Category: Aa-Ab

An abortion that is brought about intentionally. Also called an induced or therapeutic abortion. As opposed to a spontaneous abortion (a miscarriage).

In medicine, an abortion is a loss of pregnancy due to the premature exit of the products of conception (the fetus, fetal membranes, and placenta) from the uterus due to any cause. An abortion may occur spontaneously (termed a miscarriage) or may be medically induced.  The miscarriage of three or more consecutive pregnancies is termed habitual abortion or recurrent pregnancy loss. 

A medication or substance that causes pregnancy to end prematurely.

The major human blood group system. The ABO type of a person depends on the presence or absence of two genes, A and B. These genes determine the configuration of the red blood cell surface. A person who has two A genes or an A and an O gene has red blood cells of type A. A person…

Outside the expected norm, or uncharacteristic of a particular patient.

A rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormal appearance of the face, skull, fingers, skin, and genitals. Underdeveloped or absent eyelids (ablepharon) along with a fish-shaped mouth (macrostomia) are key features of the condition. The nipples and abdominal wall may also be malformed. Children with the disorder may experience delayed language development, learning difficulties, and intellectual disabilities.

Removal of the lining of the womb. Removing the uterine lining decreases menstrual flow or stops it completely. Ablation means removal or excision, usually surgically. The word comes from the Latin ablatum meaning to carry away. The endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus (womb), the uterine lining which is normally shed monthly in response to…

Removal or excision. Ablation is usually carried out surgically. For example, surgical removal of the thyroid gland (a total thyroidectomy) is ablation of the thyroid.

To remove. A tumor may be ablated. To ablate the thyroid gland is to remove it. The word “ablation” came from the Latin “ablatum” meaning to carry away.

Loss of function, or degeneration for reasons unknown.