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Word Of The Day
Dorland's Word of the Day is a great way to broaden your knowledge of medical terminology. With a new and interesting term brought to you from the 32nd edition of Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary each day, it's an easy and fun way to increase your medical vocabulary!
You can view a new word on this website each day.
Today's Word
ginseng
the root of Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng) or American ginseng (P. quinquefolius), used as a tonic and stimulant in fatigue and during convalescence.
Word of the Day Archive
XIST gene
a gene, expressed only from the inactive X chromosome, that is responsible for initiating the inactivation of genes on that chromosome. It does not encode a protein and is believed to function through an RNA transcription product by a mechanism that is not yet understood.
suicide gene
a protein-coding sequence that produces an enzyme capable of converting a nontoxic prodrug to a cytotoxic compound; it is coupled to a promoter from a tumor-associated marker gene and introduced into tumor cells by a virus vector.
housekeeping gene
a gene that theoretically must be expressed in all cells because it encodes proteins needed for basic functioning.
Magill forceps
angled forceps used to guide a tracheal tube into the larynx or a nasogastric into the esophagus under direct vision; also used to place pharyngeal packs and remove foreign bodies.
Adson forceps
a small thumb forceps having a fine tip, with or without teeth.
follistatin
a peptide that suppresses the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone; called also folliculostatin.
TRAM flap
an autogenous myocutaneous flap that uses transverse rectus abdominal muscle (TRAM) to carry lower abdominal skin and fat to the breast for reconstruction.