Plain Language Thesaurus for Health

8/8/2019 Plain Language Thesaurus for Health

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February 2009





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 referencesthat 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 understoodthan 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 broadcategories of terms to be included. Excellent existing resources and glossaries from CDC,

HHS, universities were reviewed for terms and subject areas. Key sources included

• www.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 includedother 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 [email protected].

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/



mailto:[email protected]

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/



mailto:[email protected]





A

abscesssore, wound, infection

abdomenstomach, stomach area, belly, tummy, abdominal

abilityskill, are able, can

abolishend, do away with, get rid of

abrasioncut, scratch, scrape

absenteeismmissing work or school, how often you miss work or school

absorptiontake in, soak up

acceleratehurry, speed up, make worse, make more severe

accessibleavailable, on hand, understandable, usable (handicapped)

accommodatehouse, let stay with, give shelter, adjust, adapt

accompanygo with, take with (medicine)

accomplishdo, finish

accumulateadd up, gather, collect

accuratetrue, right, correct

acellular vaccinea vaccine that only contains part of the virus

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome-AIDSa disease that makes it hard for your body to fight diseases

active immunitybeing able to fight off a specific disease once you have had that disease

acute



sudden start, short term, quick

additionalextra, added, more

adequateenough, the right amount

adherestick, follow

adjacentbeside, next to, near, touching

adjuvantsomething added to a vaccine to make it work better

administer give, manage, take care of

adverse eventsomething bad that happens, bad reaction, unexpected or unwanted effects

adverse health effectbad side effect, bad reaction

adversebad, dangerous, hurtful, harmful

advisetell, warn, say

advocacysupport, fighting on behalf of, arguing for support

advocatefight for, support, support person

aerobic exerciseexercise; slow and steady exercise like walking, running, biking, swimming, etc.;exercise that helps your heart stay healthy and work better; exercise that gets your heartpumping; exercise that makes you breath faster

aerobic

needs oxygen

aerosolspray, mist

agencyothers, other groups, partner

aggravatemake worse, harm, anger, hurt



aggregatetaken together, looked at all together, total, sum, combined

aggressivepushy, dangerous, gets worse fast, fast growing

airwayswindpipe, breathing, tubes that take air in from the nose and mouth to the lungs,

pathway from nose and mouth to lungs, air tubes

alienatepush away, put by itself, turn away from, set apart

allergensomething like pollen that causes the body to react by sneezing or forming a rash;something that causes an allergic reaction

allergicthe body’s reaction to something, like pollen, resulting in sneezing, sniffling, a rash, etc.

allergic reactionbad reaction, possibly deadly reaction, allergy, problem

allergistallergy doctor

allergyreaction, itch, rash, hives, breathing problem

alleviatelessen, ease, soften, improve, make better

alopeciahair loss, balding, loss of hair

alterationchange, shift, adjustment

alternatetake turns, one and then the other, rotate

alternativeoption, another choice, other, different way, another option, different, another way

alveolitiny air sacs in the lungs

amalgam or amalgam fillingssilver-colored fillings, mixture of mercury, silver, tin, copper and sometimes other metalsused to fill cavities in teeth

amalgamateput together, join, combine, unite

ambulate



walk, move around

ambulatorycan walk, mobile, able to move about, walking, able to walk

amelioratemake better, improve, lessen, ease

amendchange, change later on, adjust, fix

amnesiaforgetfulness, memory loss, not being able to remember

amniocentesistest for a baby’s health before it’s born

amniotic fluidwater, fluid surrounding unborn baby in womb

amyotrophic lateral sclerosisLou Gehrig's Disease, motor neuron disease

anaerobic exerciseexercise, fast-burst exercise, muscle-building exercise like weight lifting

anaerobicneeds lack of oxygen, without oxygen

analgesicpain reliever, aspirin, Advil, or Tylenol

anaphylaxisshock, a sudden and severe allergic reaction, stop breathing, poisoning, life threateningallergic reaction

anemiatired, low iron, a low blood count

anesthesianumbing drug, drug that puts you to sleep or puts you under

anginachest pain

annualyearly, every year, once every year, once a year, each year

annuallyyearly, every year, once every year, once a year, each year

anomalydefect, change, difference, unusual, exception

anorexia



eating disorder, too thin, not hungry

anterior teethfront teeth

antibioticdrug, medicine, drug that fights bacteria, infection-fighting medicine, medicine that fightsinfection

antibodyyour body’s way to fight off infections, infection-fighting cells, cells that fight infection

antifungal agentdrug to treat fungus infections

antigengerm, 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, adrug that brings down the swelling; drug that prevents swelling

antiphospholipidantibody test a test to see if you’re at risk for blood clots

antiviralmedicine, drug that fights viruses

anti-virus medicinemedicine, drug that fight viruses like the flu

anxietyfear, worry

appellantname, name of the person, you, person making an appeal

aphasicnot able to talk or understand words

applicantyour name, name of the person, person who is applying

applyuse, put on, rub onto, sign up for

appreciatethank, be grateful

appropriatetake, take over, a good fit, proper, right

approximate



about, guess, around, near, close, estimate, bring together

aptitudeability, skill, gift, talent

aqueouswatery

arguablymaybe, perhaps, possibly, could be

arrhythmiairregular heartbeat, skipped heartbeat, heart problem

arthralgiapain, pain in your joints

arthritispain in joints; disease of the joints that causes swelling, pain, heat, and a sense of stiffness

ascertainfind, find out, learn, make certain

asphyxiatechoke, smother, suffocate

aspirationchoke, breathe in a fluid, take out fluid or tissue to test

assessreview, sum up, evaluate, to determine value, find

assisthelp, aid

associationgroup, relation, organization

asthmadisease, 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 infectionwhen you’re sick, but you don’t feel bad, no symptoms

asymptomaticsomeone who is sick but does not feel or look sick

at the present timenow, right now

ataxicnot able to coordinate movement



atherosclerosishardening of the arteries, clogged blood vessels

attackviolent start, suddenly overcome by a disease, begin to harm

attempt

try, effortattenuated vaccinevaccine, vaccine that has a weakened form of the virus in it

attireclothes, clothing, to dress, wear

authenticoriginal, real, true, actual

authoritytrusted source, trusted person, official, power

authorizeallow, approve, give the power to, let

autismbrain disorder, illness that makes it hard for someone to talk to other people

autoimmune diseasedisease that makes your body attack itself

autoimmunitybody fighting itself, rejecting problem with your immune system

autonomousfree, by itself, independent

availhelp, aid

availableon hand, at hand, ready, nearby, handy, ready

avian flubird flu

avoiddo not, shun

axillaarmpit

B

bacteria



germ

become more familiar learn more about...

benignharmless

bereavementgrief after death, loss, sadness, mourning

beveragedrink, fluids, liquids

biannualtwice a year, two times every year

bienniallasting two years, happening every other year, every two years

bilateralwith both sides considered, two-sided, when both sides get a say, even, balanced; onboth sides

biological agentdisease, poison, germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi

biofilms (plaque)sticky film with germs on teeth

biopsytake tissue (usually for testing)

bioterrorismspreading virus or disease to cause fear or hurt

biotaplants and animals

BMIbody mass index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight, a measure of bodyfat

bona fide

real, true

bone density testbone strength test, a test of how solid and how strong your bones are; test for osteoporosis, xray test for brittle bones

bone marrowarea (or the space) inside your bones where blood cells are made

booster shotshot you get months or years after your vaccine shot, shot to keep you safe from



disease

brachial neuritisswelling of the nerves in your arms

bradycardiaslow heartbeat

breakthrough infectiongetting a disease even though you’ve been protected against it

breastfeedingnursing/feeding a baby with milk from the breast

breech birthbaby born feet or rear-end first

bronchial tubesthe tubes letting air in and out of the lungs

bronchodilator medicine, drug that helps you breathe easier

bruxismclinching and/or grinding teeth

buccalside of mouth, inside cheek

bursitisswollen, painful joints, disease that causes joint pain

by means of by, using, with

by which timeby then; when

C

calculushard crusty deposit on teeth

capacitysize, amount something holds, ability, space, number open

carcinogencancer-causing

carcinomacancer starting in the skin or organ lining

cardiologist



heart doctor

cardiologymedical 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 makeother animals sick

cartilagethe smooth covering on the end of bones

case fatality ratiohow many people die from a disease

CAT scan (CT scan)test that shows inside body parts, scan, special x-ray, test

cataractsa clouding of the eye that makes it hard for people to see, cloudy eyesight, cloudy vision,eye disease

catheter tube

catastrophedisaster, tragedy

causal associationcauses, leads to, can cause causes your body to react

cauterizeburn the skin, burn tissue (to stop bleeding)

ceaseend, stop, quit

censureblame, punish, limit

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCDC

central nervous systembrain and spinal cord

cerebral hemorrhagestroke, bleeding in the brain



cerebrovascular diseasestroke

cerumenearwax

cervix

lower part of the womb

Cesarean deliveryC-section, baby born through surgery, cut abdomen area to get baby out

cessationstopping, quitting, ending

characteristicmark, trait, feature

characterize

tell about, describe, define

chemotherapycancer drug, cancer medicine, cancer treatment

chronicconstant, never ending, does not go away, long term, lasting a long time, long-lasting

chronic diseaselong-lasting disease, disease that lasts for years

chronic health conditionconstant health problem, something that effects your health for a long period of time

chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaselung disease, such as asthma or emphysema

circulationblood flow, flow of blood through the body

circumstanceevent, situation, facts

cladegroup of animals that can all get the same disease

claviclecollar bone

cleft lip and/or palateharelip, birth defect(s) that affect the upper lip and roof of the mouth

clientyou, name of person, customer



clinicalwork, studies, a medical setting that involves patients

clinicalmedical, work or studies in a medical setting that involve patients

clinical trial

clinical research study, medical research study

clinically illsick, diseased

close proximitynear, near by, close, close to

coagulateclot, set, clump together

coerce

force, make, press

cognizantaware, know about, think of, have learned

colicstomach pain, sick, fussy or upset baby

collaboratework together, team up, help each other

colonoscopycheck your colon, check your intestines, look inside your intestine, check for coloncancer

comatosein a coma

combinationmix, mixture

combination vaccinea vaccine that helps stop more than one type of disease

commencestart, begin

communicablecatching, can be spread, can be passed to other people, can make other people sick

communicatetell, say, call, write, talk to

community immunity



group protection from a disease

comparablelike, similar, almost the same as, equal to

compensatemake up, pay, reward

competentskillful, able, well trained

completefinish, fill out, end

completionend, finish, no more

complimentaryfree

complydo, follow, give in, obey, go along with

componentpart, section

composite or composite fillingtooth-colored filling

comprehensivecomplete, covers everything important, thorough, all

compresssqueeze, press down on

comprisebe made up of, include,

compromisedweakened

compulsionwant, urge, desire, drive

conceiveimagine, think up, become pregnant, create

concentrationstrength, focus

concerningabout, for, on

conclude



end, finish, judge, deem,

conclusivedefinite, final, last,

concur agree, feel the same way

conditiona medical problem, a disease, an illness

conditioningphysical training, training your body, fitness

conductdo, carry on, run, lead

congenitalborn with, inborn, there at birth

conjugate vaccinea specific type of vaccine

conjunctivitiseye infection, pink eye, swelling and redness around your eyes

conscientiouscareful, thoughtful, alert,

consequentlyso, which means that, as a result

consistentstays the same

conspicuousplain to see, obvious, easy to see

constitutemade of, form, make up

constructmake, build

consulttalk with, ask, talk to, see, meet, opinion, discuss

consumeeat, drink, use up

contacttalk 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 thatcan make other people sick

contagiouscatching, spreading, able to make others sick, spreadable, a disease that can be spreadfrom one person to another; someone who is sick and might make you sick too, sick

contain

have, keep together, hold

contaminantpollutant, poison, harmful ingredient, harmful chemical

contaminatespoil, infect, dirty, poison, pollute, taint, get dirty

contemplatethink about, consider, ponder

continue to

keep on, still, remain

contraceptivebirth control

contractarrange, agree, make smaller and shorter

contraindicationdangerous to give, not good for, when a drug or procedure may be harmful, wrong,opposite

contributehelp, give, volunteer

controlmanage, have power over, take care of

contusionbruise

convenienteasy to use, on hand, handy, useful

convulsionseizure, spasm, shaking

co-operatehelp, work together, assist

COPDChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, emphysema, a lung disease that makesbreathing hard

coronary heart disease



heart disease

coronary thrombosisheart attack, blood clot in a blood vessel in the heart

correspondagree with, match, write, email, go with

corroborateconfirm, agree with,

corticosteroidsasthma drug, asthma medicine

cot deathSIDS, sudden infant death syndrome

cough etiquettehow to cough or sneeze

countermeasuresdrugs to help fight sickness; flu shots; vaccines

crib deathSIDS, sudden infant death syndrome

criterionsign, standard

Crohn’s Diseasedigestion disease, problem with bowels

crossbiteupper 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")

cureheal, fix, make better; make completely better

currentlynow, at this moment, right now

cushingoidsigns of high doses of medicine, drug

cutaneousskin related, about the skin, on the surface, skin

cystpus under your skin, boil, cancer cells, lump

cystitisbladder infection, pain when you pee



D

dander flakes of skin, cradle cap

deceaseddead, passed away, died

deciduous toothbaby tooth

decomposedecay, rot, break down

decontaminate

clean, kill germs, disinfect, purify, sterilize

decreasetake less, cut back, drop, lower, fall, lessen, make less

deficiencylack, not enough

deficientlacking, not enough, poor

deformity

a change from the normal shape, not normal, not a normal shape, oddly shaped

degenerativeweaken, worsen, decline, decay, droop

dehydrateneed water, water loss, remove water, remove water

deltoidarm muscle, muscle in upper arm

dementia

memory loss that gets worse over time, Alzheimer’s

demonstrateprove, show

demyelinating disorder nerve disease

dental cariescavities, tooth decay, holes in teeth



dental implantfake tooth drilled into jaw bone

dental sealant (pit and fissure sealant)thin layer of plastic painted onto teeth to prevent decay

dentinmain bone-like part of a tooth

deoxygenatedno oxygen, without oxygen

depleteempty, take all of, reduce, sap, lessen

dermalrelated to the skin, skin related

dermatologistskin doctor

dermatologyskin doctor’s office, study of the skin

designatecall, label, name

detectfind, discover

deteriorateget worse, fall apart, become unusable,

determinefigure out, decide, find out, test

detrimentalbad, harmful, dangerous

developcreate, change, grow

developmental disabilityphysical or mental disability, challenged, learning problem

deviatestray, change, take a different path

diabetesdiabetes, disease with too much sugar in the blood, problem with making food intoenergy

diabeticperson with diabetes



diagnosetest, find out, figure out, learn cause, name

diagnosisfinding out the cause of an illness, condition, disease, medical answer

diarrhea diseasesdiarrhea

difficultiesproblems, trouble

dilatebecome 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

dimensionsize, width, height or length

diminishmake smaller, become less, take less, ebb

diminutivesmall, tiny, very little, petite

diplopia

double vision

directed totold

dischargegoing home, leaving

discloseshow, tell, uncover

discoid

shaped like a disk, round and flat

discolorationchange in color, not the color it normally is, odd color

discontinuestop, end, quit

discusstalk about, talk with, talk over



diseaseillness, sickness

disguisehide

disorder condition, illness, medical problem

displayshow

dissemination (disseminate)spread, distribute, send out, make available

distalback of

distinguishtell apart, set apart

distributehand out, give, spread, mail

DNAgenes

domicilehome, house

donateto give

donationgift, present

don't be alarmeddon't worry

doseamount of medicine, chemical, or radiation; amount, size

drowsysleepy

due to the fact that...because, due to

dustfine, dry earth, powdery dirt

dwellinghome, house

dysarthria



slurred speech

dyspepsiaindigestion, heartburn

dysphagiaswallowing disorder, swallowing problem

E

early childhood caries (ECC)baby bottle tooth decay, tooth decay in infants

economicalcheap, low cost, low priced

edema

swelling

edentulousno teetheffectresult, cause

effectiveworks well, good, strong

efficacy ratehow well something works

EHR (Electronic Health Record)synonymous with EMR (Electronic Medical Record) which is a digitally formatted medicalrecord

EKGheart test, test of your heart

electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)heart test, EKG

electrolytes

blood salts, a type of necessary salt found in blood

elevateraise, lift, make higher

eliminatestop, end, drop, get rid of

emaciatedvery thin, starving



embolismblood clot

embryounborn baby (up to 12 weeks)

emergencyemergency, urgent, threat, disaster, crisis

emphasizestress, point out, highlight

emphysemaa lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

EMR (Electronic Medical Record)chart, medical records, computer medical record; medical record in a digital format

enamelhard covering on outside of tooth

encephalitisswollen brain, brain swelling, swelling of the brain

encephalopathybrain dysfunction

encourageurge

endeavor try, attempt

endocrinehormone system

endodontictreatment of root canal for diseased nerve in tooth

enhanceadd to, improve

environmentall the things around you in your daily life, at home and at work, world around you, your

home

environmental controlremoving harmful things from your home and work; doing something to improve thespace you live in and the air you breathe

epidemicdisease that most people get, widespread sickness

epidemiologydisease study



epidermisskin

episodeevent, set amount of time, attack, brief time

epizootic

widespread disease in animals

equilibriumbalance

equivalent of equal to

erosionssmall pits, small holes in teeth or bones

erythematosus

red rash on the face

escalateworsen, make worse, get worse, increase, grow, rise

ESRa blood test

estrogenfemale hormone, woman’s hormone

etiology

the cause of

evidentplain to see, visible, seen

exacerbateworsen, make worse

excess ratehow many people become seriously sick during a pandemic

excessive

too much, more than needed

excisecut out, cut off

exertwork hard, push, struggle, exercise

exertioneffort, work



exhalebreathe out

exhibitshow, display

expectorate

spit, cough, spit out

experiencefeel, have, go through

expertiseknowledge, skill, know-how, training

exposurearound, been around, contact, come in contact with

expressive language

speaking, saying words or sentences

extendmake longer

extremelyvery

F

facilitatemake easier, help

factor cause, reason

failed todid not

family historyhealth information about your close relatives

fallacyerror, myth, not true

fastgo without any food or drink, not eat or drink anything

fatiguetired, weak feeling of the whole body, feeling tired all over

feasible



possible, doable, workable, can be done, can do

febrilecaused by a fever, feverish

fertilityability to have a baby

fetusunborn baby (12 weeks to birth)

finalizecomplete, end, finish, settle

flarea period of time when symptoms of a disease are worse, when your disease hurts morethan normal

flexiblemoving easily, stretch easily, bend and stretch without hurting; bendable, able to bend

fluctuatechange, rise and fall, go back and forth from high to low, not steady

followingafter

fracturebreak

frequentlyoften, commonly, normally, regularly, many times

fundamentalbasic, real

G

gametesex cell, egg or sperm

general anesthesiaput to "sleep"

generation timetime needed for disease to spread from one person to another

geneticsfamily traits, science or study of family traits, study of blood relatives

genital area



genital area, privates, [name specific reproductive body parts]

Genital Herpes SimplexHerpes (sores) in the genital area

gestationpregnancy

gingivagums

gingivectomygum surgery, remove or reshape gums to remove space between teeth and gums

gingivitisinflammation of the gums

glaucomaeye disease, increased eye pressure; an eye disease that can lead to blindness

glucosesugar, energy, blood sugar

graduallyslowly, over time

gravidpregnant

Guillain-Barre SyndromeGBS; a disease that makes it hard to move

H

H5N1bird flu virus

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)a lung disease

hallucinate

see things that are not there

hand hygienehand washing

hazardhazard, harmful, danger

hazardousharmful, bad, dangerous, risky



hazardous wasteharmful trash like used needles, bloody tissues, etc.

hematocrit (hct)amount of red blood cells in the blood

hematocrit testblood test, a test that counts your red blood cells

hematologicalrelated to blood, related to the blood and blood forming organs

hematuriablood in the urine

hemodialysisuse of a machine to clean your blood

hemoglobin A1Ca test to show your blood sugar levels over the last 3 months

hepaticrelated to the liver

hepatitis Adisease that you get from drinking bad water or eating bad food, impaired liver

hepatitis Bdisease that you get from someone else’s blood or from unsafe sex, impaired liver

hepatitis Cliver disease that you get from someone else’s blood or unsafe sex, impaired liver

hepatitis Dvirus that can only be found in your blood if you also have hepatitis B, impaired liver

hepatitis Edisease that you get from drinking bad water or from eating bad food, a disease notfound in the United States, impaired liver

herd immunitygroup protection from disease, community immunity

herpes simplex

cold sores, virus

herpes zoster shingles, a disease that causes painful sores on your skin

high riskdangerous, good chance something will happen

highlyvery probably, most likely, will probably happen



hivesrash; red, itchy swellings on your skin

Hodgkin’s diseaselymph node cancer

homologoussimilar, like, alike

hormonechemical, natural or manmade chemical that effects your growth, chemicals that helpdifferent parts of your body know how they should work

hostperson; animal

HPAIa dangerous bird flu

HPV

a virus that may cause cervical and/or oral cancer

humidifyto moisten air

hyperglycemiahigh blood sugar

hyperlipidemiahigh cholesterol

hypertensive heart disease

high blood pressure

hypersensitivitystrong reaction

hypertensionhigh blood pressure

hypoglycemialow blood sugar

hyposensitivityweak reaction

hypotensionlow blood pressure

hysterectomysurgery to remove the womb



I

identicalsame, exactly the same, similar, alike

illness rate or clinical attack ratenumber of sick people; (Use a ratio like “3 in every 10 New Yorkers are sick” or apercentage like “30 percent of all Floridians are sick.”)

illustrateshow, draw, picture

immediatelyat once, right away, now

immerseput completely in, completely cover

immune globulinsomething in your blood that helps fight disease

immuneprotected from, resistant to

immunityprotection from disease, ability to fight off an illness

immunizationgetting a vaccine (shot); vaccine, vaccination

immunizeto protect again disease, usually by a shot

immunologicalrelated to the immune system

immunosuppressionwhen your body can’t fight disease

immunotherapymedical treatment that helps your body fight off diseases

impactionteeth pressing together, teeth not visible above sum line

impairednot normal/something is wrong

impedeget in the way, slow

imperativeimportant, pressing, urgent



imperceptiblehard to see, hidden; can't be seen

implementstart, begin, put into action; carry out;

inabilitynot able to

in excess of more than

inevitablelikely, will happen

insertput, put into

institutestart

instructedtold, taught

in the absence of without

in the course of during, in

in the event of if

in uteroin the womb, in the uterus

in vitroout of the body, outside the body, laboratory grown, in a test tube

in vivowithin the body, inside the body grown inside animal

inaccuracy

error, mistake, chance that there is a mistake

inactive vaccinea vaccine that uses germs that have been killed

inadvertentlywithout meaning to

inadvisablerisky, not smart, may be dangerous



inapparent infectionwhen you are sick but you don’t feel bad

incidencehow many people get sick, number of sick people

incident of national significancenational emergency

incipientbeginning, starting

incisecut

incisioncut

incisorsfront teeth, front “biting” teeth, fangs

inclementharsh, extreme, dangerous

incorrectwrong, not true, false

increaseadd to, raise

incubation periodthe length of time a disease is in someone’s body before they feel or look sick

indicatesuggest, point to, show

indicationsign, signal, symptom

indigenouslocal to, comes from, native

individualperson, you, man, woman, one

inexpensivecheap, low cost, low priced

infantbaby

infectdisease 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 fromgerms, control how to stop sickness

infectious agentvirus, germs, something that makes you sick, disease, flu, parasite

infectioussomething that can spread disease

infertilesterile, unable to have a baby, unable to become pregnant

inflamemake hot, red, or swollen; swollen

inflammationswelling, injury, sore

inflammatory bowel diseasedigestive system disease, intestinal problems

influenzaflu, a virus

informtell

informationinformation, to learn more

infusionput fluids or drugs directly into your blood

ingestioneating, drinking, swallowing

inhalationbreathing, breathing in

inhalebreathe in, take a breath

inhaler breathing medicine/drug, asthma medicine, device that helps give medicine into the

breathing tubes

inherentnatural, built in, native

inheritacquire, get, obtain, be left

inheritancefrom parents, passing from parent to child



inhibitcheck, bar, forbid, stop, slow

initialfirst, earliest, basic

inject/injectionshot

injectionshot, to give medicine by needle, booster, dose

innocuoussafe

inquireask

instrumenttool, device

insufficientnot enough, too little, failing, poor

insulinblood sugar

integratecombine with, make part of, mix

intentiongoal, aim, desire, end, plan, purpose

internal organsinside parts of your body (heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, etc.)

interruptstop, break

interventioncare

intrauterine device

IUD, birth control

intravenous (IV)into your vein; into your blood stream, putting drugs or fluids directly into your blood

investigational vaccinevaccine still being tested

irrefutablecertain, final, obvious, proven



irritablesensitive, complaining, grouchy, testy

irritantbother; pain, pest, problem

isolatea specific type of virus; a specific type of flu

isolation of ill peoplestaying away from people who are sick; keeping sick people at home

J

jaundiceskin and eyes turn yellow

jointwhere bones come together, bone connection

K

kidneyorgan that filters blood

L

lacerateragged cut, tear

lacerationragged cut, tear

lesioncut, injury, wound, sore

ligamentbone connector, joint tissue

lingualon the tongue

live vaccinea vaccine that has a weakened form of the virus in it

local anesthesiadrug that causes numbing only in the area of the body where the drug is put by



spreading it or with a shot

localizedin a small area, only in one place

locatefind, place, settle, turn up

locationplace, spot

long-termfor a long time, over a long period of time

lower respiratory infectionpneumonia

lung functionmeasure of how strong your lungs are

lungsbreathing organs

lymphaticrelated to the lymph system

lymphocyteswhite blood cells, lymph cells

lymphomacancer of lymphatic system

M

macrophagedisease-fighting cell

macular a spot on your cornea; eye disease, blindness

magnitudeextent, size, how serious

maintaintake care of, keep, keep up

mammogrambreast health test, breast check

malignantcancer



malignant tumor cancer, tumor, mass

malocclusioncrowded teeth, misaligned teeth, crossbite, overbite, underbite, open bite

manage

control, direct, be in charge of, take care of, watch

mandiblelower jaw

manifestclear, plain, evident, show

maskhide

mastectomy

breast cancer surgery; surgery to remove your breast

maxillaupper jaw

maximumthe largest possible, the most

medicationdrug, pill, medicine

medicine

drug, medication

melanomaskin cancer

memory cella cell that helps your body quickly fight diseases that you’ve gotten before

menopausewomen’s “change of life”, the change, time in a woman's life when her periods stops, nolonger have periods

menstruationperiod

mental health conditionmental disorder, mental illness

mentalityframe of mind, mind, outlook, feeling

mesialfront of



metabolismprocess of getting energy from food, converting food into energy

mgmilligram

microbes

very tiny fungi, sometimes viruses, that are too small too see; bacteria, protozoa

might qualifymight get

migratemove, travel

migrationmoving, transfer, traveling

mild

gentle, not severe, slight, small

mildewfungus that grow in damp warm areas

minimalleast, small, smallest

minimizemake smaller, make less, lessen, reduce

miniscule

very small, tiny

miscarriagelose the baby, miscarry

mitesvery tiny, spider-like, animals that cause allergies and skin rashes

mitigatemake less harmful, soften, lessen, reduce

mobility

ability to move

moderatemedium, mild, controllable

modifychange

molarsback teeth, back “grinding” teeth



moldgrowth on food and damp surfaces

monitor watch, check on, watch for changes, device that measures changes

morbiditydiseased, sick, ill

mortalitydeath

mortality ratenumber of deaths

motor vehicle accidentcar crash

MRSAbacteria that resists antibiotics

mucosal (mucus) membranessoft, moist areas just inside the openings to your body

mucusphlegm, nose fluid, mouth fluid, throat coating

multiple sclerosiscentral nervous system disease, MS

muscle contractionmuscle twitch, movement

mutagencause

mutationchange over time, change, difference, different

myocardial infarctionheart attack

N

narcoticaddictive pain medicine, drug

nebulizer asthma medicine mister

necessaryneeded



negligentcareless, lax, not careful

neonatal deathinfant death, death in the first month of life

neonatal

newborn, baby for first month of life

neonatologistbaby doctor, baby doctor for preemies

nephrologystudy of kidney problems

neuraminidaseenzyme on the surface of the virus

neuritisswelling of a nerve

neurologicrelating to the nervous system, brain or spinal cord

neurologicalrelated to the brain and nervous system

neurologystudy of the nervous system

neuropathydisease of the nervous system

neutralizecancel, stop, offset

nominalsmall, not important, token, cheap, not costly

nonpharmaceutical interventionways to stop the spread of illness without drugs, such as hand washing, coveringsneezes, closing schools, etc.

nosocomialan infection you catch in the hospital

notificationnotice

noxiousdangerous, poisonous

nutrition



food, meal, diet, healthy food

nutritiouswholesome, food that is good for you, healthy eating, healthy food

O

obesitydangerously overweight, too heavy

objectivegoal, end

obscurehidden, unclear, blur, confuse

observationclose look, remark, watching, sighting

observelook closely, watch, see, detect, find, notice, see

obstetricianpregnancy doctor

obstructblock, stop

obstructionbarrier, block, hurdle

obtainget

obviousclear, plain, easy to see

occasionallysometimes, not often, once in a while

occlusalchewing or grinding surface of back teeth

occupation job, work

occupational therapistsomeone who helps people who are sick or injured learn or relearn activities of daily life

occupational therapytherapy that helps you relearn everyday activities

occur



happen, take place, result

occurrenceevent

on an empty stomachdo not eat or drink

open biteupper and lower front teeth do not touch even when mouth is closed and/or back teethare touching

opportunistic infectioninfection you get because you’re already weak

optic neuritiseye disease, disease of the eyes

optimal/optimum

best, best way

optionchoice, way

oralmouth and jaw

oral consentyou say it is OK for the doctor to do a test or procedure

oral medication

medication you swallow

oral surgerymouth operation, mouth surgery, teeth operation

orchitisside effect of mumps

originatestart, begin, create

orthodontic

braces, teeth straightening

orthopedic surgeonbone and joint doctor

orthopedic'sbone and joint doctor’s office

orthoticsupport or brace



ossificationbone formation, hard, stiff

osteonecrosisbone death

osteoporosisbrittle bones

otitis mediamiddle ear infection

outbreakbeginning, start, onset

outermostfarthest, top

ova/ovumegg/eggs, a woman’s egg/eggs

overabundancetoo much, excess

overbitefront upper teeth overlap lower teeth, "bucktoothed"

P

palatablepleasing, tasty, good

palateroof of mouth

pandemic fludeadly flu, fast and wide-spread flu

pandemic vaccinepandemic flu vaccine

panzootica flu pandemic in animals, a deadly flu pandemic in animals, fast and wide-spread flu inanimals

papulesmall red dot on your skin, skin rash

paralysiscan’t move



parameter limit, factor, value

paramountmost important

parasiteanimal or plant living off another animal or plant

participatetake part, join, share

passive immunitytemporary disease protection from mother, disease protection from vaccine

pathogengerm, virus, disease-causing agent

pathogenicdisease causing

peak flow meter small tool used to measure how fast you can blow out air

peak flowthe fastest you can blow out air

pediatricianbaby doctor; children’s doctor

pedodontic (pediatric dentistry)children's dentistry

pendingcoming, until, waiting on something or someone

perforationhole

performdo, carry out, act

pericarditisheart inflammation, swelling of the tissue covering the heart

perinatalnear the time of birth

perinatal deathdeath around birth, stillborn

perinatologisthigh-risk pregnancy doctor, doctor for pregnancy at risk

periodontal disease (periodontitis)



gum disease

periodontictreatment of gum disease and related bone loss

peripheryedge, boundary, outside

peritoneumlining of your stomach, belly, tummy

permanentlasting, long term, forever

permitallow, let

permutationchange

perseverehold on, keep at, last, keep trying, not give up

persistentthere 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, protectiveclothing

personnel

people, staff

perspiresweat

persuadeconvince, talk into, win over, urge

pertinentfitting, important

petechiae

tiny red or purple spot on your skin,

pharmacistdruggist, drug dispenser

photosensitivesun-sensitive, sensitive to the sun

physical/physicallybody, bodily, real



physical activityof the body, exercise, movement

physical examinationcheck-up, doctor’s appointment

physical therapist

someone who treats pain and weakness by exercise

physical therapytreatment of pain and weakness through exercise

physiciandoctor

picacraving, dirt or clay eating, unusual appetite; eating materials that are not food

pictographs

symbols (examples below)











PIDPelvic inflammatory disease

pigmentationcolor

pit and fissure sealant (dental sealant)thin layer of plastic painted onto teeth to prevent decay

placebosugar pill, drug with no active ingredient and will cause no effect

placedput

placentaorgan that attaches umbilical cord to the inside of the womb

plaquesticky film with germs on teeth

plateletblood clotting cell

pleurisylung inflammation

pneumonialung infection

POtaken by mouth, eat or drink

podiatrytreating feet problems, medical care for feet, foot doctor

poliomyelitispolio; a disease that can make you unable to move

pollutedirty, poison, taint, spoil

polysaccharide vaccinessugar vaccines

polyurethaneplastic

portionpiece, amount, part, serving

position job, rank, class, grade

possess



have, own

possibilitychance

posterior teethback teeth

post-exposure prophylaxisdrug given to someone who has been near someone sick, prevention drug, drugs toprevent the spread of disease

post-partum depressionbaby blues, overwhelmed, depressed, unexplained sadness after having baby

postponeput off, wait, delay

potencystrength, force, power, level, dose

precautionsafeguard, caution, guard, care

predicamentproblem, bad situation, plight, difficulty

pregnancypregnant, expecting a baby

preliminaryearly, not final, initial

pre-pandemic vaccinepandemic flu or deadly flu vaccine; shot

preparednessreadiness, alertness, to be ready, to prepare, be prepared, planned

prepuceforeskin

prerogativeright, choice

prescriber doctor, nurse, any medical person who is licensed to write prescriptions

prescriptiondoctors orders, medicine, drug order,

presentgive, send, now, show, here

prevalence



number of sick people, spread, disease spread, number, figure

preventstop, keep from happening, forbid, bar, keep

preventive(i.e.; preventive services) practices that help keep you well

preventionstop, bar, not permitted, not allowed, to avoid ill effects

primary teethbaby teeth, first teeth

principalmain, first, head, chief, most important

prior tobefore

probabilitychance, likelihood

proximalnear to, close, area closer to the center of the body

proceduresteps, method, course of action, how-to, way, test

proceedgo, move forward

prodromalsigns of disease or attack

proficientskilled, experienced, able, apt

progressionmove forward, go on, get worse, advance

prohibitban, forbid, prevent

projectileflying object, fast object, thrown object

proliferategrow, spread, reproduce

prophylacticpregnancy prevention drug, sickness prevention drug, birth control, condom

prophylaxisprevention, protection



prophylaxis (dental, oral)basic teeth cleaning

prostategland in male body that makes semen

prostatitis

infection of the prostate

prosthodontictreatment using crowns, bridges, partials and/or dentures

protocolway of doing things, method, standard, step-by-step process, rules, code

providegive, offer, send, supply

provider

professional, insurer

provokemake worse, cause, anger, annoy

proximalnear to, close, area closer to the center of the body

psoriasisa dry, scaly, skin rash

psoriatic arthritis

joint swelling disease with skin rash

psychiatristmental health doctor, shrink

psychiatrystudy of mental health

PSAprostate test, prostate check

PTSD

problem with fear after seeing or having a fearful event, flashbacks of negativeexperience

public healtheveryone’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 unitlung disease treatment area of hospital

pulmonary fibrosislung disease, scarring of lung tissue, shortness of breath

pulmonologistlung doctor

pulmonologystudy of lung disease

pulptooth nerve

pulpectomyremove nerve from tooth

pulpitisinfection of nerve inside tooth

pulpotomytake out the nerve from a tooth

purchasebuy

purulentpus

pyrexiafever

Q

qualifiedsuited, capable; has the education to perform, license to perform

quarantineisolate, staying away from other people, staying home by yourself

R

RArheumatoid arthritis, disease of joints



radiationenergy, rays, waves, heat

radioisotopemedicine, special medicine, drug or radioactive tracer

radiologist

a doctor who studies x-rays and other images, x-ray specialist, x-ray doctor

radiologyx-ray department

radionuclidemedicine, special medicine or drug

rampantunchecked, raging, uncontrolled

rapid diagnostic test

fast result test, quickly check if someone is sick

rationalereason, thinking, intent, purpose

Raynaud’s syndromecirculatory disease

reactiona response

reassortment

change, new type of virus

receiveget, admit, welcome

receptive languageunderstanding

recipientperson who gets something

recognizeaccept, know, see, find

recombinantnew gene combination

recommendadvise, suggest, urge, says

recover get better, feel better, heal



recrudescencerelapse, to get sick again

recuperateget better, feel better, get well, recover

recur

come back, get again, happen again

reducelower, cut, trim, dilute

redundantextra, not needed, excess, surplus, spare

refillsnumber of times one can get more medicine from the drugstore without going back tothe doctor

refluxspit up, backward flow of body fluid

regardingabout

regimendiet, plan, program

register sign up, sign inregular

usual, normal, everyday, common

regulatecontrol, restrict, watch over, govern

regulationrule, law

rehabilitateget better, restore

reimbursepay back, refund

reinforcemake stronger, brace, support

reiteraterepeat, say again

relief feel better, ease, not as bad, less painful, more comfortable



relieveease, make better, soothe, rest

remissionwhen a disease is not active

renal

related to the kidney

requestask for, beg

requireneed, ask for

requirementsneeds, regulations

rescind

cancel, take away

resemblelook like, take after, match

residebe in, live in

residencehome, apartment, house

Residual Seizure Disorder

seizures, sudden attack, brain problem

respirationbreathing, taking in oxygen

respiratory therapistbreathing therapist

respiterest, relief, quiet time

respondanswer, react to

restorationfilling, fix a tooth, tooth replacement

restrainhold back, stop

restrictlimit,stop



restrictionslimitations, changes

retainkeep

retrieve

get, bring back, get back

returngo back

revealshow, tell

reviewgo over, check;

Reye’s Syndrome

brain disease in children

rheumatoid arthritisdisease of joints, joint swelling

rheumatologist joint, bone, and immune system doctor

rheumatologystudy of the immune system, joints, and bones

rigorous

hard

risk reductionlowering the chances, making less likely

riskchance

root canalremove the nerve from inside the root of a permanent tooth

root planing and scaling

deep tooth cleaning

Rotavirusgerm causing stomach flu

RubellaGerman measles

Rubeolameasles



rupturebreak, burst, break open

S

sanitaryclean, germ free, healthful

sanitizeclean, wash, clean up, make germ-free, disinfect

SCsubcutaneously, shot into fat, injection into fat

scaling and root planingremoval of hard and soft deposits from teeth above and below gums

Scarlatinascarlet fever

scheduleplan, planning a time to do something

sealant (pit and fissure, dental)thin layer of plastic painted onto teeth to prevent decay

seasonal influenzacommon flu; winter flu

second- and third-order effectsthings that happen as a result of your actions

sector group, community, neighborhood

sedentaryinactive, sitting a lot, couch potato

segmentpart, piece

seizurefit of uncontrolled movements

sensationfeeling

sensitiveeasily hurt, easy to damage, sore

seroconversion



becoming immune, reacting against disease, fighting disease

serologystudy of blood strength

serosurveytest to see how likely you are to get a disease

severalmany

severestrong, serious, harmful, dangerous, very bad

severityhow bad

shiftchange

shortness of breathdifficulty catching breath, difficult breathing

side effectreaction, reaction to a medicine

significantbig, serious, important

similar like

situatedplaced, located

Sjogren’s syndromedry eyes and mouth

skullhead bones, bones that protect the brain

social distancingstay at home; keep away from people

socializemake friends, talk with people, meet people

solicitask for

sorenesshurt, pain, ache

spasm



sudden, strong muscle tightening, jerk, painful twist

speciesgroup of plants or animals, same type, alike

spirometer breathing test, breath strength machine, breath strength indicator

spontaneousunplanned, sudden

sprainmuscle injury, muscle tear

stableokay, no change, constant, even, unchanging

staminastrength, endurance

state of readinessready, now ready, prepared

statesay, tell, condition

statusstate, condition

sterileunable to have children, clean

steroidmedicine, drug to lessen swelling, illegal sports drugs

stigmamark, spot, blemish, embarrassment

stimulateexcite, stir up, activate

straintype of germ, type of animal, type of plant

stressphysical strain, mental strain, pressure, worry

stringentstrict, tight, controlled

subclinical infectionminor illness

submit



give, hand in, send

subsequentfollowing, next, later

subsequentlyafter that, later, afterward

substancechemical, material, matter, stuff

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)crib death; sudden, unexplained death of a baby

sufficebe enough

sufficientenough, plenty, ample

suffocatechoke, smother, not able to breathe

summoncall for, request

sun protection factor sunscreen, sun block

superficialnot important, not harmful, slight

supersedereplace, take the place of

supplementadd to, in addition to, additive, vitamins

supplygive, budget, fund, pool, source, kitty

suppresshold back, stop, slow down

surge capacitybeing able to offer more services in an emergency, ability to expand

surgeryoperation

surgical maskface mask, mask

surveillancekeep a close eye on, watch closely, monitor



susceptiblemore open to, in danger of getting, likely to get

suturesstitches

symptom

sign (of disease or sickness), indicator, warning

syndromeillness, sickness, condition

synthesissummary, make, take up

synthesizecombine, form, summarize

systematic

planned out, orderly, regular

Systemic Lupus Erythematosusimmune system disease

systemicthroughout your body, in all parts of your body

T

tallusheel

taper reduce, slow, lower, shrink, decrease

tartar crust on teeth, plaque

teleworkwork from home

temperatureheat, fever

temporal associationwhen two things happen at the same time but aren’t actually related to each other

temporaryshort, brief



teratogenicsomething that can hurt your baby before he is born

terminaldeadly, fatal

terminate

stop, end

testosteronemale hormone

tetanusdisease affecting muscles

therapeutichealing, improving, getting better

therapy

treatment

thereforeso

thimerosaldrug or vaccine preservative

third molarswisdom teeth, last teeth to come into mouth

thrombusclot

time periodtime

titer blood test

titrateto change the dose/level of a medicine

topicalon the surface, on the skin, on the body

toxicologystudy of harmful materials

toxinpoison, pollution

transformchange, alter



transparentclear, see-through

transpirehappen, take place

transverse myelitis

of the spine, back disease

traumaticshocking, upsetting

treatgive care, take care of, cure, heal

treatmentaction, medicine, therapy

tremor

shaking, trembling

trigger cause, start, bring on, lead to

trimester three months, three month’s time

tuberculosisTB, lung disease

tumor

growth, lump

U

ulcer open sore, canker

ulterior secondary, hidden, alternate, further

ultimatefinal, last

umbilicusbelly button, navel

underbitelower teeth extend past upper front teeth

understand



know, to get

unfavorablebad, harmful, damaging, unwanted

unnecessarynot needed, needless

upper respiratory systemnose, throat, and windpipe

urinatepee

urticariahives, itch, rash on your skin

until such timeuntil

use cautionbe careful

uteruswomb

utilizeuse, make use of

UVAUV light, sunlight

UVBUV light, sunlight

V

vaccinateto protect against disease, usually by a shot

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting SystemVAERS, a way for doctors to make sure that vaccines aren’t hurting anyone

Vaccine Safety Datalink ProjectVSD, a way for doctors to learn more about vaccines

vaccineshot, flu shot, medicine, immunization

vagueunclear, not for sure, not certain



validateprove, test

validitytruth, proof

variant

version, slightly different

Varicellachicken pox, herpes zoster

variolasmallpox

varychange, shift

vehiclecar, truck, bus, automobile

verbatimexact, word for word

verifycheck, find out

vesicular blisters, small bumps on your skin

viableable to live, usable, can be used

vicinityarea, location

viral sheddingcoughing and sneezing

viremiaviruses in the blood

virulencestrength; harm; how harmful; how dangerous the disease is

virulentstrong, dangerous

virusgerm

vitalimportant, imperative, crucial



voluminouslarge, bulky

voluntaryyour choice; on your own; without being forced

vomit

throw up, upchuck, emesis

W

waning immunitynot immune any more; more likel to get sick; lost your disease resistance

warning signsign of trouble; problem; alert

waterfowlwater birds; birds that live on water; ducks, geese, and swans

wheezebreathing problem, difficulty breathing; gasp; gag; pant

whereas

while, but

white spot lesionwhite spot on tooth, beginning decay

whooping coughdisease of the lungs that is very easily spread to others

withholddeny, keep from, hold back, refuse

withstandtake, bear, resist

witnesssee, note, observe

X

x-raypicture of your bones; picture of your insides



Y

Z

zoonosesdiseases that people can get from animals; diseases that are passed between animalsand people

Documents

Plain Language Thesaurus for Health