ESR
ESR: Abbreviation for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a blood test that detects and monitors inflammation in the body. It measures the rate at which red blood cells (RBCs) in a test tube separate from blood serum over time, becoming sediment in the bottom of the test tube. The sedimentation rate increases with more inflammation. Also commonly called the sed rate.
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Essential: In medicine, of unknown cause, as in essential hypertension (high blood pressure of unknown cause). Also known as idiopathic.
- Essential fatty acid
Essential fatty acid: An unsaturated fatty acid that is essential to human health, but cannot be manufactured in the body. Abbreviated EFA. There are three types of EFAs: arachnoidic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. When linoleic acid is obtained in the diet, it can be converted to both arachnoidic and linolenic acid. Linoleic acid […]
- Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia
A condition in which cryoglobulin proteins which are a mixture of various antibody types form for unknown (essential) reasons. Cryoglobulins are abnormal blood proteins that, by definition, have the unusual properties of precipitating from the blood serum (no longer being able to dissolve in the blood) when it is chilled (hence the “cryo-“) and redissolving […]
- Essential oil
Essential oil: An oil derived from a natural substance, usually either for its healing properties or as a perfume. Some pharmaceuticals, and many over-the-counter or ‘holistic’ remedies, are based on or contain essential oils. For example, products containing camphor or eucalyptus essential oils can help relieve congestive coughs, and many essential oils are used in […]
- Essential tremor
Essential tremor: Uncontrollable shaking (tremor) of the hands and arms and sometimes other parts of the body. Essential tremor is the most common of all movement disorders and is estimated to affect up to 5% of people in the US. In approximately half of cases, essential tremor is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Several […]