Plain Language Thesaurus For Health Communications
This Plain Language Thesaurus has been put together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Marketing. Our aim is to help make health information clear and easy to understand.
This thesaurus offers plain language equivalents to medical terms, phrases, and references that we often use. The technical terms found in health information can be confusing. This thesaurus is a tool to help you find words that people may understand better.
While the plain language choices given here may not have the specific nuances of meaning that technical terms have, they offer the possibility for better understanding by your audience. With plain language equivalents, it is more important to be understood than to be medically precise.
Precise medical terminology is vital when communicating to those with a technical background. But the public often stumbles over such terms and misunderstands their meaning. This is especially a concern for people who do not speak English as their first language and those without strong reading skills. Reaching your audience–on their terms–is the main goal of plain language.
This is a living document. It is intended to be refined and to grow as more health communicators and experts add words, topics, health conditions, and synonyms. We have started the process of building this tool by defining the scope, format, and broad categories of terms to be included. Excellent existing resources and glossaries from CDC, HHS, universities were reviewed for terms and subject areas. Key sources included
- pandemicflu.gov glossary
- CDC Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation glossary
- National Immunization Program Glossary http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/about/terms/glossary.htm
- Simple Words and Phrases thesaurus at plainlanguage.gov
- Clear Language and Design (CLAD) thesaurus http://www.eastendliteracy.on.ca/ClearLanguageAndDesign/thesaurus/
- Harvard’s three Plain Language Glossaries (one for asthma, lupus, and arthritis).
The foundation for the terms in this initial edition was formed when preparing information for the public health threats of an influenza pandemic. We have also included other categories of disease and health conditions to provide a tool that can be referenced to make any health topic more easily understandable.
We invite you to suggest additional terms, plain language synonyms, and topics to be added in future editions. For more information, please contact Sarah Gregory at CDC by email at sgg7@CDC.GOV.
A
abscess
sore, wound, infection
abdomen
stomach, stomach area, belly, tummy, abdominal
ability
skill, are able, can
abolish
end, do away with, get rid of
abrasion
cut, scratch, scrape
absenteeism
missing work or school, how often you miss work or school
absorption
take in, soak up
accelerate
hurry, speed up, make worse, make more severe
accessible
available, on hand, understandable, usable (handicapped)
accommodate
house, let stay with, give shelter, adjust, adapt
accompany
go with, take with (medicine)
accomplish
do, finish
accumulate
add up, gather, collect
accurate
true, right, correct
acellular vaccine
a vaccine that only contains part of the virus
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome-AIDS
a disease that makes it hard for your body to fight diseases
active immunity
being able to fight off a specific disease once you have had that disease
acute
sudden start, short term, quick
additional
extra, added, more
adequate
enough, the right amount
adhere
stick, follow
adjacent
beside, next to, near, touching
adjuvant
something added to a vaccine to make it work better
administer
give, manage, take care of
adverse event
something bad that happens, bad reaction, unexpected or unwanted effects
adverse health effect
bad side effect, bad reaction
adverse
bad, dangerous, hurtful, harmful
advise
tell, warn, say
advocacy
support, fighting on behalf of, arguing for support
advocate
fight for, support, support person
aerobic exercise
exercise; slow and steady exercise like walking, running, biking, swimming, etc.; exercise that helps your heart stay healthy and work better; exercise that gets your heart pumping; exercise that makes you breath faster
aerobic
needs oxygen
aerosol
spray, mist
agency
others, other groups, partner
aggravate
make worse, harm, anger, hurt
aggregate
taken together, looked at all together, total, sum, combined
aggressive
pushy, dangerous, gets worse fast, fast growing
airways
windpipe, breathing, tubes that take air in from the nose and mouth to the lungs,
pathway from nose and mouth to lungs, air tubes
alienate
push away, put by itself, turn away from, set apart
allergen
something like pollen that causes the body to react by sneezing or forming a rash; something that causes an allergic reaction
allergic
the body’s reaction to something, like pollen, resulting in sneezing, sniffling, a rash, etc.
allergic reaction
bad reaction, possibly deadly reaction, allergy, problem
allergist
allergy doctor
allergy
reaction, itch, rash, hives, breathing problem
alleviate
lessen, ease, soften, improve, make better
alopecia
hair loss, balding, loss of hair
alteration
change, shift, adjustment
alternate
take turns, one and then the other, rotate
alternative
option, another choice, other, different way, another option, different, another way
alveoli
tiny air sacs in the lungs
amalgam or amalgam fillings
silver-colored fillings, mixture of mercury, silver, tin, copper and sometimes other metals used to fill cavities in teeth
amalgamate
put together, join, combine, unite
ambulate
walk, move around
ambulatory
can walk, mobile, able to move about, walking, able to walk
ameliorate
make better, improve, lessen, ease
amend
change, change later on, adjust, fix
amnesia
forgetfulness, memory loss, not being able to remember
amniocentesis
test for a baby’s health before it’s born
amniotic fluid
water, fluid surrounding unborn baby in womb
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Lou Gehrig’s Disease, motor neuron disease
anaerobic exercise
exercise, fast-burst exercise, muscle-building exercise like weight lifting
anaerobic
needs lack of oxygen, without oxygen
analgesic
pain reliever, aspirin, Advil, or Tylenol
anaphylaxis
shock, a sudden and severe allergic reaction, stop breathing, poisoning, life threatening allergic reaction
anemia
tired, low iron, a low blood count
anesthesia
numbing drug, drug that puts you to sleep or puts you under
angina
chest pain
annual
yearly, every year, once every year, once a year, each year
annually
yearly, every year, once every year, once a year, each year
anomaly
defect, change, difference, unusual, exception
anorexia
eating disorder, too thin, not hungry
anterior teeth
front teeth
antibiotic
drug, medicine, drug that fights bacteria, infection-fighting medicine, medicine that fights infection
antibody
your body’s way to fight off infections, infection-fighting cells, cells that fight infection
antifungal agent
drug to treat fungus infections
antigen
germ, bacteria, virus, poison, something in your body that your body tries to fight off, something that helps your body fight disease
anti-inflammatory
a drug to reduce swelling, something that reduces swelling and pain, aspirin, cortisone, a drug that brings down the swelling; drug that prevents swelling
antiphospholipid
antibody test a test to see if you’re at risk for blood clots
antiviral
medicine, drug that fights viruses
anti-virus medicine
medicine, drug that fight viruses like the flu
anxiety
fear, worry
appellant
name, name of the person, you, person making an appeal
aphasic
not able to talk or understand words
applicant
your name, name of the person, person who is applying
apply
use, put on, rub onto, sign up for
appreciate
thank, be grateful
appropriate
take, take over, a good fit, proper, right
approximate
about, guess, around, near, close, estimate, bring together
aptitude
ability, skill, gift, talent
aqueous
watery
arguably
maybe, perhaps, possibly, could be
arrhythmia
irregular heartbeat, skipped heartbeat, heart problem
arthralgia
pain, pain in your joints
arthritis
pain in joints; disease of the joints that causes swelling, pain, heat, and a sense of stiffness
ascertain
find, find out, learn, make certain
asphyxiate
choke, smother, suffocate
aspiration
choke, breathe in a fluid, take out fluid or tissue to test
assess
review, sum up, evaluate, to determine value, find
assist
help, aid
association
group, relation, organization
asthma
disease, breathing disease; long term disease of swelling of the airways of the lungs; lung disease where you have trouble breathing; disease of lungs or respiratory system
asymptomatic infection
when you’re sick, but you don’t feel bad, no symptoms
asymptomatic
someone who is sick but does not feel or look sick
at the present time
now, right now
ataxic
not able to coordinate movement
atherosclerosis
hardening of the arteries, clogged blood vessels
attack
violent start, suddenly overcome by a disease, begin to harm
attempt
try, effort
attenuated vaccine
vaccine, vaccine that has a weakened form of the virus in it
attire
clothes, clothing, to dress, wear
authentic
original, real, true, actual
authority
trusted source, trusted person, official, power
authorize
allow, approve, give the power to, let
autism
brain disorder, illness that makes it hard for someone to talk to other people
autoimmune disease
disease that makes your body attack itself
autoimmunity
body fighting itself, rejecting problem with your immune system
autonomous
free, by itself, independent
avail
help, aid
available
on hand, at hand, ready, nearby, handy, ready
avian flu
bird flu
avoid
do not, shun
axilla
armpit
B
bacteria
germ
become more familiar
learn more about…
benign
harmless
bereavement
grief after death, loss, sadness, mourning
beverage
drink, fluids, liquids
biannual
twice a year, two times every year
biennial
lasting two years, happening every other year, every two years
bilateral
with both sides considered, two-sided, when both sides get a say, even, balanced; on both sides
biological agent
disease, poison, germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi
biofilms (plaque)
sticky film with germs on teeth
biopsy
take tissue (usually for testing)
bioterrorism
spreading virus or disease to cause fear or hurt
biota
plants and animals
BMI
body mass index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight, a measure of body fat
bona fide
real, true
bone density test
bone strength test, a test of how solid and how strong your bones are; test for osteoporosis, xray test for brittle bones
bone marrow
area (or the space) inside your bones where blood cells are made
booster shot
shot you get months or years after your vaccine shot, shot to keep you safe from disease
brachial neuritis
swelling of the nerves in your arms
bradycardia
slow heartbeat
breakthrough infection
getting a disease even though you’ve been protected against it
breastfeeding
nursing/feeding a baby with milk from the breast
breech birth
baby born feet or rear-end first
bronchial tubes
the tubes letting air in and out of the lungs
bronchodilator
medicine, drug that helps you breathe easier
bruxism
clinching and/or grinding teeth
buccal
side of mouth, inside cheek
bursitis
swollen, painful joints, disease that causes joint pain
by means of
by, using, with
by which time
by then; when
C
calculus
hard crusty deposit on teeth
capacity
size, amount something holds, ability, space, number open
carcinogen
cancer-causing
carcinoma
cancer starting in the skin or organ lining
cardiologist
heart doctor
cardiology
medical department that treats heart problems
cardiovascular
having to do with the heart and blood vessels
caries (dental)
cavities, tooth decay, holes in teeth
carrier
someone who is sick and can get other people sick; animal that is sick and can make other animals sick
cartilage
the smooth covering on the end of bones
case fatality ratio
how many people die from a disease
CAT scan (CT scan)
test that shows inside body parts, scan, special x-ray, test
cataracts
a clouding of the eye that makes it hard for people to see, cloudy eyesight, cloudy vision, eye disease
catheter
tube
catastrophe
disaster, tragedy
causal association
causes, leads to, can cause causes your body to react
cauterize
burn the skin, burn tissue (to stop bleeding)
cease
end, stop, quit
censure
blame, punish, limit
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC
central nervous system
brain and spinal cord
cerebral hemorrhage
stroke, bleeding in the brain
cerebrovascular disease
stroke
cerumen
earwax
cervix
lower part of the womb
Cesarean delivery
C-section, baby born through surgery, cut abdomen area to get baby out
cessation
stopping, quitting, ending
characteristic
mark, trait, feature
characterize
tell about, describe, define
chemotherapy
cancer drug, cancer medicine, cancer treatment
chronic
constant, never ending, does not go away, long term, lasting a long time, long-lasting
chronic disease
long-lasting disease, disease that lasts for years
chronic health condition
constant health problem, something that effects your health for a long period of time
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
lung disease, such as asthma or emphysema
circulation
blood flow, flow of blood through the body
circumstance
event, situation, facts
clade
group of animals that can all get the same disease
clavicle
collar bone
cleft lip and/or palate
harelip, birth defect(s) that affect the upper lip and roof of the mouth
client
you, name of person, customer
clinical
work, studies, a medical setting that involves patients
clinical
medical, work or studies in a medical setting that involve patients
clinical trial
clinical research study, medical research study
clinically ill
sick, diseased
close proximity
near, near by, close, close to
coagulate
clot, set, clump together
coerce
force, make, press
cognizant
aware, know about, think of, have learned
colic
stomach pain, sick, fussy or upset baby
collaborate
work together, team up, help each other
colonoscopy
check your colon, check your intestines, look inside your intestine, check for colon
cancer
comatose
in a coma
combination
mix, mixture
combination vaccine
a vaccine that helps stop more than one type of disease
commence
start, begin
communicable
catching, can be spread, can be passed to other people, can make other people sick
communicate
tell, say, call, write, talk to
community immunity
group protection from a disease
comparable
like, similar, almost the same as, equal to
compensate
make up, pay, reward
competent
skillful, able, well trained
complete
finish, fill out, end
completion
end, finish, no more
complimentary
free
comply
do, follow, give in, obey, go along with
component
part, section
composite or composite filling
tooth-colored filling
comprehensive
complete, covers everything important, thorough, all
compress
squeeze, press down on
comprise
be made up of, include,
compromised
weakened
compulsion
want, urge, desire, drive
conceive
imagine, think up, become pregnant, create
concentration
strength, focus
concerning
about, for, on
conclude
end, finish, judge, deem,
conclusive
definite, final, last,
concur
agree, feel the same way
condition
a medical problem, a disease, an illness
conditioning
physical training, training your body, fitness
conduct
do, carry on, run, lead
congenital
born with, inborn, there at birth
conjugate vaccine
a specific type of vaccine
conjunctivitis
eye infection, pink eye, swelling and redness around your eyes
conscientious
careful, thoughtful, alert,
consequently
so, which means that, as a result
consistent
stays the same
conspicuous
plain to see, obvious, easy to see
constitute
made of, form, make up
construct
make, build
consult
talk with, ask, talk to, see, meet, opinion, discuss
consume
eat, drink, use up
contact
talk to, call, write, talk with, get in touch with, touch
contagious disease
illness that spreads to others, disease that you can give to other people, disease that
can make other people sick
contagious
catching, spreading, able to make others sick, spreadable, a disease that can be spread from one person to another; someone who is sick and might make you sick too, sick
contain
have, keep together, hold
contaminant
pollutant, poison, harmful ingredient, harmful chemical
contaminate
spoil, infect, dirty, poison, pollute, taint, get dirty
contemplate
think about, consider, ponder
continue to
keep on, still, remain
contraceptive
birth control
contract
arrange, agree, make smaller and shorter
contraindication
dangerous to give, not good for, when a drug or procedure may be harmful, wrong,
opposite
contribute
help, give, volunteer
control
manage, have power over, take care of
contusion
bruise
convenient
easy to use, on hand, handy, useful
convulsion
seizure, spasm, shaking
co-operate
help, work together, assist
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, emphysema, a lung disease that makes breathing hard
coronary heart disease
heart disease
coronary thrombosis
heart attack, blood clot in a blood vessel in the heart
correspond
agree with, match, write, email, go with
corroborate
confirm, agree with,
corticosteroids
asthma drug, asthma medicine
cot death
SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome
cough etiquette
how to cough or sneeze
countermeasures
drugs to help fight sickness; flu shots; vaccines
crib death
SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome
criterion
sign, standard
Crohn’s Disease
digestion disease, problem with bowels
crossbite
upper teeth are biting inside the lower teeth
crown (gold, porcelain or stainless steel)
cap that covers tooth (stainless steel most often used on “baby teeth”)
cure
heal, fix, make better; make completely better
currently
now, at this moment, right now
cushingoid
signs of high doses of medicine, drug
cutaneous
skin related, about the skin, on the surface, skin
cyst
pus under your skin, boil, cancer cells, lump
cystitis
bladder infection, pain when you pee
D
dander
flakes of skin, cradle cap
deceased
dead, passed away, died
deciduous tooth
baby tooth
decompose
decay, rot, break down
decontaminate
clean, kill germs, disinfect, purify, sterilize
decrease
take less, cut back, drop, lower, fall, lessen, make less
deficiency
lack, not enough
deficient
lacking, not enough, poor
deformity
a change from the normal shape, not normal, not a normal shape, oddly shaped
degenerative
weaken, worsen, decline, decay, droop
dehydrate
need water, water loss, remove water, remove water
deltoid
arm muscle, muscle in upper arm
dementia
memory loss that gets worse over time, Alzheimer’s
demonstrate
prove, show
demyelinating disorder
nerve disease
dental caries
cavities, tooth decay, holes in teeth
dental implant
fake tooth drilled into jaw bone
dental sealant (pit and fissure sealant)
thin layer of plastic painted onto teeth to prevent decay
dentin
main bone-like part of a tooth
deoxygenated
no oxygen, without oxygen
deplete
empty, take all of, reduce, sap, lessen
dermal
related to the skin, skin related
dermatologist
skin doctor
dermatology
skin doctor’s office, study of the skin
designate
call, label, name
detect
find, discover
deteriorate
get worse, fall apart, become unusable,
determine
figure out, decide, find out, test
detrimental
bad, harmful, dangerous
develop
create, change, grow
developmental disability
physical or mental disability, challenged, learning problem
deviate
stray, change, take a different path
diabetes
diabetes, disease with too much sugar in the blood, problem with making food into energy
diabetic
person with diabetes
diagnose
test, find out, figure out, learn cause, name
diagnosis
finding out the cause of an illness, condition, disease, medical answer
diarrhea diseases
diarrhea
difficulties
problems, trouble
dilate
become wider, become larger, become bigger, open
dilator
something used to make something become larger, wider, or bigger
dilute
weaken, make weaker, add liquid,make less strong
dimension
size, width, height or length
diminish
make smaller, become less, take less, ebb
diminutive
small, tiny, very little, petite
diplopia
double vision
directed to
told
discharge
going home, leaving
disclose
show, tell, uncover
discoid
shaped like a disk, round and flat
discoloration
change in color, not the color it normally is, odd color
discontinue
stop, end, quit
discuss
talk about, talk with, talk over
disease
illness, sickness
disguise
hide
disorder
condition, illness, medical problem
display
show
dissemination (disseminate)
spread, distribute, send out, make available
distal
back of
distinguish
tell apart, set apart
distribute
hand out, give, spread, mail
DNA
genes
domicile
home, house
donate
to give
donation
gift, present
don’t be alarmed
don’t worry
dose
amount of medicine, chemical, or radiation; amount, size
drowsy
sleepy
due to the fact that…
because, due to
dust
fine, dry earth, powdery dirt
dwelling
home, house
dysarthria
slurred speech
dyspepsia
indigestion, heartburn
dysphagia
swallowing disorder, swallowing problem
E
early childhood caries (ECC)
baby bottle tooth decay, tooth decay in infants
economical
cheap, low cost, low priced
edema
swelling
edentulous
no teeth
effect
result, cause
effective
works well, good, strong
efficacy rate
how well something works
EHR (Electronic Health Record)
synonymous with EMR (Electronic Medical Record) which is a digitally formatted medical record
EKG
heart test, test of your heart
electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
heart test, EKG
electrolytes
blood salts, a type of necessary salt found in blood
elevate
raise, lift, make higher
eliminate
stop, end, drop, get rid of
emaciated
very thin, starving
embolism
blood clot
embryo
unborn baby (up to 12 weeks)
emergency
emergency, urgent, threat, disaster, crisis
emphasize
stress, point out, highlight
emphysema
a lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
EMR (Electronic Medical Record)
chart, medical records, computer medical record; medical record in a digital format
enamel
hard covering on outside of tooth
encephalitis
swollen brain, brain swelling, swelling of the brain
encephalopathy
brain dysfunction
encourage
urge
endeavor
try, attempt
endocrine
hormone system
endodontic
treatment of root canal for diseased nerve in tooth
enhance
add to, improve
environment
all the things around you in your daily life, at home and at work, world around you, your home
environmental control
removing harmful things from your home and work; doing something to improve the space you live in and the air you breathe
epidemic
disease that most people get, widespread sickness
epidemiology
disease study
epidermis
skin
episode
event, set amount of time, attack, brief time
epizootic
widespread disease in animals
equilibrium
balance
equivalent of
equal to
erosions
small pits, small holes in teeth or bones
erythematosus
red rash on the face
escalate
worsen, make worse, get worse, increase, grow, rise
ESR
a blood test
estrogen
female hormone, woman’s hormone
etiology
the cause of
evident
plain to see, visible, seen
exacerbate
worsen, make worse
excess rate
how many people become seriously sick during a pandemic
excessive
too much, more than needed
excise
cut out, cut off
exert
work hard, push, struggle, exercise
exertion
effort, work
exhale
breathe out
exhibit
show, display
expectorate
spit, cough, spit out
experience
feel, have, go through
expertise
knowledge, skill, know-how, training
exposure
around, been around, contact, come in contact with
expressive language
speaking, saying words or sentences
extend
make longer
extremely
very
F
facilitate
make easier, help
factor
cause, reason
failed to
did not
family history
health information about your close relatives
fallacy
error, myth, not true
fast
go without any food or drink, not eat or drink anything
fatigue
tired, weak feeling of the whole body, feeling tired all over
feasible
possible, doable, workable, can be done, can do
febrile
caused by a fever, feverish
fertility
ability to have a baby
fetus
unborn baby (12 weeks to birth)
finalize
complete, end, finish, settle
flare
a period of time when symptoms of a disease are worse, when your disease hurts more
than normal
flexible
moving easily, stretch easily, bend and stretch without hurting; bendable, able to bend
fluctuate
change, rise and fall, go back and forth from high to low, not steady
following
after
fracture
break
frequently
often, commonly, normally, regularly, many times
fundamental
basic, real
G
gamete
sex cell, egg or sperm
general anesthesia
put to “sleep”
generation time
time needed for disease to spread from one person to another
genetics
family traits, science or study of family traits, study of blood relatives
genital area
genital area, privates, [name specific reproductive body parts]
Genital Herpes Simplex
Herpes (sores) in the genital area
gestation
pregnancy
gingiva
gums
gingivectomy
gum surgery, remove or reshape gums to remove space between teeth and gums
gingivitis
inflammation of the gums
glaucoma
eye disease, increased eye pressure; an eye disease that can lead to blindness
glucose
sugar, energy, blood sugar
gradually
slowly, over time
gravid
pregnant
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
GBS; a disease that makes it hard to move
H
H5N1
bird flu virus
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
a lung disease
hallucinate
see things that are not there
hand hygiene
hand washing
hazard
hazard, harmful, danger
hazardous
harmful, bad, dangerous, risky
hazardous waste
harmful trash like used needles, bloody tissues, etc.
hematocrit (hct)
amount of red blood cells in the blood
hematocrit test
blood test, a test that counts your red blood cells
hematological
related to blood, related to the blood and blood forming organs
hematuria
blood in the urine
hemodialysis
use of a machine to clean your blood
hemoglobin A1C
a test to show your blood sugar levels over the last 3 months
hepatic
related to the liver
hepatitis A
disease that you get from drinking bad water or eating bad food, impaired liver
hepatitis B
disease that you get from someone else’s blood or from unsafe sex, impaired liver
hepatitis C
liver disease that you get from someone else’s blood or unsafe sex, impaired liver
hepatitis D
virus that can only be found in your blood if you also have hepatitis B, impaired liver
hepatitis E
disease that you get from drinking bad water or from eating bad food, a disease not found in the United States, impaired liver
herd immunity
group protection from disease, community immunity
herpes simplex
cold sores, virus
herpes zoster
shingles, a disease that causes painful sores on your skin
high risk
dangerous, good chance something will happen
highly
very probably, most likely, will probably happen
hives
rash; red, itchy swellings on your skin
Hodgkin’s disease
lymph node cancer
homologous
similar, like, alike
hormone
chemical, natural or manmade chemical that effects your growth, chemicals that help different parts of your body know how they should work
host
person; animal
HPAI
a dangerous bird flu
HPV
a virus that may cause cervical and/or oral cancer
humidify
to moisten air
hyperglycemia
high blood sugar
hyperlipidemia
high cholesterol
hypertensive heart disease
high blood pressure
hypersensitivity
strong reaction
hypertension
high blood pressure
hypoglycemia
low blood sugar
hyposensitivity
weak reaction
hypotension
low blood pressure
hysterectomy
surgery to remove the womb
I
identical
same, exactly the same, similar, alike
illness rate or clinical attack rate
number of sick people; (Use a ratio like “3 in every 10 New Yorkers are sick” or a percentage like “30 percent of all Floridians are sick.”)
illustrate
show, draw, picture
immediately
at once, right away, now
immerse
put completely in, completely cover
immune globulin
something in your blood that helps fight disease
immune
protected from, resistant to
immunity
protection from disease, ability to fight off an illness
immunization
getting a vaccine (shot); vaccine, vaccination
immunize
to protect again disease, usually by a shot
immunological
related to the immune system
immunosuppression
when your body can’t fight disease
immunotherapy
medical treatment that helps your body fight off diseases
impaction
teeth pressing together, teeth not visible above sum line
impaired
not normal/something is wrong
impede
get in the way, slow
imperative
important, pressing, urgent
imperceptible
hard to see, hidden; can’t be seen
implement
start, begin, put into action; carry out;
inability
not able to
in excess of
more than
inevitable
likely, will happen
insert
put, put into
institute
start
instructed
told, taught
in the absence of
without
in the course of
during, in
in the event of
if
in utero
in the womb, in the uterus
in vitro
out of the body, outside the body, laboratory grown, in a test tube
in vivo
within the body, inside the body grown inside animal
inaccuracy
error, mistake, chance that there is a mistake
inactive vaccine
a vaccine that uses germs that have been killed
inadvertently
without meaning to
inadvisable
risky, not smart, may be dangerous
inapparent infection
when you are sick but you don’t feel bad
incidence
how many people get sick, number of sick people
incident of national significance
national emergency
incipient
beginning, starting
incise
cut
incision
cut
incisors
front teeth, front “biting” teeth, fangs
inclement
harsh, extreme, dangerous
incorrect
wrong, not true, false
increase
add to, raise
incubation period
the length of time a disease is in someone’s body before they feel or look sick
indicate
suggest, point to, show
indication
sign, signal, symptom
indigenous
local to, comes from, native
individual
person, you, man, woman, one
inexpensive
cheap, low cost, low priced
infant
baby
infect
disease spread by germ or virus, to get sick, to make someone sick, to spread a disease
infection
disease, illness, sickness, virus, bug, illness caused by germs, a sickness you get from germs, control how to stop sickness
infectious agent
virus, germs, something that makes you sick, disease, flu, parasite
infectious
something that can spread disease
infertile
sterile, unable to have a baby, unable to become pregnant
inflame
make hot, red, or swollen; swollen
inflammation
swelling, injury, sore
inflammatory bowel disease
digestive system disease, intestinal problems
influenza
flu, a virus
inform
tell
information
information, to learn more
infusion
put fluids or drugs directly into your blood
ingestion
eating, drinking, swallowing
inhalation
breathing, breathing in
inhale
breathe in, take a breath
inhaler
breathing medicine/drug, asthma medicine, device that helps give medicine into the breathing tubes
inherent
natural, built in, native
inherit
acquire, get, obtain, be left
inheritance
from parents, passing from parent to child
inhibit
check, bar, forbid, stop, slow
initial
first, earliest, basic
inject/injection
shot
injection
shot, to give medicine by needle, booster, dose
innocuous
safe
inquire
ask
instrument
tool, device
insufficient
not enough, too little, failing, poor
insulin
blood sugar
integrate
combine with, make part of, mix
intention
goal, aim, desire, end, plan, purpose
internal organs
inside parts of your body (heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, etc.)
interrupt
stop, break
intervention
care
intrauterine device
IUD, birth control
intravenous (IV)
into your vein; into your blood stream, putting drugs or fluids directly into your blood
investigational vaccine
vaccine still being tested
irrefutable
certain, final, obvious, proven
irritable
sensitive, complaining, grouchy, testy
irritant
bother; pain, pest, problem
isolate
a specific type of virus; a specific type of flu
isolation of ill people
staying away from people who are sick; keeping sick people at home
J
jaundice
skin and eyes turn yellow
joint
where bones come together, bone connection
K
kidney
organ that filters blood
L
lacerate
ragged cut, tear
laceration
ragged cut, tear
lesion
cut, injury, wound, sore
ligament
bone connector, joint tissue
lingual
on the tongue
live vaccine
a vaccine that has a weakened form of the virus in it
local anesthesia
drug that causes numbing only in the area of the body where the drug is put by spreading it or with a shot
localized
in a small area, only in one place
locate
find, place, settle, turn up
location
place, spot
long-term
for a long time, over a long period of time
lower respiratory infection
pneumonia
lung function
measure of how strong your lungs are
lungs
breathing organs
lymphatic
related to the lymph system
lymphocytes
white blood cells, lymph cells
lymphoma
cancer of lymphatic system
M
macrophage
disease-fighting cell
macular
a spot on your cornea; eye disease, blindness
magnitude
extent, size, how serious
maintain
take care of, keep, keep up
mammogram
breast health test, breast check
malignant
cancer
malignant tumor
cancer, tumor, mass
malocclusion
crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, crossbite, overbite, underbite, open bite
manage
control, direct, be in charge of, take care of, watch
mandible
lower jaw
manifest
clear, plain, evident, show
mask
hide
mastectomy
breast cancer surgery; surgery to remove your breast
maxilla
upper jaw
maximum
the largest possible, the most
medication
drug, pill, medicine
medicine
drug, medication
melanoma
skin cancer
memory cell
a cell that helps your body quickly fight diseases that you’ve gotten before
menopause
women’s “change of life”, the change, time in a woman’s life when her periods stops, no
longer have periods
menstruation
period
mental health condition
mental disorder, mental illness
mentality
frame of mind, mind, outlook, feeling
mesial
front of
metabolism
process of getting energy from food, converting food into energy
mg
milligram
microbes
very tiny fungi, sometimes viruses, that are too small too see; bacteria, protozoa
might qualify
might get
migrate
move, travel
migration
moving, transfer, traveling
mild
gentle, not severe, slight, small
mildew
fungus that grow in damp warm areas
minimal
least, small, smallest
minimize
make smaller, make less, lessen, reduce
miniscule
very small, tiny
miscarriage
lose the baby, miscarry
mites
very tiny, spider-like, animals that cause allergies and skin rashes
mitigate
make less harmful, soften, lessen, reduce
mobility
ability to move
moderate
medium, mild, controllable
modify
change
molars
back teeth, back “grinding” teeth
mold
growth on food and damp surfaces
monitor
watch, check on, watch for changes, device that measures changes
morbidity
diseased, sick, ill
mortality
death
mortality rate
number of deaths
motor vehicle accident
car crash
MRSA
bacteria that resists antibiotics
mucosal (mucus) membranes
soft, moist areas just inside the openings to your body
mucus
phlegm, nose fluid, mouth fluid, throat coating
multiple sclerosis
central nervous system disease, MS
muscle contraction
muscle twitch, movement
mutagen
cause
mutation
change over time, change, difference, different
myocardial infarction
heart attack
N
narcotic
addictive pain medicine, drug
nebulizer
asthma medicine mister
necessary
needed
negligent
careless, lax, not careful
neonatal death
infant death, death in the first month of life
neonatal
newborn, baby for first month of life
neonatologist
baby doctor, baby doctor for preemies
nephrology
study of kidney problems
neuraminidase
enzyme on the surface of the virus
neuritis
swelling of a nerve
neurologic
relating to the nervous system, brain or spinal cord
neurological
related to the brain and nervous system
neurology
study of the nervous system
neuropathy
disease of the nervous system
neutralize
cancel, stop, offset
nominal
small, not important, token, cheap, not costly
nonpharmaceutical intervention
ways to stop the spread of illness without drugs, such as hand washing, covering sneezes, closing schools, etc.
nosocomial
an infection you catch in the hospital
notification
notice
noxious
dangerous, poisonous
nutrition
food, meal, diet, healthy food
nutritious
wholesome, food that is good for you, healthy eating, healthy food
O
obesity
dangerously overweight, too heavy
objective
goal, end
obscure
hidden, unclear, blur, confuse
observation
close look, remark, watching, sighting
observe
look closely, watch, see, detect, find, notice, see
obstetrician
pregnancy doctor
obstruct
block, stop
obstruction
barrier, block, hurdle
obtain
get
obvious
clear, plain, easy to see
occasionally
sometimes, not often, once in a while
occlusal
chewing or grinding surface of back teeth
occupation
job, work
occupational therapist
someone who helps people who are sick or injured learn or relearn activities of daily life
occupational therapy
therapy that helps you relearn everyday activities
occur
happen, take place, result
occurrence
event
on an empty stomach
do not eat or drink
open bite
upper and lower front teeth do not touch even when mouth is closed and/or back teeth are touching
opportunistic infection
infection you get because you’re already weak
optic neuritis
eye disease, disease of the eyes
optimal/optimum
best, best way
option
choice, way
oral
mouth and jaw
oral consent
you say it is OK for the doctor to do a test or procedure
oral medication
medication you swallow
oral surgery
mouth operation, mouth surgery, teeth operation
orchitis
side effect of mumps
originate
start, begin, create
orthodontic
braces, teeth straightening
orthopedic surgeon
bone and joint doctor
orthopedic’s
bone and joint doctor’s office
orthotic
support or brace
ossification
bone formation, hard, stiff
osteonecrosis
bone death
osteoporosis
brittle bones
otitis media
middle ear infection
outbreak
beginning, start, onset
outermost
farthest, top
ova/ovum
egg/eggs, a woman’s egg/eggs
overabundance
too much, excess
overbite
front upper teeth overlap lower teeth, “bucktoothed”
P
palatable
pleasing, tasty, good
palate
roof of mouth
pandemic flu
deadly flu, fast and wide-spread flu
pandemic vaccine
pandemic flu vaccine
panzootic
a flu pandemic in animals, a deadly flu pandemic in animals, fast and wide-spread flu in
animals
papule
small red dot on your skin, skin rash
paralysis
can’t move
parameter
limit, factor, value
paramount
most important
parasite
animal or plant living off another animal or plant
participate
take part, join, share
passive immunity
temporary disease protection from mother, disease protection from vaccine
pathogen
germ, virus, disease-causing agent
pathogenic
disease causing
peak flow meter
small tool used to measure how fast you can blow out air
peak flow
the fastest you can blow out air
pediatrician
baby doctor; children’s doctor
pedodontic (pediatric dentistry)
children’s dentistry
pending
coming, until, waiting on something or someone
perforation
hole
perform
do, carry out, act
pericarditis
heart inflammation, swelling of the tissue covering the heart
perinatal
near the time of birth
perinatal death
death around birth, stillborn
perinatologist
high-risk pregnancy doctor, doctor for pregnancy at risk
periodontal disease (periodontitis)
gum disease
periodontic
treatment of gum disease and related bone loss
periphery
edge, boundary, outside
peritoneum
lining of your stomach, belly, tummy
permanent
lasting, long term, forever
permit
allow, let
permutation
change
persevere
hold on, keep at, last, keep trying, not give up
persistent
there all the time, constant, doesn’t go away, not giving up
personal protective equipment (PPE)
gowns, face shields, gloves, face masks, and respirators, hearing protection, protective clothing
personnel
people, staff
perspire
sweat
persuade
convince, talk into, win over, urge
pertinent
fitting, important
petechiae
tiny red or purple spot on your skin,
pharmacist
druggist, drug dispenser
photosensitive
sun-sensitive, sensitive to the sun
physical/physically
body, bodily, real
physical activity
of the body, exercise, movement
physical examination
check-up, doctor’s appointment
physical therapist
someone who treats pain and weakness by exercise
physical therapy
treatment of pain and weakness through exercise
physician
doctor
pica
craving, dirt or clay eating, unusual appetite; eating materials that are not food
pictographs
symbols (examples below)
PID
Pelvic inflammatory disease
pigmentation
color
pit and fissure sealant (dental sealant)
thin layer of plastic painted onto teeth to prevent decay
placebo
sugar pill, drug with no active ingredient and will cause no effect
placed
put
placenta
organ that attaches umbilical cord to the inside of the womb
plaque
sticky film with germs on teeth
platelet
blood clotting cell
pleurisy
lung inflammation
pneumonia
lung infection
PO
taken by mouth, eat or drink
podiatry
treating feet problems, medical care for feet, foot doctor
poliomyelitis
polio; a disease that can make you unable to move
pollute
dirty, poison, taint, spoil
polysaccharide vaccines
sugar vaccines
polyurethane
plastic
portion
piece, amount, part, serving
position
job, rank, class, grade
possess
have, own
possibility
chance
posterior teeth
back teeth
post-exposure prophylaxis
drug given to someone who has been near someone sick, prevention drug, drugs to
prevent the spread of disease
post-partum depression
baby blues, overwhelmed, depressed, unexplained sadness after having baby
postpone
put off, wait, delay
potency
strength, force, power, level, dose
precaution
safeguard, caution, guard, care
predicament
problem, bad situation, plight, difficulty
pregnancy
pregnant, expecting a baby
preliminary
early, not final, initial
pre-pandemic vaccine
pandemic flu or deadly flu vaccine; shot
preparedness
readiness, alertness, to be ready, to prepare, be prepared, planned
prepuce
foreskin
prerogative
right, choice
prescriber
doctor, nurse, any medical person who is licensed to write prescriptions
prescription
doctors orders, medicine, drug order,
present
give, send, now, show, here
prevalence
number of sick people, spread, disease spread, number, figure
prevent
stop, keep from happening, forbid, bar, keep
preventive
(i.e.; preventive services) practices that help keep you well
prevention
stop, bar, not permitted, not allowed, to avoid ill effects
primary teeth
baby teeth, first teeth
principal
main, first, head, chief, most important
prior to
before
probability
chance, likelihood
proximal
near to, close, area closer to the center of the body
procedure
steps, method, course of action, how-to, way, test
proceed
go, move forward
prodromal
signs of disease or attack
proficient
skilled, experienced, able, apt
progression
move forward, go on, get worse, advance
prohibit
ban, forbid, prevent
projectile
flying object, fast object, thrown object
proliferate
grow, spread, reproduce
prophylactic
pregnancy prevention drug, sickness prevention drug, birth control, condom
prophylaxis
prevention, protection
prophylaxis (dental, oral)
basic teeth cleaning
prostate
gland in male body that makes semen
prostatitis
infection of the prostate
prosthodontic
treatment using crowns, bridges, partials and/or dentures
protocol
way of doing things, method, standard, step-by-step process, rules, code
provide
give, offer, send, supply
provider
professional, insurer
provoke
make worse, cause, anger, annoy
proximal
near to, close, area closer to the center of the body
psoriasis
a dry, scaly, skin rash
psoriatic arthritis
joint swelling disease with skin rash
psychiatrist
mental health doctor, shrink
psychiatry
study of mental health
PSA
prostate test, prostate check
PTSD
problem with fear after seeing or having a fearful event, flashbacks of negative
experience
public health
everyone’s health, our health, health of the community as a whole
puff
a short, gentle burst; a small breath
pulmonary
related to the lungs
pulmonary cancer
cancer of lung, trachea, bronchus
pulmonary care unit
lung disease treatment area of hospital
pulmonary fibrosis
lung disease, scarring of lung tissue, shortness of breath
pulmonologist
lung doctor
pulmonology
study of lung disease
pulp
tooth nerve
pulpectomy
remove nerve from tooth
pulpitis
infection of nerve inside tooth
pulpotomy
take out the nerve from a tooth
purchase
buy
purulent
pus
pyrexia
fever
Q
qualified
suited, capable; has the education to perform, license to perform
quarantine
isolate, staying away from other people, staying home by yourself
R
RA
rheumatoid arthritis, disease of joints
radiation
energy, rays, waves, heat
radioisotope
medicine, special medicine, drug or radioactive tracer
radiologist
a doctor who studies x-rays and other images, x-ray specialist, x-ray doctor
radiology
x-ray department
radionuclide
medicine, special medicine or drug
rampant
unchecked, raging, uncontrolled
rapid diagnostic test
fast result test, quickly check if someone is sick
rationale
reason, thinking, intent, purpose
Raynaud’s syndrome
circulatory disease
reaction
a response
reassortment
change, new type of virus
receive
get, admit, welcome
receptive language
understanding
recipient
person who gets something
recognize
accept, know, see, find
recombinant
new gene combination
recommend
advise, suggest, urge, says
recover
get better, feel better, heal
recrudescence
relapse, to get sick again
recuperate
get better, feel better, get well, recover
recur
come back, get again, happen again
reduce
lower, cut, trim, dilute
redundant
extra, not needed, excess, surplus, spare
refills
number of times one can get more medicine from the drugstore without going back to
the doctor
reflux
spit up, backward flow of body fluid
regarding
about
regimen
diet, plan, program
register
sign up, sign in
regular
usual, normal, everyday, common
regulate
control, restrict, watch over, govern
regulation
rule, law
rehabilitate
get better, restore
reimburse
pay back, refund
reinforce
make stronger, brace, support
reiterate
repeat, say again
relief
feel better, ease, not as bad, less painful, more comfortable
relieve
ease, make better, soothe, rest
remission
when a disease is not active
renal
related to the kidney
request
ask for, beg
require
need, ask for
requirements
needs, regulations
rescind
cancel, take away
resemble
look like, take after, match
reside
be in, live in
residence
home, apartment, house
Residual Seizure Disorder
seizures, sudden attack, brain problem
respiration
breathing, taking in oxygen
respiratory therapist
breathing therapist
respite
rest, relief, quiet time
respond
answer, react to
restoration
filling, fix a tooth, tooth replacement
restrain
hold back, stop
restrict
limit,stop
restrictions
limitations, changes
retain
keep
retrieve
get, bring back, get back
return
go back
reveal
show, tell
review
go over, check;
Reye’s Syndrome
brain disease in children
rheumatoid arthritis
disease of joints, joint swelling
rheumatologist
joint, bone, and immune system doctor
rheumatology
study of the immune system, joints, and bones
rigorous
hard
risk reduction
lowering the chances, making less likely
risk
chance
root canal
remove the nerve from inside the root of a permanent tooth
root planing and scaling
deep tooth cleaning
Rotavirus
germ causing stomach flu
Rubella
German measles
Rubeola
measles
rupture
break, burst, break open
S
sanitary
clean, germ free, healthful
sanitize
clean, wash, clean up, make germ-free, disinfect
SC
subcutaneously, shot into fat, injection into fat
scaling and root planing
removal of hard and soft deposits from teeth above and below gums
Scarlatina
scarlet fever
schedule
plan, planning a time to do something
sealant (pit and fissure, dental)
thin layer of plastic painted onto teeth to prevent decay
seasonal influenza
common flu; winter flu
second- and third-order effects
things that happen as a result of your actions
sector
group, community, neighborhood
sedentary
inactive, sitting a lot, couch potato
segment
part, piece
seizure
fit of uncontrolled movements
sensation
feeling
sensitive
easily hurt, easy to damage, sore
seroconversion
becoming immune, reacting against disease, fighting disease
serology
study of blood strength
serosurvey
test to see how likely you are to get a disease
several
many
severe
strong, serious, harmful, dangerous, very bad
severity
how bad
shift
change
shortness of breath
difficulty catching breath, difficult breathing
side effect
reaction, reaction to a medicine
significant
big, serious, important
similar
like
situated
placed, located
Sjogren’s syndrome
dry eyes and mouth
skull
head bones, bones that protect the brain
social distancing
stay at home; keep away from people
socialize
make friends, talk with people, meet people
solicit
ask for
soreness
hurt, pain, ache
spasm
sudden, strong muscle tightening, jerk, painful twist
species
group of plants or animals, same type, alike
spirometer
breathing test, breath strength machine, breath strength indicator
spontaneous
unplanned, sudden
sprain
muscle injury, muscle tear
stable
okay, no change, constant, even, unchanging
stamina
strength, endurance
state of readiness
ready, now ready, prepared
state
say, tell, condition
status
state, condition
sterile
unable to have children, clean
steroid
medicine, drug to lessen swelling, illegal sports drugs
stigma
mark, spot, blemish, embarrassment
stimulate
excite, stir up, activate
strain
type of germ, type of animal, type of plant
stress
physical strain, mental strain, pressure, worry
stringent
strict, tight, controlled
subclinical infection
minor illness
submit
give, hand in, send
subsequent
following, next, later
subsequently
after that, later, afterward
substance
chemical, material, matter, stuff
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
crib death; sudden, unexplained death of a baby
suffice
be enough
sufficient
enough, plenty, ample
suffocate
choke, smother, not able to breathe
summon
call for, request
sun protection factor
sunscreen, sun block
superficial
not important, not harmful, slight
supersede
replace, take the place of
supplement
add to, in addition to, additive, vitamins
supply
give, budget, fund, pool, source, kitty
suppress
hold back, stop, slow down
surge capacity
being able to offer more services in an emergency, ability to expand
surgery
operation
surgical mask
face mask, mask
surveillance
keep a close eye on, watch closely, monitor
susceptible
more open to, in danger of getting, likely to get
sutures
stitches
symptom
sign (of disease or sickness), indicator, warning
syndrome
illness, sickness, condition
synthesis
summary, make, take up
synthesize
combine, form, summarize
systematic
planned out, orderly, regular
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
immune system disease
systemic
throughout your body, in all parts of your body
T
tallus
heel
taper
reduce, slow, lower, shrink, decrease
tartar
crust on teeth, plaque
telework
work from home
temperature
heat, fever
temporal association
when two things happen at the same time but aren’t actually related to each other
temporary
short, brief
teratogenic
something that can hurt your baby before he is born
terminal
deadly, fatal
terminate
stop, end
testosterone
male hormone
tetanus
disease affecting muscles
therapeutic
healing, improving, getting better
therapy
treatment
therefore
so
thimerosal
drug or vaccine preservative
third molars
wisdom teeth, last teeth to come into mouth
thrombus
clot
time period
time
titer
blood test
titrate
to change the dose/level of a medicine
topical
on the surface, on the skin, on the body
toxicology
study of harmful materials
toxin
poison, pollution
transform
change, alter
transparent
clear, see-through
transpire
happen, take place
transverse myelitis
of the spine, back disease
traumatic
shocking, upsetting
treat
give care, take care of, cure, heal
treatment
action, medicine, therapy
tremor
shaking, trembling
trigger
cause, start, bring on, lead to
trimester
three months, three month’s time
tuberculosis
TB, lung disease
tumor
growth, lump
U
ulcer – open sore, canker
ulterior – secondary, hidden, alternate, further
ultimate- final, last
umbilicus – belly button, navel
underbite – lower teeth extend past upper front teeth
understand – know, to get
unfavorable – bad, harmful, damaging, unwanted
unnecessary – not needed, needless
upper respiratory system – nose, throat, and windpipe
urinate – pee
urticaria – hives, itch, rash on your skin
until such time – until
use caution – be careful
uterus – womb
utilize – use, make use of
UVA – UV light, sunlight
UVB – UV light, sunlight
V
vaccinate – to protect against disease, usually by a shot
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System – VAERS, a way for doctors to make sure that vaccines aren’t hurting anyone
Vaccine Safety Datalink Project – VSD, a way for doctors to learn more about vaccines
vaccine – shot, flu shot, medicine, immunization
vague – unclear, not for sure, not certain
validate – prove, test
validity – truth, proof
variant – version, slightly different
Varicella chicken pox, herpes zoster
variola
smallpox
vary
change, shift
vehicle
car, truck, bus, automobil
verbatim
exact, word for word
verify
check, find out
vesicular
blisters, small bumps on your skin
viable
able to live, usable, can be used
vicinity
area, location
viral shedding
coughing and sneezing
viremia
viruses in the blood
virulence
strength; harm; how harmful; how dangerous the disease is
virulent
strong, dangerous
virus
germ
vital
important, imperative, crucial
voluminous
large, bulky
voluntary
your choice; on your own; without being forced
vomit
throw up, upchuck, emesis
W
waning immunity
not immune any more; more likel to get sick; lost your disease resistance
warning sign
sign of trouble; problem; alert
waterfowl
water birds; birds that live on water; ducks, geese, and swans
wheeze
breathing problem, difficulty breathing; gasp; gag; pant
whereas
while, but
white spot lesion
white spot on tooth, beginning decay
whooping cough
disease of the lungs that is very easily spread to others
withhold
deny, keep from, hold back, refuse
withstand
take, bear, resist
witness
see, note, observe
X
x-ray
picture of your bones; picture of your insides
Y
Z
zoonoses
diseases that people can get from animals; diseases that are passed between animals and people
Glossary of Plain Language Thesaurus For Health Communications – Download [Optimized PDF]
Glossary of Plain Language Thesaurus For Health Communications – Download