Dictionary of Medical Terms

Gain a better understanding of medical terminology by searching our dictionary of more than 1,300 terms.

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All terms that start with the letter C

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Chlamydia

A microorganism, Chlamydia trachomatis, that’s a frequent cause of sexually transmitted disease. It can also cause pneumonia and eye…
chloasma

Dark coloring of the skin often seen during pregnancy and at menopause. Also occurs in Addison’s disease.
chlorination

The addition of chlorine to kill harmful microorganisms in water or sewage.
cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder.
cholera

Watery diarrhea caused by drinking water or eating food that’s con-taminated with Vibrio cholere. The disease is spread through the…
cholesteatoma

A tumor-like mass that sometimes forms as a result of a chronic middle ear infection.
cholesterol

A fat-like substance that, if present in the blood in large amounts, is associated with the development of heart…
chondritis

Inflammation of the cartilage.
chondromalacia

Softening of cartilage.
chorea

A nervous system disorder characterized by involuntary spasms of the limbs or facial muscles. A hereditary form is called Huntington’s…
chromosomes

The DNA-containing cellular structures that carry genetic information.
chronic

Persistent. Ongoing. Lasting a long time.
cilia

Short, hair-like structures extending from certain cells.
circadian

A repetitive pattern or fluctuation with a 24-hour cycle.
circulation

The flow of blood through the body. Includes the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.
circumcision

Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.
cirrhosis

Inflammatory disease of the liver characterized by scarring and shrinkage.
claudication

Pain in the legs while walking that’s caused by blockage of the arteries.
claustrophobia

Fear of closed spaces.
clavicle

Collarbone.
clawhand

A condition of the hand causing distorted fingers resulting from nerve injury.

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