NUTRITIONAL GLOSSARY

1. ADDITIVES are substances added to food to improve flavor, color, and texture or to
preserve foods to help extend the shelf life.
2. ADIPOSE TISSUE is made up of fat-storing cells and is the primary site of fat storage
in the body.
3. AMINO ACIDS are the building blocks of all proteins. There are 20 different amino
acids that combine in different sequences to make all the proteins required for
metabolism and growth. Our body can manufacture 12 of these amino acids from
recycled proteins; however the other eight need to be derived from the food we eat.
4. ANAEMIA is the term used for a number of medical conditions when there is too little
red blood cells, or they are too immature or do not contain sufficient hemoglobin to
carry adequate oxygen to the tissues. The most common causes are nutrient
deficiencies, excessive bleeding or red cell destruction.

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5. ANTHOCYANINS are natural pigments that occur in plants, fruits and vegetables.
They give plants the blue and red colors as seen in blueberries and plums. They belong
to a group of plant compounds called flavonoids, and are believed to behave as
antioxidants.
6. BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) is a measure of a person’s body size by calculating their
weight in relation to their height. BMI = kg/m2.
7. BONE DENSITY is a measure of the strength of a bone by determining the amount of
minerals (e.g. calcium) in relation to the amount of bone. Bone density increases
throughout childhood and adolescence to peak at about 30 years of age then slowly
declines as we continue aging.
8. BRAN is the outer layer of a grain. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
The bran is present in wholegrain cereals and breads but is lost during the refining
process that is used to make many products such as white bread.

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9. CALCIUM. We need calcium for strong bones and teeth. Calcium is found in dairy
products, fortified soy drinks, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds.
10. CALORIES are a measurement of energy. One calorie is equivalent to 4.18 kJ.
11. CARBOHYDRATES are the most readily converted energy source. Good sources
include rice, bread, cereal, legumes, fruits and vegetables which also provide
important nutrients. Additional carbohydrate sources include refined sugars, which
do provide instant energy but unfortunately do not offer the nutrients that the more
complex sources of carbohydrates do.
12. CHOLESTEROL is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your
body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and
substances that help you digest foods. Cholesterol is a steroid alcohol which is made
by the body and is found naturally in animal products such as meat, eggs, poultry
and dairy foods.

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10. COMPLEMENTARY PROTEINS are the proteins supplied by different foods that
combine together to supply all the essential amino acids. The proteins present in one
food complement the proteins in another food to supply any essential amino acids
that the other may be missing.
11. COMPLETE PROTEINS are foods that contain all the essential amino acids in levels
required by the body and do not require other foods to supply any.
12. DIURETIC is a substance that increases the production of urine thereby increasing
the removal of water from the body. Caffeine is a naturally occurring diuretic.
13. ELECTROLYTES are minerals which are needed to keep the body's balance of fluids
at a healthy level and to maintain normal functions, such as heart rhythm, muscle
contraction, and nerve impulse transmission. Electrolytes include potassium, sodium,
calcium, and magnesium.

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 NUTRITIONAL GLOSSARY
14. ENZYMES are substances that speed up chemical reactions. For example, in our body
some enzymes help break down the food we eat and release energy.
15. FATS (or lipids) are an essential source of energy in the diet as they: are a carrier for
the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), form part of cell membranes, provide a very
concentrated source of energy, provide the starting ingredient for some hormones,
provide essential fatty acids which our body cannot produce.
16. FAT (saturated) is fat that consists of triglycerides containing only saturated fatty acid
radicals. Saturated fat is a type of dietary fat. It is one of the unhealthy fats, along with
trans fat. These fats are most often solid at room temperature. Eating foods that contain
saturated fats raises the level of cholesterol in your blood.
17. FIBRE plays a key role in preventing constipation, cancer and heart disease.
Wholegrain breads, cereals, legumes, rice, pasta, fruit and vegetables are good sources
of fiber. There are a number of different types of dietary fiber. The two major types
are: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
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18. SOLUBLE FIBRE is beneficial to help lower blood cholesterol levels and, in people
with diabetes, helps to control blood sugar. Soluble fiber is found in fruits, vegetables,
dried peas, soybeans, lentils, oats, rice and barley.
19. INSOLUBLE FIBER. Because of its ‘bulking properties’, insoluble fiber helps keep
us ‘regular’. Foods containing insoluble fiber include wholegrain and whole meal
wheat-based breads, cereals and pasta.
20. FLAVONOIDS are water soluble plant pigments and are a subgroup of the polyphenol
group of plant compounds. Flavonoids are believed to function as antioxidants, and
are produced by plants to assist in photosynthesis.
21. FLAVOURS are added to processed food to enhance the taste. There are 3 main types:
natural as they occur in nature, nature identical synthesized in the laboratory and are
identical to those that occur in nature and artificial.

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 NUTRITIONAL GLOSSARY

22. FOOD ALLERGY is an abnormal reaction of the body’s immune system to a protein in
food. When the body comes in contact with the food protein, substances are released
which cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and the symptoms of an allergic
reaction. The symptoms of a true food allergy may include: an itchy rash, swelling or
burning around the mouth and throat, vomiting, stomach cramps, hives, diarrhoea,
wheezing and eczema. Severe reactions may cause asthma and allergic shock (called
anaphylaxis).
23. FOOD AVERSIONS are a strong desire to avoid certain foods. This is not a food
allergy or intolerance but may come from an association to an unpleasant event in the
past with a certain food.
24. FOOD INTOLERANCE is an adverse reaction (that does not cause an immune
response) of the body to compounds found in a variety of foods. Common symptoms
are irritation of the stomach or bowels, hives, mouth ulcers, nausea, nasal congestion
and diarrhea. Food intolerances may also cause tiredness, weakness, headaches,
irritability and muscle aches.
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 NUTRITIONAL GLOSSARY

25. FREE RADICALS refer to atoms that have unpaired electrons in their outer layers.
Caused by pollutants, cigarette smoke, and the by-product of metabolism they are
believed to contribute to tissue damage and aging. Antioxidants are believed to
quench these free radicals and neutralize the harmful effects.
26. FRUCTOSE is a type of sugar that is found naturally in fruit and honey.
27. GLUCOSE is a simple sugar derived from the breakdown of carbohydrates. Glucose
is a major source of fuel for the body, particularly the brain.
28. GLUTEN is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, triticale and possibly oats
(dependent on cross-contamination during processing). It is the gluten that gives
dough its sticky cohesiveness which is important in manufacturing many products
such as bread.
29. INSULIN is a hormone produced in the pancreas in response to increased blood
glucose levels. Insulin’s primary role is to transport glucose from the bloodstream into
the muscle and tissues.
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30. JAUNDICE is the yellowing of the skin due to excessive bilirubin build-up in the
blood. This may be caused by high levels of red blood cell destruction.
31. LACTASE is the enzyme produced in the small intestine that is required to breakdown
lactose.
32. LACTOSE is the sugar found in milk. The body breaks it down to glucose and
galactose.
33. MACRONUTRIENTS are the key nutrients in the diet that provide us with energy.
They are carbohydrate, protein and fat.
34. MALNUTRITION. A state of poor health with symptoms that can be identified
clinically as due to inadequate intake of one or more essential nutrients over a
sustained period.

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35. METABOLISM refers to the chemical processes that occur in our body that turn
what we eat into energy. This energy can then be used for all activity including
walking, talking, thinking and breathing.
36. MICRONUTRIENTS is the general name given to compounds that are needed in
minute quantities to sustain a healthy body, such as vitamins and minerals.
37. MINERALS are important for the formation of bones, teeth, blood and connective
tissues. They play important roles in chemical reactions, as they are a component of
enzymes. Minerals also regulate water balance, muscle contractions and nerve
transmissions. They are required in the body in small amounts and must be obtained
from food.
38. NUTRIENTS are substances obtained from food that we require for metabolism or
physiological processes. Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber and
water are all nutrients.

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39. NUTRITIONAL STATUS: The health condition of an individual as influenced by

his intake and utilization of nutrients, determined from the correlation of
information obtained from physical, biochemical, clinical, and dietary studies.
40. POTASSIUM works in the body to regulate the balance between water and acidity
in the blood (work together with the sodium). Potassium is also important for
nerve function to the muscles which causes muscles (including the heart) to
contract. If there is a deficiency in potassium, heart rhythm can be altered.
Potassium can be found in fruits, vegetables, grain foods, meats and milk.
41. PROTEIN is important for growth of body cells and makes up virtually every part
of the body. Protein can be found in dried peas, soy and baked beans, peanut
butter, nuts, eggs, cheese, lean meat, fish and wholegrains.

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42. SODIUM is an electrolyte that helps maintain acid-base balance of the blood, helps
regulate blood pressure and water balance in cells and aids in muscle contraction and
nerve impulse transmission. However, too much sodium can lead to high blood
pressure and stroke. Highly processed foods such as crisps and processed meats
usually contain large amounts of sodium.

43. VITAMINS are molecules that are needed in small amounts by the body for health
and growth, and they must be obtained by the diet daily. The exceptions to this rule
are vitamin D, which is made in the skin when exposed to sunlight and vitamin K,
which can be synthesized by gut bacteria in small amounts. Vitamins play an
essential role in releasing energy from food and in speeding up many chemical
reactions that occur in the body every second. They also play important roles in the
formation of body components, such as blood and bone as well as being antioxidants.

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44. VEGETARIAN There are two main types of vegetarian diets:
45. 'Lacto-ovo' vegetarian - which includes dairy products and eggs along with all plant foods, such as
grains, fruits and vegetables, pulses and legumes, nuts and seeds.
46. 'Vegan' - which consists only of plant foods, avoiding all animal products including honey and
gelatin.
With some planning, both of these diets can provide sufficient nutrients for good health.

47. WATER is one of the nutrients that our body requires for health and it makes up 50- 70% of our
body weight. All cells in the body require it and adequate water intake helps prevent dehydration. 6-
8 glasses of water are required each day, more than this may be required during hot weather or for
active people. Signs that a person may be dehydrated, even slightly include: inability to concentrate,
confusion, tiredness, moody, dark coloured urine or dried cracked lips. People are often already
slightly dehydrated before they begin to feel thirsty.
48. ZINC is an essential mineral for human beings and is part of many reactions in the body. It plays a
role in wound healing, our ability to taste and in growth and reproduction. Good plant sources of
zinc include rolled oats, unprocessed bran, rice, muesli, wholegrain breads and cereals. Zinc is also
found in a range of animal foods including oysters, beef and offal, with smaller amounts present in
white meat and fish.
 PHYSICAL THERAPY GLOSSARY
1. Abduction - A movement of a limb away from midline or the center of the body
2. Adduction - A movement of a limb toward midline or the center of the body
3. Ataxia - Muscular incoordination especially manifested when voluntary muscular
movements are attempted
4. Base of support - The weight-bearing surface of the body.
For example: in standing = the feet
5. Bilateral - Pertaining to two sides of the body, as in: both arms or both legs
6. Calcaneal Valgum - Angling of the heel of the foot outward, thereby flattening the arch of
the foot
7. Calcaneal Varum - Angling of the heel of the foot inward, thereby increasing or
heightening the arch of the foot.
8. Cervical - Pertaining to the neck
9. Core - Pertaining to the trunk (primarily abdominals and back)
10. Dissociation - To separate. For example: one extremity/limb performs a movement
without the other extremity doing the same or similar movement at the same time.
 PHYSICAL THERAPY GLOSSARY
11. Distal - Farthest from the center, from midline or from the trunk
12. Dynamic - Pertaining to vital forces or inherent power; refers to the body in motion;
opposite of stationary
13. Extension - A straightening or backward movement of the spine or limbs
14. External Rotation - An outward turning of the limb away from the body (outward
rotation)
15. Flexion - A bending or forward movement of the spine or limbs
16. Genu Valgus - Angling of the knees inward as in “knock kneed”
17. Genu Varum - Angling of the knees outward as in “bow legged”
18. Gross Motor - Refers to movement of large muscle groups.
19. Hamstrings - A muscle group on the back of the thigh that can bend/flex the knee and
straighten/extend the hip
20. Hyperextension - Excessive movement in the direction of extension
21. Hypermobility - Movement beyond normal range of motion.
 PHYSICAL THERAPY GLOSSARY
22. Hypertonic - Muscle tone higher than normal; resistance to passive movement; in
extreme form = spasticity.
23. Hypotonic - Less than normal tone; floppy
24. Internal rotation - An inward turning of the limb toward the body (inward rotation)
25. Instability - Lack of firmness in weight-bearing. Difficulty maintaining weight bearing
26. Kinesthesia - Conscious awareness (perception) of body movement (direction and
speed), detected by joints
27. Kyphosis - An increased convexity in the curvature of the thoracic spine (hunchback)
28. Long-sitting - Sitting with legs straight out in front.
29. Lordosis - An anterior/forward curvature of the lumbar and cervical vertebrae (spine).
An increase is often referred to as “sway-back”
30. Lumbar - Pertaining to the low back
31. Midline - The theoretical lines that divide the body into two equal halves vertically or
horizontally.
 PHYSICAL THERAPY GLOSSARY
32. Motor Control - The ability of the Central Nervous System to regulate or direct the
musculoskeletal system in a purposeful act.
33. Motor Planning - The ability to organize and perform movement in a meaningful
manner.
34. Obliquity - A slanting
35. Pes Planus - Flat feet
36. Pronation - Lying on the belly, face down.
37. Proprioception - The awareness of posture, movement, changes in equilibrium, and the
knowledge of position, weight, and resistance of objects in relation to the body. Sensed
by muscles, tendons, and soft tissue
38. Proximal - Nearest to the point of attachment or center of the body
39. Quadriceps - A large muscle group on the anterior/front surface of the thigh
responsible for knee extension
40. Range of Motion - A measure of the amount of movement/motion available at any
given joint of the body.
 PHYSICAL THERAPY GLOSSARY
41. Recurvatum - A backward bending, frequently referring to the knees
42. Reflex - An involuntary/automatic response to a stimulus
43. Ring Sitting - Sitting on the buttocks with legs forming a ring in front (not crossed)
44. Sacral - The triangular-shaped bone below the lumbar spine formed, typically, by the
fusion of 5 vertebrae 3.
45. Side-sitting - Sitting on one hip with legs flexed to the opposite side
46. Spasticity - Hypertension of muscles causing stiff and awkward movements
47. Static - At rest; in equilibrium; not in motion
48. Supination - Lying on the back, face up
49. Symmetrical - Referring to symmetry of the body, whose right and left halves are
mirror images of each other
50. Tactile Defensiveness - A negative response or increased sensitivity to touch.
 PHYSICAL THERAPY GLOSSARY

51. Tailor-sitting - Buttocks on the floor with legs flexed and crossed (pretzel sitting)
52. Thoracic - Pertaining to or affecting the chest or upper back
53. Tone (muscle) - The degree of tension normally present in the resting state of a muscle
54. Unilateral - Affecting or occurring on only one side of the body
55. Vestibular Stimulation - Stimulation of the vestibular apparatus (bones of the inner ear
and canals) that provides information regarding acceleration and the position of the body
in space
56. Weight shift - Translation or movement of body weight from one side to another, forward
or back
 ODONTOLOGY GLOSSARY
1. Tooth decay: softening of your tooth enamel and refers to the damage of the structure of the tooth.
2. Gum disease: infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and
flossing habits.
3. Mouth sores: common ailments that affect many people at some point in their lives. These sores can appear on any
of the soft tissues of your mouth, including your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and floor and roof of your mouth.
4. Roots: parts of the teeth that are embedded in the maxilla (upper jaw) or the mandible (lower jaw) and are covered
by gums.
5. Plaque: sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria.
6. Calculus: an incrustation on the teeth consisting of plaque that has become hardened by the deposition of mineral
salts (such as calcium carbonate).
7. Fluoride varnish: highly concentrated form of fluoride which is applied to the tooth's surface by a dentist for dental
hygienist.
8. Sealants: dental treatment intended to prevent tooth decay.
9. Germs: microorganisms, especially one which cause disease.
10. Pulp: vascular tissue filling the interior cavity and root canals of a tooth.
11. Crown: upper part of the tooth, projecting outside of the gum. Replacement or cover of this part of the tooth.
 ODONTOLOGY GLOSSARY
15. acrylic resin: a plastic widely used in dentistry.
16. adjustment: a modification made upon a dental prosthesis after it has been completed and inserted
into the mouth.
17. alveolar bone: the bone surrounding the root of the tooth, anchoring it in place; loss of this bone is a
possible sign of periodontal (gum) disease.
18. amalgam: a common filling material used to repair cavities. The material, also known as "silver fillings,"
contains mercury in combination with silver, tin, copper, and sometimes zinc.
19. anaerobic bacteria: bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow; they are generally associated with
periodontal disease (see below).
20. analgesia: a state of pain relief; an agent for lessening pain.
21. anesthesia: a type of medication that results in partial or complete elimination of pain sensation;
numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete
unconsciousness.
22. bicuspid: the fourth and fifth teeth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth; these are
the back teeth that are used for chewing and have only have two points (cusps). Adults have eight
bicuspids (also called premolars), two in front of each group of molars.
23. bite: relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure (occlusion).
24. bite-wing: a single X-ray that shows upper and lower teeth (from crown to about the level of the
supporting bone) in a select area on the same film to check for decay in between teeth.
 ODONTOLOGY GLOSSARY
25. braces: devices (bands, wires, ceramic appliances) put in place by orthodontists to gradually
reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment.
26. bridge: stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space; replaces one
or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the
space. Also called a fixed partial denture.
27. calculus: hard, calcium-like deposits that form on teeth due to inadequate plaque control,
often stained yellow or brown. Also called "tartar."
28. cap: common term for a dental crown.
29. caries: tooth decay or "cavities;" a dental infection caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
30. cementum: hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth.
31. clasp: device that holds a removable partial denture to stationary teeth.
32. cleaning: removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from teeth, generally above the gum line.
33. crown: (1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line that is covered by enamel; (2) dental
restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth; the artificial cap can be made of
porcelain, composite, or metal and is cemented on top of the damaged tooth.
34. cuspids: the third tooth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth. These are the
front teeth that have one rounded or pointed edge used for biting. Also known as canines.
 ODONTOLOGY GLOSSARY
35. cusps: the high points on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
36. DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery -- equivalent to DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine.
37. decay: destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
38. dentin: inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.
39. denture: a removable or fixed replacement of artificial teeth for missing natural teeth and surrounding
tissues. Two types of removable dentures are available -- complete and partial. Complete dentures are
used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
40. DMD: Doctor of Medical Dentistry; equivalent to DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery.
41. edentulous: having no teeth.
42. enamel: the hard, mineralized material that covers the outside portion of the tooth that lies above the
gum line (the crown).
43. endodontics: a field of dentistry concerned with the biology and pathology of the dental pulp and root
tissues of the tooth and with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of these
tissues. Root canal therapy is a commonly performed endodontic procedure.
44. endodontist: a dental specialist concerned with the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of
diseases and injuries of the human dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth.
 ODONTOLOGY GLOSSARY
45. eruption: the emergence of the tooth from its position in the jaw.
46. extraction: removal of a tooth.
47. filling: restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain, or resin materials.
48. flossing: a thread-like material used to clean between the contact areas of teeth; part of a good daily
oral hygiene plan.
49. fluoride: a mineral that helps strengthen teeth enamel making teeth less susceptible to decay. Fluoride
is ingested through food or water, is available in most toothpastes, or can be applied as a gel or liquid to
the surface of teeth by a dentist.
50. general dentist: the primary care dental provider. This dentist diagnoses, treats, and manages
overall oral health care needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges,
preventive education, and treating diseases of the mouth.
51. gingiva: the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth; the pink tissue around the teeth.
52. gingivitis: inflamed, swollen, and reddish gum tissue that may bleed easily when touched or brushed. It
is the first stage in a series of events that begins with plaque build up in the mouth and may end -- if not
properly treated -- with periodontitis and tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds and
supports the teeth.
53. halitosis: bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin.
54. handpiece: the instrument used to remove, shape, finish, or modify teeth and dental materials in dental
operations.
 ODONTOLOGY GLOSSARY
55. hypersensitivity: a sharp, sudden painful reaction in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet,
sour, salty, chemical, or mechanical stimuli.
56. incisors: four upper and four lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth). These
teeth are used primarily for tearing and cutting.
57. jawbone: The hard bone that supports the face and includes alveolar bone, which anchors the
teeth.
58. leukoplakia: a white or gray patch that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek. It is
the mouth's reaction to chronic irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth.
59. malocclusion: "bad bite" or misalignment of the teeth or jaws.
60. mandible: the lower jaw.
61. maxilla: the upper jaw.
62. molars: three back teeth in each dental quadrant used for grinding food.
63. mouth guard: a device that is inserted into the mouth and worn over the teeth to protect
them against impact or injury.
64. nerve (root) canal: dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth where the nerves
and blood vessels pass.
 ODONTOLOGY GLOSSARY
65. occlusal X-rays: an X-ray showing full tooth development and placement. Each X-ray reveals the entire arch of
teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
66. occlusion: the relationship of the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed.
67. oral hygiene: process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures.
68. orthodontics: dental specialty that using braces, retainers, and other dental devices to treat misalignment of
teeth, restoring them to proper functioning.
69. orthodontist: the oral health provider who specializes in diagnosis, prevention, interception, and treatment
of malocclusions, or "bad bites," of the teeth and surrounding structures. This is the specialist whose
responsibility it is to straighten teeth by movement of the teeth through bone by the use of bands, wires,
braces, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances or retainers.
70. rinsing: antiseptic (antibacterial) rinses reduce bacteria in the mouth that cause plaque and bad breath.
Fluoride rinses help prevent tooth decay (cavities).
71. palate: hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth.
72. panoramic X-ray: a type of X-ray that shows a complete two dimensional representation of all the teeth in the
mouth. This X-ray also shows the relationship of the teeth to the jaws and the jaws to the head.
73. periodontist: the dental specialist who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the soft
tissues of the mouth (the gums) and the supporting structures (bones) of the teeth (both natural and man-
made teeth).
74. periodontitis: a more advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the inner layer of the gum and bone
pull away from the teeth and form pockets and alveolar bone is destroyed.
 ODONTOLOGY GLOSSARY
75. periodontium: The tissue -- including the gum, bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament -- that both
surrounds and supports the tooth.
76. plaque: a colorless, sticky film composed of undigested food particles mixed with saliva and bacteria
that constantly forms on the teeth. Plaque left alone eventually turns in to tartar or calculus and is the
main factor in causing dental caries and periodontal disease.
77. pontic: a replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance.
78. porcelain: a tooth-colored, glass-like material; much like enamel in appearance.
79. porcelain crown: all porcelain restoration covering the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line).
80. prophylaxis: the cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay.
81. prosthetics: a fixed or removable appliance used to replace missing teeth (for example, bridges, partials,
and dentures).
82. prosthodontist: a dental specialist who is skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable
prostheses (appliances), maintaining proper occlusion; treats facial deformities with artificial prostheses
such as eyes, ears, and noses.
83. pulp: the living part of the tooth, located inside the dentin. Pulp contains the nerve tissue and blood
vessels that supply nutrients to the tooth.
84. radiographic: refers to X-rays.
 ODONTOLOGY GLOSSARY
85. root: tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw.
86. root canal therapy: procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in which the pulp chamber is cleaned
out, disinfected, and filled with a permanent filling.
87. saliva: clear lubricating fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood
cells and undigested food particles.
88. salivary glands: glands located under tongue and in cheeks that produce saliva.
89. sealants: a thin, clear or white resin substance that is applied to the biting surfaces of teeth to prevent
decay.
90. tartar: common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth; produces rough surface
that attracts plaque.
91. tooth whitening: a chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth.
92. unerupted tooth: a tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the
dental arch.
93. Veneer: prosthetic cover attached to ONLY the front part of each tooth.
94. xerostomia: dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva.
95. X-rays: high frequency light (or radiation) that penetrates different substances with different rates and
absorption. In dentistry, there are typically four types of X-rays: periapical, bite-wing, occlusal, and
panoramic.
 PHARMACY GLOSSARY
1. Aspirine: A common drug that reduces pain, fever and swelling.
2. Antidepressant: A drug used to reduce feeling or sadness and worry.
3. After-sun cream: A substance you put on your body
4. Allergy: A condition that causes illness when someone eats certain foods.
5. Antacids: A substance used to reduce or prevent acid collecting in the body especially in the
stomach.
6. Antibiotics: A medicine that cures infections by destroying bad bacteria.
7. Antihistamine: A type of drug that is used to treat medical condition caused by an extreme
reactions to particular substances.
8. Anti-inflammatory: An anti -Inflamatory drug is one that is used to reduce pain and swelling.
9. Balm: An oil chat comes from a tropical tree and is used especially to treat injuries or reduce
pain.
10. Baby wipes: A small piece of clothes.
11. Bandage: A long narrow piece of cloth that is tied around the injury.
 PHARMACY GLOSSARY
12. Barbiturates: A strong drug that makes people calm or help them to sleep.
13. Bath oil: Grains of a substance that you dissolve in bath water to make it small pleasant or to
make your skin soft.
14. Bubble bath : A special liquid soap with a pleasant smell.
15. Burn ointment: A smooth thick substance that is put on painful skin
16. Diapers (nappies): A thick piece of paper or cloth worn by a baby on this bottom.
17. Emery board: A thin piece of cardboard with a rough surface used to shape fingernails.
18. Cough syrups: A thick liquid that you take to help stop coughing.
19. Laxative: A substance that makes it easier for the waste from someone’s bowel to come out.
20. Moisturizer: A substance that you put on your skin to stop it from becoming dry.
21. Nasal spray: A mass of very small drops of liquid forced into the nose using a special device.
22. Tissue: Soft paper that is used for cleaning ,especially your nose.
23. Ointment: A thick substance,usually containing medicine, that is put on the skin.
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24. Napkin: A small square piece of cloth or paper, used wile you are eating to clean your mouth
or fingers.
25. Nappy : A square of thick soft paper or cloth that is fastened around a baby’s bottom to absorb
its urine and solid waste.
26. Plaster: A small piece of sticky cloth or plastic that you use to cover or protect a cut in the skin.
27. Gauze pad: A very thin,light cloth , used to make clothing, to cover cuts.
28. Tampon: A small cylinder of cotton or other material that a woman puts in her vagina to
absord blood during her period.
29. Drops: Liquid medicine given in small amounts.
30. Inhaler:A small device to use to breath in particular medicines .
31. Brand: A type of product made by a particular company.
32. Generic: A generic drugs or other products do not have trade marks and are sold without the
name of the company that produced them.
33. Refill (verb): To fill something again.
34. Refill (noun): It is also a container or an amount of what is needed to fill something again.
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35. Discard: to throw something away or get it of.
36. Dispense: to prepare and give out medicine.
37. Blister pack: a way of wrapping an object for sell ,usually pills.
38. Approve (verb): to give official permission (esp. Of a government or other authority)
39. Alcohol (noun): a chemical substance that dissolves others, in fuel and medicine
40. Antihistamine (noun): A type of drug that is used to treat medical conditions caused by
an extreme reaction to particular substances (allergic reaction)
41. Benefit (noun): a good or positive effect something has
42. Benefit (verb): to get a good or positive effect from something
43. Contraceptives (noun): any of various devices or drugs intended to prevent pregnancy
44. Cotton buds (noun): A short stick with a short amount of cotton on each end chat is
used for cleaning, especially the ears
45. Drug (noun): a substance that's taken to change one's physical or mental state
46. Drug testing (noun): the checking of blood for illegal drugs or banned substances
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47. evidence (noun): a fact that proves or supports a belief
48. fitness (noun): good physical condition that comes from exercising
49. ill health (noun): poor physical health; sickness
50. muscle (noun): part in an arm, leg, finger, etc. that makes it move
51. overweight (adj): being too heavy or weighing more than you should
52. Performance enhancing (adj):.
53. (of drugs) able to improve one's performance or chance of winning
54. pill (noun): a small tablet that's swallowed, esp. one containing medicine or a drug
55. previous (adj): having happened before; preceding
56. spare time (noun): free time; time that hasn't been scheduled for something
57. stamina (noun): the strength to do something like exercise or work for a long time
58. training (noun): the process of preparing for a sporting event
59. treadmill (noun): a machine that you run on