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 L

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labia

Lip-shaped structures; often used to describe the outer folds of the female genitalia.
labyrinth

The system of interconnecting canals and cavities in the inner ear. Plays an important role in hearing and in…
laceration

A wound caused by a cut from a sharp instrument or the tearing of body tissue.
lacrimation

Discharge of tears. “Watering” eyes.
lactase

An enzyme that converts the milk sugar lactose into glucose and galactose.
lactation

Secretion of milk by the breasts.
lactose

Milk sugar.
laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx, resulting in a temporary loss of voice.
larynx

The voice box.
lateral

Toward the side, sideways.
lavage

Washing out of an organ, especially the stomach.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

Perthes disease A disease in which the blood supply to the femur is reduced, causing the bone to collapse.
lens

1. A curved glass used to bring together or spread rays of light. 2. The transparent organ lying behind the…
leprosy

A progressive infectious disease that attacks the skin, flesh and nerves; characterized by nodules, ulcers, scaly scabs, deformities and the…
lesion

Any damage to a tissue. Marks, spots, moles or other problems of the skin.
lethargy

A lack of energy; sluggishness, dullness or apathy.
leukemia

Cancer of the tissues in the bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes.
leukocytes

White blood cells, the blood cells responsible for fighting infection.
leukopenia

A lower than normal number of leukocytes in the blood.
leukopheresis

Selective removal of the white blood cells from a donor’s blood. The other components of the blood are then returned…
leukoplakia

Thick, white patches in the mouth that may become malignant.

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