| nac | A naturally occurring substance that is metabolised into the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine is one of the three components of the major cellular antioxidant glutathione (see), and people with HIV have decreased levels of this compound. Clinical studies of oral and intravenously administered NAC are evaluating its usefulness in decreasing HIV activity. See: Oxidative Stress. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| nacre | <zoology> A pearly substance which lines the interior of many shells, and is most perfect in the mother-of-pearl. Alternative forms: nacker and naker] See Pearl, and Mother-of-pearl. Origin: F, cf. Sp. Nacara, nacar, It. Nacchera, naccaro, LL. Nacara, nacrum; of Oriental origin, cf. Ar. Nakir hollowed. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| nacreous | Consisting of, or resembling nacre, pearly, lustrous, like mother-of-pearl; descriptive term for bacterial colonies. Origin: Fr. Nacre, mother-of-pearl (21 Jun 2000) |
| nacreous ichthyosis | A variant of ichthyosis characterised by dry pearly scales. (05 Mar 2000) |