes life threatening disease often associated with eating fatty
foods. Symptoms include vomiting and a painful abdomen.
|
|
Pandemic
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
A widespread epidemic which may affect large
areas of the world.
|
|
Panic
(PrD) |
A sudden strong feeling of fear that prevents
reasonable thought or action.
|
|
Pannus
(Vet) |
A chronic condition of the eye in which blood
vessels grow across the cornea (the clear surface of the eye). The
cornea looks hazy and sometimes reddened; it may eventually take on a
dark pigment. This condition is also called chronic superficial
keratitis.
|
|
Panoistic ovary
(Ento) |
An ovary in which the ovarioles lack nurse
cells.
|
|
Panzootic
(Epi) |
A widely distributed epizootic, often one
affecting more than one host species.
|
|
Papilloma
(Trop) |
Benign epithelial neoplasm in which
neoplastic cells cover finger-like processes of dermis. Also any benign
epithelial neoplasm growing outward from an epithelial surface.
|
|
Papula (pl. Papulae)
(Aqua) |
A small blunt-tipped projection arising from
the skin of starfish; provides an increased surface area used for
diffusion of gases (02 in, CO2 out) (respiration).
|
|
Papule
(Vet) |
Solid bump on the skin, less than 1/3 inch in
diameter.
|
|
Parabasal (parabasal body)
(Para) |
In flagellates, a heavy fiber (rhizoplast)
present in some flagellates. It supports the cytostome in Chilomastix
and is the basal fibril of the undulating membrane in Trichomonas. The
function of parabasals in Giardia is unknown.
|
|
Paraesthesiae
(Aqua) |
Tingling and burning in the skin frequently
described as "pins and needles." It is caused by irritation of
cutaneous nerves by a variety of causes including trauma and
envenomation.
|
|
Paraglossa
(Ento) |
One of a pair of lobes at the outer edges of
the tip of the labium: with the central glossae, the paraglossae make up
the ligula.
|
|
Paralysis
(Vet) |
Loss of motor function (movement) in a
certain part of the body. Paralysis may be flaccid, in which muscles are
weak and have little or no tone; or spastic, in which the muscles are
tight.
|
|
Paralytic shellfish poisoning
(Trop) |
Poisoning by saxitoxin, a toxin present in
some shellfish, usually in tropical or subtropical seas. Symptoms of
respiratory arrest or brain involvement occur in some 8% of cases,
resulting in death. Saxitoxin is related to tetrodotoxin.
|
|
Parameter
(Stat) |
A numerical property of a population, such as
its mean.
|
|
Parametric test
(Stat) |
A hypothesis test that requires data to
conform to some well-known theoretical distribution, such as normal
distribution.
|
|
Parapodia
(Eco) |
Paired appendages or feet that are found on
each segment of many segmented marine worms (Polychaeta). These
appendages or feet are commonly used for swimming, crawling or holding
objects.
|
|
Paraproct
(Ento) |
One of the two lobes bordering the sides of
the anus.
|
|
Parasitaemia
(Trop) |
The status of having parasites. This term is
often used to express the quantity of parasites in the blood. If no
fever or other symptoms are present, the condition is referred to as
asymptomatic parasitaemia. |
|
Parasite
(Eco, Epi, Ento, Para, Trop) |
1) An organism that spends all or part of its
life in close association with another species, taking food from it but
giving nothing in return. Ectoparasites live on the outside of their
hosts, while endoparasites live inside the host's body. 2) An animal
that completes its development on or in another animal but does not
normally kill it. 3) An animal that lives in or on the body of another
living animal (the host) at least during a part of its life cycle. It
feeds on the tissues of the host. Entomophagous insect parasites usually
kill their host in the end. |
|
Parasite density
(Para, Trop) |
The number of parasites in a specified volume
of blood.
|
|
Parasitemia
(Para, Trop) |
Parasites circulating in the blood stream.
|
|
Parasitic
(Para, Trop) |
Having to do with a parasite, as in a
parasitic infection; or acting like a parasite by taking nourishment
from another.
|
|
Parasitic organism
(Aqua, Para, Trop, Zoo) |
Organisms that grows, lives, and feeds on/in
another organism.
|
|
Parasitic phase of life cycle
(Para) |
The development and maturation to adult males
and females occurring in the definitive host of a parasite life cycle.
|
|
Parasiticide
(Vet) |
Medication formulated to kill parasites.
|
|
Parasitism
(Eco, Epi, Ento, Para, Trop) |
1) A symbiotic relationship in which one
partner, the parasite, lives within or on its host, and in as much as it
derives nourishment from its host, it is potentially harmful because it
, may either deprive or damage the host. 2) A two species association
in which one species, the parasite, lives on or in a second species, the
host, for a significant period of its life and obtains nourishment from
it. The parasite may or may not cause disease in the host.
|
|
Parasitoid
(Ento) |
Any of various insects, such as the ichneumon
fly, whose larvae are parasites that eventually kill their hosts.
|
|
Parasitology
(Para) |
The study of host-parasite relationships.
Traditionally this area of study has focused on parasites belonging to
the protozoa, helminths and arthropods.
|
|
Parasphenoid teeth
(Zoo) |
In amphibians, teeth actually borne by the
parasphenoid bone itself.
|
|
Parasympathetic
(Vet) |
The portion of the nervous system which
stimulates the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes and stimulates many
of the smooth muscles in the body including those of the stomach and
intestine. It also tends to slow the heart rate.
|
|
Paratenic host
(Para, Trop) |
1) An atypical (substitute) intermediate host
that ingested and harbors the stage infective for the definitive host,
which remains active and unchanged (a collector or storage host). If a
suitable definitive host ingests the paratenic host or a part of it
containing the infective stage, the parasite can grow to maturity. If
man becomes infected, he becomes a substitute but aberrant intermediate
host. Examples are third stage juveniles of the nematodes,
Physoloptera spp. And Gnathostoma spp and the pleurocercoid
(sparganum) stage of certain pseduophyllidian tapeworms. The paratenic
host may make the parasite available to atypical definitive hosts that
would not normally ingest the typical intermediate host. 2) A type of
intermediate host in which immature helminths may survive for indefinite
periods but do not undergo development. Further parasitic development
depends upon infection of the definitive host, which is usually by
predation on the paratenic host. Completion of a life cycle may happen
with or without a paratenic host, but the presence of a paratenic host
may serve to make infection of the definitive host by the parasite more
efficient.
|
|
Parathyroid
(Zoo) |
Glandular structures secreting parathormone,
used in calcium metabolism.
|
|
Parenchyma
(Para) |
The soft, undifferentiated tissue composing
the general substance of the body of some invertebrates e.g. members of
the phylum Platyhelminthes. Also, the essential or functional components
of organs as differentiated from the connective or support components,
the stroma. |
|
Parental
(Trop) |
Administration, other than orally, of a
substance e.g. intramuscular or intravenous.
|
|
Parental investment
(Vet) |
Behavior of a parent that increases the
probability of offspring survival at the cost of the parent's ability to
produce more offspring.
|
|
Parenterally
(Vet) |
A term used to describe the administration of
a drug by means other than by mouth.
|
|
Paresis
(Vet) |
Slight or incomplete paralysis.
|
|
Paresthesia
(Trop) |
Tingling and burning in the skin frequently
described as "pins and needles". It is caused by irritation of cutaneous
nerves by a variety of causes including trauma and envenomation.
|
|
Parietal eye
(Zoo) |
A photosensory organ connected to the pineal
body, active in triggering hormone production (including reproduction)
and thermoregulation; sensitive to changes in light and dark, it does
not form images, having only a rudimentary retina and lens; visible as
an opalescent gray spot on the top of some lizard's heads.
|
|
Parity
(Stat) |
The number of offspring a female has borne.
It is contrasted with gravidity; which refers to the number of
pregnancies, regardless of outcome.
|
|
Parotoid gland
(Zoo) |
Large, swollen, glandular area lying behind
the eye on the head, and extending in some species well onto the neck,
in some species of anurans. Prominently developed in bufonid (toad)
species, in many of which the glandular secretions are potent poisons.
|
|
Parous rate
(Trop) |
The proportion of female mosquitoes that have
laid eggs at least once. Use for age-grading a mosquito population.
|
|
Paroxysm
(Trop) |
A sudden attack or increase in intensity of a
symptom, usually occurring in intervals. Malaria is classically
described as producing fever paroxysms; sudden severe temperature
elevations accompanied by profuse sweating. Paroxysms occurring at 48-hr
intervals are typical of Plasmodium vivax infection, particularly in
semi-immune persons. |
|
Parthenogenesis (Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Reproduction without any male element;
development of eggs of insects of certain species without fertilization
by union of gametes of opposite sexes; reproduction without the
fertilization by the union of male and female gametes. Eggs produced
hatch in the mucosal wall and juveniles passed develop to free-living
male and female worms.
|
|
Parthenogenic (Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
Females who reproduce without males,
producing primarily or only female offspring (daughters). Common in
several lizard species.
|
|
Partial metamorphosis
(Ento) |
See Incomplete metomorphosis.
|
|
Partition
(Stat) |
A partition of an event B is a collection of
events {A1, A2, A3, . . . } such that
the events in the collection are disjoint, and their union is B (they
exhaust B). That is, AjAk = {}
unless j = k, and B = A1 U A2 U A3
U . . . . If the event B is not specified, it is assumed to be the
entire outcome space S.
|
|
Parturition
(Vet, Zoo) |
The act or process of giving birth.
|
|
Passive immunity (Epi, Trop, Vet) |
Immunity which has been acquired through the
transfer of maternal or other antibodies. Passive immunization does not
induce immunological memory.
|
|
Passive transmission
(Para) |
A form of transmission in which the host/
parasite contact is-more or less accidental. Ordinarily, the host comes
to the parasite, and the intimate contact necessary for infection is
provided by the host, e.g., amebiasis. |
|
Patagium
(Zoo) |
1) In birds, a feathered web of skin that
spans the angle in front of the elbow. 2) A fold of skin in flying
squirrels, flying lizards, and other arboreal gliding animals that
encloses the limbs on both sides from neck to tail, enabling the animal
to glide.
|
|
Pateopterous
(Ento) |
Lacking the ability to position the wings
backward over the abdomen. |
|
Pathogen
(Epi, Para, Trop) |
An organism or substance which caused
diseases.
|
|
Pathogenic
(Epi, Para, Trop) |
Giving origin to disease or symptoms of
disease.
|
|
Pathogenicity
(Epi, Para, Trop) |
The property of an infectious agent that
determines the extent to which overt disease is produced in an infected
population, or the power of an organism to produce disease.
|
|
Pathologist
(Epi, Para, Trop) |
A specialist in veterinary medicine who
examines the changes in body tissues and organs caused by disease.
|
|
Pathology (Epi, Para, Trop) |
The science that deals with all aspects of
diseases.
|
|
Patient or sick person
(Trop) |
A person who is ill.
|
|
Paurometabolous development
(Ento) |
See Incomplete metomorphosis.
|
|
PCV
(Vet) |
Packed cell volume. A laboratory test to
monitor the relative number of red blood cells present in the blood. A
blood sample is placed in a tiny glass tube and spun in a centrifuge.
The cells are heavier than the plasma and are compacted at one end of
the tube. After the tube is spun, it is examined and the packed cell
volume is determined as the percentage of the red cellular portion
relative to the total amount of blood in the tube (i.e., remainder being
the plasma).
|
|
PD
(OH) |
See Permanent Disability.
|
|
Peak biting time
(Trop) |
The period during which the biting cycle of a
given mosquito species when the largest number of females take blood
meals.
|
|
Pecten
(Ento) |
A comb-like structure found at the base of
the antenna in some insects. |
|
Pectinate
(Ento) |
Having branches which arise from the main
axis like the teeth of a comb: usually applied to antennae.
|
|
Pectoral fins
(Aqua) |
Either of the two fins of a fish that
correspond to the forelimbs of a quadruped (a four-legged animal).
Pectoral fins are those situated on the chest (sides of the fish just
behind the head).
|
|
Pedalium
(Aqua, Trop) |
The four flattened "corners" of cubozoan
(box) jellyfish from which arise the tentacles – unlike other jellyfish
where the tentacles arise from many, or any, areas of the bell.
|
|
Pedicel
(Ento) |
The second segment of an insects' antenna.
The stem of the abdomen, between the thorax and the gaster (in ants).
|
|
Pedicellate teeth
(Zoo) |
Condition found in amphibians where a tooth
crown is connected with cartilage to a pedicel.
|
|
Pediculicide
(Eco, Ento) |
A pesticide used to kill lice.
|
|
Pediculosis
(Trop, Vet) |
A parasitic infestation of the head, the
hairy parts of the body and the clothing by adult lice, larvae and nits
(eggs), which often results in severe itching and excoriation of the
scalp and body. Secondary infection can occur. Infesting agents include
Pediculus capitis, the head louse, P. humanus, the body
louse, and Pthirus pubis, the crab louse, which usually infest
the pubic region, but may also infest the hair of the face, axillae and
the body surfaces.
|
|
Pedipalp
(Ento) |
One of the second pair of appendages near the
mouth of a spider or other arachnid. Pedipalps can be modified for
various functions: reproductive, predatory, or sensory.
|
|
Pelage
(Zoo) |
The fur or other soft surface covering of a
mammal.
|
|
Pelagia noctiluca
(Aqua) |
A very common jellyfish known as the Little
Mauve Stinger, which has occurred in severe 'swarms' in the
Mediterranean Sea. The sting causes moderate skin pain, but may also
cause systemic symptoms such as cough, sneezing, painful breathing and
nasal catarrh. It has not caused death, but one severe case of
potentially fatal anaphylaxis occurred in Greece.
|
|
Pelagia noctiluca
(Trop)
|
A very common jellyfish known as the little
mauve stinger, which has occurred in severe ‘swarms’ in the
Mediterranean Sea. The sting causes moderate skin pain, but may also
cause systemic symptoms such as cough, sneezing, painful breathing, and
nasal catarrh.
|
|
Pelagic
(Aqua, Eco) |
The open ocean, excluding the ocean bottom
and shore.
|
|
Pellagra
(Trop) |
A syndrome resulting from niacin deficiency,
associated with photosensitive dermatitis, mucous membrane inflammation,
diarrhea and psychiatric disturbances.
|
|
Pelt
(Zoo) |
The hide or skin of an animal.
|
|
Pelvic fins
(Aqua) |
One of the paired fins of a fish that
correspond to the hind limbs of a quadruped (a four-legged animal).
Pelvic fins are those situated on the underside of the fish.
|
|
Penicillinase
(Vet) |
An enzyme produced by some bacteria which
inactivates certain types of penicillin thus making the bacteria
resistant to them.
|
|
Penultimate phalange
(Zoo) |
Next to last digit.
|
|
Per capita rate
(Epi) |
A rate which is proportional to the number of
individuals in a population. |
|
Percentile
(Stat) |
The pth percentile of a list is the
smallest number such that at least p% of the numbers in the list
are no larger than it. The pth percentile of a random variable is
the smallest number such that the chance that the random variable is no
larger than it is at least p%.
|
|
Percutaneous
(Vet) |
Moving through the skin.
|
|
Perennial
(Eco) |
A term used in botany used to describe plants
that live for more than two growing seasons. Such plants either die back
after each season, as some herbaceous plants do, or grow continuously,
as some shrubs do. |
|
Perianal fistula
(Vet) |
A deep infection around the anus which often
results in ulcers and deep draining tracts, most commonly seen in German
Shepherds.
|
|
Pericardial sinus
(Ento) |
A space around the heart, limited below by
the dorsal diaphragm.
|
|
Perinatal
(Epi) |
Between the 28th week of pregnancy and the
end of the first week of life. |
|
Perineal
(Vet) |
The area between the anus and the genital
organs.
|
|
Perineurium
(Ento) |
The layer of cells surrounding a ganglion,
which secretes the neural lamelia.
|
|
Periodicity
(Trop) |
Recurrence at regular intervals of symptoms
in malaria, characterized clinically by paroxysms and resulting from the
invasion of the blood by new generations of parasites. Periodicity may
be quotidian, tertian, quartan or double quartan according to the
intervals between paroxysms. Periodicity also used to refer to the
cyclic appearance in the blood of microfilariae of Wuchereria
bancrofti (nocturnal) and Loa loa (diurnal). |
|
Periparturient rise in fecal egg counts (PPR)
(Para) |
An increase in the number of parasite eggs in
the feces of animals around parturition. This can be pronounced in ewes,
sows, and goats. |
|
Peripheral chromatin
(Para) |
That portion of the nuclear chromatin
adhering to the inner surface of the nuclear membrane as in Entamoeba
histolytica and E. coli.
|
|
Periplast
(Para) |
The limiting, outer membrane of protozoan
(cell membrane) formed from the ectoplasm.
|
|
Peristalsis
(Para) |
Rhythmical, wave-like constrictions of the
wall of the intestine that move the contents.
|
|
Peristome
(Para) |
Any parts or set of parts around the mouth or
oral opening of invertebrates; comparable to lips in higher animals.
|
|
Peritoneal dialysis
(Vet) |
A process used to remove waste products from
the body. Electrolyte fluids are administered into the abdomen, waste
products of the body enter the fluids, and then the fluids are removed.
|
|
Peritoneum
(Vet) |
The membrane lining the wall of the abdominal
cavity.
|
|
Peritonitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen.
|
|
Peritrophic membrane
(Ento) |
The delicate, tubular sheath that surrounds
the food within the midgut. |
|
Perivisceral sinus
(Ento) |
A cavity inside the body surrounding the
viscera (internal organs).
|
|
Permanent disability (PD)
(OH) |
A legal term - not medical - that refers to
any lasting disability that results in a reduced earning capacity after
maximum medical improvement is reached.
|
|
Permanent disability benefits
(OH) |
Payments provided when an employee’s work
injury permanently limits the kinds of work an employee can do.
|
|
Permeability
(PEH) |
The property of permitting liquids or gases
to pass through. A highly permeable soil, such as sand, allows a liquid
to pass through quickly. Clay has a low permeability.
|
|
Permutation
(Stat) |
A permutation of a set is an arrangement of
the elements of the set in some order. If the set has n things in
it, there are n! different orderings of its elements. For the
first element in an ordering, there are n possible choices, for
the second, there remain n-1 possible choices, for the third,
there are n-2, etc., and for the nth element of the
ordering, there is a single choice remaining. By the fundamental rule of
counting, the total number of sequences is thus n×(n-1)×(n-2)× . . . ×1.
Similarly, the number of orderings of length k one can form from
n>=k things is n×(n-1)×(n-2)× . . . ×(n-k+1)
= n!/(n-k)!. This is denoted nPk,
the number of permutations of n things taken k at a time.
C.f. combinations. |
|
Perradial core/Eminence
(Aqua) |
A rounded protuberance from the top of the
bell of chirodropids from which gonad tissue develops – referred to as
the superior gonad.
|
|
Persistence
(Ento, PEH) |
The characteristic of chemicals or microbial
insecticides that remains active for a long period of time after
application. In chemicals, persistence is the result of low volatility
and chemical stability. Certain organochlorine insecticides such as DDT
are highly persistent. |
|
Persistent chronic diarrhea
(Trop) |
Diarrhea that begins acutely but lasts more
than 21 days. The usual enteropathogens are Shigella spp., Salmonella
spp., Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia enterocolitica, Capillaria
philippinensis, Cryptosporidium. Giardia can also be a cause.
|
|
Person/vector contact
(Trop) |
The number of times a person is bitten by a
vector mosquito, normally expressed as the number of bites per person
per night.
|
|
Personal hygiene
(Trop) |
In the field of infectious disease control,
those protective measures, primarily within the responsibility of the
individual, that promote health and limit the spread of infectious
diseases, chiefly those transmitted by direct contact. Such measures
encompass (1) washing hands in soap and water immediately after
evacuating bowel or bladder and always before handling food or eating;
(2) keeping hands and unclean articles, or articles that have been used
for toilet purposes by others, away from the mouth, nose, eyes, ears
genitalia and wounds; (3) avoiding the use of common or unclean eating
utensils, drinking cups, towels, handkerchiefs, combs, hairbrushes and
pipes; (4) avoiding exposure of other persons to spray from the nose and
mouth as in coughing, sneezing, laughing or talking; (5) washing hands
thoroughly after handling a patient or the patient’s belongings; and (6)
keeping the body clean by frequent soap and water baths. |
|
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
(OH) |
Equipment worn or used by workers to
protect themselves from exposure to hazardous materials or conditions.
The major types of PPE include respirators, eye protection, ear protection, gloves,
hard hats and protective suits.
|
|
Pertussis (Whooping cough)
(Trop) |
Mainly affects infants and young children;
caused by a bacterium, it is characterized by paroxysms of coughing that
end with the characteristic whoop as air is inhaled. Pertussis caused
thousands of deaths in the 1930s and 1940s, but with the advent of a
vaccine, the rate of death has declined dramatically.
|
|
Pervious
(Eco) |
Porous, able to be penetrated by water.
|
|
Pest
(Ento) |
An animal causing damage or annoyance to man,
his animals, crops or possessions, such as insects, mites, nematodes,
rodents, birds. In phrases such as 'integrated pest management' and
'pest control', the term is used in a broader sense to mean all harmful
organisms including fungi, bacteria, viruses and virus-like organisms,
and weeds. |
|
Pest
insect
(Ento) |
An insect causing damage to crops, domestic
animals, or possessions. |
|
Pest
intensity
(Ento) |
The total number of pests per unit of habitat
or area.
|
|
Pest
spectrum
(Ento) |
The complete range of pests attacking a
particular crop.
|
|
Pesticide
(Ento) |
Any substance (chemical or microbial) which
because of its toxicity is used to control pests. Pesticides include:
acaricides, bactericides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides,
nematicides, rodenticides, etc.
|
|
Pesticide resistance
(Ento) |
Genetically selected tolerance of pest
populations to pesticides. Resistance is caused by the repeated exposure
of the pest population to pesticide treatment. Sensitive individuals are
killed, while the resistant individuals will continue to reproduce.
Resistance can develop to both chemical and microbial pesticides.
|
|
Petechiae
(Trop) |
Pin point hemorrhages.
|
|
Petiolate
(Ento) |
Attached by a narrow stalk.
|
|
Petiole
(Ento) |
The narrow waist of bees and wasps and some
other hymenopterans: often known as the pedicel when referring to ants.
|
|
Peyer’s patches
(Trop) |
Group of lymphoid tissue in the small
intestine, especially involved in typhoid infections.
|
|
PF
(HS) |
Protection Factor. A value indicating how
effective a barrier or filter may be at protecting the user from
exposure to an agent.
|
|
pH
(Eco) |
Measure of the acidity or basicity.
|
|
Phagocyte
(Vet) |
Cell in the body which 'eats' damaged cells
and foreign substances such as virus and bacteria. A macrophage is a
type of phagocyte.
|
|
Phagolysosome
(Para) |
A phagosome that has fused with a lysosome
within the phagocyte.
|
|
Phagosome
(Para) |
A vacuole within a cell that was formed
during phagocytosis.
|
|
Phagostimulant
(Ento) |
A natural plant substance that induces
feeding by an insect.
|
|
Phalanges
(Zoo) |
The bones of the fingers or toes.
|
|
Phalanx
(Zoo) |
Any one of the bones in the fingers or toes.
|
|
Phallodeum
(Zoo) |
Male copulatory member found in some
caecilians.
|
|
Pharate stage
(Ento) |
A stage in which molting has occurred but the
insect has not cast off the old cuticle.
|
|
Pharynx
(Ento) |
The anterior part of the foregut between the
mouth and the esophagus. |
|
Phasmatodea
(Ento) |
One of the insect groups, made up of the
walkingsticks and leaf insects, characterized by short leathery wings
(or no wings), chewing mouthparts, slender body, and gradual
metamorphosis.
|
|
Phasmid
(Para) |
One of a pair of caudal chemo-receptors in
certain nematodes.
|
|
Phasmida
(Ento) |
Insect order, made up of the walking sticks
and leafinsects, characterized by short leathery wings (or wings
absent), chewing mouthparts, slender body, and an incomplete
metamorphosis.
|
|
Phenological asynchrony
(Ento) |
Lack of synchrony between the life cycle of a
pest and the appropriate stage of its host plant.
|
|
Pheromone
(Vet) |
Chemical secreted by an animal and sensed by
another animal of the same species, and often causing behavior change in
that animal.
|
|
Pheromone
(Vet, Zoo) |
A substance secreted by an animal which when
released externally in small amounts causes a specific reaction, such as
stimulation to mate with or supply food to a receiving individual of the
same species. |
|
Pheromone trap
(Ento) |
An insect trap in which dispensers with
insect pheromones are used as an attractant. Usually the inside surface
of the traps is covered with glue to prevent escape.
|
|
Philopatric
(Zoo) |
Of or relating to species or groups that
remain in or habitually return to their native regions or territories.
|
|
Phlebotomine
(Trop) |
A group of biting flies commonly called
sandflies including the genus Phlebotomus, sometimes vectors of
leishmaniasis.
|
|
Phoresis
(Ento) |
The usage by one animal of another soley as a
means of transport, i.e. certain mites on various other insects.
|
|
Phoresy
(Ento) |
A condition in which an individual is carried
about by another individual without harming that individual.
|
|
Phosphorus
(Eco) |
A key nutrient in the Bay's ecosystem,
phosphorus occurs in dissolved organic and inorganic forms, often
attached to particles of sediment. This nutrient is a vital component in
the process of converting sunlight into usable energy forms for the
production of food and fiber. It is also essential to cellular growth
and reproduction for organisms such as phytoplankton and bacteria.
Phosphates, the inorganic form are preferred, but organisms will use
other forms of phosphorus when phosphates are unavailable.
|
|
Photic zone
(Eco) |
Layer of a body of water that recieves ample
sunlight for photosynthesis. |
|
Photoperiod (Vet, Zoo) |
A day/night cycle of light/dark. Depending on
the context in which this term is used, it may refers to just the
daylight period. The amount of time per day that an organism is exposed
to light.
|
|
Photophobia
(Trop) |
Low tolerance to bright light.
|
|
Photoreceptor
(Ento) |
Receptor which perceives light stimulus.
Adults and nymps of insects have often two compound eyes and up to three
simple eyes on their head.
|
|
Photosensitivity
(Vet) |
A condition in which the skin reacts
abnormally to light, especially ultraviolet light or sunlight. It is
usually caused by the interaction of light with certain chemicals in the
skin such as antibiotics, other medications, hormones, or toxins.
|
|
Photosynthsis
(Eco) |
The process by which plants convert carbon
dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen. The carbohydrates are
then available for use as energy by the plant or other consuming
organisms. (CO2+ H2O +SUNLIGHT= C6H12O6 + O2 ). This process is also
referred to as "primary production."
|
|
Phyllotreta
(Ento) |
A genus within the Chrysomelidae family
(beetles).
|
|
Phylogeny
(Ento) |
The study of the history of lines of
evolution.
|
|
Phylum |
Major subdivision of the animal kingdom.
(plural = Phyla). Some examples of animal phyla are; Protozoa
(single-celled animals), Nemathelminthes (roundworms), Arthropoda
(crayfish, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, and insects), Chordata
(fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals).
|
|
Phylum (pl. Phyla) |
The taxonomic group below a Kingdom, and
above a Class. See Biological classification and Taxonomy.
|
|
Physalia
(Aqua, Trop) |
A siphonophore or hydrozoan colony that is
usually regarded as a jellyfish by non-biological people. It has a
float, rather than a bell, and the tentacle(s) hang beneath. There are
two main varieties: 1. Physalia utriculus. A single-tentacled
species common in the warmer waters of the world, and especially common
on the eastern seaboard of Australia where it causes some 10,000-odd
stings each summer. No deaths have ever been reported, and usually it
causes mild-to moderate skin pain and possibly some aching pains in the
draining lymph glands in the leg or armpit. 2. Physalia physalis.
The multi-tentacled species found world-wide, but commonly on both side
of the North Atlantic. Stings are common on the eastern coast of the
United States and have now caused 3 deaths as well as many severe
systemic symptoms. Specimens may have a float length of up to 25cm with
tentacles up to 30m in length. Some severe systemic symptoms resemble a
modified Irukandji syndrome with painful breathing, muscle cramps,
anxiety and sweating. |
|
Physalia physalis
(Aqua) |
The multi-tentacled species found worldwide,
but commonly on both sides of the North Atlantic.
|
|
Physalia utriculus
(Aqua) |
A single-tentacled species common in the
warmer waters of the world.
|
|
Physical control
(Ento) |
The use of mechanical and physical methods of
controlling pests.
|
|
Physical gill
(Ento) |
A bubble or packet of air that adheres to the
body of an aquatic insect and is continuous with the tracheal air space.
|
|
Physician (OH) |
Depending on the state, this may refer to a
medical doctor, an osteopath, a psychologist, an acupuncturist, an
optometrist, a dentist, a podiatrist or a chiropractor.
|
|
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic model (PBPK model)
(PEH) |
A computer model that describes what happens
to a chemical in the body. This model describes how the chemical gets
into the body, where it goes in the body, how it is changed by the body,
and how it leaves the body.
|
|
Physiology
(Para) |
The branch of science that deals with normal
functions of living things or their organs.
|
|
Phytochemical
(Vet) |
Substances in plants which affect a body
system and may promote health and decrease the risk of a disease such as
cancer.
|
|
Phytoecdysone
(Ento) |
A plant product that mimics ecdysone.
|
|
Phytoestrogen
(Vet) |
Substances which have an activity similar to
estrogens and are produced by plants.
|
|
Phytophagous
(Ento) |
Feeding on plants. Herbivorous.
|
|
Phytoplankton
(Eco) |
Plankton are very small organisms that cannot
move independently of water currents. Phytoplankton are any plankton
that are capable of making food via photosynthesis.
|
|
Phytosanitation
(Ento) |
The removal and destruction of infested or
diseased plants from a crop so that they do not form a source of
infestation for healthy plants. |
|
Phytotoxemia
(Ento) |
A disease-like plant condition produced by
the injection of toxic substances by insects.
|
|
Phytotoxic
(Ento) |
A material which causes damage to plants.
Poisonous to plants.
|
|
Phytotoxin
(Eco) |
A toxin from a plant, such as ricin.
|
|
Pica
(PEH, Vet) |
A craving to eat nonfood items, such as dirt,
paint chips, and clay. Some children exhibit pica-related behavior.
|
|
Pictured
(Ento) |
A term used to describe wings, especially
among the Diptera, which have dark mottling on them.
|
|
Piece work / piece rate
(OH) |
Work that is paid for according to the
number of units turned out.
|
|
Piedmont
(Eco) |
Uplands or hill country above the "fall line"
of coastal rivers where rapids or cataracts tumble down to the level
topography where tidal influence begins.
|
|
Pigment
(Ento) |
Chemical substances that produce colors.
|
|
Piloerection
(Vet) |
Hair standing on end.
|
|
Pilose (Ento) |
Densely covered in setae, antennae of male
mosquitoes.
|
|
Pincers
(Ento) |
The moveable, two-part claws found on some
crustaceans and arachnids. |
|
Pinkies
(Zoo) |
Newly-born dead mice. This is the smallest
size of reptile food.
|
|
Pinning block
(Ento) |
A specimen preparation used to place
specimens and labels at a specific height on the pin.
|
|
Pinta
(Trop) |
A nonvenereal tropical treponemal disease
similar to yaws and caused by Treponema pertenue.
|
|
Pipping
(Zoo) |
The breaking open of an egg shell by the
hatchling inside. Most hatchlings are equipped with an "egg tooth," a
sharp protruberance on their mouth, used to pierce and cut a tear in the
shell.
|
|
Piroplasms
(Trop) |
Apicomplexan protozoa of the genus Babesia.
Transmitted by Ixodid ticks and cause diseases such as red water fever
in cattle and biliary fever in dogs. Rare human infections are recorded,
especially in the splenectomized.
|
|
Pitfall trap
(Ento) |
A trap for catching ground crawling insects.
Usually it is made out of a cuplike container buried in the ground into
which insects fall. The beaker contains a liquid (water with soap;
alcohol) or glue to prevent escape. |
|
pKa
(Eco) |
The pH at which a substance that can be
ionized in water becomes ionized.
|
|
Placebo (Stat, Trop, Vet) |
A substance which is given that has no
therapeutic value; often called a 'dummy pill' or 'sugar pill.' Often
given to half of the patients in a trial of a new drug, to better assess
the effectiveness of the new drug. |
|
Placebo effect
(Stat) |
The belief or knowledge that one is being
treated can itself have an effect that confounds with the real effect of
the treatment. Subjects given a placebo as a pain-killer report
statistically significant reductions in pain in randomized experiments
that compare them with subjects who receive no treatment at all. This
very real psychological effect of a placebo, which has no direct
biochemical effect, is called the placebo effect. Administering a
placebo to the control group is thus important in experiments with human
subjects; this is the essence of a blind experiment.
|
|
Plankton
(Aqua, Eco) |
Small or microscopic algae and organisms
associated with surface water and the water column. Minute plants
(phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton) which occur in the water
column - the floating organisms of the sea.
|
|
Plant louse
(Ento) |
See Aphid.
|
|
Plant nutrient
(Ento) |
A chemical compound used by plants for
growth, development or reproduction.
|
|
Plant pathology
(Ento) |
The study of plant diseases.
|
|
Plantigrade stance
(Vet) |
Standing and walking with the hocks on or
almost touching the floor.
|
|
Plaque
(Vet) |
A build-up of bacteria, saliva, and food on
the teeth.
|
|
Plasmid
(Trop) |
Any self-replicating genetic component of a
cell, e.g. bacteria, which is outside the chromosomes.
|
|
Plastin
(Para) |
Achromatic substance within the nucleus that
stains only with special stains and is probably the material from which
chromosomes are formed. |
|
Plastron
(Ento) |
A framework of stiff, water-repellent hairs
or cuticular structures on the bodies of aquatic insects, containing a
film of air into which oxygen diffuses from the water.
|
|
Plastron
(Zoo) |
The ventral part of the turtle shell,
consisting of a series of paired bones, overlain by series of laminae
alternating with bones.
|
|
Platelet
(Vet) |
A small subcellular particle found in the
blood that plays a crucial role in blood clotting and repair of damaged
blood vessels.
|
|
Platelets
(Vet) |
Cellular components found in the blood which
help clots to form. In the body, microscopically small vessels often
break in the normal course of events. Platelets and a protein called
fibrinogen 'plug' the break in the vessel and prevent blood from leaking
out.
|
|
Platyform larva
(Ento) |
A flattened larva.
|
|
Platyhelminths
(Para)
|
See flatworms.
|
|
Plecoptera
(Ento) |
Insect order, made up of the stoneflies. They
are characterized by membranous wings, chewing mouthparts, two short
abdominal cerci, and an incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
Pleio
(Vet) |
A prefix signifying multiple.
|
|
Pleiomorphic
(Vet) |
Having multiple forms depending upon
environmental conditions. This is distinct from polymorphic which also
indicates multiple shapes, but independent of environmental conditions.
|
|
Pleistocene age
(Eco) |
The geologic epoch of the Quartenary period
extending from the end of the Pliocene to the beginning of the Holocene,
and the rocks formed during that time.
|
|
Plerocercoid (larva)
(Para) |
A tapeworm larva in which the scolex is
embedded in a greatly enlarged tail as in Diphylllobothrium latum.
|
|
Plerocercoid
(Trop) |
The third stage larva of pseudophyllidean
tapeworms, which has a solid body.
|
|
Pleura
(Vet) |
The thin membranes that cover the outside of
the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity. The membranes and the
fluid they are bathed in helps to minimize friction as the lungs move
within the chest cavity. |
|
Pleural
(Ento) |
Concerning the side walls of the body.
|
|
Pleural effusion
(Vet) |
An unusual accumulation of fluid in the space
between the pleura, or the name for the fluid itself.
|
|
Pleural suture
(Ento) |
1) A vertical or diagonal groove on each of
the thoracic pleura, separating the episternum at the front from the
epimeron at the back. 2) A vertical or oblique suture marking an
internal ridge of the thoracic pleuron, running from the dorsal coxal
articulation to the pleural wing process. |
|
Pleural wing process
(Ento) |
A fulcrum for the wing base, formed at the
top of the internal ridge formed by the pleural suture.
|
|
Pleurisy
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the pleura.
|
|
Pleurocercoid
(Para) |
Second larval type in Pseudophyllidian
tapeworms in which after the crustacean is eaten by freshwater fish and
the procercoid is liberated, the pleurocercoid is develops in the
muscles of the new host and possesses the characteristic scolex and is
the only stage which is infective to final host.
|
|
Pleuron
(Ento) |
1) A lateral sclerite of the thorax. 2) The
side wall of a thoracic segment. 3) A lateral region on the sides of the
body of certain arthropods |
|
Plumage
(Zoo) |
The feather covering of birds, sometimes
colored for purposes of camouflage, courtship display, etc., and divided
in certain stages of a bird's growth to indicate age or maturity, such
as natal plumage, juvenile plumage, first winter plumage, first nuptial
plumage, and the like. |
|
Plume
(HS) |
A cloud of airborne radioactive material that
is transported from a nuclear or radiological source in the direction of
the prevailing wind.
|
|
Plume
(PEH) |
A volume of a substance that moves from its
source to places farther away from the source. Plumes can be described
by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move.
For example, a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a
substance moving with groundwater.
|
|
Plume exposure emergency planning zone
(HS) |
A defined zone around a nuclear facility for
which detailed planning and preparations are made in advance to ensure
that appropriate measures against exposure to a radioactive plume (such
as sheltering or evacuation) can be applied in a timely and accurate
manner. |
|
Plumes
(Zoo) |
The conspicuous feather or feathers of a bird
|
|
Plumose
(Ento) |
1) Feather-like, as in plumose antennae. 2)
With numerous feathery branches: applied especially to antennae.
|
|
Pneumocystis carinii
(Trop) |
A fungus, formally believed to be a
protozoan, which may cause an atypical pneumonia in severely
malnourished or immunologically compromised patients, e.g. AIDS
patients.
|
|
Pneumonia
(Vet) |
A filling of the lungs with fluid generated
by the body, as opposed to drowning. The fluid is generated in response
to an inflammation of the lungs, often by disease, or by chemical
irritation and can be seen in exposure to mustard gas, chlorine, or
phosgene and occasionally when exposed to high levels of riot control
agents.
|
|
Pneumonitis
(Vet) |
An inflammation of lung tissue.
|
|
Poboscis
(Para) |
In tapeworms, an anterior protrusile organ
typically studded with hooks as in the dog tapeworm Dipylidium caninum.
A protruding structure at the anterior end of some insects.
|
|
Podite
(Ento) |
A segment of an arthropod leg, moved by
muscles inserted in its base. |
|
Poikilotherm
(Zoo) |
An animal whose temperature varies with that
of its environment, excluding birds and mammals. Cold-blooded.
|
|
Point
(Ento) |
A small paper triangle to which tiny insect
specimens are glued.
|
|
Point of averages
(Stat) |
In a scatterplot, the point whose coordinates
are the arithmetic means of the corresponding variables. For example, if
the variable X is plotted on the horizontal axis and the variable Y is
plotted on the vertical axis, the point of averages has coordinates
(mean of X, mean of Y). |
|
Point of exposure
(PEH) |
The place where someone can come into contact
with a substance present in the environment.
|
|
Point source
(Eco) |
A source of pollution that can be attributed
to a specific physical location; an identifiable, end of pipe point. The
vast majority of point source discharges for nutrients are from
wastewater treatment plants, although some come from industries.
|
|
Poison
(Aqua, Ento,Vet,Zoo) |
Any chemical or agent that can cause illness
or death when eaten, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled/injested by
humans or animals.
|
|
Poison bait
(Ento) |
Attractant foodstuff for animal pests
(insects, molluscs, rodents) mixed with a pesticide to kill them.
|
|
Poisonous
(Ento) |
Describes an animal capable of causing harm
to another animal through ingestion (being eaten); a toxic substance is
absorbed through the stomach of the victim causing illness or death.
See also venomous. |
|
Poisson distribution
(Epi) |
The distribution which arises when parasites
are distributed at random amongst hosts.
|
|
Poisson distribution
(Stat) |
The Poisson distribution is a discrete
probability distribution that depends on one parameter, m. If
X is a random variable with the Poisson distribution with parameter
m, then the probability that X = k is E-m
× mk/k!, k = 0, 1, 2, . . . , where E
is the base of the natural logarithm and ! is the factorial function.
For all other values of k, the probability is zero. The expected
value the Poisson distribution with parameter m is m, and
the standard error of the Poisson distribution with parameter m
is m½. |
|
Polar filaments
(Para) |
Filaments arising from the opposite poles of
the onchosphere membrane of Hymenolepis nana.
|
|
Polar plugs
(Para) |
Mucoid plugs that are located at both ends of
eggs of Trichuris and other members of the family Trichuridae.
|
|
Policy
(OH) |
The contract issued by the insurance
company to the insured (your business).
|
|
Policy period
(OH) |
The length of time a policy is in force,
from the beginning or effective date to the expiration date.
|
|
Poliomyelitis
(Trop) |
A highly contagious infectious disease caused
by various types of poliovirus. Spread though feces and airborne
particles, the poliovirus usually causes no more than a mild illness.
However, some of the more serious manifestations of the disease include
meningitis, which can lead to extensive paralysis.
|
|
Poliovirus
(Trop) |
A member of the enterovirus subgroup, family
Picornaviridae. Enteroviruses are transient inhabitants of the
gastrointestinal tract . Picornaviruses are small viruses with an RNA
genome. There are three strains of poliovirus. They are called P1 or the
Brunhilde virus, P2 or the Lansing virus, and P3 or the Leon virus.
Immunity to one strain of poliovirus does not produce significant
immunity to the other two strains. Poliovirus is rapidly inactivated by
heat, formaldehyde, chlorine, or ultraviolet (UV) light.
|
|
Pollen
(Ento) |
1) The male germ cells produced in the anther
of flowers. 2) The mass of microspores or male fertilizing elements of
flowering plants.
|
|
Pollen basket
(Ento) |
The pollen-carrying region on the hind leg,
of a bee: also known as the corbicula.
|
|
Pollinate
(Eco) |
To transfer pollen grains from the male
structure of a plant, to the female structure of a plant to fertilize
the plant.
|
|
Pollination
(Eco, Ento) |
The transfer of pollen from the male anther
to the female stigma of a flower. Pollen is carried between anther and
stigma of the same flower is called self-pollination. Pollen is carried
from the flower of one plant to another plant of the same species.
Insects often aide in plant pollination. |
|
Polyandrous
(Zoo) |
When one female mates with two or more males.
|
|
Polyarthritis (Trop, Vet) |
Inflammation in several joints. Common
features of a number of arboviral infections (Ross Rivervirus and Barmah
Forrest virus infections). |
|
Polychaets
(Zoo) |
A class of mostly marine worms in the Phylum
Annelida, with anterior tentacles and palps and most segments bearing
parapodia with bristles; free-swimming or sessile in tubes or burrows;
often brightly colored, most 5-10 cm in length.
|
|
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
(Eco) |
A chemical compound composed of a bi-phenyl
group and chlorine atoms.
|
|
Polyculture
(Eco) |
A mixed stand of crop plants.
|
|
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)
(Eco) |
A chemical compound composed of fused six
carbon rings.
|
|
Polydactyl
(Vet) |
The presence of extra toes.
|
|
Polydipsia
(Vet) |
Excessive thirst resulting in excessive
drinking.
|
|
Polyembryony
(Ento) |
The production of several embryos from a
single egg, as in some chalcids.
|
|
Polyestrus (Vet, Zoo) |
Having more than one estrus cycle in a year.
Many small mammals that have multiple litters each year are polyestrus.
|
|
Polyethism
(Ento) |
The presence of several discrete types of
behavior by different groups of individuals in colonies of social
insects.
|
|
Polygynous
(Zoo) |
Of or relating to polygyny. Polygyny - when a
male mammal mates with more than one female during a breeding season.
|
|
Polyhaline
(Eco) |
1) Describes waters with salinity between 18
and 30 ppt. These areas are typically in the lower portion of an
estuary, where the ocean and estuary meet. 2) Pertaining to waters with
salinities of 18-30 parts per thousand. |
|
Polylectic
(Ento) |
Utilizing a variety of plant species as
sources of pollen.
|
|
Polymerase chain reaction
(Vet) |
A method of detecting a DNA sequence, even at
very low concentrations, by specifically amplifying it. The method makes
use of the structure of DNA and the mechanism by which DNA is replicated
to create a large number of copies of a very specific sequence.
Amplifications of 100-1000 million fold can be achieved meaning that as
few as eight cells can be reliably detected in samples. |
|
Polymorphism
(Ento) |
The presence of two or more distinct,
structurally different types of individuals within the same stage of one
species.
|
|
Polyp
(Aqua, Trop) |
The immature life-cycle form of a jellyfish
(or other cnidarian) which is attached to a substrate.
|
|
Polyp
(Vet) |
A small growth from mucous membranes such as
those lining the nasal cavity and intestinal tract.
|
|
Polyphagia
(Vet) |
Excessive ingestion of food.
|
|
Polyphagous (Ento, Zoo) |
Feeding on a broad array of plant or animal
species.
|
|
Polytypic species
(Ento) |
A species that occurs in two or more forms
(races or subspecies).
|
|
Polyuria
(Vet) |
Excessive urination.
|
|
Pond type larvae
(Zoo) |
Aquatic salamander larvae morphology suited
to slow or still water environments. External gills are large and
many-branched, and caudal fin may be very broad.
|
|
Population
(PEH, Para, Zoo) |
A group or number of people living within a
specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as occupation or
age).
|
|
Population BLUE
(Stat) |
A collection of units being studied. Units
can be people, places, objects, epochs, drugs, procedures, or many other
things. Much of statistics is concerned with estimating numerical
properties (parameters) of an entire population from a random sample of
units from the population. |
|
Population control
(Stat) |
Includes mechanisms or programs which control
the numbers of individuals in a population of humans or animals.
|
|
Population density (Stat) |
The number of individuals of one population
per unit area or volume.
|
|
Population dynamics
(Stat) |
The pattern of any process, or the
interrelationship of phenomena, which affects growth or change within a
population.
|
|
Population growth
(Stat) |
Increase, over a specific period of time, in
the number of individuals living in a country or region.
|
|
Population mean
(Stat) |
The mean of the numbers in a numerical
population. For example, the population mean of a box of numbered
tickets is the mean of the list comprised of all the numbers on all the
tickets. The population mean is a parameter.
|
|
Population percentage
(Stat) |
The percentage of units in a population that
possess a specified property. For example, the percentage of a given
collection of registered voters who are registered as Republicans. If
each unit that possesses the property is labeled with "1," and each unit
that does not possess the property is labeled with "0," the population
percentage is the same as the mean of that list of zeros and ones; that
is, the population percentage is the population mean for a population of
zeros and ones. The population percentage is a parameter. |
|
Population regulation
(Stat) |
The maintenance of an approximately constant
population size and density, and the forces that control it.
|
|
Population resilience
(Stat) |
The capacity of a population to adapt to
change or to persist in a changing environment.
|
|
Population stability
(Stat) |
The ability of a population to absorb
disturbance and to return to an equilibrium state.
|
|
Population standard deviation
(Stat) |
The standard deviation of the values of a
variable for a population. This is a parameter, not a statistic.
|
|
Population surveillance
(Stat) |
Ongoing scrutiny of a population (general
population, study population, target population, etc.), generally using
methods distinguished by their practicability, uniformity, and
frequently their rapidity, rather than by complete accuracy.
|
|
Porrect
(Ento)
|
Extending horizontally forward, usually
referring to the antennae.
|
|
Portal monitor
(HS) |
A radiation monitor built like a door frame,
inside which a person stands while the monitor scans for radioactive
contamination of skin, hair, and clothing.
|
|
Portuguese man-o'-war
(Aqua, Trop) |
The colloquial term used for the
multi-tentacled hydrozoan colony of Physalia physalis common in
the north Atlantic Ocean.
|
|
Positive predictive value
(Trop) |
The probability that a person with a reactive
test has the disease and is not a false reaction.
|
|
Posse Comitatus Act (DOD)
(HS) |
Prohibits search, seizure, or arrest powers
to US military personnel. Amended in 1981 under Public Law 97-86 to
permit increased Department of Defense support of drug interdiction and
other law enforcement activities.
|
|
Posterior
(Vet) |
Positioned in back of another body part or
towards the rear half of the animal. Opposite of anterior.
|
|
Post-harvest
(Ento) |
The period between maturity of the crop and
its consumption.
|
|
Post-Lyme disease syndrome (PLDS)
(Trop) |
A condition also known as chronic Lyme
disease, characterized by persistent musculoskeletal and peripheral
nerve pain, fatigue, and memory impairment.
|
|
Postmentum
(Ento) |
The basal region of the labium.
|
|
Postnatal (Epi, Vet, Zoo) |
Subsequent to (and within 1 year of)
childbirth.
|
|
Postoperative
(Vet) |
After surgery.
|
|
Postscutellum
(Ento) |
A small division of the mesonotum just behind
the scutellum: usually very small or absent, but well developed in
certain flies.
|
|
Post-vertical bristles
(Ento) |
A pair of bristles - divergent, parallel, or
crossing - on the back of the head of various flies, some way behind the
ocelli.
|
|
Potassium iodide (KI)
(HS) |
A compound prescribed in tablet form to limit
the absorption by the human thyroid gland of radioactive iodine-131,
which may be present in the atmosphere as a result of a radioactive
release. Potassium iodide may be used by emergency workers and people
living in the vicinity of the release. Potassium iodide is also called
stable iodide, and the process of taking it to prevent absorption of
radioactive iodine is termed ‘thyroid blocking’.
|
|
Potentially pathogenic environmental mycobacteria (PPEM)
(Trop) |
The atypical mycobacteria. The commonest PPEM
to cause human disease is the Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare
complex. PPEM differ from M. tuberculosis in their source
(environmental or zoonotic), rate of growth, temperature of growth and
ability to produce pigment on culture. Mostly infect immunologically
compromised humans and the disease caused by some species may be
clinically indistinguishable from true human tuberculosis.
|
|
Potentially responsible party (PRP)
(PEH) |
A company, government, or person legally
responsible for cleaning up the pollution at a hazardous waste site
under Superfund. There may be more than one PRP for a particular site.
|
|
Power
(Stat) |
Refers to a hypothesis test. The power of a
test against a specific alternative hypothesis is the chance that the
test correctly rejects the null hypothesis when the alternative
hypothesis is true.
|
|
PPD
(Trop) |
See purified protein derivative.
|
|
PPE
(OH) |
See Personal Protective Equipment.
|
|
PPO
(OH) |
See Preferred Provider Organization.
|
|
PPW
(HS) |
Patient Protective Wrap. A wrapping used to
protect patients in a contaminated environment.
|
|
Praziquantel
(Trop) |
A broad spectrum anthelmintic very effective
against many human trematodiases (including all forms of
schistosomiasis) and some cestode infections.
|
|
Pre-apical
(Ento) |
Arising just before the tip: many flies. For
example, have pre-apical bristles just before the tip of the tibia.
|
|
Precipitation
(Eco) |
Any form of water particles, such as frozen
water in snow or ice crystals, or liquid water in raindrops or drizzle.
|
|
Precocene
(Ento) |
An insect growth regulator produced by
certain plants that depresses the source of juvenile hormone.
|
|
Precocial
(Zoo) |
Being born in a relatively advanced state of
development and some what capable of being independent shortly after
birth. An example would be hares as compared to rabbits.
|
|
Precocious
(Zoo) |
Appearing, developing, or maturing earlier
than is usual.
|
|
Precostal area
(Ento) |
The area in front of, or to the fore of the
costa.
|
|
Predaceous
(Ento) |
Preying on other animals.
|
|
Predator
(Eco, Ento, Epi, Zoo) |
An animal that attacks and feeds on other
animals. The prey is killed and usually mostly or entirely eaten.
|
|
Predator control
(Stat) |
A predator-prey interaction in which the
predator controls population size of the prey; The predator population
is the limiting factor for the prey population size.
|
|
Predator mutualism
(Zoo) |
Two or more species of predators working
together to capture prey.
|
|
Predictive value negative
(Trop) |
The probability that a person with a negative
test is free of the disease and is not a false negative.
|
|
Predictive value positive
(Trop) |
The probability that a person with a reactive
test has the disease and is not a false reaction.
|
|
Predilection site
(Para) |
The site within a host where the parasite is
normally found.
|
|
Preemptive attack (DOD)
(HS) |
An attack initiated on the basis of
incontrovertible evidence that an enemy attack is imminent.
|
|
Preferred breeding sites
(Trop) |
Sites suitable for egg-laying and
satisfactory for all aquatic stages of development.
|
|
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
(OH) |
Hospital, physician or other provider of
health care that an insurer recommends to an insured party. Insurance
companies can negotiate directly with the PPO for lower-cost services.
|
|
Pregnancy
(Stat, Bio) |
The state of carrying a developing embryo or
fetus within the female body. This condition can be indicated by
positive results on an over-the-counter urine test, and confirmed
through a blood test, ultrasound, detection of fetal heartbeat, or an
X-ray. Pregnancy lasts for about nine months, measured from the date of
the woman's last menstrual period (LMP). It is conventionally divided
into three trimesters, each roughly three months long.
|
|
Pregnancy outcome
(Stat) |
Results of conception and ensuing pregnancy,
including live birth, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, induced
abortion. The outcome may follow natural or artificial insemination or
any of the various reproduction techniques, such as embryo transfer or
fertilization in vitro. |
|
Pregnancy rate
(Stat) |
Ratio of the number of conceptions that occur
during a period to the mean number of women of reproductive age.
|
|
Pregnant
(Ento, Stat, Vet) |
The state of carrying a developing fetus
within the body.
|
|
Prehensile
(Zoo) |
Adapted for grasping or wrapping around an
object. Usually refers to the tail.
|
|
Preimaginal conditioning
(Ento) |
Conditioning of an immature insect that
persists into the adult stage.
|
|
Preliminary site assessment (PSA)
(PEH) |
A process followed by the NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) to determine if a site contains
hazardous waste and its potential for harming the public health or
environment. This process includes inspecting the site, sampling if
needed, and taking physical or hydrological measurements as appropriate.
|
|
Prementum
(Ento) |
The distal region of the labium, from which
spring the labial palps and the ligula.
|
|
Premium
(OH) |
The amount paid by an insured (your
business) to an insurance company to obtain or maintain an insurance
policy.
|
|
Preovipositional period
(Ento) |
The period between the emergence of an adult
female and the start of its egg laying.
|
|
Pre-parasitic phase of life cycle
(Para) |
The development to the infective stage
occurring outside the definitive host in the environment or in a second
(intermediate) host of the parasite life cycle.
|
|
Pre-patent period
(Epi, Para) |
The time from infection until when a female
starts to produce eggs in helminth infections, equivalent to latent
period in micro-parasitic infections.
|
|
Pre-patent period
(Trop) |
Time of infection (bite) to the first finding
of the organism in the bloodstream, i.e. from the time of infection to
time when first diagnostic stages can be detected.
|
|
Prepuce
(Vet) |
The sheath of skin which covers the penis.
|
|
Prepupa
(Ento) |
1) The last larval instar after it ceases to
feed; often it takes on a distinctive appearance becoming quiescent and
rather shrunken, and often looks dead. 2) A resting stage of the last
larval instar, prior to the rnolt to the pupal stage.
|
|
Presumptive organization
(Ento) |
Arrangement of cells in the embryo into
groups which in normal development become a particular organ or tissue.
|
|
Pretarsus
(Ento) |
The most distal segment of the insect leg,
bearing the claws and arolium. |
|
Prevalence
(Epi, PEH, Stat, Trop) |
The total number of cases of a given disease
in a specified population at a designated time. It is differentiated
from incidence; which refers to the number of new cases in the
population at a given time. |
|
Prevalence models
(Epi) |
Prevalence models are compartmental models
dividing the host population into, for example, susceptible, latent,
infectious and immune individuals.
|
|
Prevalence rate
(Trop) |
The total number of persons sick or
portraying a certain condition in a stated population at a particular
time (point prevalence), or during a stated period of time (period
prevalence), regardless of when that illness or condition began, divided
by the population at risk of having the disease or condition at the
point in time or midway through the period in which they occurred.
|
|
Prevalence survey (PEH) |
The measure of the current level of
disease(s) or symptoms and exposures through a questionnaire that
collects self-reported information from a defined population.
|
|
Prevention
(PEH) |
Actions that reduce exposure or other risks,
keep people from getting sick, or keep disease from getting worse.
|
|
Preventive treatment
(Ento) |
Treatment designed to prevent a plant
becoming infected.
|
|
Preventive war (DOD)
(HS) |
A war initiated in the belief that military
conflict, while not imminent, is inevitable, and that to delay would
involve greater risk.
|
|
Prey
(Eco, Ento, Epi, Zoo) |
Organism hunted and eaten by a predator.
|
|
Primaquine
(Trop) |
Used for radical cure of malaria and to
prevent relapse. It is used to kill the liver stages of the malarial
parasite. It also has the potential to be used as a causal prophylactic
drug. This 8-aminoquinoline must be used with care or not at all in
people who are G6PD deficient.
|
|
Primary cancer
(Trop) |
An original cancer still at the site at which
it started to grow.
|
|
Primary defense
(Ento) |
A defense mechanism that is continuously
present, such as crypsis.
|
|
Primary department or agency
(HS) |
A federal institution assigned primary
responsibility to manage and coordinate one or more emergency functions.
|
|
Primary producers
(Eco) |
Organisms, such as algae, which convert solar
energy to organic substances through the molecule, chlorophyll. Primary
producers serve as a food source for higher organisms.
|
|
Primary productivity
(Zoo) |
The productive capabilities of self-feeding
organisms.
|
|
Primary reproductives
(Ento) |
Those members of a social group of insects
whose primary role is reproduction; often the founders of the colony.
Compared to secondary reproductive that may produce some young but are
primarily involved in some other activity.
|
|
Primer pheromone
(Ento) |
A pheromone that acts to modify the
physiological state of an animal. |
|
Primitive gut
(Para) |
The structure that gives rise to the gut
(intestine).
|
|
Primordium
(Aqua) |
Large sack-like structure which develops
prior to metamorphosis of some larvae (e.g. Crown-of-thorns starfish);
thought to give rise to specific tissues or organs in the juvenile
starfish.
|
|
Prion
(PrD) |
A disease-causing agent that is neither bacterial nor
fungal nor viral and contains no genetic material. A prion is a protein
that occurs normally in a harmless form. By folding into an aberrant
shape, the normal prion turns into a rogue agent. It then coopts other
normal prions to become rogue prions. Prions have been held responsible
for a number of degenerative brain diseases, including scrapie (a fatal
disease of sheep and goats), mad cow disease, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease,
fatal familial insomnia, kuru, an unusual form of hereditary dementia
known as Gertsmann-Straeussler-Scheinker disease, and possibly some
cases of Alzheimer's disease.
|
|
Prion disease
(PrD) |
A disease due to a prion, a proteinaceous
infectious particle that lacks nucleic acids. Prions are composed
largely, if not entirely, of an altered formal (an abnormal isoform) of
a normal cellular protein.
|
|
PRNP Mutation
(PrD) |
Familial CJD is very rare, and is due to an inherited
genetic defect (a mutation) of the gene called PRNP, which is
responsible for producing normal prion protein. The mutant gene seems to
lead to an abnormal or disease-related form of the protein.
|
|
Probability
(Stat) |
The probability of an event is a number
between zero and 100%. The meaning (interpretation) of probability is
the subject of theories of probability, which differ in their
interpretations. However, any rule for assigning probabilities to events
has to satisfy the axioms of probability. |
|
Probability density function
(Stat) |
The chance that a continuous random variable
is in any range of values can be calculated as the area under a curve
over that range of values. The curve is the probability density function
of the random variable. That is, if X is a continuous random variable,
there is a function f(x) such that for every pair of numbers a<=b,
P(a<= X <=b) = (area under f between a and
b); f is the probability density function of X.
|
|
Probability distribution
(Stat) |
The probability distribution of a random
variable specifies the chance that the variable takes a value in any
subset of the real numbers. (The subsets have to satisfy some technical
conditions that are not important for this course.) The probability
distribution of a random variable is completely characterized by the
cumulative probability distribution function; the terms sometimes are
used synonymously. The probability distribution of a discrete random
variable can be characterized by the chance that the random variable
takes each of its possible values. |
|
Probability histogram
(Stat) |
A probability histogram for a random variable
is analogous to a histogram of data, but instead of plotting the area of
the bins proportional to the relative frequency of observations in the
class interval, one plots the area of the bins proportional to the
probability that the random variable is in the class interval.
|
|
Probability sample
(Stat) |
A sample drawn from a population using a
random mechanism so that every element of the population has a known
chance of ending up in the sample.
|
|
Probability, theories of
(Stat) |
A theory of probability is a way of
assigning meaning to probability statements such as "the chance that a
thumbtack lands point-up is 2/3." That is, a theory of probability
connects the mathematics of probability, which is the set of
consequences of the axioms of probability, with the real world of
observation and experiment. There are several common theories of
probability. According to the frequency theory of probability, the
probability of an event is the limit of the percentage of times that the
event occurs in repeated, independent trials under essentially the same
circumstances. According to the subjective theory of probability, a
probability is a number that measures how strongly we believe an event
will occur. The number is on a scale of 0% to 100%, with 0% indicating
that we are completely sure it won't occur, and 100% indicating that we
are completely sure that it will occur. According to the theory of
equally likely outcomes, if an experiment has n possible outcomes, and
(for example, by symmetry) there is no reason that any of the n
possible outcomes should occur preferentially to any of the others, then
the chance of each outcome is 100%/n. Each of these theories has
its limitations, its proponents, and its detractors.
|
|
Probable effects level (PEL)
(Eco) |
An estimate of the concentration of a
potentially toxic substance in the sediment above which the substance is
likely to cause adverse effects to aquatic organisms.
|
|
Proboscis
(Ento) |
Long or tubular mouthparts of certain
insects, worms, and spiders, used for feeding, sucking, and other
purposes. Can also be the long flexible snout of some mammals.
|
|
Procercoid (larva)
(Para) |
The first larval stage of pseudophyllidian
tapeworms which develops from the onchosphere; it contains a body proper
and a caudal vestige of the onchosphere, the Cercomer.
|
|
Procercoid
(Trop) |
The second stage larva of pseudophyllidean
tapeworms which bears six hooks near the posterior end.
|
|
Process Safety Management (PSM)
(OH) |
Both a methodology to ensure safety and a
set of standards enforced by OSHA programs. PSM focuses its safety
activities on chemical-related systems, such as water treatment plants
and chemical manufacturing plants, wherein there are large piping
systems, storage, blending and distributing activities.
|
|
Proctodeal valve
(Ento) |
In insects, a valve in the anterior end of
the hindgut that serves as an occlusor mechanism.
|
|
Proctodeum
(Ento) |
The hindgut of insects.
|
|
Procuticle
(Ento) |
The inner zone of the insect cuticle,
containing chitin and protein, divisible into exocuticle and
endocuticle.
|
|
Prodromal period
(Trop) |
Premonitory period; indicating the approach
of a disease.
|
|
Prodromal symptoms
(PrD) |
Any symptom affecting a system other than the nervous
system preceding the first neurologic symptom or sign.
|
|
Prodrome
(Trop) |
A premonitory symptom or precursor; a symptom
indicating the onset of a disease.
|
|
Proestrus
(Vet) |
The stage of the estrus cycle, right before
an animal comes into heat. |
|
Progenesis
(Zoo) |
Accelerated development of reproductive
organs relative to somatic tissue, leading to paedomorphosis.
|
|
Progesterone
(Vet) |
An estrogen antagonist, this steroid hormone
produced in the ovary. In uterine mammals, it prepares the uterine
lining for the implantation of a fertilized egg and is responsible for
the continuation of pregnancy. |
|
Proglottid
(Para, Trop) |
One complete unit of a tapeworm below the
Scolex commonly called a segment. Proglottids may be immature, mature
or gravid (full of eggs). |
|
Prognathous
(Ento) |
Having a more or less horizontal head, with
the mouth-parts at the front. |
|
Prognosis
(Trop, Vet) |
An estimate of the outcome of a disease. Poor
prognosis indicates that outcome is liable to be fatal.
|
|
Progoneate
(Ento) |
Having the genital opening in the anterior
region of the body.
|
|
Progressive dementia
(PrD) |
Ongoing cognitive decline. The development of
dementia in CJD patients is very pronounced over a short period of time
(weeks) unlike dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Terms like
“delirium”, “altered mental status”, or “unresponsiveness” should not be
interpreted as representing progressive dementia, unless there is clear
evidence in the chart that the condition has been ongoing for weeks /
months and that the patient is progressively getting worse in terms of
cognitive ability. |
|
Progressive neuropsychiatric disorder
(PrD) |
Abnormalities in the nervous system and in
mental processes. In the variant form of CJD, the first symptoms are
psychiatric and patients experience a progressive neuropsychiatric
disorder lasting at least 6 months. In the sporadic form, if
neuropsychiatric disorders are present, they usually are concurrent with
the physical manifestations of the disease.
|
|
Progressive provisioning
(Ento) |
The supplying of food to the offspring over
time, as the offspring grows. |
|
Proguanil
(Trop) |
A biguanide antimalarial used alone or in
combination for the prevention of malaria.
|
|
Prolactin
(Vet) |
Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that
stimulates the growth of mammary tissue and the production of milk.
|
|
Prolapsed rectum
(Vet) |
Because of irritation or injury, the inner
part of the rectum is pushed out so that it is visible as a pink mass
protruding from the anal opening. |
|
Proleg
(Ento) |
A fleshy, unjointed, abdominal, "false leg,"
occurring ventrally on the abdomen of caterpillars and other larval
insects.
|
|
Promiscuous
(Zoo) |
A mating behavior in which the male and
female do not form lasting pair bonds; one male may mate with several
females, or one female with several males.
|
|
Pronotal comb
(Ento) |
A row of stout spines on the hind margin of
the pronotum of certain fleas. |
|
Pronotum
(Ento) |
The dorsal body, shieldlike plate of the
first section of the thorax, which is frequently enlarged and prolonged
in many insects.
|
|
Propagative
(Para) |
A biological relationship in which the
parasite multiplies in the host but does not undergo morphologic change.
|
|
Propagule
(Eco) |
Seeds or fragments of vegetation capable of
producing new plants.
|
|
Propodeum
(Ento) |
The first abdominal segment in the
hymenopteran group known as the Apocrita: it is completely fused with
the thorax.
|
|
Proportional case rate
(Trop) |
The number of cases diagnosed as clinical
malaria for every 100 patients attending hospitals and dispensaries.
|
|
Proportional hazards models
(Stat) |
Statistical models used in survival analysis
that assert that the effect of the study factors on the hazard rate in
the study population is multiplicative and does not change over time.
|
|
Proportional mortality rate (PMR)
(Trop) |
A measure of the relative contribution to
total mortality by a specific cause and these are expressed as number of
deaths assigned to the state cause in a calendar year per 1000 total
deaths in that year.
|
|
Proposition, logical proposition
(Stat) |
A logical proposition is a statement that can
be either true or false. |
|
Proprietary name
(Ento) |
Trade name. Name given to a product sold by a
company to distinguish it from similar products made by other companies.
|
|
Proprioreceptor
(Ento) |
A sense organ that detects the relative
position of parts of an animal's own body.
|
|
Propupa
(Ento) |
In thrips, the next to the last nymphal
instar in which the wing pads are present and the legs short and thick.
Also in male scale insects.
|
|
Prospective study
(Epi) |
A study in which people are initially
enrolled and then followed up at subsequent times.
|
|
Prostaglandin
(Vet, Zoo) |
Several types of chemicals made by cells
which have specific functions such as controlling body temperature,
stimulating smooth muscle, and influencing heat cycles.
|
|
Prosternum
(Ento)
|
Ventral surface of the first thoracic
segment.
|
|
Prostration
(Zoo) |
Extreme physical weakness or exhaustion.
|
|
Protease
(Vet) |
Enzyme which breaks down protein.
|
|
Protective clothing
(Ento) |
Clothing protecting spray operator from
adverse effects of crop protection chemicals. It includes rubber gloves,
rubber boots, apron or overall, respirator, face-mask, etc.
|
|
Protective measures
(HS) |
Measures taken to reduce radiation doses
which could be incurred by the population or emergency workers during a
nuclear emergency.
|
|
Protein
(Eco) |
Molecular constituent of all cells comprising
amino acid building blocks. |
|
Protein
(PrD) |
A molecule made up of amino acids that are
needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body
structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes,
cytokines, and antibodies. A large molecule composed of one or more
chains of amino acids in a specific order; the order is determined by
the base sequence of nucleotides in the gene that codes for the protein.
Proteins are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the
body's cells, tissues, and organs; and each protein has unique
functions. Examples are hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. A large
complex molecule made up of one or more chains of amino acids. Proteins
perform a wide variety of activities in the cell.
|
|
Proteinuria
(Vet) |
The appearance of elevated levels of protein
the urine.
|
|
Protelean parasite
(Ento, Para) |
An entomophagous insect that attacks its prey
only when the attacking insect is immature, the adult being free living.
|
|
Proterosoma
(Ento) |
In mites, the anterior part of the body when
there is a demarcation of the body between the second and third pair of
legs.
|
|
Protharacic glands
(Ento) |
Endocrine organs located in the prothorax of
immature insects, secreting molting hormone.
|
|
Prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH)
(Ento) |
A hormone secreted by neurosecretory cells of
the brain and serving to activate the prothoracic glands.
|
|
Prothorax
(Ento) |
The anterior of the three thoracic segments.
This segment never bears wings.
|
|
Protocerebrum
(Ento) |
The largest and most anterior part of the
brain, which includes the optic lobes.
|
|
Protocol
(PEH) |
The detailed plan for conducting a scientific
procedure. A protocol for measuring a chemical in soil, water or air
describes the way in which samples should be collected and analyzed.
|
|
Protonephridia
(Para) |
A primitive excretory system consisting of
flame cells and tubules for the elimination of liquid wastes, in
Platyhelminthes.
|
|
Protonymph
(Ento) |
The second instar of a mite.
|
|
Proto-oncogene
(Trop) |
A gene in a cell that regulates cell growth
and development in an orderly fashion. If a protooncogene mutates, it
can give rise to cancer by causing growth without the normal controls.
The proto-oncogene is then called an oncogene.
|
|
Protoscolex
(Trop) |
The scolex of a larval stage of the hydatid
tapeworm. Morphologically it resembles the adult scolex.
|
|
Protozoa (Epi, Para, Trop) |
A subgroup of the Kingdom Protista, or the
single-celled organisms. The name Protozoa is a carry-over from an old
system of classification and is generally used to describe those
single-celled organisms which show more animal than plant
characteristics. Naturally, such a distinction is meaningless, as
animals and plants belong to completely different kingdoms, but in
general, Protozoa refers to those organisms which do not carry out
photosynthesis.
|
|
Protozoan
(Epi, Para, Trop, Vet) |
A member of the Kingdom Protista. Protozoa
are single-celled organisms (eukaryotes). The single cell performs all
necessary functions of metabolism and reproduction. Some protozoa are
free-living, while others, including malaria parasites, depend on other
organisms for their nutrients and life cycle. Malaria parasites are
members of the phylum Apicomplexa.
|
|
Protura
(Ento) |
Insect order, made up of the proturans. This
is a primitive order whose members are characterized by narrow, wingless
bodies, sucking mouthparts, and no metamorphosis.
|
|
Proventriculus
(Ento) |
Part of the digestive system. In insects it
is an area of the foregut just anterior to the midgut, often modified
for grinding. Also called gizzard. |
|
Provincial emergency operations center
(HS) |
In the province directly affected by the
emergency, a center operated by a provincial emergency management
organisation that coordinates the emergency operations at a provincial
level.
|
|
Provincial information center
(HS) |
In the province directly affected by the
emergency, a center operated by a provincial emergency management
organisation which handles the provision of emergency information to the
media and the public. |
|
Proximal
(Ento, Trop) |
1) The area of the body that is closest to
the heart. 2) Concerning the basal part of an appendage - the part
nearest to the body. |
|
Pruinose
(Ento) |
Covered with a powdery deposit, usually white
or pale blue.
|
|
Pruritus
(Vet) |
Itching.
|
|
Pseudophyllidian
(Para) |
Refers to an order of tapeworms in which the
scolex has a single terminal or two, opposite, lateral organs of
attachment.
|
|
Pseudopodium
(Para) |
A clear projection of the ectoplasm of
protozoa, especially amebae, that is usually associated with movement
and/or food gathering.
|
|
Pseudoscorpions
(Ento) |
Small arachnids, seldom over 5 mm. long,
scorpion-like in general appearance but without sting.
|
|
Pseudovipositor
(Ento) |
The slender tube to which the posterior part
of the abdomen is reduced in the female of certain insects.
|
|
Psittacine
(Vet) |
Birds that belong to the order
Psittaciformes. Common psittacines include budgies, cockatiels, lories,
cockatoos, conures, amazons, African greys, lovebirds, senegals, and
jardines.
|
|
PSM
(OH) |
See Process Safety Management.
|
|
Psocoptera
(Ento) |
Insect order, made up of the barklice and
booklice. They are characterized by flattened bodies, membranous wings
(or wingless), chewing mouthparts, and an incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
PSP
(Trop) |
See paralytic shellfish poisoning.
|
|
Psychiatric
(PrD) |
Pertaining to or within the purview of
psychiatry, the medical specialty concerned with the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness.
|
|
Pterostigma
(Ento) |
A small colored area near the wing-tip of
dragonflies, bees, and various other clear-winged insects: also called
the stigma.
|
|
Pterygoid bones
(Zoo) |
In the skull of lowest vertebrates, four
large, medially situated bones of the palatal complex that is located on
the lower surface of the palatal cartilage.
|
|
Pterygote
(Ento) |
Any member of the sub-class Pterygota, which
includes all winged and some secondarily wingless insects.
|
|
Pthiriasis
(Trop) |
Infestation with the crab (or pubic) louse,
Pthirus pubis.
|
|
Ptilinum
(Ento) |
In Diptera an organ that can be inflated to a
bladder-like structure and thrust out through a frontal suture of the
head at the time of emergence from the puparium.
|
|
Ptosis
(Vet) |
Abnormal drooping, especially of the eyelids,
which is indicative of muscular weakness.
|
|
Pubescent
(Ento) |
Covered with short, downy hairs.
|
|
Public availability session
(PEH) |
An informal, drop-by meeting at which
community members can meet one-on-one with ATSDR staff members to
discuss health and site-related concerns. |
|
Public comment period
(PEH) |
An opportunity for the public to comment on
agency findings or proposed activities contained in draft reports or
documents. The public comment period is a limited time period during
which comments will be accepted. |
|
Public health
(PEH) |
The approach to medicine that is concerned
with the health of the community as a whole. Public health is community
health. It has been said that: "Health care is vital to all of us some
of the time, but public health is vital to all of us all of the time."
|
|
Public health action
(PEH) |
A list of steps to protect public health.
|
|
Public health advisory
(PEH) |
A statement made by ATSDR to EPA or a state
regulatory agency that a release of hazardous substances poses an
immediate threat to human health. The advisory includes recommended
measures to reduce exposure and reduce the threat to human health.
|
|
Public health assessment (PHA)
(PEH) |
An ATSDR document that examines hazardous
substances, health outcomes, and community concerns at a hazardous waste
site to determine whether people could be harmed from coming into
contact with those substances. The PHA also lists actions that need to
be taken to protect public health.
|
|
Public health hazard
(PEH) |
A category used in ATSDR's public health
assessments for sites that pose a public health hazard because of
long-term exposures (greater than 1 year) to sufficiently high levels of
hazardous substances or radionuclides that could result in harmful
health effects.
|
|
Public health hazard categories
(PEH) |
Public health hazard categories are
statements about whether people could be harmed by conditions present at
the site in the past, present, or future. One or more hazard categories
might be appropriate for each site. The five public health hazard
categories are no public health hazard, no apparent public health
hazard, indeterminate public health hazard, public health hazard, and
urgent public health hazard. |
|
Public health statement
(PEH) |
The first chapter of an ATSDR toxicological
profile. The public health statement is a summary written in words that
are easy to understand. The public health statement explains how people
might be exposed to a specific substance and describes the known health
effects of that substance.
|
|
Public health surveillance
(PEH) |
The ongoing, systematic collection, analysis,
and interpretation of health data. This activity also involves timely
dissemination of the data and use for public health programs.
|
|
Public meeting
(PEH) |
A public forum with community members for
communication about a site. |
|
Pulmonary (Vet, Zoo) |
Relating to the lungs.
|
|
Pulmonary arteries (Vet, Zoo) |
The large vessels leading from the heart to
the lungs. |
|
Pulmonary cavitation
(Vet) |
The formation of cavities (holes) in the
lungs as part of a disease. It is most often seen in tuberculosis.
|
|
Pulmonary edema
(Trop, Vet) |
Fluid in the small air sacs of the lungs,
from inefficient pumping by the heart or leakage of fluid from the blood
vessels in the lungs (possibly from envenomation). As it prevents air
exchange in the lungs it causes hypoxia and may lead to death.
|
|
Pulmonary emboli
(Vet) |
Pulmonary embolism. Blood clot that travels
to the blood vessels in the lung and obstructs them.
|
|
Pulvillus
(Ento) |
The little pad beneath each claw on the foot
of a fly.
|
|
Pulvinar sign
(PrD) |
Symmetrically increased signal intensity in the pulvinar
region (posterior part of the thalamus) relative to the signal intensity
in other deep and cortical gray matter areas on an MRI; the presence of
this MRI feature may suggest a vCJD diagnosis in the appropriate
clinical context. |
|
Punctate
(Ento) |
Covered with tiny pits or depressions, like
the elytra of many beetles and the thoraxes of many hymenopterans.
|
|
Pupa
(Ento, Para, Trop) |
The stage between larva and adult in insect
with a complete metamorphosis. It is a non-feeding and usually inactive
stage.
|
|
Pupariation
(Ento) |
Formation of the puparium by larvae of
Diptera.
|
|
Puparium
(Ento) |
A protective case formed by the hardening of
the next to the last larval skin in which the pupa is formed (in the
order Diptera).
|
|
Pupiparous
(Ento) |
Insects which give birth to fully-grown
larvae which pupate almost immediately are said to be pupiparous. The
main examples are various blood-sucking flies.
|
|
Purified Protein Derivative (PPD)
(Trop) |
Reagent used by intradermal administration in
the Mantoux (tuberculin) test for TB.
|
|
Purulent
(Vet) |
Related to the formation, secretion, or
containing of pus.
|
|
Pus
(Vet) |
A yellowish or white, viscous fluid found in
infected tissues. It contains cell and tissue debris and white blood
cells that have been fighting the infection.
|
|
Pustule
(Vet) |
Small elevated area on the skin filled with
pus.
|
|
P-value
(Stat) |
Suppose we have a family of hypothesis tests
of a null hypothesis that let us test the hypothesis at any significance
level p between 0 and 100% we choose. The P value of the
null hypothesis given the data is the smallest significance level p
for which any of the tests would have rejected the null hypothesis. For
example, let X be a test statistic, and for p between 0
and 100%, let xp be the smallest number such that,
under the null hypothesis, P( X <= x ) >= p. Then
for any p between 0 and 100%, the rule reject the null hypothesis
if X < xp tests the null hypothesis at
significance level p. If we observed X = x, the
P-value of the null hypothesis given the data would be the smallest
p such that x < xp.
|
|
Pycnocline
(Eco) |
The zone between waters with different
densities.
|
|
Pyloroduodenal
(Vet) |
An obstruction in the area where the stomach
and small intestine meet. |
|
Pyoderma
(Vet) |
An infection of the skin; usually the result
of a bacterial invasion.
|
|
Pyogenic
(Trop) |
Pus forming.
|
|
Pyometra
(Vet) |
An infection of the uterus.
|
|
Pyramidal signs
(PrD) |
Refer to disorders of the upper motor neuron
pathway going from the motor cortex through the brainstem and down to
the spinal cord. Pyramidal signs would include things such as: upper
motor neuron weakness; hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body);
spastic (limb) paralysis / paresis; hyperreflexia; presence of
Babinski’s sign / “upgoing toes”; spasticity; clonus (alternate muscular
contraction and relaxation in rapid succession).
|
|
Pyrexia
(Trop) |
A fever - a raised body temperature.
|
|
Pyrogenic
(Trop) |
Fever causing.
|
|
Q |
Top |
|
Q Fever (query fever)
(Trop) |
A zoonotic febrile illness caused by the
rickettsial organism, Coxiella burnettii. Is a particular hazard
to abattoir workers but also causes problems to farmers, veterinarians,
and other farm workers. A vaccine (QVAX) is available.
|
|
QALY
(Trop) |
Quality Adjusted Life Years.
|
|
Qinghaosu
(Trop) |
See artemether.
|
|
Quaddies
(Aqua) |
Colloquial name used to describe
Chiropsalmus quadrigatus.
|
|
Quadrate
(Ento) |
Squared, or nearly so.
|
|
Quadrilateral (Ento) |
Cell near the base of a damselfly wing, shape
of this cell is used as a feature to determine damselfly families.
|
|
Qualitative defenses of plants (Eco, Ento) |
Toxins and small-molecular-weight compounds
(such as alkaloids) that are active against the physiological systems of
phytophagous insects. |
|
Qualitative variable
(Stat) |
A qualitative variable is one whose values
are adjectives, such as colors, genders, nationalities, etc.
|
|
Quality assurance (QA)
(Eco) |
An integrated system of management activities
involving planning, implementation, documentation, assessment,
reporting, and quality improvement to ensure that a process, item, or
service is of the type and quality needed and expected by the customer.
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|
Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC)
(PEH) |
A system of procedures, checks, and audits to
judge and control the quality of measurements and reduce the uncertainty
of data. Some quality control procedures include having more than one
person review the findings and analyzing a sample at different times or
laboratories to see if the findings are similar.
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|
Quality assurance project plan
(Eco) |
A document describing in comprehensive detail
the necessary quality assurance, quality control, and other technical
activities that must be implemented to ensure that the results of the
work performed will satisfy the stated performance criteria.
|
|
Quality control (QC)
(Eco) |
The overall system of technical activities
that measures the attributes and performance of a process, item, or
service against defined standards to verify that they meet the stated
requirements established by the customer; operational techniques and
activities that are used to fulfill requirements for quality.
|
|
Quality management
(Eco) |
That aspect of the overall management system
of the organization that determines and implements the quality policy.
Quality management includes strategic planning, allocation of resources,
and other systematic activities pertaining to the quality system.
|
|
Quality management plan
(Eco) |
A document that describes a quality system in
terms of the organizational structure, policy and procedures, functional
responsibilities of management and staff, lines of authority, and
required interfaces for those planning, implementing, documenting, and
assessing all activities conducted.
|
|
Quality system
(Eco) |
A structured and documented management system
describing the policies, objectives, principles, organizational
authority, responsibilities, accountability, and implementation plan of
an organization for ensuring quality in its work processes, products
(items), and services. The quality system provides the framework for
planning, implementing, documenting, and assessing work performed by the
organization and for carrying out required quality assurance and quality
control. |
|
Quantile
(Stat) |
The qth quantile of a list (0 < q <=
1) is the smallest number such that the fraction q or more of the
elements of the list are less than or equal to it. I.e., if the
list contains n numbers, the qth quantile, is the smallest
number Q such that at least n×q elements of the
list are less than or equal to Q.
|
|
Quantitative defenses of plants
(Ento) |
Complex, digestibility-reducing substances
(such as tannins) that reduce the ability of insects to feed on plants.
|
|
Quantitative measures
(Trop) |
Measures using numbers to attempt to measure
what has occurred. |
|
Quantitative variable
(Stat) |
A variable that takes numerical values for
which arithmetic makes sense, for example, counts, temperatures,
weights, amounts of money, etc. For some variables that take
numerical values, arithmetic with those values does not make sense; such
variables are not quantitative. For example, adding and subtracting
social security numbers does not make sense. Quantitative variables
typically have units of measurement, such as inches, people, or pounds. |
|
Quarantine
(Ento) |
Free movement imposed to prevent the spread
of pests.
|
|
Quarantine
(Trop) |
Restriction of the activities of well persons
or animals that have been exposed to a case of communicable disease
during its period of communicability to prevent disease transmission
during the incubation period if infection should occur.
|
|
Quarantine, complete
(Trop) |
The limitation of freedom of movement of such
well persons or domestic animals as have been exposed to a communicable
disease, for a period of time not longer than the longest usual
incubation period of the disease, in such manner as to prevent effective
contact with those not so exposed. |
|
Quarantine, modified
(Trop) |
A selective, partial limitation of freedom of
movement of persons or domestic animals, commonly on the basis of known
or presumed differences in susceptibility but sometimes because of
danger of disease transmission. It may be designed to meet particular
situations. Examples are exclusion of children from school; or exemption
of immune persons from provisions required of susceptible person, such
as contact acting as food handlers; or restriction of military
populations to the post or to quarters.
|
|
Quarantine, personal surveillance
(Trop) |
The practice of close medical or other
supervision of contacts in order to promote prompt recognition of
infection or illness but without restricting their movements.
|
|
Quarantine, segregation
(Trop) |
The separation for special consideration,
control or observation of some part of a group of persons or domestic
animals from the others to facilitate control of a communicable disease.
Removal of susceptible children to homes of immune persons, or
establishment of a sanitary boundary to protect disinfected from
infected portions of a population, are examples.
|
|
Quartiles
(Stat) |
There are three quartiles. The first or lower
quartile (LQ) of a list is a number (not necessarily a number in the
list) such that at least 1/4 of the numbers in the list are no larger
than it, and at least 3/4 of the numbers in the list are no smaller than
it. The second quartile is the median. The third or upper quartile (UQ)
is a number such that at least 3/4 of the entries in the list are no
larger than it, and at least 1/4 of the numbers in the list are no
smaller than it. To find the quartiles, first sort the list into
increasing order. Find the smallest integer that is at least as big as
the number of entries in the list divided by four. Call that integer
k. The kth element of the sorted list is the lower quartile.
Find the smallest integer that is at least as big as the number of
entries in the list divided by two. Call that integer l. The lth
element of the sorted list is the median. Find the smallest integer that
is at least as large as the number of entries in the list times 3/4.
Call that integer m. The mth element of the sorted list is
the upper quartile.
|
|
Queen
(Ento) |
The primary reproductive female in a colony
of social insects (bees, wasps, termites).
|
|
Queen
(Vet) |
A female cat used for breeding.
|
|
Queen cell
(Ento) |
The special cell in which a queen honey bee
develops from egg to the adult stage.
|
|
Queen substance
(Ento) |
A pheromone produced by the queen honeybee
and serving various functions in the hive as well as during mating and
swarming flights.
|
|
Queening
(Vet) |
In cats, the act of giving birth.
|
|
Queensland spotted fever
(Trop) |
A tick-borne spotted fever endemic to
mainland Australia. Caused by Rickettsia australis.
|
|
Questionnaires
(Stat) |
Predetermined sets of questions used to
collect data - clinical data, social status, occupational group, etc.
The term is often applied to a self-completed survey instrument.
|
|
Quiescence
(Epi) |
A period during which an infection is present
but not active within a host: for example the period between an acute
attack of chickenpox (varicella) and a subsequent recrudescence of
shingles (zoster); not the same as latency.
|
|
Quiescent
(Vet) |
Being at rest; quiet; still; inactive or
motionless.
|
|
R |
Top |
|
Rabies
(Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
1) A widespread, viral infection of
warm-blooded animals. Caused by a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family, it
attacks the nervous system and, once symptoms develop, it is 100 percent
fatal in animals. 2) An almost invariably fatal viral infection of the
CNS in mammals. Caused by a rhabdovirus and mostly transmitted by bite.
While there is no effective treatment for the infection, it can be
prevented by the use of a human diploid vaccine if given before the
onset of symptoms. |
|
Race
(Ento) |
A variety of a species; a subspecies.
|
|
Rad
(HS) |
Former unit of measurement of absorbed dose
(q.v.), replaced by the gray (q.v.). The rad is still used in the United
States. 1 rad = 0.01 gray. |
|
Radial
(Eco) |
Body parts in circular arrangement: used to
describe the arrangement of the bodies of invertebrate marine animals
such as the starfish and sea anemone that have parts spreading out from
a single center. |
|
Radial sector
(Ento) |
1) The posterior of the two main branches of
the radius, usually abbreviated to Rs. It usually has several branches
of its own. 2) Posterior of the two main branches of the radius, can
have several branches of its own, abbreviated to Rs.
|
|
Radiation, background
(HS) |
The radiation arising from natural radiation
sources such as terrestrial radiation from radioactive substances in the
soil, and cosmic radiation from space.
|
|
Radiation, ionizing
(HS) |
Radiation that causes ionisation of atoms by
loss of electrons.
|
|
Radical cure
(Trop) |
Treatment intended to achieve cure of P.
vivax or P. malariae malaria. These two species have exoerythrocytic
[outside of red blood cells i.e. in the liver] stages. Requires
primaquine treatment, which destroys latent exoerythrocytic stage
parasites (hypnozoites). Typical case patient: a returned traveller from
Central America who has had a relapse of malaria. |
|
Radical surgery
(Trop) |
An operation to remove a cancer, plus
adjacent tissue and lymph nodes. |
|
Radioactive decay
(HS) |
The breakdown of the atomic nucleus leading
to the emission of particle radiation (alpha or beta), or
electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays), or a combination of these. A
decay process is characterized by a radioactive half-life (q.v.), which
is distinctive for each radioisotope. |
|
Radioactivity
(HS) |
The ability of some elements to transform
themselves by nuclear decay as a result of changes in the atomic
nucleus, by particle radiation (alpha or beta) or electromagnetic
radiation (gamma rays).
|
|
Radioisotope
(HS, PEH) |
An unstable or radioactive isotope (form) of
an element that can change into another element by giving off radiation.
|
|
Radiology
(Vet) |
X-ray.
|
|
Radiomimetic
(HS) |
A chemical substance that affects living
tissue in the same way as radiation does. Aflatoxins and mustards are
radiomimetic in action.
|
|
Radionuclide
(PEH) |
Any radioactive isotope (form) of any
element.
|
|
Radiosensitive
(Trop) |
A cancer that responds to radiotherapy.
|
|
Radiotelemetry
(Vet) |
A method of tracking the movements of a
specific species.
|
|
Radiotherapy
(Trop) |
A treatment which uses atomic particles and
high energy rays to destroy cancerous cells.
|
|
Radio-ulna
(Zoo) |
Derived condition found in Anurans where the
radius and ulna are fused. |
|
Radius
(Ento) |
One of the main longitudinal veins, running
near the front of the wing and usually the 3rd and abbreviated to R. It
gives off a posterior branch - the radial sector - and the smaller
branches of these veins are numbered R1, R2, etc.
|
|
Radula
(Eco) |
A toothed chitinous ribbon in the mouth of
gastropods. They use it to graze and scrape off diatoms and other
microscopic algae off rock surfaces and other substrata.
|
|
Rales
(Vet) |
Unusual sounds heard in the lungs heard upon
close examination.
|
|
RAMS
(HS) |
Radionucleotide Analysis Monitoring System.
|
|
Random allocation
(Stat) |
A process involving chance used in
therapeutic trials or other research endeavor for allocating
experimental subjects, human or animal, between treatment and control
groups, or among treatment groups. It may also apply to experiments on
inanimate objects.
|
|
Random error
(Stat) |
All measurements are subject to error, which
can often be broken down into two components: a bias or systematic
error, which affects all measurements the same way; and a random error,
which is in general different each time a measurement is made, and
behaves like a number drawn with replacement from a box of numbered
tickets whose average is zero.
|
|
Random event
(Stat) |
See random experiment.
|
|
Random experiment
(Stat) |
An experiment or trial whose outcome is not
perfectly predictable, but for which the long-run relative frequency of
outcomes of different types in repeated trials is predictable.
|
|
Random sample
(Stat) |
A random sample is a sample whose members are
chosen at random from a given population in such a way that the chance
of obtaining any particular sample can be computed. The number of units
in the sample is called the sample size, often denoted n. The
number of units in the population often is denoted N. Random
samples can be drawn with or without replacing objects between draws;
that is, drawing all n objects in the sample at once (a random
sample without replacement), or drawing the objects one at a time,
replacing them in the population between draws (a random sample with
replacement). In a random sample with replacement, any given member of
the population can occur in the sample more than once. In a random
sample without replacement, any given member of the population can be in
the sample at most once. A random sample without replacement in which
every subset of n of the N units in the population is
equally likely is also called a simple random sample. The term random
sample with replacement denotes a random sample drawn in such a way that
every n-tuple of units in the population is equally likely.
|
|
Random sampling
(Stat) |
The sampling process whereby each unit in the
population has an equal chance of being selected.
|
|
Random variable
(Stat) |
A random variable is an assignment of numbers
to possible outcomes of a random experiment. For example, consider
tossing three coins. The number of heads showing when the coins land is
a random variable: it assigns the number 0 to the outcome {T, T, T}, the
number 1 to the outcome {T, T, H}, the number 2 to the outcome {T, H,
H}, and the number 3 to the outcome {H, H, H}.
|
|
Randomized controlled experiment
(Stat) |
An experiment in which chance is deliberately
introduced in assigning subjects to the treatment and control groups.
For example, we could write an identifying number for each subject on a
slip of paper, stir up the slips of paper, and draw slips without
replacement until we have drawn half of them. The subjects identified on
the slips drawn could then be assigned to treatment and the rest to
control. Randomizing the assignment tends to decrease confounding of the
treatment effect with other factors, by making the treatment and control
groups roughly comparable in all respects but the treatment. |
|
Randomized controlled trials
(Stat) |
Clinical trials that involve at least one
test treatment and one control treatment, concurrent enrollment and
follow-up of the test- and control-treated groups, and in which the
treatments to be administered are selected by a random process, such as
the use of a random-numbers table. Treatment allocations using coin
flips, odd-even numbers, patient social security numbers, days of the
week, medical record numbers, or other such pseudo- or quasi-random
processes, are not truly randomized and trials employing any of these
techniques for patient assignment are designated simply controlled
clinical trials. |
|
Range
(Eco) |
The geographic area in which a plant or
animal is naturally occurring.
|
|
Range
(Stat) |
The range of a set of numbers is the largest
value in the set minus the smallest value in the set. Note that as a
statistical term, the range is a single number, not a range of numbers.
|
|
Rapidly progressive dementia
(PrD) |
A form of dementia in which the time course from first
symptom to dementia is less than two years and often less than one year.
|
|
Raptor
(Zoo) |
A bird of prey (i.e. osprey, eagle, hawk).
|
|
Raptorial (Ento, Zoo) |
Adapted to seizing and grasping prey, birds
of prey and the preying mantis.
|
|
Rare species
(Ento) |
A species that is extremely uncommon, even in
its favored habitat (generally only seen once or twice in a lifetime).
|
|
Rash
(Vet) |
The appearance of colored patches on the
skin. |
|
Raster
(Ento) |
The large, spiney, terminal abdominal segment
of a scarabaeoid larva (grub).
|
|
Rate
(Epi, Stat) |
The number of events happening divided by the
length of time over which they happen. A rate of change is the amount of
change happening in a interval divided by the length of the interval;
for small intervals the rate of change might be given by a simple rule
(a differential equation). |
|
Rate
(Trop) |
A rate is the frequency with which a health
event occurs in a defined population. The components of the rate are the
numbers of deaths or cases (the numerator), the population at risk
(denominator), and the specified time in which the events occurred. All
rates are ratios, calculated by dividing the numerator by the
denominator. |
|
Ray
(Aqua) |
A jointed rod which supports a fin.
|
|
RCRA
(PEH) |
See Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(1976, 1984)
|
|
Reaction chain
(Ento) |
A continuous series of behavioral acts, each
of which is dependent on completion of the preceding act.
|
|
Reagent grade
(Vet) |
A compound with the purity and quality that
allows it to be used in a laboratory.
|
|
Reaginic antibody
(Trop) |
As used by immunologists, this term refers to
IgE antibodies. As used by microbiologists, it refers to antibodies
produced in syphilis – probably in response to the tissue damage caused
by Treponema pallidum. Production of these antibodies in
patients with syphilis has been utilized in the development of the
non-treponemal serological tests for syphilis such as the VDRL Test, the
RPR Test and the now superseded Wasserman Complement Fixation Test.
These tests are useful in that they are only positive in active syphilis
but they have many biological false positive reactions, including
pregnancy.
|
|
Receptor population
(PEH) |
People who could come into contact with
hazardous substances.
|
|
Recombinant vaccine
(Vet) |
There are certain antigens on viruses and
bacteria which are better at stimulating an antibody response by the
animal than others. The genes for these antigens can be isolated, and
made to produce large quantities of the antigens they code for. A
recombinant vaccine contains these antigens, not the whole organism.
|
|
Recombination
(Vet) |
The process by which genetic information is
exchanged between chromosomes. The exchange is a physical movement of
stretches of nucleic acid and is generally a carefully regulated highly
structured event. In higher plants and animals it only occurs in the
development of reproductive cells.
|
|
Records
(Stat) |
The commitment in writing, as authentic
evidence, of something having legal importance. The concept includes
certificates of birth, death, etc., as well as hospital, medical, and
other institutional records. |
|
Recovery phase
(HS) |
The phase during which activities focus on
restoration of quality of life, social systems, economies, community
infrastructures, and the environment. This phase may last years after
the emergency.
|
|
Recrudescence
(Epi, Trop) |
Reappearance of disease in a host whose
infection has been quiescent. Characteristic of P. malariae infections.
|
|
Recruitment
(Eco) |
The residue of those larvae that have: 1)
dispersed; 2) settled at the adult site; 3) made some final movements
toward the adult habitat; 4) metamorphosed successfully, and 5) survived
to be detected by the observer.
|
|
Rectal pad
(Ento) |
A portion of the rectum containing enlarged
cells, responsible for active water and ion uptake from the contents of
the rectum.
|
|
Rectum
(Ento) |
In insects, the posterior expanded part of
the hindgut, typically pear shaped.
|
|
Recumbency
(Vet) |
Lying down.
|
|
Recurrence
(Trop) |
A repeated attack occuring weeks, months, or
occasionally years, after initial malaria infection, also called a
long-term relapse. Due to re-infection of red blood cells from malaria
parasites that persisted in liver cells.
|
|
Recurved
(Ento) |
To curved or bend back, or backward.
|
|
Red back spider
(Trop) |
Spider found mostly in Australia and is
similar to the Black Widow of America and the Button spider of South
Africa. Belongs to the species Latrodectus hasseltii.
|
|
Red tide (Eco, Trop) |
The appearance of a reddish-brown scum on the
surface of the sea caused by dinoflagellates at certain times of the
year when heat and other climatic conditions allow for vast expansion in
their numbers. Unlike the dinoflagellates that cause PSP, they seems to
cause no medical problem apart from irritation of the eyes
(conjunctivitis), foul-tasting sea water, and leaving a rotting,
unpleasant smell when they dry out on the beach.
|
|
Redia
(Para) |
In the trematode life cycle, the redia is the
larval form (possessing an oral sucker) that develops from the sporocyst
and the redia will give rise to the cercariae in the snail (intermediate
host).
|
|
Reduction division
(Para) |
Meiosis; division of the nuclear material to
give rise to gametes having the haploid number of chromosomes.
|
|
Reduviid bugs
(Trop) |
Blood sucking hemipterans found in Latin
America and which serve as vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi, the
cause of Chagas’ Disease. These insects are also known as ‘cone nose
bugs’, ‘assassin bugs’ or ‘Triatomids’. They belong to the family
Reduviidae and the genera Rhodnius and Triatoma, Panstrongylus
among others.
|
|
Reef (or Coral Reef)
(Aqua) |
A massive, wave-resistant structure, built
largely by coral, and consisting of skeletal and chemically precipitated
materials.
|
|
Reef back
(Aqua) |
The leeward or protected side of a reef.
|
|
Reef front
(Aqua) |
The windward or exposed side of a reef.
|
|
Reef spawn
(Aqua, Trop) |
Colloquial term for red tide. Contrary to the
popular belief this has nothing to do with the spawning of the reef seen
at set times of the year. |
|
Reference dose (RfD)
(PEH) |
An EPA estimate, with uncertainty or safety
factors built in, of the daily lifetime dose of a substance that is
unlikely to cause harm in humans. |
|
Reflex ovulator
(Vet) |
Only ovulating after being bred. Cats are
reflex ovulators, dogs are not. |
|
Reflexive bleeding
(Ento) |
The ability of some insects to eject or cause
defensive fluids to seep through certain weak spots in the
intersegmental membranes.
|
|
Refractory
(Trop) |
Resistant to ordinary treatment or infection.
|
|
Refractory malaria
(Trop) |
Malaria that is not responsive to residual
treatment. The cause of the lack of response to residual treatment is
usually defined to be factors other than physiological insecticide
resistance. Examples of causes of refractory malaria are vector exophily
and zoophily with failure to enter houses. An example of refractory
malaria occurred in the Jordan Valley during the early 1950s. Anopheles
sergenti and Anopheles superpictus were evading residual treatment of
dwellings by resting in caves and natural fissures in earth.
|
|
Registries
(Stat) |
The systems and processes involved in the
establishment, support, management, and operation of registers.
|
|
Registry
(PEH) |
A systematic collection of information on
persons exposed to a specific substance or having specific diseases.
|
|
Registry number
(HS) |
The number given to a chemical compound when
it is entered into the Chemical Abstracts Service Registry database. The
number connects a distinct chemical structure to its chemical name and
to trade and trivial names and simplifies the recovery of information
from many chemical databases. Registry numbers are used worlwide by
regulatory organizations.
|
|
Registry of inactive hazardous waste disposal sites
(PEH) |
When DEC finds that a site may contain
hazardous waste, the site is listed in the registry and a preliminary
site assessment is planned. The status of the site is updated in the
registry as investigations and remediation occur.
|
|
Regression analysis
(Stat) |
Procedures for finding the mathematical
function which best describes the relationship between a dependent
variable and one or more independent variables. In linear regression the
relationship is constrained to be a straight line and least-squares
analysis is used to determine the best fit. In logistic regression the
dependent variable is qualitative rather than continuously variable and
likelihood functions are used to find the best relationship. In multiple
regression the dependent variable is considered to depend on more than a
single independent variable. |
|
Regression fallacy
(Stat) |
The regression fallacy is to attribute the
regression effect to an external cause.
|
|
Regression toward the mean, regression effect
(Stat) |
Suppose one measures two variables for each
member of a group of individuals, and that the correlation coefficient
of the variables is positive (negative). If the value of the first
variable for that individual is above average, the value of the second
variable for that individual is likely to be above (below) average, but
by fewer standard deviations than the first variable is. That is, the
second observation is likely to be closer to the mean in standard units.
For example, suppose one measures the heights of fathers and sons. Each
individual is a (father, son) pair; the two variables measured are the
height of the father and the height of the son. These two variables will
tend to have a positive correlation coefficient: fathers who are taller
than average tend to have sons who are taller than average. Consider a
(father, son) pair chosen at random from this group. Suppose the
father's height is 3SD above the average of all the fathers' heights.
(The SD is the standard deviation of the fathers' heights.) Then the
son's height is also likely to be above the average of the sons'
heights, but by fewer than 3SD (here the SD is the standard deviation of
the sons' heights).
|
|
Regression, linear regression
(Stat) |
Linear regression fits a line to a
scatterplot in such a way as to minimize the sum of the squares of the
residuals. The resulting regression line, together with the standard
deviations of the two variables or their correlation coefficient, can be
a reasonable summary of a scatterplot if the scatterplot is roughly
football-shaped. In other cases, it is a poor summary. If we are
regressing the variable Y on the variable X, and if Y is plotted on the
vertical axis and X is plotted on the horizontal axis, the regression
line passes through the point of averages, and has slope equal to the
correlation coefficient times the SD of Y divided by the SD of X. |
|
Regulation
(Vet) |
Using insulin to maintain the blood glucose
level of an animal within the acceptable range.
|
|
Regulatory control
(Eco, Ento) |
The use of enforceable regulations to prevent
the spread of a pest or to suppress or eradicate it.
|
|
Regurgitation
(Vet) |
Expelling food from the esophagus.
|
|
Relapse
(Trop) |
Recurrence of malarial parasitemia with fresh
infection of RBC's by merozoites derived from hypnozoites in the liver.
The reappearance of a disease after a period when the symptoms lessened
or ceased. A renewed manifestation of clinical symptoms and/or
parasitemia associated with malaria infection, separated from the
previous manifestation by an interval greater than the one reflecting
the normal periodicity of paroxysms.
|
|
Relapsing malaria
(Trop) |
Renewed manifestation of malaria infection
that is separated from previous manifestations of the same infection by
an interval greater than any interval resulting from the normal
periodicity of the paroxysms. |
|
Relative risk (RR)
(Epi, Stat) |
The proportion of diseased people amongst
those exposed to the relevant risk factor divided by the proportion of
diseased people amongst those not exposed to the risk factor. This
should be used in those cohort studies where those with and without
disease are followed to observe which individuals become diseased.
|
|
Relative risk assessment
(Stat) |
An evaluation of the risk of disease in a
patient who possesses a certain characteristic relative to one who does
not possess that characteristic. Relative risk can be assessed as a
property of a clinical test. |
|
Relative risk reduction (RRR)
(Stat) |
The proportional reduction in outcome rates
between control and experimental patients in a trial.
|
|
Release
(HS) |
The controlled or accidental discharge of
radioactive substances into the atmosphere or water, which may occur
during the operation of nuclear facilities. Also called emission.
|
|
Releaser (Ento, Zoo) |
An environmental or communicative stimulus
that triggers a fixed action. |
|
Releaser pheromone
(Ento, Zoo) |
A pheromone that acts via the central nervous
system to produce a quick behavioral response.
|
|
Releasing mechanism (Ento, Zoo) |
An innate capacity to respond in a particular
way to a specific stimulus. |
|
Relocation
(HS) |
A non-urgent removal or continued expulsion
of people from contaminated areas to avoid chronic radiation exposure.
|
|
Rem
(HS) |
A former unit of measurement of equivalent
dose, replaced by the sievert. The rem is still used in the United
States. 1 rem = 0.01 sievert. |
|
Remedial investigation (RI)
(PEH) |
An in-depth study (including sampling of air,
soil, water and waste) of a contaminated site needing remediation to
determine the nature and extent of contamination. The remedial
investigation (RI) is usually combined with a feasibility study (FS).
|
|
Remediation
(PEH) |
Correction or improvement of a problem, such
as work that is done to clean up or stop the release of chemicals from a
contaminated site. After investigation of a site, remedial work may
include removing soil and/or drums, capping the site or collecting and
treating the contaminated fluids. |
|
Remission
(Trop) |
The period when the symptoms or signs of a
disease have ceased.
|
|
Renal (Vet, Zoo) |
Pertaining to the kidneys.
|
|
Renal failure (acute) (Trop, Vet) |
Inefficient functioning of the kidney,
leading to death unless acute medical attention is available.
Envenomation (especially snake bite) is a common cause, as well as a
range of medical conditions, including infection.
|
|
Renal insufficiency
(Vet) |
The decreased ability of the kidneys to rid
the body of wastes.
|
|
Renewal policy
(OH) |
Issued as a renewal of a policy expiring in
the same company.
|
|
Repeated measures analysis of variance
(Stat) |
An ANOVA that analyzes two or more related
measurements of the same variable.
|
|
Repellent (Ento, Trop) |
A chemical applied to the skin or clothing or
other places to discourage 1) arthropods from alighting on and attacking
an individual, or 2) other agents, such as helminthes larvae, from
penetrating the skin. |
|
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
(OH) |
See Musculoskeletal Disorder. |
|
Report of a disease
(Trop) |
An official report notifying an appropriate
authority of the occurrence of a specified communicable or other disease
in humans or in animals. Diseases in humans are reported to the local
health authority; those in animals, to the livestock, sanitary,
veterinary or agriculture authority. Some few diseases in animals, also
transmissible to humans, are reportable to both authorities. Each health
jurisdiction declares a list of reportable diseases appropriate to its
particular needs. Reports should also list suspected cases of diseases
of particular public health importance, ordinarily those requiring
epidemiologic investigation or initiation of special control measures.
When a person is infected in one health jurisdiction and the case is
reported from another, the health authority receiving the report should
notify the jurisdiction where infection presumably occurred, especially
when the disease requires examination of contacts for infection, or if
food, water or other common vehicles of infection may be involved. In
addition to routine report of cases of specified diseases, special
notification is required of all epidemics or outbreaks of disease,
including diseases not listed as reportable. Special reporting
requirements specified in International Health Regulations are presented
in Communicable Disease Reporting.
|
|
Reporting
(HS) |
Term referring to the act of informing a
specific authority of a given event or situation in accordance with
specific regulatory requirements or equivalent criteria.
|
|
Representative sample
(Stat) |
A sample that gives an indication of the
composition of the whole population.
|
|
Reproducibility of results
(Stat) |
The statistical reproducibility of
measurements (often in a clinical context), including the testing of
instrumentation or techniques to obtain reproducible results. The
concept includes reproducibility of physiological measurements, which
may be used to develop rules to assess probability or prognosis, or
response to a stimulus; reproducibility of occurrence of a condition;
and reproducibility of experimental results. |
|
Reproduction rate (Epi, Stat, Trop) |
Reproduction rates > 1.0 indicate an
expansion of infections in a population while those < 1.0 indicate a
decline in infections in the population. The goal of malaria control is
to decrease the reproduction rate. This can be accomplished by altering
mosquito numbers, longevity of female anophelines, biting habits, and
recovery rate of gametocytemic person. Reduction of mosquito numbers
through larval control is less effective by itself than causing mosquito
mortality through adult control. The reason is that not only does adult
control cause a reduction in mosquito numbers, but it also causes
reduction in longevity of female anophelines [larval control doesn't do
that]. The fewer gonotrophic cycles that a female mosquito has, the less
likely that it is to transmit sporozoites.
|
|
Reproductive history
(Stat) |
An important aggregate factor in
epidemiological studies of women's health. The concept usually includes
the number and timing of pregnancies and their outcomes, the incidence
of breast feeding, and may include age of menarche and menopause,
regularity of menstruation, fertility, gynecological or obstetric
problems, or contraceptive usage.
|
|
Reproductive potential
(Zoo) |
The number of offspring a female of a given
age can be expected to produce.
|
|
Reproductive ratio
(Epi) |
(1) Basic reproductive ratio, Ro, a
dimensionless parameter which encapsulates the biological details of
different transmission mechanisms. For microparasites, Ro, is
defined as the average number of secondary cases of infection to which
one primary case gives rise throughout its infectious period if
introduced into a defined population consisting solely of susceptible
individuals. For macroparasites, Ro, is the average number of
female offspring (or just offspring in the case of hermaphroditic
species) produced throughout the lifetime of a mature female parasite,
which themselves achieve reproductive maturity in the absence of
density-dependent constraints on the parasite establishment, survival or
reproduction. Also known as the basic reproduction rate, number. (2)
Effective reproductive ratio, R, The number of secondary cases
(microparasites) or female offspring (macroparasites) produced in a host
population not consisting entirely of susceptible individuals
(microparasites) or within which density dependent constraints limit
parasite population growth (macroparasites). Under conditions of stable
endemic infection, R=1.
|
|
Reproductives
(Ento) |
1) The male and female members of a social
insect colony, that are capable of reproducing. Males are referred to as
drones (bees and wasps) or kings (termites). Females are referred to as
queens. 2) In termites the caste of kings and queens in other social
insects only the queens. |
|
Resection
(Trop, Vet) |
The surgical removal of tissue.
|
|
Reservior host (Para, Trop) |
One in which the parasites lives and is
available for transmission to another host. In parasitology, the term
usually refers to a host which harbors a stage of the parasite that is
found in the typical host. |
|
Reservoir
(Vet) |
A population of organisms that can carry a
disease that infects another species without affecting the species
carrying it.
|
|
Reservoir of infectious agents (Para, Trop) |
Any person, animal, arthropod, plant, soil or
substance (or combination of these) in which an infectious agent
normally lives and multiplies, on which it depends primarily for
survival, and where it reproduces itself in such manner that it can be
transmitted to a susceptible host. |
|
Resettlement (HS) |
A long-term protective action in which people
are kept out of a contaminated area permanently. Also called permanent
relocation.
|
|
Residence characteristics
(Stat) |
Elements of residence that characterize a
population. They are applicable in determining need for and utilization
of health services.
|
|
Resident (Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Species which are permanent living members of
a particular area.
|
|
Residential mobility
(Stat) |
Frequent change of residence, either in the
same city or town, or between cities, states or communities.
|
|
Residual
(Stat) |
The difference between a datum and the value
predicted for it by a model. In linear regression of a variable plotted
on the vertical axis onto a variable plotted on the horizontal axis, a
residual is the "vertical" distance from a datum to the line. Residuals
can be positive (if the datum is above the line) or negative (if the
datum is below the line). Plots of residuals can reveal computational
errors in linear regression, as well as conditions under which linear
regression is inappropriate, such as nonlinearity and
heteroscedasticity. If linear regression is performed properly, the sum
of the residuals from the regression line must be zero; otherwise, there
is a computational error somewhere. |
|
Residual herbicide
(Eco) |
Herbicide showing persistent effect when
applied to soil.
|
|
Residual insecticide
(Ento) |
An insecticide with properties that make it
suitable for application to surfaces which will later be visited by
insects. It remains effective after application.
|
|
Residual plot
(Stat) |
A residual plot for a regression is a plot of
the residuals from the regression against the explanatory variable.
|
|
Residual treatment
(Trop) |
Treatment of houses, animal sheds, and other
buildings where people or animals spend nighttime hours with insecticide
that has residual efficacy. The goal of residual treatment is to block
transmission by stopping human-vector contact.
|
|
Residue
(Eco) |
Trace of a pesticide and its metabolites
remaining on or in crop tissues or in the environment (soil, water,
etc.) after a certain time.
|
|
Residue tolerance
(Eco) |
The amount of chemical pesticide residue
which may legally remain in or on a food crop.
|
|
Resilin
(Ento) |
A rubberlike, proteinaceous constituent of
the insect procuticle.
|
|
Resistance
(Eco) |
With respect to plants: All properties
enabling them to fight and overcome, partially or completely, the
pathogenic effects of a disease or pest attack. This also includes
'tolerance', the ability of a plant to grow and develop in spite of pest
or disease attack. With respect to pests and diseases: The ability of a
pest population or disease to survive the poisonous effect of a
pesticide.
|
|
Resistance
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
1) The sum total of body mechanisms that
interpose barriers to the invasion or multiplication of infectious
agents, or to damage by their toxic products. Inherent resistance – an
ability to resist disease independent of immunity or of specifically
developed tissue responses; it commonly resides in anatomic or
physiologic characteristics of the host and may be genetic or acquired,
permanent or temporary. 2) An inherited ability of a pathogen or
vector to survive treatment with a chemical designed to kill it. The
ability of a parasite to live in the presence of a drug, which would
normally kill members of the same species. See Immunity. |
|
Resistant
(Stat) |
A statistic is said to be resistant if
corrupting a datum cannot change the statistic much. The mean is not
resistant; the median is.
|
|
Resorption
(Vet, Zoo) |
In pregnancy, a condition in which the fetus
dies, and instead of being aborted, the fetal tissue dissolves within
the uterus and is absorbed by the mother. The mother will show no
outward signs of a fetal resorption. |
|
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1976, 1984) (RCRA)
(PEH) |
This Act regulates management and disposal of
hazardous wastes currently generated, treated, stored, disposed of, or
distributed.
|
|
Respiratory
(Vet) |
Relating to breathing or the lungs.
|
|
Respiratory arrest (Trop, Vet) |
Cessation of breathing, often caused by
envenomation (or poisoning). |
|
Respiratory depression
(Vet) |
Decrease in the rate or depth of respiration.
|
|
Respiratory tract
(Vet) |
The body structures and pathways through
which air passes in the body beginning with the mouth and nose and
ending in the lungs.
|
|
RESPO21
(HS) |
21st Century Respiratory Protection System.
|
|
Response phase
(HS) |
The phase during an emergency in which
activities focus on saving lives, on treating the injured, contaminated,
and overexposed persons, and on preventing and minimising further health
effects and other forms of impacts. This phase may last from a few hours
to several weeks after the commencement of the emergency and would be
followed by a recovery phase, as necessary.
|
|
Resting habits
(Trop) |
The habits determining the places and times
of day or night that mosquitoes rest.
|
|
Resting potential
(Ento) |
The slight charge that can be measured in an
unstimulated nerve cell. |
|
Restricted-use pesticide
(Ento) |
Pesticide of which the use is restricted by
an appropriate governmental authority. It can be applied only by
certified operators, because of high toxicity or potential hazard to the
environment.
|
|
Resurgence
(Ento) |
The rapid reappearance of a pest population
in injurious numbers; usually brought about after the application of a
broad-spectrum pesticide has killed the natural enemies which normally
keep a pest in check. |
|
Reticulate
(Zoo) |
Usually used in herpetology with reference to
a color pattern, which has linear markings resembling the meshes of a
net.
|
|
Retina
(Vet) |
The rear interior surface of the eyeball is
called the retina. The retina contains nerve cells referred to as rods
and cones. The rods are sensitive to light and the cones to color. The
retina receives the light and color and converts them into nerve
impulses which go to the brain. |
|
Retinitis
(Vet) |
An inflammation of the retina, the dark
tissue on the inside of the eye responsible for detecting light.
|
|
Retinula cell
(Ento) |
A monopolar sensory neuron within an
ommatidium of the compound eye.
|
|
Retracted flagellum
(Para) |
A flagellum that at some stage in the life
cycle of an organism extends beyond to body membrane but rests within
the confines of the body of the organism in the cyst stage or in a
resting stage.
|
|
Retriever
(Zoo) |
A dog, usually large, that retrieves game: a
large strong-bodied dog originally bred to retrieve game for a hunter.
|
|
Retroorbital
(Vet) |
Behind the eyes. The orbits or orbital
cavities are the bone structures within which the eyes and their muscles
are lodged.
|
|
Retrospective study
(Epi) |
A study in which people are enrolled and then
have their history of risks, infections or disease measured.
|
|
RFA
(PEH) |
RCRA Facility Assessment. An assessment
required by RCRA to identify potential and actual releases of hazardous
chemicals.
|
|
RfD
(PEH) |
Abbreviation for reference dose.
|
|
Rhabditiform
(Trop) |
A muscular structure of three parts proximal
bulb, narrow isthmus and distal body or corpus as in free-living
rhabditoids, parasitic oxyuroids, and free-living and non-infective
stages of Strongyloides spp. |
|
Rhabditoid juvenile
(Para) |
The first, feeding stage of a juvenile
nematode that emerges from the egg in which the esophagus is functional,
is usually muscular, and has an enlarged, bulbous posterior end.
|
|
Rhabdom
(Ento) |
The central, rodlike element in an
omtnatidium, consisting of several rhabdometes, one from each retinula
cell.
|
|
Rhinorrhea
(Vet) |
A runny nose. The excessive discharge of
mucus from the nose.
|
|
Rhizome
(Eco) |
The underground portion of a plant's stem.
Usually a thick underground horizontal stem that produces roots and has
shoots that develop into new plants.
|
|
Rhizoplast (axoneme)
(Para) |
In flagellates fibril arising from a
blepharoplast and running through the cytoplasm.
|
|
Rhizostome
(Aqua, Zoo) |
A member in the Order of jellyfish having 8
modified mouth arms armed with nematocysts, rather than the usual
tentacles. Each mouth arm has numerous small mouth openings rather than
the usual single manubrium. |
|
Rhopalium (pl. rhopalia)
(Aqua, Zoo) |
The specialized structures present in the
sensory niches between the four pedalia of cubozoan (box) jellyfish. It
houses the ocellus (eye) and statocyst (balance organ). Rhopalia are
also present, although less obvious, in scyphozoan jellyfish.
|
|
Ribonucleic acid, RNA
(Vet) |
A form of nucleic acid that is used in most
organisms to carry genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome. It
also performs important functions in protein synthesis. RNA has a
slightly different chemical structure that makes it less stable than
DNA. Some viruses use RNA as their genetic material.
|
|
Ribosomal RNA, rRNA
(Vet) |
The RNA component of the ribosome. Originally
it was thought simply to be important in defining the structure of the
ribosome, but it is now known to play a central role in catalyzing the
formation of proteins. |
|
Ribosome
(Vet) |
The structure within a cell within which
proteins are formed from information carried by RNA. The ribosome is
made up of a number of proteins and a type of RNA known as ribosomal RNA
(rRNA).
|
|
Rickettsia
(Trop) |
Microbial agent(s) appearing like small
bacteria and multiplying by simple fission, but only within a living
host cell.
|
|
Rigor
(Vet) |
Either a stiffness that prevents response to
a stimulus, or the shivering or trembling that occurs when suffering
from a chill.
|
|
Riker mount
(Ento) |
A thin, glass-topped, cotton-filled
exhibition case used to display insects and other arthropods.
|
|
Rimrock
(Eco) |
1) A ledge of cliff overlooking lower ground
and formed by the outcropping of a horizontal layer of resistant rock on
an elevated area. 2) A cliff or vertical face of an outcrop or rock in
the canyon wall. |
|
RIMS
(OH) |
See Risk and Insurance Management Society.
|
|
Ringworm
(Para, Trop, Vet) |
A commonly mistaken term. Ringworm is the
common name given to skin infections by certain fungi. The correct term
is Tinea. The condition is not caused by a worm at all, and the name
dates from a time where all ailments were blamed on worms of some
description.
|
|
Riparian
(Eco) |
A general classification of habitat along
streams, ponds and lakes or any water courses.
|
|
Riparian area
(Eco) |
Riparian refers to the area of land adjacent
to a body of water, stream, river, marsh, or shoreline. Riparian areas
form the transition between the aquatic and the terrestrial environment.
|
|
Riparian forest buffers
(Eco) |
An area of trees, usually accompanied by
shrubs and other vegetation, that is adjacent to a body of water which
is managed to maintain the integrity of stream channels and shorelines,
to reduce the impact of upland sources of pollution by trapping,
filtering, and converting sediments, nutrients, and other chemicals, and
to supply food, cover, and thermal protection to fish and other
wildlife.
|
|
Risk
(OH) |
A measure of the severity if a hazard
should manifest.
|
|
Risk
(PEH, Trop) |
1) Risk is the possibility of injury,
disease or death. For example, for a person who has measles, the risk of
death is one in one million. 2) The probability of harmful consequences
arising from a hazard.
|
|
Risk (Stat) |
The probability that an event will occur. It
encompasses a variety of measures of the probability of a generally
unfavorable outcome.
|
|
Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS)
(OH) |
A national organization that provides
ongoing education, training and information to those in the risk
management field.
|
|
Risk assessment (PEH, Stat, Trop) |
A process which estimates the likelihood that
exposed people may have health effects. The four steps of a risk
assessment are: hazard identification (Can this substance damage
health?); dose-response assessment (What dose causes what effect?);
exposure assessment (How and how much do people contact it?); and risk
characterization (combining the other three steps to characterize risk
and describe the limitations and uncertainties).
|
|
Risk communication
(PEH) |
The exchange of information to increase
understanding of health risks. |
|
Risk factors
(PEH, Stat, Trop) |
An aspect of personal behavior or lifestyle,
environmental exposure, or inborn or inherited characteristic, which, on
the basis of epidemiologic evidence, is known to be associated with a
health-related condition considered important to prevent.
|
|
Risk management
(PEH) |
The process of deciding how and to what
extent to reduce or eliminate risk factors by considering the risk
assessment, engineering factors (Can procedures or equipment do the job,
for how long and how well?), social, economic and political concerns.
|
|
Risk reduction
(PEH) |
Actions that can decrease the likelihood that
individuals, groups, or communities will experience disease or other
health conditions.
|
|
Riverine
(Eco) |
Of a river or relating to or produced by a
river.
|
|
RMS error of regression
(Stat) |
The rms error of regression is the rms of the
vertical residuals from the regression line. For regressing Y on X, the
rms error of regression is equal to (1 - r2)½×SDY,
where r is the correlation coefficient between X and Y and SDY
is the standard deviation of the values of Y.
|
|
RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
(Vet) |
A type of nucleic acid that carries the
message coded in DNA (the genes) to the manufacturing system of the
cell.
|
|
Rocky mountain spotted fever
(Vet) |
An acute, infectious, and sometimes fatal
tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii; characterized by
fever, bone and muscle pain, headache, and rash. The disease occurs only
in North and South America. |
|
Rod
(Zoo) |
A rod-shaped cell in the retina that is
sensitive to dim light.
|
|
Rodenticide
(Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
A chemical substance used for the destruction
of rodents, generally through ingestion. See fumigation.
|
|
Roe
(Zoo) |
Fish eggs, especially while still massed in
the ovarian membrane; called caviar.
|
|
Roguing
(Ento) |
To remove diseased or abnormal specimens from
a group of plants of the same variety. To remove deviant plants.
|
|
Romana’s sign
(Trop) |
Edema of the eyelid in early Chagas’ Disease
due to the infected feces of the vector assassin bug causing swelling of
the mucosa of the eye. |
|
Roost
(Zoo) |
1) A perch upon which birds or fowls rest at
night. 2) A large cage, house, or place for fowls or birds to roost in.
|
|
Root-knot
(Ento) |
Galls and swellings produced on roots as a
result of nematode attack. |
|
Root-mean-square (RMS)
(Stat) |
The RMS of a list is the square-root of the
mean of the squares of the elements in the list. It is a measure of the
average "size" of the elements of the list. To compute the RMS of a
list, you square all the entries, average the numbers you get, and take
the square-root of that average. |
|
Root-mean-square error (RMSE)
(Stat) |
The RMSE of an estimator of a parameter is
the square-root of the mean squared error (MSE) of the estimator. In
symbols, if X is an estimator of the parameter t, then RMSE(X) =
( E( (X-t)2 ) )½. The RMSE of an estimator
is a measure of the expected error of the estimator. The units of RMSE
are the same as the units of the estimator. See also mean squared error.
|
|
Rootworm
(Ento) |
A common name for the larva of certain leaf
beetles.
|
|
Ross river fever
(Trop) |
See epidemic polyarthritis, ross river virus.
|
|
Ross river virus
(Trop) |
A mosquito-borne arbovirus causing epidemic
polyarthritis in Australia and certain islands of the Western Pacific to
which it has spread.
|
|
Rostellum
(Para, Trop) |
The protuberant anterior part of the scolex
of certain tapeworms. May be unarmed or armed with rows of hooklets.
|
|
Rostral
(Zoo) |
Relating to the rostrum - the nose and area
surrounding the nostrils and front of the top lip.
|
|
Rostrum
(Ento) |
A beak or snout, applied especially to the
piercing mouth-parts of bugs and the elongated snouts of weevils.
|
|
Rotation
(Ento) |
The practice of growing different crops on
the same land in a regular, recurring sequence.
|
|
Round dance (Ento) |
A form of recruitment in the honeybee, used
when a food source close to the hive is communicated to other bees.
|
|
Roundworm (Ento) |
Nematode. A type of parasitic worm that
hatches in the intestines and lives there. The eggs of the roundworm
usually enter the body through contaminated water or food or on fingers
placed in the mouth after the hands have touched a contaminated object.
|
|
Route of exposure
(PEH) |
The way in which a person may contact a
chemical substance. For example, drinking (ingestion) and bathing (skin
contact) are two different routes of exposure to contaminants that may
be found in water. |
|
Royal jelly
(Ento) |
A nutritive substance produced by glands in
the heads of worker honey bees and fed to the larvae. Larvae fed this
diet throughout development produce queens.
|
|
RSCAAL
(HS) |
Remote Sensing Chemical Agent Alarm.
|
|
RSDL
(HS) |
Reactive Skin Decontaminating Lotion.
|
|
RSI
(OH) |
Repetitive strain injury. See
Musculoskeletal disorder.
|
|
r-strategist
(Ento) |
A species characterized by having rapid
development, high motility, and a high reproductive rate relative to a
K-strategist.
|
|
RTECS number
(HS) |
RTECS stands for Registry of Toxic Effects of
Chemical Substances which is a database maintained by the US Government
under authority of the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). The RTECS
number is assigned to a substance when it is added to the database and
can be used to recover information from the database.
|
|
RTSP
(HS) |
Reactive Topical Skin Protectant.
|
|
Rubella
(Trop) |
An acute viral infection that causes a mild
illness in children and slightly more severe illness in adults. The
disease is spread person-to-person through airborne particles and takes
two to three weeks to incubate. Also called German measles.
|
|
Rudimentary
(Ento) |
Poorly or imperfectly developed.
|
|
Rufous
(Zoo) |
Reddish-brown.
|
|
Rugose
(Ento) |
Wrinkled. Usually referring to the surface
sculpture of an insect's body. |
|
Rule out
(Stat) |
A term much used in medicine, meaning to
eliminate or exclude something from consideration. The ACB (albumin
cobalt binding) test helps rule out a heart attack in the differential
diagnosis of severe chest pain.
|
|
Ruminant
(Zoo) |
Mammals that have 4 stomachs and chew their
cud are ruminants. They are herbivores and the plant material they eat
is difficult to digest. In ruminants the 4 digestive chambers
accommodate a large number of bacteria which help digest the plant
material. Members of the deer family and mountain sheep and goats are
all ruminants.
|
|
Rumination
(Zoo) |
The process of digestion of ruminants,
whereby the animal swallows food quickly, and then regurgitates and
chews it more thoroughly at a later time until digestion is completed.
|
|
Rut
(Zoo) |
Is a general term that refers to the breeding
period of mammals, especially the deer, elk and moose. During the rut,
males exhibit specific behaviors to establish harems or to attract
females to mate with. |
|
S |
Top |
|
SACPS
(HS) |
Selected Area Collective Protection System.
|
|
Safe
(PEH) |
Strictly, free from harm or risk. Exposure to
a chemical usually has some risk associated with it, although the risk
may be very small. However, many people use the word safe to mean
something that has a very low risk or one that is acceptable to them.
|
|
Safety communication
(OH) |
The collective means by which safety
information is disseminated to employees, including the classroom,
departmental safety meetings and written communications such as posters,
newsletters and postings of regulatory agency inspection findings.
|
|
Safety coordinators
(OH) |
Individuals within departments or colleges
who assist in implementing the workplace safety program in their
respective areas. |
|
Safety factor
(PEH) |
See uncertainty factor.
|
|
SALAD
(HS) |
Shipboard Automatic Liquid Agent Detector.
|
|
Salientia
(Zoo) |
Extant and extinct frogs.
|
|
Salinity regime
(Eco) |
A portion of an estuary distinguished by the
amount of tidal influence and salinity of the water. The major salinity
regimes are, from least saline to most saline.
|
|
Salivary glands (Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
Glands that open into the mouth and secrete a
fluid with digestive, irritant, or anticoagulatory properties.
|
|
Salmonella infections (Trop, Vet) |
Diarrheal infections caused by the bacteria
Salmonella. There are many kinds of Salmonella bacteria that cause
diarrheal illnesses in humans. |
|
Salpingitis
(Trop, Vet) |
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
|
|
Salt marsh
(Eco) |
A coastal habitat consisting of
salt-resistant plants residing in an organic-rich sediment accreting
toward sea level.
|
|
Saltatorial
(Ento, Zoo) |
Refers to a form of locomotion in which the
animal hops as it moves along. This is found in jackrabbits, the western
jumping mouse, and even mule deer appear to utilize a form of
saltatorial locomotion where all four feet are off the ground at the
same time and they run in a springy fashion.
|
|
Saltatory locomotion
(Zoo) |
Leaping movement characteristic of Anurans.
|
|
Salts
(Vet) |
Chemical compounds derived from acids by
replacing some or all of the hydrogen atoms in the acid by metal atoms.
For example, common salt (sodium chloride) is hydrochloric acid with the
hydrogen atom replaced with sodium. The body needs a number of metal
ions, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that are usually
supplied as salts (typically chlorides or phosphates).
|
|
Sample
(PEH, Stat) |
A sample is a collection of units from a
population. See also random sample.
|
|
Sample mean
(Stat) |
The arithmetic mean of a random sample from a
population. It is a statistic commonly used to estimate the population
mean. Suppose there are n data, {x1, x2,
. . . , xn}. The sample mean is (x1
+ x2 + . . . + xn)/n. The
expected value of the sample mean is the population mean. For sampling
with replacement, the SE of the sample mean is the population standard
deviation, divided by the square-root of the sample size. For sampling
without replacement, the SE of the sample mean is the finite-population
correction ((N-n)/(N-1))½ times the SE of the
sample mean for sampling with replacement, with N the size of the
population and n the size of the sample.
|
|
Sample percentage
(Stat) |
The percentage of a random sample with a
certain property, such as the percentage of voters registered as
Democrats in a simple random sample of voters. The sample mean is a
statistic commonly used to estimate the population percentage. The
expected value of the sample percentage from a simple random sample or a
random sample with replacement is the population percentage. The SE of
the sample percentage for sampling with replacement is (p(1-p)/n
)½, where p is the population percentage and n
is the sample size. The SE of the sample percentage for sampling without
replacement is the finite-population correction ((N-n)/(N-1))½
times the SE of the sample percentage for sampling with replacement,
with N the size of the population and n the size of the
sample. The SE of the sample percentage is often estimated by the
bootstrap.
|
|
Sample size
(PEH, Stat) |
The number of units (persons, animals,
patients, specified circumstances, etc.) in a population to be studied.
The sample size should be big enough to have a high likelihood of
detecting a true difference between two groups.
|
|
Sample standard deviation, S
(Stat) |
The sample standard deviation S is an
estimator of the standard deviation of a population based on a random
sample from the population. The sample standard deviation is a statistic
that measures how "spread out" the sample is around the sample mean. It
is quite similar to the standard deviation of the sample, but instead of
averaging the squared deviations (to get the rms of the deviations of
the data from the sample mean) it divides the sum of the squared
deviations by (number of data - 1) before taking the square-root.
Suppose there are n data, {x1, x2,
. . . , xn}, with mean M = (x1
+ x2 + . . . + xn)/n. Then
s = ( ((x1 - M)2 + (x2
- M)2 + . . . + (xn - M)2)/(n-1)
)½ . The square of the sample standard deviation, S2
(the sample variance) is an unbiased estimator of the square of the SD
of the population (the variance of the population).
|
|
Sample sum
(Stat) |
The sum of a random sample from a population.
The expected value of the sample sum is the sample size times the
population mean. For sampling with replacement, the SE of the sample sum
is the population standard deviation, times the square-root of the
sample size. For sampling without replacement, the SE of the sample sum
is the finite-population correction ((N-n)/(N-1))½
times the SE of the sample sum for sampling with replacement, with N
the size of the population and n the size of the sample.
|
|
Sample survey
(Stat) |
A survey based on the responses of a sample
of individuals, rather than the entire population.
|
|
Sample variance
(Stat) |
The sample variance is the square of the
sample standard deviation S. It is an unbiased estimator of the
square of the population standard deviation, which is also called the
variance of the population. |
|
Sampling distribution
(Stat) |
The sampling distribution of an estimator is
the probability distribution of the estimator when it is applied to
random samples.
|
|
Sampling error
(Stat) |
In estimating from a random sample, the
difference between the estimator and the parameter can be written as the
sum of two components: bias and sampling error. The bias is the average
error of the estimator over all possible samples. The bias is not
random. Sampling error is the component of error that varies from sample
to sample. The sampling error is random: it comes from "the luck of the
draw" in which units happen to be in the sample. It is the chance
variation of the estimator. The average of the sampling error over all
possible samples (the expected value of the sampling error) is zero. The
standard error of the estimator is a measure of the typical size of the
sampling error. |
|
Sampling studies
(Stat) |
Studies in which a number of subjects are
selected from all subjects in a defined population. Conclusions based on
sample results may be attributed only to the population sampled.
|
|
Sampling unit
(Stat) |
A sample from a population can be drawn one
unit at a time, or more than one unit at a time (one can sample clusters
of units). The fundamental unit of the sample is called the sampling
unit. It need not be a unit of the population.
|
|
Sanitation
(Eco) |
The removal and burning of infected plant
parts. The decontamination of tools, equipment, hands etc.
|
|
Saprophagous
(Ento) |
Feeding on dead organic matter.
|
|
Saprophytic
(Ento) |
Living on dead or decaying organic matter.
|
|
SARA
(PEH) |
See Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act.
|
|
Sarcoma
(Trop, Vet) |
A cancer of connective tissue, bone,
cartilage, fat, muscle, nerve sheath, blood vessels or lymph system.
|
|
Satellite male
(Zoo) |
Reproductive strategy sometimes found in
Anurans whereby a subordinate male attempts to intercept and breed with
females responding to a calling (dominant) male.
|
|
SAV
(Eco) |
See submerged aquatic vegetation.
|
|
Savanna
(Eco) |
Tropical grasslands found in Africa, South
America, West India, and North Australia. Areas support greatest
abundance of hoofed mammals. Often used for range land for domestic
animals.
|
|
Saxicolous
(Zoo) |
Rock and crevice dweller.
|
|
SBDS
(HS) |
Strategic Bio-Detection System.
|
|
Scab
(Ento) |
A plant disease causing symptoms
characterized by rough, crusty lesions formed by excessive cork
production.
|
|
Scabies
(Trop) |
A parasitic skin diseases caused by the mite,
Sarcoptes scabiei, presenting often as intensely itchy papules,
vesicles, or tiny linear burrows containing scabies mites and their
eggs. Lesions are often found around finger webs, skin folds and
flexures, the abdominal region and external genitalia (especially in
men). Often associated with a rash on the body, but usually sparing the
face.
|
|
Scale
(Ento) |
A scale insect; a member of the order
Homoptera.
|
|
Scale
(Vet) |
Accumulation of loose fragments of the top
layer of the skin.
|
|
Scale insect
(Ento) |
Any of various small insects of the
superfamily Coccoidea (suborder Homoptera, order Hemiptera). Female
scale insects secrete a waxy scale. They remain under this scale while
sucking the juices of plants. |
|
Scales
(Ento) |
Thin skin flakes or plates comprising the
body covering of some animals such as fish and reptiles. In insects the
order Lepidoptera have wings covered by colored scales.
|
|
SCALP
(HS) |
Suit Contamination Avoidance Liquid
Protection.
|
|
SCAMP
(HS) |
Selected Chemical Agent Monitor, Portable.
|
|
Scape
(Ento) |
1) The 1st antennal segment, especially if it
is longer than the other segment. 2) The most basal segment of the
antenna.
|
|
Scarab
(Ento) |
Scarab beetle. Beetle in the family
Scarabaeidae (order Coleoptera).
|
|
Scarabaeiform
(Ento) |
A grub like larva having a thick, soft body
with a well-developed head and strong thoracic legs but with no legs on
the hind region: often permanently curved into a C. The larvae of the
lamellicorn beetles are of this type.
|
|
Scatterplot
(Stat) |
A scatterplot is a way to visualize bivariate
data. A scatterplot is a plot of pairs of measurements on a collection
of "individuals" (which need not be people). For example, suppose we
record the heights and weights of a group of 100 people. The scatterplot
of those data would be 100 points. Each point represents one person's
height and weight. In a scatterplot of weight against height, the
x-coordinate of each point would be height of one person, the
y-coordinate of that point would be the weight of the same person.
In a scatterplot of height against weight, the x-coordinates
would be the weights and the y-coordinates would be the heights. |
|
Scavenger
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
An opportunitic animal that feeds on decaying
plants and animals or scraps of food abandon by other animals.
|
|
SCBA
(OH) |
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus.
|
|
Schiff-Scherrington posture
(Vet) |
A condition, caused by a lesion in the spinal
cord, in which the front legs are held rigid and straight, and the rear
legs are weak or paralyzed. Sometimes, the neck may be hyperextended,
with the head held up and over the back.
|
|
Schistosomes
(Para)
|
A group of Flukes which live in the blood
vessels of their hosts. Unlike most other flukes, the schistosomes are
dioecious.
|
|
Schistosomiasis
(Trop) |
A disease caused by parasites of the genus
Schistosoma, also known as Bilharzia, which has an aquatic snail
intermediate host.
|
|
Schistosomule
(Para) |
The immature stage of schistosomes (blood
flukes) from the time of entry into the definitive host until the fluke
reaches sexual maturity. See Metacercaria.
|
|
Schizogony
(Para) |
1) Multiplication in protozoa in which
repeated division of the nucleus and daughter nuclei occurs within the
cell as the organism grows and finally each nucleus in a single mass of
cytoplasm separates to form a new individual called a merozoite e.g. the
erythrocytic cycle of malarial parasites. 2) In schizogony the nucleus
of the original invading protozoan undergoes repeated divisions to form
many nuclei within the cell. Then each nucleus becomes surrounded by
cytoplasm and a cell membrane forms around each new organism. These new
stages within the schizont are known as merozoites. |
|
Schizonts (Para, Trop) |
Stage in the life cycle of opicomplexan
protozoa in which there is multiple asexual divisions.
|
|
Schmitt box
(Ento) |
A wood box, measuring approximately 9" by
14", that has a foam or cardboard bottom and is used to store pinned
insect specimens.
|
|
Scientific name |
The internationally recognized Latin name of
an animal or plant species. The scientific name consists of two parts,
genus and species, followed by the describer (author) of the species.
The scientific names (excluding the author's names) are always printed
in Italics. The genus name is always capitalized, while the specific
name is not capitalized. For example, the scientific name of the honey
bee is Apis mellifera L. The L. is an abbreviation for Linnaeus.
|
|
Scion
(Ento) |
Shoot or bud used in the vegetative
propagation for grafting or budding. |
|
Sclerite
(Ento) |
1) A hardened body wall plate of an insect's
exoskeleton, usually separated from other sclerites by a suture or
membranous area. 2) Any of the individual hardened plates which make
up the exoskeleton. |
|
Sclerosis
(Vet) |
A hardening of tissue, usually the result of
chronic inflammation.
|
|
Sclerotin
(Ento) |
Cuticular protein that has been hardened and
darkened through cross-linkage of the molecules.
|
|
Sclerotization
(Ento) |
The hardening and darkening processes in the
cuticle (involves the epicuticle and exocuticle with a substance called
sclerotin).
|
|
Scolex
(Para, Trop) |
1) The attachment end (head with organs of
attachment) of a tapeworm from which the neck arises and, in turn, gives
rise to the proglottids. 2) The anterior end of the adult cestode, it
is the hold-fast organ that anchors the worm in the GI tract.
|
|
Scolopidium
(Ento) |
A sensillum located beneath the cuticle and
modified for the reception of vibrations.
|
|
Scopa
(Ento) |
The pollen-collecting apparatus of a bee,
whether it be the pollen basket on the leg or a brush of hairs on the
abdomen.
|
|
Scopula
(Ento) |
A small tuft of hairs/setae.
|
|
Scorch
(Eco, Trop, Vet) |
Disease symptom. The "burning" of leaf
margins as a result of infection or unfavourable environmental
conditions.
|
|
Scorpaenidae
(Trop) |
Family name for a group of fish (including
the stonefish) having venomous spines which may cause severe local pain.
Heat is usually an effective analgesic for this more deeply-seated pain.
|
|
Scorpion (Ento) |
Any member of the arachnid order
Scorpionidae; they have an elongate body and a poison sting at the end
of abdomen.
|
|
Scorpionida
(Ento) |
An order of the class Arachnida, comprised of
the true scorpions, which are characterized by a long body divided into
two sections, eight legs, prominent pincerlike pedipalps, and simple
eyes. The abdomen is formed into a long tail with a stinger at the tip;
common examples of scorpions include bark scorpions, hairy scorpions,
forest scorpions, and emperor scorpions.
|
|
Scotophase
(Eco) |
The dark period during of 24 hour period of
light and dark.
|
|
Scramble competition
(Ento) |
Competition in which many individuals
"scramble" for a limited resource, such as food.
|
|
Scrapie
(PrD) |
A fatal, degenerative disease affecting the
central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is among a number of
diseases classified as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE).
Infected flocks that contain a high percentage of susceptible animals
can experience significant production losses. Over a period of several
years the number of infected animals increases, and the age at onset of
clinical signs decreases making these flocks economically unviable.
Female animals sold from infected flocks spread scrapie to other flocks.
The presence of scrapie in the United States also prevents the export of
breeding stock, semen, and embryos to many other countries. TSEs are the
subject of increased attention and concern because of the discovery of
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle, the link between BSE
and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in people, and feline
spongiform encephalopathy (FSE) in cats in Europe.
|
|
Scrub typhus
(Trop) |
A febrile illness caused by Orientia
tsutsugamushi, transmitted through the larval stage of several
species of infected trombiculid mites, often called chiggers. The
endemic region is a roughly triangular area bounded by Japan in the
north, Pakistan in the west and with Queensland, Vanuatu and the Solomon
Islands in the South. |
|
SCUBA
(Aqua) |
Self-contained underwater breathing
apparatus.
|
|
Scurvy
(Vet) |
A diseases resulting from vitamin C
deficiency.
|
|
Scute
(Zoo) |
In turtles and tortoises, the plates which
cover the bony portion of the shell. In snakes, the larger, thicker
scales on the underside of the body which provide support, protection,
and traction.
|
|
Scutellum
(Ento) |
1) A triangular sclerite, appearing as a
more or less triangular segment behind the pronotum. The scutellum is
clearly visible in the orders Heteroptera (true bugs) and Coleoptera
(beetles), and in some members of the suborder Homoptera (cicadas).
2) The 3rd of the major divisions of the dorsal surface of a thoracic
segment.
|
|
Scutum
(Ento) |
The middle of the three main divisions of the
dorsal surface of a thoracic segment. Also, in ticks, the sclerotized
plate covering all or most of the dorsum in males, and the anterior
portion in females, nymphs, and larvae of the Ixodidae.
|
|
Scyphozoa
(Aqua, Zoo) |
The taxonomic class for most jellyfish except
the cubozoans.
|
|
SD
(HS) |
Stand-off Detector.
|
|
SD line
(Stat) |
For a scatterplot, a line that goes through
the point of averages, with slope equal to the ratio of the standard
deviations of the two plotted variables. If the variable plotted on the
horizontal axis is called X and the variable plotted on the vertical
axis is called Y, the slope of the SD line is the SD of Y, divided by
the SD of X.
|
|
SD/ASM
(HS) |
Stand-off Detector for Armor System
Modernization.
|
|
SDK
(HS) |
Skin Decontamination Kit.
|
|
Sea lice
(Aqua, Trop) |
A colloquial term used for any creature, or
anything present in sea water causing a mild irritation of the skin,
either with or without a rash. There is no single creature responsible
for this stinging effect.
|
|
Sea nettle
(Aqua, Trop) |
Colloquial term for the North American
jellyfish Chrysaora quinquecirrha.
|
|
Sea snakes
(Trop) |
Marine, air breathing reptiles with a potent
neurotoxic and myotoxic venom responsible for many deaths world-wide -
although there are no documented deaths in Australia. They are usually
found close to shore, or on coral reefs. They are easily distinguished
from land snakes by their wide, flattened tail which is used for
swimming, and from eels by their lack of gills. The venom is potent but
is only injected in roughly 20% of bites.
|
|
Sea urchins
(Trop) |
Creatures with needle-sharp spines that are
present on rocks or reefs. They cause simple, but painful puncture
wounds with spines frequently breaking off in the wounds which lead to
infection. Some species also produce toxins that may cause severe
localized pain or other systemic symptoms.
|
|
Seasonal prevalence
(Trop) |
The number of cases of infection in relation
to the unit of population in which they occur (a static measure) at
different times of the year. |
|
Sebaceous adenitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of a sebaceous (oil-producing)
gland. In dogs, sebaceous glands are found on the top of the tail near
its base, and at the junction of mucous membranes with skin. In cats,
these glands are found on the chin, lip margins, and the top of the
tail.
|
|
Sebaceous gland (Ento, Vet, Zoo) |
A gland in the skin which produces an oily
substance. |
|
Second generation
(Vet) |
A description of medications developed from
an earlier form of the medication. First generation medications were
developed from the original form of the drug; second generation
medications are adaptations of first generation drugs; third generation
drugs are adaptations of second generation, etc.
|
|
Secondary attack (Trop, Vet) |
A measure of the occurrence of a contagious
disease among known (or presumed) susceptible persons following exposure
to a primary case. |
|
Secondary cancer (Trop, Vet) |
A cancer that originally started somewhere
else in the body, but is now growing at another site. A metastasis. |
|
Secondary defense (Ento, Zoo) |
A defensive mechanism that is brought into
play only in the presence of a threat-for example, an aggressive
display.
|
|
Secondary infection
(Trop, Vet) |
Infection which occurs because the tissue and
its natural defenses have been damaged by another condition.
|
|
Secondary parasite
(Para) |
A parasite on another parasite.
|
|
Secondary pest
(Ento) |
An insect that does not normally attain pest
status except when insecticides destroy its natural enemies.
|
|
Secondary plant substance
(Eco) |
A substance produced by a plant that plays no
role in the basic metabolism of the plant.
|
|
Secondary response (Trop, Vet) |
The faster and greater immune response
produced by an animal who has previously encountered that specific
antigen. Memory cells are responsible for this more efficient response.
Also called anamnestic response.
|
|
Secular trend
(Stat) |
A linear association (trend) with time.
|
|
Sedentary
(Vet) |
Relating to or characterized by a sitting
posture.
|
|
Sediment
(Eco) |
Matter that settles and accumulates on the
bottom of a body of water or waterway.
|
|
Sedimentation
(Eco) |
The separation of suspended particles from
water by gravity Decreased drought flow – inadequate groundwater
recharge causes diminished or loss of flow in watercourses.
|
|
Seed dressing
(Eco) |
Mixing seed before sowing with a protecting
chemical, often a combination of an insecticide and a fungicide. Dry
seed dressings are often stuck to the seed by a sticker substance.
|
|
Segment
(Ento) |
One of the rings or divisions of the body, or
one of the sections of a jointed limb.
|
|
Segmentation
(Ento) |
The embryological process by which the insect
body becomes divided into a series of parts or segments.
|
|
SEIR model
(Epi) |
A class of compartmental prevalence models,
with compartments Susceptible, Latent (Exposed), Infectious and
Recovered. Takes its name from a common notation. In the notation used
in the course, this would be an XHYZ model. Many permutations possible.
|
|
Seizure
(PrD, Vet) |
Uncontrolled electrical activity in the
brain, which may produce a physical convulsion, minor physical signs,
thought disturbances, or a combination of symptoms.
|
|
Seizure threshold
(Vet) |
The level of stimulation at which a seizure
is produced. Raising the seizure threshold makes it less likely a
seizure will occur.
|
|
Selection bias
(Stat) |
A systematic tendency for a sampling
procedure to include and/or exclude units of a certain type. For
example, in a quota sample, unconscious prejudices or predilections on
the part of the interviewer can result in selection bias. Selection bias
is a potential problem whenever a human has latitude in selecting
individual units for the sample; it tends to be eliminated by
probability sampling schemes in which the interviewer is told exactly
whom to contact (with no room for individual choice). |
|
Selective
(Eco, Ento) |
A term applied mainly to herbicides or
insecticides, meaning that they are capable of killing some kind of
plants or insects while not killing others. |
|
Selective herbicide
(Eco) |
Herbicide possessing differential toxicity to
certain weeds and crop plants. For example some types of herbicides kill
only plants belonging to the family Gramineae.
|
|
Selective insecticide
(Ento) |
An insecticide which kills selected insects,
but does not kill most other organisms, including beneficial species.
|
|
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
(Vet) |
Medications which slow down the ability of
nerve cells to absorb serotonin, a neurotransmitter (chemical that
serves as a messenger between nerves).
|
|
Self-pollination
(Ento) |
Pollination with pollen from the same flower
or from other flowers of the same plant.
|
|
Seller
(Eco) |
An entity that offers nutrient credits for
sale.
|
|
Semaeostomeae
(Aqua, Trop) |
The taxonomic order of scalloped jellyfish.
|
|
Semelparous
(Trop, Vet) |
Giving birth only once.
|
|
Semi-aquatic
(Zoo) |
Lives on land but spends some or much time in
water.
|
|
Semi-looper
(Ento) |
Caterpillars which look like loopers, but
they do not belong to the family Geometridae. Usually they have two or
three pairs of abdominal prolegs. Like real loopers they move with a
looping movement of the body. |
|
Seminal receptacle
(Ento, Trop) |
A dilated organ in the female genital tract
of cestodes which stores sperms.
|
|
Seminal vesicle
(Ento, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
An expansion of the vas deferens of the mate
in which sperm are stored.
|
|
Sensillum
(Ento) |
An integumental sense organ, consisting of
sensory neurons and associated cuticular structures.
|
|
Sensitivity (Epi, Stat, Trop) |
Measures for assessing the results of
diagnostic and screening tests. Sensitivity represents the proportion of
truly diseased persons in a screened population who are identified as
being diseased by the test. It is a measure of the probability of
correctly diagnosing a condition. |
|
Sensory filtering
(Ento) |
The process of receiving only certain
specific stimuli among the many potential stimuli impinging on the body.
|
|
Sentinel surveillance
(Stat) |
Monitoring of rate of occurrence of specific
conditions to assess the stability or change in health levels of a
population. It is also the study of disease rates in a specific cohort,
geographic area, population subgroup, etc. to estimate trends in larger
population.
|
|
Separation anxiety
(Vet) |
A behavioral condition in which the pet
becomes anxious when separated from the owner. Dogs with separation
anxiety tend to 'shadow' their owners, greet them exuberantly when they
return after being gone, and sometimes vocalize, chew destructively, and
urinate or defecate when separated from their owners.
|
|
Sepsis
(Vet) |
The presence of toxins in the blood or other
tissues; the toxins are produced by bacteria or other microorganisms.
|
|
Septic
(Vet) |
A condition caused by an infection e.g., with
bacteria or fungi, or toxins they produce.
|
|
Septicemia (Trop, Vet) |
A disease affecting many organ systems due to
toxins in the blood which are released by bacteria or other
microorganisms. Signs include fever, pinpoint bruises on mucous
membranes, and lesions in the joints, heart valves, eyes, or other
organs.
|
|
Septum
(Zoo) |
A partition or wall.
|
|
Sequel (DOD)
(HS) |
A major operation that follows the current
major operation. Plans for a sequel are based on the possible outcomes
(success, stalemate, or defeat) associated with the current operation.
|
|
Sequelae
(Vet) |
The pathological effects that remain after a
disease has run its course. For example, brucellosis can sometimes
affect the heart valves. So even though the patient is free of the
disease, the damage to the heart valve can weaken them.
|
|
Serial homology
(Ento) |
Homology within an insect due to the
repetition of components of an organ system in each body segment.
|
|
Sericulture
(Ento) |
The rearing of silk moths and their larvae
for the production of silk.
|
|
Serious (injury or illness)
(OH) |
An injury or illness that requires employee
hospitalization for more than 24 hours for other than medical
observations.
|
|
Serious violation (OSHA)
(OH) |
Exists if there is a substantial
possibility that death or serious physical harm could result from either
an exposure that exceeds permissible limits or from practices, methods,
operations or processes used in the workplace.
|
|
Serology (Epi, Vet) |
The study of antigen-antibody reactions. More
generally, the use of serotype data to infer an individual's history of
infection.
|
|
Seropositive
(Epi) |
An individual whose serotype suggests that
they have experienced infection in the past.
|
|
Seroprevalence
(Epi) |
The proportion of a population who are
seropositive.
|
|
Serotype
(Epi, Vet) |
The range of antibodies which an individual
possesses; usually based on sampling from blood serum or saliva.
Different strains of a pathogen can sometimes be distinguished by the
different antibodies they induce in a host, or with which they can be
made to react in vitro; thus the word serotype has also come to be
applied to a particular strain. This is the more common clinical usage.
The range of antibodies used to define a serotype obviously depends on
those available to the researcher. Sometimes, as for measles, the
presence of a known antibody within the serum of an individual
correlates extremely well with the clinical observation that that
individual is protected against any further infections. But sometimes,
as for malaria, there is as yet no definite relationship between a given
serotype and the presence of a functional immunity, which may make the
use of the word serotype unhelpful when trying to distinguish between
different parasites for the purposes of understanding transmission. |
|
Serous
(Vet) |
Thin and watery.
|
|
Serpinigerous
(Trop) |
A lesion which takes on a winding tunnel-like
appearance.
|
|
Serrate
(Ento) |
Toothed like a saw.
|
|
Serum
(Vet) |
The fluid portion of the blood after it has
clotted and the cells have been removed.
|
|
Serum sickness
(Aqua, Trop) |
A complex systemic reaction that may become
evident any time up to 14 days after antivenin or antitoxin use.
Symptoms are fever, generalized lymphadenopathy and an urticarial rash.
Severe cases of serum sickness may have to be treated with oral
steroids. The incidence of serum sickness is often related to the amount
of antivenin used. |
|
Sessile
(Eco, Ento) |
Attached. Fastened. Immobile because of an
attachment to a substrate. A sessile insect is unable to move because
it is attached directly (without stem or petiole) to an object.
|
|
Set
(Stat) |
A set is a collection of things, without
regard to their order.
|
|
Seta
(Ento, Zoo) |
1) A movable hair of the integument,
typically forming a sensillum. 2) A bristle, or stout hair.
|
|
Setaceous
(Ento) |
Bristle-like, applied especially to antennae.
|
|
Settlement
(Aqua) |
Process during which larvae search for, and
attach to, a suitable substrate (surface) in preparation for
metamorphosis.
|
|
Severity of illness index
(Stat) |
Levels of severity of illness within a
diagnostic group which are established by various measurement criteria.
|
|
Sex distribution
(Stat) |
The number of males and females in a given
population. The distribution may refer to how many men or women or what
proportion of either in the group. The population is usually patients
with a specific disease but the concept is not restricted to humans and
is not restricted to medicine. |
|
Sexual dimorphism
(Zoo) |
Is found in mammals when the male and female
have distinct differences such as size or other characteristics that
make them appear different. |
|
Sexual reproduction
(Aqua) |
Reproduction in which gametes (generally from
a male and a female) fuse to form a cell that develops into a new
individual; gametes may come from one individual (hermaphrodite) or from
separate male and female organisms.
|
|
Sexually dimorphic
(Zoo) |
Any morphological trait that differs between
sexes.
|
|
Shedding
(Vet) |
A term used to describe the release of
organisms (bacteria, protozoa, viruses) into the environment from an
infected animal. The organisms may be in the stool, urine, respiratory
secretions, or vaginal discharges. The 'shedding' animal may or may not
be showing symptoms of disease. |
|
Shedding
(Zoo) |
The term used to describe the moulting of a
snake or lizards skin.
|
|
Shell calcification
(Zoo) |
The eggs of oviparous reptile are shelled as
they pass through the oviducts on their way to the coelomic cavity,
which occurs several days prior to laying. The amount of calcification
varies from species to species. The amount of shelling can be adversely
affected due to metabolic bone disease caused by pre-exisiting dietary
or environmental deficiencies, or gestational/gravidity-induced MBD when
gravid females have not received supplemental calcium to prepare them
for the increased calcium demands on their bodies to produce eggs and
shells. |
|
Shellfish
(Zoo) |
An aquatic animal, such as a mollusk or
crustacean, which has a shell or shell-like external skeleton
(exoskeleton).
|
|
Sheltering
(HS) |
A protective measure that consists of staying
indoors, with closed doors and windows, to limit the inhalation of
radioactive products that may be present following a release of
radiation, or to protect against direct gamma radiation from a
radioactive cloud, or from radioactive material deposited on the ground.
|
|
Shielding
(HS) |
Material placed between a radiation source
and human beings, equipment or other objects in order to prevent or
reduce ionizing radiation from reaching the person or object.
|
|
Shock
(Trop) |
Collapse of the circulation resulting in
inadequate tissue perfusion to the body cells.
|
|
Sibling species
(Eco) |
Closely related species that are difficult to
distinguish by ordinary means. |
|
Sickness impact profile
(Stat) |
A quality-of-life scale developed in the
United States in 1972 as a measure of health status or dysfunction
generated by a disease. It is a behaviorally based questionnaire for
patients and addresses activities such as sleep and rest, mobility,
recreation, home management, emotional behavior, social interaction, and
the like. It measures the patient's perceived health status and is
sensitive enough to detect changes or differences in health status
occurring over time or between groups.
|
|
Side effects
(Trop, Vet) |
Unwanted effects of a drug or treatment.
|
|
Sievert (Sv)
(HS) |
The Système Internationale unit of
measurement of the equivalent dose (q.v.) or radiation received by a
tissue, an organ, or an organism. The sievert expresses the biological
effect of a particular absorbed dose (q.v.) expressed in grays (q.v.).
The sievert replaced the rem. |
|
Sigmoidoscopy
(Trop, Vet) |
Examination of the rectum and lower part of
the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible viewing tube passed through
the rectum.
|
|
Sign
(Trop, Vet) |
An indication of the existence of something;
any objective evidence of a disease.
|
|
Sign stimulus
(Ento, Zoo) |
A stimulus for which an animal has evolved a
specific response pattern. |
|
Significance level, statistical significance
(Stat) |
The significance level of an hypothesis test
is the chance that the test erroneously rejects the null hypothesis when
the null hypothesis is true. |
|
Siltation
(Eco) |
The process by which sedimentary material, or
silt, is suspended and deposited in a body of water. |
|
Simple eye
(Ento) |
1) A simple eye is a single lens that tells
the difference between light and dark. 2) An ocellus.
|
|
Simple metamorphosis
(Ento) |
Metamorphosis in which the wings (when
present) develop externally during the immature stage and there is no
prolonged resting stage (i.e. pupa) preceding the last molt; stages
included are the egg, nymphal, and adult. Also called gradual or partial
metamorphosis, and paurometabolous development. See incomplete
metomorphosis.
|
|
Simpson's paradox
(Stat) |
What is true for the parts is not necessarily
true for the whole. See confounding.
|
|
Simuliidae
(Ento, Trop) |
A family of biting flies commonly called
blackflies including the important Simulium, sometimes vectors of
onchocerciasis.
|
|
Single-blind method
(Stat) |
A method in which either the observer(s) or
the subject(s) is kept ignorant of the group to which the subjects are
assigned.
|
|
Siphonaptera
(Ento, Trop) |
Insect order, made up of the fleas. They are
small insects, characterized by wingless, sideways flattened bodies,
jumping legs, sucking mouthparts, and a complete metamorphosis.
|
|
Siphonophora
(Aqua, Trop) |
The taxonomic group of hydroids that are not
single animals, but colonies of animals. They may be either free
swimming or floating, with or without a float. The Genus of dominating
medical importance is Physalia. |
|
Siphunculi
(Ento) |
A pair of dorsal tube-like structures on the
posterior part of the body of aphids.
|
|
Site inspection
(PEH) |
A Department of Health visit to a site to
evaluate the likelihood of human exposure to toxic chemicals, and to do
an exposure assessment. |
|
Skeletal muscle
(Ento) |
In insects, a muscle that stretches across
the body wall and serves to move one segment on another.
|
|
Skewed distribution
(Stat) |
A distribution that is not symmetrical.
|
|
Skin (Vet) |
The skin is the body's outer covering. It protects us
against heat and light, injury, and infection. It regulates body
temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. Weighing about 6
pounds, the skin is the body's largest organ. It is made up of two main
layers; the outer epidermis and the inner dermis.
|
|
Skin cytology
(Vet) |
Examination, with a microscope, of a skin
scraping or material from swabbing the skin. The material may be stained
and checked for the presence of yeast, bacteria, tumor cells, etc.
|
|
Skin scraping
(Vet) |
Scraping some material from the surface of
the skin and looking at it under a microscope, e.g., to check for skin
mites.
|
|
Sleeping sickness
(Trop) |
A disease caused by hemoflagellate protozoa
and transmitted by blood-feeding tsetse flies of the genus Glossina.
East African (Rhodesian) Sleeping Sickness is the more severe zoonotic
form caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense found on the
game-rich savannahs of East Central Africa while West African (Gambian)
Sleeping Sickness is the more chronic form found in riverine areas of
West Central Africa and which has a significant human reservoir although
animals such as pigs may also be involved as reservoirs.
|
|
Slow virus
(Trop) |
See prions.
|
|
Slug
(Zoo) |
An infertile egg.
|
|
Small-area analysis
(Stat) |
A method of analyzing the variation in
utilization of health care in small geographic or demographic areas. It
often studies, for example, the usage rates for a given service or
procedure in several small areas, documenting the variation among the
areas. By comparing high- and low-use areas, the analysis attempts to
determine whether there is a pattern to such use and to identify
variables that are associated with and contribute to the variation.
|
|
Smallpox (variola)
(Trop) |
A human viral disease characterized by
vesicular skin lesions covering the whole body but being particularly
heavy at the extremities including the face. Caused by a pox virus. The
disease can be prevented through regular smallpox vaccinations. Variola
has now been officially declared eradicated by the WHO.
|
|
Smog
(Eco) |
A collection of pollutants--ozone,
particulate matter and humidity--all mixed together, reducing
visibility.
|
|
Smooth muscle
(Vet) |
The type of muscle found in the internal
organs such as stomach and intestines (not the heart).
|
|
Snake doctor
(Ento) |
See dragonfly.
|
|
Snottie
(Aqua) |
A colloquial term for Cyanea. Also known as
the Lion's mane and Hair jellyfish.
|
|
Snout-tail length
(Zoo) |
The measurement of an animal from nose to the
end tip of the tail.
|
|
Snout-vent length
(Zoo) |
The measurement of an animal from nose to the
vent.
|
|
Snow flea
(Ento) |
A type of springtail (Collembola) that often
occurs on the surface of the snow in the late winter and early spring.
|
|
Social
(Ento, Zoo) |
Living in more or less organized communities
of individuals.
|
|
Social insects
(Ento) |
Insects that live together in communities,
such as ants and termites.
|
|
Social parasite
(Ento) |
An insect that invades or lays its eggs in
the nest of another insect and develops on food in the nest.
|
|
Social security disability benefits
(OH) |
Long-term financial assistance for totally
disabled persons, granted by the U.S. Social Security Administration.
(These benefits may be reduced by workers’ compensation payments in some
states.)
|
|
SOFCAS
(HS) |
Special Operations Forces Chemical Agent
System.
|
|
Soft corals
(Aqua) |
Mostly colonial corals with 8 tentacles;
gelatinous in form.
|
|
Soft palate
(Vet) |
The soft tissue at the back of the roof of
the mouth.
|
|
Soldier
(Ento) |
A member of a social insect colony,
responsible for protecting the nest. Often the soldiers are equipped
with large heads and strong mandibles. |
|
Solfugae
(Ento) |
An order of the class of Arachnida, comprised
of the windscorpions or sun scorpions, characterized by enormous paired
chelicerae, thick, leglike pedipalps (used as feelers), and tiny front
legs.
|
|
Solitary (Ento, Zoo) |
Living alone, not in groups.
|
|
Solpugid
(Zoo) |
A non-spider arachnid with powerful jaws to
catch prey.
|
|
Solubility
(PEH) |
The largest amount of a substance that can be
dissolved in a given amount of a liquid, usually water. For a highly
water-soluble compound, such as table salt, a lot can dissolve in water.
Motor oil is only slightly soluble in water.
|
|
Soluble carbohydrate
(Vet) |
Also, soluble fiber. Easily digested
carbohydrates like starch.
|
|
Solvent
(PEH) |
A liquid capable of dissolving or dispersing
another substance (for example, acetone or mineral spirits).
|
|
Somatic
(Trop) |
Of the body.
|
|
Somatic migration
(Para) |
Migration of a parasite through the lungs
into the systemic circulation distributed throughout the body and encyst
in the tissues. |
|
Somnolence
(Vet) |
Sleepiness, a condition of semiconsciousness
approaching coma.
|
|
Somogyi effect
(Vet) |
A condition in which the blood glucose level
increases if too much insulin is given. It occurs when insulin causes
the blood glucose level to go so low it stimulates the production of
other hormones in the body such as epinephrine, which promote the
breakdown of glycogen (the chemical compound which the body uses to
store glucose) and increases the blood glucose level above normal. It is
also called rebound hyperglycemia or insulin-induced hyperglycemia.
|
|
Source of contamination
(PEH) |
The place where a hazardous substance comes
from, such as a landfill, waste pond, incinerator, storage tank, or
drum. A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure
pathway.
|
|
Source of infection (Para, Trop) |
The person, animal, object, or substance from
which an infectious agent passes immediately to a host. Source of
infection should be clearly distinguished from source of contamination,
such as overflow of septic tank contaminating a water supply, or an
infected cook contaminating a salad.
|
|
Space-time clustering
(Stat) |
A statistically significant excess of cases
of a disease, occurring within a limited space-time continuum.
|
|
Sparganum
(Para) |
The second larval stage of pseudophyllidian
tapeworms that is characterized by its elongated shape and lack of a
cystic cavity.
|
|
Spat
(Eco) |
Juvenile, newly attached oysters (i.e. oyster
spat).
|
|
Spawn
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
To release eggs and/or sperm into water.
|
|
Spawning (Aqua) |
Release of gametes into the water column; may
be synchronous.
|
|
Spay
(Vet) |
Sterilization by surgical removal of the
ovaries and uterus of a female animal.
|
|
Special populations
(PEH) |
People who might be more sensitive or
susceptible to exposure to hazardous substances because of factors such
as age, occupation, sex, or behaviors (for example, cigarette smoking).
Children, pregnant women, and older people are often considered special
populations. |
|
Species |
1) A group of individuals having some common
characteristics which are able to breed with each other but not with
other groups of individuals. Division of a genus. 2) The basic unit of
living things, consisting of a group of individuals which all look more
or less alike and which can all breed with each other to produce another
generation of similar creatures. |
|
Specificity (Epi, Stat, Trop) |
1) Measures for assessing the results of
diagnostic and screening tests. Specificity is the proportion of truly
non-diseased persons who are so identified by the screening test. It is
a measure of the probability of correctly identifying a non-diseased
person. 2) The probability that the test will be negative when the
infection is not present. |
|
Spectrum
(PEH) |
A continuous sequence or range; specifically:
a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms (an antibiotic
with a broad spectrum). |
|
Speculum
(Zoo) |
An iridescent patch of color on the wings of
certain ducks and other birds. |
|
Sperm precedence (Ento, Zoo) |
In multiple matings, the tendency for sperm
from the most recent mating to fertilize the eggs.
|
|
Spermatheca (Ento, Zoo) |
A small sac-like branch of the female
reproductive tract in which sperm may be stored.
|
|
Spermatocyte (Ento, Zoo) |
A cell that divides to form the spermatozoa
of male animals.
|
|
Spermatophore
(Ento, Zoo) |
1) A packet os sperm. 2) A sac produced by
accessory glands of male insects and transferred to the female
reproductive tract, containing sperm and often proteinaceous material. |
|
Sphincter
(Vet) |
A ring-like band of muscle that constricts a
passage or closes an opening, e.g., the anal sphincter constricts to
close the anus and relaxes when the animal is passing stool. The
urethral sphincter closes the urinary bladder. |
|
Spicule
(Aqua, Eco) |
Small hard needle-like projections, often
composed of calcium, silicon and used for support in certain parts of
some invertebrates such as sponges and corals.
|
|
Spicule (Para, Trop) |
A male accessory reproductive organ in
nematodes helping to attach the male to the female during copulation.
There may be zero, none, or two of these organs depending on the species
of nematode.
|
|
Spider
(Ento) |
An eight-legged arachnid posessing the
ability to spin webs to catch prey. Order in the Class Arachnida.
|
|
Spiderlings
(Ento) |
Immature spiders.
|
|
Spinal cord
(PrD) |
The major column of nerve tissue that is
connected to the brain and lies within the vertebral canal and from
which the spinal nerves emerge. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves
originate in the spinal cord: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5
sacral, and 1 coccygeal. The spinal cord and the brain constitute the
central nervous system (CNS). The spinal cord consists of nerve fibers
that transmit impulses to and from the brain. Like the brain, the spinal
cord is covered by three connective-tissue envelopes called the
meninges. The space between the outer and middle envelopes is filled
with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear colorless fluid that cushions
the spinal cord against jarring shock. Also known simply as the cord. |
|
Spinal tap
(PrD) |
Also known as a lumbar puncture or "LP", a spinal tap is
a procedure whereby spinal fluid is removed from the spinal canal for
the purpose of diagnostic testing. It is particularly helpful in the
diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system,
especially infections, such as meningitis. It can also provide clues to
the diagnosis of stroke, spinal cord tumor and cancer in the central
nervous system. |
|
Spine
(Ento) |
A multicellular, thorn like process or
outgrowth of the integument not separated from it by a joint.
|
|
Spinneret
(Ento) |
A structure with which silk is spun, usually
fingerlike in shape.
|
|
Spinose
(Ento) |
Spiny.
|
|
Spiracle (Ento, Zoo) |
1) Breathing pore. External opening of the
tracheal respiratory system. 2) One of the breathing pores - openings
of the tracheal system - through which diffusion of gases takes place.
|
|
Spiracular plate (Ento, Zoo) |
A plate like sclerite next to or surrounding
a spiracle.
|
|
Spirochete
(Vet) |
A type of bacteria which is long, slender,
and assumes a spiral shape. |
|
Spiruroid
(Trop) |
A two-parted esophagus - anterior muscular
and posterior glandular structure as in most of Spiruroidea and
Filarioidea.
|
|
Spittle
(Ento) |
In insects, a frothy fluid produced by the
nymphs of spittlebugs.
|
|
Spleen
(Vet) |
Part of the immune system of an animal. A
large, tongue-shaped organ in the abdomen containing many lymphocytes.
The spleen filters blood and removes damaged cells. It can also
manufacture new blood cells if the animal's bone marrow is damaged.
|
|
Splenomegaly (Trop, Vet) |
An enlarged spleen. A common finding in
malaria patients that sometimes can be detected by physical examination.
May occur in otherwise asymptomatic patients and is of use in conducting
malaria surveys of a community, although it should not be the only
factor considered when counting cases.
|
|
Spongiform
(PrD) |
Resembling a sponge in being soft and full of cavities.
|
|
Spongiform change
(PrD) |
The older terminology for “vacuolation.”
|
|
Spongiform encephalopathy
(PrD) |
A rare inherited prion disease which has a
range of manifestations resulting primarily from degeneration of the
nervous system.
|
|
Sporadic
(PrD) |
Denoting either a genetic disorder that
occurs for the first time in a family due to a new mutation or the
chance occurrence of a non-genetic disorder or abnormality that is not
likely to recur in a family.
|
|
Spore
(Eco) |
A structure used for reproduction, spread, or
survival by bacteria, fungi, or some plants. Bacterial and fungal spores
are often very hardy and can survive for months or years. In fungi they
can be the result of sexual processes, but most often the spores arising
from asexual processes are of interest.
|
|
Sporocyst
(Para) |
1) In trematodes, the first larval stage in
the developmental cycle in the snail, intermediate host. A sac-like
structure with a germinal lining that produces secondary larval stages
that develop in the snail host. 2) In the trematode life cycle, the
miracidium will invade a snail, lose the cilia and develop into an
elongated sac, called the sporocyst, from which the redia will develop
(in some species the sporocyst gives rise to a daughter sporocyst).
|
|
Sporozoan
(Para)
|
A group of single celled organisms which are
characterized by having a sexual and an asexual generation in their
life-cycle. Examples of parasitic Sporozoans include the malarial
parasites, Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidium.
|
|
Sporozoite (Para, Trop) |
1) The structure (infective unit) that
develops within an oocyst that, when freed from the oocyst after
ingestion by a suitable host, penetrates the intestinal wall initiating
infection; in malaria, the infective unit produced by asexual
reproduction in the oocyst developed from an ookinete imbedded in to gut
wall of a mosquito host. 2) The initial invasive stage of most of the
Apicompexan protozoa. |
|
Sporozoite rate
(Para, Trop) |
The percentage of female anopheline
mosquitoes of a particular species that bear sporozoites in their
salivary glands. Expressed as a percentage. |
|
Spp.
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Abbreviated plural of Species.
|
|
SPR
(Trop) |
Slide positivity rate is obtained by dividing
positive blood slides by total slides examined.
|
|
Sprawl
(Eco) |
A form of land development that moves outward
from urban areas in a manner which creates large areas of relatively low
density.
|
|
Spread
(Trop) |
The way a neoplasm increases in size or
invades the body.
|
|
Spreading board
(Ento) |
A specimen preparation tool used to hold
insect wings (especially on butterflies and moths) in place with the
specimen is drying.
|
|
Spur
(Ento) |
A large and usually movable spine, normally
found on the legs.
|
|
Spur
(Zoo) |
The remnant of the hind limb, visible as a
small claw on either side of the vent, on boas and pythons. On some
torotises, an enlarged scale projecting out from the legs, generally the
inside of the hind legs. |
|
Spurious infection
(Para) |
False infection. An organism or egg found on
fecal examination that is from a source outside of the individual and is
not related to an infection of the individual being examined; often
derived from eating part of a host infected with a non-human parasite.
Just passing through! Eggs of Dicrocoelium dendriticum may represent a
spurious infection but an actual infection must be ruled out since man
may become an accidental host of the parasite (liver fluke).
|
|
Spurious vein
(Ento) |
A false vein formed by a thickening of the
wing membrane and usually unconnected with any of the true veins.
|
|
Sputum
(Vet) |
Material coughed up from the lungs. It is
made up of mucus and and when it contains pus it is described as
mucopurulent.
|
|
Squama
(Ento) |
Any of the membranous flaps that arise near
the base of the wing in many true flies.
|
|
Squamate
(Vet) |
Scaly-bodied reptile including lizards and
snakes.
|
|
Squamous cell carcinoma
(Trop) |
Malignant tumor of squamous epithelium of
skin, which generally spreads and metastasizes.
|
|
Square-root law
(Stat) |
The Square-Root Law says that the standard
error (SE) of the sample sum of n random draws with replacement
from a box of tickets with numbers on them is... SE(sample sum) = n½×SD(box),
and the standard error of the sample mean of n random draws with
replacement from a box of tickets is... SE(sample mean) = n-½×SD(box),
where SD(box) is the standard deviation of the list of the numbers on
all the tickets in the box. |
|
Ssp.
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Abreviation for subspecies.
|
|
SSRI
(Vet) |
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors:
Medications which slow down the ability of nerve cells to absorb
serotonin, a neurotransmitter.
|
|
Stable endemicity (Epi) |
The incidence of infection or disease shows
no secular trend for increase or decrease.
|
|
Stadium
(Ento) |
The time interval between molts in a
developing insect.
|
|
Stage (Ento, Para) |
Any particular form in the life cycle of an
organism which can be distinguished from all of its other forms.
|
|
Stage
(Trop, Vet) |
Estimate of the extent of spread of a cancer;
usually expressed in as a number, often with subdivisions. The prognosis
of a particular cancer varies with the staging.
|
|
Stakeholder
(PEH) |
A person, group, or community who has an
interest in activities at a hazardous waste site.
|
|
Stamen
(Eco) |
The male reproductive organ of a flower,
typically consisting of a stalk (filament) bearing a pollen-producing
anther at its tip.
|
|
STANAG
(HS) |
Standard NATO Agreement. A uniform code of
nomenclature used in NATO countries. Much of it refers to former Soviet
weapons systems such as Foxbat for the Mig-25 interceptor aircraft or
the Typhoon submarine. Chemical agent names such as GA, GB, or VX are
also STANAG names. |
|
Standard deviation (SD)
(Stat) |
The standard deviation of a set of numbers is
the rms of the set of deviations between each element of the set and the
mean of the set. See also sample standard deviation.
|
|
Standard error (SE)
(Stat) |
The Standard Error of a random variable is a
measure of how far it is likely to be from its expected value; that is,
its scatter in repeated experiments. The SE of a random variable X is
defined to be... SE(X) = [E( (X - E(X))2 )] ½.
That is, the standard error is the square-root of the expected squared
difference between the random variable and its expected value. The SE of
a random variable is analogous to the SD of a list.
|
|
Standard units
(Stat) |
A variable (a set of data) is said to be in
standard units if its mean is zero and its standard deviation is one.
You transform a set of data into standard units by subtracting the mean
from each element of the list, and dividing the results by the standard
deviation. A random variable is said to be in standard units if its
expected value is zero and its standard error is one. You transform a
random variable to standard units by subtracting its expected value then
dividing by its standard error. |
|
Standardize
(Stat) |
To transform into standard units.
|
|
Stasis
(Vet) |
In the gastrointestinal tract, a condition in
which the food does not move through normally, but remains in one
section.
|
|
Statistic
(Stat) |
A number that can be computed from data,
involving no unknown parameters. As a function of a random sample, a
statistic is a random variable. Statistics are used to estimate
parameters, and to test hypotheses.
|
|
Statistical distributions
(Stat) |
The complete summaries of the frequencies of
the values or categories of a measurement made on a group of items, a
population, or other collection of data. The distribution tells either
how many or what proportion of the group was found to have each value
(or each range of values) out of all the possible values that the
quantitative measure can have.
|
|
Statistics
(PEH) |
A branch of mathematics that deals with
collecting, reviewing, summarizing, and interpreting data or
information. Statistics are used to determine whether differences
between study groups are meaningful. |
|
Statocyst
(Aqua, Trop) |
A jellyfish balance organ, usually consisting
of a calcium or magnesium carbonate crystal, the movement of which
against surrounding cilia enables the medusa to determine its position
in the water. |
|
Status epilepticus
(Vet) |
A condition in which the animal exhibits one
severe seizure right after another, with no time to recover in-between.
|
|
STB
(HS) |
Supertropical Bleach. A strong bleach
preparation used for decontamination.
|
|
STD
(Epi) |
Sexually transmitted disease.
|
|
Stemma
(Ento) |
The simple eye in holometabolous larvae. Also
called lateral ocellus.
|
|
Stemmata
(Ento) |
Simple eyes located on the sides of the head
of many insect larvae.
|
|
Stenosis
(Vet) |
The narrowing of an organ of passage such as
a blood vessel or intestine. |
|
STEPO-I
(HS) |
Interim Self-contained Toxic Environment
Protective Outfit.
|
|
Steppe
(Eco) |
Refers to arid lands having vegetation that
is adapted to dry conditions, and having extreme temperature variations
between the hot of the summer season and the cold of the winter season.
In Idaho it often has considerable sagebrush.
|
|
Sterile insect technique
(Ento) |
A pest control method that makes use of
artificially sterilised populations of the pest to mate with and thereby
interfere with the normal reproductive efforts of the target species.
SIT has been used succesfully to eradicate insect pest species from
localized areas such as islands. |
|
Sternite
(Ento) |
In insects, the sterna are usually single,
large sclerites, on the underside of an external body segment. However,
if they are divided in two or more part, these subunits are called
sternites.
|
|
Sternum
(Ento) |
The ventral portion of a segment of
an arthropod thorax or abdomen.
|
|
STI
(Epi) |
Sexually transmitted infection.
|
|
Stichosome
(Trop) |
A long, slender esophagus embedded in rows of
emboidal esophageal gland cells as in Trichinelloidea.
|
|
Stick insect
(Ento) |
Insect in the order Phasmida. Stick insects
resemble sticks. Leaf insects (in the same order) look like leaves.
|
|
Sticker
(Ento) |
Substance added to a formulation to increase
the surface retention (persistence) of a pesticide.
|
|
Stigma
(Ento) |
A small colored area near the wing-tip of
dragonflies, bees, and various other clear-winged insects: also called
the pterostigma.
|
|
Stimulus filtering
(Ento) |
See sensory filtering.
|
|
Sting
(Aqua, Trop) |
The painful injection of a venom through skin
or mucous membranes of a victim.
|
|
Stinger
(Ento) |
A modified egg-laying organ used to inject
venom; commonly found on females of some ants, as well as bees, wasps,
and scorpions.
|
|
Stingers
(Aqua, Trop) |
A colloquial term to be avoided. In tropical
Australia the term usually refers to the lethal box-jellyfish
Chironex fleckeri, whereas in the rest of Australia it may refer to
any stinging jellyfish which are non-lethal. |
|
Stingose
(Trop) |
20% aluminum sulphate solution. Useful for
itching caused by some insect stings, but less effective (or
ineffective) for the skin pain of jellyfish envenomations.
|
|
Stingose®
(Aqua) |
20% aluminium sulphate solution - useful for
itching caused by some insect stings, but less effective (or
ineffective) for the skin pain of jellyfish envenomations. Stingose®
products are designed to give rapid relief and minimize pain caused by
stings or bites.
|
|
Stingray
(Trop) |
A group of fish with flattened fins making it
look saucer-shaped. It has a long tail with at least 1 and up to 7
venomous spines. When stimulated the tail may flick across, either
embedding the barb in the victim, or causing a severe laceration. Deaths
have occurred world-wide, either from blood loss, venom effects or
tetanus.
|
|
Stochastic model
(Epi) |
A mathematical model which takes into
consideration the presence of some randomness in one or more of its
parameters or variables. The predictions of the model therefore do not
give a single point estimate but a probability distribution of possible
estimates. Contrast with deterministic. We might distinguish
demographic stochasticity which arises from the discreteness of
individuals and individual events such as birth, and environmental
stochasticity arising from more-or-less unpredictable interactions with
the outside world.
|
|
Stomodeal nervous system
(Ento) |
A set of small ganglia and their connections,
lying on the surface of the foregut.
|
|
Stomodeal valve
(Ento) |
In insects, the cylindrical or funnel-shaped
invagination of the foregut into the midgut.
|
|
Stomodeum
(Ento) |
The foregut of insects.
|
|
Stomolophus
(Aqua, Trop) |
Usually an innocuous genus of jellyfish
represented by Stomolophus meleagris world-wide. However, in
areas of East China around Behoe, on the East China Sea, there have now
been 8 reported deaths from a rare species called S. numerai.
|
|
Stonefish
(Trop) |
Synanceja
sp. - a fish which can camouflage
itself, changing its color to match the background. It remains
motionless on the bottom where the unwary victim can tread on it. There
are 13 venomous dorsal spines on its back which can penetrate even
thin-soled shoes, injecting a venom that causes severe localized pain.
The pain is best relieved by the application of heat. 2
poorly-documented deaths have occurred in other countries.
|
|
Storm flow
(Eco) |
Rainfall runoff that reaches a stream channel
during, or soon after a rainfall event that causes high rates of
discharge.
|
|
Stratification
(Eco) |
The formation, accumulation, or deposition of
materials in layers, such as layers of fresh water overlying higher
salinity water (salt water) in estuaries.
|
|
Stratified sample
(Stat) |
In a stratified sample, subsets of sampling
units are selected separately from different strata, rather than from
the frame as a whole. |
|
Stratified sampling
(Stat) |
The act of drawing a stratified sample.
|
|
Stratum
(Stat) |
In random sampling, sometimes the sample is
drawn separately from different disjoint subsets of the population. Each
such subset is called a stratum. (The plural of stratum is
strata.) Samples drawn in such a way are called stratified
samples. Estimators based on stratified random samples can have smaller
sampling errors than estimators computed from simple random samples of
the same size, if the average variability of the variable of interest
within strata is smaller than it is across the entire population; that
is, if stratum membership is associated with the variable.
|
|
Stream bank erosion
(Eco) |
Loss of bank material along a watercourse.
|
|
Stream type larvae
(Zoo) |
Aquatic salamander larvae morphology suited
to fast water environments. External gills are small and caudal fin may
be narrow.
|
|
Strepsiptera
(Ento) |
Insect order, including the twisted-winged
parasites. They are characterized by wingless or winged bodies,
nonfunctional mouthparts, and a complete metamorphosis.
|
|
Streptococcus
(Trop) |
A group of bacteria, familiarly known as strep, that
cause a multitude of diseases. The name comes from the Greek strepto-
meaning twisted + kokkos meaning berry, and that is exactly what strep
look like under the microscope, like a twisted bunch of little round
berries. Illness caused by strep includes strep throat, strep pneumonia,
scarlet fever, rheumatic fever (and rheumatic heart valve damage),
glomerulonephritis, the skin disorder erysipelas, and PANDAS. |
|
Stress-induced hyperglycemia
(Vet) |
A condition in cats in which the blood
glucose level becomes abnormally high when the animal is stressed.
|
|
Striae
(Ento) |
Grooves running across or along the body:
applied especially to the grooves on beetle elytra.
|
|
Striate
(Ento) |
With grooves or depressed lines.
|
|
Striated muscle
(Ento) |
Muscle that is composed of fibers with
alternate light and dark bands. |
|
Stricture
(Vet) |
The narrowing of an organ of passage such as
a blood vessel or intestine. |
|
Stridulate
(Ento) |
To make sound by rubbing two body parts
together.
|
|
Stridulation
(Ento) |
The production of sounds by rubbing two parts
of the body together: best known in grasshoppers and other orthopterans.
|
|
Strobila
(Para) |
A complete tapeworm consisting of scolex,
neck, and immature, mature, and usually gravid proglottids.
|
|
Strobilation
(Aqua) |
A form of asexual reproduction in some
cubozoan jellyfish in which miniature medusa-like structures are formed,
often one on top of the other, resembling stacked dinner plates.
|
|
Strobilization
(Para) |
Asexual production from the neck of a
tapeworm of a series of sexual reproductive units, the proglottids.
|
|
Strobilization
(Trop) |
The process of producing or growing new
segments (proglottids). This happens near the neck region. A form of
asexual reproduction in some cubozoan jellyfish by which miniature
medusa-like structures are formed, often one on top of the other,
resembling stacked dinner plates. |
|
Strobilocercus
(Para) |
A type of larva of cyclophyllidian tapeworms.
|
|
Strongyliform
(Trop) |
A short buccal muscular structure with waist
found in nematodes.
|
|
Strongyloides
(Trop) |
A genus of intestinal nematodes which
includes Strongyloides stercoralis in humans and S. fülleborni
in monkeys and humans.
|
|
Struvite
(Vet) |
A chemical compound, magnesium ammonium
phosphate, which is made by the body and can form crystals and stones in
the urinary bladder. |
|
Studentized score
(Stat) |
The observed value of a statistic, minus the
expected value of the statistic, divided by the estimated standard error
of the statistic.
|
|
Student's t curve
(Stat) |
Student's t curve is a family of
curves indexed by a parameter called the degrees of freedom,
which can take the values 1, 2, . . . Student's t curve is used
to approximate some probability histograms. Consider a population of
numbers that are nearly normally distributed and have population mean is
µ. Consider drawing a random sample of size n with replacement
from the population, and computing the sample mean M and the
sample standard deviation S define the random variable...T
= (M - µ)/(S/n½). If the sample size
n is large, the probability histogram of T can be
approximated accurately by the normal curve. However, for small and
intermediate values of n, Student's t curve with n - 1
degrees of freedom gives a better approximation. That is..... P(a
< T < b) is approximately the area under Student's T
curve with n - 1 degrees of freedom, from a to b.
Student's t curve can be used to test hypotheses about the
population mean and construct confidence intervals for the population
mean, when the population distribution is known to be nearly normally
distributed. |
|
Style
(Ento) |
1) A slender bristle arising at the apex of
the antenna. 2) One of the small paired appendages on the male
subgenital plate of some Orthoptera. |
|
Stylet
(Ento) |
In sucking mouthparts of insects, one of the
piercing needlelike structures. It capable of piercing a plant or
animal.
|
|
Stylopized
(Ento) |
Infected by stylopoid beetles.
|
|
Stylostome
(Ento) |
The tube formed by the host as a result of
the feeding of a chigger; in secreting salivary fluids, the chigger
partially digests skin tissues, which induces the host to form a
proteinaceous tube walling off the injury. |
|
Stylus
(Ento) |
A ventral, unsegmented appendage on the
abdomen of bristietails.
|
|
Subalare
(Ento) |
A small sclerite in the upper part of the
pleuron that articulates with the axillary scierites.
|
|
Sub-apical
(Ento) |
Situated just before the tip or apex.
|
|
Subclinical infection
(Epi, Trop) |
An infection in which symptoms are
sufficiently mild or unapparent to escape diagnosis other than by
positive confirmation of the ability to transmit the infection or
serologically.
|
|
Subcosta
(Ento) |
Usually the first of the longitudinal veins
behind the front edge of the wing, although it is often missing or very
faint.
|
|
Subcutaneous (Vet, Zoo) |
Just beneath the skin.
|
|
Subcuticular space
(Ento) |
The narrow space between the endocuticle and
the epidermal cells, formed during molting.
|
|
Subesophageal ganglion
(Ento) |
A composite ganglion that innervates the
mouthparts, located in the head below the digestive tract.
|
|
Subgenual organ
(Ento) |
An organ on the tibia of many insects,
consisting of a group of scolopidia and sensitive to vibrations
transmitted through the legs.
|
|
Subglobular
(Ento) |
Almost, but not quite, with a round shape.
|
|
Subimago
(Ento) |
1) A special type of immature adult, found
only in the order Ephemeroptera (mayflies). 2) Found only among the
mayflies, the sub-imago or dun is the winged insect which emerges from
the nymphal skin. It is rather dull in color, but very soon moults again
- the only example of a winged insect undergoing a moult - to reveal the
imago. |
|
Subimago
(Ento) |
A special type of immature adult, found only
in the mayflies.
|
|
Subject, experimental subject
(Stat) |
A member of the control group or the
treatment group.
|
|
Subjective factors
(OH) |
The amount of pain and other symptoms
described by an injured worker; these factors may carry very little
weight in comparison to objective measurements.
|
|
Subluxation
(Vet) |
A partial dislocation of a joint in which the
bones become out of alignment, but the joint itself is still intact.
|
|
Sub-marginal Cells
(Ento) |
Cells lying just behind the stigma in the
hymenopteran forewing: important in the identification of bees and
sphecid wasps.
|
|
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)
(Eco) |
Rooted vegetation that grows under water in
shallow zones where light penetrates.
|
|
Subnivean
(Eco) |
Below the snow.
|
|
Subrogation
(OH) |
The assignment of rights of recovery from
the insured party.
|
|
Subset
(Stat) |
A subset of a given set is a collection of
things that belong to the original set. Every element of the subset must
belong to the original set, but not every element of the original set
need be in a subset.
|
|
Subspecies
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
A subdivision of a species. Usually a
geographic race that varies in size, color, or other characteristics.
Within one species the different subspecies are usually not sharply
differentiated. They are capable of interbreeding. |
|
Subspecies
(Zoo) |
Ranking below species, used for organisms
related at the species level but who show distinct differences, other
than color/pattern, from other species or subspecies in the genus.
|
|
Substance
(PEH) |
A chemical.
|
|
Substance-specific applied research
(PEH) |
A program of research designed to fill
important data needs for specific hazardous substances identified in
ATSDR's toxicological profiles. Filling these data needs would allow
more accurate assessment of human risks from specific substances
contaminating the environment. This research might include human studies
or laboratory experiments to determine health effects resulting from
exposure to a given hazardous substance. |
|
Substrate
(Vet) |
Relative to the husbandry of reptiles,
amphibians, and small mammals, the substrate is the material that lines
the bottom of a cage. |
|
Substrate BLUE
(Eco) |
Supporting surface on which a sessile
organism lives and grows. The substrate may simply provide structural
support, or may provide water and nutrients. A substrate may be
inorganic, such as rock or soil, or it may be organic, such as wood.
|
|
Subterranean
(Eco) |
Referring to underground.
|
|
Subtidal
(Aqua, Eco) |
Submerged, not exposed at the lowest tide.
|
|
Subumbrella
(Aqua, Trop) |
The area of a jellyfish under the bell.
|
|
Sucking mouthparts
(Ento) |
The collection of modified body appendages
(mandibles, labrum, maxillae and labium) which are used by insects to
take in liquid food.
|
|
Sulfonamides
(Vet) |
A class of antibiotics which contain sulfur.
They are bacteriostatic (they stop the growth of bacteria, but do NOT
kill them).
|
|
Superantigen
(Vet) |
An antigen that evokes an extraordinarily
strong immune response that is debilitating to the exposed individual.
|
|
Superfamily
(Ento) |
A group of closely related families;
superfamily names end in -oidea.
|
|
Superfecundation
(Vet) |
Having a litter with more than one father (or
breeding).
|
|
Superficial cleavage
(Ento) |
A type of embryonic development in which the
cleavage nuclei migrate to the surface of the egg; cell membranes then
form about each nucleus. |
|
Superfund (federal and state)
(PEH) |
The federal and state programs to investigate
and clean up inactive hazardous waste sites.
|
|
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
(PEH) |
In 1986, SARA amended the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)
and expanded the health-related responsibilities of ATSDR. CERCLA and
SARA direct ATSDR to look into the health effects from substance
exposures at hazardous waste sites and to perform activities including
health education, health studies, surveillance, health consultations,
and toxicological profiles. |
|
Superinfection
(Para) |
A new infection of a host superimposed on an
existing one by the same species of parasite. See Hyperinfection.
|
|
Superior gonad
(Aqua) |
Chirodropids also have another gonad on the
top of the bell which arises on a raised area referred to as the
perradial core, or perradial eminence. |
|
Supernormal stimulus
(Ento) |
A stimulus that exceeds normal with respect
to size or other properties and elicits an exaggerated response.
|
|
Superposition eye
(Ento) |
A type of compound eye occurring in nocturnal
insects, in which the ommatidia are not surrounded by a shield of
pigment.
|
|
Supervisors
(OH) |
Those persons who have the authority to
direct the tasks of other employees and who are therefore responsible
for the job-related environments to which their workers are exposed.
Supervisors may also be required to develop local area procedures, train
workers in health and safety, enforce rules and maintain records.
|
|
Supplementary reproductives
(Ento) |
In termites the caste of males and females
with short wings, light pigmentation, and small compound eyes. The
females lay eggs in the colony supplementing the work of the queen.
|
|
Supporting department or agency
(HS) |
A federal institution designated to assist a
specific primary department or agency in the delivery of one or more
emergency functions. |
|
Supraventricular tachycardia
(Vet) |
A condition in which the heart beats very
rapidly because of signals coming from the atria or near the junction of
the atria with the ventricles. |
|
Surface water
(PEH) |
Water on the surface of the earth, such as in
lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and springs.
|
|
Surveillance
(PEH) |
See public health surveillance.
|
|
Surveillance
(Trop) |
The monitoring of changes in the numbers of
mosquitoes or disease cases over a period of time.
|
|
Surveillance of disease
(Trop) |
As distinct from surveillance of persons,
Surveillance of disease is the continuing scrutiny of all aspects of
occurrence and spread of a disease that are pertinent to effective
control. Included are the systematic collection and evaluation of
1) morbidity and mortality reports; 2) special reports of field
investigations of epidemics and of individual cases; 3) isolation and
identification of infectious agents by laboratories; 4) data concerning
the availability, use and untoward effects of vaccines and toxoids,
immune globulins, insecticides and other substances used in control; 5)
information regarding immunity levels in segments of the population; and
6) other relevant epidemiologic data. A report summarizing the above
data should be prepared and distributed to all cooperating persons and
others with a need to know the results of the surveillance activities.
The procedure applies to all jurisdictional levels of public health from
local to international. Serologic surveillance identifies patterns of
current and past infection using serologic tests. |
|
Survey
(PEH) |
A systematic collection of information or
data. A survey can be conducted to collect information from a group of
people or from the environment. Surveys of a group of people can be
conducted by telephone, by mail, or in person. Some surveys are done by
interviewing a group of people. |
|
Survey meter
(HS) |
An instrument that measures external
radiation dose.
|
|
Survival analysis
(Stat) |
A class of statistical procedures for
estimating the survival function (function of time, starting with a
population 100% well at a given time and providing the percentage of the
population still well at later times). The survival analysis is then
used for making inferences about the effects of treatments, prognostic
factors, exposures, and other covariates on the function.
|
|
Survival rate
(Stat) |
The proportion of survivors in a group, e.g.,
of patients, studied and followed over a period, or the proportion of
persons in a specified group alive at the beginning of a time interval
who survive to the end of the interval. It is often studied using life
table methods.
|
|
Susceptible
(Epi, Trop) |
Prone to infection by parasites and
pathogens. A person or animal presumably not possessing sufficient
resistance against a particular pathogenic agent and for that reason
liable to contact a disease if or when exposed to the disease agent.
|
|
Suspect
(Trop) |
In infectious disease control, illness in a
person whose history and symptoms suggest that he or she may have or be
developing a communicable disease.
|
|
Suspended sediments
(Eco) |
Particles of soil, sediment, living material,
or detritus suspended in the water column.
|
|
Sustainability
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
The ability to continue existing. |
|
Sustainable development (Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Development that meets the needs and
aspirations of the current generation without compromising the ability
to meet those of future generations.
|
|
Suture
(Ento) |
1) An external linelike groove in the
exoskeleton, or a narrow membranous area between sclerites. A line of
indentation in the cuticle, usually forming an internal strengthening
ridge. 2) A groove on the body surface which usually divides one plate
or sclerite from the next: also the junction between the elytra of a
beetle. 3) A seamlike joint or line of articulation. |
|
Swamp
(Eco) |
A wetland dominated by woodsy vegetation.
|
|
Swarm
(Ento) |
1) A large number of insects (especially when
in motion). For example a swarm of mosquitoes. 2) A group of bees with a
queen bee while migrating to establish a new colony. |
|
Swim bladder
(Zoo) |
An organ regulating the buoyancy in most
teleost (bony) fishes.
|
|
Swollen belly syndrome
(Trop) |
A condition seen in very young children in
Papua New Guinea infected with a Strongyloides fülleborni-like
species of intestinal nematode. |
|
Symbiont
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
An organism living in intimate association
with another organism.
|
|
Symbiosis
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
The association or living together of
different species.
|
|
Symbiotic (Aqua, Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
A close relationship between two species
which usually works to the advantage of both.
|
|
Symmetric distribution
(Stat) |
The probability distribution of a random
variable X is symmetric if there is a number a such that the
chance that X>=a+b is the same as the chance that X<=a-b
for every value of b. A list of numbers has a symmetric
distribution if there is a number a such that the fraction of
numbers in the list that are greater than or equal to a+b
is the same as the fraction of numbers in the list that are less than or
equal to a-b, for every value of b. In either case,
the histogram or the probability histogram will be symmetrical about a
vertical line drawn at x=a. |
|
Sympathomimetic
(Vet) |
Producing effects similar to the 'flight or
fight' response, which means the body is alerted to a danger of some
sort and prepares to basically run or fight. Sympathomimetic effects
include increased heart rate, sweating, and increased blood pressure.
|
|
Sympatric BLUE
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Describing different species or populations
that live in the same geographical area.
|
|
Sympatric speciation
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Division of a species into two or more
descendant species within the same area.
|
|
Symptom
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
Any functional evidence or disease or of a
patient's condition; a change in a patient's condition indicative of
some bodily or mental state. |
|
Synanceja
sp.
(Trop) |
See stonefish.
|
|
Synapse
(Vet) |
The junction between a nerve and the tissue
it stimulates. It is a gap that is crossed by the release of a
neurotransmitter and the site where nerve agents act.
|
|
Synapsis
(Ento, Zoo) |
The point of interaction between adjacent
neurons or between a neuron and a muscle or gland, involving a chemical
neurotransmitter.
|
|
Syncope (Vet) |
The temporary loss of consciousness;
fainting.
|
|
Syndrome
(Trop) |
A pattern of symptoms and signs, appearing
one by one or simultaneously, that together characterize a particular
disease or disorder.
|
|
Synergist
(Vet) |
A substance that enhances the effectiveness
of a second substance. |
|
Synergistic effect
(PEH) |
A biologic response to multiple substances
where one substance worsens the effect of another substance. The
combined effect of the substances acting together is greater than the
sum of the effects of the substances acting by themselves [see additive
effect and antagonistic effect]. |
|
Syngamy
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Multiplication (reproduction) by a sexual
process.
|
|
Synomone
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
A chemical substance produced by an organism
and perceived by another organism, which benefits both the receiver and
the emitter. Example: A flower scent attracting bees for pollination.
|
|
Synonomy
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Two or names given for the same organism.
|
|
Synonym (Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
One of two or more names which have been
given to a single species. The earliest name usually takes precedence.
|
|
Synovial
(Vet) |
Pertaining to a joint made up of bone ends
covered with cartilage, ligaments, a cavity filled with synovial fluid
(joint fluid) and an outside fibrous capsule, e.g., hip joint, elbow
joint.
|
|
Syphilis
(Trop) |
A sexually transmitted disease caused by
Treponema pallidum. A non-venereal, form, known as treponarid (or by
such local names a bejel or Njovera) is caused by T. endemicum
and is clinically very similar to yaws.
|
|
Systematic error
(Stat) |
An error that affects all the measurements
similarly. For example, if a ruler is too short, everything measured
with it will appear to be longer than it really is (ignoring random
error). If your watch runs fast, every time interval you measure with it
will appear to be longer than it really is (again, ignoring random
error). Systematic errors do not tend to average out.
|
|
Systematic random sample
(Stat) |
A systematic sample starting at a random
point in the listing of units in the frame, instead of starting at the
first unit. Systematic random sampling is better than systematic
sampling, but typically not as good as simple random sampling.
|
|
Systematic sample
(Stat) |
A systematic sample from a frame of units is
one drawn by listing the units and selecting every kth element of
the list. For example, if there are N units in the frame, and we
want a sample of size N/10, we would take every tenth unit: the
first unit, the eleventh unit, the 21st unit, etc. Systematic
samples are not random samples, but they often behave essentially as if
they were random, if the order in which the units appears in the list is
haphazard. Systematic samples are a special case of cluster samples.
|
|
Système internationale (International system) (SI)
(HS) |
The international system of units of
measurement based on the metric system. The old system terminology of
the curie, rad, and the rem has been replaced in the SI by the
becquerel, the gray, and the sievert. The United States continues to use
the old system.
|
|
Systemic
(Aqua, Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Involving the whole body or organism, and not
just individual parts. |
|
Systemic insecticide
(Ento) |
An insecticide capable of absorption into
plant sap or animal blood and lethal to insects feeding on or within the
treated host.
|
|
T |
Top |
|
T cell
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
Also called 'T lymphocytes.' The type of
lymphocyte which is responsible for cell-mediated immunity. T cells may
directly kill a cell or produce chemicals called lymphokines that
activate macrophages which will kill the cell. Compare with 'B cell.'
|
|
Tabanid
(Ento, Trop) |
A family of biting flies commonly called
horseflies or deerflies (genus Tabanus), sometimes vectors of
loiasis.
|
|
Tachycardia
(Trop, Vet) |
An abnormally high heart rate.
|
|
Tachypnea (Trop, Vet) |
Rapid breathing.
|
|
Tachyzoite
(Para) |
Extra-intestinal stage of Toxoplasma that is
found in in vacuoles muscle, liver, brain, and lung found in
intermediate and definitive hosts. Sporulated oocysts are ingested and
liberated sporozoites rapidly penetrate the intestinal wall and through
the blood. It is the invasive and proliferative stage of Toxoplasma.
|
|
Tactile
(Ento) |
Pertaining to the sense of touch. In insects,
most of the sense organs that respond to touch are small hairs with a
nerve at their base. They sense the movement of this hair if it touches
another object or if it moves by the wind.
|
|
Tadpoles
(Zoo) |
The larval form of an amphibian's life cycle.
|
|
Taenia
(Trop) |
A genus of cestodes (tapeworms), which
include Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), T. solium (pork
tapeworm) and T. asiatica (Asian pork tapeworm). All have human
final (definitive) hosts.
|
|
Taenidia
(Ento) |
Cuticular ridges that support the walls of
tracheae.
|
|
Tagging
(Aqua) |
Marking of an organism or group of organisms
to enable recognition and tracking of individuals over given periods of
time.
|
|
Tagma
(Ento) |
A cluster of associated body segments.
|
|
Taiga
(Eco) |
A region of boreal forest, the largely
evergreen forest vegetation of northern areas of the Northern
Hemisphere, below the arctic and subarctic tundra regions.
|
|
Tailgate safety meetings
(OH) |
Short (10 - 15 minute) on-the-job meetings
in construction and heavy industry held to keep employees apprised of
work-related hazards. See also toolbox safety meetings.
|
|
Talus
(Eco) |
A steep, concave, downward sloping formation,
formed by the accumulation of coarse, angular rock debris at the base of
the cliff or slope.
|
|
Tamoya
(Aqua) |
A Genus consisting of large carybdeid
jellyfish from around the world possibly covered by the colloquial term,
Morbakka.
|
|
Tampan
(Trop) |
A soft tick.
|
|
Tamponade
(Trop, Vet) |
An increase of fluid around the heart.
|
|
Tandem running
(Ento) |
A form of recruitment behavior in which one
individual follows another, maintaining antennae contact.
|
|
TAP
(HS) |
Toxicological Agent Protective. Used in
reference to equipment, e.g. TAP apron.
|
|
Tapetum
(Ento) |
A basal layer of tracheae in an ommatidium
that reflects light.
|
|
Tapeworm (Para) |
Name for the parasitic flatworms forming the
class Cestoda. All tapeworms spend the adult phase of their lives as
parasites in the gut of a vertebrate animal (called the primary host).
Most tapeworms spend part of their life cycle in the tissues of one or
more other animals (called intermediate hosts), which may be vertebrates
or arthropods. |
|
Tarantula hawk
(Ento) |
A type of large wasps that preys upon
tarantulas and other large spiders. |
|
Target organ
(PEH) |
An organ (such as the liver or kidney) that
is specifically affected by a toxic chemical.
|
|
Tarichatoxin
(Zoo) |
Potent neurotoxin produced by members of
Taricha (Salamandridae).
|
|
Tarsal claw
(Ento) |
A claw located at the tip of the last tarsus.
|
|
Tarsal formula
(Ento) |
The number of tarsal segments on the front,
middle, and hind tarsi, respectively. For example 5 - 5 - 4.
|
|
Tarsus
(Ento) |
1) The insect's foot: primitively a single
segment but consisting of several segments in most living insects. 2)
The leg segment beyond the tibia; composed of 3 to 5 small segments.
|
|
Tarsus
(Vet) |
The ankle (rear leg) of dogs and cats; also
called the hock.
|
|
Tartar
(Vet) |
A build-up of bacteria, saliva, and food on
the teeth which becomes mineralized, forming a hard coating and
eventually causing gum disease and tooth loss. See also Plaque.
|
|
Task team
(HS) |
A group of specialists from more than one
department or agency who work closely together during the response phase
of a nuclear emergency in order to carry out a specific task (e.g. dose
prediction). A task team reports to a specific group of the National
Support Center; i.e. the Coordination and Operations Group, the Public
Affairs Group, or the Technical Advisory Group.
|
|
Tawny
(Zoo) |
1) Of a dark yellowish or dull
yellowish-brown color. 2) A shade of brown tinged with yellow; dull
yellowish brown. |
|
Taxis
(Ento) |
A stereotyped orientation movement directed
toward or away from a source of stimulation.
|
|
Taxonomic study
(Trop) |
Identification of species and their genetic
relationship to one another.
|
|
Taxonomist
(Aqua) |
Someone who studies the taxonomy, or orderly
classification of plants or animals, according to their presumed
evolutionary (natural) relationships. |
|
Taxonomy
(Aqua) |
Systematic binomial classification of all
living things. e.g. Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Cnidaria, Class Cubozoa,
Order Chirodropidae, Genus Chironex, Species Chironex fleckeri.
|
|
Taxonomy
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Systematic binomial classification of all
living things: Kingdom - Phylum - Class - Order - Family - Genus –
Species.
|
|
T-cell
(Aqua) |
A specialized white cell (lymphocyte)
responsible for cell-mediated immunity.
|
|
Tefanoquine
(Trop) |
A primaquine analogue discovered by the US
Army with activity against liver parasites of malaria and able to
suppress blood parasites and kill gametocytes. See also etaquine.
|
|
Tegmen
(Ento) |
1) A somewhat thickened forewing, serving
as a protective covering of the hindwing, as in grasshoppers and
cockroaches. 2) Leathery forewing of certain insects, grasshopper for
example. |
|
Tegula
(Ento) |
A small, sclerotized flap overlying the base
of the forewing of certain insects. A small lobe or scale overlying the
base of the forewing like a shoulder-pad.
|
|
Telamon
(Trop) |
A cuticular thickening of the ventral wall of
the spicular pouch in nematodes. Both gubernaculum and telamon are for
guiding the spicules out of the body. Shape and size and number of the
spicules, gubernaculum and telamon is also used for identification of
the nematodes.
|
|
Temperate deciduous forest
(Eco) |
Dense canopy of broadleaf trees overlying
saplings and shrubs. Great seasonal fluctuations in temperature and rich
in fauna. Much of the areas converted to agriculture.
|
|
Temperate rain forest
(Eco) |
Cold weather, dense fog, and high
precipitation. In NW US, SE Australia, and southern South America.
Dominate trees are conifers.
|
|
Temperature gradient
(Zoo) |
A range of temperature needed to enable a
reptile to regulate its internal (core) body temperature.
|
|
Temporal memory
(Ento, Zoo) |
The ability to compensate for the passage of
time during locomotory behavior such as foraging from the nest.
|
|
Temporary disability benefits
(OH) |
Paid when an employee loses wages because
of an injury that prevents him / her from his / her usual job while
recovering.
|
|
Temporary relocation
(HS) |
A protective measure in which a population
in a contaminated area would be evacuated for a period of several weeks
or months.
|
|
Temporomandibular joint
(Vet)
|
The joint between the lower jaw and the
skull. |
|
Teneral
(Ento) |
Refers to recently molted individuals with a
soft, pale-colored skin. A tsetse fly is called a teneral fly from the
time it emerges until the taking of its first blood meal.
|
|
Tenesmus
(Trop, Vet) |
Painful but ineffectual attempts at
defecation.
|
|
Tentacle
(Aqua, Trop) |
Long, usually-thick, hair-like structures
that contain the nematocysts needed for the capture of food. They may
also be used to deliver such food to the mouth of the jellyfish. They
may contract up to a tenth of their extended state.
|
|
Tentorium
(Ento) |
A set of apodemes that form the internal
bracing of the head.
|
|
Teratogen
(PEH, Trop, Vet) |
A substance that causes defects in
development between conception and birth. A teratogen is a substance
that causes a structural or functional birth defect.
|
|
Teratoma
(Trop) |
A neoplasm possibly starting in the fetus and
having different types of tissues; e.g., ovarian teratoma often have
teeth, adenoma, and connective tissue proliferation.
|
|
Terete
(Ento) |
Cylindrical, or nearly so.
|
|
Tergite
(Ento) |
The primary plate or sclerite forming the
dorsal surface of any body segment.
|
|
Tergum
(Ento) |
The dorsal surface of any body segment.
|
|
Terminal
(Ento, Zoo) |
At the end or tip. The last of a series.
|
|
Termitarium
(Ento) |
Huge mounds (as high as 20 feet or as broad
as 100 yards) made of mud cemented with saliva which are used by some
species of termites as a residence. Inside the mounds are chambers and
galleries which provide ventilation and through which the inhabitants
can wander freely. There is a central chamber in which the huge queen
spends her time laying eggs, and in other chambers fungi are grown that
reduce the wood on which the termites feed to a more digestible form. |
|
Termite
(Ento) |
Any of numerous social insects of the order
Isoptera. Termites are pale-colored, usually soft-bodied insects that
live mostly in warm regions. Many species feed on wood, often destroying
trees and wooden structures. Sometimes they are referred to as "white
ants".
|
|
Termitophile
(Ento) |
A symbiont living in the nest of termites.
|
|
Terrapin
(Zoo) |
Fresh-water tortoise.
|
|
Terrarium
(Zoo) |
The cage or container for keeping reptiles
and amphibians.
|
|
Terrestrial (Aqua, Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
Living on land, as opposed to marine or
aquatic. |
|
Territorial
(Ento, Zoo) |
A pattern of behavior used to defend a
specific area.
|
|
Territoriality (Ento, Zoo) |
Occupation of a site that is defended from
other individuals of the same sex and species.
|
|
Territory (Ento, Zoo) |
An area of habitat that if occupied and
defended by a single individual or a small group of an animal species.
|
|
Terrorism
(HS) |
Any premeditated, unlawful act dangerous to
human life or public welfare that is intended to intimidate or coerce
civilian populations or governments.
|
|
Test statistic
(Stat) |
A statistic used to test hypotheses. An
hypothesis test can be constructed by deciding to reject the null
hypothesis when the value of the test statistic is in some range or
collection of ranges. To get a test with a specified significance level,
the chance when the null hypothesis is true that the test statistic
falls in the range where the hypothesis would be rejected must be at
most the specified significance level. The Z statistic is a
common test statistic.
|
|
Testicular follicles
(Ento, Zoo) |
Tubules in which the sperm are formed.
|
|
Tetanus
(Trop) |
An acute, usually fatal, disease of the
central nervous system; caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium,
which usually enters the body through an open wound. Symptoms include
violent spasms and muscle contraction ("lock-jaw"). The tetanus
bacteria live in soil and manure, but also can be found in the human
intestine and other places. It may be prevented by vaccination with
tetanus toxoid. |
|
Tetrathyridium
(Para) |
Worm like larva with an invaginated scolex
found only in Mesocestoididae.
|
|
Tetrodotoxin
(Trop) |
The toxin responsible for envenomation in
blue-ringed octopus and Japanese Fugu (tetrodotoxin) poisoning from
puffer fish ingestion.
|
|
Thecogen cell
(Ento) |
A cell that surrounds the glial cell and the
outer section of a sensory neuron.
|
|
T-helper cells
(Trop, Vet) |
A type of lymphocyte which assists the
B-Lymphocytes in producing antibodies.
|
|
Therapeutic (Trop, Vet) |
Refers to a treatment for the cure or control
of a disease.
|
|
Therapy
(Trop, Vet) |
The treatment of disease.
|
|
Thermocline
(Eco) |
A specific depth at which there is a layer of
water where the temperature changes dramatically. Warmer surface water
is seperated from the cooler deep water. This temperature gradient
results in the formation of a density barrier.
|
|
Thermoregulate
(Zoo) |
In reptiles, their ability to change their
body temperature by moving from warm to cool places.
|
|
Thicket
(Eco) |
A thick growth of shrubs: a dense or tangled
growth of small trees or bushes.
|
|
Thigmotherm
(Zoo) |
Absorbs heat by laying/resting against warm
objects in the environment. Commonly found in snakes, Lacertidae,
Scincidae, and Teiidae. Snakes use a combination of heliothermic and
thigmothermic strategies. |
|
Thigmothermic
(Zoo) |
See Thigmotherm.
|
|
Third generation
(Vet) |
A description of medications developed from
an earlier form of the medication. First generation medications were
developed from the original form of the drug; second generation
medications are adaptations of first generation drugs; third generation
drugs are adaptations of second generation, etc.
|
|
Third Party Administrator (TPA)
(OH) |
An organization that performs managerial
and clerical functions related to an employee benefit insurance plan or
an insurance plan such as workers’ compensation.
|
|
Thorax
(Ento) |
The middle of the three major divisions of
the insect body. The legs and wings (if present) are always attached to
the thorax.
|
|
Threat
(OH) |
An indication of imminent danger or a
source of harm.
|
|
Threatened
(Eco) |
A species that is likely to become endangered
if not protected.
|
|
Thrips
(Ento) |
See Thysanoptera.
|
|
Thrombocytopenia
(Vet) |
A lower than normal number of platelets in
the blood. Platelets, which are actually fragments of specific types of
cells, are necessary for blood to clot. Signs of thrombocytopenia
include bruising and bleeding from the nose, into the gastrointestinal
tract, etc. |
|
Thyroid blocking
(HS) |
See potassium iodide.
|
|
Thyroid blocking agent
(HS) |
A substance which prevents or reduces the
uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid. Usually stable potassium
iodide (KI) is taken orally for this purpose.
|
|
Thyrotropin releasing hormone
(Vet) |
Hormone produced by the hypothalamus that
stimulates the pituitary gland to produce thyrotropin (thyroid
stimulating hormone-TSH), which in turn stimulates the thyroid gland to
produce thyroid hormone. Also called TSH releasing factor or TSH
releasing hormone.
|
|
Thysanoptera
(Ento) |
One of the insect groups, made up of the
thrips, characterized by fringed wings, rasping mouthparts, and
incomplete metamorphosis.
|
|
Tibia
(Ento) |
The fourth segment of the leg, between the
femur and the tarsus.
|
|
Tibio-fibula
(Zoo) |
Derived condition found in Anurans where the
tibia and fibula are fused. |
|
Tick
(Ento) |
Small bloodsucking invertebrates that often
carry disease, such as tick-borne encephalitis. They have eight legs and
the body is divided into head and an abdomen. This makes them arachnids
(related to the spiders) rather than insects.
|
|
Tick bite fever
(Trop) |
Tick-borne spotted fever.
|
|
Tick typhus
(Trop) |
Tick-borne spotted fever.
|
|
Tidal fresh
(Eco) |
Describes waters with salinity between 0 and
0.5 parts per thousand (ppt). These areas are at the extreme reach of
tidal influence.
|
|
Tidal mud flat
(Eco) |
The unvegetated shore exposed to air during
low tide.
|
|
Tides
(Eco) |
Periodic movement of water resulting from
gravitational attraction between the earth, sun, and moon.
|
|
Tillering
(Eco) |
Producing shoots from the lower part of the
plant.
|
|
Tillering stage
(Eco) |
Growth stage of grain crops when a plant
produces additional shoots. |
|
Tinea (ringworm)
(Trop) |
Refers to a variety of superficial fungal
infections of the skin on different areas of the body caused by
dermatophyte fungi belonging to the genera Epidemophytum,
Microsporosum, and Trichophytum.
|
|
Tinnitus
(Vet) |
Ringing sound in the ears, a common side
effect of quinine treatment. |
|
Tissue
(Vet) |
A group of specialized cells that together
perform a particular function, e.g., muscle tissue, nerve tissue, bone.
|
|
Titer
(Vet) |
A measurement of the amount of antibodies in
the blood. The test to measure antibodies is usually performed by making
a number of dilutions of the blood and then measuring at what dilution
there is sufficient antibody to react in the test. For example, a titer
of 1:8 (one to eight) means the blood can be diluted to one part blood
and seven parts saline and still produce a positive reaction in the
test. The higher the titer (1:16 is higher than 1:8), the more antibody
is present. |
|
Title 29
(OH) |
The section of the Code of Federal
Regulations dealing with the regulations of the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA). |
|
T-lymphocytes (or T-cells)
(Trop) |
White blood cells that have matured in the
thymus gland. There are at least two kinds of T-lymphocytes - helpers
and suppressors. In AIDS, the number of helper cells is decreased.
|
|
Toeboards
(OH) |
Provided on all open sides and the ends of
railed scaffolds at locations where people work or pass under the
scaffold, and at all interior floor, roof and shaft openings. A standard
toeboard is four inches minimum from its top edge to the level of the
floor, platform, runway or ramp, and must be securely fastened in place.
|
|
Toolbox safety meetings
(OH) |
Short on-the-job meetings in heavy industry
and construction to keep employees apprised of work-related hazards. See
also tailgate safety meetings.
|
|
Top predator
(Aqua) |
A species eaten by nothing else in the food
web.
|
|
Topical
(Vet) |
To be used on the skin.
|
|
Tormogen cell
(Ento, Zoo) |
An epidermal cell secreting a ring of cuticle
that connects a cuticular hair to the cuticle.
|
|
Torpid
(Zoo) |
Characterized by a dormant, inactive
condition or state.
|
|
Torpor
(Zoo) |
Sluggishness, inactive, lethargic.
|
|
Torsion
(Vet) |
The twisting of an organ.
|
|
Total fertility rate (TFR)
(Epi) |
The number of children an average women would
have assuming that she lives her full reproductive lifetime.
|
|
Total herbicide
(Eco) |
Herbicide affecting all plants.
|
|
Totipotency
(Epi) |
The potential, throughout life, to express
the full behavioral repertoire of the population (even if never actually
expressed), and the ability to produce offspring like oneself,
exhibiting the full behavioral repertoire of the population, without
help.
|
|
Tourniquet
(Aqua, Vet) |
A very tight ligature applied over the
proximal portion of an extremity (limb) to occlude the artery to prevent
blood reaching the distal part of the limb. Useful for severe,
uncontrolled arterial bleeding, but dangerous when used for
envenomation.
|
|
Tourniquet test
(Trop) |
A positive tourniquet test with scattered
fine petechiae is one of the earliest clinical signs in dengue
hemorrhagic fever.
|
|
Toxemia
(Vet) |
A condition in which toxins move into the
bloodstream.
|
|
Toxic agent
(PEH) |
Chemical or physical (for example, radiation,
heat, cold, microwaves) agents that, under certain circumstances of
exposure, can cause harmful effects to living organisms.
|
|
Toxicant
(PEH) |
A poisionous or toxic agent that is harmful
to living resources either terrestrial or aquatic.
|
|
Toxicity
(Trop) |
The ability to cause ill effects. Poisoning.
|
|
Toxicogenic
(Trop) |
Producing disease symptoms as a result of an
introduced toxin.
|
|
Toxicological profile
(PEH) |
An ATSDR document that examines, summarizes,
and interprets information about a hazardous substance to determine
harmful levels of exposure and associated health effects. A
toxicological profile also identifies significant gaps in knowledge on
the substance and describes areas where further research is needed.
|
|
Toxicology
(PEH) |
The study of the harmful effects of
substances on humans or animals. |
|
Toxignaths
(Ento) |
The first pair of legs in the centipedes that
are modified into poison pincers for catching prey.
|
|
Toxin (Aqua, PEH, Trop, Vet) |
Any poisonous substance of microbic,
vegetable or animal origin. A substance that is harmful to the tissues.
|
|
Toxoplasma gondii
(Para) |
A single-celled parasite that causes
toxoplasmosis (toxo).
|
|
Toxoplasmosis
(Trop) |
A zoonotic disease caused by the apicomplexan
protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. The definitive hosts of this
parasite species are felids (cats). |
|
TPA
(OH) |
See Third Party Administrator.
|
|
Trachea
(Ento) |
A tube of the respiratory system, ending
externally at the spiracle and terminating internally at the tracheoles.
One of the minute tubes which permeate the insect body and carry gases
to and from the various organs etc. They open to the air at the
spiracles.
|
|
Trachea
(Zoo) |
The air tube supported by cartilaginous rings
that stretches from the pharynx into the the thorax, where it divides
into the bronchial tubes. |
|
Tracheal gill
(Ento) |
A heavily tracheated extension of the body,
permitting extraction of oxygen from water.
|
|
Tracheal migration
(Para) |
Migration in the host by a parasite into
alveoli up the respiratory tree and then swallowed and then mature in
the intestine.
|
|
Tracheobronchitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.
|
|
Tracheole
(Ento, Zoo) |
A delicate tubule extending from a trachea,
the site of gas exchange between the tracheal system and the tissues.
|
|
Tracheoles (Ento, Zoo) |
Fine terminal branches of the respiratory
tubes.
|
|
Trachoma
(Trop) |
An eye infection causing a purulent
conjunctivitis and which can lead to blindness unless treated. Caused
by Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes A, B, and C.
|
|
Trade name
(Vet) |
Name given to a product sold by a company to
distinguish it from similar products made by other companies (also
trademark name, proprietary name, brand name).
|
|
Trademark name
(Vet) |
Trade name. Name given to a product sold by a
company to distinguish it from similar products made by other companies.
|
|
Tragus
(Zoo) |
The cartilaginous projection in front of the
external auditory meatus.
|
|
Training
(OH) |
Classroom instruction, site safety meetings,
on-the-job training and written materials provided to employees to make
them aware of workplace hazards and how to prevent accidents and
illnesses.
|
|
Transect
(Aqua) |
A line across an area to be sampled, marked
by a tape measure. Often permanent markers at the ends of line are left
so that the line is easily found upon return.
|
|
Transformation
(Stat) |
Transformations turn lists into other lists,
or variables into other variables. For example, to transform a list of
temperatures in degrees Celsius into the corresponding list of
temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit, you multiply each element by 9/5,
and add 32 to each product. This is an example of an affine
transformation: multiply by something and add something (y =
ax + b is the general affine transformation of x; it's the
familiar equation of a straight line). In a linear transformation, you
only multiply by something (y = ax). Affine transformations are
used to put variables in standard units. In that case, you subtract the
mean and divide the results by the SD. This is equivalent to multiplying
by the reciprocal of the SD and adding the negative of the mean, divided
by the SD, so it is an affine transformation. Affine transformations
with positive multiplicative constants have a simple effect on the mean,
median, mode, quartiles, and other percentiles: the new value of any of
these is the old one, transformed using exactly the same formula. When
the multiplicative constant is negative, the mean, median, mode, are
still transformed by the same rule, but quartiles and percentiles are
reversed: the qth quantile of the transformed distribution is the
transformed value of the 1-qth quantile of the original
distribution (ignoring the effect of data spacing). The effect of an
affine transformation on the SD, range, and IQR, is to make the new
value the old value times the absolute value of the number you
multiplied the first list by: what you added does not affect them.
|
|
Transient
(Vet) |
Temporary.
|
|
Translucent
(Vet) |
Allowing light to pass through; neither
transparent nor opaque.
|
|
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE)
(PrD) |
A family of rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders
that affect both humans and animals and are caused by prions.
|
|
Transmission
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
Any mechanism by which a susceptible human
host is exposed to an infectious or parasitic agent. These mechanism
are: 1) Direct transmission 2) Indirect transmission
|
|
Transmission breakpoint
(Epi) |
A critical average worm burden below which
the mating frequency is too low to maintain a dioecious parasite
species.
|
|
Transmission of infectious agents
(Trop) |
Any mechanism by which an infectious agent is
spread from a source or reservoir to a person. These mechanisms are as
follows. 1) Direct transmission: Direct and essentially immediate
transfer of infectious agents to a receptive portal of entry trough
which human or animal infection may take place. This may be by direct
contact such as touching, biting, kissing or sexual intercourse, or by
the direct projection (droplet spread) of droplet spray onto the
conjunctiva or onto the mucous membranes of the eye, nose or mouth
during sneezing, coughing, spitting, singing or talking (usually limited
to a distance of about 1 m or less). 2) Indirect transmission:
a) Vehicle-borne: Contaminated inanimate materials or objects (fomites)
such as toys, handkerchiefs, soiled clothes, bedding, cooking or eating
utensils, surgical instruments or dressing; water, food, milk, and
biological products including blood, serum, plasma, tissues or organs;
or any substance serving as an intermediate means by which an infectious
agent is transported and introduced into a susceptible host through a
suitable portal of entry. the agent may or may not have multiplied or
developed in or on the vehicle before being transmitted. b)
Vector-borne: (i) Mechanical: Includes simple mechanical carriage by a
crawling or flying insect through soiling of its feet or proboscis, or
by passage of organisms through its gastrointestinal tract. This does
not require multiplication or development of the organism. (ii)
Biological: Propagation (multiplication), cyclic development, or a
combination of these (cyclopropagative) is required before the arthropod
can transmit the infective form of the agent to humans. An incubation
period (extrinsic) is required following infection before the arthropod
becomes infective. The infectious agent may be passed vertically to
succeeding generations (transovarian transmission); transstadial
transmission indicates its passage from one stage of life cycle to
another, as nymph to adult. Transmission may be by injection of salivary
gland fluid during biting, or by regurgitation or deposition on the skin
of feces or other material capable of penetrating through the bite sound
or through an area of trauma from scratching or rubbing. This
transmission is by an infected nonvertebrate host and not simple
mechanical carriage by a vector as a vehicle. however, an arthropod in
either role is termed a vector. 3) Airborne: the dissemination of
microbial aerosols to a suitable portal of entry, usually the
respiratory tract. Microbial aerosols are suspensions of particles in
the air consisting partially or wholly of microorganisms. They may
remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, some retaining and
others losing infectivity or virulence. Particles in the 1 to 5 mm range
are easily drawn into the alveoli of the lungs and may be retained
there. Not considered as airborne are droplets and other large particles
that promptly settle out. a) Droplet nuclei: Usually the small residues
that result from evaporation of fluid from droplets emitted by an
infected host. They may also be created purposely by a variety of
atomizing devices, or accidentally as in microbiology laboratories or in
abattoirs, rendering plants or autopsy rooms. They usually remain
suspended in the air for long periods of time. b) Dust: The small
particles of widely varying size that may arise from soil (as, e.g.,
fungus spores separated from dry soil by wind or mechanical agitation),
clothes, bedding or contaminated floors.
|
|
Transmission threshold
(Epi) |
Occurs for a parasite when the basic
reproductive rate Ro is equal to 1. Below this threshold level
the disease is unable to maintain itself within the host population.
|
|
Transmission, direct
(Trop) |
Direct and essentially immediate transfer of
infectious agents (other than from an arthropod in which the organism
has undergone essential multiplication or development) to a receptive
portal of entry by which infection of humans may take place. This may be
by touching, as in kissing, sexual intercourse or biting (direct
contact); or by the direct projection of droplet spray onto the
conjunctivae, or onto the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth during
sneezing, coughing, spitting or talking (usually not possible over a
distance greater than 3 ft) (droplet spread); or, as in the systemic
mycoses, by direct exposure of susceptible tissue to soil, compost or
decaying vegetable matter that contains the agent and where it normally
leads a saprophytic existence. |
|
Transmission, indirect (air-borne)
(Trop) |
The dissemination of microbial aerosols with
carriage to suitable portal of entry, usually the respiratory tract.
Microbial aerosols are suspensions in air of particles consisting
partially or wholly of microorganisms. Particles in the 1 to 5 micron
range are quite easily drawn into the lungs and retained there. They may
remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, some retaining and
others losing infectivity of virulence. Not considering as airborne are
droplets and other large particles, which promptly settle out; the
following are airborne, their mode of transmission indirect: 1) Droplet
nuclei: Usually the small residues which result from evaporation of
droplets emitted by an infected host. Droplet nuclei also may be created
purposely by a variety of atomizing devices, or accidentally, in
microbiology laboratories or in abattoirs, rendering plants, autopsy
rooms, etc. They usually remain suspended in the air for long periods of
time. 2) Dust: The small particles of widely varying size which may
arise from contaminated floors, clothes, beddings, other articles; or
from soil (usually fungus spores separated from dry soil by wind or
mechanical stirring).
|
|
Transmission, indirect (vector-borne)
(Trop) |
1) Mechanical: Includes simple mechanical
carriage by a crawling or flying insect through soiling of its feet or
proboscis, or by passage of organisms through its gastrointestinal
tract. This does not require multiplication or development of the
organism. 2) Biological: Propagation (multiplication), cyclic
development, or a combination of them (cyclopropagation) is required
before the arthropod can transmit the infective form of the agent to
man. An incubation period (extrinsic) is required following infection
before the arthropod becomes infective. Transmission may be by saliva
during biting, or by regurgitation or deposition on the skin of agents
capable of penetrating subsequently through the bite wound or through an
area of trauma following scratching or biting. This is transmitted by an
infected invertebrate host and must be differentiated for
epidemiological purposes from simple mechanical carriage by a vector in
the role of a vehicle. An arthropod in either role is termed a vector. |
|
Transparent
(Vet) |
A clear surface that is easily seen through
with little or no distortion.
|
|
Transport host
(Epi, Para, Trop, Vet) |
An animal or insect which carries an immature
parasite from one host to another.
|
|
Transposition
(Vet) |
The mechanism, a form of genetic
recombination, by which transposons move from one site to another.
Often, when they move they leave no trace of their presence, but
sometimes they leave a small piece of DNA behind.
|
|
Transposon
(Vet) |
A piece of genetic material, usually DNA,
that carries all the genes necessary to move itself from one site to
another but that cannot replicate on its own. In addition to the genes
needed for transposition, they can carry other genes and appear to play
a role in the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. They
can have effects on the host by inserting themselves into a gene and
inactivating it. They are also found in fungi and in plants. They were
first discovered in maize (corn) where the play a role in the colors of
the corn cob. |
|
Transverse
(Vet) |
Across the body or appendage, at right angles
to the longitudinal axis. |
|
Transverse suture
(Ento) |
A suture running across the thorax of many
flies and dividing the mesonotum into a scutum and a prescutum.
|
|
Trap crop
(Eco) |
A crop planted because of its attractiveness
to certain pests and then destroyed or treated so as to destroy the
insects.
|
|
Trap nets
(Trop) |
Nets used to sample the living mosquito
population. By permitting access to bait but restricting movement away
from it, trap nets tend to concentrate female mosquitoes near the bait.
|
|
Trauma
(Vet) |
An injury to the body from a mechanical
force.
|
|
Trauma severity indices
(Stat) |
Systems for assessing, classifying, and
coding injuries. These systems are used in medical records, surveillance
systems, and state and national registries to aid in the collection and
reporting of trauma. |
|
Travel medicine
(Trop) |
That aspect of public health which seeks to
prevent illnesses and injuries occurring to travelers, especially those
going abroad, and manages problems arising in travelers coming back or
from abroad. It is also concerned about the impact of tourism on health
and the provision of health and safety services for tourists.
|
|
Travelers’ diarrhea
(Trop) |
Diarrhea frequently recorded from travelers,
especially those visiting tropical or developing regions of the world.
Probably the commonest travel-related infection. Although it can be
caused by a range of viral, bacterial, protozoan and even on occasions,
fungal and helminthic agents, in excess of 80-90% of cases are due to
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) or less commonly
Enteroadherent Esch. Coli. |
|
Treatment
(Stat) |
The substance or procedure studied in an
experiment or observational study. At issue is whether the treatment has
an effect on the outcome or variable of interest.
|
|
Treatment effect
(Stat) |
The effect of the treatment on the variable
of interest. Establishing whether the treatment has an effect is the
point of an experiment.
|
|
Treatment group
(Stat) |
The individuals who receive the treatment, as
opposed to those in the control group, who do not.
|
|
Tree canopy
(Eco) |
Refers to the layer of leaves, branches, and
stems of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above. This serves
as an overall indicator of urban forest quality and quantity.
|
|
Trend analysis
(Eco) |
A formal statistical process that is used to
determine the presence or absence of changes in measures of water
quality over time or a geographic area.
|
|
Triangle
(Ento) |
A triangular region near the base of the
dragonfly wing, often divided into smaller cells.
|
|
Tributary
(Eco) |
A body of water flowing into a larger body of
water.
|
|
Tributary strategies
(Eco) |
Tributary strategies are detailed
implementation plans to achieve the nutrient and sediment cap load
allocations and are developed in cooperation with local watershed
stakeholders.
|
|
Trichinella
(Trop) |
A genus of nematode worms which cause the
zoonotic infection trichinellosis (trichinosis). Includes five species,
all of which can infect humans, Trichinella spiralis, T.
nativa, T. nelsoni, T. britovi and T.
pseudospiralis.
|
|
Trichogen cell
(Ento) |
An epidermal cell that secretes a cuticular
process, such as a hair.
|
|
Trichoid sensillum
(Ento) |
A seta modified for reception of stimuli.
|
|
Trichome
(Ento) |
A hairlike outgrowth of a plant that may
serve various functions, including defense against insect attack.
|
|
Trichoptera
(Ento) |
Insect order, made up of the caddisflies.
They are characterized by hairy, mothlike wings, long hairlike antennae,
nonfunctional mouthparts, and a complete metamorphosis.
|
|
Trichostrongylus
(Trop) |
A genus of animal parasitic intestinal
nematodes. Can infect humans. The egg, passed in the feces, is similar
to, and is often confused with, hookworm.
|
|
Tricyclic antidepressant
(Vet) |
A class of antidepressants which work by
decreasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters taken up by
specific nerve cells. The tricyclic antidepressants include
clomipramine, amitriptyline, and nortryptyline and are often used to
treat behavioral problems in small animals.
|
|
Trilobita
(Ento) |
One of the classes of arthropods, now
extinct, commonly known as trilobites; trilobites were sea dwelling
arthropods characterized by flattened, oval or teardrop-shaped segmented
bodies.
|
|
Tritocerebrum
(Ento) |
The most posterior part of the brain, which
connects to the ventral nerve cord.
|
|
Trivial movements
(Ento, Zoo) |
Movements of an animal within its normal
habitat, not involving dispersal. |
|
Trochanter
(Ento) |
The second segment of the leg, between the
coxa and the femur; often very small and easily overlooked.
|
|
TropDLs
(Eco) |
Total Maximum Daily Load or TMDL. A TMDL
defines the pollutant load that a water body can assimilate without
causing violations of water quality standards, and allocates the loading
between contributing point sources and non-point source categories.
|
|
Trophic level
(Eco) |
Layer in the food chain in where one group of
organisms serves as the source of nutrition of another group of animals.
|
|
Trophogenic polymorphism
(Ento) |
Polymorphism resulting from differences in
the quantity or quality of food provided to the larvae.
|
|
Trophozoite
(Para, Trop) |
The active, vegetative stage of a protozoan.
The stage of the protozoa in the host which feeds and grows until
division commences. |
|
Tropical eosinophilia
(Trop) |
A syndrome found in certain tropical areas in
which patients present with hypereosinophilia, pulmonary infiltration,
cough, chest pain and asthma-like attacks. Associated with infection by
the filarial nematodes Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi.
These infections are usually amicrofilaraemic, especially in
expatriates, i.e., no microfilariae can be detected in peripheral blood.
|
|
Tropical medicine
(Trop) |
In simple terms, tropical medicine is the
medicine practiced in the tropics. It arose as a discipline in the 19th
century when physicians responsible for the health of colonists and
soldiers from Europe were faced with diseases not encountered in
temperate climates. With extensive worldwide travel possible today,
tropical diseases are now being widely seen in returning travelers and
expatriates.
|
|
Tropical rain forest
(Eco) |
Characterized by high temperature and
precipitation. Greatest variety of plant and animal diversity. True
jungle areas with heavy canopy of broad leaf trees and vines with little
vegetation at ground level. |
|
Tropical sprue
(Trop) |
A chronic malabsorptive, diarrheal,
steatorrhoeic condition of unknown etiology but often associated with
secondary bacterial involvement. |
|
Tropical ulcer
(Trop) |
A cutaneous ulcer seen particularly in
malnourished individuals. The cause of these ulcers is often ascribed to
a synergistic infection by the spirochaete Treponema vincentii
and the anaerobic Gram negative rod, Fusobacterium nucleatum.
|
|
Tropism
(Trop) |
An affinity for a particular organ or body
system (e.g. neurotropic).
|
|
Truncal Titubation / Truncal Ataxia
(PrD) |
Staggering, stumbling gait with shaking of
the trunk.
|
|
Truncate
(Vet) |
Cut off; squared at the end.
|
|
Trypanosomiasis
(Trop) |
A disease caused by parasites of the genus
Trypanosoma and including sleeping sickness in Africa and Chagas
disease in Central and South America.
|
|
Tsetse fly
(Ento, Trop) |
Any of several flies of the African genus
Glossina (order Diptera). These bloodsucking flies are often vectors of
pathogenic trypanosomes that cause sleeping sickness in human beings and
Trypanosomiasis in livestock. Tsetse flies are viviparous.
|
|
TSP
(HS) |
Topical Skin Protectant.
|
|
T-suppressor cells
(Trop, Vet) |
A type of T-lymphocyte that stops antibody
production when the invading antigen has been inactivated.
|
|
T-test
(Stat) |
A hypothesis test based on approximating the
probability histogram of the test statistic by Student's t curve.
T tests usually are used to test hypotheses about the mean of a
population when the sample size is intermediate and the distribution of
the population is known to be nearly normal.
|
|
Tube feet
(Aqua) |
Small, cylindrical outgrowths which occur
normally in rows (e.g. Crown-of-thorns starfish) on the oral side of
echinoderms; lowered or retracted by changes in pressure of coelomic
fluid; used for movement, burrowing, sensing and respiration.
|
|
Tubercle
(Ento, Zoo) |
A small, rounded, discreet hump or bump on
the skin.
|
|
Tuberculate (Ento, Zoo) |
Covered with small tubercles.
|
|
Tuberculosis (TB)
(Trop) |
An infectious disease that was once a major
killer worldwide. The predominant TB organism is Mycobacterium
tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Spread person-to-person in
airborne droplets caused by sneezing or coughing, the bacterium usually
infects the lungs. However, due to improved nutrition, housing,
sanitation, medical care, and the introduction of antibiotics this
century, reported TB cases in the US have declined dramatically.
|
|
Tubule
(Vet) |
Microscopic ducts. The tubules in the kidneys
help to concentrate the urine.
|
|
Tularemia
(Trop, Vet) |
A disease of rodents, lagomorphs, certain
birds and sometimes humans, due to infection caused by the microorganism
Pasteurella tularensis and transmitted by fleas and ticks;
characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain, and nodule formations in
the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. |
|
Tumor
(PEH, Trop, Vet) |
An abnormal mass of tissue that results from
excessive cell division that is uncontrolled and progressive. Tumors
perform no useful body function. Tumors can be either benign (not
cancer) or malignant (cancer). |
|
Tundra
(Eco) |
A vast, nearly level, barren, treeless region
located in the Arctic; characterized by very low winter temperatures,
short, cool summers, and vegetation consisting of various grasses,
rushes, perennial herbs, lichens, and dwarf woody plants.
|
|
Turbidity
(Eco) |
The decreased clarity in a body of water due
to the suspension of silt or sedimentary material.
|
|
Twin studies
(Stat) |
Methods of detecting genetic etiology in
human traits. The basic premise of twin studies is that monozygotic
twins, being formed by the division of a single fertilized ovum, carry
identical genes, while dizygotic twins, being formed by the
fertilization of two ova by two different spermatozoa, are genetically
no more similar than two siblings born after separate pregnancies.
|
|
Two-sided hypothesis test
(Stat) |
A hypothesis test of the null hypothesis that
the value of a parameter, µ, is equal to a null value, µ0,
designed to have power against the alternative hypothesis that either µ
< µ0 or µ > µ0 (the alternative hypothesis
contains values on both sides of the null value). |
|
Tymbal
(Ento) |
The sound-producing 'drum-skin' of a cicada.
|
|
Tympanum
(Ento, Zoo) |
A vibrating membrane (for sound production)
or a membrane for use as an auditory organ (eardrum).
|
|
Type
(Ento) |
The type specimen of a species is the actual
insect from which the original description of that species was produced.
If several specimens were used for this purpose, one of them should have
been designated as the type. Because the type can be of only one sex, it
is usual to designate a certain individual of the opposite sex as the
allotype. The original type specimen is then called the holotype. These
‘type specimens' are very important in taxonomy and classification. |
|
Type I and Type II errors
(Stat) |
These refer to hypothesis testing. A Type I
error occurs when the null hypothesis is rejected erroneously when it is
in fact true. A Type II error occurs if the null hypothesis is not
rejected when it is in fact false. |
|
Type I diabetes
(Vet) |
A form of diabetes in which so little insulin
is produced that supplemental insulin must be given for the animal to
live. Also called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
|
|
Type I mortality
(Epi) |
A mortality schedule in which all hosts are
assumed to live for a fixed number of years equal to the life
expectancy.
|
|
Type II diabetes
(Vet) |
A type of diabetes mellitus in which although
the blood glucose levels are higher than normal, they are not
immediately life-threatening, and the animal can survive without
supplemental insulin. Also called non-insulin dependent diabetes
mellitus (NIDDM).
|
|
Type II mortality
(Epi) |
A mortality schedule in which all hosts are
assumed to die at a constant rate. This constant rate is equal to the
inverse of the life expectancy. |
|
Typhoid (Entoeric) fever
(Trop) |
A septicemic infection of humans caused by
Salmonella typhi. A similar but generally milder enteric fever,
paratyphoid, is caused by Salmonella paratyphi A,B,C.
|
|
Typhus
(Trop) |
A louse-borne febrile illness of humans
caused by Rickettsia prowazekii, A similar but milder zoonotic
illness is murine typhus, caused by R. typhi harbored by rodents
and transmitted by the tropical rat flea, Xenopsylla. The
so-called tick typhus groups of diseases are better called spotted
fevers.
|
|
Typical host
(Para) |
One in which the parasite is commonly found
and in which it can continue the development (or the appropriate phase
of its development) necessary for subsequent completion of its life
cycle.
|
|
U |
Top |
|
Ulcer (Trop, Vet) |
A visible break in the body's surfaces; e.g.
skin, gut, urinary tract, which is not caused by acute trauma.
|
|
Ultimate phalange
(Zoo) |
The last digit.
|
|
Ultrasound
(Vet) |
A technique used to get the image of a deep
structure within the body by directing ultrasound waves at it and
recording the reflections (echoes) from it.
|
|
ULV (ultra-low-volume)
(Trop) |
Application of concentrated insecticidal
solutions sprayed sparsely over a large area in a vehicle or airplane at
dosage rates of 740 ml to 1 liter per hectare for mosquito control. This
technique produces very large droplets forming a fog or aerosol of
concentrated insecticide. |
|
Umbilicus
(Vet) |
The area of the body where the umbilical cord
is attached; the belly button.
|
|
Unbiased
(Stat) |
Not biased; having zero bias.
|
|
Uncertainty factor
(PEH) |
Mathematical adjustments for reasons of
safety when knowledge is incomplete. For example, factors used in the
calculation of doses that are not harmful (adverse) to people. These
factors are applied to the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL)
or the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) to derive a minimal risk
level (MRL). Uncertainty factors are used to account for variations in
people's sensitivity, for differences between animals and humans, and
for differences between a LOAEL and a NOAEL. Scientists use uncertainty
factors when they have some, but not all, the information from animal or
human studies to decide whether an exposure will cause harm to people. |
|
Uncontrolled Experiment
(Stat) |
An experiment in which there is no control
group; i.e., in which the method of comparison is not used: the
experimenter decides who gets the treatment, but the outcome of the
treated group is not compared with the outcome of a control group that
does not receive treatment. |
|
Unconventional warfare (DOD)
(HS) |
A broad spectrum of military and paramilitary
operations, normally of long duration, predominantly conducted by
indigenous or surrogate forces who are organized, trained, equipped,
supported, and directed in varying degrees by an external source. It
includes guerrilla warfare and other direct offensive, low visibility,
covert, or clandestine operations, as well as the indirect activities of
subversion, sabotage, intelligence activities, and evasion and escape.
Also called UW.
|
|
Uncorrelated
(Stat) |
A set of bivariate data is uncorrelated if
its correlation coefficient is zero. Two random variables are
uncorrelated if the expected value of their product equals the product
of their expected values. If two random variables are independent, they
are uncorrelated.
|
|
Uncountable
(Stat) |
A set is uncountable if it is not countable.
|
|
Understory
(Eco) |
Just beneath the canopy, this layer of the
forest is composed of small trees and shrubs. As older trees die, they
leave a gap in the canopy, which younger trees quickly grow to fill.
|
|
Underwriter
(OH) |
The person who reviews an application for
insurance and decides if your company is acceptable, as well as what
insurance premium to charge. |
|
Underwriting
(OH) |
The process an insurance company uses to
decide whether to accept or reject an application for a policy.
|
|
Undifferentiated
(Trop) |
A type of cancer in which the cells have
become very primitive and do not look or behave like the cells from
which they originated. Usually more malignant than a cancer which is
highly differentiated. Anaplastic. |
|
Ungulate
(Zoo) |
A term that refers to hoofed animals. This
includes family Cervidae (deer) and Bovidae (sheep and goats) as well as
the pronghorn. They typically have antlers or horns and are herbivores.
|
|
Unilocular
(Para) |
In tapeworms, an intermediate larval stage
(cyst) having only a single cavity.
|
|
Unimodal
(Para) |
Having exactly one mode.
|
|
Uninuclear
(Para) |
Having only one nucleus.
|
|
Union
(Stat) |
The union of two or more sets is the set of
objects contained by at least one of the sets. The union of the events A
and B is denoted "A" plus "B", "A or B", and "AUB".
|
|
Unit
(Stat) |
A member of a population.
|
|
Unit tray
(Ento) |
A small cardboard container with foam botton
used to hold pinned insect specimens; a series of unit trays are
generally stored in a glass-topped drawer within a collection cabinet.
|
|
Univariate
(Stat) |
Having or having to do with a single
variable. Some univariate techniques and statistics include the
histogram, IQR, mean, median, percentiles, quantiles, and SD. C.f.
bivariate.
|
|
Universal precautions
(OH) |
An approach to infection control in which
all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to
be infectious for HIV, the hepatitis B and C viruses and other
bloodborne pathogens.
|
|
Universal precautions
(Trop) |
See Isolation.
|
|
Univoltine (Ento, Zoo) |
Animals which only one generation a year
reaches maturity.
|
|
Unken reflex
(Zoo) |
An aposomatic display found in some noxious
Anurans and Urodeles whereby the back is arched and venter is
displayed.
|
|
Unnatural host
(Para) |
This somewhat confusing term is often used as
a synonym for abnormal host.
|
|
Unques (Ento) |
The claws at the tip of the feet in Diptera.
|
|
Upper quartile (UQ)
(Stat) |
See Quartiles.
|
|
UR
(OH) |
See Utilization Review.
|
|
Urates
(Vet) |
1) The non-fecal part of the excreta.
Depending on the species, this may be a clear thin or viscous fluid with
or without thicker white parts. In carnivorous and omnivorous reptiles,
the white part of the urates may be semi-soft pellets which harden after
deposition into a chalk-like substance. In herbivores, the white part of
the urate may be laced through the urates and around the fecal pellet or
hidden within the feces. 2) A chemical compound which contains uric acid
and is made by the body, and can form crystals and stones in the urinary
bladder. Uric acid is a waste product from the breakdown of certain
proteins. |
|
Urban forest
(Eco) |
The system of trees and associated plants
that grow individually, in small groups or under forest conditions on
public and private lands in our cities, their suburbs, and towns. This
includes approximately 74.4 billion trees across the U.S. that surround
us in parks, along streets and around private homes and businesses.
|
|
Urea
(Vet) |
Wasteproduct of protein metabolism that is
removed from the body by the kidneys.
|
|
Urease
(Vet) |
An enzyme that breaks down urea. Urea is a
wasteproduct of protein metabolism that is removed from the body by the
kidneys.
|
|
Urgent protective actions
(HS) |
Actions that must be taken promptly in order
to be effective, and the effectiveness of which will be markedly reduced
if delayed. They include evacuation, sheltering, and administration of a
thyroid blocking agent. |
|
Urgent public health hazard
(PEH) |
A category used in ATSDR's public health
assessments for sites where short-term exposures (less than 1 year) to
hazardous substances or conditions could result in harmful health
effects that require rapid intervention.
|
|
Uric acid
(Vet) |
The chief nitrogenous waste of birds,
reptiles and insects; chemically, C,H,N,O,.
|
|
Urinary incontinence
(Vet) |
A phrase used to describe the inability to
control urination.
|
|
Urinary obstruction
(Vet) |
A blockage in the urinary system, most often
occurring in the urethra, the tube that leads from the urinary bladder
to the outside of the body. |
|
Urinary retention
(Vet) |
A condition in which the urinary bladder does
not rid itself of all urine it contains during the process of urination.
|
|
Urodela
(Zoo) |
All extant members of Caudata, the
salamanders.
|
|
Urogomphus
(Ento) |
Paired processes found on the last abdominal
segments of some Coleoptera (beetle) larvae; they may be moveable or
fixed.
|
|
Uropygi
(Ento) |
An order of the class Arachnida, comprised of
the whipscorpions or vinegaroons, which are characterized by a
two-parted body, eight legs (first pair slender and feelerlike), greatly
enlarged pedipalps, and a whiplike tail at the tip of the abdomen.
|
|
Urostyle
(Zoo) |
A long, rodlike bone formed by the fusion of
the postsacral vertebrae in Anurans.
|
|
Urticaria
(Trop, Vet) |
Local itching of the skin – often results
from an allergic reaction.
|
|
Urticating hairs
(Ento) |
Special poisonous body hairs that are used to
protect certain insects and spiders from their enemies by causing
discomfort to skin, eyes, or nasal passages.
|
|
USAMRICD
(HS) |
U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of
Chemical Defense.
|
|
USAMRIID
(HS) |
U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of
Infectious Disease.
|
|
USANCA
(HS) |
U.S. Army
Nuclear and Chemical Agency.
|
|
USDA
(PEH) |
US Department of Agriculture.
|
|
Use attainability analysis (UAA)
(Eco) |
A UAA is a structured scientific assessment
of the factors affecting attainment of the designated use component of
water quality standards, based on physical, chemical, biological, and/or
economic factors. |
|
Uterus
(Zoo) |
The hollow muscular organ in female mammals
in which the fertilized ovum usually becomes embedded, and in which the
developing embryo and fetus are nourished.
|
|
Utilization Review (UR)
(OH) |
The process that insurance companies use to
decide whether to authorize and pay for treatment.
|
|
Uveitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of the eye.
|
|
V |
Top |
|
Vaccination
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
The act of giving a vaccine. See also
immunization, since the two words have different meanings and are often
confused.
|
|
Vaccine (Epi, Trop, Vet) |
A drug intended to induce active artificial
immunity against a pathogen. Vaccines may be live or dead. Live vaccines
are usually attenuated versions of the wildtype pathogen, such as the
MMR vaccines, which are strains of measles mumps and rubella viruses
repeatedly passed through cell lines until non-pathogenic. Typically,
live vaccines need only be given as a single dose to induce a full
immunological response, inducing specific memory. Dead vaccines are
either killed whole parasite, as with the Salk polio strain and
pertussis vaccine, or some highly immunogenic fraction of the parasite,
as in toxoid vaccines. Killed vaccines and toxoids which do not multiply
in the host must usually be administered in multiple doses to induce a
full immunological response. Vaccination should be distinguished from
passive immunization in which concentrated specific antibodies which can
be used therapeutically to abrogate an ongoing infection or to provide
short term protection (of the order of months), for example against
hepatitis A. Passive immunization does not induce immunological memory. |
|
Vaccine failure
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
A term often used to describe a condition in
which an animal who was vaccinated against a disease still gets the
disease. In truth, there is usually nothing wrong with the vaccine, but
for some reason, the animal's immune system did not adequately react to
it.
|
|
Vacuole
(Para) |
A space or cavity in the cytoplasm of a
protozoan usually functioning in collecting and digesting food taken
into the organism and eliminating wastes.
|
|
Valve
(Ento) |
One of the paired components of the
ovipositor.
|
|
Valvifer
(Ento) |
A basal sclerite of a valve of the
ovipositor, articulating with the tergum. |
|
Vannus
(Ento) |
A fan-shaped lobe at the posterior margin of
the hindwing of certain insects.
|
|
Variable
(Stat) |
A numerical value or a characteristic that
can differ from individual to individual.
|
|
Variance, population variance
(Stat) |
The variance of a list is the square of the
standard deviation of the list, that is, the average of the squares of
the deviations of the numbers in the list from their mean. The variance
of a random variable X, Var(X), is the expected value of the squared
difference between the variable and its expected value: Var(X) = E((X -
E(X))2). The variance of a random variable is the square of
the standard error (SE) of the variable. |
|
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
(PrD, Vet) |
A human disease thought due to the same
infectious agent as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow
disease. Both the human and bovine disorders are invariably fatal brain
diseases with unusually long incubation periods measured in years, and
are caused by an unconventional transmissible agent, a prion, resulting
in the deposition of amyloid tissue that causes a breakdown of brain
tissue leaving the infected brain with a "spongy" ("spongiform")
appearance. The disease in humans is sometimes called new variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (nvCJD).
|
|
Vas deferens
(Vet) |
A canal connecting vas efferens to cirrus.
|
|
Vas efferens
(Vet) |
A canal extending from a testis to the vas
deferens.
|
|
Vascular
(Vet) |
Related to fluid carrying vessels, such as
blood vessels.
|
|
Vascular bed
(Vet) |
The structures supporting and helping to
maintain the integrity of blood vessels.
|
|
Vasculitis
(Vet) |
Inflammation of blood vessels.
|
|
Vasoconstriction
(Vet) |
A decrease in the diameter of blood vessels.
|
|
Vasoconstrictor (HS, Vet) |
A substance capable of causing
vasocontriction or the narrowing of blood vessels.
|
|
Vasodilation
(Vet) |
The widening of blood vessels. It is
accompanied by a lowering of blood pressure that if too rapid can lead
to a loss of consciousness.
|
|
Vasodilator
(HS, Vet) |
An agent capable of causing vasodilation, or
the widening of blood vessels.
|
|
Vasodilator
(Vet) |
Agent which dilates, or increases the
diameter of blood vessels.
|
|
VDRL Test
(Trop) |
Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory Test.
One of the non-treponemal reaginic tests for syphilis.
|
|
Vector
(Aqua) |
An organism or force of nature that spreads
an organism to a new area; a path, or method, of invasion. For example,
a major vector in zebra mussel invasion is ballast water; the zebra
mussels travel from their native waters into new regions when ballast
water collected in their native ranges is discharged into non-native
waters.
|
|
Vector
(Epi, Para, Trop, Vet) |
The carrier of an infectious agent, which
acts to transfer an infection from one host to another.
|
|
Vector competence
(Epi, Para, Trop) |
The ability to acquire, maintain, and
transmit a microorganism.
|
|
Vector density
(Epi, Para, Trop) |
The number of a given vector species present.
It may be expressed in relative terms (e.g., the biting density in
relation to the human host) or in absolute numbers (e.g., the number
present in a room, cattle-shed or artificial shelter).
|
|
Vectorial capacity
(Epi, Par, Trop) |
In vector-borne infections such as malaria,
the vectorial capacity is a concept analogous to the contact rate in
directly-transmitted diseases. It is, thus, a function of 1) the
vector's density in relation to its vertebrate host, 2) the frequency
with which it takes blood meals on the host species, 3) the duration of
the latent period in the vector, and 4) the vector's life expectancy.
|
|
Veins
(Ento) |
In insects, the rib like tubes that
strengthen the wings, collectively called the venation of a wing.
|
|
Velarium
(Aqua) |
A folded-in extension of the edge of the bell
in Cubozoa that helps create a jet of water to propel the jellyfish
forwards. It may contract differentially to enable a change of
direction.
|
|
Velarium
(Trop) |
A folded-in extension of the edge of the bell
in the cubozoa which helps create a jet of water to propel the jellyfish
forward. It may contract differentially to enable a change of
direction.
|
|
Veliger
(Zoo) |
Are the free-swimming, planktonic larvae of
certain marine and fresh-water gastropods.
|
|
Vena cava
(Vet) |
Either of two large veins carrying blood to
the right atrium of the heart. The cranial vena cava brings blood from
the head region, front legs, and upper chest to the heart; the caudal
(or posterior) vena cava carries blood from the areas of the abdomen and
hind legs to the heart. |
|
Venation
(Ento) |
The arrangement of veins in the wings of
insects. Ventral. Concerning the lower side of the body.
|
|
Venn diagram
(Stat) |
A pictorial way of showing the relations
among sets or events. The universal set or outcome space is usually
drawn as a rectangle; sets are regions within the rectangle. The overlap
of the regions corresponds to the intersection of the sets. If the
regions do not overlap, the sets are disjoint. The part of the rectangle
included in one or more of the regions corresponds to the union of the
sets.
|
|
Venom
(Aqua) |
A toxin which usually enters the body by
injection through intact skin (e.g. a jellyfish sting).
|
|
Venom
(Ento, Epi, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
A toxin produced by an animal.
|
|
Venom (or Venomous)
(Aqua) |
Poisonous matter normally secreted by some
animals (snakes, scorpions, bees, and some fish) and transmitted to prey
or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging.
|
|
Venom BLUE (Ento, Epi, Trop, Vet, Zoo) |
A poisonous fluid produced by an animal,
which is transmitted by a bite or a sting. The venom is used to capture
prey or as a means of defense. |
|
Vent
(Vet) |
The outside opening of the cloaca, which is a
common passageway for feces, urine, and reproduction.
|
|
Vent
(Zoo) |
The exterior opening of the cloaca; anus.
|
|
Venter
(Vet) |
The lower or under surface of an organism.
|
|
Ventral
(Vet) |
Lower or underneath. Referring to the
underside of an organism's body. |
|
Ventral diaphragm
(Vet) |
A ventral muscular sheath that assists in
circulating the hemolymph around the nerve cord.
|
|
Ventricle
(Vet) |
The chambers of the heart that pump the blood
to the body or lungs. |
|
Ventricular arrhythmia
(Vet) |
A heart condition in which the heart beats
irregularly and/or at an abnormal rate because of signals coming from
the ventricles (chambers of the heart that pump the blood).
|
|
Ventricular fibrillation
(Aqua) |
A very fast 'flickering' of the heart with no
measurable circulation of blood by the heart. This usually occurs after
a heart attack (or electrocution). |
|
Ventricular fibrillation (Trop, Vet) |
A very fast 'flickering' of the heart with no
measurable circulation of blood by the heart. This usually occurs after
a heart attack.
|
|
Verbenone
(Ento) |
An inhibitory pheromone produced by bark
beetles of both sexes, inhibiting arrival of further individuals.
|
|
Vermicide
(Ento) |
Pesticide to kill worms.
|
|
Vermiform larva
(Ento) |
A legless wormlike larva without a well
developed head.
|
|
Vertebrate
(Zoo) |
Animal with a vertebral column (spine);
includes such animals as fish, birds, turtles, reptiles, amphibians, and
mammals.
|
|
Vertex
(Ento) |
The top of the head, between and behind the
eyes.
|
|
Vertical resistance (Epi, Trop, Vet) |
Gene-for-gene resistance. Resistance governed
by one or more genes in a host, each of which corresponds to a matching
gene for parasitic ability in the pest species. Opposite of horizontal
resistance. |
|
Vertical transmission
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
Vertical transmission occurs when a parent
conveys an infection to its unborn offspring, as occurs in syphilis in
man or in many arboviruses of arthropods. Perinatal infection is a
special form of vertical transmission. |
|
Vesicle
(Aqua, Trop, Vet) |
A fluid-containing blister on the skin, often
quite itchy.
|
|
Vestibular system
(Vet) |
Portions of the inner ear, nerves, and brain
which help the body maintain balance.
|
|
Vestigial
(Ento, Zoo) |
Poorly developed, degenerate or atrophied,
more fully functional in an earlier stage of development of the
individual or species.
|
|
Vestiture
(Ento) |
A general surface covering of hairs or
scales.
|
|
Viability
(Aqua) |
The capability of surviving outside the
mother’s womb. In the case of eggs or seeds, it means the capability to
grow and develop.
|
|
Vial
(Ento) |
A small glass bottle for storing insect
specimens in alcohol.
|
|
Vibrissae
(Ento) |
The pair of large bristles just above the
mouth in certain flies.
|
|
Vibrissae
(Zoo) |
1) Any of the erectile, tactile hairs found
on the face of most mammals except humans. 2) Any of the feathers near
the mouth of many birds that may help in keeping insects caught as food
from escaping. |
|
Villi
(Par, Vet) |
The small intestine is lined with small
thread-like folds of the mucosa that project into the intestinal lumen
(the villi) greatly increasing intestinal surface. The cells that cover
the villi are enterocytes. The smaller villi are called microvilli.
|
|
Vinegar
(Aqua) |
Acetic acid (4-6%) - this totally
de-activates the nematocysts of all cubozoans (box-jellyfish) tested to
date. Despite popular misconception it has no effect on the venom
injected and does not help pain. |
|
Vinegar
(Trop) |
Acetic acid (4-6%). Vinegar deactivates the
nematocysts of all cubozoans (box-jellyfish) tested to date. Despite
popular misconception it has no effect on the venom injected and does
not help pain. |
|
Vinegaroon
(Ento) |
A type of small animal characterized by a
hard external skeleton, two body sections, eight legs (although first
pair are slender and used as feelers), simple eyes, and a stout abdomen
with a slender, hairlike whip at the tip; also known as the giant
whipscorpion.
|
|
Viraemia
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
The presence of virus in the blood.
|
|
Viral
(Trop) |
Of or pertaining to a virus.
|
|
Viral hemorrhagic fevers
(Trop)
|
A term that refers to a group of illnesses
caused by several distinct families of viruses. While some of these
cause illnesses that are relatively mild, many cause severe,
life-threatening diseases with no known cure. |
|
Viral Infection
(Trop) |
Infection caused by the presence of a virus
in the body. Depending on the virus and the person's state of health,
various viruses can infect almost any type of body tissue, from the
brain to the skin. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics;
in fact, in some cases the use of antibiotics makes the infection worse.
The vast majority of human viral infections can be effectively fought by
the body's own immune system , with a little help in the form of proper
diet, hydration, and rest. As for the rest, treatment depends on the
type and location of the virus, and may include anti-viral or other
drugs. |
|
Virion
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
A mature and infectious virus particle.
|
|
Virulence
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
1) The case mortality rate of an infection.
2) The extent to which a pathogen harms its host. These are different
usages: what they have in common is that they refer to the effect on an
already infected host, not to the degree of transmissibility to a
subsequent susceptible. |
|
Virus
(Epi, Trop, Vet) |
The smallest form of life, invisible with an
ordinary microscope. An infectious unit that enters and uses cells of
plants or animals for replication. Some viruses cause disease in animals
or plants.
|
|
Visceral larva migrans
(Para) |
Nematode larvae migration in hosts that are
suitable for long survival but are unsuitable for development to the
adult stage. The larva worms wander for a time in the hosts tissues.
|
|
Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala azar)
(Trop) |
A protozoan disease caused by Leishmania
donovani, found around parts of the Mediterranean basin, tropical
Africa, South America, and central and eastern Asia. The disease is
transmitted by female sandflies of the genus, Phlebotomus in the
Old World and Lutzomyia in the New World. Full-blown disease is
often fatal, if untreated. Growth nodules of the disease or Leishmania
form initially and, if spontaneous recovery does not occur,
proliferating parasites burst out of the nodules, disseminating
throughout the body.
|
|
Visceral muscle
(Vet) |
A muscle which invests an internal organ.
|
|
Visceral nervous system
(Vet) |
A series of nerve fibers and ganglia closely
associated with the gut and reproductive organs.
|
|
Viscerocutaneous
(Vet) |
Pertaining to the internal organs and skin.
|
|
Viscosity
(Vet) |
Thickness of a fluid. For example, molasses
is more viscous than water. |
|
Viscus
(Vet) |
Any of the internal organs of the body.
|
|
Visual Deficits
(PrD) |
The visual abnormalities in CJD most commonly
are complex visual disturbances, such as hallucinations or cortical
blindness. Do not count terms such as “blurred vision” or “decreased
visual acuity.” Terms that may be to describe CJD-associated visual
deficits include the following: visual hallucinations; hemianopsia
(defective vision or blindness in half of the visual field); visual
field cut / visual field deficit; blindness; opsoclonus (horizontal and
vertical oscillations of the eyes); diplopia/double vision.
|
|
Vital signs
(Vet) |
The signs of life which are pulse,
respiration, and temperature.
|
|
Vital statistics
(Stat) |
Used for general articles concerning
statistics of births, deaths, marriages, etc.
|
|
Vitelline glands
(Par, Trop) |
The glands which provide substances for the
development of the egg and the formation of the shell in trematodes and
cestodes.
|
|
Vitelline membrane
(Para) |
The innermost layer in the shell of
fertilized eggs of helminths.
|
|
Vitellogenesis
(Ento, Zoo) |
The development of the egg yolk in the
follicles, started when estrogen stimulates the liver to start
converting lipids from the body's fat stores, creating vitellogenin.
During this time, the liver is enlarged and yellowish-looking.
|
|
Vitellogenic activity
(Ento, Zoo) |
The development and deposition of yolk.
|
|
Vitellogenins
(Ento, Zoo) |
Female-specific proteins synthesized by the
fat body and taken up by maturing oocytes.
|
|
Vitta
(Ento) |
A broad longitudinal stripe.
|
|
Vivarium
(Zoo) |
An enclosure or container for keeping
reptiles and amphibians.
|
|
Viviparous (Ento, Zoo) |
Bearing live young; having offspring that
develop within the body and are born alive, rather than producing an egg
that develops outside the body. |
|
Volatile
(PEH) |
Evaporating readily at normal temperatures
and pressures. The air concentration of a highly volatile chemical can
increase quickly in a closed room.
|
|
Volatile organic compound (VOC)
(PEH) |
An organic chemical that evaporates readily.
Petroleum products such as kerosene, gasoline and mineral spirits
contain VOCs. VOCs include substances such as benzene, toluene,
methylene chloride, and methyl chloroform.
|
|
Volutin granules
(Para) |
Bodies in the peripheral cytoplasm of
Blastocystis that stain darkly.
|
|
Volvulus
(Vet) |
Twisting of the stomach or intestine, which
often has the effect of cutting off the blood supply to it.
|
|
Vomer
(Zoo) |
The narrow bone forming the lower and
posterior half of the nasal septum.
|
|
Vomerine teeth (Zoo) |
Teeth lying on the vomer, in the palate of
amphibians.
|
|
Vomeronasal organ
(Vet) |
Sensory organ also called Jacobson's organ,
which detects pheromones. |
|
Vomit
(Vet) |
The involuntary and violent ejection of the
stomach contents through the mouth.
|
|
VPFRU
(HS) |
Vapor Protective Flame Resistant
Undergarment.
|
|
Vulva
(Vet) |
An opening of the female reproductive system,
may be situated at the anterior, middle or posterior parts and on the
ventral side of the body according to groups of nematodes.
|
|
VZV
(Epi) |
Varicella-zoster virus: a herpes virus which
causes chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes-zoster).
|
|
W |
Top |
|
Waggle dance
(Ento) |
A form of recruitment in the honeybee in
which direction and distance to a food source are indicated.
|
|
Warm-blooded
(Vet) |
Having a relatively high body temperature
that is regulated internally and is independent of the environmental
temperature. Mammals and birds are warm-blooded.
|
|
Warning coloration
(Ento, Zoo) |
Often a combination of contrasting colors
that warns that an animal is dangerous. For example stinging insects
often show bands of black and yellow as warning coloration.
|
|
Wart
(Vet) |
Benign growth caused by a virus.
|
|
Wasp
(Ento) |
Any of numerous insects of the superfamilies
Vespoidea and Sphecoidea (order Hymenoptera). Wasps are social or
solitary living insects, having a slender body with a constricted
abdomen. They have two pairs of membranous wings, and the mouthparts are
adapted for biting or sucking. In females the ovipositor is often
modified as a sting. |
|
Wastewater
(Eco) |
Water that has been used in homes,
industries, and businesses that is not for reuse unless treated by a
wastewater facility.
|
|
Wasting
(Vet) |
Loss of muscle mass due to decreased food
intake or increased metabolic rate.
|
|
Water clarity
(Eco) |
Measurement of how far you can see through
the water. The greater the water clarity, the further you can see
through the water.
|
|
Water quality criteria
(Eco) |
Criteria are part of a water quality
standard, and may be numeric or narrative. Criteria represent a quality
of water that supports a particular designated use. When criteria are
met, water quality will generally protect the use.
|
|
Water quality standards
(Eco) |
A provision of State or Federal law
consisting of a designated use or uses for a water body and the
quantifiable criteria protective of the use(s). Standards may be annual
or seasonal, depending on the designated use. |
|
Waterfowl
(Zoo) |
Any of various birds that swim on water, such
as ducks, geese and swan or any bird species that is ecologically
dependent on aquatic environments such as wetlands.
|
|
Watershed
(Eco) |
A region bounded at the periphery by physical
barriers that cause water to part and ultimately drain to a particular
body of water.
|
|
Wean
(Zoo) |
To accustom a child or young animal to food
other than the mother's milk.
|
|
Weaned
(Zoo) |
When a baby or young animal is consuming food
other than its mother’s milk.
|
|
Web
(Ento) |
A food-catching trap and/or shelter
constructed of silk threads; commonly used by spiders and some insects
such as caddisfly larvae and certain caterpillars.
|
|
Weil’s disease
(Trop) |
Epidemic jaundice. A severe form of
Leptospirosis caused by such serovars as Leptospira
icterrohemorrhagiae.
|
|
Weil-Felix test
(Trop) |
An agglutination test used in the laboratory
to diagnose rickettsial diseases. It depends on a nonspecific cross
reaction between antibodies produced by the rickettsial infection with
the OX-2, OX-19 and OXK antigens of the Gram negative rod, Proteus.
|
|
Western Blot
(Trop, Para, PEH, PrD) |
A technique in molecular biology, used to
separate and identify proteins.
|
|
Wet deposition
(Eco) |
Atmospheric deposition that occurs when
precipitation (rain and snow) carries gases and particles to the earth's
surface.
|
|
Wetland
(Eco) |
Low areas such as swamps, tidal flats, and
marshes which retain moisture.
|
|
Whelping
(Vet) |
In dogs, the act of giving birth.
|
|
White ant
(Ento) |
Common name for termites.
|
|
White blood cells
(Vet) |
Cells in the blood whose major role is to
defend the body against invading organisms such as bacteria, viruses,
and fungi. There are different types of leukocytes: lymphocytes are part
of the immune system; monocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils eat or
engulf organisms; basophils contain histamine and are involved in
inflammatory reactions. |
|
Whitefly
(Ento) |
Any of various insects of the family
Aleyrodidae (suborder Homoptera, order Hemiptera). Whiteflies are small
insects with four long wings and a white waxy body. They are often
injurious to plants by sucking the plant juices or as vector of plant
diseases.
|
|
Widal test
(Trop) |
A serological test used to detect antibodies
in the diagnosis of typhoid. Antigens detected are the O (somatic), H
(flagellar) and Vi (virulence) antigens.
|
|
Willful violation
(OH) |
Occurs when the employer commits an
intentional and knowing violation of safety law or when the employer did
not consciously violate a safety law but was aware that an unsafe or
hazardous condition existed and made no reasonable effort to eliminate
the condition. |
|
Window
(Eco) |
A small hole in the leaf with one epidermis
left intact.
|
|
Window of susceptibility
(Vet) |
A time period in the life of a young animal
in which the maternal antibodies are too low to provide protection
against a certain disease, but too high to allow a vaccine to work and
produce immunity. |
|
Wing
(Ento) |
A flattened extension of the body wall of the
thorax that enables insects to fly through the air. Note: insects are
the only winged invertebrates. |
|
Wing pads
(Ento) |
The partially developed wings of the nymphs
of insects with an incomplete metamorphosis. They appear as two
flattelned pads on opposing sides of the abdomen.
|
|
Wingspan
(Ento) |
The measurement across the wings when they
are extended.
|
|
Winterbottom’s sign
(Trop) |
A posterior cervical lymphadenopathy
indicative of early West African Sleeping Sickness due to Trypanosoma
brucei gambiense.
|
|
Wireworm
(Ento) |
A common name for the larva of a click
beetle.
|
|
WMD
(HS) |
Weapons of Mass Destruction. A weapon capable
of causing destruction or casualties on a scale far greater than that
achieved by conventional weapons. It includes nuclear, radiological,
chemical, biological and certain types of unconventional explosive
weapons.
|
|
WMSD
(OH) |
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder; see
Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD).
|
|
Woollybear
(Ento) |
A very hairy caterpillar belonging to the
family Arctiidae, the tiger moths. |
|
Work restrictions
(OH) |
Typically a doctor’s description of the
work that an employee can and cannot do.
|
|
Workers
(Ento) |
The members of a social insect colony,
responsible for nest maintenance, food gathering, and care of the brood.
In most species, the workers are sterile.
|
|
Workplace safety program
(OH) |
A program that aims to develop a long-term
plan that is successful in protecting people from injury and death, that
complies with regulations and that controls the associated financial
costs of loss.
|
|
World Health Organization (WHO)
(PEH) |
An agency of the United Nations established
in 1948 to further international cooperation in improving health
conditions. Although the World Health Organization inherited specific
tasks relating to epidemic control, quarantine measures, and drug
standardization from the Health Organization of the League of Nations
(that was set up in 1923) and from the International Office of Public
Health at Paris (established in 1909), the World Health Organization was
given a broad mandate under its constitution to promote the attainment
of "the highest possible level of health" by all people. WHO defines
health positively as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social
well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
|
|
Worm burden
(Epi) |
The number of worms an individual host
carries.
|
|
Worm (Para) |
A multicellular organism which is generally
longer than it is wide or deep. The scientific name for worms is
Helminth. In human parasitic terms there are three major groups of
organisms which are properly called worms: The Nematodes, the Flukes and
the Tapeworms. These and other sorts of worms may parasitize other
organisms e.g., The Acanthacephalans (thorny headed worms) and The
Gordians (horsehair worms). Other sorts of worms are free living e.g.,
free-living nematodes, The Annelids (e.g., earthworms, polychaetes,
leeches, etc), Planarians (and other Turbellarians).
|
|
Wright’s stain
(Trop) |
One of the Romanowski stains used to stain
blood films and blood parasites such as those causing relapsing fever,
malaria trypanosomiasis and filariasis.
|
|
X |
Top |
|
Xanthic
(Zoo) |
Increased amounts of, or excessive, yellow,
coloring.
|
|
Xenodiagnosis (Par, Trop) |
A technique of diagnosis in which
laboratory-reared (uninfected) arthropod hosts are fed on a suspected
patient and subsequently examined in an effort to recover the parasite.
|
|
Xenopsylla
(Trop) |
A genus of fleas infesting rats. The tropical
rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis and other species of the genus are
major vectors of Bubonic Plague and murine typhus.
|
|
Xeric
(Eco, Ento, Zoo) |
1) Describing a location or habitat with very
little moisture. 2) Describing an organism that lives in such an
environment. |
|
Xerophthalmia
(Trop) |
This is a blinding eye disease, almost
exclusively of infants and young children, which results from vitamin A
deficiency, associated with protein-calorie-malnutrition. Xerophthalmia
literally means 'dryness' of the conjunctiva.
|
|
Xiphosura
(Zoo) |
One of the classes of arthropods, commonly
known as horseshoe crabs. |
|
XOR, exclusive disjunction
(Stat) |
XOR is an operation on two logical propositions.
If p and q are two propositions, (p XOR q)
is a proposition that is true if either p is true or if q
is true, but not both. (p XOR q) is logically
equivalent to ((p OR q) AND NOT (p
AND q)).
|
|
Xylophagous (Ento, Zoo) |
Wood eating.
|
|
Y |
Top |
|
Yard
(Eco) |
Lowland area with dense coniferous cover in
areas.
|
|
Yarding
(Eco) |
Herding up in lowland areas with dense
coniferous cover in areas called yards.
|
|
Yaw
(Ento) |
Movement of a body in a lateral plane where
the front region moves in one direction with the hind region moving in
the corresponding opposite direction. Occurs in flying and jumping
insects.
|
|
Yaws
(Trop) |
A non-venereal disease caused by Treponema
pertenue and characterized by skin and bone lesions similar to those
seen in secondary syphilis. The disease is caused by a spirochaete
morphologically, immunologically and serologically identical to
Treponema pallidum, the cause of syphilis. Yaws is clinically very
similar to another nonvenereal treponematose, pinta, caused by T.
carateum and found in South America and the Caribbean. |
|
Year class
(Zoo) |
Most fish species in temperate water
reproduce during a relatively short period each year. That period may be
different for each species. Fisheries scientists refer to all of the
fish of any species hatched during one annual spawning period as a year
class. For mathematical purposes, fishery analysts often treat members
of the year class as if all fish were hatched on one day.
|
|
Yearling
(Zoo) |
An animal that is between one and two years
old.
|
|
Yeast
(Trop) |
A single-celled fungus that produces buds
(blastospores).
|
|
Yeast-like fungus
(Trop) |
Yeast that produces pseudohyphae (germ
tubes).
|
|
Yellow fever
(Trop) |
An arboviral (flavivirus) disease, also a
zoonosis, being essentially a disease of forest monkeys, which under
certain conditions can be transmitted to humans. A vaccine is available.
The virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
|
|
Yolk deposition
(Zoo) |
The deposit of yolk into the ova.
|
|
Yolk synthesis
(Zoo) |
The development of yolk, initially started in
the liver, complete in the ova.
|
|
Young-of-the-year
(Zoo) |
All of the fish of a species younger than one
year of age. Usually scientists assign an arbitrary "birth date" to all
fish of a species hatched over a two or three month period in one year.
The fish are then assigned to Age 1 status on that birth date. By
convention, this is usually January 1.
|
|
Z |
Top |
|
Z score
(Stat) |
The observed value of the Z statistic.
|
|
Z statistic
(Stat) |
A Z statistic is a test statistic
whose distribution under the null hypothesis has expected value zero and
can be approximated well by the normal curve. Usually, Z
statistics are constructed by standardizing some other statistic. The
Z statistic is related to the original statistic by... Z =
(original - expected value of original)/SE(original). |
|
Z test
(Stat) |
A hypothesis test based on approximating the
probability histogram of the Z statistic under the null
hypothesis by the normal curve.
|
|
Zooid
(Aqua, Trop) |
A specialized structure serving as an organ
of a siphonophore such as Physalia. Different individuals in the
colony often take on specialized functions such as feeding, defense and
reproduction - up to a thousand zooids may be found in a single colony.
|
|
Zooneuston (Ento) |
Animals that are associated with the water
surface.
|
|
Zoonosis (Ento, Epi, Para, Vet, Zoo) |
An infection or infectious disease
transmissible under natural conditions from vertebrate animals to
humans. May be enzootic or epizootic. |
|
Zoonotic
(Ento, Epi, Para, Vet, Zoo) |
See Zoonosis. |
|
Zoophagous
(Ento, Para, Zoo) |
Feeding on living animals. |
|
Zoophagy
(Ento, Para, Zoo) |
The process of feeding on animals.
|
|
Zoophilous
(Ento, Para, Zoo) |
Prefers to feed on animals.
|
|
Zooplankton
(Zoo) |
A community of floating, often microscopic
animals that inhabit aquatic environments. Unlike phytoplankton,
zooplankton cannot produce their own food, and so are consumers.
|
|
Zooraptera
(Ento) |
One of the insect groups, made up of the
angel insects or zorapterans, characterized by small, slender bodies,
wings membranous or absent, chewing mouthparts, and gradual
metamorphosis. |
|
Zygomatic arch
(Zoo)
|
The arch formed by the articulation of the
broad temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the slender zygomatic
process of the temporal bone. |
|
Zygote
(Ento, Zoo) |
Any cell resulting from the fusion of male
and female gametes. The stage in the life cycle produced by
fertilization. A fertilized egg.
|
|
Zymodeme
(Trop) |
Subtypes of a microbial species that are
separated on the basis of their isoenzyme patterns.
|
|
Zymogenous (Ento, Zoo) |
Organisms that are transient to a particular
habitat. |
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