Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Coliform: a term used to refer to a certain group of bacteria. The coliform bacteria are rod-shaped, Gram-negative non-spore-forming bacteria. Eschericia coli (E. coli) is an example of the coliform bacteria. Coliforms are found in water, in soil, and on plants. They are common in the feces of all warm-blooded animals. Testing for coliform bacteria is commonly done to determine the quality…

An operation to remove all or part of the colon (large intestine). In a partial colectomy, the surgeon removes only part of the colon. The bowel is then reconnected or an opening of the bowel (ostomy) is created on the abdominal wall to allow the contents of the bowel to exit from the body. Colectomy may be needed for treatment…

Any disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. COLD mainly involves two related diseases — chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both bronchitis and emphysema cause chronic obstruction of air flowing through the airways of the lungs. The obstruction is generally permanent and progresses (becomes worse) over time. By contrast, in asthma there is also obstruction of airflow out of the lungs, but the obstruction is…

Street name for cocaine, the most potent stimulant of natural origin, a bitter addictive anesthetic (pain blocker) which is extracted from the leaves of the coca scrub (Erythroxylon coca) indigenous to the Andean highlands of South America. From the name of the plant came the name cocaine and its street name coke (and Coke as in Coca Cola, which once contained it). Once…

A method of contraception, also called withdrawal, in which the man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. Fertilization is prevented because the sperm do not enter the vagina. The effectiveness of this maneuver depends on the man’s ability to withdraw before the ejaculation of any sperm. Withdrawal does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV. Infectious diseases can be…

Sexual intercourse.

An abnormal and persistent fear of sexual intercourse. Sufferers from coitophobia experience undue anxiety because they are preoccupied with failing in some way while having sexual intercourse. Among the symptoms of coitophobia are failure to achieve an erection (erectile dysfunction) and failure to achieve orgasm (anorgasmy). “Coitophobia” is a hybrid word derived from the Latin “coitus,” which is the…

In a clinical research trial, a group of study participants or patients.

A relatively short-term form of psychotherapy based on the concept that the way we think about things affects how we feel emotionally. Cognitive therapy focuses on present thinking, behavior, and communication rather than on past experiences and is oriented toward problem solving. Cognitive therapy has been applied to a broad range of problems including depression, anxiety, panic, fears, eating…

Having to do with thought, judgment, or knowledge.