| per- | 1. <prefix> A prefix used to signify through, throughout, by, for, or as an intensive as perhaps, by hap or chance; perennial, that lasts throughout the year; perforce, through or by force; perfoliate, perforate; perspicuous, evident throughout or very evident; perplex, literally, to entangle very much. 2. <chemistry> Originally, denoting that the element to the name of which it is prefixed in the respective compounds exercised its highest valence; now, only that the element has a higher valence than in other similar compounds; thus, barium peroxide is the highest oxide of barium; while nitrogen and manganese peroxides, so-called, are not the highest oxides of those elements. (29 Oct 1998) |
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| per anum | By or through the anus. Origin: L. (05 Mar 2000) |
| per capita rate | <epidemiology> A rate which is proportional to the number of individuals in a population. (05 Dec 1998) |
| per contiguum | In contiguity; denoting the mode by which an inflammation or other morbid process spreads into an adjacent contiguous structure. Origin: per-+ L. Contiguus, touching, fr. Tango, to touch (05 Mar 2000) |
| per continuum | In continuity; continuous; denoting the mode by which an inflammation or other morbid process spreads from one part to another through continuous tissue. Origin: per-+ L. Continuus, holding together, continuous, fr. Teneo, to hold (05 Mar 2000) |
| per orally | To take a medication by mouth. (09 Oct 1997) |
| per os | By or through the mouth, denoting a method of medication. Origin: L. (05 Mar 2000) |
| per primam | By first intention. See: healing by first intention. Origin: L. (05 Mar 2000) |
| per rectum | By or through the rectum, denoting a method of medication. Origin: L. (05 Mar 2000) |
| per saltum | at a leap; at one bound; not gradually or through different stages. Origin: L. (05 Mar 2000) |
| per tubam | Through a tube. Origin: L. (05 Mar 2000) |
| per vias naturales | Through the natural passages; e.g., denoting a normal delivery, as opposed to cesarean section, or the passage in stool of a foreign body instead of its surgical removal. Origin: L. (05 Mar 2000) |
| haemorrhage per rhexis | Haemorrhage due to the rupture of a blood vessel. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cycles per second | The number of successive compressions and rarefactions per second of a sound wave. The preferred designation for this unit of frequency is hertz. Acronym: cps (05 Mar 2000) |
| Scholander, Per | <person> Norwegian physiologist, 1905-1980. See: Scholander apparatus, Roughton-Scholander apparatus, Roughton-Scholander syringe. (05 Mar 2000) |