Drain
Drain: A device for removing fluid from a cavity or wound. A drain is typically a tube or wick. As a verb, to allow fluid to be released from a confined area.
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- DRE (digital rectal exam)
DRE (digital rectal exam): An exam done to detect abnormalities that can be felt (palpated) from within the rectum. The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for anything that is not normal. The digital rectal exam is an important screening test for the detection of tumors of the rectum and […]
- Dream, pre-sleep
Dream, pre-sleep: Also called a hypnagogic hallucination, this type of dream is characteristically vivid and occurs as one is falling asleep or awakening.
- Dreams
Dreams: Thoughts, visions, and other sensations that occupy the mind in sleep. Dreams occur during that part of sleep when there are rapid eye movements (REMs). We have 3 to 5 periods of REM sleep per night. They usually come at intervals of 1-2 hours and are quite variable in length. An episode of REM […]
- Dressler syndrome
Dressler syndrome: Pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like covering of the heart) after a heart attack. Named for the Polish-born American physician William Dressler (1890-1969).
- Drill, dental
Drill, dental: A device that dentists use to drill into teeth. Primitive dental drills were used in the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1868, American dentist George F. Green added power to the drill with a pneumatic version run by a pedal-powered bellows. In 1871, dentist James B. Morrison added pedal power to a […]