| 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) |
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| activity cycles | Bouts of physical irritability or movement alternating with periods of quiescence. It includes biochemical activity and hormonal activity which may be cellular. These cycles are shorter than 24 hours and include sleep-wakefulness cycles and the periodic activation of the digestive system. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| masticating cycles | The patterns of mandibular movements formed during the chewing of food. (05 Mar 2000) |
| 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) |
| 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) |