| constancy | The quality of being constant. Origin: L. Constantia, fr. Consto, to stand still (05 Mar 2000) |
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| constancy phenomenon | In perception, the tendency for brightness, colour, size, or shape to remain relatively perceptually constant despite real changes in colour, size, shape or other conditions of observation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| constant | A quantity that, under stated conditions, does not vary with changes in the environment. (05 Mar 2000) |
| constant coupling | Where several premature beats are seen, the interval between each of them and the preceding normal beat is constant. Synonym: constant coupling. Variable coupling, where several extrasystoles are seen, the interval between each of them and the preceding sinus beat varies. (05 Mar 2000) |
| constant field equation | An equation derived to predict membrane potentials in terms of the membrane's permeability to ions and their concentrations on either side. Synonym: constant field equation, Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation, GHK equation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| constant infusion pump | An electrically driven device for delivery from a reservoir of a constant, often very small, volume of solution over a prolonged period of time. (05 Mar 2000) |
| constant region | The stem and forking part of the Y-shaped antibody protein, consisting of amino acid chains, that is exactly the same in all antibody molecules within the same individual. (The ends of the Y-shaped molecule will vary widely between different antibodies). (09 Oct 1997) |
| constellation | In psychiatry, all the factors that determine a particular action. Origin: L.L. Constellatio, fr. Cum, together, + stella, star (05 Mar 2000) |
| constipate | To cause constipation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| constipated | Suffering from constipation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| constipation | <gastroenterology> Infrequent or difficult evacuation of the faeces. Origin: L. Constipatio = a crowding together (18 Nov 1997) |
| constituative promoter | An unregulated promoter that allows for continual transcription of itsassociated gene. (09 Oct 1997) |
| constituent enzyme | <biochemistry> Any of many enzymes that a cellmust have at all times to stay alive. (09 Oct 1997) |
| constitution | 1. The physical makeup of a body, including the mode of performance of its functions, the activity of its metabolic processes, the manner and degree of its reactions to stimuli, and its power of resistance to the attack of pathogenic organisms. 2. In chemistry, the number and kind of atoms in the molecule and the relation they bear to each other. Origin: L. Constitutio, constitution, disposition, fr. Constituo, pp. -stitutus, to establish, fr. Statuo, to set up (05 Mar 2000) |
| constitution and bylaws | The fundamental principles and laws adopted by an organization for the regulation and governing of its affairs. (12 Dec 1998) |