| stitch | 1. To form stitches in; especially, to sew in such a manner as to show on the surface a continuous line of stitches; as, to stitch a shirt bosom. 2. To sew, or unite together by stitches; as, to stitch printed sheets in making a book or a pamphlet. 3. <agriculture> To form land into ridges. To stitch up, to mend or unite with a needle and thread; as, to stitch up a rent; to stitch up an artery. Origin: Stitched; Stitching. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| stitch abscess | An abscess around a suture. (05 Mar 2000) |
| adaptation | 1. <cell biology> The adjustment of an organism to its environment or the process by which it enhances such fitness. 2. <ophthalmology> The normal ability of the eye to adjust itself to variations in the intensity of light, the adjustment to such variations. 3. <neurology, physiology> The decline in the frequency of firing of a neuron, particularly of a receptor, under conditions of constant stimulation. 4. <dentistry> (a) the proper fitting of a denture, (b) the degree of proximity and interlocking of restorative material to a tooth preparation, (c) the exact adjustment of bands to teeth. 5. <microbiology> The adjustment of bacterial physiology to a new environment. Origin: L. Adaptare = to fit (18 Nov 1997) |
| adaptation diseases | Disease's falling theoretically into Selye's concept of the general-adaptation syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| adaptation, ocular | The adjustment of the eye to variations in the intensity of light. Light adaptation is the adjustment of the eye when the light threshold is increased; dark adaptation when the light is greatly reduced. (12 Dec 1998) |
| adaptation, psychological | Favourable changes experienced by an individual, either as regards himself or his relationship with his environment, which lead to adjustment - also a rearrangement in mental attitude. (12 Dec 1998) |
| adaptation syndrome of Selye | General non-specific adaptation of the organism in response to specific stimuli which trigger a cycle of extensive physiological changes in the endocrine and other organ systems due to prolonged and intense stress. See: general adaptation syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| general adaptation syndrome | <syndrome> The sum of all non-specific systemic reactions of the body to long-continued exposure to systemic stress. (12 Dec 1998) |
| reality adaptation | The ability to adjust to the world as it exists. (05 Mar 2000) |
| marginal adaptation | <dentistry> The degree of proximity and interlocking of filling material to the wall of the cavity of a tooth. The term has come to be used synonymously with adaptation at the cavosurface margin. (12 Dec 1998) |
| reproductive adaptation | A peculiarity of the reproductive mechanism of a species that results in it being better fitted to its environment (for example, prolonged seed dormancy). (09 Oct 1997) |
| retinal adaptation | Adjustment to degree of illumination. (05 Mar 2000) |
| photopic adaptation | The visual adjustment occurring under increased illumination in which the retinal sensitivity to light is reduced. See: light-adapted eye. Synonym: photopic adaptation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| physiological adaptation | A peculiarity of the basic physical and chemical activities that occur in cells and tissues of a species, which results in it being better fitted to its environment (for example, ability to absorb nutrients under low oxygen tensions). (09 Oct 1997) |
| morphological adaptation | <ecology> A structural feature that aids in fitting a species to its particular environment (for example, buttressed bases, adventitious roots and aerenchymous tissue). (09 Oct 1997) |