| achalasia | <gastroenterology> Constriction of the lower portion of the food pipe (oesophagus) due to inability of the sphincter muscles to relax. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, vomiting and heartburn. Treatment includes oesophageal dilation using special instruments or medications (for example nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers). (27 Sep 1997) |
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| Achard syndrome | <syndrome> Arachnodactyly with small receding mandible, broad skull, and joint laxity limited to the hands and feet; genetics unclear. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Achard, E. Charles | <person> French physician, 1860-1941. See: Achard syndrome, Achard-Thiers syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Achard-Thiers syndrome | <syndrome> One form of a virilizing disorder of adrenocortical origin in women, characterised by masculinization and menstrual disorders in association with manifestations of diabetes mellitus, such as glucosuria. (05 Mar 2000) |
| achate | 1. Purchase; bargaining. 2. Provisions. Same as Cates. Origin: F. Achat purchase. See Cates. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| achatina | <zoology> A genus of land snails, often large, common in the warm parts of America and Africa. Origin: NL, from Gr. Agate. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |