| discriminant function | A particular combination of continuous variable test results designed to achieve separation of groups; e.g., a single number representing a combination of weighted laboratory test results designed to discriminate between clinical classes. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| discriminant analysis | A statistical analytic technique used with discrete dependent variables, concerned with separating sets of observed values and allocating new values. It is sometimes used instead of regression analysis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| discriminant | <mathematics> The eliminant of the n partial differentials of any homogenous function of n variables. See Eliminant. Origin: L. Discriminans, p. Pr. Of discriminare. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| discriminant stimulus | A stimulus which can be differentiated from all other stimulus in the environment because it has been, and continues to serve as, an indicator of a potential reinforcer. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acquired platelet function defect | <haematology> Platelet function can be affected by a number of different disease processes including polycythaemia vera, leukaemia, myelofibrosis, renal failure, multiple myeloma and some medications (for example penicillins, salicylates, phenothiazines). Disturbed blood clotting can be manifested by: easy bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, abnormal vaginal bleeding, rectal bleeding, skin rash, vomiting blood, coughing up blood or blood in the urine. A measure of bleeding time and coagulation profile will be part of the evaluation. (29 Dec 1997) |
| allomeric function | The combined function of the several segments of the spinal cord and medulla, communicating with each other by means of the white matter. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aperture function | <microscopy> In a diffraction-limited optical system, the function that determines the relationship between the image and each point in the object. Modifying the aperture function changes the image according to the modified Fourier-filtering (or optical filtration) property of the aperture. (05 Aug 1998) |
| arousal function | The ability of a sensory event to arouse the cortex to vigilance or readiness. (05 Mar 2000) |
| atrial function | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the atria. (12 Dec 1998) |
| atrial function, left | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the left atrium. (12 Dec 1998) |
| atrial function, right | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the right atrium. (12 Dec 1998) |
| atrial transport function | The role of the atria in filling and stretching the ventricles by their presystolic contraction, without which the force of ventricular contraction and hence the cardiac output may significantly decrease. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pancreatic function tests | Tests based on the biochemistry and physiology of the exocrine pancreas and involving analysis of blood, duodenal contents, feces, or urine for products of pancreatic secretion. (12 Dec 1998) |
| mapping function | In linkage analysis, a formula that converts the recombination fraction (which is on the probability scale) into map distance (in morgans). (05 Mar 2000) |
| ventricular function | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the ventricles. (12 Dec 1998) |